ะ
2025 was an exceptional year for gaming, with a wealth of releases making it difficult to keep up with everything on offer.
French title ”Clair Obscur: Expedition 33” dominated at The Game Awards, the long-awaited ”Hollow Knight: Silksong” finally arrived to widespread acclaim, and several Swedish-developed games found significant success throughout the year. This momentum underscores the continued growth and global reach of the gaming industry.
Now, the focus shifts to 2026, which promises to be another exciting year for gamers. Here are 15 games to watch in the coming months.
”Dragon Quest VII Reimagined”
Table of Contents
- ”Dragon Quest VII Reimagined”
- ”Reanimal”
- ”Resident Evil Requiem”
- ”Marathon”
- ”Pragmata”
- ”Saros”
- ”007 First Light”
- ”Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight”
- ”Phantom Blade Zero”
- ”Grand Theft Auto 6”
- ”Control Resonant”
- ”Directive 8020”
- ”Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave”
- ”Marvel’s Wolverine”
- ”Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis”
While the “Dragon Quest” series hasn’t achieved the same level of Western popularity as its competitor “Final Fantasy,” it remains a cultural phenomenon in Japan, so much so that developers have historically released games on weekends to allow students and employees to enjoy them.
”Dragon Quest VII,” originally released in 2000, is considered one of the most beloved entries in the series and is now receiving a stunning remake that faithfully captures the distinctive character designs of Akira Toriyama (“Dragon Ball”). The game follows a group of heroes who must travel through time to defeat evil across different eras.
Developers have also announced a reduction in the game’s notoriously lengthy playtime (at least 70-80 hours), a welcome change for players with limited time.
Format: PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, Switch 2, PC
Release Date: February 5
”Reanimal”
From Swedish studio Tarsier, best known for the atmospheric horror series “Little Nightmares,” comes a new two-player co-op adventure, “Reanimal.”
The game centers on two orphaned siblings stranded on a nightmarish version of their former home, where creepy figures and mutated animals lurk in the shadows.
“Little Nightmares” established Tarsier as a creator of genuinely unsettling experiences, and “Reanimal” looks to continue that trend. The developers have promised a tone that is “even darker” than their previous work.
Format: PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch 2, PC
Release Date: February 13
”Resident Evil Requiem”
As a long-time fan of “Resident Evil 7: Biohazard” and “Resident Evil Village,” I’m particularly excited about “Resident Evil Requiem,” which appears to build upon those titles while also returning to the series’ horror roots.
This installment introduces a new protagonist, FBI analyst Grace Ashcroft, who investigates the zombie-infested city of Raccoon City and quickly finds herself pursued by a mysterious scientist and his creations. She isn’t alone, however, and receives assistance from none other than Leon S. Kennedy.
Unlike previous entries, players can switch between first- and third-person perspectives, potentially offering a unique gameplay experience.
Format: PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch 2, PC
Release Date: February 27
”Marathon”
Bungie’s “Marathon” has faced a rocky development, with delays due to criticism and accusations of plagiarism. Despite these challenges, the game’s unique aesthetic and promising gameplay have generated considerable anticipation.
This is a multiplayer extraction shooter set in a cyberpunk-inspired future where humanity has colonized other planets in the solar system. Strange occurrences on Mars’ moon Deimos have drawn various factions of cybernetically enhanced soldiers into a conflict over resources.
Recent gameplay reveals have increased excitement for the project, including my own. The game will also feature a narrative component influenced by player choices.
A notable bonus is the price point of approximately $370.
Format: PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC
Release Date: March
”Pragmata”
What exactly *is* a pragmata? That’s a fair question. But I believe this title has the potential to be one of the year’s best games…
”Pragmata” is a new game from Capcom (“Resident Evil,” “Street Fighter”) that appears to be uniquely innovative in several ways. Set in the near future, the game follows soldier Hugh as he attempts to survive on a research station on the moon, overrun with hostile robots. He’s accompanied by a robotic companion, Diana, who appears as a young girl.
What sets the game apart is its intriguing combat system, requiring players to collaborate with Diana by hacking into the robots’ systems mid-battle. Players can also utilize Hugh’s suit to glide around the space station and manipulate the environment.
Format: PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch 2, PC
Release Date: April 24
”Saros”
While I wasn’t a huge fan of its predecessor, ”Returnal”, it still featured a compelling atmosphere, stunning visuals, and addictive gameplay.
The sequel casts players as Arjun Devraj (played by Rahul Kohli, known from “The Haunting of Bly Manor” and “Midnight Mass”) who explores a lost colony on a remote planet in search of his loved one. Like the first game, the planet seems to affect one’s psyche in various ways.
Fast-paced arcade-style action, a wealth of unlockable weapons, and a high degree of difficulty await in “Saros” – and I’m very excited.
Format: PS5
Release Date: April 30
”007 First Light”
James Bond returns in a new, high-budget title from IO Interactive, the Danish developers of the “Hitman” series. As a young agent (Patrick Gibson) earning his 00 designation, players will embark on an action-packed adventure featuring all the hallmarks of the film franchise – fast cars, gadgets, and charismatic villains.
Lenny Kravitz (“The Hunger Games,” “The Butler”) stars as Bawma, a major player in the global black market. Gemma Chan (“Eternals,” “Crazy Rich Asians”) also joins the cast in a new role.
I loved ”Hitman 3” and even compared it to a James Bond experience, but I’m slightly concerned that ”007 First Light” might feel too similar to that series and that the cinematic elements could suffer.
Format: PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch 2, PC
Release Date: March 27
”Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight”
While waiting for the next “Arkham” game, “Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight” arrives, and it looks to be both the ultimate Lego and Batman experience.
Inspired by “The Dark Knight” trilogy and other Batman media, players will explore an open-world Gotham City with a variety of villains to defeat and allies to team up with. Characters include Robin, Catwoman, Bane (Matt Berry), and the Joker.
DC Comics Chief Creative Officer Jim Lee has described the game as “a love letter to Batman,” celebrating the character’s history across film, television, comics, and video games. Players can drive the Batmobile, fight in the style of the “Arkham” games, and unlock a variety of classic suits – preferably with a friend.
Format: PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch 2, PC
Release Date: May 29
”Phantom Blade Zero”
This title has the potential to be one of the year’s best games, despite the prevalence of samurai-themed games.
Set in a fantasy world inspired by ancient China, players take on the role of a mercenary, Soul, tasked with uncovering the identity of the leader’s murderer within a powerful organization, The Orders. Along the way, they’ll encounter hostile monsters and skilled warriors.
“Phantom Blade Zero” is visually stunning and promises engaging and challenging hack-and-slash combat within a stylish kung fu punk setting. During our visit to Gamescom, this was one of the most impressive games on display.
Format: PS5, PC
Release Date: September 9
”Grand Theft Auto 6”
Here it is – the most anticipated game of the year, without question. When “Grand Theft Auto VI” releases, I expect to see unusually high rates of sick leave, internet outages, and increased demand on the world’s power grids.
The game is set in the fictional U.S. state of Leonida, based on Florida. Players will follow the criminal duo of Jason and Lucia as they navigate the world, including the Miami-inspired Vice City.
Expectations are incredibly high, despite limited gameplay footage. Hopefully, there won’t be any further delays…
Format: PS5, Xbox Series X/S
Release Date: November 19
”Control Resonant”
Finnish developer Remedy Entertainment delivered the critically acclaimed ”Alan Wake 2”, which received widespread praise from critics and fans. Before that, they released the equally brilliant “Control” (2021), which is now receiving an unexpected sequel.
The game follows Dylan Faden, brother of the original protagonist Jesse, who must use his supernatural abilities to save humanity after a cosmic entity escapes from the Federal Bureau of Control.
Unlike the first game, this is a fast-paced action game similar to “Devil May Cry,” a new direction for Remedy. If they can deliver a compelling narrative alongside this new gameplay style, it could be phenomenal.
Format: PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC
Release Date: 2026
”Directive 8020”
”Directive 8020” is the next installment in the terrifying anthology series “The Dark Pictures,” from the developers of “Until Dawn,” Supermassive Games.
The horror unfolds in space, aboard the colony ship Cassiopeia, which crash-lands on a distant planet. Astronauts, including one played by Lashana Lynch (“Captain Marvel,” “No Time to Die”), and her crew must survive against a shape-shifting alien. The premise is reminiscent of “The Thing.”
As always, players must make quick decisions that impact the story and determine who survives. “Directive 8020” also introduces the ability to rewind time to change your choices.
Format: PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC
Release Date: 2026
”Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave”
One of the few major Nintendo titles with a confirmed 2026 release date is “Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave,” which promises to be a substantial experience.
Unlike most other “Fire Emblem” games, which focus on war, this installment centers around a violent gladiatorial contest where people from all walks of life participate to have their wishes granted. Players will engage in strategic battles with a variety of characters.
Hopefully, it improves upon ”Fire Emblem: Engage”, released a few years ago.
Format: Switch 2
Release Date: 2026
”Marvel’s Wolverine”
After delivering three successful “Spider-Man” games, Insomniac Games is sharpening its claws for a more violent and gritty adventure featuring the mutant Wolverine.
In search of answers about his past, Wolverine travels across the globe – from the island nation of Madripoor to the frigid wilderness of Canada and the neon-lit streets of Tokyo. Compared to the relatively tame tone of the “Spider-Man” games, this installment appears much darker and more brutal.
In addition to Wolverine, players will encounter Mystique and Omega Red – and hopefully other well-known mutants.
Format: PS5
Release Date: 2026
”Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis”
Lara Croft has a new era ahead with the upcoming Amazon series starring Sophie Turner and a brand new game called “Tomb Raider: Catalyst,” but before that, we’ll see a lavish remake of the original 1996 game, titled “Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis.”
Lara has a new look, and the game is positioned as a fresh start for the series that both new and old fans can enjoy. In pursuit of
