It’s been scrubbed with the last line now reading, “I look forward to discussing it more here once the game has released!” But not before Reddit user CrazyFly7494 screen-captured and shared it.

Of course, the main part is “expected.” The sequel may internally be targeting that date if everything goes according to plan and is waiting to hit key milestones before an announcement. Either way, it wouldn’t be surprising – even if its predecessor launched in October 2023, CI Games may want to get ahead of the busy Autumn season.

Besides Grand Theft Auto 6, which could be the most expensive game ever made and then some, you have Marvel’s Wolverine, the potential release of Gears of War: E-Day, Fable, and more. Halo: Campaign Evolved is also allegedly arriving before September.

We’ll have to wait for official confirmation, but this may be good news for fans of the original, seeing as it’s not too long a wait. Head here for more details on Umbral 2.0 and how Hexworks have revamped the land of the dead to be even bigger than before.

But what’s changed? Chief creative officer and creative strategist Ryan Hill said in a press release that it’s more like the “realm of the undead.” “Its former scab-like crust has been ripped away, revealing the raw flesh beneath—an open wound that seethes with newfound hunger.”

Thankfully, game director James Lowe offers something more concrete in the latest “Lifting the Veil” Developer Update video. He described it as “a lot bigger and better,” and how it feels less distinct from Axiom because the two realms have begun to bleed into each other.

The team is aware that the first game’s take on the Umbral wasn’t very satisfying. To incentivize exploring the realm and not simply running through as quickly as possible, Lowe says that some things are only possible in Umbral (and vice versa in Axiom). Furthermore, killing things in the land of the living will result in them re-emerging in the land of the dead with “different forms,” which probably explains the “undead” part.

So while Axiom may come across as more like a Souls-like, the development team is really leaning more towards Umbral feeling like a horror game. There’s a definite fear of the unknown, where you won’t know what to expect.

Lords of the Fallen 2 will launch later this year for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC. The first game will reportedly be offered for free with PlayStation Plus Essential this April.

On Twitter, founder and CEO Marek Tyminski said, “The Demon’s Souls remake was an incredible achievement, and we’d be honoured to speak with the talented people behind it about opportunities on Lords of the Fallen 2 and beyond. We have multiple roles available, including some not yet listed on our website.

“If this speaks to you or someone you know, please reach out today – we’d love to hear from you and explore how your skills could help shape our next chapter.”

Besides serving as an incredible gesture for those affected, Tyminski’s statement is notable for the “and beyond” part. Granted, this could mean several things, from DLC to post-launch support. Following its release, Lords of the Fallen (2023) received dozens of updates that added new modes, features, difficulty options, and extensive revamps of the combat.

Bluepoint developers may also lend their expertise for optimization. All of its games have been a masterclass in the same, especially the Demon’s Souls remake, while delivering some of the best graphical fidelity out there. Given the performance problems that Lords of the Fallen launched with, it might help to get that talent on board to prevent the same issues with the sequel.

Lords of the Fallen 2 launches later this year for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC. You can check out the latest details here, including improvements to the animations, world design and dual-wielding.

“With a FromSoft game, and I’m not slamming FromSoftware, once I find my build, I’m in,” said Lowe in the video, which you can check out below. “That’s probably the build I’m going to use for the entire experience, and I’m not going to really mess around with it.”

“Whereas in Lords of the Fallen, I have a few more drives to experiment a bit more and go, ‘Do you know what? I want to try dual-wielding. How does that feel?’ And it’s not that I don’t feel attached to my build, but I feel confident enough as a player to go, ‘I’m going to mess around with this for a few hours.’ Or, ‘You know what, I’ve really struggled against this encounter, let me try and play with something else and see how it goes.’”

It is worth noting that, while FromSoftware’s titles typically do allow players to respec their builds, especially in more recent games like Dark Souls 3 and Elden Ring, doing so is typically a more arduous process than simply picking a menu option. Elden Ring, for instance, needs you to find a special item that can then be consumed to completely reset your build.

The decision to allow players greater or lesser freedom in changing their builds is a fundamental one when it comes to game design. Depending on the developer’s priorities, experimentation can either be encouraged or discouraged. With FromSoftware’s titles, it comes down to the studio’s emphasis on giving players consequences for the choices they make, while still allowing a little bit of leeway by including a way to reset builds.

Back in June, The Outer Worlds 2 game director Brandon Adler had spoken about his own studio’s decision to now allow respecs. He noted that the core vision behind the RPG was to encourage roleplaying.

“Look, if we’re going to do The Outer Worlds 2, I want to make sure that the role-playing is really strong,” he explained. “I want to make sure that you’re building your character and really doubling down – making sure that role-playing comes through the whole experience.”

Despite this decision, Adler was also clear in noting that he doesn’t think allowing players a way to respec their builds is a bad idea.

“There’s a lot of times where you’ll see games where they allow infinite respec, and at that point, I’m not really role-playing a character, because I’m jumping between – well, my guy is a really great assassin that snipes from long range, and then oh, y’know, now I’m going to be a speech person, then respec again, and it’s like… for me, it’s not wrong that people like to play like that,” said Adler.

Lords of the Fallen 2 is being developed for PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X/S, and is slated for release later this year. Check out the gameplay trailer from December, as well as the PC hardware requirements.

While 2025 did give us the much-awaited DLC for Lies of P, a mechanically solid offering in Wuchang: Fallen Feathers, and a true test of perseverance and skill with Clair Obscur’s Thank You update, the genre spent a relatively quiet year for the most part. However, that’s about the change with a bunch of new titles designed to invoke a lot of clenched jaws and aching fingers on the way.

Join us as we take a look at some of the brand-new Soulslikes coming your way in 2026 and beyond!

1. Code Vein 2

The sequel to 2019’s Code Vein is all set to build on what made its predecessor a title worthy of the genre, expanding on its size, scope, and ambition to present an experience that’s sure to have you glued to your screens.

With a new story and a new set of party members to engage with, along with a world that’s going to be significantly larger for you to explore, this one is shaping up to be quite the sequel. We’re expecting it to be among the more approachable ones on this list if you’re thinking about dipping your toes into the deep waters that come with the Soulslike genre.

2. Lords of the Fallen 2

We’re quite eager to step into this dark world again, and with good reason. Its trailers are looking really good, and showcase a gameplay loop that’s every bit as immersive and punishing as its predecessor. The new boss designs are a highlight, as are the new levels, with the Axial and Umbral worlds presenting us with stunning vistas to behold.

If the sequel is anything like the previous game, this one is going to be a love letter to those of you who like to learn from their mistakes and come back stronger after every defeat.

3. Nioh 3

A true sequel in the popular franchise is only days away at the time of writing this list, and it’s bringing a whole lot of new additions to the table. There’s a new protagonist who’s poised to travel across time to influence the fate of Japan in the wake of their brother’s betrayal. The mechanics that you know and love are also coming back to the new game, albeit with a twist.

They are now part of the Samurai playstyle, which is to be joined by the Ninja playstyle that forgoes the Ki Pulse mechanic that’s been a staple of the franchise so far in favor of some cool weapons and moves. It’s a great balance between the old and new for a franchise that’s known to push its players past their limits and send them right back to the last save point quite often.

4. Mistfall Hunter

This PvPvE extraction RPG has everything you’d expect from a Soulslike, along with the added allure of bringing a new gameplay loop into the mix. There are fantasy-inspired levels, enemies, and bosses, along with a variety of weapons and spells for your character, the Gyldhunter, to use against their foes.

With smooth animations, tight windows for your parries and dodges, and your success purely reliant on your skills in the field, this one is sure to have you playing on the edge of your seat when it releases later this year.

5. Phantom Blade Zero

While the game’s director has insisted that it isn’t a Souls-like title, there are enough similarities to the genre for it to earn a spot on this list. Its slick, wuxia-based combat and traversal mechanics are a sight to behold, while its enemies pack quite a punch in a story that gives you 66 days to uncover a conspiracy surrounding your character.

While it’s probably going to be approachable on lower difficulties, everything we’ve seen about this one is evidence that putting it on the hardest possible level of challenge is going to have you in desperate battles for survival, thanks to combat mechanics and enemy designs that are geared to dish out as much punishment as they receive.

6. Valor Mortis

This is an interesting one. Set in an alternate version of 19th-century Europe where Napoleon’s military ambitions have resulted in a world gone horribly wrong, you step into the shoes of William, an English soldier who’s been resurrected and forced to fend off undead hordes with his own comrades among their ranks.

That sets the stage for an excellent first-person Soulslike where you use your cutlass, flintlock pistol, and a host of magical spells to strike, slash, dodge, and parry your way through an adventure full of mystery and conspiracy. We’ve definitely got our eyes on this one and will be diving in when it releases later this year.

7. The Relic: First Guardian

This dark action-RPG has a lot of interesting twists to the traditional Soulslike formula. For starters, your attacks don’t consume stamina, and all your skills work off of cooldowns as opposed to mana or other resources. Second, every weapon or piece of gear you find is unique, which is another feather in its cap.

But the story is probably going to be a highlight of the experience with your character, the Keeper, exploring the remnants of a past civilization that has faded out of existence. Memories of lives long past are going to be a key focus of your experience, and it’s quite a poignant narrative from what we’ve seen so far. This one drops in May this year, and we’re expecting it to be a title that haunts us long after we complete it.

8. Fatekeeper

A protagonist with a talking rat stowed away in his backpack, exploring a fantasy world that’s designed to catch your attention, is something that’s sure to appeal to any Soulslike fan. That’s exactly what Fatekeeper is bringing to the table, with visuals and a gameplay loop that could have you losing track of the many hours you’re going to spend exploring its world.

The game’s demo showcases many familiar mechanics and a combat system that’s seemingly easy to learn but is probably significantly harder to master. It’s entering Early Access on Steam later this year, with a console version confirmed to come along sometime after that.

9. Beast of Reincarnation

Game Freak’s attempt to break away from Pokémon looks like a solid effort to bring a dystopian Japan to life. From horrifying mutants to gigantic robots, your character and her pet dog are going to have their work cut out for them as they set out to heal the land from the effects of a mysterious blight and take down the creature that has caused it.

The visuals are definitely impressive, while the combat has been compared to Sekiro, which is always good news for a game that aims this high. It’s coming out later this year and is certainly looking like it could be worth your time and money.

10. The Duskbloods

Hidetaka Miyazaki is back again with a new project, although this one’s a Switch 2 exclusive. You get to pick from a lineup of Duskbloods, characters with vampiric abilities, and you will be thrust into a dark fantasy world with both PvP and PvE elements.

While the director has been typically cagey about the details, we know that each Bloodsworn comes with unique weapons, gear, and abilities, and must fight against beings that have left their humanity behind in the pursuit of a mysterious power across time and space. That’s more than enough to pique our curiosity, and our Switch 2 is probably going to be quite busy when this one releases sometime this year.

11. Lies of P 2

Neowiz is hard at work on a sequel to its runaway hit, but details are scarce about when it’s going to release. However, the studio has been quite open about how it has been enjoying the process of creating a sequel, and there have been hints at a more expansive, less linear world for P (or Carlos, if you will) to explore.

Of course, the cliffhanger at the end of the first game has us expecting characters from another popular childhood story to make an appearance, and curious to know more about how they could fit into Krat’s grim world in the process. We could hear more about this one over the course of the year, and maybe even play it this year or in 2027.

12. Knights Path

Set in the Roman Empire and placing you in the shoes of Alryk, a disgraced noble out to restore his name, this one is sure to delight those among you who prefer a more methodical approach to combat. You’re going to want to take your time mastering its mechanics, as it’s designed around each move you make being intentional, which is always a good thing in a Soulslike.

Your character arc is going to be woven into how well you manage to take down your enemies, and with a story that lets you choose a path between honor and acting in your own self-interest, this is a game to watch out for, although there’s no release date yet.

13. Shadows of The Lost

Lies of P has demonstrated that it’s always nice to have a Soulslike with a story, and this dark fantasy title with mythological elements woven into its world is a great showcase of that. Or it’s going to be when it eventually releases, either in 2026 or 2027.

Aside from the story, its focus on momentum-based combat, where the game rewards you for skillful play, is definitely something we’re eager to check out. We think that this one could be a Soulslike game for the ages, just as it seemingly aims to be.

14. LUOYANG

This single-player action-RPG might be a long time away from its final release, but with the success of other Chinese Soulslikes and action-RPGs with settings in Chinese history, LUOYANG is looking like a sublime blend of everything good about the titles that inspired it.

Its combat is definitely up there with the genre’s best, while its worldbuilding and enemy designs have us quite enthusiastic to see more of the game in action. Sadly, there’s no release date as of now, and we might have a long wait ahead of us before this one is available to play.

15. Spark in the Dark

This dungeon crawler brings a lot of reasons to be curious about it. For starters, you have five hero classes, each bringing unique value propositions to its combat loop. You have a ton of enemies to try them out on, with an Abyss that’s seemingly endless and just waiting to be explored. What could go wrong?

Throw in procedurally generated gear and the fact that you’re going to have to take care of your equipment once you’re done with your fights, and you have the recipe for a game that could translate to many hours of intense entertainment. What’s more, it comes out this March, which means we don’t have to wait too long before we’re exploring the dark, endless dungeon alongside you.

It’s easy to see why – squint hard enough and the figure, a devotee of moon goddess Menasilde that underwent a drastic change under “death’s shadow,” resembles the Wylder from Elden Ring Nightreign. However, CI Games CEO Marek Tyminski has since hit back against the accusations by revealing that its armor design was finalized in July 2024, several months before Nightreign’s reveal.

“I’m pleased to prove that yesterday’s accusations of plagiarism are 100% false,” said Tyminski on Twitter, who added that it was implemented in-engine by October 2024. Once again, that’s before the existence of FromSoftware’s co-op rogue-lite title became known to the world. Chalk it up to coincidence, especially since both companies dabble so much in fantasy.

“Visual overlap can occur in medieval fantasy design. We respect FromSoftware, but we do not copy other studios,” he said. “The armour designs in Lords of the Fallen were widely praised, and we’re confident Lords 2 will be no different. We stand fully behind our artists, their originality, and the integrity of their work.”

Launching in 2026, Lords of the Fallen 2 will be available for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC (which is published by Epic Games). The first gameplay debuted at The Game Awards 2025, showcasing epic bosses such as the Heartroot Warden and Koydreth. Brutal dismemberment was one of the highlights, and creative strategist Ryan Hill later confirmed that players could lop off all of an enemy’s limbs. Head here for more details.

Control Resonant

Remedy’s long-awaited sequel offers a complementary inverse of everything we knew about the original Control. Instead of a singular paranatural building, it’s the city of Manhattan with all its open zones and branching pathways. Rather than the Service Weapon, players use the Aberrant, a melee tool for up close combat. And rather than Jesse Faden, it’s her brother Dylan, who seeks redemption. Whether it can live up to the original’s weird ambitions remains to be seen, but for now, Control Resonant has our attention.

Nioh 3

Speaking of going beyond the confines of its predecessors, we have Team Ninja’s next entry in its challenging action RPG series. Beyond traveling through various eras of Feudal Japan and battling Yokai, switching seamlessly between Samurai and Ninja styles, and exploring gigantic open field (not open world) levels, there’s a lot to unpack. Nevertheless, in terms of fast-paced Souls-like combat, it could be the game to beat in 2026 (and then grind away endlessly for those perfect rolls).

Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis

Lara Croft finally returns, and while a proper Tomb Raider sequel is set for 2027, 2026 is going back to the beginning (yes, again). More of a reimagining of the first title in Unreal Engine 5 rather than a remake, it sees the intrepid archaeologist venturing to familiar locations to hunt for artifacts of power. Of course, the usual hallmarks of such titles are promised from re-envisioned locales to modern gameplay elements, and we can’t wait to dive in.

Yakuza Kiwami 3 and Dark Ties

The remakes keep coming, and they don’t stop coming, especially for RGG Studio’s acclaimed Yakuza/Like a Dragon series. Kiwami 3 is one of the bigger earlier games, and fans can look forward to new side stories, additional scenes, and perhaps the most expansive version of the Dragon Style yet. On the flipside, there’s Dark Ties, the tale of Yoshitaka Mine as he goes from a company man to the underworld. Equipped with his own unique boxing style, players venture through Kamurocho and witness Mine’s transformation first-hand.

Reanimal

If the world suffered a terrible cataclysm, would you venture forth to save your friends, despite all the horrors that await? Tarsier Studios asks this in its next co-op platforming, which offers both online and local multiplayer support. Reanimal is perfectly playable solo, as you control two siblings, navigating a handful of islands, completing puzzles and sneaking around to evade a terrible fate. Its atmosphere is very reminiscent of Little Nightmares (which makes sense since Tarsier developed the first two games), but there’s something distinctly more disturbing, seemingly beneath the surface.

Resident Evil Requiem

Which is a perfect segue into the biggest Resident Evil yet. Between Leon’s reveal, the Porsche, confirmation that he has an equal number of gameplay sections, and so on, there’s a lot to digest. But hey, between the Resident Evil 2-style of survival horror with Grace and Leon taking a chainsaw to enemies’ faces, Requiem is shaping up to be something truly special. It feels like we’re yet to really scratch the surface of its gameplay loop, never mind deciphering all the mysteries, but there’s plenty of time before launch to find out more.

Replaced

After years in development, Sad Cat Studios’ cyberpunk side-scrolling action title is seemingly on track to release. Seeing Replaced evolve from a great-looking 2D title to a stunning work of art has been something, and that’s before witnessing its take on free-flow combat, its version of an alternate 1980s United States, and much more. And while there’s something distinctly sad about the world, the mystery of R.E.A.C.H., as he fights to expose the Phoenix Corporation, proves awfully compelling. Mark your calendars, as Replaced launches on March 12th.

Saros

A 40-day delay to April 30th hasn’t dulled our enthusiasm for Housemarque’s new rogue-lite bullet-hell, especially after the latest trailer. Between the stunning twisted environments of Carcosa and the tension that new characters bring, the action looks as sleek as ever. Even the new monstrosities that Arjun and crew face look as otherworldly as they do terrifying. Of course, as a fan of Returnal, I’m looking forward to more customization, more modifiers, more environmental variety and above all else, more challenging bosses.

Marvel’s Wolverine

The best there is at what he does, but if the first trailer for Insomniac’s next game is any indication, Logan is the best at some very not nice things. Dismemberment, claws through faces – it’s practically a smorgasbord of violence, and we love it. The studio is coy on the narrative, but you’ll deal with some familiar foes like Mystique and Omega Red while battling the Reavers across Canada, Tokyo and Madripoor in an original story. It’s launching in Fall 2026, exclusively for PS5.

Forza Horizon 6

If there’s any title that’s more of a guaranteed hit for Microsoft than a new Forza Horizon set in Japan, well, it has its work cut out. Between promising the “most detailed and layered environment” yet in Tokyo City, its biggest map yet and seasons having a “dramatic impact” on the world, this could be Playground Games’ finest work yet. And that’s without knowing anything about the vehicles – whose selection seemingly follows in Forza Horizon 5’s footsteps – or the activities. Even without its long-awaited setting, Forza Horizon 6 should be an experience to remember.

Fable

On the other hand, there’s the other big open-world project from Playground Games. Announced in 2020, received a 2025 release window, delayed to 2026 – it’s been a long journey for this revival of Lionhead’s beloved RPG franchise. Nevertheless, the latest trailer looked quite incredible while offering a tease of the combat and mechanics we can expect. If Playground can pull it off, then Fable could signal a new era for the franchise. No pressure, of course.

Gears of War: E-Day

Of course, there’s nothing wrong with humble beginnings, especially when it’s the start of the Human-Locust Wars. Set in the aftermath of Emergence Day across multiple days, this prequel promises a return to the horror roots of Gears. It’s also focusing on a linear campaign, seemingly departing from the more open levels in Gears 5, and even promises to explain the Lancer’s origins. Whichever way you slice it, however, this is a new Gears of War during one of the most exciting periods in the series’ history with Marcus and Dominic at the helm. What’s not to like?

Crimson Desert

“Scale” is often important for open-world games, but the developer isn’t simply looking at it from a content perspective. It wants to immerse you in the world of Pywel, whether it’s herding sheep in the countryside, assaulting keeps or venturing to hidden islands in the sky to solve puzzles. It wants you to fight metal dragons and possessed soldiers, lay waste to massive creatures, and even pilot your own steambot mech to slay foes. That’s not even getting into the combat and its intricacies, from the magic and combos to the throws and weapons. Simply put, Crimson Desert is looking to deliver an unforgettable experience, and after years of waiting, we can’t wait to dive in this March.

007 First Light

A Bond before he earned the numbers, in a globe-trotting adventure where charm and panache clash with brashness and inexperience. If that sounds like a good time – and IO Interactive is certainly winning us over – 007 First Light should be yet another success for the studio. The Hitman-like sandbox nature of environments isn’t confined to stealth, however, as you’ll be running, gunning, punching, bluffing, driving, and gadget-wielding to complete objectives. So much more than the sum of its parts, but each enticing in its own right – that sounds like the Bond franchise we know and love.

Grand Theft Auto 6

With every passing year, this feels ever so closer and yet, so far away. Maybe it’s the cycle of hype that’s threatening to engulf us. Perhaps it’s the fact that this is the first new Grand Theft Auto in a decade. Regardless, after two major delays, we don’t simply want GTA 6 – we need it. We need to dive into the gorgeous open world of Leonida, from its gorgeous archipelago to its mosquito-filled swamps. We need to become embroiled in the drama between Lucia and Jason, and see whether this is another Bonnie and Clyde scenario waiting to happen. More than anything, we need to walk the streets and take in the environments, the NPCs, everything and just get lost. Hopefully, 2026 is finally the year.

The Duskbloods

A FromSoftware PvEvP title exclusive to Nintendo Switch 2 wasn’t on anyone’s list, but it is FromSoft, after all, and it’s nothing if not adventurous. As Bloodsworn, players battle each other as humanity dies. Or, they team up – really, it depends on your character’s defined destiny. With more than a dozen to choose from, each with unique tales and abilities, The Duskbloods feels like an evolution of Nightreign, but it’s its own unique thing, and that should prove more than enough when it eventually launches in 2026.

Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls

Captain America, Spider-Man, Iron Man, Ghost Rider, and many more are battling it out in a new Marvel tag fighter – admit it, you never thought we’d see the day. Of course, with ARC System Works at the helm, Marvel Tōkon isn’t just trying to capture the glorious days of Marvel Super Heroes. It features 4v4 combat, wall breaks, stage transitions, a single health bar for the entire team and a uniquely anime-esque art style. Baffling? Sure, but thus far, it’s been looking better and better – now all we need is a release date.

Invincible VS

In the meantime, there’s another comic book fighter that we’re keen to dive into – one that embraces all the blood and guts that define the IP. Invincible VS includes all popular heroes and villains, from Robot, Atom Eve, and Battle Beast to Omni-Man, Invincible and even an original addition in Ella Mental. With rollback netcode, 3v3 fights and a dedicated Story Mode, it’s slotting into a more traditional tag fighter role, and that’s perfectly fine. For $49.99, it should prove a fun alternative to Marvel Tōkon.

Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight

With Rocksteady’s next Batman coming who-knows-when, it’s on Traveler’s Tales to step up and become the hero that Gotham needs. That said, it seemingly blew away expectations with LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight. A massive open world version of the city, complete with gliding, an assortment of Bat vehicles, free flow combat and multiple playable characters (that too, better written than Gotham Knights)? The homage to the Dark Knight’s history while telling an original story is also incredibly exciting.

Lords of the Fallen 2

After its surprisingly compelling sequel/reboot offered up some solid Souls-like gameplay, CI Games’ sequel aims to go even further. Bigger stakes with the Umbral on the verge of consuming the human world; more build variety across numerous playstyles; bigger bosses with some admittedly cool-looking designs; and, of course, more death. We’re certainly keen to see how it evolves on the original, but for now, Lords of the Fallen 2 could be yet another dark horse for the company.

Pragmata

If you’re noticing a theme with 2026, it’s that it marks the arrival of several games that have been in development for years. Among all of them, Pragmata is perhaps the most intriguing, announced in 2020 and suffering several delays for the sake of nailing its gameplay loop. While the third-person shooting and real-time puzzle solving are excellent (as showcased in the new demo), the entire premise is still full of mystery. At the very least, it looks downright gorgeous, and we’re intrigued enough by the rapport between Hugh and Diana to see how things pan out (and what’s really going on with the Moon).

Onimusha: Way of the Sword

Miyamoto Musashi fears no opponent, but hordes of Genma? That’s a different matter entirely. The fate of Kyoto in the Edo era is still in his hands, however, especially when he’s to bear the Oni Gauntlet. Thus far, the combat with its precise parries and counter-hits has looked incredible, and with an expected playtime of about 20 hours, Way of the Sword should be a meaty yet tightly paced hack-and-slash adventure.

Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy

It’s kind of surprising that Team Asobo could just drop a trailer for the next Plague Tale and then dip for the next six months without any more details, but here we are. Nevertheless, Resonance is scheduled for this year and promises an altogether different kind of narrative – a prequel following Sophia from Requiem as she seemingly navigates the Minotaur Island’s maze. And while navigating gorgeous environments is par for the course, she’s more equipped for up-close combat.

Halo: Campaign Evolved

343 – er, Halo Studios is back with a new – er, remake of the first Halo. Ignoring the fact that we’ve seen this song and dance before, because Halo: Campaign Evolved is genuinely pushing the graphical envelope. From character models and revamped cutscenes to awesome-looking environments, it’s not as bad as the first Unreal Engine 5 title. Of course, much remains up in the air – like those prequel episodes with Chief and Sgt. Johnson – but with a solid campaign, four-player co-op and the series’ debut on PlayStation, there’s a lot to look forward to.

Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter

What’s better than a remake of one of the best role-playing games ever made? In Kiseki’s case, unironically, it’s the sequel as Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter launches before September 2026. After all the changes in Part 1, there’s no telling how Falcom is going to spice up the combat and exploration further, but in terms of scope, scale and stakes, it should blow its predecessor out of the water.

When it comes to how Lords of the Fallen 2 will tell its story, Hill spoke about wanting to ensure a fine balance struck between being accessible and character-driven, while also featuring environmental storytelling that tends to be more in line with Soulslike games. This means that, while most players will get to understand and enjoy the main story, there will also be plenty for players that want to dig deeper into the world.

“With the sequel, we wanted to craft a narrative that’s more accessible and character-driven, while still honouring the environmental storytelling that Soulslike fans love,” Hill explained. “Players who want to dive deep into the lore absolutely can, but we also want every player to reach the end of the game understanding the journey they’ve taken and the pivotal role they’ve played in shaping this world.”

Hill also spoke about how the trailer showcased one of the major new features in Lords of the Fallen 2—dismemberment. Through the system, players can over the course of gameplay cut limbs off their enemies. Hill explained that the decision to include the system in the sequel essentially came from fans wanting the developers to “go all in” on pushing the gore levels in the game. He also confirmed that every limb on an enemy can be cut off.

“When we asked our community just how far we should push the gore in the next Lords of the Fallen, the answer was loud and unanimous: ‘go all in’,” Hill noted. “This is a game made by adults for adults, and we didn’t want to dilute the brutality or intensity of that experience. Soulslikes thrive on challenge, and that rush you get when defeating an enemy is unlike anything else. Enhancing that moment with a dynamic dismemberment system takes the satisfaction to another level – instead of enemies simply ragdolling to the floor, players can literally tear them apart.”

As for how things will play out differently for Lords of the Fallen 2 when compared to its predecessor, Hill acknowledged that Lords of the Fallen has seen several updates since its release (including the recently-released version 2.5 update). This, he noted, helped drive the evolution of the game. When it comes to Lords of the Fallen 2, however, he has said that the studio plans to remain “actively engaging” with its community from day one.

“For the sequel, we’ve been actively engaging our fast-growing community from day one, understanding exactly what they want from the next chapter,” he said. “You can already see some of those requests reflected in our new gameplay reveal trailer: a more varied game world, more distinctive and memorable boss encounters, and a deeper, more meaningful Umbral realm experience.”

Lords of the Fallen 2 is coming to PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X/S in 2026. Check out the game’s PC requirements that were revealed earlier this year.

Built on Unreal Engine 5, the sequel is targeting a 2026 launch on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via the Epic Games Store, and is available to wishlist now. Lords of the Fallen 2 returns to a human realm under siege by the dead realm of Umbral. Players take on the role of the Lampbearer, using a new dismemberment system to tear enemies apart and trigger fresh execution animations.

CI Games is pitching the sequel as an across-the-board step up, with faster, more unforgiving combat and a significantly expanded enemy and boss roster. The game supports solo play, shared-progression co-op, and optional PvP multiplayer. The reveal specifically spotlights three major boss encounters: the armored Heartroot Warden and its chain-bound greatsword, the mirror-dwelling winged horror Koydreth, and Lingao the Souring Storm, a colossal dragon commanding wind and lightning.

“Flattered so many think we’re behind that statue. Can confirm it’s not us, we’re just as hyped as you are,” he said on Twitter. The developers are apparently “praying” it’s FromSoftware-related. “Huge respect to them, and we dream of reaching that level one day.”

There’s still a chance that Lords of the Fallen 2 could appear, however, as Tyminski promised “big news” for both it and the original. “We’ve listened. Soon it’s time to reveal. Thanks for the insane love on the August trailer, now we’re ready to step it up again.”

Until then, Lords of the Fallen 2 is scheduled to launch in 2026 for Xbox Series X/S, PS5 and PC (via the Epic Games Store). Set 100 years after the first game, the Umbra has leaked into the realm of the living, causing widespread chaos. It’s up to the Lightbearer to set things right, which is easier said than done when dealing with massive, world-ending threats.

For more details on its PC requirements, head here. Much like Resident Evil Requiem, Windows 11 is a must for playing.