Instead, it’s allegedly launching “late” this year, which could mean beyond late September and potentially in October. Why FromSoftware is apparently aiming for such a window is unknown, but this is a multiplayer game, and much like with Elden Ring Nightreign, there could be plenty of closed and open playtests for players to go hands-on.

There’s also the fact that it’s working on Elden Ring Tarnished Edition for the Switch 2, which faced a delay due to performance concerns but has been looking much better lately. Either way, the fact that the studio is reportedly taking its time with The Duskbloods could be a testament to its importance. Alternatively, it could be an absolutely massive game that simply demands more time.

We’ll have to wait and see. Thus far, we know it features over 12 playable characters, each with unique backstories and abilities, and matches support up to eight players (who can be marked as companions and rivals). A new trailer or deep dive will debut this Summer to tell us more.

Answering various questions during the release, Kadokawa clarified that it’s still to announce a specific release date and that it doesn’t “disclose forecasts regarding number of copies shipped for individual titles.” All that said, it remains a Nintendo Switch 2-exclusive with the company selling it on a “joint basis” with Nintendo Co., Ltd., based on the region.

As for Elden Ring Tarnished Edition, which was also missing from the Partner: Direct Showcase, Kadokawa reiterated that there’s no specific release date, and as a result, it isn’t included in its forecast for the fiscal year ending March 31st. One could take this as the title won’t launch by then, but it can really go either way.

At the end of the day, we’re back to square one for The Duskbloods, a PvEvP title where up to eight players control the Bloodsworn during the Twilight of Humanity. There are more than twelve playable characters, each with unique abilities and origins, but more intriguing is being able to mark others as companions or rivals. Depending on the objective, you can net specific rewards or even witness “unique interactions.”

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.

The Blood of Dawnwalker

You’re not the only one pointing at the screen, DiCaprio-style, thinking, “That’s very Witcher-esque” (and for good reason, given Rebel Wolves’ experience on The Witcher 3). Nevertheless, the dark medieval tidings of Vale Sangora provide a starker contrast in terms of day and night, as Coen walks between the two to save his family. So while the lighting and shadows look technically robust, the contrast and how it weaves into your playstyle and decisions further sweetens the deal.

Control Resonant

You would think Remedy has nothing to prove with its visual work, and yet, here’s the development team taking its brutalist architecture, surreal, spooky lighting and stellar art direction into the wider world. Beyond looking like a sleek hack-and-slash title with even more mind-boggling enemy designs, Control Resonant feels leagues trippier than the original, and we can’t wait to see more.

Resident Evil Requiem

Everything showcased thus far has led to this moment. The sheer attention to detail, from the hair physics and skin textures to realistic sweat – not to mention the dynamic lighting and shadows – make for one heck of a survival horror showcase. And yet, there’s still so much more to see, including Leon’s sections, which have been rumored to offer larger environments compared to Grace’s more confined, claustrophobic, and harrowing sections. Thankfully, with less than two months before release and a showcase coming up, it’s only a matter of time.

Marvel’s Wolverine

As with Ratchet and Clank and Marvel’s Spider-Man, it isn’t about Insomniac’s tech so much as how it’s used. Thus, we get hyper-detailed arm hair (a vital component of Logan’s character, as any fan will tell you), immaculate reflections off those adamantium claws, and only the finest blood spatters in Marvel’s Wolverine. That’s not even mentioning the environmental destruction and interactivity, whether it’s breaking through market stalls or launching enemies into lava.

Beast of Reincarnation

Seeing this after experiencing nothing but Pokémon from Game Freak may be somewhat of an eye-opener for fans, even more so because it looks incredibly sleek. Weathered rusting textures on robots, stylish executions, a relatively calm yet foreboding post-apocalyptic setting with impressive shrubbery – it’s almost surreal, especially with how rapidly environments can change. Suffice it to say, this is probably the studio’s best-looking effort to date, and we’re intrigued to see more.

Ontos

What would a Frictional Games title be without masterful usage of lighting and shadows? Look no further than Stellan Skarsgård’s character illuminated against a chandelier, the warm ambience prevalent throughout the reception area. Of course, being a spiritual successor to Soma also means plenty of not-so-warm and fuzzy sights. Realistic skin tearing. Reality fractures. You get the drill. It all works in unison to deliver a terrifyingly surreal experience.

Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis

You wouldn’t ordinarily geek out over an Unreal Engine 5 remake, but Crystal Dynamics and Flying Wild Hog have pulled off something incredible with Legacy of Atlantis (that too based solely on pre-alpha footage). Returning to where it all began for gaming’s most illustrious heroine, the remake offers gorgeously detailed shrubbery and architecture along with an incredible sense of scale. Plus, there are all the little details, from realistic dirt markings to Lara’s signature animations, which look better than ever.

Saros

“Spiritual successor to Returnal” may as well sound more like “the same bullet hell action you loved before, but with more fleshed out rogue-lite mechanics.” And honestly, I’m fine with that, given the original’s addictiveness. In the graphics department, however, Saros is going beyond the usual “tentacle technology” and offering rigid-body simulation for its many, many bullets alongside reactive lighting and layered dynamic particles. Even the narrative side benefits from improved cinematography, more cutscenes with additional motion capture, and better facial animations.

Gears of War: E-Day

The Coalition has yet to share any more footage beyond that trailer in 2024, but it’s certainly hyping up the prequel to a ridiculous degree. Remember Gears 5, considered one of the best-looking games of the last generation? E-Day will feature “over 100 times more environmental and character details” by comparison, and, oh, ray-traced lighting, shadows and reflections as well. That’s not even including the revamped destruction or new animation tech, with everything “completely rebuilt in Unreal Engine 5.” Say what you will about how other studios have handled the engine, but with The Coalition in charge, this could very well be an “unrivalled visual experience.”

Grand Theft Auto 6

The sheer number of NPCs in some shots, each with their own detailed animations and skin textures; the rendering distance, especially on those stunning aerial shots; the facial animations, which deliver as much on the subtlety – I could go on and on about Grand Theft Auto 6’s visual brilliance. And that’s based on just two trailers. Even if we get a more detailed gameplay walkthrough in the months ahead, it will only scratch the surface of what could be one of the best-looking games of all time.

007 First Light

Ignore the copious amounts of motion blur during its PS5 gameplay – IO Interactive’s next is a stunner, and that’s saying something given its experience with the Hitman franchise. The young pre-007 Bond’s global traipse isn’t just about gorgeous, guest-packed locales or high-speed chases across scenic landscapes. It’s about sneaking past guards, leveraging the environment to your advantage (thus highlighting the impressive particles and alpha effects). It’s also very much about those explosive set pieces, where intuition pays off as much as aggression. Whether you’re in it for the sights or action, 007 First Light certainly doesn’t disappoint.

Phantom Blade Zero

There’s something about the atmosphere that feels distinctly Souls-like. Perhaps it’s the desolate buildings of Pang Town, the desaturated colors in certain places or the fantastical yet realistically rendered enemies. Regardless, Phantom Blade Zero’s sleek animations and lightning-fast combat quickly showcase its action RPG chops, and it’s certainly shaping up to be a peak “kung fu-punk” experience.

Yakuza Kiwami 3 and Dark Ties

You have to hand it to RGG Studio – beyond simply remaking a classic Yakuza, it’s also delivering a brand new experience focused on one of the more popular villains in the series. And as usual, it’s not skimping in the visual department, revamping the character models and environments in the Dragon Engine, which still holds up to this day. Perfect for losing a tidy hundred hours or so while admiring the sights.

Crimson Desert

Speaking of getting lost in a world for a hundred hours, perhaps even more, this long-awaited open-world fantasy action RPG. Pywel has drawn us in so deeply, brimming as it is with expansive mountain ranges, dense forests with extensive foliage and seemingly endless plains (not to mention the mysterious floating islands). And if that’s not enough, maybe that giant mecha dragon fight will win you over.

Onimusha: Way of the Sword

An Onimusha revival has been way overdue, and thankfully, Way of the Sword isn’t just coasting on its looks. Which is a way of saying that it looks fantastic, capturing the dark fantasy atmosphere of previous titles while reinventing just how disturbingly detailed the Genma can be. Otherwise, everything you could want from an Onimusha title – from a charismatic protagonist to sleek-looking sword combat – is here, and backed by phenomenal-looking effects and animations.

Replaced

I could regale you with Sad Cat Studios’ long journey and developmental challenges, especially being based in Ukraine. Or even how Replaced is operating on a completely different level when it comes to pushing the boundaries of 2.5D pixel art, but a single comment on its release date trailer says it best: “Every scene is wallpaper worthy.” With how long it’s been in development, we’re keen to admire every hand-crafted animation, every harrowing chase sequence, and every single downer aspect of this alternate history USA.

Fable

As much renown as Playground Games has received for Forza Horizon, there’s been a healthy amount of skepticism for Fable, due to the long development cycle and delays. On the bright side, the graphics, as showcased last year in new pre-alpha footage, are shaping up well enough, capturing that fairytale aesthetic while looking technically sound. 2026 could finally be its year – all we need now is solid confirmation (and some more gameplay as a treat).

Fatekeeper

Paraglacial’s debut first-person action RPG skipped straight from having our interest to commanding our attention after its initial trailer. This level of environmental fidelity from a team of 12, with outdoors that shine with realistic foliage and indoors brimming with mood lighting and crazily detailed beasts, is something to behold.

Valor Mortis

In the same vein is One More Level’s next first-person title, which is a Souls-like and can hurt you. Instead of the cyberpunk tidings of Ghostrunner, Valor Mortis opts for an alternative 19th-century Europe where the plague runs rampant. However, there is a distinct beauty on display, almost like the alpha effects, environmental textures and desiccated trees combine into a painterly aesthetic. Don’t even get us started on the bosses and enemies, which can vary from sleek to downright disturbing in their makeup.

Pragmata

With how long it took to nail the unorthodox gameplay loop, which boils down to “hack-and-shoot”, hilariously enough, Pragmata didn’t have to look this good. Yet, here we are, with Diana’s hair animating so realistically that the tech made it into Requiem. Of course, there’s plenty else to love in terms of the sci-fi leanings of this hostile lunar base and the sheer detail of enemies, right down to their exposed machinery with each successful hack. If Onimusha showcases the past and Requiem the present, then Pragmata is an incredible showcase for the future.

Directive 8020

While it isn’t the developer’s first foray with Unreal Engine 5, Directive 8020 feels like Supermassive has become more comfortable with the engine. Consolidating the tense journey of survival on the Cassiopeia with the studio’s signature narrative approach, it showcased some stunning alien flora, meticulously detailed body horror, and, of course, incredible use of lighting and shadows. That’s alongside the fantastic facial animations.

Nioh 3

With everything that Team Ninja has done in the past several years – the larger environments of Wo Long, the open world of Rise of the Ronin, the dark fantasy feudal setting of Nioh – it was only a matter of time before it combined them. Thus, we have Nioh 3, with its open field (not open world) levels that impress as much with their draw distance and foliage as they do with the Yokai roaming about. Maybe you won’t notice all this much in the heat of combat, but they’re stunning all the same.

Ride 6

Despite lacking the budget of a Polyphony Digital or Playground Games, Milestone’s Ride series has quietly carved its own niche in terms of realistic racing visuals. Launching this February, Ride 6 ups the ante even further with Unreal Engine 5, delivering more true-to-life tracks and motorbikes (even if the character models could use some more life).

The Duskbloods

I’m not sure if it’s FromSoftware’s art direction doing the heavy lifting, but The Duskbloods is sporting some impressive details. Between the monstrous bosses and dilapidated environments is some truly impressive architecture, even more so on the Nintendo Switch 2. It may not boast an Elden Ring-style scale, but for its PvEvP needs, this is shaping up into another visual masterpiece for the studio.

Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra

Despite a delay past early 2026, Skydance New Media’s debut title hasn’t been ruled out for this year, which is good news. We’ve yet to see much beyond the gorgeous cinematics, which set the stage for Captain America and Black Panther to team up in WW2 Occupied Paris. However, if anyone can deliver a blockbuster action-adventure experience, it’s Amy Hennig and her crew.

Squadron 42

Give it up for over $1 billion in funding for Star Citizen, with a full release still years away. But Squadron 42, the single-player-focused title, is seemingly out this year (multiple delays notwithstanding). For all the controversy, it still looks good, and the thought of an epic space opera with over 70 missions and an all-star cast is too good to pass up. Now let’s see if it actually sticks to its deadline this time.

Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve

Credit where it’s due for Unreal Engine 5 – the planes in Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve have truly never looked better. Then you have the prospect of multi-layered cloudscapes for some of the most dynamic sky battles yet. Even the character models and cutscenes are a massive step up, adding so much more to the realism – a far cry from the days of JPEG dog.

Halo: Campaign Evolved

Beyond the micro-stutters in its first gameplay, Halo Studios’ second remake of the FPS classic isn’t looking too shabby. The revamped cinematics look stunning; the Covenant animate so well while staying true to the original; the texture work is sleek; and the weapon models look great. There are still plenty of doubts to be had, but at least on a visual level, Halo: Campaign Evolved is looking the part.

Arknights: Endfield

Gorgeous games aren’t exactly uncommon in this day and age, especially with stand-out efforts like Where Winds Meet and Wuthering Waves. Arknights: Endfield joins those ranks, and despite offering multiple zones instead of a true open world, the clean sci-fi aesthetic meshes so well with the extensive greenery on Talos 2. And as much praise as the character designs have received, the otherworldly Aggeloi aren’t far behind.

Forza Horizon 6

Like Gears of War: E-Day, once again, is there really any doubt that this will be a visual experience unlike any other? It’s not just because of Playground Games’ fantastic run of quality with the series, but also how it’s approaching the depiction of Japan. Tokyo City will, naturally, be one of the studio’s “most detailed and layered environments to date,” but it’s the subtleties, be it the wind bells signaling the arrival of Summer, or the calm energy permeating the atmosphere, that really have us excited. Couple that with this being the studio’s “biggest” and “most full” map yet, and Forza Horizon 6 could very well set a new benchmark for the genre.

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.

Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag Remake Announcement

By now, there’s been so much reported about this remake that we’d be more surprised if the developer didn’t officially announce it. Given that it’s apparently out in March – and is supposedly that “unannounced title” listed for release this fiscal year – what bigger stage could the developer possibly have in that time frame?

The Ascent Developer’s Next Game

Over four years is a long time for any developer’s next game, especially since Neon Giant was acquired by Krafton in 2022 and confirmed as working on an open-world first-person shooter. Now, it’s officially set to reveal what’s next, teasing that “Nothing is off limits.” Is this the same title or something new? What does the adorable cat graffiti have to do with anything? We’ll find out soon enough.

Control: Resonant

Based on a recently discovered trademark in Europe, this sounds about as close to a sequel as anything. Could it be film or TV related, especially since it has that agreement with Annapurna Pictures? Probably, but after FBC: Firebreak flopping and its CEO stepping down, a sequel announcement could be exactly what’s needed to re-ignite interest.

Pragmata Release Date

As one of the many releases in 2026 (four, if the rumored Dead Rising 5 gets announced), Pragmata seems due for a release date, especially after all the delays. But there’s actually a far more realistic reason why – it was recently rated by the GRAC in South Korea.

Death Stranding 2: On The Beach PC Port

Speaking of age ratings boards playing spoiler, Kojima Productions’ latest title is seemingly heading to PC, according to the ESRB (who rated it “M” for Mature 17+ – shocking, I know). Considering director Hideo Kojima’s long history with the awards (and friendship with host Geoff Keighley), this seems almost guaranteed for an announcement. When it will be released is a different matter, but given the original’s gap, an early 2026 launch isn’t impossible.

Resident Evil Requiem Reveals Leon

It has already been confirmed that Requiem will be showing up at the event. So what better way to finally reveal the long-rumored Leon S. Kennedy? Even if it keeps that surprise until the game’s release, it wouldn’t be surprising to see a new gameplay trailer with Leon in combat.

Onimusha: Way of the Sword Release Date Announcement

With Requiem due in February and Pragmata potentially in April/May of next year, why shouldn’t Miyamoto Musashi lay claim to July or August? Thus far, Capcom has showcased extensive gameplay, and it’s looked pretty well-polished, so the Summer window would be more due to spacing out its releases than anything else.

The Duskbloods

It’s The Game Awards. It’s FromSoftware. An announcement of some kind is almost guaranteed (at least going by the past several years). With The Duskbloods serving as its next major release, it would certainly make sense to see some new gameplay, maybe even a release window.

Jurassic Park Survival Update

While Saber Interactive has provided some recent updates, it’s been three years since this was announced (at The Game Awards, no less). Perhaps all those trailers were subtly leading to this big announcement at this year’s show. Maybe John Carpenter’s Toxic Commando gets shadow-dropped instead. Either way, we’ll find out where Jurassic Park stands in terms of its development progress.

Star Wars Jedi 3 or Knights of the Old Republic – Remake

Fresh off the Twitter feed from insider Kurakasis, a “big Star Wars announcement” is allegedly coming “very soon.” He even clarified that it’s not for Star Wars: Eclipse or Zero Company. What other titles would that leave aside from the next title in the Star Wars Jedi series or Saber Interactive’s long-delayed Knights of the Republic – Remake? Nothing says they can’t be announced before the show, but either is plausible.

Project: Robot

Can you believe it’s been five years since genDesign signed its publishing deal with Epic Games for its next title? This doesn’t mean Fumito Ueda’s Project: Robot, teased at last year’s show, has been in the works for that long, but The Last Guardian was released almost nine years ago. If it’s time for an update, then there’s no better place.

Clockwork Revolution

This one is interesting for several reasons, starting with the extensive gameplay reveal at this year’s Xbox Games Showcase. Tightly-paced, fairly well-polished – seems about right for a release in 2026, right? Microsoft’s crowded schedule would have you thinking otherwise, but the LinkedIn profile for Nathan Long, who worked as a senior writer and narrative designer, lists it for next year. Given he was involved as of last October, perhaps there’s a chance, however slim, that we see it at the show (and a release date announcement wouldn’t hurt either).

Crimson Desert

While not officially confirmed as of now, the open-world action RPG seems like a no-brainer to appear. A new gameplay trailer, is possible. Since it’s a regular at Keighley’s shows and is only a few months away, there’s no reason for the developer not to get the marketing train rolling.

Silent Hill 2: Born from a Wish Announcement

Silent Hill 2 remake is now on Xbox Series X/S, and Return to Silent Hill is on track for next month. Surely this is the time that Bloober Team reveals the long-rumored Born from a Wish DLC, as insider Dusk Golem has claimed for some time…right? It’s honestly hard to say at this point, given the sheer number of times it hasn’t happened, but we’re still holding out hope.

Whatever That Statue is

By now, Bloomberg’s Jason Schreier has confirmed that this mysterious status isn’t related to Diablo 4’s next expansion or The Elder Scrolls 6. So, unless Gordon Freeman ventures to a strange, medieval fantasy-like dimension in Half-Life 3, or Hasbro announces Baldur’s Gate 4, or FromSoft announces Elden Ring 2, it’s anyone’s guess what this could be.

Possible Appearances

Silent Hill 1 remake may seem like a long shot, but if rumors about development starting about three years ago are true, it wouldn’t be surprising to see a teaser. Silent Hill: Townfall may also finally emerge from the fog to announce a release date, especially after a retailer listing indicated a launch in March.

Clockwork Revolution may not be the only title that Microsoft brings to the show. It may very well have something Fable-related, if only to assuage concerns about its progress. Gears of War: E-Day is probably a safer bet, since we’ve seen nothing on it since June 2024, but Microsoft could be saving that for its next Developer_Direct. There’s always that rumored Starfield PS5 port and the second expansion, especially given recent teases for the latter.

It wouldn’t be surprising to see 007 First Light receive some stunning new gameplay (again, it’s only a few months out from release), but otherwise, the rest of the show is really anyone’s guess. What do you think could appear? Sound off in the comments.

According to the insider, development for The Duskbloods had been greenlit internally at FromSoftware quite some time ago; even before it started marketing for 2019’s Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. All of this development time has been utilised to create what is apparently “many innovative elements” in the PvPvE gameplay that the team itself is proud of.

“From what I know, The Duskbloods was greenlit even earlier than the marketing period for Sekiro’s release,” said the insider. “It is the FromSoftware title that has spent the longest time purely on gameplay prototyping and validation among all of their games so far. Although it’s PVE and PVP, it reportedly contains many innovative elements that the team themselves are very proud of.”

As for FromSoftware’s overall silence about the title, the studio has reportedly been waiting until it has released the first planned expansion for Elden Ring: Nightreign – The Forsaken Hollows before it starts the marketing for The Duskbloods. Since the expansion is slated for release on December 4, this would indicate that the upcoming The Game Awards 2025 would be a major enough event for FromSoftware to release a new trailer for The Duskbloods.

The Duskbloods was first unveiled all the way back in April alongside the Nintendo Switch 2. The title will be multiplayer-only, throwing 8 players into a PvPvE zone that encourages them to take on AI-controlled enemies as well as each other. According to the studio’s official description, its combat will largely revolve around melee weapons, though there will be other tools available.

FromSoftware has also confirmed that The Duskbloods will offer more than 12 different playable characters, each equipped with their own preferred style of weapons and unique abilities that change how the game is played in fundamental ways. These include changes to even basic character abilities like sprinting and double jumping, which the studio has noted are complemented by each character’s own weapons and abilities.

“The Bloodsworn possess superhuman abilities thanks to special blood, so their actions are more dramatic than anything seen in our previous titles. Even basic character actions in this game, such as sprinting, super jump, and double jump, are designed to be dynamic and stress-free and are complemented by each character’s unique weapons and abilities, allowing for a wide range of creativity.”

In the meantime, Elden Ring: Nightreign – The Forsaken Hollows is bringing with it two new playable characters, a couple of new boss fights, along with a brand new Shifting Earth effect dubbed The Great Hollow. For more details, check out the gameplay reveal trailer from earlier this month.

The report also notes that that FMC is a multiplatform project, and that its development is in advanced enough of a stage where the title could even come out next year. It is also worth noting that the fact that it is a multiplatform game is what differentiates it from The Duskbloods, which is coming exclusively to the Switch 2.

Going by the codenames of previous projects in FromSoftware’s history, those starting with the letter F have historically been either games in the Dark Souls series, or the Armored Core series. The FMC codename could mean that FromSoftware is either reviving the Dark Souls series in some form—despite Dark Souls 3 and its DLCs providing a fairly definitive ending to that series—or something new for Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon.

While Armored Core 6 is still a relatively recent title having come out just a couple of years ago, the franchise has traditionally seen follow-up games shortly after the release of a mainline numbered sequel. For example, 2006’s Armored Core 4 got Armored Core: For Answer in 2008. Armored Core 5 from 2012, similarly got Armored Core: Verdict Day in 2013. This tradition would indicate that we might get a similar follow-up to Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon.

When it comes to Dark Souls, series creator Hidetaka Miyazaki has previously established that he wasn’t interested in revisiting the franchise. If project FMC doesn’t turn out to be an Armored Core 6 follow-up, it could potentially be a remaster or remake of Dark Souls 2 or 3. With Gamescom being just over the horizon, we might end up seeing a new announcement by FromSoftware quite soon.

As for some of the other games that FromSoftware has worked on, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice used the NTCG and NTC codenames, while Bloodborne used SPRJ, and Elden Ring used GR. Interestingly, these codenames would also indicate that Elden Ring: Nightreign might not internally be considered a part of the overall Elden Ring franchise, since it got CL as its codename.

In the meantime, Elden Ring: Nightreign has been a major experiment for FromSoftware since the studio hasn’t previously worked on a game that was designed from the ground-up to be multiplayer. Leading up to its release, director Junya Ishizaki spoke about how the studio is looking at how players react to Nightreign to figure out things for The Duskbloods as well. In an interview, Ishizaki said Nightreign is “going to tell us how players feel about this kind of game and this kind of new challenge for us.”

Elden Ring: Nightreign is available on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S. For more details, check out our review.

Ishizaki said that he “really couldn’t say,” whether the studio’s new style of games – those focused on multiplayer – will pan out in the long term. However, he does believe that, thanks to Elden Ring: Nightreign, FromSoftware will at least understand how players feel about it. Nightreign, said Ishizaki, is “going to tell us how players feel about this kind of game and this kind of new challenge for us.”

He also spoke about the overall flow that Nightreign represents when it comes to gameplay, describing it as emotional peaks and troughs since the title offers a faster-paced take on the gameplay we last saw in Elden Ring. According to Ishizaki, the game design behind these peaks and troughs “was a big part of what sets [Nightreign] apart from Elden Ring.” The faster pace of gameplay is said to have “a sort of sporty feel to it, almost a bit of a rough and loosened and fast tempo to it.”

“This is a condensed RPG,” said Ishizaki. “There’s a short time-span in which a lot of exhilarating and dramatic events can happen. We wanted this to be the focus of Nightreign, to create these dramatic and dynamic play sessions, and to have all of these emotions and these peaks and troughs occur during any one single session. This was a challenge for us to make in this short time-span […] but we hope that users will appreciate this new challenge and appreciate this new game flow.”

Former PlayStation executive Shuhei Yoshida has also commented on FromSoftware’s new multiplayer-centric approach to making games. Back when The Duskbloods was first unveiled, he said that the game offers a challenge for the studio. Yoshida also believes that, since director Hidetaka Miyazaki isn’t a fan of PvP gameplay, The Duskbloods might offer a more accessible take on the genre.

“I think it’s a new challenge for [FromSoftware], to design game for multiplayer,” said Yoshida. “Miyazaki-san [isn’t] necessarily a big fan of PvP games, so [FromSoftware] will try to make it more accommodating for the people who are kind of intimidated to play the PvP game.”

As for Elden Ring: Nightreign, the game is slated for release this week, and will be coming to PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S. Leading up to the release, FromSoftware has released a few trailers, including one featuring the song Bring Me to Life by 2000’s band Evanescence. Another trailer showcased one of the title’s playable characters – the Revenant – and her various summon-based abilities that revolve around turning dead enemies into Spirits that can help her in future fights.

For more details about Elden Ring: Nightreign, check out our review, where we gave it a score of 8 out of 10.

Speaking to Easy Allies in a recent podcast, Yoshida said that, since director Hidetaka Miyazaki isn’t typically a fan of PvP gameplay, The Duskbloods especially offers a challenge for the studio. He also believes that, owing to Miyazaki’s own thoughts on PvP, The Duskbloods might end up designed as a more inviting game for players that usually avoid PvP titles.

“I think it’s a new challenge for [FromSoftware], to design game for multiplayer,” said Yoshida. “Miyazaki-san [isn’t] necessarily a big fan of PvP games, so [FromSoftware] will try to make it more accommodating for the people who are kind of intimidated to play the PvP game.”

Yoshida also brings up that he himself doesn’t tend to do too well when playing PvP games like shooters. In turn, a game like The Duskbloods is quite exciting for him because it might be designed in a way as to make its PvPvE gameplay more accessible to players that otherwise struggle with competing against other players.

“I’m not a good FPS player, either, so I don’t play these competitive games,” said Yoshida. “[The Duskbloods], coming from FromSoftware with the design sensibility to accommodate people like me – I’m very excited.”

The Duskbloods was unveiled during Nintendo’s Switch 2 Direct earlier this month. It will be session-based PvPvE multiplayer title where players pick various characters depending on their abilities and set out into the world to take on AI-controlled enemies as well as potentially other players. Each match will involve up to 8 players.

As for its playable characters, quite a few of them were shown off in the announcement trailer, each with their own special abilities, as well as specialised weapons. Some characters also get advanced movement options, with one being shown using a jetpack in the trailer. At launch, the game will feature more than 12 playable characters.

Miyazaki has previously spoken about how each character will also help players define a role for themselves throughout a match.

“In online play, roles give players special responsibilities and objectives that often lead to unique interactions and relationships between players based on their corresponding roles,” explained Miyazaki. “It may reflect my own interests a bit. It might seem a little unorthodox at first, but I hope players will give it a try.”

A trademark filing discovered earlier this month also revealed that FromSoftware owns the IP for The Duskbloods. This means that, unlike with games like Bloodborne, the studio will have full control over the future of the game. This also helps FromSoftware avoid issues that the Bayonetta franchise is facing, with its sequels being exclusive to Nintendo platforms rather than getting a wider audience with a multiplatform release. We could also potentially see The Duskbloods eventually come to more platforms.

The Duskbloods is in development exclusively for the Nintendo Switch 2, and is slated for launch in 2026.