This comes courtesy of @RaidersSociety, which previously leaked the game’s existence days before its announcement at TGA 2025. It’s also classifying this news as a rumor since it can’t name sources, so keep that in mind.

While it may seem disappointing, it makes sense considering Grand Theft Auto 6 launches on November 19th. Legacy of Atlantis could launch before that, but it has to contend with other heavy hitters. Marvel’s Wolverine on September 15th, Fable in the Fall, Halo: Campaign Evolved allegedly releasing this Summer – and that’s before accounting for Gears of War: E-Day, the next Call of Duty, and so on.

Some breathing room wouldn’t be too bad, even if Tomb Raider: Catalyst, which takes place years after Underworld, is scheduled for the same year. Since the game wants to be a “love letter by fans, for fans,” some additional time for polish wouldn’t be too bad.

Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis and Catalyst will be available for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC.

The news follows at least three different instances of layoffs over the course of last year, which could be worrying news for Tomb Raider fans, since there are two major projects in the franchise currently in development at the studio. However, it remains optimistic about its chances and is seemingly going full steam ahead towards its release schedule.

“We know that news like this can cause concern amongst our community. Crystal Dynamics remains fully committed to the future development of our already announced Tomb Raider titles…Today, however, our priority is supporting our colleagues who are moving on,” it said on LinkedIn.

The two games in question are Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis, a remake of the 1996 classic, and Tomb Raider: Catalyst, a brand-new adventure slated to be quite welcoming to franchise newbies while having enough to keep its veterans engaged. They’re highly anticipated, and rightly so, especially since the last entry, Shadows of the Tomb Raider, was in 2018.

It’s been quite a troubled time for the studio recently, but here’s to hoping that it can shake off those troubles and give us a new Tomb Raider experience that brings back the glory days of the franchise. Catalyst is out next year, but Legacy of Atlantis will launch in 2026 for PS5, Xbox Series X/S and PC.

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.

Mouse: PI for Hire

If you ever played Cuphead and ever wanted a rubberhose animation-style first-person shooter, Mouse: PI for Hire may very well be it. Set in Mouseburg (naturally), you control PI Jack Pepper as he exposes a deep-rooted conspiracy. With a wide variety of weapons, including chainsaws and freeze, it’s looking to be a real swell time when it launches on March 19th for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, Xbox One, Switch, and PC.

007 First Light

Few 007 titles and media have ever explored the origins of the superspy, but IO Interactive is going about it the right way. With a mix of classic gadgets, gorgeous sandboxes that encourage creative solutions, and a more impulsive James Bond, 007 First Light has all the tools to provide a fantastic action-adventure. It’s out on March 27th for current-gen consoles and PC.

No Law

From isometric cyberpunk twin-stick shooting to, well, first-person cyberpunk shooting, Neon Giant’s next game is certainly unexpected. Set in Port Desire, a more condensed open world, it’s a non-linear story about Grey Harker and his past mistakes returning to haunt him. How you solve those dilemmas is completely up to you, which is music to my Dishonored-loving ears. Here’s hoping the execution in No Law is as brilliant.

Phantom Blade Zero

Of course, you can’t have just one John Wick-esque journey. Cue S-Game’s Phantom Blade Zero, whose protagonist faces off against numerous assassins while clinging to life. While focusing more on fast-paced combat with multiple weapon types and brutal enemies, the world is littered with secrets, to the extent that you might not see everything on the first playthrough. Style and substance should be a winning formula indeed when it launches on September 9th for PS5 and PC.

Control Resonant

Remedy kind of spoiled us on the sequel, venturing beyond the confines of The Oldest House into something much bigger, but none of us expected a sequel like this. Battling through the streets and skies of Manhattan as Dylan, Jesse’s brother, wielding dual blades and heavy weapons alongside telekinesis and other powers – it feels almost like a dark fantasy, albeit through a paranatural lens. Control Resonant will hopefully channel that into something more, and we can’t wait to see the studio’s creativity truly unleashed.

The Sinking City 2

Frogwares’ return to the flooded city of Arkham, tackling eldritch horrors and attempting to survive with our sanity intact, is one that we’ve been waiting a long time for. The original showed promise, but The Sinking City 2 looks to expand on that, both graphically and in terms of far-reaching consequences. And let’s be honest – with Cthulhu, who doesn’t want to see how badly things can go? With a release sometime in the first half of 2026, it’s not long now.

Nioh 3

Be Tokugawa Takechiyo. Be next in line to become shogun, until your power-hungry sibling can’t take it, embroiling Japan in a massive Crucible. Venture back in time to various eras, even the Bakumatsu, for the first time in the series, and attempt to set things right. All in a day’s work for those who stand against the Yokai and with a massive scale, new weapons, revamped exploration, and more, Nioh 3 could be Team Ninja’s best yet (at least it seems to think so). Launching on February 6th for PS5 and PC, we’ll find out for ourselves soon enough.

Order of the Sinking Star

Braid Anniversary Edition may have underwhelmed commercially, but Jonathan Blow is back at it again, this time venturing back to the puzzling well. Much like The Witness, you’ll solve numerous puzzles, but spread across four worlds with various characters that intertwine in intriguing ways. With over 1000 in total, the Order of the Sinking Star is beyond ambitious and could serve as another instant classic.

Gears of War: E-Day

After what feels like years of being left on the hook, Gears of War returns with a familiar duo – Marcus Fenix and Dominic Santiago. No, we haven’t fallen into an alternative universe – instead, it’s a prequel, set during the Emergence War right as it began. If you’ve ever sought a return to a more linear campaign, then E-Day may very well fuel that desire and even cater to those who enjoyed the first game’s horror. We’re certainly ready to learn more.

Halo: Campaign Evolved

Master Chief is back in yet another revisitation of the first-person shooter that started it all. Skepticism aside, there’s plenty of reason to be excited, from the inclusion of later-game weapons to the addition of four-player co-op. And if sprint isn’t your cup of tea, just switch it off. Combine all this with the new prologue missions and cross-play, and Campaign Evolved could be the clean slate that the series needs.

Planet of Lana 2: Children of the Leaf

After everything that happened in the first game, you would think that Lana and Mui are due for a break. For better or worse, the sequel sees the duo delving deeper into Novo, unearthing new abilities and secrets while contending with a mysterious new threat. As an evolution of the original’s environmental storytelling and platforming, Planet of Lana 2 feels like a significant leap in every way.

The Blood of Dawnwalker

When vampires take over Vale Sangora, enslaving the local population, Coen is left with 30 days to save his family. As a half-vampire, however, he’s afforded some unique advantages, harnessing magic as a human by day and incredible strength as a vampire by night. Which affords more advantages, depending on the situation? What route will you take to dismantle the vampire’s hierarchy? The choice is yours, though care is necessary when deciding when to advance time. The Blood of Dawnwalker still doesn’t have a release date, but it’s out in 2026 for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC.

Fatal Frame 2: Crimson Butterfly Remake

At long last, Koei Tecmo is remaking perhaps the best game in the Fatal Frame series – Fatal Frame 2: Crimson Butterfly. Releasing on March 12th, it offers more than just revamped visuals. There are new areas, side stories, Camera Obscura features, and even the “Holding Hands with Mayu” mechanic, which surely won’t be required for a brand new ending. Surely.

Pragmata

Fighting killer robots is tough enough when your bullets won’t even penetrate their armor – try doing it while simultaneously hacking their defenses. As unwieldy as that sounds, Pragmata just feels right, as Hugh teams with the android Diana to navigate a hostile Lunar base. The developer has remained tight-lipped on many things, but thus far, its gameplay loop has proven compelling in its own right. With a launch finally set for April 30th, we’ll see if it can carry the entire gorgeous experience.

Resident Evil Requiem

A requiem for the dead. An examination of the truth behind the Racoon City Incident. Old faces and new, working together to survive a new nightmare. If previous Resident Evil games felt like a big deal, then Requiem seems like the end of an era. That said, with a choice between first and third perspectives, the intertwining of survival and action horror, and more, it’s going to be one that fans never forget upon launching on February 27th.

Onimusha: Way of the Sword

Meanwhile, another long-running IP gets a new lease on life. Onimusha: Way of the Sword is straightforward enough – traverse Kyoto, cut down the Genma, and don’t die. But it’s from the perspective of the legendary Miyamoto Musashi, who’s armed with an Oni Gauntlet and must contend with his rival Sasaki Ganryu. Based on gameplay thus far, it’s shaping up into an incredible action-adventure – now all we need is a release date.

Saros

Minor delays aside, Housemarque’s next title is shaping up to be a dark horse just like Returnal. I’ve always sought a deeper challenge in this third-person shooter/bullet hell framework, and by leaning more into rogue-lite mechanics and progression, Saros looks even more enticing. Not to discount the bosses and other challenges, of course – if the story ends with fighting an actual eclipse, then it’s worth the price of admission.

Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve

The Wings of Theve will fly once more, as players return to the world of Strangereal to liberate the Federation of Usea. Promising the same epic campaign as its predecessors, Ace Combat 8 features stunning visuals and high-octane aerial combat when it releases later this year.

Styx Blades of Greed

The Green Plague returns, this time to pull off the heist – or heists – to end all heists. Working with the Black Hand in his own zeppelin, Styx utilizes the power of Quartz to manipulate space and time to his benefit. There are three massive environments to explore, each unlocking new areas as you gain more tools, and overall, it looks like a major step up from Shards of Darkness.

Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis

Speaking of returns, the legendary Lara Croft once again enters the action-adventure spotlight with Legacy of Atlantis, a Unreal Engine 5 reimagining of the original. Between all the familiar areas (and dinos), it also offers modernized gameplay and revamped controls, but Crystal Dynamics is keen on respecting the original’s legacy, which should be good news for purists.

Ontos

Count on Frictional Games to deliver a horror experience that’s completely unlike anything else out there. As a spiritual successor to the similarly mind-bending Soma, Ontos takes place in a moon hotel, where you partake in experiments as Aditi to find her father. Reality, for all intents and purposes, isn’t what it seems and who knows what secrets this labyrinth holds (which only makes it all the more enticing).

Fable

With the next Xbox Developer_Direct due in January, there’s no time like the fast-approaching present for Playground Games to showcase Fable. And not just a cute trailer with celebrities or a modern interpretation of a classic story – we’re talking raw gameplay. Considering the pedigree of those involved, Fable could live up to its lofty aspirations, but for now, we need to see more, especially when it’s out in 2026.

LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight

Say what you will about Gotham City, but the legend of Batman, as he fights crime and struggles with his morality, remains as timeless as ever. Of course, TT Games is going for a more lighthearted touch with its sequel, packing in humor galore while still paying homage to the Batman’s legacy. With multiple playable characters and a massive playground, Legacy of the Dark Knight is shaping up to be an incredible tribute when it launches on May 29th.

Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection

A catastrophe in a fantastical world that somehow involves a Rathalos – where have we heard this before? Beyond the promise of an epic adventure, Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection is also venturing into new directions with raising monsties. You can now fight off invasive monsters, retrieve endangered eggs, hatch them and reintroduce them into the wild to restore a habitat. Which is a nice ecological message, but it also nets a sick fire-wielding Zinogre, among other mutations, and that’s what really matters.

Beast of Reincarnation

A triple-A game from Game Freak, known for the Pokémon series, sounds…odd, if nothing else. It involves a human named Emma and her dog Koo working together to save humanity in a post-apocalyptic future. Between majestic creatures, bizarre enemies, a beautiful depiction of Japan’s wilderness and extensive violence, you have to wonder whether this is the same developer. Regardless, it should be worth the wait.

Marvel’s Wolverine

When talking about violence – and lots of it – Insomniac speaks to us on a primal level with Marvel’s Wolverine. Every aspect of that berserker fantasy is preserved in this original story, as Logan seeks the key to his past, even if he might not like the answers. There’s more to learn, but really, we’re way past sold based on the dismemberment alone.

Grand Theft Auto 6

By now, we’ve covered the sheer agony of delays that Rockstar’s sequel has inspired, not to mention everything we’d like to see. The crazy thing is that despite the hype and every detail in its last trailer, it still feels we haven’t truly seen the core of Grand Theft Auto 6, much less its gameplay. With a release date of November 19th, which hopefully won’t change any time soon, there’s plenty of time to learn more. Let’s hope it’s sooner rather than later.

Ikuma – The Frozen Compass

From Lost Ember developer Mooneye Studios comes a new adventure about survival in the Arctic. As Sam and his dog Ellie, you’ll traverse the harsh environment, climbing and foraging for resources to survive while seeking a way back home, even as something strange lurks beyond the ice and snow. Beyond the gorgeous aesthetic, Ikuma – The Frozen Compass could be a uniquely emotional journey.

Cairn

If you’re looking for a different but still harrowing survival narrative experience, look no further than Cairn. The Game Bakers’ latest focuses on Aava, who seeks to scale Mount Kami, perhaps becoming the first to ever do it. While the path is littered with good intentions, it’s also fraught with danger (and that’s before you decide to try and climb at night). Still, with the ability to climb anywhere and find your own path, Cairn isn’t messing around and could end up as the premier climbing title.

Yakuza Kiwami 3 and Dark Ties

The Yakuza series is no stranger to deep side activities that will occupy you for hours. So how about managing an orphanage, participating in unique bonding events, and even raising your Daddy Rank (seriously)? If that sounds a little too cutesy, don’t worry – Yoshitaka Mine’s story, as told through Dark Ties, offers Kanda Damage Control, where you fulfil requests, complete challenges (including combat), and ascend past the ranks of trash. Between all this and their deeply involving narratives, there’s little reason not to delve into Yakuza Kiwami 3 and Dark Ties when it launches on February 12th.

Code Vein 2

What’s the end of the world between blood-sucking, dungeon-crawling, and friends? Unlike the first game, Code Vein 2 is about hopping through time, meeting various important figures, and hopefully stopping the apocalypse. The lack of online co-op is a bummer, but at least the robust character creator is back, while build variety is freer than ever. With bigger foes, bosses, and stakes, Code Vein 2 should offer a more impactful experience when it launches on January 30th.

Gothic 1 Remake

The original “Explore a Eurojank world without any hand-holding and try to survive”, but this time with improved visuals. Everything about the original remains unchanged; however, as you navigate the Colony in whatever manner you wish. Choose a faction, become a hero, interact with NPCs – whatever you desire across a 50-hour journey when Gothic 1 Remake launches in Q1 2026.

Valor Mortis

“All men must die”, says Valar Morghulis, but not you. Instead, Ghostrunner developer One More Level wants you to show courage in the face of death, especially after you’ve been brought back to life and must battle against plague-ridden foes. As a first-person Souls-like with responsive melee combat, Valor Mortis is shaping up pretty well, and we can’t wait to see how far the horror-filled rabbit hole goes.

Decrepit

Of course, if you want something even darker, there’s Decrepit, which offers an even simpler goal: Escape a castle teeming with danger. There’s a rogue-lite loop where getting caught means starting over, but beyond the Souls-like combat, the emphasis is on learning more about the world, uncovering secrets like permanent upgrades, harnessing equipment to suit your playstyle, and so on. It’s intriguing, and complements Valor Mortis in several ways.

Forza Horizon 6

If the millions and millions of players throughout the years didn’t clue you in, this franchise is unstoppable, and Forza Horizon 6 could be the best yet. New cars and a bigger map, spreading from Tokyo to the area around Mt Fuji, is a given, but Playground cramming it with activities to make it the “most full” yet is intriguing. With rumors claiming a release in the first half of 2026, Xbox Series X/S and PC won’t have to wait long to go hands-on.

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.

Amos described Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis as being a great way to celebrate the upcoming 30th anniversary of the franchise, since the first game came out all the way back in 1996. He also noted that the game will still honor the design decisions that were made by the original’s development team—Core Design. To achieve this, the game is being developed through Unreal Engine 5, and will feature improvements to fix the things that were criticized in the original.

“Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis is a love letter by fans, all of us, for fans,” he said. “Looking at the opportunity we had with this, we knew the 30th anniversary was coming up and wanted to do something special to both celebrate that moment, but still pay an honor to all of Core Design’s original DNA and intent from this amazing title that launched the franchise. That is literally the debut title that’s set up for what we’re doing now, 30 years later, as part of Tomb Raider.”

“So being able to have the entire game built from scratch in Unreal 5 is why we call this a reimagining. We’ve taken all of those things that were critical from that first game, and then said, what can we do to push it through a modern-day gamer’s lens and say, this is how we can take areas that might have been a background image in the old game, now completely realized in full 3D.”

As part of these modernisation efforts, Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis will also feature modern controls and gameplay, while still including some of the more iconic moments from the original, like “when you got to fight a T.Rex in the original game.” These moments have been “reimagined today for an epic action adventure moment that can create a new core memory for players who’ve never gotten to experience it as that first time”. As for long-time fans, Legacy of Atlantis will also be a way to “experience it as a first time again”.

As for whether it will be a faithful remake or a reimagining, Kerslake noted that it will honor the legacy of the original while modernising some aspects. The visuals are a major part of this, he noted, since Unreal Engine 5.30 represents 30 years’ worth of improvements being made in the graphics department. “30 years of technology have happened since 1996, so that’s not an easy thing to do, but ultimately our goal there is to make it feel like it felt when you played it the first time, but play like a modern game.” This also means that there will be some parts that will not be changed from the original.

“I mean, you’ve seen in the trailer what we can do now with modern technology to really push the experience of these places,” continued Kerslake. “You have certain memories, whether it was the bridge and falling into the wolf den or the T. rex, where you go like, ‘That’s what I totally remember from that game,’ and how can we create that same memory again for new players?”

Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis was announced with a trailer during The Game Awards 2025, and is coming to PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X/S in 2026. For more details, check out what the co-creator of the original Tomb Raider has to say about the announcement.

In a post, along with offering a pencil sketch of an Allosaurus, Douglas also noted that he would have preferred the series to explore new settings rather than going back to the ones we have already seen. He also alluded to the pressure that the developers of the original Tomb Raider had been under back in the 1990s when making the game with the tight-knit crew of six people.

“She’s back apparently,” wrote Douglas. “Personally I’d prefer exploring new lost worlds than another remake/remaster/reimagining of something we crafted under intense duress in the 90’s. Fingers crossed, eh.”

In another post, Douglas wrote more positively about both of the Tomb Raider games’ announcements. While he acknowledged the need for “another 90%+ [Tomb Raider]”, since the first one in the franchise is the only one to get over 90 on Metacritic, he also noted that the two titles both look visually stunning.

“There needs to be another 90%+ TR after all this time,” he wrote. “I’m quite looking forward to seeing both new games now. Visually they are stunning, something we only dreamed of 30 years ago. We will have to wait and see if the gameplay and resulting feelings of exploration and adventure are as good.”

Both Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis and Tomb Raider: Catalyst were both unveiled during The Game Awards 2025 with their own trailers. While Catalyst seems to represent the next big step for the franchise, Legacy of Atlantis is essentially a remake of the 1996 original.

Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis is being developed using Unreal Engine 5, and will seemingly see some changes made to its story to tie it into what has been referred to as the Unified Timeline, which is essentially an effort to re-establish the lore and continuity of the series.

As for Tomb Raider: Catalyst, game director Will Kerslake discussed the title’s story, and how it is set to take place after the events of 2008’s Tomb Raider: Underworld. In an interview, Kerslake also confirmed that the Tomb Raider reboot trilogy is also canon to the Unified Timeline, serving as protagonist Lara Croft’s origin story.

“What’s important to know is that this is a new chapter in Tomb Raider,” he said. “So whether you followed Lara from the start, or this is your first Tomb Raider game, Tomb Raider: Catalyst is designed to stand on its own as an adventure that can be enjoyed by everyone.”

Neither Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis nor Tomb Raider: Catalyst have release dates. Both titles are being developed for PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X/S, and while the former has a 2026 release window, the latter is slated for 2027.

Rawr! She's back apparently. Personally I'd prefer exploring new lost worlds than another remake/remaster/reimagining of something we crafted under intense duress in the 90's. Fingers crossed, eh.Dinosaurs will always be cool though…

— Paul Douglas (@cnhyv.bsky.social) 2025-12-11T12:07:16.317Z

There needs to be another 90%+ TR after all this time… I'm quite looking forward to seeing both new games now. Visually they are stunning, something we only dreamed of 30 years ago. We will have to wait and see if the gameplay and resulting feelings of exploration and adventure are as good.

— Paul Douglas (@cnhyv.bsky.social) 2025-12-14T19:45:36.761Z

In an era of some very successful remakes of contemporary classics, Legacy of Atlantis is more than just a fresh coat of paint on Lara’s debut adventure. Yes, the Unreal Engine 5-powered graphics give all of the environments showcased in the trailer a layer of realism and immersion that is sure to elevate its gameplay loop. But equally important is the fact that this one is slated to tie into the Unified Timeline, a new canon for the franchise aimed at establishing continuity over the many titles it has among its ranks.

While details are scarce about potential changes to the game’s story and exploration at this time, this is a title that could capitalize on the nostalgia of it all to draw in the franchise’s fans. Although the announcement trailer didn’t come with a concrete release date, Legacy of Atlantis is coming to PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S sometime in 2026.

Well, it seems all doubts have been erased as a trailer for the title had leaked. And lest you think this is AI-generated, Amazon Content Services LLC filed a copyright claim to take it down (though a mirror is available on Reddit). The next game in the series is published by Amazon, which noted in 2022 that it would be the most “expansive” entry yet.

Recent rumors suggest that the team behind Shadow of the Tomb Raider at Eidos Montreal is also working on the project and that it’s an open-world action-adventure. With the next Tomb Raider’s reveal coming up at The Game Awards today at 4:30 PM PST, we won’t have to wait long to find out, so stay tuned for more details.