The year has only just begun, but many outstanding video games are already confirmed for release in the coming months — and not just Grand Theft Auto VI. From the graphical prowess of PC titles to the convenient portability of Nintendo’s Switch and Switch 2 family, there’s a lot to look forward to between now and the end of the year. Eager to see what’s on the way? Peruse PCMag’s 2026 video game calendar, where I highlight each month’s most exceptional releases. It’s early in the year, so some months are notably sparse. However, they’ll be filled out in future story updates as new announcements happen. Get your wishlists ready.
In Pathologic 3, you play as the Bachelor, a traveling doctor who aids a plague-ridden town. Unravel the mystery behind the bizarre sickness, manage your resources, and make critical patient diagnoses in this narrative-driven, survival-horror title.
If you skipped this adorable cozy game when it hit the original Nintendo Switch, or simply long to return to the cutesy world, the Nintendo Switch 2 version arrives this year. The enhanced Animal Crossing: New Horizons features 4K graphics, improved loading times, and mouse controls. If you own the original release, an upgrade pack will be available on launch day for $4.99.
In this Metroid-style platformer, you play as an amnesiac android onboard a derelict spaceship. The mission? Restore the ship and revive your lost memories by exploring the vast, interconnected ark and mastering new abilities.
Arknights: Endfield combines action and strategy elements for a twist on the typical, open-world gacha RPG. You control a single character at a time, but your entire party fights alongside you on the field, and you can swap between them at any time. Surprisingly, factory management is a core gameplay pillar. With it, you place mining rigs and gathering stations on the field, connect them to processors and refineries, and create useful gear and materials for your adventure.
The expanded and enhanced version of Final Fantasy VII Remake makes the jump to Nintendo Switch 2 and Xbox Series X/S. It reimagines the original Final Fantasy VII’s first arc using real-time and turn-based combat, as well as a side story featuring Yuffie, the ninja-thief. If you love Final Fantasy VII, this is your game.
Test your mettle against a silent and unforgiving mountain in this unique, physics-based mountaineering game. Study the rockface, independently control each of your character’s limbs, and master the climb in an experience surprisingly reminiscent of QWOP. You can read our Cairn impressions here.
In the mood for frights early in the year? Check out this vampire-riddled action-RPG. Code Vein II delivers more methodical Souls-like combat, new weapons to master, and even greater narrative stakes as soldiers across the globe transform into abominations under the influence of a new threat.
Want to revisit a classic RPG? This ground-up remake of Dragon Quest VII: Fragments of the Forgotten Past features a hand-crafted, diorama-style aesthetic, fully voice-acted dialogue, a streamlined story, and rebalanced gameplay.
The third chapter in Team Ninja’s action-RPG series follows a young warrior on a path to become Shogun. Nioh 3 introduces an ambitious open-world setting and a dual combat system that lets you shift between the classic samurai fighting style and a new ninja style.
Mario returns to the tennis court for his first original sports game on Nintendo Switch 2. Mario Tennis Fever aims to enhance the prior entries’ fighting game-esque mechanics with meters to manage, offensive and defensive options, and Fever Rackets with unique abilities for customizing your playstyle. Compete online or hone your skills in the adventure mode.
This dual-game collection features a complete remake of Yakuza 3, with new combat and graphics that have been overhauled to fit with the Kiwami series’ modern action and style. It also comes with Dark Ties, a new prequel campaign.
This is the newest horror game from Tarsier Studios, the creators of the Little Nightmare series. In it, two siblings solve puzzles and cooperate to save their missing friends trapped within a hellish, monster-haunted island.
Styx, the titular goblin assassin, returns for a third stealth-action outing. You sneak through expansive environments, including dark fantasy-style cities and soaring airships, on your quest to snatch a magical resource called Quartz.
Like Ys X: Nordics? Proud Nordics is the game’s definitive edition. In the upcoming RPG, you play as series protagonist Adol Christin, as he explores the fantastical Obelia Gulf. Explore islands, engage in naval combat, and battle undying monsters called Griegr in energetic combat.
Burn rubber in a futuristic Japan with Tokyo Xtreme Racer, which pits you against a rival driver in a 1-on-1 race. The racing game features more than 200 rival drivers, a vast, interconnected city, and rich vehicle customization, including licensed Japanese models.
Return to Racoon City’s ruins 30 years after the events of Resident Evil 2. Requiem features a dual-protagonist structure, where you control the combat-proficient series veteran Leon Kennedy and the green Grace Ashcroft. Check out our Resident Evil Requiem impressions for more details.
In this remastered action-RPG, you play as Velvet Crowe, a vengeful warrior seeking retribution against the man who betrayed her and her family. Assemble a cast of eccentric heroes, vanquish monsters in combo-heavy combat, and sate your revenge.
Establish a thriving paradise for your Pokémon in this charming life-simulation game. Build habitats and furnishings, learn moves from new Pokémon friends, and reshape the world into your ideal utopia.
In this horror game, you play as sisters Mio and Mayu as they attempt to escape a haunted village. Use the iconic Camera Obscura to photograph and seal ghosts away, allowing the siblings to stay alive.
Grab our guns, gather your pals, and take on the Sludge God and its hordes of undead abominations. The upcoming shooter features four-player online co-op, with cross-platform support.
Become a Rider, tame classic Monster Hunter beasts, and battle in turn-based RPG combat in this third installment of Capcom’s RPG series.
From the developers of Black Desert Online, this single-player action game takes you to a vast and dynamic world packed with dangerous human foes and mythical monsters. You control Kliff, a veteran mercenary seeking to reunite his scattered comrades after a devastating betrayal.
This is a modernized version of the 2001 one-man-army action classic, Dynasty Warriors 3, as well as its expansion, Xtreme Legends. Dynasty Warriors 3: Complete Edition Remastered has been rebuilt using Unreal Engine 5, featuring reworked character models and significantly enhanced graphics.
This eye-catching, cartoon-like shooter transports you to Mouseburg, a dark and corrupt city plagued by organized crime and political corruption. You play as private investigator Jack Pepper and blast your way through the city’s criminal underground as you attempt to solve a missing persons case.
A mix of puzzle solving and shooting action, Pragmata tasks you with fighting your way out of a robot-infested space station with the help of a young android girl. Check out our hands on impressions of the Pragmata demo.
Embrace heroic brutality in this gory, combo-heavy, 3-vs.-3 fighting game set in the Invincible universe. The roster includes Invincible, of course, but also Atom Eve, Omni-Man, and Ella Mental (an original character).
Investigate the shape-shifting alien planet Carcosa, where every death you suffer changes the world. A spiritual follow-up to AAA roguelike Returnal, you retain resources and upgrades after death, making subsequent attempts a little easier as you navigate and blast your way through the harsh, alien-infested world.
Follow a young and brash James Bond on his first, high-stakes mission. First Light lets you tackle missions however you like, accommodating stealth and action playstyles throughout its globetrotting adventure.
Dive into the world of Batman and follow Bruce Wayne’s journey, from his training with the League of Shadows to his role as Gotham’s Dark Knight. This Lego title delivers gameplay inspired by the classic Arkham series and features a massive open-world city. Check out our preview for Legacy of the Dark Knight impressions.
Soul, an elite assassin, is framed for the murder of his order’s patriarch, and he only has 66 days to uncover the truth. Enjoy rich, swordplay-focused combat in this fresh action-RPG.
Return to Vice City in Grand Theft Auto VI, where you play as Jason and Lucia, a criminal duo. Lose yourself within the massive open world, play mini-games, and, of course, break the law by pulling off heists.
The next mainline entry in the long-running dogfighting series, Wings of Theve tasks you with defending the federation against the invading Republic of Sotoa.
This free-to-play creature-catching game challenges you to collect, train, and evolve magical creatures called Aniimo. Bond and even fuse with your Aniimo, and use their powers to explore the world and challenge tougher enemies.
Game Freak has numerous titles under its belt, though Pokémon is its most recognizable. That may change with Beast of Reincarnation, a visually impressive action-RPG scheduled for sometime in 2026. You play as an outcast monster hunter in post-apocalyptic Japan. Navigate a dark and dynamic world, and master blocking, dodging, and parrying to stay alive.
Challenge ferocious monsters and competing players in The Duskbloods. Up to eight players can battle in this PvPvE action game that’s set in a gothic, vampire-riddled world.
This classic RPG series gets rebooted this year, delivering a fantasy-inspired adventure set in the dark and whimsical world of Albion.
Nintendo’s flagship strategy-RPG returns in 2026 with Fire Emblem: Fortune Weave. The debut trailer teases tactical skirmishes both in the field and within Colosseum-style gladiator arenas. Characters from the fan-favorite series entry Three Houses are also set to reappear.
Take part in the Horizon racing festival, which takes you to a dynamic, open-world Japan. Race across the neon streets of Tokyo, the rural roads of Mt. Fuji, and the numerous landscapes in between.
Set 100 years after the 2023 reboot, Lords of the Fallen II adds faster movement, visceral finishers, and a richer catalog of enemies to face. It also features full co-op progression, letting you enjoy the campaign with friends from start to finish.
Developer Arc System Works takes a stab at a Marvel fighting game with Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls. Its bold, anime-inspired art style makes it visually distinctive from competing titles, but the 4v4 tag action takes the brawls to another level.
Shred enemies to ribbons with your adamantium claws in Marvel’s Wolverine, the newest action game from Insomniac Games.
With Way of the Sword, the Onimusha series returns to its roots. Master swordplay and the powerful Issen counterattack to defeat the demonic Genma.
Legacy of Atlantis is an Unreal Engine 5-powered remake of the original Tomb Raider. Explore and shoot your way across the planet as you search for an ancient Atlantean relic called the Scion.
