The role-playing genre is entering one of its most exciting eras yet. After a string of landmark releases in recent years—Baldur’s Gate 3, Kingdom Come: Deliverance, Avowed, The Outer Worlds 2, and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, to name just a few—RPG fans are far from starved for choice. And if 2026 is anything to go by, the future of the genre looks brighter, deeper, and more ambitious than ever.
There are lots of exciting upcoming RPGs to look forward to in 2026 and beyond, spanning every corner of the genre. From sprawling Western fantasy epics and punishing action RPGs to cozy witch sims, tactical strategy games, and experimental horror-infused life sims, the diversity on display is remarkable. Long-dormant franchises are making triumphant returns, cult classics are being rebuilt from the ground up, and entirely new worlds are preparing to make their debut.
Whether you’re a diehard JRPG fan, an action-RPG veteran, or someone who loves losing themselves in rich stories and meaningful choices, 2026 is shaping up to be a defining year. Below, we’ve rounded up the biggest upcoming RPGs for 2026 and beyond, complete with platforms and release windows, so you can keep track of what deserves a spot on your wishlist.
January 2026: A Powerful Opening Act
The Legend of Heroes: Trails Beyond the Horizon
Release date: January 15, 2026
Platforms: PC, Switch, Switch 2, PS5, PS4
The Legend of Heroes series has long been cherished by JRPG fans for its meticulous worldbuilding, interconnected narratives, and character-driven storytelling. Trails Beyond the Horizon marks the 13th mainline entry in the Trails saga, and its long-awaited English release is a major moment for the franchise.
Set once again in the expansive continent of Zemuria, the game follows three protagonists whose stories intertwine across political intrigue, personal conflict, and large-scale threats. New mechanics, such as Shard Commands and Awakening abilities during field battles, add further strategic depth. While the sheer scale of the Trails series can feel intimidating, few franchises reward long-term investment as richly as this one.
Escape from Ever After
Release date: January 23, 2026
Platforms: PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Switch
One of the most charming and inventive upcoming RPGs of early 2026, Escape from Ever After blends turn-based combat, platforming, and satirical storytelling. Drawing clear inspiration from Paper Mario, the game takes place in a storybook world that has been overtaken by a profit-hungry real-world corporation.
You play as a hero climbing the corporate ladder while secretly organizing a rebellion from within. Its hand-crafted art style, whimsical tone, and surprising narrative bite make it stand out in a crowded release window. If you enjoy RPGs that don’t take themselves too seriously while still delivering solid mechanics, this one is well worth watching.
Code Vein 2
Release date: January 30, 2026
Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S
Bandai Namco’s gothic action RPG returns with Code Vein 2, kicking off the year with fast-paced combat and blood-soaked style. This sequel follows a Revenant hunter who travels to the past in an attempt to prevent an apocalyptic future.
Combat has been refined to emphasize quicker movement and more combo-heavy encounters, while the signature anime-inspired aesthetic remains intact. With its blend of Souls-like mechanics and vampiric flair, Code Vein 2 looks poised to satisfy fans craving a challenging, stylish action RPG.
February 2026: JRPG Royalty and Samurai Steel
Dragon Quest 7: Reimagined
Release date: February 5, 2026
Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, Switch 2
The wave of JRPG remasters continues with Dragon Quest 7: Reimagined. Often cited as one of the series’ most ambitious entries, this remake modernizes the classic while preserving its heart.
The story follows a young hero and their companions as they uncover the secrets of mysterious islands surrounding their homeland. With an extensive class system and narrative that slowly unfolds into something truly epic, this reimagined version makes one of the franchise’s longest adventures more approachable for modern audiences.
Nioh 3
Release date: February 6, 2026
Platform: PS5
Team Ninja’s brutal samurai RPG series returns with Nioh 3, continuing its blend of historical fiction, mythology, and punishing combat. This time, players step into the role of Tokugawa Takechiyo, battling Yokai and political threats alike in a turbulent version of Japan’s past.
Expect intricate combat systems, demanding boss fights, and deep character progression. For fans of skill-based action RPGs, Nioh 3 is shaping up to be one of 2026’s standout experiences.
Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties
Release date: February 11, 2026
Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch 2
Following the success of earlier Kiwami remakes, Yakuza Kiwami 3 brings Kazuma Kiryu’s third chapter back with upgraded visuals, refined combat, and expanded story content.
Alongside it comes Dark Ties, a brand-new original experience focusing on Yoshitaka Mine, adding fresh narrative layers to the Yakuza universe. Together, they form a compelling package for fans of action RPGs with strong storytelling.
Tales of Berseria Remastered
Release date: February 26, 2026
Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, Switch 2
A decade after its original release, Tales of Berseria returns in remastered form. With enhanced visuals, refined combat, and included DLC, this version offers the definitive way to experience Velvet’s dark and emotionally driven journey.
Its morally complex narrative and real-time combat system still hold up remarkably well, making this remaster a must-play for both newcomers and long-time fans of the Tales series.
March 2026: Monsters, Mercenaries, and Martial Arts
Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection
Release date: March 13, 2026
Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch 2
The Monster Hunter Stories spin-off series continues with Twisted Reflection, delivering another turn-based RPG set in Capcom’s beloved monster-filled world. Unlike the mainline entries, this series focuses on narrative and creature companionship rather than multiplayer hunts.
Set against the backdrop of a kingdom at war, the game promises emotional storytelling alongside familiar monster-taming mechanics. It’s a welcome addition for fans who prefer story-driven RPG experiences.
Crimson Desert
Release date: March 19, 2026
Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S
Developed using Pearl Abyss’ proprietary BlackSpace Engine, Crimson Desert is shaping up to be one of the most visually impressive RPGs of the generation. A prequel to Black Desert Online, it follows mercenary Kliff Macduff as he’s thrust into leadership amid political chaos.
With open-world exploration, cinematic combat, and large-scale battles, Crimson Desert aims to blend MMO-scale ambition with a single-player narrative focus.
Late 2026: The Heavy Hitters
Phantom Blade Zero
Release date: September 9, 2026
Platforms: PC, PS5
Years in development, Phantom Blade Zero finally arrives as a wuxia-inspired action RPG. You play as Soul, an elite assassin framed for murder and given just 66 days to live.
Featuring a semi-open world and eight possible endings influenced by side quests, the game emphasizes player choice and stylish combat. Its martial arts aesthetic and tight action systems make it one of the most anticipated RPGs of the year.
TBC 2026 and Beyond: RPGs Still Shrouded in Mystery
Some of the most exciting upcoming RPGs for 2026 and beyond don’t yet have concrete release dates—but they’re no less compelling.
Control: Resonant
A follow-up to Control, this action RPG shifts focus to Dylan Faden as he confronts cosmic threats with supernatural abilities in a warped Manhattan.
Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave
Nintendo’s next tactical RPG promises turn-based strategy and narrative connections to Three Houses, with Sothis making a mysterious return.
Gothic 1 Remake
A faithful yet modern rebuild of the 2001 cult classic, reintroducing players to the harsh world of Myrtana.
Neverway
A pixel-art RPG blending farming, life simulation, and eldritch horror, offering a darker twist on familiar cozy mechanics.
Fable 4
One of the most anticipated RPGs of the decade, Fable 4 aims to revive the series’ trademark humor, choice-driven storytelling, and whimsical fantasy world.
Lords of the Fallen 2
A standalone sequel set 100 years later, promising even darker fantasy and brutally challenging combat.
Onimusha: Way of the Sword
Capcom’s legendary action RPG series returns, set in Edo-era Kyoto and steeped in supernatural samurai lore.
The Blood of Dawnwalker
A time-limited vampire RPG where every choice matters. With only 30 days and nights to save your sister, this dark fantasy adventure offers moral tension and immense replayability.
Witchbrook
The long-awaited cozy witch RPG finally targets 2026, blending magic school life, relationships, and small-town charm.
Final Thoughts
The sheer breadth of upcoming RPGs for 2026 and beyond is staggering. From blockbuster fantasy epics like Fable 4 and The Blood of Dawnwalker to deeply personal indie experiences and lovingly crafted remasters, the genre is thriving in every direction.
If recent years marked a renaissance for role-playing games, 2026 looks set to push that momentum even further. Whether you’re chasing epic adventures, strategic depth, emotional storytelling, or simply a new world to call home, the future of RPGs has never looked more exciting.