RPG Revival

Most Anticipated Game Releases in 2026: What to Expect

The sheer number of titles set to drop this year is enough to overwhelm even the most dedicated gamer.

If you’re here, it’s probably because you’re looking for clarity—2024 is packed with game announcements, but which ones are really worth your time, money, and anticipation? This guide is here to answer exactly that.

We’ve sifted through months of developer updates, early previews, and insider chatter to bring you a focused list of the upcoming game releases 2024 that actually matter. Not just the loudest titles, but the ones pushing technical boundaries, redefining genres, and promising unforgettable gameplay experiences.

This isn’t speculation. We’ve looked at industry momentum, innovation, and community demand to separate genuine must-plays from overhyped distractions.

Whether you’re into sprawling RPGs, fast-paced shooters, or fresh indie gems, you’ll find exactly what you need to know right here—clear, concise, and built to help you plan your 2024 gaming calendar with confidence.

The Titans Return: Blockbuster Sequels and Reboots

If you’re wondering where to place your bets for the upcoming game releases 2024, this is the list to watch. These aren’t just sequels—they’re high-stakes, high-potential juggernauts that’ll dominate screens and timelines alike. But how do you choose which ones to actually play (or commit to for 60+ hours)? Here’s what we recommend.

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth

Why it’s hyped: This isn’t just nostalgia bait. Rebirth is the bold second act of the FFVII Remake project, meaning heavier emotional punches and bigger twists (you know the one we’re all anxiously expecting).
Pro Tip: If you’re jumping in fresh, at least skim a plot summary of the first remake—this chapter won’t pull punches.
Technical Insight: Built to shine on PS5, expect near-seamless open-world transitions and notable upgrades to the hybrid battle system—fluid real-time combat with layered tactical choices.

Recommendation: Don’t sleep on this if you’re an RPG fan or love narrative-driven experiences. This is one of Sony’s tentpole exclusives for a reason.

Hades II

Why it’s hyped: The original redefined roguelikes with its god-tier polish and addictive pacing. The sequel brings a new protagonist, Melinoë, more mythological depth, and creative tweaks to the formula.
Gameplay Angle: New boons, weapons, and the ever-magnetic “just one more run” hook? Say no more. If it builds meaningfully on Hades 1, we could be looking at a repeat GOTY contender.
Pro Tip: Perfect on handheld mode. Steam Deck or Switch 2 (fingers crossed) will likely be your best friends here.

Recommendation: Lock this in day one—especially if you enjoy skill-based action games with endless replay value.

Tekken 8

Why it’s hyped: A fighting game legend returns with Unreal Engine 5 muscle and a brand-new combat mechanic: the Heat System, which rewards aggressive play.
What to Watch: Massive improvement in visuals with destructible stages, and more expressive character animations (seriously, the sweat tech deserves an award).
Competitive Edge: If you’re into esports or ranked grinds, Tekken 8’s focus on offensive flow could shake up the pro meta in a big way.

Recommendation: Hard yes for fighting game vets and newcomers ready to mash, parry, and get stylish.

These three releases aren’t just sequels—they’re statements. Prepare your backlog accordingly.

Brave New Worlds: The Most Exciting New IPs of 2024

I remember the first time I booted up an open-world game that truly clicked. It wasn’t about collecting icons or rushing from point A to B—it was about immersion. About stepping into a world that didn’t just tell a story but lived it around you. That’s the exact buzz I felt watching the gameplay trailer for Star Wars Outlaws.

This isn’t another Jedi power fantasy. This game dares to focus on Kay Vess—just a regular outlaw trying to navigate a galaxy torn by war. No lightsabers, no chosen one destiny. And honestly? That’s part of the thrill. The scoundrel’s journey taps into corners of the Star Wars universe we rarely get to play in. Imagine pulling off interplanetary heists, managing your criminal reputation, or barely escaping with your skin after a deal goes sideways (Han Solo fans, this one’s for you).

Now, switch gears to something completely different with Black Myth: Wukong. From the moment we saw its first reveal—those towering bosses drenched in detail, those impossible dodges—it was clear this game wasn’t messing around. Built with Unreal Engine 5, the game turns ancient Chinese mythology into something tactile, dark, and thrilling. It’s a love letter to Journey to the West, but with the combat intensity of a Soulsborne title. (Let’s just say, your dodge-roll game better be elite.)

Between these two titles, the landscape of upcoming game releases 2024 feels genuinely exciting again.

The RPG Renaissance: Deep Worlds and Epic Stories

game launches

You’ve heard it all before: “This is the golden age of RPGs.” But let’s pump the brakes for a second.

Yes, RPGs are having a moment — but not always for the reasons people think.

Some say bigger worlds and freedom to do anything are the pinnacle of the genre. The truth? Sprawling open worlds can dilute narrative intensity. (It’s easy to forget the plot when sidequests have you herding virtual goats for 12 hours.)

That’s why two upcoming game releases 2024 are rightfully challenging this sandbox obsession.

  1. Avowed
    Everyone’s excited because it’s Obsidian. Fair. But while fans expect another Skyrim—what we might get is smarter. Avowed drops the bloat and delivers a denser, more reactive world.
    Contrarian take: A smaller map with tighter design isn’t a limitation—it’s precision storytelling. Morrowind worked because it was memorable, not massive.

  2. Dragon’s Dogma 2
    Nostalgia is fueling the hype, but let’s be clear—the original was rough around the edges. The sequel, powered by Capcom’s RE Engine, promises refined AI and dynamic combat that finally lives up to its ambition.
    Pro tip: Don’t underestimate the “Pawn” system—it could make multiplayer-style strategy feel fresh without internet lag.

Want more immersive experiences with fewer filler fetch quests? These games might just deliver—by going against convention.

(And if you think the RPG boom is just about graphics upgrades, well, welcome to 2024.)

Indie Darlings and Surprise Hits to Watch

Close your eyes. Imagine the soft flick of a cloak trailing over stone as you dash through a subterranean city teeming with secrets. That’s Hollow Knight: Silksong—faster, more vertical, and pulsing with anticipation. Players crave the thrill of its acrobatic combat and hand-drawn eeriness (like diving into a gothic watercolor). Every chime of Hornet’s needle feels like poetry in motion.

Then there’s The Plucky Squire, where paper crinkles under your feet one moment, and wooden toy blocks tower around you the next. It shifts from 2D to 3D so seamlessly you’ll swear you smelled old storybook pages turning. It’s not just clever—it’s storybook magic meets toybox chaos.

Both titles are lighting up lists for upcoming game releases 2024—and not just as curiosities. They’re redefining how indie games feel to play.

Get Your Wishlist Ready for an Unforgettable Year

Gamers asked for more innovation, more immersion, and more unforgettable moments—and 2024 is answering in a big way.

This year’s lineup is a thrill ride of monumental sequels, bold new stories, and inventive indie gems. From trusted franchises evolving with cutting-edge technology to brand-new IPs aiming to define the next gaming era, upcoming game releases 2024 are shaping up to be some of the most anticipated ever.

You came here looking for THE releases to look forward to—and now you have them.

So… what’s next? Start mapping out your gaming year. Organize your wishlist, mark your calendars, and get ready to dive in.

If you’re serious about staying ahead in the gaming world, don’t just wait for updates—live them. Follow us for real-time buzz, expert breakdowns, and the only gaming insight that cuts through the noise.

The countdown to the greatest gaming year yet has already started. Don’t fall behind.