The 10 Most Promising RPGs of 2026

Between remakes of classics, long-awaited sequels, and ambitious new IPs, the 2026 release calendar is packed with RPGs worth watching—and the variety is a highlight, with games for every taste: from brutal soulslikes like Nioh 3 and Code Vein 2 to the latest entry in the beloved JRPG saga The Legend of Heroes, plus the D&D-based tactical game Solasta II and the open-world adventure Crimson Desert. There's definitely something for everyone.

In this article, we’ve gathered ten titles that stand out in 2026 as potential RPGs of the year. Some are already in players' hands or launching in just a few days or months, while others are awaiting still-undefined release windows — but all share the promise of delivering memorable experiences within their respective subgenres.

The Legend of Heroes: Trails Beyond the Horizon

Platforms: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, PC

Developer: Nihon Falcom

Release Date: January 15, 2026 (already available)

Released in Japan in September 2024, Nihon Falcom continues its epic Trails saga in the West with Beyond the Horizon, the latest chapter in one of the industry’s longest-running and most interconnected JRPG series—the The Legend of Heroes franchise is well-known for its detailed worldbuilding, character development across multiple games, and an ongoing narrative that spans two decades within its universe.

Beyond the Horizon faces one of the greatest challenges a long-running series can have: paving the way for the franchise's conclusion. The game tackles this with a three-route structure that moves the plot through distinct segments and roughly 60 hours of story and gameplay.

For fans invested in the Trails saga, this is one of the most anticipated releases of 2026. However, despite being one of the year's most promising anime-style RPGs, jumping into Trails Beyond the Horizon without playing the previous games is like picking up an epic fantasy series at the tenth book — a gap that might start to be filled with the remake of The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky the 1st, released in September 2025.

Code Vein 2

Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC

Developer: Bandai Namco Studios

Release Date: January 30, 2026 (already available)

The sequel to Bandai Namco's anime-styled soulslike arrived in late January, bringing a few improvements over the original. Code Vein 2 expands the post-apocalyptic universe of the first game, retaining the formula of challenging combat blended with detailed character customization and classic genre mechanics.

The sequel strikes a good balance between anime elements and the punishing gameplay of traditional soulslikes, this time with a more accessible plot — though still fairly simple, feeling more like a hook for the gameplay than the central piece of the experience — and quality-of-life improvements. However, it still falls short of delivering an open-world experience comparable to genre giants like Elden Ring.

It’s not the title for every RPG fan, but it stands as a solid alternative for those who enjoy Dark Souls or are looking for a more challenging experience.

Dragon Quest VII Reimagined

Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, PC

Developer: Square Enix

Release Date: February 5, 2026

One of the most renowned JRPGs in history gets a new lease on life with Dragon Quest VII Reimagined. This full remake of the PlayStation classic originally released in 2000 features modern graphics, rebalanced combat, and quality-of-life improvements that make the massive experience far more approachable for contemporary players without falling into the trap of "modernizing too much" to the point of being unrecognizable to fans.

The story remains intact, but Square Enix promises pacing improvements — one of the main criticisms of the original, which took hours before the full party was assembled and offered a roughly 100-hour campaign.

For fans of classic JRPGs or those curious about one of the most ambitious chapters in the Dragon Quest series, this remake represents an accessible opportunity to experience the title.

Nioh 3

Platforms: PlayStation 5, PC

Developer: Team Ninja (Koei Tecmo)

Release Date: February 6, 2026

Team Ninja returns with the third chapter of the acclaimed soulslike franchise set in a mythological feudal Japan. Nioh 3 promises to further refine the combat system that became the series' trademark: stances, Ki management, and a variety of weapons that allow for distinct approaches to each encounter.

Nioh 3 casts the player as Tokugawa Takechiyo, the grandson (or granddaughter) of Ieyasu. The third game in the series brings some major improvements over its predecessor, such as the ability to switch between Samurai and Ninja combat styles at the press of a button, blending the familiar formula of previous games with the potential for more nimble, long-range combat.

Between time travel and vast open areas to explore, the title seems to merge all the good aspects, the flaws, and the lessons Team Ninja learned from Nioh 2 and Rise of the Ronin. Its early February release places Nioh 3 in direct competition with other major RPGs this month, but the franchise's loyal fanbase will certainly show up.

Solasta II

Platforms: PC (other platforms unconfirmed)

Developer: Tactical Adventures

Release Date: 2026 (Early Access on March 12)

For fans of tactical RPGs based on Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition rules, Solasta II represents the evolution of one of the games that best implemented D&D's tactical combat system in digital form. Tactical Adventures built a solid reputation with the first title by prioritizing mechanics faithful to the rulebooks, and the sequel promises to expand on that foundation.

The developer has confirmed improvements to character creation systems with new classes and subclasses, multiclassing possibilities available from the official launch, plus more extensive campaigns and a more elaborate world than its predecessor — featuring freedoms like encountering enemies stronger than the party's level or the possibility of being ambushed at night.

For those who appreciate the D&D experience translated into video games without the creative liberties titles like Baldur's Gate 3 take with the rules, Solasta II deserves attention. Players can try the early access version on March 12, with roughly ten hours of gameplay.

Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection

Platforms: Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, PC

Developer: Capcom

Release Date: March 13, 2026

The turn-based spin-off of the Monster Hunter franchise continues its journey with Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection. Unlike the action-focused main games, the Stories series adopts turn-based RPG mechanics, where players bond with monsters, turning them into companions rather than prey.

For those who enjoy the Monster Hunter franchise but prefer turn-based combat, Stories 3 should offer a more accessible and relaxed entry into the universe, without sacrificing the identity that made the main series so popular.

Crimson Desert

Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC

Developer: Pearl Abyss

Release Date: March 19, 2026

Originally conceived as an MMO, Crimson Desert evolved into a standalone single-player action RPG with open-world ambitions comparable to The Witcher 3.

The story takes place on the medieval continent of Pywel, where we follow the tale of Kliff Macduff, a mercenary who sees his clan slaughtered at the outset and must rebuild his order to take revenge on the Black Bears.

Crimson Desert focuses on the immersive experience of an open-world title combined with hack-and-slash action elements and activities ranging from hunting and training horses to equipment customization.

The combat, central to the gameplay, draws inspiration from the commands and combos of classic fighting games, with varied styles that include swords, spears, magic, and martial arts — the latter's motion capture was performed by real-life taekwondo fighters.

The question surrounding Crimson Desert is whether Pearl Abyss can deliver a story compelling enough to fill its ambitious world or if the game will fall into the common trap of empty, generic open worlds. The developer has experience with MMOs, but single-player is less familiar territory.

Phantom Blade Zero

Platforms: PlayStation 5, PC

Developer: S-Game

Release Date: September 9, 2026

One of the most promising games revealed recently, Phantom Blade Zero is an action RPG developed by Chinese studio S-Game that blends elements of wuxia — a Chinese martial art-inspired literary genre — with a visual contrast mixing cyberpunk and Eastern fantasy and combat reminiscent of a fusion between Devil May Cry and Sekiro.

The trailers reveal not only a combat system capable of grabbing any Action RPG fan's attention but also a dark visual aesthetic and a glimpse of the plot: the player will embody Soul, an assassin in service to a mysterious organization with only 66 days left to live.

Built in Unreal Engine 5 with stunning graphics, Phantom Blade Zero will face the challenge of maintaining the fluid pacing shown in the trailers with a storyline that supports the visual spectacle rather than being overshadowed by it. The title has potential; according to its developers, it doesn't try to lean too heavily into soulslikes but also doesn't promise to be just an action game — it just needs to be properly executed in the final product.

Fable

Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, PC, PlayStation 5

Developer: Playground Games

Release Date: Expected 2026

The return of Microsoft's classic action-RPG franchise is in the hands of Playground Games, known for the Forza Horizon series. The unexpected choice of developer initially sparked skepticism, but trailers have shown that the studio understands the peculiar humor and fantastical tone that define Fable.

The new game promises to be a reboot/reimagining of the series, retaining iconic elements like its irreverence and a vibrant, exaggerated fantasy world, but with refined graphics and character design on par with major genre titles in recent years.

The combat system seems more polished than in the original games, and Playground has confirmed a focus on a story with meaningful consequences for your choices—and the title promises to encourage players' creative freedom.

The big question is whether Fable can capture the magic of the original Lionhead Studios titles while modernizing the experience for contemporary standards. The franchise's legacy is weighty, and fans are eagerly waiting to see if Playground can honor it.

Lost Hellden

Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, PC

Developer: Artisan Studios

Release Date: Expected 2026

The indie JRPG scene remains vibrant, and Lost Hellden is one of the most stylized projects on the horizon. The title from Artisan Studios promises a classic turn-based RPG adventure with modern action touches, visibly inspired by PlayStation One titles, including beloved franchises like Final Fantasy and the Tales of series.

The art direction, which blends the detail of hand-painted artwork with 3D elements, also draws attention for its worldbuilding and character design. Details on specific mechanics and story are still quite limited, though promotional materials suggest a plot about twin siblings in a world controlled by a highly religious society, where newborns are marked with a capital sin.

Indie RPGs have a mixed track record with audiences: some are acclaimed and become pleasant surprises throughout the year, while others disappear in a market saturated with good ideas and poor execution.

At launch, the mix of vibrant visuals, hybrid combat, and Lost Hellden's dark storyline will have to prove itself enough to compete — and justify the wait for fans who have been anticipating the title since last year.