2025 was an outstanding year for role-playing games, and 2026 is shaping up to be just as exciting for fans of this beloved genre. While the upcoming year may not introduce many brand-new properties, it promises the return of fan-favorite series with new installments in their franchises, alongside revitalized remakes of classic titles.
Here are the five RPGs officially confirmed for a 2026 launch that we feel deserve your attention the most at this point in time.
The Anticipation Builds for Nioh 3
The acclaimed Team NINJA is returning to the series that has been a cornerstone for the studio since 2017: the Nioh series. Following titles like Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin, Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty, and Rise of the Ronin, Nioh 3 will bring a fresh experience with the introduction of open-fields, exploring various eras in Japan’s past, like the Sengoku and Bakumatsu periods.
This new open-field feature will not dilute the series’ hallmark mechanics. Introducing two fighting styles – Samurai and Ninja – and incorporating mechanics inspired by other studio hits, Nioh 3 promises to be among the finest works by Team NINJA.
Dragon Quest VII Reimagined: A Classic Returns
While Dragon Quest XII hasn’t yet surfaced, the acclaimed JRPG series is far from inactive. After remakes of the first three entries with stunning HD-2D visuals, a complete reimagining of Dragon Quest VII is on the horizon.
This upcoming definitive edition will revamp the game entirely, offering an enriched experience with handcrafted art, diorama landscapes, and a condensed story for modern audiences. Enhanced with new scenarios, an advanced Vocations system, and additional spells and skills, Dragon Quest VII Reimagined is set to deliver the ultimate turn-based RPG adventure in 2026.
The question remains: Will this be enough to ease the anticipation for Dragon Quest XII? The answer awaits us this February.
Unveiling The Blood of Dawnwalker
In early 2022, it was revealed that former The Witcher III: Wild Hunt director Konrad Tomaszkiewicz founded a new studio, Rebel Wolves. This team is crafting a triple-A RPG named The Blood of Dawnwalker, published by Bandai Namco. Despite NetEase stepping back from Western studios, this project remains unaffected.
The game draws from the beloved structures of The Witcher III, introducing unique elements, such as equating main and side quests. Players guide Coen, who has 30 days to rescue his family, experiencing different gameplay by day and night thanks to Coen’s vampiric abilities. This RPG freedom is inspired by pen-and-paper games.
The setting unveils a twist on vampire lore, where they openly govern the Carpathians-inspired Vale Sangora. For more insights, find out more from an exclusive interview with Creative Director Mateusz Tomaszkiewicz.
CONTROL Resonant: A New Dimension
Remedy Entertainment is pushing boundaries with CONTROL Resonant, transitioning the series from an action-adventure hit to a full-fledged action RPG. Set seven years after the original, the game takes players to a post-lockdown Manhattan, where paranatural chaos reigns.
Playing as Dylan Faden, Jesse’s brother, players will navigate this transformed world with the Aberrant, a shapeshifting weapon, alongside expanded psychic powers. With a focus on build-crafting and a diverse array of enemy types, CONTROL Resonant promises Remedy’s most ambitious experience and is anticipated as a standout action RPG of 2026.
Fable’s Awaited Reboot
Whispers about a Fable reboot from Playground Games began circulating in early 2018, and it was officially announced during the 2020 Xbox Games Showcase. Despite development challenges attributed to the studio’s inexperience with RPGs and a careful development strategy, the project is in motion.
Fable re-emerged at the Xbox Games Showcase 2023, featuring actors like Richard Ayoade and Matt King. Though initially slated for 2025, the release was postponed to 2026. Despite rumors suggesting further delays, a 2026 launch remains the hopeful target.
Honorable Mentions
As mentioned above, 2026 is poised to be a fantastic year for role-playing games, and selecting only five titles proved to be a daunting task. Below are several more notable titles that are expected to make waves in the next 12 months.
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