2026 is shaping up as a packed year for role-playing games, with creature-catching adventures, tactical strategy, turn-based quests, action RPGs and relaxing life simulations all scheduled before the year ends. Several major remasters and collections are also expected, including enhanced versions of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt and a Kingdom Hearts collection for modern consoles.
Here are 10 officially confirmed RPGs due before the end of 2026. Release dates and prices are listed as provided, although the two games without firm dates remain subject to change. For more gaming news, visit the RETROCADE Arcade Blog.
10. Aniimo
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, iOS and Android
- Release: 16 September 2026 on PC and console; 23 September 2026 on mobile
- Price: Free-to-play, with optional pre-order bundles
Aniimo is an open-world action RPG with creature-collecting features. Players become a Pathfinder in the mythical world of Idyll, where more than 200 creatures can be captured. Its distinctive “Twining” system allows the player to merge with creatures and gain new abilities. The game is planned to launch as a free-to-play title.
9. Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave
- Platform: Nintendo Switch 2
- Release: 17 September 2026
- Price: $69.99
The latest mainline Fire Emblem game is built around a “Heroic Games” tournament. Players can select one of four protagonists, each offering a different route through the story. The game was first revealed in 2025 and has been described in early coverage as potentially improving on Fire Emblem: Three Houses by retaining its strengths while addressing older series problems.
8. Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter
- Platforms: PC, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2 and PlayStation 5
- Release: 17 September 2026
- Price: $59.99
This modernised version of the 2006 Japanese release The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky SC continues the story of last year’s Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter. Estelle Bright travels across the kingdom searching for her missing brother. The remake keeps its narrative focus and turn-based combat, while also including diversions such as fishing and poker.
7. Dragon’s Dogma 2: Dark Arisen
- Platforms: PC, Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S
- Release: 9 October 2026
- Price: $29.99; the base game is required
Dark Arisen is an expansion for 2024’s Dragon’s Dogma 2. It moves the adventure into the frozen region of Norgan and introduces a new story involving a woman named Ay. The add-on includes 12 new dungeons, a relic system for unlocking powerful equipment, additional character customisation and more dragons. Bundles containing the base game and expansion will also be available.
6. Final Fantasy Resonance
- Platforms: PC, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S
- Release: 22 October 2026
- Price: $49.99
Final Fantasy Resonance reimagines the 2015 mobile game Final Fantasy Brave Exvius. Returning characters Rain and Lasswell defend the world’s Crystals, while familiar heroes appear as Visions to support the party. The game returns to classic turn-based battles and uses Square Enix’s HD-2D visual style.
5. Warrior Cats: Clans of the Forest
- Platforms: PC, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S
- Release: 23 October 2026
- Price: $29.99
Based on the world introduced in Victoria Holmes’ Warrior Cats books, Clans of the Forest lets players create and customise a cat before choosing one of four clans. Each clan has its own story campaign, while exploration reaches locations such as ThunderClan’s forests and ShadowClan’s swamps. Survival, crafting and online battles are included, with several modes intended to extend the experience beyond the main story.
4. Phantom Blade Zero
- Platforms: PC and PlayStation 5
- Release: 29 October 2026
- Price: $59.99
Phantom Blade Zero combines cinematic storytelling, rapid action combat and Chinese martial-arts influences. Its protagonist, Soul, is an elite assassin serving The Order. After being framed for murder, he must uncover the truth while being pursued by former allies. Creative Consultant Donnie Yen described the game’s blend of martial-arts traditions and distinctive cultural influences as a new “Kungfupunk” aesthetic.
3. Dragon Quest Monsters: The Withered World
- Platforms: PC, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S
- Release: 3 December 2026
- Price: $59.99
This new Dragon Quest Monsters spin-off follows younger versions of Bianca and Nera from Dragon Quest V. Players explore the world, recruit monsters, strengthen them in battle and synthesise them into more powerful creatures. More than 500 returning and new monsters are planned, giving the adventure a strong collecting and team-building focus.
2. Blighted
- Platforms: PC and Nintendo Switch 2
- Release: Sometime in 2026; the exact date is unconfirmed
- Price: Not yet available
Drinkbox Studios’ Blighted is an action RPG about a lone survivor in a world overwhelmed by a deadly blight. Players use that power to fight through grim, psychedelic environments, defeat enemies and bosses, and recover the memories of the dead. Metroidvania exploration and Souls-like design sit alongside a dynamic difficulty system, while optional co-op allows two players to tackle the game together.
1. Witchbrook
- Platforms: PC, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2 and Xbox Series X/S
- Release: Sometime in 2026; the exact date is unconfirmed
- Price: Not yet available
Witchbrook is a witch-themed life simulation from Chucklefish, with a colourful style and social systems likely to appeal to fans of Stardew Valley. Players begin life as a witch-in-training in Mossport, where they can build friendships, pursue romance and develop magical abilities. Online co-op will support up to four players exploring the town together.
A busy year for RPG fans
From tactical battles and monster collecting to expansive action adventures and cooperative life simulation, these releases cover a broad range of RPG styles. Several arrive close together in September and October, while Blighted and Witchbrook still have unconfirmed dates. Players planning a dedicated home setup can compare options in the arcade machine buying guide, browse arcade machines, or consider a compact bartop arcade for classic RPG-inspired gaming spaces.
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