Kait Mae

In 2020, when we were all pretty much locked inside, I got back into gaming. I found my PlayStation 2, then my Wii, then my GameBoy and DS. And then, after my last breakup in 2021, I built a PC because nobody thought I could. And I started PC gaming. And despite being slow at catching up on games, I do have my eye on several this year. Let’s just jump in, shall we?

‘LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight’

It’s no secret how much I like Batman, and it shouldn’t surprise anyone that I love LEGO games. If it’s LEGO, I’m going to play it. I have played through LEGO Pirates of the Caribbean on my Wii several times. And I just recently started playing the first LEGO Batman game to gear up for this release.

Will I buy it right when it’s released? No. I’m going to wait and hope for a sale to save some money because I know I’m going to be gaming a lot this year after work and on the weekends.

This game is set to pull heavily from the past Batman films and comics. It’s also expected to feature several villains, allies, and Bat-Mite. And if this game is a success, maybe we’ll finally get a LEGO Wonder Woman or Superman game.

‘Fable’

I never played anything from this franchise, but when I saw someone talk about it on TikTok in 2023, I started following the production. Do I know much about the game, the franchise, or the history behind the franchise? Absolutely not. But I want more fantasy RPGs.

What little I know of the game is this: Players will be forced into adventuring to investigate what happened to their village. Choices you make will affect relationships, outcomes, and the world’s response to your character. And, after a little backlash, they’ve added character customization.

‘Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis’

I recently started playing the original games on PC, and I can guarantee that this is at the top of my wishlist right now. I also just recently watched the 2018 film because it was on Tubi. That said, I’ll watch the others soon. And I’m excited for the upcoming show, too.

Legacy of Atlantis is said to be a remake of the 1996 Tomb Raider game, but with upgraded graphics and extended gameplay. It was announced at last year’s Game Awards with Tomb Raider: Catalyst, expected next year.

‘Pragmata’

I am only excited about this game because I loved the teaser trailer for it. And while I barely know anything about it, I have a feeling this is a game I’m either going to love or hate. There’s not going to be an in-between.

From a little research, Pragmata follows Hugh and Diana as they try to defeat the AI governing a space station to make it home to Earth. You’ll be able to play as both characters to solve puzzles and defeat enemies you come across.

‘The Blood of Dawnwalker’

I might be excited, but one of my friends is even more excited for this game somehow. If you like the darker side of vampire media, then this game is going to be right up your alley.

Set in the 14th century Carpathian Mountains, you’ll get to play as Coen, the titular Dawnwalker. Gameplay shifts as you move from day to night. And the studio sees this as the start to a series of games in this setting. Fingers crossed they deliver.

‘People of Note’

I recently got into turn-based games (thanks to Baldur’s Gate 3), so I’ve been trying to play more in this style. And that’s how I found People of Note – a musical turn-based RPG.

In People of Note, you play as a musician building her band and saving the world using music. And, if you don’t like puzzles, you can turn them off. According to the website, it’s a completely customizable experience.

‘Star Wars Zero Company’

While I’m on the topic of turn-based games, I’m extremely excited for the upcoming Star Wars game. Despite people being disappointed in Star Wars Outlaws, I actually have high expectations for this one.

Zero Company has you playing as a former Republic officer who leads an unconventional party of professionals in a mission against an emerging power. Think: Baldur’s Gate 3 meets Star Wars.

‘Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy’

I’m going to be completely honest: I’m only keeping an eye on this because the art style is stunning and realistic. And I love the time period and setting we’ll get with the game.

Resonance is a prequel to the Plague Tale games, set about 15 years before Requiem. Players will be Sophia as she uncovers secrets from her past on Minotaur’s Island.

‘Tides of Tomorrow’

It’s strange because I have a fear of the ocean, but I’m actually excited about this game. Tides of Tomorrow is set on an ocean planet, so we’ll see if I’m able to get through watching someone play before I actually buy it.

Tides of Tomorrow follows a “Tidewalker” as they search for a cure to keep them from turning into plastic. It’s a unique concept and disease that got me interested. And the art style is also stunning.

‘Witchbrook’

I have been following this game since I saw someone mention it on TikTok long ago. If you like Stardew Valley or Animal Crossing, you’ll probably like this game. And if you’re just looking for witchy games or 8-bit-style games, keep an eye on it.

We don’t have a set date yet, and I have been patiently waiting, but I think it’ll be out this year. Wishful thinking, but I’m hopeful. In the game, you attend Witchbrook College and learn magic while exploring Mossport. I’m so excited!

‘At Fate’s End’

I saw someone on TikTok talking about the trailer for this a couple of months ago, and I immediately was set on playing. It’s from the creators of Spiritfarer, and you can tell immediately just from the art style (which is amazing).

In the game, you’ll play as Shan and fight creatures and her loved ones. In the end, you decide your family’s fate. If you like Hades, you’re probably going to like this game.

‘Demi and the Fractured Dream’

Before I sat down to write this, I barely knew anything about the game. Other than it’s coming from Annapurna and the art style is fun, I didn’t know anything about the plot.

Demi and the Fractured Dream follows Demi, a Voidsent, as they travel through different realms to slay three Beasts. All the while, you’re fighting the curse that gives you your powers.

‘Winx Club: The Magic is Back’

If you love Winx Club – and even if you aren’t excited about the reboot show – we’re getting more games! Who cares if it’s not the costumes from the OG show? I just want to finally play as a fairy.

Expected this April, you’ll get to play as any character you want – and you’ll get to switch between them as you want. You’ll explore the Magix realm and fight fantasy creatures from the show. It’s a controller-only game, though, so be prepared!

Update: As I was writing this, it came to my attention that the company making the show has talked about using AI, including generative. I don’t support that, but I had already made this article and can’t find a game to replace it on the list. Just please be aware that if you don’t support AI, you are aware of its possible use for this game.

‘Fading Echo’

The only thing holding me back from moving this up my wishlist and anticipated games list is the art style. Something about it feels off, but I’m still excited to play one day.

The demo is already out on Steam, but there’s no official full game release date. In the game, you’ll play as One as you try to save a desert world from corruption using water.

‘There Are No Ghosts At the Grand’

If you like both cozy games and paranormal games, this might be the perfect mash-up for you. There Are No Ghosts at the Grand is gearing up to be an amazing game for streamers because it doesn’t seem like any playthrough is going to be exactly the same.

With a hard time limit of 30 days and nights, you’ll have to choose which choices to make to affect the outcome. You’ll play as Chris as he renovates during the day and fends off ghosts during the night.

‘Marvel’s Wolverine’

I’m only excited for this game because of how excited one of my friends is. It’s currently scheduled for a late 2026 release for PlayStation 5 from the creators of the Spider-Man video games that I’m slowly playing through.

While I’ll have to wait for the PC release and for more details to come out, I’m just excited for more Marvel games. Maybe DC will finally follow suit and give us that dang Wonder Woman game.

‘ArcheAge Chronicles’

There’s just something about a large-world fantasy game that I get to explore that makes me excited for a game. As I was reading up on it, the premise reminded me of the premise of the current DND campaign I’m playing, so I’m excited to see where it goes.

In ArcheAge Chronicles, you get to play as an experienced explorer starting to explore Auroria. You’ll make allies and enemies, fight against fantasy creatures in a long-forgotten legendary place, and also build a life in the world.

‘Crimson Desert’

When I saw this trailer, I knew it would be on my wishlist in moments. It was originally created as a prequel to Black Desert Online, but has since made its way as a standalone for single players.

You get to play as Kliff in Pywel, a medieval world. Together with your party of “Greymanes,” you’ll have to reunite with the surviving Greymanes, rebuild your faction, and face off with your rivals’ leader.

‘Clue: Murder by Death’

Clue is one of my favorite board games of all time, so I obviously have to get my hands on this game when it releases in a couple of weeks. In fact, I might even play it the day it comes out.

In the game, you play as a detective solving a murder. Every choice you make, every piece of evidence you collect, and every person you talk to affects how the game continues. With multiple branching options, I’m sure to be preoccupied with this game.

‘Petal Runner’

I put this on my list solely for the graphics and vibes. That said, after looking into the plot, I’m down. It’s definitely a cozy game for those who like Stardew Valley but don’t want to farm.

In Petal Runners, you’ll make deliveries, play minigames, and follow along a heartwarming storyline. I doubt you’ll find two gamers with the exact same gameplay.

‘dimhaven – The Lost Source’

If you’ve played Oxenfree and wanted a game with similar vibes but in a whole new setting and gameplay style, then Dimhaven – The Lost Source is going to be perfect for you. It’s already getting higher and higher on my “To Play” list as I learn more about it.

In Dimhaven – The Lost Source, you’ll play as Emily Ravenstone searching for her uncle on the remote island of Dimhaven. It’s a narrative-driven game packed with puzzles, exploration, and mystery.

‘Hela’

Not to be confused with the Marvel character (or her inspiration, Hel), this is a cozy co-op game. That said, you can play single player if you so choose. Either way, you’re in for a treat.

Set in a Scandinavian-like landscape, play as mice to solve puzzles and explore the world. I fully expect streamers to start streaming as soon as they can because it’s bound to be a fun experience.

‘Phantom Blade Zero’

I genuinely didn’t hear about this game until around the 2025 Game Awards when I saw the trailer. And I was immediately hooked. There’s just something about assassin games that pulls me in.

You’ll play as Soul, an assassin framed for the murder of the patriarch of the Order he serves. He’ll have 66 days to unravel the conspiracy before the temporary cure runs out.

‘Beast of Reincarnation’

I don’t remember where I first heard of this game, but I am fully sat for the release. Post-apocalyptic Japan, a dog, and an art style compared to Studio Ghibli? Count me in.

While it’s less role-playing than I usually play – reportedly relying heavily on combat and action – I think I’ll enjoy this. You’ll play as Emma and her dog (Koo) as they come across enemies and have to fight to survive.

‘Moonlight Peaks’

Am I excited for the game’s release? Yes. Am I likely to play right away? No. Why? Farming. I suck at farming simulators, but I love vampire games. And this one looks cute.

I’m calling it the vampire Stardew Valley. You’ll play as a vampire in the small magical town of Moonlight Peaks. You’ll farm magical crops, learn magic, and befriend and romance various magical characters.

‘Edge of Memories’

Rounding out my most anticipated game releases of 2026 is a game I’m actually on the fence about. Edge of Memories has an art style I love and a gameplay style I’ve yet to really play.

In Edge of Memories, you play as a young nomad named Eline. You’ll lead your allies through battles across a world ravaged by an illness called the Corrosion.

Which games are you most excited for in 2026? Did I miss yours?