15 Most Anticipated Video Game Sequels of 2026

by

With new hardware on the horizon in 2026, game developers are currently focusing on building upon successful franchises to innovate in design and technology. The next year looks to be full of exciting sequels – from large-scale RPGs and the return of classic real-time strategy games, to groundbreaking racing titles. This list features 15 of the most anticipated follow-ups, offering something for everyone, whether you prefer immersive stories or fast-paced action.

Grand Theft Auto VI

After many leaks, setbacks, and some studio drama, the thirteen-year wait for a new Grand Theft Auto game – a return to Vice City after GTA V – has felt especially long. The bottom line is Grand Theft Auto VI is on its way. While the announced release window of November 26th might be subject to change, one thing is certain: GTA VI’s launch will be a massive cultural moment, and Rockstar Games is committed to delivering the most expansive and ambitious open-world game ever created.

Resident Evil: Requiem

The newest game in the survival horror series moves away from the folk horror of the previous installment and takes you to the devastated Raccoon City, where a new wave of strange deaths connected to the original outbreak are being investigated. Instead of fast-paced action, this game focuses on building suspense and fear. You’ll play as FBI analyst Grace Ashcroft, who must rely on her intelligence to survive, as she’s being hunted by a terrifying enemy that can climb walls. Joining her is Leon Kennedy, a familiar face, hinting that this game will stay true to the series’ origins while also incorporating modern gameplay.

Nioh 3

Nioh 3 isn’t just another sequel – it significantly improves upon the already successful dark fantasy action-RPG formula. The biggest additions are the Dual Samurai and Ninja combat styles, but the game also offers much greater freedom in how you build your character, explore the world, and utilize a wide range of new weapons and abilities. While precise combat, managing your stamina (Ki), and dealing with a full inventory remain key elements, Nioh 3 gives players more ways than ever to express their unique playstyle.

Forza Horizon 6

Players have been asking for this for a long time, and it’s finally here – Forza Horizon 6 is coming to Japan! Get ready to race through the busy streets of Tokyo and along beautiful coastal and mountain roads. Horizon 6 promises to be the most stunning game in the series yet, with a focus on authentic Japanese car culture, incredible sound design, and the perfect balance between realistic driving and fun, arcade-style gameplay. The future looks bright for Forza fans!

Pathologic 3

Dr. Daniil Dankovsky is back in the final installment of Ice-Pick Lodge’s strange and unsettling trilogy. The game takes place in a town gripped by plague, where fear, old beliefs, and difficult choices fill the air. New players might find the mix of survival gameplay, realistic medicine, time travel, and town management in Pathologic 3 overwhelming, but longtime fans will appreciate its complexity. The series is known for its dreamlike quality, and Pathologic 3 promises to be even more focused on creating a sense of dread, a strong atmosphere, and exploring deep philosophical questions.

Control Resonant

Remedy’s Control Resonant builds on the bizarre world of the Federal Bureau of Control, offering even more reality-bending action, strange paranormal events, and shifting architectural environments. This expansion promises bigger battles, more powerful abilities, and a complex story that highlights Remedy’s storytelling skills, especially after the success of Alan Wake 2. Expectations are high – while Control established the groundwork, Resonant appears poised to create a full-fledged supernatural universe.

Subnautica 2

Get ready to return to the underwater world of Subnautica 2! This sequel builds on the original with open-world survival, building underwater bases, and discovering new creatures, now with improved cooperative play. The core experience remains a thrilling and tense journey through a vast, unknown ocean where danger lurks around every corner. However, the game, currently planned for release in 2026, has faced some challenges due to legal issues between the publisher and the developers, despite having a promising overall concept.

Warhammer 40k: Dawn of War 4

With Dawn of War 4, a beloved classic in real-time strategy gaming is back. The game promises a return to the series’ roots, emphasizing strategic gameplay, base construction, and managing resources, all within the large-scale, intense battles that made the original Dawn of War and its sequel so popular. The developers, King Art Games, face the task of blending the traditional Dawn of War experience with the expectations of modern strategy games. If they can successfully capture the series’ thrilling atmosphere and improve upon the changes made in Dawn of War 3, this game has the potential to become a leading RTS title for many years.

RIDE 6

RIDE 6 builds on the realistic superbike racing that Milestone is known for, but now includes off-road riding as well. The game features a wider selection of real motorcycles, better controls, and a highly detailed focus on how the bikes actually work. This makes RIDE 6 a strong continuation of the series, offering noticeable improvements over previous installments.

Code Vein II

Code Vein II builds on the original’s popular anime style and challenging combat, offering smoother action and even more ways to create a unique character. A major new feature is the replacement of online co-op with AI companions, but the developers promise these partners will be just as important for overcoming challenges as your chosen weapons.

Outward 2

Outward 2 is aiming to recapture the challenging, yet beloved, difficulty of the original game. Players will again need to manage basic survival needs like hunger and exhaustion, while battling tough weather and maintaining their equipment in a demanding world. This sequel promises improved combat with smoother controls, more weapons, and more realistic animations. It also boasts a more polished story and a deeper, more immersive experience thanks to open exploration without map markers, detailed character backgrounds, and expanded lore. Overall, Outward 2 intends to surpass the achievements of the first game in every way.

Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve

As a huge Ace Combat fan, I’m so excited about Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve! It’s bringing the series back with what looks like incredible storytelling and those classic, fast-paced dogfights we all love. This time, it’s set in a brand new geopolitical situation within the Strangereal world, which I can’t wait to dive into. The graphics look amazing – especially the realistic clouds – and I’m already practicing my missile dodging! From what I’ve seen, it’s striking a great balance between being easy to pick up and play, but still offering depth for flight sim fans. Apparently, you play as a symbol of hope – the ‘Wings of Theve’ – and the story promises to be bigger and more impactful than ever before in Ace Combat 8.

The Legend of Heroes: Trails Beyond the Horizon

The latest installment in Falcom’s acclaimed RPG series concludes the story arc set on the Zemurian continent. It brings together a huge cast of characters from across the Trails games, further cementing the series’ reputation for having the most intricately connected universe in gaming. Fans who’ve been playing for a while can look forward to the deep, strategic turn-based combat, complex character growth, and rich world-building they’ve come to expect, all set within new locations and filled with political twists. While it might be a lot to take in for new players, it’s a must-play for series veterans.

Styx: Blades of Greed

The popular stealth-action series is back, letting you play as the witty goblin thief, Styx. This time, he’s exploring dark fantasy worlds with more vertical levels, and he has new abilities to control minds and manipulate time. You’ll also gather a team to break into various heavily guarded locations. Blades of Greed focuses on letting you be creative and find your own solutions, giving you a wider range of tools, traps, and moves to help you sneak past enemies.

Planet of Lana II: Children of the Leaf

Following the success of the beautiful puzzle-platformer Planet of Lana, the sequel takes players on another visually stunning journey through a vibrant, alien world. Building on what players loved about the first game – its relaxing pace, peaceful settings, and puzzles solved with a helpful companion – Planet of Lana II promises a more expansive experience. The game maintains the original’s emotional and cinematic feel, and introduces more varied environments, a deeper story, and new abilities for Mui, your adorable companion, making Children of the Leaf a likely success.

Read More

2026-01-20 16:15