3 Long-Dormant Gaming Franchises Finally Returning in 2026

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With so many games being remade or remastered, it’s become rare to see entirely new installments in established series, even popular ones. But 2026 looks promising, with several well-loved game franchises returning with brand new titles that have players excited. These games, ranging from epic fantasy to huge open-world experiences, are aiming to take familiar series in exciting new directions.

While games like Halo: Combat Evolved try to completely reimagine their series, they’re fundamentally remakes, not continuations of the existing story. Truly new games build on what came before, expanding on successful titles that fans already love. Sometimes, a new entry can even revitalize a series, attracting both longtime players and a new generation of fans who may have missed it originally.

3. Fable

A new Fable game is scheduled to launch in 2026, representing the first installment in the series since 2012. The original Fable was a popular third-person role-playing game on the Xbox 360, known for its exciting combat and the ability to easily switch between different fighting styles. The developers are aiming to recapture the spirit of the first game with this new release, promising a similar level of freedom and player choice when it comes out in Fall 2026.

The upcoming return to the world of Fable promises significant improvements to its graphics, gameplay, and overall design, bringing it in line with popular modern RPGs. For longtime fans of the original Fable games, this is exciting news, assuming the developers can deliver on their promises. A key feature returning will be the unique morality system, allowing players to interact with the world in meaningful and expressive ways. Players will be able to build relationships with characters, purchase and live in homes, and generally immerse themselves in a deep and engaging world that could easily provide hundreds of hours of gameplay.

2. Castlevania

Recently, new Castlevania games have mostly been limited to small releases like pachinko and slot machines in Japan, or simple mobile games. Fortunately, that’s changing in 2026 with Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse, a full-fledged Castlevania game. It’s being developed by the team behind the popular Dead Cells, and since their Castlevania DLC for Dead Cells was so well-received, fans have good reason to be excited about this new installment.

This new Castlevania game feels like a classic, bringing back the exploration of Dracula’s Castle with beautifully updated graphics. Players will have a variety of combat skills to defeat the creatures of darkness. Importantly, it’s the first Castlevania game in years set in the original timeline, and features a new Belmont hero following in the footsteps of the legendary Trevor Belmont. It’s shaping up to be a great experience for longtime fans and newcomers alike.

1. Grand Theft Auto

Grand Theft Auto 6 is expected to be the biggest game release of 2026, marking a long-awaited return for Rockstar’s popular open-world series after Grand Theft Auto 5 in 2013. Although GTA 5 and its online component have received many updates over the years, players have been wanting a completely new Grand Theft Auto experience for over a decade. After several delays, fans are incredibly excited to see this franchise make a major comeback.

Okay, so we don’t know a lot about how GTA 6 will actually play yet, but if Rockstar’s past games are anything to go by, it’s going to be a huge step up. They’re the best at making these incredibly detailed, immersive open worlds – Red Dead Redemption 2 was amazing, seriously. And since GTA 6 is bringing us back to a setting we kind of know, the trailers already hint at a really interesting story, all within a city that looks like it’s going to be absolutely massive and full of stuff to do.

The Grand Theft Auto series is known for its groundbreaking games, and it’s still uncertain if the new installment will be as impactful. Assuming it isn’t delayed further, GTA 6 is expected to be one of several exciting franchise reboots in 2026, making it a promising year for gamers of all types.

Which franchise are you most excited to see return in 2026? Share your thoughts in the comments or discuss it with other fans on the ComicBook Forum!

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2026-04-13 22:40