The year 2026 is shaping up to be a landmark year for role-playing games, with at least 10 new titles and expansions officially confirmed for release before its close. The slate includes new entries in beloved series, entirely new intellectual properties, and modernized remasters, spanning a variety of subgenres within the RPG umbrella.
Among the most anticipated is "Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave," scheduled for a September 17, 2026 release on the Nintendo Switch 2. Early previews suggest Intelligent Systems has refined the series' formula, with one Polygon previewer noting it surpasses "Fire Emblem: Three Houses" after a 10-hour play session. The game focuses on a "Heroic Games" tournament with four selectable protagonists.
Also in September, "Aniimo" will launch as a free-to-play open-world action RPG with creature-collecting mechanics on PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and mobile devices. Inspired by the success of "Palworld," "Aniimo" introduces a unique "Twining" system that allows players to merge with over 200 collectible creatures in the world of Idyll. The PC and console versions are set for September 16, 2026, with mobile versions following on September 23.
Fans of Nihon Falcom's "Trails" series can look forward to "Trails In The Sky 2nd Chapter" on September 17, 2026. This modernized take on the 2006 classic "The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky SC" continues Estelle Bright's journey. The game retains its narrative focus and turn-based combat while adding mini-games like fishing and poker for a change of pace. It will be available on PC, Nintendo Switch 1 & 2, and PlayStation 5.
Capcom is expanding on its 2024 hit with "Dragon's Dogma 2: Dark Arisen," a DLC expansion set to release on October 9, 2026, for PC, Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S. This expansion adds the frost-themed region of Norgan, a new storyline, 12 dungeons, a relic system for powerful gear, and further character customization. The base game is required for play, though bundles are available.
Square Enix will bring "Final Fantasy Resonance" to PC, Nintendo Switch 1 & 2, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S on October 22, 2026. This reimagining of the 2015 mobile title "Final Fantasy Brave Exvius" sees knights Rain and Lasswell defending the world's Crystals. The game returns to classic turn-based battles and Square Enix's HD-2D art style, featuring iconic Final Fantasy heroes as "Visions" to aid players in combat.
Launching on October 23, 2026, for PC, Nintendo Switch 1 & 2, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S, "Warrior Cats: Clans of the Forest" is a turn-based RPG based on Victoria Holmes' book series. Players create a customizable cat, join one of four clans, and explore familiar regions from the books. The game includes survival and crafting elements, multiple story campaigns, and online battles.
"Phantom Blade Zero," a fast-paced action RPG drawing on Chinese martial arts, is slated for October 29, 2026, on PC and PlayStation 5. The game follows Soul, an assassin framed for murder, as he seeks answers while being hunted by his former organization. Creative consultant Donnie Yen described its aesthetic as "Kungfupunk."
"Dragon Quest Monsters: The Withered World" will arrive on December 3, 2026, for PC, Nintendo Switch 1 & 2, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S. This spin-off features younger versions of "Dragon Quest V" characters Bianca and Nera as they recruit and battle monsters, reminiscent of "Pokémon" and "Palworld." Over 500 monsters from across the series are available for collection and synthesis.
Two titles are confirmed for release sometime in 2026, with exact dates to be announced: "Blighted" and "Witchbrook." "Blighted," from Drinkbox Studios, is an action RPG with Metroidvania and Souls-like elements for PC and Nintendo Switch 2. Players control a survivor battling a blight, unlocking memories of the dead, and can engage in optional co-op multiplayer. "Witchbrook," from Chucklefish, is a witch-themed life-sim for PC, Nintendo Switch 1 & 2, and Xbox Series X/S, offering life-simulation gameplay akin to "Stardew Valley" with magical abilities, relationship building, and online co-op for up to four players.
These confirmed titles suggest a strong focus on the RPG genre in the coming years, offering a wide array of experiences for players across multiple platforms. The presence of both established series and new IPs indicates a healthy and diverse market for role-playing games through 2026 and beyond.