If you look back at 2025, really look back – you’ll see something magical happened. Not just a wave of great games but a rebirth of what RPGs feel like.

We talked about it constantly at GIANTY. We broke down why JRPG aesthetics are still evolving rather than stagnating, how intricate party systems remain central to emotional engagement, and why narrative depth matters more now than ever.

And one of our favorite conversation buddies during that time was Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 – winner Game Of The Year. A game that didn’t just look stunning, but felt like a statement: JRPGs aren’t nostalgic artifacts — they’re a living, breathing design philosophy.

So as we look ahead to 2026, one question keeps popping up in our studio chats:

If 2025 reminded us why we love RPGs… what kind of RPGs should we be watching next in 2026?

Let’s talk about the Top 8 RPGs of 2026 that deserve more than a quick glance.

*Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 characters*

And honestly? It’s another year GIANTY finds itself deeply in love with RPGs – not only as players or designers, but as close observers of how this genre continues to evolve, adapt, and reinvent itself… without ever losing its core soul.

The 8 Best RPGs of 2026 To Add in Your Wishlist

Packed with major comebacks and brand-new RPG experiences, 2026 is quickly becoming a standout year for role-playing games. What makes 2026 particularly notable isn’t just the volume of upcoming RPG releases – it’s the diversity across subgenres.

The release calendar spans hardcore action RPGs, narrative-driven JRPGs, tactical D&D-inspired systems, and large-scale open-world fantasy adventures.

Rather than being defined by a single blockbuster, the best RPGs of 2026 reflect a wide range of design philosophies:

Skill-based, mastery-focused combat
Story-rich, character-driven experiences
Strategy-heavy tactical gameplay mechanic
Expansive open-world exploration

In short, RPGs of 2026 is not centered around one dominant RPG trend. It stands out because of its variety, offering something for action RPG fans, classic JRPG loyalists, tactical players, and open-world explorers alike.

The Legend of Heroes: Trails Beyond the Horizon

Platforms: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, PC
Release Date: January 15, 2026

One of the most significant JRPG releases of 2026, Trails Beyond the Horizon marks the “beginning of the end” for Nihon Falcom’s long-running Trails saga.

Why it belongs on your 2026 RPG list: For JRPG fans, this isn’t just another sequel – it’s a franchise-defining moment in one of the genre’s most ambitious universes.

Nioh 3

Platforms: PlayStation 5, PC
Release Date: February 6, 2026

Nioh 3 isn’t just another Soulslike sequel – it’s Team Ninja proving once again that they understand how to evolve hardcore action RPG design without losing its edge.

Why Nioh 3 belongs on your 2026 RPG list:

Team Ninja is pushing its signature Soulslike formula into new territory
Larger, exploration-driven areas expand beyond the series’ traditional structure.
Dual combat styles (Samurai and Ninja) offer deeper builds and more player freedom.

Dragon Quest VII Reimagined

Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch (1 & 2), PC
Release Date: February 5, 2026

As we’ve said before, remakes and remasters are becoming a strategic growth engine in 2026 to refresh proven IPs for modern audiences. Square Enix continues that momentum with Dragon Quest VII Reimagined, a carefully rebuilt version of one of the franchise’s most debated entries.

Why it belongs on your 2026 RPG list:

A full structural remix that tightens story flow and cuts unnecessary content
Enhanced gameplay with faster battles and adjustable difficulty
A faithful yet modernized revival of a classic turn-based JRPG

Crimson Desert

Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC
Release Date: March 19, 2026

Originally planned as an MMO, Crimson Desert has evolved into a fully single-player open-world action RPG comparable to The Witcher 3 – and its ambition hasn’t shrunk. If anything, it has expanded.

Why it belongs on your 2026 RPG list:

A massive open world built with MMO-level depth with the potential to become one of 2026’s defining open-world RPGs.
Player choices that shape alliances and the world around you
High-impact, cinematic combat with martial arts elements

Code Vein 2

Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC

Release Date: January 30, 2026 (Available Now)

It may not rival open-world giants, but for fans of demanding action RPGs, Code Vein II stands as one of 2026’s strongest hardcore options.

Why RPG fans should consider it in 2026:

Challenging Soulslike combat with strong anime aesthetics
Deep character customization and build variety
A solid alternative for players who enjoy Dark Souls-style difficulty

Phantom Blade Zero

Platforms: PlayStation 5, PC
Release Date: September 9, 2026

Since its reveal, Phantom Blade Zero has drawn major attention and for good reason. This high-intensity action RPG from Chinese studio S-Game blends a gritty “kung fu-punk” aesthetic with fast, combo-driven combat and a mysterious, stoic protagonist.

Why RPG fans should consider it in 2026:

High-speed, combo-focused action with strong visual identity
A bold Eastern aesthetic that stands out in the action RPG space
Potential to fill the gap for stylish, character-driven action games

Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave

Platform: Nintendo Switch 2

Release Date: 2026 (TBA)

After the breakout success of Fire Emblem: Three Houses, expectations for the next mainline entry couldn’t be higher. Fortune’s Weave looks ready to build on that momentum with a bold new direction – a fresh evolution of the franchise’s multi-route storytelling.

Why it belongs on your 2026 RPG list:

A potential evolution of Fire Emblem’s social and route-based systems
Tactical combat backed by strong character-driven storytelling
One of Nintendo’s most important RPG releases for the Switch 2 era

Indie RPGs can be unpredictable, but if Lost Hellden delivers on its ambition, it could become one of 2026’s most memorable surprise hits like Clair Obscur used to do.

Fable

Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, PC, PlayStation 5

Release Date: 2026 (TBA)

Why it belongs on your 2026 RPG list:

A full reboot of one of the most beloved Western RPG franchises
Choice-driven storytelling with modern production quality
A balance between classic charm and contemporary RPG design

The real challenge is capturing the original magic while meeting modern expectations and if Playground succeeds, Fable could become one of 2026’s defining Western RPGs.

What 2026 Is Really Telling Us About RPGs

After looking at these eight RPGs side by side, one thing becomes clear: 2026 is not about one dominant formula. As a game development company working across genres, platforms, and global markets, this is what we see emerging.

Depth Over Scale

For years, the industry chased bigger maps, longer playtimes, and more features. But the 2026 RPG lineup suggests a pivot.

Trails Beyond the Horizon doubles down on long-form narrative payoff.
Dragon Quest VII Reimagined restructures the pacing rather than inflating content.
Nioh 3 refines mastery instead of simplifying difficulty.

Players are no longer impressed by size alone. They expect depth with clarity.

Legacy IP Is Becoming a Strategic Weapon

Remakes and reboots are no longer safe plays. They are strategic expansions.

Dragon Quest VII Reimagined restructures its content to meet modern expectations.
Fable aims to modernize charm without losing personality.

In 2026, legacy IPs must prove relevance, not rely on nostalgia. Players expect modernization with respect, not repetition.

East–West Design Lines Are Blurring

One of the most exciting trends we see:

Chinese studios pushing stylish action (Phantom Blade Zero)
Japanese studios refining long-form storytelling
Western studios embracing consequence-driven narratives

The RPG genre is no longer regionally segmented. It’s becoming globally collaborative in philosophy and that’s healthy for innovation.

What Players Expect in 2026 (And Beyond)

From a player’s perspective, expectations have matured:

They want a challenge, but a fair challenge.
They want a story, but integrated with gameplay.
They want freedom but not chaos in choice
They want emotional investment – not filler content.

The modern RPG audience is informed, analytical, and deeply engaged. This is not a passive audience anymore.

GIANTY’s Final Thought

What 2026 shows us is not a genre chasing trends — but a genre refining itself. Sharper combat identities. Cleaner pacing. More intentional worldbuilding. Stronger emotional cores.

And at GIANTY? We’re not just watching that evolution unfold. We’re building toward it.