Role-playing games have been a staple of the gaming industry for more than three decades. Each month, the genre tends to welcome a couple of noteworthy titles, be it high-profile releases such as Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, Silksong, Lies of P, Hogwarts Legacy, Octopath Traveler 2, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, and Baldur's Gate 3, or more niche projects like Labyrinth of Galleria: The Moon Society and 8-Bit Adventures 2. There are always new RPGs on the horizon.
Due to the ambitious nature of the genre's AAA projects, they are often announced years in advance, a practice that can result in extremely high expectations. Once the hype train gets moving, stopping it can be impossible, which has resulted in some disappointments in the past. However, when a game lives up to its potential, it is a thing of beauty. Which upcoming 2025 RPGs are you looking forward to the most?
I left Crimson Desert off the list as it has been marketed as action-adventure, not RPG.
Updated January 8, 2026 by Mark Sammut: The following upcoming RPGs have been added: Light No Fire and Mega Man Star Force Legacy Collection.
The Legend of Heroes: Trails Beyond the Horizon
A JRPG Series Known For Excellence
The Legend of Heroes: Trails Beyond the Horizon
- Released
- January 15, 2026
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Nihon Falcom, PH3 GmbH
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PC
While debuting more than a year ago in Japan, The Legend of Heroes: Trails Beyond the Horizon will finally make its worldwide debut at the beginning of January 2026. NIS America and Nihon Falcom arguably picked the perfect time to launch the game, as January's first few weeks will be quite slow and lacking in competition. The Trails franchise has more than 10 entries under its belt, and they are nearly all fantastic.
Trails Beyond the Horizon is a sequel to the Trails Through Daybreak games, which marked a new era and arc for the franchise. While they are not generally regarded as the best in the series, they introduced exciting mechanics that could and should be built upon by the upcoming RPG.
Code Vein 2
The Anime Soulslike Returns
Code Vein II
- Released
- January 29, 2026
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Bandai Namco Studios
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC
- Genre(s)
- Action, RPG, Soulslike, Dating Sim, Open-World
Soulslikes are common nowadays, but they are still quite popular. When the original Code Vein came out, the genre was nowhere near as packed, so it managed to stand out due to its anime aesthetic and implementation of the novel blood system. Nowadays, Soulslikes are not just special anymore, and we have received other solid anime variants like AI Limit. Consequently, Code Vein 2 will need to be considerably better than its predecessor to stand out from the crowd.
Like before, you will be able to team up with NPC partner characters, taking them into battle and forming bonds with them. The blood system will also return, although Code Vein 2 will expand on the concept. The story looks interesting, too, and it will feature a time-travel element.
Dragon Quest VII: Reimagined
Bringing Back A PS1 Masterpiece
Dragon Quest VII Reimagined
- Released
- February 5, 2026
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Square Enix, HexaDrive
- Genre(s)
- JRPG, Adventure
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PC
You don’t need me to tell you that Dragon Quest 7: Fragments of the Forgotten Past is a pretty great JRPGs. In fact, Enix’s original is rightfully regarded as an all-time PS1 classic, even if it might be overshadowed by the fifth and eighth entries in the series. While the original’s charm has not remotely faded, Dragon Quest 7 Reimagined will seek to introduce multiple generations to the timeless turn-based brilliance that was a staple of the ‘80s and ‘90s.
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Now, DQ7R has...a unique art style, especially for the characters. They do not really look like the iconic Akira Toriyama creations of old, a stylistic choice that could prove to be divisive among a lot of people. That said, the visuals still look nothing short of phenomenal, particularly in the overworld. As always, Square Enix is also looking to add some QOL changes to the battle system to help speed up encounters and reduce repetition.
Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties
A (Hopefully) Great Remake Of A Good Action RPG
Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties
- Released
- February 11, 2026
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- Mature 17+ / Blood, Intense Violence, Sexual Themes, Strong Language, Use of Alcohol, In-Game Purchases
- Developer(s)
- Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Nintendo Switch 2, PC
Honestly, I went back and forth on whether to include Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties, just because it really walks the line between RPG and action-adventure. However, the recent turn-based entries definitely qualify as RPGs, turning the franchise into a staple member of the genre. Sure, Yakuza Kiwami 3 will have beat 'em up combat and skill-based progression rather than traditional JRPG leveling up, but it will still be a glorious open-world romp defined by great storytelling, side quests, and a degree of customization.
The original Yakuza 3 is a solid game that has already been remastered, but it can be difficult to appreciate if somebody plays it right after Yakuza Kiwami 2. The upcoming remake should be the definitive version, providing top-notch visuals, improved gameplay, and maybe a slightly tighter campaign (but don't quote me on the latter. Furthermore, it will contain an all-new story called Dark Ties, which pushes Yoshitaka Mine into the lead role.
Nioh 3
Time For The Return Of The Best Action RPG Soulslike Series (Yeah, I Said it!)
Nioh 3
- Released
- February 6, 2026
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Koei Tecmo
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, PC
Bias warning – Besides Bloodborne, Nioh 2 is my favorite Soulslike/action RPG of all time, so I really cannot undersell how excited I am to return to Team Ninja’s universe. Blending history and supernatural elements, you will be taking charge of Tokugawa Takechiyo, the soon-to-be shogun who must quell a yokai-led rebellion by his brother. Travel through eras, meet cool figures from time, and fight roughly a billion bosses. It is Nioh, so the story will likely be both really awesome and convoluted.
These games are all about combat, way too many mechanics, and a billion weapons. The sequel seems to iterate on Nioh 2’s foundation, offering a samurai style that appears to mostly replicate its predecessor’s near-flawless action. However, Nioh 3 will also let you walk the path of the ninja, prioritizing ranged attacks. This should be interesting, as ranged weapons were already quite useful in Nioh 2. Finally, Team Ninja might be taking a lesson or two from Rise of the Ronin by adding larger levels, although Nioh 3 does not seem set to be open-world.
Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection
Turn-Based JRPG Goodness
Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection
- Released
- March 13, 2026
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Capcom
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Nintendo Switch 2, PC
Monster Hunter Wilds has had a rough first year, but Capcom is hardly abandoning the franchise. During a Nintendo Direct, Monster Hunter Stories 3 was revealed, with the game set to launch at some point in 2026. While I do appreciate and enjoy the main entries, the Stories spin-offs cater to my love of turn-based JRPGs with a monster-collecting element, and the third game looks set to be an impressive evolution of an already winning formula.
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Unlike the mainline games, Monster Hunter Stories follows a pretty standard JRPG formula, which means you should be able to look forward to character-driven quests, battle-based grinding, and a constantly evolving setting as you visit different towns and regions. Twisted Reflection is set to be released on all modern consoles, which is a first for this series.
Mega Man Star Force Legacy Collection
Upcoming Compilation Filled With Great Capcom DS RPGs
Mega Man Star Force Legacy Collection
- Released
- March 27, 2026
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Capcom
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
OK, Mega Man Star Force Legacy Collection is not exactly "new," as all the games are nearly two decades old by this point; however, this marks the first time this series will be available on other platforms besides the Nintendo DS, which is a huge deal in its own right. Beyond that, Star Force is not quite as well-known a series as its predecessor, Battle Network, so this compilation might very well be the first time some people will be exposed to these games in any form.
Finally, and most importantly, all of these titles are fantastic in their own right, and Capcom seems to have put in the time and effort to ensure that the upcoming versions retain their ancestors' magic. The collection will even include online multiplayer. Now, this compilation includes 7 RPGs, which is a ridiculously great deal. However, there are really just three different games, as each entry has a couple of variants similar to Battle Network and, more famously, Pokemon.
Phantom Blade Zero
A Wuxia RPG
Phantom Blade Zero
- Released
- September 9, 2026
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- S-Game
- Publisher(s)
- S-Game
- Platform(s)
- PC, PlayStation 5
One of the most highly anticipated action RPGs of the last few years, Phantom Blade Zero has looked ridiculously awesome in every one of its showcases. Developed and published by S-GAME, the game is inspired by Wuxia, a genre that focuses on Chinese martial arts and has been gaining traction on an international stage, courtesy of donghua and a slow influx of games.
Specifically, Phantom Blade Zero is set in an alternate reality known as the Phantom World, a setting that should blend a range of genres like steampunk and horror. Players will get to control an assassin who is framed for the murder of his organization's head, forcing him to try and clear his name before he dies in roughly two months. The story seems interesting, but Phantom Blade Zero has been primarily attracting attention due to its fast-paced combat, which has looked incredible in footage. Going by the available information, the game will not have Soulslike combat, which is kind of refreshing.
Gothic 1 Remake
The Return Of An All-Time Great RPG
Gothic 1 Remake
- Released
- 2026
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Alkimia Interactive
- Publisher(s)
- THQ Nordic
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC
Piranha Bytes' Gothic might be rough around the edges in most areas, but its world and NPCs hold up incredibly well, and they combine to create one of the most immersive RPGs of all time. While the sequels had their charm (and Gothic 2 is pretty great), the series has effectively been dormant for the best part of 15 years, and Piranha Bytes' closure might have suggested that it would remain part of the past. Fortunately, that is not going to be the case, as Alkimia Interactive and THQ Nordic are working on a remake of the first game, one that promises to remain faithful to its ancestor's ideas and organic design.
Once again, you will find yourself in a prison colony defined by conflicting factions, and you will have to work your way up from the very bottom. Although the original game has a tiny world by modern standards, it was incredibly deep and reactive, two things that the remake really needs to nail if it wants to be a success.
Valor Mortis
A First-Person Soulslike RPG
Valor Mortis
- Released
- 2026
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- One More Level
- Publisher(s)
- One More Level, Lyrical Games
- Platform(s)
- PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- Genre(s)
- Soulslike, RPG, First-Person
Revealed during Gamescom 2025, Valor Mortis looks set to shift the Soulslike RPG genre into first-person territory, a concept that has arguably yet to produce a really great game. One More Level is primarily known for the Ghostrunner games, both of which have satisfying combat that prioritizes quick thinking and one-hit kills. Valor Mortis will likely have longer battles than that, but the developer has already more than proven that they are capable of crafting intense and smooth first-person combat.
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Valor Mortis has a pretty fascinating setting, with the story taking place during Napoleon's reign. As a soldier who dies in battle, you awaken in hell on Earth, as corruption has spread and left the world filled with all sorts of entities that should not exist. Sounds like a brilliant concept for a dark fantasy RPG.
Light No Fire
An Ambitious Fantasy Open-World RPG From The Makers Of No Man's Sky
Light No Fire
- Developer(s)
- Hello Games
WHERE TO PLAY
The rehabilitation of Hello Games' reputation has been so extraordinary that, in 2026, "from the creators of No Man's Sky" inspires unbridled excitement. Light No Fire is the developer's next effort, although its release is likely still a few years away. While seemingly incorporating elements from their previous (and current) masterpiece, the upcoming release will 100% fall within the RPG genre, all the while offering a vast open-world that demands exploration and experimentation. Rather than give you the universe, Hello Games is focusing on just one planet, which happens to be the size of Earth (but isn't Earth).
In its marketing, Light No Fire is specifically cited to be about "adventure, building, survival, and exploration together," the latter of which emphasizes online co-op as a central feature. "Survival" suggests a specific type of experience, although it remains to be seen whether the game goes down the hardcore route or opts for a more accessible approach.
The Witcher 4
Action & Open-World (Presumably)
The Witcher 4
- Developer(s)
- CD Projekt Red
WHERE TO PLAY
- Engine
- Unreal Engine 5
- Franchise
- The Witcher
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG, Open-World
CD Projekt Red has been working on a new The Witcher project for a few years, but the developer did not confirm that it would be the next mainline entry in the saga until The Game Awards 2024. The Witcher 4 is on the horizon, and it is an exciting time to be a fan of open-world RPGs or just games in general. While Cyberpunk 2077's debut state reduced CD Projekt Red's public goodwill, the developer's post-launch commitment helped right a few of those initial wrongs, and the game is nowadays in good shape. More importantly, The Witcher 3 is still largely regarded as one of the greatest Western RPGs of all time, and time has done very little to dull its shine.
As the previous entry's DLC nicely completed Geralt's story, it had long been speculated that The Witcher 4 would feature a new protagonist, and Ciri has always been the most obvious pick. Well, The Game Awards' trailer largely confirmed that rumor, with the powerful character being front and center. At this point, almost nothing is known about the sequel's direction, except for Ciri seeming to be a few years older than in Wild Hunt. Also, Geralt will likely make an appearance in The Witcher 4.
The Elder Scrolls 6
Open-World (Presumably)
The Elder Scrolls 6
- Released
- 2026
- ESRB
- m
- Developer(s)
- Bethesda Game Studios
- Platform(s)
- PC, Xbox (Original)
- Genre(s)
- RPG
It was only a matter of time before The Elder Scrolls 6 was revealed, although that is essentially all that Bethesda has done. Except for some minor details that can be surmised from the few seconds of footage that have been released so far, the game is still largely a mystery; however, TES 6 is one of those upcoming RPGs that only needs to exist to generate hype.
Realistically, Bethesda's sequel is still a few years away from a debut, and the publisher's recent track record has been a touch hit and miss. Nevertheless, it would be shocking if TES 6 does not wind up as one of the best-selling games of all time.
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