Turn-based RPGs have come a long way since the 1980s: this genre was once deemed boring, repetitive, and inaccessible for mainstream audiences, but recent years have seen the release of multiple high-quality titles with unique and innovative mechanics that have completely redefined it, and the best part is that this isn’t over yet, because this genre is always evolving.
Upcoming Role-Playing Games People Are Excited For
While plenty of RPGs have been announced for 2026 and beyond, these upcoming role-playing games are especially exciting.
Whether they’re indies or AAA projects, there are currently many promising turn-based RPGs in development that will most likely have a huge impact on the industry and influence other developers in the near future. There are a lot to choose from, but RPG fans should definitely keep an eye out for these upcoming games.
Digimon Story: Time Stranger
One Of The Most Anticipated Sequels In The Genre
Digimon Story: Time Stranger
- Released
- October 3, 2025
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- Teen / Fantasy Violence, Mild Language, Suggestive Themes, Use of Alcohol
- Genre(s)
- JRPG, RPG, Creature Collector
Digimon is often overshadowed by Pokemon, but this franchise has built an identity of its own and has even done many things better than its direct competitor. For example, 2017’s Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth was highly praised by fans and critics alike for being a more mature RPG set in the Digimon world, and was often compared to the Persona series. Now, after eight years of waiting, the next entry in the Digimon Story subseries is coming out very soon.
Digimon Story: Time Stranger looks even better than its predecessor in every way, with better graphics, a more vibrant art style, and a slew of quality-of-life improvements that have made the gameplay more streamlined and more accessible. Many people who had the opportunity to try it out have mentioned how utterly entertaining and addictive Time Stranger is, so it definitely has the potential to put the franchise back in the spotlight and turn more people into Digimon fans in the process.
Pokemon Legends: Z-A
The Modern Pokemon Game Fans Have Been Dreaming Of Since The 90s
Pokemon Legends: Z-A
- Released
- October 16, 2025
WHERE TO PLAY
That’s right, both Digimon and Pokemon will release brand-new entries in October 2025, and they both have the potential to completely redefine the genre. Pokemon: Legends Z-A is set to come out very soon, and while this franchise is often surrounded by controversies, there's no denying that the core gameplay looks really fun and surprisingly innovative.
Similar to Pokemon Legends: Arceus, Legends: Z-A will have a bigger focus on the story, exploration, and the single-player element, with the changes to the combat system being especially intriguing and promising. While trainers will still have to choose their Pokemon’s moves in every turn, they’ll also be able to order them around so they can get closer to their opponent and/or dodge oncoming attacks. This is similar to how battles work in the Pokemon anime, and fans have been waiting for a more involved and dynamic combat system like this one to be implemented in the games for decades. If everything ends up working, the success of Legends: Z-A may end up affecting all subsequent titles in the series and, by extension, the entire monster-taming subgenre.
Dragon Quest 1 & 2 HD-2D Remake
Going Back To Two Of The Most Influential RPGs Ever Made
Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake
- Released
- October 30, 2025
WHERE TO PLAY
While Final Fantasy is often cited as the most important RPG franchise ever made, it’s important to remember that Dragon Quest is equally influential, especially in Japan. In 2024, players thoroughly enjoyed Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake, a modern reimagining of a classic game with stunning visuals. But, of course, this was just the third entry in the famous Erdrick Trilogy, so many fans are now eager to play the first two games as well.
Every Mainline Dragon Quest Game, Ranked
There have been many mainline titles in the Dragon Quest series throughout the years though some stand out above the rest.
Fortunately for them, Dragon Quest 1 & 2 HD-2D Remake is scheduled to come out at the end of October, and it already looks extremely promising. Not only does the HD-2D style work perfectly with the cartoony presentation of the Dragon Quest IP, but this remaster will finally allow most players to try out the first two games in the series, which changed gaming forever many decades ago. Needless to say, this is a pretty big deal for the entire industry.
SacriFire
The Perfect Balance Between Turn-Based And Real-Time Combat
- Release Date: Q1 2026
The most polarizing aspect of this genre is the slow nature of turn-based battles, and players are always looking for a project with a unique twist that will make them more dynamic and engaging. SacriFire is one of them, as this upcoming RPG is notorious for having an interesting combat system that combines both turn-based and real-time mechanics.
But that’s not all, because this game’s biggest selling point is its innovative time-manipulation mechanic: enemies and projectiles on the battlefield only move when the player characters move, in a way that’s reminiscent of SUPERHOT. This is a brilliant and inventive mechanic that will certainly help SacriFire stand out from other upcoming RPGs. On top of all that, the game also looks absolutely beautiful, with detailed pixel art, expansive 3D environments, and energetic animations.
Lost Hellden
A Much-Needed Return To The Nostalgic PS1 Era
- Release Date: 2026
For many years, the indie RPG scene was inspired by classics from the 16-bit era, like Earthbound, Chrono Trigger, and Final Fantasy 6, which led to high-quality titles that are now beloved by many fans of the genre. However, as technology and trends evolve and change, now more people are interested in playing 3D RPGs inspired by classics from the PS1 era instead, like Final Fantasy 7 or The Legend of Dragoon, and it seems like Lost Hellden is going to scratch that exact itch.
With its pre-rendered backgrounds, its nostalgic world map, and its expansive job system, Lost Hellden feels like a throwback to a simpler time, but with the high production levels and stylistic graphics of a more modern project. Additionally, this game’s combat system sounds especially intriguing, as it blends turn-based with real-time action in a way that looks really engaging and accessible. If Lost Hellden ends up being a major success, it may inspire other indie studios to make more 3D RPGs in the same style.
Starbites
People Want More RPGs With Giant Mechas, And This Game Will Deliver Exactly That
- Release Date: 2026
Starbites is an upcoming game that’s currently flying under most people’s radars, even though it looks quite interesting and distinctive. This is a turn-based RPG in which the playable characters ride giant mechas to fight enemies, which can then be upgraded and customized with materials that can be found by exploring the overworld.
The official Starbites page on Steam even proudly boasts that this game will “break the stereotype that turn-based battles are boring,” as the combat has a mechanic called Drivers High that allows the player’s mechas to break the order of the turns once the DH gauge is full. Turn-based RPGs with giant anime mechas have been becoming less and less common (especially in recent years), so Starbites may potentially bring back this beloved subgenre once and for all, while also leading to the creation of many similar projects in the near future.
Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave
The Unexpected (But Welcomed) Return Of One Of Nintendo’s Biggest Franchises
- Release Date: 2026
It’s safe to say that Fire Emblem is currently the most popular tactical RPG series out there, and fortunately for its massive fan base, Nintendo has recently announced that its first Nintendo Switch 2 game will release next year. It's called Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave, and its reveal trailer has already caught the attention of many fans because it seems like it’ll take place in the same universe as 2019’s Fire Emblem: Three Houses.
45 Games To Play If You Liked Fire Emblem
The Fire Emblem series has a little something for everyone. Those who enjoy it should be sure to check out these similar games.
Not much is known about Fortune’s Weave so far, but it can’t be denied that it looks absolutely incredible, as the advanced hardware of the Nintendo Switch 2 will allow Intelligent Systems to create a more detailed world, a more complex narrative, and more fluid character animations. Even the iconic tactical turn-based combat of the series looks even more cinematic and snappier than ever before. Fortune’s Weave could not only redefine the Fire Emblem IP, but also every single turn-based RPG that’ll come out on Nintendo Switch 2 after it.
Persona 4 Revival
A Full-Blown Remake Of One Of The Best Turn-Based RPGs Ever Made
- Release Date: 2026
Persona has always been highly influential, especially after the release of Persona 5 in 2017, so any new game in this series that Atlus makes in the near future will become an instant classic. While, unfortunately, there are no new mainline entries (AKA Persona 6) currently in development, fans are more than excited about the prospect of reliving Persona 4 once again when Persona 4 Revival comes out next year.
The original PS2 game is often considered one of the best turn-based RPGs ever made and paved the way for future titles like Persona 5, so a full-blown remake with modern graphics and necessary quality-of-life improvements, but gameplay that remains faithful to the original, sounds amazing. Of course, Sega and Atlus haven’t revealed much about this remake so far, but as long as they keep their promises, there’s no doubt that this will be one of the best RPGs of 2026.
23 PS2 Games That Support More Than Two Players
If someone wants to play some classic PlayStation 2 games with friends, these games support more than just 2 players.