The end of 2020 is almost here, and while that's more of a loaded term than most years, it does mean a new slate of games are on the horizon. 2021 is already shaping up to be a big year, and the best part is how there's likely more to be revealed in the coming months.
However, it should be noted that, to be included here, a game needs a confirmed release window. It may be certain quarters or the whole year, but it has to be confirmed. As a result, a game like Elden Ring doesn't qualify despite how highly anticipated it is. Hopefully, it lands in 2021, but for now, too little is known to commit. It should also be noted that this list is not "ranked" in terms of anticipation, instead simply being listed by release date and alphabetical order for the broad 2021 release window.
21 Scott Pilgrim vs. The World: The Game - Complete Edition (January 14)
Scott Pilgrim vs. The World: The Game - Complete Edition may just be a re-release on more modern platforms, but that would be an understatement to fans. The movie has had a cult following since day one, and the same can be said for the game. Kicking off 2021, fans will be able to dive back into the original game and its DLCs, and there's little reason to not be excited about an old nostalgic favorite.
Scott Pilgrim vs. The World: The Game - Complete Edition releases January 14, 2021, for PC, PS4, Stadia, Switch, and Xbox One.
20 Hitman 3 (January 20)
Hitman 3 is set up to finish off the World of Assassination trilogy that began with Hitman (2016), as players carry out assassinations around the globe as Agent 47. The base game features six new locations such as Dubai and Berlin, while players who have played the first two games can import maps, levels, and progress into this upcoming installment. As it releases in about three weeks, fans of the franchise don't really have a long wait.
Hitman 3 will release on Switch, PC, PS4, PS5, Stadia, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X on January 20, 2021.
19 The Medium (January 28)
Bloober Team is well-known for its psychological horror, and its next entry is just that and more. Changing up and moving to a third-person game, players will be taking on the role of Marianne, a Medium hence the title. Marianne can travel into the spirit realm, where being able to jump between two worlds will go a long way in terms of solving puzzles. Her psychic abilities will give her some defenses as well, so it seems like a bridge between something new for Bloober but also of its best.
The Medium releases January 28, 2021, for PC and Xbox Series X/S.
18 Outriders (February 2)
Outriders is People Can Fly's upcoming looter shooter that allows players to take on one of four classes: The Technomancer, the Pyromancer, the Trickster, and the Devastator. Each class has unique abilities that allow players to explore a ton of playstyles, while also working with others, yet not eliminating the ability to play solo either. For fans of looter shooters, Outriders is definitely a game to keep an eye on, as there's one big unique twist to it: it's a first-day package. Players will have everything available to them the minute they buy the game, including Outriders' extensive endgame content.
Outriders releases on February 2, 2021, for PC, PS4, PS5, Stadia, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
17 Persona 5 Strikers (February 23)
Persona 5 Strikers will be coming to the west in 2021, meaning fans of the JRPG get to spend a little more time with Joker and the Phantom Thieves. It should be noted that this serves as a sequel to Persona 5, not the Persona 5 Royal content, and this hack-and-slash entry may just be the start for Atlus in 2021. The franchise is celebrating a big anniversary, so it's worth wondering if this will be the coup de grace for fans next year or just the tip of the iceberg.
Persona 5 Strikers will release for PC, PS4, and Switch on February 23, 2021.
16 Bravely Default 2 (February 26)
Bravely Default 2 is the next entry in the Bravely series, following Bravely Default and Bravely Second, but it's going in a new direction. It's set in a new world on a continent named Excillant, which is then divided into 5 kingdoms, and it follows four main characters: sailor Seth, refugee princess Gloria, travelling scholar Elvis, and mercenary Adelle. Where it retains the core values is its turn-based battles and Brave Point system.
Bravely Default 2 will launch on February 26, 2021, for the Switch.
15 Monster Hunter Rise (March 26)
Monster Hunter Rise is the next main entry after Monster Hunter World, subtitled so to reflect the verticality of the game's map and overall design. Players will be joined by their ever-reliable Palico, but also a need hound-like companion known as a Palamute. Several monsters return, while new monsters are also in Monster Hunter Rise, and the 14 weapon types from Monster Hunter Generations and World are also present.
Monster Hunter Rise will release on Nintendo Switch on March 26, 2021.
14 Deathloop (May 21)
Deathloop, the next game from Arkane Studios, has an interesting premise. Colt, an assassin, is stuck in a time loop on Blackreef Island while he's trying to take out his targets, and another Assassin is acting against him. With a variety of stealth abilities, parkour actions, and attacks, Colt will be trying to take out his targets and break the loop, and it'll be interesting to see how all of this comes together.
Deathloop releases on May 21, 2021, for PC and the PlayStation 5.
13 Back 4 Blood (June 22)
Back 4 Blood is out to scratch a particular itch: Left 4 Dead. Developed by the studio that worked on the latter franchise, Back 4 Blood is a spiritual successor to everything that made Left 4 Dead great. Back 4 Blood features 4 characters fighting amid a zombie apocalypse, having to run from safe house to safe house to get to their destination. Complete with a ton of unique zombie types, Back 4 Blood checks all the right boxes.
Back 4 Blood is set to release on June 22, 2021, for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
12 Mass Effect Legendary Edition (Early 2021)
Fans have been clamoring for a remaster of the Mass Effect Trilogy for several years now, and Mass Effect: Legendary Edition aims to deliver that in 2021. This new iteration comes with every single piece of DLC and will likely be the best looking version of the trilogy available. A lot hasn't been shown yet, but based on the one trailer, the character models are lightyears ahead of Mass Effect 3, which released back in 2012.
Mass Effect: Legendary Edition is set to release in early 2021 for PC, PS4, and Xbox One, with targeted enhancements on the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S.