10 Most Anticipated Video Games of Q1 2026

If next year is anything like this year, then we’re looking at a packed new year full of yet another slew of the greatest hits in gaming, from indies to Triple-As and everything in between. The long wait for the most anticipated video games is nearly over. Just another few weeks to go, and then 2026 starts rolling. And in the first three months, we’re already looking at major games worth slotting on your calendar. 

The most anticipated games coming next year are wide-ranging across all gaming genres. We have brand new titles whose trailers have blown us away. Some sequels are long overdue. Others are surprising remasters and remakes of cult-classics we didn’t think would get their second time in the spotlight. Still, some have been added to personal wishlists by an overwhelming number of gamers on platforms like Steam that suggest their arrival might cause server overloads.

Come along while we rank the most anticipated video games of Q1 2026.

10. Ride 6 (February 12, 2026)

If you’re looking to play the latest motorcycle game, Ride is among the best franchises you can hope for. And Ride 6 will soon launch, with preorders already live. It’s a simulation game that will feel as real as possible, be it the bike models you unlock, the tracks, or environments you race in. They’ll feel immersive, ensuring that it feels like riding a motorcycle in real life.

You can look forward to lots of content, too, with 250+ bikes, new tracks, including off-road ones, 10 legendary champions you can challenge to a race, arcade modes, and online multiplayer functionality with cross-play.

9. Nioh 3 (February 6, 2026)

Nioh 3 is ready to preorder too, promising the deep and satisfyingly brutal Soulslike combat system we’ve come to love from the previous games. This time, you’ll venture into an open world, where you’ll explore more broadly. As sequels are known for, Nioh 3 is expected to take the series to the next level, improving and refining on the, frankly, already stellar stealth, Crucible arenas, and overall Soulslike stance and burst formula. 

8. High on Life 2 (February 13, 2026)

But perhaps High on Life 2 is a more attractive preorder deal, especially if you love the absurd and most bizarre world and weapons. The first game definitely carries the novelty and surprise of its unique, crude humor and talking guns. For the sequel, I’m anticipating even more wacky choices in the dialogue and gun designs. 

In addition to more absurdity, you can look forward to new features, too, like the addition of a skateboard for movement and expansion of the universe.

7. Deus Ex Remastered (February 5, 2026)

For a game that was released in 2000, a Deus Ex Remastered version is definitely long overdue. With remasters, though, they always run the risk of losing the star quality of the original. Still, it shouldn’t deviate much from the compelling cyberpunk world of the original, complete with the stealth, combat, and genre-defining choice-driven story and mission design.

6. Resident Evil: Requiem (February 27, 2026)

Resident Evil is already iconic in the survival horror genre. So, Resident Evil: Requiem definitely has its staggering fanbase and ranks among the most anticipated video games of Q1 2026. You can expect lots of familiar lore, especially with the return to Raccoon City, and certainly old fan-favorite characters. But you’ll have a new protagonist and refinements of the gameplay, from better visuals and lighting to an even more frightening stalker monster.

5. Dragon Quest VII Reimagined (February 5, 2026)

The original Dragon Quest VII Reimagined also launched in 2000. So, a pretty good chunk of time in between releases, which should bring the timeless classic to modern times. Apparently, a complete overhaul of the visuals is planned to ensure newcomers enjoy a fresh journey. But veterans can also revel in the new stories the entry will feature.

4. MY HERO ACADEMIA: All’s Justice (February 5, 2026)

My Hero Academia: All’s Justice may have fans of the source material more excited, especially with the adaptation of the Final War story arc. Yet, the franchise has proven to master thrilling 3D arena battles, adding more heroes and villains in their final forms. You’ll enjoy 3v3 tag team battles, but also explore open-world gameplay, as the crescendo for the clash of the heroes and villains builds up across the campaign.

3. The Legend of Heroes: Trails Beyond the Horizon (January 15, 2026)

The Trails saga has been around since 2004, branching off from 1989’s The Legend of Heroes. And The Legend of Heroes: Trails Beyond the Horizon intends to continue the sci-fi, fantasy, RPG series, bringing together fan-favorite characters. Since the upcoming entry builds up the climax to the Calvard story arc, I suspect many fans will be itching to play through it, both old JRPG mechanics and new features like S-Boosts and Shard Commands alike.

2. Slay the Spire 2 (March 2026)

Card games are so many and often recycle the same rules that have been around since the beginning of time. But Slay the Spire really shifted things around, practically genre-defining. It merges roguelike mechanics and deck-building in deeply strategic ways that make turns unpredictable and highly replayable. With the sequel, we’re hoping for more characters and cards, including more clever ways you can experiment with card effects and upgrades.

1. Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection (March 13, 2026)

Monster Hunter Stories has been a wild success, thus definitely among the most anticipated video games of Q1 2026. Who wouldn’t want to bond with monsters and explore the world together? With Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection, Capcom is looking to attract even more newcomers into its turn-based RPG spin-off through deeper stories exploring more mature themes, as well as new characters, monsters (monsties), and expanded and better turn-based gameplay. 

The new entry will be coming to Xbox consoles, too, thus broadening its scope from just PS, Switch, and PC platforms. So, good news all-around for the new year, with more Monsties to raise, ride, and control in battle.