12 Upcoming RPGs You Should Watch Closely: New and Returning Franchises, Release, and Platforms

What to know

• 2026 is shaping up to be a major year for action and open-world RPGs.
• Several classic franchises are returning with modern systems and visuals.
• Mythology, supernatural themes, and character-driven storytelling dominate the lineup.
• Most titles are targeting PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC platforms.

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The upcoming RPG slate blends established franchises with bold new IPs. Whether you prefer deep narrative choices, intense melee combat, or expansive open worlds, there’s something here worth tracking. Below is a quick overview, followed by detailed breakdowns of each title and what you can expect.

List of the most-hyped upcoming RPGs

Game Title	Release Window	Platforms	RPG Focus
Project Windless	2026	PS5, PC	Anime-style action RPG, progression-driven combat
Control Resonant	2026	PS5, Xbox, PC	Supernatural narrative RPG
God of War Trilogy Remake	TBA	PS5	Classic action-RPG remakes
Onimusha: Way of the Sword	2026	PS5, Xbox, PC	Samurai action RPG
Genigods Nezha	2026	PS5, PC	Mythological action RPG
Fable	Autumn 2026	Xbox, PC	Open-world fantasy RPG
Darksiders 4	TBA	PS5, Xbox, PC	Apocalyptic action RPG
Crimson Desert	March 19, 2026	PS5, Xbox, PC	Open-world story-driven RPG
Tides of Annihilation	2026	PS5, Xbox, PC	Arthurian fantasy action RPG
Armatus	2026	PS5, Switch 2, PC, Xbox Game Pass	Stylized action RPG
Fatekeeper	Q1 2026 (Early Access)	PC	Indie fantasy action RPG
Kaidan	2026	PS5, Xbox, PC	Japanese-inspired supernatural RPG

#1 Project Windless

Project Windless is positioning itself as a flashy, character-progression-heavy action RPG. You can expect fast-paced melee combat layered with skill trees, customizable builds, and visually dynamic abilities. Its anime-inspired aesthetic sets it apart visually, but the real focus appears to be on build experimentation and long-term character growth.

If you enjoy mastering combos and refining your skill loadout over time, this is one to keep an eye on.

#2 Control Resonant

Control fans will recognize the setting immediately. Control Resonant builds on the supernatural framework established in the original game, shifting further into RPG territory with deeper progression systems and narrative branches.

The emphasis appears to be on storytelling and paranormal abilities, allowing you to shape your character’s powers while uncovering new anomalies. Expect psychological tension, reality-bending environments, and a strong single-player focus.

#3 God of War Trilogy Remake

God of War is returning in remake form, bringing the original trilogy to modern hardware with updated combat systems and expanded progression mechanics.

Rather than a simple visual upgrade, this collection reportedly integrates more contemporary RPG elements, likely borrowing from the newer series entries. For longtime fans, it’s a chance to revisit Kratos’ original arc with smoother combat and refined character systems.

#4 Onimusha: Way of the Sword

Onimusha makes a major comeback with Way of the Sword. This installment blends classic demon-slaying samurai combat with modern RPG mechanics such as skill customization and equipment upgrades.

You can expect a darker historical-fantasy tone, tactical swordplay, and a heavier emphasis on character builds compared to earlier entries.

#5 Genigods Nezha

Inspired by the legendary deity Nezha, Genigods Nezha delivers a mythological action RPG rooted in Chinese folklore.

The combat appears ability-driven, centered around divine powers and cinematic boss encounters. Mythological storytelling plays a key role, offering a blend of fast action and narrative depth. If you’re interested in culturally inspired fantasy worlds, this stands out.

#6 Fable

Fable returns in Autumn 2026 with a fully open-world fantasy RPG experience.

The defining feature remains player choice. Your moral decisions, dialogue paths, and quest resolutions shape the world around you. Expect a vibrant setting, humor woven into darker themes, and a focus on freedom in how you build and role-play your character.

#7 Darksiders 4

Darksiders continues with its fourth main entry, expanding the ongoing Horsemen narrative.

The franchise is known for blending hack-and-slash combat with RPG progression and puzzle-solving. Darksiders 4 is expected to deepen combat systems while maintaining its signature gothic art style and lore-heavy storytelling.

#8 Crimson Desert

Crimson Desert is set for release on March 19, 2026. It promises large-scale battles, a detailed open world, and a strong story focus.

Unlike purely sandbox RPGs, Crimson Desert aims to combine cinematic narrative arcs with emergent gameplay. Massive combat sequences and layered political storytelling are key pillars here.

#9 Tides of Annihilation

Drawing from Arthurian legend, Tides of Annihilation introduces a dark fantasy reinterpretation of familiar mythological figures.

Combat appears heavily ability-based, with magic and melee intertwined. Expect a story-driven structure that explores fate, prophecy, and the collapse of kingdoms in a high-fantasy setting.

#10 Armatus

Armatus stands out with stylized visuals and combat built around fluid ability chaining. With multi-platform availability—including Switch 2 and Xbox Game Pass—it may reach a broader audience at launch.

The RPG structure emphasizes skill customization and combat experimentation rather than pure open-world exploration.

#11 Fatekeeper

Fatekeeper arrives in Q1 2026 as an early access PC title. As an indie fantasy action RPG, it focuses on iterative development and player feedback.

You can expect evolving content updates, balancing adjustments, and expanding systems over time. If you enjoy shaping a game’s growth through early access participation, this one fits that mold.

#12 Kaidan

Kaidan leans into supernatural folklore and Japanese-inspired themes. Combat appears centered on exorcism-style mechanics and spirit-infused abilities.

The tone suggests atmospheric exploration paired with intense combat encounters. If you enjoy darker fantasy settings grounded in folklore, this is one to watch.

Why 2026 could be a defining year for RPG fans

From mythological epics like Genigods Nezha to franchise revivals such as Onimusha and Fable, 2026 offers a diverse RPG lineup. You’re looking at a year packed with both nostalgic returns and ambitious new worlds.

Whether you prefer open-world freedom, narrative-heavy progression, or fast-paced combat systems, the upcoming slate provides multiple styles of RPG experiences to follow closely.