The most anticipated games that will shape the gaming calendar

With 2026 just around the corner, the release schedule is starting to take shape, and it's shaping up to be a particularly busy year for those who play in PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and Nintendo Switch 2Between long-awaited sequels, reboots of legendary sagas, and new high-budget licenses, the coming year is shaping up to be... to keep the bar very high after a 2025 full of bombshells.

Many of these titles will arrive with well-defined Western dates for Europe and Spainand others still don't have a specific date but are confirmed for 2026. In all cases, we are talking about projects that already concentrate the attention of the community: from the ubiquitous Grand Theft Auto VI until Role-playing, action, and horror games are looking to carve out a niche in a market where not everything revolves around Rockstar..

Grand Theft Auto VI, the giant that dominates the calendar

It is impossible to talk about the most anticipated games of 2026 without starting with Grand Theft Auto VIRockstar Games has set its release for the November 19, 2026 en PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, a move clearly designed for the European Christmas season and which has helped to clear things up somewhat in the first half of the year.

The new installment will take us to an updated version of Vice City, in the fictional state of LeonidaInspired by Florida. It will feature Two main characters, Jason and LuciaAnd an open world that promises a level of detail rarely seen: from everyday city life to the series' trademark social satire. More than a decade after GTA V, expectations are sky-high, and any potential delays are being closely watched.

Big-budget horror: Resident Evil 9 and other Capcom projects

In the realm of terror, Capcom one of the strongest cards of the year is reserved with Resident Evil 9: Requiem, planned for the February 27, 2026 en PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S and Nintendo Switch 2The company has confirmed that we will see more material in a Resident Evil Showcase in early 2026where new gameplay trailers are expected, and even the possibility of a pre-launch demo.

Requiem will continue the main storyline of the saga and will utilize an improved version of the RE Engine to offer More detailed graphics, advanced lighting, and highly realistic facial animationsThe proposal will alternate sections of Intense action in the style of Resident Evil 4 Remake with sections of more leisurely survival horrorseeking to please both those who enjoy the more classic approach and those who prefer a modern rhythm.

Beyond this release, Capcom has something else on the horizon Pragmataa project of science fiction set on a lunar station where a pair of protagonists face a rebellion of artificial intelligences. Although without an official release date, it continues to be among the titles that could round out the year for the Japanese publisher.

PlayStation 5: Wolverine, Saros and high-profile stakes

For users of PS52026 is shaping up to be one of the console's strongest years. Sony is preparing a lineup in which the exclusive will have a significant impact, with Marvel's Wolverine y Saros as proper names.

Marvel's Wolverine, developed by Insomniac Games, is planned for Autumn 2026 as game exclusively for PS5 (at least initially). Far from the lighthearted tone of the Spider-Man films from the same studio, this one opts for an adventure. more raw and violentThe game focuses on hand-to-hand combat and a mature narrative. Logan is the absolute protagonist, with appearances by other X-Men members in the background and a clearly more linear level design, intended for highly choreographed sequences.

The other big in-house bet is Saros, the new thing from Housemarque after Returnal, dated for the April 30, 2026 on PS5. It will maintain the core gameplay of roguelike shooter and bullet hellbut it will introduce significant changes: permanent improvements between gamesA new protagonist and a distinct alien planet marked by a strong cosmic horror element. The goal is for even the shortest runs to be worthwhile thanks to this constant progression.

In addition, there are multiplatform titles in which Sony's console will play a leading role. Phantom Blade ZeroFor example, it will reach PC and PS5 on September 9, 2026 and it is presented as a mixture of hack and slash, action RPG and soulslike elements, with extremely fast combat, use of the Unreal Engine 5 and an aesthetic that crosses oriental wuxia with steampunk and cyberpunk touches.

Xbox Series X|S: Big franchises and the rise of role-playing

The Xbox ecosystem also has several key releases in store. One of the most talked-about is Forza Horizon 6, installment set in Japan which, although it doesn't yet have an exact date, is confirmed for PC and Xbox Series X|S with a later release on PS5. The game will maintain the focus of open world “simcade” type, with a major car festival, changing seasons and stages that alternate between big cities, mountain routes and rural areas inspired by Japanese culture.

In parallel, Fable returns as reboot of the legendary role-playing saga, developed by Playground Games. Scheduled for 2026 in PC and Xbox Series X|S (available on Game Pass day one), aims to recapture the series' characteristic British humor, but with a A more detailed open world, more impactful moral choices, and a deeper customization systemIt doesn't have a specific release date, but it's on every list of the most anticipated role-playing games of the year.

In the context of third-person action, Gears of War: E-Day It is also among the most followed projects. This prequel It will recount the events leading up to Marcus Fenix's first adventure, with an emphasis on the initial Locust Horde invasion. Staying true to the franchise's DNA, a cinematic shooter with cover mechanics, gore, and heavy use of Unreal Engine 5 to give the saga a visual leap.

Nintendo Switch 2: Exclusives, ports, and third-party surprises

Nintendo's new hybrid console, Switch 22026 will be a particularly busy year for [Company Name], both in terms of its own releases and the arrival of projects from other platforms. Regarding exclusives, The Duskbloods It is presented as one of the most popular titles among players looking for high challenges.

Developed by FromSoftware, The Duskbloods it's a Dark fantasy RPG with a multiplayer PvPvE focus, designed specifically for Switch 2. Up to eight players per game They will become Bloodsworn, human-vampire hybrids who fight to obtain the First Blood. The Japanese studio explores a less traditional format here than its usual soulslike games, placing greater emphasis on player interactions and dynamic objectives within each playthrough.

The hybrid console's catalog also features notable role-playing and strategy games such as Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weavea new Switch 2 exclusive tactical RPG It will retain turn-based combat on a grid system and a medieval fantasy storyline with multiple playable characters. And, in terms of licensed titles, the console will receive specific versions of highly anticipated projects, such as Resident Evil 9: Requiem and 007: First Light.

The relationship between Microsoft and Nintendo will continue to generate discussion. After confirming the arrival of Fallout 4: Anniversary Edition Various reports indicate that the Switch 2 will also be available. Starfield coming to Nintendo consoles in 2026, taking advantage of the optimizations made to lower power consumption devices and the use of Creation EngineWithout a firm date, this is a move that would strengthen the presence of major Western productions in the hybrid ecosystem.

The year of shooters and cinematic action

Beyond leadership and role, 2026 is strongly focused on the field of action and shooting gamesOne of the proper names is 007: First Light, developed by IO InteractiveThe game, which will arrive on March 27, 2026 a PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S and Nintendo Switch 2, will explore the James Bond's origins as an MI6 agent through missions with multiple routes, a focus on stealth, the use of classic gadgets, and action sequences inspired by cinema.

The creators of Hitman will bring some of their experience to open level design with different solutionsThis allows each operation to be approached from multiple angles: pure infiltration, silent elimination, more direct shootouts, or a combination of all of them. Driving sequences with chases have also been announced, a common element in the British agent's stories.

Meanwhile, fans of more stylized action are looking to Phantom Blade Zero. This title, which combines inspiration from Devil May Cry and Ninja Gaiden with certain role-playing elements, it will focus on very fast and technical fights, a remarkable depth in character progression and a "kung fu punk" aesthetic that blends Eastern traditions with futuristic elements.

Role-playing and open worlds: much more than GTA

If there's one thing that characterizes 2026, it's the strong presence of role-playing games and open worlds which will arrive in Europe throughout the year. For those who enjoy the genre, the list goes far beyond the latest titles.

On the one hand, Crimson Desert, of Pearl Abyss, has already marked on the calendar the March 19, 2026 for their arrival at PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X|SBorn as an idea connected to Black Desert Online, the project has evolved into a standalone adventure focused on the solo experienceIt promises a vast medieval fantasy world, very spectacular combat, mounts and a technical staging that wants to take full advantage of Unreal Engine 5.

The land of Japanese RPG It will also have its share of the spotlight. Dragon Quest VII Reimagined the will arrive February 5, 2026 a PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch and Switch 2reinterpreting one of the most beloved chapters of the saga. It will leave behind the 2D-HD style of other compilations to opt for a three-dimensional diorama-type environment, with characters that look more modern, Streamlined gameplay, revised class system, and additional content compared to the original.

Among the large-scale Western proposals, the following also stand out The Blood of Dawnwalker, a new project from the director of The Witcher 3. This Vampire RPG set in a dark medieval Europe It presents the story of Coen, a protagonist trapped between the daytime human world and the nightly threat of creatures of the night. The game will introduce a a race against time, with 30 days and 30 nights to save his family, forcing you to carefully choose when to act and what decisions to make, as they will affect the development of the plot.

Along the same lines major role-playing franchisesFable and Resonant Control They aim to strengthen the offering. The first one as reboot of a classic Microsoft saga, with an emphasis on morality and character development, and the second as a sequel that will transform Control into a action RPG in a distorted Manhattan, focusing on character development and new ways of approaching encounters.

Soulslike, extreme action and more demanding proposals

For those seeking challenging experiences and complex combat systems, 2026 is well-stocked with games with Soulslike DNA or inspired by that philosophy, both from Japan and from the West.

Nioh 3, of Team Ninja, has the date marked on February 6, 2026 en PC and PS5The new installment will maintain the fast and lethal combat of the saga, but will introduce a a more open and interconnected world and a new "Ninja" style which offers greater mobility in exchange for sacrificing some offensive potential. The setting will continue to explore a dark fantasy Japan teeming with yokai and legends.

On the western side, names like Lords of the Fallen 2, Mortal Shell 2 o Mortis Value They are among the projects that generate the most interest within that subgenre. In all cases, the idea is reinforce what was learned in their first releases or take FromSoftware as a reference. to offer challenging combat, worlds full of secrets and deep progression systems, without sacrificing a certain personality of its own in the visuals and level design.

Meanwhile, The Duskbloods sets itself apart by taking the soulslike formula to the realm of Competitive and cooperative multiplayer on Switch 2With up to eight players sharing the stage and not always coinciding objectives, it is shaping up to be one of the most unique experiences for those who enjoy challenging action.

The role of Europe and Spain in the wave of premieres

Many of these productions will be released simultaneously or almost simultaneously in Europe, including SpainThis makes it easier to keep up with releases without major regional delays. The official 2026 schedules already detail Western dates for many of the key games, from the peak months of February and March until the final stretch of the year.

For Spanish players, this translates into a a busy schedule practically from January until the end of NovemberWith options to suit all tastes: pure action, horror, Japanese and Western RPGs, racing, multiplayer games, and more narrative-driven adventures. Most major publishers are focusing on localized versions and coordinated releases, which in practice reduces the feeling of being "playing back" to other markets.

Taken as a whole, 2026 is shaping up to be a year in which GTA VI will grab much of the spotlight, but where it will coexist with a long list of titles that, in many cases, aim to Consolidate consoles and services in EuropeBetween powerful exclusives, the return of historic franchises, and new names looking to make their mark, it doesn't seem like players will have time to get bored.

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Alberto Navarro

I am a technology enthusiast who has turned his "geek" interests into a profession. I have spent more than 10 years of my life using cutting-edge technology and tinkering with all kinds of programs out of pure curiosity. Now I have specialized in computer technology and video games. This is because for more than 5 years I have been writing for various websites on technology and video games, creating articles that seek to give you the information you need in a language that is understandable to everyone.

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