Upcoming RPGs that could become instant classics

We've seen so many incredible games over the past few years that one will surely go down in the books as one of the best of all time. When zooming in on RPG Genre, like Titans Baldur's Gate 3 The bar has been raised massively, but 2026 is looking to add more names to the Hall of Fame.

Over the next few months, we're going to be looking at action epics set in the East, sci-fi adventures across the galaxy, and some unique standouts that don't fit into a single box. If you're an RPG fan, strap in by the end of this year, you might have a brand new game to call your favorite.

Animal of Reincarnation

Another use of GAME FREAK

• Dual turn-based and real-time combat.

• A brand-new IP and setting from a reputable developer.

Animal of Reincarnation Far from your typical game freak project, but that's what makes it such an exciting prospect. You find yourself in post-apocalyptic Japan, where machines and nature collide, and your only hope is to work with your trusty dog ​​Koo to fight for the last strands of humanity.

When it comes to gameplay, what appeals to me the most is the dual approach to combat, where you're able to issue commands to Koo and fight head-on with Emma, ​​using both real-time and turn-based mechanics to take down anything that stands in your way. The action looks amazing, and running through the experience is an emotional story that will test how strong the bond between man and pet can really be, and may be the final nail that cements its place as a truly timeless RPG.

Phantom Blade Zero

Where swords clash

• Wuxia-inspired martial arts combat.

• Many styles of gameplay and weapons.

Phantom Blade Zero One of the most exciting RPGs in years, and a big reason for that is its insistence on setting itself apart from other martial arts games and the likes of Souls in the genre. Combat is everything, and you have access to so many different styles and equipment that it seems like one playthrough won't be enough to experience it all.

I think the best part, though, comes from the authenticity. Not only are you dueling deadly assassins and giant opponents, but you're doing so in this movie world with a faithful recreation of classic kung fu techniques. As far as ARPGs go, I don't see any game competing with it anytime soon, and I can honestly imagine a world where Phantom Blade Zero The big titles are looked back on with the same level of admiration Alden Ring.

Expansion: Osiris Reborn

Every decision counts

• Squad dynamics function in and out of combat.

• Choices have a huge impact on your future.

Not all RPGs have to take the fantasy route, and Expansion: Osiris Reborn shows that the outer reaches of the galaxy have many exciting stories to tell. Now the solar system has won, but no matter how advanced humans are, corruption and conspiracies are still going on in the society. It's up to you and your team to uncover the secrets hidden beneath the surface.

In terms of combat, you gain access to a dynamic style of third-person shooting that lets you play around cover and issue orders to your team, creating a more strategic experience than many other games in the space. Like any good RPG, choices matter a lot, and how much playthrough can vary from person to person, I truly believe. Expansion: Osiris Reborn The effect can be lasting for many years to come.

departure

All in due time

• A variety of sci-fi and fantasy mechanics and settings.

• Action-packed missions with a range of pacing.

departure Brings nearly every concept from the sci-fi genre into a single game that can be as extravagant as it is ambitious. In the future, time itself has become a powerful tool that may very well hold the key to humanity's survival, and by traveling the universe, you and your potential crew may be the key to a brighter tomorrow.

The story takes center stage, but that doesn't mean the gameplay has to take a back seat. You can jump, blast and smash your way through various stages ranging from technological outposts to ancient ruins. I think the potential for success is so high that if the game achieves even an ounce of what it's trying to create, we're in for something really special.

Light no fire

There are no spaceships here

• Another game from Man has no sky devs, hello games.

• A world the size of Earth.

Light no fire Another big project from Halo Games, the creators of Man has no skyBut instead of being thrust into outer space, you're presented with an Earth-sized fantasy world filled with possibilities and friends to meet. Limitless is the best way to describe it, as you are effectively able to run or fly in any direction you choose, and can do so alone or with a group of friends by your side.

The processual nature of the planet means there are many opportunities for biological innovations, both on top of the mountains and on the ground below them. I spent a lot of time Man has no skyAnd assuming the devs learned their lesson from that game's poor launch, I see no reason why they can't shoot for the same stars. Metaphorically speaking, of course.

god killer

Steampunk has never looked better

• Elements drive gameplay.

• Huge set pieces in an open world.

god killer is a very different kind of Eastern RPG that trades the typical samurai swords and ghostly entities for a steampunk aesthetic with elemental power. The world is vast, and there are many different aspects of society for you to explore, with questlines taking you from the low streets of the countryside to the high peaks of the capital.

What draws me to a game is primarily the aesthetic, but how that aesthetic translates into gameplay. You battle the elements against mechanical titans, and the mix of mythology and technology makes for an incredibly unique look that could become a trend in itself when the game is released into the wild.