25 Extremely Interesting Titles to Welcome with Open Arms Throughout 2026 On PC and Consoles
I think we’re doing a very solid job covering all the RPGs and turn-based strategy games set to launch in 2026. As promised, after publishing a list a few days ago featuring 20 of the titles I’m most excited about for next year, I’m back with another 25 games that, in my opinion, absolutely deserve a spot on your wishlist as we wait for their release.
No worries, all of these titles will be added to the TBL calendar, where you’ll be able to keep track of each one.
With that said, let’s get started with these 25 games, all set to debut during what’s already shaping up to be a packed year for us turn based lovers.
Warhammer 40k Dark Heresy
- Developer: Owlcat Games
- Release Date: TBA
- Platforms: Windows
- Steam Page
A new chapter in the Warhammer 40K universe, presented as an isometric RPG, and this time with investigative mechanics added to the mix. There was no way I could start this article with anything other than Dark Heresy.
Owlcat’s Rogue Trader brought the famous Warhammer 40,000 setting to life in splendid detail, and with their follow-up, Dark Heresy, you’ll be able to explore the grim darkness of the far future even more. This time, you’ll be working for the Inquisition, rooting out daemons, heresy, and other threats to the Imperium.
Dark Heresy entered its alpha period just a few weeks ago, so there is still plenty of work to be done before launch. While no release date has been confirmed, it is one to watch for RPG fans, even if you’ve never played a Warhammer game before. Hopefully, we’ll be able to play it by this time next year!
Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter
- Developer: Nihon Falcom
- Release Date: 2026
- Platforms: Windows, PlayStation, Switch
- Steam Page
It had already been in the air, but the official confirmation, along with a release window, arrived just last week. That means I can now officially add the remaster of the second chapter of the Trails in the Sky series to the list of 2026 releases.
Trails In The Sky is one of the best jumping-on points for Nihon Falcom’s massive The Legend of Heroes chronology of JRPGs, but the old PSP titles are a bit hard to come by nowadays. Luckily, Estelle’s adventure was remastered earlier this year with Trails In The Sky 1st Chapter, with the sequel hot on its heels for 2026.
Not only is this a great chance for new players to get their start in the series, but Trails 1st and 2nd are shaping up to be the definitive versions of a classic JRPG series.
You can even import save data from the 1st Chapter to get bonuses in the 2nd Chapter! With no official release date, there’s likely still plenty of time to get caught up on the story – conveniently, Trails In The Sky 1st Chapter is 25% off on Steam until 5 January.
Escape from Ever After
- Developer: Sleepy Castle Studio
- Release Date: 23 January, 2026
- Platforms: Windows, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch
- Steam Page
Another title I strongly recommend keeping an eye on is Escape From Ever After, an RPG that clearly draws inspiration from Paper Mario and its combat mechanics, built around precise timing and puzzle-like interactions during battles.
It offers lighthearted fun to start off the new year. It imagines a world where a ruthless corporation has taken over classic fairy tales. As storybook hero Flynt, your job is to take the corporation down from within, recruiting fantasy creatures to help you in your quest.
Between its story and turn-based battles, Escape From Ever After could be a winner for players looking for a bit of nostalgia that also has something to say. The demo is available now, and the game releases toward the end of January, so there isn’t long to wait.
Alder Forge 2 (E.A.)
- Developer: Zine FALOUTI
- Release Date: 9 January, 2026
- Platforms: Windows
- Steam Page
The original Alder Forge was an impressive indie JRPG that proved it doesn’t take a massive publisher to produce a deep, memorable game. The sequel, continuing the story two years after the events of the first game, sets up Alder Forge to potentially be a multi-title saga worth following.
With quality-of-life improvements and more of the world to explore, Alder Forge 2 should offer plenty for fans of the original, even in Early Access. The original game also has a free demo available, if you’d prefer to start from the beginning or try it out before committing.
The Legend of Heroes: Trails beyond the Horizon
- Developer: Nihon Falcom, PH3
- Release Date: 15 January, 2026
- Platforms: Windows, PlayStation, Switch
- Steam Page
Where the remakes of Trails In The Sky are great for new players to the Legend of Heroes series, Trails Beyond The Horizon should be a major treat for longtime fans.
It serves as the follow-up to Trails Through Daybreak 1 and 2, and true to series form brings more combat systems and a compelling story in one of gaming’s most developed settings.
The demo of Trails Beyond the Horizon is already available for free, with the full game coming just a few weeks into the new year. The first two Trails Through Daybreak games are also discounted during the Steam Winter Sale, so if you’d prefer to play in release order, you still have a chance to save some money.
The Severed Gods
- Developer: Topebox
- Release Date: 2026
- Platforms: Windows
- Steam Page
I played a build of The Severed Gods some time ago, and honestly, it pleasantly surprised me.
The Severed Gods is an exciting indie title for RPG fans. It combines the look and feel of 2.5D adventures like Octopath Traveler with a digestible roguelite loop. You may not succeed on the first attempt, or the tenth, but each time you start over you’ll reincarnate into a new world to explore (and hopefully save).
The Severed Gods adds a new layer of strategy to traditional JRPG combat by letting you target the high, middle, and low parts of enemies, cutting them to pieces to even the odds against godlike foes.
It’s currently in playtesting, with a link to join from its Steam page, and could be your next roguelike obsession when it launches sometime in 2026.
Solasta II (E.A.)
- Developer: Tactical Adventures
- Release Date: 12 March, 2026
- Platforms: Windows (PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch expected for full release)
- Steam Page
If you love games that bring the tabletop RPG experience of games like Dungeons & Dragons to the tabletop, then Solasta is a must-play. The original game was the most authentic digital 5e adaptation this side of Baldur’s Gate, and the upcoming sequel promises even more tactical roleplaying goodness.
Solasta II has a free demo available now, letting you get a sneak peek at the new story and characters.
The game itself comes to Early Access in March, and we aren’t likely to see the full version until sometime in 2027, but if the first game (which is 75% off on Steam until 5 January) is anything to go by, then there will be plenty to do during the Early Access period.
Stormbinders
- Developer: Destructive Creations
- Release Date: TBA
- Platforms: Windows
- Steam Page
Fans of Heroes of Might and Magic are certainly eager for the arrival of the series’ return with Olden Era, but there are plenty of other games that pay tribute to the old-school strategy masterpiece as well.
Stormbinders looks like it could be everything a Heroes 3 fan has been longing for, all with a new setting and factions to inject novelty into classic gameplay.
While there is no release date for Stormbinders yet, the Dev Diaries suggest that everything is proceeding apace. This project is certainly one to Wishlist and Follow to keep up with new announcements as they come.
Total War Medieval III
- Developer: The Creative Assembly
- Release Date: TBA
- Platforms: Windows
- No Steam Page yet
Medieval and Medieval II are classics of the Total War franchise; in fact, Total War: Medieval was the second-ever title in the series, after Shogun. It’s been nearly 20 years since Medieval II, so the announcement earlier in December about a return to this iconic period is very welcome indeed.
There’s not much information about the game yet, other than the fact that it’s happening, so admittedly it might be optimistic to list it among 2026 releases. That said, if you love strategy games, then Total War: Medieval III will likely be a highlight of your gaming year when it finally arrives.
Threads of Time
- Developer: Riyo Games
- Release Date: TBA
- Platforms: Windows, Xbox
- Steam Page
This is definitely one of the titles sitting at the very top of my personal list of most-anticipated RPGs, and I’m pretty sure the same goes for many of you as well.
Lots of games claim inspiration from Chrono Trigger, but Threads of Time could possibly capture the magic of one of the greatest games of all time. That’s a tall order, but from everything we’ve seen, its time-hopping storyline, gorgeous animated cutscenes, and heart-pounding turn-based combat, we’re willing to believe that Threads of Time could fill the Chrono Break-shaped hole in our collective hearts.
There’s no release date for Threads of Time as yet, but I expect it to be worth the wait. Be sure to Wishlist and Follow it to get updates as development moves along! Here I prepared a dedicated article with everything we know so far about it.
Slay the Spire 2
- Developer: Mega Crit
- Release Date: March 2026
- Platforms: Windows, Mac, Linux
- Steam Page
This list wouldn’t be complete without the game largely responsible for the roguelite deckbuilder invasion we’ve been witnessing over the past few years: Slay the Spire.
If you’re here at Turn-Based Lovers, you’re probably quite familiar with Slay The Spire. As the game that pioneered the roguelike deckbuilding genre, it’s garnered a massive following and inspired countless other titles. Naturally, the sequel is hotly anticipated, with more and better card-based combat to devour your free time.
While the exact date hasn’t yet been confirmed, Slay The Spire 2 is aiming for a March release. As long as it stays on schedule, it will be here before you know it. In the meantime, the original Slay The Spire is 90% off on Steam until 5 January, letting you pick it up for just $2.49 if you haven’t already.
Wicked Seed
- Developer: Dead Right Games
- Release Date: 23 January, 2026
- Platforms: Windows
- Steam Page
Probably one of the lesser-known entries on this list, but after trying a build about a month ago, I can’t help but recommend this mash-up between Resident Evil and Parasite Eve.
If you love classic survival horror, Wicked Seed offers an exciting twist on the formula that’s part Resident Evil, part Clair Obscur. Exploring and puzzling your way through dark woods and creepy buildings, you’ll fight mutated horrors in turn-based battles with real-time dodges and parries.
Wicked Seed also pays tribute to its roots with a built-in randomizer and unlockable costumes, making it an authentic horror experience with its own flair. The demo is available to play for free now, and the game itself is expected to launch by the end of January.
Saveseeker
- Developer: Paper Sword Games
- Release Date: 2026
- Platforms: Windows, Mac
- Steam Page
I added this RPG because of its unique narrative arc. Saveseeker adds a meta layer to the traditional JRPG story.
As the daughter of a great hero, your task is to find and overwrite the save points throughout the world before their corruption ruins everything. In short, you are against your father, and to fight him back, you will recruit the bosses your father has defeated in the past.
It’s always fun to explore a world that’s already been “saved” (pun intended), and with its pixel art and animated cutscenes, Saveseeker looks like a fun take on old-school RPGs. The demo is available to play for free, and the game itself should be released sometime in the coming year.
Star Wars Zero Company
- Developer: Bit Reactor
- Release Date: TBA
- Platforms: Windows, PlayStation, Xbox
- Steam Page
Another title that’s absolutely at the top of my list is Star Wars Zero Company. A turn-based tactical game in the vein of XCOM, set during Star Wars‘ Clone Wars era. Pitching a game as “XCOM, but make it Star Wars” sets the bar pretty high, but if it works Zero Company could be a slam dunk.
From what we’ve seen, you’ll be able to command Jedi, Clone Troopers, and droids, likely among other options. There’s no demo or release date, but this is definitely one game to keep an eye on.
Plague Lords
- Developer: Red Unit Studios
- Release Date: 2026
- Platforms: Windows
- Steam Page
This Medieval sandbox imagines a world where the Black Death turns out to be a zombie plague, and your survival revolves around your ability to manage your fortress and command your troops against the undead horde.
Plague Lords offers plenty of challenge that you certainly won’t overcome on the first try, so if you’re into tough games like Battle Brothers or The Last Spell, then this one’s for you.
Plague Lords has a free prologue chapter called Witch Hunt to give you a feel for the world and gameplay, and we should see the full game sometime in 2026.
Hero’s Hour 2
- Developer: Benjamin Hauer
- Release Date: 2026
- Platforms: Windows
- Steam Page
This title was also announced in early December, and it’s a sequel to the Hero’s Hour series.
The original Hero’s Hour was an exciting reimagining of the classic Heroes of Might and Magic gameplay, with large-scale, real-time battles replacing the old hex grid. The result was an easy-to-learn, hard-to-master strategy RPG adventure. Hero’s Hour 2 brings more worlds to conquer and armies to lead.
Hero’s Hour 2 looks like it will have even bigger, more exciting battles than its predecessor, making it a great choice whether you’ve played the original or not. If you’re hoping to play the original while you’re waiting for launch, Hero’s Hour 1 is 60% off on Steam until 5 January.
Mewgenics
- Developer: Edmund McMillen & Tyler Glaiel
- Release Date: 10 February, 2026
- Platforms: Windows
- Steam Page
If you had “a tactical roguelite featuring mutant cats from the creators of The Binding of Isaac and Closure” on your 2026 Bingo card, congratulations, you’re starting off with one box filled. Mewgenics lets you breed a feline army for grid-based combat, with near-limitless builds between the game’s impressive list of playable classes.
You can expect Mewgenics to be very weird, but also endlessly replayable with well-thought-out challenges. Best of all, it’s coming pretty early in 2026, so there isn’t long to wait.
Esoteric Ebb
- Developer: Christoffer Bodegard
- Release Date: Q1 2026
- Platforms: Windows
- Steam Page
Esoteric Ebb is a Disco Elysium-like in a fantasy setting, with limitless freedom and dice rolls that determine your fate, often with unexpected results. As an armored cleric, you’ll explore the world and complete quests, and there will always be new choices to explore on each campaign.
There’s plenty of fantasy mayhem in the free demo, and with a Q1 release date, it shouldn’t be long before we get a chance to see Esoteric Ebb in all its madcap glory.
ABYSS REBEL
- Developer: DRock Games
- Release Date: 2026
- Platforms: Windows
- Steam Page
Honestly, I just couldn’t resist the visual style, and what’s been shown of the boss battles looks genuinely intriguing.
With its lavishly rendered alien world, ABYSS REBEL already looks like a tactical RPG worth exploring. Throw in loads of character options from gear to skills, plus the ability to summon a mech when things get dire, and this could be the closest we’ve seen to a tactical Borderlands game.
Battling pirates, mutants, and monsters, you’ll have plenty of challenges to overcome in Abyss Rebel. There’s no demo or firm release date yet, so if this looks like the kind of game for you, be sure to Wishlist and Follow it so you don’t miss launch! Here is my overview of the game.
Aether & Iron
- Developer: Seismic Squirrel
- Release Date: 2026
- Platforms: Windows, Mac
- Steam Page
Another title I had the pleasure of trying firsthand, and even writing a preview for, is Aether & Iron. It has a very pretty retro-futuristic setting, imagining a 1930s New York powered by anti-grav technology and lovingly brought to life in art deco noir style.
Like any good CRPG, it gives you the power to shape the city with your choices as you live the life of a smuggler.
Aether & Iron puts its sci-fi tech front and center, with car chase battles in hovering re-imaginings of classic vehicles. If you’ve played the horseback fights in Hard West 2, you can expect it to be similar to those, but with even more depth and strategy.
There’s a free demo to check out while you wait for the full release, expected sometime in 2026.
HellSlave II: Judgment of the Archon
- Developer: Ars Goetia
- Release Date: 2026
- Platforms: Windows
- Steam Page
The original Hellslave had some brutal turn-based battles reminiscent of Darkest Dungeon meets Doom, and was one of my favourites. The sequel offers even more challenges with bigger stakes. This time, it’s not just your soul at risk; it’s all of creation.
Tired of the endless wars between the demons, the Archon of Judgment has been sent to destroy everything and start over.
The only way to spare the world is if you, the hellbound hero, can slay all the Demon Lords and end the conflict first. It looks like a great pick for new and returning players, so keep an eye out for Hellslave 2 to launch in 2026.
Space Scum
- Developer: Sole Survivor Games
- Release Date: 2026
- Platforms: Windows
- Steam Page
With its relentless hex-based combat and messy kills, Space Scum looks like a sci-fi Battle Brothers in all the best ways.
If you’ve completed all the challenges that the beloved mercenary sim has to offer, maybe it’s time to trade in your crossbow for a shotgun and see how long you can survive against aliens, bounty hunters, and more.
Space Scum should be launching sometime in the coming year, and there’s a playtest available to join from the game’s Steam page. If you like a sandbox that doesn’t pull any punches, you’ll want to Wishlist this one.
Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave
- Developer: Intelligent Systems
- Release Date: 2026
- Platforms: Switch 2
- Nintendo Page
The Fire Emblem Renaissance continues with Fortune’s Weave, the 18th title in the long-running strategy series. We don’t have a lot of information about it, but with its central focus on a gladiatorial tournament and return to the Fodlan setting, we can hope that it will be reminiscent of Three Houses.
As you can expect from a Nintendo title, Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave will be a Switch 2 exclusive. If it’s as compelling and replayable as Three Houses, though, that should be plenty of reason to finally pick up the new console when the game launches in 2026.
Never’s End
- Developer: Hypersect
- Release Date: 2026
- Platforms: Windows
- Steam Page
Never’s End is a high-concept tactical RPG that puts elemental interactions on the map front-and-center.
As a warrior spirit tasked with guarding the last bastion of a dying world, you’ll be able to possess the townsfolk to give them extraordinary powers, while reshaping the battlefield with rain, stone, and lava to give your meager army every advantage they can get.
Never’s End looks like it could be more than just another isometric strategy game. It’s got some neat ideas that will be well worth checking out when it launches in 2026.
Neath
- Developer: Cellar Door Games
- Release Date: 2026
- Platforms: Windows
- Steam Page
To wrap up some of the most anticipated RPGs of 2026, there’s another very interesting title that was announced recently. With Neath, the creators of Rogue Legacy are trading platforming for tactical battles. That alone should be enough to make roguelike fans sit up and take notice.
Steeped in eldritch horror, Neath adds an extra challenge; when your units are targeted by enemies, they become paralyzed with fear, forcing you to interrupt the incoming attack or lose actions in addition to taking damage.
You can expect a solid tactical challenge from Neath, so be on the lookout for it. There’s no official release date, so it’s a good idea to wishlist and follow it for updates as the year goes on.
As always, I’m looking forward to your comments and suggestions, especially if there are titles you think I may have left out of my two lists dedicated to the most interesting RPGs of 2026. See you next time! Ciao
