A new upcoming RPG with real-time combat

Action RPG fans undoubtedly have a lot to look forward to in 2026 on all consoles. Switch 2 fans are getting what looks like a great port Final Fantasy 7 Remake. The Legend of Heroes: Trails Beyond the Horizon will conclude the trilogy and even Resonant control looks sick if it actually comes out in 2026. These are all examples of sequels to come.

Are there any new action RPGs on the horizon that aren't tied to any previous installments? The answer is yes, and even if not every system knows about these games, the fights already look fun enough to hopefully surprise and delight everyone in 2026. Players can get excited for kung fu action epics, old school retreats, brawler and more. Can these games be the next big thing in the genre, or will they at least be fun?

Phantom Blade Zero

Kung Fu swords

• Release date: 9/9/26

• Planned systems: PC and PS5

Phantom Blade Zero is easily one of the most anticipated games of the year, and not just because it's an action RPG with fast and fluid combat. The game was announced in 2023 and finally the date is here. It has also been confirmed that the game will launch on both PS5 and PC, rather than as a PS5 exclusive, in September. The game stars a warrior named Soul who only has a few months left to live, which may or may not affect the gameplay. While not fully open world, it looks like players will be able to explore open environments similar to many Soulslike games.

What will it set Phantom Blade Zero apart from most of the games it has a Chinese influence in the combat, kind of like a video game version Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. Players can quickly attack enemies with a quick sword strike, dodge incoming attacks and counterattack for an intense counterattack. There even seems to be a system where players can run onto beams and walls to avoid attacks and get around. There are other weapons too, including twins, twins, swords and spears, plus magical attacks like a devastating lightning strike. The settings also look exciting, from piloting a ship in infested waters to fighting enemies aboard a stagecoach. Hopefully, Phantom Blade Zero meets expectations as a combination Ninja Gaiden and Nioh.

Ananta

GTA Anime Edition

• Planned release date: TBA

• Planned systems: Mobile, PC and PS5

Ananta was originally announced as Project Mugen in 2023, but has maintained its gaming identity throughout. It will be an action RPG taking place in an open-world, or at least an open-city, with a free-to-play model. Aside from the action, this game is full of content and gameplay mechanics that make it exciting to discuss. First, the captain, who players will control until the main, has abilities similar to Spider-Man. With a black tar cloth, he can swing around the city, tangling enemies when he engages. There will also be other playable characters and players can switch between them in real time.

One example shown in one of the latest trailers involves a character fighting enemies in a building, and once the exchange is made, players inhabit a sniper who is in a nearby building. This means that players can potentially put their characters on a big mission to bring bad guys to justice as they are part of an elite police unit. In addition to melee combat, players can use weapons and gadgets. There are stealth elements, players can drive cars, mini-games like slap and basketball and much more. It really feels like Grand Theft Auto with an anime filter and action combat, similar to other free-to-play titans like Genshin Impact. If Ananta it will come out sooner Grand Theft Auto 6she could eat a lot of her lunch so there is a way to be huge.

Abyss X Zero

Mega Man Legends as an RPG

• Planned release date: TBA

• Planned systems: PC

• Developer: Pixel Punk Studio

• Publisher: Pixel Punk Studio

Abyss X Zero is an upcoming action RPG with a distinctive look. It's made by Studio Pixel Punk, which also worked on Unsighted in 2021, a top-down action game that was well received at the time. This game was announced in 2024, so it has been in development for several years. PS1 fans will immediately notice the chunky and colorful polygons of characters and enemies, almost a direct copy of the style found in Mega Man Legends.

Although it is a completely different type of game, Mega Man Legends fans may want to watch out Abyss X Zero. In addition to fast-paced action, players can also control two characters in a 3D Metroidvania structure. From driving motorbikes to block puzzles to smashing enemies with a big hammer, this game has style. There aren't many indie games that try to go back to the good old days of the PS1's polygonal models, or at least not that look this good, with obviously a lot of time spent on animations.

Alabaster Dawn

India Mana

• Planned release date: TBA

• Planned systems: PC

Perhaps the idea of ​​a 3D action game is too daunting, as most modern games tend to have some action in 3D. That's where indie games come in handy Alabaster Dawn come because it's going to be a top-down action RPG that names some such all-time greats like The heart of the kingdom and Devil May Cry in the inspiration notes on Steam. Players can travel around the expanding map, Zelda-style, getting gear and skill points to power up their character, Juno. The main goal is a bit of Okami, as players have to bring the environment to life, and luckily Juno won't be alone in that.

This is another game that has been in the background for quite some time. The developer, Radical Fish Games, also created CrossCode in 2018, which was a highly acclaimed game. Alabaster Dawn was announced as Project Terra in 2021 through a series of dev diaries that gave a glimpse into the world's creation. Of the many games here, Alabaster Dawn actually has a demo on Steam for players to try out. Old school RPG fans should be reminded of the game's updated adventure Moll series like The Secret of Mana or Trials of Manatwo SNES favorites.

Withheld: Too good for school

All-Girl Brawler

• Planned release date: 2026

• Planned systems: PC

• Developer: OTK Games

• Publisher: Thermite Games

Withheld: Too good for school is an upcoming homage to what appears to be the River City Ransom brawler series. It is developed by OTK Games, who also produced it Wanderer's Sword in 2017, known on Steam as just Wanderer. Fans of Vanillaware games love it Orb of Odin and Muramasa: Demon Bladeshould check out Detained: Too Good For School and Sword of the Vagrant as they share similar art and fighting styles. Instead of a fantasy setting, players will walk around their town as an angry teenage girl with their fists ready.

Players can beat up enemies with ease, go to cafes for food boosts, and play mini-games as dating sims. While the date is unclear, Withheld: Too good for school apparently it will hit Early Access first before going anywhere else. It does express interest in some form of PlayStation, Xbox or Nintendo port on the Kickstarter page, but you never know how long Early Access campaigns can last. Overall, it's good to see the brawler genre alive and well in 2026.