An upcoming RPG that could become an instant classic

Over the past few years, we've seen a lot of incredible games that will no doubt go down in the books as some of the best of all time. When zooming in on RPG genre, titans like Baldur's Gate 3 they've raised the bar significantly, but 2026 is looking to add even more names to the hall of fame.

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

Beast from Reincarnation

Another GAME FREAK experiment

• Real-time dual turn-based combat.

• A brand new IP and setting from an iconic developer.

Beast from Reincarnation it's far from your typical GAME FREAK project, but that's what makes it such an exciting prospect. You find yourself in a post-apocalyptic Japan where machines and nature collide, and your only hope is to work with your loyal dog Koo to fight for the last threads of humanity.

In terms of gameplay, I'm most intrigued by the dual approach to combat, where you can command Koo and fight Emma head-to-head, using both real-time and turn-based mechanics to destroy everything in your path. The action looks amazing and going through the experience is an emotional story that will test just how strong the bond between human and pet can be, and could be the final nail in cementing its place as a truly timeless RPG.

Phantom Blade Zero

Where swords clash

• Wuxia-inspired martial arts combat.

• Multiple play styles and weapons.

Phantom Blade Zero is one of the most exciting ARPGs in years, and a big reason for that is its insistence on setting itself apart from other fighting games and souls in the genre. Combat is everything, and you have access to so many different styles and tools that it seems like one loss won't be enough to try it all out.

I think the best part comes from the authenticity though. Not only do you fight deadly assassins and go up against gigantic opponents, but you do it with a faithful repetition of classic kung fu techniques in this cinematic world. As far as ARPGs go, I don't see any other game competing with it anytime soon, and I can honestly imagine a world where Phantom Blade Zero looks back with the same level of praise as the massive titles Elden Ring.

The Expanse: Osiris Reborn

Every decision counts

• Team dynamics work in and out of combat.

• Choices have a big impact on your future.

Not all RPGs have to go the fantasy route and The Expanse: Osiris Reborn shows that there are plenty of exciting stories to be told in the outer reaches of the galaxy. The solar system has now been conquered, but despite how advanced humans have become, there is still corruption and conspiracy in society. It's up to you and your crew to uncover the secrets that lie beneath the surface.

When it comes to combat, you get access to a dynamic third-person shooting style that allows you to play cover and issue orders to your team, creating a much more tactical experience than many other space games. As with any good RPG, choices matter a lot, and given how different gameplay can be from person to person, I really believe that. The Expanse: Osiris Reborn may have a lasting impact for many years to come.

Exodus

All on time

• Various sci-fi and fantasy mechanics and settings.

• Action packed missions with a variety of temp.

Exodus brings virtually every concept from the sci-fi genre into a single game that can prove to be as exceptional as it is ambitious. Far in the future, time itself has become a powerful tool that may very well hold the key to humanity's survival, and as you journey across space, you and your unlikely crew may be the key to a brighter tomorrow.

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

Light No Fire

There are no spaceships here

• Another game from No Man's Sky developers, Hello Games.

• A world the size of Earth.

Light No Fire is another big project from Hello Games, the creators No Man's Skybut instead of throwing you out into space, you're presented with an Earth-sized fantasy world full of possibilities and friends to meet. Limitless is the best way to describe it, as you are able to effectively run or fly in any direction you choose, either alone or with a group of friends by your side.

The procedural nature of the planet also means that there are many more opportunities for organic discoveries on the mountaintops and deep below. I spent a lot of time No Man's Skyand assuming the developers learned from that game's lackluster launch, I see no reason why this one can't shoot for the same stars. Metaphorically speaking, of course.

God Slayer

Steampunk never looked so cool

• The elements control the game.

• Huge backdrops in an open world.

God Slayer is a very different kind of Eastern RPG that trades the typical samurai swords and ghostly entities for a steampunk aesthetic infused with elemental power. The world is huge and there are many different aspects of society to explore, with a range of quests that take you from the low streets of the suburbs to the highest peaks of the capital.

What appeals to me about the game is primarily the aesthetics, but also how these aesthetics translate into the game. You battle the elements against mechanical titans, and the mix of mythology and technology creates an incredibly unique look that could become a trend in itself when the game is released into the wild.