2026 is shaping up to be a packed year for PlayStation, with a dense Q1 slate and a steady cadence of big launches through the year. Below you’ll find our editors’ definitive Top 20 to watch. We focus on PlayStation 5 relevance, spread across genres, and we keep it practical: what it is, when to expect it, and why you should care. Plans change, so treat dates as targets and check this page for updates.

Release calendar snapshot (Jan–Mar 2026)

• Jan 15 — The Legend of Heroes: Trails beyond the Horizon (planned)
• Jan 30 — Code Vein II (planned)
• Feb 5 — Dragon Quest VII Reimagined; Deus Ex Remastered (planned)
• Feb 6 — Nioh 3 (planned)
• Feb 12 — Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties (planned)
• Feb 13 — High on Life 2 (planned)
• Feb 20 — Ys X: Proud Nordics (West) (planned)
• Feb 27 — Resident Evil Requiem (planned)
• Mar 12 — Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly Remake (planned)
• Mar 13 — Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection (planned)
• Mar (EA) — Slay the Spire 2 Early Access begins on PC (console plans TBA)
• Mar 19 — Crimson Desert (planned)
• Mar 20 — Saros (planned)
• Mar 27 — 007 First Light (planned)

The Top 20 (editor’s picks)

1. Code Vein II (PS5/XSX/PC) — A stylish action‑RPG returns with a time‑bending twist and a deeper Partner System. Expect more precise weapon classes, expanded Blood Codes, and larger, multi‑path dungeons tuned for co‑op. Planned date: January 30, 2026.
2. The Legend of Heroes: Trails beyond the Horizon (PS5/PS4/Switch/PC) — The Calvard arc crescendos with party‑swapping combat, new Crafts, and series‑defining worldbuilding. Ideal for story‑forward JRPG fans. Planned date: January 15, 2026 (West).
3. Dragon Quest VII Reimagined (PS5/XSX/Switch/PC) — A ground‑up rework of the 2000 classic with modern visuals, streamlined Jobs, and quality‑of‑life updates that respect the original’s heart. Planned date: February 5, 2026.
4. Nioh 3 (PS5/PC) — Team Ninja’s yokai ARPG doubles down on fast stance‑swapping, ferocious bosses, and highly granular loot builds. Expect expanded ki management and new weapon stances. Planned date: February 6, 2026.
5. Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties (PS5/PS4/XSX/Switch/PC) — A full remake of Yakuza 3 plus a new Mine‑focused side story. The Dragon Engine makeover brings modern combat, denser side content, and karaoke you can’t skip. Planned date: February 12, 2026.
6. High on Life 2 (PS5/XSX/PC) — Irreverent, talking‑gun chaos returns with more traversal toys, multi‑planet hubs, and set‑piece boss design tuned for replayability. Planned date: February 13, 2026.
7. Resident Evil Requiem (PS5/XSX/PC) — A new mainline entry with tighter survival loops, dynamic enemy routing, and a bigger emphasis on audio‑driven tension. Inventory Tetris and resource panic, perfected. Planned date: February 27, 2026.
8. Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly Remake (PS5) — Classic J‑horror rebuilt with modern camera work, haptic feedback for the Camera Obscura, and a photo‑mode that’s decidedly not soothing. Planned date: March 12, 2026.
9. Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection (PS5/XSX/Switch/PC) — Turn‑based Monstie adventures expand with new kinship skills, layered team synergies, and a longer co‑op endgame. Planned date: March 13, 2026.
10. Crimson Desert (PS5) — A cinematic open‑world action adventure with tactile melee combat, physics‑driven traversal, and a gritty, frontier tone. Planned date: March 19, 2026.
11. Saros (PS5; enhanced for PS5 Pro) — Housemarque trades roguelite loops for persistent progression while keeping the studio’s signature readable chaos, particle magic, and immaculate feel. Planned date: March 20, 2026.
12. 007 First Light (PS5/XSX/PC/Switch) — A stealth‑first, origin‑era Bond adventure with systemic infiltration, social stealth, and gadget‑forward sandbox missions. Planned date: March 27, 2026.
13. Slay the Spire 2 (PC EA first; console timing TBA) — New characters, alternate Acts, and more deck‑defining relic synergies refresh the genre heavyweight. Early Access begins March 2026; console details to come.
14. Subnautica 2 (PS5/XSX/PC; EA in 2026) — Expanded biomes, co‑op options, and new vehicles deepen the survival‑exploration loop without losing the series’ lonely wonder. Early Access planned in 2026.
15. Deus Ex Remastered (PS5/XSX/PC/Switch) — The immersive sim that launched a thousand builds returns with visual upgrades, modern controls, and optional guidance toggles for new‑school players. Planned date: February 5, 2026.
16. Ys X: Proud Nordics (West) (PS5/Switch/PC) — The definitive Western release brings refined boat exploration, tag‑action combat, and a breezy, adventurous tone. Planned date: February 20, 2026.
17. Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun 2 (PS5/XSX/PC) — Boomer‑shooter speed meets chunkier arenas, meaner enemy mixes, and that oh‑so‑satisfying boltgun thump. Target window: 2026.
18. John Carpenter’s Toxic Commando (PS5/XSX/PC) — Co‑op, vehicle‑driven zombie action with campy vibes, giant hordes, and upgradeable loadouts. Target window: 2026.
19. Beast of Reincarnation (PS5/XSX/PC) — A creature‑driven action RPG concept built around transformation, talent trees, and risk‑reward aggression. Target window: 2026.
20. Gallipoli (WW1 Game Series) (PS5/XSX/PC) — Tactical, objective‑driven FPS set in the Middle Eastern theatre, with historically grounded loadouts and map design built for teamwork. Target window: 2026.

Notes and expectations

• Dates and platforms are subject to change. We use publisher targets where available and otherwise note broader windows.
• Early Access titles listed here are included because of their PlayStation relevance and historical console support; console timing is often later.
• We avoid firm platform claims where information is incomplete and will update this page as details firm up.

Methodology

Our ranking balances four things: (1) planned release timing, (2) PS5 relevance and feature use, (3) a mix of blockbusters, prestige remakes, and standout indies, and (4) genre diversity across action, RPG, horror, strategy, sim, and co‑op.