Subnautica 2 is diving back into the terrifying and beautiful depths of an alien ocean, promising new lore and even more daunting creatures to discover. Its path here hasn't been smooth, with development controversies leading to delays, but the excitement hasn't faded a bit. It's still the most wishlisted game on Steam, proving fans are more than ready to brave the unknown waters again. | © Unknown Worlds Entertainment
Slay the Spire 2 is finally arriving to give fans more of that perfectly balanced deckbuilding action. You'll ascend a new, evolved Spire packed with strange monsters and fresh challenges. The developers plan to drop it into Early Access on a secret Thursday this March, so keep your eyes peeled. | © Mega Crit
D-topia presents a shiny, AI-curated utopia that's probably too good to be true. You'll fix up residential facilities with logic puzzles while getting to know the people living inside them. Every choice you make will steer this fragile society toward either real joy or total sorrow. | © Marumittu Games
Witchbrook is taking a little extra time in the oven, but this cozy pixel magic school sim is still one of our most anticipated for 2026. You'll settle into the seaside town of Mossport to learn spells, befriend locals with their own stories, and decorate your own home. Each season brings new events, making it the perfect world to get truly lost in. | © Chucklefish
Echo Generation 2 perfectly captures that Stranger Things vibe, mixing small-town life with a spooky alternate dimension and terrifying monsters. It's both a sequel and a prequel, using interdimensional travel to twist the timeline of the first game. Expect a heavy dose of '80s and '90s adventure movie magic as ordinary folks step up to face the extraordinary. | © Cococucumber
If you loved the creepy, beautiful vibe of Little Nightmares, you'll feel right at home with Reanimal from the same studio. This co-op game follows a brother and sister navigating a hellish landscape to save their friends, forcing them to face unsettling monsters from their past. The shared camera makes everything feel tense and claustrophobic, turning the journey into a truly powerful experience for two. | © Tarsier Studios
Planet of Lana 2 is looking to expand on everything that made the original a hidden gem. This sequel promises a world twice as big, with the same beautiful Ghibli-inspired art and emotional storytelling. New mechanics, like the ability to hack enemies, should add a fresh layer to the game's thoughtful and stealthy puzzle. | ©Wishfully
Mouse: P.I. For Hire arrives thanks to Mickey Mouse finally hitting the public domain. This action game nails that old-school 1930s cartoon vibe, with you brawling and blasting through levels that look like a Steamboat Willie short come to life. The hand-drawn animation and jazzy soundtrack make it a really slick debut for Fumi Games. | © Fumi Games
From the studio behind Spiritfarer, At Fate’s End is shaping up to be another gorgeous and thoughtful adventure. You play as Princess Shan, fighting dueling siblings with a blend of sharp swordplay and even sharper dialogue to claim their swords and her family's fractured legacy. It's a story that asks whether you should continue a legacy or have the courage to question it entirely. | © Thunder Lotus Games
Out of Words is a stunning co-op adventure set in the handcrafted claymation world of Vokabulantis. You guide friends Kurt and Karla, who’ve mysteriously lost their mouths, on a quest to save their world and recover their voices. Since the characters can't speak, you and your partner will need to communicate perfectly to navigate this beautifully weird puzzle-filled journey. | © Kong Orange
Amid all the blockbuster reveals, the Switch 2 exclusive Orbitals is the one that truly captured our imagination. It’s a retro anime-inspired adventure built from the ground up for split-screen co-op, demanding you and a partner work together to survive. Your mission is to venture into the unknown and save your space station home from a devastating cosmic storm. | © Kepler Interactive
When the real world gets a bit too much, High Above offers the perfect rooftop escape. This cozy game lets you cultivate your own personal hideaway above the city bustle, shaping it into a zen garden or a quiet reading nook. For a quick dose of serenity, you can even try out the free demo on Steam right now. | © DVision Games
If you’re craving a classic 3D adventure this year, Demi and the Fractured Dream might just scratch that itch. You play as Demi, a hero powered and endangered by his own curse, using supernatural abilities to explore a gorgeous world and hunt legendary beasts. It’s all about mixing clever environmental puzzles with fast-paced hack-and-slash combat. | © Yarn Owl Studios
Deer & Boy is a heartfelt puzzle-adventure that puts the bond between a runaway and a baby deer front and center. Their journey is one of shared growth, unfolding in beautiful, cinematic environments. Just be warned: this emotional trip looks like it’ll absolutely require a box of tissues within arm’s reach. | © Lifeline Games
Death Howl is about to get a second chance to find its audience. It's a somber, grief-filled experience that mixes punishing Soulslike combat with strategic deck-building. After a quiet PC launch, it's arriving on all platforms this February, offering a perfect dose of substance during a typically quiet release window. | © 11 bit studios
While the big studios often dominate the headlines, some of the most exciting and inventive experiences are coming from indie developers. For 2026, that means an incredible lineup of games waiting to surprise us. Let's dive into our most anticipated indie titles for the year.
