Best New RPGs of 2026
2026 is delivering one of the most diverse RPG years in memory. Hardcore action RPGs (Nioh 3, Phantom Blade Zero), open-world adventures (Crimson Desert, The Blood of Dawnwalker), classic JRPGs (Trails Beyond the Horizon), and ARPG monsters (Diablo IV: Lord of Hatred, Path of Exile 2) are all in active competition for your time.
Here are the 10 best RPGs of 2026 — already released or worth pre-ordering.
Nioh 3
BUYThe best Nioh combat to date and arguably the best samurai soulslike of the year. New Ninja playstyle adds energetic mobility on top of the existing Stance system. Critics call it a serious contender to Elden Ring.
If you've ever loved a soulslike, this is essential.
CHECK ON AMAZONCrimson Desert
BUYPearl Abyss's massive open-world action RPG. Originally planned as an MMO, evolved into a single-player Witcher 3-style epic. Massive scope, cinematic combat with martial arts elements, choice-driven world.
Some launch criticism around tonal consistency, but ambition and execution earn it a spot here.
CHECK ON AMAZONResident Evil Requiem
BUYAction-RPG-adjacent — survival horror with character progression, inventory management, and the merchant economy from RE4. 6 million units sold (fastest in series). Dual protagonist split between horror (Grace) and action (Leon).
Even if you don't normally play horror, this transcends the genre.
CHECK ON AMAZONFULL VERDICTStarfield (PS5 Edition)
WAITBethesda's space RPG, finally on PS5 with Free Lanes update and Terran Armada DLC. The 2026 version is the best Starfield has ever been — but the core design hasn't fundamentally changed.
New players: BUY. Returning players: WAIT for a sale.
CHECK ON AMAZONFULL VERDICTDiablo IV: Lord of Hatred
WAITD4's second major expansion. Two new classes (Paladin + Warlock), Skovos region, complete skill tree overhaul, loot filter, Horadric Cube, War Plans endgame mode.
Wait one week post-launch for hotfixes and impressions on the new systems. Then buy.
CHECK ON AMAZONFULL VERDICTPath of Exile 2
BUYFree-to-play, deeper than D4 in build complexity, currently 8 classes and 4 acts. Patch 0.5.0 (early May 2026) brings major endgame overhaul.
Free to try means there's no excuse not to. If you click with the systems, you have a free hobby for years.
CHECK ON AMAZONMonster Hunter Stories 3
BUYTurn-based RPG spinoff from the Monster Hunter franchise. Best in the Stories series so far — every gameplay mechanic from the previous installments perfected.
More accessible than mainline MH while keeping the monster collecting and combat depth.
CHECK ON AMAZONTrails Beyond the Horizon
BUYThe 'beginning of the end' for Nihon Falcom's long-running Trails saga. Massive turn-based JRPG with the series' signature deep storytelling. Best entry in years.
Best for fans of the series — newcomers should start with Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter (2025 remake).
CHECK ON AMAZONMewgenics
BUYTactical RPG with roguelike and life-sim elements built around procedural cat breeding. 13 years in development. 1 million copies sold in its first week.
Weird premise. Excellent execution.
CHECK ON AMAZONThe Blood of Dawnwalker
WAITDebut from Rebel Wolves — studio formed by veteran Witcher 3 developers. Set in 14th-century vampiric Europe, you play Coen on a strict thirty-day timeline with no traditional main quest structure.
Pre-release hype is enormous. Wait for reviews then likely BUY.
CHECK ON AMAZONFinal Thoughts
If we had to pick one RPG of 2026 to play right now: Nioh 3. The best samurai soulslike combat available, period.
If we had to pick one for free-to-play value: Path of Exile 2. Free to try, hundreds of hours of depth.
If we had to pick one for casual RPG fans: Resident Evil Requiem. Cross-genre but delivers one of the most refined experiences in the year.