What awaits us in 2026 and beyond in the gaming world?
December 31, 2025
Another year full of new games and updates is ahead of us. I've prepared a list of games that I’ll potentially be working on at game-maps.com, both for myself and for you. From this list, I'll select the titles that need maps and descriptions and will be fun for us to play. I hope that this year I'll be able to work seriously on at least a few games, and briefly on a few more.
This list doesn't include every cool game coming out; I've only listed those that I think might interest me. Don't take this as being set in stone, as I'll try to adapt to your needs and interests. Perhaps you'll find some inspiration here when choosing your games for 2026.
Technological shifts, changes in player tastes, and the state of the gaming market can bring many unexpected developments, both pleasant and disappointing. As with every year, I'm optimistic and looking forward to a lot of fun. Of course, we know that not all titles will be released on their planned dates, but let's stay positive.
The Elder Scrolls Online
It's not entirely clear yet what 2026 will look like in ESO, but there will be new content, I will be playing it, and you will definitely see the effects of it on the website.
Ashes of Creation
I've been following Ashes of Creation since the beginning of development. It's funny, but it's been going on for 10 years. There are many mixed reviews about this game, and a lot of negative feedback. But I strongly believe it will be fun to play in the future. The game's actual release will probably be in 2027 or later, but it's already playable in Early Access on Steam.
I've played Ashes of Creation several times at various stages; recently, I even reached level 10 and started playing around with crafting. I had a lot of fun.
AoC will definitely be a game I'll be working on in 2026. I already have a mini-service I created years ago, but it's time for a major update. I even finished part of the map. And I had a really good time, just like in old MMOs.
I bought lifetime access to this game many years ago. I don't know exactly how it will turn out, but it seems the subscription fee might be a problem for many players.
The Blood of Dawnwalker
The Blood of Dawnwalker may prove to be a positive surprise; it's an RPG story about a hero who is human by day and vampire by night. Rebel Wolves is a relatively small studio, but developers of previously known games are participating in the project. There's a good chance the game will be released in 2026. We will see.
Chrono Odyssey
An MMO RPG set in a fantasy world with a strong chance of release in 2026. I'm a bit skeptical, but maybe I'm wrong. I'll definitely check it out.
Crimson Desert
Something for fans of Korean MMORPGs. I wouldn't rule this game out, as the developers promise a comprehensive single-player storyline. We'll find out in mid-2026.
Aion 2
I had a lot of fun playing Aion a long time ago. So I'm eager to check out Aion 2. It's an Asian MMO and is aimed at fans of this genre. A Western release date hasn't been officially announced, but everything points to 2026.
Fable (Reboot)
Some of you may remember Fable: The Lost Chapters from 2005. The new Fable is supposed to be a reboot of that game. Developers are struggling with it, with no end in sight. It's supposed to be released in 2026, but if it's 2027, no one will be surprised. Not much is known about the production quality, but I'm optimistic I'm looking forward to this game.
The Wayward Realms
Maybe you can play this game in Early Access on Steam in 2026. It's an open-world RPG in the style of the old Elder Scrolls games. It's a big unknown for me. It might be fun, it might be terrible. Obviously, even if we play it in 2026, we'll have to wait longer for the final version.
Games we're waiting for but won't see in 2026:
Grand Theft Auto VI
Whether you like it or not, everyone is waiting for the next GTA. While the console release date has been set for November 19, 2026, I'd say it's more likely 2027/2028, as I'll wait for the PC version. Whether we like it or not, GTA VI seems to be the most important upcoming game.
Divinity
Most of us raved about Baldur's Gate 3, and we're even more excited about Larian Studios' next production, Divinity. Everything points to it being a very good RPG. The developer seems to be learning and drawing positive conclusions from previous productions. Divinity's release date is estimated at the end of 2028 or later, but there's a good chance we'll get early access around 2026/2027.
The Elder Scrolls VI
Everything has already been written about TES 6 on the internet. Yes, we're all waiting. We'll play it, whether it's good or bad. It'll be great fun. I would just like to add that I won't be very surprised if it comes out for Christmas 2026, but common sense tells me 2027, maybe even 2028. But it will be, work is still in progress.
Hogwarts Legacy 2
There's a small chance that Hogwarts Legacy 2 will be released in late 2026, but I'm betting on 2027. I quite enjoyed the first installment, and I'll definitely play the sequel. Apparently, it's supposed to tie into the plot of the upcoming Harry Potter series on HBO.
The Expanse: Osiris Reborn
The Expanse books and TV series were great. We'll see if the game is any good, but probably not until 2027. Early Access might begin in late 2026.
Warlock: Dungeons & Dragons
A new single-player game, more of an action game than a classic RPG. Supported by Wizards of the Coast. D&D evokes the spirit of my childhood. It's definitely a game I won't miss; we'll see if it's any good. For now, we'll have to wait until 2027.
The Witcher 4
The Witcher 4 is another classic that shouldn't be missed, and I'll be playing it with pleasure. It's the same again, only better, prettier, and more. The release date found online, 2027, is, in my opinion, overly optimistic.
Mass Effect 5
The problem with a new Mass Effect game is that while everyone is eagerly awaiting it, most fear it won't live up to expectations. Maybe we are wrong, we will only find out around 2029.
Star Wars: Fate of the Old Republic
I generally love the Star Wars universe. Every major game in this world sends shivers of excitement through me. This is supposed to be a choice-driven, single-player RPG experience, but we'll still have a long wait, like until 2029 :(.
Cyberpunk 2
Cyberpunk 2077 was really cool. We'll have fun with it together. The only problem is that humans will probably land on Mars before it hits the market. 2031, we'll wait patiently.
There are, of course, many other upcoming games, and if I find something cool, I'll take care of it. In 2026, I'll have more free time to update game-maps.com :)
