It feels like every year for gaming gets crazier than the last, and 2020 was no exception. It had plenty of strong releases and a new generation of consoles, meaning the new year will have plenty to offer. In this list, we will take a look at 50 upcoming games in 2021 across platforms. It will include the eye-catching AAAs while also giving a nod to plenty of indies that might go under the radar.
This is the game industry, so these are games that are said to release in 2021. You never know when something will get delayed (gives a quick glance over at CD Projekt Red), especially during a pandemic. As the year goes on, we will update this article accordingly with fresh release dates and delays! We’ve also made a release date calendar, that we’d be happy to email you for free!
All Major Upcoming Games in 2021
1. King Arthur: Knight’s Tale
- Release Date: January 12, 2021
- Platform: PC
King Arthur: Knight’s Tale is a hybrid between an RPG and a turn-based strategy game. It was funded through successful Kickstarter, raising £155,885 ($211,026) from over 3,700 players looking forward to the fantasy game.
2. Scott Pilgrim vs. The World: The Game – Complete Edition
- Release Date: January 14, 2021
- Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Stadia, PC
Go back in time for the retro-styled 2010 game, Scott Pilgrim vs. The World: The Game. This ultimate edition will include new playable characters like Knives Chau and Wallace Wells from the game’s original DLC. It goes above and beyond what people experienced before, as new modes like Battle Royale will accompany this throwback.
3. Hitman 3
- Release Date: January 20, 2021, Switch date TBA
- Platforms: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Stadia, and PC
Agent 47 is back again in Hitman 3, and like the 2018 game, you will have access to content from the previous two entries. Whether you missed the last two games or want a refresher, you will be able to cause all of the mayhem you would like right at the tail end of January.
4. Stronghold: Warlords
- Release Date: January 26, 2021
- Platform: PC
For the strategy fans reading this piece, Stronghold: Warlords should be one of your most anticipated upcoming PC games in 2021. Attack and defend against Mongolians in this tactical castle simulator. Find a balance between warfare and trying to keep life for your people going like normal as you lead in this dangerous territory.
5. Encodya
- Release Date: January 26, 2021
- Platform: PC
Encodya is a point-and-click cyberpunk game where you are an orphan surviving in a dystopian society. It is only you and your robot pal as you try to make this world a better place.
As the two playable protagonists, you will solve puzzles that will be randomized for a unique experience for this eight-hour campaign across over 100 locations.
6. Ryte: The Eye of Atlantis
- Release Date: January 27, 2021
- Platform: PC
In this VR game, you play as Atlantean, a prisoner who broke free and wields powerful magic. Solve puzzles and use your powers to save Atlantis.
7. The Medium
- Release Date: January 28, 2021
- Platforms: Xbox Series X|S and PC
The Medium is one of the most anticipated upcoming games in 2021 from Microsoft’s already strong lineup is coming straight from the minds of the developers who brought you Layers of Fear. Bloober Team will bring players into limbo as you will experience the real world and spirit world at the same time.
To make this psychological game even more terrifying, it will be composed by Akira Yamaoka from the Silent Hill franchise, who will be teaming up with Layers of Fear composer Arkadiusz Reikowski.
8. Everspace 2
- Release Date: January 2021
- Platform: PC (Early Access)
Mixing together an RPG and a spaceship shooter, Everspace 2 will have you explore, fight and mine throughout various planets in the universe. The massive experience will offer plenty of side quests and an endgame filled with content to keep you going for quite a while.
9. Outriders
- Release Date: January 12, 2021, Stadia date TBA
- Platforms: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC
Whether you are going in alone or with two other people, Outriders will deliver a drop-in-drop-out looter shooter experience with heavy RPG elements, similar to other games like Borderlands, except this is a third-person game. Expect heavy leanings on the action as this is from People Can Fly, the developers of Bulletstorm and Gears of War: Judgment.
10. Werewolf: The Apocalypse – Earthblood
- Release Date: February 4, 2021
- Platforms: PlayStation 5, Playstation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC
Set in the same universe as the Vampire: The Masquerade franchise, Werewolf: The Apocalypse – Earthblood rivals as the game with the longest name in 2021. It will be a third-person action-RPG where you are a werewolf (shocker), but there will be plenty of gameplay as a human.
Each form you take – human, werewolf, or wolf – will have its own advantage that will lead you towards a particular style to get different flavors as you play. For the more traditional RPG feel where you will be interacting with others, then you will want to be human. Wolf will be meant for sneaking around and exploring. Finally, we have the werewolf, which is all about destruction and combat.
11. Little Nightmares II
- Release Date: February 11, 2021
- Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, and PC
Play as a new hero in Little Nightmares II, Mono. The world is being distorted by something evil, and the boy will seek out the cause of this horror. He won’t be alone as the protagonist of the first game, as the yellow coated Six will join his side on this quest.
12. Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury
- Release Date: February 12, 2021
- Platform: Switch
The Wii U classic, Super Mario 3D World, is coming to the Switch with two new amiibos and a DLC called Bowser’s Fury. Play alone or up to four-player co-op (online or locally on your couch).
13. Persona 5 Strikers
- Release Date: February 23, 2021
- Platforms: PlayStation 4, Switch, and PC
Persona 5 Strikers should be on the list of upcoming games in 2021 for any fan of the franchise. Fight off against corruption in this standalone hack and slash title with a brand new story it will tell you.
14. Riders Republic
- Release Date: February 25, 2021
- Platforms: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Stadia, and PC
Ubisoft is delivering an open-world sporting experience with Riders Republic. Grab a bike, snowboard, pair of skis, or a wingsuit as you ride or glide across this landscape.
15. Bravely Default 2
- Release Date: February 26, 2021
- Platform: Switch
The long-awaited sequel for this JRPG franchise is finally coming to kick off the first quarter of 2021. While the last game, Bravely Second, was a direct sequel to Bravely Default, this will be a great entry point as it will have new characters and storyline for newcomers to hop into this world.
A demo is available, so you can get a taste before spending any money on it.
16. Destruction AllStars
- Release Date: February 2021
- Platform: PlayStation 5
PlayStation’s first major PS5 exclusive for the new year. It was meant to be a launch title, got pushed into being one of the most anticipated games in 2021. Destruction AllStars is a colorful vehicle combat game that will bring you all sorts of chaos to enjoy.
17. Harvest Moon: One World
- Release Date: March 2, 2021
- Platforms: PlayStation 4 and Switch
Yes, a new Harvest Moon is coming around the corner. Grab your shovel and start farming in this cute simulator. Unlock seeds through the Harvest Wisps. Why? Because the Harvest Goddess has disappeared, so your adventure this time around will be different from previous games in the long-running franchise.
18. Prince of Persia: The Sands Of Time Remake
- Release Date: March 18, 2021
- Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC
Revisit Prince of Persia: The Sands Of Time, and no, we are not talking about the Jake Gyllenhaal movie. Let’s forget that ever happened.
In this remake, you will get an upscaled version that will capture the magic of the original 2003 game will enhancing the visuals and sounds. Ubisoft is delivering new animations and reworked music to make it fit the standards of modern gaming.
19. Returnal
- Release Date: March 19, 2021
- Platforms:Â PlayStation 5
One of the most anticipated PS5 games in 2021 is Returnal. This sci-fi, third-person, psychological horror game with some lite rogue-like elements puts you in the spacesuit of a woman trying to survive in an alien world with plenty of her own personal problems too. It will carry that emotion while having action and scares to keep up the excitement.
20. It Takes Two
- Release Date: March 26, 2021
- Platforms: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC
Hazelight is delivering one of the most anticipated games in 2021 after the success of its 2018 hit, A Way Out.
It Takes Two will build upon the previous games the studio developed with a focus on a co-op experience. It follows May and Cody, a couple in the middle of getting a divorce. Their relationship and world are shaken as they are transported into the bodies of two dolls that their daughter made. Now they must work together to get back to their own bodies while working on their marriage.
21. Monster Hunter Rise
- Release Date: March 26, 2021
- Platform: Switch
The first Monster Hunter exclusive for Switch users will also be a big deal as it’s the first game using the RE Engine. Yes, the same engine used for every Resident Evil game since 7, and that includes the remake of the second and third games.
Monster Hunter Rise is one of the most anticipated upcoming Switch games in 2021. It will have a map full of diverse environments that you can explore. Use the new piece of equipment to the series, wire bug, a grappling hook that will take you further into these monster-populated lands.
22. Deathloop
- Release Date: May 21, 2021
- Platforms: PlayStation 5 and PC. PS5 one-year timed exclusive then comes to Xbox Series X|S
Arkane Studios has a brand of first-person shooters that allow players to play the way they want, whether that’s taking an explosive entrance or going about things sneakily. Deathloop will hit those familiar beats while providing something new to the company’s catalog of releases.
You will play as Colt. He is stuck in a time loop unless he can break the cycle by killing eight targets. Will you be stuck forever reliving the same moments of murder and mayhem, or will you be set free?
23. Back 4 Blood
- Release Date: June 22, 2021
- Platforms: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC
From the minds who brought you Evolve and the original Left 4 Dead comes one of the bloodiest upcoming games in 2021. Back 4 Blood fits the L4D formula as you and three other players will fight off against hordes of the undead. Push forward to complete each campaign to escape from hellish environments that are flooded with these ghoulish monsters.
24. Roller Champions
- Release Date: Early 2021
- Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, PC, and mobile
Ubisoft is spinning the premise of what Rocket League has with a roller derby. This free-to-play game will have two teams try to face off in this casual yet competitive environment. Create your champion and go around in three unique arenas.
25. Ruined King: A League of Legends Story
- Release Date: Early 2021
- Platforms: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Switch, and PC
League of Legends is getting an RPG called Ruined King. Unlike the massive MOBA, this will be a single-player turn-based RPG where you will go through two regions, Bilgewater and Shadow Isles. You will get a deeper, more personal look into the lore behind one of the biggest games in the world.
Choose to play one of six champions. All unique in look and playstyle, like what any fan of RPGs or League of Legends would expect.
26. Far Cry 6
- Release Date: Spring 2021
- Platforms: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Stadia, and PC
Far Cry is back, and this time Giancarlo Esposito (The Mandalorian, The Boys, and Breaking Bad) will be the antagonist to face off against in this fictitious country that he leads. The Hollywood actor’s appearance will be the biggest star to appear in the franchise. Along with the space between the last entry that launched in 2018, Far Cry 6 will be one of the anticipated upcoming games in 2021. Expect the hallmarks of the franchise with a vast open-world with plenty of animals and weapons to use as you try to take part in this revolution.
27. LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga
- Release Date: Spring 2021
- Platforms: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Switch, and PC
The latest entry in the series of LEGO Star Wars games brings The Skywalker Saga. This will complete your experience of the silly recreation of the sci-fi swashbuckling franchise. It will span across all nine films, rounding out the mainline films in the epic quest to fight against evil and bring balance to the universe.
28. Mass Effect: Legendary Edition
- Release Date: Spring 2021
- Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC
Newcomers or veterans of BioWare’s beloved franchise will get to experience the original Mass Effect trilogy remastered for previous generation consoles and PC. It is meant to give a modern feel and look while not recreating its events to maintain what it felt like playing through back in the mid-2000s to early 2010s of these games that conquered conversations surrounding video games for years.
29. New World
- Release Date: Spring 2021
- Platform: PC
Amazon is following the money as it is getting ready to unleash its own AAA game into the wild. Initially, it was supposed to release in 2020, but after two delays, it lands in the spring window of the new year.
New World is an MMO RPG where players are in a foreign land full of dangerous, mysterious new creatures. Survive and make a home for yourself in this newly discovered territory.
30. Gran Turismo 7
- Release Date: 2021
- Platform: PlayStation 5
Gran Turismo 7 will hit its niche audience of racing fans as it will be one of the most anticipated PS5 games in 2021. With the power of the console and the intense haptic feedback of the DualSense controller, developer Polyphony Digital will deliver a truly next-gen experience as you drive a large selection of cars.
31. Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
- Release Date: First half of 2021
- Platform: PlayStation 5
Insomniac Games is on a roll and continues to do so with its first PS5 exclusive. Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart will be easily one of the most anticipated games in 2021.
Evildoers have gone too far with technology, creating tears in other dimensions. Ratchet and his robotic pal Clank must go on a new adventure that has some of the biggest stakes out of anything they have faced before.
While it will hit all of the beats you expect from the developer with its witty humor and an arsenal of wacky weapons, you can also see plenty of new faces, like the mysterious female lombax, who will be playable during this wildly epic journey.
32. Battlefield
- Release Date: 2021
- Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC
We know nothing about the next Battlefield (not even if it’s Battlefield 6 or some other name) except that it’s expected to arrive by the end of 2021. The only detail is that it’s a next-generation entry in the explosive franchise. Have higher expectations regarding what type of destruction and realism will be brought to the experience with the new hardware.
33. Halo Infinite
- Release Date: Fall 2021
- Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC
Microsoft had one of the biggest blows of the year when it announced the Halo Infinite was getting pushed to 2021, taking it away from the already slim launch lineup for the new generation Xbox. Instead of hyping it up as a hit for the Series X|S, it can now be spun that the next Halo will be one of the most anticipated games in 2021.
It will be a linear open-world, meaning it will have larger areas never seen in the franchise. It will not be completely open, but enough to complete side missions and do extra exploring rather than going down a straight path as you gun down aliens.
34. The Lord of the Rings: Gollum
- Release Date: Late 2021
- Platforms: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Switch, and PC
See the world through Gollum’s eyes as his split personalities tears you into making difficult decisions in this action-adventure game set in the iconic world of The Lord of the Rings.
For developer Daedalic Entertainment, this will be its most ambitious game. Known for games like Unrailed! and Iratus: Lord of the Dead, it will be an interesting experience for fans of the studio.
35. Horizon Forbidden West
- Release Date: Second Half of 2021
- Platforms: PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4
If this list were ranking games rather than dumping a list of them, then Horizon Forbidden West would be within the top five releases as this is one of the most anticipated PS5 games in 2021. Well, and PS4 as it will be available on the previous generation of Sony’s successful console series.
We will rejoin Aloy for a new adventure as she moves west towards Utah and California. While we don’t know concrete details pertaining to her new quest, if you played the first game, then you should have some ideas, which we won’t spoil for you if you missed out on it (seriously, go play it on PS4 or PC).
36. Chorus
- Release Date: 2021
- Platforms: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Stadia, and PC
Enter what could be the evolution of space-flight shooters. Chorus is aiming to deliver plenty of areas to explore, like ancient temples. Your arsenal will include devastatingly powerful weapons and abilities.
You will play as Nara, and she wants to destroy the dark cult that is responsible for creating her. It’s just her and her sentient ship, Forsaken.
37. CrossfireX
- Release Date: 2021
- Platforms: Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One
The popular PC shooter is coming to Xbox with its third installment. Two teams from two different developers are tackling it. Remedy Entertainment, the studio behind Control and Alan Wake, is making the singleplayer. The online portion will be led by Smilegate from the original entry in this franchise.
38. Evil Dead: The Game
- Release Date: 2021
- Platforms: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Switch, and PC
Developer Saber Interactive is tackling another beloved IP. First, it was last year’s World War Z, and now it’s tackling the horror-comedy franchise Evil Dead. It will pit teams of deadites vs. humans, who comprise of characters across the films and TV show. We only know so much so far, but while that information is not a lot, we know one thing, and it’s that this third-person action game looks groovy.
39. GhostWire: Tokyo
- Release Date: 2021
- Platforms: PlayStation 5 and PC. One-year timed exclusive on PS5 then will come to Xbox Series X|S
Tango Gameworks, the twisted studio behind The Evil Within games, is making yet another action-horror title, GhostWire: Tokyo. Walk the empty streets of Tokyo as its citizens have disappeared and been replaced with spirits. Use your supernatural powers to fight off ghouls and get to the bottom of this haunting mystery.
40. God of War: Ragnarok
- Release Date: January 12, 2021
- Platforms: PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4
The first follow-up to the brilliant God of War 2018 release comes Ragnarok. Outside of the title, we know nothing. There are rumors it will be a shorter game, similar to Spider-Man: Miles Morales, but nothing is confirmed so far. Either way, we are excited, and you should be too, as this is easily one of the biggest upcoming games in 2021.
41. Gotham Knights
- Release Date: 2021
- Platforms: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC
Get suited up as Batgirl, Robin, Red Hood, or Nightwing to save Gotham as Batman is dead in Gotham Knights. The city is being overrun with villains like Mr. Freeze and the Court of Owls. Bite off one chunk at a time to free from iconic supervillains that go deep into the lore of the legendary hero.
If you need a reason to put this next to the likes of God of War: Ragnarok and Deathloop when it comes to one of the most hyped upcoming games in 2021, then it’s the fact that this is the first major release by WB Montreal since Batman: Arkham Origins. The studio is setting itself apart from Rocksteady by establishing its own universe with some of the most beloved comic book characters of all-time.
42. Hogwarts Legacy
- Release Date: 2021
- Platforms: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC
An established universe like Harry Potter is perfect for an action-RPG. Hogwarts Legacy was rumored forever ago and confirmed with plenty of footage in its trailer. Be your own wizard or witch, and learn from the best at the legendary school of wizardry.
It makes for the most ambitious and notable project from Avalanche Software. The company has developed adaptions from popular Pixar and Disney properties like Disney Infinity and Cars. This could be its big break to explode onto the scene with a massive AAA release.
43. Sons of the Forest
- Release Date: 2021
- Platform: PC
The sequel to the survival horror game The Forest is coming in 2021. A helicopter crash leaves you (or some friends if playing co-op) in the middle of nowhere. Turns out, you are not alone as cannibal villagers are after you, along with some monstrous creatures too.
Based on what we know, it seems to be fairly similar in style and premise. The recent gameplay trailer shows off how it will look significantly prettier, improved animations, and plenty of more tools at your disposal, like a shotgun and pistol.
44. Psychonauts 2
- Release Date: 2021
- Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC
Waiting 15 years for a sequel is brutal, but it makes for one of the biggest upcoming games in 2021. Psychonauts 2 had an incredible fundraiser to fund its development with a goal of $3.3 million and hitting $3.8 million. It was expected to be out in 2019, but as the industry goes, it got delayed. Fingers crossed we don’t have to wait another year.
45. S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2
- Release Date: 2021
- Platforms: Xbox Series X|S and PC
Another long-awaited sequel with S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2, an immersive, atmospheric horror FPS where you will try to survive in a hellish wasteland. The game will be an open-world, making it all about your choices that will guide the story.
46. Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2
- Release Date: 2021
- Platforms: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC
Nothing on this list resonates more with delays than Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2. It is bold of us to even put it here as it may get another push into the unknown. Regardless, it is exciting to hope that we don’t have to wait another year.
Our third entry in a row that is a sequel that fans have patiently waited for as the original launched in 2004. The action-RPG will give you the fangs of a vampire, roaming the streets and feasting upon anyone you may think looks tasty.
We have had some side games like the recent Vampire: The Masquerade – Coteries of New York, but those have been visual novels, which is not everyone’s cup of tea. Hopefully, fans can sink their teeth into Bloodlines 2 in 2021.
47. Rainbow Six Quarantine
- Release Date: 2021
- Platforms: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC
The first standalone entry in the Rainbow Six franchise in quite a while as Siege has stood as the sole focus for Ubisoft. Inspired by a limited-time event in the competitive shooter, Quarantine will be a PvE horror-filled experience.
We still don’t have a lot of details on it, but maybe we can finally get a deeper look and even get to play it.
48. Warhammer 40,000: Darktide
- Release Date: 2021
- Platforms: Xbox Series X|S and PC
The city of Tertium is overrun. You, and if you choose up to three other friends, will dive into the depths of the beast to face hordes of horrifying enemies.
Warhammer is full of different flavors of gameplay. Everything from Left 4 Dead styled horde shooters to action-RPGs. Darktide is another dish being served for a new taste at the juggernaut of a franchise.
49. 12 Minutes
- Release Date: 2021
- Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC
Not only is 12 Minutes one of the most anticipated Xbox Series X games in 2021 (well, and Series X, Xbox One, and PC too), it has one of the biggest casts of any upcoming game. James McAvoy (It Chapter Two and Split), Daisy Ridley (Star Wars sequel trilogy), and Willem Defoe (Spider-Man and The Lighthouse) will star in this thriller where you will relive the same 12 minutes to solve a disturbing mystery.
Before you ask, yes, this is another game where you are stuck in a time loop (hello, Arkane).
50. Resident Evil Village
- Release Date: 2021
- Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC
A true next-gen experience is coming for the next Resident Evil. We made you wait for this one as it rivals any other game here as one of the most anticipated upcoming games in 2021 by a longshot.
It has had its issues as a plethora of leaks over the past year have given us almost every detail, so we hope there are surprises left when it releases—all you need to know that it will be another first-person nightmare like Resident Evil 7: Biohazard. Ethan returns as the protagonist and he finds himself in a more open area than the Baker family estate as he is in a village with crazed locals, werewolves, and other threats that will surely traumatize us.
That ends our list of 50 of the biggest upcoming games in 2021. There are lots of great games coming out in the new year, and with new consoles out as well, there are sure to be some fantastic new experiences.
