This year is primed for major game releases, like Marvel’s Wolverine and Grand Theft Auto 6, and we here at Polygon just detailed our 50 most anticipated games set to be released in 2026. But with thousands of games coming out each year, even a long list of 50 can’t cover everything we want to play over the course of the new year.
In 2026, plenty of under-the-radar indie and AA games are going to be released between all those AAA must-plays. Here are 11 we’re keeping our eyes on.
1
At Fate’s End
Release date: TBA 2026
Where to play: PS5, Windows PC, Xbox Series X
Thunder Lotus struck gold with 2020’s Spiritfarer, and looks to do so again with At Fate’s End. The gorgeous adventure game will challenge you with battles against dueling siblings, to be fought with sharp swords and just-as-sharp dialogue. You’ll play as princess Shan, who must defeat those siblings in order to take their swords and become the leader of her messed-up family. “[At Fate’s End is] about basically continuing or questioning your legacy,” creative director Nicolas Guérin told Polygon last summer.
2
Death Howl
Release date: Feb. 19
Where to play: PS5, Switch 2, Xbox Series X
You’d be forgiven if you missed Death Howl when it launched last month. It was initially only available on Windows PC, and came out during the end-of-year storm of award-season buzz, new game reveals at The Game Awards, and 2025 year-end lists. Death Howl will make a second entrance in February, typically a quiet time for games, when it goes multiplatform. It blends Soulslike elements (namely, the difficulty) with deck-building gameplay amid a somber story filled with grief.
3
Deer & Boy
Release date: TBA 2026
Where to play: PS5, Switch, Windows PC, Xbox Series X
I’m always down to have an animal companion in a game, and that animal companion gets top billing in Deer & Boy. It’s a cinematic puzzler in the vein of Planet of Lana or Selfloss and follows a runaway and the baby deer he befriends. They travel together and grow alongside one another during their journey. Based on the trailers alone, expect a box of nearby tissues to be necessary when playing Deer & Boy.
4
Demi and the Fractured Dream
Release date: TBA 2026
Where to play: PS5, Switch, Switch 2, Windows PC, Xbox Series X
Nintendo may not have a 3D Zelda game on its release slate, but those still hoping for some classic dungeon crawling can look no further than Demi and the Fractured Dream. It’ll mix environmental puzzles with hack-n-slash combat as you venture across a gorgeous world in search of Accursed Beasts of legend to slay. Demi is both powered and harmed by a curse, and he’ll rely on his supernatural abilities in all aspects of gameplay.
5
D-topia
Release date: TBA 2026
Where to play: PS5, Switch, Switch 2, Windows PC, Xbox Series X
D-topia is set in a world that’s a utopia — on the surface, at least. (“Happiness is curated by artificial intelligence,” according to the game’s official description, so, uh, I’m pressing X to doubt.) You’ll repair residential facilities through logic-based puzzles, and get to know their residents along the way. Choices matter in D-topia, and it’s up to you to lead this society towards joy, or doom it to sorrow.
6
Echo Generation 2
Release date: TBA 2026
Where to play: Windows PC, Xbox Series X
If you’ve ever wished Stranger Things was playable as a video game, Echo Generation 2 will be for you. It’ll feature the hallmarks of the sci-fi show: a mysterious alternate dimension, spooky monsters, and ordinary people extraordinarily rising to the occasion. Because of interdimensional travel and how it plays with time, Echo Generation 2‘s makers are teasing it as both a sequel and prequel to the first game. Like its predecessor, it takes inspiration from 1980s and ‘90s adventure movies and games.
7
High Above
Release date: TBA 2026
Where to play: Windows PC
As the IRL world becomes more and more stressful, the need for cozy games to escape into becomes paramount. High Above is one to put on your radar this year. In it, you’ll cultivate a cozy rooftop retreat, away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Your personal hideaway can be shaped however you like: a zen-filled rooftop garden or a reading nook surrounded by plants. If you’re currently in need of a quick and cozy escape, you can check out the High Above demo on Steam.
8
Orbitals
Release date: TBA 2026
Where to play: Switch 2
While The Game Awards was full of heavy-hitting announcements and reveals like Star Wars: Fate of the Old Republic and Larian’s next Divinity game, the reveal I’m most excited for is Orbitals. The Switch 2 exclusive is a retro anime-inspired split-screen adventure. Like Hazelight’s inventive co-op games, the only way to find success in Orbitals is together. You and a partner will venture into the unknown in an attempt to save your space station home from a cosmic storm.
9
Otterly Lost
Release date: TBA 2026
Where to play: Windows PC
Frog games are set to take over 2026, but there’s still room for indies starring other adorable critters. Case in point: Otterly Lost. You’ll play as a sea otter, Otto, trying to find their way home, exploring various environments and meeting friendly animals along the way, like a sea turtle and a beard-adorned crab. In Otterly Lost, you’ll be able to kick back, float on the water, and support Otto’s new community at your own pace. Get a taste of its via Otterly Lost‘s demo on Steam.
10
Out of Words
Release date: TBA 2026
Where to play: PS5, Switch 2, Windows PC, Xbox Series X
Out of Words follows friends Kurt and Karla — who are missing their mouths — as they navigate the vibrant world of Vokabulantis in an attempt to save it (and get their voices back). The co-op adventure is shaping up to be a visual marvel, with its claymation aesthetic and handmade assets lending it a unique identity. Though Kurt and Karla may not be able to speak to one another, communication between you and your gaming partner will be key to exploring Out of Words’ weird world.
