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In gamers' books, January was always a good month for new releases, and it seems January 2026 is living up to these expectations. In the first month of the new year, we can expect some very nice titles to be released, and we cannot be happier, especially after a quite silent December.
2025 was probably one of the best years from gamers' point of view, featuring titles that changed the gaming scene forever, including games like Clair Obscure: Expedition 33 (The Game Awards GOTY), Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 (AltChar's Game of the Year), Hollow Knight: Silksong, Lies of P: Overture, and many more amazing titles.
All every gamer wants – we know we do – is for 2026 to be at least at the same level as, if not better than, the year that is about to leave, and if the first month is any indicator, we could be up for a year full of gaming treats. But enough of that; we're here to bring you the list of all the most promising games that will hit the store shelves in January 2026, and that's exactly what we will do, so without further ado, let's begin.
The list of the most anticipated January 2026 games
Code Violet
- Genre: Survival/horror shooter
- Developer and publisher: TeamKill Media
- Release date: January 10, 2026
- Available on: PlayStation 5
Code Violet is an upcoming third-person action horror/survival shooter developed and published by TeamKill Media, exclusive to PlayStation 5. It blends intense combat, survival mechanics, and horror elements with prehistoric enemies in a sci-fi setting where you play as Violet Sinclair.
Code Violet was originally planned to be released in 2025, but the game got multiple delays. Now, since it has gone gold, as the developers confirmed, the new release date won't likely be changed.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Switch 2 Edition
- Genre: Life Sim
- Developer and publisher: Nintendo
- Release date: January 15, 2026
- Available on: Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2
Nintendo’s cosiest and cutest life simulation returns with enhanced visuals and new features redesigned for the Switch 2. It’s one of the standout console titles of the month.
Along with this new Switch 2 version of the game comes a free update as well, featuring a new resort hotel, additional amiibo functionality, collaboration items, updates to online play, and more.
The Legend of Heroes: Trails Beyond the Horizon
- Genre: JRPG
- Developer: Nihon Falcom
- Publisher: NIS America
- Release date: January 15, 2026
- Available on: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, PC, Nintendo Switch, and Nintendo Switch 2
Okay, we know JRPGs are not everyone's cup of tea, but for all of you who appreciate this subgenre, The Legend of Heroes: Trails Beyond the Horizon might be an interesting title.
Expect a very deep and meaningful narrative that stretches out very long, turn-based combat like the one we've seen in the Persona games, and, of course, anime-like characters and visuals, so again, for the fans of the genre, this one could be interesting to explore.
MIO: Memories in Orbit
- Genre: Metroidvania-like platformer
- Developer: Douze Dixiemes
- Publisher: Focus Entertainment
- Release date: January 20, 2026
- Available on: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, and Nintendo Switch
MIO: Memories in Orbit is an atmospheric Metroidvania adventure set on a derelict spaceship where a little robot called MIO has to piece together what happened to this space ark and why humanity suddenly failed.
In this game, you'll explore environments, solve environmental puzzles, and uncover narrative mysteries. Its art style and exploration focus could make this game very interesting, especially for the fans of the genre, and we know there are many of those among the gamer population.
Arknights: Endfield
- Genre: Action RPG with base-building elements
- Developer: Hypergryph
- Publisher: Gryphline
- Release date: January 22, 2026
- Available on: PlayStation 5 and PC
Arknights: Endfield is a spinoff from the popular Arknights franchise that blends action RPG elements with base-building, telling an ambitious story (at least that's how the developers explained it). Combat seems a bit different from previous titles in the series, which shows ambition in this segment as well.
The game's visuals are anime-like and gorgeous ones at that. Seriously, the game looks amazing, and it will be very interesting to see how it performs in real time.
Highguard
- Genre: PVP shooter
- Developer and Publisher: Wildlight Entertainment
- Release date: January 26, 2026
- Available on: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC
After High Guard has been revealed at this year's The Game Awards ceremony, we'll have a chance to try it out as soon as the end of the upcoming month, or on January 26, to be more precise.
This is a PvP shooter from the developers behind Apex Legends and Titanfall, and that alone speaks volumes about what kind of game we can expect here. Highguard merges fantasy visuals and setting with fast-paced, Doom-like team combat, which could be an extremely interesting concept.
Cairn
- Genre: Climbing simulator
- Developer and Publisher: The Game Bakers
- Release date: January 29, 2026
- Available on: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC
Cairn is a unique game with an even more unique concept, and it is a rock-climbing survival adventure with a focus on realistic movements. Do not expect any enemies here; your main enemy will be gravity and the many obstacles the mountain will set in front of you.
Apart from very interesting climbing mechanics, the game also promises an emotional story that might touch us deeply. Pair all this with charming, cel-shaded visuals, and you might get a winning formula, provided, of course, that you love such games.
Code Vein 2
- Genre: Souls-like action RPG
- Developer and Publisher: Bandai Namco
- Release date: January 30, 2026
- Available on: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC
Code Vein 2 marks a major sequel to the cult favourite Souls-like action RPG. Expect gothic visuals, deep character builds, and intense combat that expands on the original’s stylish vampire theme.
Even though this game comes out at the end of January, it is still considered one of the most anticipated and probably the biggest releases of the month.
DON'T MISS!
- Escape From Tarkov outlines major new maps, mechanics and gear planned for 2026
- Rainbow Six Siege servers taken offline after major security breach
- Apex Legends may add easier movement mechanics in future updates
- Marvel Rivals Season 6 release date and start times confirmed
- Larian confirms you don’t need to play older Divinity games before the new one
