Action-adventure games are known for being incredibly diverse, blending elements from genres like role-playing, shooting, and survival. These games generally involve exploring interesting environments – whether real-world locations or completely imagined worlds. You usually play as a specific character, though not always with extensive customization options like in a traditional RPG. Of course, action is key, often through combat, but it can also involve other challenges. Some action-adventure games have a set storyline, while others give you a large open world to explore freely. Games like Uncharted, Sekiro, and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild are all great examples, even though they offer very different gameplay experiences.
When it’s done well, this genre is unmatched in its variety and scale. 2025 has already given us some fantastic titles like Ghost of Yotei and Split Fiction, and there’s still more to come this year. Plus, the first few months of 2026 are already shaping up to be exciting, with several major action-adventure games on the horizon. Here’s a look at the ones everyone will be talking about.
Some notes and criteria:
- To qualify, a game must have set a release date between December 2025 and March 2026. That said, an exception tentatively targeting an early 2026 debut will be included.
- We are generally going to avoid games that are predominantly associated with other genres, such as RPGs, Soulslikes, or horror.
- As the line between RPG and action-adventure can be blurry, we are not going to include any games featured in this Upcoming Action RPGs article. If nothing else, we can use this opportunity to spotlight new titles.
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond
2025’s Biggest Action-Adventure Game
Nintendo is set to release Metroid Prime 4: Beyond before the end of the year, and it’s easily one of the most anticipated games of 2025 for Nintendo Switch owners. This sequel to the beloved Metroid Prime trilogy on GameCube and Wii brings back Samus Aran in a long-awaited adventure. The original games were groundbreaking, successfully transforming the Metroid formula into a stunning 3D, first-person experience. Development of Metroid Prime 4 has been challenging, taking nearly ten years, but it appears to be finished and poised to revitalize the franchise.
Okay, so from what I’ve gathered, Beyond – that’s Metroid Prime 4 – is set on this brand new planet called Viewros, and it’s supposed to have a ton of different environments. Metroid Prime games have always been great at letting you explore big, interconnected areas, and it sounds like this one is really leaning into that. It’s not a totally open-world game, but the areas are going to be pretty huge and rewarding to check out. They’ve even given Samus a motorcycle – Vi-O-La, they’re calling it – to help you get around faster! The action will still be first-person, of course, but it sounds like there’s going to be a lot more to do than just fighting.
Unbeatable
An Action-Adventure Game All About Finding Your Rhythm
This game is bursting with character and visual flair! Technically a rhythm-adventure, Unbeatable focuses on fast-paced action, responsive controls, and plenty of energetic destruction – a recipe for fun. It includes a good-length story mode and an arcade mode for endless replayability, all backed by a fantastic soundtrack with lots of new and remixed songs.
In the story mode, you play as Beat, a stylish and somewhat rebellious girl who’s a talented guitarist and always seems to find herself in trouble – and wanted by the police! But that’s likely just the beginning of her problems. Unbeatable is designed to be a visually stunning and imaginative side-scrolling game focused on music, strong friendships, everyday life, and exciting, over-the-top action.
Crimson Desert
So Far, The Biggest Action-Adventure Game Coming In Early 2026
Pearl Abyss, the studio known for Black Desert Online, is now creating a new action-adventure game called Crimson Desert. Unlike Black Desert Online, this game focuses on a single-player experience. The story begins after a brutal attack by the Black Bears throws the Greymane faction into chaos, threatening a full-scale war. You play as Kliff, a Greymane determined to protect his people and get revenge.
Crimson Desert is a stunning open-world game developed by Pearl Abyss, the team behind Black Desert Online. Building on their expertise in creating beautiful game worlds with engaging gameplay, Crimson Desert emphasizes a single-player experience. This approach aims to showcase the best aspects of Black Desert Online while addressing its shortcomings. The game features impressive and intricate combat, essential for keeping players engaged throughout a potentially long story campaign. Beyond battles, players can also enjoy typical open-world activities and exploration.
007 First Light
James Bond’s First (Action) Adventure
As a huge James Bond fan, I’ve been waiting forever for a new game that actually gets it right – it’s been about 13 years since the last one, and even longer since we had a good Bond game! But I’m seriously excited about 007 First Light. It sounds like it’s going to be way more than your typical licensed game. The team behind Hitman at IO Interactive is making it, and honestly, they seem like the perfect people to tell Bond’s origin story. The game lets you play as Bond on his very first mission, the one where he earns his 00 status. That’s a really cool idea that the movies haven’t really touched on, and I can’t wait to see how it plays out!
IO Interactive hasn’t shared all the details yet, but the new 007 game, First Light, will borrow elements from their Hitman series. Players will be able to sneak into large, open environments and avoid being seen, but sometimes a direct, action-packed approach with gunfire will be the best option – and Bond is certainly equipped for that. The game’s story appears to take Bond on an adventure around the world.
Cairn
Survive The Mountain
And here’s an exception to the list: Cairn. I wasn’t sure whether to include it because it’s not a typical action-adventure game with fighting. But since Steam categorizes it as such, I’ve decided to include it. This game, from the creators of Furi, is a survival experience set in a mountainous landscape where you’ll need to carefully plan an expedition and confront a truly daunting challenge.
Cairn aims to realistically capture the excitement and fear of a challenging undertaking, even factoring in things like stress and fatigue. While it’s primarily an adventure game, you’ll frequently find yourself in dangerous, life-or-death scenarios. Careful decision-making is crucial, as even small mistakes can have serious consequences, and you’ll be making choices constantly.
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2025-11-23 11:35