Building with LEGOs used to be a favorite creative activity for many. Then, in 2009, Minecraft came along and captivated both kids and adults, paving the way for a surge of games that let players express their creativity. While Minecraft wasn’t the first game to involve building, it significantly popularized the genre and led to a boom in similar games.
Looking ahead to 2025 and 2026, will any new games offer players great opportunities to be creative? And could anything eventually surpass Minecraft in terms of what it lets you build and do? Let’s take a look at some promising upcoming games and highlight those that really encourage player creativity – games that are worth getting excited about now.
Octopath Traveler 0
A Customizable Turn-Based RPG
- Planned Release Date: 12/4/25
- Planned Systems: PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Switch 2, and Xbox Series X/S
The game that popularized the unique HD-2D art style, Octopath Traveler 0, is coming soon! Originally a mobile game, this new installment lets you create and customize your own character from the start, unlike the first game where you chose from eight pre-made heroes.
Battles still happen turn-by-turn, but now you control two teams of four characters at the same time – a really large-scale fight! A key part of the game is building your own village, giving you plenty of freedom to customize it how you like. With fewer exciting games expected in 2025, Octopath Traveler 0 is definitely one to watch.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons
New Enough
- Planned Release Date: 1/15/26
- Planned Systems: Nintendo Switch 2
While not a brand new game, the upcoming version of Animal Crossing: New Horizons for the Nintendo Switch 2 is generating excitement among fans who are eager for a new Animal Crossing title. Switch 2 players can look forward to the game with improved graphics and performance, plus the added convenience of using mouse controls for more precise decorating.
GameChat lets players connect with friends and see each other’s gameplay. The Switch 2 version will support up to twelve players in co-op mode, up from eight. These are unique to the Switch 2, but a free update coming to all versions of the game will add exciting new features like a hotel where you can design and decorate rooms, official LEGO furniture, and a limitless dream world with even more to explore.
Pokemon Pokopia
Living Your Best Ditto Life
- Planned Release Date: 2026
- Planned Systems: Nintendo Switch 2
Pokemon Pokopia has the potential to be a fantastic new addition to the Pokemon family, similar to Pokemon Snap. However, it could also fall flat like Pokemon Dash. The game’s unusual concept – playing as a Ditto that transforms into a human – definitely seems interesting and could be a lot of fun, almost like stepping into the anime.
In this game, players can gain abilities from Pokémon to develop their own personal island – they can do everything from clearing trees to growing plants. You’re able to build a home, create a garden, lay down paths, and customize the area extensively. It’s currently unknown if players will be able to leave their island to battle Pokémon or other players, or if the focus will remain on building and creativity.
Voidling Bound
Make Your Own Creatures
- Developer: Hatchery Games
- Publisher: Hatchery Games
- Planned Release Date: Q1 2026
- Planned Systems: PC
Voidling Bound is a monster-collecting game with a unique feature: you can venture out to gather materials and catch creatures, then bring them back to your lab. There, you’ll design your own monsters and use them in fast-paced, action-packed battles.
Ever wished you could combine Pokémon like Pikachu and Charmander to make entirely new creatures? While Game Freak might consider that idea, fans who love collecting monsters will definitely want to add Voidling Bound to their wishlist, especially if they’re looking for a game with lots of ways to customize their creatures.
Palworld: Palfarm
You’ve Got A Pal In Me
- Planned Release Date: TBA
- Planned Systems: PC
While Pokemon Pokopia is anticipated, it’s not the only monster-collecting game on the horizon. Palworld: Palfarm is a new take on the already popular Palworld, which is currently available in early access. Palfarm seems to emphasize simulation gameplay more than exploration, and it features a top-down perspective instead of the 3D view of the original game.
In this game, you can develop your town, make life better for its people, and even form relationships with other characters. You’ll also be able to enjoy activities like shopping, gathering resources like wood, and fishing. While similar to Pokemon Pokopia, Palworld: Palfarm sets itself apart with its combat system.
Animula Nook
Bite-Sized Creativity
- Developer: LilliLandia Games
- Publisher: LilliLandia Games
- Planned Release Date: TBA
- Planned Systems: PC, PlayStation, and Switch 2
Animula Nook is shaping up to be a truly unique and charming creative game. Its art style is reminiscent of stop-motion animation, giving it a magical and otherworldly look. Players will get to build and grow villages within cozy, everyday environments like kitchens and homes – a bit like the upcoming game Grounded 2, but with its own distinct flair.
Is Animula Nook set after a major disaster? The lack of large humans interacting with the tiny villages suggests it might be. Regardless, players can look forward to the familiar gameplay of building and growing a small life in Animula Nook, but its distinctive visual style and animation are what really set it apart.
Tomo: Endless Blue
Look Out For One Piece
- Developer: Onibi
- Publisher: Onibi
- Planned Release Date: TBA
- Planned Systems: PC
I’m really excited about Tomo: Endless Blue – it looks like a pretty big deal in the monster-catching world! From what I’ve seen, it’s going to let you do all the things you love about these kinds of games: explore to find cool creatures, catch ’em, and then team up with them in awesome battles. It seems like a really solid take on the formula.
This game feels more like Palworld than a traditional Pokemon title. It’s set in a huge, open world where you can build bases and craft items. You’ll create your own character and ship, then set sail to discover new islands. It gives off a charming, adventurous vibe – a blend of Palworld and The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker – and that combination sounds really exciting.
Read More
- Gold Rate Forecast
- USD RUB PREDICTION
- Brent Oil Forecast
- MNT PREDICTION. MNT cryptocurrency
- Battlefield 6: All Weapon Stats (Control, Mobility, Hipfire, Precision)
- How to Complete Schedule I’s Cartel Update
- USD HKD PREDICTION
- Top 8 UFC 5 Perks Every Fighter Should Use
- All Exploration Challenges & Rewards in Battlefield 6 Redsec
- How to Find & Beat Hammer Of Justice Secret Boss in Deltarune Chapter 4
2025-11-06 20:06