Biggest JRPG Sequels Releasing In 2026

2026 is shaping up to be an exciting year for fans of Japanese role-playing games, with several promising titles on the horizon. Many are eagerly awaiting news on Kingdom Hearts 4 or the next installment in the Final Fantasy 7 remake series, and both would be fantastic additions to the genre. Beyond those highly anticipated sequels, several other projects are already in development, including The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales, Ballad of Antara, and Decapolice.

Many exciting games are scheduled for release in 2026, and that’s not even counting sequels! We’ll see everything from updated versions of old favorites to completely new installments. Here’s a look at some of the biggest upcoming sequels, both with confirmed release dates and those still in development. One thing’s certain: fans of Japanese role-playing games have a lot to look forward to next year.

The Legend Of Heroes: Trails Beyond The Horizon

Combining Turn-Based And Action

Planned Release Date: 1/15/26
Planned Systems: PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, and Switch 2

The Legend of Heroes series can be intimidating for new players. It’s been around for a while, not all the games are available in North America, and keeping track of the characters and story can be tricky. However, The Legend of Heroes: Trails Beyond the Horizon is the newest installment, initially released in Japan in 2024 for multiple gaming systems.

The game is launching on many consoles in North America this January, so fans won’t have to wait long. What makes this series special is its mix of fast-paced action and strategic turn-based battles – a combination you don’t often see in big Japanese role-playing games. This makes it appealing to a wider range of players.

Code Vein 2

Time Traveling Vampires

Planned Release Date: 1/30/26
Planned Systems: PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S

Released in 2019, shortly before the next generation of consoles arrived, Code Vein offered a unique anime-inspired take on the challenging ‘Souls-like’ genre. The game features characters resembling vampires battling other transformed humans in a world devastated by an apocalypse. A key feature that distinguished it was the ability to have an AI companion assist you throughout your adventures.

I’m really excited for Code Vein 2, but it’s unclear how it’ll connect to the first game – it’s a total mystery right now! From what I’ve gathered, the story is going to involve time travel or messing with time in some way, and that might even affect how we play. Plus, we can expect that tough, but rewarding, Soulslike combat we loved in the original. It’s currently slated for release in January 2026, which feels so far away!

Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection

Soar With Dragons

Planned Release Date: 3/13/26
Planned Systems: PC, PS5, Switch 2, and Xbox Series X/S

It’s surprising how popular the Monster Hunter Stories series has become! It started on the 3DS in Japan back in 2016, and a sequel was released for the Switch and PC. Now, you can find both games on several consoles, and the newest installment, Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection, will be available on multiple platforms right when it launches.

I’m really excited about this new game! It’s different from the main series – these games are all about classic turn-based battles. And from what I’ve seen, the sequel will keep that tradition going. You get to explore a pretty big world, battling monsters with a team of both humans and creatures. You can even ride your monsters around! There’s a lot to do, like raiding monster nests for eggs and completing quests. I have a feeling this latest installment will finally get the attention this series deserves – it’s a proper adventure!

Bloodstained: The Scarlet Engagement

A Metroidvania Reboot Returns

Planned Release Date: 2026
Planned Systems: PC, PS5, Switch 2, and Xbox Series X/S

Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night started as a Kickstarter project to revive the classic Metroidvania style of games like Castlevania, and it was finally released in 2019. It’s very similar to Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia in both its story and how you play – in both games, your character gains new abilities by absorbing the powers of enemies.

The next game, Bloodstained: The Scarlet Engagement, doesn’t appear to feature many characters from the first game, and it will also have some changes to how you play. Similar to Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin, you’ll control two characters – Leonard and Alexander – and switch between them as you explore and battle. There’s no confirmed release date yet, but the developers are aiming for a 2026 launch.

Ys 10: Proud Nordics

An Expanded Classic

Planned Release Date: 2/20/26
Planned Systems: PC, PS5, and Switch 2

Ys 10: Nordics is the newest installment in the long-running Ys series, which began in 1987. What sets Ys apart from many other Japanese role-playing games (JRPGs) is that it follows the continuing story of the same character, Adol Christin, across different games. However, the numbered titles don’t tell the story in order. Despite this, fans keep returning to the series because of its exciting action and memorable music. The games are easy to pick up, but still offer a captivating adventure, letting players feel like they’re joining Adol on a journey rather than burdening them with the constant task of saving the world.

Ys 10: Nordics is the largest game in the series so far, featuring a vast world to explore by ship. It first came out in North America in 2024, following its release in Japan the year before. An expanded version, Ys 10: Proud Nordics, includes even more content. Players in Japan and other Asian countries were able to get the PC and Switch 2 versions in 2025, and now, in 2026, North America will receive the PC, PS5, and Switch 2 versions. If you’ve been curious about the Ys series, next year is a great time to jump in – maybe even for the very first time!

Mega Man Star Force: Legacy Collection

Seven Games In One

Developer: Capcom
Publisher: Capcom
Planned Release Date: 2/20/26
Planned Systems: PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S

Originally launched in Japan in 2006 as a follow-up to the popular Mega Man Battle Network series, Mega Man Star Force came to North America in 2007. The game had three versions – Pegasus, Leo, and Dragon – each with minor variations, similar to how Pokémon games are released in pairs. Now, in 2026, all seven main Mega Man Star Force games will be available to play on many different consoles thanks to a new collection.

The Mega Man Star Force: Legacy Collection includes seven Japanese role-playing games (JRPGs) that blend fast-paced action with classic turn-based combat. These Mega Man collections are usually high-quality and packed with bonus content like artwork, making this a great option for fans while they wait for Mega Man: Dual Override, which is currently scheduled for release in 2027.

Inazuma Eleven RE

Remaking A Classic

Developer: Level-5
Publisher: Level-5
Planned Release Date: 2026
Planned Systems: PC, PS4, PS5, Switch

Inazuma Eleven is a game series created by Level-5 that combines soccer with the exciting elements of Japanese role-playing games (JRPGs). Think special moves and dramatic storylines presented in an anime style. The original game came out in Japan on the DS in 2008, but players in North America didn’t get a chance to play until the improved 3DS version was released in 2014.

As a big fan, I’m so excited to hear they’re completely remaking the original game! It’s called Inazuma Eleven RE and is coming out in 2026. From what I’ve seen, the art style is a little simpler than the newest game, Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road which just came out this year, but if you liked Victory Road, I think you’ll really appreciate going back to where it all began.

2025-12-18 01:07