JRPGs Coming in 2026 That Already Deserve Your Attention

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It’s now the second quarter of 2026, and we’ve seen some new JRPGs revealed or had their release dates announced. While we haven’t seen as many major JRPG announcements as in 2024 or 2025, there are still several promising titles worth checking out.

Whether you love classic series, fresh remakes, or unique indie games, there’s a Japanese RPG (JRPG) out there for everyone. Here are a few exciting JRPGs scheduled for release in 2026 that you should definitely keep an eye on and add to your wishlist.

10. Edge of Memories

We Know French JRPGs Are Bangers

Initially, Edge of Memories feels more like a major release than an indie game. It’s even debatable whether it still qualifies as indie, considering the growth of its developer, Midgar Studio (named after the iconic location in Final Fantasy VII), since their first game, Edge of Eternity. But regardless, Edge of Memories is looking like a fantastic action JRPG and is well worth checking out.

Edge of Memories is set in the world of Edge of Eternity, but explores a different continent. You play as Eline, and your mission is to fight the Corrosion, a disease that’s ravaging the land. Along the way, you’ll meet and team up with new allies to help you.

Success in battle depends a lot on how well Eline works with her teammates. When things get tough, Eline can go into a powerful berserker mode, gaining new abilities and becoming much more dangerous. The game, Edge of Memories, is currently planned for release in 2026, though a firm date hasn’t been announced. It’s possible the game will be released as an Early Access title, similar to how Edge of Eternity was available for three years before its full launch.

9. SacriFire

Will Conquer the Indie World

I discovered a fantastic game called Regalia: Of Men and Monarchs from Pixelated Milk back in 2017, though it didn’t get much attention at the time. I really enjoyed it – I even earned all the trophies! It was a well-made game with a hilarious story. I loved it so much that I became a dedicated follower of Pixelated Milk, so I was thrilled when they announced their next project, SacriFire.

SacriFire has all the ingredients to become a major indie JRPG success, following in the footsteps of games like Chained Echoes and Sea of Stars. Drawing inspiration from classics such as Vagrant Story and Valkyrie Profile, and featuring a soundtrack by the renowned Motoi Sakuraba, it’s quickly becoming a must-have game for JRPG fans.

The game SacriFire follows Ezekiel’s journey in a world caught between warring gods and demons. It beautifully combines fantasy and sci-fi elements with a unique 2.5D art style. Originally planned for release on Steam in early 2026, the game has been delayed after finding a new publisher, with the goal of launching it on all platforms.

8. Echoes of Aincrad

Deserves the Benefit of the Doubt

Let me be upfront: JRPG ports, and especially Sword Art Online games, can be disappointing. I gave Sword Art Online: Alicization Lycoris on Switch a very low score. But Echoes of Aincrad seems different – it looks like a genuinely interesting JRPG that isn’t overly reliant on the Sword Art Online brand or Kirito himself.

Announced in March and launching on July 9th, Echoes of Aincrad lets you build your own character and enter the world of Aincrad. You’ll tackle quests, search for treasure, and improve your character’s skills as you explore the floating castle. Instead of choosing a specific class, your character develops based on the gear you find and how you build their stats.

Details about the game’s story are still limited, but producer Yosuke Futami has confirmed it won’t rely heavily on existing series lore. This is to make the game accessible to newcomers, so players don’t need prior knowledge to enjoy it. The trailer did reveal that Kirito, the main character from Sword Art Online, will be making an appearance, though his role is currently unclear.

7. Another Eden Begins

From Gacha To Premium

I used to be skeptical about mobile games being successfully turned into full-priced, single-player experiences. But after playing Octopath Traveler 0 (and, to a lesser degree, Mega Man X DiVE), I realized it is possible. That’s why I was excited when Another Eden Begins was announced – I believe this type of transition can really work.

I played Another Eden previously, but the game’s character collection system pulled me away from enjoying the story. That’s a shame, because the story was written by Masato Kato – the talented writer behind classics like Chrono Trigger, Chrono Cross, and parts of Xenogears. It’s hard not to be interested with a writer like that! This single-player version will allow me to fully appreciate Another Eden’s story without the annoyance of trying to get specific characters through random draws.

I’m still a little hesitant, but I’m excited to start playing Another Eden Begins when it releases on September 16th. It’s a JRPG with tactical, turn-based combat, a team of 18 characters, and a New Game+ feature that will keep players coming back to discover all the different endings – very much in the style of Masato Kato.

6. The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales

HD-2D Brought to Full Action

Square is currently reorganizing to better serve players worldwide, but one team has consistently impressed fans with its work. This team, called Team Asano and famous for creating the unique HD-2D visual style, is about to launch its first action role-playing game using that style.

The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales feels like a classic Zelda game, but with a stronger focus on role-playing. Players control Elliot as he journeys through landscapes and dungeons, solving puzzles and battling large bosses. Along the way, you’ll find magicite to help customize and improve your character.

Elliot and his fairy friend Faie will be available on consoles and PC starting June 18th. It’s one of the few games with a firm release date set for 2026, and it’s definitely worth watching – the development team, Team Asano, has a strong track record of success.

5. Brigandine Abyss

Destined to Tactical Fans

I used to think I imagined playing Brigandine. I played the strategy RPG on PlayStation 1 and couldn’t find anyone else who knew about it, even though Atlus published it. Then, after several years, a sequel called Brigandine: The Legend of Runersia came out, bringing the series back into the public eye, though it was still relatively obscure.

I was even more surprised to learn about a third game! Called Brigandine Abyss, it’s a JRPG that Happinet is publishing, but Adglobe – the creators of ENDER LILIES: Quietus of the Knights – is developing.

Brigandine Abyss is an upcoming strategy game where you build a kingdom, collect creatures, and command units in tactical battles. Players choose from six different factions and compete to conquer the continent of Meltitea. The game is scheduled to release in 2026, but a specific date hasn’t been revealed yet.

4. Kyoto Xanadu

Nihon Falcom is on a Roll

Nihon Falcom has been incredibly active lately. They consistently release new games in their popular Ys and Trails series, but they’ve also been taking chances on revamping and continuing older, less famous franchises, such as Tokyo Xanadu. A sequel to that game, called Kyoto Xanadu, was announced earlier this year.

It feels a bit unfair mentioning a release date for Kyoto Xanadu when it’s currently only confirmed for Japan and Asia on July 16th. But, considering Nihon Falcom’s recent efforts to release games worldwide at the same time, I expect a Western release sometime in 2026.

Despite its niche appeal, Kyoto Xanadu is worth checking out. It’s an action RPG that cleverly combines 2D side-scrolling gameplay with fully 3D environments, creating a really fluid and dynamic experience. Players will unlock new abilities and moves for the main character, Rei Kamiya, through a system called the Soul-Device, allowing them to progress through the game.

3. Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave

Welcome to the Heroic Battles

A new Fire Emblem game is coming in 2026! This latest installment in Nintendo’s popular tactical RPG series, called Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave, puts players in the role of gladiators competing in a grand tournament called the Heroic Games, overseen by a powerful ruler known as the Divine Sovereign. It promises epic, large-scale battles.

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There’s a lot of excitement about where the next Fire Emblem game, Fortune’s Weave, will take place. Some fans think it will return to the world of Fódlan, which was featured in Fire Emblem: Three Houses and Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes, while others believe it will be set in Dagda. No matter the location, players can expect the same strategic and engaging gameplay that Fire Emblem is known for.

While a specific date isn’t available yet, Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave is currently slated for release in 2026. Nintendo rarely pushes back release dates, so we can expect more details, including the official date, in a future Nintendo Direct presentation.

2. Alabaster Dawn

CrossCode Successor

Radical Fish is an indie game developer that’s been gaining a lot of attention after the success of their game, CrossCode. They’re now working on Alabaster Dawn, a 2.5D action RPG with a fantasy setting. The game draws inspiration from popular titles like Devil May Cry and Kingdom Hearts.

I’m so excited for Alabaster Dawn! The developer used the same engine as CrossCode, which means we’re getting a ton of clever puzzles and really polished, satisfying action. From what I’ve heard, the game is going to let us shape this broken world alongside Juno as she tries to restore it, and it sounds like there’s going to be a lot to do!

A demo for the JRPG is currently available on Steam, and the game will enter Early Access soon – it was announced during the Triple-I Initiative showcase on May 7th. If you’re interested in playing and giving the developers your thoughts, you won’t have to wait much longer!

1. Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter

The One That Will Make You a Trails Fanatic

Nihon Falcom is famous for creating Japanese role-playing games (JRPGs) with ongoing stories. For instance, the Ys series consistently features the character Adol Christin and his adventures. Similarly, The Legend of Heroes, often called Trails, has told one continuous story since it began in 2004.

Twenty years after the original games, the developer recognized how challenging it was for new players to get into the series due to its complex storyline. To fix this, they started creating remakes of the first two games. Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter, released last year, was a standout JRPG and almost received a perfect score from me.

Shortly after releasing the first game, Nihon Falcom announced Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter, which continues the story just one day later. It’s strongly recommended to play the first game (1st Chapter) before starting this one, and if you do, you’ll likely be eager to jump into the sequel.

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2026-04-11 20:42