New Upcoming RPGs With Real-Time Combat

Action RPG fans have a lot to be excited about in 2026, with new games coming to all consoles. Switch 2 owners will likely enjoy a fantastic version of Final Fantasy 7 Remake. The Legend of Heroes: Trails Beyond the Horizon will finish a three-game story arc, and Control Resonant looks promising if it’s released as planned. These are just a few of the many sequels on the horizon.

Looking for fresh action RPGs that aren’t sequels or based on existing franchises? There are several promising titles in development! While details are still emerging, the gameplay looks engaging, and we’re hoping they’ll be a pleasant surprise when they release in 2026. Expect exciting adventures featuring martial arts, classic gameplay styles, and intense brawling. Will these games become the next big hits, or will they at least provide a lot of fun?

Phantom Blade Zero

Kung Fu Swords

Release Date: 9/9/26
Planned Systems: PC and PS5

Everyone is excited for Phantom Blade Zero, and for good reason – it’s a fast-paced action RPG with impressive combat. Originally announced in 2023, we now know it will be released in September for both PlayStation 5 and PC. Players will take on the role of a warrior named Soul, who is facing a life-limiting illness, which could play a role in how the game unfolds. Though not a completely open-world game, Phantom Blade Zero will feature expansive environments for players to explore, reminiscent of popular Soulslike titles.

Phantom Blade Zero stands out with its combat system, which is heavily inspired by Chinese martial arts films like Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. Players will engage in fast-paced sword fights, dodging and countering attacks with precision. The game also features unique movement options, like running along walls and beams. Beyond swords, players can wield daggers, spears, and even unleash powerful magical attacks, such as lightning strikes. The environments look dynamic too, with battles taking place on boats and stagecoaches. Many are hoping Phantom Blade Zero will successfully blend the challenging action of games like Ninja Gaiden and Nioh.

Ananta

GTA Anime Edition

Planned Release Date: TBA
Planned Systems: Mobile, PC, and PS5

Originally revealed in 2023 as Project Mugen, Ananta is an action RPG with a free-to-play format. The game is set in a large, open city and focuses on exciting action and a wealth of gameplay features. Players will primarily control a Captain character with abilities similar to Spider-Man – they can swing through the city using a dark, tar-like substance and use it to capture enemies. The game will also feature multiple playable characters that players can switch between instantly.

A recent trailer showed a character battling enemies inside a building, then seamlessly switching to a sniper in another building. This suggests players will be able to strategically position their characters before missions to take down criminals, as they play as members of a specialized police force. The game offers more than just close-quarters combat, with access to firearms, gadgets, stealth gameplay, and even car chases. There are also fun side activities like slap fights and basketball. Overall, it feels like a blend of Grand Theft Auto’s open-world freedom with the anime-inspired style and action-packed combat of games like Genshin Impact. If Ananta releases before Grand Theft Auto 6, it has the potential to become a massive hit and capture a significant audience.

Abyss X Zero

Mega Man Legends As An RPG

Planned Release Date: TBA
Planned Systems: PC
Developer: Studio Pixel Punk
Publisher: Studio Pixel Punk

Abyss X Zero is a new action RPG with a unique visual style. It’s being developed by Studio Pixel Punk, the team behind the well-received top-down action game, Unsighted, which they released in 2021. Announced in 2024, the game has been in development for several years. Fans of PlayStation 1 games will immediately recognize the blocky, colorful character and enemy designs, which are heavily inspired by the look of Mega Man Legends.

As a huge Mega Man Legends fan, I’ve been keeping tabs on Abyss X Zero, and it’s seriously cool! It’s a different kind of game, but it’s got that fast-paced action I love, plus you get to control two characters in a sprawling 3D world – kind of like a Metroidvania. It’s packed with fun stuff like motorcycle sections, tricky puzzles, and even smashing enemies with a giant hammer! What really stands out is the style – it’s rare to see an indie game trying to capture that classic PlayStation 1 look, and this one nails it, especially with how smooth the animations are. You can tell a lot of love went into it.

Alabaster Dawn

Indie Mana

Planned Release Date: TBA
Planned Systems: PC

Creating a 3D action game can be really challenging, especially since most modern games already use 3D action. That’s where indie games like Alabaster Dawn come in. It’s a top-down action RPG inspired by classics like Kingdom Hearts and Devil May Cry, as mentioned on its Steam page. Players will explore a growing map – similar to Zelda – collecting equipment and skill points to improve their character, Juno. The game’s main objective, restoring life to the world, is reminiscent of Okami, and Juno won’t be facing this task alone.

Alabaster Dawn is a new game from Radical Fish Games, the team behind the popular 2018 title, CrossCode. Originally announced as Project Terra in 2021 through developer updates, the game offers a demo on Steam for players to experience. Fans of classic RPGs, particularly the Mana series like Secret of Mana and Trials of Mana, will find Alabaster Dawn to be a nostalgic yet modernized adventure.

Detained: Too Good For School

An All-Girl Brawler

Planned Release Date: 2026
Planned Systems: PC
Developer: O.T.K Games
Publisher: Thermite Games

The upcoming game Detained: Too Good for School is a love letter to classic beat-’em-up games like River City Ransom. It’s being created by O.T.K Games, the team behind 2017’s Sword of the Vagrant (also known as The Vagrant on Steam). If you enjoy the art style and action of games like Odin Sphere and Muramasa: The Demon Blade, you should definitely check out both Detained: Too Good for School and Sword of the Vagrant. This new game swaps the typical fantasy setting for a modern city, and you’ll play as a tough teenage girl who isn’t afraid to fight.

In this game, you’ll easily defeat enemies, recharge with food from cafes, and even participate in fun side activities like a dating simulator. The game, Detained: Too Good For School, is launching into Early Access first, with potential plans for PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo versions later on, though the timing of those releases is uncertain. It’s great to see the beat ’em up genre thriving in 2026!

2026-01-11 23:06