Best Upcoming Souls-Like Games of 2026 — Release Dates, Platforms & What to Expect

Original illustration by GameVexo — depicting the three combat archetypes of 2026’s biggest souls-like titles.

2026 is shaping up to be the biggest year in soulslike history. With Nioh 3 already out and absolutely crushing it, and games like The Duskbloods, Phantom Blade Zero, and Lords of the Fallen 2 still coming — if you love hard, punishing, deeply satisfying games, you are in the right year.

Whether you are a veteran who has memorized every boss pattern in Elden Ring, or someone just starting to explore the genre, this guide covers every major soulslike and soulslike-adjacent game releasing in 2026. We’ve also included some great open-world games inspired by the storytelling depth of RDR2 — because sometimes you want a different kind of immersive, punishing world. Let’s get into it.

This list covers the most important soulslike and souls-adjacent titles of 2026, based on confirmed release dates, gameplay footage, developer credibility, and community buzz. Some are already out and reviewed; others are still coming later this year. All of them are worth knowing about.

Also Worth Watching in 2026

Beyond the five main picks, 2026 is absolutely packed with interesting soulslike projects at different stages. Here’s a quick rundown of others worth keeping on your radar:

• Mortal Shell 2 — A sequel to the 2020 cult hit, this time with an Elden Ring-inspired open world. The Shell-possession mechanic returns, and the developer Cold Symmetry has confirmed “more than 60 dungeons.” Still TBA for 2026 on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S.
• Valor Mortis — A first-person soulslike set in an alternate-history Napoleonic era. Insider Gaming’s exclusive hour-long playtest called it “The Most Promising Soulslike in Years,” blending Bioshock-style atmosphere with Souls mechanics. A genuinely fresh angle for the genre.
• Beast of Reincarnation — Made by Game Freak (the Pokémon developers!), this August 2026 soulslike takes place in post-apocalyptic Japan with creature-capture mechanics. It was fully revealed at the Xbox Developer Direct and is one of the year’s most unusual games.
• Ballad of Antara — A free-to-play soulslike that lets you explore two distinct worlds as an Emissary. The combat looks genuinely excellent, and a free-to-play soulslike is a rare thing. Still waiting on a firm release date after some delays.
• The Relic: First Guardian — Released May 26, 2026 from indie studio Project Cloud Games. Slick combat with an athletic protagonist who moves much more fluidly than typical soulslike heroes. Worth checking out for fans of stylish action.

Best RDR2-Inspired Open World Games of 2026

The keywords “upcoming RDR2 inspired game” are searched millions of times every year — because Red Dead Redemption 2 set a bar for open-world storytelling and immersion that very few games have matched. Here are the 2026 games that come closest to that feeling.

Crimson Desert (Released March 19, 2026 — PC, PS5, Xbox Series)

This is arguably the biggest RDR2-adjacent game of 2026. Developed by Pearl Abyss — the team behind Black Desert Online — Crimson Desert is an open-world action RPG with a world confirmed to be larger than RDR2 itself (and over twice the size of Skyrim). It features dynamic enemy encounters that can interrupt your quests, a richly detailed world, and cinematic storytelling. It’s more of an action-adventure hybrid than a pure RPG, but for fans of open-world immersion and exploration, it’s a landmark 2026 release. Looking for something to do while you wait? Our best cozy games of 2026 guide has some great options for a change of pace.

Blood of Dawnwalker (2026 — PC, PS5)

A narrative open-world vampire RPG with a brutal 30-day countdown — every choice you make has consequences in a ticking-clock survival framework. Players experience a vampire fantasy world with impressive realism, rich with choice-driven gameplay. Fans of RDR2’s emotionally heavy story and morally complex characters should keep this one on their list.

GTA 6 (November 19, 2026 — PS5, Xbox Series)

It’s not RDR2, but GTA 6 is the spiritual next chapter from Rockstar Games. Set in a massive recreation of Vice City (and surrounding Florida regions), it features two protagonists — Lucia and Jason — and a next-generation AI-driven world that should feel more alive and reactive than anything before. If you love what Rockstar does with open-world storytelling and detail, GTA 6 is the defining event of late 2026. For more on the game, check out our full coverage: Will GTA 6 be cross-platform? and GTA 6 on Xbox Series S — performance guide.

Red Rust Pioneers (2026 — PC)

For those who specifically love RDR2’s Wild West frontier setting, Red Rust Pioneers is worth watching. Set in 1842 in the American West, it blends survival, crafting, and base-building with horseback travel and frontier exploration. Think Valheim meets Red Dead in terms of its survival systems. It’s currently in development and lacks RDR2’s cinematic story, but the sandbox freedom and frontier atmosphere are authentic.

Quick Comparison Table

Frequently Asked Questions