The end of 2020 is almost here, and while that’s more of a loaded term than most years, it does mean a new slate of games are on the horizon. 2021 is already shaping up to be a big year, and the best part is how there’s likely more to be revealed in the coming months.
However, it should be noted that, to be included here, a game needs a confirmed release window. It may be certain quarters or the whole year, but it has to be confirmed. As a result, a game like Elden Ring doesn’t qualify despite how highly anticipated it is. Hopefully, it lands in 2021, but for now, too little is known to commit. It should also be noted that this list is not “ranked” in terms of anticipation, instead simply being listed by release date and alphabetical order for the broad 2021 release window.
21 Scott Pilgrim vs. the World: The Game – Complete Edition (January 14)
Scott Pilgrim vs. The World: The Game – Complete Edition may just be a re-release on more modern platforms, but that would be an understatement to fans. The movie has had a cult following since day one, and the same can be said for the game. Kicking off 2021, fans will be able to dive back into the original game and its DLCs, and there’s little reason to not be excited about an old nostalgic favorite.
Scott Pilgrim vs. The World: The Game – Complete Edition releases January 14, 2021, for PC, PS4, Stadia, Switch, and Xbox One.
20 Hitman 3 (January 20)
Hitman 3 is set up to finish off the World of Assassination trilogy that began with Hitman (2016), as players carry out assassinations around the globe as Agent 47. The base game features six new locations such as Dubai and Berlin, while players who have played the first two games can import maps, levels, and progress into this upcoming installment. As it releases in about three weeks, fans of the franchise don’t really have a long wait.
Hitman 3 will release on Switch, PC, PS4, PS5, Stadia, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X on January 20, 2021.
19 The Medium (January 28)
Bloober Team is well-known for its psychological horror, and its next entry is just that and more. Changing up and moving to a third-person game, players will be taking on the role of Marianne, a Medium hence the title. Marianne can travel into the spirit realm, where being able to jump between two worlds will go a long way in terms of solving puzzles. Her psychic abilities will give her some defenses as well, so it seems like a bridge between something new for Bloober but also of its best.
The Medium releases January 28, 2021, for PC and Xbox Series X/S.
18 Outriders (February 2)
Outriders is People Can Fly’s upcoming looter shooter that allows players to take on one of four classes: The Technomancer, the Pyromancer, the Trickster, and the Devastator. Each class has unique abilities that allow players to explore a ton of playstyles, while also working with others, yet not eliminating the ability to play solo either. For fans of looter shooters, Outriders is definitely a game to keep an eye on, as there’s one big unique twist to it: it’s a first-day package. Players will have everything available to them the minute they buy the game, including Outriders‘ extensive endgame content.
Outriders releases on February 2, 2021, for PC, PS4, PS5, Stadia, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
17 Persona 5 Strikers (February 23)
Persona 5 Strikers will be coming to the west in 2021, meaning fans of the JRPG get to spend a little more time with Joker and the Phantom Thieves. It should be noted that this serves as a sequel to Persona 5, not the Persona 5 Royal content, and this hack-and-slash entry may just be the start for Atlus in 2021. The franchise is celebrating a big anniversary, so it’s worth wondering if this will be the coup de grace for fans next year or just the tip of the iceberg.
Persona 5 Strikers will release for PC, PS4, and Switch on February 23, 2021.
16 Bravely Default 2 (February 26)
Bravely Default 2 is the next entry in the Bravely series, following Bravely Default and Bravely Second, but it’s going in a new direction. It’s set in a new world on a continent named Excillant, which is then divided into 5 kingdoms, and it follows four main characters: sailor Seth, refugee princess Gloria, travelling scholar Elvis, and mercenary Adelle. Where it retains the core values is its turn-based battles and Brave Point system.
Bravely Default 2 will launch on February 26, 2021, for the Switch.
15 Monster Hunter Rise (March 26)
Monster Hunter Rise is the next main entry after Monster Hunter World, subtitled so to reflect the verticality of the game’s map and overall design. Players will be joined by their ever-reliable Palico, but also a need hound-like companion known as a Palamute. Several monsters return, while new monsters are also in Monster Hunter Rise, and the 14 weapon types from Monster Hunter Generations and World are also present.
Monster Hunter Rise will release on Nintendo Switch on March 26, 2021.
14 Deathloop (May 21)
Deathloop, the next game from Arkane Studios, has an interesting premise. Colt, an assassin, is stuck in a time loop on Blackreef Island while he’s trying to take out his targets, and another Assassin is acting against him. With a variety of stealth abilities, parkour actions, and attacks, Colt will be trying to take out his targets and break the loop, and it’ll be interesting to see how all of this comes together.
Deathloop releases on May 21, 2021, for PC and the PlayStation 5.
13 Back 4 Blood (June 22)
Back 4 Blood is out to scratch a particular itch: Left 4 Dead. Developed by the studio that worked on the latter franchise, Back 4 Blood is a spiritual successor to everything that made Left 4 Dead great. Back 4 Blood features 4 characters fighting amid a zombie apocalypse, having to run from safe house to safe house to get to their destination. Complete with a ton of unique zombie types, Back 4 Blood checks all the right boxes.
Back 4 Blood is set to release on June 22, 2021, for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
12 Mass Effect Legendary Edition (Early 2021)
Fans have been clamoring for a remaster of the Mass Effect Trilogy for several years now, and Mass Effect: Legendary Edition aims to deliver that in 2021. This new iteration comes with every single piece of DLC and will likely be the best looking version of the trilogy available. A lot hasn’t been shown yet, but based on the one trailer, the character models are lightyears ahead of Mass Effect 3, which released back in 2012.
Mass Effect: Legendary Edition is set to release in early 2021 for PC, PS4, and Xbox One, with targeted enhancements on the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S.
11 Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart (Early 2021)
Every Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart trailer shown far has itself been an impressive tech demo for the PS5. In this next entry, it seems Ratchet and Clank will be rifting between dimensions as a core gameplay mechanic, highlighting the game and the PS5’s SSD. With it set to release in early 2021, fans of the franchise don’t have a long wait for this one.
Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart will launch in early 2021, exclusively on PlayStation 5.
10 Shin Megami Tensei 5 (Early 2021)
Shin Megami Tensei fans are in for a treat with a remaster of SMT 3 and SMT 5 in the pipeline. The latter is set to release in 2021, as a RPG set in modern-day Tokyo. It will feature returning features such as the ability to fuse demons but also promises some new mechanics and more for the game. As far as what to expect from the game’s story, one of the development goals emphasizes the “characteristics of the times,” including modern-day issues such as unemployment, retirement concerns, terrorisms, nuclear weapons, and problems at home.
Shin Megami Tensei 5 is set to release in 2021 for Switch.
9 Halo Infinite (Fall 2021)
While Halo Infinite‘s delay to fall 2021 may have come as a shock, it’s likely a good one. Microsoft intends to knock it out of the park with this game, and the extra time in the oven is likely to go a long way with this one. Fans weren’t happy about the graphics controversy at its last outing, and while that wasn’t necessarily the reason for the delay, the recent screenshots of the game show that 343 is doubling down on taking the game to the next level.
Halo Infinite releases fall 2021 for PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
8 Horizon Forbidden West (Q3/Q4 2021)
Horizon Forbidden West sees Aloy travel into the titular Forbidden West, a dangerous location where few travel. While there, there’s likely to be a ton of new gameplay mechanics and the like, but one thing that’s already notable are the new machines that have been revealed so far. Fans will likely be treated to more in the coming months, but it seems safe to say hype for this new entry is already high.
Horizon Forbidden West will release on PS4 and PS5 in late 2021.
7 Evil Dead: The Game (2021)
Evil Dead is another cult-classic, and the game is investing in the popularity of the franchise. With co-op, PvP, and skill tree mechanics, players will be able to play Bruce Campbell’s Ash Williams and the Kelly Maxwell from Ash vs. Evil Dead. There’s a ton of maps and over 25 weapons, with of course Ash’s iconic chainsaw and shotgun at the fore.
Evil Dead: The Game is set for release on PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S in 2021.
6 Far Cry 6 (2021)
Originally slated to release in February 2021, Far Cry 6 was delayed later in 2020 without a specified date. While this may come across as disappointing, there’s a good chance a solid date is announced early in the year. And Far Cry 6 itself seems to be something new for the franchise, as it is a game of many firsts: it’s the first Far Cry game to feature a big city, it is the first game to feature a child as a secondary antagonist, and it has the acting chops of Giancarlo Esposito to accentuate it all.
Far Cry 6 is planned to release in 2021 for PC, PS4, PS5, Stadia, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
5 God of War (2021)
Outside an ominous statement from Kratos, this symbol bearing ragnarok runes, and a release window of 2021, very little is known about the upcoming God of War game. However, the pedigree of the first is all that’s really needed to sell this game, and as long as the next journey of Kratos and Atreus lives up to that high mark, it seems safe to say that God of War isn’t just one of the most anticipated games of 2021, but the most anticipated game of 2021 for many.
God of War‘s sequel is set to release on 2021 for PS5.
4 Gotham Knights (2021)
In Gotham Knights, the Dark Knight is supposedly dead, and the defense of the city falls to his Bat-Family: Nightwing, Batgirl, Robin, and Red Hood. It is a 2-player co-op action RPG where each character has unique abilities to utilize while facing off with the villains of Gotham and particularly the Court of Owls (and their Talons). The latter seems to be the primary villain organization, so it’ll be interesting to see how a Batman game supposedly works without Batman.
Gotham Knights will launch 2021 for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
3 Hogwarts Legacy (2021)
Rumored and leaked for several years, Hogwarts Legacy was finally revealed this year. Set in the late 1800s, players will be able to explore an open-world focused on Hogwarts House and attend classes, including locations Forbidden Forest and Hogsmeade Village. An array of features include casting spells, brewing potions, taming magical beasts, and learning new combat abilities, and it seems safe to say that many are ready and willing to see more and play more of this upcoming Harry Potter game.
Hogwarts Legacy releases 2021 for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
2 Resident Evil Village (2021)
Resident Evil is likely one of the most recognizable franchises from Capcom, and many are excited for its next entry. It follows RE7 and puts players into the shoes of Ethan Winters, while the game is heavily teasing some sort of downfall for Chris Redfield. The initial trailer teases his ending coming, the above image hints at some of the werewolf elements of the game, and more. In fact, there’s so much said about good guy Chris Redfield being a villain that he feels like a classic Red Herring, but either way, fans will get answers next year.
Resident Evil 8 launches in 2021 for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.
1 The Lord of the Rings: Gollum (2021)
Lord of the Rings fans are also getting treated with a new game focused on Gollum, aiming to tell parts of his story that have gone undetailed. With a character like Gollum as the protagonist, that means there’s a lot of elements to consider. Stealth, agility, cunning, survival, climbing, leaping, and grappling are all key words in its gameplay, with Gollum even being able to assassinate careless targets in “creative and villainous” ways. Perhaps the most interesting feature is the decision-making, as players will directly influence Gollum’s personality as he struggles between his two sides: Smeagol and Gollum.
The Lord of the Rings: Gollum releases on PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S in 2021.
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