Highlights of games released in January 2026

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Highlights of games released in January 2026

January is often seen as the kickoff period for the new year in the gaming industry, when many titles launch to start the annual release calendar. 2026 is no exception, especially with the arrival of Nintendo Switch 2 and several new games on PC and consoles. Below is a roundup of notable games released in January 2026.

I. Notable games on Nintendo Switch 2

January marks the first major wave of games on Nintendo Switch 2, including upgrades and ports from well-known franchises. This period is considered crucial for the new console to build its initial game library.

1. Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Switch 2 edition (January 15, 2026)
The upgraded version of Animal Crossing: New Horizons for Switch 2 focuses on improved performance and visual quality compared to the original release. Players can continue developing their island on the new hardware while benefiting from additional content updates and faster loading times. It remains one of Nintendo’s most popular life simulation games.

Animal Crossing™: New Horizons – Nintendo Switch™ 2 Edition (Image source: Nintendo)
Animal Crossing™: New Horizons – Nintendo Switch™ 2 Edition (Image source: Nintendo)

2. Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade (January 22, 2026 – February 1, 2026)
Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade is an expanded version of the classic remake, including the Intermission DLC featuring Yuffie. Its release on Switch 2 marks the first time Cloud’s journey and the Avalanche team appear on a Nintendo platform in a modern remake format, offering real-time action RPG gameplay with upgraded graphics.

Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade (Image source: Nintendo)
Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade (Image source: Nintendo)

3. Dynasty Warriors: Origins – Switch 2 edition (January 22, 2026)
Dynasty Warriors: Origins on Switch 2 is optimized to handle large-scale battles with hundreds to thousands of enemies on screen. This version focuses on more stable performance and smoother handheld gameplay, continuing the signature Musou-style hack-and-slash experience.

Dynasty Warriors: Origins (Image source: Nintendo)
Dynasty Warriors: Origins (Image source: Nintendo)

II. RPG and action games on PC and consoles

RPG and action titles continue to dominate January 2026, with several new releases and sequels on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series platforms.

1. The Legend of Heroes: Trails Beyond the Horizon (January 15, 2026)
The Legend of Heroes: Trails Beyond the Horizon is the latest entry in the long-running Trails series. The game combines traditional turn-based combat with real-time action elements, while expanding the world and familiar cast of characters. It is considered one of the most ambitious projects in the JRPG franchise.

The Legend of Heroes: Trails beyond the Horizon (Image source: Steam)
The Legend of Heroes: Trails beyond the Horizon (Image source: Steam)

2. Arknights: Endfield (January 22, 2026)
Arknights: Endfield is a semi-open-world action RPG developed by Hypergryph and set in the Arknights universe. The game blends real-time combat, tactical elements, and base-building systems, aiming for long-term gameplay on PC and mobile. It represents a major shift from the original Arknights tower defense gameplay.

Arknights: Endfield (Image source: Epicgames)
Arknights: Endfield (Image source: Epicgames)

3. Code Vein 2 (January 29–30, 2026)
Code Vein 2 is the sequel to the anime-style souls-like action RPG. The game continues to focus on challenging combat, diverse skill systems, and co-op features. The new entry is expected to expand the storyline and improve level design compared to the first installment.

Code Vein 2 (Image source: Steam)
Code Vein 2 (Image source: Steam)

4. Highguard (January 26, 2026)
Highguard is a free-to-play fantasy hero shooter featuring both PvP and PvE modes. The game emphasizes team-based gameplay with characters that have distinct skills and roles, targeting a long-term multiplayer experience. It is one of the notable new shooter titles of early 2026.

Highguard (Image source: Steam)
Highguard (Image source: Steam)

III. Indie games and creative experiences

Alongside major releases, January 2026 also features several indie and experimental projects, offering fresh and diverse experiences for players.

1. Pathologic 3 (January 9, 2026)
Pathologic 3 continues the series’ signature psychological horror and survival style. The game focuses on resource management, moral choices, and nonlinear storytelling, delivering a philosophical and challenging experience that may be difficult for mainstream audiences.

Pathologic 3 (Image source: Steam)
Pathologic 3 (Image source: Steam)

2. MIO: Memories in Orbit (January 20, 2026)
MIO: Memories in Orbit is a hand-drawn metroidvania game where players control a robot exploring an abandoned spaceship. The game emphasizes environmental exploration, combat, and storytelling through its setting, with a dark sci-fi atmosphere.

MIO: Memories in Orbit (Image source: Steam)
MIO: Memories in Orbit (Image source: Steam)

3. Cairn (January 29, 2026)
Cairn is a realistic mountain climbing simulation game that requires players to carefully plan each move and handhold position. Instead of fast-paced action, the game emphasizes technical skill, stamina management, and environmental challenges, offering a rare simulation-focused experience in the modern gaming market.

Cairn (Image source: Steam)
Cairn (Image source: Steam)

Overall outlook for January 2026

January is not typically the biggest month for AAA blockbusters, but it plays an important role in kicking off the gaming market for the year. The launch of Nintendo Switch 2, along with major upgrades and ports, makes January more active, while new RPG and creative indie titles highlight the growing diversity of genres in 2026.