The biggest games releasing in January 2026

There are very few times of the year when games are truly out of the question, with previously boring months like July and August, or February and March, now often filled with great games.

This year, however, January deserves the label. It’s not empty, but the release slate is light enough that you can be selective, or finally clear that ever-growing backlog without feeling like you’re missing out. And if you’ve been stocking up on holiday deals in recent months, now’s the time to turn your attention to them.

Two of the biggest releases this month are simply the same game we played before, on a new platform. Luckily, February seems to be a much, much bigger month for new games. But for now, here are some titles to get you through January.

Pathological 3

Release date: January 9, 2026
PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S

As the mayor and doctor of a small town ravaged by a mysterious plague, you have 12 days to solve the mystery of this disease.

True to the series’ cult reputation, Pathologic 3 leans hard towards psychological survival, forcing you to make impossible moral choices under relentless time pressure, with each decision reshaping the city and your own sanity as much as the spreading plague itself.

You examine and diagnose patients, set up roadblocks and checkpoints to stop the spread of the disease, and maintain your declining mental health.

Animal Crossing: New Horizons (Switch 2 Edition)

Release date: January 15, 2026
Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch

Animal Crossing: New Horizons took the world by storm when it hit during the early days of the pandemic, making the then three-year-old Switch a rarity once again.

The Switch 2 edition of the game brings some welcome and potentially interesting new improvements, especially for the hardcore Animal Crossing players among us.

It supports 4K at 30 FPS for those playing on the home screen, and is equipped with the second Joy-Con in mouse mode to more precisely control decoration and design creation, as well as write handwritten messages on message boards around the city.

Another new feature is a megaphone that uses the Switch 2’s built-in microphone. The megaphone allows you to call out villagers by name, so you don’t have to run across the island to find them.

If you play online and exclusively with other Switch 2 players, you can also have up to 12 players in one session at the same time. We’re betting that last feature won’t see much use, but the others are all fun, interesting improvements to the game.

Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade

Release date: January 22, 2026
PC, PS5, Nintendo Switch 2 Edition

There’s not much to say here; this is the same Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade you know and love on PlayStation 5 and PC.

But now it’s heading to Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox Series consoles, and Xbox for PC with Xbox Play Anywhere. It includes the Yuffie-focused “INTERmission” as well as the main game.

Escape from ever after

Release date: January 23, 2026
Platforms: PC (Steam/Epic), PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PS4, Nintendo Switch

Escape from Ever After wears its Paper Mario influences on its sleeve. And pants, shoes, hat – you get the idea.

As Flynt Buckler, fairy tale adventurer, you explore the castle of your nemesis, the dragon Tinder (Flynt and Tinder get it???), when you discover they have been converted into corporate offices.

A real-world company takes over Fairyland, and you must team up with the other Fairytales to fight back.

There’s a demo of the game on Steam, so you can check it out before you buy it.

Rightly so, Beary Arms

Release date: January 27, 2026
PC, Xbox Series X/S

You’re a cute little teddy bear in this roguelite bullet hell game, trapped in a dream that you have to shoot your way out of.

You collect weapon and rule modifiers, while wielding human-scale shotguns and more, despite being a small teddy bear.

This game has been in early access for a few years and is only now reaching version 1.0.

Cairn

Release date: January 29, 2026
PC, PS5

If Peak didn’t hit you quite right, Cairn might be more your speed.

While Peak experiences the highs and lows of climbing through the janky controls, Cairn attempts to capture a more complete version of climbing.

You will climb using a simulation designed specifically for this game. You can climb anywhere and find your own footing; there is no yellow spray paint on Mount Kami.

As you climb, you’ll need to collect, bivouac, and manage resources like pitons to ensure you reach the top in one piece. There are demos for the game on both Steam and PS5.

Code Core II

Release date: January 30, 2026
PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S

In this anime action RPG you travel through time and fight to save the world.

The original was well received, with fans citing the controls and character editor as standout features.

It’s an anime game, so expect a lot of cutscenes; you know immediately whether that is a plus or minus for you.