We've already entered the second half of 2026, and the first few months were packed with strong releases. Resident Evil Requiem, Forza Horizon 6, and 007 First Light have already made waves among players and set the bar high for the rest of the year. July isn't slowing down either, and it's bringing another wave of highly anticipated debuts.
Sports sim fans are counting down the days until EA Sports College Football 27, while shooter enthusiasts will be picking up the new Doom: The Dark Ages expansion. On top of that, there's a refreshed classic in the form of Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced, along with several other titles set to dominate industry conversations. Here are 12 games you can't afford to miss in the coming month.
Doom: The Dark Ages – Revelations
Bethesda Softworks
July 7, PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S
The Doom Slayer returns in an expansion that takes players to the moment Hell literally froze over. The story continues the secret history of the hero before his resurrection in 2016's Doom, revealing the betrayal that left him trapped in a purgatory forcing him to confront hard truths. Revelations adds new levels with more elaborate puzzles and fresh demon types to wipe out. There's also a new weapon, the Chain Spear, meant to add variety to the existing arsenal.
Id Software once again leans into brutal, fast paced combat in open arenas. The expansion is meant to serve as a bridge between the events of The Dark Ages and the classic Doom. This is a must play for series fans tracking its full timeline.
Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced
Ubisoft
July 9, PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S
One of the most beloved entries in the franchise returns in a modernized version. Despite being over a decade old, it's still widely regarded by players as one of the best games the series has ever produced. The developers focused not only on overhauled visuals and improved mechanics, but also on dozens of smaller changes under the hood. All of it is meant to bring Edward Kenway's adventures back to life for a modern audience.
The open pirate world, naval battles, and Caribbean exploration have been brought up to today's technical standards without breaking the original's spirit. For players who remember the 2013 launch, it's a chance for a nostalgic return, and for a new generation, it's a way to experience the classic without being put off by dated presentation.
EA Sports College Football 27
EA Sports
July 9, PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S
Another entry in the series that, unfortunately, doesn't reinvent the gameplay. That's hardly surprising given the annual release cycle. Instead, it focuses on concrete improvements meant to make the experience more appealing for longtime fans. New features include customizable stadiums with polished audio design. The new game will also feature dynamic weather affecting how matches play out. A new Coach Mode is included as well, letting players run their team from the sidelines instead of directly controlling athletes on the field.
EA Sports has spent years developing this brand alongside its flagship Madden NFL, building a separate community around college football. College Football 27 is meant to be another step toward greater realism and tactical depth.
Granblue Fantasy: Relink – Endless Ragnarok
Cygames
July 9, PC, PS5, PS4, Switch 2
Since launch, Relink has earned praise for its richly built world, satisfying team based combat, and the fact that it doesn't overstay its welcome. Unlike earlier entries in the series, the game offers a complete, self contained experience free from microtransaction pressure. Now it's getting a substantial content expansion meant to extend players' stay in Estalucia.
Endless Ragnarok introduces a new story arc building on the base game's narrative, additional characters joining the party, and endgame activities designed to test even the most experienced players' skills. It's a natural direction for a title that has earned a loyal fanbase through its spectacular boss battles.
Echoes of Aincrad: Sword Art Online
Bandai Namco Entertainment
July 10, PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S
Anime inspired souls likes have practically become their own subgenre by now, but Echoes of Aincrad has a solid hook to work with. It's based on the first arc of the Sword Art Online light novels, the storyline centered on players being trapped inside a deadly VR game. The production leans on familiar faces from the series, including Kirito and Asuna, along with a deep character building system that gives players freedom in shaping their combat style.
The developers make no secret of their inspiration from demanding titles like Dark Souls, so players should brace for enemies that don't forgive mistakes. It's another attempt to bring a popular anime into a genre that has been steadily gaining ground among fans of Japanese entertainment.
Digimon Story: Time Stranger
Bandai Namco Entertainment
July 10, Switch 2
The Digimon series has spent years living in Pokemon's shadow, but recent entries prove it has its own identity and a loyal following. Time Stranger, now arriving on Switch 2, is another turn based game in which players travel between the human world and the Digital World, collecting creatures and engaging them in tactical battles.
The developers put a heavier emphasis on the bond between humans and their Digimon, meant to set the production apart from its more mechanically driven competition. The story is set within a new timeline, as the "Time Stranger" name itself suggests. It's a game for players looking for an alternative to the well worn formulas of the creature collecting genre.
Palworld, version 1.0
Pocketpair
July 10, PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S
After two years in early access and a high profile legal dispute with Nintendo, Palworld is launching its full 1.0 version. The game about collecting, taming, and putting Pokemon like creatures to work has matured and looks to be the most polished version yet.
Throughout early access, developer Pocketpair regularly updated the title, adding new biomes, base building mechanics, and combat systems, and version 1.0 is meant to be the culmination of that work. That's not the end of the road, though, as the developers are already teasing major plans for the game's future beyond the full release. For many players, July will be their first chance to return to Palworld after a long break.
Ratatan
Game Source Entertainment
July 16, PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Switch 2
A spiritual successor to the cult classic Patapon, developed under the guidance of the original's creators. Ratatan is a rhythm based roguelike in which players lead their army to the beat of drums, blending strategy elements with real time action. The game draws players in with imaginative, colorful visuals and catchy music that has grabbed the attention of the original series' fans since it was first revealed.
Its roguelike structure introduces an element of randomness and replayability, meaning every run through the campaign can look different. It's one of those titles that, despite its niche origins, has the potential to reach a far wider audience than its predecessor ever did.
Avatar Legends: The Fighting Game
Maximum Entertainment
July 23, PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S
A game built on a popular universe that goes for a pure one on one format, skipping the tag team model common in other licensed fighters. Hand drawn animation captures the source material's distinctive look and makes elemental clashes feel spectacular even for players unfamiliar with the show.
The roster features a wide range of familiar characters wielding the elements, aiming to draw in both dedicated fans and fighting game enthusiasts looking for an alternative to Mortal Kombat or Tekken. Early preview materials for the game have been warmly received, and the production is being positioned as a celebration of the brand ahead of its next chapter.
Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD Remaster
Square Enix
July 23, Switch 2
Marking the 25th anniversary of Final Fantasy X, one of the most important entries in the series' history, another remastered edition is arriving, this time for Switch 2. Though the game was already playable through backward compatibility with the original Switch release, this new version adds features PC players have enjoyed for years, including enhanced visuals, a high speed mode, and the option to turn off random encounters.
The package also includes the Final Fantasy X-2 remaster, giving players everything they need to relive one of the most memorable eras in Final Fantasy history, this time in a fully portable format.
Splatoon Raiders
Nintendo
July 23, Switch 2
After a four year gap, the Splatoon brand is making a comeback, though not in the form of another numbered mainline entry. Splatoon Raiders is a spin off that departs significantly from the series' usual formula, focusing on exploration and treasure hunting instead of online competition.
The action takes place across the mysterious Spirhalite island chain. Players take on the role of a new protagonist, traveling through various locations in search of answers about the region's history. The single player mode is complemented by optional co op for up to four players.
Halo: Campaign Evolved
Xbox Game Studios
July 28, PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S
The iconic campaign that defined the console shooter genre at the turn of the century returns in a new edition. The developers added extra missions expanding on the original story, new weapons, and gameplay changes. Despite the updates, Halo has held on to the story and atmosphere that made the whole series a phenomenon.
This is the first chance in years to experience Master Chief's adventures in a version brought up to modern technical standards without losing what made the title a classic in the first place. For players who remember the 2001 launch, it's the most nostalgic release of July, and for a new generation, it's a chance to discover the foundations the entire Halo series was built on.
Tagged In
DoomAssassin CreedEa SportsEchoes of AincradGranblue FantasyDigimon StoryPalworldRatatanAvatar LegendsFinal FantasySplatoon Raiders
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