14 DAY TRIAL // We had a pretty great 2022 when it comes to games. Although some of the most anticipated games for 2022 have been delayed, such as Starfield, Redfall, and Stalker 2: Heart of Chernobyl, we got a lot of top-tier titles, including new God of War and Horizon Zero Dawn games.
With just a few days left until we officially enter 2023, let’s take a look at the top 20 most anticipated games for next year. The list would have been slightly shorter, but The Game Awards added a few more titles that can’t be ignored.
The games below are listed in alphabetical order because we know each has their own most anticipated titles for 2023. Also, while some of these games already have a release date scheduled for 2023, many of them have a much wider launch timeframe like “2023.” That said, here is Softpedia’s “Top 20 Most Anticipated Games for 2023:”
Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon
One of the main highlights of The Game Awards, the next game developed by FromSoftware is a return to the roots. Armored Core 6: Fire of Rubicon is not a souls-like game, but an action title in which players will assemble and pilot their own mech with 3D maneuverability. Judging by the description and the reveal trailer, FromSoftware’s next game is a story-driven mecha. We also know that this is purely a single-player game. Publisher Bandai Namco announced Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon will be launched on PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S sometime in 2023.
Assassin’s Creed Mirage
Ubisoft announced earlier this year it will release several Assassin’s Creed games in the next few years, and the first one should drop in 2023. Assassin’s Creed Mirage is set in 9th-century Baghdad during the Islamic Golden Age. Players will step into the shoes of Basim Ibn Ishaq, a character that fans will recognize immediately from Assassin’s Creed Valhalla. Ubisoft claims that Mirage will mark the series’ return to the roots, so we expect a bigger focus on linear storytelling and stealth gameplay. Assassin’s Creed Mirage is scheduled for release on PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S in 2023.
Atlas Fallen
The next game on the list is a total surprise. Atlas Fallen is a new title developed by Deck12 Interactive and published by Focus Entertainment. It’s a fantasy action RPG set in a semi-open world full of ancient mysteries and threats. Apart from the insane reveal trailer, we know Atlas Fallen will be released for PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S in 2023.
Atomic Heart
Already delayed a few times in the past, Atomic Heart is an upcoming first-person shooter with action RPG elements. Set in the Soviet Unition in an alternate 1955, the game puts players in the role of a mentally unstable KGB special agent who is sent to pacify the situation at a facility. For the most part, players will be taking on robots that wen haywire, failed biomechanical experiments, while trying to manage his mental health. Developed by Russian studio Mundfish, Atomic Heart has been confirmed to arrive on February 21, 2023, on PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
Baldur’s Gate 3
The third main game in the Baldur’s Gate series is being handled by Larian Studios, the Belgian developer behind the very successful Divinity Original Sin franchise. Released in early access format on Steam back in October 2020, Baldur’s Gate 3 has finally received a narrow launch timeframe: August 2023. Judging by the reactions of those who have already played the early access version, Baldur’s Gate 3 shapes up to be one of the best games of the year, so keep your eyes on this one if you’re a RPG fan.
Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden
This is a bit of a surprise, not just because it has only been revealed at The Game Awards at the beginning of the month, but also because it’s made by a studio known for its narrative experiences: Don’t Nod. Known for games like Life Is Strange, Vampyr, and Remember Me, Don’t Nod seems to have found the resources for a much bigger project. Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden is a story-driven action RPG where decisions have dramatic consequences. The gameplay loop involves solving haunting cases and battling supernatural forces combining the protagonist’s arsenal and his ghost companion’s spiritual powers. Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden is set to be released on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S in 2023.
Diablo 4
Perhaps one of top 5 biggest games coming out next year, Diablo 4 keeps the same formula that made the series such a big success for Blizzard. Kill enemies to get stronger, loot equipment to become overpower. Featuring five classes at launch – Barbarian, Sorceress, Druid, Rogue, and Necromancer, Diablo 4 promises a bigger, more interesting story arc, as well as a more enticing combat system thanks to a wide range of class skills. After several years in development, Diablo 4 has been confirmed to arrive on PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S on June 6, 2023.
Final Fantasy XVI
Square Enix has two major Final Fantasy releases scheduled for 2023: Final Fantasy XVI and Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth. The sixteenth main installment in the Final Fantasy series will feature open environments and an action-based combat system that involves both melee and magic-based attacks. Unlike Final Fantasy XIV, the upcoming action RPG’s combat system is more akin to Final Fantasy XV. The good news is Chocobos are part of the game too, along with summoned monsters which are fought as bosses and used through channeling their power in combat. Final Fantasy XVI is scheduled for release in 2023 for the PlayStation 5 as a timed exclusive.
Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth
The second major Final Fantasy game coming out next year, Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth continues the story from where the first game released in 2020 left off. The second part of the Final Fantasy VII Remake trilogy follows the story of Cloud Strife, a former Shinra soldier turned mercenary who joins the eco-terrorist group Avalance to fight the Shinra Corporation. In the second part, Cloud and his friends leave Midgar to embark on a new journey. Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth is expected to be launched sometime in 2023, but no platforms have been confirmed yet apart from PlayStation 5.
Hades 2
Another big surprise revealed during The Game Awards, the sequel to Supergiant’s Hades has a brand-new protagonist but the same addictive gameplay loop. This time around, players will take the role of Melinoe, the Princess of the Underworld and sister to Zagreus, the main character from the original game. She’s looking for ways to defeat Cronus, the Titan of Time, with the aid of the goddess of witchcraft Hecate and other Olympian gods. Although no exact release date has been revealed, we do know it will launch in early access sometime next year.
Hogwarts Legacy
Potterheads rejoice, as Avalanche Software’s next game, Hogwarts Legacy, is just around the corner. After releasing a couple of gameplay trailers in the last few months, we have no doubt that Hogwarts Legacy will be one of the GOTY contenders for 2023. Set in the Wizarding World universe, the action RPG will have players attend classes at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Many iconic locations will be explorable, including Forbidden Forest, Diagon Alley, and Hogsmeade. Hogwarts Legacy is scheduled to be released for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S on February 10, 2023. PlayStation 4 and Xbox One players will be able to pick this one up on April 4, while Nintendo Switch players will have to wait until July 25.
Like a Dragon: Ishin!
If you’re a fan of the Yakuza series, you’ll be happy to know that a spin-off game in the Like a Dragon series will be released in just a few months. Like a Dragon: Ishin is set in the Late Edo Period and has players take on the role of Sakamoto Ryoma. Combat-wise, the game uses the same system as Yakuza 5, as players have access to four different fighting styles: Swordsman, Gunslinger, Brawler, and Wild Dancer. However, the game brings a new system called Dharma Points, which can be earned by completing side-quests, story events, and other tasks. These points can be exchanged for abilities. Like a Dragon: Ishin! will be released for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S and PC on February 21, 2023.
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
One of the best superhero games, Marvel’s Spider-Man is getting a sequel next year. Developed by the same studio that gave us the original, Insomniac Games, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 will see the return of Peter Parker and Miles Morales. On top of that, the developers confirmed that one of the game’s villains is Venom, which will be voiced by Tony Todd, the legendary actor known for his performance as Candyman. Recently, Insomniac Games confirmed that Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 is on track for a “Fall 2023” release. This is most likely going to be a PlayStation exclusive, and if you’re expecting to play this on PlayStation 4, we have some bad news for you: the game won’t be releasing on the PS4.
Nightingale
Described as a shared world survival-crafting game, Nightingale seems a hard to make game. Set in a rich Victorian fantasy setting, the game has players venture through portals where supposedly adventure and mystery await across a wide range of beautiful and increasingly-dangerous worlds. The synopsis certainly gives us Stargate vibes, but let’s just wait and see how much developer Inflexion Games manages to appease fans of the survival and sci-fi genres. What makes Nightingale unique is how it allows players to shape the procedural generation of the next realm they travel to by crafting so-called Realm Cards. An early access version of Nightingale is expected to be released sometime in 2023.
Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl
The fourth game in 14 years since the release of Call of Pripyat in 2009, Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl had an incredibly long development cycle due to animosities inside the studio, GSC Game World. Although it’s been scheduled for release in 2022, the game was delayed indefinitely due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Having moved development of the game to Prague, GSC is trying to release Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl sometime in 2023. The game will be released on Xbox Game Pass at launch, and it will be exclusively available on PC and Xbox Series X/S for at least three months.
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor
Survivor continues Cal Kestis’ saga and maintains many of the gameplay elements from the original game. However, new gameplay elements will be added, including lightsaber stances. While the single blade and double blade lightsabers are making a comeback in the upcoming game, a new, heavier Kylo Ren-style crossguard lightsaber style will be added. The game is set five years after the events of Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order and will feature new villains such as the mysterious Pau’an Imperial senator. Star Wars Jedi: Survivor is scheduled for release on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S on March 17, 2023.
Starfield
One of the biggest games coming from Microsoft next year, Starfield, is set in an area that extends outward from the Solar System for approximately 50 light-years called The Settled Systems. The game takes place around the year 2310, 20 years after the war between two large factions: the United Colonies and Freestar Collective. Players take on the role of a customizable character who is a member of Constellation, an organization of space explorers. Developed by Bethesda, Starfield is now scheduled to be released in the first half of 2023 for PC and Xbox Series X/S.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
Zelda fans are probably extremely excited about 2023 because the next installment in the iconic series is scheduled for release next year. The action-adventure game developed by Nintendo will feature new elements for the franchise, such as floating islands above Hyrule, as players will soar between them just like one of the previous games, The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword. Nintendo announced The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom will be released on the Nintendo Switch on May 12, 2023
The Lords of the Fallen
This one takes the prize for the most uninspired naming scheme. The Lords of the Fallen is supposedly the sequel to Lords of the Fallen. However, for whatever reason, the game was announced at Gamescom 2022 under the title The Lords of the Fallen. If you’re addicted to soulslike games, you’ll probably love CI Games’ upcoming game. Hopefully, this one will be shipped without the game-breaking bugs that plagued the original title. The Lords of the Fallen is scheduled for release for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S sometime in 2023.
Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty
Last but not least, Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty is Team Ninja’s next major title. After Nioh 2, the studio went on to develop another action RPG that features the same exhilarating combat system. Quite complex at first glance, the combat system involves deflecting attacks and creating opportunities for counterattacks. The addition of Battle Flags scattered throughout the world makes progression a bit easier since these allow players to save their game. Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty is currently scheduled for release on PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S on March 3, 2023.