What are the most anticipated games of October 2026?
The main October 2026 releases are Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4, Phantom Blade Zero, Gears of War: E-Day, Ace Combat 8 and Final Fantasy Resonance. The month will also bring Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse, Star Wars: Galactic Racer, AION 2, Valor Mortis and Planet Zoo 2.| Rank | Game | Release | Platforms | Genre |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | Planet Zoo 2 | PC, PS5, Xbox Series | Management | |
| 9 | Valor Mortis | PC, PS5, Xbox Series | First-person action RPG | |
| 8 | AION 2 | PC | MMORPG | |
| 7 | Star Wars: Galactic Racer | PC, PS5, Xbox Series | Racing | |
| 6 | Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse | PC, PS5, Xbox Series, Switch | 2D action exploration | |
| 5 | Final Fantasy Resonance | PC, PS5, Xbox Series, Switch, Switch 2 | JRPG | |
| 4 | Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve | PC, PS5, Xbox Series | Air combat | |
| 3 | Gears of War: E-Day | PC, Xbox Series | Third-person shooter | |
| 2 | Phantom Blade Zero | PC, PS5 | Action RPG | |
| 1 | Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 | PC, PS5, Xbox Series, Switch 2 | FPS |
10. Planet Zoo 2: a bigger, freer and more vibrant zoo
Date and platforms: on PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. Developed by Frontier Developments, Planet Zoo 2 builds on its predecessor's zoo-management concept while significantly expanding the options available to builders.
Why is Planet Zoo 2 so anticipated?
The first game managed to bring together fans of detailed management and players who enjoy spending hours building a park down to the smallest detail. The sequel will need to preserve that depth while removing the obstacles that sometimes made construction cumbersome. Aquariums and aviaries are exactly the kind of evolution part of the community has been requesting for a long time.What we will be watching at launch
The usability of the building tools will be crucial, especially with a controller. We will also need to check performance when zoos become very large, animal intelligence and the richness of the content available from day one. The additional-content policy will be another sensitive topic: players expect a solid base game before future species packs arrive.9. Valor Mortis: when Soulslike combat meets the Napoleonic Wars
Date and platforms: on PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. Developed by One More Level, the studio behind Ghostrunner, Valor Mortis attempts an unusual blend of Soulslike design, first-person combat and a Napoleonic Europe transformed by the supernatural.
Why is Valor Mortis so intriguing?
The game first stands out because of its immediately identifiable concept. While many Soulslikes take place in medieval-fantasy kingdoms, Valor Mortis chooses a period rarely used in this way. One More Level's expertise in fast combat also creates high expectations for control precision and the sense of danger.What we expect from the game
Its success will depend on the readability of first-person attacks. Players must be able to anticipate a strike, judge distance and react without the difficulty feeling arbitrary. Boss variety, level design and the balance between melee weapons, firearms and powers will need to prevent the adventure from relying on a single mechanic. Finally, the Napoleonic setting will need to be developed through the story and environments, not just through a few costumes.If the video does not play, watch the official trailer on Steam.
8. AION 2: NCSOFT wants to give the MMORPG its wings back
Date and platform: worldwide launch on on PC. Buyers of certain founder packs will be able to start five days earlier. With AION 2, NCSOFT is bringing back one of its signature franchises in an MMORPG market where player loyalty is earned over several years.
Why this launch will be closely watched
MMO fans regularly hope for a new experience capable of retaining a community beyond the first few weeks. AION 2 has a recognizable name, a spectacular world and a genuine distinguishing feature in its three-dimensional combat. But nostalgia will not be enough: Western players will quickly judge progression, the balance between solo and group activities, and the generosity of the business model.The main expectations surrounding AION 2
Server stability will be the first priority at launch. Dungeon quality, the role of PvP, the actual usefulness of flight and NCSOFT's ability to deliver regular updates will follow. Monetization will be closely scrutinized: paid advantages must not create an insurmountable gap between players. The game's future in the West will probably depend on this point as much as on its content.7. Star Wars: Galactic Racer: speed becomes the galaxy's new power
Date and platforms: on PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. Developed by Fuse Games and published by Secret Mode with Lucasfilm Games, Star Wars: Galactic Racer leaves Jedi and large-scale wars behind to explore the Outer Rim's underground racing circuits.
Why Galactic Racer has real potential
The combination of futuristic racing and the Star Wars universe seems obvious, yet remains surprisingly rare. The game may naturally evoke memories of Star Wars Episode I: Racer, while moving away from it through its vehicles, era and run-based structure. Fuse Games now needs to prove that the Star Wars setting supports a genuine racing game rather than a simple collection of references.What players can expect
The sense of speed, precision of racing lines and circuit variety will be priorities. Each planet will need to impose its own hazards, shortcuts and tactical choices. Customization should have a noticeable effect on how the machines handle. A sufficiently developed campaign, a clear progression system and lasting multiplayer content could turn this curiosity into one of the month's surprises. For more on the vehicles, story and different editions, see our complete Star Wars: Galactic Racer guide.Also read: Star Wars Galactic Racer: release date, gameplay, vehicles and multiplayer.
6. Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse: Paris burns, the Belmonts return
Date and platforms: on PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S and Nintendo Switch. Developed by Evil Empire with Konami and Motion Twin, Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse marks the return of a true 2D action-exploration entry.
What Castlevania's return needs to get right
The first expectation is simple: offer non-linear exploration that rewards curiosity and regularly encourages players to return to previous areas. Maps, secrets, shortcuts and new abilities will need to form a coherent whole. Evil Empire will also need to find the right balance between the fluidity inherited from Dead Cells and the more mysterious pacing of the great Castlevania games. The boss roster, which includes familiar figures such as Death, Medusa and Carmilla, will need to avoid relying on nostalgia alone. Finally, the Nintendo Switch version will be watched particularly closely: the official website announces 30 frames per second on that console, compared with 60 on the other versions.5. Final Fantasy Resonance: the franchise's first HD-2D adventure
Date and platforms: on PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch and Switch 2. Developed by Square Enix with Lancarse, Final Fantasy Resonance adopts the HD-2D style popularized by Octopath Traveler.
Why is this Final Fantasy important?
The project sits at the intersection of two audiences. Former Brave Exvius players want to revisit its story without the constraints of a mobile service, while fans of classic JRPGs expect a complete adventure that requires no prior knowledge. The move to HD-2D could also give new artistic value to towns, characters and battles originally designed for a phone screen.Expectations surrounding Final Fantasy Resonance
The first question will concern how the pacing and progression are adapted. Traces of the mobile model will need to disappear in favor of an adventure balanced from beginning to end. Combat must preserve the appeal of summons and iconic characters without becoming an artificial pile-up of references. If Square Enix succeeds in this transformation, Resonance could preserve an important part of Brave Exvius's history while becoming a true standalone Final Fantasy.4. Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve: taking off after a seven-year wait
Date and platforms: on PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. The Deluxe Edition will offer up to three days of early access. Developed by Bandai Namco Aces, Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve is the first mainline entry in the series in seven years.
What players expect after Ace Combat 7
The campaign will need to preserve the distinctive blend of arcade action, spectacle and military melodrama that sets the series apart from a conventional simulation. Weather conditions should not merely improve the scenery: they can alter visibility, trajectories and the way a mission is approached. Multiplayer raises as many questions as it does expectations. The Premium Ace Pass introduces seasonal progression and additional rewards. Bandai Namco states that some aircraft offered through this system may be purchased separately after the seasons, but competitive balance and the exact role of monetization will still need to be assessed after launch.3. Gears of War: E-Day: Marcus and Dom on the first day of hell
Date and platforms: on Xbox Series X|S and PC, with immediate availability through Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass. The Premium Edition will provide up to five days of early access. No PS5 version has been announced for launch.
Why returning to the origins could reinvigorate Gears
The early entries combined cover shooting with an oppressive atmosphere close to horror. E-Day has the opportunity to recover that tension without abandoning the large-scale battles that made the franchise famous. Fans are also hoping for a tighter, more emotional story capable of explaining how Marcus and Dom became the soldiers we know.The points that will make the difference
The cover system needs to become more flexible while preserving the characteristic weight of movement. Locust intelligence, encounter variety and weapon balance will be essential. Co-op and multiplayer will also need to bring veterans together without shutting out newcomers drawn in by this prequel.Also read: Gears of War E-Day: release date and campaign analysis.
2. Phantom Blade Zero: 66 days to survive in a kungfupunk world
Date and platforms: the official website lists for PC and PS5. The Steam store may display October 28 depending on the time zone and unlock time. Developed by S-GAME, Phantom Blade Zero is currently one of the most-followed upcoming games on SteamDB.
Why Phantom Blade Zero is generating so much anticipation
Its demonstrations immediately stood out for the speed and choreography of the duels. The title arrives after the international success of several Chinese action games, but it will need to establish its own personality. S-GAME does not describe the project as a simple Soulslike either: the accessibility of its combos and its spectacle appear to matter as much as difficulty.What the final version will need to confirm
The first priority will be to determine whether combat feels as precise on a controller as it looks impressive in a trailer. The number of weapons will only matter if they produce genuinely different styles. The pacing between duels, exploration and storytelling will also need to avoid feeling like a combat showcase. Finally, the use of Unreal Engine 5 will make stability and fluidity particularly important on both PC and PS5.1. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4: Captain Price returns to a war without limits
Date and platforms: on PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S and Nintendo Switch 2. Certain digital pre-orders will provide campaign access from October 16. Developed primarily by Infinity Ward, Modern Warfare 4 is October's release with the greatest mainstream recognition.
Why Modern Warfare 4 leads our selection
Every new Call of Duty is an event, but this entry combines several major factors: Infinity Ward's return, a new international conflict, the relaunch of DMZ and the series' first simultaneous arrival on Switch 2. Its number-one position therefore reflects both its visibility and the scale of its launch.What players actually expect
The campaign will need to tell a coherent story and respect the perspective of its South Korean soldiers rather than reducing them to background scenery for Captain Price. In multiplayer, the twelve maps will need to provide spaces suited to close-quarters encounters as well as more tactical approaches. The new weapon-handling and movement system will be judged on precision, readability and balance. DMZ's return will need progression compelling enough to last for several seasons. The Switch 2 version will also be a major technical test. Resolution, frame rate, online quality and any graphical compromises will be examined in the first analyses. As always with the series, monetization, the Battle Pass and later integration with Warzone will remain central topics of discussion.Also read: Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4: release date, platforms and new features.
Other October 2026 releases to watch
Our Top 10 necessarily leaves out several games, expansions and re-releases that may find their audience. Here are the main honorable mentions: Each line below now links to an official source or publisher page in order to limit unverified dates.- End of Abyss — October 1: a horror adventure and isometric shooter developed by Section 9 Interactive, with the date confirmed by the studio's website and the PlayStation Store listing.
- Ghost of Yōtei: Echoes of Sekigahara — October 1: post-launch content and a complete PS5 edition to watch, with availability tied to the rollout of update 2.0 depending on territory.
- Kingdom Hearts Collection [I–III] — October 8: an official Square Enix collection bringing together the main entries in the saga on Switch 2, PS5, Xbox Series and PC.
- Dragon’s Dogma II: Dark Arisen — October 9: an expansion and new edition confirmed by Capcom, scheduled for PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S and Nintendo Switch 2.
- Enshrouded 1.0 — October 15: the end of Steam Early Access and a PS5 release announced by Keen Games; the Xbox version remains planned for later.
- Tenebris Somnia — October 16: a pixel-art survival horror game combined with live-action sequences featuring real actors, dated on its official Steam page.
- Nintendo Switch Sports Resort — October 22: a new collection of sports activities for Switch 2, listed by Nintendo with its release date and main features.
An October split between proven franchises and ambitious bets
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 and Gears of War: E-Day represent the month's two biggest Western releases. The former will have to manage the enormous expectations that accompany every new entry, while the latter will try to recover the darkness and brutality of the series' origins. Phantom Blade Zero, however, has the profile of the month's potential breakout surprise. Its kungfupunk world and choreographed combat have placed it very high among the most-followed upcoming games. Valor Mortis and Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse, meanwhile, are betting on immediately recognizable identities rather than relying solely on the power of their franchises. Finally, AION 2, Planet Zoo 2 and Final Fantasy Resonance remind us that October will not be limited to action games. MMORPGs, management and turn-based combat will round out a particularly balanced calendar. Which October 2026 game are you looking forward to the most? Do you think a title missing from our Top 10 could become the surprise of the month?FAQ about October 2026 video game releases
What are the most anticipated games of October 2026?
The biggest releases are Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4, Phantom Blade Zero, Gears of War: E-Day, Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve and Final Fantasy Resonance. Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse and Star Wars: Galactic Racer are also among the games to watch.What will be the biggest game of October 2026?
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 is probably the release with the highest level of mainstream recognition. Phantom Blade Zero, however, has a particularly high level of interest among Steam users.When will Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 be released?
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 will be released on October 23, 2026 on PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S and Nintendo Switch 2. Certain digital pre-orders will allow campaign access from October 16.Will Phantom Blade Zero be released on Xbox?
No. As of September 23, 2026, Phantom Blade Zero has only been announced for PC and PlayStation 5. No Xbox version has been confirmed.Will Gears of War: E-Day be released on PS5?
No. Gears of War: E-Day will be released on October 6, 2026 on Xbox Series X|S and PC. It will be available on day one through Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass.Is Rayman Legends Retold still coming in October 2026?
No. Originally scheduled for October 1, Rayman Legends Retold was delayed to December 3, 2026.Which October games will be released on Nintendo Switch 2?
Among the titles featured here, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 and Final Fantasy Resonance are announced for Switch 2. The console will also receive several collections, adaptations and family games during the month. Before these October releases, Switch 2 had already welcomed Fire Emblem Fortune’s Weave in September.
