2021 has been an odd year given that many developers and studios felt the impact of the pandemic the most here. What this has done, if anything, is create a 2022 video game release schedule that is absolutely unparalleled for the industry. So many highly anticipated games are said to release next year that, if even half of them are delayed out of 2022, it’s still set to be a strong year. As such, there are currently plenty of games to look forward to, especially as the first half is filling out nicely.
It should be noted that the list comes with a few restraints, specifically that games must have a confirmed release window for 2022. As such,games likeFinal Fantasy 16haven’t been included, as there is no certainty of their release. Finally, this list is ordered by release date and window, and then alphabetized for those with broad 2022 release windows.
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Pokemon Legends: Arceus (January 28)
Perhaps the first major game release of 2022 isPokemon Legends: Arceus. Adapting a more open-world-like approach than the mainline RPGs, it is set in a time period far in the past before Sinnoh was properly recognized as Sinnoh. This leads to new explorations of evolution (such asKleavor, a nonexistent evolution of Scytherin modern times), a new story, and a new way of battle. It’s likely to leave a major impact on the franchise, and it’s not far away now.
Pokemon Legends: Arceusreleases January 28 for Nintendo Switch.
Dying Light 2 Stay Human (February 4)
February and March 2022 are surprisingly stacked with video game releases, and kicking off that trend is one game some never believed would see the light of day. Dying Light 2 Stay Humanhas been in the public eye for quite some time, as moreopen-world zombie gameswere all the rage back in the day, and it follows the first game with brand new ambitions of a breathing, living world. The dead aren’t the only enemy though, and it’ll be interesting to see howDying Light 2 breathes new life into an old formula.
Dying Light 2releases February 4 for PC, PS4, PS5, Stadia, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
Sifu (February 8)
Sifu’s first appearance left an impression, there’s no doubt about that.Sifuis a beat ‘em up action-adventure game with roguelike elements. Fatal injuries also age the protagonist, adding a unique twist to the classic kung-fu story of hunting down and defeating enemies who murdered the protagonist’s family. Overall, its earned its attention thus far and it’ll be interesting to see how it holds up the stacked video game releases of early 2022.
Sifureleases February 8 for PC, PS4, and PS5.
Horizon Forbidden West (February 18)
Horizon Forbidden Westwill see Aloy’s journey continue as she explores the new titular location, but with everything shown thus far, it all seems dialed to 11. All sequels should build and expand on their predecessor, and this is no exception. Everything fromHorizon Forbidden West’s combat and traversalto skill trees and playstyles all seem like they’re going in the right direction. With an excellent story too, as it seems it will have, it’s one to watch next year.
Horizon Forbidden Westreleases February 18 on PS4 and PS5.
Elden Ring (February 25)
Sitting at the top of many personal most anticipated lists isElden Ring, the latest Souls action RPG from esteemed developer FromSoftware. It’s the latest in a long line of difficult, punishing games likeDemon’s Souls, Dark Souls, Bloodborne, and so on, and yet it has its own flair and distinctions too. FromSoftware is taking the Souls formula to an open-world environment, and that alone sounds incredibly ambitious. It helps that the game director Hidetaka Miyazaki has also referred toElden Ringas his ideal game.
Elden Ringreleases February 25 for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin (March 18)
Based on concepts from the firstFinal Fantasygame and working with some Soulslike elements,Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Originsees players take on the role of Jack, Jed, and Ash in theirquest to kill Chaos. They are supposed to be Warriors of Light but doubt themselves, adding a nice twist to the classic formula. The game features an extensive Job system, with classes like the Dragoon, Monk, Thief, Knight, and various Mages (White, Black Red) appearing. Overall, it’s a unique take and one that may very well stand out among March’s other releases.
Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Originreleases March 18 for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands (March 25)
BorderlandsandDungeons and Dragonshave always had a unique relationship, withTiny Tina’s Assault on Dragon Keepoften being hailed as one of the bestBorderlandsDLC from all the games. That very same concept is being expanded inTiny Tina’s Wonderlandsearly next year, where players will take on one class as the Fatemaker (that being either the BRR-Zerker, Clawbringer, Spellshot, Stabbomancer, and apparently more to come). Combine that emphasis onDnDRPG elements withBorderlandsapproach to loot and guns, and it sounds like a wild ride.
Tiny Tina’s Wonderlandsreleases March 25 for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
Forspoken (May 24)
Forspokenhas raised more than a few eyebrows, with its fluid traversal emphasis on gameplay and narrative-driven story in an open world. It featuresFrey Holland, a woman transported from NYCto this fantasy world, and she must use magical powers to journey through it, perhaps save it, and find her way home. She’s also got a sentient bracelet named Cuff, and it’ll be interesting to see how that character dynamic works. Fans should expect to learn more about it in the coming months.
Forspokenreleases May 24 for PC and PS5.
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Saints Row (August 23)
Saints Rowis getting a reboot this year, taking the franchise back to basics in a way. Instead of taking over the galaxy, The new Boss of sorts assembles a new gang of dissatisfied members of other gangs to take over the city of Santo Ileso from Los Panteros, the Idols, and the Marshall Defense Industries. The city features nine distinct districts players can take over and can launch businesses and more. Co-op is back, players can design their own boss, andSaints Rowhas a unique mission progressionwhere completing quests in the co-op world completes it in their story. Overall, while some weren’t necessarily happy with the direction, it’s worth keeping an eye on for fans of the classicSaintsgames.
Saints Rowreleases August 23 for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
Starfield (November 11)
It’s not all too often that a developer names a specific release date more than a year away from release, but that’s just what Bethesda did withStarfield. It’s likely because November 11 is special to the company, also beingSkyrim’s anniversary, but Bethesda is confident in this date. Still, not much has been confirmed about the game but players are ready to see how Bethesda’s newest IP holds up to greats likeThe Elder ScrollsandFallout. More and more information will become available over the next year, while concept art forStarfieldcontinues to slowly build a picture.
Starfieldreleases June 10, 2025, for PC and Xbox Series X/S.
