We’re officially in the second half of 2026, and what a year it has been so far. With dozens of great games having already been released, July is kicking things off with a selection of interesting indies, a Lovecraftian co-op game where you will get stabbed in the back, and more Doom–the good kind from Id Software, not the pervasive feeling you get whenever you turn on the news.
As usual, we’ve rounded up all of the games we have our eyes on in July, as well as the correct release dates for them at the time of writing this post. As always, you can check out our list of all the upcoming games in 2026 for a broader look at all the release dates for upcoming titles.
Avatar Legends: The Fighting Game
- Release date: July 23
- Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S
Avatar Legends: The Fighting Game looks like it has several things going for it. It’s based on a popular IP–imagine if you could control the elements with martial arts–it features several popular characters in its roster, and it looks gorgeous in action thanks to the hand-drawn animation that pays tribute to the source material. It’s also not a tag-fighter game, instead opting for a purer 1v1 format. Early previews have looked promising for this clash between legendary characters, and the game also looks like a celebration of the franchise as it prepares to enter a new era.
Rhythm Heaven Groove
- Release date: July 2
- Platforms: Switch
Over a decade has passed since the last Rhythm Heaven game was released, but all of a sudden, a new one is out this month. If you’ve never played one before, Rhythm Heaven games are typically a collection of minigames with a musical bend, and they’re delightfully odd. Rhythm Heaven Groove looks like it’ll continue that tradition, mixing groovy beats with enjoyable minigames and oddball visuals. A demo is out now if you want to try it first.
Doom: The Dark Ages – Revelations
- Release date: July 7
- Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S
The Doom Slayer is back this month, and this time, Hell has literally frozen over. The new expansion continues to tell the secret story of the Doom Slayer prior to his resurrection in 2016’s Doom, chronicling a betrayal that left him wounded and confined to a purgatory that forces him to confront harsh truths. Revelations adds new levels with deeper puzzles, new demons to maim, and the deadly new Chain Spear weapon.
Moonlight Peaks
- Release date: July 7
- Platforms: PC, Switch 2, Switch
Cozy slice-of-life sims aren’t in short supply, but Moonlight Peaks puts a nice twist on the genre by sprinkling in a few supernatural twists. At its core, you’re still farming, making friends, and exploring a small town, but with its focus on potion-crafting and eye-catching Goth aesthetics, it looks like an arcane version of Stardew Valley.
Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced
- Release date: July 9
- Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S
Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag has been one of the most beloved games in the franchise for many years, but there’s no denying that it does feel dated in comparison to modern-day entries in the series. Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced looks set to update it for current audiences, and so far, the results look very promising. While overhauled graphics and modernized gameplay should make this fan-favorite game look and feel better to play, it’s the numerous small changes under the hood that could make it worth revisiting this swashbuckling classic.
Backyard Baseball
- Release date: July 9
- Platforms: PC
Following its acquisition of the Backyard Sports franchise in 2024, Playground Productions has wasted no time in reviving that IP. PC re-releases of the classic Humongous Entertainment games have been well-received so far, and this month, you can step up to the plate for Backyard Baseball. This new game will feature four gameplay modes, 11 remastered stadiums, 24 teams, and 30 characters to choose from–and Pablo Sanchez in 3D.
EA Sports College Football 27
- Release date: July 9
- Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S
Speaking of sports, you can move from backyards to stadiums with EA Sports College Football 27 in July. While we’re not expecting seismic shifts for the gameplay–this is an annual series, after all–some of the cool new features include customizable stadiums and audio, dynamic weather, and even a new Coach Mode that’ll allow you to lead your team from the sidelines.
Granblue Fantasy: Relink – Endless Ragnarok
- Release date: July 9
- Platforms: PC, PS5, PS4, Switch 2
Granblue Fantasy: Relink has everything you’d want from a fantasy action-RPG. It’s full of rich worldbuilding, the tag-team combat mechanics add some extra visual flair to battles, and it doesn’t outstay its welcome during its base campaign. It also feels like a complete experience thanks to moving away from the gacha systems of the older games in the series, and this new edition drops even more content into the mix. Expect to extend your stay in Estalucia, as Endless Ragnaork introduces a new story arc, more characters to add to your team, and new endgame activities to test your skills.
Echoes of Aincrad: Sword Art Online
- Release date: July 10
- Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S
While an anime-inspired souls-like isn’t exactly novel, Echoes of Aincrad looks like a fun entry in a genre that’s focused on being tough-as-adamantium-nails. Based on the first story arc of the original Sword Art Online light novel series, the game features familiar characters from the IP like Kirito and Asuna, fully customizable character builds, and no shortage of opponents looking to end your adventure early.
Ascend to Zero
- Release date: July 13
- Platforms: PC, Xbox Series X|S
Are you up for a Hades-inspired round of roguelike action? That’s exactly what you’ll get with Ascend to Zero, but this game has an extra trick up its sleeve in the form of time-bending powers. With the clock ticking, you’ll have to quickly learn to master your powers, using every spare second as a weapon while aiming to improve with each run.
The Mound: Omen of Cthulhu
- Release date: July 15
- Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S
Another day, another HP Lovecraft-inspired game makes its presence known. The twist this time is that The Mound: Omen of Cthulhu is all about sharing the dread of being the plaything of an Eldritch god, as players will have to venture into a cursed jungle and contend with Lovecraftian horrors, perception-altering gameplay mechanics, and paranoid teammates.
Digimon Story: Time Stranger
- Release date: July 10
- Platforms: Switch 2
Digimon has always gotten the short end of the creature-collecting stick, but recent games like Digimon Story: Time Stranger have proven that it’s not trapped in Pokemon’s shadow. Landing on Switch 2 this month, Digimon Story: Time Stranger sees players once again journey across the human world and Digital World to collect Digimon and fight in turn-based battles, but with a deeper emphasis on the bond between humans and their Digimon, it confidently sets itself apart from the competition.
Palworld
- Release date: July 10
- Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S
Sticking with the creature-collecting theme, Palworld is readying up for its 1.0 release this month. After two years of early access development–and feeling the brunt of Nintendo’s legal teams–Palworld feels more fully formed than ever before. This isn’t the end of the game’s journey either, as developer Pocketpair has some big post-launch plans in mind.
Denshattack
- Release date: July 15
- Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S Switch 2
Originally scheduled to launch last month, stylish train-hopping game Denshattack was hit with a month-long delay at the eleventh hour. Will that extra wait be worth it? We certainly hope so, as it has been at the top of our wishlists since we first saw it in action, thanks to it looking and playing like a runaway train with Tony Hawk Pro Skater and anime DNA.
Heave Ho 2
- Release date: July 16
- Platforms: PC, Switch 2, Switch
A game that’s all about getting a grip–literally–Heave Ho 2 tasks teams with forming a chain in co-op and moving forward. Heave Ho 2 includes online co-op for the first time in the series, eight themed worlds to flail about in, and lasers–so, so many lasers.
Moss: The Forgotten Relic
- Release date: July 16
- Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Switch
Moss was one of the defining games of PlayStation’s first push into VR, and if you missed out on these delightful adventures starring a plucky mouse, you’re in luck. Moss: The Forgotten Relic reimagines both of the VR games for console, reworking them to fit into a more traditional gaming experience that doesn’t require you to strap a headset on. VR might still be the best way to experience these games, but for everyone else, this new version is shaping up to be a great way to dive into the magic of Moss.
Happy’s Humble Burgatory
- Release date: July 16
- Platforms: PC
Anyone who has spent a summer flipping burgers for a fast food corporation knows just how horrific that job can be, and Happy’s Humble Burgatory homes in on that minimum-wage terror. Every shift is a ticking clock of grilled burgers, unhappy customers, and quotas in this co-op simulator, but once the homicidal mascot Asset Joy breaks containment and begins her hunt, that’s when the real nightmare begins.
Ratatan
- Release date: July 16
- Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Switch 2
A spiritual successor to the wildly popular Patapon rhythm game, Ratatan is still marching to the beat of its own drum. Developed by the creators behind Patapon, this is a rhythmic roguelike action game that oozes personality with its imaginative visuals and catchy beats.
Fogpiercer
- Release date: July 17
- Platforms: PC
Denshattack isn’t the only game that’s all about trains in July, as Fogpiercer is also out this month. Set in a world where winter has blanketed the land, and only a train full of survivors can keep humanity alive–sounds familiar–Fogpierce is a sci-fi roguelike deckbuilder on rails. Not only will players have to endure attacks from bandits, but they’ll also have to deliver cargo, improve their train, and use unique skills to survive the coldest winter.
Desktop Explorer
- Release date: July 17
- Platforms: PC
We never knew just how good we had it with ’90s operating systems, and Desktop Explorer is a celebration of that simpler time in personal computing. It’s also a psychological thriller full of mysteries to solve, as inside the dusty old PC you’ve inherited from your late uncle lies a series of cryptic puzzles waiting to be solved. Every window hides a clue, and Desktop Explorer features classic OS tools, preinstalled games, and forgotten files hiding a dark secret.
Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD Remaster
- Release date: July 23
- Platforms: Switch 2
2026 marks the 25th anniversary of Final Fantasy X, the landmark turn-based RPG that has gone on to grace several other consoles over the decades. While it has been playable on Switch 2 thanks to backward compatibility with the original Switch release, this new version includes several of the features that PC gamers have enjoyed for several years. Not only do you get enhanced visuals, but a high-speed mode, a random encounter toggle, and several quality-of-life features make it fun to play in 2026. With the remaster of Final Fantasy X-2 included, you’ve got the full package for reliving a memorable era of Final Fantasy.
Splatoon Raiders
- Release date: July 23
- Platforms: Switch 2
After four years, Splatoon is making a comeback–but not as a new mainline game! Instead, we’re getting Splatoon Raiders, a spin-off that plays very differently from the numbered games. Set on the chain of mysterious Spirhalite islands, the single-player game–with optional co-op for up to four players–is a treasure-hunting adventure revolving around a new protagonist.
Halo: Campaign Evolved
- Release date: July 28
- Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S
What’s old is new again, as Assassin’s Creed isn’t the only game making a comeback this month. The original Halo has also gotten a big upgrade, and this version of the genre-defining game has been enhanced with new missions, weapons, and gameplay changes on top of the original base campaign. Grab your Xbox headset, put on some Breaking Benjamin tunes, and open up a can of Mountain Dew, because it’s starting to feel like 2001 all over again.
Truck-kun Is Supporting Me From Another World
- Release date: July 29
- Platforms: PC
The isekai genre in anime appears to be finally winding down, but for fans of stories revolving around a mysterious trucking murderer who takes you into another world, you’ll want to check out this new game. Truck-kun Is Supporting Me From Another World takes the idea of isekai and puts you in the driver’s seat, tasking you with running over pedestrians so that you can pay off a soul debt to the buff Elfish girl living in your head. From there, the focus is on completing objectives, sending people to a fantasy world, and building a party strong enough to take down the dreaded Skeleton King.
Kusan: City of Wolves
- Release date: July 30
- Platforms: PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Switch 2
We’re still patiently waiting for Hotline Miami 3 to appear out of thin air, but until then, Kusan: City of Wolves looks like a fun substitute. A top-down shooter with dozens of stages, hardcore action, and tough bosses, the game also includes skill-based puzzles and challenges aplenty.
Lootbound
- Release date: July 31
- Platforms: PC
Lootbound focuses on the most overlooked part of a fantasy RPG: managing all of that sweet loot you’ve acquired from a dungeon run. A tactical loot management roguelike, you’ll start as a solo adventurer who eventually assembles a party to help them take down fearsome bosses. Preparation is the key to victory, and you’ll need to pay careful attention to your inventory so that your team can defeat all manner of enemies in turn-based combat encounters.
