With the release of the new consoles from Sony and Microsoft, and the maturation of the Switch into its fifth year, the first parties have a bit to prove in providing stellar software for their hardware. Every year, however, there’s always one certainty – that third-party publishers will pull out all the stops to try and make their product shine on whatever hardware is available.
We don’t know a whole lot about what 2021 will bring beyond the first half of the year, nor do we know how long the restrictions put in place by COVID-19 will continue to affect games development. Instead, I thought we’d focus on what we do know for the year ahead.
Obviously, this list doesn’t include any games that are already appearing exclusively on the other consoles. You can our PS5, Xbox Series X and Nintendo Switch lists here. There are a few wildcards thrown in at the end too for good measure, though rest assured that most of this list is confirmed for this year.
Anyway, it all kicks off tomorrow with:
Hitman III
Chance Of Releasing In 2021? Definitely
First announced in June 2020, Hitman 3 looks to round out and conclude the story that began with the original Hitman reboot five years ago. This time around, Agent 47 will visit six new locales – including Dubai, England, Berlin and China too. Developer IO Interactive has promised a much more mature, serious and darker tone than the previous two games too.
When’s It Out? 20th January 2021 for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S and Stadia. A Nintendo Switch version is confirmed via streaming, but likely won’t make it’s way to Australia.
Little Nightmares 2
Chance Of Releasing In 2021? Definitely
Taking place after the original game, Little Nightmares 2 sees you play as a new character Mono, working with Six from the first game to navigate through a decaying city. It looks just as unnerving as the original game though we have little details on just how different it’ll be to it’s predecessor.
When’s It Out? 11th February 2021 for PC, Nintendo Switch, PS4 and Xbox One. A version for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S is due sometime this year.
Persona 5 Strikers
Chance Of Releasing In 2021? Definitely
While it’s more of a hack and slash game than an RPG, Strikers is a sequel to Persona 5, taking place six months after the events of the original game. It’s been available in Japan for a year already, but finally makes the jump to Western shores this year. While mechanically similar to the Dynasty Warriors franchise, a lot of the Persona DNA seems to be still present to offer a unique experience.
When’s It Out? 23rd February 2021 for PC, Nintendo Switch, and PS4.
Prince of Persia: Sands of Time Remake
Chance Of Releasing In 2021? Definitely
Ubisoft surprised nobody when they announced that they’d be bringing back one of the most beloved PS2 games to the current generation of consoles with Prince of Persia: Sands of Time Remake. What they didn’t count on was the controversial reaction to the game’s visuals – despite running on the latest version of Ubisoft’s powerful AnvilNext engine. While it’s already been delayed once, it’s clear this remake is in the passionate hands of the teams at Ubisoft Pune and Mumbai, and hopefully they’ll use this extra time to get it right.
When’s It Out? 18th March 2021 for PC, PS4 and Xbox One.
It Takes Two
Chance Of Releasing In 2021? Definitely
Josef Fares unexpectedly conquered the co-op crowds two years ago with A Way Out, and he’s back to do it all again with It Takes Two. The game follows Cody and May, a couple in the midst of a messy divorce, as they find themselves transported into two dolls that their daughter has made. In their doll form, they must begrudgingly work together to get back to their real bodies in this co-op only action-adventure. Much like A Way Out, buying the game gives you the friends pass – which will let your friend play through the game with you free of charge rather than having to buy two copies of the game.
When’s It Out? 26th March 2021 for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S.
Outriders
Chance Of Releasing In 2021? Definitely
In development since 2015, Outriders is a third-person shooter with RPG elements that stakes it’s pride on not being a live-service game. From Polish developer People Can Fly, the team who bought us the ridiculous Bulletstorm, Outriders could potentially scratch that Mass Effect itch. WIth customisable weapons, space magic and three player co-op, what more could you want?
When’s It Out? 1st April 2021 for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S. It hits Stadia sometime this year.
Nier Replicant ver.1.22474487139…
Chance Of Releasing In 2021? Definitely
Nier Automata was one of the bigger sleeper hits of the last generation, so it only seems fitting to see the original game get the full-blown remake treatment to celebrate the series’ 10th anniversary in 2020. The game takes the PS3 original and gives it a complete revamp – not only does the game look better now but the combat has been updated to closer resemble PlatinumGames’ stellar effort on Automata. Cheeky creator of the franchise, Yoko Taro, has kept mum on what else is new for this remake but we’re almost certain there’s going to be some more story content in there too. What’s not to love honestly?
When’s It Out? 23rd April 2021 for PC, PS4 and Xbox One.
Back 4 Blood
Chance Of Releasing In 2021? Definitely
From the team that originally brought us Left 4 Dead, Back 4 Blood sees player working cooperatively to fight through a zombie apocalypse. Players can build a deck of cards to adjust elements of gameplay, while the “director” AI in the game can throw them out just as quickly to hinder their progress – such as spawning bigger hordes and extra enemies. It’s Left 4 Dead 3 in everything but name, really.
When’s It Out? 22nd June 2021 for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S.
Biomutant
Chance Of Releasing In 2021? Probably
It feels like an eternity ago that this one was announced in 2017 but it’s apparently due for this year if publisher THQ Nordic has anything to say about it. A seemingly huge mish-mash of genres from the minds that brought us Just Cause, Biomutant has you taking on the role of your own customisable mammalian warrior as they try to purify a corrupted Tree of Life in an open world. The developers have recently reassured us that this is a “huge game” which they’re working to “offer a lot of replayability” so hopefully we’ll have the final version in our hands this year.
When’s Do We Think It’s Out? Q3 2021 for PC, PS4 and Xbox One.
Far Cry 6
Chance Of Releasing In 2021? Definitely
Ubisoft’s open-world first-person shooter series continues with a twist in Far Cry 6. Taking place in the Carribean this time, you step into the shoes of a guerilla fighter looking to topple a fierce dictatorship. Far Cry games have always had stand-out villains, and with Breaking Bad and The Mandalorian‘s Giancarlo Esposito filling the role, we’re surely in for a treat.
When’s Do We Think It’s Out? Q2 2021 for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S. Amazon Luna and Google Stadia versions will be available too.
Resident Evil Village
Chance Of Releasing In 2021? Probably
Set a few years after the events of Resident Evil 7, Village sees players taking the role of Ethan once more when series stalwart Chris Redfield returns to turn his life upside down. Ethan’s quest finds him lost in a mysterious European village filled with strange creatures, as you’d expect. Returning back to the first-person viewpoint of Resident Evil 7, Village looks to be one of the more out there installments in the Resident Evil franchise.
When’s Do We Think It’s Out? It was originally rumoured for Q1 2021, but it’s probably hitting in Q2 2o21 for PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X|S at this point.
Mass Effect: Legendary Edition
Chance Of Releasing In 2021? Definitely
Perhaps I’m reading too much into things but I feel like Legendary Edition will be a different kind of remaster. Legendary Edition brings together Mass Effect 1, Mass Effect 2, and Mass Effect 3 with most of its downloadable content intact. The team has intriguingly stated that they’ve wanted to “modernise the experience so that fans can experience the original work in its best possible form”. Could we be seeing some subtle (or major) gameplay tweaks? Perhaps.
When’s Do We Think It’s Out? Q2 2021 for PC, PS4 and Xbox One. Upgrades for the PS5 and Xbox Series X|S have been confirmed, but yet to be detailed.
Dying Light 2
Chance Of Releasing In 2021? Probably
The official Dying Light Twitter account has told us to keep our heads up for 2021, so surely that means it’s coming right? While it’s dropped two writers and an art director and gone pretty quiet since it’s E3 2018 announcement, Dying Light 2 promises more consequential player choice that’ll actively change the world you play in, which sounds interesting. Dying Light itself as a game was pretty solid, so it’s cool to see the team focus on making a better narrative this time around.
When’s Do We Think It’s Out? Q3 2021 for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S.
Gotham Knights
Chance Of Releasing In 2021? Probably
A Batman game without Batman seems a bit sacrilegious at this point but Gotham Knights deserves some praise for shaking things up. Playable solo or with another person cooperatively, players can select from Nightwing, Batgirl, Robin, and Red Hood as they take on the clandestine Court of Owls. It takes place in its own storyline too, separate from the Arkham games, so hopefully, the team will have some fun with it.
When’s Do We Think It’s Out? Q4 2021 for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S.
Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2
Chance Of Releasing In 2021? Definitely
Think Deus Ex, but with Vampires. Bloodlines 2 follows you, a human, as they’re killed and brought back to life with weak vampiric abilities in Seattle during the holiday season. While not the most visually impressive game, Bloodlines 2 looks to be a deep and engaging RPG offering combat and mobility inspired by games like Dishonored.
When’s Do We Think It’s Out? Q2 2021 for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S. It’s been delayed three times now, so perhaps this is a bit of a modest estimate.
Lord of the Rings: Gollum
Chance Of Releasing? Probably
One of the first announced titles for the new generation of consoles in 2019, Gollum takes place before the events of Lord of the Rings. The licensing agreement between the developers and original creators means that this adventure will largely draw from the books rather than the films, and sees you playing as Gollum in largely stealth-oriented scenarios. We don’t know a whole lot more than that, but hopefully developer Daedalic will be able to capture the same lightning in a bottle that Monolith did with Shadow of Mordor in 2014.
When’s Do We Think It’s Out? Q3 2021 for PC, PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S.
The Wolf Among Us 2
Chance Of Releasing In 2021? A Hard Maybe
First announced at The Game Awards in 2019, The Wolf Among Us 2 is being put together by a team of former Telltale staff as well as some new talent too. While we don’t know much just yet, there is some info floating about. First off, it will follow the events of the first game, though remain a prequel to the original comic series on which it was based. It’s still going to be episodic, but all episodes are being worked on at once, instead of once at a time like previous Telltale games were. Finally, we know that both Bigby and Snow White will be making a return, as both their original respective voice actors have already confirmed their involvement.
When’s Do We Think It’s Out? Throughout 2021 for Mobile, PC, Playstation 4 and Xbox One.
Skull & Bones
Chance Of Releasing In 2021? Who Bloody Knows
Ubisoft announced this action-adventure game themed around piracy and naval warfare over four years ago without many updates since. What we do know is that it’s an open world, third-person game that lets you sail the Indian Ocean solo or head into Disputed Waters for PvP battles. Perhaps it’s a bit optimistic to think this’ll release this year, given that a “new vision” had emerged for the game in September 2020 but honestly let’s wait it out and see.
When’s Do We Think It’s Out? Q4 2021 for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S.
Overwatch 2
Chance Of Releasing In 2021? Definitely, in some form.
We bizarrely don’t know much about Overwatch 2 since it’s first big reveal in November 2019 at BlizzCon. What we do know is that it will feature both new PvE and PvP modes and share a lot of content with the original game. When Overwatch 2 launches, players can expect a bunch of new maps, heroes, a new HUD and a major engine upgrade for both the original game. More intriguingly, heroes and made added to Overwatch 2 will also be added to the original game, with cross-play between them for the game’s PvP modes. So is Overwatch 2 just an extravagant story mode for the original Overwatch? Perhaps, but we’re interested to find out just what it is regardless when it presumably launches this year.
When’s Do We Think It’s Out? Q2 2021 for PC, PS4, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch. There’s probably a cheeyk next-gen version in the works too.
Elden Ring
Chance Of Releasing In 2021? Unlikely But Maybe
The collaboration between the mind that brought us Dark Souls and the mind that brought us Game of Thrones, Elden Ring was first announced at E3 in 2019 with nary a detail revealed since. We do know you’ll be able to create your own character, and that the game will be “larger in scale” compared to the Souls games. Horseback riding is in (groundbreaking) and the combat will be an entirely new system. We don’t really know what else is going on here but if I don’t include it the From Software stans will harrass me so here we are. (help)
When’s Do We Think It’s Out? Q4 2021 for PC, PS4 and Xbox One. If you’re one to believe errant Target listings, then it’s out Q2 2021 but honestly let’s be realistic.
Skate 4
Chance Of Releasing In 2021? Probably Not, But Some Can Dream
I bet gamers didn’t know they could comment a game into existence and perhaps it was a mistake to admit it, but that’s exactly what we did with Skate 4. We don’t know much about it, besides the fact that it’s in the works but I’m sure it’s gonna be a banger and the team is taking it’s time to make sure it’s as good as it can be.
When’s Do We Think It’s Out? Look, it’s not out this year honestly but who knows, stranger things have happened.
