August 2026 offers a diverse lineup of video game releases, including a new Marvel fighting game from Arc System Works, a Star Wars-themed XCOM-style strategy title, and a rare non-Pokémon role-playing game from Game Freak. While the summer drought of major releases continues, several noteworthy titles are set to launch before September's anticipated flood of games.
Beast Of Reincarnation – August 4
Game Freak, best known for Pokémon, releases Beast Of Reincarnation on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. This post-apocalyptic RPG features real-time sword combat reminiscent of Monster Hunter and Wild Hearts, with a large canine companion that assists with special moves. The game showcases Game Freak's graphical capabilities, though their non-Pokémon projects have historically been inconsistent.
Big Walk – August 4
From the creators of Untitled Goose Game, House House, Big Walk launches on PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC. This co-op game allows up to eight players to explore an open world, solve puzzles, or simply socialize. A proximity chat system means players farther apart become quieter, with tools like megaphones and signal flares for long-distance communication.
Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls – August 6
Arc System Works, known for Guilty Gear, delivers Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls on PlayStation 5 and PC. This 4v4 tag fighter combines Marvel characters with an anime aesthetic. An open beta revealed performance issues on PC, for which the studio apologized. The launch roster includes 20 characters, with four planned as DLC; the first is Phoenix Cyclops from the comics.
Grounded 2 – August 11 (PlayStation 5 Early Access)
Obsidian Entertainment's Grounded 2 enters early access on PlayStation 5, following its successful early access on other platforms. This Honey, I Shrunk The Kids-inspired survival game now takes place in a park, with rideable insects and a new Into The Abyss update adding underwater exploration in a pond area.
The Sinking City 2 – August 18
Frogwares returns to H.P. Lovecraft's universe with The Sinking City 2 on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. Set in 1920s Arkham, Maine, the sequel features a supernatural flood that gradually cuts off areas as water levels rise. The game follows a successful crowdfunding campaign after the studio dealt with the Russia-Ukraine war.
Mortal Shell 2 – August 20
Cold Symmetry's Mortal Shell 2 launches on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. Building on the 2020 original's approachable Soulslike design with a shell mechanic, the sequel emphasizes horror and introduces more gun combat. The first game was a debut release, and the sequel promises more original ideas to distinguish itself from FromSoftware's titles.
Aliens: Fireteam Elite 2 – August 25
Cold Iron Studios' Aliens: Fireteam Elite 2 arrives on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. The sequel increases player count from three to four, adds deeper team-based mechanics, improved character classes, and a customizable specialist class. The original was the UK's top-selling game at launch despite a small budget.
Star Wars Zero Company – August 27
This XCOM-inspired strategy game on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC is set during the Clone Wars. Players lead the Zero Company mercenaries through turn-based missions, recruiting customizable characters like clone troopers and astromech droids. Permadeath can be disabled for newcomers, and base management affects the story. Anakin Skywalker appears as a cameo.
Resonance: A Plague Legacy – August 27
A prequel to A Plague Tale: Requiem, Resonance shifts from medieval France to Crete and replaces stealth with action-focused gameplay. Protagonist Sophia wields a sword and parries attacks, with no slingshot or rats present. The game features gorgeous graphics but feels distinct from earlier Plague Tale entries.
Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 2 – August 27
Konami's second collection includes Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots (previously PlayStation 3 exclusive), Peace Walker (HD version), and Game Boy title Ghost Babel. The collection launches on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, and PC. Series creator Hideo Kojima remains unmentioned.
Elden Ring Tarnished Edition – August 28 (Nintendo Switch 2)
Elden Ring finally arrives on Nintendo Switch 2 with the Tarnished Edition, including the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC and two new character classes with cosmetics. The port faced delays due to performance optimization concerns. The new classes and cosmetics will be available as paid DLC on other platforms.
