While blockbuster titles like GTA 6 and Marvel’s Wolverine will dominate headlines in 2026, the indie gaming scene is poised to deliver an equally impressive and diverse line-up. Following a stellar year for independent studios in 2025, which saw hits like Hades 2 and Hollow Knight: Silksong, the coming year promises a fresh wave of creativity and innovation from developers operating outside the traditional triple-A system.
Highly Anticipated Sequels and Spiritual Successors
Several of 2026's most awaited indie games are follow-ups to beloved classics or projects from acclaimed creators. Yacht Club Games, the studio behind Shovel Knight, is finally expected to release its long-awaited next title, Mina The Hollower. This action-adventure pays homage to Game Boy Color-era Zelda games, blending tough combat with a novel digging mechanic.
Fans disappointed by Little Nightmares 3 may find their true successor in Reanimal, a new platform horror adventure from the series' original creators, Tarsier Studios. Slated for release on 13th February, it promises a gnarlier experience with local and online co-op. Meanwhile, the sequel to the seminal deckbuilder Slay The Spire is set to launch in early access in March, aiming to recapture its predecessor's fiendishly addictive magic.
Innovative New IPs and Genre Blends
Beyond sequels, 2026 will introduce a host of original concepts. From French studio Douze Dixièmes comes MIO: Memories In Orbit, an atmospheric Metroidvania set inside an abandoned space vessel, launching on 20th January. Super Meat Boy co-creator Edmund McMillen returns with Mewgenics on 10th February, a deeply twisted tactical roguelite about breeding an army of cats.
Other notable newcomers include Mouse: P.I. For Hire (19th March), a rubber-hose animation boomer shooter, and Big Walk, a co-operative 'walker-talker' from the creators of Untitled Goose Game. The genre-bending There Are No Ghosts At The Grand mixes hotel renovation with ghost-busting mystery, set in a small open world.
Long-Awaited Projects and Cult Followings
Some titles have built substantial anticipation over years of development. The cyberpunk action game Replaced, impacted by the war in Ukraine, finally has a release date of 21st March. Jonathan Blow, creator of Braid and The Witness, is preparing to launch his puzzle epic Order Of The Sinking Star after a decade in the making.
Perhaps no game carries more weight of expectation in cosy gaming circles than Witchbrook, the witch life sim announced in 2018. With detailed pixel art, online co-op, and a Stardew Valley-meets-Hogwarts pitch, it has the potential to become a major hit upon its eventual release in 2026.
The independent gaming landscape in 2026 demonstrates remarkable breadth, from the horror Soulslike Decrepit to the nostalgic 3D platformer Denshattack! and the narrative-driven Mixtape. With support for platforms including PC, Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S, these titles are set to offer compelling alternatives to the year's big-budget offerings.
