2026 Arrives with an Exciting Lineup of Soulslikes | Anticipation Builds
Edited By
Nicolas Dubois
A wave of excitement is brewing among gamers as several highly anticipated soulslike titles prepare for release in 2026. Notable entries include Nioh 3, Mortal Shell 2, Code Vein 2, Lords of the Fallen 2, and the new IP Valor Mortis. The community is buzzing about which of these games could surpass the bar set by their predecessors.
The Lineup
Key Titles Set for Release
Nioh 3: Gamers express high hopes, with one fan declaring it their favorite series above even Bloodborne and XCOM 2. Others note concerns about the shift to a semi-open world, questioning if Team Ninja can maintain the franchise’s identity.
Mortal Shell 2: Some players are optimistic, especially with one fan noting that the first game "grew on me."
Code Vein 2: While anticipation exists, some users have tempered their excitement over changes to co-op features.
Lords of the Fallen 2: Excitement surrounds this sequel as fans are keen to see how the developers learned from the original.
Valor Mortis: Drawing particular interest, a fan claimed, "A first-person Napoleonic soulslike is probably the most unique combination I’ve seen."
"Nioh 3 is the one I’m excited for the most. I’ll play them all, but it’s not even close!"
Community Engagement
The discussions around these upcoming releases demonstrate a mix of enthusiasm and cautious optimism. Some voices are louder than others:
Many users are rallying behind Nioh 3, with several calling it an almost guaranteed standout due to its successful predecessors.
Interest in Valor Mortis is notable, though specifics about gameplay remain limited, fueling speculation.
Mixed Sentiments?
The conversations display a blend of sentiments—while many are hyped, a few remain skeptical about certain design choices, notably the semi-open world in Nioh 3 or the reduction of co-op in Code Vein 2.
Key Insights
🔥 Fan Fave: Nioh 3 holds a dominant position in the community's excitement.
💡 Diverse Expectations: Players are curious about how each title will evolve the genre.
🤔 Critical Changes: Concerns about gameplay mechanics have some users cautious about pre-ordering.
With 2026 looming on the horizon, developers face high expectations across the board. As the community weighs in, the question remains: which title will rise to the top in this competitive genre? The user boards are primed for more updates as release dates approach.
Forecasting the Soulful Horizon
As we look toward 2026, the gaming community can anticipate thrilling developments in the soulslike genre. There’s a strong chance that Nioh 3 will take the lead, given its robust legacy and dedicated fanbase, with experts estimating approximately a 70% probability of it being the top seller next year. Meanwhile, Mortal Shell 2 and Lords of the Fallen 2 are expected to attract attention as well, potentially capturing 50% to 60% of player interest. However, concerns surrounding features like the semi-open world design in Nioh 3 and shifts in Code Vein 2's co-op mode could temper initial enthusiasm and affect pre-orders. Ultimately, how these titles adapt to feedback and balance innovation with classic elements will play a pivotal role in their success.
Echoes from the Past
The anticipation surrounding these titles reminds us of the launch of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild in 2017, which shifted the perception of open-world gameplay. At that time, many feared that the iconic series would stray too far from its roots. Yet, the bold risks taken by Nintendo turned into groundbreaking successes that redefined expectations. Similarly, as developers venture into new territory with this lineup, they may just find that risks can foster innovation and reinvigorate beloved franchises. Just as the green fields of Hyrule opened up limitless exploration, Valor Mortis and its unique setting could redefine what gamers expect from soulslike experiences.