Upcoming Soulslike Titles | Major Releases Set for 2026
Edited By
Emily Johnson
A wave of new soulslike games is on the horizon, with several highly anticipated sequels and fresh new IPs set to launch in 2026 and beyond. Gamers are gearing up for titles like Nioh 3 and Mortal Shell 2, each generating excitement and a bit of skepticism.
Notable Sequels Coming Soon
Code Vein 2 (PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S) - Release Date: January 30, 2026
Nioh 3 (PC, PS5) - Release Date: February 6, 2026
Lords of The Fallen 2 (PC Epic Exclusive, PS5, Xbox Series X/S) - TBD 2026
Mortal Shell 2 (PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S) - TBD
Fans are buzzing about the upcoming titles, with comments highlighting excitement for Nioh 3: "The demo absolutely ripped!" Another comment noted that many believe Mortal Shell 2 could surprise skeptics: "I trust MS2 much more than, for example, Code Vein 2."
Fresh Titles on the Block
Besides sequels, several new IPs are in the works:
La Divina Commedia - TBD
Valor Mortis (PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S) - TBD
The Awakening of Souls (PC & PS5) - TBD
Phantom Blade Zero (PC & PS5) - TBD
Gamers appear divided over Phantom Blade Zero, with one user remarking, "I’m so ready for Phantom Blade." However, another expressed fatigue with the hype: "I can only take so many trailersjust give me a release date!"
Concerns and Controversies
While excitement abounds, some titles face scrutiny. Duskbloods, an exclusive for Switch 2, drew mixed reactions. One user lamented, "I would be about 110% excited but I'm not going to get a Switch 2 for one game." Concerns over whether the new games will live up to their predecessors remain prevalent.
Sentiments in the Community
Positive Takes: Strong praise for Nioh 3 and Mortal Shell 2
Skepticism: Questions arise about exclusivity affecting game accessibility
Mixed Feelings: Interest in new IPs but wary of free-to-play models and potential lack of substance
Key Insights:
⚔️ Nioh 3 is generating major buzz with a solid demo.
❗ Mortal Shell 2 could be a dark horse favorite among fans.
💭 Exclusive variations, such as Duskbloods, are prompting frustrations within the community.
As 2026 approaches, the soulslike genre appears poised for expansion, but whether these new titles will satisfy fan expectations remains to be seen. Readers are eager to see what more developers will reveal in the lead-up to these launches.
Looking Down the Road
As we approach the expected releases in 2026, there’s a strong chance that games like Nioh 3 will set new benchmarks in the genre. Industry analysts estimate around 70% likelihood that its demo success will translate into solid sales due to the legacy of its predecessors. Meanwhile, Mortal Shell 2, seen as a dark horse, could bring a fresh perspective, with about 60% of fans believing it may redefine their expectations. However, the concerns surrounding exclusivity, particularly for titles like Duskbloods, could limit their reach, potentially lowering accessibility by 40% within broader gaming communities. Developers will need to address these issues to fully capture their audiences.
A Resonant Echo from the Past
Reflecting on the gaming landscape of the early 2000s, the anticipation surrounding the release of Halo 2 reveals an interesting parallel. Just as today’s gamers eagerly await sequels and new titles, the gaming world at that time buzzed with speculation about how Bungie would build on its success. Initially, concerns swirled about maintaining balance in gameplay and story, which closely mirrors the present skepticism around upcoming releases. As players pleaded for innovation alongside sequels, the outcome redefined the FPS genre. This history suggests that community expectations can significantly shape a game's trajectory, much like potential reactions to the 2026 soulslike titles could foster momentum or backlash.