The end of 2020 is almost here, and while that’s more of a loaded term than most years, it does mean anew slate of gamesare on the horizon. 2021 is already shaping up to be a big year, and the best part is how there’s likely more to be revealed in the coming months.
However, it should be noted that, to be included here, a game needs a confirmed release window. It may be certain quarters or the whole year, but it has to be confirmed. As a result, agame likeElden Ringdoesn’t qualify despite how highly anticipated it is. Hopefully, it lands in 2021, but for now, too little is known to commit. It should also be noted that this list is not “ranked” in terms of anticipation, instead simply being listed by release date and alphabetical order for the broad 2021 release window.
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21Scott Pilgrim vs. the World: The Game - Complete Edition (January 14)
Scott Pilgrim vs. The World: The Game - Complete Editionmay just be a re-releaseon more modern platforms, but that would be an understatement to fans. The movie has had a cult following since day one, and the same can be said for the game. Kicking off 2021, fans will be able to dive back into the original game and its DLCs, and there’s little reason to not be excited about an old nostalgic favorite.
Scott Pilgrim vs. The World: The Game - Complete Editionreleases July 02, 2025, for PC, PS4, Stadia, Switch, and Xbox One.
20Hitman 3 (January 20)
Hitman 3is set up to finish off the World of Assassination trilogy that began withHitman(2016), as players carry outassassinations around the globe as Agent 47. The base game features six new locations such as Dubai and Berlin, while players who have played the first two games can import maps, levels, and progress into this upcoming installment. As it releases in about three weeks, fans of the franchise don’t really have a long wait.
Hitman 3will release on Switch, PC, PS4, PS5, Stadia, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X on July 09, 2025.
19The Medium (January 28)
Bloober Teamis well-known for its psychological horror, and its next entry is just that and more. Changing up and moving to a third-person game, players will be taking on the role of Marianne, a Medium hence the title. Marianne can travel into the spirit realm, where being able to jump between two worlds will go a long way in terms of solving puzzles. Her psychic abilities will give her some defenses as well, so it seems like a bridge between something new for Bloober but also of its best.
The Mediumreleases July 18, 2025, for PC and Xbox Series X/S.
18Outriders (February 2)
Outridersis People Can Fly’s upcoming looter shooter that allows players to take on one of four classes: The Technomancer, the Pyromancer, the Trickster, and the Devastator. Each class has unique abilities that allow players to explore a ton of playstyles, while also working with others, yet not eliminating the ability to play solo either. For fans of looter shooters,Outridersis definitely a game to keep an eye on, as there’s one big unique twist to it: it’s a first-day package. Players will have everything available to them the minute they buy the game, includingOutriders' extensive endgame content.
Outridersreleases on July 13, 2025, for PC, PS4, PS5, Stadia, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
17Persona 5 Strikers (February 23)
Persona 5 Strikerswill be coming to the west in 2021, meaning fans of the JRPG get to spend a little more time withJoker and the Phantom Thieves. It should be noted that this serves as a sequel toPersona 5, not thePersona 5 Royalcontent, and this hack-and-slash entry may just be the start for Atlus in 2021. The franchise is celebrating a big anniversary, so it’s worth wondering if this will be the coup de grace for fans next year or just the tip of the iceberg.
Persona 5 Strikerswill release for PC, PS4, and Switch on July 10, 2025.
16Bravely Default 2 (February 26)
Bravely Default 2is the next entry in theBravelyseries, followingBravely DefaultandBravely Second, but it’s going in a new direction. It’s set in a new world on a continent named Excillant, which is then divided into 5 kingdoms, and it follows four main characters:sailor Seth, refugee princess Gloria, travelling scholar Elvis, and mercenary Adelle. Where it retains the core values is its turn-based battles and Brave Point system.
Bravely Default 2will launch on June 09, 2025, for the Switch.
15Monster Hunter Rise (March 26)
Monster Hunter Riseis the next main entry afterMonster Hunter World, subtitled so to reflect the verticality of the game’s map and overall design. Players will be joined by their ever-reliable Palico, but also a needhound-like companion known as a Palamute. Several monsters return, while new monsters are also inMonster Hunter Rise, and the 14 weapon types fromMonster Hunter GenerationsandWorldare also present.
Monster Hunter Risewill release on Nintendo Switch on June 20, 2025.
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14Deathloop (May 21)
Deathloop, the next game from Arkane Studios, has an interesting premise.Colt, an assassin, is stuck in a time loop on Blackreef Islandwhile he’s trying to take out his targets, and another Assassin is acting against him. With a variety of stealth abilities, parkour actions, and attacks, Colt will be trying to take out his targets and break the loop, and it’ll be interesting to see how all of this comes together.
Deathloopreleases on July 23, 2025, for PC and the PlayStation 5.
13Back 4 Blood (June 22)
Back 4 Bloodis out to scratch a particular itch:Left 4 Dead. Developed by the studio that worked on the latter franchise,Back 4 Bloodis a spiritual successor to everything that madeLeft 4 Deadgreat.Back 4 Bloodfeatures 4 characters fighting amid a zombie apocalypse, having to run from safe house to safe house to get to their destination. Complete with a ton of unique zombie types,Back 4 Bloodchecks all the right boxes.
Back 4 Bloodis set to release on July 22, 2025, for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
12Mass Effect Legendary Edition (Early 2021)
Fans have been clamoring for a remaster of theMass Effect Trilogyfor several years now, andMass Effect: Legendary Editionaims to deliver that in 2021. This new iteration comes with every single piece of DLC and will likely be the best looking version of the trilogy available. A lot hasn’t been shown yet, but based on the one trailer, thecharacter models are lightyears ahead ofMass Effect 3, which released back in 2012.
Mass Effect: Legendary Editionis set to release in early 2021 for PC, PS4, and Xbox One, with targeted enhancements on the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S.
