It’s the start of the new year and we have some burning questions: Will we see any more information on Stardew Valley creator’s next game, Haunted Chocolatier? Is Grand Theft Auto 6 finally going to release this November? Will Palworld hit record-breaking player numbers again when it hits 1.0 later this year?
Although it’s only January, we also have plenty of family-friendly games (i.e. not M-rated!) we’re looking forward to playing, from an ambitious life sim to an open world Batman game.
Here are our Top 10 most anticipated family games of 2026!
Aniimo
Aniimo takes the familiar creature-collecting formula popularized by Pokémon, with the free-to-play gacha mechanics of Genshin Impact or Infinity Nikki. As fans of all those things, we’re cautiously optimistic. It’s hard not to fall for the gorgeous visuals and cute and cool character designs. Aniimo also features a cool feature called Twinning, transforming the players into their own Aniimo to gain their abilities.
Release: 2026 (currently in beta testing)
Platforms: PC
Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight
One of our most anticipated games of 2026 is Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight. The classic Lego action games continue to iterate in impressive ways, from revamped combat controls to huge worlds, and Legacy of the Dark Knight looks to build even further, with a huge open world, and a paired down playable cast with expanded abilities and tools. Plus, an original story that plays homage to the many generations and versions of the Caped Crusader.
Release: May 29, 2026
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S (Switch 2 to arrive later)
Mixtape
An indie adventure game inspired by John Hughes films of the 80s, and featuring an insane soundtrack of music? That’s Mixtape, a coming-of-age story starring three teenagers reminiscing about the Best Years of Their Lives. It’s developed by Beethoven and Dinosaur and published by Annapurna Interactive, known for publishing indie favorites such as Outer Wilds.
Release: 2026
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S
Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection
The Monster Hunter Stories series is a fun spinoff that features players as monster tamers rather than hunters — but with plenty of monster battling involved! Monster Hunter Stories 3 features another cinematic adventure in a fantasy world, this time following two kingdoms on the brink of war, and the mystical reappearance of a legendary monster.
Release: March 13, 2026
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 5, Switch 2, Xbox Series X/S
Pokémon Pokopia
Pokémon Pokopia is a life sim set in the Pokémon world. But that’s not all: you’re actually a ditto pretending to be a human! This little twist means we can talk to, befriend, and copy Pokémon in our world, using their skills to cut grass, water crops, or crush boulders. By setting up certain areas, we can attract new kinds of Pokémon, learning new moves, and creating a safe haven for our friends.
Release: March 5, 2026
Platforms: Switch 2
Slay the Spire 2
PC Gamer’s most anticipated game is definitely making our list as well! Slay the Spire was nothing short of an indie phenom, kickstarting the digital deckbuilder roguelike craze over the last half-decade. The sequel is finally due out this year, at least in Early Access, giving us more carefully balanced, card-playing goodness.
Release: March 2026 (Early Access)
Platforms: PC
Star Wars: Galactic Racer
While the overall Star Wars series may be stuck in an oversaturated, mediocre state, video games are still plugging along, mining the IP in interesting ways. Take Star Wars: Galactic Racer, a not-just-podracing racing game from key developers of the Burnout series. The arcade racer features an original story set after the Original Trilogy, and multiple vehicle classes with unique physics, including speeder bikes.
Release: 2026
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S
Starsand Island
Starsand Island is an ambitious, 3D life sim with a vibrant anime art style. Set on an iddylic island paradise, players can build and customize their home, harvest their crops, cook meals, and make friends with their fellow residents. The intricate relationship system promises reactive NPCs including friendship and romance, an explorable island, multiple vehicle types including animal mounts, and ancient ruins full of monsters.
Release: February 1, 2026
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 5, Switch 2, Xbox Series X/S
The Adventures of Elliot: The Millenium Tales
Despite the dorky name, we instantly fell in love with the demo for The Adventures of Elliot last year. Sure, it’s basically The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, but it also feels like an awesome evolution of that classic action-RPG, including a skill point system, and a fully controllable fairy companion (who can also be controlled by a second player in co-op!).
Release: 2026
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 5, Switch 2, Xbox Series X/S
Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter
Only recently announced at the end of last year, Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter continues the JRPG remake series with this direct sequel, which infamously didn’t see an English translation until a decade after its original release. Unlike other big JRPG series such as Final Fantasy, the Trails series all take place in the same world, with an intricately connected storyline, and 2nd Chapter picks up right where Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter leaves off.
Release: Fall 2026
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 5, Switch, Switch 2
Yoshi and the Mysterious Book
Announced late last year during the Mario 40th anniversary stream, Yoshi and the Mysterious Book is the first Yoshi game coming to Nintendo Switch 2, and the first Yoshi-centric game since Yoshi’s Crafted World in 2019. It’s a 2D platformer with the green dinosaur in a whimsical fantasy world full of different creatures that Yoshi can bond with, granting different abilities.
Release: Spring 2026
Platforms: Switch 2
Did we miss one of your most anticipated family games of 2026? Let us know via our social media channels, and sign up for our weekly newsletter!
