The best upcoming games of 2021
Cyberpunk 2077 is finally here, the last big game of 2020, but there's still loads to look forward to in 2021, from Halo Infinite to God of War 2
We're near the end of 2020 already (phew) but there's still plenty to look forward to for gamers, with 2021 bringing massive games like Halo Infinite, Horizon Forbidden West, and (best of all, if you ask me) God of War: Ragnarok.
With the launches of the PS5 and XBOX now behind us (though stock shortages not so much) we can also expect to see graphics get better and better as devs begin to tap into the real potential of the new hardware, and begin to develop games that aren't also destined for previous-gen hardware. It only gets better from here.
Here are all the biggest games that are on the way in 2021 or beyond, along with trailers, release dates, and pre-order info where we have it.
If you'd rather find out about great games that are already actually out, your best bet is to check out our individual guides to the best games on the PS4, XBOX.
New World
Platforms: PC
Release date: Spring 2021
Pre-order: Amazon
This long-delayed MMORPG from Amazon Game Studios started life as a game based on the colonisation of America (hence the title), before being re-tooled into something a little more fantastical when everyone pointed out the political ramifications. It's clearly been through the ringer along the way, but we enjoyed the game when we got to play it so there's definitely promise there.
Deathloop
Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X, PC
Release date: 21 May 2021
Originally set for 2020, Arkane's Deathloop is now coming in May 2021, when it'll come to PS5 and PC - fans on Xbox Series S/X will get it eventually, but they'll have to wait longer. When it arrives, it'll be a pretty wild looking timeloop shooter - think Groundhog Day with assassins and you're halfway there.
Halo Infinite
Platforms: Xbox One, Xbox Series X, PC
Release date: Autumn 2021
Pre-order: Amazon
Halo Infinite will mark the return of Master Chief, but is also allegedly a spiritual reboot for the entire franchise - which is very intriguing. We've now seen the first gameplay from the title, but that was a short-lived relief, as quickly afterwards it was delayed until autumn to give the team time to respond to some fairly critical fan feedback. Let's hope it looks better by the time the release rolls around.
Resident Evil 8: Village
Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X, PC
Release date: 2021
After a detour to remake Resident Evil 2 and Resident Evil 3, Capcom is returning to the main story in Resident Evil 8: Village. Continuing with the protagonist and first-person perspective of Resident Evil 7, this otherwise looks like a bit of a fresh start for the franchise, with a rural snowy setting and...werewolves?
Horizon Forbidden West
Platforms: PS5, PS4
Release date: 2021
The sequel to the hugely successful Horizon Zero Dawn is due some time in 2021, and curiously it'll be coming not only to the PS5 but also the older PS4. Since the original got a PC port eventually too, there's high hope that the same will happen here also. Expect another open world, with giant robot dinosaurs and more of the same ancient tech aesthetic that made the first game such a hit.
God of War: Ragnarok
Platforms: PS5
Release date: 2021
Dark Pictures Anthology: House of Ashes
Platforms: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC
Release date: 2021
The third entry in the Dark Pictures Anthology is headed to Iraq for a messy tangle between Sumerian devils and a platoon of US troops. As with Man of Medan and Little Hope expect and interactive horror story mostly played out through quick-time events and exploration, with a cast of characters to play as and options for both local and online multiplayer.
GTA 5 Remastered
Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X, PC
Release date: Q3/Q4 2021
One of the biggest games of all time is getting its third release, as GTA V comes to next-gen consoles the PS5 and Xbox Series X. The 'expanded and enhanced' game is due in late 2021, and will also feature an updated GTA Online - now being spun-off as a standalone game too.
Rainbow Six: Quarantine
Platforms: Xbox One, PS4, PC
Release date: 2021/22
Pre-order: Amazon
This standalone Rainbow Six title is inspired by the limited-time Outbreak event in Rainbow Six: Siege, and sees teams of three players work together against a technological parasite. It's co-op PvE, rather than PvP like Siege, and could be a big hit if it breaks beyond the core Siege fan base.
Far Cry 6
Platforms: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, PC, Stadia
Release date: 2021/22
Pre-order: Amazon, Game, Walmart, Ubisoft, Microsoft
Far Cry 6 is breaking bad as Giancarlo Esposito steps into the lead villain role of Ubisoft's biggest shooter franchise. He'll be the dictator of a South American country, you'll be one of the people instigating a revolution against him. Expect sneaking, shooting, and all manner of open-world nonsense.
New Pokémon Snap
Platforms: Nintendo Switch
Release date: Unknown
Pokémon Snap, the adorable game from the N64 era where you went on safari and took photos of your favourite pocket monsters, is making a comeback on the Switch. Nintendo hasn't said much about the aptly named "New Pokémon Snap" just yet, with no release date and no real gameplay details, but the company has confirmed that it'll combine the gameplay of the 1999 hit with new worlds to explore and new Pokémon to snap!