New game releases coming in 2021

Let’s face it, the launch of PS5 and Xbox Series X was the highlight of 2020. But with next-gen consoles comes a ton of epic new game releases to get excited about.  

From fan favourites like Far Cry and Final Fantasy, to brand new franchises like Deathloop and Gotham Knights, check out the best game releases coming in 2021.  

(Let’s just hope this year runs smoother than Cyberpunk 2077)

Far Cry 6

PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, Xbox One, PC (2021)

The hit open-world franchise is back, and this time you find yourself on a tropical island amidst a revolution – sounds relaxing. The best part is that it’s ruled by dictator Anton Castillo played by the king of villains himself, Giancarlo Esposito (Breaking Bad, The Boys and The Mandalorian).  

Lord of the Rings: Gollum

PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, Xbox One, Switch, PC (2021)

This all-new Lord of the Rings game explores a previously untold narrative with Gollum at the centre. Like the new Lord of the Rings series (also set to be released in 2021), the game will take place before the well-known storyline. It’s also said to be “mostly a non-combat game”, focusing more on stealth and platforming gameplay – which for Gollum probably means a lot of sneaking around in the dark and getting up to no good. 

LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga

PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, Xbox One, Switch, PC (Spring 2021)

Before you say, “Not another LEGO Star Wars game!”, let us tell you that this isn’t a simple remake of the previous games. This is an entirely new retelling of all nine Star Wars movies, built from the ground up, where you’ll play through the adventures of Anakin, Luke and Rey. It’s one for all the family and the best part is you can choose to start at any point in the timeline – a first for the franchise. 

Gran Turismo 7

PS5 exclusive (2021)

Fill up the tank, inflate those tires, and check your oil, as the eighth instalment of Sony’s long-running racing simulator is revving up for its debut on PS5 in the first half of 2021. It will be taking full advantage of the next-gen console’s enhancements with creators promising next-level graphics and 3D audio, plus the return of career mode and car tuning!

Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart

PS5 exclusive (2021)

Another one of the biggest new game releases for 2021 sees the return of our favourite duo, Ratchet & Clank. In this new dimension-hopping adventure, you’ll be exploring new worlds, with new weapons and a new female character. Plus, the bigger Ratchet & Clank fans are in for a treat as there are said to be some fun references to their previous games. 

Final Fantasy XVI

PS5 exclusive (2021)

After the success of the Final Fantasy VII remake in 2020, fans of the popular RPG franchise are about ready for a new adventure. Final Fantasy XVI is another big PS5 exclusive coming this year, and although it will follow the same formula with a new group of characters, it seems to have a much darker feel. 

Horizon Forbidden West

PS5, PS4 (Second half of 2021)

Guerrilla Games’ sequel to Horizon Zero Dawn is finally coming in the second half of 2021. We’re back in a post-apocalyptic United States and this time we’re travelling from Utah to San Francisco. Expect new creatures, stunning landscapes and even some exciting underwater scenes. 

Halo Infinite

Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PC (Autumn 2021)

The next chapter in Microsoft’s Master Chief saga is one of the most anticipated game releases of 2021. Some of that build up is a result of the launch date being pushed back from November 2020 when it was meant to be released alongside Xbox Series X. However, the next-gen graphics and free-to-play multiplayer also have Halo fans itching to play.  

God of War: Ragnarok

PS5, PS4 (2021)

Santa Monica Studio hasn’t released many details about the latest God of War game, but we can expect to continue the journey of Kratos and his son Atreus as they face the beginning of Ragnarok – a series of events which are said to bring about the death of all Norse Gods.  

Deathloop

PS5, PC (21st May 2021)

 The premise of Deathloop is simple – you’re an assassin with several targets to kill on a mysterious island. However, you also have an assassin on your tail (in the form of your friend or an AI) and if you die, well, you’re starting the day all over again. Not so simple now, is it? But sounds like a lot of fun and very different to most of the new game releases we’ll be seeing this year.

Evil Dead: The Game

PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, Xbox One, Switch, PC (2021)

Based on the classic horror films, Evil Dead: The Game is a third-person shooter with both co-op and player vs player modes. Expect to see some familiar faces like Ash Wlliams and creepy settings such as the infamous cabin in the woods.

Resident Evil Village

PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC (2021)

Resident Evil fans can finally continue the story of Ethan and Mia Winters that began in 2017 with Resident Evil 7: Biohazard. Even if this one gets postponed like so many games have, fans will hopefully have the new Resident Evil anime series on Netflix to keep them going.

Back 4 Blood

PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, Xbox One, PC (22nd June 2021)

After 12 years, the creators of Left 4 Dead have decided to resurface with a new zombie-killing co-op game. Expect plenty of hoards, lots of new features and cross-platform compatibility! 

The Dark Pictures: House of Ashes

PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One and PC (2021)

We’ve had a haunted boat, a haunted town and now we’re heading to a haunted ancient temple in the third instalment of The Dark Pictures Anthology. Known for featuring celebrities as the main protagonists, this interactive horror game will see Ashley Tisdale take on the role of CIA agent, Rachel King. What impossible decisions will we come up against this time?

Gotham Knights

PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, Xbox One, PC (2021)

Ever wondered what would happen to Gotham if Batman died? Now you can find out in this third-person brawler where you’ll play as Robin, Nightwing, Batgirl, and Red Hood in a fight to save the city. And if the responsibility is too much to handle on your own, you can play with a friend in the online co-op mode. 

Which new game release are you most excited about?