Baldur's Gate 3 delivered something truly special for RPG fans around the world. Not only did it do a pretty solid job of translating the 5th edition of D&D into a game formula, all things considered, but it also made a game packed with content, available for friends to experience fully in co-op mode. With crossplay available, too, it's the ultimate TTRPG experience for groups and couples that are separated by time zones and oceans.
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The depth of it will be hard to match going forward (except for the new Divinity game, but it will be a while before we get our hands on that one). However, if you're willing to go for smaller-scale or different RPG experiences that vary from turn-based to action, there are some games to look forward to in 2026. A few are set to come out very, very soon, while some are releasing to Early Access or have yet to get an exact date for 2026. There's something for everyone here, from action-RPGs to top-down pixel art experiences, so let's jump into the most promising RPGs set to come out this year, with co-op available.
World of Anterra
Charming Pixel Art Adventure With A Retro Vibe
On the indie front, we have World of Anterra to look forward to. While there's no set release date yet, it's set to come out sometime this year. If you're a fan of older, retro games and adore pixel art graphics, this one is for you. The world is cozy and beautiful, with reportedly dynamic NPC behaviors, so despite the old-school look, you'll still be immersed in Anterra's magical setting. So far, we don't have much info on the story: you play as a protagonist who arrives from another world, and whose actions will shape Anterra's ultimate fate.
We also know that this story will be delivered in a non-linear way, likely to satisfy RPG fans who demand more than the usual tropes from their games. With how it's looking, World of Anterra is probably going to deliver a lot of lovely surprises in a humble, 2D package, and yes, you have co-op available in this party-based RPG. You can reportedly drop into other players' worlds, which ties into the main story where the protagonist is able to enter Anterra from a different realm. It's cool that they've made co-op lore-friendly like this, almost the same way Elden Ring has its own in-game mechanic for summoning people into co-op.
Outward 2
A Continuation Of The Challenging Survival RPG
Outward 2
- Released
- 2026
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Nine Dots Studio
- Genre(s)
- Action, RPG, Open-World, Survival
- Platform(s)
- PC
Fans of Outward have plenty to look forward to this year, with Outward 2 set to release sometime around Q3 of 2026, according to its Steam store page. Just like the first game, it promises to deliver a grueling experience where the world doesn't baby you, but forces you to adapt, improvise, and overcome. With survival elements thrown in and enemies that will never scale to your level roaming the lands, Outward 2 is going to be perfect for more demanding BG3 fans who enjoyed Honour Mode or Tactician difficulty.
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Co-op will let you take on the Aurai's challenges together with your friends. Just be warned: having a good build and finding trainers to develop the right skills will be key to actually surviving combat encounters in the long term. If you're planning on jumping in for the first time, know that death and failure are also something that Outward approaches a bit differently, with the game not necessarily coming to an end. You could end up rotting on the side of a road, robbed of all your belongings, or you could be lucky and have someone save your backside. Either way, it's all part of a pretty unforgettable and challenging journey that's not for the faint of heart.
Solasta 2
A Promising TTRPG-like Experience Sure To Delight BG3 Fans
Solasta II
- Released
- March 12, 2026
WHERE TO PLAY
Another sequel that might be of interest to BG3 fans is Solasta 2, a continuation of Solasta: Crown of the Magister. This is a real treat for any D&D TTRPG fans, as it draws from the 5th edition of Dungeons & Dragons and will most likely feel decently familiar to anyone who was introduced to that system in BG3. It features a lot of familiar mechanics: turn-based combat and a rich world to discover, as well as a party of four characters for you to manage.
It's unclear whether this will be as character-driven an experience as Baldur's Gate 3. That said, if you enjoyed the combat, dice-based gameplay, and party management, and would like more of that in your co-op gaming, then Solasta 2 is likely going to be the best bet for you and your friends. While it's unlikely to be an open-world game, and that's fine, the developers do mention that this second installment in the series will have a bit more freedom regarding where you'd like to go first and explore in the world of Neokos. Solasta 2 is so far headed for an Early Access release on March 12, 2026, so you don't have to wait too long to get a first bite out of the
Endalor
Something Soulslike This Way Comes
With an estimated release sometime in Q1 of 2026, Endalor dives into the dark side of fantasy with a challenging, Souls-like concept. If you enjoyed BG3 but also like more difficult and survival-oriented games like Outward and maybe some Souls games, then this might just be right up your alley. On top of the basic RPG elements, you also have crafting and base building mixed in, which is very reminiscent of a game like Enshrouded. You're going to have to gather resources and defeat bosses to progress and level up your skills, so it's a nice marriage between the survival crafting genre and traditional, darker RPGs with a Souls flair.
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On the co-op side, you will be able to jump into Endalor with up to four players, so you can basically have your very own Baldur's Gate 3 party. Sure, there are no funny companions to romance, but I still think this will scratch an itch for those who were left wanting something even more immersive after completing their Honour Mode run or Tactician difficulty run. With how some of the enemies look in the gameplay and the trailer, you won't be left bored with your party.
Nioh 3
A Much Darker And Fantastical Take On The Warring States Era
Nioh 3
- Released
- February 6, 2026
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- Mature 17+ / Blood and Gore, Suggestive Themes, Violence, In-Game Purchases, Users Interact
- Developer(s)
- Koei Tecmo
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, PC
Nioh 3 might not be the first game to come to your mind as a Baldur's Gate 3 fan, but just hear me out on this and keep an open mind. The world, the challenging combat, and the character creation alone are enough to pique any RPG fan's interest, and better yet, you can actually experience the game in co-op with friends. So far, it sounds like the co-op will work similarly to Nioh 2, where players will join up via Expeditions.
It's a bit different from the Baldur's Gate 3 formula for sure, but the action-packed combat that combines the evasive ninja-style and powerful sword-based samurai style, fairly detailed character creation with gorgeous models, and the tough yokai bosses will definitely appeal to those who really enjoyed Larian Studios' game. If you've ever been at least a little curious about the franchise, now is a good time to jump into the game, especially with the open-world features it's getting this time around that should really make exploration and boss fighting feel even more organic and fun.
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