2021 has been a big year for video games, but not as big as the next couple of years are turning out to be. Apart from the amazing new video games, PS5 exclusives, indie games, and plenty more, various sequels have been announced for 2022 and 2023. And although there are a lot of games that are on the far horizon, like Elder Scrolls 6, others are closer than they seem.
Now that the excitement surrounding the 2021 Game Awards has boiled down, and all 2021 games have been played, it's time to mark our calendars and start waiting for the next best video games to come. Additionally, for players who haven't yet played the predecessors of the upcoming sequels, now's the time to start, because there's a good chance that by the time they finish, the next part will be released!
9 Senua's Saga: Hellblade II
- Release date: unknown, but earliest in the second half of 2022, by Ninja Theory & Xbox Game Studios
- Platforms: Xbox Series X and Series S, PC
Hellblade II was announced during the 2019 Game Awards, and ever since then, there's not much information about the sequel other than the jaw-dropping trailer, fans can't help but watch over and over again. The 2017 game Senua's Sacrifice invites players on a dark and mysterious journey as Senua. Most likely, the setting will stay familiar, with a new narrative and plot.
The first game received very little negative feedback, thanks to its amazing storytelling style, complex plot, smooth gameplay, and phenomenal graphics. Surely the next addition to the franchise will offer the same, and maybe even more.
8 Dragon Age 4
- Release date: 2023, by Bioware & Electronic Arts
- Platforms: Xbox Series X and Series S, PC, PlayStation 5
Dragon Age 4 will offer a different setting and storyline, and fans can't wait to see what this new adventure will bring. Instead of revolving around wealth and prosperity, characters will probably feel a little more insignificant than they did in Inquisition.
The game - at least a part of it - will focus on not having power. Additionally, it will discuss what happens if people in charge aren't willing to address issues. Traditional power structures will be broken down, or possibly even nonexistent. It's going to be a game very different from its predecessors.
Dragon Age 4 can be preordered for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One!
7 State Of Decay 3
- Release date: 2022-2023, by Undead Labs & Xbox Game Studios
- Platforms: Xbox Series X and Series S, PC
It's already certain that Undead Labs hired a narrative director for the creation of State of Decay 3, which means there will be a significant emphasis on the story, perhaps even greater than in previous games. But because fans don't know a lot about the upcoming sequel, it's hard to anticipate anything.
Due to the style of the game, the entire series is open-ended, where anyone can be recruited, and anyone can die without dire consequences to the game's further story. This leaves a lot of open doors for creators, and so far, it seems like at least the narrative will be amped up.
6 A Plague Tale: Requiem
- Release date: 2022, by Asobo Studio & Focus Entertainment
- Platforms: Xbox Series X and Series S, PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5
The slightly older de Rune siblings, Amicia and Hugo, embark on a new adventure as they try to escape from a curse hunting them down. It will serve as the direct sequel of A Plague Tale: Innocence. Innocence was one of the staples of 2019, offering a very heavy, jaw-dropping narrative to players, and surely Requiem will deliver the same. One thing is for certain: the gameplay will be amped up. Because the protagonist(s) age, a slingshot may not be the only weapon in players' arsenal.
WARNING! SPOILERS AHEAD about Requiem: Innocence!Due to the title of the game ("Requiem" instead of "Innocence"), players are worried about the possible narrative and plot. Hugo may turn out to be an antagonist in the game due to his connection to the rats, and Amicia may face a Sophie's Choice situation in the game. Innocence might have been the most forgiving journey for these two in a childhood interrupted, as things seem to be getting darker and darker.
5 God Of War: Ragnarok
- Release date: 2022, by Santa Monica Studio & Sony Interactive Entertainment
- Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5
The God of War: Ragnarok trailer has given a pretty good idea about the storyline of the game, and fans were delighted to see familiar faces and even settings - although in a slightly different time, evidenced by an older portrayal of the protagonist. Father and son must face the Norse version of an apocalypse, facing familiar and new enemies along the way.
To say that this is one of the most anticipated sequels today would be an understatement, but sadly, delays keep happening. The first delay to the year 2022 was inevitable, as the trailers came out much later than expected. Hopefully, the game will be released sooner rather than later.
4 Legend Of Zelda Breath Of The Wild 2
- Release date: November 11, 2022, by Bethesda
- Platforms: Nintendo Switch
There's a reason the name sounds off, and that reason is both exciting and frustrating. Creators have stated, that they do have a definitive title for the upcoming game, but it's kept secret until the very last minute because it contains clues about the story. Although the trailer contains some tiny clues (and by that we mean split-second moments), nothing can be said for certain.
Players can anticipate a lot of Malice in the game, as well as familiar floating islands. It's safe to assume that new powers will be involved and that the storyline will probably continue (evidenced by the dead body in the first trailer, which looks a lot like Ganondorf). While November may seem far away, the result will most likely be worth the wait.
Legend of Zelda Breath of the Wild 2 can be preordered on BestBuy!
3 Final Fantasy XVI
- Release date: Jun 16, 2022, by Square Enix
- Platforms: PlayStation 5
A lot of information is known about the sixteenth addition to the Final Fantasy franchise. Square Enix has launched an official website for the game which features some insight into the upcoming game, including the setting and the characters.
Peace has started to falter in the land of Valisthea, and deadly creatures roam the world. Individuals, known as "Dominants" can calm these creatures, and all of these people have different roles and views of the world. Fans eagerly wait to see what the new narrative and gameplay will offer.
Final Fantasy XVI can be preordered for PlayStation 5!
2 S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart Of Chernobyl
- Release date: April 28, 2022, by GSC Game World
- Platforms: Xbox Series X and Series S, PC
The acronym S.T.A.L.K.E.R. stands for Scavengers, Trespassers, Adventurers, Loners, Killers, Explorers, and Robbers. The series revolves around these different characters and how they are trying to survive the aftermath of the Chernobyl catastrophe. As the game takes place in a radioactive environment, a lot of unique creatures and mutated humans inhabit the world.
Fans don't know a lot about the upcoming game, but it will definitely take place in the familiar "Chernobyl Exclusion Zone" where bounty hunters look for answers, mysteries, and treasures. Players will get the chance to venture deeper into the setting, uncovering new mysteries and confronting new monsters. The new gameplay trailer also reveals new details, which look very promising!
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 can be preordered for PC!
1 Horizon: Forbidden West
- Release date: February 18, 2022, by Guerrilla Games & Sony Interactive Entertainment
- Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5
The entire narrative and plot of Horizon: Zero Dawn was captivating, and left fans wanting more. Some questions were left unanswered, leaving the game with a lot of new potentials, including some characters like Sylens, and the entire working of the Zero Dawn project. The game's number one lore will undoubtedly be its storyline, and what creators do with the plot.
The recent gameplay reveal also offered some new insight into the dynamics of the combat/movement system, which seems to have changed drastically, hopefully for the better. New creatures will also emerge in the game. The story will pick up (nearly) where it left off, and even if the narrative changed a little bit, it will surely include some familiar mysteries and answer some big questions.
All details about preordering Horizon: Forbidden West here!