It’s 2023, and it’s time to look ahead at the best upcoming games for the year. The developers of some of these titles originally planned for a 2022 release, but they delayed them. Now, with the new console generation and the challenges of the pandemic behind us, 2023 looks to be a great year for gaming. Even the Nintendo Switch, which is not as powerful as other systems, has a highly anticipated game coming out exclusively on it. No matter what platform you prefer, there are plenty of exciting games to look forward to in 2023. Here are our top picks:
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is a highly anticipated sequel to the critically acclaimed Breath of the Wild. This game takes place in the skies above Hyrule and introduces new tools for Link, including a time-reversal mechanic. While we don’t have many details about the game, it’s clear that it will be a must-play for fans of the series. It’s also worth noting that this game may be too much for the Nintendo Switch to handle, so it’s possible that it will only be available on a more powerful system. Regardless, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is sure to be a standout title in 2023 and a fitting end to the Switch’s reign as Nintendo’s most successful console since the Wii.
Platforms: Switch
Due: May 12
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Marvel’s Spider-Man is one of the most highly anticipated sequels for the PlayStation. This game will allow players to control both Peter Parker and Miles Morales as they take on new villains Kraven the Hunter and Venom. At this time, not much else is known about the game. However, fans are hoping for an exciting twist on the open world formula. The release of the game coincides with the release of the movie Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse in June, making it a great year for Spider-Man fans.
Platforms: PS5
Due: Autumn 2023
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order was a popular game that allowed players to wield a lightsaber as a Jedi. While the gameplay was somewhat derivative, the lightsaber combat was more forgiving than other games in the genre. The sequel, set five years after the events of the first game, follows Cal Kestis as he continues to evade the Empire. The game promises to bring new elements to the combat system, including new lightsaber stances, as well as new traversal abilities such as taming and riding wild animals. Overall, fans of the series can look forward to an exciting and action-packed sequel.
Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S
Due: March 17
Resident Evil 4
Capcom is working on a reimagining of Resident Evil 4, a game widely considered one of the greatest of all time and that has influenced many third-person shooters that came after it. Players can still play the original version of Resident Evil 4 on modern platforms and it holds up well, so there is a lot of pressure on the remake to deliver more than just improved graphics. Early impressions suggest that the remake will have a more horror-oriented atmosphere than the original’s B-movie camp. Fans of the series are eagerly anticipating the return of Leon Kennedy and the iconic opening village ambush, including the terrifying chainsaw-wielding enemy.
Platforms: PS5, PS4, Xbox, PC
Due: March 24
Starfield
Starfield is Bethesda’s first major open world IP since The Elder Scrolls and Fallout. This game has a huge scope, with players able to explore over 1,000 worlds across more than 100 systems and customize their own spacecraft. Despite its focus on space exploration, Starfield is still an action RPG at its core, with players able to choose their alliances and engage in first or third-person shooter and melee combat against space pirates. The game developers originally scheduled Silksong’s release for November 11, 2022, but they delayed it possibly to address Bethesda’s reputation for buggy releases or to avoid comparisons to the divisive launch of No Man’s Sky.
Platforms: Xbox Series X/S, PC
Due: 2023
Street Fighter 6
Street Fighter 6 is a highly anticipated fighting game that is expected to revitalize the genre. It features a bold, hyper-realistic style and more accessible controls, making it a polished and exciting game for players of all skill levels. One of the standout features of Street Fighter 6 is the ability to create your own fighter and take them through an expansive single-player mode and online battle hub. The game also boasts a diverse roster of characters, including revamps of fan favorites like Chun Li and Ken, as well as new characters like Manon and Kimberly. Overall, Street Fighter 6 is shaping up to be a must-play for fans of fighting games and newcomers alike.
Platforms: PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, PC
Due: June 2
Final Fantasy XVI
Final Fantasy XVI is one of two highly anticipated Final Fantasy titles set to release in 2023. This game boasts a more mature tone, inspired by Western fantasy franchises like The Witcher and God of War. It represents a departure from the traditional Japanese RPG style of the series, but it will still feature epic storytelling, crystals, and the legendary Eikons. The game follows protagonist Clive on a journey that spans multiple timelines, and it is primarily a single-player, real-time action game. With a battle director who has worked on Devil May Cry and Dragon’s Dogma, Final Fantasy XVI is sure to be an exciting and action-packed game for fans of the series.
Platforms: PS5
Due: June 22
Redfall
In Redfall, players explore an open-world game set in the town of Massachusetts. Vampires, created by a scientific experiment gone wrong, have overrun the town. Players control a group of survivors who must fight not only the vampires, but also human cultists as they explore the open world. Players can choose to play Redfall in single-player or co-op multiplayer mode. The game features a variety of weapons and loadouts for players to experiment with. The characters and world-building in Redfall are sure to keep players immersed as they uncover the town’s mysteries. One of the standout characters is a biomedical engineering graduate with telekinetic powers. Developed by Arkane’s Austin-based studio, Redfall is a unique and exciting game to look out for in 2023.
Platforms: Xbox Series X/S, PC
Due: 2023
Diablo IV
Diablo IV is a highly anticipated game that returns to the roots of top-down dungeon-crawling with a more open world design. The game boasts stunning graphics and cinematic cutscenes. It also has a transmog system that allows players to customize the appearance of their characters. Players can choose from a variety of class-based abilities and grind through dungeons to amass better loot and become more powerful. Diablo IV is a must-play for fans of the series and anyone who enjoys the addictive loop of grinding and looting in games.
Platforms: PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox
Due: June 6
Hollow Knight: Silksong
Additionally, a small team of three people developed Silksong, the highly anticipated follow-up to the popular indie game Hollow Knight. Players control Hornet, a nimble character. They navigate new challenges and face new enemies. Their journey takes them to the top of the kingdom where Hornet has been imprisoned. The game takes place in a beautifully hand-drawn world inhabited by bugs. It is unclear when Silksong will be released. However, it has been confirmed for all major platforms, including Game Pass on launch day. Therefore, fans of Hollow Knight and Metroidvania games will definitely want to keep an eye on Silksong.
Platforms: PC, Switch, Xbox, PS5, PS4
Due: No info
Wrapping Up
2023 is set to be a great year for gaming with a range of exciting titles expected to be released. These include The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, Resident Evil 4, Starfield, and Street Fighter 6. No matter what platform you prefer, there is sure to be something for everyone to enjoy. For more on this topic, be sure to check out our other articles.