2021 wasn’t exactly the best year for gaming. We’ve seen a lot of delays due to the ongoing pandemic, and supply shortages continue to make hardware particularly elusive. But as we head into 2022, things are looking up. Not only does the new year look to provide quality releases, but it’s promising them in tantalizing quantity.
Could 2022 be a golden year for players? That remains to be seen. For now, let’s take a look at eight of the most anticipated video games of 2022.
Elden Ring
Did you love HBO’s Game of Thrones? Are you losing your mind waiting for The Winds of Winter? If the answer to either is yes, then you’ll certainly love Elden Ring, as it’s the brainchild of George R.R. Martin and FromSoftware’s Hidetaka Miyazaki.
Elden Ring is an open-world game that combines the tense combat of Dark Souls with the gorgeous vistas of Ghost of Tsushima. The game takes place in the Lands Between, following the destruction of the titular Elden Ring.
It’s no secret we’re big fans of FromSoftware’s games. (We ranked all Demons’ Souls bosses, then ranked all Dark Souls bosses for good measure.) With any luck, Elden Ring will offer some incredible boss fights that rank among the series’ best.
Elden Ring Release Date and Platforms
Elden Ring releases on February 25, 2022, and will be available on Windows PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
God of War Ragnarök
Get ready to delve into the God of War universe once more. Following 2018’s universally acclaimed reboot, Kratos is back, and he’s traveling once more to Scandinavia to duke it out with Norse legends. At his side is Atreus (aka “Boy!“), as the duo work to prevent the cataclysmic Ragnarök.
Developer Santa Monica Studio has revealed Ragnarök will be the final time Kratos travels to the Nordic lands, thus making the reboot a duology. If the early trailers are any indication, this is an ending you won’t want to miss.
God of War Ragnarök Release Date and Platforms
God of War Ragnarök is set to release sometime in 2022 for both PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Sequel
Leave it to Nintendo to make a most anticipated list with a game that doesn’t even have a title! Many would argue Breath of the Wild is the most influential video game to come out this generation. Other still will argue it’s one of the greatest games ever.
At the very least, Breath of the Wild is a landmark Zelda game, and a must-play experience on Nintendo Switch. So, it’s no surprise people are clamoring for the upcoming sequel. (If you just picked up a Switch for the holidays, check out our Breath of the Wild review.)
Breath of the Wild Sequel Release Date and Platforms
Nintendo says it’s targeting a 2022 release for Link’s latest adventure. That said, the original Breath of the Wild ended up getting delayed twice (once from 2015 to 2016, then from 2016 to March 2017). Add COVID to the equation, and it’s worth keeping expecations in check.
Still, we’ll keep our fingers crossed. This new Zelda will release exclusively for Nintendo Switch (at least, for now), so make sure to get some Nintendo eShop cards here from our friends at OffGamers to experience the game for yourself!
Horizon Forbidden West
Kratos isn’t the only PlayStation rep making a big splash in 2022. After five years, Aloy will make her grand return in Horizon Forbidden West. 2017’s Horizon Zero Dawn was one of the best new IP of the last decade, and we’re not surprised Sony greenlit a sequel.
The sequel takes place in a post-apocalyptic U.S. Southwest, boasting a massive map that spans California, Utah, and Nevada. With new robotic enemies to fight, added traversal options (including a grappling hook and BotW-esque paraglider), and an entire ocean floor to explore, Forbidden West promises to be a massive leap forward for Guerrilla Games’ breakout series.
Horizon Forbidden West Release Date and Platforms
Horizon Forbidden West releases on February 18, 2022, and will be available on both PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5.
Hogwarts Legacy
Hogwarts Legacy has had quite the road to release. Initial footage of Warner Bros.’ upcoming action-RPG leaked back in 2018, but the title remained shrouded in mystery until it was officially revealed at Sony’s 2020 PlayStation 5 showcase.
Even now, we know little of the title, except that it’s being developed by Avalanche Software, has players attending classes (à la Bully), and takes place in the 1800s, long before the events of Harry Potter. Hopefully, it will be the big-budget RPG experience series fans have craved for so long.
(Editor’s Note: Complicating the release of Hogwarts Legacy is the continued, well-documented transphobia from Harry Potter creator J.K. Rowling. Warner Bros. insists Rowling isn’t involved in the game’s creation, and the developers even fought for a trans-inclusive character builder. Still, it’s impossible to fully separate the game from Rowling, as she benefits from any royalties on its sales.)
Hogwarts Legacy Release Date and Platforms
Hogwarts Legacy is planned for release in 2022, and will be available on Windows PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
Pokémon Legends: Arceus
In 2021, Pokémon fans got a taste of the past with Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl. With Pokémon Legends: Arceus, those same fans are gearing up for the future.
A new spin-off from Game Freak, Arceus abandons the traditional “explore, catch, gym” loop of traditional Pokémon titles. Instead, the game takes place in a semi-open world set in ancient Sinnoh, and focuses on Monster Hunter-esque questing. With full 3D navigation, stealth mechanics, and the addition of powerful Alpha Pokémon, Arceus could be the shot in the arm the series desperately needs.
Pokémon Legends: Arceus Release Date and Platforms
Pokémon Legends: Arceus releases on January 28, 2022, and will be available exclusively on Nintendo Switch.
Dying Light 2 Stay Human
Get ready to feel the rush of adrenaline. Dying Light was an incredible zombie parkour game (what a combo!), and the sequel aims for something even bigger.
Dying Light 2 Stay Human promises an insane amount of content, with an open world that’s four times larger than the previous game. The sequel takes place in a location called “City,” home to a variety of new environments to scale and zombies to evade.
While the game looks promising based on recent trailers, its development has been notably rocky. Let’s see whether developer Techland can stick the landing—and keep the free-run flowing.
Dying Light 2 Release Date and Platforms
Dying Light 2 is scheduled to be released on February 4, 2022, for Windows PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
Gran Turismo 7
Racing fans have been waiting for a new Gran Turismo for a long, long time. The first entry in the series since 2017’s Gran Turismo Sport, and the first numbered entry since 2013, Gran Turismo 7 has a lot riding on it (no pun intended).
First announced at the PlayStation 5 reveal in 2020, GT7 was originally set to release in 2021 before being delayed due to COVID-19. The game will launch with RTX support, and developer Polyphony Digital has stated it can run at 4K resolution at 60 FPS, which sounds amazing. GT Simulation Mode will also make its return, offering a full campaign for players to enjoy.
If you’re craving an intricate racing sim with fantastic visuals, there’s plenty of reason to get excited for Gran Turismo 7.
Gran Turismo Release Date and Platforms
Gran Turismo 7 is set to release on March 4, 2022, for both PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5.
What 2022 Video Games Are You Excited For?
If this list is any indication, 2022 looks set to impress and dazzle. And yet, these are just a few of the games we’re looking forward to.
What are your most anticipated video games of 2022? Agree with our picks? Let us know in the comments below!
Triangle Strategy and Shredder’s Revenge along with BOTW2 are the games I’m most excited for.