2021 saw a number of delays in video game releases, making it feel like an unusually slow year for gaming enthusiasts. But last year’s loss is 2022’s gain, which is looking to be jam-packed with exciting new experiences, particularly across the next couple of months! Even if a few of our picks end up getting delayed (again), we’ll likely be kept plenty busy with all the gaming goodness coming our way.

Here are just a few of the titles we’re eagerly awaiting!

Pokémon Legends: Arceus

Jan 28 — Switch

It’s hard to not be hyped for a new Pokémon game so close to release! Pokémon Legends: Arceus may sound like a spinoff, but it’s actually part of the main series of games. Pokémon Legends is set well before any of the main games, going back to the ancient Sinnoh region where players will assist in creating the first Pokédex.

Despite being a prequel, Pokémon Legends will be the biggest shake-up in the franchise’s formula since the original games. The most obvious change is the world looks to take queues from Zelda: Breath of the Wild and catching Pokémon will be a much more involved affair for the player’s character. If well received, Pokémon Legends will likely set the bar for the future of Pokémon games.

Horizon: Forbidden West and God of War: Ragnarök

2022 — PS4, PS5

These are grouped together because we had them on last year’s ‘Most Anticipated’ and you know what happened ­­­— DELAYED. Let’s be honest, there’s no firm release date yet for Ragnarök so there’s still every chance it will be delayed until 2023; although PlayStation has reiterated very recently that it’s coming in 2022. Expectations are very high for the continuation of Kratos and Atreus’ story as they venture forward to destroy the Nordic gods, including Odin and Thor as the previous game is considered a modern classic.

Thankfully, even though Ragnarök is still a way off, Horizon: Forbidden West is tantalisingly close, set to arrive in less than a month on February 18. The first game, Horizon: Zero Dawn was a breakout hit for the last generation so expectations are high. What’s been shown so far seems to meet the hype with its gorgeous environments and new mysteries to uncover.

Elden Ring

Feb 25 — PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PC

A new universe from the developers of the notoriously difficult Dark Souls games along with writer of Game of Thrones, George RR Martin, Elden Ring looks to be a spectacular version of the Dark Souls formula, set in a gorgeous, mysterious and dark fantasy world.

The world of Elden Ring, from its lore to its creature designs, is something that can’t be missed. It has a dragon that can catch and wield lightning. How can anything ever top that?

Gran Turismo 7

March 4 — PS4, PS5

The monolith of the racing sim world returns almost nine years after Gran Turismo 6. Even if you’re not a racing fan, it’s worth being excited for this game on PS5. Typically, circuit racing games are built to be graphical powerhouses, and GT7 will be no exception as Sony looks to show off what the PS5 is truly capable of.

Starfield

Nov 11 — Xbox Series X/S, PC

Coming from Bethesda, the developers of the modern Fallout games and The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (all six editions of it) Starfield is likely to be ‘the’ big game of 2022, particularly as it’s Bethesda’s first new IP in many years and their first game since being acquired by Xbox.

The game has been described by a Bethesda executive as ‘the Han Solo simulator’ as players will “get in a ship, explore the galaxy, do fun stuff.” Of course, the public hasn’t seen much of Starfield besides a trailer and some behind-the-scenes footage so it’s hard to tell how that statement will pan out. But the idea of exploring planets and meeting aliens while searching for the answers to life’s greatest mysteries, all within a Bethesda RPG, is certain to be thrilling.

Somerville

2022 — Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PC

The debut title from Jumpship, from the trailers you can quickly feel that Somerville is an adventure by one of the co-creators of Limbo and Inside. Set in the wake of what appears to be an alien invasion (and victory), Somerville has been long anticipated since its announcement in 2017 and is likely to be another intense and emotional experience. Despite the familiarity in tone and style to Limbo and Inside, don’t expect Somerville to play the same, as director and writer Chris Olsen has said it lacks puzzle and platforming elements, and isn’t a 2D sidescroller, finding it hard to describe altogether.

Bayonetta 3

2022 — Switch

Finally, Bayonetta 3 is releasing this year (please no more delays), five long years after its announcement, and she’s back with an iconic new hairstyle and new tricks up her magic-hair sleeves. This time Bayonetta is up against an invasion of monsters from an unknown origin, and last September’s gameplay trailer showed some intense action. Most notably is Bayonetta’s new ability to directly control her demonic summons in Kaiju-like battles.

Though no word yet if the laser trombones are returning.

Choo-Choo Charles

2022 — PC

What do you get if you merge Thomas the Tank Engine, a spider and Halloween’s Michael Myers? Answer: Charles the evil train. Choo-Choo Charles pits you against the spider-train Charles, as you navigate an island on your own train, searching for ways to avoid him and eventually destroy him before he chew-chews you up.

Choo-Choo Charles certainly looks like a demonic take on all those Thomas mods for the recent Resident Evil games. Turning a hilarious and only slightly frightening concept in genuine nightmare fuel and what is likely to be 2022’s iconic horror game.

Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League

2022 — PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC

Fan favourite Squad members, Harley Quinn, King Shark, Captain Boomerang and Deadshot are back in what’s looking to be some of the most faithful adaptations of the characters ever. Not only will we get to see the Suicide Squad’s hilarious (and often inhuman) banter, but we’ll get to pit them against the Justice League’s fiercest members, including the Flash, Wonder Woman and of course Superman as they wreak havoc on Metropolis while under the control of Brainiac.

And if you’re impatient at the chance to kill the Justice League, DC Comics recently announced that the current Justice League comic series will conclude in April with its own ‘Kill the Justice League’ event in a twisted celebration of 30th anniversary of the legendary ‘Death of Superman’ issue. 2022 is certainly looking like a rough year for the Justice League!

Of course, this is by far an incomplete list! Let us know your most anticipated games for 2022, especially those we missed!