July 2026: check out the main debuts and returns in the world of games
The second half of 2026 has already begun, marking a very busy year in the gaming universe. After dozens of notable titles already released, the month of July comes with an interesting variety, including creative independent games, a Lovecraftian-themed cooperative experience and a new dose of Doom, maintaining the Id Software tradition, in contrast to the everyday news.
As usual, Mix Vale has gathered all the games that deserve attention in July, highlighting the release dates confirmed so far. For a broader view of all the year’s debuts, you can consult the complete list of games expected for 2026.
New battles and elements arrive with Avatar Legends: the fighting game
The game released on July 23, the game Avatar Legends: The Fighting Game is available for PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. The title promises many positive points, based on a widely popular franchise, allowing you to control elements with martial arts and featuring iconic characters. Its graphics are stunning, thanks to the hand-drawn animation that honors the original work. Unlike others, it opts for a purer 1v1 combat format. The first analyzes indicate a promising legendary clash, celebrating the franchise that is preparing for a new phase.
A new rhythm on Switch with Rhythm Heaven Groove
More than a decade has passed since the last installment of the Rhythm Heaven series, and suddenly, a new chapter hits stores on July 2, exclusively for Nintendo Switch. For those unfamiliar, Rhythm Heaven games are collections of minigames with a musical twist, known for their charming quirkiness. Rhythm Heaven Groove continues this tradition, combining catchy beats with fun minigames and an eccentric look. A demo is now available for anyone who wants to try it.
A Dark New Era in Doom: The Dark Ages – Revelations
On July 7th, the Doom Slayer returns, and this time hell is literally frozen over. The new expansion, Doom: The Dark Ages – Revelations, continues to explore the protagonist’s secret history before his resurrection in Doom (2016). The narrative addresses a betrayal that left him injured and trapped in purgatory, where he needs to face harsh truths. Revelations introduces new levels with more elaborate puzzles, new demons to face and a lethal weapon: the Chain Spear. The title arrives on PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.
Supernatural mysteries await at Moonlight Peaks
Released on July 7th, Moonlight Peaks offers an experience for PC, Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch. While there are many cozy simulation games with everyday themes, Moonlight Peaks adds a unique supernatural element to the genre. The basis remains farming, making friends and exploring a small town, but with a focus on creating potions and a striking gothic aesthetic, the game presents itself as a mystical version of Stardew Valley.
The resynchronized classic Assassin’s Creed Black Flag gets new life
Released on July 9th for PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag has been one of the most beloved titles in the franchise for years. However, it’s undeniable that its aesthetics and gameplay feel dated compared to more recent releases in the series. Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced promises an update for current audiences, and the initial results are promising. In addition to improved graphics and modernized gameplay, small internal changes could make this swashbuckling classic even more appealing to revisit.
More on this story: PlayStation Store receives a large batch of new games in the week of July 25, 2026
The return of backyard baseball with Backyard Baseball
After acquiring the Backyard Sports franchise in 2024, Playground Productions moved quickly to revive the intellectual property. The PC re-releases of Humongous Entertainment’s classic games have been well received. Since July 9th, PC players can take the field with Backyard Baseball. This new title will feature four game modes, 11 remastered stadiums, 24 teams and 30 characters to choose from, including the 3D version of Pablo Sanchez.
EA Sports College Football 27 brings college sports to consoles
Continuing with the sports theme, EA Sports College Football 27 arrived on July 9th for PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, taking fans from backyards to large stadiums. Although no drastic changes to gameplay are expected, as this is an annual series, new features include customizable stadiums and audio, dynamic weather and a new Manager Mode, which will allow you to lead your team from the sidelines.
Story and character expansion in Granblue Fantasy: Relink – Endless Ragnarok
Granblue Fantasy: Relink, which already offers everything you would expect from an action and fantasy RPG, received the Endless Ragnarok expansion on July 9th. The game has a rich and well-built world, team combat mechanics that enrich battles and an engaging main campaign. The experience is improved by the lack of gacha systems in previous titles, and this new edition brings even more content. Endless Ragnarok introduces a new story arc, more characters for the party and challenging endgame activities, extending the journey through Estalucia for PC, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4 and Switch 2.
Roguelike adventure in Echoes of Aincrad: Sword Art Online
On July 10, Echoes of Aincrad: Sword Art Online arrived for PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. While anime-inspired Souls-style games are nothing new, this title promises to be a fun addition to the genre, focused on intense challenges. Based on the first arc of the Sword Art Online light novel series, the game features well-known characters such as Kirito and Asuna, offers full build customization and a variety of enemies ready to end the adventure quickly.
Ascend to Zero brings time manipulation to roguelikes
The roguelike adventure inspired by Hades, which arrived on July 13th for PC and Xbox Series X|S. Ascend to Zero offers exactly that, with an extra twist: time manipulation powers. With the clock ticking, players will need to quickly master their skills, using every second as a weapon and improving with each match.
Lovecraft’s horror in The Mound: Omen of Cthulhu
Another game inspired by H.P. Lovecraft appeared on July 15, launching for PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. The Mound: Omen of Cthulhu explores the fear of being an instrument in the hands of an ancient deity, forcing players to explore a cursed jungle. They will face Lovecraftian horrors, perception-warping mechanics, and paranoid teammates.
Digimon Story: Time Stranger strengthens ties in the digital world
Digimon, which has sometimes taken a backseat to collecting creatures, shows its strength with titles like Digimon Story: Time Stranger. The game arrived on July 10th for Switch 2. It takes players on a journey through the human and digital worlds to collect Digimon and participate in turn-based battles. With a special emphasis on the bond between humans and their Digimon, the title differentiates itself from the competition.
Palworld launches its version 1.0 after early access period
Keeping with the theme of collecting creatures, Palworld released version 1.0 on July 10th. After two years of development in early access, and having faced legal challenges from the teams at Nintendo, Palworld feels more complete than ever. The game’s journey doesn’t end here, as developer Pocketpair already has ambitious plans for the post-launch period on PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S platforms.
Denshattack: stylish train escape arrives in July
Originally scheduled for release last month, stylish train escape game Denshattack has been delayed by a month. On July 15, it arrived for PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and Switch 2. Expectations were high, as the game was one of the most desired since its first appearance. Its gameplay and visuals resemble a runaway train with influences from Tony Hawk Pro Skater and anime.
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Cooperativism and lasers in Heave Ho 2
On July 16, Heave Ho 2, a game focused on literal grappling, challenges teams to form a chain in co-op mode to advance. The title is available for PC, Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch. For the first time in the series, Heave Ho 2 includes online co-op, eight themed worlds to explore and a huge amount of lasers.
Learn more: Capcom confirms remakes of Devil May Cry and Resident Evil in simultaneous development
Moss: The Forgotten Relic Reimagines VR Adventures
Moss was one of the landmark games from PlayStation’s first foray into virtual reality. Those who missed these enchanting adventures starring a brave little mouse now have a new chance since July 16, with the release of Moss: The Forgotten Relic for PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch. This new version adapts both virtual reality games for consoles, offering a more traditional gaming experience without the need for a headset. While virtual reality may be the ideal way to play, this reimagining promises to be an excellent way to delve into the magic of Moss for other audiences.
Horror in fast food with Happy’s Humble Burgatory
Anyone who’s ever spent a summer grilling burgers at a fast food chain knows how challenging the work can be, and Happy’s Humble Burgatory, released July 16 for PC, explores this minimum wage terror. Each shift is a race against time, between burgers to grill, dissatisfied customers and goals to meet in this cooperative simulator. The real nightmare begins when the homicidal mascot Asset Joy escapes control and begins his hunt.
Ratatan: a rhythmic spiritual successor to Patapon
A spiritual successor to the acclaimed rhythm game Patapon, Ratatan finds its own beat. Developed by the creators of Patapon, this is a rhythmic roguelike action game that oozes personality, with imaginative visuals and infectious beats. It arrived on July 16th for PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and Switch 2.
Sci-fi railway adventure in Fogpiercer
Denshattack isn’t the only railway-themed game released in July. Fogpiercer also arrived on July 17th for PC. Set in a world where winter has covered the land and only a train full of survivors keeps humanity alive, Fogpiercer is a sci-fi roguelike with deck-building elements on rails. Players will have to face bandit attacks, deliver cargo, upgrade their train and use unique skills to survive the harsh winter.
Desktop Explorer: A 90s Psychological Thriller
Operating systems from the 90s have never been so valued, and Desktop Explorer, which arrived on July 17th for PC, is a tribute to that simpler era of personal computing. Furthermore, it is a psychological thriller full of mysteries to unravel. Inside the old, dusty computer inherited from a late uncle, a series of riddles await a solution. Each window holds a clue, and Desktop Explorer features classic operating system tools, pre-installed games, and forgotten files that hide a dark secret.
Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD Remaster returns with improvements
July 23, 2026 marks the 25th anniversary of Final Fantasy X, an iconic turn-based RPG that crossed multiple platforms. Although it was already possible to play it on Switch 2 via backwards compatibility, this new console version includes features that PC gamers have enjoyed for years. In addition to improved graphics, the game features a high-speed mode, the option to activate or deactivate random encounters and several gameplay improvements. With the Final Fantasy X-2 remaster included, the complete package lets you relive a memorable era of the Final Fantasy franchise. The title arrived for Switch 2.
Splatoon Invaders: a spin-off with new gameplay
After four years, Splatoon is back, but not as a new game in the main series. Instead, on July 23rd Splatoon Raiders arrived for Switch 2, a spin-off with gameplay quite different from the numbered titles. Set in the mysterious Spirhalite archipelago, this single-player game, with optional co-op for up to four, is a treasure hunting adventure starring a new protagonist.
Halo: Evolved campaign brings new missions and weapons to the classic
What was old is new again, and Assassin’s Creed isn’t the only game returning this month. The original Halo also received a major update. On July 28, this genre-defining version of the game arrives on PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, enhanced with new missions, weapons and gameplay changes in addition to the original campaign. The experience takes us back to 2001, with all the nostalgia that implies.
On the same topic: Ubisoft makes the long-awaited remake of Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced official and ends speculation
Dispatch: Superhero comedy-drama comes to Xbox
Following its success on PC, PlayStation and Nintendo Switch consoles, superhero comedy-drama Dispatch arrives on Xbox on July 29th. The game features a stellar cast, including Aaron Paul, Laura Bailey, and Jeffrey Wright. Players take on the role of former superhero Robert Robertson, who works with superhuman capabilities and leads a team of former supervillains in search of redemption. Acting as a dispatcher, players also have to deal with relationships and romances in the workplace.
Truck-kun Is Supporting Me From Another World: the isekai in the driver’s seat
The isekai genre in anime seems to be reaching its peak, but for fans of stories that involve a mysterious truck driver who transports you to another world, this new game is worth checking out. On July 29th, Truck-kun Is Supporting Me From Another World arrives on PC, taking the isekai idea and putting the player in control. The mission is to run over pedestrians to pay off a soul debt with a muscular elven girl who inhabits the protagonist’s mind. From there, the focus is on completing objectives, sending people to a fantasy world and assembling a powerful group to defeat the feared Skeleton King.
Kusan: city of wolves emerges as an alternative for fans of Hotline Miami
While the wait for a possible Hotline Miami 3 continues, Kusan: City of Wolves looks like an excellent alternative. The top-down shooter arrives on July 30th for PC, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S and Switch 2. It features dozens of levels, intense action, challenging bosses and several puzzles and challenges that require skill.
Lootbound: item management in a roguelike tactical RPG
Lootbound, launching July 31 for PC, focuses on the often-overlooked part of fantasy RPGs: managing valuable items acquired through dungeon raids. This tactical item management roguelike casts the player as a solo adventurer who eventually gathers a group to help defeat fearsome bosses. Preparation is essential for victory, requiring constant attention to inventory so that the team can defeat all types of enemies in turn-based combat.
