Top Upcoming Action-RPG Video Games of 2018

Note: This article was updated in August of 2018.

2018 is fast approaching and as such there’s a slew of new video game titles slated or expected to launch during the upcoming year. If you’re looking for what video game titles are worth checking into before they make their way onto the market then let us lend a hand.

In this particular list, we’re going over our top picks for the action-rpg video game titles launching in the coming year. Take a look at our picks below and as always, let us know if we missed a title by dropping us a comment!

Find More Upcoming 2018 Video Game Lists on Gameranx:

Ni no Kuni 2: Revenant Kingdom

Developer: Level-5
Publisher: Bandai Namco Entertainment
Release: March 23, 2018
Platforms: PS4, PC

If you enjoyed Ni no Kuni, a video game title that released for Sony’s PlayStation 3 exclusively, then you’ll likely be delighted to know that the series will continue on. Developers Level-5 are planning to release the video game sequel to Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch early 2018.

The video game takes place a hundred years after the events of the first title where players follow a young king named Evan Pettiwhisker Tildrum who sets out to reclaim his kingdom.

While fans of the first title can expect the role-playing experience with the sequel, this time around the title won’t be a PlayStation 4 exclusive. Instead, Ni No Kuni 2: Revenant Kingdom will be available for both the PlayStation 4 and PC platforms.

Kingdom Come Deliverance

Developer: Warhorse Studios
Publisher: Warhorse Studios, Deep Silver
Platforms: PC, PS4, XB1
Release Date: February 13, 2018

Developers Warhorse Studios is attempting to deliver a historically accurate and realistic video game set in the medieval Kingdom of Bohemia. Gamers may notice the period-accurate armor, clothing, combat techniques, and even real-world castle recreations.

In the video game’s campaign, the old king of Bohemia had passed with his heirs lacking the ability and power to secure the throne. Using this opportunity to take advantage and claim the rights, the old king’s brother takes control of Bohemia.

Players will be taking on the role of a blacksmith’s son whose family had been murdered by an invading army. With revenge burning in his heart, the son seeks out his family’s killer while also restoring the throne to the rightful heir.

There are a few RPG elements worth noting in the game. For instance, this is a long narrative journey where players will start out as a normal every day guy where skills will only be increased by simply using them often.

Monster Hunter: World

Developer: Capcom
Publisher: Capcom
Release: January 26, 2018
Platforms: PS4, XBO, PC

The Monster Hunter franchise is consistently growing and with each new installment a number of new gamers explore the monster filled worlds development studio Capcom has crafted. Monster Hunter: World will mark as the fifth main installment to the franchise and as you can expect, there will be a number of notable updates.

For instance, Capcom has placed larger maps, a more seamless experience between zones and what’s a Monster Hunter video game without the ability to hunt with friends? Outside of the offline campaign, the game will allow a four-player online co-op opportunity.

As you progress through the game, players will need to seek out materials and resources to help craft better gear, similar to the previous installments within the Monster Hunter franchise.

Vampyr

Developer: Dontnod Entertainment
Publisher: Focus Home Interactive
Platforms: PC, PS4, XBO
Release: June 5, 2018

Dontnod Entertainment has crafted up some popular titles so far. Their debut title Remember Me sparked the highly beloved Life is Strange IP. Following up the release of Life is Strange is Vampyr, a vastly different IP then what the developers have worked.

Vampyr takes place during the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic in London where players take the role of a doctor Jonathan Reid. Our protagonist is in a predicament as he is a vampire with a bloodthirsty nature, but is battling his condition with his Hippocratic Oath.

Being an action role-playing title, players can traverse parts of the world while also leveling up Jonathan in order to unlock new abilities and skills through the skill tree.

Darksiders 3

Developer: Gunfire Games
Publisher: THQ Nordic
Platforms: PC, PS4, XBO
Release: 2018

The Darksiders franchise continues on with developers Gunfire Games launching the third main installment sometime in 2018. This franchise is an action role-playing with a ton of hack-and-slash goodness.

So far, what we know about the video game is that the title will take place in a parallel world of events from the past video game installments. In this war-torn Earth, our protagonist, Fury, one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, is in a quest to destroy the Seven Deadly Sins.

It’s likely that the upcoming third installment to the franchise will also see the loot and leveling up system that was also featured in Darksiders II. However, the second installment did receive some criticism for fans of the original Darksiders title that didn’t feature the RPG elements.

Ashen

Developer: Aurora44
Publisher: Annapurna Interactive
Platforms: PC, XBO
Release: 2018

Ashen is an upcoming action RPG title that follows players into a world that is full of hostile enemies and gloom. Little information has been released about the game so far, but what we do know is that players can opt to work together in hopes for a greater chance of survival.

Within the world, players may cross paths and can then team up in a means to increase the skill set and crafting abilities. Strength in numbers seems to be key for survival in Ashen which has a wide variety of creatures and hostile environments that lurk around the corners of this decayed world.

Dragon Quest Builders

Developer: Square Enix
Publisher: Square Enix
Platforms: PS4, PS3, PSV, NS
Release: February 9, 2018

Dragon Quest Builders is a sandbox action RPG that’s set within the world of Alefgard. This is a more lighthearted adventure with similar visuals to titles such as Minecraft and Terraria. In the narrative, players are off to revive the world which has been flooded with monsters, however, in order to rebuild the world players must also seek out and manage resources.

The video game doesn’t feature a complex combat system like the main installments within the franchise. Furthermore, the title has since already launch on the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation Vita platforms whereas the PlayStation 3 version of the game remains a Japanese exclusive. It was only until earlier this year that Nintendo Switch owners were able to get a copy of this game but it looks like this won’t be the last installment to the Builder series of Dragon Quest.

Square Enix has brought out a sequel PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch though it currently is only available within Japan.

Final Fantasy XV: Windows Edition

Developer: Square Enix Business Division 2
Publisher: Square Enix
Platforms: PS4, PC, XBO
Release: March 6, 2018 (PC)

Final Fantasy XV is an action role-playing video game and the fifteenth main installment to the Final Fantasy franchise. Overall the story of Final Fantasy XV will center between two empires that have declared war, Lucis and Nifheim, though after Nifheim successfully captures the kingdom’s crystal of Lucis, a group of friend’s sets out to regain it.

Players take control of Noctis, prince of Lucis, who teams up with his fellow friends in a grand journey against a massive empire force. The game is also set in an open world environment with available quests and collectibles to gather.

Originally the game was set to only release on the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One in 2016. However, the development team did finally launch a port of the game for Windows users earlier this year. If you have yet to play the latest main installment to the Final Fantasy franchise then we recommend checking out our Before You Buy video upload posted up above.

Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana

Developer: Nihon Falcom
Publisher: NIS America
Platforms: PSV, PS4, PC, NS
Release: April 16, 2018 (PC), June 26, 2018 (NS)

Ys is an iconic action RPG that’s been around for decades with the latest installment being Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana. This installment first released in 2017 outside of Japan for the PlayStation Vita and PlayStation 4. But this year in particular we got ports for the game on PC and Nintendo Switch.

Players will step into the role of Adol as he finds himself on the cursed Isle of Seiren. With the help of his friends, Adol will have to battle ancient monsters that flood the island. However, our leading protagonist begins to dream of a mysterious blue-haired maiden named Dana. Since the game’s release the reception has been overwhelmingly positive which doesn’t come to much surprise as the Ys action RPG titles tend to do well with each installment launched into the market. Unfortunately we don’t have a Before You Buy video for the game but we have included the official trailer.

Dark Souls Remastered

Developer: FromSoftware
Publisher: Namco Bandai Games
Platforms: PC, PS4, XBO, NS
Release: May 25, 2018, December 28, 2018 (NS)

Dark Souls released all the way back in 2011 so it’s been available to play for quite some time now. However, if you missed out on the chance to play it when the game first came out then you can now enjoy it with a few overhauls with Dark Souls: Remastered.

There’s not very much to say about this title if you’ve already enjoyed it on last generation consoles. This remastered edition will retain the same gameplay mechanics but there will be a facelift to help give the game a nice touch up for modern day consoles. Likewise, the remastered edition of the game has received updates towards the framerate and resolution. It should also be worth pointing out that the game will include the previously released Artorias of the Abyss DLC.

As mentioned, this is a great edition of the game to pick up and play if you have yet to enjoy Dark Souls. With that said, fans of the original title should give this game a revisit to see just how well it looks on current generation platforms.

Nier: Automata

Developer: PlatinumGames
Publisher: Square Enix
Platforms: PS4, XBO, PC
Release: June 26, 2018 (XBO)

Nier: Automata is a sequel to the 2010 video game release known as Nier, a spin-off title from the Drakengard series. Overall, the story is set within a proxy war between machines developed by alien invaders and the last surviving members of humanity.

Through the game progression we’ll learn more about our protagonist android who tasked in saving a world for the human race. Gameplay is a bit more aimed at being a hack-and-slash title with a wide variety of weapons types such as swords, bracers and spears. However, fighting alongside our protagonist is a small flying robot that can deliver gunfire or a heavy hammer-based attack when you find yourself surrounded.

Still not persuaded on picking up Nier: Automata? Take a look of our detailed breakdown of the game within with our Before You Buy series upload right up above.

Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate

Developer: Capcom
Publisher: Capcom
Platforms: NS
Release: August 28, 2018

Monster Hunter World may not be on the Nintendo Switch, but Nintendo Switch owners will be getting Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate. This is a title that originally only released under the Nintendo 3DS platform but now the game will soon have an HD port.

As a result, players can once again take their Monster Hunting experience on the go. The game features over ten different weapon types and a wide variety of monsters. Not only will fans of the franchise see the return of past fan favorite monsters but there are also new monsters that have yet to be seen. Much like previous installments, the gameplay is pretty much the game. Players will take control of a hunter that must take down different monsters but before you embark on a quest you can craft items from resources collected or customize your character with various equipment pieces and weapons. This will also give players chance to enjoy the Monster Hunter Generations video game if they didn’t own it when it initially released on the Nintendo 3DS.

Victor Vran: Overkill Edition

Developer: Haemimont Games
Publisher: EuroVideo Medien, Wired Productions
Platforms: PC, PS4, XBO, NS
Release: August 28, 2018

Victor Vran from development studio Haemimont Games has already made its rounds across various platforms. Originally the game was released on the PC platform where it was later ported over to the PS4 and Xbox One. Now the Nintendo Switch will soon be able to play this game in August of this year.

Within the game, players take on the role of Victor Vran who is a demon hunter. Victor finds himself aiding a fallen city called Zagoravia that past demon hunters have failed to cleanse, making it dangerous to roam outside.

This is an action RPG mixed with dungeon crawling. Players will battle monsters while collecting loot and equipment that can be used. However, unlike some of the other action RPG titles, players are not directly tied to a specific character class. Instead, players will be able to shape the character freely with consumables, weapons, and spells.

Xenoblade Chronicles 2: Tona The Golden Country

Developer: Monolith Softt
Publisher: Nintendo
Platforms: NS
Release: September 14, 2018

If you enjoyed the Xenblade Chronicles series and have finished up Xenoblade Chronicles 2 then you should focus on the upcoming expansion, Tona The Golden Country. This will be an expansion to the game, however it will also release as a standalone title shortly after its initial launch.

Within the game, players will be going through the story of Lora and her Blade Jin as they embark on battles against Malos. So far we know that the game mechanics will be very much the same as they were in Xenoblade Chronicles 2. However, it has been noted that players will now be able to control both Drivers and their resonated Blades.

During battles, players can control Blades and Drivers in both support and attack positions. With the help of a new Battle Arts called, Switch Arts, Blades and Drivers can freely change positions. As mentioned, the game will be release as an expansion this September 14, 2018, but again the game can be purchased as a standalone title on September 21, 2018 if you don’t own a copy of Xenoblade Chronicles 2.

Assassin’s Creed Odyssey

Developers: Ubisoft
Publisher: Ubisoft
Platforms: PC, PS4, XBO
Release: October 5, 2018

Assassin’s Creed will have a new installment this year with Assassin’s Creed Odyssey. The video game is set in 431 BCE where players will have the choice of being a mercenary that fights for Athens and the Delian League or the Peloponnesian League led by Sparta. Either way, players will be a descendant of Spartan King Leonidas I during the Peloponnesian War.

Much like the previous Assassin’s Creed installments, Assassin’s Creed Odyssey will feature a modern day protagonist as well. Ubisoft will be reintroducing players to Layla Hassan who was present during Assassin’s Creed Origins.

Developers over at Ubisoft seems to also be working more on an RPG progressive system in this upcoming title which ranges from dialogue choices to a skill tree that can help in aspects such as stealth and combat.

Since Ubisoft is placing more of an emphasis on RPG elements to Assassin’s Creed Odyssey it will be interesting to see how welcomed of an entry it will be for the core fan base. Of course a few mechanics that were first introduced in the previous installment, Assassin’s Creed Origins, will be making a return such as the hitbox combat system.

Naval combat is also making a return in the upcoming installment. From what we know so far, it appears that players will have to endure a dynamic weather system that includes maneuvering your ship through rough waters.

Fallout 76

Developer: Bethesda Game Studios
Publisher: Bethesda Softworks
Platforms: PC, PS4, XBO
Release: November 14, 2018

Fallout 76 is the latest upcoming installment to the Fallout franchise though it will be quite a bit different in comparison to past main installments. Bethesda has developed Fallout 76 to be an online multiplayer title that takes place before previous Fallout games.

Within the game, players take on a member from Vault 76 where their goal is to help rebuild the wasteland when the vault opens twenty-five years after the nuclear war. While this is still an action RPG, the gameplay is centered on building up and maintaining settlements.

From we have gathered so far, players will not be seeing any NPCs but instead the game will feature other live players enjoying the game. As a result there won’t be any quests to take on which means you’ll be crafting your own story.

Don’t be concerned with opposing players or creatures destroying your base when you’re offline. Instead, Bethesda has incorporated a feature that will prevent your structures from being harmed when your logoff.