July 2026 Video Game Release Calendar: Biggest Launches This Month
The complete July 2026 video game release calendar. Every major game launch this month for Switch 2, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, including Moana, Deltarune Chapter 5, and more.
Top 5 Games to Play in July 2026
July 2026 is a packed month for gaming across all platforms. Our top 5 picks: 1) Deltarune Chapter 5 (July 15, PC/Switch 2/PS5/Xbox) — Toby Fox continues his genre-defying RPG with what early previews describe as the most emotionally devastating chapter yet, introducing a new party member and a combat system overhaul. 2) Moana: Tides of Adventure (July 10, Switch 2/PS5/Xbox/PC) — the video game adaptation of the live-action film is an open-world action-adventure that combines exploration across the Pacific Islands with rhythm-based sailing and combat. 3) Elden Ring Nightreign — Shadow of the Erdtree (July 22, all platforms) — the massive expansion to Elden Ring adds a new region the size of Limgrave, 8 new bosses, and the "Nightreign" mode — a roguelike gauntlet that randomizes weapons, enemies, and boss order. 4) Gothic 1 Remake (July 8, PC/PS5/Xbox/Series) — the long-awaited remake of the 2001 cult classic RPG finally arrives with modern graphics, expanded gameplay, and the same unforgiving difficulty. 5) Disney Illusion Island 2 (July 3, Switch 2/PC) — the delightful Metroidvania sequel adds Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Goofy in a brand-new adventure with co-op platforming and gorgeous hand-drawn animation.
Nintendo Switch 2 and Indie Highlights
Beyond the major releases, Nintendo Switch 2 has a strong July lineup. "Kirby and the Forgotten Kingdom 2" (July 10) expands on the original with new transformation abilities, co-op gameplay, and a larger open world. "Pokemon TCG Pocket: Pitch-Black Expansion" (July 17) is a major update adding Team Rocket-themed cards and a new ranked mode. Indie highlights: "Balatro 2" (July 4, all platforms) — the poker roguelike sequel adds new hands, jokers, and a campaign mode. "Hades III: Eternal" (July 18, PC/Switch 2) — Supergiant's follow-up moves beyond the Greek underworld into Egyptian and Norse mythology. "Slay the Spire 3" (July 25, all platforms) adds a fourth character class and 500+ new cards. "Stardew Valley: Ginger Island 2.0" (July 1, free update) is a massive free expansion for the farming sim adding a new island region, 20+ hours of content, and multiplayer improvements. "Animal Well 2" (July 15, PC/Switch 2) continues the metroidvania-puzzle hybrid with a new interconnected world full of secrets and cryptic puzzles.
PS5 and Xbox Series X|S Exclusives
PlayStation 5 gets "Until Dawn: Reawakened" (July 8) — a ground-up remake of Supermassive Games' horror classic with new scenes, branching storylines, and PSVR 2 support. "Marvel's Blade" (July 29) — the highly anticipated third-person action game from Arkane Lyon — launches exclusively on PS5 and PC, with Eric Brooks hunting vampires in a stylized 1980s Paris. Xbox Series X|S owners get "State of Decay 3" (July 15) — the open-world zombie survival game finally launches with four-player co-op, a persistent online world, and dramatic improvements to base building and combat. "Age of Empires IV: Definitive Edition" (July 1) brings the complete RTS experience to consoles with full controller support and cross-play with PC. Both platforms share "F1 2026" (July 3) with the new regulation cars and the return of classic tracks. "Train Sim World 6" (July 10) adds the Shinkansen bullet train and a new Japanese route. "Call of Duty: Black Ops 7" (July 22) arrives with a Cold War-era campaign, round-based Zombies, and the new "Fireteam" three-player co-op mode.
PC and VR Game Releases
PC gamers have the deepest bench of releases in July. "Star Citizen Alpha 4.0" (July 1) finally introduces server meshing — allowing thousands of players in the same persistent universe for the first time. "Minecraft 2: Dimensions" (July 4) is Mojang's long-awaited sequel adding procedural multi-dimensional exploration with new biomes, creatures, and building mechanics. "Total War: Warhammer IV — The End Times" (July 22) concludes the epic strategy saga with the Chaos invasion of the Old World. "Cities: Skylines 2 — Eco Living" expansion drops July 15 with green energy systems and pollution mechanics. In VR: "Half-Life: Alyx 2" (July 15, PC VR) — Valve's follow-up continues Alyx Vance's story between the events of Half-Life and Half-Life 2, with expanded physics interactions and full body tracking support for Valve Index and Steam Frame. "Gran Turismo 7 VR: Endurance Edition" (July 22, PSVR 2) adds 24-hour endurance races with dynamic day/night cycles and full PSVR 2 headset and steering wheel support.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the biggest game releasing in July 2026?
Deltarune Chapter 5 (July 15) is the most anticipated release based on fan excitement and pre-order numbers. Moana: Tides of Adventure (July 10) is poised for the biggest commercial launch given the film's audience.
Which July 2026 game has the best value?
Stardew Valley: Ginger Island 2.0 (July 1) is a free expansion for existing owners. Balatro 2 ($14.99) and Slay the Spire 3 ($19.99) offer hundreds of hours of replayability for indie prices.
Are any of these games on Game Pass or PS Plus?
State of Decay 3 launches day-one on Xbox Game Pass. Moana: Tides of Adventure will be on PlayStation Plus Extra in November. Gothic 1 Remake is expected on Game Pass in early 2027.
What is the best co-op game releasing in July?
State of Decay 3 (July 15) offers 4-player co-op with a persistent world. Disney Illusion Island 2 (July 3) is up to 4-player local co-op. Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 (July 22) has the new 3-player Fireteam mode.
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