Huge 2026 Open-World RPG Is One That Might Not Be on Your Radar

We’re only hours away from the New Year 2026 folks, which means a whole new year of games is right around the corner.

From AAA titles like Grand Theft Auto VI to highly-anticipated indies like Sunkissed City, there’s plenty on the way.

This upcoming game feels like one for the fantasy fans though, especially those who aren’t convinced that The Elder Scrolls VI is coming in the big 2026.

It’s the remake of Gothic 1, which first released in 2001. It launched to critical-acclaim and spawned a number of sequels, but now we’re going back to the first one with updated visuals and modernised gameplay.

Developed by Alkimia Interactive and published by THQ Nordic Gothic 1 Remake is due for release in early 2026, and you can find it on Steam right now. While the gameplay footage looks a little janky, it can’t be denied that it isn’t pretty and a great modernisation of the original. Of course, we have to reserve some judgement until we actually get to play.

If you need to be more convinced, look no further than the description, which reads: “The Legend is Back - Return to the Valley of the Mines in this faithful remake of the genre-defining classic RPG. Explore a hand-crafted, organic open world that reacts dynamically to your actions in a gritty, unrestricted experience like no other.”

Gothic 1 Remake- THQ Nordic

As someone who loves a bit of dark fantasy, I’m a big Dark Souls fan, this definitely looks like a game that deserves a spot on my wishlist.

You’ll be able to play Gothic 1 Remake on PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S; no Nintendo Switch or Nintendo Switch 2 port though, unfortunately.

In Before The Elder Scrolls VI

We’ve seen a lot of jokes this year about how we’ve had X before The Elder Scrolls VI or Grand Theft Auto VI. Hell even the dodo bird has made a bit of a comeback before Rockstar Games’ next open-world title.

Gothic 1 Remake is definitely launching before The Elder Scrolls VI and while it’s incredibly funny that we’re getting a 2001 remake before the next Elder Scrolls game, it’s also fantastic timing.

While the two games couldn’t be further apart, Gothic 1 Remake feels like a game worth playing before the next title Bethesda throws out, so it’s a good thing it won’t be overshadowed by one of the biggest fantasy games of all-time.