The Best Upcoming Single Player Games: 2022 & 2023 Deep Dive
The landscape of video gaming is constantly evolving, with developers pushing boundaries in graphics, storytelling, and immersive gameplay experiences. As highlighted in the video above, the next couple of years are shaping up to be exceptionally exciting for fans of single player games, offering a robust lineup across various platforms. From highly anticipated sequels to groundbreaking new intellectual properties, these titles promise countless hours of captivating adventure. This era truly marks a significant moment for the industry, emphasizing rich narratives and profound individual journeys over purely multiplayer engagements.
Players are eagerly awaiting a diverse range of genres, encompassing everything from intricate RPGs to visceral action-adventure titles. This article delves deeper into some of the most prominent upcoming single player games that have captured the attention of the global gaming community. We will explore key details, highlight unique features, and provide context to these thrilling new releases. Get ready to update your wishlists as we uncover what the future holds for solo gaming adventures.
Highly Anticipated Single Player RPGs and Fantasy Worlds
The Witcher: A New Saga Begins
CD Projekt Red has officially announced a new chapter in their critically acclaimed Witcher series, promising an entirely new saga for fans to explore. While specific narrative details and a title remain under wraps, the mere announcement has ignited immense excitement among long-time followers. This project represents a pivotal moment for the franchise, signaling a fresh direction while hopefully retaining the beloved dark fantasy elements. The development team has confirmed their decision to utilize Unreal Engine 5, indicating a significant leap forward in graphical fidelity and environmental design.
This shift to Unreal Engine 5 is particularly noteworthy, as it suggests an even more detailed and immersive world than previously seen in the series. The capabilities of this engine could allow for unparalleled visual realism and dynamic gameplay mechanics, potentially setting new benchmarks for open-world RPGs. Fans anticipate that more information will surface in the coming months, slowly revealing the scope and ambition of this next Witcher game. The potential for innovative storytelling within this richly established universe is truly vast.
One Piece Odyssey
Bandai Namco is set to deliver a brand new experience within the vibrant and iconic world of One Piece with their upcoming title, One Piece Odyssey. This game is confirmed to be a turn-based RPG, allowing players to engage with the Straw Hat Pirates in a strategic combat system. The project has reportedly been in development for many years, a testament to the dedication required to bring such a beloved manga series to life in a new gaming format. Players can expect a faithful adaptation that captures the adventurous spirit and unique charm of the original.
One Piece Odyssey is currently slated for release this year, possibly around October, reaching a wide audience across various gaming platforms. This includes PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC, making it accessible to most console and computer users. The decision to make it a turn-based RPG signifies a deliberate choice to offer a different gameplay dynamic, focusing on party composition and tactical decisions. This approach allows for a deeper dive into character abilities and team synergies, enriching the overall experience for fans.
Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn
From the creative minds behind Ashen, the highly regarded action RPG from 2018, comes a brand new open-world action RPG titled Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn. This upcoming title promises a unique blend of combat and exploration within a compelling fantasy setting. The game will transport players to a world where humanity faces a siege of mythical proportions, blending traditional weaponry with magical abilities. Early cinematic trailers suggest a visually striking world filled with dangerous creatures and ancient secrets.
Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn is expected to launch on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC, with a tentative release window of late 2022. The developers have emphasized their commitment to delivering a rich, expansive open-world experience for players. Fans who enjoyed the challenging combat and atmospheric design of Ashen will undoubtedly find much to appreciate in this new venture. More gameplay details are eagerly awaited, promising a deeper look into its innovative combat system and narrative design.
Hogwarts Legacy
After an extended period of silence, Avalanche Software finally unveiled extensive gameplay footage for Hogwarts Legacy, thrilling Harry Potter fans worldwide. This highly anticipated single player experience allows players to enroll as a new Fifth Year student at the legendary Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The game is confirmed as an open-world adventure set in the 1800s wizarding world, predating the events of the famous books and films. Players will discover a unique ability to manipulate powerful ancient magic, uncovering hidden truths within this magical universe.
Hogwarts Legacy is designed to be a deeply immersive single-player journey, though it includes co-op modes, it is not fundamentally a multiplayer game. Players will embark on an academic journey, attending classes like Charms, Defense Against the Dark Arts, Herbology, and Potions. The ability to be sorted into one of the four iconic Hogwarts houses – Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, or Slytherin – adds a personal touch to the adventure. This game is set to launch during the holidays this year, offering a magical escape for millions.
Lies of P
Drawing inspiration from the success of titles like Elden Ring, which remarkably broke sales records across all genres this year, Lies of P presents a fascinating Souls-like action RPG. This unique game reimagines the classic tale of Pinocchio in a dark, gritty, and incredibly challenging setting. Players will guide Pinocchio through a Belle Époque-inspired city plagued by automatons, making difficult choices that affect his humanity and progression. The concept of a Souls-like game starring Pinocchio offers a fresh twist on the familiar genre mechanics.
While a precise release date remains elusive, Lies of P is currently slated for 2023, arriving on PCs and the next generation of consoles. The game’s aesthetic promises a visually stunning yet unsettling world, perfectly suited for the demanding gameplay that Souls-like fans adore. This project aims to deliver intense combat, intricate level design, and a narrative that explores themes of truth, lies, and what it truly means to be human. The blend of classic fairy tale and challenging action creates a truly intriguing premise.
Revitalized Classics and Innovative New IPs
Dead Space Remake
The developers behind the Dead Space remake are not merely applying a fresh coat of paint; they are completely redeveloping the entire game from scratch. This ambitious undertaking aims to modernize every aspect of the terrifying sci-fi survival horror classic. Everything from the sound design, which plays a crucial role in delivering jump scares, to the health levels and weapon mechanics, is being rebuilt. This extensive re-imagining promises to deliver an even more horrifying and immersive experience for both new players and veterans.
The Dead Space remake is scheduled for release early next year, launching on PCs, Xbox Series X, and PlayStation 5. This focused platform release ensures that the game can fully leverage the power of current-generation hardware, enabling stunning graphics and seamless gameplay. The original Dead Space is revered for its oppressive atmosphere and innovative dismemberment mechanics, and this remake seeks to amplify those elements. Players can look forward to a truly next-gen horror experience that respects its legacy while forging new terrifying paths.
Atomic Heart
Atomic Heart is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated AAA single player games, particularly for enthusiasts of post-apocalyptic open-world settings. What sets this title apart is its unique premise: it’s set in a past that never was, a retro-futuristic Soviet Union, rather than a distant future. This alternate history approach provides a distinct visual style and narrative backdrop, differentiating it from other games in the genre. The game promises an incredible experience in nearly every aspect, from its compelling story to its innovative combat.
This visually stunning title will be released for PCs and consoles in the final quarter of 2022, offering a captivating blend of action, exploration, and mystery. Atomic Heart’s gameplay trailers have showcased bizarre, technologically advanced enemies and impressive environmental detail, hinting at a world rich with lore. Players will traverse a world where robots have gone rogue, creating a chaotic and dangerous environment to navigate. The game’s commitment to its unique setting and high production values make it a standout title for the year.
Quantum Error
In the wake of renewed interest in the Dead Space formula, several indie developers are attempting to create games that capture or even surpass its iconic horror. Quantum Error stands out as a promising contender, having been in development for years and built using Unreal Engine 5. This game aims to deliver a chilling first-person cosmic horror experience, blending intense combat with a deeply unsettling atmosphere. The developers are leveraging the advanced capabilities of Unreal Engine 5 to create highly detailed environments and terrifying enemy designs.
Quantum Error is exclusively coming to the next generation of consoles, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, in addition to PCs, sometime next year. This focused platform release allows the team to maximize graphical fidelity and gameplay immersion. The game distinguishes itself by leaning into cosmic horror, a subgenre that explores unknown and incomprehensible entities. Players can expect a psychological and visceral journey through dimly lit corridors and otherworldly threats, reminiscent of classic horror while pushing new boundaries.
Wanted: Dead
Wanted: Dead has quickly become one of the most talked-about intellectual properties since its initial reveal in January, captivating audiences with its unique blend of genres. This game is an exhilarating hack and slasher combined with a third-person shooter, offering players a dual approach to combat. Its rapid-fire action and stylish presentation recall the intensity of titles like Shoa American Story, showcasing a dedication to over-the-top, adrenaline-pumping gameplay. The brief initial gameplay reveal left many impressed by its raw energy.
This highly anticipated title is now scheduled for release later this year, making its way to PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PCs. Wanted: Dead promises a visceral combat system where players can seamlessly switch between melee attacks and ranged gunplay. The game’s distinctive art style and aggressive combat mechanics are designed to keep players on the edge of their seats. Fans of intense action experiences will find this game to be a compelling addition to their library of upcoming single player games.
Evil West
Evil West initially presented itself as a Western-themed action-adventure game, but it has since revealed its true colors as one of the manliest hack and slashers of 2022. This game fully embraces its over-the-top premise, pitting players against hordes of supernatural creatures in a dark fantasy Western setting. If you crave intense action, explosive combat, and a constant rush of adrenaline, Evil West promises to deliver an unparalleled experience. It’s a game designed for those who enjoy brutal efficiency and satisfying enemy dismemberment.
Evil West is set to launch on both last-generation and current-generation consoles, including PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, in addition to PCs, sometime later this year. This broad platform release ensures a wide accessibility for players eager to jump into the action. The game’s unique blend of cowboy aesthetics and monstrous foes creates a distinctive atmosphere, differentiating it from other action titles. Prepare for a wild ride through a monster-infested American frontier where only the toughest survive.
Forspoken
Square Enix has officially announced Forspoken, previously known as Project Athia, touting it as potentially the most visually impressive open-world game ever created for next-generation consoles. This ambitious open-world action RPG promises breathtaking visuals and a compelling narrative centered around Frey Holland, a young woman transported from New York City to the fantastical land of Athia. She gains magical abilities and embarks on a journey to save this new world, confronting formidable foes and uncovering ancient mysteries.
Forspoken is scheduled for release on October 11th this year, exclusively available on PlayStation 5 and PCs. This focused platform strategy allows the developers to optimize the game specifically for the capabilities of current-gen hardware, ensuring a truly immersive experience. The game’s fluid parkour system and extensive magical combat options distinguish it within the action RPG landscape. Players can anticipate a vast world to explore, filled with dynamic combat and a rich story that emphasizes environmental storytelling. Forspoken stands as a testament to the graphical power of new consoles.
Alterborn
Rounding out our list of highly anticipated upcoming single player games is Alterborn, the latest third-person survival shooter from Iron Lung Studio. This intriguing title draws inspiration from a multitude of genres, ingeniously blending elements of Souls-like difficulty, rogue-like replayability, and looter-shooter progression. Players are cast into a shattered world, tasked with seeking their lost glory amidst a desolate landscape teeming with danger. The combination of these mechanics promises a fresh and challenging experience for players.
Alterborn is slated for release in the third quarter of 2023, arriving on PCs and next-generation consoles. The game’s unique blend of mechanics suggests a focus on character progression, strategic decision-making, and intense third-person combat. Iron Lung Studio aims to create a world where every encounter feels meaningful and every choice carries weight. Players will navigate a hazardous environment, constantly evolving their abilities and gear to overcome increasingly formidable threats. This ambitious blend of genres could redefine expectations for survival shooters.
