The 20 Most Anticipated Video Games of 2018

Last Updated on December 27, 2019 by Danielle

Here are all the biggest AAA blockbuster games and indie games we can’t wait to play in 2018!
Undeniably, 2017 was a phenomenal year in the gaming industry and 2018 looks to carry that momentum forward into the new year. Last year Nintendo ruled the gaming universe with its hybrid console the Nintendo Switch, which is the fastest-selling console in U.S. history. To date, it has sold 10 million units worldwide and it’s a bona fide success for Nintendo. We had two big juggernauts from The Big N – including The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Super Mario Odyssey, arguably the two best games in the history of videogames. What a remarkable story of Nintendo turning around its fortunes! The Xbox One X, the world’s most powerful console, also launched in 2017. For a recap of the best games of 2017, see our complete list of the Best Video Games of 2017.

But without further ado, let’s take a look at the hottest, most anticipated video games of 2018. These are the games that are going to make 2018 another memorable year in gaming and will get gamers excited for gaming in 2018. We’ll look at the top games across all console platforms from Nintendo Switch to PlayStation 4 to Xbox One, and we’ve also gathered confirmed or estimated release date information. There are tons of exciting games for practically every type of gamer and all ages. Let’s jump right in and Happy Gaming in 2018!

1. Spider-Man

Insomniac’s Spider-Man blew us away at E3 2017! But had it not been for Super Mario Odyssey stealing the show, this could have easily won E3 Game of the Show. Imagine reprising the role of your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man. This game is action-packed, fueled by an original storyline sure to whet your comic book fans’ appetite. Insomniac has been listening to fans and has taken feedback from E3 and incorporated it into the game to make it even better. If this game plays as good as it looks, this could be a strong contender for Game of the Year. It’s action-packed and looks like you’re playing a Spider-Man movie. Now how cool is that?! This has the potential of selling millions of PS4s and could be the must-have game for any Spider-Man or comic book fan.

2. Red Dead Redemption 2

Without question Red Dead Redemption 2 is one of the most anticipated games this year. This has blockbuster written all over it and it will give Spider-Man a run for its money in an epic showdown for Game of the Year. Red Dead Redemption 2 will be a prequel to the original game set in a massive open-world environment that is truly breathtaking. The multiplayer component is an area of opportunity for the franchise. Since Grand Theft Auto V is performing extremely well thanks to its multiplayer, maybe Rockstar could add that feature to take it over the top and make it better than the first. Otherwise, how else do you top an almost perfect game?

3. Metroid Prime 4

Fans went wild when Nintendo first announced Metroid Prime 4 was ‘in development’ at E3 2017. No release date has been officially announced as of yet, but the game is planned for release sometime in 2018. Honestly, we don’t care when it comes out as long as it released at some point in the year. Although details about the game are sparse, the big surprise is that the new Metroid game is no longer being developed by Retro Studios. Instead, it is being developed by ‘new, talented development team’. Any new Metroid Prime game should be a great game and we’re glad that it’s officially coming exclusively to Switch this year. This is expected to be the big Switch title of the year. Nintendo – take your sweet time with this one and make it spectacular because we could be looking at a potential strong contender for Game of the Year. We can’t wait to play it and hope it blows long-time fans’ minds.

4. God of War

God of War blew us away with its incredible graphics and shift in focus – incorporating Kratos’s son. To say this game is going to be epic is an understatement. It’s going to be one of Sony’s exclusive AAA games this year that should sell a ton of systems. The narrative seems to be a major focus of the game that should appeal to many PlayStation gamers. It’s one of the most anticipated games of the 2018 that we simply can’t wait to get our hands on. We’re sure there are plenty of other gamers who feel the same way after the E3 2016 and E3 2017 teaser trailers.

5. Shadow of the Tomb Raider

Shadow of the Tomb Raider represents the third installment in this popular trilogy. We loved the Rise of the Tomb Raider and can’t wait to get our hands on the latest title. If raiding tombs, solving puzzles, and exploration gets you excited, this is the perfect game for you. Interestingly, a new Tomb Raider movie is also set to release in 2018, so it’s the perfect combo for Tomb Raider fans.

6. Far Cry 5

Far Cry 5 could represent a return to form for the popular franchise that has gone downhill in recent memory. The new massive open-world setting in America and premise could rejuvenate the series and reignite the flame for long-time fans and newcomers alike.

7. Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus

Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus was not only one of the best FPS games of last year, but it was also one of the best games of 2017. Details are sparse at the moment, but if it plays anything like the PS4 and Xbox One versions, it’s sure to be a real treat for Switch owners. After playing DOOM on Switch, we have our hopes high for this one. We hope that they can deliver an excellent port of the game with bonus content that does the game justice. It’s a story-driven first-person shooter that delivers a truly breathtaking experience you won’t want to miss. If executed correctly, it could be another big reason to own a Switch in 2018!

8. Bayonetta 3

Bayonetta 3 was first unveiled in development exclusively for Nintendo Switch at The Game Awards 2017 by Nintendo President and COO, Reggie Fils-Aime. Although not much has been revealed as far as a release date or trailers, Bayonetta fans have something to look forward to for Switch. Actually, no official release date has been confirmed, but we’re hoping Nintendo can deliver it this year rather than next to have a killer lineup in Metroid Prime 4, Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus, and Bayonetta 3. As a bonus for fans, Bayonetta 2 and the original Bayonetta will also be headed to Switch.

9. Days Gone

Days Gone is another highly-anticipated title that suffered a delay in 2017 and was subsequently pushed into 2018. We hope that extra development time translates into an improved overall experience. It’s an open-world action game with zombie-like creatures. Do you have what it takes to survive? The game will have an intriguing storyline centering on the theme of hope.

10. Metal Gear Survive

Although Metal Gear Survive is no longer being developed by legendary series’ creator Hideo Kojima, the latest game looks surprisingly very promising. Fans can expect a breath of fresh air coming from a new development team. It will be an open-world action survival game played from the third-person perspective like in past games. The game will support 4-player co-op for the first time ever and it could be a big hit nobody expected.

11. Sea of Thieves

Developed by RARE, Sea of Thieves is another major exclusive for Xbox One to look forward to. It’s a multiplayer pirate-themed game where you get to explore, find treasures, and more. We hope the game doesn’t get overly repetitive and that RARE can deliver solid gameplay and a delightful experience.

12. Crackdown 3

Crackdown 3 is one of the Xbox One’s most-anticipated titles this year. It’s an action-packed open world experience, played solo or with friends. Destruction is the name of the game here – all powered by Microsoft Cloud. It was delayed from its release last year but that only means the developers have been working extra hard to make it even better. We’re hoping it will play more like the original Crackdown than Crackdown 2. Hopefully that extra time spent on its development pays off for gamers.

13. Anthem

Destiny 2 may have some real competition from Electronic Arts’ new IP, Anthem. This massive open-world game supports four-player cooperative play and players can fly, leap, and climb almost anywhere. The game looks absolutely gorgeous on the Xbox One X. Hopefully, the game won’t be ruined by EA’s loot boxes and those dreaded microtransactions! What ever happened to just making games fun?

14. Metro: Exodus

Metro: Exodus is a beautiful story-driven first-person shooter for the PS4 and Xbox One. The game combines combat, stealth, exploration, and survival horror with an engaging narrative. This should be a real treat for fans of the game and the game looks absolutely incredible. We can’t wait to explore the world of Metro: Exodus.

15. Soul Calibur VI

For the first time Soul Calibur VI will be powered by the Unreal Engine. Fans of the fighting genre have something exciting to look forward to. Expect a handful of new gameplay mechanics like counters and fresh fighting styles to make this already stellar fighting game one of the top ones to beat. Will Soul Calibur reclaim its crown as the best fighter of all-time? Does your soul still burn for one more fight?

16. A Way Out

Developed by indie studio, Hazelight Studios, the developer of Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons, A Way Out is a new game that caught our attention at E3 2017. It incorporates an innovative gameplay mechanic involving two players cooperating in a story-driven game. One part of the game has the brothers breaking out of prison a la Prison Break. Front man, Josef Fares, says that they’ll have a ton of different ideas in this game to keep the experience interesting and entertaining. If they can hold to their promise, this looks like a real gem worthy of your time.

17. The Crew 2

The Crew 2 delivers a compelling open-world multiplayer adventure across land, air, and sea. Based on the E3 2017 trailer reveal, this should be action-packed fun with a diverse lineup of vehicles, air craft, and boats to ride. This is going to be one awesome game! We can’t wait to take it for a spin later this Summer 2018.

18. State of Decay 2

Love zombie apocalypse games? Then State of Decay 2 is right up your alley. This Xbox One exclusive delivers four player co-op in a massive open-world overtaken by zombies. With humanity on the verge of extinction, will you be able to survive the apocalypse?

19. Death Stranding

From legendary mastermind Hideo Kojima comes Death Stranding. No official release date has been confirmed for Death Stranding, although we’re expecting it either in 2018 or 2019. What has us really excited is that this game looks like something completely new. It’s something only a brainchild like Kojima could bring to life and it’s a breath of fresh air. If you watch the trailer and it leaves you scratching you’re head – don’t worry you’re not alone. In any case, we hope this game truly shines and Kojima can deliver on his grand vision with compelling gameplay.

20. Shenmue 3

Produced and directed by famed director Yu Suzuki, Shenmue 3 will continue the beloved Shenmue saga thanks to this Kickstarter-backed project supported by Sony. The game will be accessible to newcomers and fans alike – featuring a compelling storyline, realistic environments, and improved gameplay.

So what did you think of the most anticipated video games of 2018? The Last Of Us 2 from Naughty Dog didn’t make the cut since there is no official release date yet and it looks like the chances of it coming out this year are slim to none. What games are you looking forward to in 2018? We’d love to hear from you – let us know in the comments section below!