Anthem Dies, Zombies Rise: The January 2026 PC Gaming Calendar

January is usually a quiet month for PC gaming. However, January 2026 breaks that mould with viral hits, highly anticipated sequels, and significant industry events. While we wait for the major rush later in the year, several notable titles drop this month. Anthem is also being shut down, finally.

The schedule heats up mid-month.

Quarantine Zone: The Last Check	Highguard	Cairn	Code Vein 2
Quarantine Zone: The Last Check arrives on January 12. This title found massive popularity on TikTok via its free demo. The gameplay mirrors Papers, Please, but you must screen survivors for zombie infections at a checkpoint.	On January 26, Highguard launches. This free-to-play hero shooter received a sceptical reaction during its reveal at The Game Awards. It faces an uphill battle in a crowded market. However, the recent success of Marvel Rivals proves the genre isn’t full yet.	The month ends strongly on January 29. Cairn launches as a highly anticipated mountain climbing game. PC Gamer staff previously called its demo the “best climbing game” they had ever played.	On the same day, January 29, Code Vein 2 brings time-travelling action RPG gameplay to Steam. Gamers are especially keen to see its signature golden motorcycle again.

Early Access Launches

Innovation thrives in Early Access this month.

StarRupture	Bladesong	Echoes of Elysium
StarRupture lands on January 6. It combines Satisfactory-style industrial automation with Earth Defence Force bug extermination.	On January 22, Bladesong enters Early Access. This sword-smithing game lets you craft weapons for dark fantasy clients while uncovering the secrets of “Eren Keep”.	Echoes of Elysium, a co-op airship survival RPG, is also slated for January after a delay from December. The exact release date has not been confirmed yet.

Major Updates: Anthem Shuts Down

Established games are also getting attention.

World of Warcraft	Cult of the Lamb	“Anthem” Shuts Down
World of Warcraft releases its “Midnight Pre-Expansion Content Update” on January 20. This adds the Demon Hunter Devourer specialisation ahead of the full March release.	Two days later, on January 22, Cult of the Lamb drops its “Woolhaven DLC”. This paid expansion introduces a new god, Yngya, and a mountain region for veteran players.	This month marks a sad milestone for BioWare. On January 12, the live service shooter Anthem officially shuts down. The game was removed from sale last year. If you own it, you have less than two weeks to log in and pay your final respects.

Events & Sales Calendar

Beyond game launches, the industry remains busy. The tech showcase “CES 2026” runs from January 6-9.

Steam also has a packed schedule for deal hunters:

• Steam Winter Sale: Ends January 5.
• Detective Fest: January 12-19.
• Board Game Fest: January 26-February 2.
• Taipei Game Show: January 29-February 1.

More Games Releasing in January 2026:

Title	Genre	Release Date
Pathologic 3	Horror	Jan 9
Big Hops	3D Platformer	Jan 12
Craftlings	Lemmings-like throwback	Jan 15
Legend of Heroes: Trails Beyond the Horizon	RPG	Jan 15
BrokenLore: Unfollow	Psychological Horror	Jan 16
Mio: Memories in Orbit	Sci-fi Metroidvania	Jan 20
Dynasty Warriors Origins: Visions of Four Heroes	DLC	Jan 21
Nova Roma	City Builder	Jan 22
Arknights: Endfield	Anime Gacha RPG	Jan 22
The Seven Deadly Sins: Origin	Anime Gacha RPG	Jan 28
The Midnight Walkers	Extraction FPS Early Access	Jan 28
Don’t Stop, Girlypop!	Y2K Arena Shooter	Jan 29