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 |
