As we cruise through mid-2026, the gacha gaming scene is far from slowing down. While heavy-hitters like Neverness to Everness and Arknights: Endfield have already launched earlier this year, a fresh wave of highly anticipated titles is gearing up for release later in 2026 (or TBA windows firmly in the second half). These upcoming gacha games promise innovative mechanics, stunning visuals, and fresh takes on open-world exploration, creature collection, and high-stakes storytelling.
Here’s our curated list of the top 5 upcoming gacha games to watch for in 2026, ranked by hype, developer pedigree, unique features, and community buzz.
1. Azur Promilia (Manjuu)
Genre: Open-World RPG with Creature Companionship
Platforms: Mobile, PC (Steam/Epic)
Expected Release: TBA 2026
From the creators of Azur Lane, Azur Promilia is shaping up to be one of the year’s biggest open-world gacha experiences. Set in a vibrant fantasy world filled with magic, diverse civilizations, and adorable (yet powerful) fantasy creatures, players will raise, bond with, and adventure alongside their companions in a living ecosystem.
Expect deep creature customization, exploration, and lighthearted storytelling mixed with gacha pulls for new allies and gear. Its charming art style and pet-raising focus have fans calling it a spiritual successor to monster-collecting classics with modern open-world flair. If you loved the character design of Azur Lane but wanted more freedom to roam and nurture, this is the one.
2. Ananta (formerly Project Mugen) (NetEase)
Genre: Urban Open-World Action RPG
Platforms: Mobile, PC, Console
Expected Release: 2026
NetEase is going all-in on high-production urban fantasy with Ananta. Step into a sprawling cyber-futuristic city as an elite A.C.D. Agent, where parkour, vehicle chases, and stylish combat meet gacha character collection. Think Genshin Impact meets anime-style GTA: complete with rooftop running, anomaly events, and a vibrant cast of pullable heroes.
The gameplay trailer has already gone viral for its fluid movement and next-gen visuals powered by Unreal Engine. With NetEase’s track record (Naraka: Bladepoint, Justice Online), this one is poised to be a flagship gacha title that blends free-roaming city life with intense story-driven battles.
3. Silver Palace (Silver Studio / Elementa Games)
Genre: Open-World ARPG (Victorian Supernatural)
Platforms: Mobile, PC, Console
Expected Release: Late 2026
Step into a beautifully industrialized Victorian-era metropolis powered by mysterious “Silverium” energy. As a detective, you’ll team up with a colorful cast of partners to unravel supernatural mysteries in a world blending steampunk aesthetics, dynamic action combat, and emotional storytelling.
The game’s UE5-powered visuals are breathtaking—golden hour street scenes, intricate character designs, and fluid combat that feels premium. Gacha pulls focus on companions and weapons, with a strong emphasis on narrative depth and partner relationships. It’s giving major Metaphor: ReFantazio and Limbus Company vibes but in a fully explorable open world.
4. Chasing KaleidoRIDER (Fizzglee Studio)
Genre: 3D Romance / Turn-Based RPG with Rider Girls
Platforms: Mobile
Expected Release: 2026
Buckle up for something completely fresh: high-octane motorcycle battles, romance routes, and turn-based combat featuring a squad of super-powered “Kaleido RIDER” girls fighting anomalies born from negative human emotions. The game mixes thrilling urban chases, deep character bonding, and stylish 3D visuals in a cyber-neon world.
What sets it apart? The emphasis on rider girls as both combat partners and romance interests, with motorcycle customization and story branches that feel personal. It’s the perfect blend of Persona-style social links and high-speed action gacha.
5. Honkai: Nexus Anima (HoYoverse)
Genre: Creature-Collecting RPG (Pokémon-Style)
Platforms: Mobile, PC
Expected Release: 2026
HoYoverse’s latest entry in the Honkai universe flips the script: instead of your favorite characters fighting directly, they summon and command mythical creatures in strategic battles. Expect familiar faces from Honkai: Star Rail and Honkai Impact 3rd teaming up with brand-new critters in a gacha system focused on creature collection, training, and epic team synergies.
With HoYoverse’s signature quality: stunning animations, orchestral soundtrack, and deep lore. This is the creature-collecting gacha millions have been waiting for. It’s perfect for fans who want Pokémon depth but with the production values and storytelling of Genshin Impact.
Which one are you most excited for?
Drop your pick in the comments: whether it’s the creature-raising charm of Azur Promilia, the city-slicking freedom of Ananta, or the Victorian mystery of Silver Palace, 2026 is shaping up to be another banner year for gacha fans. Pre-registrations are already live on most official sites, so stay tuned for beta tests and global launch dates!