2021 looks to be a good year for new video games, especially with next-generation PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S pushing studios to bring out new titles specifically designed to show off all the powerful new technology. It also doesn’t hurt that gaming is riding a lot of positive momentum after becoming the go-to pastime of millions of people around the world in lockdown-hampered 2020.

Whether you play on a console or a gaming PC, there’s plenty to get excited about (if you’re a mobile-only gamer, check out this article instead). We’ve got shooters and assassins, werewolves and nightmares, long-awaited sequels to timeless favorite franchises, lots of time loops, a cyberpunk cat, and even an invitation to Hogwarts!

Here’s the list of our most anticipated games for 2021, along with the reasons why we can’t wait to get our hands on each of them: 

12. Hitman 3

Release Date: January 20, 2021

Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S

Why we can’t wait to play it: Hitman 3 doesn’t only promise to get more creative with how you do your job as Agent 47, it also makes your experience with the series’ preceding titles better by allowing you to import maps, levels, and progress to the new release. We’re thrilled to try out new ways and more weapons to finish the job, all while exploring locations ranging from Dubai to the English countryside… We’ll probably still be able to hit people with a fish, don’t worry.

11. Vampire: The Masquerade Bloodlines 2

Release Date: 2021 (TBA)

Platform: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S

Why we can’t wait to play it: If you’ve been playing Vampire: The Masquerade since the 90s, you’re likely to agree that the anticipation for this game is, well, making us very hungry. It’s been 16 years since the first Bloodlines, and with the delays in Bloodlines 2 since its announcement in E3 2019, we really do feel our blood dolls are running dry. It’s time to hunt again — this year, please?

10. 12 Minutes

Release Date: 2021 (TBA)

Platform: PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S

Why we can’t wait to play it: Because we’d like to know what it’s like to be in a Christopher Nolan movie. This time-loop mystery thriller is played from a unique top-down perspective, and (in all-too-familiar 2020 fashion) all from within the comfort — and claustrophobia — of one apartment. It’s got a pretty star-studded voice acting cast, too, with James McAvoy, Daisy Ridley, and Willem Dafoe all on board!

9. Little Nightmares II

Release Date: February 11, 2021

Platform: PC, Nintendo Switch, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S

Why we can’t wait to play it: Because we loved the little nightmares this game gave us the first time around! This Tim Burton-esque horror game’s sequel got even creepier, with Slenderman now involved. At least this time you have a friend with a paper bag over his head who follows you around. Yay?

8. Deathloop

Release Date: May 21, 2021

Platform: PC, PS5

Why we can’t wait to play it: A game that promises to bring players both single-player and multi-player game feels, Deathloop looks like Cluedo made into an FPS, directed by Quentin Tarantino. Sold? Yeah, we are, too.

7. Stray

Release Date: 2021 (TBA)

Platform: PS5

Why we can’t wait to play it: It’s a few years into a cyberpunk future. There is no life to be found, except for you. And you’re a cat. ‘Nuff said.

6. Horizon Forbidden West

Release Date: 2021 (TBA)

Platform: PS5

Why we can’t wait to play it: We’re prepared to be swept away once again by the amazing visuals and storyline of Horizon Forbidden West. This time, we continue the journey westward with Aloy, encountering new monsters, exploring new locations, and unraveling more of the story. We can’t wait to uncover more of the West Coast of an alternate America.

5. Far Cry 6

Release Date: April 2021 (unofficial)

Platform: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S

Why we can’t wait to play it: We can’t wait to see Giancarlo Esposito in yet another villainous role! As the big bad in Far Cry 6, he’s giving us some serious Gus Fring vibes. Plus, if 2020 has left you in the mood for fighting against an oppressive regime, Far Cry 6 is a must-play.

4. Resident Evil Village

Release Date: 2021 (TBA)

Platform: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S

Why we can’t wait to play it: The 8th installment of one of the longest-running survival horror series was announced at the PS5 launch event last year and looks like we’ve got werewolf-like creatures in our snowy little village. Chris Redfield is also back… but it looks like he’s the bad guy?! That cliffhanger in the trailer has us asking lots of questions!

3. God of War: Ragnarok

Release Date: 2021 (TBA)

Platform: PS5

Why we can’t wait to play: With Atreus’ identity revealed at the end of God of War, you can bet that the “Ragnarok is coming” tease means that the rest of his family is likely coming for him — with the end of the world, too! This game was also one of the first titles promised ready for the PS5, so we have no doubt the upgrades will be amazing.

2. Overwatch 2

Release Date: 2021

Platform: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch

Why we can’t wait to play: It’s been a while since the Overwatch scene has had new developments, and Overwatch 2 just might spark interest back in the game. Fans got a taste of the sequel at BlizzCon 2019, and with the recent announcement of major Overwatch news coming in February, we can feel the release date coming closer and closer. Plus, we’ll be meeting a new character — Sojourn!

1. Hogwarts Legacy

Release Date: 2021 (TBA)

Platform: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S

Why we can’t wait to play: An open-world MMORPG set in the Wizarding World? We don’t know about you Muggles but we’ve waited way too long for our letter to Hogwarts! A must-play for every witch or wizard out there! 

READ MORE: Get hyped for these 7 upcoming mobile games in 2021