January typically ushers in a quieter period for the PC gaming landscape, with many of the most anticipated titles set to debut later in the month. However, excitement is brewing for several noteworthy releases, including Cairn, a mountain climbing adventure that captured attention during its reveal at the PC Gaming Show: Most Wanted in December. For those eager to explore the broader horizon of 2026, our comprehensive guide to upcoming PC games is a must-read, alongside Chris’s insights into the city builders of the year and Jacob’s hardware preview. While more forecasts and previews are on the way, let’s delve into what the immediate future holds for PC gaming.
<h2 class="article-bodysection” id=”section-january-s-big-pc-release-dates”>January’s big PC release dates
January 12
Quarantine Zone: The Last Check (Steam) has already made waves on TikTok, thanks to its engaging free demo. Drawing inspiration from the likes of Papers, Please, players will take on the role of a checkpoint officer, tasked with scrutinizing survivors of a zombie apocalypse for signs of infection.
January 26
Highguard (Steam) was unveiled at The Game Awards, though it faced a lukewarm reception. This free-to-play hero shooter must overcome skepticism as it enters a saturated market. Yet, with the success of titles like Marvel Rivals, there remains a glimmer of hope for the genre.
January 29
Cairn (Steam) is a long-awaited mountain climbing game that has already earned accolades from early players. Jake, who experienced its demo a couple of years back, hailed it as the best climbing game he’s ever encountered.
<h2 class="article-bodysection” id=”section-january-gaming-events-and-sales”>January gaming events and sales
- The annual tech showcase, CES, will take place from January 6-9. For insights into the anticipated gear, check out our CES 2026 preview.
- The conclusion of the Steam Winter Sale will be followed by two additional sales:
- December 18 – January 5: Steam Winter Sale
- January 12 – January 19: Detective Fest
- January 26 – February 2: Board Game Fest
- The Taipei Game Show will wrap up the month, running from January 29-February 1.
<h2 class="article-bodysection” id=”section-early-access-launches-in-january-2025″>Early access launches in January 2025
January 6
StarRupture (Steam) invites players into a sci-fi realm where base building meets defense strategies. It promises a blend of industrial automation reminiscent of Satisfactory and the thrill of exterminating alien bugs akin to Earth Defense Force.
January 22
Bladesong (Steam) will enter early access, allowing players to craft exquisite blades for a dark fantasy clientele while unraveling the mysteries of Eren Keep, a rumored sanctuary in a fading world.
January TBA
Echoes of Elysium (Steam), a co-op airship survival RPG, has been delayed from its original December launch and is now anticipated to arrive in January.
<h2 class="article-bodysection” id=”section-games-with-major-updates-and-events-in-january”>Games with major updates and events in January
January 20
World of Warcraft will receive its Midnight Pre-Expansion Content Update on January 20, introducing the new Demon Hunter Devourer specialization among other features. Blizzard has detailed the upcoming changes on their blog, with the full Midnight expansion set to launch on March 2.
January 12
Anthem will officially conclude its journey on January 12. The BioWare live service shooter was removed from sale last year, but players can still log in to pay their respects before the servers go dark.
January 22
Cult of the Lamb: Woolhaven (Steam) will introduce “Yngya, the forgotten God of the lambs,” along with a new mountainous region in this popular action cult management game. This paid expansion is tailored for those who have already experienced the base game.
<h2 class="article-bodysection” id=”section-more-games-releasing-in-january-2025″>More games releasing in January 2025
- January 9 — Pathologic 3 – The latest entry in a horror series designed to be “unbearable” (Steam)
- January 12 — Big Hops – A charming 3D platformer (Steam)
- January 15 — Craftlings – A nostalgic throwback reminiscent of Lemmings (Steam)
- January 15 — Legend of Heroes: Trails Beyond the Horizon – A science fantasy RPG (Steam)
- January 16 — BrokenLore: Unfollow – A psychological horror experience (Steam)
- January 20 — Mio: Memories in Orbit – A sci-fi metroidvania adventure (Steam)
- January 21 — Dynasty Warriors Origins: Visions of Four Heroes – DLC featuring “1 vs 1,000 action” (Steam)
- January 22 — Nova Roma – A chance to build your own version of Rome (Steam)
- January 22 — Arknights: Endfield – An anime gacha action RPG (Epic)
- January 28 — The Seven Deadly Sins: Origin – Another anime gacha action RPG (Steam)
- January 28 — The Midnight Walkers (early access) – An extraction FPS (Steam)
- January 29 — Don’t Stop, Girlypop! – A “Y2K arena movement shooter” (Steam)
