During the State of Unreal 2022 event, Epic Games madeUnreal Engine 5available for all game developers to use for their upcoming projects. Several games, both high-profile and less well-known, have been confirmed to use the platform.Unreal Engine 5is the latest iteration of the highly successful and popular game engine, and it most likely will see heavy usage as the current console generation develops. The new version is a leap forward in terms of crafting geometry, lighting, and animation.

Back at Summer Game Fest in 2020,Unreal Engine 5 was revealed running on a PS5. The tech demo showcased some of what players can expect from games using the engine in an unprecedented level of detail.

Screenshot from the Unreal Engine 5 game Lyra.

A fewUnreal Engine 5 gameswere released in 2023 that showcased the technology in action, paving the way for far more projects to debut in 2024 and especially 2025. That said, the engine’s reign is still in its infancy, and it might be a few years before the world gets to see its full potential actualized. Developers of all sizes are working with Unreal Engine 5, and there is a diverse range of upcoming games already confirmed to be using the engine.

Updated on May 17, 2025 by Mark Sammut:The following2025UE5 gameswere added: War Robots: Frontiers, Post Trauma, and Lushfoil Photography Sim. Also, a few titles revealed release dates, while Killing Floor 3 announced a delay.

fortnite corny complex logo

Video Footage

State Of Unreal 2022 Showcase

Starting with a different type of release,Lyrais a multiplayer game designed to introduce developers to Unreal Engine 5. Seen solely as a game,Lyrais a rather generic online shooter; however, this software’s true value is its customizability, allowing developers to use it to create their own projects.Epic describesLyraas a “living project” that will continue to evolve, one that will help introduce creators to UE5’s mechanisms.

When Chapter 3 debuted in December 2021, Epic Games’Fortniteconfirmed that development shifted to Unreal Engine 5.Fortnitehas never been considered a technical powerhouse of a game, but this move to Unreal Engine 5 has significantly increased the game’s visual fidelity. While Chapter 3 was mostly a small jump-up, the same cannot be said for its successor.Chapter 4 dramatically improvedFortnite’s graphics thanks to Unreal Engine 5.

Fortnite Tag Page Cover Art

Trailer

A tech demo released close to the debut ofThe Matrix Resurrections,The Matrix Awakensshowcases the incredible potential of Unreal Engine 5. Created withassistance from The Coalition, Epic’s title puts fans into the heart of iconic scenes from the original movies, although the gameplay is mostly limited to quick-time events. As a demonstration of UE5,The Matrix Awakensmore than does its job, and the demo is free so PS5 and Xbox Series X/S owners have little reason to not experience this short project.

A real-time strategy game that has been in early access for roughly two years,Cepheus Protocolstarted to transition to Unreal Engine 5 in 2022. This upgrade, unsurprisingly, led to a boost in the visuals. Although it should not be compared to AAA projects, this indie title looks pretty good, and the UE5 update certainly helped. Inspired by classics such asCompany of Heroes,Cepheus Protocolis a passion project that has garnered a generally positive reputation on Steam. The developer has yet to announce a full release date.

the matrix awakens revolutions resurrections movie game unreal engine

One of the earliest titles to use Unreal Engine 5,SurrounDeadis an early access survival game that has amassed a fairly positive reputation on Steam. The developers are quite active and regularly release updates, and the project appears to be growing at a nice pace.

Open-world zombie-infested survival gamesare not too hard to come by, but there are not all that many indie options that are also full-blown 3D adventures.SurrounDeadis well worth checking out if someone is interested in any of these genres.

Cepheus Protocol gameplay

Official Trailer

I Am Jesus Christis one of those games that, on the surface, might seem like a joke project; however, that’s far from the case. SimulaM’sPrologueis effectively a free-to-play demo for the in-development full version, and it shows promise. An RPG centering around its eponymous figure,I Am Jesus Christincorporates fantasy-style abilities courtesy of miracles, all the while pledging to recreate historical locations.

June 17, 2025 (UE 5 Upgrade)

Cepheus Protocol Tag Page Cover Art

Upgrade Notice

The Bus Update Phase 2.0

The Bushas been in early access since March 2021, garnering a mostly decent reception in the meantime. Driving simulators are a niche genre, and this project has to compete with similar concepts likeBus Simulator 21. One thing TML’s title has in its favor is its visuals, which were upgraded to Unreal Engine 5 on June 15, 2025.

The Buslooks good and does an admirable job of recreating Berlin. That said, the project is a ways off before its full release, so anyone interested in picking this one up should check out some playthroughs to see if they are fine with the game’s current state.

SurrounDead zombie

Only Up!is a strange case. If someone were to search for the game right now, they would seemingly find it on Steam and the PlayStation store. However, those projects are not the original version that was released in May 2023, which would explain why they have such terrible scores on both platforms.

When it debuted, SCKR’s game was a pretty quick hit as it found an audience on Twitch, with streamers gravitating toward its steep difficulty. That said, its reputation declined as the months went by, andOnly Up!was eventually removed permanently from Steam by its developer. Nowadays, there is no legal way to buy the game.

SurrounDead Tag Page Cover Art

Released in June 2023,Layers of Fearis Bloober Team’s final chapter in the horror trilogy. 2016’sLayers of Feartook place in an unsettling mansion and cast players as The Painter. Its sequel shifted things to a ship and a lead actor. Both games produced DLC stories, and all this content is included and remastered in 2023’sLayers of Fear.

The package contains fresh content in the form of the Lighthouse Chapter. Taking on the role of the Writer, players will experience a new story that promises to tie the trilogy together. Crafted entirely in Unreal Engine 5,Layers of Fearoffers the complete experience for anyone looking to dive into the psychological horror franchise.

I Am Jesus Christ Prologue

Outliver: Tribulation

As exciting as AAA releases are, Unreal Engine 5 is quite accessible, offering smaller independent studios an opportunity to create games with high production value.Outliver: Tribulationis a short Souls-like shooter akin to something likeRemnant 2, which happened to debut in the same month. While not very well known, this project is inspired by African Mythology, which sets it apart from the crowd.

A PS VR2 exclusive,Synapseis an action-packed first-person shooter with eye-catching visuals and top-notch gameplay. Built using a roguelike set-up that revolves around an agent infiltrating the mind of a target (Inceptionstyle),Synapsedelivers a satisfying campaign that utilizes repetition to cleverly pace-out progression while also complementing the overall narrative. VR UE5 games are rare at this point, butSynapseshows that the engine can be a great fit for the technology. While not necessarily the prettiest game out there, the graphics are quite impressive and stylish.

bus aerosoft simulator game

While not the firstUnreal Engine 5 gameto debut,Remnant 2is among the earliest releases to truly showcase the engine’s potential. Building upon thefoundations of 2019’sRemnant: From the Ashes, Gunfire Games' Soulslike sequel once again incorporates procedurally generated elements into its levels, so no two playthroughs should be exactly alike.

Even though this system affects the visuals' consistency to an extent,Remnant 2still generally looks great, particularly the art and effects. Gunfire utilized UE5’s Nanite technology to enhance the game’s geometric detail, and the fruits of this labor can be seen all over the project.

A free-to-play game that bends dungeon-crawling with RPG elements,Dark and Darkerhas led a decent existence so far, garnering quite a bit of attention due to its blend ofPvPvE gameplayand battle royale routine. Now, despite being technically free, the base version comes with quite a few restrictions that make full commitment difficult; consequently, it is arguably better to treat this release as free-to-try.

Dark and Darkerhas a satisfying gameplay loop that is driven primarily by loot, with very little in the way of storytelling. While solo runs are possible, players should look to team up with other people as they will otherwise struggle.

With EA as its publisher,Immortals of Aveumwas not only Ascendant Studios' debut release but also one of the first AAA Unreal Engine 5 projects. A fantasy game played from a first-person perspective,Immortals of Aveumis a shooter with magic rather than guns. Splitting its spells into three types, the title is at its best when focusing on action, although that’s not because of a lack of cutscenes and story.

Immortals of Aveumgot a middling reception at launch, and it has proven to be a fairly divisive release. Still, anyone looking for a shooter with a twist should check out this project.

Deceit 2is a rare free-to-playUnreal Engine 5 gameand a solid sequel to its 2017 predecessor. Now, the 2023 entry has not experienced the same level of success as the originalDeceit; on Steam, the games are averaging roughly the same number of current players, and it does seem like they are competing against each other to an extent.

Deceit 2is a social deduction game that drops a group of players on a map and challenges them to find their way out before they are taken out by the cursed monster among them. The concept is fairly straightforward, but matches are granted some variety through perks and character-based abilities.Deceit 2improves upon its predecessor in quite a few ways, with the graphics being the most obvious.

One of the early showcases of UE5’s potential to change the racing genre,Overpass 2looks fantastic, delivering detailed cars and expansive-looking tracks. Admittedly, the game did not really leave that much of a positive or lasting impression, but it could still hit the mark with fans of rally racers.

Out of nowhere, Blue Isle Studios announced thatSlender: The Arrivalwould receive a 10-year anniversary update in October 2023, with the most significant change being the implementation of Unreal Engine 5. And, the developer stuck to their announcement, dropping the 10th anniversary update on the proposed date.

Naturally, this switch revamped the game’s aesthetic, making it feel like a new experience. The developer also announcedS: Lost Chapters, although it is not clear whether the upcoming title will also utilize UE5.

Who would have guessed that the Soulslike genre would be pioneering Unreal Engine 5’s implementation?Remnant 2andLords of the Fallenare among the biggest games to showcase the engine’s potential so far, and they both do a stellar job of highlighting UE5’s strengths.LOTRis especially impressive in the visual department, as it is arguably among the best-looking games of the last few years. The world is also quite big and offers a degree of exploration.

In general,Lords of the Fallenis a bit of a mixed bag since aspects like combat and bosses can be fairly divisive. Still, it is an ambitious and periodically impressive project that should keep most Soulslike fans busy for a few weeks.

A survival horror game set in a “normal” town,Stray Soulswears its influences on its sleeve. Utilizing Unreal Engine 5, the title manages to produce a few creepy sequences or vistas, and these moments provide hints at what the project could have been with a bit more time in the oven.

Garnering widespread criticism,Stray Souls' bugs and rough gameplay make it difficult to recommend to even horror completionists. For all its flaws, the game does show that UE5 should be a good fit for the genre.

ARK: Survival Ascendedhad a rough road to launch, mainly as the UE 5 update ofSurvival Evolvedwas not immediately announced as a priced project; consequently, when the latter news broke, the reaction was unsurprisingly not positive. Still, Studio Wildcard pushed on, finally releasing the game into early access on June 26, 2025.

This iteration upgrades the visuals significantly, and it is a complete revamp rather than a minor improvement. Wildcard has positionedSurvival AscendedasARK’s definitive version, and it comes with all the expansions and a host of quality-of-life improvements. That said,Survival Ascendedlaunched in a fairly rough state, so anyone looking to pick this up needs to be aware that it is still a work in progress.

A relatively smallUnreal Engine 5 gamecompared to some other projects,This Bed We Madewas nevertheless among the first great showcases of the engine’s capabilities. Bringing to life the 1950s, the story drops players in the Clarington Hotel, casting them as a maid who starts to play the part of an investigator as she looks into the clientele’s secrets.

Along with telling an engaging and mature story,This Bed We Made’s aesthetic is eye-catching, blending realism with a hint of stylized direction. This game is a good pick for anyone craving a mystery.

Inspired by the originalRoboCoptrilogy,Rogue Cityis a bloody first-person shooter that focuses on delivering an authentic experience that suits the source material. Consequently, players become the walking tank that is RoboCop as they steadily mow down hundreds of enemies across a plethora of levels.

While the main missions are fairly linear affairs,Rogue Citygets to really show off the might of Unreal Engine 5 during its more open sections set in New Detroit, which are generally designed to encourage exploration and deliver optional content.

In time, Unreal Engine 5 will be used to create some all-time great horror games, but it is still a work in progress. While overflowing with potential,Quantum Erroris not quite there in terms of gameplay and story, making it difficult to recommend to even the most hardcore horror fans.

That said, the game was created by a very small team, who deserve props for taking on a fairly ambitious project, even if it does not all come together satisfyingly. As a showcase of UE5’s power,Quantum Errordoes not reveal all that much, and its graphics are not anything to write home about.

Released in January 2022,Mortal Online 2is an MMORPG that originally used Unreal Engine 4. Eventually, Star Vault confirmed that the game would be moving over to UE5 once a suitable build is released by Epic Games.Mortal Online 2officially shifted to Unreal Engine 5 on Jun 14, 2025, with the Patch 2.0.0.0 update. This achievement made it the first MMORPG to run on the engine.

An immersive MMO,MO2is difficult, complex, and perfect for hardcore players who love PvP gameplay. Survival is the name of the game, and it is never easy.

During Sony’s State of Play event in September 2022, Bandai Namco revealed the next project in theTekkenfranchise. 2015’sTekken 7, the most recent entry in the series, utilizes Unreal Engine 4, and the fighting game is well regarded for its crisp visuals and fine-tuned gameplay. This title was also the first time the series adopted Epic’s Unreal, and the experience was positive enough to encourage Bandai Namco to try the software’s successor.

To take the next step, Bandai Namco confirmed thatTekken 8uses Unreal Engine 5, and the benefits provided by this leap are evident in the game’s announcement trailer. Katsuhiro Harada, Bandai Namco Entertainment’s General Manager, also confirmed the upcoming game is being built from scratch in UE5, including the character models. Toward the end of 2023, aTekken 8demowas made available that highlighted what players can expect from the sequel. The download contains snippets of five modes, four playable characters, and three battle stages, which is pretty decent for a demo. This release largely showcases the combat, although the improved graphics are also difficult to miss.

For the immediate future, Unreal Engine 5 seems set to beSilent Hill’s default game engine.The Short Messagemarked the horror franchise’s big return after nearly a decade, releasing as a free-to-play option on the PlayStation Store. While not devoid of positives,the project garnered a fairly poor reception, particularly its divisive protagonist and themes. Still, die-hard fans with the means to check this release out should give it a try, especially since its story is quite short.

Entering early access,Nightingaleis a survival game with a unique steampunk aesthetic. Although highly anticipated and with a plethora of positives, the game has had a rough launch, with connection issues being a common problem.Nightingalerequires players to be online to access its content, regardless of whether they are playing solo or co-op. Still, the title has a lot of potential.

Visually,Nightingaleserves as an exciting demonstration of UE5’s capabilities, especially since it is an indie project developed by a relatively small team. The sky is the limit when it comes to Epic’s engine.

An extraction shooter that is currently in early access,Incursion Red Riverserves as an alternative to something likeEscape from Tarkov, albeit with a focus on co-op. Due to still being a work in progress, the game does not have that much content at the moment, althoughthe developers are working on a second mapand other improvements that will need to be made beforeIncursion Red Rivercan be considered for a full release. Consequently, the project can only be recommended to people who are craving a co-op extraction shooter and are prepared to push through some rough edges.

Unreal Engine 5 Upgrade Happened In April 2024

Dead by Daylightpredates UE5 by several years, and Behaviour Interactive’s game was already a massive success by the time Epic released its latest engine. Originally, the project used UE4, which proved to be a good pick for this type of release; however, in 2024,Dead by Daylightmigrated to UE5, a change that came with a few hiccups but also helped ensure its future.

At this point,Dead by Daylightdoes not need any introduction. Players know what to expect from the game, and Behaviour is still enjoying massive success by constantly releasing new packs containing both survivors and killers.

Migrated to UE5 on Aug 08, 2025

Everspace 2launched in 2023 on PC, Xbox Series X/S, and PS5, with the sci-fi RPG using an earlier version of Unreal Engine. Garnering a positive reception, the game has a small but dedicated fanbase, and Rockfish has announced a roadmap with plans for future updates.

On Jun 02, 2025,Everspace 2released the Incursions update, which was a substantial release in terms of both content and performance. The game moved over to UE5 with this update.

While not the first project to demonstrate Unreal Engine 5’s potential, Ninja Theory’sSenua’s Saga: Hellblade 2might be its best tech showcase to date. Plainly put, this sequel is a technical masterclass with high production value that puts to shame even most AAA releases.

Regardless of someone’s opinion on the combat or puzzles,Hellblade 2’s visuals are beyond reproach, delivering such realistic animation that they could be mistaken for live-action at a glance. WhileSenua’s Sagashould not last longer than 10 hours, the campaign is filled with impressive vistas, intense close-quarters encounters, and a strong narrative that blends conventional storytelling with introspection.

An early access release,Serumcombines a few different ingredients to create a first-person survival experience with a focus on mixing serum formulas. Set in a post-apocalyptic world drenched in mystery, Game Island’s project emphasizes time management as players will constantly be searching for the necessary materials to create serums, their lifeline.

Serumseems like a fairly ambitious release, and the early access version has more than enough content to give players a clear idea of what to expect.

Due to enjoying a very fruitful open-beta run before shutting shop in preparation for its full 2024 launch,MultiVersusdoes not feel like a new game; however, thefinal version will be bringing quite a few new features to the plate. Along with the introduction of fresh characters and stages, the upcoming release will contain PvE content, something that was ignored in the previous version.MultiVersusis still predominantly designed around multiplayer, but it will have some single-player options available.

Furthermore, Player First Games has confirmed thatMultiVersuswill be using Unreal Engine 5, a surprising and welcome development. For the most part, the engine has mostly garnered attention for its ability to produce realistic visuals, which is not the case for Warner Bros' fighting game.

From the same team behindAmnesia: A Machine for PigsandEverybody’s Gone to the RapturecomesStill Wakes the Deep, a first-person horror game set on an oil rig. Bolstering realistic visuals thanks to the use of Unreal Engine 5, The Chinese Room’s project immerses players in a grounded but unusual setting that blends natural dangers with the supernatural. Along with taking on water and being disconnected from the rest of the world due to a vicious storm, the oil rig has also been invaded by something that appears to not be human.

Still Wakes the Deepleans into survival horrorby featuring an underpowered and ordinary protagonist. Players do not have access to weapons or unique powers, and they have to think their way out of this mess.

Originally released in 1997 as a spiritual successor toMyst,Rivenreceived an Unreal Engine 5 remake in June 2024, helping to preserve an all-time great puzzle game. The upgrade provides a far more interactive experience, allowing players to move freely through the game’s unique and atmospheric world. While perhaps not garnering all that much attention compared to otherUE5 games,Rivenis well worth a try for both long-time fans and new players.

Showcased atGamescom 2022,The First Descendantdropped a gorgeous trailer that instantly made the third-person shooter the talk of the event. Blending cutscenes and in-game footage, the content introduced a sci-fi universe where humans in exoskeletons take on a wide assortment of threats.

For the most part,The First Descendanthad a mixed launch, especially critically. The game garnered criticism for its microtransactions and grind, all the while receiving praise for its gameplay and UE5 visuals. As far as free-to-play projects are concerned,The First Descendantis about as visually stunning as they come.

Founded by former Blizzard developers, Frost Giant Studios specializes in real-time strategy games. For its debut,the company is working on an Unreal Engine 5 project, with the developers vocalizing their excitement at the prospect of implementing technological advancements provided by the engine.

Stormgateis a free-to-play RTS with a social edge. Set in the far future, Earth has become home to portals that allow demonic forces to invade, forcing humanity to take up arms. Players can play as either of these groups, along with other unannounced factions. Boasting a colorful aesthetic,Stormgatetries to balance accessibility with depth, including a PvE mode that sees three players team up to take on an AI opponent.

A gorgeous open-world game,Creatures of Avabrings to life a lavish world defined by bright and confident colors, along with quite a few novel creature designs. Along with just being fun, the project does a great job of making its setting (Ava) feel like an alien world, which complements the story since the protagonist is an outsider entering this ecosytem.

Black Myth: Wukonghas impressed players since its initial reveal in 2020. The game is an adaptation, of sorts, of the beloved novelJourney to the West.The action-adventure game has exhibited an incredible level of visual detail and intense boss fights.Black Mythhas been compared to FromSoftware’sDark Soulsseries and gamers are eager to see more of it in action. In August 2021, it was confirmed thatBlack Mythis being developed with Unreal Engine 5, which no doubt added to the excitement surrounding the game.

Titan Forge’sSmite 2could prove to be a landmark release for MOBAssince it is likely to be the genre’sfirst UE5 game. As the original title is still quite popular, the sequel’s reveal was somewhat surprising, and it remains to be seen whether the current playerbase will migrate to the new entry once it is available.

Beyond a graphical upgrade,Smite 2does not appear to be a significant departure from its predecessor. More information will be learned once the game launches on July 13, 2025.

With an eye-catching title,Squirrel with a Gunhas the potential to attract a fanbase similar to something likeGoat Simulator. The sandbox game’s title summarizes its premise: players control an armed squirrel. Developed by a single person,Dan DeEntremont’s title includes a trust system, which will see NPCs react depending on the squirrel’s actions. The game also incorporates gun-based puzzles that will require players to master the squirrel’s weapon to execute jumps.

Naturally, the third-person shooter does not take itself too seriously, and that extends to a largely non-existent plot. The squirrel steals a special acorn from a government operation, prompting the animal to go on the run as they are pursued by agents.

Supermassive specializes in horror games that emphasize storytelling, to the point that they can seem like interactive movies at times.The Casting of Frank Stonemarked the start of a new IP for the studio, one that is not associated withThe Dark Pictures Anthology. While solely a single-player experience, the 2024 release is otherwise not that dissimilar from the company’s other projects, both in terms of gameplay and tone.

While not initially created in UE5,Satisfactoryshifted to the engine before making its full 1.0 release. Building a very positive reception during a lengthy span in early access, Coffee Stain’s project is now firmly established as a unique and expansive crafting base-building game, one that can be life-consuming if a player lets it. While not devoid of first-person shooter combat,Satisfactoryis primarily about building and managing a factory, with players striving to create a behemoth structure that can zap an alien planet of all its resources.

A Soulslike inspired by Italian folklore,Enotria: The Last Songlaunched to a fairly mixed reception. Developed by Jyamma Games, the project has gorgeous and realistic vistas, and the game’s sun-lit setting offers a refreshing departure from many of the subgenre’s releases.

Enotriautilizes a mask systemthat allows players to swap roles depending on the one they wear, and they can also have three custom loadouts saved at a time. The action RPG also implements a skill system called talents to provide players the room to create custom builds.

The originalFrostpunkwas a fantastic (and difficult) city-builder, and the sequel is just as good, despite being a rather different overall experience. 11 Bit Studios’Frostpunk 2blends survival and strategy elements, challenging players to manage a settlement while dealing with natural threats, human politics, and factions. The game features a single-player campaign along withUtopia Builder modethat gives players more control in crafting an experience that suits their preferences.

Severed Steelis an overlooked mission-based FPS that focuses on completing objectives with style and speed. ForEcho Point Nova, Greylock evolved this basic gameplay loop and added it to an open-world setting, a marriage that works incredibly well. Despite its sandbox nature, the 2024 game is still lean and to the point, with the campaign lasting roughly 5 hours.

Players are dropped on an alien planet and largely left free to roam, shoot, leap, and just have a good time.Echo Point Novalooks great, opting for a stylish aesthetic that fits the surreal world. The gunplay is also top-notch, and co-op is even an option.

Available on Steam Early Access,The Forever Winteris an extraction PvE shooter that focuses on horror and co-op. The game sells itself on the fact that players step into the shoes of essentially weak scavengers who are far from soldiers, even though they can hold their own as part of a squad. With impressive visuals that bring to life a dark urban fantasy setting,The Forever Wintercan be genuinely atmospheric and intense, allowing it to fit neatly into the horror genre.

A beloved PS4 exclusive,Until Dawnhas received an Unreal Engine 5 remake for the PS5 and PC. While its graphics fall short of more recent releases, Supermassive’s 2015 version is still quite a looker, and the game holds up well for the most part. However, the remake manages to provide a decent boost, while making the game accessible to a wider audience due to its PC debut.

After a long spell of silence,Konami finally revealed its plans forSilent Hillin October 2022. The standout announcement wasSilent Hill F, a new mainline entry in the series, but that project’s engine has not been confirmed. However, something that was established was that Bloober Team would be developing aSilent Hill 2remake using Unreal Engine 5.

Originally released in 2001,Silent Hill 2is considered one of the greatest psychological horror titles of all time. Although still playable in this day and age, the game’s combat and controls leave something to be desired. Along with modernizing the visuals through Epic’s UE5,Bloober’s remake also shifts the camera to an over-the-shoulder perspective, along with emphasizing combat and puzzles a bit more. The remake has been well received.

After spending a few years in limbo,Off The Gridsomewhat unexpectedly launched into early access on PCand PS5. Battle royale games are a dime-a-dozen nowadays, but new releases can still be exciting, even if they occasionally struggle to set themselves apart from the crowd.Off The Gridis, at its core, a fairly conventional party-based entry in the genre, albeit one that plays well and has a strong over-the-top personality.

MechWarriorhas been around since the late 1980s, and the BattleTech franchise has come very far over the decades. While sharing a base name with 2019’sMechWarrior 5: Mercenaries, 2024’sClanscan be enjoyed without playing through its predecessor, with the game doing a pretty good job of introducing this universe to newcomers. Ignoring stuff like the story, which is fairly long and well-done, this title primarily revolves around mech-driven warfare, with players using their time in between missions to upgrade their destructive tank.

Putting everything else aside,MechWarrior 5: Clanslooks fantastic, particularly its robots. While not as anonymous with AAA-level projects as some other developers, Piranha Games' releases tend to look pretty darn good, andClansmight be its greatest achievement yet.

A stealth horror game set within the well-likedA Quiet Placeuniverse,The Road Aheadcasts players as a student who really does not want to make any noiseas they travel to a haven. The gameplay loop is pretty straightforward, and the campaign shines in the way it forces players to consider every step they take.

The Road Aheadis, admittedly, divisive, with the game not bringing much to the horror scene. Nevertheless, it is a competent enough reiteration of genre staples that might strike a chord with big fans of the franchise.

A long time coming,No More Room in Hell 2is a co-op horror game with an inspired multiplayer format. Eight players are dropped onto a map filled with zombies, and they must find their way to each other. However, there are no revivals, so if someone succumbs to a horde, their run is done for good. The originalNo More Room in Hellis among the most popular free-to-play games on Steam, and a sequel has been a long time coming. Hopefully, the second entry lives up to the hype.

The game entered early access on Jun 10, 2025, to a rather negative reception. Anyone interested in trying this game should keep in mind that it has a long way to go before reaching completion.

Rivals of Aether 2is the second notable platform fighting game to utilize Unreal Engine 5, following inMultiVersusfootsteps. While not containing as many familiar faces as Warner Bros' fighter, this indie title is nevertheless a worthwhile addition to this genre, one that serves as a suitable PC alternative to something likeSuper Smash Bros. Ultimate. UE5 will mostly be remembered for its ability to provide photorealistic visuals, but games likeRoE2prove that the engine is versatile enough to produce gorgeous cartoon-style graphics.

While not as well known as EA’sMadden,Maximum Footballhas presented sports fans with an alternative over the last few years. The upcoming entry marks two major changes in the series.The game will utilize Unreal Engine 5, which is a logical pick for a football sim that prides itself on realism. Furthermore, the upcoming title will be free-to-play, a statement likely to fill players with both excitement and trepidation.

So far,Maximum Footballhas struggled to leave much impact, with its entries garnering less-than-fantastic reviews. It remains to be seen whether the upcoming free-to-play project will change the franchise’s fortunes.

Maximum Footballentered Steam early access on May 28, 2025. The game is planning to come out on PlayStation and Xbox as well.

Another example of Unreal Engine 5’s flexibility,Lego Horizon AdventuresgivesHorizon Zero Dawna colorful makeover, turning the fantasy sci-fi world into a gorgeous and expansive diorama filled with moving bricks and lively personalities.Lego Horizon Adventuresis a fun twist on an already beloved story, setting, and franchise.

That said, the game garnered a fairly mixed response, with the gameplay not being that well-regarded. Conversely, the visuals are wildly considered to be stunning, especially sinceLego Horizon Adventurestakes place in a world completely made out of legos.

Attracting quite a bit of attention during its Korean Closed Beta,Supervive’s early access was pushed forward to August 09, 2025. A glance at gameplay footage should be enough to understand why there is excitement surrounding this genre mashup –Supervivelooks awesome. Blending MOBA, battle royale, and hero shooter elements, this project looks set to offer fast-paced and explosive gameplay, a robust roster of colorful characters, and a strong cartoonish art style.

MOBAs do not come around often, and the genre can feel inaccessible to newcomers. While not fully released yet,Supervivehas enjoyed a positive existence so far, and it could be a stellar option for genre veterans and beginners alike.

STALKER 2was one of Microsoft’s biggest reveals at E3 2021. Its debut trailer was lauded for its impressive visuals, and, perhaps unsurprisingly,STALKER 2was confirmed to bein development with Unreal Engine 5. This was one of the most anticipatedUnreal Engine 5 gamesand was a major tent-pole release for Microsoft’s Xbox.

The engine seems to be a better fit for open-world projects compared to previous iterations, which explains why projects such asSTALKER 2have opted to use UE5. The long-awaited sequel came out to a somewhat mixed reception, primarily due to technical issues.S.T.A.L.K.E.R 2’s fundamentals are generally strong, and GSC seems committed to improving the performance and (hopefully) eliminating the major bugs and glitches.

After nearly 15 years away from the limelight,Delta Forceis set to make a comeback, in the form of a free-to-play game that will contain both multiplayer and single-player content. Going by the current information, the former modes utilize Unreal Engine 4, while the Black Hawk Down campaign will be presented in UE5.

The latter holds significance for the franchise as a whole since the campaign was featured in2003’sDelta Force: Black Hawk Dawn, with the upcoming version seemingly being a recreation. This release is quite exciting, although it remains to be seen how extensive the single-player content is.

A free-to-playsoccer game,UFLtries to compete againstEA Sports FC. The project focuses specifically on online multiplayer action, offering a global league along with events and challenges. That said,UFLincludes an offline mode for players who want to play solo.

New soccer IPs are very rare in this day and age, soUFLis a welcome arrival on paper. While its longevity is difficult to predict at this point,UFLhas its good points, particularly gameplay that feels notably different fromEA Sports FC’s version. Soccer fans should give this a try; that said, the graphics are not great.

Hero shooters are no longer “hot,” but that does not mean successful new releases are impossible. While something likeConcordstruggled to find an audience,Marvel Rivalsfelt like a pretty big deal when it launched on July 28, 2025, presumably thanks to its license.

The game amassed a solid reputation through its beta, which highlighted a safe but fun gameplay loop elevated by recognizable characters. Unreal Engine 5 was also a good fit for both the character designs and the combat.Marvel Rivalshit the ground running in terms of number of players, and the initial reception was mostly positive.

Starting 2025’sUnreal Engine 5 gameslineup on a positive note,Project Toweris a fairly small indie game that delivers fast-paced combat in the form of 3D bullet hell. The premise establishes that humans have been imprisoned by an alien race, and they are now forced to fight through a tower to try and escape. Along with a range of trusty weapons, players also can transform into unique creatures.

Project Towerseems inspired partially byReturnal, with fairly similar third-person shooter gameplay and a fun sci-fi setting. For anyone interested in giving this game a try, a demo is available on both Steam and the PlayStation Store.

In 2023, Bandai Namco launchedSynduality, a mixed media project that already produced two seasons of an anime subtitledNoir. In 2025, the franchise will be receiving arguably its biggest representative to date:Echo of Ada. An extraction looter shooter, the game offers PvPvE combat, along with mecha suits that can be customized to suit a player’s preference. While the IP is not that well-known yet, thisUE5 gameis fairly fun and could be a great entry point.

Announced out of nowhere and launched on the same day,Ninja Gaiden 2 Blackgives Team Ninja’s 2008 hack and slash title an Unreal Engine 5 makeover. Even though the original game (and theSigmavariant) is great and looks good despite being more than 15 years old by this point, the remaster still came as a very welcome surprise, especially since the franchise has not received that much attention over the last decade.

This drop coincided with the reveal ofNinja Gaiden 4, which is being handled surprisingly by PlatinumGames rather than Team Ninja. That upcoming project’s announcement hogged most of the limelight, but anybody who is remotely into (challenging) action games owes it to themselves to giveNG2Ba try, especially since it is readily available on Game Pass.

An action-adventure game with colorful and vibrant visuals,Eternal Strandsis an entertaining epic that focuses on magic-based combat. The gameplay features environmental interactions as well, which is described as a"revolutionary" new system. More importantly, the combat permits players to climb skyscraper-sized monsters akin toShadow of the Colossus, a mechanic that is almost always fantastic.

Due to launching directly on Game Pass,Eternal Strandsis quite accessible, and it is certainly a title that justifies owning a subscription for at least a month. The game has great visuals, good combat, and a few really great boss fights.

A new Obsidian game is always a reason to celebrate, andAvowedis among the developer’s more ambitious projects, at least in terms of visual presentation and gameplay. In a pretty surprising move, the2025 UE5 gameended up focusing a bit more on combat than the developer’s typical outings, with the story and characters taking somewhat of a backseat. Offering both first-person and third-person POVs,Avowedis a fun action-focused RPG that shines brightly through its magic system, which is all-around great. While not quite reaching the same heights as some of Obsidian’s previous releases, the writing is still pretty great at times.

After spending a few years in early access,War Robots: Frontiersmade its full debut in 2025, delivering a multiplayer-focused third-person shooter with mecha. A free-to-play release that revolves around PvP, the game allows players to customize their robots, adding a personal touch before they head into battle through modes like Last Robot Standing and Team Deathmatch.

Taking inspiration from survival horror games of yesteryear,Post Traumaseems set to be one of the genre’s first prominent releases of the year, at least in terms of single-player outings. UE5 is primarily known for bringing to life realistic graphics, but the engine has proven itself to have some flexibility.Post Traumaappears to blend realistic environments with surreal character designs, be it for the entities that roam the haunted underground train station or the protagonist.

From the same developer asWorld of Tanks/Warships/Warplanes,Steel Hunterslooks very impressive so far, with the game offering jaw-dropping mecha warfare with a PvPvE edge. Similar to the company’s other releases, this project will use a free-to-play model.

Steel Huntersallows players to pick a hunter and play in a team of two as they enter a battleground filled with AI enemies and five other human units, with the goal being supremacy and completing objectives. Going by the available footage, the action seems intense, explosive, and visually impressive. While a release period has not been announced,Steel Huntersshould enter open beta in 2025, especially since 2024’s closed beta was a success.

Steel Seedlooks pretty promising in multiple areas, especially visuals, setting, and combat. An action-adventure game that prioritizes stealth along with hack and slash combat,Steel Seedlooks primed to bring to life a sci-fi world rich in atmosphere and environmental storytelling. The developer previously releasedClose to the Sun, which is a great but very different type of game.

Now, here is a different type ofUE5 gamingexperience.Lushfoil Photography Simshould deliver exactly what its title promises, a peaceful journey through beautiful locations with a camera in hand. While this might be one of those projects that need to be experienced directly to fully decide if it is for you, the marketing content paints a calming and tranquil picture.

Hailing from a France-based studio,Clair Obscur: Expedition 33is a dark fantasy RPG that seems to have a pretty fascinating setting, along with inspired creature designs. The combat will blend real-time and turn-based elements, although the latter seems to take center stage above the former.

Expedition 33 refers to warriors who are seeking to take down the Paintress, a powerful entity that can kill anyone of a certain age. When she writes down an age, everyone who falls within that bracket has one year left to live. This concept is exciting and has almost cosmic horror elements to it.Clair Obscur’s voice cast is also quite impressive.

While primarily associated with shooter games, Slipgate Ironworks is venturing into real-time strategy territory withTempest Rising, a project that claims to modernize a traditional RTS experience. The game will feature two playable factions, each of which will be granted a campaign.

Like most entries in the genre,Tempest Risingwill incorporate multiplayer support, which will hopefully help extend its life for years. Despite not being mainstream in this day and age, RTS games are still relatively accessible, so a new IP is facing an uphill battle to convince fans to step away from the battlefields they have consumed their attention for years.

Dunehas taken the world by storm in recent years, largely thanks to two successful movies. On the gaming side, the license has sunk its teeth into a few genres, withDune: Awakeningtaking the franchise in an unexpected direction. Funcom is crafting an open-world survival MMO, a descriptor that not many people predicted they would use in association with Frank Hubbard’s sci-fi masterpiece.

That said, the survival genre should complementDunequite well, and the open-world element should present players with an opportunity to explore Arrakis like never before. If nothing else,Dune: Awakeningshould look great thanks to Unreal Engine 5.

Announced in the early 2020s, Konami is working on a remake of 2004’sMetal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater, which is generally regarded as one of the highest points in the franchise. Consequently,Snake Eateris also one of the greatest stealth games of all time, so any attempt to revisit this masterpiece will be under heavy scrutiny.Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eaterhas been kept under tight wraps for the most part, with only some footage being made available. While a 2025 debut is on the cards, Konami has by no means 100% guaranteed this release period, and the remake will be out when it is good and ready.

Changes and additions are still being revealed, butMetal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eaterwill likely add new mechanics and quality-of-life adjustments that were introduced in later entries in the series, bringing the remake more in line with modern expectations. The controls will also be updated to fit current sensibilities, although thelegacy system will be also available inMGS Delta.

From the studio behind 2015’sMordheim: City of the DamnedcomesHell is Us,a game that appears to have a Soulslike edge to it. The developer has remained tight-lipped about the project, but a captivating teaser provided hints at some of the story’s potential themes, particularly “revenge.” A third-person action-adventure title that blends vicious combat with exploration,Hell is Usis anUnreal Engine 5 gameworth keeping an eye on.

2025

Teaser Trailer

ArcheAgeis one of the largest MMORPGsever made, and its sequel is currently being built using Unreal Engine 5. The newArcheAgegame has been in the works for a very long time, but a 2024 release seems to be on the cards. While not lacking in hype, the sequel is saddled with some rather high expectations that most games would struggle to meet, especially ones that have been in the works for more than 5 years. As the wait continues, fans can always continue to play the originalArcheAge, which is still receiving updates.

Building on the success of theSilent Hill 2remake, Bloober Team is back for another Unreal Engine 5 horror game, this time calledCronos: The New Dawn. Bringing to life an alternative reality that blends history and sci-fi to an extent, the game incorporates time travel, third-person shooting, and jaw-dropping (and horrifying) visuals.Cronoslooks set to be an atmospheric and intense experience.

Supermassive Games has seemingly moved over to Unreal Engine 5, as 2024’sThe Casting of Frank Stoneand the upcomingThe Dark Pictures Anthology: Directive 8020both use the technology. Both projects aim to offer realistic visuals as they blend survival horror elements with movie-like interactivity.Directive 8020marks the start of season 2 ofThe Dark Pictures Anthology, and it is the first mainline entry since 2022’sThe Devil In Me. Ultimately, the series should produce eight games.

Directive 8020appears to be taking things in asci-fi horrordirection, revolving around an astronaut who finds herself stranded on a strange planet. While the franchise has dipped into science-fiction themes before, this entry will be the first that really embraces this subgenre of horror.

An ambitiousmultiplayer dungeon crawler,Dungeon Stalkerscould be a pretty exciting addition to the online scene, even if it is a bit of an unknown quantity at this point. Going by its description, the game seems to throw the extraction shooter routine into a third-person action RPG setting. Players enter dungeons in search of loot, all in the hopes of making it out in one piece and a bit richer than before.

Along with protecting themselves from the many AI enemies that exist within these chambers, they also have to be weary of other players. PvPvE multiplayer games are steadily becoming more common, but they tend to fall under the shooter genres; consequently,Dungeon Stalkerscould be a fresh alternative.

Tripwire has confirmed thatKilling Floor 3is in the works, and if its reveal trailer is anything to go by, the upcoming co-op shooter is set to be the most vicious entry in the series. Debuting in 2016,Killing Floor 2has not only enjoyed a long shelf life but also still has a healthy player base, at least on Steam.

While perhaps not a juggernaut brand, the franchise is generally well-liked for delivering action-packed wave-based mayhem along with some RPG-lite elements through a class system.Killing Floor 3does not need to reinvent the wheel to be a success.

Killing Floor 3was originally announced for August 09, 2025, but the game was delayed to an unspecified point later in the year.

During GDC 2024, Skydance New Media revealedMarvel 1943: Rise of Hydra, a project that has been in the pipeline for several years. While not containing gameplay, the trailer gave fans a general idea of what to expect in terms of setting, story, and characters. The game will feature four playable characters, including Captain America and Black Panther (Azzuri). A new Marvel release is always exciting, and this one has garnered more attention than usual due to Amy Hennig being involved in the creative process.

Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydrawill be using Unreal Engine 5, making it the engine’s first major release targeting a 2025 debut. Whether that comes to pass remains to be seen, although the reveal did not appear to be pretty mature.

Building on the foundation set by 2019’sThe Sinking City, the sequel looks primed and ready to be anotherLovecraftian horror epicthat focuses on combat. The story takes place in Arkham, a city that has seen better days. Partially submerged and crawling with horrifying creatures that defy logic, Arkham is the definition of a nightmare, and players will have to use a range of weapons to fight off a variety of creative cosmic threats.

Blending exploration and action,The Sinking City 2should be a fairly traditional take on the survival horror genre. Furthermore, Unreal Engine 5 should allow for spectacular visuals, and the project should be among the horror genre’s first major efforts to utilize the engine.

A somewhat surprising sequel,Splitgate 2looks to fine-tune its predecessor’s strong foundation, which generally mixedHalowithPortal. WhileSplitgatewas and still is a relatively niche multiplayer shooter, the gameplay and concept are rock-solid, and there is room for expansion and growth.

The sequel looks set to have far more personality than the original game, emphasizing the premise’s live sports aspect. Beyond that, the gunplay should be frantic, intense, and tactical.

While not confirming an exact date for its early access debut,STORROR Parkour Prois slated for an early 2025 launch, with the developer targeting the year’s first quarter. As suggested by the title, the project revolves entirely around parkour, offering players a London-based sandbox to stretch their legs. The game seems to be targeting a middle ground between realism and arcadey goodness, all the while trying to craft a tone and culture that is respectful to the real-life version.

Besides having an open-world filled with missions and challenges,STORROR Parkour Proalso heavily pushes its multiplayer aspect, featuring both co-op and PvP. While it is difficult to say how great this release will be at the moment, it certainly has potential, especially since parkour games are relatively rare.

Unknown Worlds Entertainment has confirmed thatSubnautica 2will enter early access in 2025 on both Steam and Xbox Game Preview. Seemingly disconnected from the events ofBelow Zero, the upcoming game will, once again, drop players in an underwater alien setting, allowing them to explore gorgeous and dangerous biomes.Subnautica 2is set to emphasize co-op to an extent, allowing four players to explore this new setting as a unit. Beyond that, the sequel will prioritize exploration and survival.

In February 2025,Leenzee confirmed thatWuchang: Fallen Feathershas switched over to Unreal Engine 5,as originally the Soulslike game was being developed on UE4. Xia Siyuan, a producer of the game, explained that this change has resulted in various benefits, including improvements to both the visuals and performance. Siyuan also explained that UE5 has led to a more immersive overall experience.

Soulslike games are quite common nowadays, butWuchang: Fallen Feathersstill looks impressive. As suggested by the title, the story is inspired by Chinese history, specifically the Ming Dynasty. The game is set to launch directly on Game Pass.

Announced a couple of years ago,Abyss World: Apocalypseis an action RPG that seems to take a few ideas from Soulslikes, although it is not clear yet whether the combat will fully embrace that subgenre or lean more into hack and slash territory. Set in Nornidia, players are tasked with discovering what happened to the Old Tide, an event involving recently deceased souls passing on to the other side. With the Old Tide seemingly gone, the souls have nowhere to go.

Abyss World: Apocalypsehas showcased some impressive visuals through its trailer and screenshots. Nornidia appears to have a diverse landscape with a general Medieval horror motif. That said, the developer has revealed very little gameplay footage, so the game is still somewhat of an unknown quantity.

Ark 2has been in production for a long time, and while initially announced for a 2023 release, Studio Wildcard confirmed that the game needed to be delayed at least until the following year (and perhaps longer). DespiteArk: Survival Evolved’s success speaking for itself, the sequel looks set to be quite a departure from its predecessor.Wildcard has said the game will incorporate third-person action and Souls-like combat, two elements that instantly setArk 2apart fromSurvival Evolved​​​​​.

The latter launch into early access suggests thatArk 2might be somewhat far away from a debut since it would not make too much sense to debut two UE5 entries in the same franchise that would end up competing against each other, even if the sequel is not meant to be a copy of the original game.

Unreal Engine 5 Preview

Although initially built in Unreal Engine 4, Intrepid Studios confirmed thatAshes of Creationhas been migrated to Unreal Engine 5. The MMORPG is currently in its development phase, and the final version does not seem to be close to a release date. As the team behind the game prioritizes transparency,Ashes of Creation’s development can be followed closely by those interested in the title.

Source

Twitter Mention

Ballistic Moon is a new studio that has alumni from Supermassive Games, the developer behind horror titles likeUntil DawnandThe Quarry. While nothing has been officially announced yet, on Twitter, Ballistic revealed that it is working on anUnreal Engine 5 gamewith a big publisher.

Nothing is currently known about this project besides the fact that it exists, and that is unlikely to change anytime soon. Nevertheless, Ballistic’s background in motion capture suggests this could be an interactive game similar to Supermassive’s creations. That said, that is just speculation based on very little information.

A free-to-play horror extraction shooter,The Bornlessappears to blend quite a few different genres, crafting a familiar but (hopefully) unique overall experience. Set on Farmouth Island, players can explore, loot, build, complete a ritual, transform into monsters, and extract.The Bornlesslooks great on paper, and the project is expected to launch fairly soon.

Gameplay Trailer

An open-world MMORPG,Chrono Odyssey’s gameplay trailer undeniably leaves a good impression with high-quality visuals, fun and varied combat, and large-scale battles. Developed by Npixel, a South Korean company, the MMO takes place in Setera, a fantasy realm that is home to gorgeous cities, serene scenery, and monsters that can burn everything to the ground without breaking a sweat.

Npixel is predominantly known for mobile RPGs as the developer has producedKnight SurvivorsandGran Saga, the latter of which features action-based combat that is somewhat similar toChrono Odyssey​​​​​.

From thedeveloper responsible forWasteland 2and3andThe Bard’s Tale,Clockwork Revolutionlooks set to be an ambitious action RPG set in a steampunk world with a Victorian-era aesthetic. The game might take some inspiration fromBioShock, at least visually, but it seems to have an identity that is completely its own.

Played from a first-person perspective and incorporating time manipulation as a central mechanic,Clockwork Revolutionseems to be developing nicely, and InXile has generally amassed an impressive resume, even if most of the company’s previous projects were on a smaller scale than this release. The central city is called Avalon, and the game’s description suggests that players will be able to change the metropolis by traveling back in time.

So far, the RPG is only confirmed for Xbox Series X/S and PC, with a release year yet to be announced.

Demo Trailer

Through the release of a demo trailer, Lightspeed Studios has revealeda new martial arts game,Code: To Jin Yong, based on a wuxia novel. While still very much in its early days, the demo showcases the title’s free-flowing combat that combines ground and aerial maneuvers. The footage highlights the appeal of Unreal Engine 5, demonstrating the technology’s ability to capture minute details and handle fast-paced gameplay.

Reveal Trailer

A fantasy game set in a colorful medieval world,Criminals Withintasks two players to go on a grand adventure. Space Rock Games' title stars Helena and Jarel, two heroes who must work together to save Prince Felix, a journey that will see them take on all sorts of mythical creatures, including dragons. Each character comes with their own abilities, strengths, and weaknesses, and they will need to work together to complete the campaign.

Focusing on skill-based combat,Criminal Withinis an asymmetric co-op game with a gorgeous presentation reminiscent of fairy tales.Space Rock Games' Managing Director Zsombor Pirok spoke about the benefits of using Unreal Engine 5, highlighting the engine’s pre-built tools, Nanite technology, and networking toolset.

Release Date

TBA

Following the State of Unreal 2022 showcase, Crystal Dynamics confirmed that anewTomb Raiderprojectis in development that will make use of Unreal Engine 5. Nothing concrete has been revealed about the game besides its existence, so it is not clear whether it will be a sequel toShadow of the Tomb Raideror something else entirely. It should be noted that while Crystal Dynamics handled 2013’sTomb Raiderand 2015’sRise of the Tomb Raider, Eidos Montreal developedShadow of the Tomb Raider.

Development on Lara Croft’s latest adventure has just begun, therefore, a release date is unlikely to be announced shortly. It was always a given thatTomb Raiderwould produce another title sooner or later, but this confirms that the project will use Unreal Engine 5, indicating that Crystal Dynamics hopes to push the series to new heights.

In September 2023, CD Projekt Red releasedCyberpunk 2077’s first and only expansion, Phantom Liberty, along with the 2.0 update that overhauled the base experience. Just about surviving a disastrous launch, the sci-fi shooter needed almost three years of rehabilitation to transform into the game it always had the potential to be. The original version was generally enjoyable on PC, but the current iteration is undoubtedly among the RPG genre’s best modern efforts. There has never been a better time to jump into Night City, especially since CD Projekt Red has confirmed thatCyberpunk 2077has essentially reached its final form.

In aninterview with PC Gamer, CD Projekt Red’s Gabe Amatangeloconfirmed that the team will now turn its attention toCyberpunk 2077’s successor, which is likely to be built in Unreal Engine 5. This shift tracks with the company’s other in-development projects since they are also using UE5. Obviously, the sequel is years away, and it might not even be completed within the current console generation; that said, the potential of exploring a UE5 iteration of Night City is very exciting.

Teaser

Dragon Quest 12is set to be a departure for Square Enix’s JRPG series as it will feature a revamped combat system. Another change is that the newDragon Questwill use Unreal Engine 5for its development. This could have big implications for its world and overall story, especially because the new entry is set to take the game in a darker direction. With a new game engine in tow and a different overall direction for the series,Dragon Quest 12could be a memorable entry in the acclaimed series.

It’s safe to expect that a lot ofUnreal Engine 5 games will be impressive AAA titles, but the game engine isn’t limited to just these types of titles.Dreamhouse: The Gameis a house construction simulator coming to last and current-gen consoles and PC. The footage so far has been impressive, demonstrating photorealistic graphics.Dreamhouse: The Gamedoesn’t have a release date set in stone yet, but it’s one to watch for fans of simulation games.

Inside Echoes of the End

Icelandic developer, Myrkur Games, is currently developing a single-player RPG calledEchoes of the End.Players will take on the role of Ryn, a warrior of immense power.Echoes of the Endis one of the manynew IPs coming from publisher Koch Media, and it aims to blend cinematic scope with a story-driven RPG experience. This could be one to watch for fans of immersive single-player experiences, especially those yearning for a narrative-driven adventure.

Hyped up for quite a while as an undefined UE5 project,Gears of War: E-Daywas finally revealed in June 2024. Covering the fateful day that saw the Locust rise and attack humanity, this prequel features Marcus and Dom as they deal with a situation that goes beyond their wildest imagination.

Gears of Warhas always pushed the envelope in terms of visual fidelity, andE-Daywill not be an exception. The Coalition’s trailer utilizes in-engine graphics, showcasing a sense of realism that goes beyond the high standards set by previous entries.

Along with a retro side-scroller,Halloweenis reportedly receiving an Unreal Engine 5 game, although little is currently known about this project. Created by John Carpenter,Halloweenis a horror staple that arguably has not received enough video game love over the decades. Presuming it materializes, this title could and should be Michael Myers' biggest gaming adaptation of all time.

While there is not all that much information available aboutHalo’s future projects, Microsoft and Halo Studios (formerly 343 Industries) have confirmed thatthey will use Unreal Engine 5. Previously, the franchise used proprietary engines, which were largely designed to complement Microsoft’s Xbox and PC ecosystems. The shift to a more accessible and “standard” engine could add weight to the rumor thatHalomight eventually make its way to PlayStation consoles. Regardless of what happens, the legendary FPS franchise has required a shake-up for a while, so this change could be for the better.

A prequel to 2000’sProject I.G.I.,I.G.I. Originsis a tactical first-person shooter with a heavy focus on stealth. The game casts players as Michael King, an ex-SAS operative who has been recruited by MI6 to stop a World War before it happens. So far, AntiMatter has released a world teaser and gameplay trailer, which provide a small glimpse intoI.G.I. Origins' presentation and gunplay. Even though the content that has been shown is exciting, the project likely still has a ways to go before a release is on the horizon.

Team Clout’sILLis a survival horror game that appears to place a heavy emphasis on exploration and detective work. While not much has been revealed about the release, the available footage highlightsILL’s stunning attention to detail which is made possible through the developer’s use of Unreal Engine 5. Immersion is such a crucial part of the horror experience, andILLlooks set to take things to the next level.

A shooter set in a pre-historic landscape,Instinctionputs players in the shoes of April Summers, an adventurer on a personal quest. She also happens to be surrounded by dinosaurs. The trailer shows first-person gunplay and a few stunning dinosaur models and environments.

Instinctionwill incorporate puzzles and exploration alongside its combat. According to the game’s Steam profile, players will have the option to switch between third-person and first-person. They can also customize the HUD.

An ambitious MMO built in Unreal Engine 5,Into the Echois an enticing prospect, even if most of the game is still shrouded in mystery. The available teaser does not provide much indication of the MMORPG’s content or gameplay, but it does reveal that the game is a “time travel odyssey” and that pre-alpha is set to launch soon. Hopefully, more information aboutInto the Echowill be revealed soon as it could be one of the more exciting projects in the MMO genre.

Release Date (Full)

The same studio behind 2023’sDead Spaceremake and 2020’sStar Wars: Squadronsis currently working on an Iron Man game, which will be published by EA. At the moment, almost nothing is known about the project; however, an old job listing helped shed some light on one important factor relating to the title.

Motive Studio is specifically looking for audio software developers with Unreal Engine 5 experience, which is a big deal as EA’s games tend to use the Frostbite engine. The latter is notoriously not that suitable for RPGs or open-world projects, so a shift to Unreal Engine 5 should be a positive move.

Square Enix’s reveal ofKingdom Hearts 4did not show the game running on Unreal Engine 5, butTetsuya Nomura has confirmed that will change in the future. Dropping Sora in a realistic metropolis,KH4seems primed to take the franchise in a new direction, be it through tweaks to the gameplay, story, or structure. The new art style should make it easier for Square’s series to explore Disney’s live-action properties like the MCU andStar Wars.

The city showcased in the trailer is called Quadratum, and this hub world will connect Sora to other universes. This entry marks the beginning of a new arc inKingdom Heartsas well, so it seems fitting that this era would come with a graphical change courtesy of UE5.

Tech Demo

As a follow-up to 2021’sMIR4, WeMade has unveiled a true next-gen MMORPG in the form ofLegend of Ymir. The studio has released a tech demo going through its plans for the RPG while showing a few glimpses of in-game footage, although development has a ways to go before any significant content is likely to be revealed to the public. Although the series has always been more popular in Asia than in Western countries,MIR4did get more of a foothold in North America than the previous entries, soLegend of Ymirmight look to capitalize on its predecessor’s intentional presence.

Announced as a 2015 Kickstarter,Little Devil Insidewas thought to be gone and buried due to a lack of updates; however, the project has been brought back from the dead, with Neostream also issuing an apology for the lack of communication. The game is now being developed using Unreal Engine 5, andthe released footage is reasonably exciting, even if tempered expectations should be practiced for this project.

Open-world games have become commonplace, however, the subgenre covers such a wide range of settings that new entries can still feel fresh.Mictlantakes inspiration from pre-Columbian Mesoamerican cultures, a part of history barely touched by the gaming industry. The project will mix fantasy and reality.

Android, iOS

Announced earlier in 2022, Netmarble is working on an open-worldGame of Thronesadaptation for mobile devices, and the game is being developed in Unreal Engine 5. Very little footage of the title has been released, but Netmarble has produced a few licensed products before likeStar Wars: Force ArenaandMarvel Future Fightalong with RPGs such asLineage 2: RevolutionandNi no Kuni: Cross Worlds, so the company does have a track record.

Developed by the same company behindTower of Fantasy,Neverness To Evernessis another open-world action RPG that is set to debut on consoles, PC, and mobile. A PS5 release has been confirmed, but the other systems are still up in the air. While information is still relatively scarce,Hotta has released a gameplay videothat provides a nice slice of footage showcasing combat and the open-world. The former seems set to be hack and slash, with dungeons seemingly being quite linear. Players will be able to swap between a few characters on the fly, which is fairly typical for a gacha game.

The open-world could be fun too since urban landscapes are not that common for these types of releases, and the setting helps setNeverness To Evernessapart from similar titles. Players can even drive cars.

Announcement Trailer

While certainly an acquired taste, Hideo Kojima’s projects are, at the minimum, always interesting.OD, akaOverdose, should not be an exception, despite the fact very little is known about the game at this point. The trailer mostly highlights the main theme: Fear.ODwill seek to test one’s limits and see how far somebody’s fear threshold can be pushed. How this will be executed remains to be seen, but it should make for an interesting experience.

Kojima Productions is working with Xbox Game Studios, which could result in a console exclusive for Microsoft. That said,OD’s platforms have yet to be announced, so that is just speculation at this point.

Games Box’sPrimitiveis an open-world game set in the Stone Age. Revolving around survival gameplay, the project seeks to craft a gorgeous but cutthroat world free of modern sensibilities and technology. Wild animals roam the land, towering over human hunters armed with bows and arrows. According toits Steam description, the game will incorporate a hierarchy system that rewards hunters, allowing them to climb up its ranking.

Primitive’s announcement trailershowcases Unreal Engine 5’s ability to produce stunning photorealistic visuals, a feature that could be used to immerse players in strange environments like never before.

From the same developer behind 2022’sFobia - St. Dinfna Hotel,Project A.I.D.A.is a sci-fi survival horror game. At the moment, very little information about the project has been revealed. The teaser trailer is primarily set in an abandoned building that could perhaps be a prison, and it ends with a brief trip to the sewer. Going by this footage, the game will be played from a first-person angle, which does match Pulsatrix’s previous release.

Although it did not make many waves in the grand scheme of things,Fobiawas a respectable first effort by the developer. The game primarily revolves around puzzles and limited combat, and its visuals and sound design are both impressive. IfProject A.I.D.A.builds uponFobia’s strongest features, the horror game could be something special.

Not to be confused with 2008’sProject Mmod or Hound13’s upcomingProject MRPG,NCSOFT’sProject Mis a gorgeous interactive movie built in Unreal Engine 5. The currently available information suggests this story-driven experience will allow players to make decisions that impact the narrative’s progression en route to one of the multiple endings.

Project Mis quite a departure for NCSOFT as the studio is predominantly known for MMORPG such asLineage,Blade & Soul, and the defunctWildStar. As is the case for most Unreal Engine 5 games, this title is probably still a few years away from completion.

Pathless Productions has pedigree in the FPS genre as some of the team has ties toCall of DutyandHalo; consequently, the company’s first project leans into this experience.Sentinelis a sandbox shooter with a sci-fi aesthetic and a focus on social gameplay. As far as first-person gunplay is concerned, the trailer is fairly run-of-the-mill, although by no means bad. However, as the footage is pre-alpha, it should be mainly viewed as a demonstration of the concept.

Steam Page

Digital Cybercherries’sParanormal Talesis an indie body-cam horror gamefeaturing multiple scenarios. Presented as found footage stories, players get to experience the most terrifying moments of a few characters' lives. Prioritizing realism and immersion,Paranormal Talesshowcases Unreal Engine 5’s potential for bringing pure nightmares to life. More importantly, the project could prove the engine is viable for indie studios that do not have the support of massive companies like Konami.

Alpha Footage

Expected to be free-to-start,Rennsportis aracing simdesigned with eSports in mind. Stated to be created “for racers, from racers,” this project comes from a new German developer and has garnered attention since the debut of its alpha, providing a snapshot into what the game could become when it is complete. While an official release date has yet to be announced, the game has already been through a closed alpha and a closed beta has also been announced. Assuming the latter goes well,Rennsportmight not be that far away from a debut.

Repo Manis a first-person RPG that casts players in the thankless titular role, immersing them in this profession. As Arthur Newstead, players find themselves saddled with a massive 15 million debt, and clearing this burden will require collecting payments from people who live within the town of San Alma.Repo Manwill try to give players the freedom to decide what type of debt collector they would like to be.

Archara Studios is developingRepo Manin Unreal Engine 5, and the project will be published by Games Box S.A. While containing a few rough moments, the trailer highlights the game’s high-quality character designs, along with San Alma’s unique aesthetic.

An ambitious multiplayer survival game,Rootedtakes place two decades following a war that decimated the world, leaving behind cities overrun with nature. Combat does not appear to be the focus of this title, rather the developer emphasizes crafting, customization, and salvaging in thedescription of the game. There are also plans to include co-op.

Gameplay Reveal Trailer

A dystopian thriller set in 2087 Berlin,Shadow of Conspiracy: Section 2has revealed more gameplay footage than mostgames using Unreal Engine 5. While first-person shooter gunplay is the meat of the gameplay, the title also features stealth and RPG mechanics.

A cinematic experience, the story centers around the murder of a police chief and takes place in a metropolis defined by corruption. The game appears to take inspiration from the likes ofMetal Gear Solid.

Another project announced during Konami’sSilent Hillspecial,Townfallis still largely shrouded in mystery. Developed by No Code, the company behind 2019’sObservation,Townfallhas yet to reveal its gameplay style, setting, or story placement. Except for a cryptic trailer, the developer has kept a tight lip on this game’s content, although reports indicate thatNo Code will be creatingTownfallin Unreal Engine 5.

Feel like engaging in gung fu? Well,Spinelooks set to bring thoseJohn Wickfantasies to life. Theupcoming UE5 gamecombines melee action with third-person gunplay, crafting a combat system that could be a mix betweenArkhamandStronghold. While most available footage focuses on the gameplay,Spineis also marketing itself as a cinematic epic set within a cyberpunk universe.

Although it will be hard to really tell without hands-on experience, the combat’s animations look incredibly smooth, allowing the female protagonist to effortlessly transition between leaps, dodges, disarms, punches, kicks, and mid-range firearms.

Striking Distance Studios' first game,The Callisto Protocol, garnered a more mixed response than most people might have expected, but it had enough encouraging elements to suggest the developer could create something special if they were to release another game. According to a report and a few job listings,Striking Distance is currently recruiting for a UE5 game, although the company has yet to officially announce anything.

Undead Labs is working on the successor toState of Decay 2, and the third entry looks set to be the franchise’s most ambitious project to date. While the survival horror series has amassed a dedicated fan base, the IP is still fairly niche and there is definitely room for improvement. As exciting as the prospect of living in zombie-infested world crafted in Unreal Engine 5 is, reports have suggested that there has not been agreat work environment at Undead Labs.

Undead Labs has brought inGears of War’s The Coalition to help take the property to the next level. The latter is working on other UE5 projects and the developer’s expertise could prove invaluable in ensuring thatState of Decay 3is the best game it can be.

For the most part, Unreal Engine 5 is associated with realistic visuals, and that seems to be its standard use case. However, UE5 is capable of handling other visual styles as well, andThreads of Timecould be among the better showcases of the engine’s versatility. Inspired by classic JRPGs of old, Riyo Games' project looks stunning, delivering lively retro visuals that are gorgeous. Obviously, this is based solely on the available footage, but it certainly leaves an impression.

A long-awaited sequel to a beloved action RPG,Titan Quest 2finally seems to be on the horizon, and Grimlore Games has decided to use Unreal Engine 5 to ensure that this Ancient Greece-inspired trip is as stunning as possible. As with its predecessor and mostDiablo-style games, the upcoming RPG will be presented from an isometric angle and feature an assortment of customization options, and a whole lot of loot. The formula works and there is no reason to mess with it.

3T Games’Ultimate Huntinglooks set to live up to its title by providing one of the most realistic simulation experiences on the market. Hunting games are not for everyone, especially ones that are firmly set in the real world; still, there is likely to be quite a large audience for this project.

Unrecordis a bodycam first-person shooter that is unbelievably realistic, to the point that its reveal trailer started a discussion on whether the game is actually real or not. The footage released so far is impressive, particularly in relation to the lighting.

While rather short, the gameplay trailer still highlights the game’s potential as it follows a police officer as he investigates a seemingly abandoned building. Due to its photorealistic presentation and subject,Unrecordhas been subject to some controversy.

Gameplay Teaser

From the footage available,Vigilancer 2099looks incredible. A cyberpunk action RPG set in a city overflowing with neon lights, sci-fi touches, and neo-noir ambiance, this open-world game appears to prioritize player freedom. As an ex-fed, players can complete bounties, make business deals, and develop their persona as they see fit. Envoidant has emphasized hand-to-hand combat and gunplay, along with some hints of platforming similar toUncharted.

A Kickstarter project,The Wayward Realmsaims to be an open-world RPG in the vein of something likeThe Elder Scrolls, with its directors both working onArenaandDaggerfallfrom that franchise. So, the pedigree is certainly there, and Unreal Engine 5 should also provide top-quality visuals. Games running on the engine have struggled somewhat with performance, and these types of releases will be huge tests that will ultimately determine UE5’s legacy.

Along with an expansive islands-based world,The Wayward Realmsis also promising player-driven class customization, an evolving story, and deep lore.

After a few years of speculation, CD Projekt Red revealedThe Witcher 4at The Game Awards 2024 event. While not showing any gameplay, the lengthy trailer was rendered using Unreal Engine 5, granting viewers a general idea of what the final game might look like.

In terms of story, not much is known so far, although it will likely be set quite a few years after the events ofWild Huntand presumably feature Ciri as the protagonist. At least, the trailer suggests Ciri will be taking the lead, although CD Projekt Red could always be planning a surprise or two. It will probably be a few years beforeThe Witcher 4debuts.

Formerly known as Project Canis Majoris, CD Projekt Red has confirmed that the studio Fool’s Theory is working on aremake based on 2007’sThe Witcher, the first game in the series. As it is still early in development, the project is likely a long way off completion, but CD Projekt Red has confirmed it will employ Unreal Engine 5.

Although a respected RPG in its own right,The Witcher’s peculiar combat can be off-putting to players accustomed to the sequel’s real-time action systems. It remains to be seen whether the remake retains the original’s gameplay or tweaks it to be more in line with the later games.

Reveal Teaser Trailer

One of two projects in development by Horizontal Entertainment, a new studio,Witches of the New Worldis a Souls-like inspired by the Salem witch trials. As an investigator named Jedediah Hopkins, players are sent to examine the infamous event’s aftermath to determine what exactly transpired. Blending history with fantasy, theupcoming Unreal Engine 5 gamelooks set to teleport people to a bygone time while also offering them an alternate reality where supernatural entities play a part.

The reveal trailer suggests the game’s main weapons will be a sword and flintlock, but it is still too early in the title’s development to make any definitive statements. Souls-likes have exploded in popularity over the last couple of years, butWitches of the New World’s unique setting could help set it apart from its peers.

Name Reveal

The Wrestling Codeaims to offer an alternative toWWE 2K. Focusing on unsigned wrestlers like Ken Shamrock, Kurt Angle, and Sandman, Virtual Basement’s title could have an impressive roster if everything comes together well. The developer has only shown tiny snippets of gameplay, with most of the pre-release content focusing on the project’s utilization of motion capture technology. Wrestling fans should keep an eye onThe Wrestling Codeas it develops over the upcoming months and years.

A survival horror game inspired byDark Souls,Resident Evil,andSilent Hill,Wronged Ususes Unreal Engine 5 to bring to life a creepy town filled with monsters and unsettling NPCs. The currently available footage suggests a game drenched in a tense atmosphere where something could go wrong at a moment’s notice. Only small snippets of the gameplay have been shown so far butWronged Usappears to be an open-world third-person shooter with stealth elements.