This week's game launches on PC, PS5, Xbox: October 2026 (Week 42)

October's video game release calendar isn't slowing down. The week of October 12–18 brings a mix of retro-inspired shooters, fantasy adventures, farming simulations, family games, and creative management experiences. There's plenty to put on your gaming radar. The schedule gets underway on Tuesday with three contrasting releases, picks up the pace on Wednesday, and reaches its busiest point on Thursday. Friday then offers another opportunity for simulation and RPG fans to find something new. Here are the week's notable video game releases and what makes each one stand out.

October 12 - 18 releases

Tuesday, October 13: Zoo management, dungeon crawling, and supernatural combat

Tuesday kicks things off with Planet Zoo 2 is aimed at simulation enthusiasts who want to design animal habitats, manage zoo facilities, and create an attraction that keeps visitors happy without compromising animal welfare. Its appeal lies in the freedom to build and fine-tune a living environment rather than simply complete a sequence of objectives.

Also, Deep Dish Dungeon takes players underground for an adventure built around exploration, puzzles, crafting, and survival. Its dungeon-crawling structure encourages players to investigate unfamiliar areas, manage resources, and uncover new routes as they progress. For those who prefer discovering the secrets of a mysterious world to following a linear storyline, this could be one of Tuesday's more intriguing options.

Meanwhile, Valor Mortis swaps peaceful construction for a nightmarish vision of Napoleonic Europe. Developed by the team behind Ghostrunner, this first-person Soulslike puts players in the role of a resurrected soldier facing supernatural threats. Challenging combat, unusual abilities, and a dark alternate-history setting give it a distinct identity in a genre usually associated with third-person battles.

Wednesday, October 14: Cozy adventures meet old-school action

Wednesday offers a change of pace with The Witch's Bakery, a beautiful adventure that revolves around a magical bakery. It's suited to players looking for a warmer, character-focused setting. Meanwhile, over the hill is an off-road driving experience that emphasizes exploration over conventional racing. It challenges playes to navigate rugged terrain and discover routes through natural environments.

The day's more explosive release is Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun 2. Building on the original game's retro-inspired first-person shooting, the sequel returns players to the grim darkness of the far future, where you will face hordes of enemies in relentless gunfights. The addition of Sister of Battle Nyra Veyrath alongside returning Space Marine Malum Caedo also gives the sequel a new playable perspective. For fans of classic shooters, its pixel-inspired presentation and fast-paced action make it one of the week's key releases.

Party-game fans can also look forward to The Jackbox Party Pack 12, a collection designed to turn a group of friends into its own source of entertainment. Its mix of creative prompts, guessing games, trivia, and humorous challenges makes it a natural fit for gatherings where accessibility and unpredictable player responses matter more than complex mechanics.

Thursday, October 15: Castlevania returns alongside farming and family favorites

Thursday is the busiest day of the week, with several established franchises competing for attention. Leading the charge is Castlevania: Belmont's Curse, a new 2D action-exploration adventure set in the Gothic world of Castlevania. Its combination of dangerous enemies, interconnected environments, and supernatural combat draws on the series' traditional strengths. Rose Belmont rises as a new protagonist in an adventure that is perfect for players who enjoy gradually uncovering a world while improving their abilities, it is one of the week's most notable releases.

A different kind of progression awaits in Harvest Moon: Echoes of Teradea. Farming, crop management, and village life remain central to the experience, but exploration and mysterious events give the adventure a broader scope. Players can tend their land while investigating unfamiliar locations, offering a blend of routine and discovery for fans of life simulations.

Nostalgia is the key element in Toy Story: Retro Roundup! + Toy Story 3 Complete Edition Double Pack. This collection brings together older games based on Pixar's animated universe alongside Toy Story 3, giving fans an opportunity to revisit adventures starring Woody, Buzz, and their friends. Modern conveniences can make returning to these older releases more accessible, although the main attraction is undoubtedly the chance to revisit this familiar universe.

Younger players and families have another option in Bluey's Happy Snaps. Featuring the characters and friendly atmosphere of the popular animated series, it offers a lighter alternative to the week's more demanding action games. Its family-oriented appeal makes it worth watching for households looking for an accessible game to enjoy together.

Friday, October 16: A city on a cosmic journey and a classic JRPG revisited

Friday closes out the week with Beyond These Stars, a science-fiction city-building game built around an unusual premise: developing a settlement on the back of a gigantic living creature traveling through space. Players must grow their community while considering the relationship between their settlement and the creature beneath it. That setting gives the familiar challenges of resource management and urban development a distinctive twist.

The other major release to watch is Tales of Eternia Remastered, which brings a classic Japanese role-playing adventure back into the spotlight. The story follows Reid Hershel and his companions as they confront a threat to the worlds of Inferia and Celestia. Its real-time combat and fantasy journey offer a different rhythm from the week's action-heavy releases, while remaster-focused improvements aim to make the original experience more accessible to modern players.

Which new games are worth watching this week?

Castlevania: Belmont's Curse and Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun 2 are the highlights of the week, although there are suitable options to choose from if you are looking for a different kind of experience this week. No matter which game you decide to purchase, remember that our comparator offers you the best deals available for any title so you can get it at the cheapest price.