Games Staff are Looking Forward to in 2026

In a continuation of the previous post where Jess shares her list of games she’s looking forward to in the upcoming year, here are some more from staff members Sarah, Saunsu, and Nathen!

Sarah’s List

Even Deeper Regrets

Deep Regrets rocked my jig off in 2025 (you may remember my adventures last year, in No Regerts), so the game I’m most excited for in 2026 is actually an expansion - Even Deeper Regrets. 

In addition to adding more horrifying catches, players can fish a new sea: Inland, upping the risk but also increasing the chance for reward.

I can’t wait to get this expansion to my favorite horror fishing game to my table!

Estimated delivery date: March 2026

Everdell Emerland

I’m always interested in a version of Everdell, and 2026’s offering takes its players to the jungle country of Emerland in its third installment of the Edge of the Map series - standalone games set in the Everdell universe.

But this isn’t just Everdell in a jungle wrapper. The archeological mysteries of Emerland run deep, and you’ll need your workers, along with their insect helpers, to excavate them, as you build a new civilization.

The 3D Ruins are this game’s version of the Ever Tree. You’ll still collect resources to play cards, but you can also collect artifact cards to accumulate treasures and more points.

Estimated delivery date: July 2026

Saunsu’s List

Floe

Floe (technically a 2025 release, but not hitting until 2026) - is an adventure-strategy game where players embark on heroic quests across an icy landscape. You’ll discover long-lost secrets on uncharted icebergs, sail the seas to find adventure and sunken treasure and delve into perilous caves to find precious crystals and battle fearsome monsters. Despite the dangers ahead, you won’t be alone in your travels. Always at your side, your loyal familiar may help gather resources or jump into the fray to turn the tide of battle. It was the art and mechanics that drew my attention to this game on Kickstarter.

Estimated delivery date: June 2026

Pirates of the High Teas

Pirates of the High Teas is a whimsical set collection game in which players are pirates competing to win their Captain’s treasure by serving the most delicious afternoon tea. Players collect and match dishes with tea cards to serve the Captain a perfect meal. To acquire these dishes and teas, players select actions through a strategic worker placement mechanism on the pirate ship that determines turn order and number of cards.

Estimated delivery date: March 2026

Qu’arz

Qu’arz is a capture-the-flag brawl that’s definitely NOT a kids’ game. Join the yearly tournament where every monster is out to snatch the Crystal Idol and get it back to the camp before time runs out. Each player commands a trio of uniquely savage monsters, each sporting its own deck of action cards. Mix and match basic moves with your monster’s special flair to outwit and out-munch your foes. Swipe the Crystal Idol from the altar and sprint it back to your camp. Keep an eye on the clock, think fast. One slick move, and you win instantly — everyone else gets left in the dust. What captured my attention to this game is the Hexagon tile grid board and the miniatures make for an amazing table presence. The story behind the game and it’s capture the flag concept is also very intriguing.

Estimated delivery date: June 2026

Nathen’s List

Speakeasy

Lucky Luciano runs Manhattan in this Euro-style worker placement set in the Roaring 20s. Players take on the role of mobsters, distilling gin and rum, distributing it across their territories, and fulfilling orders all while avoiding the heat from opposing mobsters, and cops. I’ve always enjoyed a good worker placement game but I think they can get out of hand at times with the length of play. One of the aspects I look forward to with this game is that it has a built in timer of only eleven turns. I feel like the pressure cooker element is going to cause players to want to play many times, perfecting their strategy before the turns run out. Also, I happen to love the Art Deco period and this game looks to be chock full of beautiful art. I mean, c’mon you get a little wooden truck to load your hooch barrels into, how cool is that!?

Estimated delivery date: January 2026

Dark Sun Campaign Setting

The Desert world of Athas hasn’t been seen in a proper D&D setting or campaign in literal decades and it’s about time this grimdark survival fantasy land got a fresh face. Athas is a brutal, and unforgiving place, and I hope that they keep that intensity in place for a fresh adventure. Right now it’s still sitting in the rumor mill… but I will do my best to manifest it into reality. WotC apparently re-filed the Trademark for Dark Sun in October. Here’s to hoping that they did that with the intention of putting a new book out in 2026!