Hidden Gems You Should Definitely Pre-Order Right Away

8 January 2026

Let’s face it—gaming has never been more exciting or overwhelming. Every year, we’re bombarded with big-name titles that steal the spotlight (and our wallets). But what about those lesser-known games quietly brewing in the background? You know, the ones that don’t get endless ads but are bursting with creativity and potential? If you’re tired of the same old hype and looking for games that could truly surprise you, this list is for you. These hidden gems deserve a spot on your radar—and yes, you should absolutely pre-order them right now. Why? Because these games might just be the next big thing! Ready to dive in? Let’s roll.

Why Hidden Gems Are Worth Your Time

Before we jump into the list, let’s talk for a second about why you should even care about hidden gems. Triple-A games are great (you know, when they’re not releasing half-baked versions). But hidden gems often offer a level of ingenuity and freshness that’s just… unmatched. Think of them as the indie movies of the gaming world—a little quirky, sometimes experimental, but always unique. Plus, pre-ordering these games shows love to smaller studios that pour their souls into their projects. So, if you want to stay ahead of the curve and support creativity, hidden gems are where it’s at.

1. "The Forgotten Depths" (PC, PS5, Xbox Series X)

Ever wondered what you’d get if Dark Souls and Subnautica had a glorious love child? Enter The Forgotten Depths. This action-adventure game takes players to a hauntingly beautiful underwater world, teeming with mystery, danger, and plenty of "Oh-my-God-what-is-that?!" moments.

You play as a deep-sea explorer battling ancient sea creatures and solving puzzles to uncover the ocean’s darkest secrets. The combat is brutal but fair, with a heavy emphasis on timing and patience (so yeah, Dark Souls fans, you’ll feel at home). But what sets this title apart is its atmosphere. It’s all about that immersive, spine-tingling vibe that’ll have you holding your breath as you venture deeper.

Trust me, this one’s gonna make waves when it drops. Don’t sleep on it.

2. "Chrono Odyssey" (PC, PS5, Xbox Series X)

Massively multiplayer online games (MMOs) often fall into the trap of doing too much or not enough. Chrono Odyssey, though, seems to be hitting just the right balance. This time-travel-themed MMORPG is shaping up to be something special. Sure, we’ve seen beautiful fantasy worlds before, but how about one where you can bend time itself during combat?

Yup, that’s the twist here. You can manipulate time to dodge attacks, combo your enemies, or even rewind your mistakes. Not only does the gameplay look slick, but the graphics are absolutely jaw-dropping. Think Final Fantasy XIV meets The Witcher. And the cherry on top? It’s being developed by renowned Korean studio NPIXEL, so you know it’s gonna deliver that satisfying grind alongside its futuristic magic.

MMO players, this might just be your new obsession.

3. "Little Devil Inside" (PC, PS5, Xbox Series X, Switch)

Here’s a game that’s oozing with charm: Little Devil Inside. It’s an open-world action-adventure game with RPG elements, but calling it that really doesn’t do it justice. Imagine if Wes Anderson directed a video game—that’s the vibe here.

You take on the role of an adventurer doing odd jobs for your eccentric employer, ranging from battling quirky monsters to simply cooking a meal over a campfire. The game emphasizes survival mechanics, exploration, and some lighthearted humor wrapped in its beautifully stylized graphics.

There’s also a big focus on storytelling, with NPCs that feel more like real characters than quest-givers. If you’re into games that are both relaxing and engaging, this one is an absolute must-pre-order.

4. "Eitr" (PC, PS4)

Fans of Norse mythology, assemble! Eitr is an action RPG that’s been quietly brewing for years, and the wait seems to be worth it. It’s a pixel-art masterpiece with tight, skill-based combat that feels like a dance of death (think Hyper Light Drifter meets Diablo).

You play as the Shield Maiden, a badass warrior on a quest to restore balance to Yggdrasil, the Norse world tree. The game’s art style is stunning, with a gritty, atmospheric vibe that immediately pulls you in. And the gameplay? It’s got a steep learning curve, but the sense of satisfaction you’ll get from mastering it is gonna be chef’s kiss.

If you miss the old-school, tough-as-nails RPGs, Eitr might be the kick in the nostalgia you’re looking for.

5. "Replaced" (PC, Xbox Series X)

Okay, hear me out on this one: what if you could play a side-scrolling cyberpunk game with some of the most beautiful pixel art you’ve ever seen? Enter Replaced, a gorgeous retro-futuristic action platformer that’s dripping with style.

Set in an alternate 1980s, you play as an AI trapped inside a human body. The story explores themes of identity, humanity, and freedom in a dystopian world where everything seems to be falling apart. Combat is a mix of fast-paced melee and ranged attacks, all animated so smoothly it looks like a blockbuster movie.

Replaced is the kind of game that’ll remind you why pixel art is still alive and well—it’s artisanal gaming at its finest.

6. "Black Myth: Wukong" (PC, PS5, Xbox Series X)

Alright, so maybe this one isn’t entirely under the radar, but it deserves a proper shoutout. Black Myth: Wukong is an action RPG based on the classic Chinese tale Journey to the West. It’s kind of like Sekiro, but with a monkey king and a truckload of mythical beasts.

The visuals? Absolutely stunning. The combat? Fast-paced and challenging. And the lore? Deep enough to keep you hooked for hours. The game has been turning heads in the gaming community, but trust me, it’s still flying under the mainstream radar.

If you’re a sucker for epic boss battles and a world that feels larger-than-life, pre-order this bad boy immediately.

7. "Sea of Stars" (PC, PS5, Xbox Series X, Switch)

Let’s end this list with something that’ll tug at your nostalgic heartstrings: Sea of Stars. This indie RPG is a love letter to the classic turn-based games of the ‘90s like Chrono Trigger and Final Fantasy VI.

The game’s hand-drawn art is absolutely stunning, and the soundtrack? Composed by none other than Yasunori Mitsuda (yes, the same legend who worked on Chrono Trigger). Beyond that, the game features a rich story, combat mechanics that reward precision, and puzzles that’ll keep your brain ticking.

This isn’t just a throwback—it’s a modern reimagining of everything we loved about retro RPGs. Don’t just pre-order it for yourself; pre-order it as a gift to your 10-year-old self.

Final Thoughts

There you have it—seven hidden gems that are primed to blow your mind. Sure, it’s tempting to stick to the major league players when buying games, but sometimes it’s the smaller, unassuming titles that leave the biggest impact. These games might not have the marketing budget of giants like Call of Duty or Elden Ring, but they’re rich in heart, creativity, and gameplay that’ll keep you glued to your screen.

So, take a chance. Pre-order these gems and be the person telling your friends, “Yeah, I was into that game before it was cool.