2021 is a promising year for gaming. With new next-generation options available for creators, it was a playground for all designers involved. With new styles being introduced, like the unique style ofDeathloop, gamers don’t even know where to start this year.RELATED:Biggest New Video Game Releases Of April 2021To make things easier, here’s a list of carefully chosen upcoming games focusing on graphics. Either they’re anticipated for their new spin on design, or their insane graphics and use of next-gen tech, these games each have a huge fan base before even releasing in 2021. Whichupcoming games look set to have the best graphics?Updated on June 16, 2025 by Mark Sammut:2021 is slowly unwinding, however, there is still a whole lot of gaming to be done before the year comes to a close. With the Holiday season around the corner, 2021’s gaming calendar will just grow more packed with goodness moving forward. Regardless of whether someone has a PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, PC, or Google Stadia, they have releases to look forward to. While graphics aren’t everything, to say they don’t matter would also be inaccurate. Therefore, this article has been updated to include theupcoming 2021 games with the best graphics, based on the information currently available.
11Jurassic World Evolution 2
The sequel to 2018’sJurassic World Evolution, Fribtuer Developments' game is a business sim that gives players the key to a dinosaur-themed enclosure. Put together a theme park that can turn a profit while making sure to keep the attractions fed and happy, the latter of which is not guaranteed if two incompatible dinosaurs wind up sharing a space.
Similar to the original game,Jurassic World Evolution 2should feature detailed models of the dinosaurs and will probably be intensive graphically, even if the visuals might not be all that mind-blowing.
10Pokemon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl
The Switch can’t hope to match the PS5, Xbox Series X/S, or PC in terms of pure graphical prowess, but Nintendo’s leading franchises tend to be quite apt at utilizing all of the console’s potential. Remakes of the 2006 Nintendo DS games,Pokemon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearloffer charming visuals that complement the games' adventurous tone.
RELATED:Features From Generation 4 We Want In Pokemon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl
Those nostalgic over the original games will probably have a blast revisiting Sinnoh in all of its modern glory. Conversely, those who never touched the 2006 titles can look forward to colorful top-down RPGs overflowing with personality.
For those who wish to play something a touch darker,Shin Megami Tensei 5releases on June 14, 2025 for the Nintendo Switch.
9Battlefield 2042
Battlefield 2042’s pre-release showcases have been somewhat polarizing. Focusing solely on multiplayer, this first-person shooter drops players in the (moderately) distant future that is feeling the impact of climate change. The gameplay modes should offer large-scale battles as is custom for the series, while any story beats will be told through these multiplayer matches.
RELATED:Should You Buy Battlefield 2042 or Call of Duty: Vanguard?
Battlefield 2042’s visuals will most likely be pretty good, but this is a game that should prioritize gameplay over graphics. Multiplayer titles live and die by their performance, although that doesn’t mean they can’t look pretty in the meantime.
8Call Of Duty: Vanguard
It is a given that a new year will bring with it anotherCall of Dutygame, and Activision has confirmed thatVanguardwill be the franchise’s next entry. Set in World War II,Call of Duty: Vanguardwill feature a single-player campaign that covers “four major theaters of war.” Predictably, this content will come alongside a robust multiplayer experience and a Zombies mode. An exciting new element is theChampion Hill mode, which is described as a survival tournament.
Call of Dutygames tend to have good, if unspectacular visuals.Vanguardis unlikely to change that.
7Far Cry 6
October 2021 is shaping up to be massivefor gaming, be it through new entries in returning IPs likeBattlefield 2042, exciting licensed games such asMarvel Guardians of the Galaxy, or fresh properties likeBack 4 Blood.Far Cry 6could very well be the biggest game set to come out during this month.
RELATED:Far Cry 6: Interesting Details We Learned from the Latest Trailers
Ubisoft’s franchise tends to produce some of the best-looking open-world titles on the market, particularly when it comes to environments. The upcomingFar Cryentry takes place on Yara, a made-up Caribbean tropical island, that happens to be run by aterrifying dictator.
6Chorus
Chorusgives offControlvibes, while combat scenes may bring back memories ofEverspace. It takes place in space, making so graphics-wise the creators have big shoes to fill, and it seems they met the mark. The characters are unique and look amazing, but the views? Simply outstanding.
Many people can’t wait to be engulfed in this experience, withChorusshowing off all kinds of next-gen technology. The story offers a lot of mystery, and trueclassic elements for sci-fi fans, with jaw-dropping graphics and location shots.
5Riders Republic
A new IP developed by Ubisoft,Riders Republiclooks primed and ready to give the"extreme sports" genrea much-needed boost. Covering skiing, snowboarding, wingsuit flying, and mountain biking,Riders Republicis a multiplayer-focused game with plenty of color and personality.
RELATED:Riders Republic Beta Coming Later This Month
Due to the fact it is cross-generation and multiplayer, it is difficult to predict just how greatRiders Republic’s visuals will be, and the experience may vary from person to person. However, style can go a long way in elevating graphics to another level.
4JETT: The Far Shore
JETT: The Far Shoreis another black swan on the list. Creators are seemingly experimenting with a new take on graphics, design, and animation, and it looks very promising. With very minimalistic features, pastel colors, and an overall unique animation,JETTlooks like it will be capturing on a whole new level. This style of design and animation is known to bring true dream-like depth to animations, taking the player on a journey.
The game plays around with the effects of hard shadows, rough angles, and lighting, and the results are jaw-dropping. For a lot of people, this design is not their cup of tea, but for those who will giveJETTa chance, they’ll see it grabs them by the gut and soon the “graphics” of the real world will look mundane.
3Metroid Dread
In terms of pure graphical prowess, a Nintendo Switch exclusive is fighting an uphill battle to stand out. However, Nintendo knows how to make the most out of its hardware, andMetroid Dreadserves as a prime example of that.
Everything shown about this highly anticipated title has been of impeccable quality, andMetroid Dreadis likely to be the best-looking 2D game of the year. The visuals effects look flashy, the backgrounds atmospheric and deep, and the character models detailed;Metroid Dreadcould prove to be one of the Switch’s greatest games.
2Halo Infinite
Master Chief should be making a return in 2021, with Microsoft announcing plans to releaseHalo Infiniteby the end of the year. 343 Industries' first-person shooter has already suffered through a few delays, but hopefully, they have only served to bring the game to its full potential.
RELATED:Halo Infinite’s Multiplayer Seems To Be Doing Everything Right
Haloprovides scale, state-of-the-art graphics, and great gameplay. There’s nothing to suggestHalo Infinitewill be any different, andthe multiplayer is also shaping up to be something special. WhileHalo Infinite’s pre-2021 footage releases were not especially impressive visually, the E3 2021’s showcase was much better.
