As we begin the new year, the time to take a good look at your backlog has come. Just like everyone else out there, I also have a massive backlog I attempt to clear every year. 2023 is a year that is looking to be one of the biggest in recent memory in terms of game releases, so it would actually be a good idea to work on your backlog to prepare for the upcoming titles.

From Final Fantasy XVI to Diablo IV, many of our anticipated titles are dropping sooner rather than later, and so we’ve made a handy list of which games you’ll want to play (if you haven’t yet!) to get hyped for the barrage of bangers as the months go by. We won’t be including other titles, especially those without release dates yet.

*I’ll be using How Long to Beat to determine the approximate completion time.

Monster Hunter World (2017) or Monster Hunter Rise (2021)

Time to Complete for Monster Hunter World + Iceborne (Main Story): 85 hours
Time to Complete for Monster Hunter: Rise + Sunbreak (Main Story): 50 hours
In Anticipation of: Monster Hunter Rise (January 20, 2023) or Wild Hearts (February 17, 2023)

You can really start off fresh with Wild Hearts if you’re completely new to the monster-hunting sub-genre, or you can pay your respects to the one that defined the genre with Monster Hunter. As Monster Hunter Rise is making its non-Switch debut on the PlayStation and Xbox later this month, it would be the perfect time to get hunting.

Yakuza: Like A Dragon (2020)

Time to Complete for Main Story: 45 hours
Time to Complete for Main Story + Extras: 70 hours
In Anticipation of: Like A Dragon: Ishin! (February 21, 2023)

Where do we even begin with the Yakuza saga? Like A Dragon is definitely a great place to start, and you can use the time this month to get through this backlogged game in anticipation of Ishin and future Yakuza titles.

Nioh Collection (2021)

Time to Complete for Nioh 1+2 Complete Edition Main Story: 88 hours
Time to Complete for Nioh 1+2 Complete Edition + Extras: 161 hours
In Anticipation of: Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty (March 3, 2023)

Tackling the entire Nioh saga before Wo Long Fallen Dynasty is a tall order, especially with the degree of difficulty for these games. Wo Long is no cakewalk, so consider this your baptism by fire.

Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order (2019)

Time to Complete for Main Story: 17 hours
Time to Complete for Main Story + Extras: 22 hours
In Anticipation of: Star Wars Jedi: Survivor (March 16, 2023)

If you’ve been saving a quick game to beat during backlog season, this is definitely a title to pursue because the sequel, Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, is coming in March. Since it was given out as part of the free games for PS Plus subscribers this month, take it as a sign to use the force and get this out of your backlog.

Resident Evil 2 or 3 Remake (2019/2020)

Time to Complete for Main Story:+Extras: 6-8 hours
Time to Complete for Completionist: 20 hours
In Anticipation of: Resident Evil 4 Remake (March 24, 2022)

Arguably one of the better Resident Evil titles is getting its much-awaited remake in March, and if the previous remakes are anything to go by, it’s going to be a banger. In case these games are still in your backlog, shore yourself up with the remakes of Resident Evil 2 and/or 3 to get you ready to take on Leon S. Kennedy’s European Vacation.

Dead Island: Definitive Edition (2016)

Time to Complete for Main Story: 17 hours
Time to Complete for Main Story + Extras: 25 hours
In Anticipation of: Dead Island 2 (April 28, 2023)

It wasn’t quite the game I hoped it would be (open-world Resident Evil, anyone?), but Dead Island 2 is coming in a few months, so dust this one off your backlog and take the time to whack away at some zombies before a new batch comes along.

Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity (2020)

Time to Complete for Main Story: 25 hours
Time to Complete for Main Story + Extras: 40 hours
In Anticipation of: Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (May 12, 2023)

While it is tempting to include Breath of the Wild, let’s show some love to the musou rendition of the game as something you may want to clear out before Tears of the Kingdom comes along to ruin our lives in May.

Batman: Arkham Knight (2015)

Time to Complete for Main Story: 25 hours
Time to Complete for Main Story + Extras: 40 hours
In Anticipation of: Suicide Squad: Kill The Justice League (May 26, 2023)

While the upcoming Suicide Squad game will feature Kevin Conroy for the final time, you can still catch him in this game that rounds off the Arkham Trilogy. You have until May to get it all in order, so whether or not you go for every Riddler trophy or not as part of your backlog, break a leg.

Diablo III (2013)

Time to Complete for Main Story: 20 hours
Time to Complete for Main Story + Extras: 40 hours – Indefinite
In Anticipation of: Diablo IV (June 6, 2023)

I didn’t quite get into Diablo Immortal, but the hype for Diablo IV (check out our preview!) made me dig up an old copy of Diablo III from my backlog, and it did not disappoint. Hunting down the hordes of Hell for loot has never been sweeter.

Final Fantasy XV: Royal Edition (2018)

Time to Complete for Main Story: 30 hours
Time to Complete for Main Story + Extras: 60 hours
In Anticipation of: Final Fantasy XVI (June 22, 2023)

It’s an imperfect game, but you could still see all the beauty in between the cracks. Most players will still appreciate the effort here, and if anything, it could help you get in the mood for Yoshi-P’s hopeful hit, Final Fantasy XVI.

What other games in your backlog are you trying to clear out this new year? Let us know in the comments below!

*All upcoming game release dates are subject to change.