Warrior Cats: Clans of the Forest Announced for Consoles and PC in 2026

After more than two decades of anticipation, Erin Hunter's Warriors series is set to receive its first major video game adaptation. Warrior Cats: Clans of the Forest, a turn-based RPG, has been officially announced for release on PC (Steam), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and S, Nintendo Switch, and Nintendo Switch 2, with a launch window confirmed for autumn 2026. The announcement follows years of speculation and smaller-scale adaptations, marking the first time the franchise will appear on major gaming platforms with a full-scale, original adventure.

Official Reveal and Trailer Details

The reveal was made via the official Warrior Cats Instagram account on 5 August 2026, accompanied by a trailer that offered the first look at gameplay and core features. The footage confirms that players will be able to create their own cat, select a clan, and explore environments inspired by the books, including forests, rivers, plains and swamps. The trailer also demonstrated turn-based combat, with player-created cats and their clanmates facing off against a range of wildlife threats such as snakes, badgers and dogs. Traversal mechanics shown include tree climbing and prey hunting, suggesting a focus on exploration and environmental interaction.

Notably, the trailer featured appearances from established characters including Brightheart and what appears to be Cloudtail, indicating that the game will integrate familiar faces from the novels. However, it remains unclear whether players will be able to choose specific roles within their clan, such as Medicine Cat, as no details on role selection or progression systems have been confirmed at this stage.

Development Team and Franchise Context

Warrior Cats: Clans of the Forest is being developed by TRAILMARK Games, a Minnesota-based studio with a track record that includes Cruis'n Blast, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Arcade: Wrath of the Mutants, and The Walking Dead: Streets of Survival. The studio's previous work suggests experience with licensed properties and action-oriented gameplay, though this marks its first adaptation of the Warriors universe. The game is officially licensed, with Coolabi Group retaining the rights to the intellectual property.

While this is the first Warriors game to target major consoles and Steam, it is not the franchise's first foray into video games. Warrior Cats: Ultimate Edition, an RPG released on Roblox in 2021 and developed by Aldrich-Callen Studios and Coolabi Group, allowed players to create their own cats within the Warriors world. An expansion, Warrior Cats: Lake Territory, is currently in development, and a separate mobile game is planned for 2027, though few details have been released.

Platform Availability and Release Timing

Warrior Cats: Clans of the Forest is scheduled for release in autumn 2026 across PC (Steam), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2. The announcement confirms simultaneous availability on all listed platforms, with no mention of timed exclusivity or staggered launches. The game's release window places it among a growing line-up of titles targeting Nintendo's next-generation hardware, as detailed in NGB's recent overview of Switch 2's 2026 and 2027 schedule. No pricing, edition structure or pre-order details have been disclosed, and there is currently no information regarding early access, demo availability or review embargoes.

Animated Series and Broader Franchise Expansion

The video game announcement arrives alongside news that an animated adaptation of the Warriors novels is in active production for Disney+. The series, revealed in June 2026, is being animated by Original Force for Tencent Video and Coolabi, with A.C. Bradley as showrunner and Rodrigo Blaas directing in collaboration with El Guiri Studios. Concept art released in July depicted Firestar and other clan cats in a forest setting, with the series currently slated for release in 2028. This expansion into both television and gaming marks the most significant cross-media push for the Warriors franchise since its debut in 2003.

For players and long-time readers, the arrival of Warrior Cats: Clans of the Forest on major platforms represents a notable shift from fan-driven adaptations and unofficial projects to a fully licensed, developer-led experience. The extent to which the game will draw from the novels' narrative arcs, character development and clan dynamics remains to be seen, with further details likely to emerge as the release approaches.

Turn-based RPGs rely on a combat system where players and enemies act in alternating turns, allowing for strategic planning and party management. This structure differs from real-time action games, as it emphasises tactical decision-making over reflexes. In the context of Warrior Cats: Clans of the Forest, the turn-based approach is expected to highlight clan cooperation and individual abilities, though the final implementation will depend on the systems revealed closer to launch. Players interested in the technical and gameplay implications should watch for future updates as more information becomes available.