It’s April Fools’ Day 2026, and meaning it’s as soon as once more time to comb via one other spherical of the most effective jokes and pranks the gaming trade has to supply.
Social media feeds have already been stuffed with high-quality, low-quality, and downright complicated gags from AAA and indie video games alike. You gained’t need to look too onerous to see some faux – and even some very actual – updates which have already made their strategy to tasks like Peak, Hitman, Lords of the Fallen, Minecraft, and extra, and in the event you act shortly, you’ll be able to even snag some really weird Sonic and Silent Hill merch.
Extra April 1 pranks will virtually actually sneak their method on-line within the hours forward, however we’ve gone forward and picked up some of our favourite April Fools’ Day online game jokes so that you can see, under. After that, make sure to take a look at highlights from 2023, 2024, and 2025, too.
PlayStation Is Enjoying Video games So You Don’t Need to
IGN was proud to characteristic the unique reveal of the completely actual Venture Playmo, a DualSense controller that performs video video games for you. There’s no want to fret about all of the stress of really taking part in video games when this new expertise can do all of that for you – and it might probably even order some pizza, too. You possibly can be taught all about it right here.
Sega Is Feeling Further Blue This April Fools’ Day
We’re excited to announce that we’re making our SEGA brand 3% extra blue.
We hope you take pleasure in this improve.
Please take a second to familiarise your self with the brand new look. pic.twitter.com/6IrI7hdSIS
— SEGA (@SEGA) April 1, 2026
Sega felt its basic brand wanted a facelift, so it injected it with roughly 3% extra blue. As if the change wasn’t apparent sufficient, the earlier than and after picture supplied ought to assist clear issues up.
Get Your Sanic Merch Proper Right here
OK, so perhaps the bluer Sega brand gained’t stick round, nevertheless it appears like the brand new merch obtainable on the Sonic the Hedgehog writer’s official retailer will. Introducing the Sanic Collection, a three-shirt drop that options Sanic & Shedew, Sanic Journey, and Sanic & Knackle tees for $32 every.
CD Projekt Purple Offers Roach the Highlight in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Introducing, Venture R.O.A.C.H. 🐴✨
A revolutionary gaming controller that places you within the saddle, making your subsequent journey within the Continent extra sensible and tactile than ever earlier than!
Journey off into the sundown on R.O.A.C.H. at the moment: https://t.co/v3JfZyYEGw pic.twitter.com/QSszL9Jnqh
— The Witcher (@thewitcher) April 1, 2026
Roach, Geralt’s trusty horse companion, has all the time been the key star of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, and now, CD Projekt Purple is giving her time to shine. A video for the Journey on a Controller Horse (R.O.A.C.H.) highlights gorgeous new expertise, with extra details about the high-quality prank obtainable here.
Crytek Provides Beetles With Hats to Hunt: Showdown 1896
Crytek warned gamers that “Hunters are NOT prepared for this” in the latest video update for Hunt: Showdown 1896, revealing an replace that was first considered “too daring” and “too darkish”: beetles with hats. Now via April 15, gamers can enter a code (UA2D-2N3M-87N4-98XY) so as to add cute little cowboy hats for the Stalker, Fireplace, and Choke beetles. As if it was any shock, gamers are already starting for this to be one prank that outlives the vacation.
PowerWash Simulator Does the Unthinkable With Date the Dust Relationship Sim
Introducing our subsequent chapter💐💘
Ever wished to be taught extra in regards to the muck in Muckingham? Does Mud wish to cool down? Is Grime clingy? Are you able to ever recover from Stain?
Nicely, now you’ll get all of the solutions!
Date the Dust – Coming quickly✨ pic.twitter.com/RqjFatmaT0
— PowerWash Simulator (@PowerWashSim) April 1, 2026
Behold!
Screenshots of dialogue that did not fairly make the ultimate lower✨
Possibly you will get to see some of Grime’s and Duckweed’s dialogue, in the event you ask properly👀💦 pic.twitter.com/DP9VZAMDuY
— PowerWash Simulator (@PowerWashSim) April 1, 2026
A PowerWash Simulator relationship sim was inevitable, proper? For this April Fools’ Day, the oldsters at FuturLab teased what it might be like if gamers obtained to know Mud, Grime, Eggy, and even Chuck the backyard gnome.
dbrand has a Message for Avid gamers: It’s Time to Contact Grass
Gaming and tech pores and skin maker dbrand has introduced again its Touch Grass look for iPhone, Nintendo Change, Xbox and PlayStation consoles, and extra. Nevertheless, its 2026 re-release comes with a bonus with each order: a Blue Sky pores and skin.
Arma Turns Into Farma for April Fools’ Day
OUT NOW!
It is a peaceable life. Make Farma, not warfare. pic.twitter.com/RVIrrsK3io
— Arma Platform (@ArmaPlatform) April 1, 2026
Bohemia Interactive has laid down its weapons to as an alternative get behind the wheel of a tractor. A trailer for its Arma Reforged farming rebrand, Farma Reforager, exhibits what it might be like if the mil sim went off in a recent route.
Flexible and the Ink Machine Summons the Avengers of Indie Horror
WATCH THE REVEAL TRAILER! They got here from worlds aside… for an all new #BENDY sport! 🦾🖤#BendyNS @mobgamesstudios @NeighborGamesHQ @MeTattletail @Euphoric_Bros @Basically_Games @FNAF_ScottGames pic.twitter.com/zhS8999OV0
— Flexible (@Flexible) April 1, 2026
One of the extra spectacular pranks of the day got here within the type of a brand new (and sadly faux) extension of the Flexible and the Ink Machine Universe. The trailer for Flexible: Nightmare Syndicate exhibits what 5 Nights at Freddy’s, Hey Neighbor, Baldi’s Fundamentals, in Schooling and Studying, Poppy Playtime, and different iconic indie horror video games would appear like in that basic Flexible model.
Payday 3 Leaves the Life of Crime Behind
NEW ANNOUNCEMENT!
We’ve been listening to your suggestions, and we’re now increasing PAYDAY 3 with a model new sport mode. We’re past excited to lastly present what we’ve been cooking within the studio. pic.twitter.com/dssd3Aw0eK
— PAYDAY (@PAYDAYGame) April 1, 2026
Starbreeze Studios says it’s been listening to “suggestions” and has unveiled its new be-a-regular-guy replace. There’s really very, little or no Payday available in its video, however that’s variety of the purpose.
Hitman Killer Agent 47 Will get a Makeover With New H.A.I.R.
Introducing H.A.I.R.
H.ostile
A.rea
I.ntegration
R.esourceEach model, a selection. Each strand, a technique. Each comb, calculated.#HITMAN #Agent47 pic.twitter.com/r1xwUSoWIk
— HITMAN (@Hitman) April 1, 2026
What would Agent 47 appear like with a full head of hair? It’s a query we’ve all certainly requested ourselves, so IO Interactive unveiled its new H.A.I.R. venture to indicate precisely what everybody’s been lacking out on. See one of probably the most iconic characters in video games carrying hair from the Mario world, KPop Demon Hunters, Baldur’s Gate 3, Resident Evil, and extra within the video above.
Konami Launches James Sunderland Physique Pillow to Save You from Your Stressed Goals
5ft of James… want we are saying extra? pic.twitter.com/2Uwl2nspvh
— Konami (@Konami) April 1, 2026
It is the five-foot merch each Silent Hill 2 fan has dreamed about. Accessible to pre-order now on the official Konami store for $69.99 is a physique pillow that includes James Sunderland, however if you would like one you will must act quick, because it’s solely obtainable to order for seven days.
Konami gives additional clarification on its retailer web page: “Sure, that is actual. Sure, you’ll be able to pre-order it. No, we’re not going to clarify ourselves.”
Peak Kicks Friendship to the Curb
we determined giving your folks a serving to hand is lame af so its kick now pic.twitter.com/2RAHfruXYJ
— AGGRO CRAB 💥 (@AggroCrabGames) April 1, 2026
Peak is at its greatest once you’re climbing a steep mountain with your folks at your facet – or is it? For April 1, Aggo Crab has traded the power to lend friends a serving to hand in favor of a full-on kick mechanic. There’s no telling how lengthy it’s going to keep within the sport itself, however for now, gamers are having a blast.
Lords of the Fallen Brings Gamers Into the Motion With Helmet Imaginative and prescient
Coming quickly: HELMET VISION.
See much less. Really feel extra. pic.twitter.com/qATVlUrDLY
— LORDS OF THE FALLEN (@lotfgame) April 1, 2026
Third-person gaming is nice and all, however CI Video games thinks the cutthroat fight is perhaps higher from a first-person perspective. For April Fools’ Day 2026, the developer confirmed off Helmet Imaginative and prescient, actually giving gamers a sliver of the motion.
Ubisoft Goes Out on a Limb With Rayman Redesign
new redesign wdyt pic.twitter.com/8XB012zy5v
— Rayman (@RaymanGame) April 1, 2026
Avid gamers know Rayman because the online game mascot with out legs and arms, however what if that modified? Nicely, whether or not you wish to see what that will appear like or not, right here it’s.
Minecraft Breaks the Mould With Herdcraft Replace
THE HERDCRAFT UPDATE
Who wants a listing when you’ll be able to have the world? Herd blocks, command gadgets, and stay within the second with the Herdcraft replace! Say goodbye to boring stock administration and embrace a greater, aware strategy to construct and craft. It simply is smart!
Learn extra… pic.twitter.com/PfbFVgLpqO
— Minecraft (@Minecraft) April 1, 2026
Mojang is eliminating all of that pesky stock administration this April Fools’ Day with the Herdcraft replace. Completely obtainable through Minecraft: Java Version, gamers will now discover that blocks and gadgets merely obey your instructions as an alternative of sitting idly within the menu.
“It’s technically obligatory to play it proper now,” a blog post in regards to the prank replace says. “Didn’t learn these phrases and situations, did you?”
Capcom Lets Leon and Grace Change Locations in Resident Evil Requiem
Sound ON. 🔊
Blissful April Idiot’s Day from us and @Nik_apostolides and @asantalbano! pic.twitter.com/djmQxyThOu
— Resident Evil (@RE_Games) April 1, 2026
Capcom introduced again Leon S. Kennedy and Grace Ashcroft actors Nick Apostolides and Angela Sant’Albano, to not reprise their roles, however to change them as an alternative. A clip shared on the franchise’s official account reveals every star swapping traces from some of Resident Evil Requiem’s most memorable moments.
Get Prepared With Me Joins Name of Responsibility: Black Ops 7 because the Smallest Map Ever
Let’s prepare to begin the day! 😉 pic.twitter.com/xkHBwxVugm
— Treyarch (@Treyarch) April 1, 2026
Treyarch added a map smaller than Cargo for April Fools 😂 pic.twitter.com/KkSzKOKQAb
— Zac – Immortal (@WhosImmortal) April 1, 2026
Treyarch took to social media to indicate a top-down picture of a mysterious map that has made its method into Name of Responsibility: Black Ops 7. Referred to as GRWM (Get Prepared With Me), this teeny tiny map is already obtainable in-game, and its measurement makes Cargo look big as compared.
Growing…
Michael Cripe is a contract author with IGN. He is greatest identified for his work at websites like The Pitch, The Escapist, and OnlySP. Make sure to give him a comply with on Bluesky (@mikecripe.bsky.social) and Twitter (@MikeCripe).