It’s April Fools’ Day 2026, and that means it’s once again time to comb through another round of the best jokes and pranks the gaming industry has to offer.
Social media feeds have already been filled with high-quality, low-quality, and downright confusing gags from AAA and indie games alike. You won’t have to look too hard to see some fake – and even some very real – updates that have already made their way to projects like Peak, Hitman, Lords of the Fallen, Minecraft, and more, and if you act quickly, you can even snag some truly bizarre Sonic and Silent Hill merch.
More April 1 pranks will almost certainly sneak their way online in the hours ahead, but we’ve gone ahead and collected some of our favorite April Fools’ Day video game jokes for you to see, below. After that, be sure to check out highlights from 2023, 2024, and 2025, too.
PlayStation Is Playing Games So You Don’t Have to
IGN was proud to feature the exclusive reveal of the totally real Project Playmo, a DualSense controller that plays video games for you. There’s no need to worry about all the stress of actually playing games when this new technology can do all of that for you – and it can even order some pizza, too. You can learn all about it here.
Sega Is Feeling Extra Blue This April Fools’ Day
We’re excited to announce that we’re making our SEGA logo 3% more blue.
We hope you enjoy this upgrade.
Please take a moment to familiarise yourself with the new look. pic.twitter.com/6IrI7hdSIS
— SEGA (@SEGA) April 1, 2026
Sega felt its classic logo needed a facelift, so it injected it with approximately 3% more blue. As if the change wasn’t obvious enough, the before and after image provided should help clear things up.
Get Your Sanic Merch Right Here
OK, so maybe the bluer Sega logo won’t stick around, but it looks like the new merch available on the Sonic the Hedgehog publisher’s official store will. Introducing the Sanic Collection, a three-shirt drop that features Sanic & Shedew, Sanic Adventure, and Sanic & Knackle tees for $32 each.
CD Projekt Red Gives Roach the Spotlight in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Introducing, Project R.O.A.C.H. 🐴✨
A revolutionary gaming controller that puts you in the saddle, making your next adventure in the Continent more realistic and tactile than ever before!
Ride off into the sunset on R.O.A.C.H. today: https://t.co/v3JfZyYEGw pic.twitter.com/QSszL9Jnqh
— The Witcher (@thewitcher) April 1, 2026
Roach, Geralt’s trusty horse companion, has always been the secret star of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, and now, CD Projekt Red is giving her time to shine. A video for the Ride on a Controller Horse (R.O.A.C.H.) highlights stunning new technology, with more information about the high-quality prank available here.
Crytek Adds Beetles With Hats to Hunt: Showdown 1896
Crytek warned players that “Hunters are NOT ready for this” in the latest video update for Hunt: Showdown 1896, revealing an update that was first thought to be “too bold” and “too dark”: beetles with hats. Now through April 15, players can input a code (UA2D-2N3M-87N4-98XY) to add cute little cowboy hats for the Stalker, Fire, and Choke beetles. As if it was any surprise, players are already beginning for this to be one prank that outlives the holiday.
PowerWash Simulator Does the Unthinkable With Date the Dirt Dating Sim
Introducing our next chapter💐💘
Ever wanted to learn more about the muck in Muckingham? Does Dust want to settle down? Is Grime clingy? Can you ever get over Stain?
Well, now you’ll get all the answers!
Date the Dirt – Coming soon✨ pic.twitter.com/RqjFatmaT0
— PowerWash Simulator (@PowerWashSim) April 1, 2026
Behold!
Screenshots of dialogue that didn’t quite make the final cut✨
Maybe you’ll get to see some of Grime’s and Duckweed’s dialogue, if you ask nicely👀💦 pic.twitter.com/DP9VZAMDuY
— PowerWash Simulator (@PowerWashSim) April 1, 2026
A PowerWash Simulator dating sim was inevitable, right? For this April Fools’ Day, the folks at FuturLab teased what it would be like if players got to know Dust, Grime, Eggy, and even Chuck the garden gnome.
dbrand has a Message for Gamers: It’s Time to Touch Grass
Gaming and tech skin maker dbrand has brought back its Touch Grass look for iPhone, Nintendo Switch, Xbox and PlayStation consoles, and more. However, its 2026 re-release comes with a bonus with every order: a Blue Sky skin.
Arma Turns Into Farma for April Fools’ Day
OUT NOW!
It’s a peaceful life. Make Farma, not war. pic.twitter.com/RVIrrsK3io
— Arma Platform (@ArmaPlatform) April 1, 2026
Bohemia Interactive has laid down its weapons to instead get behind the wheel of a tractor. A trailer for its Arma Reforged farming rebrand, Farma Reforager, shows what it would be like if the mil sim went off in a fresh direction.
Bendy and the Ink Machine Summons the Avengers of Indie Horror
WATCH THE REVEAL TRAILER! They came from worlds apart… for an all new #BENDY game! 🦾🖤#BendyNS @mobgamesstudios @NeighborGamesHQ @MeTattletail @Euphoric_Bros @Basically_Games @FNAF_ScottGames pic.twitter.com/zhS8999OV0
— Bendy (@Bendy) April 1, 2026
One of the more impressive pranks of the day came in the form of a new (and unfortunately fake) extension of the Bendy and the Ink Machine Universe. The trailer for Bendy: Nightmare Syndicate shows what Five Nights at Freddy’s, Hello Neighbor, Baldi’s Basics, in Education and Learning, Poppy Playtime, and other iconic indie horror games would look like in that classic Bendy style.
Payday 3 Leaves the Life of Crime Behind
NEW ANNOUNCEMENT!
We’ve been listening to your feedback, and we’re now expanding PAYDAY 3 with a brand new game mode. We’re beyond excited to finally show what we’ve been cooking in the studio. pic.twitter.com/dssd3Aw0eK
— PAYDAY (@PAYDAYGame) April 1, 2026
Starbreeze Studios says it’s been listening to “feedback” and has unveiled its new be-a-regular-guy update. There’s actually very, very little Payday to be had in its video, but that’s kind of the point.
Hitman Killer Agent 47 Gets a Makeover With New H.A.I.R.
Introducing H.A.I.R.
H.ostile
A.rea
I.ntegration
R.esourceEvery style, a choice. Every strand, a strategy. Every comb, calculated.#HITMAN #Agent47 pic.twitter.com/r1xwUSoWIk
— HITMAN (@Hitman) April 1, 2026
What would Agent 47 look like with a full head of hair? It’s a question we’ve all surely asked ourselves, so IO Interactive unveiled its new H.A.I.R. project to show exactly what everyone’s been missing out on. See one of the most iconic characters in games wearing hair from the Mario world, KPop Demon Hunters, Baldur’s Gate 3, Resident Evil, and more in the video above.
Konami Launches James Sunderland Body Pillow to Save You from Your Restless Dreams
5ft of James… need we say more? pic.twitter.com/2Uwl2nspvh
— Konami (@Konami) April 1, 2026
It’s the five-foot merch every Silent Hill 2 fan has dreamed about. Available to pre-order now on the official Konami store for $69.99 is a body pillow featuring James Sunderland, but if you want one you’ll need to act fast, as it’s only available to order for seven days.
Konami offers further clarification on its store page: “Yes, this is real. Yes, you can pre-order it. No, we’re not going to explain ourselves.”
Peak Kicks Friendship to the Curb
we decided giving your friends a helping hand is lame af so its kick now pic.twitter.com/2RAHfruXYJ
— AGGRO CRAB 💥 (@AggroCrabGames) April 1, 2026
Peak is at its best when you’re climbing a steep mountain with your friends at your side – or is it? For April 1, Aggo Crab has traded the ability to lend pals a helping hand in favor of a full-on kick mechanic. There’s no telling how long it will stay in the game itself, but for now, players are having a blast.
Lords of the Fallen Brings Players Into the Action With Helmet Vision
Coming soon: HELMET VISION.
See less. Feel more. pic.twitter.com/qATVlUrDLY
— LORDS OF THE FALLEN (@lotfgame) April 1, 2026
Third-person gaming is great and all, but CI Games thinks the cutthroat combat might be better from a first-person perspective. For April Fools’ Day 2026, the developer showed off Helmet Vision, literally giving players a sliver of the action.
Ubisoft Goes Out on a Limb With Rayman Redesign
new redesign wdyt pic.twitter.com/8XB012zy5v
— Rayman (@RaymanGame) April 1, 2026
Gamers know Rayman as the video game mascot without arms and legs, but what if that changed? Well, whether you want to see what that would look like or not, here it is.
Minecraft Breaks the Mold With Herdcraft Update
THE HERDCRAFT UPDATE
Who needs an inventory when you can have the world? Herd blocks, command items, and live in the moment with the Herdcraft update! Say goodbye to dull inventory management and embrace a better, mindful way to build and craft. It just makes sense!
Read more… pic.twitter.com/PfbFVgLpqO
— Minecraft (@Minecraft) April 1, 2026
Mojang is doing away with all of that pesky inventory management this April Fools’ Day with the Herdcraft update. Exclusively available via Minecraft: Java Edition, players will now notice that blocks and items simply obey your commands instead of sitting idly in the menu.
“It’s technically mandatory to play it right now,” a blog post about the prank update says. “Didn’t read those terms and conditions, did you?”
Capcom Lets Leon and Grace Switch Places in Resident Evil Requiem
Sound ON. 🔊
Happy April Fool’s Day from us and @Nik_apostolides and @asantalbano! pic.twitter.com/djmQxyThOu
— Resident Evil (@RE_Games) April 1, 2026
Capcom brought back Leon S. Kennedy and Grace Ashcroft actors Nick Apostolides and Angela Sant’Albano, not to reprise their roles, but to switch them instead. A clip shared on the franchise’s official account reveals each star swapping lines from some of Resident Evil Requiem’s most memorable moments.
The Annual Overwatch April Fools’ Day Update Is Here
Rules? Where we’re going we don’t need rules! 😎
Hop into Underwatch with all its glory NOW for a limited time! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/t3rHBVTFDA
— Overwatch (@PlayOverwatch) April 1, 2026
Blizzard Entertainment is back with another April 1 update for Overwatch, bringing remixed and OP abilities for the roster. Highlights for this year’s changes include a GG shield for Domina, a Gracie-shooting shotgun for Junker Queen, a lock-on camera for Vendetta, and more googly eyes than ever before.
Get Ready With Me Joins Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 as the Smallest Map Ever
Let’s get ready to start the day! 😉 pic.twitter.com/xkHBwxVugm
— Treyarch (@Treyarch) April 1, 2026
Treyarch added a map smaller than Shipment for April Fools 😂 pic.twitter.com/KkSzKOKQAb
— Zac – Immortal (@WhosImmortal) April 1, 2026
Treyarch took to social media to show a top-down image of a mysterious map that has made its way into Call of Duty: Black Ops 7. Called GRWM (Get Ready With Me), this teeny tiny map is already available in-game, and its size makes Shipment look giant in comparison.
Meet the OwlBrick
The first-ever console built specifically for CRPGs.
Meet the Owlbrick. The best place to play your favorite games and a solid foundation for your RPG experience.Claim your Owlbrick now: https://t.co/PlPFcwU0Xh pic.twitter.com/q1JMuqQLaT
— Owlcat Games (@OwlcatGames) April 1, 2026
Owlcat Games has designed the first-ever console for CRPGs: The OwlBrick. Featuring auto combat, romance assist, and a face scan tool, this not-fake-at-all hardware is looking to be the next big thing.
Invincible VS Roster Expands With Painfully Creative Joke Characters
ALL ABOARD! Next stop, emotional damage. pic.twitter.com/r8N3wp8o7f
— Invincible VS (@InvincibleVS) April 1, 2026
Just when players thought Conquest had rounded out the Invincible VS launch roster, Skybound Games and Quarter Up took to social media to pull more characters from every (and we really mean every) corner of the Invincible universe. The full lineup of 100% not-real characters includes Eve’s dad, Rapidly Aging Flaxan, Allen’s Cat, the Invincible Train, and last but not least, Thicc Omni-Man.
Slime Rancher Devs Channel Doom in Trailer for Tarrminator 5
Fill up your water tank Ranchers, Tarmageddeon is here. pic.twitter.com/2uTMcFSq6S
— Slime Rancher (@slimerancher) April 1, 2026
The Slime Rancher team at Monomi Park thought their colorful cozy game could use some Doom music, so they gave it just that. A trailer for Tarrminator 5, coming never, offers a peek into another universe where the Slime Slayer rules.
Risk of Rain Ditches the Risk – and Just About Everything Else
The future of the Risk of Rain franchise is now! 🌧️ pic.twitter.com/9aPLjaBa12
— Risk of Rain (@RiskofRain) April 1, 2026
For April Fools’ Day 2026, the Risk of Rain 2 devs decided the risk may not actually be worth the reward. So, for the totally real next chapter of Risk of Rain, players can look forward to just Rain. No music, no enemies, no fun items. Just rain.
Pragmata Is Finally a Mega-Man Game (Sort Of)
PRAGMATA is a Mega Man Game? April Fools! 😜#PRAGMATAMoonBytes – Part 6 pic.twitter.com/W73dyOrmZL
— Capcom Europe (@CapcomEurope) April 1, 2026
Capcom has heard your theories, and while they may not be true, it’s willing to entertain them for a little while longer.
Bungie Offers Relaxation from Marathon Matches With Algae Pond Bath Bomb
Sink in. Reset your vitals. Return mission-ready.
Inspired by the nutrient ponds of Tau Ceti IV, the Algae Pond Bath Bomb delivers a restorative soak engineered for post-deployment recovery.
Because even hardened Runners deserve regulated restoration. pic.twitter.com/I1bR4qFYP0
— Marathon (@MarathonTheGame) April 1, 2026
While other companies have pushed for real April Fools’ Day merchandise to buy, Bungie seems content with its prank product being little more than a harmless (and gross) gag. The Algae Pond Bath Bomb is inspired by the planet of Tau Ceti IV in Marathon, and despite the studio’s wishes, fans say they want to give the green disc a taste test.
Rebungered: That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Bunger
A new game from the team that brought you Bugsnax and Octodad.
Out now on https://t.co/AAjUAL6FtP pic.twitter.com/I8JvYcvCRx
— Bugsnax (Young Horses) (@YoungHorses) April 1, 2026
Bugsnax social media showed up with prank that comes in two parts. The first is an anime-style opening for a project called Rebungered: That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Bunger, and the second is that this project is real. Following the link in the Bugsnax post directs players to a playable text-based adventure game where – you guessed it – you play as a Bunger. It’s a full-fledged story with six endings and seven achievements to unlock.
Satisfactory Unleashes Jason
Simply put: Men are underrepresented in games. We’re changing that. pic.twitter.com/D2aVUxhYrW
— Satisfactory (@SatisfactoryAF) April 1, 2026
After waves of comments from players begging to play as a man Pioneer in Satisfactory, Coffee Stain Studios has come up with a solution: Jason. Backed by Linkin Park, Jason finally gives men some representation in video games.
The Division 2 Audio Update Puts Players Right Into the Action
We’ve taken immersion to the next level.
Hear The Division 2 like never before. Available now. pic.twitter.com/xp9VFbA0jP— Tom Clancy’s The Division (@TheDivisionGame) April 1, 2026
Ubisoft is tweaking audio in The Division 2 ever so slightly to make sure players feel as though they are right in the middle of the action. You can hear some of the subtle changes in the video above.
Developing…
Michael Cripe is a freelance writer with IGN. He’s best known for his work at sites like The Pitch, The Escapist, and OnlySP. Be sure to give him a follow on Bluesky (@mikecripe.bsky.social) and Twitter (@MikeCripe).
