Hey everyone! It's 2026, and visual novels are having a major moment. You know the deal—games that ditch the complex combat and deep exploration to focus purely on story, characters, and those heart-fluttering dialogue choices. Think Doki Doki Literature Club vibes. They're perfect for diving into the emotional core of a world without grinding for hours. So, I've been thinking... which of our favorite game universes are begging for a VN spin-off? Let's dive into my personal wishlist! 🎮📖

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8. Persona Series

Seriously, how is this not a thing yet? The Persona games are all about social links, confidants, and building relationships. A Persona visual novel could be a dream come true. Imagine experiencing the story of Persona 5 without the Metaverse battles—just you, Leblanc coffee, and hours of hanging out with your favorite Phantom Thieves. 😌 You could finally give that max-rank girlfriend the attention she deserves! A VN format would also be a fantastic way for new players to catch up on the lore of older games. Plus, multiple routes based on your choices? The potential for different confidant outcomes and story branches is insane.

7. Marvel's Midnight Suns

This 2022 tactical RPG had a surprisingly chill side—hanging out with heroes at the Abbey. A Midnight Suns VN could double down on that! Picture this: a spin-off entirely focused on building friendships (or maybe something more 👀) with Blade, Magik, and the gang. The original game didn't have romance, but a VN could let you find your superhero soulmate. Go on mystical dates, solve Abbey mysteries together, and explore those character dynamics without a demon invasion interrupting your heart-to-heart.

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6. Pokémon Series

The Pokémon world is MASSIVE, yet we've never gotten a proper visual novel! With so many regions and stories, the possibilities are endless. A VN could focus on normal school life at Naranja/Uva Academy in Paldea, dealing with classes, clubs, and after-school adventures. Or, for something darker, how about a mystery thriller set in Lavender Town? 🕵️‍♀️👻 It could be a completely fresh way to experience the world, focusing on trainers, researchers, or even a Team Rocket recruit's daily life.

5. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Geralt's world is dripping with untold stories. A Witcher visual novel wouldn't need to center on monster slaying. Instead, it could explore the lives of minor characters, adapt one of Sapkowski's rich short stories, or let us play as a regular citizen in Novigrad or Beauclair. Imagine a political drama VN in the Nilfgaardian court, or a noir-style detective story in Oxenfurt. It'd be a perfect way to expand the lore and give depth to places and people we only glimpse in the games.

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Here’s a quick breakdown of what these VNs could focus on:

Game Series Potential VN Focus Vibe
Persona School life & Confidant stories Social Sim / Slice-of-Life
Midnight Suns Abbey hangouts & Hero bonding Superhero Drama / Romance
Pokémon Academy life or Regional mystery School Life / Mystery
The Witcher Side character stories & Political intrigue Dark Fantasy / Noir

4. Final Fantasy XIV

As an MMORPG, FFXIV is packed with stories big and small. A visual novel spin-off could offer a cozy, low-stakes alternative. Think of a slice-of-life story in the Crystarium or Old Sharlayan. Or, for maximum cuteness, a detective adventure starring a Lalafell—giving off major Ace Attorney meets Eorzea energy! 🧐 It could explore the daily lives of adventurers when they're not saving the world, focusing on crafting, market board shenanigans, or simple quests for the city-states.

3. Cyberpunk 2077

Night City is the perfect setting for a visual novel. The sheer scale and chaos offer so many angles. A VN could:

  • Follow a new character in a different district.

  • Be a corporate espionage thriller.

  • Or even pull a Doki Doki and start all normal before descending into cyber-psychosis madness. 🤯

It could explore the lives of everyday citizens, media personalities, or trauma team members, offering a ground-level view of the city's relentless pulse.

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2. Nier: Automata

Let's be real, Nier: Automata is beautifully tragic. A visual novel could be a chance to see a brighter side of that world. Remember when 9S wanted to buy 2B a t-shirt? A VN could make that happen! Imagine a slice-of-life story following 2B and 9S during peacetime—exploring the city ruins, having philosophical chats, and yes, going shopping. 🛍️ It would be a heartwarming contrast to the main game's themes, focusing on androids discovering small joys and what it means to live.

1. League of Legends

Runeterra has evolved into a lore powerhouse, but the MOBA gameplay isn't about story. A League VN is the ultimate blank canvas. It could:

  • Be a political drama in Demacia or Noxus.

  • A coming-of-age story in Ionia.

  • A zaunite underworld crime tale.

  • Or just a fun, romantic comedy with fan-faves like Jinx, Lux, or Ezreal. 😍

The art style alone would translate amazingly into a VN format. It's the perfect opportunity to let players live in the world, not just fight in it.

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So, there you have it! My top picks for games that are screaming for a visual novel adaptation. In 2026, with storytelling in games being more valued than ever, these spin-offs could let us connect with these incredible worlds in a whole new, intimate way. Which one would you play first? Let me know in the comments! And if you have other franchises in mind, drop them below! ✨