<\/p>\n
It\u2019s April Fools\u2019 Day 2026, and that means it\u2019s once again time to comb through another round of the best jokes and pranks the gaming industry has to offer.<\/p>\n
Social media feeds have already been filled with high-quality, low-quality, and downright confusing gags from AAA and indie games alike. You won\u2019t have to look too hard to see some fake \u2013 and even some very real \u2013 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.<\/p>\n
More April 1 pranks will almost certainly sneak their way online in the hours ahead, but we\u2019ve gone ahead and collected some of our favorite April Fools\u2019 Day video game jokes for you to see, below. After that, be sure to check out highlights from 2023, 2024, and 2025, too.<\/p>\n
IGN was proud to feature the exclusive reveal of the totally real Project Playmo, a DualSense controller that plays video games for you. There\u2019s no need to worry about all the stress of actually playing games when this new technology can do all of that for you \u2013 and it can even order some pizza, too. You can learn all about it here.<\/p>\n
We\u2019re excited to announce that we\u2019re making our SEGA logo 3% more blue.<\/p>\n
We hope you enjoy this upgrade.<\/p>\n
Please take a moment to familiarise yourself with the new look. pic.twitter.com\/6IrI7hdSIS<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 SEGA (@SEGA) April 1, 2026<\/a> <\/p>\n Sega felt its classic logo needed a facelift, so it injected it with approximately 3% more blue. As if the change wasn\u2019t obvious enough, the before and after image provided should help clear things up.<\/p>\n Sanic & Shedew. Image courtesy of Sega.<\/p>\n OK, so maybe the bluer Sega logo won\u2019t stick around, but it looks like the new merch available on the Sonic the Hedgehog publisher\u2019s official store will. Introducing the Sanic Collection, a three-shirt drop that features Sanic & Shedew, Sanic Adventure, and Sanic & Knackle tees for $32 each.<\/p>\n Introducing, Project R.O.A.C.H. \ud83d\udc34\u2728<\/p>\n A revolutionary gaming controller that puts you in the saddle, making your next adventure in the Continent more realistic and tactile than ever before!<\/p>\n Ride off into the sunset on R.O.A.C.H. today: https:\/\/t.co\/v3JfZyYEGw pic.twitter.com\/QSszL9Jnqh<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 The Witcher (@thewitcher) April 1, 2026<\/a> <\/p>\n Roach, Geralt\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n The Stalker Beetle Becomes the Cowboy Beetle in Hunt: Showdown 1896. Image courtesy of Crytek.<\/p>\n Crytek warned players that \u201cHunters are NOT ready for this\u201d in the latest video update for Hunt: Showdown 1896, revealing an update that was first thought to be \u201ctoo bold\u201d and \u201ctoo dark\u201d: 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.<\/p>\n Introducing our next chapter\ud83d\udc90\ud83d\udc98 <\/p>\n 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? <\/p>\n Well, now you\u2019ll get all the answers! <\/p>\n Date the Dirt \u2013 Coming soon\u2728 pic.twitter.com\/RqjFatmaT0<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 PowerWash Simulator (@PowerWashSim) April 1, 2026<\/a> <\/p>\n Behold! <\/p>\n Screenshots of dialogue that didn’t quite make the final cut\u2728<\/p>\n Maybe you’ll get to see some of Grime’s and Duckweed’s dialogue, if you ask nicely\ud83d\udc40\ud83d\udca6 pic.twitter.com\/DP9VZAMDuY<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 PowerWash Simulator (@PowerWashSim) April 1, 2026<\/a> <\/p>\n A PowerWash Simulator dating sim was inevitable, right? For this April Fools\u2019 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.<\/p>\n dbrand re-launches Touch Grass collection. Image courtesy of dbrand.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n OUT NOW!<\/p>\n It’s a peaceful life. Make Farma, not war. pic.twitter.com\/RVIrrsK3io<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Arma Platform (@ArmaPlatform) April 1, 2026<\/a> <\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n WATCH THE REVEAL TRAILER! They came from worlds apart\u2026 for an all new #BENDY<\/a> game! \ud83e\uddbe\ud83d\udda4#BendyNS<\/a> @mobgamesstudios<\/a> @NeighborGamesHQ<\/a> @MeTattletail<\/a> @Euphoric_Bros<\/a> @Basically_Games<\/a> @FNAF_ScottGames<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/zhS8999OV0<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Bendy (@Bendy) April 1, 2026<\/a> <\/p>\n 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\u2019s, Hello Neighbor, Baldi\u2019s Basics, in Education and Learning, Poppy Playtime, and other iconic indie horror games would look like in that classic Bendy style.<\/p>\n NEW ANNOUNCEMENT! <\/p>\n We\u2019ve been listening to your feedback, and we\u2019re now expanding PAYDAY 3 with a brand new game mode. We\u2019re beyond excited to finally show what we\u2019ve been cooking in the studio. pic.twitter.com\/dssd3Aw0eK<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 PAYDAY (@PAYDAYGame) April 1, 2026<\/a> <\/p>\n Starbreeze Studios says it\u2019s been listening to \u201cfeedback\u201d and has unveiled its new be-a-regular-guy update. There\u2019s actually very, very little Payday to be had in its video, but that\u2019s kind of the point.<\/p>\n Introducing H.A.I.R.<\/p>\n H.ostile Every style, a choice. Every strand, a strategy. Every comb, calculated.#HITMAN<\/a> #Agent47<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/r1xwUSoWIk<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 HITMAN (@Hitman) April 1, 2026<\/a> <\/p>\n What would Agent 47 look like with a full head of hair? It\u2019s a question we\u2019ve all surely asked ourselves, so IO Interactive unveiled its new H.A.I.R. project to show exactly what everyone\u2019s been missing out on. See one of the most iconic characters in games wearing hair from the Mario world, KPop Demon Hunters, Baldur\u2019s Gate 3, Resident Evil, and more in the video above.<\/p>\n 5ft of James… need we say more? pic.twitter.com\/2Uwl2nspvh<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Konami (@Konami) April 1, 2026<\/a> <\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Konami offers further clarification on its store page: “Yes, this is real. Yes, you can pre-order it. No, we\u2019re not going to explain ourselves.”<\/p>\n we decided giving your friends a helping hand is lame af so its kick now pic.twitter.com\/2RAHfruXYJ<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 AGGRO CRAB \ud83d\udca5 (@AggroCrabGames) April 1, 2026<\/a> <\/p>\n Peak is at its best when you\u2019re climbing a steep mountain with your friends at your side \u2013 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\u2019s no telling how long it will stay in the game itself, but for now, players are having a blast.<\/p>\n Coming soon: HELMET VISION.<\/p>\n See less. Feel more. pic.twitter.com\/qATVlUrDLY<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 LORDS OF THE FALLEN (@lotfgame) April 1, 2026<\/a> <\/p>\n 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\u2019 Day 2026, the developer showed off Helmet Vision, literally giving players a sliver of the action.<\/p>\n new redesign wdyt pic.twitter.com\/8XB012zy5v<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Rayman (@RaymanGame) April 1, 2026<\/a> <\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n THE HERDCRAFT UPDATE<\/p>\n 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!<\/p>\n Read more\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/PfbFVgLpqO<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Minecraft (@Minecraft) April 1, 2026<\/a> <\/p>\n Mojang is doing away with all of that pesky inventory management this April Fools\u2019 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.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s technically mandatory to play it right now,\u201d a blog post about the prank update says. \u201cDidn\u2019t read those terms and conditions, did you?\u201d<\/p>\n Sound ON. \ud83d\udd0a<\/p>\n Happy April Fool’s Day from us and @Nik_apostolides<\/a> and @asantalbano<\/a>! pic.twitter.com\/djmQxyThOu<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Resident Evil (@RE_Games) April 1, 2026<\/a> <\/p>\n Capcom brought back Leon S. Kennedy and Grace Ashcroft actors Nick Apostolides and Angela Sant\u2019Albano, not to reprise their roles, but to switch them instead. A clip shared on the franchise\u2019s official account reveals each star swapping lines from some of Resident Evil Requiem\u2019s most memorable moments.<\/p>\n Rules? Where we\u2019re going we don\u2019t need rules! \ud83d\ude0e<\/p>\n Hop into Underwatch with all its glory NOW for a limited time! \ud83d\udd25 pic.twitter.com\/t3rHBVTFDA<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Overwatch (@PlayOverwatch) April 1, 2026<\/a> <\/p>\n 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, and a lock-on camera for Vendetta.<\/p>\n Let’s get ready to start the day! \ud83d\ude09 pic.twitter.com\/xkHBwxVugm<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Treyarch (@Treyarch) April 1, 2026<\/a> <\/p>\n Treyarch added a map smaller than Shipment for April Fools \ud83d\ude02 pic.twitter.com\/KkSzKOKQAb<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Zac – Immortal (@WhosImmortal) April 1, 2026<\/a> <\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n ALL ABOARD! Next stop, emotional damage. pic.twitter.com\/r8N3wp8o7f<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Invincible VS (@InvincibleVS) April 1, 2026<\/a> <\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Fill up your water tank Ranchers, Tarmageddeon is here. pic.twitter.com\/2uTMcFSq6S<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Slime Rancher (@slimerancher) April 1, 2026<\/a> <\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n The future of the Risk of Rain franchise is now! \ud83c\udf27\ufe0f pic.twitter.com\/9aPLjaBa12<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Risk of Rain (@RiskofRain) April 1, 2026<\/a> <\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n PRAGMATA is a Mega Man Game? April Fools! \ud83d\ude1c#PRAGMATAMoonBytes<\/a> – Part 6 pic.twitter.com\/W73dyOrmZL<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Capcom Europe (@CapcomEurope) April 1, 2026<\/a> <\/p>\n Capcom has heard your theories, and while they may not be true, it’s willing to entertain them for a little while longer.<\/p>\n Sink in. Reset your vitals. Return mission-ready.<\/p>\n Inspired by the nutrient ponds of Tau Ceti IV, the Algae Pond Bath Bomb delivers a restorative soak engineered for post-deployment recovery. <\/p>\n Because even hardened Runners deserve regulated restoration. pic.twitter.com\/I1bR4qFYP0<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Marathon (@MarathonTheGame) April 1, 2026<\/a> <\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n A new game from the team that brought you Bugsnax and Octodad. <\/p>\n Out now on https:\/\/t.co\/AAjUAL6FtP pic.twitter.com\/I8JvYcvCRx<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Bugsnax (Young Horses) (@YoungHorses) April 1, 2026<\/a> <\/p>\n 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 \u2013 you guessed it \u2013 you play as a Bunger. It’s a full-fledged story with six endings and seven achievements to unlock.<\/p>\n Simply put: Men are underrepresented in games. We’re changing that. pic.twitter.com\/D2aVUxhYrW<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Satisfactory (@SatisfactoryAF) April 1, 2026<\/a> <\/p>\n 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 <\/em>gives men some representation in video games.<\/p>\n We\u2019ve taken immersion to the next level. Get Your Sanic Merch Right Here<\/h2>\n
CD Projekt Red Gives Roach the Spotlight in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt<\/h2>\n
Crytek Adds Beetles With Hats to Hunt: Showdown 1896<\/h2>\n
PowerWash Simulator Does the Unthinkable With Date the Dirt Dating Sim<\/h2>\n
dbrand has a Message for Gamers: It\u2019s Time to Touch Grass<\/h2>\n
Arma Turns Into Farma for April Fools\u2019 Day<\/h2>\n
Bendy and the Ink Machine Summons the Avengers of Indie Horror<\/h2>\n
Payday 3 Leaves the Life of Crime Behind<\/h2>\n
Hitman Killer Agent 47 Gets a Makeover With New H.A.I.R.<\/h2>\n
A.rea
I.ntegration
R.esource<\/p>\nKonami Launches James Sunderland Body Pillow to Save You from Your Restless Dreams<\/h2>\n
Peak Kicks Friendship to the Curb<\/h2>\n
Lords of the Fallen Brings Players Into the Action With Helmet Vision<\/h2>\n
Ubisoft Goes Out on a Limb With Rayman Redesign<\/h2>\n
Minecraft Breaks the Mold With Herdcraft Update<\/h2>\n
Capcom Lets Leon and Grace Switch Places in Resident Evil Requiem<\/h2>\n
The Annual Overwatch April Fools’ Day Update Is Here<\/h2>\n
Get Ready With Me Joins Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 as the Smallest Map Ever<\/h2>\n
Invincible VS Roster Expands With Painfully Creative Joke Characters<\/h2>\n
Slime Rancher Devs Channel Doom in Trailer for Tarrminator 5<\/h2>\n
Risk of Rain Ditches the Risk \u2013 and Just About Everything Else<\/h2>\n
Pragmata Is Finally a Mega-Man Game (Sort Of)<\/h2>\n
Bungie Offers Relaxation from Marathon Matches With Algae Pond Bath Bomb<\/h2>\n
Rebungered: That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Bunger<\/h2>\n
Satisfactory Unleashes Jason<\/h2>\n
The Division 2 Audio Update Puts Players Right Into the Action<\/h2>\n
Hear The Division 2 like never before. Available now. pic.twitter.com\/xp9VFbA0jP<\/a><\/p>\n