The 20 Most Anticipated Games of 2026

The gaming calendars for 2026 look packed on paper. Scroll through any release schedule and you’ll see dozens of promising titles, major franchises returning, and ambitious new IPs. But here’s what those lists won’t tell you: which games will actually deliver, which ones you should skip, and where your limited time and budget will get the biggest return.

I’ve spent the last month digging into every major 2026 announcement, talking to developers when possible, analyzing studio track records, and comparing gameplay previews frame-by-frame. This isn’t just another countdown of whatever has the flashiest trailer. This is about separating genuine must-plays from overhyped letdowns before you waste $70.

The Platform Problem Nobody’s Talking About

Before we dive into specific games, let’s address something crucial that every other list ignores: 2026 is a transition year that’s going to mess with your wallet.

The Nintendo Switch 2 launches in its first full year. PlayStation 5 Pro pushed out late 2025. Xbox is reportedly planning new hardware for 2027. This means developers are caught between generations, and you’re caught deciding which platform gets your money.

Here’s my advice: if you primarily game on Nintendo platforms, hold off on major PlayStation or Xbox purchases until we see how Switch 2 performs. For PlayStation and Xbox players, this is actually your sweet spot year—developers have finally mastered current-gen hardware, and we’re about to see what these consoles can really do before the next generation arrives.

Games That Will Define 2026

Grand Theft Auto VI (November 19, 2026)

Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S (PC TBA)

Let’s start with the elephant in the room. GTA 6 will either be the biggest entertainment launch in history or the most disappointing. There’s no middle ground here.

Rockstar has spent over a decade on this game. That’s unprecedented development time, even for them. What makes me confident it’ll deliver? Simple: Rockstar has never missed. Not once. Every mainline GTA has set new standards for open-world design. Red Dead Redemption 2 proved they’ve only gotten better at environmental storytelling and world-building.

But here’s what you need to know: this won’t come to PC for at least 12-18 months after console launch. Rockstar follows the same pattern every time. If you’re primarily a PC gamer, you’re waiting until 2028 minimum. Don’t kid yourself otherwise.

The real question isn’t “will it be good?” It’s “do I need to play this day one?” For most people, yes. This will dominate gaming conversation for months. Missing launch means missing out on that collective discovery phase where everyone’s sharing secrets and Easter eggs. That’s half the fun of a new GTA.

Competitor consideration: If you’re not interested in open-world crime games, save that $70 for Crimson Desert instead—it offers similar scale with completely different tone.

Resident Evil Requiem (February 27, 2026)

Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC

Capcom’s return to Raccoon City introduces FBI analyst Grace Ashcroft while bringing back Leon Kennedy. The dual-protagonist approach splits the game between survival horror (Grace) and action-horror (Leon).

This is where Capcom either nails a perfect hybrid or creates an identity crisis. Resident Evil’s biggest challenge has always been balancing horror with action. RE7 and Village leaned hard into horror. RE4 Remake kept action front and center while maintaining tension. Requiem attempts both simultaneously.

Here’s what makes me optimistic: Koshi Nakanishi directs this, the same person behind RE7. He understands pacing, atmosphere, and how to make you afraid of entering the next room. The Grace sections will likely match RE7’s excellence. The Leon sections? That’s the gamble. If they feel like awkward RE4 retreads, the game falls apart.

When to buy: Don’t preorder. Wait 48 hours after launch for reviews. Capcom’s recent track record is strong, but this is their riskiest RE structure yet. If critics confirm both halves work, jump in immediately—RE games hold value better than almost any other series.

Mistake to avoid: Don’t skip this thinking “it’s just another RE game.” The dual-protagonist structure, if executed well, could redefine how horror games approach storytelling and pacing.

Marvel’s Wolverine (Fall 2026)

Platform: PlayStation 5 exclusive

Insomniac’s Spider-Man games are masterclasses in superhero game design. They nailed web-swinging, combat feel, and making you feel like Spider-Man. Now they’re tackling Wolverine, and the early footage shows something we’ve never seen in a Marvel game: genuine brutality.

Logan’s not pulling punches here. The gameplay we’ve seen features him embedding claws into skulls, dismembering enemies, and leaving bloody trails. This is a hard M-rating, and that’s exactly what Wolverine needs.

But here’s the challenge Insomniac faces: Wolverine can’t move like Spider-Man. He can’t swing through cities or web-zip across rooftops. So how do you make traversal fun? How do you prevent combat from becoming repetitive when your main character’s solution to every problem is “stab it harder”?

The answer likely lies in the healing factor mechanic and environmental variety. If they nail the visceral feel of taking massive damage but regenerating, and if the environments offer enough vertical variety to stay interesting, this could surpass the Spider-Man games.

Platform consideration: This is the PS5’s killer app for 2026. If you’re on the fence about buying a PS5, this might be the game that tips you over. However, don’t buy a PS5 only for Wolverine until we see more gameplay—Insomniac’s never failed before, but there’s always a first time.

What competitors missed: This isn’t just “Spider-Man with claws.” The entire game design philosophy has to be different. Insomniac is essentially creating a new action game framework, and that’s riskier than anyone’s admitting.

Phantom Blade Zero (September 9, 2026)

Platforms: PlayStation 5, PC

Here’s a game nobody saw coming that might steal the entire year.

S-Game Studio is relatively unknown in the West, but they’ve crafted something that looks like a fusion of Sekiro’s precision combat and Devil May Cry’s stylish action. The gameplay demos show a protagonist with 66 days to live, hunting down members of a mysterious organization called The Order.

What separates Phantom Blade Zero from typical Soulslikes is accessibility without sacrificing depth. It includes difficulty options—controversial in the Souls community, but smart for expanding the audience. The combat still demands timing and pattern recognition, but you’re not locked into the punishing “git gud or quit” mentality.

The semi-open world structure addresses one of Elden Ring’s few weaknesses: overwhelming scope. Phantom Blade gives you discrete regions to explore thoroughly rather than one massive map that takes 100+ hours to fully explore.

Risk factor: This is S-Game’s first major console release. They’re ambitious, but ambition doesn’t guarantee execution. The September release date suggests confidence, but also puts them in a crowded fall window. If they delay to avoid GTA 6, that’s actually a good sign—it means they’re prioritizing quality over meeting a deadline.

Best for: If you loved Sekiro but wished it had more story focus and less “die 40 times to one boss” frustration, this is your game. If you bounced off Elden Ring’s difficulty, Phantom Blade offers a middle path.

Crimson Desert (March 20, 2026)

Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC

Pearl Abyss shocked everyone with Black Desert Online’s success, and now they’re bringing that technical expertise to a single-player open-world RPG. What we’ve seen of Crimson Desert suggests they’re not just copying Witcher 3 or Skyrim—they’re attempting to one-up both.

The scope is staggering. You can fish peacefully, command armies in massive battles, ride dragons, or pilot mech suits. This level of variety usually means “jack of all trades, master of none,” but the Gamescom demos suggest Pearl Abyss might actually pull it off.

The main concern is whether the story and characters can match the technical ambition. Black Desert Online had incredible combat and world design but forgettable narratives. If Crimson Desert makes the same mistake, it becomes a beautiful but hollow sandbox.

When to buy: Wait one week after launch. This is the type of game that might have game-breaking bugs at launch given its scope. Pearl Abyss has a mixed track record on launch stability. If reviews and early players confirm it runs smoothly, this becomes an instant buy.

Budget consideration: This is likely a 60+ hour game. If you only have time for one massive open-world RPG in 2026, choose between this and Fable based on setting preference (medieval fantasy vs British fairytale).

Fable (2026)

Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, PC

Playground Games made their name with Forza Horizon’s incredible open worlds and technical polish. Now they’re rebooting Fable, and that’s either brilliant or concerning.

Fable’s original trilogy succeeded on British humor, moral choice systems, and a fairytale aesthetic that set it apart from grittier western RPGs. Playground has the technical chops to make Albion look stunning, but can they capture the franchise’s quirky soul?

The gameplay shown so far leans heavily into comedy—one trailer features your character accidentally teleporting a chicken onto someone’s head. That’s classic Fable energy. But we’ve seen minimal combat, no real story details, and nothing about the choice system that made the originals memorable.

Platform consideration: This is essentially Xbox’s answer to PlayStation exclusives. If you’re in the Xbox ecosystem, this is your must-play. If you’re on PC, you’ll get the same experience without buying new hardware. If you’re PlayStation-only, you’re out of luck—Microsoft owns this IP outright.

Competitor comparison: If you loved Dragon Age’s choice system but wanted lighter tone and more humor, Fable is built for you. If you want grimdark fantasy, skip this entirely for Elden Ring Nightreign or Phantom Blade Zero instead.

Gears of War: E-Day (2026)

Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, PC

The Coalition is taking Gears back to its roots—literally. E-Day is a prequel showing the initial Locust invasion, featuring young Marcus Fenix and Dom Santiago before they became hardened soldiers.

This is either exactly what Gears needs or a franchise stuck in the past. The series peaked with Gears 3, and every entry since has felt like it’s chasing that same magic instead of evolving. E-Day’s focus on horror elements and linear design suggests they’re trying to recapture the original game’s tense atmosphere rather than compete with modern open-world trends.

That focus might be E-Day’s greatest strength. In an era of 100-hour games, an intense 12-15 hour campaign that doesn’t overstay its welcome sounds refreshing. The Coalition has also promised the Locust will feel genuinely threatening again after becoming fodder enemies in recent entries.

Best for: Gears veterans who miss the series’ horror roots. If you started with Gears 5 and loved the open-world segments, this might disappoint you—it’s intentionally going backward in scope.

Multiplayer factor: The campaign is the main draw, but Gears multiplayer communities remain strong years after launch. If you’re buying this for Horde mode or competitive multiplayer, you’re getting long-term value. If you’re solo-only, wait for a sale.

007 First Light (May 26, 2026)

Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC

IO Interactive spent two decades perfecting stealth gameplay with Hitman. Now they’re making a James Bond game showing his early career, and this might be the perfect marriage of developer and IP.

The key difference from previous Bond games is freedom of approach. You’re not locked into scripted action sequences. If you want to stealth through a mission, assassinate a target, and escape without anyone knowing you were there, you can. If you want to charge in guns blazing like a Roger Moore movie, that works too.

This is essentially “Hitman, but Bond,” and that’s not a criticism. The Hitman trilogy proved IO Interactive understands sandbox design better than almost anyone. They know how to create levels where you discover new approaches on your tenth playthrough.

Risk factor: This is IO Interactive’s first non-Hitman game in years, and their first with a licensed character. Balancing fan expectations with original storytelling is tricky. If they lean too hard into Bond tropes, it becomes fan service. If they deviate too much, purists complain.

When to buy: If you loved the Hitman trilogy, this is day one. If you’ve never played Hitman, that’s actually better—grab Hitman World of Assassination now while it’s cheap to see if IO Interactive’s style clicks with you. If it does, First Light is a guaranteed purchase.

Hidden Gems and Surprises

Invincible VS (May 1, 2026)

Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC

Invincible VS is a 3v3 fighting game based on the ultraviolent superhero series, and it’s way more polished than anyone expected.

Fighting games are risky in 2026. Street Fighter 6 and Mortal Kombat 1 dominate the scene. Breaking through requires either exceptional gameplay or a dedicated fanbase. Invincible VS has both. The show’s popularity gives it a built-in audience, and the 3v3 format with tag combos adds depth that casual fighters often lack.

The violence is cranked to 11, matching the source material. You’re not just hitting opponents—you’re launching them into orbit, punching through their torsos, and creating explosions that would make Mortal Kombat blush.

Best for: Invincible fans obviously, but also fighting game enthusiasts looking for something beyond the standard roster fighters. The team-based combat creates different strategic layers than traditional 1v1 games.

Multiplayer requirement: This is designed for online play. If you have terrible internet or prefer single-player, skip this entirely. The story mode exists, but it’s clearly secondary to competitive multiplayer.

Subnautica 2 (2026)

Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC (Early Access)

The original Subnautica is one of the best survival games ever made. It turned “underwater exploration” from a dreaded game mechanic into genuine wonder mixed with existential terror.

Subnautica 2 adds full co-op for the first time. That fundamentally changes the experience. Exploring alien oceans with friends sounds amazing, but Subnautica’s greatest strength was its loneliness—being the only human on an alien planet, descending into depths where no one can help you.

Co-op might dilute that fear. Or it might create new terrors as you and your friend both panic when a Leviathan appears. Unknown Worlds has to nail this balance.

Early Access warning: This launches in Early Access, meaning it’s incomplete. If you want the full, polished experience, wait 8-12 months for the 1.0 release. If you enjoy seeing games evolve and don’t mind bugs, Early Access is fine.

Best for: Survival game fans who have at least one friend who’ll commit to regular co-op sessions. This isn’t a drop-in/drop-out game—progress is shared, so you need consistent teammates.

Slay the Spire 2 (March 2026)

Platforms: PC (Steam Early Access), consoles TBA

The original Slay the Spire created an entire genre. Every deck-building roguelike since 2019 owes it a debt. Now the sequel arrives with more cards, more characters, and more ways to die on floor 2 because you built a terrible deck.

This is the safest bet in 2026. Mega Crit spent seven years watching people play the first game. They know every strategy, every complaint, every wish list item. The sequel addresses all of it while maintaining the core loop that made the original addictive.

Time investment warning: Slay the Spire games don’t respect your time. You’ll think “one more run” at midnight and suddenly it’s 4 AM. If you have other gaming priorities in 2026, avoid this—it will consume everything.

Best for: Anyone who’s ever enjoyed a deck-building game or roguelike. This is genre-defining stuff, and it’s probably launching at $20-25 instead of $70.

Onimusha: Way of the Sword (2026)

Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC

Capcom is reviving Onimusha after 20 years, and that’s either brilliant or desperate. The hack-and-slash genre evolved significantly since 2006. Games like Devil May Cry 5, Bayonetta 3, and God of War Ragnarök set new standards for combat depth and spectacle.

Onimusha has to prove it can compete in modern landscape. The soul-absorbing mechanics and Japanese folklore setting differentiate it from western action games, but that’s not enough. Combat needs to feel as responsive and satisfying as its contemporaries.

Risk factor: 20-year gaps between games rarely go well. Capcom’s recent track record (RE2 Remake, RE4 Remake, Monster Hunter World) inspires confidence, but they’re also juggling Resident Evil Requiem, Pragmata, and other projects. If this feels like a B-team effort, it’ll disappoint.

When to buy: Wait for reviews. This could be amazing or a mediocre nostalgia grab. Capcom has earned benefit of the doubt, but don’t preorder based on franchise legacy alone.

Pragmata (April 24, 2026)

Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC

Capcom’s sci-fi mystery pairs a human with an android companion for real-time puzzle-solving while fighting AI threats on Earth’s moon. That description doesn’t do it justice—Pragmata’s best feature is how it blends combat and puzzles without separating them.

In most games, you fight enemies, then solve puzzles in safe rooms. Pragmata makes you solve puzzles during combat. You’re hacking terminals while dodging attacks, positioning yourself for the next puzzle solution while your android partner covers you.

This creates unique tension. You’re not thinking about combos or headshots—you’re thinking spatially and tactically. It’s closer to Portal’s combat-free puzzle design meeting a third-person action game.

Risk factor: This is a completely new IP from Capcom. New IPs are riskier than franchise entries, and Capcom’s last original IP (Exoprimal) underperformed. However, the resources devoted to Pragmata suggest they’re confident it’ll resonate.

Best for: Players tired of standardized open-world design or cover shooters. This offers genuinely different gameplay loops that reward creative thinking over muscle memory.

Games Worth Watching (But Not Preordering)

The Duskbloods (2026)

Platform: Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive

FromSoftware’s first multiplayer-focused game for Nintendo’s new console is intriguing, but there are too many unknowns. We’ve seen minimal gameplay, don’t know if it requires Nintendo Online subscription beyond the base game, and don’t even know if it’s a Soulslike or something completely different.

FromSoftware’s pedigree is unmatched, but they’re also stepping into unfamiliar territory: multiplayer-first design and Nintendo hardware. Both are huge departures from their comfort zone.

Wait for: Hands-on previews before buying. This could be incredible or a confused mess. Don’t let Elden Ring’s excellence convince you every FromSoftware game will match it.

Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra (2026)

Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC

Amy Hennig created Uncharted, so her first game at Skydance carries weight. A Captain America and Black Panther team-up during World War II fighting Hydra is an incredible premise.

But we’ve seen almost no gameplay. Just cinematic trailers and vague promises. Without combat footage, progression systems, or understanding how the four playable characters differentiate, it’s impossible to judge whether this will be Hennig’s triumphant return or a disappointing comeback.

Historical note: Hennig left Uncharted after Uncharted 3. Uncharted 4 (made without her) is many people’s favorite in the series. Her talent is proven, but she’s not infallible.

Saros (April 30, 2026)

Platform: PlayStation 5 exclusive

Housemarque’s follow-up to Returnal faces impossible expectations. Returnal was lightning in a bottle—a perfect fusion of bullet-hell shooting, roguelike structure, and psychological horror that no other game matched.

Saros looks similar aesthetically, but they’re promising different gameplay. That could mean “we’re evolving the formula,” or it could mean “we’re changing what worked.” Without playing it, we can’t know which.

Platform consideration: PS5 exclusive, so this matters most to PlayStation owners. If you loved Returnal, watch this closely. If you never played Returnal, don’t jump into Saros blind—grab Returnal first to see if Housemarque’s style clicks with you.

Blood of the Dawnwalker (2026)

Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC

A vampire action-RPG from the Witcher 3 director set in Black Death-era Europe with day/night combat transformations sounds incredible on paper. But Rebel Wolves is a brand-new studio, and first games from new studios—even ones staffed by veterans—are risky.

They’re promising moral choices that actually matter, dual combat styles, and Witcher-level world-building. That’s a tall order for a debut title.

Wait for: Post-launch reviews and patches. New studios often have rough launches. If it delivers, it’ll still be great six months later after they’ve fixed initial bugs.

Genre-Specific Recommendations

Best Fighting Games

1. Invincible VS (team-based violence)
2. Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection 2 (if announced)

Best Horror Games

1. Resident Evil Requiem (survival + action horror)
2. Saros (if it maintains Returnal’s horror elements)

Best Open-World Games

1. GTA 6 (modern crime)
2. Crimson Desert (medieval fantasy)
3. Fable (British fairytale)

Best Action Games

1. Marvel’s Wolverine (superhero brutality)
2. Phantom Blade Zero (stylish martial arts)
3. Gears of War: E-Day (cover-based shooting)

Best Co-Op Games

1. Subnautica 2 (survival exploration)
2. The Duskbloods (FromSoftware multiplayer)

Best Solo Experiences

1. 007 First Light (stealth sandbox)
2. Slay the Spire 2 (deck-building roguelike)
3. Pragmata (puzzle-action hybrid)

What to Do Right Now

January-February: Clear your backlog. 2026 starts strong with Resident Evil Requiem in February. Don’t enter the year with unfinished games stealing your attention.

March-May: This is the heavy period. Crimson Desert, Slay the Spire 2, Pragmata, and 007 First Light all hit spring. Choose your priorities now—you can’t play everything.

June-August: Likely quiet period. Most publishers avoid summer releases. Use this time to catch up on spring games you missed.

September-November: Phantom Blade Zero in September, then everyone else steers clear of GTA 6 in November. Expect delays and quiet announcements during this window.

The Honest Reality

Not all these games will release in 2026. Studios delay constantly. GTA 6 has already shifted dates multiple times. Expect at least 3-5 major titles to push into 2027.

Not all these games will be good. Track records help predict quality, but even great studios release disappointments. Wait for reviews unless you absolutely trust the developer.

Not all these games deserve your money. Your backlog is already huge. Gaming is expensive. Choose carefully based on your actual gaming habits, not FOMO.

The best games of 2026 might not even be announced yet. Half of every year’s standout titles come from nowhere. Stay open to surprises.

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Three Common Questions Answered

2026 will be expensive if you let it. Pick your battles. Five great games beaten is better than twenty mediocre games abandoned after three hours. Choose wisely, and you’ll remember 2026 as one of gaming’s best years.