The 20 Most Anticipated Games of 2026

The video game industry is always chasing the latest trends. It’s exciting to see unexpected hits, like the indie games Expedition 33, Silksong, and Hades 2, gaining recognition. While GTA 6 is expected to be a major release in 2026, smaller, independent and mid-sized games could also be incredibly enjoyable and even become standout successes. Fortunately, gamers have a lot of exciting titles to look forward to in 2026.

Games on this list are arranged by their release date. For games scheduled to come out in 2026, they’re listed in alphabetical order. To be included, a game needs to have a confirmed or expected release within 2026.

Nioh 3

Releases February 6 for PC and PS5

Nioh 3 centers around Tokugawa Takechiyo, a young man hoping to become shogun, as he struggles to save his brother Kunimatsu from a mysterious darkness that unleashes dangerous supernatural creatures called yokai throughout Japan. The game takes players through different periods of Japanese history, from the Edo to the Bakumatsu era, as Takechiyo battles both monsters and human enemies. As the third installment in the Nioh series, Nioh 3 builds on the previous games with a more complex story, higher personal stakes, and a larger game world, all while maintaining the series’ famously difficult combat and grim fantasy setting.

Deep, stance-based (Ninja/Samurai) combat with a wide variety of weapons and builds
Brutal enemy encounters that emphasize timing, positioning, and skill
Expansive, interconnected levels filled with secrets

High on Life 2

Releases February 13 for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S (day one on Game Pass)

High On Life 2 returns players to its wacky, unpredictable universe five years after the original game. You play as an intergalactic bounty hunter tasked with rescuing your sister from a powerful pharmaceutical company. The sequel is bigger and bolder, featuring larger areas to explore, even more bizarre characters, and a dynamic cast of allies and enemies that bring the story to life. Expect the same talking guns and over-the-top humor, but with fresh additions like skateboarding and other unexpected features.

Fun, over-the-top combat with unique, talking guns
Bigger, more vertical worlds to explore with a skateboard
“Meaningful” interactions that affect the story and add humor

Resident Evil Requiem

Releases February 27 for Nintendo Switch 2, PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S

In Resident Evil Requiem, players return to Raccoon City and experience a new story alongside familiar faces. You play as both Grace Ashcroft, an FBI analyst investigating strange deaths at the Wrenwood Hotel with ties to her mother’s history, and Leon Kennedy, who brings his experience to a parallel investigation. As the ninth major installment in the Resident Evil series, the game combines the series’ signature horror and action elements, while linking current events to the original Raccoon City story.

Gameplay revolves around Grace’s stealth-focused investigations and Leon’s action-heavy combat
Manage limited resources, solve puzzles, and avoid powerful enemies
Tense exploration around locations like Wrenwood Hotel

Pragmata

Releases April 24 for Nintendo Switch 2, PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S

In the upcoming game Pragmata, players are thrown into a lunar disaster scenario. The story follows Hugh Williams, an astronaut who awakens alone on a strange research station and is rescued by Diana, an android harboring secrets. Together, they must fight to survive and unravel the mystery of the station. Pragmata is a brand new game from Capcom, and while it’s a risky venture being an original idea, its compelling story, fresh sci-fi setting, playable demo, focus on two characters, and clever marketing have generated a lot of excitement.

Switch between Hugh and Diana, each with unique abilities that impact exploration and combat.
Navigate a mysterious lunar research station, solve environmental puzzles, and avoid or confront hostile forces.
Utilize futuristic weapons and gadgets to outsmart your foes.

Diablo 4: Lord of Hatred

Releases April 28 for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S (requires base game)

Diablo 4: Lord of Hatred finally brings the epic confrontation with Mephisto that players have been anticipating. The expansion sends you to the island of Skovos, where you’ll battle dangerous cults and creatures, and even work alongside Lilith to prevent Mephisto from altering reality. As a significant addition to Diablo 4, Lord of Hatred features a brand-new campaign, a vast new region to explore, and a continuing story that intensifies the eternal conflict between the forces of Heaven, Hell, and humanity.

Lord of Hatred updates all classes, while adding another to Diablo 4 (besides the Paladin)
Skill trees, loot filters, and gear mechanics like Talismans and the Horadric Cube make customization and item hunting easier and more rewarding.
Tackle revamped endgame features like War Plans and challenges like the Echoing Hatred gauntlet.

Saros

Releases April 30, exclusively for PS5

Saros takes place on the alien planet Carcosa, where players control Soltari Enforcer Arjun Devraj as he investigates the disappearance of a colony. He’ll battle dangerous foes and grapple with personal demons while uncovering the planet’s hidden truths through immersive environmental details. Often compared to Returnal, Saros combines intense, quick action with the replayable structure of a roguelite. Though the roguelite genre is becoming crowded, Saros—as a PlayStation 5 exclusive—has the potential to offer a fresh take on the formula and will be one to watch.

Dodge, block, and attack with a mix of human and alien weapons in third-person firefights.
Earn upgrades between runs to make your character stronger and keep progressing after each death.
Use the Soltari Shield to absorb enemy attacks and turn them into powerful counterattacks.

007 First Light

Releases May 27 for Nintendo Switch 2, PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S

In 007 First Light, players experience the beginning of James Bond’s career, witnessing his transformation into a seasoned MI6 agent. The game follows Bond’s initial missions as he confronts a dangerous enemy and unravels a complex conspiracy, alongside familiar characters like M, Q, and Moneypenny. Offering a blend of stealth, espionage, and action, 007 First Light expands the James Bond universe while remaining true to the classic spy thriller genre.

Sneak through enemy installations, gather intel, and use gadgets to complete objectives without being detected.
Engage in tense firefights with a variety of weapons, from pistols to high-tech spy gear.
Complete diverse objectives across globe-spanning locations, allowing multiple approaches to challenges and problem-solving

LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight

Releases May 29 for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S, with a Switch 2 version coming later

LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight is the latest installment in the LEGO Batman video game series. It blends TT Games’ characteristic humor with an original story that charts Bruce Wayne’s journey from his initial training to becoming the hero Gotham deserves. Players will journey through a LEGO-built Gotham City, join forces with Batman’s allies (the Bat-Family), and battle classic villains such as the Joker, Penguin, Poison Ivy, and Bane. The game offers a playful, brick-based take on Batman’s history, while also making the world and story more engaging than previous titles.

Complete missions, find collectibles, and unlock new areas with Batman’s gadgets and vehicles.
Switch between heroes with unique skills to solve puzzles and defeat enemies.
Battle villains and tackle environmental challenges with action and humor.

Halloween: The Game

Releases September 8 for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S

Halloween: The Game lets players relive the iconic 1978 horror film in a unique multiplayer experience. You can choose to play as Michael Myers, the terrifying killer, or as one of the heroes desperately trying to survive the night in Haddonfield. The game includes a single-player story told from Michael Myers’ point of view, and multiplayer matches designed to recreate the suspense and fear of the original movie. Ultimately, the game aims to let fans experience the events of that infamous night from every angle.

Control Michael Myers or the heroes trying to survive Haddonfield’s night of terror.
Experience a story mode from Myers’ perspective or join multiplayer matches with friends.
Use careful movement, hiding, and planning to survive or hunt in tense, suspenseful environments.

Phantom Blade Zero

Releases September 9 for PC and PS5

Phantom Blade Zero is a highly anticipated action RPG set in a world inspired by Chinese martial arts. Players take on the role of Soul, a skilled assassin wrongly accused of murder who must uncover a large-scale conspiracy while being relentlessly pursued. The game combines exciting, third-person combat with exploration in expansive environments and a story that adapts to your choices, leading to multiple different endings. It features a unique visual style that blends martial arts with steampunk elements, and trailers shown at events like TGA have highlighted the game’s fast-paced and visually impressive battles.

Engage in fast-paced, third-person battles using melee weapons and powerful martial arts skills.
Navigate a semi-open world, complete quests, and uncover secrets tied to the main story.
Make decisions that affect the narrative and lead to multiple possible endings.

2025-12-30 15:09