Brand New Games That Are Really Exciting

2026 promises to be an amazing year for gamers! The biggest news is likely to be the release of Grand Theft Auto 6 later in the year. But before that, we’re expecting Resident Evil Requiem, which looks like another fantastic survival horror game. Nioh 3 and Code Vein 2 are also on the way, and indie fans are eagerly awaiting potential Early Access for Paralives. Plus, classic fans will be thrilled to see Fatal Frame 2: Crimson Butterfly remastered and returning!

I could list many exciting games, but this list focuses on those launching in the first four months of 2026. We’re leaving out remakes and new installments in existing series – that’s why I specifically highlighted GTA 6 and Resident Evil 9. This catalog will only feature entirely new, original games – those releasing fully or entering Early Access – making it perfect for anyone eager to discover fresh experiences in early to mid-2026.

Games releasing on Early Access will be included.

Mouse: P.I. For Hire

An Artistic Throwback To The 1930s

One of the most unique games expected in 2026 is Mouse: P.I. for Hire. It cleverly blends the style of classic 1930s black-and-white cartoons with the fast-paced action of first-person shooter games. It’s an unexpected combination, but it looks surprisingly fun and engaging.

You play as Jack Pepper, a private investigator tasked with finding a missing person. Like any good detective story, the case quickly becomes more complex than it seems, and you’ll explore a variety of atmospheric, retro-style locations as you unravel the truth.

Reanimal

Experience True Terror In Co-Op Mode

If you’ve played the Little Nightmares games, you’ll likely recognize the look and feel of Reanimal. The game begins with a search for a missing friend on a hostile island. You can play through the story with a friend in co-op mode, or brave the horrors on your own – either way, the full experience is available to you.

The game features a beautifully dark and imaginative art style, like something from a classic, slightly spooky children’s book. You’ll be running from terrifying creatures born from a child’s nightmares, trying to sneak past them and hide. It’s honestly a fantastic game to play with friends – perfect for some chaotic, cooperative fun.

Menace

Lead A Strike Force Against Any Threat

If you liked the strategic gameplay and overall feel of games like XCOM 2, you’ll likely enjoy Menace. You command a team tackling different threats across the system, focusing on smart strategy and tactical decisions about when to attack and when to defend. The game gives you a wide range of tools and a customizable crew, letting you battle everything from walkers to tanks as you complete numerous missions and operations.

Each battle leads to the next, guiding you along a distinct journey. The game seems to offer a highly personalized experience, where your choices truly matter. How you approach situations and which factions you align with will significantly impact your playthrough. You’ll need to decide who to trust and who will become your allies.

SAND: Raiders of Sophie

Build Your Own Desert Walker, Ready For Battle

If you’ve ever imagined living inside the iconic walkers from Star Wars on a desert planet like Arrakis from Dune, then Sand: Raiders of Sophie might be perfect for you. This first-person shooter has a cool idea: you build and customize your own walker, which acts as your mobile base, and then venture out into the dunes to scavenge for resources and equipment.

Be warned – you won’t be alone in this desert. Other players are competing for the same resources and territory. With player-versus-player combat and a constantly changing map, survival will be a real struggle, and it’s sure to be an exciting, action-packed experience.

YAPYAP

A Magical, New Friendslop Game

Games like Lethal Company and REPO, where you play with friends, have become incredibly popular recently, and YAPYAP could be the next breakout hit. In this game, you and your friends are trainee wizards tasked with sabotaging a rival wizard’s tower by creating as much chaos as possible. You’ll need to be sneaky, though, because the towers are full of strange creatures and monsters. Expect things to get wild!

The best part of this game is definitely the spellcasting. You cast spells by speaking, which is clever because it gives you a reason to actually use voice chat – and potentially attract unwanted attention from monsters! There’s a great mix of spells too, from lighthearted ones like turning enemies into fish, to really useful ones like teleportation.

Replaced

A Taste Of Cyberpunk Aesthetics In 2.5D

Okay, seriously, Replaced is a stunning game. The graphics are just incredible – I was constantly saying ‘wow’ while I was playing. The way they use lighting with that retrofuturistic art style, combined with pixel art characters, makes this platformer feel totally unique. It’s a visual experience unlike anything I’ve seen in a while.

Get ready for a visually stunning game with a dark, captivating story set in an alternate 1980s America. You’ll play as R.E.A.C.H., an AI inhabiting a human body, tasked with uncovering the secrets of the powerful and corrupt Phoenix Corporation. Even if you don’t usually enjoy platformer games, this one is truly innovative and takes the 2.5D style to a new level.

Pragmata

Capcom’s New IP Is A Fresh Sci-Fi Story

Keep an eye out for Pragmata, a highly anticipated action-adventure game expected in early 2026. This new title from Capcom plunges players into a sci-fi world, following the story of Hugh and his AI partner, Diana. Based on the trailers, it appears humanity is facing a crisis caused by the technological advancements of the Delphi Corporation.

The best part of the game is definitely the fighting. Diana is a great teammate, riding on Hugh’s back and using her hacking skills to help him take down robotic enemies. This offers a unique approach to combat, and the game’s graphics are incredibly detailed.

The Gold River Project

The Survival Genre Gets A Welcome Expansion

We don’t have a firm release date for The Gold River Project yet, as it’s launching first in Early Access. However, if you’re a fan of survival games, especially open-world ones, and enjoy playing with friends, this game is definitely worth checking out. Set in the Pacific Northwest, it includes everything you’d expect from a survival title – crafting, managing hunger and thirst, and more.

This isn’t your typical camping game. There’s a hidden layer of mystery – you’re being watched and potentially controlled while you’re in the forest. It’s a surprisingly complex game, and if you enjoyed titles like The Forest, this one is definitely worth checking out.

Crimson Desert

Welcome The Next Big Open-World Action-Adventure Newcomer

Pearl Abyss, the studio behind the popular game Black Desert Online, is developing a new open-world game called Crimson Desert. It’s generating a lot of excitement, and the graphics look incredible. The big question is whether the gameplay will be as engaging as the visuals. Fortunately, we won’t have to wait much longer to find out, as the game is scheduled to release in March 2026.

In this game, you play as Kliff in the fantasy world of Pywel. You can freely explore the land, discovering side quests, ancient ruins, and bustling towns as you search for the remaining members of the Greymanes. Like classic RPGs, you’ll team up with companions, customize your character with different weapons and skills, and battle powerful bosses.

2026-01-18 01:07