The New June 2026 Games That Are Absolute Must-Plays

As a new month begins, we’re seeing a lot of new games, and hopefully some exciting announcements too. While this month’s game releases aren’t as packed with major titles as last month, a closer look shows a steady stream of promising and unique games on the way. We might not have a huge blockbuster like a new James Bond or Forza Horizon game, but smaller independent developers and mid-size studios are stepping up with a lot of interesting projects. Players on PlayStation 5, Xbox, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC have plenty to look forward to in the coming weeks.

Games like STARSEEKER: Astroneer Expeditions, UFC 6, Dead or Alive 6 Last Round, SpaceCraft, Shift At Midnight, Fatekeeper, Denshattack!, BrokenLore: FOLLOW, Killer Bean, and Witchspire are worth checking out, even though they aren’t the biggest titles everyone is looking forward to in June 2026. If you’re not familiar with the games releasing in June 2026, or need help deciding where to start, this article is here to guide you.

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5. Solarpunk

June’s Cozy Survival Game With Co-OP And Base-Building

The game Solarpunk has already gained a large following with over 70,000 Steam followers, proving its successful Kickstarter campaign and hinting at a potentially huge launch. While developer Cyberwave has worked on games before, Solarpunk is a much bigger project than anything they’ve done previously, moving from puzzle platformers to a first-person survival experience. With so many open-world survival games being released, Solarpunk, launching in June 2026, manages to differentiate itself in a couple of key ways.

I’m really into this game called Solarpunk – it’s a survival game, but super chill. The world is amazing, all these islands floating in the sky, and it’s got this cool, futuristic vibe. You can build stuff, grow your own food, and craft all sorts of gadgets. The best part? You can explore all these far-off islands in your own airship, either solo or with friends. It’s all about building a life in this awesome, high-tech world.

A playable demo has been available since February 2025, showing the developers are confident in the game’s quality. Solarpunk is a focused experience within the genre, prioritizing crafting and base-building. Players can design and build their ideal home base with a lot of freedom and tools. Unusually, the game features no combat at all; instead, it’s about building and connecting with other players who live on separate, floating islands – accessible by airship. Plus, Solarpunk will be available on Game Pass from day one, giving a large number of players immediate access.

4. Gothic 1 Remake

The Biggest June 2026 Game

Honestly, Gothic 1 Remake deserves more attention, as it’s the most wishlisted game releasing in June on Steam. If Alkimia Interactive delivers on its promise, this project could be one of the best RPGs of 2026, especially given how well the original Gothic from 2001 still holds up. A refined and updated version of Gothic with improved combat sounds fantastic, and the demo perfectly captures the feel of the original game. However, since we’ve only seen a small part of the remake, there’s some concern about whether it will truly live up to the high standards of the classic.

Whether you’re a long-time fan of Gothic or new to the series, you can expect a classic RPG experience with a truly open world to explore.

For those new to the series, Gothic is set in a mining town that functions like a prison, and you begin the game as a powerless outsider. What really made the original Gothic special was its complex faction system and the way its characters lived their lives – the remake has to get those things right to be worth making. I’m hopeful, but I’m keeping my expectations in check.

3. Star Fox

Fox McCloud Makes His Switch 2 Debut With A Familiar Adventure

Here we go with Star Fox again… and Nintendo is telling the same story yet again. While it’s frustrating they’re revisiting Star Fox 64, it’s good to have the series back. Hopefully, the new version will use the classic controls instead of the unusual setup from Star Fox Zero. The move to more realistic graphics might take some getting used to, and some fans might miss the characters’ original look. Ultimately, we’ll need to see the game in motion to know if this new visual style works.

I’m so excited to jump into the cockpit and fly with Fox McCloud and the Star Fox team! The Lylat system is in serious trouble because of the evil scientist Andross, and it’s up to us – me and the team – to fight back and stop him!

Honestly, Star Fox feels…like Star Fox. And that’s not necessarily a bad thing! We’ve seen in the past what happens when they try too hard to be different just for the sake of it – it can end up with a weird focus that ruins the whole experience. Star Fox doesn’t need a complete overhaul, it just needs Nintendo to really put some effort into it, you know? I’m really hoping this new version shows they finally gave it the love and attention it deserves.

2. The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales

Square Enix’s Latest RPG

Any new game from Square Enix is cause for excitement, and that’s even more true when Claytechworks is involved – they previously created the excellent turn-based RPG Bravely Default 2. Square Enix has a near-perfect track record with their HD-2D style, and their latest game, The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales, offers a fun change of pace. While games like Octopath Traveler and the Dragon Quest remakes use turn-based battles, Elliot is an action RPG, which could evoke classic SNES titles like Secret of Mana, Terranigma, and Illusion of Gaia. The fast-paced combat should complement the game’s beautiful art style nicely.

From the team behind OCTOPATH TRAVELER and BRAVELY DEFAULT comes a fresh action RPG! The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales features beautiful HD-2D graphics and thrilling action gameplay – a first for this style of game.

Unlike many adventure games where you control a team, The Adventures of Elliot focuses on one main character, Elliot, and his companion, Faie. It’s designed as a single-player game, but a friend can join in and play as Faie. You won’t be able to switch characters, but Elliot is versatile, able to use seven different weapons and fairy magic – he can have two weapons equipped at once.

HD-2D RPGs might not have the same initial impact as when Octopath Traveler first came out, but they consistently offer a great combination of fun gameplay, lovely graphics, and enjoyable stories. While I placed it second on my list, The Adventures of Elliot is the game I’m personally most looking forward to playing in June.

1. Hell Let Loose: Vietnam

Hell Let Loose first launched nearly five years ago and continues to be popular on Steam, regularly attracting around 8,000 concurrent players. Developer Expression Games has clearly created a standout realistic 50v50 war simulator. The original game is set in World War 2, but the next installment will move the action to the Vietnam War, known for its jungle combat and the contrasting approaches of the opposing forces.

Experience the intense conflict of the Vietnam War and battle through some of the most brutal fighting in recent history.

When Hell Let Loose: Vietnam launches, players will have access to six maps and 17 different roles, allowing them to fight as infantry, operate mortars, or join other specialized units. Combat won’t be limited to land battles, as air strikes and naval patrols will also be crucial. If the game is successful from the start, Hell Let Loose: Vietnam has the potential to become the biggest game release in June and one of the most important games of 2026.

2026-05-30 04:38