31 Must-Play 2026 Games We’re Excited For
▼ Summary
– 2026 is anticipated to be a major year for video games, featuring high-profile sequels like *Forza Horizon 6* and *Gears of War: E-Day*, as well as the landmark release of *Grand Theft Auto 6*.
– The article lists 31 specific games from various genres that the writers are excited about, though it acknowledges the possibility of delays pushing some releases beyond 2026.
– Notable upcoming titles include *Resident Evil Requiem* in February, *Marathon* in March, and *Control Resonant*, all highlighted for their anticipated quality or unique premises.
– Several games represent new directions for franchises or studios, such as *Star Wars: Galactic Racer* as a racing game and *The Blood of Dawnwalker* as a vampire RPG from ex-Witcher 3 developers.
– The list also includes remakes and nostalgic returns, like *Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight*, *Danganronpa 2×2*, and a new *Scott Pilgrim* beat ’em up with an original story.
The upcoming year promises to be a landmark period for gaming enthusiasts, with a diverse lineup of highly anticipated titles set to launch. From blockbuster sequels and ambitious new franchises to creative indie projects, 2026 is shaping up to be an exceptional year for video games. The schedule includes major releases like Grand Theft Auto 6, Forza Horizon 6, and Resident Evil Requiem, alongside intriguing smaller games such as Bubsy 4D and Mouse: P.I. for Hire. With so many projects on the horizon, it’s easy to lose track, so here’s a look at some of the most promising games expected to arrive.
Resident Evil Requiem kicks off the year in February. The return of fan-favorite Leon Kennedy in this new mainline entry has generated significant excitement among survival horror fans.
Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight offers a fresh, lighthearted take on the Caped Crusader. With no new Arkham game in sight, this Lego adaptation appears to be a vibrant and entertaining alternative.
The racing genre gets a major boost with Forza Horizon 6. Set in a meticulously crafted open-world version of Japan, this sequel aims to build on the stellar reputation of its predecessors.
Fans of the supernatural can look forward to Control Resonant. This sequel to Remedy’s critically acclaimed 2019 title promises to deliver more of the eerie, mind-bending action that made the original so memorable.
Mouse: P.I. for Hire combines fast-paced boomer shooter mechanics with a classic cartoon aesthetic. Its unique visual style and March release date make it an early standout.
IO Interactive, the studio behind Hitman, turns its attention to the world of espionage with 007 First Light. Expectations are high for a sophisticated and engaging James Bond experience.
In a surprising revival, Bubsy 4D brings the iconic, much-memeed bobcat back for a new 3D platforming adventure. Early impressions suggest it might defy expectations.
FromSoftware is expanding its portfolio with The Duskbloods, an eight-player online action RPG. Following the success of similar titles, this project has captured the attention of the studio’s dedicated fanbase.
Gears of War: E-Day is a prequel that returns to the series’ roots, focusing on the early days of Marcus Fenix and Dom Santiago. It offers a chance to revisit the gritty origins of this iconic franchise.
Star Wars: Galactic Racer shifts gears by offering a high-speed racing experience within the beloved galaxy far, far away, providing a welcome change from the usual RPG and shooter fare.
Bungie’s Marathon is a revival of its classic series, reimagined as a sci-fi extraction shooter. Recent updates, including the addition of proximity chat, have renewed interest in its potential.
The elephant in the room is undoubtedly Grand Theft Auto 6. After years of anticipation and speculation, Rockstar’s flagship title is finally slated for a November release, poised to be a cultural event.
Marvel’s Wolverine from Insomniac Games has fans eager. Building on the studio’s success with Spider-Man, this title promises a visceral, character-driven action experience.
Housemarque, known for the challenging Returnal, is developing Saros. This new project aims to offer a more accessible roguelike shooter structure with deeper meta-progression systems.
Mina the Hollower from the creators of Shovel Knight is a highly anticipated homage to classic Game Boy adventures, blending exploration and action in a gothic world.
The visually stunning Replaced boasts a striking retro-futuristic aesthetic. Its cinematic style and atmospheric world-building make it a title to watch.
Forbidden Solitaire presents a unique horror premise wrapped around a classic card game. The mystery of its gameplay has piqued the curiosity of many.
The Blood of Dawnwalker is an immersive-sim RPG focused on vampires, developed by veterans from The Witcher 3. Its pedigree alone makes it a compelling prospect.
Danganronpa 2×2 is not just a remake of the beloved visual novel; it includes a new “what if” scenario with alternate mysteries, offering fresh content for returning fans.
Pokémon Champions is positioned as a new competitive platform for the series, integrating mechanics like Mega Evolution. It could significantly reshape the Pokémon battling landscape.
Mario Tennis Fever arrives in February to serve up arcade-style sports fun. The Mario sports series has a strong track record for accessible, enjoyable multiplayer.
Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis is another remake of Lara Croft’s first adventure, serving as a visual showcase and a stopgap before the next major series installment.
Pokémon Pokopia merges the life-simulation of Animal Crossing with the Pokémon universe, but hints at a darker, more mysterious setting beneath its charming surface.
Pragmata is a brand-new AAA action game from Capcom. Details remain scarce, but its intriguing trailers and sci-fi premise have generated considerable buzz.
Marvel Tokon Fighting Souls brings the comic book universe into the fighting game arena with Arc System Works at the helm, promising a flashy, technical 4v4 brawler.
Scott Pilgrim EX revives the beat ’em up with a new story from original creator Bryan Lee O’Malley, continuing the narrative from the recent anime adaptation.
Demon Tides is a modern platformer that captures the spirit and precise gameplay of beloved PS2-era mascot adventures, focusing on fluid movement and challenge.
Nocturne fuses rhythm game mechanics with a deep RPG narrative, creating a unique hybrid that evokes the feel of classic science fantasy epics.
Slay the Spire 2 seeks to build upon the near-perfect foundation of the original deck-building roguelike. For fans of the genre, a bigger and better sequel is more than enough.
Halo: Campaign Evolved is a ground-up remake of the original Halo, notable for its debut on PlayStation 5, a historic first for the franchise.
Rounding out the list is Yoshi and the Mysterious Book, a charming platformer that continues the yarn-based adventures of Nintendo’s friendly dinosaur for his dedicated audience.
With such a varied and exciting slate, the only real question is how many of these games will actually meet their 2026 release windows. Delays are always a possibility, but the potential for an unforgettable year of gaming is undoubtedly there.
(Source: Kotaku)
