31 Must-Play Games Coming in 2026
- Key Takeaways:
- 2026 brings major AAA sequels and remakes: Grand Theft Auto 6, Marvel’s Wolverine, Resident Evil Requiem, and Halo: Campaign Evolved.
- Big studios returning: Rockstar, Insomniac, Capcom, Bungie, FromSoftware, and Housemarque all have high-profile releases.
- Expect a mix of remakes, new franchises, and bold indie experiments across genres from racing to roguelikes.
What to expect in 2026
The gaming calendar for 2026 is stacked with blockbuster sequels, ambitious new IP, and nostalgic remakes. Major publishers are leaning into fan-favorite franchises while smaller studios are pushing genre boundaries.
Headline AAA releases
Grand Theft Auto 6 remains the year's tentpole — Rockstar's open-world behemoth is one of the most anticipated titles in gaming history and aims to define 2026.
Insomniac's Marvel’s Wolverine promises a gritty, high-impact action experience from the studio behind Spider-Man, while Capcom returns with Resident Evil Requiem, bringing Leon Kennedy back to the mainline series.
Remakes and revivals
Several beloved classics are getting fresh treatments. Halo: Campaign Evolved is being remade for modern platforms including PlayStation 5, and Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis revisits Lara Croft’s origins ahead of a 2027 sequel.
These remakes aim to introduce iconic stories to new audiences while updating gameplay and visuals for current hardware.
Racing, shooters, and fighters
Forza Horizon 6 transports the series to a densely realized Japan, promising one of Xbox’s most polished open-world racers. Star Wars: Galactic Racer offers a franchise twist on the racing genre.
Arc System Works’ style shows up in Marvel Tokon Fighting Souls, a 4v4 anime-style fighter that blends Marvel characters with high-octane competitive combat.
Indie and mid-size standouts
Housemarque’s Saros shifts the studio toward a more accessible roguelike shooter structure, and Forbidden Solitaire teases a spooky CD-ROM-era retro horror experience. Mina the Hollower channels retro Zelda/Castlevania vibes from the Shovel Knight team.
Slay the Spire 2 targets card-game fans, promising the blend of strategy and roguelike progression that made the original a hit.
Release windows to watch
Spring and early summer are particularly crowded: March and April have multiple launches (Marathon, Slay the Spire 2, 007 First Light, Saros). Major releases like Grand Theft Auto 6 and other tentpoles will stagger across the year.
Final thoughts
2026 looks like a rare year where big-budget blockbusters, thoughtful remakes, and creative indie projects share the spotlight. Whether you follow Rockstar, FromSoftware, Bungie, or indie studios, there's something to watch — and play — all year long.
