Games of 2026: What Should You Be Excited For?

2026 promises to be an extraordinary year for gaming, with an impressive lineup of major releases that will define the next generation of interactive entertainment. From the most anticipated open-world sequel of all time to the resurrection of beloved franchises, here’s your complete guide to the games that deserve your attention this coming year.

Dragon Quest VII Reimagined (February 5)

Square Enix brings a timeless JRPG classic back to life with Dragon Quest VII: Reimagined, releasing on Nintendo Switch and Switch 2. This remake of the beloved 1999 original transforms the game with charming diorama-style visuals and streamlined gameplay mechanics while preserving the epic story.​

The narrative follows a young fisherman’s son living on the isolated island of Estard who discovers that entire worlds have been sealed away by a malevolent force. Together with childhood friends, players travel through past and present, uncovering mysteries and restoring lost lands. The reimagined version modernizes the experience while maintaining the emotional core that made the original special.​

Nioh 3 (February 6)

Team Ninja returns with Nioh 3 exclusively on PlayStation 5. Building on the soulslike foundation of its predecessors, this third entry in the franchise continues the challenging action-RPG experience that has captivated players worldwide.​

Resident Evil Requiem (February 27)

Capcom commits what they describe as their most expensive Resident Evil project to date with Resident Evil Requiem. The ninth mainline entry introduces Grace Ashcroft, an FBI analyst dispatched to investigate mysterious deaths at a hotel in Raccoon City while being hunted by a dangerous creature.​

RE Requiem introduces a significant innovation: seamless switching between first-person and third-person perspectives, allowing players to choose their preferred gameplay style. First-person delivers tense, realistic horror, while third-person enables action-packed combat. The game introduces new mechanics like using environmental objects (glass bottles) as distractions and utilizing a lighter to illuminate darkness—though light can attract unwanted attention. Releasing across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Windows, and Nintendo Switch 2, Requiem brings survival horror to the next-generation Switch platform.​

Crimson Desert (March 19)

Pearl Abyss’ Crimson Desert finally launches after years of development delays. This action-RPG set on the continent of Pywel follows Kliff, a warrior determined to reunite scattered companions and rally them against overwhelming darkness.​

The game emphasizes dynamic, intense combat with freeform controls and weapon variety, allowing players to forge unique combat styles. Beyond fighting, Pywel offers cooking, mining, gathering, fishing, and crafting to enrich the experience. The PlayStation 5 version showcases enhanced graphics, faster loading speeds, 3D audio, and DualSense haptic feedback. Crimson Desert launches on March 19 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.​

007 First Light (March 27)

IO Interactive, the studio behind the acclaimed Hitman series, reimagines the James Bond franchise with 007 First Light, an origin story following a 26-year-old James Bond on his first mission to earn his 00 status. This marks the first major Bond game since 2012’s poorly received 007 Legends.​

Developed with IO Interactive’s proven design philosophy, players approach objectives through stealth, instinct, gadgetry, or direct combat. The game features an impressive voice cast including Priyanga Burford as M, Alastair MacKenzie as Q, Kiera Lester as Moneypenny, and Lennie James as mentor John Greenway. The narrative spans international locations including England, Slovakia, Vietnam, and Iceland. Releasing on March 27 for PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch 2, 007 First Light represents the franchise’s ambitious return to gaming.​

Grand Theft Auto VI (May 26)

After 13 years in development, Rockstar Games unleashes Grand Theft Auto VI, setting a new standard for open-world gaming and what many expect to be the largest entertainment launch of all time. Set in a sprawling recreation of Vice City and surrounding areas including the Florida Keys and Mount Kalaga, GTA VI features a massive open world filled with dynamic NPCs and highly reactive environments.​

The 75-hour narrative follows two protagonists: Lucia Caminos and Jason Duval, navigating a world of crime, conspiracy, and satirical commentary on modern Florida. With cinematic storytelling, advanced AI systems, and unparalleled attention to detail, GTA VI is poised to redefine the open-world genre entirely. The game releases on May 26 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S.​

Outward 2 (Summer 2026)

Nine Dots Studio brings Outward 2 to PC in summer 2026, returning to the world of Aurai with a renewed focus on survival and meaningful consequences. Rather than playing superheroic champions, players embody ordinary travelers where every decision carries weight.​

The game features three starting scenarios and eleven life paths allowing character customization from the beginning. Players navigate a complete year of seasonal changes—frozen rivers become new pathways in winter, and NPCs relocate accordingly. Each of four regions offers unique climates, biomes, and challenges. Combat receives significant enhancements with weapon-specific animation sets, expanded combinations, and ritualistic magic systems requiring specific actions like hurling a flaming stone to create protective circles. A mule companion now helps carry loot, though managing equipment remains crucial—dropping backpacks during combat restores mobility. Outward 2 launches in Q3 2026 for PC.​

Marvel’s Wolverine (Fall 2026)

Insomniac Games delivers Marvel’s Wolverine, a mature, brutal action-adventure exclusively on PlayStation 5 releasing in fall 2026. Unlike Spider-Man games, Wolverine commits to visceral violence—dismemberment and graphic combat are central to the experience.​

James “Logan” Howlett (voiced by Liam McIntyre) confronts his dark past while navigating relationships with iconic characters including Mystique and Omega Red. The narrative spans iconic locations: Madripoor, Canada’s frozen wilderness, and Tokyo’s crowded streets. Insomniac’s experience crafting emotionally complex Marvel narratives suggests this will transcend action spectacle, delivering emotional depth alongside brutal combat mechanics.​

Fable (Late 2026, Exact Date TBA)

Playground Games brings Fable to PC and Xbox Series X/S sometime in 2026, likely toward year’s end, representing a complete overhaul of the fantasy RPG franchise. Initially planned for 2025, the delay allows additional development time for this ambitious open-world project.​

This action-RPG combines Playground Games’ signature visual quality from Forza Horizon with fresh gameplay mechanics. Set in Albion, the game emphasizes the franchise’s signature British humor and charm while modernizing the experience for contemporary audiences. With head of Xbox Game Studios Craig Duncan reaffirming Microsoft’s confidence in the project, Fable positioning for a landmark release for Xbox Game Studios.​

Gears of War: E-Day (2026, Exact Date TBA)

The Coalition brings Gears of War: E-Day to Xbox Series X/S and PC sometime in 2026, with speculation suggesting a November release to coincide with the franchise’s 20th anniversary. Set 14 years before the original Gears of War, E-Day chronicles the brutal horror of Emergence Day through the eyes of younger versions of Marcus Fenix and Dominic Santiago.​

John DiMaggio and Carlos Ferro return as the voices of these iconic characters. The game depicts humanity’s first encounter with the Locust Horde following the devastating Pendulum Wars. Created using Unreal Engine 5, E-Day combines Emergence Day’s historical importance with visceral combat and emotional storytelling.​

Onimusha: Way of the Sword (2026, Exact Date TBA)

Capcom resurrects Onimusha: Way of the Sword, the franchise’s first mainline entry in over 20 years, releasing in 2026 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. Centered on Miyamoto Musashi (modeled after legendary actor Toshiro Mifune), the game unfolds in a dark fantasy version of Kyoto during the Edo period.​

Combat emphasizes deliberate, grounded swordplay rather than flashy action. Players master striking, parrying, and “Break Issen” execution moves that instantly dismember enemies. Musashi wields a sentient Oni Gauntlet that collects fallen enemies’ souls—yellow souls restore health, red souls purchase upgrades, and blue souls unlock special Oni Armaments. While largely linear, the game incorporates open areas and side quests, creating a cinematic-action experience. The team consulted temple officials and employed real swordsmen for motion capture to ensure historical authenticity.​

Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra (Early 2026, Exact Date TBA)

Skydance Games’ Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra arrives in early 2026, directed by Amy Hennig (known for Uncharted’s narrative excellence). Set in 1943, the game features a young Captain America (Steve Rogers, played by Drew Moralee) and Azzuri, the original Black Panther and T’Challa’s grandfather (played by Khary Payton).​

The story explores an alliance between these two heroes marked by initial tension as they confront shared enemies. Additional characters include Wakandan spy Nanali (Megalyn Echikunwoke), sharpshooter Gabriel Jones (Marque Richardson), and French Resistance member Julie (Lyne Renée). This WWII-era setting allows Hennig’s team to tell origin stories for beloved characters not yet formed in their more familiar incarnations.​

2026 represents gaming’s transition into a genuinely new generation, with the Nintendo Switch 2 launching alongside blockbuster AAA titles. The year balances franchise resurrections (Onimusha, Fable, Gears of War) with bold new ventures (Crimson Desert’s action-focused approach, Wolverine’s brutal vision). Whether you crave survival horror, spy thrillers, open-world crime epics, Japanese period action, or superhero narratives, 2026 delivers gaming experiences defining the decade ahead.

This year’s lineup ensures something exceptional awaits every type of player. Clear your calendar—2026 is shaping up to be one of gaming’s greatest years.