The best games of 2026 so far
Half the year is already behind us, and it’s time to round up the major releases that have already arrived
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Image credits: Press Release/Nintendo
Half of 2026 is already in the books, and the year has been generous with plenty of surprises in the gaming world. Major franchises, indie games, and the return of a certain spy are among the best titles released so far. In this list, we’ve picked our 10 favorite games of 2026 up to this point — but a lot can still change by December, considering that a little game called GTA 6 and another little title known as Ocarina of Time are still on the way.
Check out the full list:
10. Mixtape
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Straddling the line between interactive film and video game, Mixtape sparked some debate within the gaming community because of its narrative-driven nature. Regardless of the controversy, the game still charmed those who approached it with an open mind, thanks to its exceptionally well-curated soundtrack and a heartfelt story about the final moments of adolescence.
Where to play: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Nintendo Switch 2
9. Saros
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Building on Returnal’s strengths, Saros may have flown a bit under the radar amid the year’s other major releases, but that doesn’t take away from its merits. Masterful use of the DualSense blends with a combat system that demands the player’s full concentration, drawing them into a flow state carried by the excellent soundtrack. A subtle yet intriguing and mysterious story is the cherry on top.
Where to play: PlayStation 5
8. Subnautica 2
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The biggest nightmare for Krafton’s bosses, Subnautica 2 expands on the formula of the first game, taking explorers to a new planet with a vast new ocean to discover. With players able to modify their own DNA in order to survive the harsh climate of this new world, the title is still in early access, but that doesn’t stop it from being considered one of the best games of 2026.
Where to play: PC, Xbox Series X|S
7. Slay the Spire 2
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The classic roguelike is back in an even better version: with more possibilities, the game is fully aware that players can “break” its mechanics with extremely powerful card combinations, and it responds with a very well-balanced difficulty curve. Still in early access, the game shows a lot of promise for its full release.
Where to play: PC
6. Mewgenics
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A long and troubled development has finally paid off: an extremely ambitious game, with an insane number of possibilities, and addictive despite having one of the most horrendous visual identities of the current generation. Released almost out of nowhere, Mewgenics is one of the top contenders for Best Indie of 2026, and may even show up in some broader categories at The Game Awards.
Where to play: PC
5. 007: First Light
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The biggest draw of video games is being able to step into the shoes of incredible characters, and that’s exactly what First Light delivers. The 007 experience is recreated masterfully, from an opening with dramatic music to the charm of seducing a married woman. Its gameplay is far from revolutionary or innovative, but it’s polished enough to help immerse you as an MI6 agent.
Where to play: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC
4. Forza Horizon 6
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Is it a sin to be too much like your predecessors, yet just as fun? The sixth chapter of Horizon takes the franchise to one of the most beautiful—and most in-demand—settings in the world. The map of Japan delivers the different types of scenery found across the country without sacrificing the speed and excitement of the races.
Where to play: Xbox Series X|S and PC
3. Mina the Hollower
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One of the biggest surprises of 2026, Mina the Hollower is a love letter to the Game Boy Color classics, blending everything that made the classic The Legend of Zelda games so memorable, with a touch of Souls-style difficulty. Few titles achieve instant-classic status, but Mina the Hollower checks every box.
Where to play: PlayStation 4 and 5, Nintendo Switch 1 and 2, Xbox One and Series X|S, and PC
2. Resident Evil Requiem
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Perhaps the peak of Capcom’s great run, the new Resident Evil is, ironically, like the Leon S. Kennedy of games: extremely cool and fully aware of it. The game constantly takes risks with its shifting camera between first- and third-person perspectives, as well as with the gameplay differences between Grace and Leon.
Where to play: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC
1. Pokopia Pokémon
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The megazord of cozy games drops one of the cutest franchises in history (which also happens to be the biggest entertainment franchise in the world) into a devastated land that needs to be rebuilt. The world of Pokémon is as fascinating as ever, and the range of features and possibilities that Pokopia brings to the table is enough not only to place it among the best of the year, but also among the best Pokémon games of all time.
Where to play: Nintendo Switch 2
