2026 marks a pivotal moment for the gaming industry. Leading developers such as Ubisoft and EA are struggling to regain their previous glory, and the number of AAA releases continues to dwindle. Despite these challenges, anticipation is building for the release of highly awaited titles like ‘GTA 6’ and sequels to beloved franchises. Here’s a rundown of the most exciting games expected this year.
GTA 6
The most awaited game not just of the year, but possibly in years! With stunning visuals already glimpsed in trailers, players will return to the expansive Vice City, featuring areas inspired by Florida. This installment introduces two protagonists, including the first female playable character in the main series. Despite limited details on gameplay mechanics, expectations are high, given the substantial investment and development time poured into this title.
- Release Date: November 19 on PS5 and Xbox
Crimson Desert
This open-world action-adventure game brings a distinctly South Korean flavor as players follow a mercenary leader on a quest to rebuild his clan. Facing rival factions and mythical creatures in a conflict-ridden world, the game promises breathtaking visuals and advanced combat mechanics reminiscent of the ‘Arkham’ series.
- Release Date: March 19 on PS5, Xbox, PC, and Mac
Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis
Slated for a 2026 release to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the original, this remake promises to reimagine Lara Croft’s journey across ancient ruins and exotic locales, powered by Unreal Engine 5. Flying Wild Hog is collaborating on this ambitious project, with a fresh perspective on classic adventures.
- Release Date: 2026 on PS5, Xbox, and PC
Control Resonant
A direct sequel to the cult classic ‘Control’, this game shifts genres to become an action RPG with an emphasis on melee combat. Set in a surreal version of Manhattan undergoing a supernatural crisis, players will navigate through expansive environments with interwoven missions.
- Release Date: June 30, 2026, on PS5, Xbox, PC, and Mac
Hela
A charming adventure game from the creators of ‘Unravel’, ‘Hela’ immerses players in Scandinavian folklore as they help an elderly witch. A cooperative experience where players embody field mice, it features puzzle-solving and exploration mechanics.
- Release Date: 2026 on Switch 2, PS5, Xbox, and PC
Resident Evil: Requiem
This new installment in the legendary survival horror franchise acts as a direct sequel to ‘Resident Evil Village’ and features dual protagonists. With gameplay that alternates between resource management and action sequences, it promises to deliver intense horror experiences.
- Release Date: February 27, 2026, on PS5, Xbox, PC, and Nintendo Switch
Forza Horizon 6
The next entry in the renowned racing series moves to Japan, offering a stylized representation that captures the country’s essence. With a dense map and 550 real cars, this game also allows players to engage in diverse driving experiences.
- Release Date: May 19 on Xbox and PC, and later in 2026 on PS5
Phantom Blade Zero
Merging action RPG elements with a compelling narrative, this game features a protagonist framed for murder, navigating a visually stunning world influenced by both wuxia and cyberpunk themes.
- Release Date: September 9 on PS5 and PC
007 First Light
This thrilling action and espionage game offers an origin story for the iconic James Bond as players navigate high-stakes missions around the globe, blending stealth and direct action.
- Release Date: May 27 on PS5, Xbox, PC, and Switch 2
Marvel’s Wolverine
Developed by Insomniac Games, this title throws players into an original narrative featuring Logan as he confronts various villains across diverse settings. The focus is on linear combat, diverging from the open-world approach of ‘Spider-Man’.
- Release Date: 2026
Fable
A complete reboot of this iconic Microsoft franchise, ‘Fable’ features a customizable hero embarking on a quest through an open world packed with over a thousand NPCs, seamlessly integrating various combat styles.
- Release Date: Fall 2026 on PS5, Xbox, and PC
Halo Campaign Evolved
This remake revitalizes the original ‘Halo’ using Unreal Engine 5, making significant improvements to gameplay mechanics, cooperative play, and narrative depth through new missions that explore the backstory.
- Release Date: 2026 on Xbox, PC, and PS5