My Most Anticipated Games of 2026

There’s something special about a year that feels stacked before it’s even really begun, and 2026 is shaping up to be just that. After the revolutionary year that was 2025, it seemed hard to imagine how that could be topped. But, with releases from well-loved studios, long-awaited returns and bold new directions, these are some of the games I’m most excited about this year.

GTA VI

After the legendary story that was GTA V, it was hard to imagine anything better. Yet once again, Rockstar appeared poised to raise the bar with GTA VI, a title shaping up to be one of the most ambitious games ever produced. Despite a few pushbacks, there’s no doubt that GTA VI is one of the most, if not the most, anticipated releases for 2026. Built on Rockstar’s own game engine, RAGE, a continuously updated engine, with the latest iteration bringing the fictional state of Leonida and an updated Vice City to life. The world of GTA VI is rumoured to be significantly larger than the previous title, roughly three times the size of Los Santos and Blaine County combined, with many more enterable buildings, which is sure to evoke a significantly more immersive experience.

While Trevor, Michael and Franklin remain the gold standard for GTA protagonists, mainly due to the chemistry between the trio, but also the witty writing and iconic voice acting that brought them to life. It’ll be interesting to see how the new Bonnie and Clyde-style duo, Lucia and Jason, measure up, especially as GTA VI is the first to introduce a female protagonist. A new character isn’t the only thing making its way into the game; GTA VI is said to feature a whole range of new vehicles, mechanics, enhanced realism with dynamic weather, advanced physics for water and clothing, deeper interactions with NPCs and a range of brand-new activities.

With its expanded world, updated graphics, and a clear ambition to make an even more memorable experience, GTA VI doesn’t seem like it’s trying to copy and paste from its predecessor. If Rockstar can achieve the same balance of narrative and character, then the wait for its release will be more than worthwhile. It’s safe to say that I am super excited to see where Rockstar takes the GTA franchise. Let the countdown to November 19th begin, when GTA VI will be dropping on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, with a later launch for PC.

Resident Evil: Requiem

To say that I am looking forward to this game would be an understatement. I absolutely love the Resident Evil franchise, and over the last few years, I’ve made my way through the majority of the games. The ninth mainline entry into the series sees Grace Ashcroft, the daughter of RE: Outbreak’s Alyssa Ashcroft, investigating the death of her mother in the ruins of Raccoon City. A new enemy will also be introduced in RE9, reminiscent of Mr X and Nemesis from previous titles, and the return of the one and only Leon S. Kennedy. RE9 will be made with RE Engine, and it will feature full path tracing, ray-traced illumination and DDLS 4 support for PC, so I have no doubt that it will both look and play amazingly. It has been said that RE9 could feature open-world elements and potential vehicle travel, so it will be interesting to see how this will be implemented into the more intimate areas that Resident Evil is famous for.

The new monster, which has not yet been officially named, is roughly around 10ft and will likely use sound to stalk the player, much like the lickers. So, I’m sure running through claustrophobic hallways to escape this unkillable beast will be great fun. Especially as our new protagonist is not as skilled as Leon, so we won’t be seeing her delivering a roundhouse kick to anyone’s face during her segments. Instead, it’s been revealed that Grace’s segments will emphasise stealth, atmospheric horror and puzzle-solving. In addition, the only “tools” available during these segments will be a lighter and throwable bottles. When playing as Leon, players can be expected to be fully immersed in the action.

While some fans are sceptical of the supposed “open-world”, personally, I think that if it is done well and not overused, it will make the more intimate sections even more terrifying. From how it’s looking in trailers and sneak peeks, there’s no doubt that the days until its release on the 27th of February will seem a little longer, because right now I feel like a kid on the build-up to Christmas. But when it does eventually reach us, it will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch 2 and PC. I’m sure that many fans are more than excited for this game.

Fable

16 years since Fable 3, the reboot, known only as Fable, finally has a tangible release window. So, what does this new title entail? Instead of continuing the loosely connected story from its predecessor, Fable will begin a new timeline, acting as a complete reboot. While the story is new, one of the most memorable mechanics, chicken kicking, remains a core element within the game, alongside the deep, choice-driven narratives and the magical and humorous atmosphere that the game is famous for.

It’s been made clear that developers, Playground Games, known for the Forza franchise, want to emphasise the title's separation from the previous timeline, with the prologue of the game playing out as the protagonist’s childhood. Which for the first time in the series is a fully customizable character, with the ability to live out an entire life, you can get married, have kids, buy a house, and own a business. This fully open world reacts to your decisions and actions, and allows you to play out your story exactly how you want. With over 1,000 NPCs inhabiting Albion, each of them with their own daily schedules, moral compasses and ability to judge you on how you look, act and also treat them as an individual, all of these actions are also tied to a reputation system, much like in KCD2 or Elder Scrolls, so the choice is yours to be either loved or hated wherever you go.

Another thing that looks absolutely incredible is the combat. Fable’s combat is designed to be fast-paced and fluid, and with the game being able to run in up to 60fps in performance mode, the style-weaving combat will look absolutely seamless when switching between melee, magic and ranged weapons.

Fable will be releasing sometime in August this year, and will be available on PlayStation 5, PC and as a day one game pass release on Xbox Series X/S.

Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis

The release of the original Tomb Raider in 1996 was nothing short of revolutionary. Praised for its innovative use of full 3D environments and the introduction of the now-iconic Lara Croft, it helped pave the way for future titles in the genre. Now, nearly three decades later, the series returns to its roots, this time, reimagining the globe-trotting adventure as we hunt for the Scion of Atlantis.

Hopefully, the remake includes nods to the more unusual elements of the 1996 original. From Skateboard Kid to the infamous E.T.-looking doppleganger, the game didn’t shy away from the weird and wonderful, and it’s only fair for the current developers to pay tribute to the sleep-deprived creativity of Core Design, and bring these creations into the modern era with Unreal Engine 5. One element best left in the past, though, is, of course, the tank controls. While the stiffness of the original was mainly a byproduct of the grid-based level design, it’s hard to see those kinds of controls resurfacing in a potential AAA game. That said, a complete throwback could be on the table, with the most recent remasters offering original tank controls, just for the extra hit of nostalgia. If done right, Legacy of Atlantis could act as a bridge between classic Tomb Raider design and the more cinematic, narrative-driven direction the story has taken in recent years.

While an official release date has not yet been confirmed, when Lara Croft does eventually return to our screens, Legacy of Atlantis will be playable on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S and PC. Already, the hype for this game is undeniable, considering it was the #2 most-wishlisted game since its announcement at the 2025 Game Awards.

007 First Light

007 First Light is a brand new title from the well-known studio IO Interactive, known for the Hitman franchise among other games. From the looks of it, 007 First Light seems like a “British Uncharted”, and I am all for it. The story focuses on a young Bond in his early days at MI6, with the character rumoured to be quite “rough around the edges” in comparison to the James Bond in cinema. It seems that most people have a preconceived idea of James Bond, that he’s a polished, by-the-book agent, and the fact that in this rendition, we see him without all that bravado, will open up a new direction for the character.

What makes 007 First Light unique is its incorporation of elements from Hitman, including complete freedom to approach missions in whatever way, all set in a sandbox environment. However, unlike the studio's previous titles, 007 is much more action-oriented, with cinematic set pieces, car chases, and fast-paced combat. In addition, the character of James Bond also allows for a more story-driven narrative, rather than the blank slate that is Agent 47. It seems that 007 First Light is one to keep an eye on; with a perfect blend of tactical freedom and cinematic spectacle, it is shaping up to be a game that is shaken, not stirred.

007 will be releasing on PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox Series X/S and Windows on 27 May 2026

Lords of the Fallen 2

When the 2023 remake of Lords of the Fallen came out, it faced significant backlash for several reasons, with players especially unhappy with bugs and certain elements of gameplay. But, Hexworks did not let that stop them. Over 70 updates and two massive patches later, the game has truly undergone its redemption arc. So, it would be stupid not to give this upcoming soulslike a sequel, and it looks absolutely epic.

The Souls genre is known for over-the-top bosses, some of the most cinematic battles, disgustingly beautiful fire-forged weapons, and armour worn by tyrannical rulers and the heroes who stepped up to stop them, and let’s not forget the occasional stress-inducing sequences. The genre has always excelled at embodying dark fantasy and creating diverse worlds for Lampbearers, Tarnished, and the Ashen One to explore. So, with news of another Lords of the Fallen making its way to our screens, it’s safe to say that it will be a critical hit among fans. It’s no surprise that the bosses will be monumental and challenging; this is a soulslike after all. The developers have also promised a “bolder, braver and bloodier aesthetic” if that alone doesn’t make you excited to bear the lamp and embark into the Axiom once more, then I don’t know what does. The combat has also been redesigned to be faster, even more aggressive and visceral with increased gore and dismemberment, and seeing this on Unreal Engine 5 is going to be a gruesomely immersive experience.

Lords of the Fallen 2 will take place 100 years after its predecessor. The Axiom is crumbling, and the Umbral is slowly creeping in and corrupting the living world. Despite this, the Umbral lamp will still play a key role in assisting players when shifting between realms. The sequel can be expected sometime in 2026, and it will be released on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S and PC.

Control Resonant

2019s Control was a massive success for well-known studio Remedy, so it’s no surprise that a further expansion of the Remedy universe is highly anticipated.

In the previous game, you play as Jesse Faden in search of her brother; however, in Control Resonant, the roles are reversed. This time, you play as Dylan, who has been released by the FBC to stop a cosmic force that is threatening Manhattan. The Hiss have escaped, and the FBC must fight to stop them while Dylan searches for Jesse. Resonant will expand beyond the setting of the first game, allowing players to explore an open, distorting NYC.

The combat in Resonant will feature a deeper-focus on melee combat, with players wielding a super cool shapeshifting weapon called the Aberrant. From what has been shown in the trailers, the weapon can seamlessly transform and complement a range of playstyles, a chaos-inducing two-handed hammer, dual blades and a standard sword, marking the game's shift towards fast, aggressive, close-quartered combat.

There’s been no further information surrounding the sequel, but that’s standard for Remedy. If the Alan Wake games are anything to go by, we are in for a treat. Control Resonant is scheduled for a mid 2026 release, and will be dropping on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC and Mac.

Wolverine

Insomniac, a company that is renowned within the industry for their quality storytelling, system-defining graphics, and fun, accessible gameplay. However, their upcoming title ditches the family-friendly and adapts a dark, barbaric and bloody tone. Wolverine is a beloved character from the X-Men, and since the release of Logan in 2017 and Deadpool and Wolverine in 2024, we’ve seen a more mature, emotionally charged side to the hero. The narrative is set to explore Logan’s past and present, set in a semi-open, diverse world, with locations like Madripoor, Canada and Tokyo. Teasers have also implied that other familiar characters will appear in the game, such as Omega Red, Mystique and the Reavers.

As the mature-rating suggests, the combat is said to be grisly and intense, but I suppose that goes without saying when your weapons are razor-sharp Adamantium claws. Mechanics within the game will allow for dismemberment and highly detailed, visceral gore. There will also be a skill tree, as seen in other Insomniac games, meaning players will be able to cause absolute carnage. While Marvel’s Spider-Man focuses on aerial combat and abilities embedded in the suit and the heroes within it, Wolverine will focus on close-up, high-impact brawls.

The title will be a PlayStation 5 exclusive, similar to all other Insomniac games, and it will be developed on their own engine, designed to leverage the console’s ultra-high-speed SSD for seamless loading. It will run at 60fps in 4K, giving the possibility for consistently smooth sequences no matter the scenario. This step away from the usual games developed by Insomniac is nothing short of exciting. The studio has made some of the best games of the last decade, so seeing them step into a more grounded and gritty environment will be more than interesting. Wolverine will drop on PlayStation 5 sometime in the fall of 2026.

Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream

Tomodachi Life was a massive commercial success for the Nintendo 3DS, selling over 6.72 million copies worldwide as of March 2023, even becoming one of the top-10 best-selling games on the platform. It was, and still is, praised for its surreal gameplay, like the dream sequences, Mii interactions, and the outfits for the Miis. So, a sequel to this wacky experience was inevitable.

Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream will have enhanced graphics, while still maintaining the cartoon look of its predecessor, an expanded Mii creation suite with a range of personalities and voices, and trailers even showing Miis with ears, which will take some getting used to, and a whole bunch of new Mii interactions. Rather than keeping Miis confined to segmented apartments, they can now roam free on a large island, with houses, and what I can only assume to be activities dotted around. Players can now drag and drop their characters to influence interactions, instead of leaving it up to chance, meaning that relationships can blossom into marriage and parenthood between even the most unexpected of matches.

The strange dreams will still hold a prominent position within the game, and I have a feeling they will be even more insane than last time. In terms of activities, there haven’t been any official announcements specifying any activities, but I highly doubt that players will only be able to make their characters sing songs. I have high expectations for this game to be a seriously crazy experience, and I’m more than excited for any future announcements. Tomodachi Life is a Nintendo Switch family exclusive, and it will be dropping at some point in Spring 2026.