Coming into 2026, the landscape of gaming is definitely unique, to say the least. The PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X are now over 5 years old, handheld consoles like the Switch 2 and Steam Deck grow ever more popular, and the PC remains a timeless platform for play. 2025 was one of the biggest years for new video games in recent memory, with many long-awaited games finally debuting, leaving the future a bit barren. Still, there are some super hyped up games slated for release this year, with a big emphasis on third-person action titles. So, no matter what platform you prefer, keep an eye out for these highly anticipated games of 2026, which should keep us happily playing as the next generation of gaming approaches.
2026's Biggest Upcoming Games
5. Gears of War: E-Day
Over the past 20 years, the Gears of War series has been shifted to different developers, expanded in scope, and kept alive through multiple sequels. Unfortunately, for many fans, recent Gears games have lacked the fun factor of the original trilogy, leading to a dying franchise. Interestingly, instead of creating the next mainline game, Gears of War 6, developer The Coalition is opting for a nostalgic Hail Mary to get franchise veterans back in action. Coming this year is Gears of War: E-Day, a prequel to the original Gears of War, which sees Marcus Fenix and Dominic Santiago repelling the Locust Horde on the fateful Emergence Day. Currently, not much else is known about the gameplay or plot, but with the 20th anniversary of Gears rolling around this November, we’re hoping for a big celebratory Xbox romp that reminds us why we loved the franchise in the first place.
4. Resident Evil: Requiem
Following the successful first-person titles, Resident Evil 7: Biohazard and Resident Evil Village, Capcom has mostly been remastering and remaking the classic Resident Evil games, but it’s finally time for a new one. Resident Evil: Requiem is the ninth mainline game in this iconic survival horror franchise, shifting back to third-person action and returning to Raccoon City. For this outing, we’ll play as the fresh FBI agent, Grace Ashcroft, as well as fan-favorite cop, Leon Kennedy. Similar to Resident Evil 2, the game will have a dual storyline, as Grace investigates a series of murders in Raccoon City, while Leon continues to deal with Umbrella’s madness elsewhere in the Midwest. Swapping between pure survival horror and horror-action with the two playable characters, Resident Evil: Requiem should appeal to all types of fans, while continuing to scare and impress. Hopefully, it’s another winner when it releases on February 27th for all major platforms.
3. 007: First Light
The James Bond brand has an interesting history in the world of video games. Though many recall GoldenEye 007 as one of the best first-person shooters ever made, there hasn’t been a good Bond game since the PS2 era. After a long hiatus, Bond is back in 007: First Light, which is being developed by IO Interactive, most well-known for the Hitman franchise. Honestly, this just makes sense. Hitman has filled the void of secret agent stealth games for decades, so it’s only fitting that the masters of gadgets and espionage would have a hand at cinema’s most prolific spy. First Light tells an original story that tracks James Bond’s early years as an agent, inspired by the Ian Fleming novels, where he embarks on a critical mission to earn his license to kill. Gameplay-wise, First Light looks very reminiscent of the modern Hitman games, but with more explosive action in the form of chase scenes, shootouts, and more. It should be a fun Spring spy adventure when the game releases on all major platforms on May 27th, 2026.
2. Marvel's Wolverine
Apart from a few LEGO games here and there, it’s safe to say that the most successful modern superhero games are the PlayStation-exclusive Marvel’s Spider-Man titles, developed by Insomniac Games. In 2026, they’re looking to strike gold again with Marvel’s Wolverine, a third-person action game that offers a similar formula as Marvel’s Spider-Man, albeit with much more bloody violence. Plot details are scarce at the moment, but the gameplay looks excellent, with a blend of open-world action, chase scenes, and spectacular boss fights. You can expect to charge through enemies with reckless abandon, dismembering and disfiguring any baddie that steps in your way. Complete with cameos from other recognizable X-Men, Marvel’s Wolverine should be a stellar ensemble title and one of the best PlayStation 5 games around when it launches sometime later this year.
1. Grand Theft Auto VI
Honestly, what can be said about Grand Theft Auto VI that hasn’t already been said? Still, this wouldn’t be an accurate list of the most anticipated games of 2026 if we left it off. Rockstar Games has been working on this hugely hyped sequel for over 10 years, and they’re sparing no expense, as GTA VI has become the most expensive game in development of all time, totaling over $2 billion dollars. Based on the trailers we’ve seen so far, Grand Theft Auto VI is shaping up to be one of the most sprawling experiences in all of gaming, both rich in content and impressive technical performance. The amount of detail shown so far is staggering, and if the full game is as stunning as the trailers, we’re clearly in for something special. At this point, no one is doubting Rockstar, and everyone is convinced the game will be a masterpiece, assuming it comes out this year. The victim of countless delays and ever-ballooning hype, if Grand Theft Auto VI finally releases in 2026, it will send a shockwave through the industry unlike anything we’ve seen before.
