Most Anticipated Video Games of 2026

2026 is shaping up to be massive for gamers. It’s the first full year of Nintendo’s new Switch 2, Grand Theft Auto VI is (finally!) on the horizon, and every platform – PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Switch 2, and even VR – has exciting titles lined up[1]. Below, we break down 2026’s most anticipated games month-by-month, highlighting big AAA sequels, promising indies, quirky potential hits, and even a few VR surprises.

Top 4 Most Anticipated Games of 2026 at the bottom!

January 2026

JRPG Spotlight (PlayStation/Nintendo/PC): The Legend of Heroes: Trails Beyond the Horizon – Launching Jan 15 on PS5, Switch (and Switch 2), and PC, this epic JRPG continues Falcom’s beloved Trails series[2]. Fans are hyped for a huge new continent to explore and the conclusion of the Calvard arc. If you love deep lore and tactical turn-based battles, Trails Beyond the Horizon is a mid-winter treat to start the year.
Cult Horror (PC): Pathologic 3 – Yes, Pathologic is back to mess with minds again. Landing Jan 9 on PC, the third installment of this surreal survival-horror franchise promises more plague, paranoia, and impossible moral choices in a creepy Russian town. January is historically quiet for games, but Pathologic 3 has horror geeks excited (and a little terrified) to dive in[3].
Anime Action (Console/PC/Mobile): Seven Deadly Sins: Origin – Arrives Jan 28 on PS5, PC, and mobile[4]. Based on the hit anime, this open-world action-RPG lets you assemble the Sins and explore Britannia. It’s one of the rare mobile-inclusive titles we’ll mention – but with a built-in fanbase and slick visuals, SDS: Origin is generating unusual buzz across platforms. (Imagine Genshin Impact but with Meliodas and crew!)
Indie Curios (PC): January has a slew of intriguing indies on PC. MIO: Memories In Orbit (Jan 20) is a story-driven space adventure launching across PC and consoles[5], and I Hate This Place (Jan 29) brings spooky first-person horror to close out the month[6]. Also worth a mention is Heartopia (Jan 7 on PC), a cozy life-sim that’s been charming the Steam community[7]. These smaller titles could become the surprise gems of early 2026.
Nintendo’s New Shine: While not a new game per se, Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Switch 2 Edition drops Jan 15. It’s the enhanced version of the mega-hit life sim, optimized for Switch 2 hardware[8]. If you somehow missed ACNH or just want to see your island in shiny new graphics, this is a perfect excuse to hop back in and say hi to your villagers (now with faster load times and prettier sunsets on Switch 2!).

(Honorable mention: Code Vein 2 was rumored for Jan 30 on PS5/Xbox/PC[9], bringing more anime Souls-like action. It hasn’t been heavily promoted, but fans of the original are keeping an eye out in case the vampire apocalypse strikes again in January.)

February 2026

PlayStation – Samurai Showdown: Nioh 3 – Team Ninja is back with its punishing samurai Souls-like exclusive to PS5, slashing onto the scene Feb 6[10]. Expect fiendishly tough yokai battles in Sengoku-era Japan. The Nioh games have a passionate following, so PS5 players craving more masocore action are sharpening their blades for this one.
Nintendo – Party on the Court: Mario Tennis Fever – Releasing Feb 12 exclusively for Switch 2[11], this over-the-top tennis game is swinging in with new Joy-Con 2 motion controls. Mario sports titles are always a casual multiplayer blast, and Fever looks to amp things up with crazy power-ups and an RPG-style story mode. Nintendo fans are ready to serve some Mushroom Kingdom realness on the court.
Multiplatform Blockbuster: Resident Evil: Requiem – The 9th mainline Resident Evil launches Feb 27 on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC and Switch 2[12]. Capcom kept this one shrouded in mystery, but we know it’s subtitled Requiem and promises a “new era of survival horror”[13]. Given the success of RE7 and Village, expectations are sky-high. Get ready to once again escape death by outsmarting mutants and managing your meager shotgun shells[14]. Horror fans, mark your calendars – late February is going to be spine-chilling.
Indie/PC Pick: Mewgenics – After nearly a decade in development limbo, this oddball cat-breeding roguelike finally pounces onto PC on Feb 10[15]. Created by Binding of Isaac designer Edmund McMillen, Mewgenics lets you breed an army of bizarre cats and send them on dungeon adventures. It’s quirky, darkly comedic, and has indie enthusiasts very curious. If you enjoy weird Tylenol-colored pixel art and genetics experiments gone wrong, keep an eye on this one.
Superhero Smash-Up: My Hero Academia: All’s Justice – Launching Feb 6 (PS5/Xbox/PC)[16], this arena fighter brings the popular MHA anime to gaming with a new original story. While anime brawlers can be hit or miss, All’s Justice stands out for its huge roster of heroes/villains and over-the-top Quirk abilities. Plus, it supports online 3v3 battles. If you’re an MHA fan, this could be your chance to “go beyond, PLUS ULTRA!” with friends. 😄

(Oh, and Rick & Morty fans: High on Life 2 arrives Feb 13 on PS5/Xbox/PC[17]. The first game’s irreverent humor and talking guns found a cult audience, so the sequel’s definitely one to watch if you like your shooters strange and sarcastic.)

March 2026

PC MMO/Action RPG: Crimson Desert – After years of teases, Pearl Abyss’ gorgeous open-world epic finally arrives Mar 19 on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC[18]. Initially an MMO spin-off of Black Desert, Crimson Desert has evolved into a story-focused action RPG (with optional co-op). Think medieval high-fantasy meets cutting-edge visuals – the trailers have dropped jaws with their huge battles and flying dragons. If you’ve been craving a new Witcher/Skyrim-scale adventure, Crimson Desert could be the sleeper hit of March.
Monster Hunting (Nintendo/Multiplat): Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection – Capcom brings us a third installment of the MH Stories spin-off on Mar 13[19] (Switch 2, PS5, Xbox, PC). Unlike mainline Monster Hunter, Stories is a more casual JRPG where you befriend monsters instead of slaying them. But don’t let the anime art style fool you – it has surprisingly deep turn-based combat and Pokémon-like monster collecting. Twisted Reflection introduces a darker storyline and new monstie transformations. It might not have the hype of a main MH game, but Switch players especially are buzzing for some cozy creature adventuring.
Classic Horror Remake: Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly – Remake – The PS2-era cult horror hits PS5, Xbox, Switch 2, and PC on Mar 12[20]. Widely regarded as one of the scariest games ever, Crimson Butterfly has you exploring a haunted village armed only with a Camera Obscura (to photograph those pesky ghosts). This remastered edition updates the graphics and controls, bringing the chilling atmosphere to modern platforms. Horror aficionados are ready to relive the nightmares – and newbies, prepare to scream. 😱
Major Expansion (PC): World of Warcraft: Midnight – Blizzard isn’t letting up on Azeroth. WoW: Midnight, the MMO’s 11th expansion, goes live March 2, 2026[21]. This chapter returns players to the elven kingdom of Quel’Thalas as a Voidstorm threatens to engulf the world[22]. Notably, Midnight introduces player housing (finally!) and a new Bard class. It’s aiming to be one of WoW’s largest expansions ever[23]. MMO players will be no-lifing it through March, so if your guildmates go AFK from other games – you know where they went.
VR Corner: Spring 2026 has something wild for VR fans: The Boys: Trigger Warning. This is a VR stealth-action game based on Amazon’s hit The Boys TV series, coming to Meta Quest 3 and PSVR2 in Spring 2026[24]. You play as a supe in that gloriously twisted, violent universe. With the show’s creators involved and even some cast voiceovers, the devs promise to fully embrace the dark humor and gore[25]. If you’ve ever wanted to literally step into The Boys’ world (and maybe throw a dude through a building), keep an eye out around March/April for this one.

April 2026

Capcom’s Wild Card: Pragmata – Launching Apr 24 on PS5, Xbox Series, PC[26], Pragmata is Capcom’s mysterious sci-fi adventure that’s been delayed a couple times. The trailers showed an astronaut and a little girl in a shattered future Earth – very Kojima-esque vibes with trippy lunar settings. Capcom apologized for the delays with a cute letter from the little girl character, so you know they want this to hit big. April should finally give us answers about this enigmatic title. Sci-fi fans, get ready for some mind-bending storytelling.
Hell Unleashed (Expansion): Diablo IV: Lord of Hatred – Arrives Apr 28 on PC, PS4/PS5, and Xbox[27]. This is Diablo IV’s first major expansion, named after Mephisto (the Lord of Hatred himself). Given Diablo 4’s massive launch in 2023, hype for new content is high. Lord of Hatred brings a new storyline (likely involving everyone’s favorite hate-filled Prime Evil), a new class, and of course more legendary loot. Expect the community to dive back into Sanctuary hard. This is one “update” with attention levels more like a whole new game launch – Blizzard isn’t playing around.
Superhero Showdown: Invincible: Vs. – Hitting PS5, Xbox, PC on Apr 30[28], this is a fighting game based on Robert Kirkman’s Invincible comics (and the animated series). With the show’s popularity, Invincible: Vs. has a shot at pulling in both FGC enthusiasts and comic fans. Details are slim, but it reportedly features brutal 2.5D battles and a story mode that lets you experience famous moments from the series (in all their gory glory). If you’ve ever wanted to pit Omni-Man against Thragg or Mark Grayson himself, April’s end has you covered – just don’t be surprised if things get…messy.
PlayStation Gem (Adventure): Saros – A PS5 exclusive dropping Apr 30[29], Saros is an action-adventure title that’s been a bit under the radar. It’s developed by a new indie studio but got noticed for a striking art style and soulful story about a guardian spirit traversing a dying world. Think Journey meets Zelda, maybe. Sony has a knack for spotlighting artsy adventure games, so if Saros lives up to its early promise, it could be an April sleeper hit for PS5 players seeking something whimsical and emotional.

(Psst, VR fans: Valve is rumored to be launching a new PC VR headset (codename “Steam Frame”) mid-year[30][31]. The wild speculation is that Valve might time a certain game announcement with it – Half-Life 3 in VR, anyone? [32]It’s a long shot (and not officially announced), but a gamer can dream! At the very least, April’s GDC and other spring events could hold some exciting VR news.)

May 2026

Double-O Comeback: 007: First Light – Perhaps the coolest cross-platform release of Q2, James Bond finally returns to gaming on May 27 for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Switch 2, and PC[33]. Developed by IO Interactive (of Hitman fame), this is an origin story for a young Bond – think raw, unrefined 00-agent on his first big mission. The first teaser trailer gave us serious Casino Royale vibes in terms of grit and intensity. Given IOI’s stealth pedigree, expect a mix of espionage, stealth action, and some open-ended mission design. Bond hasn’t headlined a game in ages, so First Light is very highly anticipated. Shaken, not stirred – we’re ready.
Brick Batman Returns: LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight – Dropping May 29 on all major platforms[34], this family-friendly title lets you play through a brand-new Batman story in charming LEGO style. The twist? It spans multiple eras of Batman’s history – from campy 1960s capers to gritty modern showdowns – all with Traveler’s Tales’ trademark humor. LEGO games are consistently fun in co-op, and it’s been a while since the last Batman entry, so this is one for both kids and the young-at-heart. (Plus, collecting hundreds of goofy DC minifig characters never gets old.)
Xbox Racer: Forza Horizon 6 – While no exact date is set, Microsoft has hinted FH6 will be part of its 2026 lineup. The rumor mill points to a possible late May/early June release, aligning with prior Horizon entries. Playground Games is reportedly shifting the festival to a brand new locale – whispers say South America – with even more dynamic weather. An Xbox Developer Direct on Jan 22 will feature Forza Horizon 6 updates, so by May we should be cruising. Xbox and PC racers, keep an ear out – this could be your ultimate summer road trip if it hits before E3.
Indie Charmer: Big Walk – Coming to PC in May (exact date TBA), Big Walk is one of those wholesome indie games that could explode in popularity. It’s essentially a hiking adventure where you guide a little animal character on an epic walk across a continent[35]. Think Death Stranding but ultra-cute and relaxing – no enemies, just exploration, vibes, and maybe some puzzle-platforming. Game Informer actually drafted Big Walk among 2026’s anticipated gems[36]. If you need a break from big-budget mayhem, take a breather with Big Walk this spring.

(Switch fans, take note: May is also likely when Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave will get more info. Nintendo announced this new Fire Emblem for Switch 2 is coming in 2026[37], and it’s one of their biggest first-party titles on the docket. We may not have a firm date yet, but don’t be surprised if Nintendo targets a late summer or early fall release. Strategy RPG aficionados are already speculating about the new setting hinted in the title – fortunes and weaving fate? Yes please!)

June 2026

Summertime Surprise: June doesn’t have many fixed dates yet – but it’s the month of game conventions and surprise releases. Don’t be shocked if some big names slot in here. Last year’s E3-equivalent events gave us shadow drops; 2026 could see something similar. We’re keeping our eyes peeled for Bethesda (could The Elder Scrolls VI make a surprise showing? Probably wishful thinking, but rumor says not before GTA6) and Rockstar (perhaps more GTA6 teasers or a multiplayer beta around this time).
PC Strategy: One title we do expect by June is Civilization VII (unannounced but heavily hinted). Firaxis has been quiet, but strategy fans suspect a new Civ might appear in mid-2026. If it does, plan on sacrificing your early summer to the “just one more turn” gods. 😉
Enhanced Ports: Early summer is also when late-2025 hits get their upgrades. Notably, Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition lands on Switch 2 in June[38]. Yes, Cyberpunk on a Nintendo platform – the Ultimate Edition reportedly leverages Switch 2’s beefier hardware (and some cloud wizardry) to deliver Night City in handheld form. If you held off experiencing Cyberpunk or want it portable, June might be your chance to jack in.
Sports & Annuals: EA Sports usually kicks off its lineup in summer. June/July could bring EA Sports FC 26 (the soccer artist formerly known as FIFA) and announcements for Madden NFL 27. While these yearly titles don’t generate new hype, they are huge player-base movers. So, if you’re a sports gamer, expect the usual E3-ish blowout of features (and probably a Madden story trailer with some Hollywood star cameo). Nothing too out of the ordinary – but worth noting in the calendar.
VR Hardware: By June, we may have our hands on new VR gear. Valve’s Steam Frame VR headset is rumored for mid-2026[30]. If it launches, expect a wave of PC VR announcements (maybe even that elusive Half-Life 3 tease we joked about). Meta might also roll out a mid-gen Quest 3S upgrade. Essentially, VR enthusiasts should watch the summer events – the tech is advancing, and with it comes the hope of bigger-budget VR experiences.

July 2026

Nintendo Platformer: Donkey Kong: Bananza – Releasing July 17 on Switch 2[39], this is a brand-new Donkey Kong game (the first original DK platformer in over a decade!). Nintendo’s been tight-lipped on details, but leaks hint at a 2.5D adventure where DK teams up with Diddy and Dixie to reclaim Bananza Island from the Kremlings. Expect gorgeous jungles, minecart mayhem, and toe-tapping music. It might not have the sales clout of Mario or Zelda, but DK is gaming royalty – Switch 2 owners are definitely going bananas for Bananza this summer.
RPG Remaster: Chrono Trigger (unconfirmed but heavily speculated) – Square Enix has a big 25th anniversary showcase in July, and rumor has it a Chrono Trigger remaster or remake could drop. If true, JRPG fans worldwide will collectively lose their minds. This is speculative, but keep an ear out in July; something big from Square Enix’s vault might hit and if it’s Chrono, just take our money now.
Fighting Game DLC: Summer is fighting game tournament season (Evo, etc.), so we’re likely to see DLC fighters galore in July. Street Fighter 6 and Tekken 8 will be in full swing with new character drops around this time. These may not be “new games,” but tell that to the FGC hype when a fan-favorite character returns. 😉 If you’re into competitive gaming, July will keep you busy practicing combos in the lab between pool parties.
Indie Festival Darlings: The slower summer month is great for indies. Watch for titles like Thick as Thieves (a co-op heist roguelike) and Danganronpa 2×2 (a new entry in the dark mystery series) which are slated for 2026 release[40][41]. If any of them get a date, July is a good bet. After all, a mind-bending visual novel or a stylish indie platformer can be perfect to chill with during those hot summer nights.

August 2026

RPG Heavy-Hitter: Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve – Surprise! Bandai Namco’s latest aerial combat sim might actually swoop in around August. While not officially dated yet, Ace Combat 8 is confirmed for 2026 and has tremendous anticipation (it was even ranked among the top upcoming games of the year)[42]. Expect a dramatic story (alternate-history war drama in the skies) and of course intense fighter jet gameplay with gorgeous clouds and explosions. Flight sim fans are ready to be Top Gun once more – so keep an eye out for Ace Combat’s release window, likely late summer.
Xbox RPG?: If not earlier in June/July, we could see Fable land in late August. Microsoft has a habit of August RPG releases (remember Oblivion and Skyrim DLCs, etc.). The new Fable reboot is officially set for 2026 on Xbox Series X|S and PC[43], marking the beloved franchise’s first return since 2012. Playground Games (known for Forza) is at the helm, and they’re showing a deep dive in January[44] – which suggests the game is far along. If it’s ready by late summer, Fable could be Xbox’s big pre-holiday draw. Can’t you just hear the whimsical British narrator already? “Hero, your August just got a lot more interesting!”
Gamescom & Announcements: August is convention time (Gamescom, PAX), meaning we might not have many new releases but lots of news. Think new trailers for holiday titles and surprise game reveals slated for 2027 and beyond. It’s the calm before the storm – many studios save their biggest 2026 releases for the fall, so August will tease us plenty. Enjoy the breather, maybe tackle your backlog, because the next few months… whew.
Annual Shooter: One exception: late August often sees the latest Call of Duty reveal or even early access. If Activision sticks to schedule, Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 could have a beta or early launch by end of August. (Fun fact: rumor has it Black Ops 7 will cross over with Amazon’s Fallout TV show?! There’s talk of a weird event collab[45]. So, CoD might do something quirky to keep itself in the conversation.)

September 2026

PlayStation Showpiece: Phantom Blade Zero – Slashing onto PS5 and PC on Sept 9[46], this stylish action RPG impressed everyone with its reveal trailer last year. It’s got a dark wuxia vibe – imagine Sekiro meets Devil May Cry in feudal China. The combat looks fast, fluid, and flashy, with sword combos that would make even Vergil blush. Developed by S-Game (a Chinese indie studio turned international contender), Phantom Blade Zero could be the breakout hit of September, especially for action fans who’ve already finished Nioh 3 and want a new challenge.
Mech Mayhem (Switch 2): Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion – Releasing Sept 5 on Switch 2 (and possibly PC)[47][48], this is the sequel to 2019’s cult mech action game. The original Daemon X Machina was a blast of old-school mech customization and bullet-hell boss fights, and Titanic Scion aims to crank everything to 11. Expect more insane mech designs, co-op modes, and a banging soundtrack. It’s basically an anime mecha dream come true. If you’re into Armored Core or just blowing up giant robots, mark early September to suit up on your Switch 2.
Back to School, Back to RPGs: September might also see some big RPGs. Pokemon? It’s possible – while Gen 9 concluded with DLC in 2025, Nintendo might slip in a spinoff. A sequel to Pokemon Legends or a remake (Unova maybe?) in September would certainly dominate headlines. Again, speculative, but Nintendo does love a September surprise. Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave, which we mentioned earlier, could also slot into this timeframe if not summer. Whenever it lands, as the first FE built for Switch 2, it’s poised to be a strategy epic with gorgeous visuals (hopefully those 3D battle scenes shine in HD!).
Sports & Racing: The FIFA/FC 26 launch will be around this time, as will NBA 2K26. These aren’t “new” in concept, but they are massive in player count. Also, if Forza Horizon 6 didn’t make it out by summer, it could drift into early fall. Microsoft did show it in January, so they won’t wait forever to release it. An open-world racer is honestly perfect for that early-fall vibe, when you can pretend to road trip through gorgeous landscapes without leaving your couch.

October 2026

PS5 Exclusive Blockbuster: Marvel’s Wolverine – Snikt! 🐾 Insomniac’s next Marvel adventure is set for Fall 2026 on PS5[49], so we’re thinking October for a nice pre-holiday launch. This game is hugely anticipated – I mean, it’s Wolverine by the studio that nailed Spider-Man. The devs have promised an original, mature take on Logan’s story (Liam McIntyre is voicing Wolvie) and from the cover art reveal, it looks appropriately gritty[50]. Expect a bloodier, more visceral combat system than Spidey’s, with Logan’s claws doing very not-nice things to bad guys. If you’re a Marvel fan or just love action games, Wolverine is likely to be one of the year’s absolute highlights. PS5 players are already howling at the moon in anticipation.
Xbox Epic: Fable – If our August prediction slips, Fable must hit by October/November. Xbox needs that big RPG for the holidays, and this reboot’s got decades of nostalgia riding on it. Developed on the shiny ForzaTech engine[51][52], Fable will bring the fairy-tale kingdom of Albion to life with modern graphics and gameplay. The trademark British humor and player morality choices are expected to return (chicken-kicking, anyone?). According to Xbox, it’s firmly in the 2026 schedule[53][54]. Whether it lands in October or later, when it does, expect it to dominate RPG discussions. It’s the first new Fable in over a decade and is high on many must-play lists.
Survival Horror Sequel: The Last of Us Part III – Now this is speculative, but hear me out: Naughty Dog’s been working on something. If TLoU Part III is real, October (just before spooky season) would be a fitting slot. No confirmation yet, but if it drops, that would instantly be a top 2026 event. Keep fingers crossed – if not Part III, Naughty Dog might at least have a trailer of whatever they’re cooking by October.
Spooky Indies & VR: October brings the spooky, and we’ll likely see some cool indie horror games pop up (think along the lines of Little Nightmares 3 or Oxenfree II… or III?). Also, horror in VR is chef’s kiss in October. Watch for titles like Resident Evil VR modes or new VR horror experiences on the Quest and PSVR2 to capitalize on Halloween vibes. One example: Evil Inside VR (a PT-inspired horror game) is slated for Quest 3 and PSVR2 sometime in 2026[55] – if it hasn’t released earlier, October would be prime time to scare ourselves silly in VR.

November 2026

The Big One: Grand Theft Auto VI – It’s real, it’s huge, and it’s currently scheduled for November 19, 2026[56]. GTA6 is the game of 2026 – possibly of the decade. Rockstar’s own teaser site confirms the date and platforms (PS5 and Xbox Series X|S)[57][58]. We’re heading back to a modern-day Vice City with dual protagonists Jason and Lucia, Bonnie-and-Clyde style[59][60]. The anticipation is stratospheric; Rockstar calls it one of the biggest entertainment launches ever[61]. If all goes to plan (and it doesn’t get delayed again), come mid-November the entire gaming world will be obsessing over GTA6 – exploring its massive open world, causing chaos in Vice City’s neon-soaked streets, and dissecting every secret. Mark this date in permanent ink. GTA6 is basically going to own 2026’s holiday season.
Xbox’s Fantasy Saga: Fable – (If not out yet) It bears repeating: Fable would certainly drop by November at the latest. The long-awaited reboot has been affirmed as a 2026 release[62][63], and a delay into 2027 would break our hearts. Assuming it hits the mark, Fable will give Xbox/PC players a rich open-world RPG to sink into for months. Heroic quests, witty NPCs, maybe even multiplayer elements? (There were whispers of co-op.) Lionhead’s legacy is in good hands with Playground Games – we’re expecting a magical experience whenever in 2026 it lands. An Albion adventure is the perfect appetizer and dessert for your Thanksgiving gaming feast.
Dungeon Delving: Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis – Lara Croft is rumored to return in late 2026 for her next adventure, reportedly titled Legacy of Atlantis. Crystal Dynamics (with Amazon Games publishing) have been quietly developing this, and insiders suggest a Q4 release. If true, November could see Lara globetrotting once more, possibly tangling with Atlantean myths. Tomb Raider is always a crowd-pleaser, and this would be the first new mainline game since 2018. Action-adventure fans: keep your eyes open for official news. If Lara shows up, she’ll be competing with the biggest names – but never count out Ms. Croft; she has a way of making a big impact.
Holiday FPS: Gears of War: E-Day – Microsoft might have one more card in November. There’s been chatter about a new Gears of War project, potentially a prequel set around Emergence Day (“E-Day”). If that’s real, it could hit late 2026 to bolster Xbox’s lineup. Imagine experiencing the Locust invasion from the start – yes, please. Gears has always delivered solid bro-shooter fun, and after the emotional rollercoaster of Gears 5, fans are hungry for more. An announcement is likely to come by summer if it’s releasing this year. Should it drop in November, it’ll be the go-to co-op shooter for blowing off steam (and lots of alien heads) during the holidays.

December 2026

Nintendo’s Grand Finale: Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave – Nintendo tends to save a big release for the first week of December, and 2026 might belong to Fire Emblem. Fortune’s Weave (Switch 2) is confirmed for 2026[37], and as a major Nintendo franchise, it could anchor the year’s end. FE:FW is said to introduce a new continent and a fate-weaving mechanic (perhaps choices that alter the story’s “weave” of destiny?). Expect the tactical gameplay we love, possibly with even more cinematic battles thanks to Switch 2’s power. Strategy RPG fans are beyond excited – we live for our tactical drama and lovable armies of characters. If it indeed lands in December, what a fabulous way to close out 2026 for Nintendo fans.
Action RPG Sequel: Control: Resonant – Remedy’s follow-up to 2019’s Control is in the works, and listed for 2026[64]. Resonant is the codename – it’s essentially Control 2. Given Remedy’s track record (Alan Wake 2 was amazing, by the way), I wouldn’t be surprised if Control: Resonant targets a late 2026 launch. Possibly multiplatform (PS5/XSX/PC) like the first, this sequel will likely continue Jesse Faden’s surreal journey through the Federal Bureau of Control. Think trippy sci-fi story, mind-bending environments shifting around you, and more telekinetic combat fun. If it makes 2026, December would be a prime slot. Keep an ear out (or an eye on the astral plane) for updates on this one.
Family Fun: December is also a time for accessible, everyone-friendly games. We might see something like Mario Party Superstars 2 or a new Kirby title announced for the holiday window. Those are the kind of crowd-pleasers Nintendo likes to drop so families can play together. Nothing confirmed yet, but don’t be shocked if a big party or platformer game magically appears in December.
MMO & Online Updates: Lastly, persistent online games often drop expansions in December. Keep watch for things like a big Fortnite Chapter update or an expansion in Final Fantasy XIV. These live-service beats can end the year with a bang. For instance, FFXIV might receive patch 8.0 around this time if their new 2025 expansion is in mid-cycle. And GTA Online will surely piggyback on GTA6’s launch with its own new content – possibly even launching alongside GTA6 in November/Dec. Basically, even as new releases slow down by mid-December, your favorite online worlds will be serving up reasons to log in during the holidays.

Top 4 Most-Anticipated Games of 2026

We’ve covered month-by-month highlights, but now let’s zoom out. Here are four games that tower above the rest in 2026’s hype charts.

Grand Theft Auto VI – No surprise, right? Rockstar’s next juggernaut is slated for Nov 19, 2026[57]. GTA6 promises an immense open-world (a modern Vice City plus surrounding areas), a dual-protagonist story with Bonnie & Clyde vibes, and the kind of detail only Rockstar delivers. Given GTA V’s cultural impact (still topping charts a decade on), GTA VI isn’t just a game release – it’s a global event. This will be on PC eventually too, but at launch it’s PS5/Xbox Series only, ushering in a new era of what those consoles can do. If there’s one game in 2026 your non-gamer friends will ask you about, it’s GTA6.
Marvel’s Wolverine (PS5) – Insomniac wowed us with Spider-Man 1 & 2, and now they’re giving Wolverine his due. Set for Fall 2026[49], this PS5 exclusive has comic and gaming fans drooling. The brief trailers and art show a gritty, mature tone – this ain’t Saturday morning X-Men; it’s Logan at his most feral. Expect a narrative-driven experience (Insomniac knows how to tell a story) mixed with brutal, satisfying combat. Marvel’s Wolverine is poised to be Sony’s prestige title of the year. Given Insomniac’s track record, we have every reason to believe this will slash its way to Game of the Year lists.
Resident Evil: Requiem – Capcom’s survival horror saga continues with RE9, launching Feb 27, 2026[14]. After the excellent first-person entries and remakes, anticipation is high for what Requiem will bring. Capcom has confirmed it’s coming to PS5, Xbox Series, PC, and even Switch 2[14] – making it one of the first RE mainline games on a Nintendo platform in ages. The series’ ninth installment is said to push the horror elements even further, and fans are speculating it could tie up the current trilogy’s storyline. Early footage (if we get any at the January RE Showcase) will be dissected frame-by-frame by the community. Simply put, Resident Evil remains one of gaming’s premier franchises, and Requiem is one of 2026’s biggest early hits waiting to happen.
Fable (Xbox Series X|S, PC) – The legendary RPG series returns in 2026[65], and for Xbox players, this is the most exciting exclusive in years. Playground Games is rebuilding Fable from the ground up, keeping the charm and whimsy but giving it a modern ARPG scale. Why top 4? Because Fable carries weighty nostalgia. Millions grew up with Fable’s quirky humor, open-world exploration, and moral choices that sprouted demon horns or angelic halos. A whole new generation will get to experience that magic. Microsoft has had a slower output of first-party RPGs lately, so Fable’s release is a major moment – it’s expected to drop jaws visually (using that ForzaTech engine) and offer a massive world of quests and British-accented NPCs to mess with. If Playground nails it, Fable could be 2026’s RPG of the Year and a tentpole title for Game Pass. Albion awaits, Chicken Chaser![63][66]

Runners-up: It was hard limiting to four. Other hugely anticipated titles include 007: First Light (James Bond’s grand return), Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave (a flagship Switch 2 strategy game)[37], Control: Resonant (Remedy’s next mind-bender)[64], and Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis (Lara’s rumored new adventure). And we haven’t even mentioned Final Fantasy – there’s no mainline FF slated in 2026 that we know of, but if Square Enix surprises with one, you know it’d be top-tier hype.

What are you most excited to play in 2026? Happy gaming in 2026, everyone! 🎮✨

Sources:

GameSpot, “2026 Upcoming Games Release Schedule”[67][68][69] (release dates and platform info for 2026 titles)
Game Informer, “Drafting Our Most Anticipated Games Of 2026”[70][71] (anticipated 2026 games like GTA6, Wolverine, Fire Emblem, Control 2)
PlayStation.Blog, “Marvel’s Wolverine arrives on PS5 Fall 2026”[49][50] (official Fall 2026 launch window for Wolverine + cover art reveal)
Wikipedia, “Fable (2026 video game)”[72][63] (Playground’s Fable reboot scheduled for 2026 on PC/XSX)
Capcom, “Resident Evil Requiem – Announcement”[14] (RE9 titled Requiem, releasing Feb 27, 2026 on PS5/XSX/Switch2/PC)
Rockstar Games Newswire, “Grand Theft Auto VI Release Date Delayed to November 2026”[73][58] (GTA VI launching Nov 19, 2026, platforms and delay info)
COGconnected, “Top 10 Upcoming VR Games in 2026”[74][75] (notable VR titles and trends for 2026, e.g. The Boys VR in spring, MSFS VR on PS5)
Turtle Beach Blog, “All Major Releases For January 2026”[76][77] (Jan release highlights like Trails Beyond the Horizon, Arknights: Endfield, Seven Deadly Sins Origin)
Sky News, “Most anticipated video games coming out in 2026”[78] (mentions Fable reboot expected in 2026 after delay from 2025)
WoW: Midnight official page[22][21] (Blizzard’s announcement of WoW Midnight expansion, release target by Spring 2026)