As 2025 draws to a close, it’s hard not to look back on it as one of the strongest years for video games in recent memory. From genre-defining indie breakthroughs like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 to long-awaited sequels such as Hollow Knight: Silksong, the past year delivered a rare blend of creativity, polish, and ambition. Major publishers and small studios alike found ways to surprise players, reminding us why this medium continues to evolve at such a rapid pace.
But if 2025 felt like a victory lap for the industry, 2026 is shaping up to be the year that pushes things even further. With a mix of bold new IP, legendary franchises returning in ambitious ways, and some of the biggest names in development firing on all cylinders, the upcoming slate of releases is nothing short of remarkable. Assuming no major delays derail current plans, 2026 could stand shoulder to shoulder with the very best years in gaming history.
Here are our picks for the 10 most anticipated video games of 2026, ranked from 10 to 1, and why each of them deserves your attention.
10. Marvel’s Wolverine
After years of teases and speculation, Marvel’s Wolverine is finally beginning to show its claws. Developed by Insomniac Games—the studio behind Marvel’s Spider-Man, Spider-Man: Miles Morales, and Spider-Man 2—this PlayStation 5 exclusive already carries enormous expectations.
Unlike Spider-Man, Wolverine is a character defined by brutality, close-quarters combat, and raw physicality. Early gameplay footage suggests Insomniac is leaning into that identity, emphasizing visceral melee combat, environmental destruction, and a darker tone than its previous Marvel outings. Logan’s regenerative abilities and iconic adamantium claws offer fertile ground for gameplay systems that feel distinct from other superhero titles.
Insomniac’s proven track record with licensed properties inspires confidence. The studio has consistently balanced accessibility with depth, cinematic storytelling with player freedom. If Marvel’s Wolverine can capture the character’s emotional complexity while delivering satisfying action, it may redefine what a solo superhero game can be. Currently slated for a late 2026 release, it’s already one of PlayStation’s most important upcoming exclusives.
9. Pragmata
Capcom’s Pragmata has had a long and somewhat mysterious development cycle, but 2026 finally looks to be the year it arrives. An action-adventure sci-fi title, Pragmata places players in control of two characters simultaneously: Hugh, a spacefarer, and Diana, a highly advanced android.
What sets Pragmata apart is its emphasis on dual-character gameplay. Combat blends third-person shooting with puzzle-solving, requiring players to coordinate Hugh’s movement and firepower with Diana’s hacking abilities. This layered approach gives encounters a tactical flavor rarely seen in modern action games.
Capcom’s pedigree is undeniable. With franchises like Resident Evil, Devil May Cry, and Monster Hunter under its belt, the publisher has repeatedly demonstrated an ability to reinvent itself while maintaining quality. A free demo currently available on Steam has already sparked cautious optimism, suggesting that Pragmata may be worth the wait. Scheduled for release on April 24, 2026, across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC, and Nintendo Switch 2, this is a game that could quietly become a standout of the year.
8. Avatar Legends: The Fighting Game (Working Title)
The world of Avatar: The Last Airbender has enjoyed a resurgence in popularity over the past few years, and Avatar Legends: The Fighting Game aims to channel that momentum into the competitive fighting game scene. This 2D fighter features beloved characters such as Aang, Zuko, Toph, Katara, Azula, and more, each designed around their unique bending abilities.
What’s especially promising is the game’s mechanical depth. Recent closed alpha tests revealed a system rich with combo potential, advanced movement options, and skill expression—suggesting that this is not just a fan-service title, but a serious contender in the genre.
Fighting games thrive on strong fundamentals and long-term community support, and early impressions indicate that Avatar Legends understands that responsibility. Scheduled for a Summer 2026 release, it could bridge the gap between casual fans of the series and hardcore fighting game enthusiasts.
7. Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls
2026 is shaping up to be a banner year for fighting games, and Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls is a major reason why. Developed by Arc System Works—the studio behind Guilty Gear Strive and Dragon Ball FighterZ—this 4v4 team-based fighter brings iconic Marvel heroes and villains into an anime-inspired visual style.
Players can assemble teams featuring characters like Spider-Man, Storm, Ghost Rider, and others, engaging in fast-paced battles both online and offline. The scale alone sets Marvel Tokon apart, but Arc System Works’ expertise in tight controls and expressive animations elevates expectations even further.
Despite multiple closed betas, the game still lacks a precise release date. Its absence from the EVO 2026 lineup strongly suggests a late-2026 launch. Whenever it arrives, Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls has the potential to be one of the most exciting crossover fighters in years.
6. The Legend of Heroes: Trails Beyond the Horizon
The Trails series has long been one of the most ambitious ongoing narratives in gaming, and The Legend of Heroes: Trails Beyond the Horizon continues that tradition. Serving as the next major entry in Falcom’s long-running JRPG saga, the game builds upon the foundation laid by Trails into Daybreak and its sequel.
What sets Trails apart is its unparalleled world-building. Every entry contributes to a sprawling, interconnected story filled with political intrigue, character-driven drama, and deep turn-based combat systems. For players who appreciate slow-burn storytelling and strategic gameplay, few series offer a comparable experience.
With two demos already available—one of which allows progress to carry over—Falcom is clearly confident in its work. Releasing on January 15, 2026, across PlayStation, PC, and Nintendo platforms, Trails Beyond the Horizon is poised to be a must-play for JRPG fans.
5. The Duskbloods
FromSoftware has built a reputation as one of the most influential developers of the past decade, and The Duskbloods represents a bold new direction for the studio. Directed by Hidetaka Miyazaki, the game is a PvPvE multiplayer experience exclusive to the Nintendo Switch 2.
While details remain scarce and gameplay footage has yet to be shown, the project’s pedigree alone has sparked intense interest. Fans of Dark Souls, Bloodborne, and Elden Ring are eager to see how FromSoftware adapts its signature design philosophy to a multiplayer-focused structure.
The exclusivity to Nintendo’s next-generation hardware adds another layer of intrigue. If The Duskbloods successfully balances challenge, atmosphere, and competitive play, it could become one of the Switch 2’s defining titles when it launches sometime in 2026.
4. 007 First Light
IO Interactive’s take on James Bond has been in development for several years, and 007 First Light is finally nearing release. Unlike previous Bond adaptations, this game focuses on a much younger version of the iconic spy—a 26-year-old Bond striving to earn his 00 status.
Drawing from IO Interactive’s experience with the Hitman series, 007 First Light emphasizes player choice, stealth, and creative problem-solving. The recent delay, while disappointing, suggests the studio is committed to delivering a polished and complete experience rather than rushing the game to market.
Set to release on May 27, 2026, across all major platforms, 007 First Light could mark the beginning of a new era for Bond in interactive media.
3. Phantom Blade Zero
Phantom Blade Zero has steadily built hype thanks to its striking visuals and lightning-fast combat. An action RPG with a semi-open world, branching skill trees, and multiple endings, the game puts players in control of Soul, an assassin navigating a dark and stylized world.
In an era saturated with Soulslike games, Phantom Blade Zero stands out by embracing a more traditional character-action approach. Its combat draws comparisons to Devil May Cry and Ninja Gaiden, focusing on speed, precision, and expressive combos rather than methodical stamina management.
Scheduled for release on September 9, 2026, for PlayStation 5 and PC, Phantom Blade Zero could be exactly what action fans have been craving.
2. Resident Evil Requiem
With the 30th anniversary of the Resident Evil series approaching, Capcom appears ready to push the franchise into bold new territory. Resident Evil Requiem features dual protagonists: newcomer Grace Ashcroft and fan-favorite Leon S. Kennedy.
Perhaps the most ambitious aspect of the game is its use of two distinct camera perspectives. Grace’s sections are designed for first-person play, emphasizing vulnerability and tension, while Leon’s sections unfold in third-person, leaning into action-heavy survival horror. This structural split reflects the series’ ongoing evolution and willingness to experiment.
Set to release on February 27, 2026, Resident Evil Requiem has the potential to be one of the most daring entries in the franchise’s history.
1. Grand Theft Auto 6
There is no question about the most anticipated game of 2026—or perhaps of all time. Grand Theft Auto 6 returns players to Vice City, a fictionalized version of Miami, and introduces dual protagonists Jason and Lucia.
Despite multiple delays, excitement for the game has only grown. Its trailer shattered YouTube viewership records, underscoring the cultural impact of Rockstar Games’ flagship franchise. Expectations are sky-high, not just for technical achievements, but for storytelling, world design, and social commentary.
Assuming no further delays, Grand Theft Auto 6 is scheduled to release on November 19, 2026, for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S. A PC version has yet to be confirmed, but regardless of platform, this is a release that will dominate the conversation when it arrives.
Looking Ahead
If 2025 was about celebrating the present, 2026 is about anticipating the future. From intimate character-driven stories to massive open worlds and genre-defining experiments, the year ahead promises something for every type of player. Whether all of these games meet expectations remains to be seen—but one thing is certain: 2026 is shaping up to be unforgettable for video games.