Top Upcoming Video Games of 2026
The video game industry is one of the most popular entertainment sectors in the world, surpassing many other competing industries. That’s why gamers around the globe eagerly anticipate new video game releases every single year. Sometimes, they get to enjoy their most beloved franchises, and other times, disappointment strikes due to delays or even cancellations of highly anticipated titles.
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| Top Upcoming Video Games of 2026 |
The year 2025 was packed with outstanding video game releases. One title that stood out in particular was Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, which gained massive attention from day one and continued to dominate the spotlight until winning Game of the Year, along with several other major awards. And yet, 2026 might be even better.
With a strong lineup of highly anticipated video games expected to launch, 2026 is shaping up to be an exciting year for the gaming world. In this article, we highlight a selection of the most anticipated upcoming video games of 2026, titles that are expected to be officially released if everything goes according to plan.
So, are you ready to discover what’s coming next?
1. GTA 6
Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA 6) is easily one of the most anticipated video games of all time. The game has won the award for “Most Anticipated Game” multiple times at The Game Awards, proving just how massive the hype around it truly is. Although Rockstar Games has officially confirmed that GTA 6 is scheduled for release in 2026, many players still fear a potential delay.
According to current expectations, GTA 6 is likely to launch in late 2026, most likely around October. The game is expected to release first on next-generation consoles, with a PC version arriving later, as Rockstar traditionally does with its major titles.
.webp "Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA 6)") |
| Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA 6) |
GTA 6’s enormous anticipation comes from the fact that its development has taken more than a decade. Rockstar promises an exceptional experience featuring a rich open world, a deep and engaging storyline, memorable main characters, and countless side missions, everything fans have come to love from the GTA series.
Reports also suggest that GTA 6’s open world will be nearly twice the size of GTA 5’s map, making it one of the largest and most detailed worlds ever created in gaming.
Because of its expected impact, many game studios are reportedly avoiding releasing their own titles around the same time as GTA 6. There is widespread confidence that the game will dominate the market upon launch, setting new standards for open-world design, storytelling, production quality, and even game pricing.
2. Pragmata
If there’s one game that rivals GTA 6 in terms of repeated delays, it’s Pragmata. First revealed in 2020, the game was initially expected to launch that same year. However, the development studio continued to delay its release multiple times, ultimately confirming 2026 as its official launch window.
Pragmata is an upcoming action-adventure shooter developed by Capcom. What sets the game apart is its mysterious, futuristic setting, believed to take place in outer space. The gameplay blends fast-paced combat and shooting mechanics with puzzle-solving elements, requiring players to overcome obstacles and unlock new abilities as they progress.
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| Pragmata |
While the game’s story remains largely unclear, we do know that the main character, Hugh, becomes separated from his team during a space mission. Along the way, he encounters Diana, a child-like android who helps him find a way to reconnect with his crew. Diana is a mysterious character, surrounded by uncertainty, yet she possesses extraordinary abilities that play a crucial role in solving puzzles and progressing through the game.
Pragmata is scheduled to release in 2026, although an exact release date has not yet been announced.
3. Marvel’s Wolverine
Despite the full source code leak of the game, the gaming community is still eagerly waiting for the official release from the developer. Marvel’s Wolverine is a brand-new title developed by Insomniac Games, the same studio behind the highly successful Marvel’s Spider-Man series. While the studio was taking its time to perfect the game, the massive leak reportedly pushed development toward a faster release timeline.
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| Marvel’s Wolverine |
The game focuses on Wolverine, one of the most iconic characters in the Marvel universe. Although full story details have not yet been revealed, we know that Logan (Wolverine) is struggling with fragmented memories and a sense of lost identity in the modern world, largely due to his immortality. This internal conflict drives him on a journey where he encounters various characters in an effort to uncover the truth about his past and solve the mystery surrounding his existence.
Marvel’s Wolverine is expected to launch in late 2026, most likely during the fourth quarter of the year, and it is currently confirmed as a PlayStation 5 exclusive.
4. Phantom Blade Zero
Phantom Blade Zero was first revealed during a Sony event in June 2025, and since then, gamers around the world have been eagerly waiting for any new information or gameplay trailers related to the title.
The game is a PlayStation exclusive published by Sony and is expected to launch in September 2026. It falls under the action, combat, and RPG genres, with a heavy focus on martial arts and sword-based combat, making it especially appealing to fans of intense melee gameplay.
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| Phantom Blade Zero |
The story follows a skilled swordsman known as Soul, who is falsely accused of murdering his master. Branded as a wandering ronin, Soul embarks on a dangerous journey through a world filled with conspiracies, brutal battles, and hidden truths. The stakes rise dramatically when he discovers that he has only 66 days left to live, forcing him into a race against time to uncover the truth, clear his name, and face his fate.
While Phantom Blade Zero is not a fully open-world game, it promises a deep and intense sword-fighting experience. Its combat-driven design may strongly appeal to fans of titles like Ghost of Tsushima and Rise of the Ronin, delivering a focused and cinematic action experience.
5. Control Resonant
The first Control game achieved remarkable success, even though its developer, Remedy Entertainment, did not initially expect such a strong reception for a title built on a relatively unconventional concept. Encouraged by that success, the studio decided to develop a sequel set in a new environment, while preserving the core elements that made the original game so popular.
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| Control Resonant |
Control Resonant is an upcoming video game expected to release in 2026, although an exact launch date has not yet been confirmed. The game takes place in Manhattan, USA, where a massive dimensional rift causes the city to be overrun by mysterious and otherworldly entities. In many ways, the events mirror what happened inside the Federal Bureau of Control in the first game; but this time, the chaos unfolds across an entire city.
Players will take on the role of Dylan Faden, the brother of Jesse Faden, the protagonist from the original Control. Once again, your main objective is to find Jesse following the rift incident and help her confront and defeat the supernatural threats spreading throughout Manhattan.
6. Subnautica 2
Subnautica 2 is the next chapter in the beloved Subnautica franchise, which originally began as an indie project and evolved into one of the most popular underwater survival and exploration games ever made. Following the success of the first game and its expansions, players will finally get their hands on a true sequel in 2026.
Subnautica 2 is a survival, exploration, and crafting game that continues the core experience of the original title. This installment is being developed using Unreal Engine 5, promising significantly improved visuals, lighting, and overall realism.
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| Subnautica 2 |
This time, players will explore a new alien planet dominated by aquatic life. You’ll dive into a vast underwater world that is often dark, eerie, and dangerous, searching for clues, tools, resources, and materials needed to upgrade your equipment and submarine, and ultimately find a way to escape the planet.
While the core story remains similar in structure to the first game, the true strength of Subnautica 2 lies in its brand-new features, expanded mechanics, and fresh content, making it a highly anticipated release for fans of survival games.
7. Forza Horizon 6
Forza Horizon 6 is the latest highly anticipated installment in the world-renowned Forza Horizon racing series, published by Xbox Game Studios. Set to be one of the most exciting open-world racing games of 2026, it offers not only intense racing action but also full freedom to explore the world at your own pace.
As with every entry in the series, Forza Horizon 6 takes players to a brand-new location. This time, the action unfolds in Japan, letting players dive into the bustling streets of Tokyo, weave through crowded alleys, and experience the city’s vibrant atmosphere. The game was first revealed at Tokyo Game Show 2025, making the choice of Tokyo a perfect backdrop for its open-world racing adventure.
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| Forza Horizon 6 |
The game features over 550 real-world cars (though not all are playable), delivering an immersive racing experience that combines free driving, organized races, exploration, and various challenges. Significant improvements in graphics and driving mechanics promise a more realistic and thrilling ride than ever before. According to recent leaks, the official release is expected on May 19, 2026, with early access available for Premium edition players.
For fans of the series, Forza Horizon 6 promises the most dynamic and visually stunning open-world racing experience yet.
8. 007 First Light
The James Bond franchise has long been celebrated for its thrilling stories and iconic characters, and now fans can finally experience a highly anticipated video game: 007 First Light.
Developed by IO Interactive, the same studio behind the acclaimed Hitman series, this title is naturally one of the most awaited games of 2026.
In 007 First Light, players step into the shoes of a young James Bond, completing missions assigned by MI6, the British intelligence agency. To officially earn the legendary 007 designation, Bond must successfully complete a series of high-stakes operations. The game takes players back to the early days of Bond’s career, portraying him as a trainee learning the ropes of espionage and proving himself as Britain’s top secret agent.
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| 007 First Light |
The game is semi-open world, offering missions across various international locations, including Paris, Britain, and Italy. Players can approach objectives either through stealth and infiltration or direct combat and gunplay, making for a dynamic and flexible gameplay experience. Its mechanics and mission structure are reminiscent of the Hitman series, emphasizing strategy, precision, and creativity in tackling challenges.
9. Reanimal
Reanimal is one of the most anticipated indie games of 2026, offering a thrilling mix of horror and survival gameplay. Its style and atmosphere are reminiscent of Little Nightmares, with eerie environments, suspenseful moments, and unique character designs.
The game is published by THQ Nordic, known for titles like Biomutant and the Darksiders series. Reanimal is set to release on February 13, 2026, for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S.
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| Reanimal |
In Reanimal, players navigate a dark and foreboding world, solving puzzles, sneaking past dangers, and surviving terrifying encounters. The story follows two siblings living in what was once their beautiful home, now transformed into a haunted and nightmarish environment. The siblings must uncover the secrets behind their homeland’s decay while striving to escape the horrors that now surround them.
The game offers both single-player and co-op modes. In single-player, you control both siblings, switching between them to solve puzzles and navigate obstacles. In co-op, each player takes control of one sibling, requiring teamwork and coordination to progress through the game’s challenges.
10. OD
Not far from the world of horror, legendary developer Hideo Kojima is set to deliver his next game, OD, likely in 2026. First revealed in 2022, the trailers hinted at a surreal and cinematic experience, showcasing Kojima’s signature blend of cinematic storytelling and interactive gameplay.
The title “OD” remains mysterious, though some speculate it stands for “Overdose,” hinting at an experimental game filled with fear, tension, and plenty of shocking moments.
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| OD Game |
Kojima’s project will also feature high-profile talent from the film industry, including Jordan Peele as an assistant director, known for his work on acclaimed horror films like Get Out, along with other notable Hollywood actors contributing to the game’s cast.
Very few details about gameplay or story have been officially revealed, as Kojima himself has kept most information under wraps. However, fans can expect either a release or new content related to OD sometime in 2026, adding another highly anticipated title to the year’s gaming lineup.
11. Fable
Fable remains one of the most highly anticipated games coming from Xbox, and excitement is at an all-time high. Just days ago, Microsoft officially announced the release date for the game: Fall 2026.
The game blends open-world exploration, RPG mechanics, role-playing elements, character customization, and over 100 non-playable characters (NPCs) you can interact with, or even marry! According to Xbox, this promises a rich and dynamic world full of player choice.
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| Fable Game |
In Fable, you create your hero and take on the challenge of liberating the town of Albion. But things won’t be easy: the townspeople don’t like you, your enemies are relentless, you have few friends, and even the occupying king doesn’t want a self-proclaimed hero trying to free him.
What sets Fable apart is its unique blend of open-world adventure and comedy. Humor runs throughout the gameplay, giving the story a lighthearted, fun vibe reminiscent of games like High on Life or Revenge on The Savage Planet, while still delivering a compelling narrative and a rich world to explore.
For a deeper dive into the game, check out our full Fable article on BuzzSpot.
Final Thoughts
The year 2026 is shaping up to be an incredible year for gamers, with a lineup of highly anticipated releases spanning every genre, from action-packed open-world adventures to intense horror, survival, racing, and RPG experiences. Whether you’re gearing up for GTA 6’s massive open world, diving into the eerie depths of Subnautica 2, or stepping into the shoes of 007 in First Light, there’s truly something for every type of gamer.
With so many innovative titles from industry giants like Rockstar, Capcom, Microsoft, Sony, and Kojima Productions, as well as standout indie projects like Reanimal, 2026 promises unforgettable gaming experiences.
So, gear up, mark your calendars, and get ready to explore these amazing worlds, because the next generation of gaming is just around the corner.
Which of these upcoming games are you most excited for? Let us know in the comments below.