The most anticipated games of 2026

13 days ago, by Enzo

2026 promises to be a major turning point for the video game industry. With the return of legendary franchises, ambitious new creations, and increasingly impressive technological advances, studios seem determined to push the boundaries of the gaming experience. Today, we invite you to discover our first selection of the most anticipated games of 2026.

Sorted by release date, Code Vein II will be hitting our screens at the end of January. The sequel to the anime-style action RPG franchise returns with new classes, refined combat mechanics, and a dark story in which revenants must survive in a post-apocalyptic world. In early February, Nioh 3 promises even more intense and technical combat, combining Japanese mythology and frenetic action in a world full of formidable opponents and strategic challenges. A few days later, Mario Tennis Fever will hit our screens. In this new iteration of the iconic sports franchise, Mario and his team battle it out on the courts with classic shots, special moves, and fun multiplayer modes.

On February 27, Capcom returns to Raccoon City with Resident Evil Requiem, the ninth main installment in the survival horror saga. The game combines exploration, tension, and action, featuring both a new protagonist and the return of Leon S. Kennedy in a suspenseful story. March welcomes the return of a much more colorful universe with Pokémon Pokopia, a creative spin-off where you play as Ditto to transform a blank canvas into a welcoming home for all types of Pokémon, combining construction, exploration, and interactions with creatures. Also in March, players will be able to embark on a new adventure with their trusty monster companion in Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection. Combining exploration, turn-based combat, and an immersive narrative, this third installment in the Stories series explores themes of friendship and intertwined destinies.

Also coming in March 2026 is the ambitious project Crimson Desert, which combines solo action-adventure with an open-world narrative. Set on the vast continent of Pywel, players take on the role of a mercenary seeking survival and truth in an era marked by conflict and legends. April will see the arrival of two highly anticipated projects. The first is Pragmata, a mysterious sci-fi title that follows a protagonist in the near future on the Moon with his android sidekick. The second is SAROS, which combines intense action and permanent progression in a dynamic sci-fi universe. Expected to be one of the most original games of 2026, it emphasizes fast-paced combat and an ever-changing world.

After an initial delay, 007 First Light will be available in May. It is a brand-new story that explores James Bond's early days before he became a legendary agent. Expect infiltration, action, and gadgets in an original adventure designed to capture the essence of MI6. A few days later, LEGO Batman: The Dark Knight Returns takes center stage. Combining action, humor, and exploration, this game revisits the world of Gotham with a playful LEGO style that is accessible to all, promising combat, puzzles, and references to the films.

Two last titles round out this selection. Phantom Blade Zero, set for release in November, is a spectacular action RPG featuring fast-paced combat. You play as a warrior facing assassins and conspiracies in a visually stunning world. But before we conclude, how can we not mention the long-awaited Grand Theft Auto VI? Already delayed twice, the release date is currently set for November 19, 2026. This Rockstar project is considered the most anticipated game of the decade, following the phenomenal success of the previous installment, which sold over 220 million units worldwide.

Ultimately, 2026 and the selection of games on offer look set to be a particularly promising period, driven by a diversity of projects capable of appealing to both long-time enthusiasts and new players alike. If these titles manage to deliver on their promises, they could not only leave a lasting impression on players, but also redefine certain standards of the medium. All that remains now is to wait for their release to see which ones will transform anticipation into genuine favorites.