Top 10 Must-Play Games of 2026

25 June 2026

5 menit membaca

#10: “Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream” (2026)

After more than a decade of fans begging for it, the cult classic “Tomodachi Life” finally received a sequel, and it did not disappoint. “Living the Dream” puts you in control of an island full of Miis, bringing with them all the delightful weirdness that made the 3DS game so beloved, with even more options for inclusivity. It has been wonderful seeing fans take to this game with such gusto, creating Miis based on celebrities, loved ones, popular characters, household appliances, or, my personal favorite, D&D characters. And with how much you can adjust their behavior, they all feel distinctly absurd in the best ways possible. That’s not to mention a level of design customization that rivals Nintendo’s own “Animal Crossing.”

#9: “Saros” (2026)

Developed by Housemarque, the studio behind the critically acclaimed “Returnal,” “Saros” channels that same relentless, pulse-pounding energy. And yes, it is just as difficult as its predecessor. Set on a foreign planet and in search of a lost colony, players must hunt for the truth while enduring the tensest bullet hell of the year. The roguelite structure provides an irresistible pull to keep pushing forward, fueled by a narrative that slowly unravels itself. Its marriage of mechanical precision and atmospheric storytelling creates a loop that feels rewarding on both a gameplay and emotional level, with layers that are continuously satisfying to peel back. Just be prepared to die an awful lot.

#8: “Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection” (2026)

Although it hasn’t reached the heights of the core series, “Monster Hunter Stories” has become a great spin-off for fans who want more. And the most recent game, “Twisted Reflection,” is actually the best one. It follows the heirs of two hostile kingdoms, teaming up to solve an environmental crisis currently corrupting monsters of the land. With an emotionally rich central plot and interesting world-building, it feels like a key piece to the overall series rather than a side adventure. It also features incredibly well-crafted RPG mechanics, from its battle system to the monster-raising hook that keeps you invested in your creatures. For longtime fans and newcomers alike, “Twisted Reflection” shows that “Monster Hunter” contains worlds within worlds.

#7: “LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight” (2026)

Despite the fact that we’ve gotten many “LEGO Batman” games over the years, “Legacy of the Dark Knight” still managed to completely enchant us. With the Unreal Engine 5 and plenty of inspiration from the “Arkham” series, the gameplay and presentation has never been this strong before. The humor is sharp, leaning into the self-aware absurdity to fantastic results, while the level design manages to feel both nostalgic and freshly inventive. That’s not to mention the expanded roster of characters, and the inclusion of local multiplayer, making it a stand-out for couch co-op. Whether you’re a lifelong Batman fan or just someone who enjoys smashing brick-built villains into pieces, there’s plenty of joy to find here.

#6: “Nioh 3” (2026)

Of the many, many franchises to follow in FromSoftware’s footsteps, “Nioh” is one of the most celebrated. And the third entry only helped solidify Team Ninja’s reputation. “Nioh 3” doubles down on the series’ legacy of dark narratives inhabited by yokai, and challenging combat systems that are satisfying to master. Players control a young, soon-to-be Shogun, who must traverse different eras of Japanese history to stop his jealous brother and his army of demons. It’s fascinating to see feudal Japan reimagined in a way that’s simultaneously familiar and startlingly fresh. And the boss design, already a franchise strong point, has reached new creative heights. “Nioh 3” deepens and expands on its past strengths, bringing a new type of challenge for even seasoned players.

#5: “Mina the Hollower” (2026)

Unsurprisingly, the team behind indie darling “Shovel Knight” has delivered another heavy hitter. Where their previous title and its expansions took inspiration from the NES era, “Mina the Hollower” goes full-in on the Game Boy Color style. And it is a genuine blast. The pixel art is nothing short of stunning, with an expressive gothic-tinged aesthetic that helps it stand out from other retro-inspired titles. The top-down dungeon crawling is tight and inventive, and every time a new mechanic or item is introduced, it’s nearly impossible to contain your joy. On top of that, you have an engaging story and protagonist, a satisfying difficulty curve to overcome, and just enough inspiration from “Zelda” and “Castlevania” to feel familiar, while remaining undeniably distinct.

#4: “Pokémon Pokopia” (2026)

Its reveal may have confused a lot of players, but “Pokopia” turned out to be one of the most delightful “Pokémon” spin-offs in years. The premise is admittedly weird, about a Ditto taking on the form of a human to build a community for Pokémon in need. But there’s a ton of heart here and, more importantly, some incredibly addictive gameplay hooks. It takes the best qualities of some of the most beloved sandbox and simulation games, from “Minecraft” to Nintendo’s own “Animal Crossing,” and mixes them with some of the cutest critters Game Freak ever created. And since different Pokémon require different biomes, there’s more than enough to keep you entertained while you erect your perfect Pokopia.

#3: “Pragmata” (2026)

Clearly, Capcom is having a fantastic year. Originally announced back in 2020, “Pragmata” took a while to arrive, but the wait was worth every agonizing moment. Gameplay is a strong blend of puzzle hacking and action-heavy combat, a fine line that the developers walk seemingly effortlessly. While that is a ton of fun, what draws you in and keeps you glued to the screen is the relationship between the human lead character, Hugh, and his android companion, Diana. The familial bond that forms between them as you continue to play is handled with the utmost care and given surprising depth. A heartfelt narrative, backed up by satisfying mechanics, makes “Pragmata” one of several must-play single-player experiences of 2026.

#2: “007 First Light” (2026)

James Bond had been absent from video games for over a decade by the time “First Light” was released. To call this a comeback would be a major understatement, and a disservice to what IO Interactive was able to pull off. The iconic character, with the developer’s expertise in espionage as seen through the “Hitman” series, is a match made in gamer heaven. It follows a young Bond navigating his earliest assignments, yet with writing that still captures that razor-sharp blend of wit and devil-may-care attitude that defines the character at his best. There’s also an impressive level of freedom in how you accomplish missions; deceive with Bond’s charm, use his wide array of gadgets, or go in guns-blazing. What kind of spy do you want to be?

#1: “Resident Evil Requiem” (2026)

The “Resident Evil” series has soared to incredible new heights over the last decade. And “Requiem” only proves it shows no signs of slowing down. With dual protagonists Grace and Leon, Capcom weaves together the atmospheric horror of the classic era with the visceral, grounded action that defined the modern renaissance. And in both cases, from their storytelling to their gameplay to their level design, we’re clearly witnessing a developer at the height of their craft. “Requiem” both thrills us, making us want to keep going, while also finding new ways to horrify us, making us want to crawl underneath the covers. It’s an extraordinary piece of interactive horror that reminds you why this franchise has endured for thirty years.

What has been your favorite game of the year so far? Which other ones are you looking forward to? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!

25 June 2026

5 menit membaca