The Best Video Games of 2026 So Far

The first thing you'll notice about this indie narrative puzzle adventure is the striking, hand-painted, cardboard-style design influenced by avant-garde art and stop-motion film animation. But that's just part of the creativity on display in the latest game from Amanita Design (Machinarium). Set in a dystopian, Orwellian city, Phonopolis tasks you with solving puzzles to overthrow the authoritarian government before it becomes too late to do so. It's a short game, but it'll stay with you once you've solved the last puzzle.

"Amanita Design has done it again. While the brief length of its adventures remains a recurring drawback, the studio once more excels in art direction and storytelling. Filled with sharp satirical commentary on totalitarian regimes, stunning visuals, and a satisfying variety of well-designed puzzles, Phonopolis is an immensely rewarding experience, especially for fans of Amanita Design's previous works." —GameOver.gr

Available at Humble

Take a job at Repeater Records, a struggling record store, in this cozy narrative life sim from new two-person studio Patattie Games. Gameplay involves puzzle-solving and discovery as you spend time chatting with your oddball coworkers, helping customers, digging through record crates, and keeping up with the latest music news. Critics fell for the in-game universe and soundtrack.

"Wax Heads makes you feel like you are part of this safe, wholesome, creative world of Repeater Records, surrounded by alternative and queer folk who just want to keep rockin' as long as they can. Finding records for people is fun, but also challenging, so you'll have to not only scour Repeater's records, but watch cutscenes, search through your apps, and pay attention to the customer's vibe. For someone who grew up in 90s indie record stores, longing to hear something that would change my teen life, Wax Heads really cultivates an atmosphere of curiosity, love and respect for musical communities, and how much better music is when it involves human connection." —Checkpoint Gaming

Available at Fanatical

An all-new IP from Capcom, Pragmata is a sci-fi action-adventure game that emerged to strong reviews in April after a lengthy development process and numerous delays. You'll guide Hugh, the sole surviving member of a team of investigators, and Diana, a childlike android, as they explore a lunar research facility that has been taken over by rogue AI and is now devoid of its human occupants. The two characters have very different approaches to combat: One shoots while the other hacks computer systems. Critics loved this unusual gameplay blend and also enjoyed the overall story and especially the relationship between its two protagonists.

"Pragmata is a ridiculously fun sci-fi shooter with a warm, gooey center that feels like a long-lost gem from a bygone era of action games." —Dexerto

Available at Amazon or Walmart

Christoffer Bodegård's isometric fantasy RPG is inspired by dice-rolling tabletop RPGs (specifically, though unofficially, D&D) as well as recent CRPGs like Disco Elysium. You play as "the world's worst cleric" who is employed by the government in a bizarre fantasy metropolis where combat is completed through dialogue (including with yourself!), making mistakes is unavoidable, exploration is encouraged, and you can reshape reality to your (dis)advantage. Weird, witty, and unpredictable, Esoteric Ebb strikes critics as the best Disco Elysium -inspired RPG and a must-buy for RPG fans.

"I cannot say enough good things about Esoteric Ebb, which is positively stuffed with them. Like a good mimic, it's got teeth. It is both familiar in its shape and size and astonishing in its surprising depth and riches. Do not let its appearance fool you: There is a lot more to love about this 'Disco-like' than its vibrant surface and wit might initially convey." —GameSpot

Available at Fanatical

You've probably played a few city builders, but have you ever played a city builder in which the builders are ... beavers? Mechanistry's "lumberpunk" sandbox/survival/colony simulation game is set in a future following the extinction of humans, when other species—like beavers—have adapted to the new, harsher ecological reality. You'll choose one of two beaver factions (each with unique buildings and technology) and construct a vertical, timber-based city to sustain your colony for as long as possible against the elements. It's a unique spin on a classic format.

"Timberborn is one of the most interesting city builders in years with a charming style, unique lore, and mechanics that are easy to understand but tough to master." —Console Creatures

Available at Fanatical

The latest from Haven studio The Game Bakers is, like last year's Peak, a climbing simulator. But while that release offered co-op gameplay, Cairn is single-player only—while also incorporating more survival elements and overall realism—making for a more hardcore affair. The setup is simple: You're aiming to become the first person to summit Mount Kami by ascending a series of sheer cliff faces, carefully plotting each individual movement along the way. Making things more difficult is that you'll also need to manage your resources, including everything from food and water to pitons and finger tape, as you ascend. Critics found the challenge both extremely immersive and extremely rewarding.

"Cairn is a brutally demanding yet strangely soothing climbing experience that turns every movement into a meaningful decision. Its unique limb-based controls and meditative pacing create a powerful sense of immersion, even as its punishing difficulty and sparse checkpoints test your patience. If you're willing to endure the struggle, the mountain offers one of the most memorable journeys in recent indie games." —PLAY! Zine

Available at Fanatical

Capcom's RPG-focused Monster Hunter spinoff series received its third major installment in March with Twisted Reflection, which finds dueling kingdoms battling each other while attempting to prepare for a coming ecological disaster as the long-thought-extinct Rathalos monster species makes a comeback with the hatching of twins. Some critics think that aspects of gameplay and character development could be better, but Twisted Reflection is easily the best Monster Hunter Stories game yet thanks to a terrific story.

"Monster Hunter Stories 3 breaks free from the constraints of a simple spin-off to finally create its own mythology. Fans will say they didn't need this third installment to appreciate the series, but the fact remains that this is the most successful, generous, and mature entry of them all. A true entry point for both fans and newcomers, it's interesting in many ways, from its skillful and polished gameplay to its blend of exploration and monster collecting." —Gameblog.fr

Available at Amazon and Walmart

The dream of the '90s is alive in Mixtape, a nostalgic narrative adventure from the indie studio behind 2021's The Artful Escape. Inspired by the films of John Hughes and featuring a killer soundtrack (think Joy Division, Roxy Music, Devo, Lush, Iggy Pop, The Cure, and more), the game follows three friends on their final night together—though each song playing on a mixtape they are listening to triggers flashbacks to various key events from their teenage years. It's a short but sweet coming-of-age classic, according to reviewers.

"A musical delight from start to finish, Mixtape sets a new standard for coming-of-age stories in video games and does so with a masterful sense of style." —IGN

Available at the PlayStation Store

Prism Peak is a photography-themed narrative adventure from Sigono, whose prior "Opus" games share the same basic format but are narratively unrelated. You play as a stranded traveler whose companion has lost her memories. Using your analog film camera to capture details and secrets about your surroundings, you'll need to plot a way out of a world that is suddenly devoid of all other humans but filled with animal spirits. Critics were impressed by the profoundly emotional story.

"Opus: Prism Peak is an impressive adventure game that manages to provide an emotional experience that feels deeply relatable and well-executed. Its beautiful art style is accompanied by an involved gameplay with photography mechanics and a world that grows if the player decides to explore it as much as possible. It's an inspired testament to the powerful experiences the genre has to offer and one of 2026's must-play games." —Hardcore Gamer

Available at Steam

Created by Ninja Gaiden studio Team Ninja, the Nioh series offers Soulslike (i.e., punishing) hack-and-slash action and RPG gameplay set against a supernatural version of 16th and 17th century Japan. What's new in this third installment, a PlayStation console exclusive (also available on PC) that advances the story to the year 1622? The main addition is the ability to swap at will between two different combat styles: the usual "samurai" style and a new, faster "ninja" style. There's also a new emphasis on open-field exploration that allows for detours from the overall story. Is it still hard? Of course. Are there some minor flaws? Yes. But most critics think it's the best expression of the Nioh formula yet.

"Nioh 3 is the best soulslike made by Team Ninja so far. The game perfects its original formula and delivers one of the best combat systems in the genre. Although it has some slips like massive enemy reuse and some repetitive activities in its open world, it's still a game that shines above many others." —Critical Hits

Available at Amazon and Walmart

This year's winner of the prestigious Seumas McNally Grand Prize—awarded to the best indie game of the year at the Independent Games Festival—comes from solo developer AP Thomson (who also shared the prize last year for Consume Me). Titanium Court is one part match-3 game and one part visual novel. Oh, and throw in some tower defense-style strategy, add some roguelite and auto-battler elements, and top it all off with a healthy dose of surreal humor. (And maybe a soupçon of baseball.) Confused? You won't be after playing Titanium Court, which critics are calling a welcomely weird genre mashup that's simply a joy to play and unlike any other game you'll find this year. Just be prepared to do a lot of reading.

"It's a tremendous piece of narrative game design." —ScreenHub

Available at Humble

A cute, quirky, story-rich RPG that's the first project from indie studio Heavy Lunch, Hermit and Pig finds the title duo (yes, a recluse and an actual pig) caught up in a corporate conspiracy as they search for a legendary giant mushroom that could feed all of the workers recently laid off by the local factory. Turn-based combat is timed—and sometimes takes the form of conversations—but timers and other obstacles can also be disabled to make Hermit and Pig a more relaxed, story-focused game. Critics think that overthrowing capitalism has never been more fun.

"Heavy Lunch Studio LLC successfully delivered on an RPG that takes from classics such as Earthbound and Pokémon and makes it all their own in Hermit and Pig. Featuring wonderful writing, a busy battle system that challenges you to think on your feet, great characters, and an explorable trippy world." —The Outerhaven

Available at Steam

A PlayStation 5 exclusive title from Housemarque (the studio behind Resogun and Returnal), Saros is a cinematic, bullet-hell-styled third-person shooter that also incorporates roguelite progression. The sci-fi story underlying the action is set on the shape-shifting planet of Carcosa, where you battle alien threats as the enforcer Arjun Devraj, employed by an AI-powered corporation to protect a scientific mission. But it's the action, not the story, that takes center stage in Saros, and critics admired the fluid motion and precise controls at your disposal, as well as the large upgrade tree available to you between runs.

"SAROS takes what made Returnal such a epically awesome action game and turns the dial way up while simultaneously offering such a distinct and immersive game world that it'll haunt your dreams even long after the end credits roll." —Video Chums

Available at Amazon and Walmart

Developed by Hitman studio IO Interactive, 007 First Light is the first James Bond game in 14 years. It's also the highest-scoring Bond game since the release of all-time classic GoldenEye nearly 30 years ago. The action-adventure game is an origin story (not based on any specific film or Ian Fleming story) that follows a young Bond (played by Dexter: Original Sin star Patrick Gibson) through the MI6 training program and on a key early mission that will—if successfully completed—earn him his "00" status. The game was an immediate commercial hit following launch reviews praising First Light for its fresh storytelling that still honored the Bond legacy.

"007: First Light is not only the best Bond game ever made, it's also the best Bond story since 'Casino Royale' in 2006." —Washington Post

Available at Amazon and Walmart

Developed and self-published by Edmund McMillen and Tyler Glaiel, the team behind 2017's The End Is Nigh, Mewgenics is a roguelite tactics game that finds you building an army of cats by (among other things) manipulating their genetic traits over time. With over 1,000 unique abilities (spread among an impressive 10+ character classes) to uncover and the randomization that comes from the game's roguelite nature, it will be quite some time before you exhaust the deceptively simple game's many possibilities. The handmade art style and humor are also standouts for critics.

"Mewgenics does exactly what a roguelite should do: it never gets boring. Every time we think we've seen it all, another class is added. Or a new mechanic, effect, or level. The 13 years of development time were definitely worth it, because so much content in a single game is anything but ordinary. If you're into roguelites, turn-based tactics, or cats, you should definitely check out Mewgenics." —PC Games

Available at Steam

The franchise's best-reviewed non-remake in over two decades, Requiem heads to Raccoon City for the first time since RE3 while also returning longtime character Leon S. Kennedy to a starring role for the first time since RE6. Players split time between the latter's action-oriented, zombie-fighting gameplay and a first-person survival challenge centering on new character Grace Ashcroft, an FBI analyst who tries to outlast a pursuing monster inside a hotel. This blend of gameplay styles and incorporation of both classic and newer elements works almost perfectly for most reviewers, with just a few naysayers feeling that it plays a bit too much like fan service.

"Resident Evil Requiem feels like the culmination of everything the series has been building to and building on over the last thirty years. The story, gameplay, and sound design are all remarkable." —CGMagazine

Available at Amazon and Walmart

A first-of-its-kind spinoff, Pokopia is a sandbox/life simulation game that injects a bit (well, make that a lot) of Animal Crossing- and Minecraft- style gameplay into the 30-year-old Pokémon franchise. Instead of catching, training, and battling Pokémon, you'll spend your time exploring, crafting, gardening, and building various habitats for Pokémon to inhabit. Even without the upcoming DLC there's an enormous amount of content in Pokopia. That, and the game's equally abundant charm, helped make this Switch 2 exclusive the best-reviewed Pokémon title to date and one of the best cozy games in recent memory.

"It's been a long time since I've been so pleasantly blown away by a game, but Pokémon Pokopia has continued to surprise and delight me with every step. This is no doubt going to be one of the standout games of the Nintendo Switch 2 and of the year, as the addictive gameplay loop, charming world and characters, and seemingly endless amount of content make it 100% worth playing." —MonsterVine

Available at Amazon and Walmart

A picture-book-styled visual novel, Schrödinger's Call is set 21 nanoseconds before the end of the world. And, no, it's not the shortest videogame ever made. Instead, your character, Mary, awakens in a strange room without her memories, greeted by a telephone and a mysterious cat. Through the phone, Mary can listen to the final words of strangers stuck between life and death, and she must help them through the process of leaving their lives behind. Critics found Call to be haunting and surprisingly emotional.

"Schrödinger's Call is an impressive adventure game that offers an emotional dive into various tragedies, using empathy as a guiding force. Just as Mary works her way through people's stories trying to find hope along with the truth, this is an experience that can resonate with people beyond the screen. It's one of those games that is so fascinating to see in motion because it has something to say and a strong vision of how to present it in terms of atmosphere and style." —Hardcore Gamer

Available at Steam

This crowdfunded indie gem from Shovel Knight studio Yacht Club Games is a Gothic horror-inspired action-adventure game set on a cursed island inhabited by monsters and anthropomorphic animals. Boasting pixelated visuals inspired by Game Boy Color classics, Mina collected praise for its confidence and ambition, challenging Zelda-meets-Castlevania gameplay, and terrific world design.

"Mina the Hollower doesn't only trade in nostalgia; it's a game that could only have been made today. But if you're looking for vintage Sega or Nintendo-alike magic, here it is. A simple, perfectly satisfying move, spun out into 20 hours' worth of fun, squeezing out every possible surprise and delight along the way. As links to the past go, this is hard to beat." —The Guardian

Available at Humble

Metacritic's Best New Game of the First Half of 2026. Microsoft's open-world street racing series received its sixth installment in May and—like its immediate three predecessors—it scored in the 90s. FH6 heads to Japan, where settings include not just Tokyo (the franchise's largest-ever urban map) but also the Japanese countryside, and your vehicle choices number 550. Critics praised the gorgeous vistas and the wealth of content within the game.

A PlayStation 5 version is expected later in 2026.

"An exceptional, breathtaking world that players will be kept busy in for years, Forza Horizon 6 is one of 2026's best games of the year and one of the best racing games ever created." —Gamer Social Club

Available at Amazon and Walmart