2026 games that are true 10/10, no notes

We've had a lot of great gaming years and 2026 is shaping up to be no exception. When we get to the halfway mark, it's nice to look back and appreciate the best of the best, and strange as it may seem, we've already been gifted with a few 10/10 masterpieces.

It's pretty hard to be considered flawless in the gaming world, especially given how steep the competition is and how high the standards for success are. Still, these games have shown that with creative vision, compelling stories, and fun gameplay, excellence is more than possible.

Mine The Hollower

An instant classic

• A retro adventure with a modern feel.

• Dozens of different mechanics and settings.

From the creators Knight of Spades, Mina the Hollower is a love letter to all things retro. You play as Mina herself as you venture to save a cursed island and during your mission you will have to do everything from fighting giant frogs to jumping over glaciers to castles high in the mountains.

Despite being a 2026 release, everything about the game feels old-school, apart from a real feel that keeps things modern while retaining its charming 8-bit aesthetic. There's so much to love, and for any arcade fan, it's the perfect place to step back in time and experience one of the best games the genre has to offer.

Forza Horizon 6

Racing into another lane

• Breathtaking visuals.

• Satisfying races and a huge amount of content.

Forza Horizon 6 continues the series' reputation as the benchmark for open-world racing games. Now in Japan you have a long list of vehicles suitable for all types of terrain. Just driving through the world feels like you've been transported to the breathtaking landscape surrounding Mt.Fuji.

When it comes to activities, there's plenty to love for casual and veteran fans alike, with competitive races and free-roaming challenges to satisfy every type of gamer. While there are plenty of great racing games that hit specific niches, if you want an all-rounder that stands above them all, look no further than Forza Horizon 6.

Resident Evil Requiem

Survival horror at its best

• It continues the franchise in the best way possible.

• It combines pure horror and survival into one cohesive unit.

Resident Evil has been on a hot streak ever since it was revived and Requiem pushes this train of success even further. Playing two very different characters isn't a first for the franchise, but here the changes between Grace and Leon are amazing. I was always looking forward to what the other person was up to next.

In terms of gameplay, the weapons and scares feel amazing, with such weight and rawness behind every shot that even the more horror-oriented sections will keep you shooting. It's a real GOTY contender and the new pinnacle of the franchise's modern look.

Pokemon Pokopia

Cozy Beyond Belief

• An adorable sandbox simulation.

• Pokemon types play a role in their gameplay.

Pokemon Pokopia is what you get when you cross a titan of the gaming world with the comfort of a sandbox life simulation. You play as Ditto in a charming little piece of the world and slowly work to build the perfect Pokemon village, suitable for housing all the cute critters that will no doubt be headed your way.

Instead of using your friends to fight, they will instead help you shape the landscape and turn paradise into a truly idyllic home. Bulbasaur can grow trees, Charmander can burn them. There are a lot more mechanics here, which makes it a great game for me and many other long-time Pokémon fans who have always been looking for a more comfort-oriented experience in the series.

Pragmatics

Capcom does it again

• An emotional and heartfelt story.

• An incredibly unique shooter style.

Pragmatics it initially showed its face back in 2020, and although the release took many years, the wait was more than worth it. Playing as Hugh and his unlikely robotic companion Diana, you find yourself on a moon base filled to the brim with rogue AI. Only by working together can you make it out alive.

While the story is amazing, I think the highlight is definitely the gameplay. Rather than being another third-person shooter, there's a puzzle element here that makes simple encounters much more engaging overall. If you're looking to play something truly unique in a brand new universe, then there's no better 2026 game to try Pragmatics.

Nioh 3

Raising the Soulslike Bar

• Dual form brings more complex combat options.

• Open zones full of content of all kinds.

Nioh 3 shows again that FromSoftware isn't the only developer capable of creating a stellar soul. Continuing the franchise's commitment to diversity, you can quickly switch between two distinct playstyles, Ninja and Samurai, with one offering more mobility and the other more strategy, changing the way fights play out without completely uprooting your build.

The biggest change comes from the expanded world, which now features many different side quests in the form of myths, along with plenty of collectibles and bonuses that really reward you for doing just a little extra exploration. It doesn't quite hit the highs Elden Ringbut in many ways it actually surpasses it. At the end of the day, it's still among the best spirits ever made.

Cairn

No mountain is too high

• Realistic climbing mechanics and physics.

• Wrapped in a story of perseverance.

Cairn is a game that was very clearly made with a lot of love, and you can feel that dedication in everything from the visual style to the gameplay that takes you up. You play as Aava, a world-class climber trying to overcome her toughest challenge yet, but you'll have to face the elements and risk the emotional toll of it all on your way to glory.

Unlike many other exploration games, the emphasis here is on authenticity. I really liked how many elements of real-world climbing are integrated into the experience, such as proper limb placement and chalk for extra grip. When relaxation is what you need, this is the perfect game to play to kick back and truly feel in tune with nature.