The must-play games of 2026 so far, rated

Even in the midst of the relatively quiet summer season we're in right now, it's hard to deny that 2026 is shaping up to be an exceptional year for video games. Many long-awaited titles that have been teased for years have already been released or will launch in the next few months, bringing some of the best games we've seen this generation. With gaming becoming more popular every year, many of 2026's biggest hits seemed like major milestones — or even actual cultural events.

When it comes to the best games released this year, every gamer has their own preferences and possibly early GOTY candidates, especially with the rise of several smaller titles on Steam in recent months. However, we tried for this list highlight the best, most impressive and most talked about high quality games first half of 2026, line them up and focus on them which makes every player must playregardless of taste.

7

Marathon

Not quite the next big thing, but totally unique nonetheless

Before starting, Marathon has become central to discussions about the live service model and the extraction shooter genre as a whole. Some of the latest decisions (incl Destiny 2 sunset) only adds fuel to the fire, as many people accuse Marathon rather than considering what is happening across the industry in general. No matter how you slice it, Marathon is undoubtedly one of the most talked about and divisive games of the year so far.

Even if Marathon not a 10/10 right now, especially considering it's only the start of a year long journey, it's not worth missing out on and deserves to be experienced for yourself to form your own opinion. For some players, it has become one of the best shooters in recent years and brings an exciting and fresh experience that you simply cannot experience anywhere else. Early post-launch additions like the Cryo Archive only reinforce the game's unique appeal: challenging, yet endlessly rewarding and utterly unforgettable.

6

Pragmatics

Play rather than watch

Pragmatics it took quite a while to release and went through numerous delays as Capcom struggled to get the game's experimental puzzle-based combat just right. Needless to say, all the waits were justified. Pragmatics emerged as a truly fresh third-person shooter with a truly unique hacking layer. From the graphics and world building to the story and character dynamics, the game performs admirably, but its gameplay is the real king here.

Pragmatics is the kind of game you can't decide without playing it. Its gameplay looks deceptively simplistic and a little too arcadey, but once you pick up the controller and start experimenting with weapons and hacking, it clicks beautifully. While not a ground-breaking masterpiece with endless ambition, Pragmatics is a welcome reminder of simpler times, when AAA games were allowed to be simple and fun while still pushing the boundaries in bold ways.

5

Slay the Spire 2

Better in almost every way

Slay the Spire 2 It was expected to create some buzz in early access, but the sequel to the popular deckbuilding roguelike exceeded even the wildest expectations. Bigger, better and deeper in almost every way compared to the already near-perfect original, Slay the Spire 2 it can be a real time sink even in its early version. It's best to ignore some of the minor hiccups surrounding it, such as the unpopular changes to cards and abilities (as expected from Early Access titles) that led to bombarded reviews.

Faithful, Slay the Spire 2 it may seem more iterative than revolutionary, but why change a winning formula too drastically in the first place? As it stands, while it might be smart to wait for the full console launch and release, it's already one of the indie kings of 2026 that can provide countless hours of deck building fun and experimentation.

4

007 First Light

Landing where it belongs

007 First Light is one of the most inspiring stories in video games in recent memory, seemingly the product of a string of brilliant decisions. Perfect connection with Hitman a developer that fits the spy world of 007 as a solid, relevant modern story revolving around artificial intelligence, the casting of Patrick Gibson as James Bond, who fully embodies the iconic character without feeling like a copycat, and the right inspirations drawn from games like Uncharted — 007 First Light is a cinematic, story-driven treat for action fans that feels like stepping right into a prestigious blockbuster.

There is little to add here: 007 First Light it achieves a high bar in every element, whether it's stealth, variety of locations and level design, or unique combat fueled by gadgets and improvisation. While the game certainly delivers on what it sets out to do, it also feels like there is even more potential in this version of young Bond that will hopefully be explored in its sequels.

3

Crimson Desert

An open world masterpiece

Like Marathon, Crimson Desert is by no means a perfect game and remains a rather divisive open-world 2026 title. Still, it's undeniable Crimson Desert offers something that is hard to find elsewhere. The game is so packed with features, gameplay mechanics, reactive options and mind-blowing discoveries that it can literally surprise you for over a hundred hours, provided you don't jump away from it during opening hours and can overlook its often nonsensical, convoluted narrative and very basic quest design.

Still, considering how ambitious Crimson desert it's truly admirable that a game this loaded works at all. Many fans have already named it one of their favorite open-world titles of this generation, citing its unique ability to provide near-legendary continuous discovery Skyrim. Another highlight is the team's exceptional post-launch support with quick fixes and added features that were rolled out based on player feedback.

2

Forza Horizon 6

Greatest Hits Vol. 6: Now in Japan

Let's face it: Forza Horizon 6 is essentially the exact same game as its predecessors under a fresh skin. But somehow it's still an absolute joy to play with an almost therapeutic effect. FH6 The combination of a stunning open world set in Japan, a fantastic soundtrack, unsurpassed visuals and satisfying driving brings only positive emotions and will win even newcomers who are usually not interested in racing games. It's so good to explore and cruise around.

Still, even if Forza Horizon 6 is arguably the best open-world riding game out there, it's clear that the series needs much bigger and bolder changes in its next entry. With the upcoming Clutch Promising to shake up the genre in 2027, it may finally be the true competitor that the Playground Games franchise has been missing for years – one that pushes it to greater creativity and risk at its inception.

1

Resident Evil Requiem

More like alive and well

Undoubtedly, Resident Evil Requiem stands among the best games of the year and is a rousing bestseller, but it warrants a GOTY nomination. Capcom has really done the impossible here, delivering a flagship entry in their flagship series with such confidence that it's hard to find anyone dissatisfied. Taking all the right lessons from the series' horror and action foundations, RE9 Requiem it brings them together in near-perfect proportion, bringing just the right amount of creativity and nostalgia to the package.

From the triumphant return of Leon S. Kennedy, complete with flawless design and a blistering action style to match RE4 remaketo real horror sections that can make even seasoned fans laugh, Requiem it builds on the best elements of both RE7 and RE Village. It is substantial Resident Evil an experience you don't want to miss.