Top 10 best games of 2026 so far: Which one should you play?

From thrilling races to atmospheric adventures and even strategy games, the first half of 2026 has been quite the spectacle.

Though only two game releases have broken the prestigious 90-point threshold on Metacritic, the year has seen some great games regardless of genre.

Best games of 2026 so far

Here are the 10 highest-rated brand-new games of 2026 so far.

Forza Horizon 6

With Forza Horizon 6, Playground Games' winning formula of open-world racers receives yet another perfect implementation. Boasting stunning graphics, massive open-world maps, and a massive car roster, it provides both fun arcade racing and enough content for the most ardent players. This game is also on Xbox Game Pass, which makes it one of the easiest recommendations this year.

Mina the Hollower

Made by Yacht Club Games, the studio that also worked on Shovel Knight, Mina the Hollower feels like it blends classic Zelda-style exploring with combat that is more punishing, like Dark Souls.

You get those retro, Game Boy-inspired visuals, along with boss fights you remember and exploration that actually pays off. So yeah, it’s shaping up to be one of 2026’s biggest indie hits.

Pokémon Pokopia

Unlike previous games in the franchise which emphasised fighting, Pokémon Pokopia allows the player to lead an ideal life with the Pokémon in it.

Resident Evil Requiem

Leon S. Kennedy is back in Resident Evil Requiem, the game combining survival horror and film-like storylines.

Mewgenics

Years in development, Mewgenics finally arrived with its unusual mix of turn-based strategy, rogue-like gameplay and cat breeding mechanics. Its deep tactical systems and endless replayability have made it a surprise favourite.

007 First Light

007 First Light introduces a brand-new James Bond origin story. Combining stealth, gadgets, action sequences and cinematic storytelling, it successfully launches a fresh gaming universe for the iconic spy.

Saros

Created by Housemarque, Saros is an action-packed sci-fi game with quick combat and story elements. It uses the game developer's usual style of gameplay but brings in new progression systems.

Nioh 3

Action RPG lovers can look forward to Nioh 3, as they would have loved its predecessor. This game features tough combat alongside the introduction of new weaponry and characters.

Mixtape

In Mixtape, you experience a story about growing up with a nostalgic soundtrack, which is made up of many playable memories. This game has gained lots of appreciation for its good emotional storytelling.

OPUS: Prism Peak

The last one in our list is OPUS: Prism Peak, which is a beautifully designed narrative adventure that combines exploration, emotional storytelling, and puzzle-solving.