The most anticipated games of 2026 are already beginning to take shape on the gaming horizon, promising a year full of adventures. With the dust from the 2025 Game of the Year awards barely settled, the attention of the gaming community and specialized media, such as the team at Tom’s Guide, turns to the next 12 months. In this year of 2026, a diverse list of titles for PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch 2, PC, and Xbox Series X/S awaits players, with releases ranging from blockbusters like Grand Theft Auto VI to new intellectual properties from acclaimed studios. The relevance of this calendar is immense, as it represents the evolution of the industry and the materialization of projects announced years ago, some marked by delays that only increase the anticipation.
How this selection was made follows a clear editorial criterion: the Tom’s Guide team collected the personal choices of its experts, resulting in a curation that spans all genres and platforms. The importance of these releases lies not only in their entertainment value but also in their potential to define technical and narrative trends for the next generation. From the awaited return of Lara Croft in a modern reimagining to FromSoftware’s new multiplayer bet, the year promises to deliver experiences for both those seeking immersive stories and fans of competitive action. Thus, 2026 presents itself as a crucial year to consolidate the current console cycle and showcase the power of the long-awaited Switch 2.
From action to horror: a variety for all tastes
The list of games expected for 2026 is a true menu of experiences. On one hand, established franchises promise to return in full force, such as Resident Evil Requiem, which takes players back to Raccoon City in February, and Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis, a complete reconstruction of the 1996 classic. However, fans of new things also have plenty of reasons to be excited. Studios like Housemarque, of Returnal, are preparing Saros, a spiritual successor promising frenetic action, while FromSoftware is betting on The Duskbloods, a PvPvE experience with vampires on the Nintendo Switch 2. Additionally, IO Interactive intends to finally do justice to the James Bond myth with 007: First Light, an espionage game scheduled for release in May.
Furthermore, we cannot ignore the two elephants in the room: Grand Theft Auto VI and Marvel’s Wolverine. The first is the successor to one of the biggest phenomena in pop culture, in development at Rockstar for 13 years, and is expected to dominate conversations at the end of the year. The second, coming from Insomniac Games, responsible for the excellent Spider-Man games, promises to bring a violent and mature version of the most famous mutant, exclusively for PS5. Therefore, whatever your platform or favorite genre, 2026 seems determined to offer something special. The wait for many of these projects has been long, but if the previews and trailers are any indication, the year will bring rewards worthy of the fans’ patience.
