The Essential Games launches in June 2026

May 2026 was a strong month for video games, due to the release of titles such as Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight and 007: First Light. In June, you won't see that many new big triple-A games. That said, the month still promises to be stable.

There are a variety of titles coming out from different developers and publishers. These games span a range of genres, so most players will be able to find something to suit their tastes. Here's a roundup of the most exciting titles releasing in June.

8

Starseeker: Astroneer Expeditions

Starseeker is not labeled as a sequel to 2019's Astroneer, but it is set in the same universe. In this game, you play as a crew member on a gigantic space station called ESS Starseeker. Yet you don't just wander around the station; you fly off to different planets either alone or with a crew. Once you enter these worlds, you have a limited amount of time to explore, complete tasks, and gather resources before heading back home.

So it's a bit different from the original Astroneer, as it seems more intense and less cozy. Also, you have specific missions instead of endless exploration. However, the graphics and animations feel very familiar.

7

Gothic 1 Remake

You won't have to wait long to get your hands on the remake of the first Gothic game, as it will be released on June 5th. The title puts you in control of a prisoner trapped in a valley surrounded by a magical barrier. You have to try to survive this dangerous place and learn more about the said barrier.

The original game was released in 2001 and was considered a highly influential RPG, particularly for its open world design and use of player choice. This remake promises to be very faithful to the original while adding new missions and significantly raising the quality of the visuals. If it accomplishes this, it could turn out to be one of the best action RPGs of the year.

6

Densh attack!

Some games include trains, but not quite like Denshattack! do. This is a game where you exclusively control a train as you rush around Japan at a frantic pace. The story takes place in the not-too-distant future in a version of Japan that has abandoned local railways. They have been taken over by underground gangs who use them to compete against each other.

As you might guess, you are one of those who use these railways. In each level you fly around a bunch of train tracks, do some impressive stunts, try to earn points, complete objectives or win races. The game is clearly very crazy and unique. In fact, it's hard to think of any game that has ever been like it. That's the main selling point, along with the game's beautiful art style.

5

NBA: The Run

NBA: The Run brings back memories of the popular NBA Streets games. This is because it offers fast, arcade basketball with a street style. So you can see famous players like Steph Curry, Kevin Durant and James Harden playing in regular clothes on street courts.

Since it's clearly the spiritual successor to NBA Streets, it's not a completely original concept, but it's been a while since there's been a licensed basketball game like this. Whether it will live up to the best NBA Streets games remains to be seen, but it is exciting.

4

Voidling bound

Voidling Bound is a creature collection title, which is a type of game made popular by the Pokemon series. Still, this game is very different from a typical Pokemon adventure. After all, this is also a third-person action title where you take direct control of your creatures (Voidlings) by binding your mind with them.

Once in control, take to the field and battle enemy creatures using your array of unique powers. You use these abilities against a parasitic force known as the Legion. You must stop them from taking over by eliminating their forces and clearing areas of their influence. To do so, you'll need to engage with the game's deep upgrade and build system to make your Voidlings as effective as possible. It certainly appears to be a unique entry in the creature collection genre.

3

The Adventures Of Elliot: The Millennium Tales

Octopath Traveler fans may get a familiar feeling when watching The Adventure of Elliot: The Millennium Tales as they share a similar 2D pixel art style. This is no coincidence, as they are both 2D-HD Square Enix games. However, unlike Octopath Traveler, The Adventures of Elliet is not turn-based. Instead, it has a real-time action battle system, but it's still an RPG.

The main character is Elliot, who must travel through different time periods to save the princess. Therefore, there is a heavy use of time travel in the story, giving it some Chrono Trigger vibes. If it's at least half as good as the classic RPG, then it's going to be an incredible game.

2

Witch's scepter

There are tons of open-world survival games out there these days, but Witchspire manages to stand out by putting you in the role of a witch. This means you have the ability to unleash spells and fly around on a broomstick.

Along with these things, the game also has more traditional survival game elements, such as resource gathering and crafting. In addition to that, there are tons of mobs that you can fight. So it seems like an overall solid survival game experience with the added bonus of witchcraft, which makes it more original.

1

Star Fox

The Star Fox franchise seemed to do well in the 1990s, 2000s, and even the 2010s, but the series then lay dormant for a long time. That is about to change with the launch of the game called Star Fox. It is a remake of the very popular Star Fox 64, which was released in the late 90s. This new version promises to be very similar in terms of level layout and tone. Still, the graphics have received a significant upgrade.

For those who didn't play the original, it's a rail shooter that puts you in control of a ship. You progress through levels dodging enemy fire while unleashing your own shots. The original stood out because of its smooth gameplay and charming banter between characters. The 2026 Star Fox is expected to offer the same things.