2026 games that are true 10/10, no notes

We've had many great years in gaming, and 2026 becoming something of an exception. When we get to the halfway mark, it's nice to look back and appreciate the very best of the best, and strange as it may seem, we've already got several 10/10 masterpiece.

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

My The Hollowers

An instant classic

• Retro-styled adventure with modern sensibilities.

• Dozens of different mechanics and settings.

From the creators of Spade Knight, Mine the Hollower is a love letter to all things retro. Playing as Mina herself, you venture out to save a cursed island, and throughout your quest to do so, you must do everything from fighting giant frogs to jumping over glaciers to making your way around castles high up in the mountains.

Despite being a 2026 release, everything about the game feels old fashioned, except for the feel itself, which keeps things modern while retaining its charming 8-bit aesthetic. There's so much to love, and it's the ideal place for any arcade fan 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 images throughout.

• 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 are treated to 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 scenery around Mount Fuji.

In terms of activities, there's plenty to love for casual and veteran fans alike, with competitive races and free-roaming challenges to satisfy all types of players. While there are many great racing games out there 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

• Continuing the franchise in the best way possible.

• Merging pure horror and survival into a cohesive whole.

Resident Evil has been on a bit of a hot streak ever since its revival, and Requiem drives success even further. Playing as two very different characters is not a first for the franchise, but here the changes between Grace and Leon feel amazing. I always looked forward to seeing what the other person would come up with next.

Gameplay-wise, the guns and scares feel fantastic, with so much weight and grit behind each shot that even in the more horror-oriented sections, you'll still have a blast firing shots. It's a real contender for GOTY and a new peak for the modern look of the franchise.

Pokemon Pokopia

Cozy Beyond Belief

• 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 convenience of sandbox life simulation. Playing as a ditto in a charming little part of the world, you slowly work to build an ideal Pokémon village, suitable to house all the cute creatures that will undoubtedly be heading your way.

Instead of using your buddies to fight, they instead help you shape the landscape and develop the paradise into a truly idyllic home. Bulbasaur can grow trees, Charmander can burn them down. There are so many more mechanics to discover, making it a great game for me and many other long-time Pokémon fans who have always been looking for a more comfort-focused experience from the series.

Pragmatics

Capcom does it again

• Emotional and heartfelt story.

• Incredibly unique style of shooter game.

Pragmatics originally showed its face back in 2020, and while it took years to release, the wait was more than worth it. Playing as Hugh and his unlikely robot companion, Diana, you find yourself on a lunar base full to the brim with rogue AI. Only by working together can you survive.

As amazing as the story is, I think the standout is surely the gameplay. Rather than being yet another third-person shooter, there's a puzzle element that makes simple encounters feel much more engaging overall. If you're looking to play something genuinely unique in a brand new universe, there's no better 2026 game to check out than Pragmatics.

Nioh 3

Raises The Soulslike Bar

• The dual form introduces more complex combat options.

• Open zones filled with content of all kinds.

Nioh 3 proves once again that FromSoftware isn't the only developer capable of making a great soul-like game. Continuing the franchise's dedication to variety, 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 tearing your build.

The biggest change comes from the expanded world, which now features many different mythic side quests, along with tons of collectibles and bonuses that really reward you for exploring just that little bit extra. It doesn't quite live up to the highs Fire Ringbut in many ways it actually surpasses it. After all, it's still among the best soulslikes ever made.

Cairn

No mountain 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 guides you up the mountain. You play as Aava, a world-class climber, on her quest to complete her toughest challenge yet, but on the road to greatness you'll have to contend with both the elements and the emotional toll of risking it all.

Unlike many other exploration games, the emphasis here is on authenticity. I really enjoyed how many real elements of climbing are integrated into the experience, like proper limb placement and chalk for a little extra grip. When relaxation is what you need, it's the perfect game to play to kick back and really feel one with nature.