Must-play games of 2026 so far, ranked

Even in the midst of the relatively quiet summer period we're in now, it's hard to deny that 2026 looks like an exceptional year for video games. Many highly anticipated titles that have been teased for years have already been released or will be launching in the coming months, delivering some of the best games we've seen this generation. As gaming becomes more popular with each passing year, many of 2026's biggest hits have felt like major milestones – or even genuine cultural events.

When it comes to the best games released this year, every gamer has their own preferences and maybe even early GOTY contenders, especially with the emergence of several smaller titles on Steam in recent months. For this list, however, we've strived highlight the best, most impactful and most discussed high-quality games of the first half of 2026 so far, ranked them and focused on what makes them must-have games for every gamerregardless of taste.

7

Marathon

Not quite the next big thing, but still totally unique

Even before the launch, Marathon became a focal point for discussions around the live-service model and the extraction shooter genre as a whole. Some of the recent decisions (incl Destiny 2's sunset) only adds fuel to the fire, which many people blame Marathon rather than considering what is happening in the industry at large. No matter how you cut it, Marathon is undoubtedly one of the most discussed and divisive games of the year so far.

Even if Marathon isn't 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 firsthand so you can form your own opinion. For some players, it has become one of the best shooters in years, providing a tense and fresh experience that you simply won't get anywhere else. The first post-launch additions like the Cryo Archive only reinforce the game's unique appeal: demanding, yet endlessly rewarding and absolutely memorable.

6

Pragmatics

Meant to be played rather than watched

Pragmatics took quite a while to release, going through numerous delays as Capcom tried to get the game's experimental puzzle-driven combat just right. Needless to say, all the waiting has been justified. Pragmatics emerged as a genuinely fresh third-person shooter with a truly unique hacking layer. From the graphics and world building to the story and character dynamics, the game works admirably, but the gameplay is the real king here.

Pragmatics is the kind of game you can't really make up your mind about without playing it. Its gameplay looks deceptively simplistic and almost too arcadian, but it clicks beautifully when you pick up the controller and start experimenting with weapons and hacking. While not a groundbreaking masterpiece with endless ambitions, Pragmatics is a welcome reminder of simpler times when AAA games were allowed to be simple and fun while pushing boundaries in bold ways.

5

Slay the Spire 2

Better in almost every way

Slay the Spire 2 was expected to generate some buzz in early access, but the sequel to the beloved deck-building roguelike has exceeded even the wildest expectations. Bigger, better and deeper in almost every way compared to the already near-perfect original, Slay the Spire 2 can be a realtime sink even in its early version. It's best to ignore some minor hiccups surrounding it, like the unpopular changes to cards and abilities (expected from early asset titles) that led to review bombing.

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

4

007 First light

Lands where it belongs

007 First light is one of the most inspiring video game stories of recent times, seemingly the product of a chain of big decisions. A perfect combination with Hitman developers that fit the 007 spy world like a glove, a relevant modern story revolving around AI, the casting of Patrick Gibson as James Bond, who fully embodies the iconic character without feeling like a copycat, and the right inspirations taken from games like Uncharted — 007 First light is a cinematic, story-driven delight for action fans that feels like stepping right into a blockbuster hit.

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

3

Crimson Desert

Messy open world masterpiece

As Marathon, Crimson Desert is by no means a perfect game and remains a fairly fragmented 2026 open-world title. Yet it undeniably is Crimson Desert offers something you will struggle to find anywhere else. The game is so packed with features, gameplay mechanics, reactive capabilities and mind-blowing discoveries that it can literally keep you wondering for over a hundred hours, provided you don't bounce off it during opening hours and can overlook its often nonsensical, convoluted storytelling and very basic mission design.

Still, considering how ambitious Crimson Desert is, it's truly admirable that a game this packed works at all. Many fans have already crowned it one of their favorite open-world titles of this generation, citing its unique ability to deliver non-stop discovery almost like the legendary Skyrim. Another highlight is the team's exceptional post-launch support, with quick patches and added features 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 basically the exact same game as its predecessors under a fresh skin. Somehow, it's still an absolute joy to play with an almost therapeutic effect. FH6s the combination of an amazing open world in Japan, a great soundtrack, unparalleled visuals and satisfying driving brings nothing but positive emotions and wins over even newcomers who usually do not care about racing games. It's just so good to explore and cruise around.

Still, though Forza Horizon 6 is probably the best open-world driving game out there, it's clear that the series needs much bigger and bolder changes in its next entry. With the upcoming Coupling promises to shake up the genre in 2027, it could finally be the true competitor that the Playground Games franchise has been missing for years – one that pushes it towards more creativity and risk at its core.

1

Resident Evil Requiem

More like Alive and Well

Undoubtedly, Resident Evil Requiem is among the best games of the year and a fantastic best-selling hit, all but guaranteeing a GOTY nomination down the road. Capcom really did the impossible here, delivering a main entry in their flagship series with such confidence that it's hard to find anyone dissatisfied. With all the right lessons from the horror and action foundations of the series, RE9 Requiem mixing them in near-perfect proportions and injecting just the right amount of creativity and nostalgia into the packaging.

From the triumphant return of Leon S. Kennedy, complete with flawless design choices and a roaring action style to match even RE4 Remaketo genuine horror episodes that can make even seasoned fans cringe, Requiem builds on the best parts of both RE7 and RE Village. It is a quintessence Resident Evil experience you don't want to miss.