Must-Play Games Of 2026 So Far, Ranked

Even amid the relatively quiet summer period we find ourselves in now, it’s hard to deny that 2026 is shaping up as an exceptional year for video games. Many long-awaited titles that were teased for years have already been released or will launch in the next few months, delivering some of the best games we’ve seen this entire generation. As gaming becomes more popular with each passing year, many of 2026’s greatest hits have felt like major milestones — or even genuine cultural events.

When it comes to the best games released this year, every player has their own preferences and maybe even early GOTY contenders, especially with the rise of several smaller titles on Steam in recent months. For this list, though, we’ve aimed to highlight the best, most impactful, and most discussed high-quality games of the first half of 2026 so far, ranking them and focusing on what makes them must-plays for every gamer, regardless of taste.

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7

Marathon

Not Quite the Next Big Thing, Yet Absolutely Unique

Even before launch, Marathon became a focal point of discussions surrounding the live-service model and the extraction shooter genre as a whole. Some of the latest decisions (including Destiny 2’s sunset) only add fuel to the fire, as many people blame Marathon rather than considering what’s happening across the industry at large. No matter how you slice 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 given that it’s just the start of a years-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 shooter games in years, delivering a tense and fresh experience you simply won’t get elsewhere. The first post-launch additions like Cryo Archive only strengthen the game’s unique appeal: demanding, yet endlessly rewarding and absolutely memorable.

6

Pragmata

Meant to Be Played Rather Than Watched

Pragmata took quite some time 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. Pragmata 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 its gameplay is the real king here.

Pragmata is the kind of game you can’t quite make up your mind about without playing it. Its gameplay looks deceptively simplistic and almost too arcade-y, but it clicks beautifully once you take the controller in hand and start experimenting with weapons and hacking. While not a groundbreaking masterpiece with endless ambition, Pragmata is a welcome reminder of simpler times when AAA games were allowed to be simple and fun while still pushing boundaries in bold ways.

5

Slay the Spire 2

Better in Just About Every Regard

Slay the Spire 2 was expected to generate some buzz in early access, but the sequel to the beloved deck-building roguelike has surpassed even the boldest expectations. Bigger, better, and deeper in just about every regard compared to the already near-perfect original, Slay the Spire 2 can be a real time sink even in its early version. It’s best to ignore some minor hiccups surrounding it, like the unpopular changes to cards and abilities (as is expected from early access titles) that led to review bombing.

True, Slay the Spire 2 might feel more iterative than revolutionary, but why change a winning formula too drastically in the first place? As it stands, while it might be smart to wait for the full launch and console release, it’s already one of the indie kings of 2026, capable of providing countless hours of fun and experimentation with deck builds.

4

007 First Light

Landing Where It Belongs

007 First Light is one of the most inspiring video game stories in recent memory, seemingly the product of a chain of great decisions. A perfect pairing with the Hitman developer that fits the 007 spy world like a glove, a relevant modern-day 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 drawn from games like Uncharted — 007 First Light is a cinematic, story-driven delight for action fans that feels like stepping right into a prestige blockbuster.

There’s little to add here: 007 First Light reaches a high bar across every element, whether stealth, location variety and level design, or unique combat fueled by gadgets and improvisation. While the game definitely fulfills 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 sequels.

3

Crimson Desert

Messy Open-World Masterpiece

Like Marathon, Crimson Desert is by no means a perfect game and remains a rather divisive 2026 open-world title. Still, it’s undeniable that Crimson Desert offers something you’ll struggle to find anywhere else. The game is so packed with features, gameplay mechanics, reactive possibilities, and mind-blowing discoveries that it can literally surprise you for over a hundred hours, provided you won’t bounce off it during the opening hours and can overlook its often nonsensical, convoluted storytelling and very basic quest design.

Still, given 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 discoveries 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 essentially the exact same game as its predecessors under a fresh skin. Somehow, though, it’s still an absolute joy to play with an almost therapeutic effect. FH6’s combination of a stunning open world set in Japan, a fantastic soundtrack, unmatched visuals, and satisfying driving delivers nothing but positive emotions, winning over even newcomers who don’t usually care for racing games. It’s just that good to explore and cruise around.

Still, even if Forza Horizon 6 is probably the best open-world driving game out there, it’s clear the series needs much bigger and bolder changes in the next entry. With the upcoming Clutch promising to shake up the genre in 2027, it might finally become the true competitor the Playground Games franchise has been missing for years — one that pushes it toward more creativity and risk at its foundation.

1

Resident Evil Requiem

More Like Alive and Well

Undoubtedly, Resident Evil Requiem stands among the best games of the year and a smashing best-selling hit, all but guaranteeing a GOTY nomination down the road. Capcom truly did the impossible here, delivering a mainline entry in its flagship series with such confidence that it’s hard to find anyone unsatisfied. Taking all the right lessons from the series’ horror and action foundations, RE9 Requiem blends them in near-perfect proportion, injecting just the right amount of creativity and nostalgia into the package.

From the triumphant return of Leon S. Kennedy, complete with flawless design choices and a roaring action style that matches even the RE4 Remake, to genuine horror sections that can make even seasoned fans flinch, Requiem builds on the best elements of both RE7 and RE Village. It’s a quintessential Resident Evil experience you don’t want to miss.