MYSTERIOUS: The best games of 2026 so far - What They Never Told You

These highly-rated games will be in the conversation when it comes to Game of the Year discussions. Unsure why something is missing? You can take a look at all our reviews to see which ones we gave a full verdict, but we also offer additional curated lists on a genre-by-genre basis, such as the best single-player games, best RPG games, best FPS games, and more! For now, join me as we rundown the best games of 2026 so far!

The best games of 2026, ranked

24. Invincible VS

Developer: Quarter Up | Release date: April 30, 2026 | Platform(s): PC, PS5, Xbox Series X

Licensed fighters can definitely be hit and miss, but Invincible VS manages to land a blow square to the jaw, bloody flecks flying. Built with obvious love for both the source material and fighting games as a genre, this fighter might not push the form forward much but really gets it.

Review Verdict

"A joyfully gory fighting game adaptation," says James Daly, author of our Invincible VS review.

While some of the match-ups feel like they don't make a lot of sense (the curse of any fighting game based on a power-scaling type of media), questions quickly fade into the background as you get hooked on its solid four-button fighter system – similar to the likes of Tekken 8 or Dragon Ball FighterZ. Narratively this is lightweight, and doesn't come close to the source material, but it doesn't have to for this to be a fun fighter in its own right.

23. Crimson Desert

Developer: Pearl Abyss | Release date: March 19, 2026 | Platform(s): PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S

Crimson Desert is an open world action RPG stuffed to the brim with just about every game mechanic you can imagine for the genre. It doesn't make for the greatest gaming story ever told, but it does make for a massive open world sandbox that's easy to lose yourself in.

Review Verdict

"Take time to leave the beaten path and you'll find a game that's far better as a sandbox than as a story," says Joel Franey, author of our Crimson Desert review.

The biggest inspirations seem to be from The Witcher 3 with its gritty world and bloody combat, and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild's approach to open world freedom and puzzling – and there's a touch of the Assassin's Creed's RPGs to it as well. You can tell developer Pearl Abyss are known for MMOs (they made the massive Black Desert Online), as this has a huge amount of side-content to explore that can feel rewarding to find. This adventure is best taken as your own, so set out into the world and explore.

22. Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties

Developer: Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio | Release date: February 12, 2026 | Platform(s): PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch 2

Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties is a remake of the iconic PS3 crime drama, centering on former yakuza with a heart-of-gold Kazuma Kiryu as he attempts to retire and run an orphanage in Okinawa. But won't you believe it, he gets dragged right back in as the land his orphanage is on becomes a valuable piece in a political conspiracy.

Review Verdict

"The meatiest brawling this crime thriller's tackled in years combines with its warmest story," says Oscar Taylor-Kent, author of our Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties review.

In terms of narrative, this remains one of the best Yakuza storylines because of how much it really does grapple with Kiryu trying to leave his criminal life behind, and having to grab that by the horns rather than operate from the shadows. Crunchy real-time brawls return too, which is great to see after recent turn-based and floatier entries. While great side content from the original is missing, and replacement bonuses are a bit hit-and-miss – this is still a great adventure and a solid overhaul of one of the best Yakuza games.

21. Romeo is a Dead Man

Developer: Grasshopper Manufacture | Release date: February 11, 2026 | Platform(s): PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S

Romeo is a Dead Man is a bloodbath-generating time travel hack and slash adventure that isn't quite like anything else, with hyper-violent gunplay and melee. Romeo is plucked out of time just before his death to join the FBI Space-Time task force, coming down on aberrant fluctuations with extreme prejudice, all as he tries to find meaning in this new, strange existence.

Review Verdict

"When this time-traveling hack and slash hits its groove, this is Suda51's bloodiest, sharpest spectacle since No More Heroes," says Joe Chivers, author of our Romeo is a Dead Man review.

The result is an electric experience like little else, with bloody, high-octane clashes, a talking jacket, a mysterious man inside a TV who helps you solve puzzles, and a hub area that shifts perspective from third-person to being in the style of a 16-bit RPG. Creator Suda 51 is known for a certain punk and irreverent style that permeates the likes of Killer7, No More Heroes, or Shadows of the Damned – and it feels like it all coalesces here. So off-kilter is Romeo is a Dead Man, it won't be for everyone, but that feels like a triumph of its own, and only ensures those who are into it will love it all the more.

20. World of Warcraft: Midnight

Developer: Blizzard Entertainment | Release date: March 2, 2026 | Platform(s): PC

World of Warcraft's World Soul Saga continues to go from strength to strength, with World of Warcraft: Midnight being one of our favorite MMORPG expansions in a long time. It's not a complete reinvention of the genre wheel, but small improvements stack up to make this a great time to be invested as a fan.

Review Verdict

"My devotion to this world has been renewed thanks to solid RPG storytelling," says Jen Allen, author of our World of Warcraft: Midnight review.

A great story rewards investment in the saga's characters, while also providing compelling hooks for newcomers, taking you through an RPG adventure that even recontextualizes some old favorite areas. There's a great sense of space to how the tale moves you through each environment, too (and even a few dialogue options). Mini-dungeon Delves are better than ever, and new race Haranir are a great addition alongside the new Demon Hunter Devourer class. For a series now over two decades old, it's great to feel excited about its future again.

19. Mixtape

Developer: Beethoven & Dinosaur | Release date: May 7, 2026 | Platform(s): PC, PS5, Xbox Series X, Nintendo Switch 2

We can debate how much Mixtape is a game until the cow's come home, but to do so is missing the point. Like a real Mixtape, it's better to just let the vibe take over and experience what it has to offer: a humorous, emotional, and often unserious montage of coming-of-age teen moments leading to one big bash before college.

Review Verdict

"Teenage ennui permeates but never overwhelms," says Rollin Bishop, author of our Mixtape review.

Obviously inspired by similar teen movies of the '80s and '90s – John Hughes flicks in particular – Mixtape doesn't evolve much on these concepts except in one big way: it's a video game. Scored by protagonist Stacey's ever-present mixtape (which she breaks the fourth wall to discuss), teen antics become interactive music videos, whether that's busting kickflips to DEVO or joyriding a shopping cart to Rainbow. Another moment has you play out a first kiss by controlling two squelchy tongues with your analogue sticks. This is lightweight but infectious, Mixtape becoming more than the sum of its parts. Just as any good mixtape should.

18. Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight

Developer: TT Games | Release date: May 22, 2026 | Platform(s): PC, PS5, Xbox Series X

Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight is, in some ways, a departure for the Lego series, but that ends up making it less of a departure as a Batman game. Leaning on the Batman Arkham series, this combines the series' high-impact action and open-world discovery with the classic Lego humor better than we expected.

Review Verdict

"Arkham flavor combines with Lego comedy better than I expected, making for a true Bat-Celebration," says Rollin Bishop, author of our Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight review.

The result is a more focused Lego adventure that nevertheless pulls in just about every possible Batman reference across comics, movies, television, and even games to joyfully remix the best bits into what feels like a real celebration. Filled with collectibles to hoover up, a solid storyline to follow, and its fair share of supporting characters (though much more limited than other Lego games), this is a treat for young players and veteran Bat-fans alike.

17. Dosa Divas

Developer: Outerloop Games | Release date: April 14, 2026 | Platform(s): PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch

Dosa Divas sees sisters Samara and Amani reuniting to take on their own third sister, Lina, who has let their family tradition of home-cooked food fester into a mass-produced business. With mech suit Goddess, the pair are able to use flavor profiles to battle enemies, and use its built-in kitchen to whip up street food on the fly.

Review Verdict

"I came for the culinary mechs and Jet Set Radio vibes, I stayed for the emotional rollercoaster," says Luke Kemp, author of our Dosa Divas review.

It's an odd setup that's immediately charming, its fresh world of mech-based food vendors immediately providing a strong hook as you help out the residents of each town to remind them of the love that comes from food culture when it's properly respected. This is a short, snappy RPG (a bit less than ten hours), with lightweight, simple action. But, like the best of dishes, the ingredients all come together to make for something delicious that'll leave you wanting another bite just to taste it again.

16. Yoshi and the Mysterious Book

Developer: Good-Feel | Release date: May 21, 2026 | Platform(s): Nintendo Switch 2

Yoshi's big platforming return might not completely rewrite the genre's book, but it does have a good go at it, trading linear levels for more exploratory challenges that have you filling out a living book until it's bursting at the seams with your creativity that you unearth.

Review Verdict

"Inventive creativity makes Yoshi's welcome comeback worth your time," says Heather Wald, author of our Yoshi and the Mysterious Book review.

In action, that means the colorful Yoshis leaping into Mr E's chapters to encounter new creatures across different worlds, puzzling out how each critter's powers can enable Yoshi to push further and explore more. The goal is more about figuring out what to do, and how to do it, than it is just moving from left to right, and it gives the green dino star a fresh feeling direction that stands apart from Mario's platformers, even if the power-absorbing tips a cap to Kirby.

15. Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection

Developer: Capcom | Release date: March 13, 2026 | Platform(s): PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch 2

This Monster Hunter spin-off series isn't an open world action game, but a more traditional turn-based JRPG that leans into creature collecting instead. Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection is a big improvement on its predecessors, with refined combat and exploration, and an almost Game of Thrones-like weaving plot of political intrigue.

Review Verdict

"This Pokemon-like creature-collecting JRPG evolves to almost match the highs of the main series' hunts," says Alan Wen, author of our Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection review.

In part, it's helped by giving you access to a special Rathalos 'monstie' pal at the beginning of your adventure, this strong and adaptable monster really helping you feel like you're coming into this RPG swinging. The rock-paper-scissors-style combat triangle has more depth than it first appears, and each map is loaded with reasons to poke around. Best of all, while its plot is approachable, it's not afraid to tackle big themes that feel right in-step with the rest of the Monster Hunter world, making you really think about this fantasy ecosystem.

14. Tides of Tomorrow

Developer: Digixart | Release date: April 22, 2026 | Platform(s): PC, PS5, Xbox Series X

Tides of Tomorrow is a narrative-driven microplastics post-apocalypse that manages to feel like a much-needed fresh take on an end-of-the-world scenario, while giving you and fellow players enough agency to consider making a difference to the almost-doomed world.

Review Verdict

"Unique, vibrant, and a genuine thrill, this is a stunning journey that'll stay with you," says Oscar Taylor-Kent, author of our Tides of Tomorrow review.

Awakening from under the sea, you and other players are part of an old world before the fractured remnants of humanity scattered across mostly man-made islands. Your own story is reactive based around what players before you did, resulting in the vibe of a well-crafted theme-park experience as you make decisions and follow returning characters across each island's episodic-like story. It's a quirky concept that could pay off more, but still makes for a shot in the arm for narrative gaming, and those deadly but colorful plastics do make this bright blue tale look simply gorgeous.

13. Styx: Blades of Greed

Developer: Cyanide Studio | Release date: February 19, 2026 | Platform(s): PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S

Like if Metal Gear Solid 5 went goblin mode, Styx: Blades of Greed sees the return of the titular fantasy burglar for another quest to nab shiny goodies. This time around, though, the action goes open world, with each act of the story expanding a handful of big, dense maps with more thieving opportunities.

Review Verdict

"Styx: Blades of Greed takes this dark fantasy stealther open world further with fantastic results, slotting together complex bases to create dense settings for sneaking that neatly expand in complexity," says Oscar Taylor-Kent, author of our Styx: Blades of Greed review.

Here, Styx is after magical Quartz on a world-saving mission that just so happens to also be beneficial to him. After all, if the world ended, there'd be nothing left to steal, right? Objectives are broad and available for Styx to tackle in mostly any order, each map connecting together different structures with multiple points of entry, with Styx having numerous fantasy skills to get the job done. From scrambling up chimneys, poisoning food with his vomit, or creating clone decoys, there are loads of ways to get creative with stealth. It's rare to get any big budget stealth games these days, and we didn't expect this one to impress us so much by genuinely evolving the genre like it does.

12. Demon Tides

Developer: Fabraz | Release date: February 19, 2026 | Platform(s): PC

Demon Tides offers a whole archipelago of platforming levels, each with their own biome, theme, and set of jumping challenges for demon queen Beebz to master. Building on the tricky platforming in Demon Turf, this gorgeous step forward refines the action while adding in loads of customization options that make you feel like you're putting together your own platformer moveset.

Review Verdict

"Super Mario Odyssey and Wind Waker collide in this expressive 3D platformer that's already one of my games of the year," says Oscar Taylor-Kent, author of our Demon Tides review.

Core actions draw from the genre's best, from long jumps to wall runs. Demon transformations add complexity, giving bonuses depending on how you swap between them with each jump, which can then be further customized with talismans. Want extra height on certain moves? More horizontal traversal at the cost of less verticality? Greater speed at the cost of exploding if you stand still? Just strapping on rollerblades? Playing how you want doesn't stop Demon Tides from offering fantastic challenges, even if it ends up a bit easier than Demon Turf. Few 3D platformers feel as joyous as this.

11. Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream

Developer: Nintendo | Release date: April 16, 2026 | Platform(s): Nintendo Switch

Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream is a weird, surreal, and wonderful fishbowl of your own Mii-created oddities that feels like a solid evolution of what's become an iconic social simulator. Filled to the brim with strange events and collectibles, as well as new quirks for your custom characters that really bring them to life, this is better than ever and can be a total time sink as you check in each day.

Review Verdict

"I've finally found the perfect reality TV simulator and my unhinged Miis are the stars," says Emma-Jane Betts, author of our Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream review.

Still, this can feel more like a much needed refinement than anything truly fresh. If you like the previous Tomodachi Life, you'll love this – but nothing is so new that it'll give you a totally new experience or bring you in if you bounced off the last one. It's hard to complain, though, as this is so shockingly off-the-wall and friendly to true customization that we're surprised, delighted, and feeling devilish with what this allows us to get away with.

10. 007 First Light

Developer: IO Interactive | Release date: April 16, 2026 | Platform(s): PC, PS5, Xbox Series X

This isn't just the best Bond game to date, but the best encapsulation of the complete spy thriller fantasy in gaming form. Smartly combing blockbuster spectacle with stealth elements, this knows when to go loud but importantly when to open up spaces for quiet espionage as well.

Review Verdict

"Bond's greatest game to date, this is a well-oiled spy thriller machine," says Josh West, author of our 007 First Light review.

Starring a young James Bond (brilliantly portrayed by Patrick Gibson), this is a terrific origin story that genuinely charts the evolution of the character into the 007 we know from across the series' wider media. Loaded with gadgets, slick snooping evolves on the developer's Hitman series without feeling like a reskin, and can break out into some incredible action when the narrative demands.

9. Forza Horizon 6

Developer: Playground Games | Release date: May 22, 2026 | Platform(s): PC, Xbox Series X

This open-world racer moves the action to Japan, Forza Horizon 6 delivering one of the series' largest, densest, and most detailed maps to date. Heaving with a base amount of solo content, with oodles of multiplayer and updated seasonal activities on top, this is a rich, racing treat.

Review Verdict

"The best Forza Horizon game yet, delivering an astonishingly vast and detailed open world, filled with incredible features," says Justin Towell, author of our Forza Horizon 6 review.

Despite that, this is a bit business as usual for Forza Horizon, with fairly straightforward, arcadey racing events that don't push the boat (or, erm, car) out too much, with an almost theme park-like lack of friction to the world's actual construction. Small gripes, for sure. Modern racers don't get more packed with thrills than this, and grumbling about more high-quality Forza is like grumbling about more delicious cake, but we do hope future entries have a bit more tinkering under the hood.

8. Pragmata

Developer: Capcom | Release date: April 17, 2026 | Platform(s): PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch 2

Pragmata can feel like playing two different sci-fi games at the same time, the controller almost split in half between astronaut Hugh and android Diana as they fight through an AI-controlled space station together, the former blasting away like in an arcade shooter while the latter hacks robot enemies to make them vulnerable.

Review Verdict

"Blasting and hacking in sync has me locked in – Capcom's sci-fi shooter stands strong alongside Resident Evil," says Jasmine Gould-Wilson, author of our Pragmata review.

The story is touching, but lightweight. Instead, Pragmata feels like a real celebration of arcade-style sci-fi action. Capcom is the perfect studio to blend that with modern sensibilities, each time you exit the Shelter safe room to plow through robot enemies almost feeling like an arcade run. It'd be easy to get anxious that this is all too much to balance, but somehow Pragmata manages to give you a lot to do without overwhelming, instead helping you feel locked in to playing it at all times. Just, you might struggle to also pay attention to Family Guy at the same time – Pragmata is almost like second-screening already by design.

7. Saros

Developer: Housemarque | Release date: April 30, 2026 | Platform(s): PS5

Saros exists somewhat in the shadow of the incredible Returnal, but manages to find its own groove to its shooting-heavy roguelike adventuring across a new alien planet. More narrative heavy, and with more ways to power-up, this successfully broadens the appeal of Housemarque's former PS5 exclusive.

Review Verdict

"The final result is pure atmosphere, and sticks with you in all the right ways," says Joel Franey, author of our Saros review.

In fact, it manages to combine some great storytelling that doesn't get in the way with really thrilling, arcade-like gameplay. Hero Arjun is able to use his shield to absorb certain element bullets, a risk/reward that encourages you to get into the fray to truly dominate explosive encounters. So much here is similar to Returnal that it's hard to disentangle the two, but once it clicks, Saros really does manage to feel like an evolution.

6. Titanium Court

Developer: AP Thompson | Release date: April 23, 2026 | Platform(s): PC

Titanium Court is a bizarre blend of match-three, real-time strategy RPG, and narrative-driven puzzler. What's even more bizarre is how well the game's disparate elements don't just go together, but complement one another.

Review Verdict

"A jazzy, off-beat corpcore roguelike that blends match-three with RTS battles in a way that feels effortlessly simple rather than overwhelming complex," says Oscar Taylor-Kent, author of our Titanium Court review.

Before you know it, you're commanding your fairy court to take advantage of shifting market rates, all while carefully merging mountains and cultivating unbroken chains of rivers to provide protection from enemy units. As the battlefield merges and disappears, there's a lot to keep track of as new challenges and story beats emerge – but it manages to be a pleasing brain massage without ever asking too much if you just want to chill. I've not been this hooked on smashing through a puzzler since Balatro.

5. Mewgenics

Developer(s): Edmund McMillen, Tyler Glaiel | Release date: February 10, 2026 | Platform(s): PC

I never thought that a game centred around the tactical breeding of questionable-looking cats would be so good. But I'm happy that Mewgenics proved me wrong. Developed by Edmund McMillen and Tyler Glaiel, here we get the perfect mash-up of The Binding of Isaac, Into the Breach, and a touch of Dungeons and Dragons to give us a truly outstanding strategy roguelike. With each run, you'll need to pick a group of cats and assign them different classes that come with their own abilities and quirks.

Review Verdict

"It's an excellent addition to its creator's already enviable canon, and a notable new pillar in the roguelike pantheon he helped to establish," says Ali Jones in our Mewgenics review.

On said runs, you'll need to win turn-based encounters and often stop by skill checks on your adventures. Basically (if you don't want to get exploded by a cocky rat, or worse), the game relies on your cats having good stats, and you'll want to breed the ultimate crew as you progress to different areas. The gameplay loop is massively fun, but the humor and frankly outstanding soundtrack really tip Mewgenics into being one of the best games you'll play this year.

4. Nioh 3

Developer: Team Ninja | Release date: February 6, 2026 | Platform(s): PC, PS5

Nioh 3 takes the masocore Soulslike series open world, and manages to make it feel like a huge improvement rather than a gimmick. Each large map is dense with activities, and the wideness means you can poke and prod as you please without feeling like you're stuck on a single challenge. Well, most of the time, that is. Nioh 3 still has more traditional levels you access throughout the map, which makes it feel like the best of both worlds.

Review Verdict

"Brutal samurai and ninja clashes across wide maps avoid retreading Elden Ring – this Soulslike is all demon killer, no filler," says Luke Kemp, author of our Nioh 3 review.

Speaking of two worlds, the samurai action of the earlier games is joined by a ninja playstyle. Rather than pick one, you can swap between them with just the press of a button, even mid-combo, creating fluid multi-skill builds that allow you to strike back at even the biggest of yokai demons. Nioh 3 is as challenging as ever, but manages to feel fairly balanced so you have the tools to take on all-comers. This isn't just the most ambitious Nioh yet, but the easiest to get into as well – a great combination.

3. Marathon

Developer: Bungie | Release date: March 5, 2026 | Platform(s): PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S

Marathon is the perfect distillation of everything FPS legend Bungie is great at, combining excellent gun feel with tense player-vs-player combat across truly gorgeous and well-realized sci-fi settings. An extraction shooter, Marathon definitely takes cues from genre titans, but, as ever for Bungie, uses sheer polish to reinvent its vibes almost from the ground up.

Review Verdict

"My favorite multiplayer shooter in years", says Andrew Brown, author of our Marathon review.

With a cyberpunk setting, mixing garish bright colors with a touch of bleakness, you play as a Runner slipping into a Shell on Tau Ceti IV to hoover up goodies and get them out safely on behalf of your contract sponsors. Encouraging conflict, rival players are rarely friendly, but there's still the sense you're all in a mess together, whether that's forging quick alliances out of practicality or simply accepting you've all been thrown into the blender together. Securing gear readies you for big, limited-time events, like the truly brutal yet thrilling Cryo Archive raid. Marathon certainly isn't for everyone, but for those that feel the Shell's calling it's become an obsession for good reason.

2. Pokemon Pokopia

Developer(s): Game Freak, Omega Force | Release date: March 5, 2026 | Platform(s): Nintendo Switch 2

Pokemon Pokopia isn't just one of the best Switch 2 games, but it's also (in our opinion anyway), a system seller that will have you saying "just one more hour" every time you play it. For years cozy gamers have wanted a relaxing Pokemon title in the genre, and Pokopia delivers a well-balanced and truly addictive answer to our prayers. Here you play as a Ditto that takes on the form of their old trainer after waking up in a post-human world.

Review Verdict

"With Animal Crossing-esque chill beats as accompaniment, it's deliciously easy to get caught up in its Pokemon-themed take on the slow life sim," says Sam Loveridge in our Pokemon Pokopia review.

The world is truly in ruins, and it's up to you to restore areas, strategically place items to form Pokemon habitats, and make sure all the Pokemon friends you find are happy and thriving. As a completist, filling up my Pokedex and the new Habitat Dex, is beyond satisfying. That, paired with a surprisingly touching story and the absolutely massive amount of building and colossal maps to decorate, creates a winning formula.

1. Resident Evil Requiem

Developer: Capcom | Release date: February 27, 2025 | Platform(s): PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch 2

Resident Evil Requiem celebrates 30 years of survival horror, tying together plot threads stretching back into series history while also introducing some newer, scarier elements to push the genre forward.

Review Verdict

"A soaring piece of survival horror theater that balances intense action with absolute terror across two heroes, and I can't pick a favorite," says Jasmine Gould-Wilson, author of our Resident Evil Requiem review.

Two heroes help those mesh, with veteran agent Leon Kennedy taking point on bombastic action horror, while newcomer FBI analyst Grace Ashcroft struggles to make it through more classic-themed survival horror. Both are split across one storyline, perspective shifting as the narrative progresses. The detailed environments early game in the Rhodes Hill Care Center really modernize the vibes of the iconic Spencer Mansion, while Raccoon City is the backdrop to cutting through legions of undead. It might not specialize in one form of horror, but this combination manages to feel fresh, making for one of the best Resident Evil games yet.