Top 20 Upcoming Video Games in 2026 That Could Smash Every Record

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2026 is shaping up to be one of the biggest years gaming has ever seen. New hardware cycles are maturing, Nintendo’s next-gen console is expected to be in full swing, and publishers are lining up upcoming video games for 2026 that look built for massive sales, huge streaming numbers, and viral cultural moments.

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From juggernauts like GTA 6 to bold new IPs and long-awaited sequels, the 2026 lineup is already intense—and we still haven’t seen everything. This guide looks ahead at the most anticipated games of 2026, focusing on the titles most likely to break records in one way or another: revenue, player counts, watch time, or platform impact.

You’ll find a mix of 2026 PS5 games, Xbox exclusives, upcoming PC games 2026, and big Nintendo Switch 2 games 2026 that could redefine their genres.

How We Chose These Upcoming Video Games for 2026 Record-Breakers

Not every exciting release automatically counts as “record-breaking.” For this list of the best upcoming games of 2026, we looked at four big factors:

1. Franchise Power

Games from huge series naturally have higher ceilings. Titles tied to global brands like Grand Theft Auto, Resident Evil, World of Warcraft, Dragon Quest, Fire Emblem, and Pokémon already have millions of fans waiting to spend money on day one.

2. Platform Impact

Some games are clearly designed as system sellers. Think:

A major PS5 exclusive like Marvel’s Wolverine
Xbox tentpoles like Fable and Forza Horizon 6
Rumoured and confirmed Switch 2 exclusives like The Duskbloods, Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave, and Pokémon Pokopia

These games can break records in hardware attach rate and subscription engagement.

3. Technical and Design Ambition

We also looked at games that push boundaries: huge open worlds, new engines, experimental storytelling, or deep live-service plans. Titles like Crimson Desert, The Blood of Dawnwalker, Beast of Reincarnation, and Saros fall into this camp.

4. Cultural Crossover

Finally, some releases don’t just live in gaming—they spill into broader culture. Star Wars, James Bond, Marvel, Pokémon, and World of Warcraft all have massive media ecosystems that can amplify a launch, from streaming to merchandise.

With that in mind, here are the top 20 upcoming video games of 2026 that look ready to smash records.

1. Grand Theft Auto 6 – The One Game Everyone Expects to Break Everything

No surprise: GTA 6 is the headline act for 2026. After years of speculation, delays, and teaser trailers, it’s finally slated to arrive in late 2026 on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S.

Why GTA 6 Could Be the Biggest Game of All Time

Sales potential: GTA 5 became one of the best-selling games in history. A true next-gen sequel, built for modern hardware from the ground up, has a real chance to outpace even that.
Cultural reach: A new GTA doesn’t just trend in gaming circles. It dominates mainstream news, social media, music, memes, and streaming.
Streaming magnet: The open-world chaos, role-play servers, and endless viral moments practically guarantee GTA 6 will rule Twitch, YouTube, and TikTok.

If any title is going to redefine “record-breaking” for 2026 game releases, it’s this one.

2. Marvel’s Wolverine – PS5’s Next Big System Seller

Insomniac proved what it can do with Marvel heroes through the Spider-Man games. Marvel’s Wolverine, currently targeting a 2026 window on PS5, is built to hit that same level—or higher.

Why It’s One of the Most Anticipated Games of 2026

Studio pedigree: Fast, fluid action and cinematic storytelling are now Insomniac’s trademarks.
Mature tone: Wolverine allows for darker themes, more brutal combat, and more grounded character work than many superhero games.
Platform weapon: With a 2026 launch, Wolverine is perfectly placed to carry PS5 into the second half of the generation.

For upcoming PS5 games 2026, this is the one likely to headline Sony’s marketing—and break records for superhero game sales and review scores.

3. Resident Evil Requiem – Horror’s Next Blockbuster Moment

Capcom’s modern Resident Evil run has been on fire, and Resident Evil Requiem extends that hot streak into 2026 with a new protagonist and a return to the ruins of Raccoon City.

Why It Could Shatter Horror Records

Legacy brand: Resident Evil remains the benchmark for big-budget horror.
Streaming fuel: Jumpscares, boss fights, and blind playthroughs keep horror games near the top of streaming charts.
Global appeal: The series has a huge footprint in both Western and Asian markets.

For horror fans looking at upcoming video games in 2026, Requiem is the one poised to dominate sales, streams, and late-night jump-scare compilations.

4. World of Warcraft: Midnight – A Legendary MMO’s Biggest Expansion Yet

World of Warcraft: Midnight lands in March 2026 and brings with it something fans have begged for for years: Player Housing.

Why Midnight Might Break MMO Records

Housing hype: Customisable housing could pull lapsed players back in and keep current players grinding for décor, cosmetics, and flex pieces.
New systems and story: As part of the Worldsoul Saga, Midnight continues a multi-expansion narrative that’s reshaping the long-running MMO.
Streaming and community content: Housing showcases, design tours, and PvE content will give creators unlimited material.

In the MMO space, Midnight is easily one of the best upcoming games of 2026 for engagement and long-tail revenue.

5. 007: First Light – A New Origin for James Bond

007: First Light aims to reintroduce James Bond to modern gaming audiences as a younger, less experienced agent in an origin-style story.

Why It’s a Record Threat

IO Interactive’s expertise: The studio’s work on Hitman shows it understands stealth, social infiltration, and sandbox design.
Bond brand power: A good Bond game can tap into fans of the films, novels, and spy thrillers far beyond core gamers.
Replayability: Assassination sandboxes and multiple approaches to missions can keep people replaying the same levels for months.

If it lands, First Light could become the best-selling Bond game ever and a regular fixture in stealth and action rankings.

6. Crimson Desert – Open-World Spectacle With Serious Ambition

Pearl Abyss’s Crimson Desert has been teased for years. In 2026, it’s finally targeting a release as a sprawling, cinematic open-world action RPG.

Why It Could Break Records

Visual showcase: Every trailer so far positions Crimson Desert as one of the most technically impressive upcoming PC games of 2026 and console releases.
Global appeal: With Korean MMO expertise behind it, Pearl Abyss understands systems that keep players hooked.
Cross-platform reach: Launching across PC, PS5, and Xbox gives it a massive installed base.

If it delivers on its promise, Crimson Desert could become the next big open-world obsession after Elden Ring and GTA.

7. The Blood of Dawnwalker – Gothic RPG From Witcher Veterans

From a team of ex-Witcher developers, The Blood of Dawnwalker is a dark fantasy RPG with a strong focus on narrative choices and a doomed, Gothic world.

Why It’s One to Watch

Creative pedigree: Fans hungry for more Witcher-style storytelling will have this near the top of their most anticipated games of 2026 lists.
Distinct tone: Vampiric curses, grim cities, and a mature storyline differentiate it from brighter, more heroic RPGs.
AA prestige: It has the chance to punch well above its budget and become a critical darling that sells primarily on word of mouth.

It might not match GTA 6’s raw numbers, but Dawnwalker could break records for its scale of success relative to scope and budget.

8. Fable – Albion Comes Back in Style

The beloved Xbox action-RPG series returns in 2026 with a full reboot simply titled Fable, developed by Playground Games.

Why Fable Matters in 2026

Beloved brand: Fable has a special place in Xbox history, and nostalgia remains strong.
Modern tech: Playground’s work on Forza Horizon shows it can build large, beautiful worlds.
Game Pass boost: Landing day one on Xbox Game Pass would give Fable an enormous player base from day one.

Among upcoming Xbox Series X games in 2026, Fable is the one that could reset the bar for Microsoft’s first-party RPGs.

9. Forza Horizon 6 – Open-World Racing in Japan

The Forza Horizon series is already one of the biggest names in racing. Forza Horizon 6 reportedly heads to Japan and could become the most-played entry yet.

Record-Breaking Potential

Dream setting: Fans have asked for a Japan map for years—mountain passes, neon cities, and coastal roads all in one.
Live-service power: Seasonal content, car drops, and festivals keep players coming back.
Showpiece for hardware: As a visual benchmark, it could be the de facto demo game for high-end TVs and consoles.

Forza Horizon 6 is a strong candidate to set new records in concurrent players and total hours driven.

10. The Duskbloods – FromSoftware Targets the Switch 2

The Duskbloods is widely reported as a FromSoftware action-RPG designed specifically for Nintendo’s next-gen hardware.

Why It Could Be Huge

Soulslike on a Nintendo flagship: That combination alone will pull in both hardcore and curious Switch players.
Portable punishment: The idea of deep, precise combat in a portable format has already worked for many indie games—this is the big-budget version.
System seller: For the Switch 2, this could be the “you need this console” title for hardcore fans.

For Nintendo Switch 2 games in 2026, The Duskbloods might become the defining “core gamer” experience.

11. Star Wars: Zero Company – Strategy in a Galaxy Far, Far Away

Star Wars: Zero Company brings turn-based tactics to one of the biggest universes in entertainment.

Why It Might Break Strategy Game Records

Star Wars brand: There’s a gigantic built-in audience ready to try almost any decent Star Wars game.
Tactics boom: Turn-based strategy has found fresh life in recent years; Star Wars could push it to new heights.
Cross-platform: Hitting PC and consoles simultaneously widens its ceiling.

If it balances accessibility with depth, Zero Company could stand alongside XCOM as a modern tactics staple.

12. Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls – Esports-Ready Marvel Brawler

Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls is pitched as a 4v4 tag-team fighter starring a wide roster of Marvel heroes and villains.

Why It Could Break Fighting Game Records

Esports focus: Team-based, tag-style combat is perfect for tournaments and highlight reels.
Marvel roster: A wide variety of fan-favourite characters means broad, instant appeal.
Long-tail DLC: New fighters and stages can sustain the game for years.

Among the upcoming AAA games of 2026, this one could dominate FGC events if the netcode and balance are solid.

13. Nioh 3 – Hardcore Action Refined Again

Team Ninja’s Nioh 3 continues the fast, complex, loot-driven samurai action that made the first two entries cult favourites.

Why It Could Surpass Its Predecessors

Soulslike momentum: The genre is bigger now than when the first Nioh launched.
Combat depth: Nioh’s stance system and layered builds reward mastery, which players now actively seek.
Next-gen only: Focusing on current hardware can mean larger levels, smarter enemies, and faster load times.

For fans scanning lists of upcoming PC games 2026 and PS5 releases, Nioh 3 is an instant wishlist add.

14. Dragon Quest VII Reimagined – A Classic Reborn

Dragon Quest VII Reimagined brings a classic JRPG into a modern format for a global audience.

Why It Could Break JRPG Records

Dragon Quest’s name: The series is a giant in Japan and increasingly popular worldwide.
Modernised design: Quality-of-life improvements, updated visuals, and streamlined pacing can make an older masterpiece feel fresh.
Multi-platform reach: Launching across consoles and PC multiplies its chance to hit new sales peaks.

If done right, this could become the highest-selling version of Dragon Quest VII and a beacon for traditional JRPGs in 2026.

15. Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave – Strategy for the Switch 2 Era

Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave is expected to be a flagship strategy RPG for Nintendo’s next system.

Why It’s a Big Deal

Post–Three Houses momentum: The series hit a new high with Three Houses, bringing in many new fans.
Hybrid appeal: Turn-based battles suit handheld sessions, while big story beats play well on the TV.
System push: As a major first-party release, it will be central to the Switch 2’s marketing.

For Nintendo Switch 2 games in 2026, Fortune’s Weave could set a new record for Fire Emblem sales and engagement.

16. Pokémon Pokopia – Cozy, Creative, and Timed With an Anniversary

Pokémon Pokopia shifts focus from battling to building a Pokémon utopia, with you taking the role of a Ditto that can transform and help residents.

Potential Record-Breaking Angles

Broader audience: A cozy life-sim direction opens the door for players who find traditional Pokémon battles too stressful or complex.
30th anniversary timing: Releasing close to Pokémon’s big milestone adds extra hype.
Content potential: Decorating, collecting, and sharing designs can keep players engaged for hundreds of hours.

Pokopia gives Pokémon a new lane to dominate: the life-sim and “cozy game” niche.

17. Beast of Reincarnation – Game Freak Steps Beyond Pokémon

With Beast of Reincarnation, Game Freak moves into a dark action-RPG set in a post-apocalyptic Japan.

Why It Could Surprise Everyone

Studio curiosity: Fans want to see what Game Freak can do when it isn’t locked into Pokémon’s tone and structure.
Striking art: Early looks suggest a moody, painterly world with strange creatures and haunting environments.
Combat focus: Tight, challenging combat could appeal to Soulslike and character-action fans alike.

If it connects, Beast of Reincarnation could break records as Game Freak’s most successful non-Pokémon title.

18. Saros – Bullet-Ballet Roguelite on PS5

Saros comes from the team behind Returnal, leaning into fast, replayable sci-fi action again—but with a fresh spin.

Why Saros Could Be Huge in 2026

Roguelite popularity: The genre has massive staying power, combining skill-based gameplay with endless variety.
PS5 showcase: Expect dense particle effects, responsive controls, and 3D audio that flex Sony’s hardware.
Streaming-friendly: Each run is unique, which keeps streams fresh and engaging.

For players who love high skill ceilings and endless content, Saros will be one of the best upcoming games of 2026 to keep an eye on.

19. Witchbrook – Stardew Meets Witch School

After some delays, Witchbrook is now aiming at a 2026 release window. It mixes farming-sim style structure with magical school life.

Why It Might Quietly Break Records

Life-sim boom: Cozy, relationship-driven games continue to dominate wishlists and playtime charts.
Stardew-style hooks: Time management, relationship building, and town development can keep players hooked for years.
Strong aesthetic: A charming pixel-art style and relaxed pacing make it easy to recommend.

Witchbrook might not dominate headlines like GTA 6, but it has the potential to set records for hours played and long-term engagement in its niche.

20. Deus Ex Remastered – A Classic Immersive Sim for a New Generation

Finally, Deus Ex Remastered revisits one of the most influential immersive sims ever made, updating it for modern platforms.

Record-Breaking Opportunity

Nostalgia plus accessibility: Older fans return for the nostalgia; new players finally get a “definitive” version.
Genre visibility: Immersive sims influence everything from RPGs to shooters; a high-profile remaster can reignite broader interest.
Bundle and discount power: Expect this to be heavily featured in sales, making it a constant presence on charts.

If it launches in polished form, this remaster could easily become the best-selling version of Deus Ex in history.

Key 2026 Release Windows to Watch

Several months in 2026 are shaping up to be especially crowded:

Early 2026: JRPGs, remasters, and hardcore action (Dragon Quest VII Reimagined, Nioh 3, Resident Evil Requiem, Deus Ex Remastered).
Spring 2026: Big cinematic and open-world pushes (Crimson Desert, 007: First Light, Saros).
Mid-to-late 2026: Platform flagships and mega-hits (Marvel’s Wolverine, Fable, The Duskbloods, Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave, Pokémon Pokopia, GTA 6).
March 2026: MMOs and live-service power plays (World of Warcraft: Midnight).

If you care about staying on top of upcoming video games in 2026, these are the windows that will generate the most noise.

How 2026’s Games Could Reshape the Industry

With next-gen hardware maturing and global studios pushing boundaries, 2026 could shift long-term trends in game design, business models, and player habits. Expect stronger competition across platforms and deeper live-service integration.

Platform Wars Intensify

Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo each have at least one potential record-breaker on the slate. Wolverine for PS5, Fable and Forza for Xbox, and The Duskbloods plus Fire Emblem and Pokémon for Switch 2 ensure that exclusives remain central to hardware strategy.

Streaming and Creator Economy

GTA 6, Resident Evil Requiem, Saros, Beast of Reincarnation, and Witchbrook all have strong streaming and creator angles—whether that’s chaotic open-world gameplay, high-skill combat, or cozy, binge-friendly loops.

Subscriptions and Live-Service

Game Pass, PS Plus, and long-tail content will matter more than ever. Fable, Crimson Desert, Midnight, and Star Wars: Zero Company all look built for multi-year support, not quick one-and-done launches.

Planning Your 2026 Gaming Budget

With so many upcoming video games in 2026 chasing your time and money, a simple strategy helps:

Pick your “must-buy now” titles: Maybe that’s GTA 6, Marvel’s Wolverine, or World of Warcraft: Midnight if you’re an MMO fan.
Leverage subscriptions: Expect several games here to land on Game Pass or premium subscription tiers—ideal for trying before committing fully.
Wishlist everything: On PC and consoles, wishlisting keeps you updated on discounts and release news.
Balance genres: Mix one huge open-world RPG with shorter or more focused games like Nioh 3, Star Wars: Zero Company, or Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls.

FAQs About Upcoming Video Games in 2026

What are the most anticipated games of 2026?

The biggest headline titles include GTA 6, Marvel’s Wolverine, Resident Evil Requiem, World of Warcraft: Midnight, Fable, Crimson Desert, The Duskbloods, and Pokémon Pokopia, plus several ambitious new IPs like Beast of Reincarnation and The Blood of Dawnwalker.

Which upcoming PS5 games in 2026 should I watch?

Marvel’s Wolverine, Saros, Nioh 3, Crimson Desert, 007: First Light, and Deus Ex Remastered all look set to make big waves on PS5.

What are the key Nintendo Switch 2 games for 2026?

The main stand-outs are The Duskbloods, Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave, Pokémon Pokopia, and likely ports or enhanced versions of major multi-platform titles.

Are there big upcoming PC games in 2026 outside of GTA 6?

Yes. Crimson Desert, Resident Evil Requiem, Dragon Quest VII Reimagined, Star Wars: Zero Company, Beast of Reincarnation, and Witchbrook are all major PC releases to watch.

Will every game listed here actually release in 2026?

Release calendars shift constantly. Some titles may slip into 2027, while new contenders can still be announced. But as of now, these are the upcoming video games 2026 most likely to dominate the conversation—and the charts.

Final Thoughts

2026 doesn’t just look like “another strong year.” It looks like a super-cycle where long-delayed mega-projects, ambitious new IP, and platform-defining exclusives all collide.

Whether you’re into giant open worlds, tight action, cozy sims, or tactical strategy, the slate of best upcoming games 2026 is stacked enough to keep you busy for years.

The only real question is simple: