2026 is shaping up to be a huge year for gaming. While big names will grab headlines, many exciting releases are flying slightly under the radar.
These are the games you should genuinely watch out for—not just because of hype, but because of what they’re trying to do differently.
10 Highly Anticipated Games of 2026 You Should Keep an Eye On
1. Code Vein II
Code Vein II is already signaling that it is going to take the anime-style action RPGs to a higher level. You wander through a dying world where memory and bloodthirst are the main motives, faster fighting, and complex character relationships.
The support of your companions is more important this time, both in battle and in story scenes. If you are fond of hard-hitting battles along with moving narratives, then this game certainly deserves your notice.
2. Nioh 3
Nioh 3 is committing to the roots of the series: intricate stance-based battle, and extremely strong opposition. Instead of making it easier, it goes for the depth and complexity.
You battle through myth-soaked Japan with smoothened gameplay, more diverse enemies, and greater skill required. If you are into action that requires a lot of mastery, then this might be one of the most satisfying games of 2026.
3. Pragmata
Pragmata is a bold move from Capcom—and that’s exactly the reason for its excitement. You will be wandering around a ruined moon research center as two characters having different powers. The game will concentrate more on mystery, creating atmosphere, and survival, rather than on traumas by constant fighting. If you like slow-burning sci-fi narratives and odd game design, this might be a catchy title.
4. Saros
Saros inherits the fast and brutal combat style of Returnal and strengthens it with a greater narrative emphasis. An alien world awaits you, where dying is part of the walk and not an end to it. Character development and storytelling are the two sides of the same coin that every run offers. If you are a fan of heavy action interspersed with gradual development, then Saros is a title that deserves your attention.
5. 007 First Light
This is not an ordinary shooter with a Bond mask on it. 007 First Light emphasizes stealth, gadgets, and slow-burn espionage. You witness Bond at the beginning of his career, desperately trying to survive and think like a spy. If you like to plan, sneak, and make smart choices instead of engaging in nonstop shooting, then this game could be a surprise hit.
6. Control Resonant
Control Resonant goes further than Remedy’s obscure universe to a distorted Manhattan. You become Dylan Faden, who performs reality-bending powers in both combat and exploration. The game combines shooting, melee combat and psychological storytelling. If your taste lies in weird worlds and multilayered mysteries, then this one has a great potential.
7. Phantom Blade Zero
Phantom Blade Zero is a mix of martial arts, steampunk, and fast-paced battle from a third-person perspective. You are an assassin who has been wrongly accused of killing someone, and with your decisions, you will be determining the outcome of a conspiracy. The battles are dazzling yet intricate, and the open world encourages you to explore it. If you are looking for something that is both eye-catching and demands your skill, this one might turn out to be unique.
8. The Blood of Dawnwalker
The uniqueness of this vampire RPG comes from the fact that time is a crucial factor in the game. During the day, you are a human and during the night, you are a vampire, and your decisions will have an impact on the world. You can even advance to the final goal early—at a real cost. If you are a fan of moral choices that have consequences and of being able to play in different ways, then this game is definitely one of the most exciting ideas of 2026.
9. The Duskbloods
The Duskbloods is FromSoftware toying with the idea of a competitive multiplayer RPG. You cast blood-based powers at your enemies and players alike in a dark gothic world. Tactics take as much as one’s combat skills. If you are the one who likes the mixing of PvE and PvP with rich backstory, then this could be a striking new path.
10. Onimusha: Way of the Sword
After a hiatus of twenty years, Onimusha comes back at last. Way of the Sword is all about the players’ skillful use of melee combat, parries, and supernatural foes in the Edo period of Japan. It remains true to the classic formula but, at the same time, it extends its modern appeal. If you love swordplay that is demanding in terms of timing and discipline, then you might be able to manage the wait for this revival.
2026 isn’t just about the biggest names. It’s about games that take risks—new worlds, new systems, and fresh ideas. If you’re willing to look beyond the obvious releases, these titles could end up being the ones you remember most.
