Video Games We Are Excited To Play in 2026

Another year has gone and passed, and that means one sure thing: another exciting year for video games! 2026 seems to be stacked with interesting indie titles as well as AAA behemoths like GTA VI (that remains to be seen). So with so much to play, where to start? Well, here are just some games that we’re excited to play.

Blaze’s Picks

Reanimal

Back in 2024, when Tarsier Studios, the creators of Little Nightmares, announced they had been working on something much more dark and twisted called Reanimal, I was hooked. I love the style of ‘toy box horror’ games, and I’m always looking for more. So, this cinematic horror game feels perfect for me.  You’ll follow two siblings trapped in a hellish world looking for their friends. From what we can tell, they have taken to a much darker tone, as evident from the trailer. It has an almost monochrome palette and nerve-wracking chase scenes, tied with horrifically mutated animals hunting the children down. 

I’m a big fan of the more visual and atmospheric storytelling of horror games. It’s interesting to study the game, looking for visual tells to see how the world communicates a story; especially when the fans come together to discuss theories. It makes me wonder if Little Nightmares and Reanimal are connected somehow? Regardless, we’ll deal with that nightmare together when it comes out on February 13th 2026.

Cult of the Lamb: Woolhaven

More Cult of the Lamb lore, you say? Now that I can worship. 

Aside from the addictive gameplay, beautifully twisted art style and outstanding soundtrack, the lore and world-building of Cult of the Lamb is really what drew me into the game originally. Woolhaven seems to be giving us all of that and more, whilst raising a bunch of questions. How can we rebuild the lost tribe of the lambs? Who is this lost god atop the mountain? And what truly happened during the slaughter in the past? I can’t wait to meet all the characters and hear their stories in this harsh winter. So I’m grabbing my gear and getting ready to climb up and uncover the past. 

Building up the cult is already fun and it is expanding, giving us more room to now raise livestock, craft new gear and weapons. You can build a plethora of devices to make sure your cult members stay warm, and importantly, in line. We have been blessed with the free updates over the years so I’m excited to see what this massive story expansion is about and experience everything it brings with it; because I know it’s gonna something worth worshipping.

Dragon Quest VII Reimagined

Dragon Quest has always been a favourite of mine; I love to get lost in the wonderfully in-depth worlds, meeting interesting characters and monsters alike. Having the Erdrick trilogy remade was amazing, then having VII announced as well was a very unexpected welcome. VII has streamlined some of the story and expanded parts, which gives a fresh experience to returning players, and a nice entry to new players. This undoubtedly will make the game even more enjoyable to play, and it’s always nice to have new party members join the fandom. 

With the upgrade of vocations, spells and abilities, I’m excited to try the combination of vocations via the moonlighting mechanic. Now with all 5 party members traveling together, and a new arena with returning monsters, strategizing will be much more fun. I love the new art style of the reimagining as it gives a doll like look to the characters, but keeps the traditional Dragon Quest charm.

Riley’s Picks

Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma

Demon Tides

There’s always one big and exciting 3D platformer on the horizon. 2026’s is easily Demon Tides. A sequel to Demon Turf, this one ups the visuals, the style and the execution to new heights. Bundled with a nautical theme and some kick ass manoeuvres, this one is the one to watch. If you’re the type of person who enjoyed Astro Bot and longed for more clever and well-executed platforming games, this is for you! Please do not overlook this title, it deserves to do well and it absolutely should be on your wishlist if you love 3D platformers. Plus, there’s a demo on Steam! You got nothing to lose!

Halo: Campaign Evolved

I’m still blown away by the fact that Halo is actually releasing on PlayStation. There’s going to be something quite bizarre about holding a physical copy of Halo for PS5. Weirdness aside, the original Halo title is an incredible experience which is often overlooked for its sequel. The fact this is being lovingly crafted into a modern and accessible experience with extra content that slides in effortlessly is fantastic. It’s going to be a lot of players’ introduction to Master Chief, and this is a great way to do so. Who knows, maybe it’ll lead to the Master Chief Collection? Halo Reach on PS5 may be just out of my grasp, for now.

Steins;Gate Re:boot

The Science Adventure series is one I hold close to my heart. And while it’s been 5 years since the announcement of the third entry, Mages has delivered us a definitive release of the original. Are they milking the original title? Maybe. But, with the promise of new content and updated visuals from a Huke with 15 years of improvement in the craft, it stands to be a masterpiece. What this new content actually entails is ambiguous, but more is always good.

Maybe this means we’ll finally get “Steins;Gate 0 Elite“, someday, but this will appease me for now. Frankly, take as long as you need with the newest entry. I’d rather a product on par with the quality of the first two entries than a rushed job to hit an arbitrary deadline. If you haven’t read this wonderful sci-fi/time travel adventure, then you absolutely must. It might just be the best time travel story in all fiction, maybe.

STAR WARS: Galactic Racer

I am a sucker for a good racing game, and I recently completed Star Wars Racer for the PS1. While it was fun, it definitely showed its age, and I thought to myself that a modern interpretation could be pretty exciting. Flash forward to The Game Awards, and to my surprise, a brand new Star Wars Racer title, and it looks great? Colour me surprised! The fact that it’s developed by members of the teams that made Burnout have me even more excited (those titles cemented my love for hectic racers). We don’t know much yet, but I am sure to keep an eye on this one; it should be great if it isn’t filled with microtransactions!

Big Hops

As is standard fare around here, I am talking about a 3D Platformer. Big surprise, right? Well, Big Hops is an indie platformer that stars a frog who utilises his tongue for traversal. He swings, grapples and fights his way across levels with high-speed platforming and parkour. It rewards precise platforming through its gameplay and seems to boast a lot of technical depth. The visuals are outstanding, too, looking directly out of old school Saturday morning cartoons. This feels like a nostalgic throwback, whilst simultaneously pushing the genre forward in new and exciting ways.

Pokémon Champions

What can I say? I’m a sucker for Pokémon, despite the issues the last few entries have had. But Champions, this could be big. I used to be really into the competitive scene back in Generation 6, even entering official competitions. I fell off as I joined the workforce, but the alluring call of the scene has always been there. I’ll jump into Showdown on occasion, so I’m hoping the accessibility here is open enough to replace that experience.

Accessible competitive Pokémon battles with gimmicks from across the series with access to Pokémon Home? I’ve been asking for it since Home‘s inception, and I’m so glad it’ll finally be here next year. Just please don’t let me down, it’ll sting all the more.

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Thanks for reading our list! Are there any games you’re excited for in 2026? Have we missed something huge and surprising (“ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE“, YOU ANIMALS!”- Editor)? Let us know what you’re going to pick up next year, or if you’re going to use it as a catch-up year!