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Once again, the year in gaming has seen no shortage of high-quality releases and GOTY contenders. Looking ahead,  there are many highly anticipated games coming out in 2026 , but how well will they score when they arrive? That remains to be seen, but, as in previous years, we'll keep track of all the games that hit a  review score of at least 8  and list them below. That doesn't mean that games that fall below that threshold aren't worth your time, as they can still entertain you for hours on end if you can overlook some of their flaws. We'll also be keeping track of those titles below, but for now, the focus here is on must-play games. 2025's best games included Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and Silent Hill F, alongside entries from smaller studios like The Seance of Blake Manor, Dispatch, and Blue Prince. As a reminder, GameSpot does standard game reviews, reviews in progress, and we'll sometimes publish updated reviews of ongoing games if there have been major changes to them. Most of our reviews are also adapted for video, so if you'd like to hear the soothing voices of our producers tell you exactly why a game is worth your time, you can hit up our YouTube page . To keep things simple, we'll be listing the games below alphabetically, based on their scores. We've also added a new section below, because while we may not find time to review every game out this year, there's still plenty that we'd recommend when it comes to gripping entertainment that we jammed during our personal time. Big Walk -- 9 Big Walk is a delightful and refreshing jaunt across a digital frontier that reminds you why video games are at their best when friends are involved. Untitled Goose Game developer House House has put together a charming combo of walking sim, puzzle-solving, and friendslop, and it leaves you to your own devices when you first set foot into a wilderness inspired by the legendary Australian outback. That hands-off approach, clever co-op communication channels, and simple gameplay make for a game that nails the idea of exploration and experimentation. Read our Big Walk review . Available for PC, Switch 2, and PS5. Advertisement Cairn -- 9 Cairn represents a new peak for mountain-climbing games, as it fuses a vivid sense of wonder with a feeling of true peril. It's you against the world as you guide the protagonist Aava up steep cliffs and search for that one handhold that won't spell certain doom when you shift your weight. With equilibrium being a key component of the experience, Cairn also knows exactly when to let players breathe, offering moments of quiet reflection as a counterbalance to when you hit a metaphorical--and literal--wall on your ascent. Read our Cairn review , and watch the video review here. Available for PC and PS5. See on Fanatical Featured in this image Cairn View Game Hub Follow Advertisement Diablo 4: Lord of Hatred -- 9 Diablo expansions are a big deal, as these add-ons have given rise to some of the best moments in the franchise. Lord of Hatred can proudly stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Lord of Destruction and Reaper of Souls, as it brings fantastic quality-of-life improvements, two new classes that make you feel like a powerhouse, and a thrilling narrative to the table. Diablo 4's Hatred Saga comes to a satisfying conclusion, while the new Warlock and Paladin classes offer explosive fun honed by major changes to the core gameplay. Read our Diablo 4: Lord of Hatred review . Available for PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One. See on Steam Advertisement Esoteric Ebb -- 9 What happens when you combine a tabletop Dungeons & Dragons session with Disco Elysium? You get Esoteric Ebb, a charming fantasy game where sweat-inducing die rolls govern your fate. Set in an original fantasy world that's brimming with personality, Esoteric Ebb is charming and surprisingly hilarious, as you don the chainmail of an idiot with a talent for magic: all that and a killer soundtrack . Read our Esoteric Ebb review . Available for PC. See on Fanatical Advertisement Marathon -- 9 Marathon is admittedly a lot to take in the first time you boot it up, but stick with it, and you'll find an extraction shooter that captures the highs and lows of the genre. Its art direction is a visual feast, the gunplay packs a punch, and there's a surprising amount of depth in each 20-minute excursion to Tau Ceti IV. How Marathon will shape up over the long term remains to be seen, but Bungie has delivered an exciting game with strong fundamentals, rich lore, and tactical gameplay that could get even better in time with post-launch DLC drops. Read our Marathon review . Available for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S. See on Fanatical Advertisement Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls -- 9 We've had plenty of great fighting games released this year, but Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls is easily the best one. Guilty Gear developer Arc System Works has worked its magic, balancing technical gameplay with a fresh twist on the tag-fighter genre. With solid offerings across both multiplayer and single-player, some of the coolest character designs we've ever seen, and a rock-solid roster, Arc System Works has raised the bar once again for fighting games. Read our M arvel Tokon: Fighting Souls review . Available for PC and PS5. See on Fanatical Advertisement Mewgenics -- 9 All the joy of breeding an army of cats with none of the real-life responsibility of spending a fortune on food and kitty litter, Mewgenics is a challenging experience with unparalleled depth. The Binding of Isaac and The End is Nigh developers Edmund McMillen and Tyler Glaiel have delivered a complex game, balancing the joy of managing an ever-growing collection of cats with the nail-biting "just one more run" energy you'd expect from the best roguelites. Read our Mewgenics review . Available for PC. See on Steam Advertisement Mina the Hollower -- 9 Now that it's finally out of the gate, Mina the Hollower is proving that is well worth the wait. A masterclass in design that combines the retro aesthetics of Game Boy-era Zelda games with souls-like gameplay, Mina the Hollower is a love letter to the path that feels refreshingly modern. Developer Yacht Club Games has come out swinging with an ambitious game, one that's densely packed with content and charm, while demanding combat ensures that your attention never drifts away for a single second. Read our Mina the Hollower review . Available for PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Switch 2, and Switch. See on Steam Advertisement Mixtape -- 9 This year is going to go down as one of the best for video games with a music bend, thanks in part to standout titles like Mixtape. A sincere look at the horrors of growing up from Australian developers Beethoven & Dinosaur, Mixtape also features one of the best soundtracks of the year so far. Music and memories collide in grand fashion, and the end result is a heartfelt coming-of-age story. Read our Mixtape review . Available for PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Switch 2. See on Fanatical Advertisement Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection -- 9 Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection proves just how good a spin-off from a mainline series of games can be, as this charming threequel checks multiple boxes for a great gaming experience. A compelling story, a colorful cast of characters, and a flashy combat system all add up to build an all-time classic Monster Hunter game, successfully standing tall next to several of the best games in the main Monster Hunter franchise. Read our Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection review . Available for PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Switch 2. See on Fanatical Advertisement Nioh 3 -- 9 Team Ninja's souls-like Nioh games have established themselves as fast-paced and punishing adventures. Nioh 3 doesn't stray from that established formula, but it does add compelling new additions and refinements that sharpen the experience. With the introduction of "open-field" design that adds more exploration and discovery to the mix, quality-of-life enhancements, and rock-solid combat, Nioh 3 is the best game in the series to date and Team Ninja at its best. Read our Nioh 3 review . Available for PC and PS5. See on Fanatical Advertisement Pokemon Pokopia -- 9 The idea of a Pokemon-themed cozy life sim sounds like an interesting idea for a spin-off, and it's one that has been expertly realized in Pokemon Pokopia. A well-executed combination of the design sensibilities of Animal Crossing and Dragon Quest Builders--with some Viva Piñata inspiration for good measure--Pokemon Pokopia is an elegant celebration of the Pokemon franchise's 30th anniversary. Read our Pokemon Pokopia review . Available for Switch 2. Pokemon Pokopia (Game Key-Card) $70 See at Amazon View at other stores See at Walmart See at Best Buy See at Nintendo Store See at GameStop Advertisement Pragmata -- 9 One of 2026's contenders for game of the year, Pragmata is a refreshingly original IP in an ocean of sequels and remakes. It's no one-trick pony, as the constantly evolving hacking minigames, challenging gameplay that only escalates the more you play, and the heartfelt story make for a standout experience on PC and console. Read our Pragmata review . Available for PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Switch 2. See on Fanatical Advertisement Saros -- 9 Housemarque knows a thing or two about roguelite bullet-hell adventures that keep you glued to the screen, and Saros builds on Returnal's foundation to deliver a rollercoaster of fun and challenge. While it's not as unforgiving as Returnal, prepare to die and try (try!) again as you master the exquisitely aggressive gameplay of Saros. The game successfully flips Housemarque's roguelite formula on its head, and the result is an intoxicating rush of power when the stars align. Read our Saros review . Available for PS5. See on Amazon Advertisement 007 First Light -- 8 With Hitman developer IO Interactive at the helm, 007 First Light is a showcase of the studio's greatest strengths. From intricate worldbuilding to top-tier stealth, the first James Bond adventure in many years shares a lot of DNA with Agent 47, but it also breaks free from those comparisons by excelling in other gameplay areas. A game that's laser-focused on delivering a tightly constructed story complemented by rough-and-tumble action, precision shooting, and an arsenal of one-liners, 007 First Light is a successful and confident reinvention of Bond for the modern era. Read our 007 First Light review . Available for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S. See on Amazon Advertisement Big Hops -- 8 What happens when Super Mario meets The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild? You get Big Hops, one of the first great games of 2026. A 3D platformer with plenty of charm and heart, Big Hops keeps things simple and polished as it confidently hops into vibrant worlds. That makes it an approachable game for all ages, and with its well-executed gameplay, it's a constantly satisfying adventure. Read our Big Hops review . Available for PC, PS5, and Switch. See on Steam Featured in this image Big Hops View Game Hub Follow Advertisement Forza Horizon 6 Forza Horizon 6 doesn't stray from the formula it has been fine-tuning since 2012, but it doesn't need to either. Instead, Forza Horizon's tour of Japan is a celebration of car culture that is constantly rewarding and looks as good as a million-dollar supercar. Forza Motorsport's open-world spin-off has become Microsoft's champion racing game franchise, and this new entry in the series is firing on all cylinders with its mix of fast cars, wild showdown races, and intelligently designed systems that complement the racing experience. Read our  Forza Horizon 6 review . Available for PC and Xbox Series X|S. See on Amazon Advertisement Halo: Campaign Evolved -- 8 Several years ago, the idea of Halo appearing on a non-Xbox console would have been tantamount to heresy. But in 2026, Halo is celebrating its 25th anniversary with a multiplatform launch that does the franchise proud. Halo: Campaign Evolved is the best way to play through the very first Master Chief adventure, as the overhauled gameplay, updated graphics, and iconic soundtrack make for a killer package. While the new co-op missions don't reach the same highs as the original--and redesigned--levels, this is still a thrilling dive back into the game that made the first Xbox console a must-have machine--but this time, everyone gets to join in and have some fun. Read our Halo: Campaign Evolved review . Available for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S. Advertisement Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight -- 8 Batman is no stranger to the world of Lego, having headlined several games in the past, but this new entry featuring the Dark Knight is more than just a toybox of destructible environments and cheeky humor. It's a celebration of the Caped Crusader's rich legacy, and it plays like the Arkham sequel fans have been waiting over a decade for. Full of heart and charm, Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight keeps your eyes glued to the bat-screen with enjoyable gameplay, Easter eggs, and a playful take on the beloved Gotham vigilante. Read our  Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight review . Available for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S. See on Amazon Advertisement Mario Tennis Fever -- 8 Mario has developed into quite the sportsman over the years, and Mario Tennis Fever might just be his best athletic adventure yet. While the core mechanics of Mario Tennis remain largely unchanged, it's the fun and flexible Fever Rackets that serve up some great content and add a layer of unpredictability to every match. Alongside the enjoyable Adventure Mode, challenges, and special game types, Mario Tennis Fever is a grand slam winner for Switch 2 owners. Read our Mario Tennis Fever review . Available for Switch 2. See on Amazon Featured in this image Nioh 3 View Game Hub Follow Advertisement Mouse: P.I. For Hire -- 8 With a game like Mouse: P.I. For Hire, looks do matter--and those looks are an exquisite throwback to the rubber hose aesthetic of classic cartoons wrapped up in a film noir aesthetic. Not just a visually engaging adventure, Mouse: P.I. For Hire also flexes some beefy gameplay muscles with kinetic gunplay and weapons that deliver some gloriously silly slapstick violence. Read our Mouse: P.I. For Hire review . Available for PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Switch 2, and Switch. See on Nintendo Advertisement Planet of Lana II: Children of the Leaf -- 8 Planet of Lana II: Children of the Leaf sticks to the winning formula of the first game, giving players a beautiful world to explore and savor, thanks to its strong art direction and fantastic soundtrack. While it takes a while for the story to truly get going, the second half of this adventure is a bold and stunning collection of fascinating puzzles and platforming, all built around a central mystery that keeps you hooked to your screen. Read our Planet of Lana II: Children of the Leaf review . Available for PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Switch 2, and Switch. See on Steam Advertisement Reanimal -- 8 Critics of the Little Nightmares co-op horror game series say that the terror of the original game has been somewhat muted in its sequels, and if you feel the same way, then you'll want to check out Reanimal. It more than lives up to the legacy of Little Nightmares, as this spiritual successor surpasses it with a game design that makes exploring a haunting and unsettling world quite enjoyable, especially with a co-op partner in tow. While its puzzles aren't too challenging, it's the unsettling imagery that leaves a lasting impression as you guide siblings through a nightmarish world and toward freedom. Read our Reanimal review . Available for PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Switch 2. See on Fanatical Featured in this image Mario Tennis Fever View Game Hub Follow Advertisement Resident Evil Requiem -- 8 Imagine Resident Evil's greatest hits bundled into one delightfully macabre package, and you've got Resident Evil Requiem. A highlight reel of the heart-pounding horror and action that has defined the series for 30 years, Requiem refines the formula behind the games and polishes it with small but thoughtful gameplay additions to create a gorgeously gruesome experience. Read our Resident Evil Requiem review . Available for PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Switch 2. See on Amazon Advertisement Rhythm Heaven Groove -- 8 Nintendo might be looked at as a publisher of kid-friendly games, but the company isn't afraid to get weird from time to time. Rhythm Heaven Groove continues that tradition for surprisingly goofy games, and similar to WarioWare, offering a collection of zany microgames, there's plenty to dig into here. The big difference is the emphasis on music and timing in Rhythm Heaven Groove, but once you find your groove, you're in for a heck of an experience. It looks and sounds great, Remix Sections are downright magical, and the game is unapologetically weird. Read our Rhythm Heaven Groove review . Available for Switch and Switch 2. Advertisement Splatoon Raiders -- 8 For years, Splatoon has been a PvP jewel in Nintendo's portfolio. But Splatoon Raiders? It's proof that there's more than meets the eye with this IP, as the shift to a single-player campaign is both satisfying and playful. Adopting a looter-shooter design, Splatoon Raiders is a fast-paced and snappy spin-off that is a ton of fun. Read our Splatoon Raiders review . Available for Switch 2. Advertisement Vampire Crawlers -- 8 Roguelike deckbuilders feel like an oversaturated genre these days, but Vampire Survivors developer Poncle puts a fresh spin on the genre with a spin-off game that's hard to put down. Capturing all the magic of its breakout hit bullet-heaven game and reimagining it as an approachable deckbuilder that gets better with each run, don't be too surprised if the "just one more turn" energy of Vampire Crawlers keeps you awake way past your bedtime. Read our Vampire Crawlers review . Available for PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Switch. See on Steam Advertisement World of Warcraft: Midnight Midnight is the 11th expansion for World of Warcraft, and it continues to make major foundational changes to Blizzard's legendary MMO. With enough content to cater to both veteran players and newcomers, Midnight builds on that momentum with challenging endgame activities, welcome overhauls to the user interface, and a robust housing system that gives you the opportunity to turn a slice of Zeroth into a dream home. Read our World of Warcraft: Midnight review . Available for PC. See on Amazon Advertisement WWE 2K26 -- 8 WWE 2K26 doesn't offer many changes to the bread-and-butter gameplay of previous releases, but this year's entry in the sports entertainment series does address a long list of issues. The focus on quality-of-life improvements makes each match feel more fun than ever before, thanks to the added layers of polish, while new match types, a story mode focused on CM Punk, and an overhauled Island mode put WWE 2K26 in the main event spotlight. Read our WWE 2K26 review . Available for PC, PS5, and Switch 2. See on Amazon Advertisement Zero Parades: For Dead Spies -- 8 Any spiritual successor to Disco Elysium certainly has its work cut out for it, and while Zero Parades: For Dead Spies doesn't quite reach that benchmark, it's still a powerhouse spy thriller full of interesting ideas. Featuring razor-sharp writing and fascinating characters, Zero Parades is a clandestine tale of espionage with rich RPG systems that encourage you to fail upwards. Read our  Zero Parades: For Dead Spies review . Available for PC. See on Steam Advertisement Every other GameSpot review in 2026 Not every game released this year is a winner, but that doesn't mean that they're not worth playing. If you can overlook some of their issues, you might find yourself pleasantly surprised, and we'll be running a list of the games that didn't make the cut above. These will be arranged alphabetically so you can quickly find what you're looking for. The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales -- 7 Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced -- 7 Beast of Reincarnation -- 6 Code Vein 2 -- 6 Crimson Desert -- 7 Crisol: Theater of Idols -- 6 Darwin's Paradox -- 7 Dragon Quest VII: Reimagined -- 7 God of War: Sons of Sparta -- 5 High on Life 2 -- 7 Highguard -- 6 Hytale (Early Access) -- 6 Legacy of Kain: Defiance Remastered -- 7 NBA The Run  -- 7 People of Note -- 7 Pokemon Champions -- 7 Romeo is a Dead Man -- 5 Scott Pilgrim EX -- 7 Star Fox -- 7 Super Mario Bros. Wonder + Meetup In Bellabel Park -- 7 Tides of Tomorrow -- 7 Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties -- 6 Yoshi and the Mysterious Book -- 7 Featured in this image REANIMAL View Game Hub Follow Advertisement GameSpot Recommends As mentioned above, this is where we'll put the games we didn't review on the site. With hundreds of new releases every month, it's hard to find the time to play every single title out this year, but we still enjoy finding new releases to kick back and relax with in our spare time. Like the games listed above, these score a minimum of 8/10 in our personal books, and this is where we can also spotlight games that might have flown under your radar. Advertisement Denshattack Denshattack is a vibe--specifically, an early 2000s blast of color that pulls no punches and delights in making you sit forward in your chair as you lock into an anime-inspired thrill-ride. Each run in the game will leave you breathless as you juggle jumps, grinds, and wallrunning with a locomotive that spits in the face of physics, but once you get over that learning curve, Denshattack is hard to put down. It takes skill and practice to master the rails in this delightful love letter to a bygone era, but you'll love every second of it once you hit the tracks. Advertisement Fields of Mistria Stardew Valley might rule the roost when it comes to lo-fi farming and relationship-building, but a new challenger has emerged; Fields of Mistria. After spending some time in early access, Fields of Mistria has steadily transformed into a delightful blend of nostalgic farming games, '90s anime-inspired aesthetics, and highly polished gameplay. While it looks like a retro treat, the game has a very modern feel to how it plays, as well as one of the best gameplay loops around as you combine farming, bug-catching, magic progression, and much more into a satisfying session of fun. Advertisement ReStory: Chill Electronics Repairs There's a joy that comes from the art of repair, a sense of satisfaction that few things in life can compare to. Restory taps into that gratification, as it expertly balances a chill approach to giving beloved electronics a second lease on life with quirky characters and a gripping mystery at its core. Effortlessly charming and relaxing in equal measure, it's one of the coziest games released this year. Now if you'll excuse us, we have a few Nony PolyStations to scrub clean and check if their connections need to be resoldered. Advertisement

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