Top 10 Must-Play Games of 2026

2026 has already delivered one of the strongest gaming line-ups in years, with long-awaited sequels, ambitious new IPs, and blockbuster franchises returning across every platform. Whether you're on PC, PlayStation 5, XBOX Series X|S, or Nintendo Switch 2, these are the games every player should have on their radar.

1. Grand Theft Auto VI

Platforms: PlayStation 5, XBOX Series X|S, PC (TBA)

Rockstar Games returns with Grand Theft Auto VI, taking players back to the vibrant state of Leonida and the neon-soaked streets of Vice City. Featuring dual protagonists, Jason and Lucia, the game delivers Rockstar's most ambitious open world yet, with a living world, dynamic events, enhanced AI, and an unprecedented level of realism. From high-speed pursuits to cinematic heists, GTA VI sets a new benchmark for open-world gaming.

Waypoint Verdict: N/A

2. Resident Evil Requiem

Platforms: PlayStation 5, XBOX Series X|S, PC

Capcom returns with Resident Evil Requiem, the next mainline entry in the legendary survival horror franchise. Combining psychological horror, cinematic storytelling, and tense resource management, the game introduces new protagonist Grace Ashcroft as she investigates a series of disturbing events connected to the remnants of Raccoon City. With terrifying enemies, atmospheric environments, and modern gameplay refinements, Requiem aims to deliver one of the franchise's most unsettling experiences yet.

Why it's worth playing

• A brand-new chapter in the Resident Evil series

• Terrifying survival horror with modern visuals

• Intense exploration and puzzle-solving

• Cinematic storytelling with a new protagonist

• Developed using Capcom's acclaimed RE Engine

  
  

Waypoint Verdict: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Resident Evil Requiem delivers everything fans expect from the series: atmospheric horror, compelling storytelling, and tense gameplay, making it one of 2026's standout releases.

3. Gears of War: E-Day

Platforms: XBOX Series X|S, PlayStation 5, PC

Gears of War: E-Day takes players back to the beginning of humanity's darkest chapter, revisiting the devastating day the Locust Horde emerged from beneath the surface. Developed by The Coalition using Unreal Engine 5, the prequel follows Marcus Fenix and Dom Santiago before they became legendary soldiers, delivering a gritty, emotional story alongside the brutal cover-based combat that defined the franchise. Launching in 2026, it's one of XBOX's biggest releases of the year.

Why it's worth playing

• An emotional prequel exploring Emergence Day

• Stunning Unreal Engine 5 visuals

• Classic cover-based combat with modern gameplay enhancements

• The return of Marcus Fenix and Dom Santiago

• Full online and split-screen co-op campaign

Waypoint Verdict: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

A powerful return to one of gaming's most iconic franchises, combining cinematic storytelling with the intense action that made Gears of War legendary.

4. Halo: Campaign Evolved

Platforms: XBOX Series X|S, PlayStation 5, PC

Twenty-five years after it changed first-person shooters forever, Halo: Campaign Evolved rebuilds Master Chief's original adventure from the ground up in Unreal Engine 5. Featuring fully remastered visuals, refined gameplay, updated cinematics, and a brand-new prequel campaign, Operation: METEORITE this is both a faithful recreation and a fresh experience for veterans and newcomers alike. For the first time in franchise history, the campaign also launches on PlayStation 5 alongside XBOX and PC.

Why it's worth playing

• A complete remake of the legendary Halo campaign

• Stunning Unreal Engine 5 visuals

• New story missions expanding Master Chief's journey

• Four-player online co-op and split-screen support

• Cross-play and cross-progression across all platforms

Waypoint Verdict: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

A faithful and visually impressive remake that successfully modernises a classic. While it doesn't reinvent the original, it's the definitive way to experience one of gaming's most influential shooters.

5. Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced

Platforms: PlayStation 5, XBOX Series X|S, PC

Thirteen years after the original's release, Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced rebuilds Edward Kenway's pirate adventure from the ground up using Ubisoft's latest Anvil engine. Set during the Golden Age of Piracy, the remake combines stunning visual upgrades, enhanced naval combat, modernized stealth mechanics, and new story content while preserving the freedom and exploration that made the original one of the franchise's most beloved entries.

Why it's worth playing

• Complete remake with modern visuals and gameplay

• Enhanced naval combat and seamless Caribbean exploration

• New story content featuring Blackbeard and other fan-favourite characters

• Quality-of-life improvements, including expanded stealth mechanics

• Widely regarded as the definitive version of one of the best Assassin's Creed games ever made.

Waypoint Verdict: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

An outstanding remake that proves Edward Kenway's pirate adventure remains one of Ubisoft's greatest achievements, now reimagined for a new generation.

6. Marvel's Wolverine

Platforms: PlayStation 5

Developed by Insomniac Games, Marvel's Wolverine delivers an original, mature story that follows Logan as he confronts the ghosts of his past while battling a new global threat. Rather than adapting a comic or film, the game presents a fresh take on one of Marvel's most iconic heroes, blending brutal melee combat, cinematic storytelling, and globe-spanning locations including Canada, Tokyo, and Madripoor. Launching September 15, 2026, it's one of PlayStation's biggest exclusives of the year.

Why it's worth playing

• An all-new original Wolverine story

• Brutal, visceral combat built around Logan's claws

• Cinematic, narrative-driven action

• Developed by the creators of the acclaimed Marvel's Spider-Man series

• One of the most anticipated PlayStation exclusives of 2026

  
  

Waypoint Verdict: N/A

7. 007 First Light

Platforms: PS5, XBOX Series X|S, PC, Nintendo Switch 2

Developed by IO Interactive, the studio behind the acclaimed Hitman series, 007 First Light introduces an original James Bond origin story that explores the making of the world's most famous secret agent. Players step into the shoes of a young Bond as he earns his 00 status, blending stealth, espionage, action, and cinematic storytelling across a globe-trotting adventure. Rather than adapting a film, First Light delivers a fresh take on the iconic spy with player-driven missions and multiple ways to complete objectives.

Why it's worth playing

• Original James Bond story

• Stealth and espionage-focused gameplay

• Cinematic action sequences

• Multiple approaches to completing missions

• Developed by the creators of the Hitman series

Waypoint Verdict: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

A potential Game of the Year contender and one of 2026's biggest blockbuster releases.

8. Fable

Platforms: XBOX Series X|S, PC, PlayStation 5

One of Xbox's most iconic franchises returns with a complete reboot from Playground Games, the award-winning studio behind Forza Horizon. Set in the magical world of Albion, Fable blends action RPG combat, player choice, exploration, and the series' signature British humour into a fresh adventure for a new generation. Your decisions shape your reputation, relationships, and the world around you, ensuring no two journeys are quite the same.

XBOX announced in May that Fable had been delayed to 23 February 2027, saying the decision was made to avoid an increasingly crowded late-2026 release window.

Why it's worth playing

• A complete reboot of the beloved Fable franchise

• A vast open world filled with quests, humour, and exploration

• Deep player choice and reputation systems

• Melee, ranged, and magical combat

• Developed by Playground Games using the ForzaTech engine

Waypoint Verdict: N/A

9. Forza Horizon 6

Platforms: XBOX Series X|S, PC, PlayStation 5 (later in 2026)

Set in Japan, Forza Horizon 6 takes the Horizon Festival to its most requested location yet, featuring everything from neon-lit city streets and mountain passes to coastal highways and countryside roads. With more than 550 licensed vehicles, a significantly larger open world, dynamic seasons, and expanded multiplayer, it builds on the series' signature arcade racing formula. XBOX and PC launched in May 2026, with a PS5 version confirmed for later in the year.

Why it's worth playing

• The biggest Horizon map to date

• Hundreds of licensed vehicles

• Stunning Japanese-inspired open world

• Seamless online multiplayer

• A benchmark for open-world racing games

  
  

Waypoint Verdict: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The definitive open-world racing experience of 2026.

10. LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight

Platforms: PS5, XBOX Series X|S, PC, Nintendo Switch 2

TT Games brings the Dark Knight back in an all-new open-world LEGO adventure. LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight follows Bruce Wayne's journey from his origins to becoming Gotham's protector, combining exploration, puzzle-solving, action, and the trademark LEGO humour fans expect.

Why it's worth playing

• Original Batman story

• Open-world Gotham City

• Hundreds of playable DC characters

• Family-friendly co-op gameplay

• Packed with references from Batman's comic, TV, film, and gaming history

  
  

Waypoint Verdict: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆

A fun and polished adventure that celebrates the Dark Knight's legacy.

Final Thoughts

From long-awaited sequels and ambitious remakes to brand-new adventures, 2026 has already cemented itself as one of the biggest years in gaming. While many of this year's standout titles are already in players' hands, some of the most anticipated releases are still to come.

With Grand Theft Auto VI and Marvel's Wolverine yet to launch, there's every chance the year's biggest moments are still ahead. Both have the potential to redefine their respective genres and could easily reshape Game of the Year conversations upon release.

Whether you're exploring the horrors of Resident Evil Requiem, reliving legendary franchises like Halo and Gears of War, racing across Japan in Forza Horizon 6, or waiting to step into the worlds of GTA VI and Marvel's Wolverine, 2026 has delivered an incredible line-up for every type of gamer.

And with more announcements, updates, and surprises still expected before the year is over, this list may only be the beginning.

Which game are you most excited to play in 2026? Let us know, and stay tuned to Waypoint for the latest gaming news, reviews, previews, and features.