The Most Anticipated Games of 2026: Is AAA Making a Comeback?

The gaming world is gearing up for a blockbuster year in 2026, with the return of big-budget triple-A titles from renowned studios, promising to captivate players worldwide. While indie games held the spotlight in 2025, the coming year is set to bring a resurgence of major franchises and beloved characters. From the highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto 6 by Rockstar to the thrilling returns of James Bond and Wolverine, these games are forecasted to dominate the gaming landscape. With a lineup also featuring some intriguing dark horses, 2026 is shaping up to be a year of unforgettable gaming experiences.

Nioh 3: A New Chapter for Team Ninja

Launching on February 6, 2026, on PC and PlayStation 5, Team Ninja’s Nioh 3 introduces players to Tokugawa Takechiyo as he battles supernatural forces. This installment allows players to explore more expansive, less linear levels, and integrates dual playstyles with Samurai and Ninja techniques. Nioh 3 is shaping up as Team Ninja’s culmination in the action RPG genre, and a free demo will be available on January 29, allowing players to carry over their progress to the full game.

Resident Evil Requiem: A New Horror Awaits

Capcom’s ninth major installment in the Resident Evil series will revisit Raccoon City, 30 years after a failed nuclear intervention. With Grace Ashcroft and Leon S. Kennedy at the helm, Requiem seeks to balance horror and action elements, offering players the ability to switch between third and first-person perspectives. The game’s latest demonstration at Gamescom 2025 has fans eagerly awaiting its release.

A promotional image for 'Resident Evil Requiem' features a character with a flashlight in rainy weather next to a dark, brooding figure in the background.

Crimson Desert: A Vast Adventure Awaits

Slated for release on March 19, 2026, for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series S|X, Crimson Desert is set to offer players a vast open-world experience. Developed by Pearl Abyss, this game boasts a world twice the size of Skyrim and features advanced simulations. Previously expected as an MMO, the focus has shifted to single-player content, with stunning landscapes and dynamic simulations.

The image features key characters and a dragon in a dramatic landscape with the title 'Crimson Desert' prominently displayed.

007 First Light: A New Era for James Bond

After more than a decade, James Bond is set to make a return in 007 First Light, releasing on May 27, 2026, for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series S|X. Developed by IO Interactive, famed for the HITMAN series, this origin story chronicles a young Bond’s journey to earning his 00 status in MI6. The game offers a blend of HITMAN’s stealth elements with narrative-driven action-adventure gameplay.

A game character aiming a gun with '007 First Light' text overlay on a shadowed background.

Marvel’s Wolverine: The Return of a Classic Hero

Logan is back with Marvel’s Wolverine, set for a Fall 2026 release on PlayStation 5. Developed by Insomniac Games, known for their work on the Marvel’s Spider-Man series, this title promises to deliver a gripping narrative and unique gameplay mechanics. With beloved characters and locations such as Mystique, Omega Red, Canada, and Japan, this game is poised to be a standout release.

Marvel Wolverine character illustration on a yellow background with © 2025 MARVEL text.

Honorable Mentions

There are many more interesting games to look forward to in 2026, including the following heavy-hitters:

Most Anticipated Game of 2026

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