2026's Most Anticipated Games - Shaun's Picks
2026 is shaping up to be one of the biggest years in video games of all time. No matter whether you play on PC, PlayStation 4 or 5, Xbox One or Series X|S, or the Nintendo Switch 2, you’re going to have a lot to play in 2026. Given that, we couldn’t simply pool the team’s thoughts into one top 10 countdown of the most anticipated games, so we solicited 10 from each person to discuss. Today, hear what Shaun has to say about their 10 most anticipated games of 2026.
10. Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve
It’s been a long time since I got to jump into a dog fight in a fighter jet. Will it be as good as I remember? Who knows. But I look forward to jumping into the cockpit and living out my Top Gun dreams while Kenny Loggins is blasting from the stereo.
9. Halo: Campaign Evolved
Look, I know that this is another remake, but this is not a basic remaster but being remade from the ground up, and it looks gorgeous. Reliving the first encounter with the Halo installation without having to worry about ‘X’ amount of games’ worth of lore. While the multiplayer components are not part of the remake, campaign co-op is, and I am looking forward to seeing it through brand new eyes.
8. Fable
This one can go either way. It has been a long time since the last entry in the Fable series, and while the often overhyped but under-delivered gameplay may be a thing of the past, the fact that we have not seen any trailers since the initial announcement leaves me feeling a bit unsure. We are expecting to see more in the January Developer Direct, which will hopefully include a release date. For the nostalgia feeling, I will give Fable 4 a go and hope it is as good as people want.
7. Phantom Blade Zero
Somehow, during my time with Player2, I have gone from the person who never played a souls-like game to someone who ends up reviewing them somewhat regularly. Phantom Blade Zero is another one of these games that combines Wuxia Chinese fantasy with weird supernatural creatures. I am picking up Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty vibes from this and look forward to seeing the finished product.
6. Grand Theft Auto VI
Everyone knows what it is. Everyone knows what to expect. The real question is, with the current release scheduled for November, will it even arrive in 2026?
5. The Blood of Dawnwalker
While it will still be a long time before we get to experience the fourth entry in The Witcher series, The Blood of Dawnwalker looks to scratch that fantasy RPG itch. Developed by Rebel Wolves, a dev company founded by the game director of The Witcher 3, you take control of Coen, a Dawnwalker who straddles the line between human and vampire. During the daytime, combat is focused on swordplay, but when the sun sets, you can utilise vampire abilities that allow for greater movement or feeding on enemies to regenerate health. I would not be surprised if the manner in which you resolve questlines, be it as a human or a vampire, influences the world around you. It’s looking to be an RPG one can sink their teeth into and one to keep an eye on.
4. Marvel’s Wolverine
Everyone’s favourite wild Canadian finally gets the video game treatment he deserves. As is deserved by a man who is near impossible to kill and wield razor sharp claws, Marvel’s Wolverine puts you in the shoes of the man who is “the best there is at what he does” and lets you stab, slash and go berserk on what looks to be a multitude of Reavers and with more of Wolverines big enemies along with Omega Red shown in the trailer. Given the level of violence Wolverine is capable of, Marvel’s Wolverine looks to be an accurate description of one of the deadliest and most capable heroes in the Marvel universe.
3. Star Wars: Zero Company
XCOM in the Star Wars Universe sounds pretty good on paper. As long as we don’t have to deal with XCOM’s legendary 99% hit chance that misses six times in a row, then I think this game will be good. Games set in the Star Wars universe generally tend to have an enjoyable narrative, and I am one of the people who enjoyed Star Wars Outlaws despite its flaws at launch.
2. Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag Remake
While not officially announced, this ship has been leakier than a sunken pirate vessel. Updated for new hardware and, if the leaks are to be believed, some brand new content, the Black Flag Remake promises to be everything that Skull and Bones should have been. Funnily enough, I had taken advantage of AC: Black Flag being added to Game Pass late last year and started a fresh replay. That stopped the moment I heard about this remake.
1. 007 First Light
While Goldeneye will always be a classic, the James Bond we have seen in video games is more a one-man army who kills hundreds of henchmen who stand in the way of him saving the free world than an elite super-spy who can talk, sneak or seduce his way into many a dangerous situation. From what I have seen, 007 First Light looks to take the infiltration designs of the Hitman series and combines them with a gritty melee combat system and bombastic set pieces that live up to the super spy nostalgia and I cannot wait for it.
So that concludes Shaun’s list of their most anticipated games of 2026. What are some of yours? Hit us up via social media to let us know what games you are keen on in 2026!
