The best games of 2026 so far, picked by NPR's staff

Accessibility links Skip to main content Keyboard shortcuts for audio player Open Navigation Menu --> Newsletters NPR Shop Get NPR+ Close Navigation Menu Home News Expand/collapse submenu for News National World Politics Business Health Science Climate Race Culture Expand/collapse submenu for Culture Books Movies Television Pop Culture Food Art & Design Performing Arts Life Kit Gaming Music Expand/collapse submenu for Music Tiny Desk New Music Friday All Songs Considered Music Features Live Sessions Podcasts & Shows Expand/collapse submenu for Podcasts & Shows Daily Morning Edition Weekend Edition Saturday Weekend Edition Sunday All Things Considered Up First Here & Now NPR Politics Podcast Featured Wait Wait...Don't Tell Me! Fresh Air Wild Card with Rachel Martin It's Been a Minute Embedded Get NPR+ More Podcasts & Shows Search Newsletters NPR Shop Get NPR+ Tiny Desk New Music Friday All Songs Considered Music Features Live Sessions About NPR Diversity Support Careers Press Ethics The best games of 2026 so far, picked by NPR's staff Titans like Resident Evil Requiem and Crimson Desert dominated in the first half of the gaming year, with early-access sequels like Slay the Spire 2 and Subnautica 2 not far behind. Video Game Reviews The best games of 2026 so far, picked by NPR's staff July 21, 20269:00 AM ET James Perkins Mastromarino NPR The games industry is holding its breath for Grand Theft Auto VI, slated to arrive Nov. 19. That long-delayed titan has disrupted the 2026 release schedule, but the first half of the year was still crowded with new spins on old franchises, from Resident Evil Requiem to Pokémon Pokopia to 007 First Light. Early-access sequels like Subnautica 2 and Slay the Spire 2 also found enormous audiences, alongside indies like Mewgenics and Mina the Hollower. The broader industry, however, continued to struggle, with Xbox laying off thousands of employees. French giant Ubisoft closed two studios, canceled six games and delayed others. Small but promising development teams, like those behind MIO: Memories in Orbit and Luna Abyss, shuttered after disappointing sales. But many bright spots pierced the year's gloom. NPR staff members have highlighted popular favorites and underrecognized gems, which you can discover through this interactive list. Loading...