Despite the industry’s continued interest in games that are constantly updated and free to play, single-player experiences will always be central. These games prioritize compelling stories, stunning visuals, and inventive gameplay. Luckily, 2026 promises a wealth of these kinds of titles, and we’re taking a look at 35 of the most promising ones.
Mouse: PI for Hire
If you enjoyed the unique cartoon style of Cuphead and wished there was a fast-paced, first-person shooter with that same look, Mouse: PI for Hire might be exactly what you’re looking for. The game takes place in Mouseburg and puts you in the role of detective Jack Pepper as he unravels a complex conspiracy. Expect plenty of action with a diverse arsenal of weapons, like chainsaws and freeze rays! It’s launching on March 19th for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC.
007 First Light
While most James Bond stories skip over his beginnings, the new game 007 First Light from IO Interactive is taking a fresh approach. It combines classic spy gadgets with beautiful, open-ended levels that let you tackle missions in creative ways, and features a more spontaneous version of Bond. This action-adventure game arrives on March 27th for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.
No Law
Neon Giant, the team behind a top-down cyberpunk shooter, is switching things up with their next game. This time, it’s a first-person shooter set in the tightly-packed city of Port Desire. The story follows Grey Harker as he confronts the consequences of his past choices, and players have full freedom to decide how those situations play out – a feature that will especially appeal to fans of games like Dishonored. Hopefully, No Law delivers on its promising premise.
Phantom Blade Zero
Fans of action-packed games like John Wick will likely enjoy Phantom Blade Zero. The game puts you in the role of a character fighting for survival against waves of assassins. It’s fast-paced, features a variety of weapons, and throws tough enemies your way. Plus, the game world is full of hidden secrets, offering plenty to discover even after you finish it once. Phantom Blade Zero is set to release on September 9th for PlayStation 5 and PC, and it aims to deliver both stunning style and engaging gameplay.
Control Resonant
Remedy gave us a taste of what was coming in the sequel, hinting at a world beyond the original game’s location, but the actual result is still surprising. Playing as Dylan, Jesse’s brother, and fighting through the streets and skies of Manhattan with a mix of blades, heavy weapons, and telekinetic powers feels like a blend of dark fantasy and the paranormal. We hope Control Resonant will build on this exciting direction and allow the studio to fully showcase their creative vision.
The Sinking City 2
We’ve been eagerly anticipating Frogwares’ return to the flooded city of Arkham, where players will face terrifying creatures and struggle to maintain their sanity. The original game had potential, and The Sinking City 2 appears to build on that with improved graphics and more impactful choices. Plus, who doesn’t love a good Cthulhu story and watching things fall apart? The game is scheduled for release in the first half of 2026, so we won’t have to wait too long.
Nioh 3
Okay, so I’m playing as Tokugawa Ieyasu – or, well, his younger self, Takechiyo – and it’s wild! He’s supposed to be the next shogun, but his sibling is seriously power-hungry, and it kicks off this huge war across Japan. This new Nioh game is taking us to different periods in history, even the Bakumatsu era for the first time ever, and I’m trying to fix everything that goes wrong. It looks incredible! Team Ninja has really gone all out with a massive scale, new weapons, and a totally revamped way to explore. Honestly, Nioh 3 might be their best game yet – they definitely seem to think so! It’s coming out on February 6th for PS5 and PC, and I can’t wait to jump in and see for myself.
Order of the Sinking Star
Though Braid Anniversary Edition didn’t achieve huge sales, its creator, Jonathan Blow, is trying a similar puzzle-focused approach with his new game. Like The Witness, you’ll face a lot of challenging puzzles, but this time across four different worlds with interconnected stories and characters. Order of the Sinking Star boasts over 1000 puzzles and aims to be another memorable and highly regarded game.
Gears of War: E-Day
Man, it feels like forever, but Gears of War is back! And it’s awesome to see Marcus Fenix and Dom Santiago teaming up again. This isn’t some weird alternate timeline though – it’s a prequel, taking us right back to the start of the Locust War, during the Emergence. If you’ve been hoping for a more straightforward campaign like the older games, E-Day looks like it’s going to deliver. It even seems to be leaning into the horror elements that made the first Gears so intense. I’m seriously excited to see what they’ve got planned.
Halo: Campaign Evolved
The iconic Master Chief returns in a reimagining of the original Halo first-person shooter. Despite any initial doubts, there’s a lot to look forward to, including weapons from later games and the ability to play the campaign with up to four friends. You can even turn off sprinting if you prefer! With new opening missions and cross-platform play, this updated version of the campaign could be exactly what the Halo series needs to refresh and revitalize itself.
Planet of Lana 2: Children of the Leaf
Following the events of the first game, you might expect Lana and Mui to finally catch a break. However, the sequel finds them exploring Novo even further, discovering new powers and secrets as they face a puzzling new danger. Building on the original game’s storytelling and platforming, Planet of Lana 2 feels like a major improvement in almost every aspect.
The Blood of Dawnwalker
In The Blood of Dawnwalker, vampires have seized control of Vale Sangora and are holding the people captive. Coen, who is part-vampire, has only 30 days to rescue his family. This unique heritage gives him an edge – he can use magic during the day like a human, and possesses superhuman strength as a vampire at night. Players will need to strategically utilize these abilities to overthrow the vampire leadership, carefully managing time to succeed. The game is scheduled for release in 2026 on Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC.
Fatal Frame 2: Crimson Butterfly Remake
Koei Tecmo is finally remaking what many consider the best game in the Fatal Frame series – Fatal Frame 2: Crimson Butterfly. Launching on March 12th, this isn’t just a visual upgrade. The remake includes new areas, extra side stories, enhanced Camera Obscura features, and a new mechanic where you can “hold hands with Mayu.” Hopefully, this won’t be necessary to unlock a brand new ending. We’ll see.
Pragmata
It’s challenging enough to battle deadly robots when your weapons can’t even damage them – now imagine trying to hack into their systems at the same time. Despite sounding complicated, the game Pragmata manages to pull it off, putting you in the role of Hugh as he teams up with the android Diana to explore a dangerous base on the Moon. The developers haven’t revealed much yet, but what we’ve seen of the gameplay is already quite engaging. With a release date of April 30th now confirmed, we’ll soon find out if the game can deliver on its stunning visuals and promise.
Resident Evil Requiem
This game is a tribute to those lost and a deep dive into the mysteries of the Raccoon City disaster. Featuring both familiar and new characters, players will team up to face a terrifying new threat. If past Resident Evil games were impressive, Requiem feels like a definitive conclusion to a chapter. Offering players a choice between first- and third-person gameplay, a blend of survival horror and intense action, and much more, Requiem promises to be an unforgettable experience when it releases on February 27th.
Onimusha: Way of the Sword
A classic franchise is getting a fresh start with Onimusha: Way of the Sword. The game is a direct action experience: explore Kyoto, defeat demons, and survive. Players will experience the story through the eyes of the famous swordsman Miyamoto Musashi, who uses a special Oni Gauntlet and faces off against his enemy, Sasaki Ganryu. Early gameplay looks promising, and it’s shaping up to be a fantastic action-adventure game – we’re just waiting to find out when it will be released.
Saros
Despite a few small setbacks, Housemarque’s upcoming game seems poised to be a surprising hit, much like Returnal was. I’ve been hoping for a truly difficult experience within this fast-paced, third-person shooter style, and Saros looks promising with its focus on rogue-lite elements and character progression. The impressive boss battles and other obstacles are a definite plus – if the game culminates in a fight against an eclipse, it’ll be well worth playing.
Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve
Get ready to soar the skies again! Ace Combat 8 is bringing players back to the world of Strangereal to fight for the freedom of the Federation of Usea. The game promises a grand story similar to past titles, with incredible graphics and thrilling aerial battles, and is set to launch later this year.
Styx Blades of Greed
The villain known as The Green Plague is back, planning an incredibly ambitious series of heists. He’s teamed up with the Black Hand and operates from his own zeppelin, using the power of Quartz to bend space and time to his will. Players will explore three large, distinct areas, with new sections opening up as they collect more tools. Overall, this game appears to be a significant improvement over Shards of Darkness.
Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis
Lara Croft is back with Legacy of Atlantis, a stunning remake of the classic game built in Unreal Engine 5. While revisiting beloved locations and featuring dinosaurs, the game also boasts updated controls and gameplay. The developers at Crystal Dynamics have made a point of staying true to the spirit of the original, which should please longtime fans.
Ontos
Frictional Games has once again created a truly unique horror game. Ontos, a spiritual follow-up to their acclaimed Soma, puts you in the role of Aditi, investigating her father’s disappearance at a strange hotel on the moon. Nothing is as it seems, and the game’s mysterious, maze-like environment is incredibly captivating.
Fable
With the next Xbox Developer_Direct scheduled for January, now is the perfect time for Playground Games to show off Fable. We’re hoping to see actual gameplay, not just a polished trailer or a retelling of the original story. Given the talent working on it, Fable has the potential to be great, but with a 2026 release date, we really need to see more of the game soon.
LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight
Gotham City has its issues, but the story of Batman – his fight against crime and his internal struggles – continues to resonate with audiences. The new sequel from TT Games takes a lighter, more humorous approach while still honoring Batman’s history. Featuring a wide range of playable characters and a huge open world, Legacy of the Dark Knight looks set to be a fantastic celebration of the character when it releases on May 29th.
Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection
It feels familiar – another fantastical world threatened by a Rathalos! But Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection is doing something a little different. Beyond the usual epic quest, you’ll be raising monsters, called ‘monsties’. You can now rescue endangered monster eggs, hatch them, and help restore their habitats – a great message about ecology. Plus, you get awesome, powerful monsters like a fire-breathing Zinogre as a result, and honestly, that’s the best part.
Beast of Reincarnation
It’s surprising to hear that Game Freak, the studio behind Pokémon, is making a high-budget, action-packed game. The story follows Emma and her dog, Koo, as they try to save the world after a disaster. With stunning landscapes, strange monsters, and a lot of fighting, it’s hard to believe it’s the same team that made Pokémon. Still, it promises to be a game worth playing.
Marvel’s Wolverine
Insomniac’s upcoming Marvel’s Wolverine game taps into our most basic instincts with its intense violence. The game fully embraces the classic berserker fantasy, following Logan as he uncovers secrets from his past – even if those truths are painful. While there’s still more to be revealed, the brutal action alone is enough to get us excited.
Grand Theft Auto 6
We’ve talked a lot about how frustrating the wait for Rockstar’s new game has been, and what we’re hoping to see in it. Surprisingly, even after all the trailers and hype, it still feels like we haven’t gotten a real look at what Grand Theft Auto 6 is actually about, or how it will play. With the game scheduled to come out on November 19th – hopefully that date stays put – there’s still time for Rockstar to show us more. Let’s hope they do so soon!
Ikuma – The Frozen Compass
I’m really excited about this new game, Ikuma – The Frozen Compass, from the creators of Lost Ember! It’s a survival adventure where you play as Sam and his dog, Ellie, trying to make it through the freezing Arctic. You’ll be climbing around and searching for anything you need to stay alive while also trying to find a way back home. And it sounds like there’s something mysterious and maybe even a little spooky hiding in the ice and snow! From what I’ve seen, it looks beautiful, but it also seems like it could be a really touching and emotional experience.
Cairn
If you’re searching for a unique and challenging survival game, check out Cairn. Developed by The Game Bakers, it puts you in the role of Aava, who’s attempting to climb Mount Kami – possibly as the first person ever to do so. The mountain is full of obstacles and dangers, especially if you choose to climb in the dark. But Cairn lets you climb anywhere and forge your own path, making it a serious contender for the best climbing game available.
Yakuza Kiwami 3 and Dark Ties
The Yakuza games are known for having lots of detailed side quests that can keep you busy for a long time. In Yakuza Kiwami 3 and Dark Ties, you can do things like run an orphanage, participate in special events to build relationships, and even increase your ‘Daddy Rank’ – yes, really! If that sounds a bit too lighthearted, don’t worry – the story in Dark Ties also features a more serious side activity called Kanda Damage Control, where you complete requests and challenges, including fights, to climb the ranks. With all of this, plus the compelling stories, there’s plenty of reason to check out Yakuza Kiwami 3 and Dark Ties when they launch on February 12th.
Code Vein 2
Imagine a world facing destruction, filled with vampires and dangerous dungeons – and shared with your friends. Unlike the original Code Vein, the sequel sends you traveling through time, encountering key historical figures in a desperate attempt to prevent the apocalypse. While it’s disappointing that you can’t play online with others, Code Vein 2 boasts a powerful character creation system and more flexible character builds. Expect larger enemies, challenging bosses, and a higher-stakes story when the game releases on January 30th.
Gothic 1 Remake
Experience the challenging, open world of the original game, now with updated graphics. Everything you loved about the first game is still here – explore the Colony your way, choose a faction, become a hero, and interact with its inhabitants. Expect a 50-hour adventure when Gothic 1 Remake arrives in early 2026.
Valor Mortis
The saying goes, “All men must die,” but in the upcoming game Valor Mortis, you’re expected to fight back. Developed by the team behind Ghostrunner, Valor Mortis is a fast-paced, first-person action game inspired by the *Soulslike genre. You’ll face terrifying enemies and challenging combat, even after being resurrected, and early looks at the game are very promising. We’re excited to see what horrors await!
Decrepit
If you’re looking for a really challenging game, try Decrepit. Your goal is to escape a dangerous castle. It’s a “rogue-lite,” meaning you’ll restart from the beginning if you’re caught, but it focuses on more than just difficult combat. You’ll explore the world, find hidden upgrades, and customize your equipment to fit how you like to play. It’s a captivating game that shares some similarities with Valor Mortis.
Forza Horizon 6
Considering the huge success of past games, the Forza Horizon series is incredibly popular, and Forza Horizon 6 looks like it could be the best one so far. Expect plenty of new cars and a massive map stretching from Tokyo to Mount Fuji. What’s especially exciting is that the developers, Playground Games, are promising a game packed with more activities than ever before. If rumors are true, players on Xbox Series X/S and PC won’t have to wait long – a release in the first half of 2026 is anticipated.
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2026-01-08 14:46