2025, by all means, was one of the most exciting years for gamers. Split Fiction, Borderlands 4, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, and ARC Raiders releasing in the same year was crazy. Also, I would have no hesitation in awarding 2025 as the best year for gamers if GTA VI had not been delayed.
That said, if you look at the upcoming games in 2026, I truly believe that this year can potentially match the quality of games in 2025, or even surpass it. Avid gamers, including me, have waited patiently for GTA VI, and it’s finally going to be released this year.
In addition, there are a few more titles that I can’t wait for, and here, I will discuss those games and explain what to expect from them.
So, read on if you want to find out about the top five, most-hyped games to be released this year:
Grand Theft Auto VI
- Release Date: November 19
- Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X/S
- Genre: Open World
- Developers: Rockstar Games
I still remember how excited I was to play GTA VI last year, so I had prepared myself in advance for this game. I had even switched to AT&T Internet, a more reliable and faster connection, so that I could explore the online mode of GTA VI without any lag.
The previous game of the Grand Theft Auto series, GTA V, was released way back in 2013. So, it’s been more than a decade since Rockstar Games launched a GTA game, and for this reason, the excitement in the gaming community is rightly justified.
Rumors are that Rockstar Games has spent more than $1 billion on GTA VI. And, if that’s true, then gamers must brace for one of the most interesting and interactive open-world games ever produced.
Nonetheless, November is just a few months away, and each passing day fuels my excitement. My internet perfectly supports my intense online gaming sessions, but just to be on the safe side, I will once again explore AT&T internet plans and subscribe to their fastest one right before the launch of GTA VI.
Also, needless to say, if Rockstar Games does not decide to postpone GTA VI once again, then its release will break the internet, for sure.
Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis
- Release Date: Late 2026
- Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S
- Genre: Action-Adventure
- Developers: Crystal Dynamics and Flying Wild Hog
Lara Croft, an iconic action-adventure character, will be back in action after a long hiatus later this year. And as a gamer who has played the Tomb Raider franchise several times, I couldn’t be more excited.
Speculations are that Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis will be a readjustment of the game’s previous version from 1996. Anyway, a new Tomb Raider game, with better graphics, a refined storyline, and improved gameplay, is always welcomed by the gaming community.
That being said, what I’m also excited about is Tomb Raider: Catalyst, which is set to be released in 2027. Though it is unlikely that Legacy of Atlantis will be a foundation for the next game of the franchise, it’s great to see back-to-back Tomb Raider games in two years.
Forza Horizon 6
- Release Date: May 19
- Platforms: PC, Xbox Series X/S
- Genre: Racing
- Developers: Playground Games
Forza Horizon is likely one of the most played open-world racing games. Playground Games is set to release its sixth game in the franchise, Forza Horizon 6, in May this year.
The previous games of the franchise, especially Forza Horizon 5, have set the expectations pretty high. That game was a class apart, but I must say, the teaser of Forza Horizon 6 shows the class and quality fans should expect.
Also, Forza Horizon 6 is shifting to Japan. Besides the car culture, this game will thoroughly explore Japanese geography, including mountains, coasts, cities, and highlands.
Other than this, Forza Horizon will not be released on PlayStation, which might dent the game’s popularity and sales in the long run.
Fable
- Release Date: To Be Announced
- Platforms: PC, Xbox Series X/S
- Genre: Role-Playing
- Developers: Playground Games
Fable III was released almost 16 years ago. Now, Playground Games, the makers of Forza Horizon, have decided to redesign one of the best role-playing games we’ve ever played and launch it this year.
One of the things that makes role-playing games (RPGs) more interesting than other genres is players’ ability to impact the storyline. I played Fable III a long time ago and owing to game-related technology back then, I’d say it was a pretty decent game.
However, I’m more excited for this revamped version as the storyline will be more interactive and engaging. That said, there isn’t much known about Fable right now. However, since Playground Games is developing it, Fable will likely become one of the best RPGs of all time.
STAR WARS Zero Company
- Release Date: To Be Announced
- Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S
- Genre: Strategy
- Developers: Bit Reactor
I’ve been a big fan of STAR WARS and have played almost all the previous games. However, I’m most excited about this game, STAR WARS Zero Company, because it is developed by Bit Reactor. Now, the guys working at the Bit Reactor are all veterans of STAR WARS, who know everything about this franchise.
The release date of STAR WARS Zero Company is yet to be announced. However, keep in mind that this is the first game that comes with an official STAR WARS license. So, do expect some fireworks as this game is going to break all the records created by previous Star Wars games.
As for the gameplay and storyline, players will take on the role of “Hawks”, a Republic officer leading the Zero Company. Also, like always, do expect a gripping storyline as STAR WARS games are famous for it.
These are the five upcoming games in 2026 that I cannot wait to play. Not just open-world, racing, strategy, and RPG games will also launch this year. So, it doesn’t matter if you want to explore the open world in GTA VI or create strategies in Star Wars, 2026 holds something for every gamer.
Also, before I wind up, I will share five more games you should watch out for:
- ZERO PARADES: For Dead Spies (TBA)
- Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve (TBA)
- The Blood Of Dawnwalker (TBA)
- Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight (May 22)
- Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls (August 6)
