Upcoming games 2026 are shaping up to be seriously exciting.

Gaming is in a weird but exciting place right now. Big publishers are restructuring, studios are shifting strategies, and new developers are popping up everywhere. But despite all that chaos, one thing is clear — the next few years of gaming look incredible.

Best Upcoming Games 2026 to Wishlist

If you’re looking for upcoming games in 2026 that are worth wishlisting, the titles below cover everything from RPGs and survival games to strategy and racing games. Some are massive AAA releases while others are promising indie projects that could become surprise hits.

1. Fatekeeper

A Physics-Based Dark Fantasy RPG

Fatekeeper is already climbing Steam wishlists thanks to one thing: insanely fun ragdoll combat.

You play as a magical knight swinging a massive sword through enemies who go flying across the environment thanks to realistic physics.

It feels like a spiritual successor to Dark Messiah of Might and Magic, a cult classic known for chaotic combat.

Key features include:

• Open world RPG exploration
• Magic abilities and melee combat
• Physics-driven enemy reactions
• Handcrafted environments

If you enjoy chaotic combat and dark fantasy worlds, this upcoming RPG in 2026 could be a sleeper hit.

2. Windrose

A Pirate Survival Game Built for Co-op

Windrose went from unknown indie project to one of the most wishlisted upcoming survival games after its demo exploded on Steam.

The concept is simple but ambitious.

You command a giant pirate ship while exploring islands, fighting enemies, and hunting treasure.

Highlights include:

• Ship-to-ship combat
• Multiplayer survival gameplay
• Treasure hunting
• Base building mechanics

It’s basically Sea of Thieves meets survival crafting, and people are loving the idea.

3. The Forest 3

A New Survival Horror Adventure

The Forest series has built a reputation for delivering some of the most intense survival horror experiences in gaming.

The third game takes players to a mysterious alien world, where exploration and survival become even more dangerous.

Expect:

• Base building
• Resource gathering
• Co-op gameplay
• terrifying nighttime enemies

If the developers deliver again, The Forest 3 could become one of the biggest survival games of the decade.

4. Tomb Raider Legacy of Atlantis

A Full Remake of the Original Classic

Crystal Dynamics is finally revisiting the original Tomb Raider with a full remake built for modern hardware.

Unlike the gritty reboot trilogy, this remake leans into the classic supernatural adventure tone that defined the original games.

Expect:

• modern graphics
• updated combat and traversal
• classic puzzle tombs
• iconic Lara Croft attitude

For long-time fans, this is pure nostalgia.

5. Tomb Raider Catalyst

A Brand New Tomb Raider Story

Alongside the remake, Crystal Dynamics is also releasing Tomb Raider Catalyst, a new adventure set in the older timeline.

That means:

• classic Lara Croft personality
• adventurous storytelling
• more supernatural mysteries

Getting two Tomb Raider games announced at once was unexpected, but fans are absolutely here for it.

6. Total War Warhammer 40K

A Massive Evolution for the Total War Series

Total War is usually known for historical warfare.

But Warhammer 40K completely changes the formula.

Instead of giant medieval armies, players command futuristic squads using firearms, cover mechanics, and tactical positioning.

Key changes include:

• squad-based combat
• modern weapons
• large battlefields
• a new game engine

If you’re a strategy fan, this could become one of the most ambitious RTS games coming in the next few years.

7. LEGO Batman Legacy of the Dark Knight

The Biggest LEGO Batman Game Ever

This game is basically every Batman universe mashed together.

Campy Batman. Dark Batman. Classic Batman. Everything.

Players will explore an open world Gotham City while solving puzzles and fighting enemies with Arkham-style combat mechanics.

Expect:

• huge character roster
• silly LEGO humor
• open world exploration
• action combat

Honestly, it looks like the most ambitious LEGO game ever made.

8. Forza Horizon 6

Japan Finally Arrives in Horizon

Fans have wanted this for years.

Forza Horizon 6 is heading to Japan.

That means:

• drifting through Tokyo streets
• mountain road racing
• neon city environments
• scenic countryside drives

Horizon games rarely miss, and this location alone makes it one of the most exciting upcoming racing games.

9. Control Resonant

A New Story in the Control Universe

Remedy is expanding the Control universe with Control Resonant, a semi-sequel set outside the Federal Bureau of Control.

This time, paranormal chaos spreads across Manhattan.

The game appears to include:

• open city exploration
• heavy melee combat
• supernatural enemies
• reality-bending environments

If you loved Control, this upcoming action game should absolutely be on your radar.

10. Ontos

A Psychological Horror Game From the SOMA Developers

Whenever the creators of Amnesia and SOMA release something new, horror fans pay attention.

Ontos promises a story that explores:

• consciousness
• identity
• reality

Expect slow-burn psychological horror rather than traditional jump scares.

11. Bradley the Badger

A Modern Throwback to 90s Platformers

Bradley the Badger feels like a love letter to classic mascot platformers like:

• Banjo-Kazooie
• Crash Bandicoot
• Spyro

The twist is that many levels parody famous modern video games, which could lead to some hilarious moments.

12. Gang of Dragon

A Dark Crime Drama Inspired by Yakuza

Gang of Dragon appears to take inspiration from the early Yakuza games, but with a much darker tone.

Expect:

• brutal street fights
• crime drama storytelling
• intense action sequences

Fans of gritty crime games should definitely keep an eye on this one.

13. Ace Combat 8 Wings of Thieves

The Return of Arcade Flight Combat

Ace Combat remains one of the few series delivering high-energy arcade flight combat.

The next entry promises:

• massive aerial battles
• customizable fighter jets
• cinematic storytelling

If you like blowing up enemy fleets from the sky, this game will probably deliver.

14. Mega Man Dual Override

The Blue Bomber Returns

Capcom is finally bringing Mega Man back with a new 2D action platformer.

The classic formula remains:

• defeat robot masters
• steal their powers
• use abilities strategically

Simple, but it works every time.

15. Star Wars Galactic Racer

Star Wars Racing Returns

This game feels like a spiritual successor to the classic Star Wars Pod Racer.

Players can race using:

• pod racers
• speeder bikes
• land speeders

And the races will take place across multiple iconic Star Wars planets.

16. Castlevania Belmont’s Curse

A True Metroidvania Revival

Konami partnered with the developers behind Dead Cells, which instantly made fans excited.

This new Castlevania returns to:

• side-scrolling exploration
• fast combat
• gothic environments

Honestly, it looks like the Castlevania comeback fans have wanted for years.

17. Tropico 7

The Dictator Simulator Evolves

Tropico has always been one of the most entertaining city management games.

Tropico 7 introduces something new:

direct military control.

That means you can personally command troops during rebellions and invasions.

18. Warhammer 40K Dawn of War 4

RTS Fans Finally Get a Comeback

Dawn of War 4 promises a return to the classic base-building RTS gameplay fans loved.

New features include:

• new factions
• improved visuals
• large scale battles

Strategy fans have been waiting years for this.

19. Darkwood 2

One of the Creepiest Indie Horror Games Returns

The original Darkwood was terrifying.

The sequel introduces new environments and enemies while maintaining the same survival structure:

Explore during the day.
Hide at night.

Simple idea. Absolutely terrifying execution.

20. Railborn

A Survival Game Built Around a Giant Train

Railborn might have the most unique concept on this list.

Your base is a massive moving train.

Players slowly build and upgrade the train while traveling across a dangerous post-apocalyptic world.

It’s weird. It’s creative. And it could be amazing.

Final Thoughts

The number of upcoming games in 2026 and beyond is honestly overwhelming in the best possible way.

Between massive RPGs, nostalgic platformers, survival experiments, and strategy revivals, the next generation of gaming looks incredibly promising.

If even half of these titles deliver on their potential, the next few years could be incredible for gamers.

So go ahead and start filling that wishlist.

If you’re into visually stunning games, check out our list of Top 10 NEW Upcoming Realistic Graphics Games of 2026.

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