And just like that, we are already in 2026. I hope you enjoyed my end-of-year coverage with the best VR games and personal top 10. Now, I face these new 365 days with a quote in mind from legendary Japanese filmmaker Akira Kurosawa: “To be an artist means never to avert one’s eyes.” It is up to every one of us to not avert our eyes from both the beauty and the horrors that this hypermodern era we live in brings us. Yes, novel video games will show passion and excitement, while the fight for the unjust layoffs for the developers who make said media marches on.
So I say to you, dear reader, as we venture into the unknown, to not look at games only as a form of escapism, but to reignite that humanity that only art can so beautifully convey. From the powerful musicality embraced in Dosa Divas and People of Note to the emotional gut punches Mixtape and Aphelion have in store for us, there is no shortage of variety. Props to the raw fights that await us in Spine, 1348 Ex Voto, and Mariachi Legends. Here are 26 unique video games to look out for in 2026:
Right out of the gate we have Pathologic 3, out January 9. The third entry in a dark psychological horror series, you are a doctor with 12 days to figure out who will live and die in a cursed town infected with the plague. From a first-person perspective, your analysis and decisions will decide the future of this atmospheric Eastern European villa. Featuring a clever time-rewind mechanic to learn from your mistakes and do things differently, the tone sets both the touch of a doctor and an investigator.
Also out January 12 on the other end of the spectrum, it’s the cheerful Big Hops! There are many platformers to this day that try to recreate what Mario accomplished all those years ago, and this froggy protagonist undeniably feels like it will give the plumber a run for his money. Big Hops is a fully voiced, quite charming, and very intuitive platformer that sets the stage and then keeps changing it every so often to keep you on your toes. An early hit in the year, if I do say so myself. Expect my full review soon.
Metroidvanias seem to be a genre that every year blows my mind with the creativity on display. MIO: Memories in Orbit, out January 20, is exactly that: a mind-bending, awe-inspiring Metroidvania that is part swift platformer, part riveting combat, all mesmerizing challenge. Taking on the role of the android MIO, you must traverse a living ecosystem where every corner has a new surprise.
Tarsier Studios comes back with a vengeance on February 13. The creators of Little Nightmares 1 & 2, these talented developers practically invented a new genre within their small, diorama-inspired horror adventures. After the somewhat lacking Little Nightmares 3, all eyes are on Reanimal to retake the throne that they made. Expect jaw-dropping landscapes, horrible creatures, and plenty of chase sequences where you only escape by the skin of your teeth. If their earlier games are any indication, macabre late-game twists as well.
If there is one thing you cannot accuse developer Ryu Ga Gotoku of, it is laziness. Off the heels of Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, the relentless effort to update all of Kiryu Kazuma’s story from Yakuza 0 to 6 continues. Now adding a whole new side story with the affable Yoshitaka Mine, it is not only a walk down memory lane but also introduces a whole new perspective to the deadly & quirky stories of the underground Japanese mafia.
Absolutely oozing with an enviable noir style, Replaced is a narrative-driven 2.5D platformer releasing on March 12. Even that description, I feel, does not do it justice, as every moment on-screen looks like the most detailed cinematic storyboard you have ever seen. Ultimately a cyberpunk thriller, Replaced’s gritty world of abusive corporations and A.I. is one that feels lived in and ready for you to blow the lid off.
There’s just something about heartfelt, pixel-art games. Already the winner of several awards, Fishbowl tells the story of Alo, a young woman dealing with grief, adulthood, and self-discovery. Thanks to its sublime writing and gorgeous art style, Fishbowl is setting up to be an unforgettable journey reminiscent of Until Then and A Space For The Unbound. Numerous endings and fun minigames ensure dynamic day-to-day activities for a welcoming, cozy experience. Out April 2026
Sneaking up on the radar of many, 1348 Ex Voto follows the tale of a young knight in a brutal medieval setting. Formed by a small studio of industry veterans, the game’s focus on emotional storytelling and crunchy combat make it look like a must-play. Its stunning 14th-century Italy is also a treat to witness, looking at its trailers. Did I mention Jennifer English was part of its cast? You already know that it’s going to be a good video game based off that.
From the acclaimed developers behind Thirsty Suitors comes another spicy turn-based RPG: Dosa Divas. Boasting one of the most vibrant color palettes so far, you play as two sisters and their upgradable spirit-mech. Fighting corporations, cooking delicious meals, and making friends in the community, Dosa Divas’ unique approach to gameplay promises an adventure like no other.
Gun-Fu is a burgeoning genre inspired by the likes of John Wick, and Spine seems to be spearheading this movement. Impeccable mixed martial arts animations with elaborate gunplay, Spine’s gameplay looks like it achieved the formula for success. Set in a high-octane, dystopian future, it just needs to land that punchy feeling it already seems to have, and I’m game.
A laid-back puzzle adventure where you play as a gecko—there really isn’t much else to say. Gecko Gods lets you explore a beautiful archipelago full of secrets to uncover the mysteries of a long-lost civilization. At some point, the gecko can also travel between islands on a small boat, so, you know, count me in.
Don’t Nod is at it again, and now in collaboration with the European Space Agency. Aphelion is their latest cinematic third-person adventure, which, if you played Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden, is enough to be excited about. Stranded on an alien planet, you must survive, explore, and discover the haunting secrets as its thrilling narrative unfolds.
Occasionally, a core concept might be enough to create a whole video game around it. In this case, Motorslice is a brutalist, post-apocalyptic adventure where you fight giant machines and explore a megastructure. Inspired by Prince of Persia, Mirror’s Edge, and Shadow of the Colossus, it seems to be in good hands, as its latest favorable demo impressions are any indication.
Let’s get the first thing out of the way: I loved The Artful Escape. I found it imaginative, hilarious, and passionate. Beethoven & Dinosaur’s (what a name) second game is Mixtape, a cooler–cool coming-of-age adventure. On the last night of a friend group’s high school, they embark on shenanigans only teenagers can. If you’re still on the fence, it features music from DEVO, Roxy Music, Lush, The Smashing Pumpkins, Iggy Pop, Siouxsie and the Banshees, Joy Division, the Cure, and more. I can’t wait.
A new adventure from the kind world of Tove Jansson, Moomintroll: Winter’s Warmth now has you playing as the endlessly charming Moomin. After the musical journey of Snufkin: Melody of Moominvalley, this second tale from Hyper Games has a more snowy theme to it for those cozy winter nights. Always with a noble message of friendship, it’s a certified wholesome hit for kids and adults.
A Switch 2 exclusive that stole the show at The Game Awards, Orbitals is an intergalactic co-op adventure evoking the magic of It Takes Two. It only takes a glance to decipher where the inspiration of its anime aesthetic comes from: the nostalgic 90s Japanese era of Neon Genesis Evangelion, Cowboy Bebop, and Dragon Ball Z. With this winning formula, I can hardly wait to see the end product.
Likely one of the most anticipated games on this list, Neverway is a top-down, action-adventure life sim with a dark twist. Recruiting the massive talent of Pedro Medeiros, pixel artist of Celeste, the art style enraptures as soon as you look at it. Mixing real-life fears and supernatural entities, Neverway tells the story of Fiona, a woman who quit her job to start a farm. Soon she finds that a nightmare reality is trying to mess with hers. An intriguing premise if I have ever heard one.
Revealed since 2022, Holstin is a horror game with the innovative idea of easily interchanging a top-down, isometric perspective with third-person action shooting on a whim. Set in a grounded Polish background—like the developers themselves—the eerie vibe between Silent Hill and Resident is palpable. Of course, the game promises unexpected twists along the way.
A surprise reveal late last year, People of Note is a special kind of turn-based RPG. An astounding ode to music itself, each character in this whimsical, rhythm-based narrative plays a distinct instrument. From various genres, this musically focused adventure captivates with its catchy soundtrack and striking art style. The revitalization of the genre continues.
After suffering a last-minute delay in 2025, I hope Mina the Hollower sees the light of day soon. From the acclaimed makers of Shovel Knight, Yacht Club Games, comes another deeply enticing adventure with a new mouse protagonist. Much like Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo felt like an unearthed GBA game with all the bells and whistles a new entry includes, so does Mina the Hollower emulate that Game Boy Color aesthetic. Not long now!
Perhaps it would be irresponsible for me to say that platforming games are having a resurgence, but with Demon Tides, Big Hops, and—let’s not forget—Bubsy 4D, how could I not think that? Developer Fabraz’ pact with the devil to create the most fluid-looking movement is paying off in spades. Rolling, surfing, dashing, wall-running, and more swift moves are at your disposal in this expressive new platformer.
There are trailers you watch and you just know. ROCKBEASTS is, on paper, a rock-and-roll management RPG where you guide a 90s grunge band from garage obscurity to stadium glory, but in reality it is so much more than that. Hitting every comical note for millennials just as much as BoJack Horseman did in its time, this anthropomorphic journey is just banger after banger. Choosing venues, playing the rhythm minigames, and managing egos are all in a day’s work.
Releasing soon in Early Access, Mandrake is a green thumb’s dream come true. Deeply rooted in British folklore, this latest release by Failbetter Games imbues gentle gardening, mystical powers, and fully realized storytelling into a one-of-a-kind rural life sim. While the farm sim genre might feel crowded, Mandrake feels like a breath of magical fresh air.
Ambroise Niflette & the Gleaned Bell
A stop-motion-inspired game, Ambroise Niflette & the Gleaned Bell is a game where you play as the cutest little detective known as Ambroise Niflette. Tasked with solving the theft of the Gleaned Bell, you must explore a beautiful town and confront its denizens to find any possible leads. For fans of whodunits and appealing art styles, there is no better game I can recommend.
Someone is hiding a dark secret in the otherwise quaint town of Ashenridge. But who? Grave Seasons is a subversion of expectations of farming sims because a person you know in this village is a supernatural serial killer. Narrative-heavy, your every decision, from what you harvest to whom you romance, will have an impact on the game’s outcome. Not much of a cozy game but a full-blown horror game, Grave Seasons will not be for the faint of heart.
This new, proudly Mexican Metroidvania has a whole lot going for it. Taking cues from Castlevania to form its identity, Mariachi Legends is heavily inspired by the folklore of Mexico. The Day of the Dead, the many cryptids and myths, and plenty of local cuisine and tequila make their presence here. Playing as protagonist Pablo Cruz, fighting against the evils lurking at night has never looked so stylish.
Just writing about all of these exciting video games gives me hope for the future. And I hope it does to you, too. The Steam page for all of these upcoming releases is in their titles, so please consider wishlisting your favorites as they help with much-needed visibility. There is so much more to write about this 2026, and this is just the beginning. See you throughout the year.
