Months before 2026 even began, there was a palpable feeling in the air that it was going to be a significant year for games. Grand Theft Auto 6, Resident Evil Requiem, and Marvel’s Wolverine alone seemed like a generation-defining trio in the making. But truly special gaming years aren’t entirely defined by their biggest blockbusters; it’s often the surprises between those tentpole moments that give us the best games of the year.

That’s certainly held true so far in 2026. Three months in and we’ve already had so many gems, big and small, that we could put together a pretty killer year-end list today and be happy with it. Don’t worry, we’ll save that task for December. In the meantime, here are the best games of 2026 (so far), organized in reverse-chronological order.

How we pick the best games of 2026. For consideration, a game has to be out for at least three weeks, so we know it's not just a flash in the pan. We also select games that are beloved not just by their reviewer but also widely across the team. We'll update this article periodically throughout 2026.

Big Walk is unforgettable. Untitled Goose Game developer House House evokes the puzzle-solving exploration of Myst in a brilliant co-op adventure that's all about hanging out with your best pals. It looks silly, what with its goofball characters, but Big Walk 's trick is that it's a surprisingly emotional journey built to sharpen your communication skills with the people you love.

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