The Best Games of 2026 (So Far)

May 22, 2026 - 13:35

Every year, I like to sit down and put together a top ten list of the games that defined the last twelve months. It is a tradition that helps me reflect on what actually stuck with me. The problem is, I usually forget to keep notes as the year goes on, which means I end up scrambling through old screenshots and save files in December. This year, I am trying to be smarter about it. We are only a few months into 2026, but a handful of releases have already made a strong case for a spot on that eventual list.

The early frontrunner has to be the surprise hit from a small studio that nobody saw coming. It is a dense, narrative-driven RPG that blends turn-based tactics with a surprisingly emotional story about rebuilding a community after a natural disaster. The writing is sharp, and the choices actually matter in ways that feel organic rather than forced. On the other end of the spectrum, the latest entry in a long-running racing franchise finally got the physics right, offering a simulation mode that feels both accessible and punishing for veterans. There is also a strange, artsy puzzle game about folding paper that somehow made me cry at the end. I am not sure if any of these will hold up against the heavy hitters scheduled for the fall, but for now, the year is off to a surprisingly strong start. I just need to remember to write this all down before I forget again.