Top 10 Games That Could Define the Rest of 2026

2026 has already given us some huge games, but the biggest releases of the year are still ahead. From August through December, we’re getting some major sequels, long-awaited releases, ambitious new IPs, and one release that has been a decade in the making. Of course, we’re talking about GTA 6.

— Geoff Keighley (@geoffkeighley) August 23, 2026

With Gamescom 2026 beginning this week and all the new games coming out between August and December, there is still plenty of room for the year’s narrative to change. Here are 10 games that could have the biggest impact on the rest of 2026.

1 Star Wars: Zero Company

Release date: August 27, 2026

Star Wars: Zero Company is one of the most interesting experiments in the franchise’s recent history. Developed by Bit Reactor and Respawn, this turn-based tactical RPG draws heavily from the XCOM formula while placing players in the middle of the Clone Wars.

Players command a customizable squad featuring clones, Jedi, mercenaries, and other characters. If its strategic combat and character-driven campaign deliver, Zero Company could prove that Star Wars works just as well as a tactical RPG as it does an action game.

2 The Blood of Dawnwalker

Release date: September 3, 2026

Rebel Wolves’ The Blood of Dawnwalker is shaping up to be one of the year’s most intriguing RPGs. Set in a dark version of 14th-century Europe, it follows Coen, a man who gains vampiric powers while attempting to save his family from supernatural forces.

The game’s combination of open-ended choices, vampire abilities and a time-limited story could give it an identity beyond simply being another fantasy RPG. Its success could also establish Rebel Wolves as a major new studio.

3 Onimusha: Way of the Sword

Release date: September 4, 2026

Capcom is reviving another of its classic franchises with Onimusha: Way of the Sword. The action game follows Miyamoto Musashi as he battles supernatural enemies across a demonic version of Kyoto.

With its fast swordplay, atmospheric setting and supernatural combat, Way of the Sword could give Capcom another successful modern franchise alongside Resident Evil, Monster Hunter and Street Fighter.

4 Marvel’s Wolverine

Release date: September 15, 2026

Insomniac Games’ Marvel’s Wolverine is arguably one of the most anticipated PlayStation releases of the year. The PS5 exclusive puts Logan in the spotlight for a violent single-player adventure, following Insomniac’s hugely successful Marvel’s Spider-Man games.

The game has enormous expectations behind it. If Insomniac can translate Wolverine’s regenerative abilities, claws, and brutal fighting style into satisfying gameplay, it could become another flagship Marvel title for PlayStation.

5 Control Resonant

Release date: September 24, 2026

returns to its supernatural universe with Control Resonant. The sequel expands beyond the original game’s Oldest House and puts Dylan Faden at the center of the story.

September is already packed with major releases, and Control Resonant could stand out thanks to Remedy’s distinctive combination of surreal storytelling, supernatural abilities and atmospheric environments.

6 Gears of War: E-Day

Release date: October 6, 2026

Gears of War: E-Day takes the series back to its roots by exploring Emergence Day, the catastrophic event that began the Locust invasion. The prequel brings Marcus Fenix and Dom Santiago back into the spotlight while giving The Coalition an opportunity to revisit the series’ foundations.

After several years away from a traditional new Gears campaign, E-Day could be an important test of whether the franchise can once again become one of Xbox’s defining properties.

7 Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4

Release date: October 23, 2026

Few games have the potential to dominate multiplayer quite like Call of Duty. Modern Warfare 4 arrives in October, giving Activision another opportunity to make its flagship shooter one of the year’s biggest entertainment releases.

The combination of a new campaign, competitive multiplayer and the broader Call of Duty ecosystem should make it one of the most-played games of the holiday season. Its performance will also be particularly important with GTA VI arriving less than a month later.

8 Phantom Blade Zero

Release date: October 29, 2026

S-GAME’s Phantom Blade Zero could be one of 2026’s biggest new IPs. The action game combines rapid sword combat with a dark wuxia-inspired world, putting an emphasis on precise and spectacular melee encounters.

Its October 29 release places it directly in one of the year’s busiest periods, but its distinctive visual style and combat could help it cut through the competition. The current release schedule confirms its October launch on PS5 and PC.

9 Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA 6)

Release date: November 19, 2026

There is little doubt that GTA 6 has the greatest potential to define the remainder of 2026. Rockstar’s next open-world blockbuster returns players to Vice City and introduces protagonists Lucia and Jason. It is currently scheduled for November 19 on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S.

The game’s influence could extend well beyond sales. GTA VI is already so anticipated that other publishers have been carefully positioning their releases around it. A successful launch could dominate gaming discussion for the rest of the year and well into 2027.

10 Dragon Quest Monsters: The Withered World

Release date: December 3, 2026

Rounding out the list is Dragon Quest Monsters: The Withered World, which is currently scheduled for December 3. The spin-off brings the monster-collecting formula back for another major adventure and gives RPG fans something substantial to look forward to after the year’s biggest blockbusters.

Its December release could also make it an ideal holiday game, particularly for fans of monster collection and traditional Japanese RPGs.

With such a packed schedule, the final months of 2026 could easily rival the first half of the year. Aside from GTA 6, what are you looking forward to the most? Let us know in the comments!