Although the beginning seems calm 2026 (At least, compared to what's to come in September and October), this year has actually been a huge success for the gaming industry. There have been very few misses and many hits, from indie successes to triple-A bangers, and the year isn't even half over yet.
Most of it has been successful open world Genre Some games that weren't even expected to be fully open-world have delivered some of the best entries the genre has seen in quite some time. So, since we still have seven months worth of games, let's take a look 2026 open-world games that are already a 10/10 hit.
Rearrange the covers into the correct US release order.
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Rearrange the covers into the correct US release order.
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Crimson Desert
An explorer's dream
It took a while, though Crimson Desert Definitely earned himself a lot of praise after a rocky launch. With millions of units sold and tons of positive word of mouth from players around the world, this open-world action RPG is winning over new players every day. The fact that it has been updated several times with new content since launch doesn't hurt.
The Crimson Desert developer celebrates success by handing out huge bonuses to employees
Crimson Desert developer Pearl Abyss celebrates the success of the game and the people who make it a success by giving them huge monetary bonuses.
Crimson Desert It's not going to win any praise for its story, and its combat system is very unusual and takes some getting used to (though once you do, it feels fantastic). No, the main appeal of this game is how incredible its world feels to explore. There are hidden secrets everywhere, Many of which have no quest markers or even landmarks to indicate their presence. It's a game that encourages its players to explore wherever and whenever they like, and it constantly rewards exploration with incredible discoveries. It's a game where people will still be unraveling mysteries this time next year.
Forza Horizon 6
Visit the mecca of car culture
Not a ton has changed in between Forza Horizon 5 and Forza Horizon 6, But that's not a bad thing. Following up one of the greatest racing games of all time with another game like this is a knock against this sequel. The biggest change is its new setting, which finally takes the series to Japan to celebrate one of the most enthusiastic car cultures on the planet. And celebrate it.
There is a small focus on off-road racing FH6, Because the game's maps have less off-road terrain, but that's replaced by more diverse environments, from bustling cities to gorgeous rural vistas. The reward system has been tweaked to make winning currency feel more useful, as you no longer unlock every car through wheel spins. The rest is much more forza horizon, And that's what we really wanted anyway.
Kern
Not your typical open world
Kern Not a standard open world game. It's set entirely on a giant mountain, and while you're free to do whatever you like, you can't just jump right off the base. You have to tackle it methodically, like a real mountaineer, choosing your routes and planning well so you don't get stuck or forced to backtrack and find a new route.
Cairn Devs Slowing down the conversation and focusing on climbing ahead
Gamerant talks to Cairn's executive producer and story director Audrey Leprince about the team's guiding ethos and creating a stunning world.
So while it's not a typical open world in the exploration sense, you're still free to climb however you see fit. Take any route you like, stop and camp whenever you want, and track down lost climbers as you go. There's still plenty of variety in how you approach the game, and its singular focus makes it special. You don't have to worry about side quests or filling the map. You have a goal, to reach the top of the mountain, and how you get there is what makes your personal journey unique.
Mystical Ebb
A disco-like tribute to Terry Pratchett
“The wave has come.”disco-likes” recently, which borrows many iconic elements disco elysium, And aside from ZA/UM's follow-up, Zero Parades for Dead Spies (which isn't open world), the best example of this trend is a weird little indie RPG. Mystical Ebb. Despite being well reviewed, this game is still not discussed much, but that's bound to change because it's so fantastic.
Instead of having characters speak your innermost thoughts, inside cryptic ib, It's your stat categories like Strength and Charisma that do the talking. This is a fun twist, especially for DnD Fans, and it's always fun to hear these figures bicker over a minor in-game decision. opposite disco elysium, There is a fight in cryptic ib, However it is still defined by dice rolls. There is a distinct Terry Pratchett to the whole thing Discworld It makes for a perfect comedic twist on fantasy territory, and it delivers on all fronts. The story is great, the RPG systems are complex, and the voice acting is stellar. What's not to like?
Mina the Hollover
A tribute to retro gaming that goes beyond modern classics
of the yacht club Shovel Knight Indie games have redefined how retro aesthetics and mechanics can be interpreted in a modern package, and it's something we've seen countless games follow-up on, from horror games. crow country Like throwback Ninja Gaiden Ragebound. The Yacht Club is at it again, this time turning the lens on the old school The Legend of Zelda Games and creating something really cool.
Mina the Hollover: Where to go first (and how to get to each area)
Stuck on deciding where to take Mina next? Find out the best area to tackle first in Mina the Holover, as well as the correct route to find all six key areas.
Mina the Hollover It doesn't show all of its cards right away, and between its extremely understated visual style and its simple yet intensely challenging combat, it will take some getting used to. Once you get the hang of it, though, it's a game that takes over your life. There are secrets everywhere, Just waiting for you to find the little clues you're giving them. The boss fights are a standout here, some of the boss sprites are truly spectacular. Combat is pitch-perfect, with dozens of options for customization, and it allows you to tweak the difficulty in more than a dozen different ways if you find the game too challenging. It is almost certain that we will talk Mina the Hollover During the 2026 GOTY discussion.
Pokemon Pokopia
An insanely addictive sandbox, and the best Pokemon game in years
Heavy illustrations from games like Animal Crossing: New Horizons and Stardew Valley, Pokemon Pokopia touched everyone. The Pokemon Games have been in a strange place lately, with many recent entries feeling like half-baked ideas rather than true next-gen experiences. That's why everyone was surprised Pokemon Pokopia Not only was it good, but it was one of the best Pokemon Games in current memory.
If you're familiar with sandbox games, you know what you'll find here, but it's the Pokemon twist that makes it special. The game is set in a “post-apocalyptic” scenario where all humans have disappeared. You play as a Ditto who takes on the task of restoring the world. It's a special kind of feeling when you realize that all the Pokemon left behind can't really help themselves without a trainer around, and what that means for them when you come to the rescue. Pokopia is a faster-paced sandbox animal crossing, And provides more room for activities, which keeps things moving and makes it stupidly addictive. Best of all, the game is completely packed with content (with more on the way), guaranteeing that you'll lose dozens of hours in its amazingly rich world.
Every game at Summer Game Fest 2026
This year's Summer Game Fest was full of some big surprises, and these are all the games that were part of the big event.
