The 2026 GOTY race starts now

2026 is almost halfway over, and now is as good a time as any to start thinking about which game will take home the coveted Game of the Year award in December. In just a few short months, the gaming world has become incredibly stacked in every genre imaginable, with surreal sequels, spin-offs, and new IPs all racing toward the finish line to claim the prize for themselves.

Picking a winner at this point is pretty tough, especially considering how many games are coming up between now and awards season, but what's clear is that the top spot is going to be anything but a cakewalk for everyone. Whether players are fans of horror, action, farming, or something else entirely, they can't deny that 2026 is already one of the best years for gaming and a true testament to how passion and talent really lead to extraordinary experiences.

Rearrange the covers into the correct US release order.

easy (5)medium (7)hard (10)

get started

Rearrange the covers into the correct US release order.

Easy (5) Medium (7) Hard (10)get started

progenitor

A story for the ages

Details:

• An emotional, character-driven story

• Unique puzzle-like combat

progenitor Emotional, fun, and incredibly satisfying to play, covering all the bases in one fell swoop, while doing so as a completely original IP. The story follows two very different characters, one an Earth man, and the other a childish android who knows nothing about the world, but despite everything, they form an unlikely bond that only strengthens as the game progresses.

When it comes to gameplay, instead of following the usual third-person formula, the game introduces players to a sort of hacking mini-game that allows them to pick apart their enemies from within using various node abilities. Players are physically and emotionally involved from start to finish through both sides combined, and as far as single-player story games go, this is easily one of the best released in a very long time.

Resident Evil requests

The king of survival horror

Details:

• Incredible double story

• Star map design and layout

RE9 Somehow manages to perfect the survival horror formula even more than its predecessors, bringing back many iconic characters, locations and enemies to deliver an experience that stands among the best in the franchise. This time, the dual story centers on Grace Ashcroft and Leon Kennedy, as the two cross paths and work together to uncover the truth behind a strange series of deaths suspected to be related to Raccoon City.

Taking a lot of notes from modern entries and remakes, the game continues the trend of mixing action and horror into one, with segments that focus more on horror, and others where Leon gets to show why he's the king of the zombie genre. It's loads of fun and has everything a fan of the series could want, while serving as a great entry point for anyone who has yet to step into greatness. Resident Evil.

Crimson Desert

Further expanding the open-world genre

Details:

• Exciting landscape

• Unreal depth in mechanics

The open-world space is hotly contested by some pretty surreal games, so when a newcomer arrives that can stand toe-to-toe, it's beyond impressive. when Crimson Desert The first time it was shown, it was clear that players were in for something special, and now that it's here, the scale, variety, detail, and depth are as good as everyone expected.

Cliff's story in Factions is captivating and strong enough to hold the player's attention for dozens of hours, but the main attraction comes from the sheer amount of content available in the game. Players get to complete dragons, farm crops, scale bosses, and any task and activity they can think of, setting the bar even higher for future single-player games to follow.

Saros

Pushing those mechanical limits

Details:

• Fast-paced third-person shooting

• Bullet-hell bossfights and enemy encounters

In many ways, it feels like it return Walked like this Saros can fly, as the two games share many similarities, but the latter goes further to deliver a challenging and rewarding shooter experience unlike any other. The gameplay loop takes notes from roguelikes and bullet-hells, but the perspective makes the action hit harder and ensures that every moment feels more intense than traditional games in the genre.

The world design does a lot of the heavy lifting here, with a mysterious yet appealing aesthetic that keeps players guessing long into the story. It's no surprise that critics are already hailing it as a crowning achievement for the studio, and in terms of the wider industry, it could certainly make some waves this year's awards season.

Neoh 3

Another wave of Soulslike Greats

Details:

• Alternate playstyles between fights

• Huge open areas to explore

Neoh 3 Once again showed that FromSoftware is not the only developer who is able to create like a great soul. This time the focus is expanded, with large open areas filled with even more Yokai, and an expanded combat system that revolves around two different styles that offer very different playstyles.

One minute, players are running around and attacking with a flurry of blades, and the next, they're patiently waiting for the perfect moment to strike, giving fights a certain rhythm that feels immensely satisfying right from the start. Many consider it the best in the series and a standout in a place like Souls that continues to push new ground while maintaining the core principles that make the genre so widely loved.

Kern

Climbing to a more intimate scale

Details:

• Inspired by real climbing techniques

• A personal story that underpins the exploration

Kern It's equal parts relaxing and stressful, and the closest thing to an acrophobe's worst nightmare. Playing as world-class climber Aava, players begin a slow and methodical ascent of Mount Kami, needing to think about foot placement, weight distribution, and their dwindling supplies to make it out alive.

Part of what makes the game so great is how it fuses mechanics and story into one. When players reach a new section or challenge, they are presented with a rich narrative that contextualizes the challenge before them, adding emotional weight that resonates with many and gives them the courage to move forward, both in the game and in their own lives.

Pokemon Pokopia

Everyone should form

Details:

• Relaxation farming spin-off

• All the classic charm and cuteness in condensed form

It's been a long time coming, though Pokemon Fans can finally live a nice, simple life with their furry friends in the world Pokopia. Instead of traditional combat, it focuses on farming, building, and generally just having a relaxing time surrounded by iconic creatures. Pokemon the universe.

Because of how moldable the world is, there's nothing stopping players from creating the perfect little retreat for themselves, with no bad guys to stop them from enjoying themselves. It's simple and charming, and exactly what many fans have wanted for decades, making it a real contender for not only Nintendo's best game this year, but potentially the best game ever.