What sport should you play next in 2026?

If you're one of those rare gamers who have somehow managed to get through their backlog in 2026 and are looking for something new or trending to play, there are a few games that are perfect to get into right now. Tainted Grail: Fall of Avalon recently received a major update in early March. Cozy Grove is going free on Epic Games on March 12th. And, if you're a Pokemon fan still on the fence about the Switch 2, Pokopia might just be the reason you retire your old Switch.

Those three and many others are worth entering in 2026. There's a solid mix of genres here, whether you're more into action-packed FPS games or want to pick up a brand new horror title for your collection.

We'll only take games that are already out, so you can jump into these titles without waiting.

Tainted Grail: Fall of Avalon

The March update brings polish to the overlooked RPG

Starting out, for anyone looking for a new one Skyrim Or sink your teeth into a medieval fantasy RPG, Tainted Grail: Fall of Avalon It's one to try. There are some decent options Kingdom Come: Redemption 2which provides a grounded, fantasy-free experience, and AcceptedIf you're into the modern Obsidian Entertainment formula. If none of those tickle your fancy, this might be something else that tides you over The Elder Scrolls 6or even External 2 If you are not afraid of a little challenge.

The world is very gothic and thematically a bit darker SkyrimTaking a page from the Arthurian legends in its story and legend. You have an entire open-world environment to explore, and its recent update added some much-needed substance to its endgame, which was criticized for not having enough meat on its bones. One thing to keep in mind is that combat is borderline in Soulslike, so you won't be hacking and slashing while ignoring everything. The Stained Grail. Be prepared to be challenged, for better or worse.

in the ZOI

KRAFTON's Life Sim has come a long way

We're about to hit our one year anniversary in the ZOISince it was released in early access in March 2025. At the time, even though the world and character models looked really cool, the gameplay was bare. Since then, the team working on it at KRAFTON has really put a lot of work and love into the game, and it absolutely shows. A whole free expansion was added, which threw in new places to live, swimming in the ocean, and lots of activities and cosmetics.

As an early access project, in the ZOI Always evolving, but if you jumped in a year ago and were disappointed, I warmly and highly recommend giving the game another chance now. Personally, I was really surprised by how much depth has been added, and how much better the UI feels now. It is clear that there is still work to be done, however in the ZOI 2026 gives players hungry for something more already a solid life simulation experience.

Pokemon Pokopia

Pokemon meets life simulation in a cool spin-off title

Even if you are only slightly familiar with it Pokemon or a longtime fan of the franchise, Pokemon Pokopia It's the hot new spin-off you should sink your teeth into — if you can afford the Switch 2 price tag. This is the game that seems to have many people making the leap to the new handheld, as it exudes the charm of the Pokemon games and the addictive gameplay of the Sims like life. Animal Crossing in a blender. What comes out is surprisingly cool, and undeniably relaxing, as you participate in all the classic life-sim activities of farming, crafting, and building your perfect little nook by taking on the role of a humanized Ditto and gathering friendly Pokémon to join you.

That's right, you're technically a Pokemon too, and the point of the game, for once, isn't to battle other trainers and wild Pokemon. In all honesty, it's making me want to jump for Switch 2, and it's a genre combination I personally never thought I'd see. Pokemon Do franchises with such impressive success. If you're a casual and casual gamer, or if you just can't pass up a new one Pokemon game always Pokopia Should be your next stop.

Slay The Spire 2

Highly addictive deckbuilding roguelike returns

Kill the Spire It was already an event when it came out, and its second installment, Spire 2 killedIt's already offering something even bigger in its early access phase. If you don't like supporting the early game, definitely give this a try, especially if you're a die-hard fan of any deckbuilding games and roguelikes.

The premise of the game, if you're new, is deceptively simple: your job is to climb a spire full of enemies, each running differently and unpredictably, while you build a deck of cards and various consumables against your enemies. This means you really need to be ready to adapt to any and all challenges at every turn. The good news, though: you can join the game with up to three other players in co-op, for a maximum of four players total. So, pick a character, start your ascent, and get ready to go again and again. Chances are, you'll be addicted to the gameplay loop after the first run alone.

Marathon

It's been years since Bungie released a brand new game on the market, mostly with its gameplay bent destiny Copyright for Content. but, Marathon Signals the studio's return to a more “pure” FPS experience. If you are a fan of sports Escape from Tarkov and ARC RaidersIt will definitely scratch the right itch. Marathon Have you taken on the role of runner on Tau Ceti IV, completing quests for various factions and picking planets for resources and loot for challenges. You can hop solo as a trio or as a rook.

Be careful, Tau Ceti IV's map not only features other players against you, but also PVE enemies that can completely destroy your team if you don't play it safe. There are currently seven runner shells, including the single-only Rook, each with their own abilities. Whether you prefer to play Tank Destroyer or the more support-oriented Triage, you have a ton of crafting craft and playstyle to use. Don't be too precious about your loot, because this game is brutal, and if you die before extraction, you'll be sent packing at the title screen. This is the perfect next game for players who want a high-stakes, competitive first-person shooter a la Bungie experience.

Animal

Experience the best in co-op in a unique horror game

Maybe it's just you looking for another game to play, but you and your friend or significant other. In that case, Animal is a great co-op game that was recently released, in which you take on the role of a brother and sister on a mission to save your friend from a familiar island. But things aren't as they seem, and you're both forced to navigate dangers, puzzles, and, at times, a completely twisted and new environment that encourages you to work perfectly in tandem.

If you enjoy the games Splitfiction, one wayor It takes two, Animal A natural is the next step, although be aware that it leans more towards a dark, creepy atmosphere. You'll have to avoid terrifying enemies and stay silent, as well as help each other out when things are about to get scary. The atmosphere is kind of tense Little nightmares Games are, so if you like them, you'll get a lot of mileage out of it too.

cozy grove

Help the island spirits in this cozy game

cozy grove This is another totally soothing game for anyone who wants to relax and indulge in a little casual gaming. It's been out for a long time, but the reason to get into it now is good news: starting March 12, 2026, it'll be available as a free game from Epic Games, so be sure to grab it if you can. The game takes place on an island where your job is to help the local spirits by doing relaxing tasks like decorating, gardening, fishing, gathering resources, or exploring the world and finding all its secrets.

One of the main attractions in this title is its art style, which many players will fall in love with. imagine Don't starve togetherBut without the terrifying survival elements and the terrifying world. If you are limited on time and you prefer to play games that keep your cortisol levels under control, definitely make sure to check this out.

Resident Evil requests

The iconic survival horror franchise makes an epic return

A creepy FBI agent ill-suited for field work and a seasoned operative who cracks corny dad jokes collide in the same game, and the result is Capcom's newest installment to its survival horror franchise. Resident Evil requests It offers hardcore fans plenty to dive into, with a new hero to experience the spookier sections of the game, and the returning fan-favorite, Leon, who's got some new kicks in his arsenal. It's a first for the franchise to be able to blend these two different experiences into one coherent story.

The game recommends you play in first-person as Grace and in third-person as Leon, but you can freely switch between these modes depending on your preferences. make a request Starts with a bang, and then takes you deep into the ruins of Raccoon City for some interesting throwbacks and new revelations. It strikes the perfect balance between the high-octane action you get to experience with Leon and his impressive arsenal of guns, and the terrifying stealth segments you need to get through as Grace. Anyone with a taste for horror should give it a shot.