2026 Is Already Packed With Highly Anticipated Games

Even though 2025 is still underway, much of the gaming community is already looking ahead to 2026. Early polls, wishlist data, and ongoing discussions suggest that the year is shaping up to be one of the busiest release periods in recent memory. A growing number of major projects, many of which have been in development for years, are now expected to land around the same time.

A recent community poll highlighted by GameStar shows how strong anticipation already is. Thousands of players shared which upcoming titles they are most excited about, giving an early indication of where expectations are forming across PC and console audiences.

Why 2026 Is Shaping Up to Be So Crowded

Several factors are contributing to the unusually packed 2026 lineup. Many high profile games were quietly delayed out of earlier release windows to allow for longer development cycles. Studios are also more cautious about launching unfinished products, which has pushed timelines further out.

At the same time, developers are now fully comfortable working with current generation hardware. According to analysis from GamesIndustry.biz, teams are using the extra time to build larger worlds, more complex systems, and higher production values. As a result, more projects are converging on the same release year.

Top 5 Most Anticipated Games Expected Around 2026

While exact release dates remain flexible, several titles consistently dominate anticipation lists. These games combine strong franchises, long development histories, and expectations of meaningful technical or creative progress.

Grand Theft Auto VI
Rockstar’s next mainline release remains the most anticipated game by a wide margin. Despite limited official updates, interest continues to grow due to the studio’s track record and expectations of a massive new open world. Ongoing coverage from IGN shows that excitement has not slowed.
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach
Hideo Kojima’s sequel is expected to expand on the original’s ideas while delivering a larger and more refined experience. Narrative intrigue and cinematic presentation have kept the project high on anticipation lists, as detailed by PC Gamer.
Monster Hunter Wilds
Capcom’s next Monster Hunter entry is positioned as a major evolution of the series. Promises of more dynamic environments and expanded gameplay systems have placed it among the most closely watched upcoming releases, according to GamesIndustry.biz.
Hollow Knight: Silksong
Years after its initial announcement, Silksong remains one of the most requested games in the industry. Its prolonged development has only increased anticipation, making it a frequent top choice in community polls and wishlist rankings tracked by IGN.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance II
The sequel to Warhorse Studios’ historical RPG is drawing attention for its promise of deeper role playing systems and improved production quality. Players looking for grounded and immersive RPG experiences have placed it high on their 2026 watchlists, according to PC Gamer.

Sequels Lead the Conversation, but New IPs Still Matter

Sequels currently dominate most anticipation lists, largely because they offer familiarity and proven quality. Players tend to feel more confident about games connected to established franchises, especially when development has taken several years.

However, new intellectual properties are not absent from the conversation. Coverage from PC Gamer shows continued interest in fresh ideas, particularly when they come from experienced studios. Many players appear to want both reliability and innovation in the same release year.

Community Expectations Are Forming Earlier Than Usual

One notable trend is how early expectations are forming. Community polls, social media discussions, and wishlist tracking are already influencing how upcoming games are perceived. For publishers, this means managing expectations will be just as important as delivering polished releases.

If current trends continue, 2026 could become a defining year for the industry. Whether these games meet expectations will depend on how well studios balance ambition, polish, and player trust. For now, anticipation continues to build well ahead of launch.