Games we still can’t wait to play in 2026

 

It’s hard to believe we’re already in May, but it’s safe to say we’ve had a few hits on our hands over the past few months. From Resident Evil Requiem to the more recent Saros and even social sims like Pokémon Pokopia and Tomdachi Life: Living the Dream, there seems to be something for everyone.

That being said, May feels like it’s delivering an avalanche of games this month alone, but we thought we would dive in and, in no particular order, talk about some of the titles we’re still excited to play that are releasing in 2026.

007 First Light

As a massive James Bond fan, 007 First Light has been high on my list of games dropping in 2026. Having also been a huge fan of IO Interactive’s Hitman series, it simply feels like a match made in heaven for such a developer to be making the next Bond game.

What feels like a mix of Hitman and Uncharted over the past few months seems more accurate than ever, with recent trailers and previews highlighting the bombastic action setpieces the franchise is known for. 007 First Light looks like it’s doing its own thing; either way, we hope it marks a triumphant return for 007 games.

007 First Light will release on the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S and Windows PC on the 27th of May. A Nintendo Switch 2 version will be available, but it has been delayed.

Grand Theft Auto 6

What can we really say about GTA 6 that hasn’t already been said? While I feel like we’re on the verge of some fresh trailers, given that the game’s new release date has been locked in for November, there’s no doubt that Rockstar Games not only understands the pressure of this release but also the potential to push the medium forward. It’s what can only be described as the most hyped video game release of all time.

Returning to Vice City feels like a breath of fresh air, while the criminal duo of Jason and Lucia, undoubtedly inspired by Bonnie and Clyde, have all they need to make their mark on the franchise in the best possible way.

Grand Theft Auto VI will launch on the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S on the 19th of November. 

LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight

LEGO games have been a little hit-and-miss as of late. While we loved LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga for its open-world design and more robust mechanics, Batman really does feel like the next big hit for developers TT Games and Travellers’ Tales. 

Bringing that detailed open world, along with Arkham-like combat mechanics, makes this entry feel like a spiritual successor to those previous Arkham titles, all while celebrating the popularity and iconic nature of Batman himself.

LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight will launch on the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch 2 and Windows PC on the 22nd of May.

The Blood of the Dawnwalker

I’m a sucker for really any open-world RPG, but The Blood of the Dawnwalker looks like it’s taking things to another level. It’s 14th-century Europe, and the Black Plague is wreaking havoc across the continent. But if that wasn’t enough, our protagonist, Coen, has been infected and turned into a Dawnwalker, a creature that walks the fine line between human and vampire.

Now on a journey of revenge to reclaim his home from those that now rule it, Coen must use his newfound abilities to get the job done. The game already looks incredibly detailed, highlighting a huge sense of scale and versatility to both traversal and combat. And oh yeah, you’ll also get to suck the blood out of people’s necks.

The Blood of the Dawnwalker will launch on the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S and Windows PC on the 3rd of September.

Marvel’s Wolverine

Most Marvel fans will already be on board with Marvel’s Wolverine after playing any or all three of Marvel’s Spider-Man games, but this feels like a welcome deviation for developer Insomniac Games. Already touted as an incredibly bloody affair, Marvel’s Wolverine looks like it’s not going to shy away from what makes this character so iconic.

While we don’t know much more about this game than a few brief trailers, we’re simply glad it’s now on the table and ready to launch in 2026.

Marvel’s Wolverine will launch exclusively on the PlayStation 5 on the 15th of September.

Forza Horizon 6

Another title launching this month makes the list! I love my cars, but I absolutely love JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) cars in particular. I’ve got a few dream cars on my list, and one of them is a 1999 Nissan Skyline R34 GT-R VSpec, specifically in the Bayside Blue colour.

Sure, previous Forza Horizon titles have included this iconic automobile, but there won’t be anything quite like driving these cars across various Japanese landscapes, a match truly made in heaven. Unless you’re game enough for a real trip to Japan, this feels like a fantastic compromise.

Forza Horizon 6 will launch on Xbox Series X/S and Windows PC on the 19th of May, with the PlayStation 5 version to release at a later date. 

Star Wars: Galactic Racer

Now THIS is podracing! Might have slightly given away my age there, but I’ll go one step further; Star Wars Episode I: Racer is one of my favourite games on the Nintendo 64.

So you best believe that when I saw the trailer for Star Wars: Galactic Racer, I didn’t need much more to sell me on the premise. This time around, however, we’ll also be in the seats of speeder bikes, landcrusiers and a newer vehicle called the skimspeeder.

It already looks incredibly polished, and I can’t wait to show Sebulba who’s boss. Again.

Star Wars: Galactic Racer will launch on the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S and Windows PC on the 6th of October.

And that’s a wrap! While we’ve only highlighted a few here, be sure to keep updated with our Australian Video Game Release Dates page for all the upcoming games in 2026.

Matthew Arcari

Matthew Arcari is the games and technology editor at The AU Review. You can find him on X at @sirchunkee, or at the Dagobah System, chilling with Luke and Yoda.