🎮 Quick Answer: The best games to play in 2026 right now is Grand Theft Auto V for sheer popularity and online depth, while Resident Evil Requiem leads for new critically acclaimed releases. Keep reading for the full ranked list with buying links.
Are you looking for the best games to play in 2026? You’re in the right place. Whether you game on PS5, Xbox Series X, or PC, 2026 has an incredible lineup of titles worth your time and money.
In this guide, the TechMilkyWay team has ranked the 10 most popular and best-reviewed games you can play right now — based on critic scores, active player counts, and worldwide community buzz. From Rockstar’s legendary open worlds to Capcom’s survival horror comeback, every game on this list is worth owning.
Let’s dive in.
Quick Comparison: Top 10 Best Games to Play in 2026
| Rank | Game | Genre | Platform | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Grand Theft Auto V | Open World | PS5, Xbox, PC | 9.8/10 |
| 2 | Red Dead Redemption 2 | Open World | PS5, Xbox, PC | 9.7/10 |
| 3 | God of War Ragnarök | Action Adventure | PS5, PC | 9.5/10 |
| 4 | Black Myth: Wukong | Action RPG | PS5, PC | 9.2/10 |
| 5 | Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 | Action Adventure | PS5, PC | 9.0/10 |
| 6 | Horizon Forbidden West | Action RPG | PS5, PC | 8.9/10 |
| 7 | Resident Evil Requiem | Survival Horror | PS5, Xbox, PC | 9.5/10 |
| 8 | Nioh 3 | Soulslike RPG | PS5, PC | 8.8/10 |
| 9 | Monster Hunter Wilds | Action RPG | PS5, Xbox, PC | 9.0/10 |
| 10 | Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 | Turn-Based RPG | PS5, Xbox, PC | 9.4/10 |
1. Grand Theft Auto V — The Undisputed King of Open World Gaming
Developer: Rockstar Games | Genre: Open World Action | Platform: PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC | Release: 2013 (Enhanced 2022)
Metacritic: 97 | Copies Sold: 225 Million+
If there is one answer to the question — what is the best games to play in 2026 — for most gamers worldwide, it is still Grand Theft Auto V. Over a decade after its original release, GTA V remains one of the most-played games on every platform. The PS5 and Xbox Series X enhanced edition brought upgraded visuals, haptic feedback, and performance improvements that make Los Santos feel fresh even now.
The real engine behind its extraordinary longevity is GTA Online — a constantly evolving multiplayer world with heists, races, businesses, and regular new content updates. With GTA VI confirmed for November 2026, millions of players are returning to GTA V right now to revisit the world that defined a generation of open-world gaming.
Who should play it: Anyone who loves open world games, multiplayer mayhem, or just wants the biggest, longest-lasting experience in gaming.
✅ What We Love
- Massive, endlessly replayable open world
- GTA Online keeps the game fresh 13 years later
- Available on PS5, Xbox Series X, and PC
- One of the best-selling games of all time
❌ What Could Be Better
- Aging single-player content
- Microtransactions in GTA Online
TechMilkyWay Score: 9.8 / 10 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
PC System Requirements — Grand Theft Auto V
| Spec | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| OS | Windows 10 64-bit | Windows 11 64-bit |
| CPU | Intel Core i5-3470 | Intel Core i7-4770 |
| RAM | 8 GB | 16 GB |
| GPU | NVIDIA GTX 660 2GB | NVIDIA GTX 1060 6GB |
| Storage | 72 GB HDD | 72 GB SSD |
👉 Buy Grand Theft Auto V on Amazon
2. Red Dead Redemption 2 — The Greatest Story Ever Told in a Video Game
Developer: Rockstar Games | Genre: Open World Action Adventure | Platform: PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC | Release: 2018
Metacritic: 97 | All-Time Classic
Few games in history have achieved what Red Dead Redemption 2 continues to accomplish in 2026 — remaining one of the most recommended and most played titles nearly a decade after release. Rockstar’s epic tale of outlaw Arthur Morgan and the dying American frontier is widely considered one of the greatest video games ever made.
The world detail, character writing, emotional depth, and atmospheric density of RDR2 are simply unmatched. First-time players are still discovering it every day — and every single one comes away floored. If you have not yet played Red Dead Redemption 2, 2026 is the perfect time to start.
Who should play it: Fans of storytelling, open world exploration, and anyone who wants the most immersive single-player experience in gaming history.
✅ What We Love
- 97 Metacritic — one of the highest-rated games ever
- Emotionally powerful story and characters
- Breathtaking open world with extraordinary detail
- Red Dead Online adds multiplayer depth
❌ What Could Be Better
- Slow opening hours
- Controls can feel stiff to new players
TechMilkyWay Score: 9.7 / 10 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
PC System Requirements — Red Dead Redemption 2
| Spec | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| OS | Windows 10 64-bit | Windows 11 64-bit |
| CPU | Intel Core i7-4770K | Intel Core i7-4770K |
| RAM | 12 GB | 16 GB |
| GPU | NVIDIA GTX 1060 6GB | NVIDIA GTX 1070 8GB |
| Storage | 150 GB SSD | 150 GB SSD |
👉 Buy Red Dead Redemption 2 on Amazon
3. God of War Ragnarök — The Gold Standard for Cinematic Action Games
Developer: Santa Monica Studio | Genre: Action Adventure | Platform: PS5, PC | Release: 2022
Metacritic: 94 | Game of the Year 2022
God of War Ragnarök is the benchmark for narrative-driven action games and one of the best games to play in 2026 on PS5. Santa Monica Studio’s masterpiece follows Kratos and Atreus across the Nine Realms in a journey that is simultaneously mythologically epic and deeply personal.
The combat is fluid, visceral, and endlessly satisfying. Every realm feels distinct and alive. The story — among the best ever written for any video game — balances action, emotion, and mythological depth in ways few games have ever achieved. Its PC release opened it up to millions of new players, and it is still actively recommended by gaming communities worldwide in 2026.
Who should play it: Anyone who wants the best cinematic action game on PS5 or PC. A must-play for every serious gamer.
✅ What We Love
- Stunning story with incredible character development
- Best-in-class action combat
- Gorgeous world design across nine realms
- Phenomenal performance on PS5
❌ What Could Be Better
- Requires playing the 2018 God of War first
- Some pacing issues mid-game
TechMilkyWay Score: 9.5 / 10 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
PC System Requirements — God of War Ragnarök
| Spec | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| OS | Windows 10 64-bit | Windows 11 64-bit |
| CPU | Intel Core i5-6600K | Intel Core i7-7700 |
| RAM | 8 GB | 16 GB |
| GPU | NVIDIA GTX 1060 6GB | NVIDIA RTX 2060 Super |
| Storage | 190 GB SSD | 190 GB SSD |
👉 Buy God of War Ragnarök on Amazon
4. Black Myth: Wukong — China’s Gaming Revolution
Developer: Game Science | Genre: Action RPG | Platform: PS5, PC | Release: August 2024
Metacritic: 82 | One of the Fastest-Selling Games of All Time
Black Myth: Wukong made history as one of the fastest-selling games ever made upon its 2024 debut — and it has never truly left the cultural conversation. Game Science’s visually extraordinary retelling of the classic Chinese novel Journey to the West features Soulslike combat, photorealistic Unreal Engine 5 environments, and a narrative rich with mythology and philosophy.
This is also one of the most visually stunning games ever created. Its environments — built from real Chinese heritage sites — set a new benchmark for what gaming can look like. Ongoing community activity and DLC speculation keep it firmly relevant in 2026. It changed global expectations for what a single studio can achieve.
Who should play it: Fans of Soulslike action games, stunning visuals, and anyone who wants a culturally rich, challenging adventure.
✅ What We Love
- Visually the most stunning game ever made
- Deep, challenging Soulslike combat
- Rich mythology-based storytelling
- A landmark moment for Chinese game development
❌ What Could Be Better
- Difficulty can frustrate casual players
- Some performance issues on base PS5
TechMilkyWay Score: 9.2 / 10 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
PC System Requirements — Black Myth: Wukong
| Spec | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| OS | Windows 10 64-bit | Windows 11 64-bit |
| CPU | Intel Core i7-9700 | Intel Core i7-9700 |
| RAM | 16 GB | 16 GB |
| GPU | NVIDIA RTX 2060 | NVIDIA RTX 2080 |
| Storage | 130 GB SSD | 130 GB NVMe SSD |
👉 Buy Black Myth: Wukong on Amazon
5. Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 — The Best Superhero Game Ever Made
Developer: Insomniac Games | Genre: Action Adventure | Platform: PS5, PC | Release: 2023 (PC 2024)
Metacritic: 90 | Best Superhero Game of All Time
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 is the definitive superhero gaming experience. Insomniac Games delivered a breathtaking adventure featuring both Peter Parker and Miles Morales as playable characters in a seamlessly connected, visually stunning open-world New York City. Venom’s arrival as the primary antagonist raises the emotional and action stakes to extraordinary heights.
Web-swinging traversal has never felt better. The combat is expressive and satisfying. The story balances two protagonists without shortchanging either character. The PC release brought millions of additional players into the experience and it remains one of the most recommended games in 2026 for anyone new to the PlayStation ecosystem.
Who should play it: Marvel fans, superhero game enthusiasts, and anyone who wants the most polished open-world action game on PS5.
✅ What We Love
- Dual protagonist story handled brilliantly
- Best web-swinging in any Spider-Man game
- Stunning PS5 visuals and performance
- Venom is an extraordinary villain
❌ What Could Be Better
- Shorter than expected campaign
- Some side content feels repetitive
TechMilkyWay Score: 9.0 / 10 ⭐⭐⭐⭐½
PC System Requirements — Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
| Spec | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| OS | Windows 10 64-bit | Windows 11 64-bit |
| CPU | Intel Core i5-8600K | Intel Core i7-8700K |
| RAM | 16 GB | 16 GB |
| GPU | NVIDIA RTX 2060 Super | NVIDIA RTX 3070 Ti |
| Storage | 75 GB SSD | 75 GB NVMe SSD |
👉 Buy Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 on Amazon
6. Horizon Forbidden West — The Most Visually Stunning Open World on PS5
Developer: Guerrilla Games | Genre: Action RPG | Platform: PS5, PC | Release: 2022
Metacritic: 88 | PlayStation First-Party Showcase
Horizon Forbidden West dramatically expanded Aloy’s world across the lush, visually spectacular landscapes of the American southwest and northwest. Guerrilla Games delivered a deeper combat system, expanded machine variety, a compelling cast of new characters, and a story that meaningfully raises the stakes of the original Horizon Zero Dawn.
Underwater exploration, glider traversal, and the sheer detail of its open world push PS5 hardware to its limits. With a sequel in development and Horizon now a cornerstone of Sony’s first-party lineup, Forbidden West remains a must-play for any PS5 owner in 2026.
Who should play it: Open world RPG fans, PS5 owners who want a visual showcase title, and fans of sci-fi adventure storytelling.
✅ What We Love
- The most visually spectacular open world on PS5
- Expanded, expressive combat system
- Rich new biomes and machine designs
- Compelling story that builds on the original
❌ What Could Be Better
- Story requires familiarity with Horizon Zero Dawn
- Some pacing issues in the second act
TechMilkyWay Score: 8.9 / 10 ⭐⭐⭐⭐½
PC System Requirements — Horizon Forbidden West
| Spec | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| OS | Windows 10 64-bit | Windows 11 64-bit |
| CPU | Intel Core i5-8600 | Intel Core i7-8700 |
| RAM | 16 GB | 16 GB |
| GPU | NVIDIA GTX 1070 | NVIDIA RTX 3070 |
| Storage | 150 GB SSD | 150 GB NVMe SSD |
👉 Buy Horizon Forbidden West on Amazon
7. Resident Evil Requiem — The Best New Game to Play in 2026
Developer: Capcom | Genre: Survival Horror | Platform: PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC | Release: February 27, 2026
Metacritic: 89 | Best New Release of 2026
For those looking for the best new games to play in 2026, Resident Evil Requiem is the clear answer. Capcom’s 30th anniversary entry in the Resident Evil series is the franchise’s most ambitious title to date. It introduces two playable protagonists — the iconic Leon S. Kennedy and newcomer FBI analyst Grace Ashcroft — each offering a completely different gameplay experience.
Leon’s chapters deliver explosive, action-heavy horror. Grace’s sequences strip everything back to tense, resource-scarce survival that echoes the atmosphere of the original games. The narrative revisits unresolved threads from the Raccoon City era, giving long-time fans answers they have waited years for. RE Engine once again pushes visual and atmospheric fidelity to new heights.
Who should play it: Resident Evil fans, survival horror lovers, and anyone looking for the most critically acclaimed game released so far in 2026.
✅ What We Love
- Dual protagonists with two distinct gameplay styles
- Best RE Engine visuals to date
- Satisfying answers to 30 years of franchise lore
- Perfect balance of action and survival horror
❌ What Could Be Better
- Some pacing issues in the mid-game
- Newcomers may be lost without franchise context
TechMilkyWay Score: 9.5 / 10 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
PC System Requirements — Resident Evil Requiem
| Spec | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| OS | Windows 10 64-bit | Windows 11 64-bit |
| CPU | Intel Core i5-8600 | Intel Core i7-8700 |
| RAM | 16 GB | 16 GB |
| GPU | NVIDIA GTX 1070 | NVIDIA RTX 2070 |
| Storage | 60 GB SSD | 60 GB NVMe SSD |
👉 Buy Resident Evil Requiem on Amazon
8. Nioh 3 — The Best Soulslike Game of 2026
Developer: Team Ninja | Genre: Action RPG / Soulslike | Platform: PS5, PC | Release: 2026
Metacritic: 86 | Best Soulslike of 2026
Nioh 3 is the best soulslike games of 2026 and Team Ninja’s finest work to date. The core stance-based combat system returns sharper than ever, with a revamped loot system, seamless online co-op, and a new open-field exploration structure that lets players build strength before tackling the game’s brutal encounters.
A new protagonist and a darker supernatural feudal Japan setting bring fresh energy to the series. The simultaneous PS5 and PC launch — a first for Nioh — opened the franchise to millions of new players. For fans of Elden Ring, Sekiro, and the earlier Nioh games, this is an essential 2026 title.
Who should play it: Soulslike veterans, fans of Team Ninja’s previous work, and anyone who loves punishing but rewarding action RPGs.
✅ What We Love
- Best stance-based combat in the series
- Open-field design adds exploration and freedom
- Simultaneous PS5 and PC launch
- Excellent online co-op support
❌ What Could Be Better
- Still very demanding for newcomers to the genre
- Loot system can feel overwhelming early on
TechMilkyWay Score: 8.8 / 10 ⭐⭐⭐⭐½
PC System Requirements — Nioh 3
| Spec | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| OS | Windows 10 64-bit | Windows 11 64-bit |
| CPU | Intel Core i5-8600 | Intel Core i7-8700 |
| RAM | 12 GB | 16 GB |
| GPU | NVIDIA GTX 1060 6GB | NVIDIA RTX 2070 |
| Storage | 60 GB SSD | 60 GB NVMe SSD |
9. Monster Hunter Wilds — The Best Co-Op Game to Play in 2026
Developer: Capcom | Genre: Action RPG | Platform: PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC | Release: February 2025
Metacritic: 94 | Most-Played Game of 2025–2026
Monster Hunter Wilds launched in early 2025 with a 94 Metacritic score and has never left the most-played charts. Capcom’s latest entry features a fully seamless open world with dynamic weather, reactive ecosystems, and the largest monster roster in series history.
The loop of tracking, hunting, crafting, and returning stronger is as addictive as ever. Regular title updates and a thriving global co-op community have kept Wilds at the top of daily active player counts across all platforms. Newcomers have the most accessible entry point in the series. Veterans have the deepest Monster Hunter experience Capcom has ever delivered.
Who should play it: Co-op action fans, RPG enthusiasts, and anyone who wants a game with hundreds of hours of content and a thriving active community.
✅ What We Love
- 94 Metacritic — highest-rated game in the Monster Hunter series
- Seamless open world with dynamic ecosystems
- Enormous monster roster with regular updates
- Best co-op experience of 2025–2026
❌ What Could Be Better
- Story is weak compared to the gameplay
- Can feel grindy for solo players late-game
TechMilkyWay Score: 9.0 / 10 ⭐⭐⭐⭐½
PC System Requirements — Monster Hunter Wilds
| Spec | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| OS | Windows 10 64-bit | Windows 11 64-bit |
| CPU | Intel Core i5-10600 | Intel Core i5-10600 |
| RAM | 16 GB | 16 GB |
| GPU | NVIDIA RTX 2070 | NVIDIA RTX 2080 |
| Storage | 60 GB SSD | 60 GB NVMe SSD |
👉 Buy Monster Hunter Wilds on Amazon
10. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 — The Best RPG to Play in 2026
Developer: Sandfall Interactive | Genre: Turn-Based RPG | Platform: PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC | Release: April 2025
Metacritic: 94 | Breakout RPG of the Year
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is the breakout RPG of 2025 that the gaming world is still talking about in 2026. Set in a hauntingly beautiful world inspired by Belle Époque France, it follows a group of warriors on a desperate mission to destroy the Paintress — a godlike figure who erases people from existence by painting their age each year.
The combat system is a genuine innovation: turn-based strategy enhanced with real-time mechanics — dodge, parry, and counter in the middle of enemy attacks, chain combos, and exploit weaknesses with a free-aim system. It plays like nothing else in the RPG genre. The voice acting, soundtrack, and art direction are all outstanding. For fans of Final Fantasy, Persona, and JRPGs, this is absolutely essential.
Who should play it: RPG fans, JRPG enthusiasts, and anyone who wants a deeply creative and emotionally resonant gaming experience.
✅ What We Love
- Innovative combat blending turn-based and real-time mechanics
- Stunning Belle Époque art direction
- Outstanding voice acting and soundtrack
- Deeply compelling story and world
❌ What Could Be Better
- Real-time combat mechanics have a steep learning curve
- Shorter than expected for an RPG
TechMilkyWay Score: 9.4 / 10 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
PC System Requirements — Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
| Spec | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| OS | Windows 10 64-bit | Windows 11 64-bit |
| CPU | Intel Core i7-8700K | Intel Core i7-8700K |
| RAM | 12 GB | 16 GB |
| GPU | NVIDIA RTX 2080 | NVIDIA RTX 3080 |
| Storage | 35 GB SSD | 35 GB NVMe SSD |
👉 Buy Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 on Amazon
Who Should Play What? — Quick Guide
| You Love… | Best Pick for You |
|---|---|
| Massive online multiplayer worlds | Grand Theft Auto V |
| Deep emotional storytelling | Red Dead Redemption 2 |
| Cinematic action and great combat | God of War Ragnarök |
| Challenging Soulslike action | Black Myth: Wukong or Nioh 3 |
| Superhero adventures | Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 |
| Sci-fi open world exploration | Horizon Forbidden West |
| Survival horror | Resident Evil Requiem |
| Co-op hunting action | Monster Hunter Wilds |
| Story-rich turn-based RPGs | Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 |
Final Verdict — What Is the Best Game to Play in 2026?
The best games to play in 2026 depends on what kind of gamer you are. If you want the most popular game in the world, Grand Theft Auto V is still the answer. If you want the greatest story ever told in a game, Red Dead Redemption 2 is untouchable. If you want the best new release of 2026, Resident Evil Requiem and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 are the standout titles.
Every game on this list is worth buying. Every one of them will give you dozens — or even hundreds — of hours of entertainment. There has never been a better time to be a gamer.
At TechMilkyWay, we’ll keep covering the biggest releases, honest reviews, and gaming news as 2026 unfolds. Bookmark this page and follow us for more.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best games to play in 2026? The best game to play in 2026 depends on your taste. Grand Theft Auto V leads for multiplayer and popularity. Resident Evil Requiem leads for new 2026 releases. Red Dead Redemption 2 leads for single-player storytelling.
What is the highest-rated game of 2026 so far? Resident Evil Requiem and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 share the top spot with 89 and 94 Metacritic scores respectively among 2026’s most notable releases.
What is the most popular game in the world right now in 2026? By active player count, Grand Theft Auto V and Monster Hunter Wilds consistently rank as the most-played games across PS5, Xbox, and PC in 2026.
Is Red Dead Redemption 2 still worth playing in 2026? Absolutely. It holds a 97 Metacritic score and is widely considered one of the greatest games ever made. Players discovering it for the first time in 2026 consistently rate it a life-changing experience.
What is the best PS5 games to play right now? God of War Ragnarök, Resident Evil Requiem, and Monster Hunter Wilds are the top-rated PS5 games to play right now in 2026.
What is the best open world games to play in 2026? Red Dead Redemption 2 remains the benchmark for open-world storytelling. Grand Theft Auto V leads for online multiplayer. Horizon Forbidden West is the best sci-fi open-world experience available.
Is Monster Hunter Wilds still active in 2026? Yes. Capcom continues releasing major title updates with new monsters and content. Monster Hunter Wilds remains one of the most actively played games across all platforms in 2026.
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