What an absolute titan of a year 2026 is shaping up to be! After the stellar momentum of 2025, the Xbox ecosystem is preparing to play host to a truly staggering array of blockbusters, remakes, indie experiences and absolute Game Pass and Play Anywhere gems.
We’ve got everything from the high-stakes GTA VI streets to the long-awaited return of legends like Fable and Gears of War. But 2026 isn’t just about the household names. We’re seeing a fascinating surge in remakes like Halo: Campaign Evolved and Tomb Raider, alongside a wave of uniquely creative indies and sequels that look to push the Series X|S hardware to its absolute limit.
Whether you are a dedicated Day One Game Pass subscriber or a fan of deep, cinematic single-player journeys, the following list represents the very best of what the next twelve months have in store for our consoles.
Yep, have at it as we give you our most anticipated new Xbox and Game Pass games set to launch in 2026.
High on Life 2
(Day One on Game Pass)
After saving humanity from an intergalactic cartel in the first game, your cushy life is thrown into chaos when a mysterious figure from the past targets your sister.
High on Life 2 sees the return of the beloved, foul-mouthed alien misfits as you shoot, stab, and skate through gorgeous new worlds to dismantle an evil pharmaceutical conglomerate.
When we reviewed the original High on Life, we gave it a 4/5, noting that “whether it truly works for you will come down to your thoughts on the signature brand of humour.”
As fans of that style, we found it a “trip well worth taking,” and we can’t wait to see how Squanch Games pushes the envelope with the sequel’s refined gameplay and even weirder weaponry.
Developer/Publisher: Squanch Games
Styx: Blades of Greed
The world’s most cynical goblin is back, and this time, he’s the boss.
Styx: Blades of Greed sees our green-skinned friend leading his own crew aboard a zeppelin to hunt Quartz, a resource so powerful it could spark a Great War.
This entry refines the stealth formula of the previous games – both of which we enjoyed for their depth and slow-paced environments.
We previously called Styx a “Master in the making,” and while the sequel Shards of Darkness felt a little repetitive, the promise of Mind Control and Time Shift abilities in Blades of Greed should provide the creative freedom needed to rival the “big guns” of the stealth genre.
Developer: Cyanide Studio | Publisher: Nacon
Resident Evil Requiem
Capcom is set to redefine survival horror once again with Resident Evil Requiem.
This immersive new entry in the Resident Evil franchise intertwines the journeys of two distinct protagonists: FBI analyst Grace Ashcroft and the legendary Leon S. Kennedy. While Grace’s sections focus on high-tension, atmospheric survival, Leon brings the pulse-pounding action that fans of the series crave.
Their journeys overlap in a heart-stopping, emotional narrative that promises to be the most immersive Resident Evil to date.
Built on the latest iteration of the RE Engine, Requiem aims to chill players to the core while evolving the tactical combat that has made the modern remakes so successful.
It’s a bold new era for the franchise and easily one of the most anticipated horror titles of 2026.
Developer/Publisher: CAPCOM
Screamer
Screamer is a futuristic arcade racer; a neon-lit love letter to 90s anime aesthetics.
In the Screamer tournament, five teams – ranging from soldiers to ruthless magnates – risk it all on lethal tracks.
The core of the experience is the “ECHO” technology, which allows cars to fight as they race. You’ll need to master the balance between Boost, Strike, and Shield to survive the competition. Once “Overdrive” kicks in, the game descends into full-throttle chaos where there is no room for mercy.
Whether you’re playing solo or in the brand-new split-screen and online modes, Screamer delivers a high-adrenaline showdown that proves being the fastest isn’t always enough – you have to be the last one standing.
Developer/Publisher: Milestone
Planet of Lana II
Following the staggering success of the original – which we awarded a 4.5/5 for its “supremely well told tale” and “visuals to die for“ – Lana and her loyal companion Mui return for an even deeper journey.
Planet of Lana II is a cinematic puzzle adventure that expands the bond between the two leads, introducing enhanced precision for Mui and the ability to control hybrid robots.
The sequel promises a longer, more profound sci-fi saga that stretches across galaxies, including all-new underwater chapters. With the return of composer Takeshi Furukawa’s mesmerizing orchestral score, this is shaping up to be another hugely immersive adventure that demands to be played on the biggest screen possible.
Developer: Wishfully | Publisher: Thunderful Publishing AB
Froggy Hates Snow
In the hostile, snowy desert of Froggy Hates Snow, warmth is the only thing keeping you alive.
As the determined survivor Froggy, you must dig paths through the drifts to find treasure and avoid freezing to death. However, the cold isn’t your only enemy; eerie obsidian-black creatures stalk the snow with unique attack patterns. You can use the snow as cover or blast it apart with flamethrowers and explosives to gain an advantage.
With mysterious anomaly zones offering high-risk, high-reward challenges and a deep upgrade system for your survival abilities, this is a tense and atmospheric fight for life in a world where the temperature is just as lethal as the monsters.
Developer: Crying Brick | Publisher: Digital Bandidos
Outbound
Outbound offers a refreshing, utopian take on the open-world survival genre.
You start with a simple, empty camper van and set out to build the mobile home of your dreams. Alone or with up to four friends, you’ll scavenge materials to build modular parts on your vehicle, powering your nomadic lifestyle with solar, wind, and water energy.
The loop is wonderfully cozy: you craft workstations, research advanced tech, and even grow delicate gardens to cook delicious meals. As you explore various colourful biomes, you’ll adapt your vehicle to changing environmental conditions.
It’s a stress-free, pace-your-own adventure that captures the wanderlust of van life within a beautifully realised sci-fi world.
Developer/Publisher: Square Glade Games
Clockwork Revolution
From the veteran RPG developers at inXile comes Clockwork Revolution, a steampunk first-person adventure with a mind-bending twist.
Upon discovering a device that allows you to travel into the past, you realize your home city of Avalon has been artificially shaped through the manipulation of history. By returning to key moments, your choices trigger a butterfly effect, causing the narrative, the characters, and the very architecture of the city to react in unprecedented ways.
It’s a deep, narrative-driven experience where the steampunk aesthetic meets high-stakes temporal strategy.
Developer: inXile entertainment | Publisher: Xbox Game Studios
Fable
(Day One on Game Pass)
Ah, Fable. Will it ever release?
Playground Games is taking us back to the whimsical and often dangerous land of Albion. In this highly anticipated reboot of Fable, the age-old question of “what it means to be a Hero” is placed firmly in the player’s hands.
With a dark threat looming over the horizon, your choices will change the fairytale kingdom forever. Expect the series’ trademark British wit and moral flexibility to be out in full force as you interact with a world that reacts to your every whim.
Whether you become a beacon of hope or a source of terror, this new era of Fable promises to be a stunning RPG achievement that honours the legacy of the original trilogy.
Developer: Playground Games | Publisher: Xbox Game Studios
Gears of War: E-Day
(Day One on Game Pass)
Gears of War: E-Day takes us back to the moment everything changed.
Set 14 years before the first game, war heroes Marcus Fenix and Dom Santiago return home only to face the emergence of the Locust Horde. This isn’t just another sequel; it’s a reimagining of the horror that humanity faced when these subterranean monsters first erupted.
Built from the ground up with Unreal Engine 5, the game delivers unprecedented graphical fidelity, making the grotesque and relentless nature of the Locust more terrifying than ever.
It’s a visceral look at the foundations of the Gears legend, focusing on the brotherhood and the sheer desperation of E-Day.
Developer: The Coalition | Publisher: Xbox Game Studios
Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve
The masters of aerial combat are returning with Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve.
This entry promises aerial warfare in living skies, utilising stunning visuals and dynamic multi-layered cloudscapes that make dogfights feel more visceral than ever. Beyond the fast-paced arcade-style gameplay, the game features breathtaking first-person cinematics that explore the pilot’s personal story.
It’s a journey that takes you from the high-stakes chaos of the cockpit to the grounded emotional beats of a true Ace’s life, all wrapped in Bandai Namco’s signature high-octane polish.
Developer/Publisher: Bandai Namco
Control Resonant
Dylan Faden takes the lead in Control Resonant, the long-awaited sequel to Remedy’s multi-award-winning supernatural hit – the original Control.
After years in FBC confinement, Dylan is deployed into a Manhattan overrun by the corrupting influences of the Hiss and the Mold. As a mysterious cosmic entity begins to alter the fundamental laws of reality, Dylan must harness and upgrade his newfound supernatural powers to survive.
His journey isn’t just about combat; it’s a quest to find his sister, FBC Director Jesse Faden, and comprehend the paranatural dangers that have spilled beyond the Oldest House.
Expect Remedy’s signature atmospheric storytelling and mind-bending environmental design to be at the forefront of this Manhattan-sized crisis.
Developer/Publisher: Remedy Entertainment
Beast of Reincarnation
Coming from the legendary team at Game Freak, Beast of Reincarnation is an expansive action RPG set in a post-apocalyptic Japan ruined by corruption.
You play as Emma, a blighted outcast, and her loyal canine companion, Koo. Together, they must survive an ever-changing world where dangerous forests can erupt spontaneously from the wasteland.
It’s an emotional and atmospheric journey that explores what it truly means to be human in a world that has largely forgotten.
Developer: GAME FREAK inc. | Publisher: Fictions
Halo: Campaign Evolved
(Day One on Game Pass)
Halo: Campaign Evolved is a faithful yet modernised remake of the legendary Combat Evolved campaign.
Rebuilt with high-definition visuals and updated cinematics, it also introduces three brand-new prequel missions featuring the Master Chief and Sgt. Johnson.
The classic combat promises to be sharper than ever, now including 9 additional weapons from across the series like the Battle Rifle and Energy Sword.
Whether you’re playing solo or in 4-player online co-op, this is the ultimate way to experience where the legend began 25 years ago.
Developer: Halo Studios | Publisher: Xbox Game Studios
PsychoFinger
PsychoFinger is a fast-paced roguelike shooter with a hilarious yet lethal premise: pointing fingers is how you kill.
As an agent at the Department of Metaphysical Investigations, you must survive waves of diverse enemies by literally pointing them to death.
The game features deep roguelike progression where you must find synergies between various power-ups to create an overpowered character.
If you want a shooter that doesn’t take itself too seriously but still offers a challenge, this is it.
Developer: Crying Brick | Publisher: Digital Bandidos
Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis
Lara Croft’s iconic debut is reborn in Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis.
This stunning reimagining of the 1996 classic is powered by Unreal Engine 5, delivering jaw-dropping visuals from the jungles of Peru to the ancient ruins of Greece.
As Lara, you’ll harness your wits and athleticism to navigate treacherous landscapes and solve deadly contraptions in search of the Scion. While it honours the atmosphere and spirit of the original adventure, the modern game design and new surprises ensure it feels fresh for both veteran raiders and those new to the series.
This should well be the pinnacle of the action-adventure genre, bringing the legendary archaeologist into the next generation with style.
Developer: Crystal Dynamics / Flying Wild Hog | Publisher: Amazon Game Studios
Forza Horizon 6
(Day One on Game Pass)
The Horizon Festival is officially heading to Japan.
Forza Horizon 6 promises to take the critically acclaimed open-world racing series to breathtaking new heights, featuring the stunning landscapes of the Japanese countryside and neon-soaked city streets.
When we reviewed Forza Horizon 5, we gave it a perfect 5/5, stating that “there has never been a better-looking game, and it plays like an absolute dream.” We even wished we could give it more than 5/5!
Expect that same level of polish, a massive car list, and an even deeper level of visual fidelity as Playground Games takes the world’s premier racing festival to a brand-new setting.
Developer: Playground Games | Publisher: Xbox Game Studios
Road Kings
Step into the life of an owner-operator in Road Kings, a next-gen trucking simulation set across the American South.
You’ll haul 40-ton semi-trailers through a living, reactive world where everything from tire wear to road surface matters. Beyond the simulation, there is a compelling narrative where you must rescue communities and deliver critical supplies after a corporate-led disaster strikes.
With asynchronous multiplayer allowing you to create companies and climb global leaderboards, Road Kings offers a deep, immersive trucking experience on the Florida-Georgia border.
Developer: Saber Interactive | Publisher: Focus Entertainment
Resonance: A Plague Tale
Resonance: A Plague Tale takes us 15 years before the events of A Plague Tale: Requiem, following the fierce plunderer Sophia. On the run and determined to uncover her past, Sophia’s journey leads her to a mysterious Minoan island filled with deadly trials and ancient curses.
This original story blends the series’ signature stealth and combat with a brand-new take on the universe, as Sophia’s path resonates with a terrifying creature hidden behind myth. You’ll solve light-based puzzles and navigate a treacherous maze where every pause could be your end.
It’s a hauntingly beautiful expansion of the Plague Tale mythos.
Developer: Asobo Studio| Publisher: Focus Entertainment
Grand Theft Auto VI / GTA VI
The world has been waiting, and Grand Theft Auto VI (or GTA VI if you prefer) is finally on the horizon.
Set in the neon-drenched state of Leonida, including the legendary Vice City, the story follows Lucia and Jason as they navigate a criminal conspiracy that forces them to rely on each other more than ever.
Rockstar Games is pushing the limits of open-world detail and satire, offering a sun-soaked but dark look at modern America. With a deck that is clearly stacked against them after a score goes wrong, this duo must navigate a massive, living world to make it out alive.
It’s easily the most anticipated game of the decade, promising a level of immersion only Rockstar can provide. Unless of course, it’s delayed again.
Developer/Publisher: Rockstar Games
Directive 8020
From the horror specialists at Supermassive Games comes Directive 8020, a cinematic sci-fi adventure starring Lashana Lynch.
When the colony ship Cassiopeia crashes on a planet 12 light years from Earth, the crew discovers they are being hunted by an alien organism that can perfectly mimic its prey.
This next-gen horror experience blends intense survival gameplay with meaningful choices – where trusting the wrong person could mean the extinction of humanity..
Developer/Publisher: Supermassive Games
007: First Light
IO Interactive is crafting a reimagined origin story for the world’s most famous spy.
007: First Light follows a young, reckless James Bond as he joins the newly revived Double 0 program. After a tragic mission, Bond must team up with a reluctant mentor to expose a conspiracy at the heart of the state.
The game offers a thrilling espionage adventure where you can “go silent or go loud,” using fists, firepower, or gadgets to infiltrate breathtaking international locations. Whether you’re driving iconic vehicles or bluffing your way past guards, the approach is entirely yours.
Expect a cinematic, standalone journey that shows us how a recruit becomes the legend we know today.
Developer/Publisher: IO Interactive
Reanimal
The original creators of Little Nightmares return with Reanimal, a terrifying co-op horror adventure.
You play as a brother and sister who must traverse a hellish island to rescue their missing friends. Whether playing solo or in local/online co-op, the shared camera is designed to maximise claustrophobia and tension.
You’ll use your wits to survive twisted monsters whose designs are inspired by the children’s troubled pasts. It’s an unsettling tale focused on atmosphere and hope in the direst of circumstances, taking you across a dark world where every location tells a fragmented, terrifying story.
Tarsier Studios is bringing their unique visual style to a whole new level of dread-filled exploration in Reanimal.
Developer: Tarsier Studios| Publisher: THQ Nordic
FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE
Cloud’s award-winning journey finally arrives on Xbox. FINALLY!
FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE retells the original Midgar story with breathtaking visuals and a hybrid battle system that blends real-time action with strategic commands.
This version also includes the INTERmission episode, starring the young ninja Yuffie Kisaragi as she infiltrates Midgar on a parallel mission. You’ll experience an unforgettable story of resistance against the Shinra Electric Power Company, exploring the industrial districts of Midgar like never before.
With a fully remastered, dynamic soundtrack and expanded quests and mini-games, this is the definitive way to play the first part of the multi-part remake of the 1997 classic.
Developer/Publisher: SQUARE ENIX
Coffee Talk Tokyo
The beloved chill-sim series travels to Japan with Coffee Talk Tokyo.
Set in a city where old and new coexist, a small café provides a sanctuary for both humans and fantasy folk seeking refuge from the summer heat.
In true Coffee Talk style, you’ll brew orders for new customers, enjoy new features like sprinkle stencils that allow you to elevate your latte art, while the social network “Tomodachill” helps you engage with your customers’ lives beyond the counter.
Developer: Chorus Worldwide Games / Toge Productions | Publisher: Chorus Worldwide Games
PRAGMATA
Capcom’s newest IP, PRAGMATA, takes players to a cold lunar research station in the near future.
The story follows Hugh and his mysterious android companion, Diana, as they work together to navigate a surreal, high-tech environment. While much of the plot remains shrouded in mystery, the game promises the high level of polish and creative world-building Capcom is famous for.
With stunning visuals and a focus on the unique connection between the two protagonists, PRAGMATA looks set to be a standout sci-fi experience that blends atmospheric exploration with deep, cinematic storytelling on the surface of the moon.
Developer/Publisher: CAPCOM
Aphelion
Developed in collaboration with the European Space Agency, Aphelion is a grounded sci-fi action-adventure set on the frozen planet Persephone.
When their ship crashes, astronauts Ariane and Thomas are separated and must survive the uncharted world to find each other. Ariane uses high-stakes parkour and her Pathfinder tool to navigate treacherous terrain, while the injured Thomas must rely on ingenuity and observation to survive.
The planet is not empty, however; you must avoid detection from a hostile lifeform in tense stealth sequences.
Developer/Publisher: DON’T NOD
Echo Generation 2
Jack, the ordinary dad from the original game, is back and trapped in a mysterious new dimension in Echo Generation 2.
This sci-fi tactical turn-based adventure builds on the award-winning foundation of the first title, which we gave a 4/5 for its “magic of being young” and “excitement and wonder.”
Lost among the stars, you’ll craft powerful characters and summon quirky allies to face off against cosmic creatures. It promises to keep the tactical combat fresh and the star-spanning narrative constantly surprising. If you loved the sense of wonder in the first game, this journey home through the cosmos is an essential adventure.
Developer/Publisher: Cococucumber
LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight
Celebrate the 86-year legacy of the Caped Crusader in LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight.
This massive experience follows Bruce Wayne’s journey from his origin training with the League of Shadows to becoming the legend of Gotham.
With multiple playable characters – including Nightwing, Batgirl, and Catwoman – you’ll explore an immersive open-world Gotham City full of secrets and rogues like The Joker and Bane. And you can customise your own Batcave with over 250 props and trophies and drive 20+ iconic vehicles, including the Tumbler.
With 100 suits to unlock, this is the ultimate LEGO tribute to Batman, offering endless fun for fans of all ages to build their own legacy.
Developer: TT Games | Publisher: Warner Bros. Games
The Year of the Titan
As we look across this list, 2026 feels like a landmark moment for Xbox. The sheer variety – from the absolute madness of PsychoFinger to the cinematic prestige of GTA VI – is staggering.
With Game Pass continuing to deliver heavy hitters like High on Life 2 on day one, and internal studios finally unleashing icons like Fable and Gears of War: E-Day, the Xbox is set to be the centre of the gaming universe, especially as Play Anywhere support opens things up even more.
Whether you are raiding tombs, hauling cargo, or saving the galaxy with a talking gun, 2026 is going to be an unforgettable ride. Let us know which games you are most looking forward to playing on Xbox in 2026. The comments are below.
