The first half of 2026 is almost over. With Summer Game Fest now behind us, we have a much clearer picture of what's left for the rest of the year.
While GTA 6 will dominate November, there are still plenty of major releases coming in the second half of 2026 that are generating huge hype. Here are the games gamers are most excited about right now.
Top Most Anticipated Games Remaining in 2026
1. Final Fantasy VII Revelation
The final chapter of the Final Fantasy VII Remake trilogy is easily one of the most anticipated games left in 2026 (or possibly early 2027). Fans are waiting to see how Square Enix will conclude this epic story.
2. Resident Evil Veronica (Reimagining)
Capcom's modern take on the classic Code: Veronica has fans very excited. It could be one of the biggest horror releases of the year if it launches before November.
3. Stellar Blade 2
After the success of the first game, the sequel is highly anticipated. Many expect it to push the action genre even further.
4. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Last Ronin
PlatinumGames working on a TMNT game based on the popular comic has created massive excitement, especially among fans of mature takes on the franchise.
5. Guild Wars 3
The long-awaited third mainline game in the Guild Wars series is finally happening. It's one of the most anticipated MMOs left in 2026.
6. Control Resonant
Remedy's new entry in the Control universe already has a release date (September 24, 2026). It's one of the safest big releases before GTA 6 takes over.
7. New Nintendo Switch 2 Titles
Nintendo has several major first-party and third-party games planned for the second half of 2026. With the console still gaining momentum, these releases are expected to perform very well.
8. Other Notable Mentions
- Potential big surprises still being kept secret
- Several high-profile indie and AA games positioning themselves in September and October
- Possible late-year releases trying to launch after GTA 6's initial wave
Why the Second Half of 2026 Still Looks Strong
Even with GTA 6 arriving in November, the period between July and October is shaping up to be very busy. Many publishers are deliberately targeting this window to avoid competing directly with Rockstar's monster release.
This means gamers could actually get a strong stretch of releases in September and early October before everything slows down in November.
What to Expect Month by Month (Late 2026)
| Month | Expected Releases | Hype Level |
|---|---|---|
| July â August | Smaller to mid-sized games | Medium |
| September | Several major titles (including Control Resonant) | High |
| October | Busy month with games avoiding November | High |
| November | GTA 6 dominates | Very Low (for other games) |
| December | Possible post-GTA 6 releases | Medium |
September and October 2026 are your best windows to play new releases without GTA 6 competition. Plan your gaming calendar now.