It’s quite the list, and we’re sure that you share our excitement for a majority of them. Without further ado, let’s get started!

1. Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced

Getting to return to the Caribbean to join Edward Kenway on his epic journey from a callous pirate to a noble Assassin is definitely something we’re very excited about. A revamped combat system, some extra story cutscenes, and those delightful visuals are just icing on the cake. This one comes out on July 9, 2026, for the PS5, XBOX Series X|S, and PC.

2. EA Sports College Football 27

The College Football franchise has been doing quite well for itself in recent years, and we don’t see why this year should be any different. We already know it’s bringing quite the roster for us to enjoy, with some very attractive goodies for those who pre-order any of its editions. Once again, it releases on July 9, 026, for the PS5, XBOX Series X|S, and PC.

3. Palworld 1.0 Release

We were blown away by the cinematic trailer that this one dropped recently, and it showcases stunning new locations with fascinating creatures for us to collect over the course of our adventure. It’s touted to be the game’s biggest update yet, and is sure to bring a lot of exciting new additions to the table as it brings us to the story’s finale when it drops on July 10, 2026, for all available platforms.

4. Splatoon Raiders

Getting to join a pirate musician group that’s raiding the Spirhalite Islands for treasure? Sign us up! Yesterday’s Direct showcase gave us quite a good look at this one, and it only made us all the more excited to try out its paint-based weapons, great progression systems, and of course, the Exploration Bot. Talk about the efficient use of tech. It’s slated for a June 30 release on the Switch 2.

5. Halo: Campaign Evolved

We’re still not over that awesome trailer that showed off the new Covenant faction, some very interesting footage from the new prequel missions, and of course, the return of Master Chief. The new weapons are equally intriguing, and we can’t wait to dive in and get blasting when this one releases for the XBOX Series X|S, PC, and PS5 on July 28 this year.

6. Beast of Reincarnation

Any journey that gives you a furry friend for company is definitely worth undertaking, in our book. When you combine that with some parry-focused Soulslike action and a very cool set of powers for Emma, the game’s protagonist, you get the recipe for a game that’s sure to have us grinding our teeth in frustration but determined to end whatever the Hush throws at us. It’s slated to release on August 4 for the PS5, PC, and XBOX Series X|S.

7. Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls

With a starting roster that brings some of Marvel’s best to the table for an action-packed gameplay loop, this one is definitely going to keep us occupied for quite a while. We’re particularly interested in the Episode Mode, where you participate against the enigmatic Champion in a Tournament where you’re surely going to have to bring your best skills to the table. Look our for this one on August 6 on your PC or PS5.

8. Mafia: The Old Country – Man of Honour

An expansion that doubles up on the nostalgia factor that put this one on the map in the first place is certainly welcome. It’s even better when it gives us a look at Don Salieri’s early days before his time in America that set the entire franchise in motion. The trailer was pretty interesting despite being a little to stingy with details, but it did tell us that this one’s releasing on August 14, 2026, on all available platforms.

9. The Sinking City 2

Lovecraftian adventures are always a great combination of thrills and chills, and the Slither is looking like a foe you don’t want to tangle with unless you’re Calvin Rafferty. Of course, the Deep Ones and Shadows are equally credible threats, and we’re quite curious to see how this one has us dealing with them when it comes out on August 18 for the PS5, PC, and XBOX Series X|S. There’s even a playable demo on Steam if you want to try it before buying it.

10. Hell Let Loose: Vietnam

We were pretty bummed about this one getting delayed to August 13 but do appreciate Team 17 taking player feedback and the results from its own playtests seriously enough to ask for more time to further polish this one before releasing it for all of us. We’re hoping it builds on everything that was good about its predecessor while adding interesting new twists to the table.

11. Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 2

If you’ve been with us for a while, you probably already guessed that this one is definitely something we’re eager to dive into. The chance to revisit two titles that cemented our love for the franchise is very welcome, and Solid Snake’s final chapter is the one that has us as excited as we are. Of course, Peace Walker is also something we’re eager to play again, and it’s going to be a difficult choice between them then this one drops on August 27 this year for the PS5, PC, XBOX Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and the Switch 2.

12. Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy

Sophie was among the more interesting characters in Requiem, and her role in Amicia and Hugo’s adventure in that one presented her as a complex and nuanced character. It’s only logical, then, that a look into her early days as a headstrong young smuggler exploring Minotaur Island has us itching to get started with it already. Fortunately, we don’t have to wait too long until this one drops on August 27, 2026, for the PC, PS5, and XBOX Series.

13. Star Wars Zero Company

A ragtag group of mercenaries that include a Jedi, a noble, a droid, and a former Separatist embarking on an adventure set during the Clone Wars is music to the ears of any Star Wars fan, and we’re no exception. The addition of Anakin Skywalker before his turn to the Dark Side is another interesting twist that makes this one a very compelling addition to this list. It’s out on August 27 this year for the PC, PS5, and XBOX Series X|S.

14. Elden Ring Tarnished Edition

The wait for this one has been a long one, but it’s finally coming out on August 28 this year on all available platforms and the Nintendo Switch 2. There’s new weapons, armor, and a very welcome option to customize Torrent being added to the base game and its DLC, and it’s as good a reason as any for us to begin a new playthrough in the run-up to its release. We’re pretty excited, even if that means taking on the Blade of Miquella yet again.

15. EA Sports Madden NFL 27

We were already looking forward to this one before EA highlighted how the Persona Engine is gearing up to make each athlete feel quite unique when they step onto the pitch, aside from the Superstar GOAT progression path giving us a reason to keep coming back to it for more. And that’s only the beginning of all the cool stuff this one’s bringing to the franchise when it releases on August 13, 2026, for the PC, PS5, and XBOX Series X|S.

16. The Blood of Dawnwalker

We’ve been very eager to play this one ever since it was first announced, and the wait for its September 3 release has been tantalizing at best, and agonizing every time we’ve got a new glimpse of its gameplay. Of course, the latest trailer has only exacerbated those feelings as we got to see Coen and Brencis’s fight transcend the passage of time, just as vampires should, making this one a game we’re going to be diving head-first into as soon as we get the chance.

17. Valheim 1.0 Release

The Deep North update and the end of this one’s Early Access period as it makes its PS5 and Switch 2 debut has us very interested in learning what new additions it’s bringing to the table in a survival crafting gameplay loop that’s also a great take on norse mythology. The snowy weather isn’t the only thing to look forward to, as there are going to be new enemies, places, and faces to engage with when it drops on September 9, 2026.

18. Marvel’s Wolverine

Boy, oh boy, was that look that we got into this one at the recent State of Play a good one. Insomniac made a lot of good choices in its take on Logan, and the inclusion of Jean Grey and some very high stakes for the cast make this one a very engaging title indeed. Wolverine looks like a fresh take on a very familiar character, and the mechanics look like they weave his unique powers into the gameplay loop quite well. It’s out on September 15, 2026, and is exclusive to the PS5.

19.Trials In The Sky Second Chapter

We’ve known that this one is coming for a while, and although a concrete release date is yet to be announced, it’s probably going to be out in late September. Its predecessor ended on quite the cliffhanger and it’s quite a tempting title to consider even in the midst of a very crowded release calendar thanks to one of the big names on our list. We’re definitely keeping an eye out for this one.

20. Trine 6: Together in Time

This puzzle platformer brings a vibrant color palette to a world that’s full of mysteries waiting to be explored, and a charming cast aimed at being memorable by virtue of their unique abilities and the synergies they build based off of them.You get to play it with upto three of your buddies, with a bunch of common abilities and a combat system that lets you make the most of them all thrown in. It’s releasing for the PC, PS5, Switch, Switch 2 and XBOX Series X|S on 17 September, 2026.

21. Control Resonant

How did Remedy choose to build on what made the predecessor to this one great? Well, it’s opened up the doors of the FBC and let its protagonist loose in a version of Manhattan that’s been warped beyond recognition. There are enemy designs that range from bizarre to surreal, while the combat takes a more hands-on approach this time around. This one’s out on September 24 for the PC, PS5, and XBOX Series X|S,

22. Hot Wheels Infinite Rush

Based on Mattel’s popular line of collectibles, this one is an open-world arcade racer that ditches photorealism in favor of a more amusing take on Hot Wheels, allowing it to bring its own version of the track sets we’ve always wanted to build to life. It also brings full cross-play compatibility to the table, allowing you to set up evenings of racing that could have you very entertained indeed. It’s coming to the PS5, PC, XBOX Series, and the Switch 2 on September 24, 2026.

23. Silent Hill: Townfall

Simon Ordell’s time in St. Amelia is vastly different from Hinako’s adventure in Silent Hill f, but that doesn’t make it any less unsettling in the limited glimpses we’ve got of this one. It has all the staples of the franchise, such as nasty monsters and an intense, moody setting, coupled with new additions that make this one a game to look forward to if you’ve got nerves of steel. It’s coming out for the PS5 and PC on September 24.

24. Valor Mortis

The chance to play as an undead soldier in a story set during the Napoleonic Wars is definitely something that made us sit up and pay attention, and everything we’ve seen of this one so far points to an experience that’s sure to test our skills and our patience in this first-person Soulslike. Once again, this one’s hitting the shelves on September 24 for the PC and PS5.

25. Onimusha: Way of the Sword

Miyamoto Musashi is back, and he’s bringing the Oni Gauntlet back in all its glory in a title that’s as brutal as they come on the gameplay front. The fight against Shuten-dōji in the recently released trailer was reason enough for us to be interested in this one, but the playable demo now has us itching to get into it in earnest. We’re going to have to wait until September 25 for that chance, though, and it’s coming to the PS5, PC, and XBOX Series X|S.

26. Minecraft Dungeons II

A new evil, two new worlds, and the chance of a closer look at The Nether are all factors that contribute to our enthusiasm for this one. There’s also the new combat that was shown off in a recent trailer to look forward to, alongside the potential for some very cool DLC being added to it after its September 29 release for both iterations of the Switch, PS5, PC, and XBOX Series X|S.

27. Phantom Blade Zero

We’ve got high hopes for this one, and a lot of confidence that it isn’t going to disappoint when it comes out on October 29 after a delay that’s using the extra time for some polishing. It’s combat and traversal mechanics all point to a title that’s slick, fast, and challenging, all of which are very attractive features for any game to have. The premise is equally engaging, and we can’t wait to dive into this one when it comes out for the PS5 and PC.

28. Rayman Legends Retold

It’s always great to see Rayman again, and this time around, the classic character is coming back to the spotlight in style. There’s a fully-3D art style that brings a colorful world to life with aplomb, while the story might be familiar to those of you who’ve played through Rayman Legends. This platformer is definitely worth looking out for, and is coming out October 1, 2026, for the PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S.

29. Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve

Taking to the skies in fighter jets is always going to be an exhilarating experience, and the addition of superweapons and the ability to send enemy fighters crashing into one another are all facets that add to the allure of this game. It’s out on October 2 for the PS5, PC, and XBOX Series X|S and there’s an attractive bunch of content for those of you who pre-order it.

30. Gears of War: E-Day

This one’s been a long time coming and we can’t wait to rejoin Marcus Fenix on an adventure that’s going to take us back to the beginning of the war between mankind and The Locusts. Despite the lack of a PS5 version on its October 6 launch date, you’re still going to get to play it on XBOX and PC. It’s also going to be on Game Pass from day one, so there’s that. It’s as action-packed as you’d expect, going by the trailer from the XBOX Games Showcase.

31. Star Wars: Galactic Racer

Pod racing in a galaxy far, far, away sounds like the perfect way to unwind after a long day, doesn’t it? We doubt we’re going to be doing a lot of relaxing after seeing this one in action at the 2026 edition of Summer Game Fest, though. It comes with a lot of tension both on and off the tracks as you race to become the new champion of the Galactic Racing League. This one’s ready to go on October 6 for the PS5, PC, and XBOX Series X|S.

32. Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse

This 2D side-scrolling Metroidvania puts the Belmont family whip in the hands of a nimble new protagonist who must use it to take on Dracula’s forces in Paris, hitting them where it hurts while getting more powerful in the process. Trailers indicate that exploration is a crucial part of it, along with the potential integration of RPG mechanics into its progression loop. It’s coming to the PS5, PC, XBOX Series X|S, and Switch 2 on October 15, 2026.

33. Grand Theft Auto 6

This one’s certainly one that we’ve all been waiting for with patience (and a fair bit of impatience after last year’s delay), and is sure to take over the discourse around gaming when it arrives. It’s been imposing enough that other developers have done their best to give it a wide berth with some interesting effects on the year’s release calendar that you might have already noticed, even on this list. It’s out on November 19 for the PS5 and XBOX Series X|S, with no news of a PC release at the time of writing.

34. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Remake

One of the Zelda franchise’s heavy hitters getting a remake is obviously good news. However, Nintendo has been quite cryptic when it comes to details about its gameplay and potential improvements to the Ocarina of Time remake, and there’s no official release date at this time other than a rumored November-December release window. It’s exclusive to the Switch and Switch 2.

35. The Duskbloods

FromSoft has been rather quiet since Nightreign came out, and that’s because it has been hard at work on this PvEvP Switch 2 exclusive that lets you take control of the Bloodsworn, fierce warriors who are competing against each other for possession of the First Blood, although they might find themselves working together when the situation demands it. There are over 12 unique characters to engage with, although we’re yet to get an official release date on it.

And that’s about it for this one. It’s quite a crowded calendar for the second half of the year, but we’re sure a lot of you share our excitement for all the great titles that it’s set to bring. More games, more memories, and more fun is how we’re choosing to look at it.

D’Archambaud also went into detail about some of the PC-exclusive features in Hell Let Loose: Vietnam, like support for Ultrawide and Super Ultrawide aspect ratios. However, he didn’t confirm the internal resolution that the shooter will run at on PS5 and Xbox Series X/S.

“We’ve added lots of new Image Reconstruction video settings to allow you to scale the experience relative to your PC hardware, with DLSS 4.5 with Frame Gen for those with Nvidia GPUs,” said Ruschynsky when discussing some more PC features. “And those with AMD GPUs will have access to TSR for both scaling and anti-aliasing. On top of that, PC users have the ability to enable Hardware Lumen, which uses various raytracing effects to improve the lighting and shadowing.”

D’Archambaud has also revealed that the studio plans on integrating PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution to enhance the frame rates and visuals on the PS5 Pro. While it won’t be available at launch, PS5 Pro players can look forward to a free update in the following months that brings in the feature.

“Any time we have more powerful hardware, we are keen to utilise it to the best we can,” explained D’Archambaud. “We offer a number of high-end graphical features on PC, and leading up to launch, we are working to enable and optimise as many as possible on each console.”

A follow-up to 2021’s Hell Let Loose, Hell Let Loose: Vietnam takes the large-scale multiplayer shooter from the trenches of World War 2 to the chaos of the Vietnam War. The studio has described the new setting as being “an extreme landscape of vast mountain gorges and thick jungle.” The two sides embroiled in the conflict will be the North Vietnamese Army and the US Armed Forces. Expression Games has also spoken about how the title will focus quite a bit on the asymmetrical nature of the war.

Hell Let Loose: Vietnam will feature six large-scale maps at launch, which the studio has said were designed to “authentically recreate” real world locations that served as the settings for major conflicts at the time. Across the two sides in the war, players will have access to 17 specialized roles, with each side being made up of 50 soldiers. Owing to the specialized nature of the roles, players will also have to squad up and partake in teamwork, since each side also has special systems and mechanics that the other side has to work against.

For example, while the US Armed Forces have access to aerial units like helicopters, the North Vietnamese Army can build tunnels and deploy their forces more stealthily to ambush the US Armed Forces.

Hell Let Loose: Vietnam is slated for release on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S on August 13th.

As reported by Insider Gaming, publisher Team 17 has announced a delay to August 13th – about two months later than originally planned – following player feedback and internal playtesting that have brought up “several areas”  in which the game can be further polished. Of course, it comes with an apology and the promise of more news on how the game’s shaping up.

If you somehow didn’t know about this one, it’s a follow-up to Hell Let Loose, a shooter that took us to the World War 2 for some brutal battles, although there were a few flaws that held it back from achieving a better score in our review. Nevertheless, it was good enough to make us list the upcoming title in our shooters to watch out for this year.

We’re a little bummed about the delay, but it’s always commendable when a developer takes the time they need to make a version of a game that clicks on launch. The open and closed betas on this one were probably a blessing on that front, as we certainly wouldn’t have appreciated any of their issues in the release build.

BrokenLore: FOLLOW

After UNFOLLOW, Serafini Productions now wants you to FOLLOW with its addition to the BrokenLore franchise. What exactly is happening? Well, we don’t know, aside from the fact that Anne is back and still dealing with extensive trauma, including but not limited to issues with her mother, bullying, feelings of worthlessness, and so on. And if that wasn’t bad enough, she contended with all kinds of horrors, like a giant gagged head shuffling through the halls and Mini Anne, a sentient doll. If this is truly the end of her journey before we move on to scary climbing in Ascend, then here’s hoping Anne finds some peace when BrokenLore: FOLLOW launches on June 1st for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.

Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth (Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch 2)

The second chapter in the remake trilogy features a much bigger world to explore, far deeper combat, enough mini-games to trip over, and of course, more Sephiroth. With Midgar left behind, Cloud and company venture across new locations, which are more expansive open-world-esque fields with enough enemies to test out the new Synergy attacks and Summons. And if you’re just here for the story, the Streamlined Progression features allow limitless HP and MP, easier ways to earn weapons, XP boosters, and much more, keeping the focus entirely on exploration and getting to know old and new friends, including Red XIII and Cait Sith. Currently available on PS5 and PC, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch 2 players will finally get their chance to join the adventure on June 3rd.

Gothic 1 Remake

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, but regardless of the many clones over the years, nothing quite captured the feeling of the original Gothic. On June 5th, Alkimia Interactive is bringing the legend back to life, complete with contemporary visuals, expanded questlines, new abilities, and combat that promises to be more “fluid and dynamic.” However, the core experience of wandering around the Colony, which is a venerable ecosystem in its own right, and choosing which camps to ally with while uncovering this massive world and its stories, remains intact. If an open-world RPG that doesn’t hold your hand sounds good, then Gothic 1 Remake may be worth your while when it launches on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.

Starseeker: Astroneer Expeditions

If you’re looking for a break from No Man’s Sky, perhaps a more structured co-op experience, then Starseeker: Astroneer Expeditions may be your jam. It enters early access on PS5, PC, and Xbox Series X/S on June 11th, and diverges from the original’s terraforming gameplay loop in favor of more adventure. Through the ESS Starseekeer, you’ll meet other players, pair up for expeditions, and venture to various planets to complete objectives (along with materials and loot to earn). The twist is that you have a limited amount of oxygen and avenues for violence, so you’ll need to repel creatures, explore the environment – including diving into unknown depths – and work alongside your crew to survive. With a much more polished base and monthly updates planned, it could serve as a worthwhile co-op distraction…in space.

EA Sports UFC 6

Much like EA Sports FC, Madden, and College Football, you know what you’re getting into with a new UFC title. UFC 6 sports a few new modes at the very least, including Hall of Legends, which feels like it’s taking a page out of the WWE 2K Showcase mode with its mix of gameplay and live-action footage from famous fights across UFC history. Meanwhile, The Legacy has you playing as a prospect who fights all the way to the top to become champion, offering a more narrative bent. But you still have Career Mode, where you can create a fighter and plot their career with a much larger number of choices and the option to hold and defend two belts. With its June 19th launch on PS5 and Xbox Series X/S, maybe it could break the mold and bring some excitement to an otherwise familiar formula. Just like EA Sports is renowned for!

The 7th Guest Remake

As obtuse and impossible as the old-school adventure games were, it’s nice to see the more contemporary remakes capturing their essence with updated visuals. The 7th Guest Remake, based on Trilobyte’s critically acclaimed 1993 adventure, offers the same mystery as before. You’re the titular seventh guest, investigating a mystery surrounding the previous six and the villainous Henry Strauf in a dark mansion. Numerous puzzles await, unraveling more of its secrets while bringing you ever closer to the truth. Perhaps more intriguing, however, is that the remake retains the original’s use of live-action actors in 3D environments, except with newly recorded footage that looks far crisper. The 7th Guest Remake launches on June 4th for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC, so if you covet adventure mystery titles with a dash of horror, this might just be another worthy addition to the collection.

#DRIVE Rally (Consoles)

Sega will continue dragging its feet and never give us a brand new Sega Rally title, so in the meantime, efforts like #DRIVE Rally will have to suffice. Currently available on PC, it’s coming to PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch 2 on June 18th, packing six massive locations and 25 customizable vehicles in three classes. If you’re serious about competition, there are multiple Championships to earn and leaderboards to compete in (complete with ghosts), or you can kick back in Free Roam and add some sweet interior decorations to your collection. #DRIVE Rally definitely leans more towards the arcade side of racing, especially with its aesthetic, but it still offers some fun off-roading action.

NBA The Run

Remember the good old days of NBA Street? Play by Play Studios is seemingly trying to capture some of that magic with NBA The Run, a $30 street basketball title coming to Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC. The main goal is to win the Run the World Tournament. Four rounds, knockout rules, winner is crowned the champion. Pair up with two other players, taking control of a single player in Knockout Squads or control the entire team in Knockout Solos. Private Tournaments are also possible in Knockout Friends, and you can either take on the AI alone, with other players, or organize a massive competition with a staggering 48-player limit. And even with the indie studio budget, there are still over 30 NBA superstars to control, as you make a run for the top.

Star Fox

The audible groan of certain communities when this was revealed to be a remake of Star Fox 64 was palpable. But the latter arguably remains the series’ peak, and Star Fox for the Switch 2, launching on June 25th, retains everything that made it so great, save for completely overhauled visuals. You can experience the story on three different difficulties, either solo or in co-op, or partake in Challenge Mode with different objectives. Even multiplayer has been revamped to support multiple objective-based modes pitting Star Fox and Star Wolf against each other. It may not be the next big Switch 2 exclusive, but personally, it’s great to see the franchise return and looking so good.

Hell Let Loose: Vietnam

After bringing the brutal conflicts of World War 2 into the multiplayer space with unrelenting realism and a massive scale, Expression Games has its eyes set on Vietnam. Hell Let Loose: Vietnam, out on June 18th for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC, leverages Unreal Engine 5 to deliver six massive maps where one side attempts to annihilate the other. With 17 different combat roles, new aerial units like helicopters, patrol boats, to battle across extensive rivers, dragging allies away to help them recover, revamped movement and the ability to tunnel for ambushes, this could be the definitive war sim shooter experience of the year.

 Marathon

Whatever happens, Marathon will go down as one of the year’s biggest shooters. Either, it’ll fail catastrophically, or attract and retain a sizeable playerbase – the latter once seeming unlikely, given its controversial development and underwhelming alpha reception.

Bungie has been scurrying away since alleged plagiarism tanked the game’s reputation mid-2025, implementing changes from drastically improving gamefeel, like faster TTK, to darkening its sci-fi industrial aesthetic, reflecting the 90s original. Will it work? Fact is, for every ARC Raiders, you’ve got a Concord; with online shooters, no-one knows which way the wind will blow. Still, Marathon’s post-alpha overhauls might yet secure it a long future.

Halo: Campaign Evolved

You can’t overstate the original Halo’s impact. Revolutionising first person shooters, Halo: Combat Evolved brought refined gunplay, intelligent enemies, and vehicles better suited for mulching alien grunts than traversal. Now, Master Chief’s iconic space opera is returning, faithfully rebuilt and expanded with all-new weapons, modernised gameplay, two-player split-screen, four-player online co-op, prequel missions, and more.

However, Halo Studios – formally 343 Industries – still has a tall order. Halo: Campaign Evolved’s reception was mixed on reveal, with accusations of reused Halo Infinite assets suggesting, if true, that the remake isn’t as authentic as it ought to be. Yet, crossing the frontline to PlayStation territory for the first time, Halo’s remake isn’t just a ploy to entice new players nor level the shortcomings of 2011’s remaster, but to cement the future of one of gaming’s most important franchises.

Better Than Dead

Games viewed through bodycam perspectives feel like they’re having a moment. Their realistic, shaky visuals, so often the lens for brutal, close-quarters shooting, court controversy for being a little too close to the bone. Better Than Dead looks poised to continue bodycam’s notoriety, but its slightly blocky, de-saturated art, deliberately unnatural hand gestures, and gravity-defying floating shrapnel counteract the rawness of its peers like Unrecord or Bodycam. It’s a smaller-scale title, coming only to PC via Steam, but the responsive shooting and action movie-inspired Hong Kong setting suggest a game which could land a sizeable audience.

Resident Evil Requiem

When you think of first person shooters, household survival horror series Resident Evil likely won’t spring to mind. Yet, Resident Evil Requiem ships with an optional first-person view. And, with tons of shooting at the hands of Leon in his action-orientated sections, we felt it worthy of inclusion in this rundown. If you need convincing, Requiem entry has handguns, including the sawtooth-edged revolver ‘Requiem’ that has featured prominently in the game’s marketing a sub-machine gun, shotgun, and a rifle. So, in other words, enough firepower to blast through Leon’s segments like an FPS horror.

John Carpenter’s Toxic Commando

Saddle up, there’s a new bunch of misfits primed to take on a zombie horde. Yes, on paper you’ve already seen John Carpenter’s Toxic Commando, but this upcoming four-player shooter from Saber Interactive does have a few aces up its sleeve. It’ll be deploying the studio’s Swarm Engine, which was used to great effect in Saber’s other efforts World War Z and Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2. Also in the developer’s oeuvre is vehicular puzzler MudRunner, so you can expect countless moments where your squad must winch vehicles through sludge. Famed director John Carpenter lends his creative input and contributes to the score too, giving a distinct aesthetic to what is shaping up to be a mechanically rich shooter.

Hell Let Loose: Vietnam

If you can’t keep up with CoD, Hell Let Loose is the industrial war machine in which to spray your bullets. It’s quietly built up a reputation as a hardcore, yet ultimately accessible shooter. And, despite a shift from tactical realism following a developer change, publisher Team17 has greenlit another entry, taking the running and gunning out of World War II and onto a new stage: Vietnam. The explosive fury of Hell Let Loose’s origins is re-established, with Vietnam a sweltering, six-map battle ground for 50v50 matchups. Multiple bands comprise each side, from infantry and recon to mortar squads and helicopter units, meaning this is a multi-faceted, tactically varied conflict that’ll suck away your hours once it all clicks.

DEFECT

Finally, Rainbow Six and Bladerunner combine; DEFECT is a SWAT-sim nestled deep in a dark, cyberpunk world overrun with AI. I mean, of course it’s overrun with AI, but set dressing aside DEFECT packs plenty of variety into its dystopian gameplay. There are smuggling runs, assassination targets, and fugitive hunts which you can take on solo or in PvP and PvE co-op. Multiple warring factions imbue the familiar neon rainfall with chaos; this city’s unravelling in anarchy, and you’ll wield an arsenal of high-tech weaponry and gadgets to clean its streets.

NO LAW

Like DEFECT, NO LAW is an FPS gripped by dystopian nightmares. And, also like DEFECT, this one doesn’t have a confirmed release date. That said, conceptually at least, NO LAW’s development looks to be chugging along nicely. Here, you’re a disheveled veteran who’s a magnet for trouble in a metropolis. Locations are always characterful in cyberpunk fiction, and NO LAW’s Port Desire looks a genuine rival for Cyberpunk 2077’s prodigious Night City. So, prepare to leave your morals behind, NO LAW’s branching story, colourful characters, and blazing guns mean it’s primed to find a huge audience.

Road to Vostok 

This hardcore shooter is set in an apocalyptic border territory between Finland and Russia, and it’s here, against dense pine forests and crystalline lakes, that you’ll shoot, loot, and prepare for an expedition into Vostok proper – a permadeath zone where survival hangs by a thread. Road to Vostok might borrow Escape From Tarkov’s structure and hostility, but the sole developer behind it is promising a deeply immersive experience away from the shooting. Dynamic weather, day and night cycles, and distinct seasons bring life to the in-game economy and AI factions. It’s a huge undertaking for one person, so let’s hope Road to Vostok launches to PC without a hitch on April 7th.

MOUSE: P.I. For Hire

Combining the black and white charm of 1930s rubber-hose animation with the confrontational action of modern-day first person shooting, MOUSE: P.I. For Hire brings something new to the table. This jazz-fueled adventure might be too niche for some, but one thing’s for sure: the hand-drawn animation is undeniably compelling. If the gunplay, noir-esque narrative, and corrupted assailants provide a more serious backbone away from the cartoonish aesthetic then MOUSE: P.I. For Hire might land an unexpected hit for first-time studio Fumi Games. Launching March 19th, this one’s going to be playable on PS5 and Switch 2 alongside PC, too.

ExeKiller

It’s nearly five years since Paradark Studios revealed ExeKiller, but in January this year we got our best look yet at the action-adventure-slash-FPS via an official gameplay overview. We already knew the game plants the gunslinging old West into a scorched desert dystopia, but now, aside from piercing revolver battles, ExeKiller confirms survival mechanics, inventory management, device hacking, and cybernetic implant exploration. It’s a heady mix, made all-the-more complex by Paradark’s pledge for non-linear mission structure. What’s certain is ExeKiller presents one of the most unique offerings on this rundown of new FPS games.

ILL

Team Clout’s ILL pushes realism to stomach-churning extremes. Aided by visceral dismemberment, abhorrent monster design, and claustrophobic interiors, this upcoming horror shooter is not for the faint of heart. What’s most striking, however, is the game’s physics engine, with bulbous, blood-drenched creatures moving with uncanny likeness. Together with suitably squelchy sound design, ILL might just break new ground for reactive body horror in games.

Rogue Point

From the creators of Half-Life remake Black Mesa, Rogue Point is a four-player co-op shooter which indie studio Crowbar Collective say brings classic shooter feel with a modern identity. From footage shared, its colourful chaos certainly looks impactful, albeit laced with schlocky humour. This is more of a sugar rush, one-more-run type deal; entertaining, explosive, and not to be taken too seriously. It’s just here to have fun with your mates. Also, by the time this feature is published, Rogue Point will be out soon – it’s coming to early access via Steam on February 12th.

Witchfire

This dark fantasy RPG FPS blends extraction shooting with a roguelike structure, and it’s been in early access since September 2023. Now, its 1.0 release is on the horizon, launching in full mid-2026. If you’ve played Bulletstorm – arguably one of the most underrated FPS games ever – Witchfire is from the same creative minds, so you can expect tons of imaginative ways to slay your opponents. Numerous playable archetypes, a diverse set of biomes, and an array of enemies have given Witchfire a dedicated following already. Fully realised lore and a complete story are all that’s missing, but they’ll be coming when 1.0 drops.

Valor Mortis

Like Resident Evil Requiem, Valor Mortis arguably isn’t an FPS game. Coming from Ghostrunner devs One More Level, it’s billed as a first-person action soulslike – an intriguing, underexplored undertaking if ever we saw one. Set during an alt-history Napoleonic war, where the stench of death fizzes over sodden battlegrounds, you awaken with supernatural powers and a hunger to cleanse the mire of horrifying monsters. A saber is your primary tool, but you keep a pistol in your back pocket, blasting specifically at the weak points of larger enemies. So, yes, not an FPS in the strictest sense, but there’s shooting so it’s in.

Bonus: Next Call of Duty

Probably boring and more of the same. Oh well.