Month: January 2026

As 2025 comes to a close, it’s time to look ahead to what the gaming world has in store for us in 2026. While there will certainly be more than 26 worthwhile titles to play in the coming year, these are the ones front and center on my radar.

Before we begin, a couple of disclaimers. First, the focus here is console gaming, so you won’t see any PC exclusives. Second, I’ve tried to stay away from games that could come out in 2026 that have seen extended delays or have no real timetable for when they’ll actually release. That means games like Judas, Tides of Annihilation, and Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra aren’t on the list, though I’d be thrilled if they land in 2026.

Without further ado, here are the 26 video games I can’t wait to play in 2026:

26) Mouse: P.I. For Hire / Mio: Memories in Orbit / Marathon (tie)

I narrowed my initial list of 50-plus titles to 28, but I couldn’t decide on the final spot, so I’m copping out and going with a three-way tie. Mouse: P.I. For Hire looks like a first-person shooter version of Cuphead. Mio is giving me serious Ori vibes with a dash of Hollow Knight. And call me a sucker, but Bungie made Halo and Destiny, so I’m willing to see what they do with Marathon.

25) Lords of the Fallen II

It was a near thing, but I gave Lords of the Fallen II the nod for this Soulslike spot ahead of a few other sequels—Mortal Shell 2, Code Vein 2, and Nioh 3—as well as Beast of Reincarnation. The original had strong action with the cool hook of changing between two versions of its world. Let’s hope the sequel builds on those strengths.

24) Witchbrook

A cutesy marriage of Stardew Valley and Hogwarts. A decade after it was announced, we’ll soon be able to accio Witchbrook!

23) No Law

The Game Awards trailer got me hyped up for the setting, but I remain guarded based on Neon Giant’s first game, The Ascent, which has an awesome look but forgettable characters and a lackluster story. Here’s hoping it all comes together with No Law.

22) Onimusha: Way of the Sword

It’s been over 20 years since we got an Onimusha game. The samurai action-adventure series burned brightly when it launched but went dormant quickly with every game coming out on the PlayStation 2. Let’s see what Capcom can do with current-gen hardware.

21) Planet of Lana 2: Children of the Leaf

I played the original Planet of Lana on Xbox Game Pass this year and enjoyed it. It scratched the same itch that games like LIMBO and Inside did, and I’m very excited for the sequel.

20) LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight

Traditionally, LEGO games are high-floor, low-ceiling affairs. Can delving into the rich history of Batman elevate it above its contemporaries? I’m cautiously optimistic.

19) Forza Horizon 6

While I’m far from the biggest racing fan, the Forza Horizon series has always been enjoyable, presenting exquisite graphics and an arcade style that fits my preferences. Setting this one in Japan makes it all the more appealing.

18) The Duskbloods

Anytime FromSoftware develops a game, there’s buzz. When it’s their first fantasy-style effort since Elden Ring, that buzz grows even louder. While its exclusivity to the Nintendo Switch 2 is a bit disappointing based on that system’s limitations, fans will take what they can get.

17) Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy

Ever since dropping an announcement trailer back in June, it’s been radio silence for the third installment of the Plague Tale series. We know it’s a prequel, and it looks like there might be a heavier focus on combat. And yes, there will probably be rats, lots of them.

Related: Top 10 Most Anticipated Video Games of 2026

16) Call of Duty (Title TBA)

This is a bit of a cheat since there’s been no official announcement, but we all know there are three certainties in life: death, taxes, and an annual Call of Duty game. Following the backlash to Black Ops 7 and success of Battlefield 6, this is a big year for one of gaming’s biggest franchises. I’m anxious to see how they respond.

15) STAR WARS Zero Company

A turn-based strategy game set in the world of Star Wars. There hasn’t been much about Zero Company beyond the announce trailer, but on the surface, it’s checking a lot of boxes for me.

14) Reanimal

A new title from the studio behind the first two Little Nightmare games that’s supposed to have a greater focus on horror elements. Yes, please.

13) Pragmata

Originally announced in June 2020, Pragmata reemerged with a trailer at The Game Awards, looking like an interesting shooter/action game with a bit of graphical Death Stranding DNA.

12) Phantom Blade Zero

In Phantom Blade you play as an assassin framed for killing his master, and you’ll need to solve the mystery behind the murder while fending off your former associates. The trailers show exceptional graphics and lightning-quick combat. There’s a high ceiling here.

11) Saros

The next bad game developer Housemarque makes will be the first. It’s been five years since they wowed with Returnal. Saros looks like it could be bigger and better.

10) Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis

Lara Croft is going back to where it all began with the Legacy of Atlantis remake. The trailer hit all the right nostalgic notes, and it has me primed for some dual-wielding goodness.

9) Crimson Desert

Probably the most ambitious title of 2026 is Crimson Desert, an open-world, single-player fantasy game from the team behind the MMORPG Black Desert. If it can stick the landing, expect to see Crimson Desert get a lot of early GOTY buzz.

8) Fable

Fable was something of a poster boy for overpromising when it originally launched in 2004, but it set the stage for a pair of solid sequels. While the series has been on ice for over 15 years at this point, what’s been shared for the upcoming Fable has generated a lot of excitement that Xbox’s RPG can ascend back to a position of prominence in 2026.

Related: My 10 Favorite Video Games of 2025—and Why You May Love Them, Too

7) Replaced

Another game with a lengthy development cycle, Replaced was first announced at E3 2021. It’s set for launch in March, and the most recent trailers have me at a fever pitch. The 2.5D cyberpunk art style looks amazing, and I cannot wait to play it.

6) Control Resonant

Alan Wake was good. Control was great. Alan Wake II was excellent. It follows then that Control Resonant will be utterly brilliant. Right?

5) Halo: Campaign Evolved

Few games stir the type of fond memories that Halo: Combat Evolved does. The remaster breathed new life into it, and the Master Chief Collection remains one of the best values in all of gaming. Campaign Evolved looks amazing, and the promise of quality-of-life updates, new weapons, and all-new levels with Sgt. Johnson just add to the hype. As excited as I am, I have to ask: can Halo 3 get the same treatment at some point?

4) Resident Evil Requiem

I am 100% of the belief that Resident Evil should be a third-person game. RE7 and Village were both solid, and certainly a cut above RE6, but the first, second, and fourth installments remain the standard bearers. With Requiem introducing dual protagonists and the ability to switch between first- and third-person, I am more than ready to return to Raccoon City.

3) 007 First Light

A James Bond origin story developed by the people behind the Hitman games. Say less.

2) Gears of War: E-Day

While Halo is Microsoft’s signature shooter, Gears of War isn’t far behind. I’ve enjoyed all five mainline games, and it defies belief that Gears has been on the shelf since 2019. While I have mixed feelings about getting a prequel instead of Gears 6, the prospect of a true next-gen installment in the series has me revving up my lancer.

1) Grand Theft Auto VI

I mean, you knew this was going to top the list, right? Thirteen years will have passed between the release of GTA V and November’s Grand Theft Auto VI. Rockstar has delivered some of my favorite games of all-time, and my expectations are through the roof for this one.

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Why We Love This Deal

If you’re looking to start 2026 off with gear that’ll help you crush your fitness goals, then it’s worth looking at Nike first. The brand’s sale section is still going strong with all kinds of athletic products, even with the holidays now behind us, and the biggest standout is this iconic Dri-Fit hoodie. It was one of the all-star products during Nike’s Black Friday sale in November, but it’s been marked back down to the same price.

Nike Standard Issue Dri-Fit Hoodies are just $46 once again, which is 49% off their regular price of $90. These heavyweight French terry hoodies package warmth, athletic performance, comfort, and durability all into a single garment. Both black and heather gray are on sale at this price, but sizes are limited from small to 2. And while it looks like the black color may have recently been restocked, we expect these to sell out at some point soon.

Nike Standard Issue Dri-Fit Hoodies, From $46 (was $90) at Nike

What Shoppers Should Know

• Colors: Black, gray
• Sizes: S to 2XL (depending on color)
• Materials: 61% cotton, 39% polyester
• Pockets: Kangaroo pouch, zippered hand pocket
• Fit: Loose and roomy with good length on the sleeves and hem

Taking vintage sportswear and infusing it with Nike’s performance tech means these hoodies perform on and off the court (or field, or gym). They’re made from heavyweight French terry that feels buttery soft but structured, thanks to reinforced stitching that makes them wear more like high-end athleisure than standard sportswear.

With Nike’s signature Dri-Fit tech, they wick sweat well, helping to keep you dry and cool during training sessions or when layered under a jacket. Conveniently, the ribbed cuffs hold their shape, even after the sleeves have been rolled up, and there’s also a kangaroo and zippered pocket to keep your stuff safe.

Related: Hoka’s Beloved All-Terrain Running Shoe With ‘Amazing’ Grip Has Finally Gone on Sale

What Shoppers Are Saying

These hoodies hold a solid 4.7-star rating after shopper feedback. One shopper said this “lovely fleece” is super soft and has the perfect athletic cut. Another described it as “heaven in a hoodie.” They also loved that it’s very lightweight, and stated that the zippered pocket is a “lifesaver.”

For under $50 on Nike’s iconic Dri-Fit tech, this Standard Issue Hoodie is likely to sell out fast. Grab one before they, or this price, disappear.

Shop More Deals

• Nike Dri-FIT UV Performance Joggers, From $43 (was $80) at Nike
• Nike Air Jordan 1 Mid SE, From $88 (was $140) at Nike
• Nike Free Run 5.0, From $70 (was $100) at Nike

With ‘Stranger Things’ finale over, fans are eagerly awaiting the next installment. Although there won’t be a season 6 of the popular Netflix show, a spinoff is coming.

According to Variety, the filmmakers purposely tried to tie up all plot points and “character arcs” at the end of Season 5. The spinoff was first revealed in 2022, but what it will entail remains a bit of a mystery. According to Variety, the spinoff “won’t continue the story of any of the show’s characters,” and it won’t “explore a larger narrative within the world of the first show.”

In fact, People reported that there are multiple ‘Stranger Things’ spinoffs planned. What is the release date? “An animated show, first announced in 2023, will feature the original characters and premiere later this year,” People noted. However, there’s a second spinoff coming, too.

It will feature “a different decade and different characters, but of course, still connected to the Stranger Things universe,” co-creator Ross Duffer told THR. “It’s an idea we’ve had for years and something we’re just really excited and passionate about.” He added that this spinoff is in its earliest stages, saying, “We’re very early days on a live-action spinoff. But this is the end of the story for these characters of Hawkins, for the Upside Down.” The release date for the latter spinoff is not clear.

The ‘Stranger Things’ Co-Creator Insists That the Show Is ‘Done’

Despite the spinoff, the possibility of a sixth season was emphatically ruled out by one of the show’s co-creators.

“We do every last remaining thing we wanted to do with the Demogorgons and Mind Flayer and Vecna and the Upside Down and Hawkins and these characters,” Matt Duffer told Variety. “This is a complete story. It’s done.”

However, the co-creators did give some clues about the spinoff. “You’re starting with new characters — it’s like clean slate. You’re not tied up into any knots. There’s something refreshing about it,” Matt Duffer told Variety.

“The hope is you’re not just doing something to just do it,” he added. “And Netflix has been surprisingly patient, although I think now, I feel that patience wearing thin a little bit with the show coming to an end. But they’re understanding.”

The Spinoff Will Show Characters ‘in a Bit of a Different World

The co-creators have provided some teases.

Ross Duffer explained to Variety: “They’re going to live in a bit of a different world. There’s going to be connective tissue, but you’re almost anthologizing in a way. Because we’re not ‘Star Wars.’ We can’t be like, ‘Oh, now we’re on this planet.’”

As for the animated series, Netflix “unveiled a first look at Stranger Things: Tales from ’85, an animated series first announced in 2023, which is set in Hawkins in winter 1985,” People reported, quoting the logline as saying, “The original characters must fight new monsters and unravel a paranormal mystery terrorizing their town.”

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Just after 10 a.m. on August 28, more than a thousand runners surged from Orsières, Switzerland, toward Chamonix, France, to compete in the prestigious Orsières-Champex-Chamonix (OCC) ultramarathon. 

The course comprised nearly 38 miles of alpine trail with 3,400 meters (11,155 feet) of elevation gain, including a punishing climb toward the Col de Balme high mountain pass in the second half of the race. Running at this elevation requires the body to operate efficiently with less oxygen, which makes preparation at altitude, or simulating it, a critical part of an elite athlete’s training plan.

Although the race started in Switzerland and was estimated to be longer than previous editions, Chamonix (normally a sleepy summer town) buzzed. Other UTMB races were still underway, and thousands of runners and spectators filled the streets, the energy building long before the OCC athletes would arrive. Cowbells jingled, horns blared, and cheers erupted from every corner, so loud it became almost white noise. Bibs flashed names from across the globe, headlamps bobbed in the drizzle, and cameras documented each step, every stumble, every surge.

No casual runners here. Each person had their own reason for being on the trail: divorce, loss, personal redemption, or, in Jim Walmsley’s case, to push his own preconceptions of limitation. He had originally planned to run the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB), a 171-kilometre (106-mile) race with approximately 10,040 metres (32,940 ft) of elevation gain, often referred to as the Super Bowl of ultramarathons. But knee issues and his goal of peaking for the World Mountain & Trail Running Championships, a race he went on to win just a few weeks later, led him to the OCC instead. This wasn’t his first rodeo, either. He’s won the Western States 100 four times and took home gold at UTMB in 2023.

For Walmsley, there’s a profound calm in the chaos. The nerves that flutter before a race fade within 30 seconds, replaced by a deep focus.

“That’s generally when I feel a big rush of relief, calmness, and everything will be fine,” he says. “Now we’re just trying to execute on the race plan and take care of what we can control.”

But at a race this challenging, even the most experienced runners encounter chaos. At OCC, Walmsley’s carefully mapped nutrition plan went sideways when water stations were limited, a critical detail when every ounce of fluid and carbohydrate matters.

“So, OCC, I had six pre-filled bottles of powder. I started with one liter and was planning to refill one more bottle, but we didn’t see the water at all,” he said. “I think I didn’t get enough fluids in. My nutrition kind of was a bit of a disaster.” On a course like this, with steep climbs and the thin air, every misstep in hydration can amplify the challenge, testing how efficiently the body uses oxygen. Despite this, he adapted, managing gels, sugar, and caffeine while navigating one of the most challenging alpine trail races in the world. 

The race itself was a chess match at altitude. At this elevation, every climb becomes a strategic decision, demanding both careful pacing and adaptation to low-oxygen conditions. 

Walmsley was part of an early break alongside Sweden’s Petter Engdahl and Canada’s Sam Hendry, taking the lead after strong climbing on the Col de Balme. Despite his months of training, the hiccup at the water station allowed rival Cristian Minoggio to pull ahead. With about 6 km left, Walmsley shifted gears, hunting Minoggio down on the flats. A mile from the finish, he overtook him and crossed the line just 20 seconds ahead, in 5:00:35.

Related: I Asked UTMB Athletes How They Prepare for the World’s Toughest Races—Here’s Their Advice

Watching races like this makes it easy to understand why runners do what they do. For Walmsley, it’s simple: the mountains, the rhythm of his own body, and the collective breath of those around him create a space where the world falls away.

“In a race context and in a professional sport, I think the suffering is much more on the enjoyable spectrum of pushing yourself and finding how far you can, or how much effort you can really get out of yourself,” he says. “You can do more. You can go farther, really push your own preconceptions of limitations.”

The way he describes how he runs is somewhat like a cheetah, fast, instinctual, precise, something you wouldn’t expect from Walmsley’s otherwise composed demeanor. Sitting across from him in the press room in Chamonix, or on the other side of a screen halfway across the world, he seems unshakable. So when he told me he doesn’t run with any music, podcasts, or other distractions (even during a 19-hour-plus run at UTMB in 2023), my mouth couldn’t have hung open any wider.

“There’s not much stimulus out there besides you going through the mountains,” he explains. “You can hear each other’s breathing. You can feel like if you make an acceleration, you can feel how people react to that, whether it’s slow or fast or immediate, if they’re rushing, if they’re letting you gain a couple steps…it’s a lot of reactions, and a bit of a play or a dance with someone else to feel their own rhythms.”

Later in the season, at the World Mountain & Trail Running Championships, the run was smoother compared to OCC. While it was longer in both distance and time (just over eight hours, much of it neck and neck with competitors Benjamin Roubiol and Louison Coiffet), he felt ready. 

He had spent months preparing, running long vertical routes and climbs designed to mimic the thin-air conditions he’d face, building both endurance and oxygen efficiency. One standout session was a 40-mile run with over 16,000 feet of up and down. Despite the soreness that followed, he felt more prepared than ever to tackle this challenging new terrain.

“So the course had over 18,000 feet of up and down within 50 miles,” he recalls. “In the U.S., there’s no course that comes close to that. It’s not like we don’t have the terrain, but we don’t have trails with the opportunity to host races like they do in Europe. So this goes through more extreme mountains and very vertical up and down. On race day, I saw about four feet in front of me and all the rocks coming at me. Basically, my attention had to be very, very much on the trail and a hundred percent focus on the technicality of it.”

Even with the breathtaking Pyrenees around him, Walmsley’s attention stayed glued to the ground, picking his way through every rock and root. “For the last three to six thousand feet, your legs are out of running, and you’re forced to hike the last couple of climbs,” he says. “I felt like I just had more confidence in the pace I was setting through power hiking and using trail running poles…and I was still able to put time in between me and a second and third place.”

It’s here, after these races, that Walmsley reflects on the strategies that keep him healthy and competitive. “Even when I have injuries, I don’t typically take too many days off. Usually, I’ll slow down or manipulate the terrain for what I can do,” he explains. “Sometimes I get stuck doing flat road running—that’s fine, depending on what’s going on. You have to really listen and avoid what causes pain.”

But according to Walmsley, who’s been running professionally since 2016, true ultras like UTMB go far beyond what anyone can fully prepare for. “It’s getting into a slog, into grittiness, whether it’s a pain cave or suffering…that’s a bit beyond you, you’ve stretched a little further that day,” he says. “And we take away a lot of growth when we’re put in those uncomfortable situations. That’s a really special part of what I would define as true ultra running.”

Whether it was picking his way over rocks on the OCC course or navigating the technical Pyrenees at Worlds, Walmsley moved with focus and precision. Every step was measured, every climb calculated, every descent read in real time. The mountains demanded attention, and he gave it fully.

Related: Chasing the Top: How Surfing Pro Yago Dora Turns Every Season Into a Stepping Stone