According to TechRadar, while Grand Theft Auto 6 is the obvious blockbuster for 2026, their editorial team has identified 13 other major games slated for the year that deserve serious attention. The list includes Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave for the Nintendo Switch 2, a psychological horror farming sim called Neverway, and the long-awaited co-op sequel Subnautica 2, which is targeting an early access launch. Other highlights are Control Resonant, the sequel shifting focus to Dylan Faden, and John Carpenter’s Toxic Commando, a horde shooter from Saber Interactive. Notably, the list also features The Duskbloods, a multiplayer-focused game from FromSoftware that is reportedly a Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive.
The Switch 2 factor
Here’s the thing that jumps out: Nintendo’s next console seems to be a major player in 2026’s landscape already. A FromSoftware exclusive? That’s a huge get and suggests Nintendo is locking down serious third-party support early to bolster the Switch 2’s launch window. And a new Fire Emblem title built for the improved hardware could be a system-seller for strategy fans. It feels like a deliberate counter-punch to the narrative that 2026 is just “the GTA 6 year.” If these games deliver, the Switch 2 could have a remarkably strong first full year on the market, carving out its own space while everyone else is obsessed with Vice City.
Sequels and surprises
But it’s not all about new hardware. The list shows a healthy mix of safe bets and fascinating risks. Sequels like Control Resonant and Styx: Blades of Greed are catering directly to established, if sometimes niche, fanbases. Remedy expanding the Oldest House into an open-world Manhattan is a wildly ambitious swing. And then you have the left-field stuff: a John Carpenter-branded zombie horde shooter? A horror-themed Stardew Valley? These are the games that could become cult classics or breakout hits, precisely because they aren’t playing it safe. In a year with a titan like GTA 6, being weird might be the best way to get noticed.
The multiplayer push
Look at the trends they’re highlighting, too. There’s a clear emphasis on social and multiplayer experiences, which is interesting. Subnautica 2 is going full co-op, The Duskbloods is multiplayer-focused from FromSoft, and Toxic Commando is built for squad play. It seems like after years of incredible single-player narratives, there’s a pendulum swing back towards shared worlds and cooperative chaos. Is this developers anticipating player fatigue with solo epics, or just the ongoing influence of the live-service model? Probably a bit of both. The risk, of course, is that these games can feel hollow if the community doesn’t stick around. But the potential for memorable moments with friends is huge.
Managing expectations
Now, we have to talk about the giant asterisk next to any “most anticipated” list: delays. TechRadar mentions it, but it’s worth underlining. Several of these titles, like Subnautica 2, have already been pushed. With the current state of game development, it’s almost a guarantee that some of these 2026 dates will slip into 2027. So while it’s fun to get hyped, maybe don’t clear your entire Q3 calendar just yet. The good news? If even half of these arrive on time and live up to their promise, 2026 could be one of those incredibly dense, varied years that reminds us why we love this medium. GTA 6 might be the headline, but the rest of the show looks pretty spectacular too. For more gaming news, you can follow TechRadar on Google News or check out their TikTok.
