2026 Video Games That Can Beat GTA6 For GOTY

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While 2026 has been a great year so far, all the success seen up to now might not matter much longer. That’s because Grand Theft Auto 6 is launching in November, and it’s expected to dominate sales, overshadowing almost everything else.

What if Grand Theft Auto 6 disappoints? What if it’s just an okay game, with a large open world but similar gameplay to Grand Theft Auto 5 – something fans have experienced for over ten years? Rockstar hasn’t revealed any actual gameplay yet, so it’s possible the game isn’t as innovative as people hope. If Grand Theft Auto 6 doesn’t live up to the hype, another game will likely be named Game of the Year in 2026.

Vampire Crawlers Is The Most Addictive Game Of 2026

Independent games are now serious contenders for Game of the Year awards, and 2026 is already seeing a standout title: Vampire Crawlers. This first-person adventure builds on the popular Vampire Survivors, challenging players to explore dungeons and battle monsters using increasingly powerful and outlandish card combinations. It’s incredibly addictive!

It’s hard to say if Vampire Crawlers is short on content, or if players are simply racing through it! Either way, it’s a fantastic game with a compelling gameplay loop. It really draws you in, encouraging you to constantly experiment and overcome challenges by cleverly combining strategy with simple math.

Marvel’s Wolverine Has An Amazing Pedigree

For a long time, the X-Men haven’t gotten much attention in video games, but that’s about to change. In 2026, the team behind the popular Marvel’s Spider-Man games, Insomniac Games, will release Marvel’s Wolverine, featuring one of the X-Men’s most formidable characters.

Unlike previous Marvel games like Spider-Man, Marvel’s Wolverine will be a more realistic and violent experience, focusing on Logan’s brutal combat with his Adamantium claws. Fans are expecting it to be a truer adaptation of the X-Men universe than the ’90s cartoon, delivering the experience they’ve been waiting for.

Witchbrook Has Cozy Fans Salivating

Everyone’s going crazy predicting Grand Theft Auto 6 will totally dominate everything when it comes out, like nothing else will get played for ages. But as a Stardew Valley fan, I think a lot of us will disagree! If Witchbrook happens to release on the same day as GTA 6, Rockstar’s new game might as well be just noise to us – we’ll be too busy building our magical lives!

Witchbrook is often described as a blend of Stardew Valley and Harry Potter, which is a dream combination for fans of relaxing, charming games. The game boasts beautiful graphics and a delightful world where you can build friendships and learn magic. Many games have attempted to recreate the feeling of attending Hogwarts, but haven’t quite succeeded – and if Witchbrook pulls it off, its creators are likely to be very successful.

Forza Horizon 6 Is 2026’s Highest-Rated Game So Far

Currently, Forza Horizon 6 is the highest-rated game on Metacritic for 2026, scoring a 92. This isn’t surprising, as the Forza series is known for consistently delivering amazing racing games that strike a perfect balance between realistic driving and pure enjoyment, all set in beautifully explorable worlds.

The upcoming Forza Horizon 6 takes place in Japan, letting players race through the streets of Tokyo and explore the country’s scenery. The game features a huge selection of cars that you can customize, and plenty of hidden secrets to discover. While Grand Theft Auto 6 may emphasize driving, it will likely be hard-pressed to deliver the same level of dedicated car culture and experience as Forza Horizon 6.

Deltarune Chapter 5 Is Promising A LOT Of Pay-Offs

Fans of the game Deltarune have been eagerly awaiting the next installment for quite some time. The first chapter was released in 2018, with plans for future updates, but it’s been nearly a decade and the story isn’t complete yet. Fortunately, Chapter 5 is scheduled to arrive in 2026, and fans are incredibly excited to finally play it.

Deltarune takes place in a different universe than Undertale, where a world born from imagination exists alongside our own. Players control Kris, the only human in town, who gets pulled into this imaginative world—known as the Dark World—and must team up with friends to defeat the enigmatic Roaring Knight and save the world.

Nioh 3 Is The High Point Of Its Franchise

The Nioh series has often been compared to games made by FromSoftware, but Nioh 3 is the first to really compete with them. Many consider it the best action RPG of 2026 so far, and it will be hard for other games to reach its high quality. Nioh 3 follows the story of the Shogun’s heir in historical Japan, who must fight against their brother and his use of Yokai powers. The hero is sent back in time and goes on a grand journey through Japan’s past.

In Nioh 3, you can instantly switch between two distinct combat styles: the deliberate, counter-focused Samurai, and the agile, evasion-based Ninja. To succeed in this game, you’ll need to become proficient in both, as Nioh 3 features large, content-rich levels and incredibly challenging enemies, all wrapped up in one of the most satisfying gameplay experiences of the year.

Pokémon Pokopia Is Selling Nintendo Switch 2 Systems

During its first year, the Nintendo Switch 2 didn’t have a standout game that really boosted sales. While Mario Kart World was another entry in the popular series, and Donkey Kong Bananza wasn’t compelling enough to make people want to buy the console, it wasn’t until 2026 that the Switch 2 finally got a game that everyone had to have.

Pokémon Pokopia reimagines the classic Kanto region from the original Pokémon Red & Blue games, but this time, humans are gone, and Pokémon have inherited the land. It’s a fresh take that will delight longtime fans, spark creativity, and features a particularly charming cast of Pokémon characters.

Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave Could Be The Three Houses Successor Fans Want

The Fire Emblem series began as a relatively unknown franchise, but gradually gained popularity through positive reviews and a strong cast of appealing characters. However, it was Fire Emblem: Three Houses in 2019 that truly broke through to a wider audience. The game successfully combined elements of the Persona series’ scheduling system with tactical RPG gameplay and character romances, ultimately becoming one of the best RPGs available on the Nintendo Switch.

Scheduled for release on the Nintendo Switch 2 in 2026, Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave is a new installment connected to the world of Three Houses. The game introduces a unique setting for the series – a gladiator arena – which may feature a new scheduling system, though likely a more dangerous one than the one in Three Houses. While Nintendo hasn’t revealed much about the story, if Fortune’s Weave is similar to Three Houses, it has the potential to be a top contender for Game of the Year in 2026.

The Duskbloods Could Be FromSoftware’s Ultimate Multiplayer Experience

With the success of Elden Ring and its expansion behind them, everyone is eager to find out what FromSoftware is working on next. For now, the company appears to be focusing on multiplayer titles, and their major release for 2026, The Duskbloods, will be exclusive to the Nintendo Switch 2.

Although only a brief trailer has been shown, players are excited to explore the dark and chaotic world of the game, where they can play as vampires and battle enemies with unique weapons. While Elden Ring Nightreign needed to heavily rely on its inspiration to attract attention, fans are already invested in the story and setting of The Duskbloods. Its release could even spark renewed interest in the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2.

Phantom Blade Zero Could Be What Bloodborne Fans Have Waited For

When Phantom Blade Zero was revealed, people instantly noted its similarities to games like Bloodborne and Vampire Hunter D, praising its fast-paced, anime-inspired style. The combat felt quick and responsive, reminding many players of Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, another popular game from FromSoftware.

In Phantom Blade Zero, you play as Soul, a deadly assassin with only 66 days to live. The game follows his quest for revenge, filled with fast-paced, wuxia-inspired combat and unique weapons. While the game has a very dark and serious atmosphere, fans of gritty ’90s anime will likely appreciate its style and action.

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2026-05-19 00:44