Title: I Love Big Walk’s Tutorial Playground Date: Wed, 05 Aug 2026 12:55:03 +0000 Link: https://kotaku.com/big-walk-best-fun-tutorial-2000720820 Turns out, all it needed was more cowbell

Title: Eli Roth Claims He ‘Misspoke’ When He Denied Ice Cream Man Uses GenAI Date: Wed, 05 Aug 2026 12:08:10 +0000 Link: https://kotaku.com/eli-roth-ice-cream-man-movie-horror-genai-ai-borderlands-2000721868 The Borderlands director's latest critical flop uses the dark arts of Dark Half's AI

Title: PSA: Final Fantasy 14 Is Out Now On Nintendo Switch 2 But You Don’t Have To Buy It To Play Date: Tue, 04 Aug 2026 21:30:56 +0000 Link: https://kotaku.com/final-fantasy-14-free-trial-nintendo-switch-2-2000721658 Hope you have that meme memorized because it's relevant again; something something free trial something something

Title: Game Of Thrones Author George R. R. Martin Shares A Very Sad Note Date: Tue, 04 Aug 2026 20:45:10 +0000 Link: https://kotaku.com/game-of-thrones-author-george-r-r-martin-shares-a-very-sad-note-2000721660 The writer provided an intimate update on his life

Title: Electronic Arts Officially Belongs To Saudi Arabia, Private Equity, And Jared Kushner Now Date: Tue, 04 Aug 2026 20:19:04 +0000 Link: https://kotaku.com/electronic-arts-officially-belongs-saudi-arabia-jared-kushner-now-2000721666 With the closing of the market today comes the second-biggest acquisition in gaming history

Title: Monopoly Go x The Simpsons crossover is almost here Date: Tue, 02 Jun 2026 08:41:21 +0000 Link: https://www.vg247.com/monopoly-go-the-simpsons-crossover-details Monopoly Go players have been looking forward to a major crossover event for what felt like months, and though most of the details ended up leaking, nothing actually beats official information. Read more

Title: Honkai: Star Rail Version 4.3 will take us deeper into the World in Canvas and make Mortenax Blade playable Date: Fri, 22 May 2026 13:43:44 +0000 Link: https://www.vg247.com/honkai-star-rail-version-4-3-all-details HoYoverse has today delivered full details on the next major update for Honkai: Star Rail. Version 4.3, dubbed The Lethe Below the Living, will be available for all players on June 1. The upcoming update adds a new chapter to the Planarcadia arc, and introduce a new playable character. Read more

Title: Forza Horizon 6 explodes on Steam even before it's officially out Date: Fri, 15 May 2026 11:00:02 +0000 Link: https://www.vg247.com/forza-horizon-6-steam-numbers-big-launch Steam is abuzz this week with a couple of long-anticipated launches, but in Forza Horizon 6’s case, at least, the game isn’t even out for what will be most of its players. The anticipated sequel in the open-world driving game series doesn’t officially launch until May 19, but owners of its most expensive version - the Premium Edition - can play it right now. Read more

Title: Mystic Messenger's most loyal players are getting banned in droves for seemingly playing the game too much Date: Fri, 15 May 2026 10:02:10 +0000 Link: https://www.vg247.com/mystic-messenger-ban-wave-thousands-of-hourglasses-anniversary Mystic Messenger, arguably one of the best dating sims around, has been dormant for about seven years. Despite not receiving new content or any meaningful updates in all that time, the game remains popular with its core fans, many of whom just woke up to some shocking news about their accounts. Read more

Title: Forza Horizon 6 review - The driving game for everyone still can’t seem to escape its car-collecting legacy Date: Thu, 14 May 2026 12:00:03 +0000 Link: https://www.vg247.com/forza-horizon-6-review There is this idea that, for a long-running series to remain as consistently popular as Forza Horizon has been, it needs to diminish itself somewhat with each new entry, gradually losing more and more of its edge in a bid to appeal to the widest possible audience. Read more

Title: Pokemon Pokopia – How To Unlock The Portal Pod And Store Shared Items Date: Wed, 05 Aug 2026 12:16:26 +0000 Link: https://www.gamespot.com/articles/pokemon-pokopia-how-to-unlock-the-portal-pod-and-store-shared-items/ Pokemon Pokopia’s new 2.0 update is live, and this introduces the ability to dive and explore underwater. This new content also adds several new items to the game, including the highly requested shared storage system called the Portal Pod. In this guide, we'll explain how to unlock and craft the Portal Pod, so you can access items and materials with greater ease. What is the Portal Pod? Pokopia's 2.0 update adds the game's first shared storage item called the Portal Pod. This storage unit works similar to the Ender Chest in Minecraft or the Guild chest in Palworld. The Portal Pod lets you add or remove items from anywhere, which means you no longer have to travel from town to town in order to hunt down the specific item you're looking for in storage. How to unlock the Portal Pod recipe Portal Pod recipe In order to craft a Portal Pod, you'll first need to unlock the crafting recipe. This recipe is unlocked by leveling up the environment in Palette Town. The Portal Pod crafting recipe can then be purchased for 3,000 coins from any Pokemon Center PC.  How to craft and use the Portal Pod Portal Pod crafting materials Once you've purchased the recipe, you can then craft your very own Portal Pod with the following materials: 10 - Pokemetal 1 - Rare Pokemetal If you're low on Pokemetal, the quickest way to restock is by visiting the Sky Dream Island with Drifloon. Portal Pod allows storage for 140 items The Portal Pod is a storage unit you'll likely want to build for each town, so you can access the shared items stored inside from any location. The Portal Pod has 140 item slots. This means you can store plenty of important resources, building blocks, or whatever items you use most. Example: Store a bunch of ore you collected from Rocky Ridges in that town's Portal Pod, and they'll be ready to collect from the Portal Pod Palette Town when you need them. No fast traveling required. If you want to learn how to dive and access Pokopia's new underwater town, make sure to check out our full guide on diving and unlocking the Bubbly Basin DLC area. Our full Pokopia guides hub includes walkthroughs for how to complete main questlines, how to time travel, cook all recipes, and more.

Title: Big Walk’s Most Important Feature Is Getting Patched Date: Wed, 05 Aug 2026 11:27:46 +0000 Link: https://www.gamespot.com/articles/big-walk-most-important-feature-is-getting-patched/ Big Walk is here, and it's already earning a reputation for being a delightfully offbeat third space for friends to inhabit. It's a massive game, and as players have discovered, it does have a slight microphone problem currently--one that developer House House is working on fixing. "We understand that some people are having a problem where their friends' voices are too quiet in the game. Sorry about this," House House wrote in a blog update. "While Big Walk is built around players getting quieter when they are farther away, we can see that for some setups, players' voices are much quieter than intended even when very close by. We're working to put out a fix as soon as we can." There's no shortage of puzzles in Big Walk, and communication is the key to success. The game uses a feature where the volume of your voice is dependent on your proximity to your friends. The closer you are, the more easily you're heard, while staying at a distance will result in your voice being harder to hear--just like real life. Fortunately, there are other tools for communication in Big Walk, ranging from gadgets to visual markers so that you can coordinate your group efforts toward solving a puzzle. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EWfg9iLq55c Out now for PC, PS5, and Switch 2, Big Walk is already earning rave reviews. On GameSpot's sister site Metacritic, it has a metascore of 94 from 14 reviews, making it the highest-reviewed game of 2026 currently. If you have a PlayStation Plus subscription, it's one of August's free games through the service. "Big Walk takes fundamental and timeless video game concepts–obstacles and incentives for clearing them–and, through an intensely focused co-op experience, shapes them into something singularly rewarding, supremely mysterious, and totally unforgettable," Mark Delaney wrote in GameSpot's Big Walk review. The Best Friendslop Games To Play With Buddies In 2026 View Images

Title: Everything New In Pokemon Pokopia Bubbly Basin DLC And Free Update Date: Wed, 05 Aug 2026 11:02:48 +0000 Link: https://www.gamespot.com/articles/everything-new-in-pokemon-pokopia-bubbly-basin-dlc-and-free-update/ The first of three paid DLC releases for Pokemon Pokopia has been released. In Bubbly Basin, you'll be able to venture underwater to a new town for Ditto to renovate. At the same time, the first free update for Pokopia has been released, which introduces the Dive mechanic and allows you to meet Manaphy. There's far more than just the mechanic and the new town, though. Here's everything that's been added to Pokopia in the Bubbly Basin DLC and the free update. You can now build underwater. New features Dive The Dive mechanic has been added, allowing Ditto to freely move underwater. To get it, follow our guide on how to dive. The move is free for all players, so you don't need to have purchased the Bubbly Basin DLC to learn it. However, you will need to know how to do it before you can start the DLC. Underwater building You can now use the Build specialty to construct houses and other buildings underwater--essential for restoring Bubbly Basin to its former glory. It's not just limited to Bubbly Basin though. Once you've learned Dive, you can build underwater anywhere. New items The portal pod and the safe have been added to the game. The portal pods cost 3,000 Life Coins, and the recipe can be bought from the PC. However, you'll need to level up your environment in Palette Town first. Building two portal pods will allow you to instantly transport from one area to another, so you're no longer limited to traveling to your house. The Ditto print can be used for decorating or applied to blocks. The new Dynamic Ditto print can be obtained by talking to Smearguru after acquiring the diploma. This print can be applied to blocks and wallpaper to decorate your biomes. New emotes The new emotes Lie Down and Ready, Set, Go! have been added to the game for new ways to express yourself. You can find these in Bleak Beach and on Dream Islands, respectively. New cosmetics Five new hair colors have been added with the update. You can now choose from orange, light pink, yellow-green, blue-green, and brown in addition to the existing colors. New functions You can move items in bulk between the storage box and bag, as well as delete items placed inside objects such as the trash cans. You can also fine-tune depth placement when adding windows, doors, and other items--no more fiddling around with the Switch 2's mouse capabilities. You can now paint the stylish stool, handrail, metal chain, workbench, vending machine, bike, bookcase, Pokemon Center counter, arrow sign, and rope. Settings options You can hide the message that shows when canceling Magnet Rise via an option in the settings. You can also toggle the option to allow movement while the move wheel is open. Motion-sickness reduction settings have been added for the camera. Bubbly Basin takes Ditto underwater. Improvements There have been multiple quality-of-life improvements made with the free update. Most of the larger improvements surround habitats and Pokemon happiness: If a Pokemon's habitat is destroyed, it will move back in if the same habitat is rebuilt nearby. If a Pokemon is sad because furniture was removed, it'll notice when the same furniture is replaced much faster. Very adorably, if a Pokemon taught you an emote, it will now use the same emote in response when you use it. If you're searching for a Pokemon in your Pokedex and it's in a different town, you can use the Return Home function to travel to that town. When ordinary Pokemon conversations are taking place, the indicator size and prominence has been reduced. This'll make it easier for you to notice when conversations are specifically directed at Ditto. Lost relics can be appraised in batches of up to 10 at a time. Paint, Gather Honey, and Collect can be performed multiple times in the same interaction now. You can place up to 128 power generators now. That's doubled from 64 previously. You can display up to 40 photos in each town now, up from just 10. When Ditto is sucking up liquid, press the move button for a short period of time to keep liquid in your mouth without removing it from the environment. Adjusted water levels will now automatically match nearby water levels when you release stored water--no more accidental flooding. Smearguru can learn patterns from photos stored in the References section. Painting with paint balloons is easier thanks to improved visibility of the target items. More treasure can be found using the Dowsing Machine on Dream Islands. Pokemon companions can follow you while you're using Surf, Glide, Rollout, or Magnet Rise. You can now open the bag or inhale items while using Rollout. Rollout can also now destroy large boulders and other natural objects. Pressing the Surf action while holding the focus button on land will now activate Surf. Surf and Waterfall will also happen more "smoothly." Using Leafage on farm soil will revert it to normal soil. Strength can be used underwater. There is now an All tab in the Pokedex and Habitat Dex. During construction, any Pokemon not assigned to the Build role on a project can now help with cooking. Treasures in Sparkling Skylands will now not appear when using the Dowsing Machine if they're in a location where breaking the terrain would cause them to fall. It's clearer when you don't have enough items to use the 3D Printer. Items can be placed on top of square plants. Hide-and-sneak can be canceled midway--but we're not sure why you'd want to upset anyone in that way. In-game event notifications will now only be shown at startup during specific remaining-day periods. Some roof items now block water. The output of crafting curved eaves has been increased to 10. Tidal Bell and Clear Bell can be triggered using laser sensors and switches. Rendering processes have improved performance. The camping chair and sleeping bag have better sound effects. There have been many issues fixed to improve your experience. Fixed Issues When talking to a Pokemon that is currently assigned to construct buildings, options such as “Follow me!” may sometimes fail to appear. Suicune and Gholdengo may be unable to travel across water. Pokemon may occasionally fall into the ocean or off cliffs when appearing from their habitats. Even when using honey, Pokemon may sometimes fail to return to their habitats. Using Magnet Rise may occasionally cause Pokemon to scold or warn the player. Pokemon that dislike water may sometimes be unable to move across duckweed and flowering duckweed on the water’s surface. Requests from Pokemon may occasionally ask for items that the requesting Pokémon actually dislikes. When processing berries in the community box, paint may not be produced correctly. The timing of the note played by the music mat (high Do) is offset incorrectly. Certain furniture can be painted through specific procedures even on parts where the colors are not actually changeable. Painting certain items may use more paint than intended. The light color of a painted surface light may fail to change correctly. Under specific conditions, it is possible to place more than one party cooking pot in the same town. Some items may display unnaturally when viewed from a distance. For some items, visual effects may disappear when viewed through glass. Under certain conditions during multiplayer, building may become impossible to complete or cancel. In certain situations, it may be unclear why actions such as building or relocation cannot be performed. On Cloud Islands, players other than the administrator may be able to place a relocation kit. Under certain conditions, a building kit may become unrecoverable when remodeling a house. Under certain conditions, painted portions of the sand house may be reset. Using Rock Smash while falling may cause Ditto’s position or height to become significantly displaced. During the Withered Wasteland request “Clear the path!” Slowpoke may stop moving partway through. During the Sparkling Skylands request “Follow Tinkmaster!” certain actions may prevent the request from progressing. During the Sparkling Skylands request “Pokemon Center tour guide!” searching for Tinkmaster in the Pokedex may guide the player to the town containing their habitat rather than the town where they are currently located. Loading may occasionally fail to finish when returning from a Dream Island. Returning from a Dream Island may incorrectly send the player to Palette Town. Under certain conditions, when an online session ends, the player may be transported to a Dream Island. On the Cloud Island loading screen, the player’s gender pronoun may sometimes be displayed incorrectly in some languages. Full Pokemon Pokopia Pokedex – All Pokemon In The Game View Images

Title: The Best PC Games To Play In 2026 Date: Mon, 02 Mar 2026 12:45:00 +0000 Link: https://www.gamespot.com/gallery/best-pc-games/2900-4143/ These are our selections for the very best PC games. Without a generational divide, the PC gaming library just keeps growing, so we focused on the best PC games to play right now. Some of these games are recently released gems. Others are live-service games or multiplayer favorites that have stood the test of time. Our list of the best PC games spans across a wide variety of genres, so at least a few of these games will pique your interest. We regularly reevaluate and update this list to make sure our recommendations are current, and you can find previously removed games--which still come highly recommended--at the bottom of the list. PC gaming is quite different from consoles, as your mileage with each game on this list will vary based on your rig. That said, many of the games on this list don't require the latest and greatest graphic cards--they merely help these great games look even better. And if you happen to have a Steam Deck, a lot of these games are playable on Valve's impressive handheld PC. We have a separate list of Steam Deck recommendations for games that play great there. We regularly reevaluate and update this list, so you can always use it as a resource to find some fresh recommendations. We've linked to Steam listings where possible for these games, but it's worth noting that you can often find better deals on storefronts such as Fanatical and GOG. We've included links to those stores, too. Also, some of our picks are available on PC Game Pass, Microsoft's subscription service. If you're thinking about upgrading your PC or starting a new build to play some of these games at higher settings, make sure to check out our step-by-step guide for building a gaming PC. If you're looking for accessories for your rig, check out our roundups of the best gaming keyboards, gaming mice, and PC gaming headsets. Alan Wake 2 Another chapter in the mind-bending Remedy universe, Alan Wake 2 picks up right where the cult classic left off more than a decade ago. Alan is trapped in the Dark Place and his only way out is to write his own story. His campaign takes place alongside a concurrent one with FBI agent Saga Anderson, and the two complimentary campaigns can be played together in any order. The lightly spooky elements of the first game turn much darker here, for a horror experience full of unforgettable moments. Read our Alan Wake 2 review. See at Humble Featured in this image Alan Wake II View Game Hub Follow Advertisement Arc Raiders Arc Raiders is an extraction shooter quite unlike anything you've played before. It relies on player interaction to forge its deepest stories, with decisions on whether to trust or betray other Raiders made by the second. The world as you know it has ended, replaced by AI overlords and a catastrophic climate. Humanity now resides in Speranza, where some citizens choose to become raiders, returning to the dangerous overworld to scavenge for life-saving and life-enhancing resources. From a third-person perspective, you'll suit up with weapons and items of your choice before dropping into a PvPvE landscape to seek out quests, challenges, and then return safely. Or not. Enemy robots attack on sight, and other players can choose hostility. It's up to you whether you help or hinder your fellow raiders. Read our Arc Raiders review. See at Fanatical Featured in this image ARC Raiders View Game Hub Follow Advertisement Balatro A deceptively simple concept with an incredible degree of replay value, Balatro is based around the familiar rules of poker. You'll build a hand of pairs or a flush and then accrue points based on it. But using that simple framework as a jumping pad, the roguelite card game lets you edit the rules of the game on the fly using special Joker cards, Arcane spells, and Planet cards that boost your multipliers. Building out a strategy as you work your way through increasingly difficult "blinds" with higher points requirements is satisfying for how it lets you feel like you're breaking the game in half, only to have the game come back at you that much harder the next time. When that inevitably happens, you need to think on your toes and modify your deck throughout the run to deal with new challenges. Jokers that may have seemed useless before can result in a sudden ah-ha moment of recognition as you take advantage of their unique strategies. And every time you make it to the end--or more likely, fail--it's hard not to start up another hand and do it all again. Read our Balatro review. See at Fanatical Featured in this image Balatro View Game Hub Follow Advertisement Baldur's Gate 3 The triumphant return of a legacy CRPG series is also one of the best games of 2023. While Baldur's Gate 3 is also available to play on PS5, the PC version is the clear leader thanks to its intuitive keyboard-and-mouse controls--and it's a welcome return to form for longtime Baldur's Gate fans. This fantasy tale is set in the Dungeons & Dragons universe, but the most incredible part is how it approximates actually playing a game of D&D, with all the freedom that entails. You can tackle problems and navigate the world with an almost overwhelming amount of choice and agency, making it easy to get lost for hours and then start all over again with a new character. Read our Baldur's Gate 3 review. See at GOG.com Featured in this image Baldur’s Gate 3 View Game Hub Follow Advertisement Big Walk Out of all the games to be released for PC this year, we didn't expect a friendly trek across the outback to be one of the strongest contenders for game of the year. Big Walk is a co-op masterpiece, a well-executed piece of friendslop content that balances simplicity with surprisingly complex puzzles. It never holds your hand, as the game gives you and your chums just enough contextual information to work your way past cunning obstacles and trusts in the group's collective intelligence to push forward towards a surprisingly emotional ending. There's no timer, no enemies lurking in the shadows, and no health bars to worry about, just the journey ahead of you that's made better by the company of your friends. Big Walk is a rare delight, a game that emphasizes exploration and discovery, evoking memories of gaming from a pre-internet age when surprises were commonplace, and you forged stronger bonds with your friends as you explored the digital frontier together. Read our Big Walk review. See at Steam Advertisement Blue Prince Blue Prince is one of 2025's most acclaimed games, and for good reason. The roguelike adventure is unlike anything else, presenting a series of interlocking puzzles to solve. It all revolves around exploring a shape-shifting mansion that never carries the same layout twice. Rooms manifest into existence as you explore, and over time you come to learn the patterns of the manor as you unlock its many mysteries. Mount Holly calls. See at Fanatical Featured in this image Blue Prince View Game Hub Follow Advertisement Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 looks like a million bucks thanks to its lavish design powered by Unreal Engine 5, but at its core, it's a love-letter to JRPGs that aims to keep you engaged at all times. There's still plenty here for fans of old-school turn-based RPGs to sink their teeth into, but the combination of souls-like influences and riveting storytelling will keep your eyes glued to the screen as you experience one of the best games of 2025. Read our Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 review. See at Fanatical Advertisement Cyberpunk 2077 Cyberpunk 2077 had a divisive launch that by all accounts failed to live up to the lofty expectations placed on it. But CD Projekt Red didn't abandon the game, instead issuing a steady stream of updates culminating in September 2023's massive 2.0 update that overhauls many major systems, while also integrating the new Phantom Liberty DLC. The Cyberpunk of today is a sharper, more focused action-RPG with a greater variety of skills that let you navigate Night City your own way. The Phantom Liberty expansion received a 10/10 in our review, adding new systems and a compelling new story featuring Idris Elba. Best of all, it's still a gorgeous showpiece for your PC rig. Read our Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty review. See at Humble Advertisement Death Stranding 2: On the Beach It might be the final PC port from Sony, but Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is ending that initiative with a bang. Gorgeous to look at, fun to play, and incredibly weird when you think about it, Hideo Kojima's tale of a post-apocalyptic deliveryman exploring a ravaged Australia is still one of the more unique experiences out there. Improving on its predecessor with dozens of small and notable enhancements, Death Stranding 2 also tells an intimate tale of fatherhood at the end of the world. Read our Death Stranding 2: On the Beach review. See at Fanatical Advertisement Diablo 4: Lord of Hatred Every Diablo game has that one expansion that has truly defined it for decades to come, and Lord of Hatred more than delivers a thrilling conclusion to a long-running storyline. Not just a narratively stunning finale to the Age of Hatred saga, Lord of Hatred revolutionizes multiple aspects of Diablo 4, sharpening it and honing the experience to bring out the best of Blizzard's grimdark series. Read our Diablo 4: Lord of Hatred review. See at Steam Advertisement Disco Elysium When it comes to writing, Disco Elysium is perhaps unrivaled. Developed and published by ZA/UM in 2019, Disco Elysium places you in the role of a detective suffering from amnesia and a serious bout of alcoholism. His quest to unravel a baffling murder and the details of his life that he's forgotten takes you on an absolutely stunning adventure that thrives on its choice-based gameplay and exquisite dialogue. Disco Elysium balances humor and serious life dilemmas with astounding grace, and the freedom it gives you to shape the narrative and your interactions with its many colorful characters you meet allows you to make this detective story your own. Its gorgeous world is teeming with life, and viewing it from the eyes of a nameless cop with memory issues makes it all the more immersive. It earned a rare 10/10 from GameSpot, and we can safely say there's nothing else exactly like it in modern PC gaming. See our Disco Elysium review. See at Fanatical Advertisement Dispatch One of the big success stories of 2025, Dispatch nailed the idea of fusing a superhero workplace comedy with a Telltale-style adventure game format. In an era of cynical superhero TV series like The Boys and general apathy toward upcoming projects like Avengers: Doomsday, Dispatch is a breath of fresh air in this genre. An original cast of well-rounded do-gooders and supervillains is brought to life with stellar voice acting; the episodic structure keeps the story flowing smoothly; and the actual dispatching of heroes to save the day adds a delightful role-playing element to the experience. See at Steam Advertisement Doom: The Dark Ages - Revelations More Doom is never a bad thing, and the Revelations expansion for Doom: The Dark Ages strikes a fine balance between narrative, worldbuilding, and reminding the hordes of hell why they should fear you. There's an extra layer of intensity in Revelations, dialing up the action and restoring the high-mobility combat reminiscent of Doom Eternal to create an experience where you rip and tear through enemies, trade blows with the always-satisfying parry mechanic, and Metroidvania-style progression. The biggest highlight of the expansion? That's the game-changing Chain Spear weapon, as it adds new combat options and gratifying moments of power when properly utilized. See at Fanatical Advertisement Echo Point Nova Echo Point Nova is also on our list of best first-person shooters, and with good reason. It's an ultra-satisfying blend of speed and first-person action that will appeal to fans of classic shooters like Tribes. As you explore its many floating islands, you'll accumulate more weapons and abilities, including a number of options for getting around--you can use a grappling hook to pull yourself up and around the environment or send yourself flying through the sky, or leverage your hoverboard to zoom along the ground at high speeds. However you choose to approach a given situation, the movement is the real highlight here, making every moment feel like a thrill. See at Steam Advertisement Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree Elden Ring was our Game of the Year in 2022, and ever since we've been waiting to explore even more of The Lands Between. From Software delivered with Shadow of the Erdtree, a massive expansion that almost overwhelms with its sheer scope. Elden Ring's lore has been expanded in thoughtful and surprising ways, letting you dive as deep into the story as you care to by exploring a world rife with secrets to uncover. Combat is just as difficult as ever, with an inventive balance system that lets you continue to play with your current character without being immediately overpowered. That lets you experience the thrill of overcoming new obstacles all over again, with a wide array of new weapons to master. See our Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree review. See at Fanatical Advertisement The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim It's true that since its release in 2012, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim has been ported to just about every platform that can play games, including Amazon Alexa speakers and smart refrigerators. But the king of all Skyrim versions is the one on PC, and it's not even close. That's because the PC version gives you access to years of mods created by the Skyrim community. From adding serious RPG story content to providing ridiculous possibilities like replacing all dragons with Thomas the Tank Engine, the PC version of Skyrim adds nearly endless options to an already expansive, enormous game. You absolutely should play Skyrim on PC if you haven't, and you absolutely should mod it to see how the game has become so much more than it was when it was released. Skyrim is also available with Xbox Game Pass for PC. See our The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim review. See at Fanatical Advertisement Forza Horizon 6 Over the years, the Forza Horizon series has excelled at being a sandbox of fun for you to race absurdly expensive cars in. Forza Horizon 6 doesn't stray from that formula of open-world racing and collecting a garage full of hotrods, but what it adds to that experience is what makes it feel so special. Shifting the action to Japan and embracing car culture with online meet-ups makes for a magical time, while the core driving feels better than ever in this celebration of V8 engines and unrestrained speed. Read our Forza Horizon 6 review. See at Steam Advertisement Final Fantasy 14 Online The Final Fantasy series is known for having a strong focus on storytelling with colorful characters who get into over-the-top battles, and the MMO Final Fantasy XIV manages to stay true to what the series is all about. Though you might assume the familiar Final Fantasy tenets of storytelling and strong character moments would be absent in an online game, FFXIV is one of the more story-driven MMOs out today. Final Fantasy XIV is the franchise's second crack at an MMO, and it features a sprawling story about rebellion, equality, and friendship that manages to hit the same highs of the franchise's best single-player games. Though MMOs have a reputation for being inaccessible and time-consuming, Final Fantasy XIV offers an excellent gateway for lapsed and new MMO players to jump into--and it's also a fantastic Final Fantasy game in its own right. See our Final Fantasy 14 reviews for A Realm Reborn and its expansions. See at Humble Advertisement Hades 2 Hades 2 builds on everything that Supergiant established in the first game, offering an experience that is both familiar and new at once. You play as Melinoe, sister of former protagonist Zagreus, as you attempt to destroy Chronos, the Titan of time. New weapons and abilities, combined with a new resource management system, make it a joy to experiment with new combinations as you attempt your runs over and over. See our Hades 2 review. See at Steam Advertisement Hell Clock Many games offer their own spin on roguelikes and Diablo-style ARPGs, but Hell Clock does both of those in one go. It's an isometric ARPG in the mold of Diablo, but one that takes place within the context of a roguelike where you have a ticking clock for each run. That provides a decidedly different feel to it from the average ARPG; you'll still gather new loot and become more powerful, but items are automatically equipped (with time pausing occasionally to let you pick from several potential upgrades that can meaningfully impact your play style). Every decision to fight enemies or wander down a corridor thus takes on new weight, as you try to rapidly evaluate whether it's worth it to take a risk that might further power you up but reduce how much time you have to deal with the next boss. See at Fanatical Advertisement Helldivers 2 This follow-up from Arrowhead Game Studios was a surprising success, not least because it was so different from the original game that inspired it. Helldivers 2 takes the hordes of enemies from the top-down first game and makes it a third-person shooter, and the new perspective works beautifully. Squadding up with your friends leads to tense survival moments and hilarious mishaps in equal measure as you fulfill objectives and call down Stratagems on your foes. And like the first game, there's a galaxy-sprawling meta-game at play, as you and every other Helldiver fights to free territory controlled by vicious bugs and robots. This was also a rare Sony Interactive game published simultaneously on PC alongside its PS5 release, with optional cross-play, which likely helped it find and sustain an active player base. Read our Helldivers 2 review. See at Fanatical Advertisement Hitman: World of Assassination IO Interactive's grand World of Assassination trilogy reached its final chapter in 2021, as Hitman 3 built on the efforts made by its predecessors to create a perfectly executed experience. Bigger, bolder, and more cunning than ever, Agent 47's journey around the world saw him explore an opulent Dubai skyscraper, solve a murder mystery in an ancient British mansion, and turn a train into a slaughterhouse as he worked his way through each cabin. Each destination offers not only some devilishly delicious ways to eliminate targets, but also plenty of room for experimentation that leads to hilarious and grim demises for anyone who gets in your way. See our Hitman 3 review. See at Fanatical Advertisement Hollow Knight: Silksong The long-awaited sequel to Hollow Knight has finally arrived and as expected, it's a fast-paced, tough-as-nails and impeccably polished metroidvania. The long wait for the sequel caused some consternation among fans, but Team Cherry has delivered, as Hornet's adventure feels like a worthy successor to the original and highly-regarded Hollow Knight. After eight long years, it's safe to say that Silksong was worth the wait. See at Green Man Gaming Advertisement The Hundred Line: Last Defense Academy The team behind Danganronpa and Zero Escape are incredibly skilled at subverting expectations, and in The Hundred Line: Last Defense Academy, this talented crew fuses ideas from those franchises to create a story-rich experience full of strategy, style, and dozens of paths to explore. See at Steam Advertisement Inscryption At first glance, Inscryption looks like a mixture of tabletop card games with a healthy dose of deckbuilding thrown in for good measure as you risk your very life in a high-stakes game of survival. Throw in some roguelite progression, mystery, and a creepy art direction, and you've got the perfect mix for a game that hides more mesmerizing content beneath its surface. Absolutely strange while it deals out its ideas, that weirdness makes Inscryption the type of game that'll stay in your head long after you've played your last card. Read our Inscryption review. See at Fanatical Advertisement Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 Kingdom Come: Deliverance was a surprise hit in 2018, and its direct sequel now expands upon the world in significant ways. Like the original, KCD2 carries an acute emphasis on actually playing a role, thanks to a great deal of flexibility and choice in both the combat and conversation systems. Combat in particular has been streamlined to feel more fluid, without sacrificing what made the original feel so special to fans. Read our Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 review. See at Fanatical Advertisement Lorelei and the Laser Eyes Lorelei and the Laser Eyes defies easy categorization. While it is clearly a puzzle game, it frequently twists the medium on its head. It encourages you to use a notebook in real life to help track its many secrets and interlocking pieces, which all unfold into a marriage of design and narrative that need to be seen firsthand. The puzzles can be challenging, but they're consistently satisfying and help drive you forward to the next one. This is a can't miss. Read our Lorelei and the Laser Eyes review. See at Green Man Gaming Advertisement Metaphor: ReFantazio Persona series director Katsura Hashino has returned with his first new game since 2016, and it's a fantastic one. Metaphor: ReFantazio features a new original storyline set in a fantasy world, and a wide array of characters to find and classes to unlock. The turn-based RPG combat unfolds beautifully into deep layers of strategy, and the story is an affecting meditation on the power of storytelling. It will seem familiar to fans of the Persona series, but the new setting and mechanical wrinkles make it feel very new as well. Metaphor: ReFantazio is one of the few games in our history to earn a 10/10 review. Read our Metaphor: ReFantazio review. See at Fanatical Advertisement Mewgenics Cats are great, but an army of them that have been genetically modified to survive the harshest environments and set loose inside of a tactical roguelite game? Now those are some good kitties. Mewgenics is an ambitious blend of cat breeding and strategy, all wrapped up in an experience with more layers than a Hulk-sized onion. It makes for an endlessly replayable game, full of dark humor, ridiculous enemies, and cathartic chaos. Read our Mewgenics review. Mina the Hollower Mina the Hollower might be a game that's playable on a multitude of devices, even being impeccably well-supported on handhelds, but it belongs on our list of the best PC games too. Brought into reality by Yacht Club Games, the developer of Shovel Knight, Mina is a masterpiece that fuses classes Game Boy Zelda aesthetics with modern souls-like design to create something entirely its own. Read our Mina the Hollower review. See on Steam Mixtape A short and sweet look at youthful rebellion, Mixtape is the equivalent of a defining coming-of-age movie from your childhood. Featuring an imaginative art direction and a soundtrack that will make you blast a hole in your floor with its foot-tapping needle drops, Mixtape leaves a lasting impression as it encourages you to make the most of life. Read our Mixtape review. See at Fanatical Advertisement Monster Hunter Wilds Monster Hunter Wilds is the new hotness in the Monster Hunter space, streamlining various aspects and placing more of the focus on both narrative and combat. Tracking monsters is simpler than in the past, letting you get into fights more quickly, while a new wound system allows you to more easily have miniature goals during the extended battles and better track your progress at taking down the wonderful array of monsters you'll go up against. It's a terrific action-RPG experience that's worth playing on any platform, although a disclaimer is warranted: The PC performance can be a struggle, particularly without high-end hardware to brute-force a decent frame rate and great visuals. Monster Hunter has never been known for cutting-edge visuals or stellar frame rates, so this isn't necessarily a dealbreaker, depending on your exact hardware (Steam's refund policy can come in handy here). It's disappointing to see the poor performance, but if you can tolerate it, you shouldn't pass up what is otherwise a terrific game. See at Fanatical Advertisement Nioh 3 Team Ninja has established itself as one of the best studios in the souls-like genre, and Nioh 3 shows just how good the developer has gotten at cracking out these games. Nioh 3 builds on an already successful foundation of fast-paced combat and challenging enemies, refining it into a brutal power fantasy that's surprisingly approachable for newcomers to the series. Read our Nioh 3 review. See at Fanatical Advertisement Ooo Ooo is a retro-style Metroidvania where you'll control an adorable little caterpillar with a penchant for explosives. He's been swallowed by a bird and is frantically trying to use bombs to escape his newfound containment. Starting with just one bomb, you'll soon be granted more, and the puzzles will grow increasingly complex. Some of the solutions won't be obvious, and some will be downright ludicrous, but it's this thinking outside of the box mentality that grasps you as you play. You can complete Ooo in a single sitting too, so it's perfect for a cozy afternoon gaming session. See at Steam Advertisement Opus: Prism Peak After several delays, Opus: Prism Peak finally hit the scene in 2026. Was the wait worth it? Absolutely, as this delightful narrative adventure is a touching story full of relatable themes and emotions. The photography gameplay mechanic makes you feel more involved with the magical world around you, as you use it to discover secrets and solve mysteries along the course of a heartfelt journey. See on Steam Advertisement Pacific Drive On the list of great PC games, Pacific Drive is both fairly new and quite weird, which is funny since it's also firmly planted in the New Weird genre alongside stuff like Welcome To Night Vale, The SCP Foundation, and Remedy's Control. Built as a rougelite at heart, Pacific Drive has you going on numerous runs through the Olympic Exclusion Zone, a sectioned-off mass of forest roads in the Pacific Northwest, all while you dodge head-scratching (and often spooky) supernatural elements like crash test dummies that move when you aren't looking at them and buzzsaws that skim the roads like the shark skims the waters in Jaws. Its super-deep systems, intoxicating atmosphere, and incredible audio design combine to create a one-of-a-kind survival game. Read our Pacific Drive review. See at Fanatical Advertisement Promise Mascot Agency There's a good chance that you've never played a video game with a similar premise to Promise Mascot Agency. We're pretty confident that the tale of a disgraced yakuza being sent to a backwater town to manage the careers of creatures that resemble cutesy mascots is pretty unique. Beneath that intriguing setup is a compact open-world game full of interesting tales, lovable characters, and lots of things to collect. See at Humble Advertisement Resident Evil 4 Capcom's venerable Resident Evil series has been progressively producing remakes of its classic library, but none of them held the expectations and weight of Resident Evil 4. It's long been regarded as one of the best survival-horror games of all time, and a trendsetter for the action-focused style of the genre. Capcom approached this remake especially cautiously, giving it a light touch of upgrades that make the whole experience feel modern without losing its soul. It's also never looked more beautiful, so you can see the horrific monstrosities of Las Plagas with newfound fidelity. Read our Resident Evil 4 review. See at Fanatical Advertisement Resident Evil Requiem Survival-horror? Check. Survival-action? Double-check! Bringing together the best that Resident Evil has to offer, Capcom's new entry in the gruesome franchise keeps you scared and excited at all times. An engrossing chimera of thrills and suspense, Resident Evil Requiem is a love letter to the horror franchise, a masterclass in dread and tension that's hard to beat. Read our Resident Evil Requiem review. See at Fanatical Advertisement The Rise of the Golden Idol The Case of the Golden Idol was an ingenious deductive puzzler that challenged players to carefully examine scenes of grisly incidents and piece together the details of what occurred. It was a meticulous series of visual riddles, which led to a series of Golden Idol Mysteries as DLC spin-offs. Rise of the Golden Idol brings another array of brain-boggling mysteries to uncover, this time set against the backdrop of the 1970s. The setting is semi-modernized compared to the antiquity of the first game, but nothing has been lost in the translation. The mysteries are just as tricky as ever, letting you pore over the evidence until the answer suddenly clicks. Read our Rise of the Golden Idol review. See at Fanatical Advertisement The Roottrees Are Dead A PC-only investigation game, The Roottrees Are Dead has you combing through a browser-like interface as you investigate a mysterious family tree. The interface will feel familiar to anyone who's accustomed to browsing the Internet--aka literally everyone--and it uses that premise to delve deep into an intriguing puzzle and uncover the family's secrets. See at Steam Advertisement The Séance of Blake Manor The Séance of Blake Manor sees you, a supernatural detective, head to rural Ireland to solve a mystery taking place at the haunted Blake Manor. Here, a gathering of fanatics claiming to possess magical powers have gathered for a high-profile séance in 1897. Investigate the disappearance of Evelyn Deane by exploring the remote hotel, talking to the guests, and finding out secrets. You'll feel supremely clever as you inch towards solving the mystery, and you'll even learn a lot about Irish history along the way. See at Fanatical Advertisement Shinobi: Art of Vengeance Sega's revival of Shinobi from Streets of Rage 4 developer Lizardcube is a visual stunner, but it's also much more than just a pretty face. This is a stellar action platformer that will have you feeling like a real ninja yourself. The stages blend quick, kinetic platforming with rich combat that feels immensely satisfying as you chain one deadly move into the next. And while stages are mostly traditional and linear in structure, they also reward exploration, as the new abilities and moves you find in later stages will let you reach new areas in the ones you've already conquered. See at Fanatical Advertisement Shotgun Cop Man Any game that starts with Satan flipping you off is worth paying attention to, and Shotgun Cop Man maintains that momentum as you blast your way through hell. An action-packed platformer where you're required to master high-level precision gunplay to propel yourself through the air, Shotgun Cop Man keeps you engaged with every pull of the trigger. See at Fanatical Advertisement Silent Hill F Not just one of the best survival horror games of the year, Silent Hill F is a turning point for Konami's long-running franchise. Dethroning Silent Hill 2--and its brilliant remake--as the gold standard for the franchise, Silent Hill F isn't bound by the lore or settings of the wider franchise. Instead, it's a deep and grisly dive into new territory, exploring heavy themes like generational trauma. Throw in grotesque horror, an atmospheric recreation of 1960s Japan, and gut-wrenching performances from the cast, and you've got a bold entry in the series that doesn't pull any punches with its subject matter. See at Fanatical Advertisement Skin Deep Space, the final frontier…for high-stakes action where you play as an insurance agent tasked with keeping a spaceship full of cats safe from pirates, that is. While the premise sounds silly, Skin Deep does a fine job combining its absurdity with levels where--in the fashion of a quality immersive sim--you're encouraged to think outside of the space-box and rid your starship of its criminal infestation using delightfully creative methods. Read our Skin Deep review. See at Fanatical Advertisement The Stanley Parable: Ultra Deluxe Only The Stanley Parable, a nearly unexplainable game where things get regularly weird and meta, could get away with hiding what amounts to a sequel within the frame of an expanded re-release of the original game. Like the original title, the strange and hilariously distracted nature of The Stanley Parable is something that you have to experience for yourself, as words simply do not do it justice. With the Ultra Deluxe edition, you're getting an experience that feels like a game within a game, adding the illusion of freedom and other surprises along the way. It's nothing short of a clever and thought-provoking examination of video games and the relationship that we have with them. See our The Stanley Parable: Ultra Deluxe review. See at Steam Advertisement Stardew Valley It starts with an old broken-down farm and a handful of seeds. You clear out the weeds and rocks until you get tired, and then you do it again. You get into the rhythm of daily life--visiting friends, watering crops, occasional light spelunking. Before you know it, it's been 75 hours and you're mostly managing your complex irrigation system and planning for next season's harvest. Stardew Valley is a friendly, relaxing experience that also somehow manages to be endlessly addicting. Fans know the feeling of assuring themselves they'll play just one more day before bed. And while it's appeared on just about every platform, PC often gets the first chance to test all of the little quality-of-life tweaks and new features that come with patches. Most recently, the massive Stardew Valley 1.6 update put a nice bookend on the game while developer ConcernedApe prepares for the next project, The Haunted Chocolatier. See our Stardew Valley review. See at Humble Advertisement Starless Abyss Starless Abyss is a tactical space strategy game melded with a deckbuilder, as if someone mashed up FTL, Slay the Spire, and Into the Breach. If you're a fan of those games, that's probably enough to sell you on it. You're presented with a hex-based grid and equipped with a few ships, and your deck of cards dictate the abilities you can use to defend yourself and fight off hideous, Lovecraftian horrors. As a roguelike, repeated failure is all but assured, but along the way, upgrading your ships, finding fun combinations of cards, and pulling out victory by the skin of your teeth make for a fun ride. See at Steam Advertisement Sylvio: Black Waters The third in a series of underappreciated horror game gems is another haunting entry perfect for fans of the genre. As the ghost hunter Juliette, you explore a surreal and shifting alien-like landscape that adds an otherworldly spookiness to the prior two games' more grounded horror. It largely retains and refines the mechanics of those earlier games, while also including their panache for incredible sound design that enhances the frights. Be sure to play with your headphones on, and the lights off. And if you need even more horror recommendations, especially for spooky season, check out our favorite horror games. Read our Sylvio: Black Waters review. See at Fanatical Featured in this image The Talos Principle 2 View Game Hub Follow Advertisement The Talos Principle 2 The follow-up to the philosophical first-person puzzle game is once again a contemplative experience that raises big questions even as you stay occupied with a series of clever puzzles. The philosophical underpinnings create a sense of expansive mystery as you explore deep existential questions and unravel the nature of the world. The first game was an unexpected treat but The Talos Principle 2 shows that developer Croteam can still create a delightful puzzle box even when we think we know what to expect. Read our Talos Principle 2 review. See at Fanatical Featured in this image Tactical Breach Wizards View Game Hub Follow Advertisement Tactical Breach Wizards Despite the name, Tactical Breach Wizards doesn't play very much like a tactical game like XCOM. Instead, this brain-tickling strategy game has distinct puzzle-like qualities, letting you glimpse ahead at possible outcomes and plan your perfect turn. The result is something along the lines of Into the Breach, albeit with a much funnier premise: You're a team of Operator-like wizards, each imbued with special powers. Those powers manifest both in the tactical gameplay and in a wide array of impactful upgrades, and the fantastical premise makes for some genuinely hilarious story moments. Read our Tactical Breach Wizards review. See at Steam Featured in this image Tempest Rising View Game Hub Follow Advertisement Thank Goodness You're Here A rare comedy game that's actually funny, Thank Goodness You're Here takes the absurdism of good comedy improv and merges it with the interactivity of an adventure game. The animated adventure is on the short side--just around two hours by some estimates--but it uses that time to the fullest with surreal humor and an animated style that recalls great British comics like The Beano. Its sense of humor won't be for everyone, but it's a game that does what so few manage, even when they're trying their best: making us laugh. Read our Thank Goodness You're Here review. See at Steam Featured in this image Valorant View Game Hub Follow Advertisement Timberborn Who doesn't love a good city-building game? All the thrill of bureaucracy mixed with municipal planning and seeing your metropolitan creation come to life makes for a fun time, and once you add beavers to the mix, it only gets better. Lumberpunk game Timberborn offers all of that architectural fun, but with an organic twist as you choose from one of two beaver factions and rebuild society in the wake of human extinction. Can a city built on the back of sturdy timber technology survive a harsh new world? You'll need to face the post-apocalyptic elements and find out for yourself. See on Fanatical Advertisement Titanium Court Nothing beats a little absurdity in your life, and Titanium Court offers plenty of that along with a surprising mesh of gameplay systems. A mix of roguelike runs with strategic planning and match-three "just one more turn" energy, Titanium Court wraps all of that up with a delightfully nonsensical narrative. Imaginative and well-written, it's easily one of the cleverest games of 2026. See at Humble Advertisement Valorant The initial response to Valorant was that it's basically a mashup where Overwatch meets Counter-Strike--and yeah, that's pretty accurate. That's also a good thing, because Valorant draws on many of the strengths of those games to make something unique. It focuses on the round-based demolition-style game mode with two teams of five (attackers and defenders) on balanced maps with specific lanes and sightlines and an extremely fast time-to-kill. However, each agent (or character) has their own unique abilities that add another strategic layer to combat. Team composition plays a major role, and each agent affects what the team is capable of in each high-stakes situation. It's intense and demanding, but so rewarding. Valorant is still early in its lifespan. But we've seen content updates and changes in its first year and it's been quite successful, so you can expect the game to get more support moving forward. If a competitive FPS with layered tactics, precise gunplay, and intense moments is your thing, Valorant is worth a try. See our Valorant review. See at Riot Games Featured in this image Wanderstop View Game Hub Follow Advertisement Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine was a cult classic when it released more than a decade ago, and at long last, its sequel has delivered just what fans of the bone-crunching action series have been waiting for. That means a return to the bloody, brutal combat from the first game, but with refinements that make it feel more fluid than ever. And as fans can attest, it uses the Warhammer tabletop license to great effect for world-building and a massive sense of scale, which goes nicely hand-in-glove with the crunchy combat that should appeal to fans and newcomers alike. Read our Warhammer 40,000 Space Marine 2 review. See at Fanatical Featured in this image The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt View Game Hub Follow Advertisement Wax Heads Games like Wax Heads are a fascinating time capsule into a world that was, before the digitization of everything introduced a seismic shift in our shopping habits. A cozy tale about a struggling record store, Wax Heads is a puzzle game with a hard-rocking attitude. Solve problems by chatting to co-workers, keep the store shelves stocked with fresh vinyl, and keep your customers happy in this tribute to the record stores that served as a third space for music fans. See on Steam Advertisement The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt One of the best RPGs of all time, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt brings the incredible story of Geralt of Rivia to a close. The Witcher 3 puts Geralt on a quest to find Ciri, a witcher in training who's like a daughter to him. He reconnects with old flames, friends, and adversaries as he searches far and wide for her. Of course, there's an abundance of side quests and characters to meet along the way, which will undoubtedly keep you busy for hours. Many of these quests require you to slay monsters, a witcher's main trade, and you'll have to prepare accordingly to defeat them by sword, witcher magic, and potions. All this--and we didn't even get into the two excellent expansions--makes The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt an essential PC game. See our The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt review. See at Humble Featured in this image World of Warcraft View Game Hub Follow Advertisement World of Warcraft: The War Within The start of a new story arc is often the most exciting time for World of Warcraft, and the new War Within expansion is no exception. As the start of the Worldsoul Saga, War Within feels like a fresh start in many ways for the extremely long-running game. It's more approachable than ever, letting players engage as much or as little as they want to while still having an enjoyable experience. At the same time, WoW veterans will find all of the staples like Mythic dungeons and world quests intact, along with game-changing new features like Warbands and Delves. Read our World of Warcraft: The War Within review. Featured in this image WUCHANG: Fallen Feathers View Game Hub Follow Advertisement Removed Games In our effort to curate the very best in PC games, sometimes we trim older games to make room for our latest recommendations. We don't want to forget those entirely, so this is where you'll find all of our previously removed games. All of these come highly recommended as well. 0 6/18/2026: Diablo 4: Vessel of Hatred, Level Devil, The Case of the Golden Idol, Sunderfolk, Stellar Blade, Baby Steps 9/8/2025: Assassin's Creed Shadows, Before Your Eyes, Dune Awakening, Destiny 2, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion 5/7/2024: Cocoon, Divinity: Original Sin 2, Loop Hero, Pizza Tower, Project Zomboid, Viewfinder 7/1/2024: Apex Legends, Civilization 6, Control, Counter-Strike: GO, Deathloop, Dota 2, League of Legends, Final Fantasy Pixel Remasters, Final Fantasy 7 Remake, Grand Theft Auto 5, Halo Infinite, Minecraft, Portal 2, Rainbow Six Siege, Red Dead Redemption 2, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew, Starfield, Tunic, XCOM 2 9/9/2024: Forza Horizon 5, God of War, Return of the Obra Dinn 5/15/2025: Children of the Sun, Monster Hunter Rise 1/7/2026: The Rogue Prince of Persia, Silent Hill 2, and Echo Point Nova 3/2/2026: Wuchang: Fallen Feathers and Killing Floor 3 18/5/2026: Diablo 4: Vessel of Hatred, Level Devil, The Case of the Golden Idol, Sunderfolk, Stellar Blade 7/7/2026: Tempest Rising, Luto, and Fumes 8/5/2026: Skate Story and Wanderstop Disclosure: GameSpot and Fanatical are both owned by Fandom. Advertisement

Title: The Best Games Of 2026 (So Far) Date: Fri, 08 May 2026 16:28:00 +0000 Link: https://www.gamespot.com/gallery/the-best-games-of-2026/2900-7436/ Once again, the year in gaming has seen no shortage of high-quality releases and GOTY contenders. Looking ahead, there are many highly anticipated games coming out in 2026, but how well will they score when they arrive? That remains to be seen, but, as in previous years, we'll keep track of all the games that hit a review score of at least 8 and list them below. That doesn't mean that games that fall below that threshold aren't worth your time, as they can still entertain you for hours on end if you can overlook some of their flaws. We'll also be keeping track of those titles below, but for now, the focus here is on must-play games. 2025's best games included Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and Silent Hill F, alongside entries from smaller studios like The Seance of Blake Manor, Dispatch, and Blue Prince. As a reminder, GameSpot does standard game reviews, reviews in progress, and we'll sometimes publish updated reviews of ongoing games if there have been major changes to them. Most of our reviews are also adapted for video, so if you'd like to hear the soothing voices of our producers tell you exactly why a game is worth your time, you can hit up our YouTube page. To keep things simple, we'll be listing the games below alphabetically, based on their scores. We've also added a new section below, because while we may not find time to review every game out this year, there's still plenty that we'd recommend when it comes to gripping entertainment that we jammed during our personal time. Advertisement Big Walk -- 9 Big Walk is a delightful and refreshing jaunt across a digital frontier that reminds you why video games are at their best when friends are involved. Untitled Goose Game developer House House has put together a charming combo of walking sim, puzzle-solving, and friendslop, and it leaves you to your own devices when you first set foot into a wilderness inspired by the legendary Australian outback. That hands-off approach, clever co-op communication channels, and simple gameplay make for a game that nails the idea of exploration and experimentation. Read our Big Walk review. Available for PC, Switch 2, and PS5. Advertisement Cairn -- 9 Cairn represents a new peak for mountain-climbing games, as it fuses a vivid sense of wonder with a feeling of true peril. It's you against the world as you guide the protagonist Aava up steep cliffs and search for that one handhold that won't spell certain doom when you shift your weight. With equilibrium being a key component of the experience, Cairn also knows exactly when to let players breathe, offering moments of quiet reflection as a counterbalance to when you hit a metaphorical--and literal--wall on your ascent. Read our Cairn review, and watch the video review here. Available for PC and PS5. See on Fanatical Featured in this image Cairn View Game Hub Follow Advertisement Diablo 4: Lord of Hatred -- 9 Diablo expansions are a big deal, as these add-ons have given rise to some of the best moments in the franchise. Lord of Hatred can proudly stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Lord of Destruction and Reaper of Souls, as it brings fantastic quality-of-life improvements, two new classes that make you feel like a powerhouse, and a thrilling narrative to the table. Diablo 4's Hatred Saga comes to a satisfying conclusion, while the new Warlock and Paladin classes offer explosive fun honed by major changes to the core gameplay. Read our Diablo 4: Lord of Hatred review. Available for PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One. See on Steam Advertisement Esoteric Ebb -- 9 What happens when you combine a tabletop Dungeons & Dragons session with Disco Elysium? You get Esoteric Ebb, a charming fantasy game where sweat-inducing die rolls govern your fate. Set in an original fantasy world that's brimming with personality, Esoteric Ebb is charming and surprisingly hilarious, as you don the chainmail of an idiot with a talent for magic: all that and a killer soundtrack. Read our Esoteric Ebb review. Available for PC. See on Fanatical Advertisement Marathon -- 9 Marathon is admittedly a lot to take in the first time you boot it up, but stick with it, and you'll find an extraction shooter that captures the highs and lows of the genre. Its art direction is a visual feast, the gunplay packs a punch, and there's a surprising amount of depth in each 20-minute excursion to Tau Ceti IV. How Marathon will shape up over the long term remains to be seen, but Bungie has delivered an exciting game with strong fundamentals, rich lore, and tactical gameplay that could get even better in time with post-launch DLC drops. Read our Marathon review. Available for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S. See on Fanatical Advertisement Mewgenics -- 9 All the joy of breeding an army of cats with none of the real-life responsibility of spending a fortune on food and kitty litter, Mewgenics is a challenging experience with unparalleled depth. The Binding of Isaac and The End is Nigh developers Edmund McMillen and Tyler Glaiel have delivered a complex game, balancing the joy of managing an ever-growing collection of cats with the nail-biting "just one more run" energy you'd expect from the best roguelites. Read our Mewgenics review. Available for PC. See on Steam Advertisement Mina the Hollower -- 9 Now that it's finally out of the gate, Mina the Hollower is proving that is well worth the wait. A masterclass in design that combines the retro aesthetics of Game Boy-era Zelda games with souls-like gameplay, Mina the Hollower is a love letter to the path that feels refreshingly modern. Developer Yacht Club Games has come out swinging with an ambitious game, one that's densely packed with content and charm, while demanding combat ensures that your attention never drifts away for a single second. Read our Mina the Hollower review. Available for PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Switch 2, and Switch. See on Steam Advertisement Mixtape -- 9 This year is going to go down as one of the best for video games with a music bend, thanks in part to standout titles like Mixtape. A sincere look at the horrors of growing up from Australian developers Beethoven & Dinosaur, Mixtape also features one of the best soundtracks of the year so far. Music and memories collide in grand fashion, and the end result is a heartfelt coming-of-age story. Read our Mixtape review. Available for PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Switch 2. See on Fanatical Advertisement Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection -- 9 Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection proves just how good a spin-off from a mainline series of games can be, as this charming threequel checks multiple boxes for a great gaming experience. A compelling story, a colorful cast of characters, and a flashy combat system all add up to build an all-time classic Monster Hunter game, successfully standing tall next to several of the best games in the main Monster Hunter franchise. Read our Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection review. Available for PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Switch 2. See on Fanatical Advertisement Nioh 3 -- 9 Team Ninja's souls-like Nioh games have established themselves as fast-paced and punishing adventures. Nioh 3 doesn't stray from that established formula, but it does add compelling new additions and refinements that sharpen the experience. With the introduction of "open-field" design that adds more exploration and discovery to the mix, quality-of-life enhancements, and rock-solid combat, Nioh 3 is the best game in the series to date and Team Ninja at its best. Read our Nioh 3 review. Available for PC and PS5. See on Fanatical Advertisement Pokemon Pokopia -- 9 The idea of a Pokemon-themed cozy life sim sounds like an interesting idea for a spin-off, and it's one that has been expertly realized in Pokemon Pokopia. A well-executed combination of the design sensibilities of Animal Crossing and Dragon Quest Builders--with some Viva Piñata inspiration for good measure--Pokemon Pokopia is an elegant celebration of the Pokemon franchise's 30th anniversary. Read our Pokemon Pokopia review. Available for Switch 2. Pokemon Pokopia (Game Key-Card) $70 See at Amazon View at other stores See at Walmart See at Best Buy See at Nintendo Store See at GameStop Advertisement Pragmata -- 9 One of 2026's contenders for game of the year, Pragmata is a refreshingly original IP in an ocean of sequels and remakes. It's no one-trick pony, as the constantly evolving hacking minigames, challenging gameplay that only escalates the more you play, and the heartfelt story make for a standout experience on PC and console. Read our Pragmata review. Available for PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Switch 2. See on Fanatical Advertisement Saros -- 9 Housemarque knows a thing or two about roguelite bullet-hell adventures that keep you glued to the screen, and Saros builds on Returnal's foundation to deliver a rollercoaster of fun and challenge. While it's not as unforgiving as Returnal, prepare to die and try (try!) again as you master the exquisitely aggressive gameplay of Saros. The game successfully flips Housemarque's roguelite formula on its head, and the result is an intoxicating rush of power when the stars align. Read our Saros review. Available for PS5. See on Amazon Advertisement 007 First Light -- 8 With Hitman developer IO Interactive at the helm, 007 First Light is a showcase of the studio's greatest strengths. From intricate worldbuilding to top-tier stealth, the first James Bond adventure in many years shares a lot of DNA with Agent 47, but it also breaks free from those comparisons by excelling in other gameplay areas. A game that's laser-focused on delivering a tightly constructed story complemented by rough-and-tumble action, precision shooting, and an arsenal of one-liners, 007 First Light is a successful and confident reinvention of Bond for the modern era. Read our 007 First Light review. Available for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S. See on Amazon Advertisement Big Hops -- 8 What happens when Super Mario meets The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild? You get Big Hops, one of the first great games of 2026. A 3D platformer with plenty of charm and heart, Big Hops keeps things simple and polished as it confidently hops into vibrant worlds. That makes it an approachable game for all ages, and with its well-executed gameplay, it's a constantly satisfying adventure. Read our Big Hops review. Available for PC, PS5, and Switch. See on Steam Featured in this image Big Hops View Game Hub Follow Advertisement Forza Horizon 6 Forza Horizon 6 doesn't stray from the formula it has been fine-tuning since 2012, but it doesn't need to either. Instead, Forza Horizon's tour of Japan is a celebration of car culture that is constantly rewarding and looks as good as a million-dollar supercar. Forza Motorsport's open-world spin-off has become Microsoft's champion racing game franchise, and this new entry in the series is firing on all cylinders with its mix of fast cars, wild showdown races, and intelligently designed systems that complement the racing experience. Read our Forza Horizon 6 review. Available for PC and Xbox Series X|S. See on Amazon Advertisement Halo: Campaign Evolved -- 8 Several years ago, the idea of Halo appearing on a non-Xbox console would have been tantamount to heresy. But in 2026, Halo is celebrating its 25th anniversary with a multiplatform launch that does the franchise proud. Halo: Campaign Evolved is the best way to play through the very first Master Chief adventure, as the overhauled gameplay, updated graphics, and iconic soundtrack make for a killer package. While the new co-op missions don't reach the same highs as the original--and redesigned--levels, this is still a thrilling dive back into the game that made the first Xbox console a must-have machine--but this time, everyone gets to join in and have some fun. Read our Halo: Campaign Evolved review. Available for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S. Advertisement Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight -- 8 Batman is no stranger to the world of Lego, having headlined several games in the past, but this new entry featuring the Dark Knight is more than just a toybox of destructible environments and cheeky humor. It's a celebration of the Caped Crusader's rich legacy, and it plays like the Arkham sequel fans have been waiting over a decade for. Full of heart and charm, Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight keeps your eyes glued to the bat-screen with enjoyable gameplay, Easter eggs, and a playful take on the beloved Gotham vigilante. Read our Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight review. Available for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S. See on Amazon Advertisement Mario Tennis Fever -- 8 Mario has developed into quite the sportsman over the years, and Mario Tennis Fever might just be his best athletic adventure yet. While the core mechanics of Mario Tennis remain largely unchanged, it's the fun and flexible Fever Rackets that serve up some great content and add a layer of unpredictability to every match. Alongside the enjoyable Adventure Mode, challenges, and special game types, Mario Tennis Fever is a grand slam winner for Switch 2 owners. Read our Mario Tennis Fever review. Available for Switch 2. See on Amazon Featured in this image Nioh 3 View Game Hub Follow Advertisement Mouse: P.I. For Hire -- 8 With a game like Mouse: P.I. For Hire, looks do matter--and those looks are an exquisite throwback to the rubber hose aesthetic of classic cartoons wrapped up in a film noir aesthetic. Not just a visually engaging adventure, Mouse: P.I. For Hire also flexes some beefy gameplay muscles with kinetic gunplay and weapons that deliver some gloriously silly slapstick violence. Read our Mouse: P.I. For Hire review. Available for PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Switch 2, and Switch. See on Nintendo Advertisement Planet of Lana II: Children of the Leaf -- 8 Planet of Lana II: Children of the Leaf sticks to the winning formula of the first game, giving players a beautiful world to explore and savor, thanks to its strong art direction and fantastic soundtrack. While it takes a while for the story to truly get going, the second half of this adventure is a bold and stunning collection of fascinating puzzles and platforming, all built around a central mystery that keeps you hooked to your screen. Read our Planet of Lana II: Children of the Leaf review. Available for PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Switch 2, and Switch. See on Steam Advertisement Reanimal -- 8 Critics of the Little Nightmares co-op horror game series say that the terror of the original game has been somewhat muted in its sequels, and if you feel the same way, then you'll want to check out Reanimal. It more than lives up to the legacy of Little Nightmares, as this spiritual successor surpasses it with a game design that makes exploring a haunting and unsettling world quite enjoyable, especially with a co-op partner in tow. While its puzzles aren't too challenging, it's the unsettling imagery that leaves a lasting impression as you guide siblings through a nightmarish world and toward freedom. Read our Reanimal review. Available for PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Switch 2. See on Fanatical Featured in this image Mario Tennis Fever View Game Hub Follow Advertisement Resident Evil Requiem -- 8 Imagine Resident Evil's greatest hits bundled into one delightfully macabre package, and you've got Resident Evil Requiem. A highlight reel of the heart-pounding horror and action that has defined the series for 30 years, Requiem refines the formula behind the games and polishes it with small but thoughtful gameplay additions to create a gorgeously gruesome experience. Read our Resident Evil Requiem review. Available for PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Switch 2. See on Amazon Advertisement Rhythm Heaven Groove -- 8 Nintendo might be looked at as a publisher of kid-friendly games, but the company isn't afraid to get weird from time to time. Rhythm Heaven Groove continues that tradition for surprisingly goofy games, and similar to WarioWare, offering a collection of zany microgames, there's plenty to dig into here. The big difference is the emphasis on music and timing in Rhythm Heaven Groove, but once you find your groove, you're in for a heck of an experience. It looks and sounds great, Remix Sections are downright magical, and the game is unapologetically weird. Read our Rhythm Heaven Groove review. Available for Switch and Switch 2. Advertisement Splatoon Raiders -- 8 For years, Splatoon has been a PvP jewel in Nintendo's portfolio. But Splatoon Raiders? It's proof that there's more than meets the eye with this IP, as the shift to a single-player campaign is both satisfying and playful. Adopting a looter-shooter design, Splatoon Raiders is a fast-paced and snappy spin-off that is a ton of fun. Read our Splatoon Raiders review. Available for Switch 2. Advertisement Vampire Crawlers -- 8 Roguelike deckbuilders feel like an oversaturated genre these days, but Vampire Survivors developer Poncle puts a fresh spin on the genre with a spin-off game that's hard to put down. Capturing all the magic of its breakout hit bullet-heaven game and reimagining it as an approachable deckbuilder that gets better with each run, don't be too surprised if the "just one more turn" energy of Vampire Crawlers keeps you awake way past your bedtime. Read our Vampire Crawlers review. Available for PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Switch. See on Steam Advertisement World of Warcraft: Midnight Midnight is the 11th expansion for World of Warcraft, and it continues to make major foundational changes to Blizzard's legendary MMO. With enough content to cater to both veteran players and newcomers, Midnight builds on that momentum with challenging endgame activities, welcome overhauls to the user interface, and a robust housing system that gives you the opportunity to turn a slice of Zeroth into a dream home. Read our World of Warcraft: Midnight review. Available for PC. See on Amazon Advertisement WWE 2K26 -- 8 WWE 2K26 doesn't offer many changes to the bread-and-butter gameplay of previous releases, but this year's entry in the sports entertainment series does address a long list of issues. The focus on quality-of-life improvements makes each match feel more fun than ever before, thanks to the added layers of polish, while new match types, a story mode focused on CM Punk, and an overhauled Island mode put WWE 2K26 in the main event spotlight. Read our WWE 2K26 review. Available for PC, PS5, and Switch 2. See on Amazon Advertisement Zero Parades: For Dead Spies -- 8 Any spiritual successor to Disco Elysium certainly has its work cut out for it, and while Zero Parades: For Dead Spies doesn't quite reach that benchmark, it's still a powerhouse spy thriller full of interesting ideas. Featuring razor-sharp writing and fascinating characters, Zero Parades is a clandestine tale of espionage with rich RPG systems that encourage you to fail upwards. Read our Zero Parades: For Dead Spies review. Available for PC. See on Steam Advertisement Every other GameSpot review in 2026 Not every game released this year is a winner, but that doesn't mean that they're not worth playing. If you can overlook some of their issues, you might find yourself pleasantly surprised, and we'll be running a list of the games that didn't make the cut above. These will be arranged in alphabetical order so that you can quickly find what you're looking for. The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales -- 7 Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced -- 7 Beast of Reincarnation -- 6 Code Vein 2 -- 6 Crimson Desert -- 7 Crisol: Theater of Idols -- 6 Darwin's Paradox -- 7 Dragon Quest VII: Reimagined -- 7 God of War: Sons of Sparta -- 5 High on Life 2 -- 7 Highguard -- 6 Hytale (Early Access) -- 6 Legacy of Kain: Defiance Remastered -- 7 NBA The Run -- 7 People of Note -- 7 Pokemon Champions -- 7 Romeo is a Dead Man -- 5 Scott Pilgrim EX -- 7 Star Fox -- 7 Super Mario Bros. Wonder + Meetup In Bellabel Park -- 7 Tides of Tomorrow -- 7 Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties -- 6 Yoshi and the Mysterious Book -- 7 Featured in this image REANIMAL View Game Hub Follow Advertisement GameSpot Recommends As mentioned above, this is where we'll put the games we didn't review on the site. With hundreds of new releases every month, it's hard to find the time to play every single title out this year, but we still enjoy finding new releases to kick back and relax with in our spare time. Like the games listed above, these score a minimum of 8/10 in our personal books, and this is where we can also spotlight games that might have flown under your radar. Advertisement Denshattack Denshattack is a vibe--specifically, an early 2000s blast of color that pulls no punches and delights in making you sit forward in your chair as you lock into an anime-inspired thrill-ride. Each run in the game will leave you breathless as you juggle jumps, grinds, and wallrunning with a locomotive that spits in the face of physics, but once you get over that learning curve, Denshattack is hard to put down. It takes skill and practice to master the rails in this delightful love letter to a bygone era, but you'll love every second of it once you hit the tracks. Advertisement

Title: Beast of Reincarnation’s Dog Is A Huge Miss On Game Freak's Part Date: Wed, 05 Aug 2026 12:00:12 GMT Link: https://www.polygon.com/beast-of-reincarnation-dog-koo-ruins-exploration/ Keep your tomatoes holstered for a moment, please, and hear me out.

Title: In Less Than One Minute, Star Wars' New Show Finally Does What Lucasfilm Never Could Date: Wed, 05 Aug 2026 11:00:12 GMT Link: https://www.polygon.com/star-wars-ninth-jedi-no-skywalkers/ Ever since A New Hope, Star Wars has been synonymous with the Skywalker Saga. Every new movie and show feeds into that story in some way, and even unrelated spinoffs like The Mandalorian eventually manage to circle back to the Skywalkers in one way or another. When Star Wars tries to do something different, it either gets rejected by fans (The Acolyte) or stuck in development hell (James Mangold's Dawn of the Jedi movie). Meanwhile, Lucasfilm keeps teasing a return to Rey's story, while finding new ways to retell the original trilogy.

Title: Mass layoffs may be in EA's near future after leveraged buyout raises company debt by $18 billion Date: Wed, 05 Aug 2026 10:39:15 GMT Link: https://www.polygon.com/ea-layoffs-leveraged-buyout-debt-18-billion/ Private investors, including Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, private equity fund Silver Lake, and Affinity Partners completed a leveraged buyout of Electronic Arts, which means the company's debt has significantly increased. EA will take on $18 billion in debt, resulting in about $1.8 billion of interest to be paid annually. In order to make interest payments and ensure profit, serious budget cuts will have to be made. Unfortunately, this usually means employee layoffs.

Title: Two anime giants sign multi-billion deal that will shake up the industry Date: Wed, 05 Aug 2026 10:26:05 GMT Link: https://www.polygon.com/twin-engine-bandai-partnership-4-billion-anime/ Twin Engine, the anime production company behind popular series like Vinland Saga and Witch Hat Atelier, has entered a strategic partnership with Bandai Co., Ltd., the toys and video games multinational giant. Announced on Wednesday Aug. 5, the partnership aims to "co-create intellectual properties," according to Twin Engine's news release (via machine translation). The initial investment will be 4 billion yen ($25.35 million).

Title: New Fortnite leak teases one of the most requested collaborations is coming to the game Date: Wed, 05 Aug 2026 10:01:24 GMT Link: https://www.polygon.com/fortnite-kingdom-hearts-collab-leak-gaming-legends/ Fortnite has achieved incredible feats with its collaborations and crossover events. Epic Games managed to do the impossible by creating a game that features franchises from rival companies. This allows characters that would never have appeared together in the same game to team up for a match or find each other on the Battle Royale island for an epic fight.

Title: Best in Class: Stream PC Games and Study on the Same Laptop With GeForce NOW Date: Thu, 30 Jul 2026 13:00:20 +0000 Link: https://blogs.nvidia.com/blog/geforce-now-thursday-back-to-school-2026/ Back to school means balancing assignments, deadlines and downtime. GeForce NOW makes it easy to have it all. With cloud gaming, everyday laptops used for class can also become GeForce RTX-powered gaming setups.  When it’s time to switch from studying to gaming, members can jump into Halo: Campaign Evolved, as GeForce NOW is bringing one of the gaming world’s most celebrated titles to nearly any device through the cloud, alongside eight total games joining the GeForce NOW library this week. From A+ to AAA Gaming  This back-to-school season, the easiest upgrade isn’t replacing laptops in backpacks. It’s unlocking even more from these same laptops, from creating to gaming. With a GeForce NOW membership, Chromebooks, Macs and Surface devices can become GeForce RTX-powered gaming PCs in the cloud. The GeForce NOW library features thousands of supported PC games, letting members stream titles they already own from digital stores like Steam, Xbox PC Game Pass and Epic Games Store in just a few clicks. The cloud keeps games up to date and ready to play, making it easy to jump into a match between classes, after homework or whenever there’s free time. Time spent waiting on downloads, patches and installs becomes time spent in game instead. The Ultimate membership enables best-in-class experiences by delivering 5080-class performance in the cloud with NVIDIA DLSS, ray tracing and NVIDIA Reflex technologies for responsive, visually rich gameplay — all on the hardware gamers already own. A creator known as “Menguiny” recently put this to the test after picking up a MacBook Neo. GeForce NOW turned the laptop — usually the creator’s go-to for editing videos and everyday work — into a top-notch gaming machine, too. Another creator, “TechWithSeong” highlighted that same versatility GeForce NOW offers. Rather than juggling separate devices for work and gaming, he used GeForce NOW Ultimate to stream supported PC games across the devices he already owns — from a MacBook used for editing to gaming on the go with handheld devices. Gamers can start with a day pass and experience all the premium benefits without a monthly commitment. Plus, the cost of a day pass can be applied toward a first membership purchase — it’s like earning a little extra credit along the way. Everyone, at Their Stations Needlers never looked so sharp. Experience the Master Chief’s iconic journey on GeForce NOW in Halo: Campaign Evolved — a modernized remake of Halo: Combat Evolved’s campaign — rebuilt with high-definition visuals, updated cinematics and refined gameplay. Whether discovering Halo for the first time or returning after 25 years to finish the fight, it’s as the Master Chief says: “We’re just getting started.” Crash-land on the mysterious ringworld alongside Cortana and uncover great secrets while battling overwhelming Covenant forces. Fight through the rebuilt campaign, then continue the adventure with three brand-new missions featuring the Master Chief and Sergeant Johnson. Expanded weapons, iconic vehicles, hijackable Wraith tanks and optional Skull modifiers offer even more ways to play. Suit up across PCs, Macs, Chromebooks, handhelds, mobile devices, TVs and more with GeForce NOW Ultimate, powered by GeForce RTX 5080-class performance in the cloud. Experience Halo with NVIDIA DLSS, ray tracing and NVIDIA Reflex technologies delivering higher frame rates and ultralow latency that keep every firefight feeling responsive and worthy of a Spartan. From solo gaming to online co-op modes, GeForce NOW cloud saves let members log in and pick up exactly where they left off across supported devices — no lengthy downloads, extra storage space or expensive hardware upgrades required. The only thing left to carry is the mission. Let’s Play Today In addition, members can stream the following games this week: Halo: Campaign Evolved (New release on Steam and Xbox, available on Game Pass July 28) Mistfall Hunter (New release on Steam July 29) Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 (New release on Ubisoft Connect July 30) Sudden Attack Zero Point (New release on Steam, July 30) The Ranchers (New release on Steam, available July 30) Corsair Cove (New release on Steam and Xbox, available on Game Pass July 31) Funnel Runners (Steam) Pathogenic (Steam) What are you planning to play this weekend? Let us know on X or in the comments below. Which game lore are you so familiar with that you can give a school presentation on it? — NVIDIA GeForce NOW (@NVIDIAGFN) July 29, 2026

Title: GeForce NOW Sets Sail With ‘Path of Exile: Curse of the Allflame’ Joining the Cloud Date: Thu, 23 Jul 2026 13:00:16 +0000 Link: https://blogs.nvidia.com/blog/geforce-now-thursday-path-of-exile-allflame/ Lock in and load up the cloud. GFN Thursday brings fresh updates and new adventures, all ready to play without waiting for downloads. Set sail in Path of Exile: Curse of the Allflame and charge in Battlefield 6 Season 4 both launching major content for members this week. Then revisit Capcom legends like Breath of Fire IV, Dino Crisis and Dino Crisis 2, jump into Halo: Campaign Evolved Advanced Access and discover nine titles arriving on GeForce NOW. The Curse Calls Prepare to brave the unforgiving waters of Wraeclast. Path of Exile: Curse of the Allflame launches Friday, July 24, sending Exiles into the perilous Frozen Seas. Guided by formidable corsair captain Valerie and her cursed navigator Vesper, gamers must piece together scattered treasure charts, board the legendary vessel — the Sovereign — and chart a course into the abyss. Descend into the depths using Allflame Lanterns to uncover valuable relics while surviving the dangers lurking beneath the waves. The update introduces sweeping changes, including a complete rework of sockets and links. The Scion also gains the all-new Luminary Ascendancy, the Mercenaries of Trarthus return alongside mysterious Atlas Anomalies, and the preexisting Abyss, Legion and Talisman mechanics receive revitalized gameplay and exclusive rewards. GeForce NOW members can dive in the moment it launches across their devices, no downloads needed. Learn more about the latest additions on the Path of Exile website. Rise Through the Ranks The next operation begins. Battlefield 6 takes the fight further with Season 4, bringing new battlegrounds, expanded progression and new ways to play.  Take to the land, air and sea with the massive Tsuru Reef and the return of the fan-favorite Wake Island, coming in phase two. Both feature aircraft carriers with operational flight decks, new naval vehicles and a dynamic wave system that helps move every match. The update also introduces Custom Lobbies and Spectator Mode, delivering more ways to play. From large-scale multiplayer battles to intense vehicle combat, GeForce NOW lets members deploy across nearly any device. Ultimate members can stream with GeForce RTX 5080-powered performance across PCs, Macs, handhelds, mobile devices, TVs and more. Whether returning to the frontlines or enlisting for the first time, members can leap into the latest Battlefield update the moment it arrives on GeForce NOW — without waiting for patches. Dragons and Dinosaurs — on Any Device Classic adventures, now in the cloud. Three iconic Capcom adventures arrive on GeForce NOW this week, ready for longtime fans to revisit and new players to discover. Journey through the rich fantasy world of Breath of Fire IV, a role-playing game following the intertwining stories of Ryu and Fou-Lu. Master an array of skills and magic to unlock strategic victories in battle and go head to head with unique enemies using powerful Dragon Transformations.  Raw instinct takes over in Dino Crisis and Dino Crisis 2, the survival-horror series that combines pulse-pounding action, resource management and thrilling dinosaur encounters. Pursued by a relentless prehistoric terror, players fight to survive from the facility to the world of the Cretaceous Period. Whether reliving unforgettable moments or discovering these legendary titles for the first time, gamers on GeForce NOW can experience gaming history on supported devices like Chromebooks, Fire TV and Steam Deck — no legacy hardware required. Spartans — Start Early Spartans don’t have to wait. Players who prepurchase the Premium Edition of Halo: Campaign Evolved can suit up for Advanced Access before the game’s global launch on Tuesday, July 28.  Start the weekend with all the new games arriving on GeForce NOW: ZeroSpace (New release on Steam, available July 20) The Life and Suffering of Prince Jerian (New release on Steam, available July 20) The Planet Crafter (New release on Xbox, available on Game Pass July 21) Carnival Hunt (New release on Steam, available July 23) Dinoblade (New release on Steam, available on July 23) Breath of Fire IV (Steam) CloverPit (Xbox, available on Game Pass) Dino Crisis (Steam) Dino Crisis 2 (Steam) The last word goes to the Community Corner. One GeForce NOW member recently shared they found themselves back on GeForce NOW Ultimate because they missed the flexibility of gaming across devices like Steam Deck. Their post sparked a discussion about why members tap into cloud gaming, whether as a backup, a travel companion or their primary way to play. What are you planning to play this weekend? Let us know on X or in the comments below.

Title: Sharpen the Sword, Skip the Downloads — ‘Onimusha: Way of the Sword’ Is Coming to GeForce NOW Date: Thu, 16 Jul 2026 13:00:34 +0000 Link: https://blogs.nvidia.com/blog/geforce-now-thursday-onimusha-coming/ Onimusha: Way of the Sword is coming to GeForce NOW at launch, with the playable demo available this week. It’s joined by Denshattack! rolling in with five new games arriving in the cloud. Plus, GeForce NOW officially launches in India, moving from beta to public availability — meaning gamers can sign up without a waitlist. Pick Up the Oni Gauntlet Cloud-powered. Samurai-approved. Capcom’s next legendary action adventure is coming to GeForce NOW. Onimusha: Way of the Sword will arrive on the cloud at launch on Thursday, Sept. 3.  Members can jump into the action even sooner with the demo now available to stream. Set in a dark fantasy vision of Edo Japan, follow a lone samurai wielding the legendary Oni Gauntlet against relentless demonic Genma. Master precise swordplay, unleash powerful abilities and absorb the souls of fallen enemies as supernatural battles unfold across a haunting world filled with mystery and danger. Ultimate members can experience every clash with GeForce RTX 5080-class performance in the cloud across PCs, Macs, handhelds, mobile devices and TVs. From the first swing in the demo through launch day, GeForce NOW lets members step into battle the moment it’s available — no downloads, storage space or expensive hardware required. Gamers can find the demo in the GeForce NOW app demo row and add the title to their wishlists today to be ready when the blade is drawn.  India Levels Up The wait is over. GeForce NOW has officially exited beta in India, bringing the world’s highest-performance cloud gaming service to more gamers across the country.  This week, gamers can choose from monthly Performance and Ultimate memberships, flexible day passes or the basic, free offering — making it easier than ever to experience GeForce RTX-powered cloud gaming. GeForce NOW now supports UPI payments, giving gamers across India a fast, secure and convenient way to purchase memberships and day passes.  Premium memberships unlock GeForce RTX-powered features like ray tracing, NVIDIA DLSS and NVIDIA Reflex, along with higher resolutions, faster frame rates and priority access to streaming. With thousands of supported games — from blockbuster releases and free-to-play favorites to indie hits — members can enjoy PC games they already own without the cost of upgrading to high-end gaming hardware. Join the conversation with the GeForce NOW community on Reddit.  Go Off the Rails This Weekend “Denshattack!” is pulling into the cloud. Denshattack! — the off-the-rails, train‑wrecking action game — is now available to stream on GeForce NOW, letting members embrace pure chaos from almost any device.  Take control of runaway trains and send them barreling through crowded tracks, explosive obstacles and delightfully destructive layouts, chaining spectacular crashes with just the right mix of precision and pandemonium. Its colorful, tongue‑in‑cheek presentation and physics‑driven mayhem turn every run into a highlight reel of derailments — perfect for quick sessions, score‑chasing and laughing at just how wrong a single turn can go when the throttle never lets up. In addition, members can look for the following to play this week: Denshattack! (New release on Steam and Xbox, available on Game Pass on July 15) The Mound: Omen of Cthulhu (New release on Steam, available July 15) Heave Ho 2 (New release on Steam, available July 16) Fogpiercer (New release on Steam and Xbox, available on Game Pass on July 17) Onimusha: Way of the Sword DEMO (Steam) The GeForce NOW community keeps discovering new games to play, with members discussing the most beautiful games on the service. What game has impressed you most on GeForce NOW? Let us know on X or in the comments below.

Title: GeForce NOW Turns Up the Heat With New GeForce RTX 5080-Powered Toronto Server Date: Thu, 09 Jul 2026 13:00:55 +0000 Link: https://blogs.nvidia.com/blog/geforce-now-thursday-toronto-expansion/ This GFN Thursday brings more games, more power and more ways to play on GeForce NOW.  The cloud gaming service is expanding with a new GeForce RTX 5080-powered server in Toronto, bringing dedicated high performance in the cloud closer to members across the region. NTE: Neverness to Everness also gets an update in the cloud, making it even easier to jump into the latest content from the supernatural adventure without a single download or more storage space needed. It leads the way for GeForce NOW bringing native touch control to the game, coming soon. There’s even more to explore with three new games joining the GeForce NOW library this week.  Take It to the Next Level in Toronto The forecast is looking cloudy in Canada. A new GeForce RTX 5080-powered GeForce NOW server is coming to Toronto, expanding service in the region and bringing dedicated cloud gaming performance closer to local members. The new server will roll out within days, giving more players access to top-tier cloud gaming across Canada. Ultimate members can stream across PCs, Macs, handhelds, mobile devices, TVs and more with GeForce RTX 5080-class power in the cloud. Enjoy up to 4K resolution and beyond on supported ultrawide displays, up to 120 frames per second, plus NVIDIA DLSS, ray tracing and NVIDIA Reflex technologies.  Bring on the ‘999 Nights’ Reality bends — on any device. Step into the surreal world of NTE: Neverness to Everness with the NTE Version 1.2 “999 Nights” update.  This version introduces a massive gameplay evolution, plunging players into an immersive, tabletop-inspired fantasy role-playing game on the Warren Continent — a new permanent game mode featuring its own dedicated progression system. This narrative and mechanical expansion is elevated by the debut of two powerful characters, Shinku and Iroi, alongside an unprecedented fashion upgrade featuring a sweeping collection of 19 new character outfits. To top it off, exploration gets a high-octane upgrade with Draco, a revolutionary new motorcycle vehicle, making this version an absolute playground for combat strategy, stylish customization and high-speed urban traversal.  Plus, GeForce NOW will soon be rolling out native touch controls to NTE: Neverness to Everness, which will make it even easier to explore the city’s mysteries from supported mobile devices. Look for the game in the GeForce NOW app to seamlessly jump between devices and continue the adventure — no downloads, storage space or expensive additional hardware required. Embark on Expanded Adventures The journey continues in Granblue Fantasy: Relink with the Endless Ragnarok expansion. Known for its dynamic combat, diverse roster of Skyfarers and thrilling online co-op, Relink returns with fresh story content as mysterious beings known as the Ragnalia threaten the Zegagrande Skydom. Strange gateways, powerful new foes — including the mighty Beelzebub — and fresh challenges await across the skies. The expansion also introduces additional ways to play, including summon abilities that add another layer of combat strategy, co-op quest tiers and a solo mode filled with unpredictable encounters. Master traits offer more opportunities to customize favorite characters, giving both longtime Skyfarers and newcomers plenty of reasons to take flight. Jump into the latest action with the following games to play this week: Esports Manager 2026 (New release on Steam, available July 6) Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced (New release on Steam and Ubisoft Connect, available July 9) Granblue Fantasy: Relink – Endless Ragnarok Demo (Steam) As GeForce NOW continues to expand, so does the community discovering cloud gaming. One new Ultimate member summed up their first impressions: “Finally caved and got GFN Ultimate… and wow.” Another longtime PC gamer shared how GeForce NOW completely changed their perspective after years of skepticism, calling it “a good alternative” for casual players and encouraging others to “try the one month and upgrade to the yearly before the sale ends.” What are you planning to play this weekend? Let us know on X or in the comments below.

Title: Joyride Through July With 12 Games Coming to GeForce NOW Date: Thu, 02 Jul 2026 13:00:23 +0000 Link: https://blogs.nvidia.com/blog/geforce-now-thursday-july-2026-games-list/ Summer is heating up — and GeForce NOW is taking players along for the ride. Start the month with Monopoly: Star Wars Heroes vs. Villains, bringing a galaxy far, far away to the iconic board-game franchise, alongside 12 new games joining the cloud this month.  Plus, don’t let the sun set on the biggest GeForce NOW savings of the year. Level up for less before the deals disappear. Light Side, Dark Side, Cloud Side  The Force is strong with this one. Rule the board, you must. Choose a side in Monopoly: Star Wars Heroes vs. Villains, the classic property-trading board game reimagined with legendary characters, locations and rivalries from across the Star Wars universe. Play as iconic heroes or infamous villains — each with unique abilities — to assemble a team and experience cinematic moments while competing with family and friends across locations from every era of the saga. Every roll of the dice brings new opportunities to build an empire and claim victory. GeForce NOW makes it easy to take the battle between the light and dark sides across nearly any device. Jump into a match on a low-powered PC, Mac, phone, TV, tablet or handheld device and keep the fun going across the galaxy. Check out what’s available this week: Monopoly: Star Wars Heroes vs. Villains (New release on Steam and Ubisoft, available June 30) Meccha Chameleon (Steam) And look forward to the games coming throughout the month: Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced (New release on Steam and Ubisoft Connect, available July 9) Denshattack! (New release on Steam and Xbox, available on Game Pass July 15) The Mound: Omen of Cthulhu (New release on Steam, available July 15) Heave Ho 2 (New release on Steam, available July 16) Fogpiercer (New release on Steam and Xbox, available on Game Pass July 17) ZeroSpace (New release on Steam, available July 20) The Planet Crafter (New release on Xbox, Available on Game Pass July 21) Carnival Hunt (New release on Steam, available July 23) The Ranchers (New release on Steam, available July 30) Corsair Cove (New release on Steam and Xbox, available on Game Pass July 31) Juicy Extras From June In addition to the 18 games announced last month, 10 more came to the cloud.  Deer & Boy (Steam) DOOM Eternal (Epic Games Store) Embers of the Uncrowned Demo (Steam) EMPULSE (Steam) The Elder Scrolls Online (Xbox, available on Game Pass) NBA THE RUN (Steam) SAND: Raiders of Sophie (Steam) Voidling Bound (Steam) Witchspire (Steam) World of Tanks: HEAT (Wargaming) Last Call for Cloud Summer Savings The clock is ticking. Get gaming at the best price of the year. The final days of the GeForce NOW Summer Sale are here. Before the savings disappear, gamers can save $35 on a 12-month Performance membership or $70 on a 12-month Ultimate membership — unlocking GeForce RTX-powered gaming in the cloud across devices they already own. The Performance membership delivers smooth, high-quality gaming with RTX-powered servers, making it easy to jump into favorite titles across PCs, Macs, phones, handhelds and TVs. The Ultimate membership takes cloud gaming to the max with RTX 4080‑ or 5080‑class performance. Experience cinematic visuals, ultralow latency and responsive gameplay powered by technologies like NVIDIA DLSS, ray tracing and NVIDIA Reflex — all without the cost of a new gaming rig. Hear directly from the GeForce NOW Community. One GeForce NOW member recently called the Summer Sale “quite significant” after realizing the savings were even larger than expected in their local currency. By locking in a year of Ultimate, they calculated their monthly cost dropped from roughly 29 CAD to 17 CAD – showcasing how GeForce NOW continues to help gamers around the world enjoy the games they love, wherever they choose to play. Plus, check out this spreadsheet, made by a community member, featuring discounted games streaming on GeForce NOW  and build out a bigger library at the best bargains during the Steam Summer Sale. What are you planning to play this weekend? Let us know on X or in the comments below.

Title: The Power of Motherhood Amid Chaos – 1998: The Toll Keeper Story Date: Wed, 05 Aug 2026 03:53:23 +0000 Link: https://blog.playstation.com/2026/08/04/20260805-toll/ In Indonesia, there is a saying that perfectly captures the core concept of our game, 1998: The Toll Keeper Story—”A mother’s love knows no bounds, spanning across all time.” This beautiful sentiment slowly but surely transforms into a harsh reality when that very maternal instinct is tested against a backdrop of escalating, threatening chaos. This is Dewi’s story. While deeply inspired by our own homeland’s history, the events of 1998 in Indonesia, where a severe monetary crisis triggered widespread social unrest that victimized innocent groups, remain tragic yet universally relevant today. It often feels as though the world refuses to learn from the mistakes of the past. View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Dewi, alongside other characters like Heru and Sinta, does not stand there to fight a massive tide that is far beyond her control. Day after day, from inside the toll booth she operates, she witnesses the raw human struggle for survival, all while fighting tooth and nail to keep her own baby safe and healthy. This entire conflict unfolds through a document and currency-checking mechanic that will feel instantly familiar to fans of Papers, Please. Amidst the routine, Dewi’s toll booth becomes a sanctuary where affected citizens air their grievances, regardless of whether they support or oppose the government of that era. The choices Dewi makes will ultimately shape the conclusion of her story. Without ever intending to romanticize the tragedy that inspired it, this narrative will be brought to life through hand-drawn cutscenes, rendered in the GameChanger Studio’s signature art style. A diary at the end of each day will also serve as a space to reflect on the deep anxieties Dewi faces, both as a woman and as a mother. View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image With the features offered by the PlayStation 5, we are confident we can make Dewi’s journey even more immersive. The answer to this ambition lies in the Haptic Feedback technology, which will adapt uniquely to the various types of vehicles passing through Dewi’s booth. These vibrations will serve not only as vital gameplay clues but also as a physical representation of the earth-shattering challenges Dewi must endure while navigating her pregnancy. We hope that the emotions and message we wish to convey through Dewi’s journey in 1998: The Toll Keeper Story will leave a lasting, profound impression on you when you experience it on the PlayStation 5. View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Trailer link: : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F4YT-R7l6wM Store link: https://store.playstation.com/en-id/concept/10018178/

Title: Crimson Moon battles demonic corruption on September 1 Date: Tue, 04 Aug 2026 16:00:48 +0000 Link: https://blog.playstation.com/2026/08/04/crimson-moon-battles-demonic-corruption-on-september-1/ Earlier this year, we introduced Crimson Moon, our gothic high renaissance action RPG. You play as a Nephilim, a powerful half-human, half-angel warrior sworn to reclaim the fallen city of Gildenarch from the demonic corruption consuming it.  Today, we’re excited to announce that Crimson Moon is only weeks away, launching on PlayStation 5 on September 1. Play Video Over the past few months, we’ve shared more of Crimson Moon’s brutal melee combat, replayable hunts and challenging boss encounters. Today, we’d like to focus on one of our favorite ways to experience the game: two-player online co-op. Every hunt is better together  While Crimson Moon is fully playable solo, every hunt can also be tackled in two-player online co-op.  Co-op isn’t simply about having another player dealing damage. Every hunt dynamically scales between solo play and two-player co-op, ensuring encounters remain challenging however you choose to play.  You’ll also share a communal life pool throughout each hunt. If your partner falls in battle, you’ll have the opportunity to revive them and keep the hunt alive – but each death brings your team one step closer to failure.  Those are the moments we love most. A perfectly timed rescue as a boss enters its final phase, a desperate last-second victory… or watching an overconfident partner meet their demise when everything was going so well.  Whether you’re coordinating Weapon Arts, experimenting with different builds, or standing shoulder-to-shoulder against towering bosses, co-op adds a whole new layer of teamwork to every hunt. Built for PlayStation 5  We’re committed to making Crimson Moon feel right at home on PlayStation 5.  Players on PlayStation 5 Pro can take advantage of native support for upgraded PSSR, helping deliver a sharper image as you explore the blood-soaked streets of Gildenarch and battle the horrors lurking within. One adventure, two editions  From the beginning, our goal has been to create an action RPG packed with replayability, satisfying progression, and memorable co-op, while offering exceptional value to players.  Crimson Moon launches for $19.99, while Crimson Moon: Deluxe Edition will be available for $29.99.  The Deluxe Edition includes the Ceremonial Armor Set, the Axe of the Gods – a guitar-shaped axe worthy of any legendary Nephilim – and access to our upcoming Post-Launch Content Expansion.  If you decide you’d like to upgrade later, the Crimson Moon: Deluxe Edition Upgrade will also be available for $10, giving Standard Edition players access to all Deluxe content whenever they’re ready.  As a thank you to the PlayStation community, every PlayStation player – whether they choose the Standard or Deluxe Edition – will receive the exclusive Sonai Magistrate Armor Set at launch. We’ll see you in Gildenarch From your first steps inside Sanctus Clypeus to your final stand against the legendary Dead Gods, every hunt is an opportunity to discover powerful new gear, experiment with different builds, and push deeper into Gildenarch’s increasingly dangerous Wards. Gather your allies, for the hunt begins on September 1.

Title: Gameplay first look – Mafia: The Old Country’s Man of Honor expansion Date: Tue, 04 Aug 2026 15:00:49 +0000 Link: https://blog.playstation.com/2026/08/04/gameplay-first-look-mafia-the-old-countrys-man-of-honor-expansion/ Hi everyone, I’m Josh Zammit, design director at Hangar 13 working on the Man of Honor expansion* for Mafia: The Old Country. We’re super excited to share the first look gameplay above, and I’d like to reveal a bit more about the Free Ride content included in the DLC. Man of Honor features two new story chapters set in the earlier days of Enzo Favara’s service to the Torrisi crime family, letting you team up with respected mafioso Ennio Salieri to settle old scores. In addition to the two new story chapters, owning the Man of Honor expansion grants you access to a new set of exclusive jobs and extreme challenges we’re adding to Free Ride mode, along with new collectibles and locations added to the Valle Dorata map. Play Video If you haven’t played Mafia: The Old Country yet, Free Ride mode lets you explore the Sicilian countryside at your own pace, or take on a collection of repeatable Challenges separate from the critical path that include combat encounters, stealth missions, and different kinds of races. In the new Man of Honor Free Ride content, you’ll take on new assignments from Salieri himself, who has set up shop in a Porto Almaro warehouse where he spends his days devising new schemes and smuggling stolen goods. Longtime Mafia fans know Salieri well, given his central role as the Don of his own crime family in the city of Lost Heaven, where the original Mafia and Mafia: Definitive Edition take place. Making Salieri the focal point of Man of Honor lets us showcase who he was before his emigration to America and subsequent rise to power, deepening his backstory in a really engaging way. Though still feared and respected in Sicily, this younger Salieri is much scrappier and has to hustle to get his cut of the Family’s various rackets. With Salieri as your new point of contact for Man of Honor’s Free Ride content, you’ll drop by his hideout to pick up two types of contracts: Challenges and Jobs. Salieri’s Challenges follow a similar format to the ones you can currently take on in Free Ride mode, but with amped-up difficulty that will test the mettle of even the most seasoned soldato. Salieri’s Jobs introduce brand-new mission types, tasking you with tracking down your objective and dealing with anyone who tries to get in your way. Seeking hidden caches of valuable loot, towing high-value vehicles back to Salieri, delivering stolen trucks full of precious-but-fragile goods—whichever job you take, success will line your pockets with extra Dinari. You can spend those ill-gotten gains to add new outfits, Charms, weapons, vehicles, and horses to your collection, all exclusive to this expansion. As you can see in the gameplay footage, the unique weapons and Charms you can earn in Man of Honor gave us space to play around with perks that push just beyond the bounds of period-accurate realism. For example, take the Rimbalzu throwing knife, which bounces to a second target so you can quickly and silently take down multiple enemies from the shadows. It would take near-impossible skill to throw a ricochet between targets every time, but the effect is incredibly fun and empowering, especially for players who prefer the stealthy approach. We wanted to design fresh and exciting weapons for a range of playstyles, and the added stopping power of these additions to Enzo’s arsenal can help give you an edge during Salieri’s most difficult assignments. Along with all the new items and missions on offer, there are plenty of optional activities you can seek out as you explore the Valle Dorata. Keep your eyes peeled for collectible Wanted Posters which, in keeping with a fun series tradition, use members of our development team (myself included) in period-accurate attire for their mugshots. You can also soar through the air in your turn-of-the-century automobiles via added Stunt Jumps, or destroy delivery trucks loaded with sulfur to hit back at the people who betrayed Salieri. The Man of Honor expansion for Mafia: The Old Country arrives next week on August 14. We can’t wait to see how you tackle the new content in Free Ride mode, and what the fans think of a younger Ennio Salieri in the added narrative content. Until then, mafiosi. *Base game required. Some content requires unlocking via gameplay.

Title: Players’ Choice: Vote for July 2026’s best new game Date: Mon, 03 Aug 2026 14:00:25 +0000 Link: https://blog.playstation.com/2026/08/03/players-choice-vote-for-july-2026s-best-new-game/ Last month was filled with adventures big and small, sports action, and spiritual battles! Some big new releases included Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced, Denshattack, Halo: Campaign Evolved, Avatar Legends: The Fighting Game, and more. Which game was your favorite? How does it work? At the end of every month, PlayStation Blog will open a poll where you can vote for the best new game released that month. After the polls close we will tally your votes, and announce the winner on our social channels and PlayStation.Blog. What is the voting criteria? That’s up to you! If you were only able to recommend one new release to a friend that month, which would it be? Note: re-released games don’t qualify, but remakes do. We define remakes as ambitious, larger-scale rebuilds such as Resident Evil 4 (2023) and Final Fantasy VII Remake. How are nominees decided? The PlayStation Blog editorial team will gather a list of that month’s most noteworthy releases and use it to seed the poll. View Poll

Title: Beast of Reincarnation hands-on: parry-rich combat and the cutest mutant pup Date: Mon, 03 Aug 2026 08:00:10 +0000 Link: https://blog.playstation.com/2026/08/03/beast-of-reincarnation-hands-on-parry-rich-combat-and-the-cutest-mutant-pup/ Even from its first full reveal in 2025, Beast of Reincarnation was making all the right noises. Roaring through the crowd of impressive action role-playing games, Game Freak’s trek into a post-apocalyptic Japan blends the mythological with the mechanized into something fresh – helped by a “one woman and her dog saving the world”’ narrative. But that’s not everything Beast of Reincarnation brings to the PlayStation 5 wilds. After spending a lot of time with the full game ahead of its August 4 release, I experienced a touching story, in-depth game mechanics, intense Souls-like combat, and quite possibly the most adorably blighted giant dog companion anyone could wish for.  A world of mutated mystery 4026 Japan is not a place we would recognize. Plants, birds, beasts, and even humans have been overwhelmingly corrupted by a strange cataclysm called the Blight. Entire Blight forests have spread their poison far and wide, pushing the remnants of humanity into scattered settlements. And chief of all the mutates are the Nushi, powerful and often colossal beings who spread fear and destruction wherever they roam. The cause of all this is said to be the fabled Beast of Reincarnation, which resurrects every 100 years. And so one person is tasked to end this cycle of doom… Humanity’s last hope Blighted from birth, Emma is an outcast with no memory of her origins. She’s initially stoic and near emotionless, punished by her colony for her affliction. But her condition also makes her valuable, able to absorb the powers of each defeated Nushi to herself, with the aim of using that power to kill the Beast. Of course, as the game progresses you discover it’s not that simple, but for us as players it makes Emma the perfect character to explore beautiful but sinister forests, the crumbling ruins of civilization, water logged underground bases, and mysterious habitats. Parry or die Emma is an incredibly versatile protagonist, feeling light and agile on the DualSense controller. She’s equipped with swift sword swipes via R1 that can be chained into a combo, projectile weapons including bolts and arrows that can offer a tinge of resistance when pulled on an adaptive trigger, a nimble dodge with a tap of the Circle button, and a block and parry using L1. And this is where Souls fans will rejoice – because that parry is the key to survival. Fighting against early beasts and basic corrupted golems – humans who escaped the Blight by trapping their souls inside a machine – was fun and easy enough but hacking away on R1 won’t get you very far against the smarter, tougher, or larger foes. My first encounter with Chapter One’s tricky boss, a colossal deer-like Nishi, was just a hint of what was to come, its vicious and repeated antler attacks requiring parries to open up a counterattack. Later in the game, mini-bosses and enemies with more complex unblockable assaults required pin-point parries and counters to win. Timing is everything. Wielding the power of corrupted nature  Thankfully, that’s not everything to Beast of Reincarnation’s layered combat system. Antagonists can be staggered by reducing their relevant meter with multiple attacks and leaving them open to a finisher using R1. I was also able to perform instant kills on grunts by sneaking up on them or taking satisfying headshots with a projectile. While the Square button unleashes Emma’s devastatingly effective Nushi Skills and Blade Arts combos. But mastering Emma’s Blight abilities is the real game changer. Tapping R2 when a jump point is highlighted in the environment fires out root-like tendrils of her hair to yank Emma to higher areas. Similarly, holding down R2 creates a temporary hair platform that Emma can walk across, and the Cross button raises Emma high into the air with her locks. Using her verticality as a distancing technique was not only valuable in combat, but it meant I could utilize a ‘death from above’ assassination with R1. This levelled the field against multiple enemies who have a cone of vision I could exploit and led to a rewarding victory in a particular fight against a tough pike-wielding golem and his small army. And then there’s Emma’s best boy by her side… Genuinely, Koo is the bestest of boys The large wolf-like Koo is the perfect battle companion, able to be directed to attack enemies, or utilising his powerful Bloom Arts, a turn-based menu style special attack which you select using Triangle. If I was able to time my following button press correctly during the short corresponding mini-game, Koo’s Bloom Arts skills were invaluable, especially as the Fluorescence Points used to unleash them are earned via successful parries. When combined with Emma’s time slowing Entanglement Overdrive after pressing L3 and R3 together, the duo quickly became a formidable force in my hands. Koo also guides you to objectives with a visual pheromone indicator, barks when he finds something of interest, and even brings back items to Emma. While Koo has his own life bar, he’s hardy and capable, and you can expand his skill slots by increasing Emma’s rapport with him via petting him (creating a pleasing tremble of the DualSense controller haptics), giving him treats, and keeping him clean via a shower available in the Cleanse Walker, Emma’s mobile base. Food, systems, and skill trees There’s a lot of hidden depth in Beast of Reincarnation, too. Multiple weapons can be found and enhanced, skill trees for both Emma and Koo meant I was unlocking more abilities as I progressed, different enemy types fought each other on sight making combat even more entertaining, and the presence of the mysterious Violet – who only Emma can see and hear – offered intriguing questions to the narrative. And that’s not even mentioning the importance of food. Emma and Koo will only naturally heal from their wounds if their hunger gauge isn’t empty. But food also offers bonuses to stats like HP, Attack, and Defense, so they’re not just another resource check. And better yet, Emma’s surrogate little sister Kagura can cook meals from ingredients you find on the field, her culinary skills increasing the more you engage with her, and her meals becoming more expansive and beneficial based on the recipes you bring back. I was even able to raise a chicken for eggs and grow crops on the Cleanse Walker to give Kagura more food options, with different seedlings having various harvest times. A beastly battle Emma and Koo’s adventure is a lengthy one, full of intrigue and tender narrative beats to accompany its rousing and challenging combat. So if you’re game for the hunt, you better sharpen your sword skills ahead of Beast of Reincarnation’s PS5 release on August 4.

Title: Beast Of Reincarnation review: A briefly fun Sekiro-like that becomes chewing gum for the brain Date: Wed, 05 Aug 2026 11:54:55 +0000 Link: https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/beast-of-reincarnation-review Beast Of Reincarnation opened pretty promisingly. Its first stretch dropped me into a sprawling fantasy forestscape full of deadly spore-sprouting woodland creatures, gave me a sick hat and a fireball-shooting dog, then strapped a katana in my hand and introduced a real solid parry clang that would fire dopamine into my brain every time I landed it. Considering the generous parry window let me effortlessly deflect the boulder-sized suckerpunches of a 9ft grizzly bear, I figured this was shaping up to be a very pretty and particularly accessible Sekiro-like. And what’s more, it was from the minds behind Pokemon, Game Freak, who were trying something very different after being trapped making games under the beady, all-seeing eye of a kawaii yellow rat for so many decades. Unfortunately, it didn’t take long to realise the cool hat, the fireball-shooting dog and a satisfying parry clang were a cunning facade. Beast Of Reincarnation is, in fact, a big old wad of chewing gum for the brain. I got the sweet taste up front, before it quickly squished down to the slimy, flavourless nothingness I continued chewing on autopilot. Read more

Title: EA’s Saudi takeover will be "a real waste" if it turns the publishers into a "sequel-and-mega-franchise machine", Helldivers 2 studio boss says Date: Wed, 05 Aug 2026 11:17:25 +0000 Link: https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/eas-saudi-takeover-will-be-a-real-waste-if-it-turns-the-publishers-into-a-sequel-and-mega-franchise-machine-helldivers-2-studio-boss-says Well, it's happened. EA's thumbs up from the European Commission, the $55 billion leveraged buyout by Saudi Arabia, Silver Lake and Jared Kushner-founded investment firm Affinity Partners has gone through. With the publishers now privately owned and saddled with a bunch of debt, questions loom about what their future will look like. The CEO of Helldivers 2 studio Arrowhead, Shams Jorjani, hopes the answer won't be EA narrowing further into "a sequel-and-mega-franchise machine". Read more

Title: "If Quantic Dream wants to destroy jobs, it must pay": French union call strike as they demand extension to layoff negotiations with Star Wars Eclipse studio Date: Wed, 05 Aug 2026 10:00:00 +0000 Link: https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/if-quantic-dream-wants-to-destroy-jobs-it-must-pay-french-union-call-strike-as-they-demand-extension-to-layoff-negotiations-with-star-wars-eclipse-studio The French Syndicat des Travailleureuses du Jeu Vidéo (STJV) union have called for an open-ended strike at Star Wars Eclipse developers Quantic Dream, as negotiations over the laying off of staff following the decision to end development of MOBA Spellcasters Chronicles rumble on. The union say around 115 workers are affected, and are demanding an extension to the negotiating period over these planned cuts. Read more

Title: Big Walk isn't an open world hangout sim, it's a secret Predator game, or it would be if House House would quit fixing the voice volume Date: Wed, 05 Aug 2026 09:25:20 +0000 Link: https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/big-walk-isnt-an-open-world-hangout-sim-its-a-secret-predator-game-or-it-would-be-if-house-house-would-quit-fixing-the-voice-volume You may have heard that Big Walk, the 12-player open world bumble-a-thon from Untitled Goose Game developers House House, is "a cooperative multiplayer adventure about teamwork and talking". You may have been tempted to call it a "hangout game", or the "antidote to friendslop". You may have read that it's a "sleepy, post-apocalyptic Center Parcs resort", in which players kick rolling lamps around and solve puzzles that involve rocks with keyholes. Such laughable fabrications! Big Walk is actually a serial killer training simulator. Read more

Title: EA have gone private, as Saudi Arabia and Jared Kushner's investment groups complete their $55 billion acquisition Date: Tue, 04 Aug 2026 21:56:53 +0000 Link: https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/ea-have-gone-private-as-saudi-arabia-and-jared-kushners-investment-groups-complete-their-55-billion-acquisition Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, equity firm Silver Lake, and Jared Kushner's Affinity partners have completed their $55 billion acquisition of EA Sports FC, Battlefield, The Sims, Mass Effect and Dragon Age publisher EA. This comes following a filing from EA to the US Securities and Exchange Commission last week, and confirmation that the European Commission had no intention to stop the deal. Read more