The Best New Video Games of 2026 (So Far)

Polygon’s mid-year list highlights new games its staff consider worth playing as 2026 enters its final stretch. It is an evolving, unranked selection, rather than a final verdict on the year, and reflects the publication’s interest in both major releases and less widely known games.

The article says eligible games must have been available for at least three weeks and be well liked across the team. The excerpt praises Star Wars: Galactic Racer for its explosive racing, Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave for a sprawling story spanning over 100 hours, and The Blood of Dawnwalker for its 30-day deadline mechanic; it also highlights Star Wars: Zero Company, a tactics game made by veterans of the XCOM series.