Polygon has published its running list of the best video games of 2026 so far, updated periodically throughout the year, highlighting standout titles released in the year's first months. Games qualify for inclusion only after being out for at least three weeks and must be well-regarded not just by the reviewer but broadly across Polygon's team, with a fuller year-end ranking planned for December.

The list, presented in reverse-chronological order, currently features titles including Mina the Hollower (out 29 May), a top-down Zelda-inspired adventure blending retro nostalgia with Bloodborne-style design; 007 First Light (27 May), IO Interactive's Bond game combining Uncharted's cinematic flair with Hitman's immersive-sim mechanics; Forza Horizon 6 (19 May), Playground Games' latest open-world racer set in Japan; and Titanium Court (23 April), a genre-blending roguelike tower defence game and winner of this year's Seumas McNally Grand Prize.