Few games have ever generated the level of anticipation surrounding GTA 6, and Rockstar’s next blockbuster is expected to dominate headlines well beyond its November launch. But 2026 isn’t a one game year. Several major publishers have deliberately lined up ambitious RPGs, shooters, action adventures, and long awaited sequels that could still command players’ attention, whether by launching before Rockstar’s juggernaut or offering something completely different. From beloved franchises making a comeback to bold new IPs, these are the upcoming games with the best chance of carving out their own spotlight alongside GTA 6.
1. Marvel’s Wolverine Could Become PlayStation’s Biggest Exclusive
Insomniac Games has already proven it understands superhero storytelling with its Spider-Man series, and Marvel’s Wolverine is shaping up to be one of PlayStation’s most anticipated exclusives. While Sony has yet to announce a release date, expectations remain sky high thanks to Insomniac’s track record and Wolverine’s popularity. It won’t outsell GTA 6, but it could easily dominate gaming conversations whenever it finally launches.
2. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 Never Stays Out of the Spotlight
Few franchises can compete with Rockstar for mainstream attention, but Call of Duty has done exactly that for nearly two decades. Although Activision has not officially detailed the next Modern Warfare installment, the annual release schedule means another blockbuster entry is widely expected. A new campaign, competitive multiplayer, and Warzone integration ensure it will remain one of the few franchises capable of sharing headlines with GTA 6.
3. Gears of War: E-Day Brings Xbox’s Biggest Franchise Back
Rather than continuing the current storyline, Gears of War: E-Day returns to Emergence Day, exploring the beginning of humanity’s war against the Locust. Developed by The Coalition using Unreal Engine 5, the game promises a darker tone centered on Marcus Fenix and Dom Santiago years before the original trilogy. For longtime Xbox fans, it’s easily one of the platform’s biggest upcoming releases and one that could briefly pull attention away from GTA 6.
4. Phantom Blade Zero Looks Like a Martial Arts Blockbuster
Ever since its reveal, Phantom Blade Zero has generated comparisons to Sekiro, Devil May Cry, and classic Hong Kong action films. Fast sword combat, cinematic boss fights, and stunning visual presentation have turned it into one of the most wishlisted action games currently in development. If the final game delivers on those early trailers, it could become one of 2026’s breakout hits.
5. Onimusha: Way of the Sword Revives a Legendary Series
Capcom surprised longtime fans by bringing back Onimusha after nearly two decades. Way of the Sword combines supernatural samurai combat with modern visuals powered by the RE Engine, giving one of the publisher’s most beloved franchises a fresh start. Nostalgia alone won’t be enough to challenge GTA 6, but Capcom’s recent success with Resident Evil and Monster Hunter gives fans plenty of reasons to be optimistic.
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6. Silent Hill: Townfall Could Redefine Psychological Horror
Following the success of the Silent Hill 2 remake, Konami is expanding the franchise with Silent Hill: Townfall. Developed by No Code, the studio behind Stories Untold and Observation, the project promises a different approach to psychological horror instead of simply repeating the classic formula. Mystery still surrounds the game, making every new reveal a major event for horror fans.
7. Final Fantasy Resonance Has RPG Fans Watching Closely
Square Enix has confirmed Final Fantasy Resonance as the next major entry in its long running franchise, continuing the publisher’s strategy of blending cinematic storytelling with large scale RPG gameplay. While many details remain under wraps, the Final Fantasy name alone guarantees worldwide attention whenever new footage appears, making it one of the few Japanese RPGs capable of competing for headlines alongside GTA 6.
8. Beast of Reincarnation Is One of 2026’s Biggest Surprises
Developed by Game Freak, Beast of Reincarnation immediately stood out thanks to its striking art direction and fast paced action combat. Moving away from the studio’s Pokémon roots, the game presents a post apocalyptic world filled with giant creatures and fluid melee battles. That unexpected shift has made it one of the industry’s most intriguing new IPs.
9. Star Wars: Zero Company Takes the Galaxy in a New Direction
Instead of another action adventure, Star Wars: Zero Company focuses on turn based tactical combat inspired by games like XCOM. Developed by Bit Reactor in collaboration with Respawn Entertainment, it follows an elite squad operating during the Clone Wars. The combination of strategic gameplay and one of entertainment’s biggest franchises gives it a strong chance of standing out, even during the same period that GTA 6 dominates the gaming landscape.
10. Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy Continues One of Gaming’s Most Emotional Stories
After A Plague Tale: Innocence and Requiem earned critical acclaim for their storytelling, Asobo Studio is returning to the franchise with Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy. Set 15 years before the previous games, the prequel follows a younger Sophia as she embarks on a dangerous journey that blends exploration, combat, and the series’ signature narrative focus. While it targets a very different audience than GTA 6, few story driven adventures are generating as much anticipation.
11. Mafia: The Old Country Brings Organized Crime Back
If any franchise understands cinematic open world crime stories, it’s Mafia. Mafia: The Old Country takes players to early 1900s Sicily, exploring the origins of organized crime decades before the events of the original trilogy. Developed by Hangar 13 in Unreal Engine 5, the game promises a more focused, narrative driven experience rather than a massive sandbox. It won’t try to copy GTA 6. Instead, it offers something many players have been waiting years to see: another prestige crime drama set in one of gaming’s most beloved universes.
