On the 24th, Tides of Tomorrow hits PS5, Xbox Series and PC, which is set in a vibrant post-apocalyptic ocean world that’s riddled with microplastics, and where the choices made by other players in their game will affect how the narrative in yours unfolds.

The latest in the franchise is the most hyped release of 2026 and looks set to push the boundaries of gaming visuals – but it could prove more disturbing than entertaining.

Game release dates are always in flux, though, so Polygon’s guide to the new video games coming out in 2026 will be regularly updated with new titles, release dates, and (inevitable) delays. Pathologic 3 (PC) — Jan. 9

It's the end of 2025. You want to know what the best multiplayer games of 2025 are. I’ll tell you what: there’s no shortage of them.

With a new year comes a new slate of video game releases, and 2026 is coming out swinging as strongly as any year before it.

To help you keep up with new releases throughout the year, we've put together a 2026 video game release calendar.

For AAA gaming, the top of 2026 sure looks a lot like the top of 2025. Xbox is rebooting Fable. Bungie is rebooting Marathon. Captain America and Black Panther are headlining a Marvel game. And everything under the sun has to break through under a Grand Theft Auto 6 -sized shadow.

Microsoft officially reveals the Wave 1 Xbox Game Pass lineup for January 2026, which consists of seven new titles and four expanded releases.

Games don’t make you smarter, but they can support your brain, regardless of your age. Different games sharpen different skills—and video games may have an edge over traditional board games by demanding faster, more flexible thinking. Perhaps it’s time to update our Christmas game stash with a video game or two.