The best games of 2026 so far, picked by NPR's staff
Titans like Resident Evil Requiem and Crimson Desert dominated in the first half of the gaming year, with early-access sequels like Slay the Spire 2 and Subnautica 2 not far behind.
NPR’s staff has rounded up the best games of 2026 so far, highlighting a first half of the year that has already been defined by a mix of big-name releases and highly anticipated early-access follow-ups.
According to the monitored public feed from NPR News, major titles such as *Resident Evil Requiem* and *Crimson Desert* stood out among the year’s early contenders. The staff list also gives attention to sequels in early access, including *Slay the Spire 2* and *Subnautica 2*, which have remained prominent in the conversation as the gaming year has unfolded.
The selection underscores how 2026’s most talked-about games have come from both established franchises and projects still developing in public view. That combination has helped shape a crowded and competitive first half of the year, with attention split between blockbuster launches and in-progress titles that are drawing strong interest from players.
The NPR roundup is based on the outlet’s staff picks, reflecting a curated look at the games that have made the biggest impression so far this year. This report is based on a monitored public feed and is attributed to NPR News.
Source: NPR News - https://www.npr.org/2026/07/21/nx-s1-5897567/best-games-2026-npr
