PC gaming in 2026 is stacked with huge open‑world adventures, deep RPGs, tactical shooters, and fresh indie ideas that feel perfect for both PC and mobile gamers who love high‑action, story, and online competition.
This list focuses on 10 of the best PC games you should download and play right now or keep on your radar as they launch throughout the year.
You’ll find a mix of big-budget AAA releases and modern classics here that still dominate players’ time, so you can easily decide what to install next.
Why these games stand out in 2026
- They are either newly released or still trending on “best PC games” lists in early 2026.
- They cover a range of genres: open-world, RPG, shooters, survival, strategy, card roguelikes, and co-op.
- They’re available on PC with strong communities, updates, or upcoming expansions.
Quick overview: 10 best PC games to play in 2026
| Game | Type / Genre | Why install it in 2026 | Platforms (incl. PC) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crimson Desert | Open‑world action RPG | Huge cinematic fantasy world, major 2026 launch. | PC, PS5, Xbox Series X |
| Resident Evil Requiem | Survival horror | Next‑gen horror, story‑driven, big February release. | PC, PS5, XSX |
| High on Life 2 | Comedy FPS | Colorful, funny shooter with viral potential. | PC, PS5, XSX |
| GTA 6 (PC upcoming) | Open‑world crime sandbox | The biggest open‑world event. PC version is highly anticipated. | PC (after consoles) |
| Slay the Spire 2 | Card roguelike | Deep, replayable runs, sequel to a classic. | PC |
| Light No Fire | Online exploration/survival | Massive shared fantasy world to explore. | PC, consoles planned |
| Total War: Warhammer 40,000 | Strategy (RTS + grand strategy) | Huge 40K battles, long‑term DLC support. | PC, consoles |
| Hades II | Action roguelike | Top‑rated early access hit, fast combat. | PC |
| Balatro | Poker deck‑builder roguelike | Extremely addictive, easy to run. | PC, consoles |
| Stardew Valley | Farming/life sim | Timeless, cozy, endlessly moddable. | PC, consoles, mobile |
1. Crimson Desert
Crimson Desert is an open‑world action‑adventure RPG set in a gritty fantasy world filled with massive battles, exploration, and cinematic story moments. It’s scheduled for release on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series in March 2026, making it one of the biggest new launches of the year.
You control mercenary leader Macduff, building a band of fighters, taking contracts, and exploring a huge world with dynamic events, bosses, and impressive next‑gen visuals. For players who loved games like The Witcher 3 or Elden Ring and want something new to grind, Crimson Desert is a must‑watch title in 2026.
Ideal for:
- Open‑world fans who enjoy story plus side quests.
- Players with powerful PCs who want a showpiece game.
Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S.
2. Resident Evil Requiem
Resident Evil Requiem continues Capcom’s horror legacy with a new entry built on the RE Engine for PC and consoles, pushing realistic graphics and intense survival horror. It’s set to launch on PC, PS5, Xbox Series, and Switch 2 in late February 2026.
You can expect tight corridors, resource management, puzzle solving, and terrifying enemies that keep you on edge the entire time. For PC players who love horror and want a visually stunning title, this will be one of the best PC games to install in early 2026.
Ideal for:
- Horror fans and Resident Evil veterans.
- Streamers and content creators who want scary reaction content.
Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Switch 2.
3. High on Life 2
High on Life 2 is the sequel to the comedy‑driven FPS that mixes wild sci‑fi worlds with talking weapons and absurd humor. It’s coming to PC, PS5, Xbox Series, and Switch 2, with a February 2026 release window.
This time, expect larger levels, more variety in enemy design, and even more creative gunplay backed by the same kind of bizarre jokes that made the original go viral.
If you want something fun, fast, and different from serious shooters, this will be a standout choice among the best PC games in 2026.
Ideal for:
- Players who like Borderlands‑style humor and colorful shooters.
- PC and mobile‑first gamers who enjoy watching clips, memes, and streams tied to a game.
Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Switch 2.
4. GTA 6 (PC version, ahead)
Grand Theft Auto 6 is officially dated for consoles in May 2026, with the PC version traditionally following after, making it one of the most talked‑about upcoming PC games.
Even before the PC release, it shapes the discussion around open‑world design, realism, and long‑term live support in 2026.
Rockstar’s history suggests the PC version will arrive with improved graphics, settings, and possibly extra content or technical enhancements compared to consoles.
If you’re planning your 2026/2027 library, GTA 6 is likely to become one of the best PC games you’ll want installed the moment it hits PC.
Ideal for:
- Fans of GTA V, Red Dead Redemption 2, and large sandbox worlds.
- Players who enjoy roleplay servers, mods, and long‑term online updates on PC.
Platforms: Console confirmed for May 2026; PC version expected later.
5. Slay the Spire 2
Slay the Spire 2 is the sequel to the hit deck‑building roguelike, planned for PC in 2026, and already featured on major “new PC games” lists. The first game became a staple for PC and mobile gamers because of its deep strategy, replayability, and quick runs that fit any schedule.
In Slay the Spire 2, you can expect new characters, cards, relics, and mechanics layered on top of the same addictive run‑based formula. It’s the kind of game you install once and keep coming back to for months.
Ideal for:
- Strategy fans, card game lovers, and roguelike players.
- Gamers who want something that runs well on mid‑range PCs and possibly the Steam Deck.
Platforms: PC (with strong likelihood of later console and mobile versions).
6. Light No Fire
Light No Fire is a massively ambitious open‑world exploration game from the creators of No Man’s Sky, aiming to blend survival, exploration, and social play on a single procedural fantasy planet.
It’s planned for PC in 2026 and is already one of the most hyped titles among exploration fans.
The idea is to let players climb mountains, sail oceans, and discover hand‑crafted‑feeling locations in a fully online, shared world.
If you enjoy exploration more than strict missions and want a game that grows over time, Light No Fire could easily become one of the best PC games to live in this year.
Ideal for:
- Fans of No Man’s Sky and big exploration/survival sandboxes.
- Players who like long‑term progression and cooperative or social play.
Platforms: PC (with console versions also planned).
7. Total War: Warhammer 40,000
Total War: Warhammer 40,000 brings the huge, futuristic Warhammer 40K universe into the popular Total War strategy formula and is listed among major PC releases planned for 2026.
Combining large‑scale real‑time battles with turn‑based empire management, it’s set to deliver massive armies, heroes, and iconic factions from the 40K setting.
For strategy players who loved the fantasy Total War: Warhammer trilogy, this sci‑fi evolution could easily become a new long‑term obsession. Expect strong mod potential and a long tail with DLC and expansions that keep it relevant as one of the best PC games for years.
Ideal for:
- RTS and grand‑strategy fans who want depth and replayability.
- Warhammer 40K fans who finally want huge battles on PC.
Platforms: PC, with console versions also mentioned in previews.
8. Hades II
Hades II, the follow‑up to the critically acclaimed action roguelike, is one of the top‑rated and most anticipated PC games heading into and through 2025–2026. Even in early access, it charts on “best PC games” lists thanks to tight combat, striking art, and deep narrative systems.
You play as Melinoë, sister of Zagreus, fighting through Greek myth with new weapons, builds, and gods to meet. For players who like fast‑paced action with runs that feel completely different every time, Hades II is already one of the strongest choices to install on PC in 2026.
Ideal for:
- Action roguelike fans and competitive speedrunners.
- Gamers who want something perfect for both short and long sessions.
Platforms: PC (with console versions planned after).
9. Balatro
Balatro is a poker‑inspired deck‑building roguelike that exploded in popularity and appeared in “best PC games” lists in early 2026, despite its simple presentation. It blends poker rules with power‑up cards, multipliers, and wild synergies that create surprisingly deep strategy loops.
Runs are quick, addictive, and perfect for PC players who also enjoy gaming on the go on handhelds or watching short clips on mobile.
If you like clever design rather than giant graphics, Balatro is one of the best PC games to keep installed for “just one more run.”
Ideal for:
- Indie lovers and fans of Slay the Spire, Vampire Survivors, or other run‑based games.
- Players who want something that runs on almost any PC.
Platforms: PC and multiple consoles.
10. Stardew Valley (still a must‑play)
Stardew Valley continues to be recommended as one of the best PC games to play in 2026 thanks to constant updates, mod support, and its relaxing yet deep farming‑life gameplay.
You can farm, fish, mine, befriend villagers, or focus on building the perfect layout while time quietly passes in your pixel town.
For PC and mobile‑first players, Stardew Valley is also available on multiple platforms and feels great even on lower‑end hardware or handheld devices.
If you somehow haven’t tried it yet, 2026 is still a perfect time to install it and lose dozens of hours to its cozy loop.
Ideal for:
- Casual gamers and anyone who wants a relaxing break from shooters.
- Players who enjoy mods and long‑term, chill progression.
Platforms: PC, consoles, and mobile.
Conclusion: The Best PC Games to Install in 2026
2026 is a fantastic year to be a gamer, whether you play mostly on PC, enjoy mobile titles, or switch between both. From massive open‑world adventures like Crimson Desert and the upcoming GTA 6 PC version to deep strategy hits like Total War: Warhammer 40,000 and Slay the Spire 2, there’s something for every kind of player ready to download and dive in.
If you love fast‑paced action, Hades II, Resident Evil Requiem, and High on Life 2 deliver intense gameplay that feels great with a mouse and keyboard.
For more relaxed or strategic sessions, Balatro and Stardew Valley are perfect games to keep installed on your PC for those “just one more run” moments.
Together, these titles represent some of the best PC games you can play in 2026, offering a mix of graphics, gameplay depth, and replay value that will keep you busy all year.
Now it’s your turn to pick your next adventure, check the system requirements, choose your favorite genre, and start installing the games that match your style. Whether you want scary horror, cozy farming, tactical battles, or endless exploration, this list gives you a strong starting point to build your 2026 gaming library.
