While 2026 has already delivered plenty of major game releases, only two brand-new titles have managed to earn a Metacritic score of 90 or higher. Despite that, the year has still produced a strong lineup of critically acclaimed games across a wide variety of genres.
The rankings only include brand-new releases with at least 15 critic reviews. Re-releases, remasters, expansions, and DLC have all been excluded, making this a snapshot of the best completely new games released during the first half of 2026.
Only Two Games Have Reached 90+
Leading the pack is Forza Horizon 6, which currently sits at a Metacritic score of 90. Playground Games’ latest open-world racer has been praised for its stunning visuals, expansive world, and addictive driving gameplay. The game is also available through Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass, making it an easy recommendation for subscribers.
Sharing the top spot is Mina the Hollower, also with a score of 90. Developed by Yacht Club Games, the retro-inspired action-adventure draws inspiration from classic Zelda titles such as Link’s Awakening DX while introducing its own blend of exploration, platforming, challenging boss battles, and Souls-inspired mechanics. Its affordable $20 price tag and strong replay value have also helped it stand out among critics.
Highest-Rated New Games of 2026
Below are the highest-rated brand-new games released so far in 2026:
| Game | Metacritic Score |
|---|---|
| Forza Horizon 6 | 90 |
| Mina the Hollower | 90 |
| Pokemon Pokopia | 89 |
| Resident Evil Requiem | 89 |
| Mewgenics | 88 |
| 007 First Light | 87 |
| Saros | 87 |
| Nioh 3 | 86 |
| Mixtape | 86 |
| OPUS: Prism Peak | 86 |
A Strong Year Across Multiple Genres
Although only two games have crossed the coveted 90-point threshold, 2026 has been notable for its diversity. Racing, life simulation, survival horror, strategy, action RPGs, narrative adventures, and platformers are all represented among this year’s highest-rated releases.
With several major titles still scheduled to launch later in 2026, including some of the year’s most anticipated games, the rankings could change significantly before the year comes to a close.
