GameRant Lists Top 10 Best Games of 2026 So Far Based on Metacritic Scores
GameRant has published a ranking of the ten best games of 2026 so far, based on data from Metacritic. According to the report, the number of titles scoring 90 or above this year is notably lower than previous years. However, the list of games rated 80 and above covers a wide range of genres, including racing, action-adventure, role-playing, strategy simulation, and life simulation, offering solid choices for players with varied tastes. The ranking excludes remasters, remakes, DLC, and titles with fewer than 15 critic reviews.
Forza Horizon 6 and Mina the Digger are tied at the top of the list, both holding a score of 90. The former continues the acclaimed open-world racing franchise, while the latter is a new title that has earned critical praise. Following closely behind at 89 points are Pokemon Pokopia and Resident Evil: Requiem, both major franchise entries that have performed well with critics this year.
At 88 points, The Binding of Meow sits in fifth place, followed by 007: First Sting and Saros Period tied at 87 points. Nioh 3, Remix Youth, and OPUS: Heart of Our Mountain round out the bottom three positions, each holding a score of 86. The list demonstrates strong diversity, with everything from action RPGs to narrative adventures receiving positive critical reception in the first half of 2026.
With ten titles scoring 86 or higher, the first half of 2026 has delivered a respectable lineup despite the lack of many 90-plus blockbusters. The range of genres represented suggests that players across different tastes have had plenty to enjoy. This is a solid collection worth exploring for anyone looking to catch up on the year’s most critically acclaimed releases so far.
