5 Best Action Games Of 2026 (So Far)

The action genre encompasses many different branches of the gaming industry, from first-person shooters to action RPGs, each with their own appeal and gameplay mechanics. With such a far-ranging scope in experiences, there have been plenty of excellent action games released throughout 2026. From long-dormant franchises revived for modern audiences to the launch of brand-new properties, action has been well-represented this year. And with that observation in mind, we're taking a look back at some of the most superbly handled action-packed titles of the year.

Whether it's vehicle-based, open-world, or with prominent RPG elements, we're casting a wide net in spotlighting excellence in action games. Simply put, there's been an outstanding action title for gamers of all sensibilities released this year, and we're naming our favorites. Each of these titles are well worth a try, bringing something fresh and exciting to the broader genre. Here are the five best action games of 2026 so far, each bringing their own variations on thrilling spectacle.

After "Pragmata" was delayed by several years, the Capcom game finally got released in April 2026, six years after its announcement. A science fiction action title, the game follows protagonist Hugh Williams as he investigates what's gone wrong at a lunar mining outpost. Hugh teams up with an android named Diana who hacks into enemy robots, exposing their vulnerabilities for Hugh to exploit during combat. This seamlessly blends third-person shooter action with light puzzle-solving as Hugh and Diana work together, while Hugh gains a growing arsenal of sci-fi weapons.

"Pragmata" quickly proved to be worth the wait, becoming one of the best video games of 2026 so far. The two different gameplay mechanics mesh together well, keeping players riveted as the action escalates. The upward scale in difficulty is handled well, too, as are the customization options for players to create their optimal build for dealing with the increasingly formidable enemies. Given time to cook, Capcom delivered a sci-fi masterpiece with "Pragmata," giving the company a new hit property to enjoy.

With the absence of a major James Bond video game since 2012's "007 Legends," "007 First Light" was one of the most anticipated video games of 2026. Bringing the project to life was IO Interactive, the studio behind the popular "Hitman" game series, which seemed like the perfect match. The game itself provides a bold new origin story for Bond, who joins MI6 just in time to expose a threat within the intelligence agency. While the game occasionally features missions with the multifaceted sandbox gameplay that made "Hitman" so memorable, it does frequently lean into more overtly explosive action.

"007 First Light" feels like a complete rebirth for James Bond, at least as far as the franchise's video games are concerned. It's so good that it washes away the memory of the huge James Bond game flop that was "007 Legends" and its uninspired first-person gameplay. The new game features a magnificent cast, intuitive third-person handling, and action set pieces worthy of a blockbuster film. And with IO Interactive continuing to release content like additional challenge mode missions months after its launch, "007 First Light" is a game worth revisiting regularly.

A recurring trend you'll see on this list are video game properties that received long-awaited revivals this year. As far as Nintendo was concerned, we were wondering if we'd ever get another "Star Fox" game after the lackluster prequel "Star Fox Zero" on the Wii U. Fortunately, a decade later, Nintendo brought its space shooter franchise back with "Star Fox" on the Nintendo Switch 2. A complete remake of "Star Fox 64," the game faithfully retells Fox McCloud leading his squadron to liberate the Lylat System from the villainous Andross.

With its significantly upgraded technical presentation, "Star Fox" recaptures the spacefaring action from its '90s source material. The vehicle handling is noticeably improved while adding online functionality in a variety of new features, including an ambitiously revamped multiplayer mode and the addition of challenges of all the game's fan-favorite levels. A big step in the right direction for the franchise, "Star Fox" on the Nintendo Switch 2 feels like the series is gaining its second wind.

Capcom has had an incredibly strong year, with its latest major release (not counting updates to preexisting titles) being "Onimusha: Way of the Sword." The first "Onimusha" game in 20 years, the game follows historical samurai Miyamoto Musashi after he's resurrected with a mythical Oni gauntlet. As he becomes used to his growing magical powers and abilities, Musashi moves to save feudal Kyoto from the demonic threats poised to subjugate the city. Like prior "Onimusha" games, the combat places a heavy emphasis on defensive timing, striking enemies after parrying or dodging incoming attacks.

For two decades, we kept wondering whatever happened to "Onimusha," once a major presence for Capcom during the PlayStation 2 era. "Way of the Sword" feels like the most accessible game in the entire series, providing challenging gameplay in a way that isn't off-putting. This comes from combat handling that feels responsive and relatively easy to learn, rewarding you every time you pull off a perfect parry or counterattack. A successful relaunch for one of Capcom's seemingly forgotten properties, "Onimusha: Way of the Sword" is a fantastic hack-and-slash adventure.

"The Witcher" series contains some of the best fantasy games of all time, but the franchise gets some sanguine competition with "The Blood of the Dawnwalker." The game is set in an Eastern European kingdom in the 14th century that's become subjugated by vampires. Its protagonist, Coen, is transformed into a half-vampire and given 30 days to rescue the rest of his family from the bloodthirsty undead. A third-person action RPG, the gameplay mechanics for Coen vary between night and day, as his vampiric abilities are activated when the sun goes down.

"The Blood of the Dawnwalker" is the perfect fantasy action game for anyone familiar with not just "The Witcher," but also titles like "Dragon Age." The variety in night and daytime gameplay keeps the action fresh and different while the 30-day premise makes every task and quest feel more urgent. But there is also a level of freedom that comes with developer Rebel Wolves' open world that elevates the title. An excellent action RPG that'll help tide over the wait for "The Witcher 4," "The Blood of Dawnwalker" treads on familiar territory with a bloodletting twist.