Top 10 Must‑Play PS5 Games of 2026 (So Far)

Midway through 2026, a year that feels like a sprint, we’ve once again turned the spotlight onto the first half of the year, curating a list of the standout PS5 titles released to date.

Earlier this week, I launched a reader poll inviting fans to vote for the games they consider the most compelling releases of 2026 up to this point.

With more than 5,400 ballots cast, a definitive top ten has emerged. Out of fifty distinct PS5 launches, the titles that have risen to the summit truly resonate with the community.

It will be fascinating to observe how these frontrunners perform in our end‑of‑year Game of the Year tally. With a crowded calendar ahead, I doubt the current leaders will maintain their dominance when the final vote rolls around.

Here is the community‑curated leaderboard of the most popular PlayStation 5 games in 2026 to date:
10. Dragon Quest 7 Reimagined – 110 votes (2%)
9. Mina the Hollower – 122 votes (2%)
8. Nioh 3 – 134 votes (2%)
7. LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight – 176 votes (3%)
6. Hades 2 – 231 votes (4%)
5. Saros – 432 votes (8%)
4. Crimson Desert – 534 votes (10%)

Despite a prolonged marketing push, I had always believed Pragmata would resonate if its gameplay delivered, yet its unexpected surge in popularity surprised me.

Capcom has unveiled a fresh IP—a distinctive third‑person shooter—that has struck a chord with a vast audience, delivering both emotional depth and polished mechanics.

Capcom is proving its mettle not only with its long‑running franchises but also with fresh IPs. Securing third place on the list is no small feat, yet Pragmata has made it look effortless—a testament to their skill.

James Bond returns, and this time he delivers a thunderous comeback. IO Interactive has crafted an action‑stealth title that excels in both narrative confidence and exhilarating gameplay.

The new Bond resonates strongly with players. As a rough‑around‑the‑edges rookie, his turbulent journey across the campaign feels all the more compelling.

First Light may not break new ground, but it embraces its influences proudly and fuses them with a swagger that perfectly matches the brand.

Two Capcom titles occupying the top three spots? Predictable, perhaps, but it underscores the studio’s mastery of its flagship horror franchise. Resident Evil Requiem’s presence on the list is a testament to how deftly Capcom has evolved the series over the past decade.

Requiem feels like a curated anthology, seamlessly oscillating between tense survival sequences and high‑octane, axe‑wielding combat. It nails both modes while delivering a familiar, albeit cheesy, Resident Evil narrative that keeps players hooked.

Hats off to Resident Evil Requiem—our provisional Game of the Year. Yet we’ll have to see if it can hold its own against the heavy hitters still on the horizon.

What’s your take on this top‑ten list? Do you agree with the public’s choices, or do you think some titles were overlooked? Share your arguments in the comments below.