10 Best Upcoming Games of October 2026

October 2026 is one of the most packed months for game releases this year. With GTA 6 launching on November 19, major publishers have made the calculated decision to ship their games in October rather than compete with what is shaping up to be the biggest game launch in history. The result is a month that is unusually stacked across every genre and platform, from a long-awaited Gears of War prequel to a new Castlevania, a fresh Call of Duty, and one of the most anticipated action RPGs in years. Here are the top ten games releasing in October 2026 that we are excited about.

1. End of the Abyss

October kicks off immediately with End of the Abyss on the month's day one. Saber Interactive is mixing survival horror with Metroidvania exploration, which is a combination that does not come around often. If you are after something dark and atmospheric to open the month, this is the one to watch first.

2. Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve

The Ace Combat series returns with its eighth mainline entry. Bandai Namco has kept the signature high-speed aerial combat the series is known for while pushing the visuals and mission scope further than any previous entry. Flight sim fans and action players both have a reason to pay attention here.

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3. Gears of War: E-Day

One of the biggest Xbox releases of the year arrives on October 6. Gears of War - E-Day is a prequel set on Emergence Day, the single most pivotal moment in the Gears of War universe, when humanity lost the ground war to the Locust. Xbox Game Studios is taking the series back to its roots, and anticipation has been building since its reveal. You get day one access on Game Pass Ultimate.

4. Star Wars: Galactic Racer

Releasing on the same day as E-Day, Star Wars: Galactic Racer brings high-speed pod and ship racing back to the Star Wars universe. Lucasfilm Games is tapping into a corner of the franchise that has been dormant for years, and there is a clear appetite for it. A strong option if you are after something lighter with all the guns blazing releases this month.

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5. Planet Zoo 2

Frontier Developments follows up one of the best management sims of the last decade with Planet Zoo 2. The sequel expands on the original's animal care, habitat building, and park management systems with new species, biomes, and tools for both creative and campaign players. The first game had an enormous community, and the sequel is set to bring them all back.

6. Valor Mortis

Valor Mortis shares a release date with Planet Zoo 2, making October 13 a busy day. Published by Secret Mode, this action RPG has been building quiet momentum in the indie space. Details are still limited, but the combat system and world design have drawn comparisons to some of the more ambitious mid-tier RPGs of recent years.

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7. Castlevania: Belmont's Curse

Konami is bringing Castlevania back to its Metroidvania roots with Belmont's Curse. The 2D action-adventure format is exactly where the series has always been strongest, and a mid-October release puts it right in the heart of spooky season, which is a perfect fit for a Castlevania game. This is one of the most anticipated returns of a classic franchise in 2026.

8. Final Fantasy Resonance

Square Enix brings a new standalone Final Fantasy entry to market in late October. Final Fantasy Resonance is hitting all four major platforms, including Nintendo Switch 2, making it one of the most widely available entries in the series in years. RPG fans have a lot riding on this one, and Square Enix has kept story details tightly under wraps ahead of launch.

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9. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4

Call of Duty returns to the Modern Warfare sub-series for its fourth entry. Activision is once again targeting a late October window which keeps the franchise in its traditional release slot. Modern Warfare 4 is also coming to Nintendo Switch 2, expanding the audience significantly beyond previous entries in the series.

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10. Phantom Blade Zero

October closes out with one of the most visually striking action RPGs in recent memory. Phantom Blade Zero from S-GAME has been generating serious hype since its first reveal, with its fluid combat, dark wuxia aesthetic, and intense boss encounters drawing immediate comparisons to some of the best action games of the generation. PS5 and PC only for now, but the anticipation is sky-high.

10 Best Upcoming Games of October 2026 - Summary

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