October is stacked in terms of new games releasing. In a similar vein to the mammoth month of September, October is also filled with AAA games and indies alike as they all dodge GTA 6's November launch. So, finding a title to pick up and play over the next few weeks can be pretty daunting, but don't worry, I'm here to help.
The rest of the GamesRadar+ team and I have carefully looked over every single October release and have settled on the top 5 games that we think are worth your time and attention. There are FPS darlings and a whole bunch of action-heavy titles waiting for you below. However, keep in mind that our picks are limited to just 5 in a massive wave of fresh titles. So, if you don't find something that speaks to you here, I highly recommend checking out our full round-up with our guide to all the new games for 2026 and beyond. Also, if you are after something for spooky season especially, we have an upcoming horror games list for you to check out as well.
But with that said, let's dive into the top 5 games you need to play this October and a quick overview of why they deserve the spotlight.
Release date: October 2, 2026Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S
We gave this new game a 4.5 out of 5-star rating in our Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve review, so of course I had to highlight it here as an October must-play. This is a title where you step into the cinematic shoes of an elite pilot who takes to the skies to blast a few enemies and earn your wings. Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve really does make you feel like a star in an action movie with all its intense dogfights, its rip-roaring soundtrack, and surprisingly good story. Bandai Namco's arcadey flight sim is unquestionably a strong entry in the Ace Combat franchise, and despite taking a while to fully get going, you'll enjoy every second of it. I will say there is room for improvement in terms of online features, but it's still an easy new game to recommend for sure.
Release date: October 6, 2026Platforms: PC, Xbox Series X|S
The next main installment in the Gears of War series, Gears of War: E-Day is a prequel to the original 2006 title, letting players experience the day the Locust Horde ambushed humanity. So far, all the trailers for this one look amazing. There are emotional moments as humanity comes under threat, and there is a ton of blood, gore, and gruff voices. The Gears games hold a special place in a ton of hearts, so getting to see where and how it all began is definitely something that is worth marking your calendars for.
Release date: October 6, 2026Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S
سەرچاوەی فەرمی بە زمانی ئینگلیزی: https://www.gamesradar.com/games/top-games-releasing-october-2026
