Image Source: Empire
GTA6 is notably absent from Empire’s latest ranking of the best games of 2026 so far. The feature, updated on 31 July 2026, celebrates ten major releases across action, adventure, racing, role-playing and horror, but it does not include Grand Theft Auto 6 or provide any new information about Rockstar Games’ highly anticipated title.
That absence is important for fans searching for the latest GTA6 news. Empire’s article focuses on games already available and reviewed during the first half of the year, meaning its list is a snapshot of releases that players can experience now rather than a wider forecast of upcoming blockbusters.
Why GTA6 Is Missing From Empire’s 2026 Games Ranking
Empire’s list is built around completed releases, critical impressions and games that have already made an impact in 2026. Since GTA6 is not discussed in the supplied feature, there is no fresh release-date confirmation, trailer announcement, gameplay reveal or platform update to report from this source.
It also means readers should be cautious about treating the ranking as a complete overview of every major game expected this year. The article is an editorial selection, not an official industry schedule. Its focus is on the titles that have already reached players, including several high-profile games that have generated strong reviews.
In short, the feature confirms only what it covers: a selection of the best games released so far. It does not confirm a delay, cancellation or change to the status of GTA6.
The Explosive Games Leading Empire’s List
At number one, Empire places Resident Evil Requiem, describing it as a masterful return to form for Capcom’s long-running horror franchise. The game splits its story between returning protagonist Leon S. Kennedy and newcomer Grace Ashcroft, using third-person action and first-person horror to create two distinct experiences.
Saros takes second place. Developed by Housemarque, the science-fiction action game follows corporate space soldier Arjun Devraj on the mysterious world of Carcosa. Empire praises its precise combat, roguelike structure and cosmic-horror atmosphere, while highlighting how it builds on the ideas established by Returnal.
Third place goes to Forza Horizon 6, which moves the open-world racing series to Japan. The feature applauds its detailed environments, Japanese car culture influences and huge selection of customisable vehicles. Tokyo, rural communities and natural landscapes all feature in what Empire calls a breathtaking, if condensed, setting.
007 First Light and Mixtape Stand Out
007 First Light ranks fourth, giving players an origin story for a 26-year-old James Bond. Developed by IO Interactive, the game follows Bond’s recruitment into MI6 and combines shooting, driving and stealth mechanics. Empire highlights Patrick Gibson’s performance and the game’s strong spy-thriller foundations.
At number five, Mixtape offers a very different kind of experience. The narrative adventure follows Stacey Rockford and her closest friends during their final days before high school ends. Empire compares it to a playable John Hughes film, praising its emotional storytelling and carefully selected soundtrack despite its highly linear structure.
Powerful Variety Across the Top Ten
The remaining entries show just how broad the 2026 gaming landscape has become. Cairn places sixth, challenging players to climb the mythical Mount Kami while balancing stamina, hunger and thirst. Pragmata follows at number seven with a distinctive combination of first-person shooting and real-time puzzle-solving.
Pokémon Pokopia ranks eighth, blending life-simulation features with sandbox building and Pokémon exploration. LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight takes ninth, with Empire praising its tighter storytelling, nuanced combat and detailed version of Gotham City. Finally, MIO: Memories In Orbit completes the ranking with its atmospheric exploration, challenging bosses and beautifully painted science-fiction environments.
What This Means For GTA6 Fans
For now, the most accurate takeaway is that Empire’s feature contains no new GTA6 announcement. There is no information in the article about a launch window, gameplay footage, story details, characters or technical features. Fans should therefore avoid reading the game’s absence as evidence of a delay or development problem.
Rockstar Games’ blockbuster remains one of the most closely watched projects in the industry, but reliable updates should come through official announcements or clearly attributed reporting. Empire’s 2026 roundup instead demonstrates how much competition has arrived while players continue waiting for the next Grand Theft Auto.
With Resident Evil Requiem, Saros and Forza Horizon 6 leading the current conversation, 2026 has already delivered a packed selection of major releases. Whether GTA6 eventually appears in a later year-end ranking will depend on when it launches and how it performs with critics and players.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is GTA6 included in Empire’s best games of 2026 list?
No. GTA6 is not included in the supplied Empire ranking, which features ten games already released and reviewed during 2026.
Does Empire’s list confirm a GTA6 delay?
No. The article does not mention a delay, cancellation or change to GTA6’s release plans. Its absence simply reflects the feature’s focus on games available so far.
Which game ranks first in Empire’s 2026 roundup?
Resident Evil Requiem ranks first, ahead of Saros and Forza Horizon 6.
What other major games appear on the list?
The ranking also includes 007 First Light, Mixtape, Cairn, Pragmata, Pokémon Pokopia, LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight and MIO: Memories In Orbit.
