Major Microsoft Games Expected on Xbox & PC in 2026

After a busy 2025, Xbox seems to be gearing up for another significant year, with a compelling mix of blockbuster sequels and ambitious new intellectual properties on the horizon for 2026. If the rumors and early looks are anything to go by, Xbox and PC players have a lot to get excited about.

What changed most: The biggest signal from the potential 2026 lineup is Xbox’s commitment to diversifying its first-party portfolio, pairing a highly anticipated racing sequel with bold new RPGs that could define the generation for the platform.

  • Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, PC
  • Release: Various dates expected in 2026
  • Price: TBA for most titles
  • Developer: Various (Playground Games, inXile Entertainment, Undead Labs)
  • Genre: Racing, RPG, Survival Horror

Forza Horizon 6

Leading the charge is the rumored return of a racing king. The source material points to a release date for Forza Horizon 6 from Playground Games. While we should take that specific date with a grain of salt until officially confirmed, the five-year gap since Forza Horizon 5 makes a 2026 release feel plausible. I wouldn’t be surprised to see the franchise continue its reign as the top open-world racer.

Clockwork Revolution

On the new IP front, my eyes are locked on Clockwork Revolution, the steampunk first-person RPG from inXile Entertainment. Described as a steampunk take on BioShock, it was first revealed in 2023 and received a gameplay trailer during the June 2025 Xbox Games Showcase. Built on Unreal Engine 5, its time-bending mechanics and aesthetic have positioned it as a potential breakout hit.

State of Decay 3

Finally, there’s the enigmatic State of Decay 3. Developer Undead Labs is also leveraging Unreal Engine 5 for the next chapter in its zombie survival series. Concrete details have been scarce since its announcement, causing some community concern, but the project survived Microsoft’s 2025 layoffs, suggesting development is still actively underway.

The sentiment among gamers is a mix of high excitement and cautious optimism. The prospect of a new Forza Horizon is almost universally celebrated, as Playground Games has an incredible track record. However, the long silence surrounding State of Decay 3 has fans worried, even if they remain hopeful. According to inXile Entertainment, Clockwork Revolution aims to be a deep, narrative-driven RPG, which has drawn strong interest from fans of the genre looking for the next big single-player adventure.

For Xbox and PC gamers, 2026 is shaping up to be a year defined by variety. Whether you’re a racing fanatic, an RPG devotee, or a survival horror veteran, Xbox Game Studios appears to have something in the pipeline for you. Keep an eye out for official announcements, especially for Clockwork Revolution and State of Decay 3, as they could be the system-sellers Microsoft has been building towards.