Top Shooter Games to Watch in 2026: Will Xbox Studios Dominate?

2025 marked a remarkable year for shooter games, setting a high bar for 2026. The new year promises an equally thrilling lineup, primarily fueled by Xbox Studios releasing two major shooter titles: Halo Campaign Evolved and Gears of War E-Day. Add Bungie’s Marathon to the mix, and these three stand out as the most eagerly awaited shooter games of the year. Nonetheless, there might still be unexpected surprises along the way. Dive into the details of our top picks for the upcoming year.

Highguard (January 26, 2026 – PC, PS5, XSS/XSX)

Highguard, the latest announcement among our list, is poised to be the first to launch in 2026. Unveiled at Geoff Keighley’s The Game Awards 2025, its closing act was met with mixed reactions. Developed by Wildlight Entertainment, a studio comprising former Apex Legends, Titanfall, and Call of Duty developers, Highguard offers a competitive ‘raid shooter’ experience. Players, known as Wardens, engage in battles over a mystical continent, using both firearms and magical skills. The game features large maps with mounts like horses, panthers, and bears, adding a fantasy element that could set it apart.

Marathon (March 2026 – PC, PS5, XSS/XSX)

Bungie’s Marathon marks the studio’s return to its roots, reviving a franchise dormant for three decades. This iteration will be an extraction shooter, distinguishing itself with bio-cybernetic hero archetypes like Stealth, Medic, and Destroyer, each offering unique tactical abilities. Set on the UESC Marathon ship, players will engage in high-stakes scenarios to secure valuable artifacts. The game promises a persistent narrative driven by seasonal progression and unique achievements. Marathon will feature non-expiring battle passes and be priced at $39.99, offering a player-friendly live-service model. After delays, Marathon is set to launch in March 2026.

Halo: Campaign Evolved (TBA 2026 – PC, PS5, XSS, XSX)

As Bungie ventures into Marathon, Halo Studios, formerly known as 343 Industries, is revamping the iconic Halo: Combat Evolved. This remake, titled Halo: Campaign Evolved, focuses solely on the story mode, ditching multiplayer. Leveraging Unreal Engine 5 for visuals while retaining the Blam engine, the game introduces new features like vehicle hijacking, weapon zooming, and redesigned level elements. Notably, Halo: Campaign Evolved will be available to PlayStation users for the first time, potentially reigniting interest in the series.

Gears of War: E-Day (TBA 2026 – PC, Xbox Series S and X)

Gears of War: E-Day marks a return to linear storytelling, set fourteen years prior to the original Gears of War. Developed by The Coalition with People Can Fly, this installment explores the emergence of the Locust Horde on Sera. Players will follow COG soldiers Marcus Fenix and Dom Santiago as they navigate the chaos in the city of Kalona. The developers claim E-Day is their most ambitious project yet.

Witchfire (TBA 2026 – PC)

Witchfire, from Polish indie developer The Astronauts, has been in development for a considerable time. This dark fantasy shooter with roguelite elements began its journey post-The Vanishing of Ethan Carter. Initially exclusive to the Epic Games Store, the game moved to Steam after a year. The team recently launched ‘The Reckoning’ update and confirmed over 500K units sold. As is typical with early access, many players await the final release.