WHAT TO PLAY IN MAY 2026: TOP PICKS
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What to Play in May 2026: Top Picks
Skip the noise. Here are the games actually worth your time right now, based on critical consensus and player feedback.
Ghost of Tsushima Director's Cut
Genre: Action-Adventure
Platforms: PS5, PC
Metacritic: 85/100
This expanded version of Sucker Punch's samurai epic keeps delivering. The Iki Island expansion adds meaningful content without overstaying its welcome.
Who it's for: Anyone who missed it the first time around. The photo mode alone justifies another playthrough.
Real talk: It's still the best open-world game that respects your time. No fetch quests disguised as content.
GHOST OF TSUSHIMA DIRECTORS CUT
The samurai game that gets everything right.
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It Takes Two
Genre: Co-op Adventure
Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, Xbox One, PC, Switch
Metacritic: 88/100
Hazelight Studios created something special here. Every level brings new mechanics without feeling gimmicky.
Who it's for: Couples gaming together. Parents wanting quality time with kids. Anyone tired of competitive multiplayer toxicity.
Real talk: The relationship drama is cringey, but the gameplay variety is unmatched. You'll forget about the story halfway through anyway.
IT TAKES TWO
Co-op done right with endless creativity.
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Hades
Genre: Roguelike Action
Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, Xbox One, Switch
Metacritic: 93/100
Supergiant's masterpiece still sets the roguelike standard. The writing, voice acting, and progression system remain untouchable.
Who it's for: Anyone who bounced off other roguelikes. Perfect for "just one more run" sessions that turn into three hours.
Real talk: This game makes dying fun. That's not hyperbole, that's game design mastery.
HADES
The roguelike that makes dying addictive.
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Returnal
Genre: Third-Person Shooter Roguelike
Platforms: PS5, PC
Metacritic: 86/100
Housemarque's bullet-hell masterpiece finally hit PC. The DualSense features on PS5 are incredible, but mouse and keyboard work great too.
Who it's for: Players who want Dark Souls difficulty with sci-fi horror vibes. Not for casual weekend warriors.
Real talk: This game will break you before you break it. The satisfaction when things click is unreal.
RETURNAL
Brutal sci-fi roguelike that punishes and rewards.
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Disco Elysium: The Final Cut
Genre: RPG
Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, Xbox One, Switch
Metacritic: 97/100
Still the best RPG writing ever put to pixels. The Final Cut adds full voice acting that somehow makes the incredible dialogue even better.
Who it's for: Anyone who thinks games can be art. Players who prefer thinking over shooting.
Real talk: This isn't a game, it's a masterclass in interactive storytelling. No combat, all conversation, pure brilliance.
DISCO ELYSIUM THE FINAL CUT
The smartest game ever made just got smarter.
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These five games represent the best of different genres. Pick based on your mood, not the hype cycle.
Reload complete. Feed your brain.