New games in May 2026: These are the highlights for console and PC
Halfway through the gaming year, we’re already here, but after several months packed with blockbusters, May isn’t the end. Numerous major releases are on the horizon, from a new James Bond game to a high-speed tour of Japan in Forza Horizon 6.
In addition to these major releases, several smaller games are also coming out, many of which will enter Early Access. If you’re planning for the coming month, we’ve compiled a list of the biggest games releasing in May.
Wax Heads
- Publication date: May 5th
- Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Switch
Wax Heads feels like one of those games designed specifically for a generation that grew up with films like Empire Records and High Fidelity. It’s a cozy punk narrative simulation about keeping a record store afloat. It’s up to you to chat with your quirky customers, curate the perfect music selection to lift their spirits, and seize every opportunity to slack off. Billed as a game about community, musical mysteries, and the outsider spirit, Wax Heads also features dozens of original tracks for unforgettable moments.
Mixtape
- Publication date: May 7
- Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Switch 2
In keeping with May’s musical theme, this month’s Mixtape is a must-have. Set to the soundtrack of a generation, Mixtape follows three friends on their final adventure, where they discover a collection of memories and experience the biggest hits of their teenage years.
Dead As Disco
- Publication date: May 5th
- Platforms: PC (via Early Access)
What happens when you combine a combat system inspired by the Batman: Arkham games with a mixtape of chart-topping hits? You get Dead As Disco, a stylish beat-’em-up where you unleash the biggest hits on anyone who gets in your way. The rhythmic action game launches this month in Early Access for PC, and players can look forward to diving into the first story arc as Charlie Disco, a fallen star determined to fight his way back to the top by battling his way through his former bandmates.
Alabaster Dawn
- Publication date: May 7
- Platforms: PC (via Early Access)
The next game from Radical Fish Games, the developers of CrossCode, Alabaster Dawn, follows Juno, the Chosen One of the Outcasts, on her quest to restore a ruined world. Alabaster Dawn offers gripping combat and challenging puzzles, along with vibrant and impressive visuals that blend a unique 2.5D style with pixel art and a subtle 3D perspective. The result is a game that would fit seamlessly into a collection of SNES JRPGs, yet stands out from the crowd thanks to its modern graphical elements.
Devil May Cry: Season 2
- Publication date: May 12
Devil May Cry Season 2 marks the grand debut of Dante’s brother Vergil, and it looks like the series will put its own spin on the franchise’s biggest villain and most polarizing game. If it’s anything like the first season, we can expect Dante’s return to be another barrage of gunfire, swords, and heavy metal music.
Directive 8020
- Publication date: May 12
- Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S
Supermassive Games is reaching for the stars with the next installment of the Dark Pictures series, as the anthology boldly ventures into space. Like its predecessors in the Dark Anthology, Directive 8020 is a cinematic horror adventure that combines choice-based gameplay with branching storylines. John Carpenter’s “The Thing” served as a strong inspiration for this science fiction chapter, enabling the implementation of a trust-based gameplay system in the game while the new fast travel system This will be good news for completionist fanatics.
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle
- Publication date: May 12
- Platforms: Switch 2
What could be better than exploring ancient secrets, discovering archaeological treasures, and beating up Nazis? All while watching the movie. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is available on Switch 2 this month.
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle on Amazon
Darksiders: Warmastered Edition
- Publication date: May 19
- Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S
All good things come in threes: Darksiders from 2010 is released. anew For PlayStation and Xbox. This is the Warmastered Edition of Darksiders with all the DLC from the original version, optimized for PS5 and Xbox Series X in 4K. If you haven’t played it yet: Imagine Devil May Cry and The Legend of Zelda – that will give you a rough idea of what to expect.
Darksiders: Warmastered Edition on Amazon
Forza Horizon 6
- Publication date: May 19
- Platforms: PC, Xbox Series X|S
After stops in Australia, Great Britain, and Mexico, the Forza Horizon Festival finally arrives in the capital of automotive culture: Japan. Forza Horizon 6 remains true to its proven concept of fast cars and spectacular events, but also introduces some new features. Players must climb several ranks to unlock the game’s best supercars. With each rank increase, they receive a golden bracelet that unlocks an exclusive area of the map: Legend Island. There, new events and challenges await them.
Furthermore, developer Playground Games states that Japan is the largest map in Forza Horizon to date, and players can even customize their own property when they are not participating in races or online car meets.
Thick as Thieves
- Publication date: May 20
- Platforms: PC (via Early Access)
Thick as Thieves is a new heist game that can be played in both co-op and single-player modes. The Early Access version offers a carefully curated selection of heists, two playable characters, two highly replayable maps, plenty of gear, and over a dozen contracts for added challenges. While the game does have a backstory, Thick as Thieves is primarily about diving into short and exciting missions in this spiritual successor to the legendary Thief games.
SpaceCraft
- Publication date: May 20
- Platforms: PC (via Early Access)
Everyone’s caught up in space fever right now, thanks to the Artemis II mission and the PS5 port of Starfield. Anyone wanting to experience even more of space can check out SpaceCraft at the end of the month. This ambitious space simulation game launches in Early Access and looks gigantic. Developer Shiro Games promises a seamless universe with multiple star systems where you can rise to become a powerful space corporation – that’s right, you can finally bring capitalism to space. Sorry, Soviet Premier Anatoly Cherdenko.
Coffee Talk Tokyo
- Publication date: May 21
- Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Switch 2, Switch
Forza Horizon isn’t the only video game series releasing in Japan this month. Visit Coffee Talk Tokyo for a fresh cup of coffee and a friendly chat with the owners of this charming café. In this cozy, story-driven visual novel, both humans and yokai are welcome. It’s up to you to create a haven for your guests by preparing drinks, making dialogue choices that affect character development, and building relationships.
Yoshi and the Mysterious Book
- Publication date: May 21
- Platforms: Switch 2
Following his starring role in the Super Mario Galaxy movie, the beloved little dinosaur experiences his first new video game since 2019’s Crafted World. Yoshi and the Mysterious Book is a 2D platformer set in a fairytale world and boasting a charming hand-drawn art style. Yoshi takes on the role of a naturalist, investigating mysterious creatures which he documents in his new adventure.
Yoshi and the Mysterious Book on Amazon
Zero Parades: For Dead Spies
- Publication date: May 21
- Platforms: PC
As the spiritual successor to Disco Elysium, ZA/UM’s new game puts you in the role of a spy returning for one last mission after a disastrous failure. Seeking redemption, you must hone your skills and rely on luck in this story-driven spy RPG as you rebuild a shattered network of allies and unravel a web of lies. Even a roll of the dice meant to help you tip the odds in your favor comes with its own set of risks. Failure is a surprisingly enjoyable part of Zero Parades and something you’ll experience frequently as you find yourself caught in the middle of a power struggle between various factions vying for cultural and ideological dominance.
Bubsy 4D
- Publication date: May 22
- Platforms: PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Switch 2, Switch
Bubsy could finally get the spotlight he’s been craving for decades, because Bubsy 4D is a solid-looking platformer with interesting gameplay mechanics, plenty of customization options, and an appealing art style. Add to that game modes specifically for speedrun fans, and Bubsy 4D looks like a lot of fun so far.
Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight
- Publication date: May 22
- Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S
Batman returns in May, and this time fans of the Dark Knight can look forward to a Lego game that celebrates his influence on the big screen. Legacy of the Dark Knight also appears to be inspired by Rocksteady’s Arkham games, blending these influences with the cinematic incarnations of Batman and the irreverent humor that developer TT Games has become known for in its other Lego games.
Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight at Amazon
007 First Light
- Publication date: May 27
- Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S
The name is Bond – James Bond. Britain’s biggest cultural export beyond Mr. Bean and Fatboy Slim is finally making his big comeback in video games this month. Developed by Hitman studio IO Interactive, 007 First Light tells the origin story of the MI6 agent and offers players a thrilling gaming experience with action, intrigue, and clever words to get out of tight spots – or, if things do go wrong, with fists, gadgets, and witty remarks.
Bluey’s Quest for the Gold Pen
- Publication date: May 28
- Platforms: PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Switch 2, Switch
The Bluey video game, developed by Halfbrick Studios, was released exclusively for Apple at the end of last year and is now finally available for other platforms: Bluey’s Quest for the Gold Pen. The game takes viewers on a rainy day at the Heeler house, inspired by doodles. It’s a great game for young fans of the popular animated series. With a heartwarming story and fun, Zelda-inspired puzzles, it’s the perfect alternative to a new episode of Bluey.
Paralives
- Publication date: May 25
- Platforms: PC via Steam Early Access
What should a life simulation fan do when The Sims keeps driving them crazy and InZoi doesn’t quite live up to expectations? Simple: try a new game in the genre! Paralives seems like just the thing for building a virtual life. The focus is on a smaller scale, allowing for a cozy gaming experience with lots of little details and a charming, handcrafted feel. The Early Access launch on Steam promises tons of content, including the chance to start a career, find love, and even become the richest person in town.
Romestead
- Publication date: May 26
- Platforms: PC (via Early Access)
Ah, Rome, sweet Rome. The fabled empire wasn’t built in a day, but nobody says it can’t be rebuilt quickly – and that’s exactly the task that awaits you in Romestead. The only problem? Keeping your citizens happy and advancing your civilization is hard enough. But capricious gods, zombies, and a world teeming with monsters straight out of ancient legends make things a whole lot more difficult. Luckily, Romestead provides all the tools you need to survive and thrive in this new world.
Shift at Midnight
- Publication date: May 28
- Platforms: PC (via Early Access)
Working behind a shop counter can be pretty annoying, but at least you don’t have to worry about a murderous monster trying to kill you in a gruesome way – right? That’s exactly what Shift at Midnight is all about, an online co-op game where three players stock the shelves and have to figure out if their customers are really human. One mistake, and you’ll have to prepare for the fight of your lives by barricading your shop, setting traps, and hoping your team has a steady trigger finger.
