As the calendar turns to 2026, gamers have a chance to revisit familiar titles before the year’s most anticipated releases arrive. With major launches like Resident Evil Requiem, Grand Theft Auto VI, and Phantom Blade Zero on the horizon, the early weeks of the year are an ideal time to start a new save file. Several games from the past decade continue to offer compelling experiences, whether through updates, technical improvements, or additional modes that change the way they are played.
Why Stardew Valley Remains Relevant
Nearly ten years after its initial release, Stardew Valley continues to be a staple of the farming simulation genre. While early gameplay may have felt repetitive to some players, the game has received numerous updates, adding new content and quality-of-life improvements. For those who tried the game at launch but did not fully engage, revisiting it now provides a refreshed experience with more activities, expanded mechanics, and additional events, making it worth another run in 2026.
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl’s Second Chance
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl initially faced criticism for performance issues and bugs following its 2020 release. Since then, developer GSC Game World has implemented multiple updates to improve optimisation and address technical shortcomings. With these changes, the survival horror title now offers a smoother and more stable experience. Players who were discouraged by the launch problems can now explore the radioactive Zone with fewer interruptions and a more refined gameplay loop.
Fallout 4 Anniversary Edition Returns
Fallout 4 continues to attract attention with its Anniversary Edition, which combines all six official DLCs and more than 150 Creation Club items. The release provides a comprehensive opportunity for both new and returning players to explore the post-apocalyptic world of the Commonwealth. With Fallout Season 2 streaming on Prime Video and the next mainline installment years away, 2026 is a convenient time to immerse oneself in one of Bethesda’s most expansive RPGs.
Ball x Pit Brings a Unique Challenge
Released in late 2025, Ball x Pit combines elements of roguelike, brick-breaking, and base-building gameplay into a single strategic experience. Players must manage ricocheting balls to defeat enemies while collecting resources to expand their homestead and recruit new heroes. Despite being a lesser-known indie title, its combination of survival mechanics and procedural progression offers a fresh challenge for players looking for something different to start anew in 2026.
A New Perspective on The Last of Us Part II
The Last of Us Part II introduced a controversial narrative structure, but a ‘Chronological Mode’ released in mid-2025 allows players to experience the story in timeline order. By starting with Abby instead of Ellie, the mode provides an alternative narrative perspective and encourages players who may have struggled with the original story structure to revisit the game. This change offers deeper insight into character motivations and story development, making it a worthwhile return for fans of the title.
Baldur’s Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin II: RPGs Worth Revisiting
Baldur’s Gate 3 has consistently received content updates since its launch, making each playthrough distinct. The Dungeons & Dragons-inspired RPG continues to offer a complex and rewarding experience for returning players. Similarly, Divinity: Original Sin II, first released in 2017, remains relevant as Larian Studios prepares for future projects. Both games provide extensive opportunities for exploration, strategic gameplay, and narrative variation, ensuring that a fresh playthrough in 2026 can feel notably different from previous runs.
Stardew Valley
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl
Fallout 4 (Anniversary Edition)
Ball x Pit
The Last of Us Part II
Baldur’s Gate 3
Divinity: Original Sin II
Make sure to check out our articles about top games to play in 2026:
Best Nintendo Switch Games for 2026
Best First-Person Shooters for 2026
Best PlayStation Indie Games for 2026
Best Multiplayer Games for 2026
Most Anticipated Games of 2026
Top Game Releases for January 2026
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why should I start a new playthrough instead of continuing my old save?
Starting a new save allows players to experience updates, expansions, and new modes that were not available during the initial playthrough. It also offers a fresh perspective on story and gameplay mechanics.
Are these games worth replaying if I already finished them?
Yes. Many of the titles have received updates or added features that change gameplay or narrative, making a new playthrough different from the original experience.
Will these games be compatible with current hardware?
Most of the games mentioned, including S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 and Fallout 4 Anniversary Edition, have been updated to run on modern platforms with improved performance and optimisations.
Are any of these games connected to web3 or blockchain features?
No. None of the titles listed include web3 or blockchain integration; they remain traditional single-player and multiplayer experiences.
What types of players might enjoy these games again in 2026?
Returning players who want to explore new content, experience improved performance, or replay with different strategies will find these games particularly appealing. They are suitable for both long-time fans and newcomers.
