Discover the best games of Gamescom 2026

Gamescom 2026 has officially crowned its award winners, including some of the most impressive games showcased at this year's event in Cologne. The Gamescom Awards recognized titles across 19 categories, with several major publishers and studios taking home multiple trophies.

Five platforms; five big winners

Among the winners are some of the biggest upcoming releases for Xbox, PC, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch 2, and mobile devices. From high-speed open-world racing to massive strategy battles and a long-awaited Rayman revival, these are the games that came out on top in their respective platform categories.

Best Microsoft Xbox Game: Forza Horizon 6

Forza Horizon 6 took home the award for Best Microsoft Xbox Game, giving Playground Games and Xbox Game Studios another reason to put the upcoming racer in the spotlight.

Forza Horizon 6 is taking the series to Japan, offering players a huge open-world environment inspired by the country's diverse landscapes, cities, countryside, and culture. The combination of fast cars, extensive exploration, and the series' signature festival atmosphere makes it a natural fit for Gamescom's Xbox award. The award also highlights Microsoft's major first-party presence at Gamescom 2026, with Forza Horizon 6 standing out as one of the most anticipated upcoming Xbox releases.

Best PC Game: Total War: WARHAMMER 40,000

For PC players, the big winner was Total War: WARHAMMER 40,000 from Creative Assembly and SEGA. The game brings the Total War formula into the grimdark universe of Warhammer 40,000, combining large-scale strategic warfare with the series' trademark emphasis on armies, territory, and tactical decision-making.

Considering the popularity of both the Total War franchise and Warhammer 40,000, the crossover has enormous potential. Its Gamescom award suggests that Creative Assembly's ambitious take on the setting made a particularly strong impression on attendees and judges.

Best Sony PlayStation Game: Onimusha: Way of the Sword

Capcom's Onimusha: Way of the Sword was named Best Sony PlayStation Game at Gamescom 2026. The new Onimusha brings the classic action franchise back with a modern presentation while retaining its historical Japanese setting and supernatural combat. Players take on hordes of demonic enemies using swords and other weapons in a fast-paced adventure packed with stylish action.

For Capcom, the award is another strong indication that the return of Onimusha has generated significant interest. After years away from the spotlight, the franchise is once again looking like a serious contender among upcoming action games.

Best Nintendo Switch 2 Game: Rayman Legends Retold

Nintendo Switch 2 players had a particularly nostalgic winner. Rayman Legends Retold was crowned Best Nintendo Switch 2 Game. Ubisoft is revisiting one of its best platformers with this new version of Rayman Legends. The original game became known for its inventive levels, fluid platforming, colorful art direction, and chaotic multiplayer action, making it a natural match for Nintendo's hybrid console.

Rayman Legends Retold could also be an especially attractive proposition for players looking for a polished platforming experience on Switch 2. Winning its platform category at Gamescom gives Ubisoft's return to the series an extra dose of momentum.

Best Mobile Game: Where Winds Meet

The mobile category went to Where Winds Meet from Everstone Studio and NetEase Games.

Set in a richly detailed version of ancient China, Where Winds Meet blends open-world exploration, martial arts combat, RPG systems, and an expansive narrative. Bringing that experience to mobile is no small technical achievement, making its Gamescom award particularly notable.

The mobile version demonstrates how increasingly ambitious games are making their way onto smartphones and tablets. Where Winds Meet is far from the smaller-scale experiences traditionally associated with mobile gaming, offering a sprawling world and action-focused gameplay designed to appeal to a much broader audience.

Five Totally Different Games

The Gamescom Awards 2026 winners demonstrate just how varied the gaming landscape has become. Forza Horizon 6 represents Xbox's blockbuster racing ambitions, while Total War: WARHAMMER 40,000 brings massive-scale strategy to PC. On PlayStation, Onimusha: Way of the Sword marks the return of a classic action franchise. Nintendo Switch 2 gets a colorful platforming adventure with Rayman Legends Retold, while Where Winds Meet shows just how ambitious mobile games have become.

These five games have emerged as some of the most noteworthy titles to watch across their respective platforms. And for players deciding what deserves a place on their wishlist, these awards provide a useful shortlist of Gamescom's biggest standouts. Of course, you can keep track of the best deals to purchase those games at the cheapest price with our comparator.