October 2026: the month of every release before GTA VI

With GTA VI expected on November 19, publishers have done the math: better to release your game before the Rockstar hurricane. As a result, October 2026 lines up more than eighty releases according to the gaming press calendars, including several blockbusters. Here are the ones you shouldn't have missed.

The big release calendar

• October 1: Rayman Legends Retold. The return of Ubisoft's hero in a revisited version of one of his best outings.
• October 6: Gears of War: E-Day (Xbox Series X|S, PC). The prequel from The Coalition, available day one on Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass. Buyers of the Premium edition had been playing it in early access since October 1.
• October 15: Castlevania: Belmont's Curse. Konami revives its gothic saga, a treat for fans of vampire hunting.
• October 22: Final Fantasy Resonance. Presented by the site Retrogems as the most anticipated game of the month.
• October 23: Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 (PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, Switch 2). Activision's yearly release, available day one on Nintendo's console.
• October 27: Minecraft on Switch 2. A native version, with the enhanced “Vibrant Visuals” graphics turned on by default.
• October 29: Phantom Blade Zero. S-Game's ultra-fast-paced action RPG, which has turned heads since its very first videos.

Why such a traffic jam?

The explanation comes down to three letters: GTA. Nobody wants to release a game the same week as the most anticipated sequel of the decade, or in the weeks that follow, when players will be busy roaming Vice City. October has therefore become the last window to stand out before the holiday season.

The BZH Gaming corner

Frequently asked questions

What are the big games released in October 2026?

Among the most anticipated: Rayman Legends Retold (October 1), Gears of War: E-Day (October 6), Castlevania: Belmont's Curse (October 15), Final Fantasy Resonance (October 22), Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 (October 23), Minecraft on Switch 2 (October 27) and Phantom Blade Zero (October 29).

When does Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 come out?

October 23, 2026 on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC and Nintendo Switch 2.

Is Gears of War: E-Day on Game Pass?

Yes, from its release on October 6, 2026, on Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass.

Sources

1. Les sorties jeux vidéo d'octobre 2026, encore un mois de folie avant l'arrivée de GTA 6 — Gameblog
2. Sorties jeux vidéo d'octobre 2026 : le calendrier complet — Geekslands
3. Calendrier des sorties jeux vidéo octobre 2026 — ActuGaming
4. Sorties jeux vidéo octobre 2026 : les 100 jeux du mois — Retrogems
5. Gears of War E-Day and Modern Warfare 4 lead October 2026 video game debuts — Mixvale
6. Minecraft for Switch 2 launches October 27 — Gematsu

Information checked as of the publication date; release dates and figures may change. Our method and corrections.