Mina the Hollower has dethroned Forza Horizon 6 as the highest rated game of 2026, according to Metacritic averages. The indie title from Yacht Club Games, the studio behind Shovel Knight, achieved a score of 92 on PC and PlayStation 5, slightly edging out Forza Horizon 6's 91 on Xbox Series X/S. This marks a significant milestone for Yacht Club, as Mina the Hollower is their first new game since Shovel Knight launched in 2014, excluding expansions and spin-offs.
A Remarkable Achievement for Indie Gaming
The game's success is particularly noteworthy given Yacht Club's recent financial struggles. In December 2025, studio head Sean Velasco admitted that Mina the Hollower was a 'make-or-break' project, with sales of 500,000 copies needed for financial stability. The positive critical reception, with a Metacritic score of 92, positions the game as a strong contender for both Best Indie Game and overall Game of the Year awards.
Strong Month for Video Games
May 2026 has been an exceptional month for gaming, with several highly anticipated releases earning critical acclaim. Alongside Mina the Hollower, titles such as 007 First Light, Lego Batman, Yoshi And The Mysterious Book, and Mixtape have all received positive reviews. 007 First Light, in particular, has been praised as one of the best James Bond games in years.
Mina the Hollower will launch on May 29 for Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X/S, PC, and PlayStation 5. The Switch 2 version currently holds a Metacritic score of 86, slightly lower than its counterparts due to fewer reviews.
Top-Rated Games of 2026 So Far
Metacritic's current list of the highest rated games of 2026 (excluding re-releases and DLC) includes:
- Mina the Hollower – 92
- Forza Horizon 6 – 91
- Pokémon Pokopia – 89
- Resident Evil Requiem – 89
- Mewgenics – 88
- 007 First Light – 87
- Saros – 87
- Hermit & Pig – 87
- Titanium Court – 87
- Perfect Tides: Station To Station – 86
- Nioh 3 – 86
- Mixtape – 86
- OPUS: Prism Peak – 86
- Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection – 86
- Cairn – 86
- Timberborn – 85
- Esoteric Ebb – 85
- Pragmata – 85
- Wax Heads – 85
- Demon Tides – 84
While some titles like Cairn and Monster Hunter Stories 3 have received mixed personal opinions, the overall list reflects a strong lineup of quality games, boding well for the remainder of 2026.
