Entertainment
10 Greatest Digital Exclusive Video Games Right Now
It is sad to see, but physical video games are slowly dying, especially with the recent announcement that PlayStation will be moving away from physical releases in general. While fans are encouraged to buy physical games like Red Dead Redemption 2, the convenience of digital is hard to pass up. Everyone has their preference, but sometimes, games can only be bought digitally.
Whether it be through Steam, Epic Games, or on a console store page, fans can buy the digital version of almost any game. That is why this list will feature the ten greatest digital-exclusive video games right now based on trends, popularity, critical acclaim, design, narrative, visuals, originality, fan opinion, and overall quality. None of the games featured have a physical version, but they are still must-play titles.
‘Cairn’ (2026)
A lot of the games on this list will be indie titles since it is rare for a AAA game to only be digital, and one of the best indie releases this year was Cairn. Controlling a mountaineer named Aava, players control each individual limb to be the first person to climb the ominous and mysterious Mount Kami, which has made victims of everyone who has attempted to conquer it.
The grueling controls make the climb up the mountain even more challenging. However, it’s also quite immersive, never letting players get away with an easy time. Cairn takes it a step further by including resource management, giving it a more authentic feel. This video game has worldbuilding, fun gameplay, and offers a true challenge for those willing to take the risk.
‘Pokémon Champions’ (2026)
Pokémon already had one best-selling spin-off come out in 2026, but while that has a physical edition, Pokémon Champions does not. Reminiscent of old N64 and GameCube spin-offs, this game is free to play and lets players choose from a select roster of Pokémon and battle it out in an arena-based fighting game.
This turn-based strategic battler is solely focused on competitive multiplayer fights, ignoring the usual RPG elements in favor of pure battling fun. Pokémon Champions is the perfect game for players wanting a little extra Pokémon duels outside the mainline experience. Each match feels like a riveting new video game boss fight where players can test their skills and strategy against other gamers.
‘Marathon’ (2026)
There is an endless supply of free-to-play first-person shooters out there, most of which are digital exclusives, and the best new one of 2026 to play right now is Marathon. Taking place in a colony far in the future, players are characters called Runners who are tasked with taking down rival Runners to steal ancient artifacts while also dealing with aliens.
After years of updating Destiny 2, Bungie returned to this IP to bring back one of the best modern-day shooters. The extraction gameplay is just similar enough and just different enough to land in a particular niche of shooting games, not to mention the sharp gunplay and striking visuals make it a dazzling new game that more fans need to experience.
‘Palworld’ (2024/2026)
Pokémon Champions is one of the franchise’s best new spin-offs, but for players who don’t have a Nintendo Switch, the next best alternative is Palworld. Gamers are stranded on the Palpagos Islands, where they must build bases, catch pals, and survive the harsh conditions while also learning about the dark mystery behind the island.
Palworld has been hit with some legal troubles and criticism from fans claiming it is a rip-off. And while some of the designs look exactly like Pokémon, it is different enough to stand on its own. The game recently released its 1.0 version, meaning there is even more to do. Palworld is Pokémon with base building, resource management, bigger boss fights, and gunplay, creating a wild experience that has taken the world by storm.
‘Marvel Rivals’ (2024)
While a lot of the best digitally exclusive video games right now are usually from this year, some games remain forever enjoyable, like Marvel Rivals, which came out in 2024. In this hero-based arena shooter, players choose from a selection of Marvel heroes and villains to battle it out for supremacy in a war between Doctor Doom and his future counterpart from 2099.
Marvel Rivals retains its player base with new characters and skins being continuously added on top of its addictive gameplay and assortment of beloved fighters. Marvel fans love it for the style, and gamers love it for the gameplay, which adds an extra layer through team-up abilities. Since it is free to play, Marvel Rivals is a definitive digital experience that fans can spend endless hours in.
‘Subnautica 2’ (2026)
Subnautica was a fabulous open-world deep-sea explorer, but it also had a physical release. However, that isn’t the case for Subnautica 2, which released its digital version in 2026. When a group of players lands on the underwater planet of Proteus to learn about the disappearance of some colonists, they need to track down the recordings to find them, as well as repair a power plant to learn more about the planet.
Subnautica 2 is only in its early access state, meaning there will be more to do in the future, and that this is just the early stage of the game. However, it is also a fantastic experience that elevates the typical underwater exploration with multiplayer, bringing gamers together to experience the wonder and scariness of the ocean floor. With one of the best worlds in video games, exploring is an absolute delight, and gamers can’t wait for what is in store when Subnautica 2 fully releases.
‘Mewgenics’ (2026)
It may have taken a long time to release, but after 13 years, Mewgenics is finally out, and it is already one of the best games of the year. Players breed different types of cats to create their perfect specimen with whatever traits they want. Gamers then send them out into procedurally generated turn-based combat to test their strength.
Mewgenics is one of the most unique recent video games, and for fans of turn-based RPGs, this is a must-play. Maybe it isn’t deserving of being on this list since there is a physical version confirmed for the future, but for the time being, Mewgenics is a digital exclusive. The complex breeding system offers emergent gameplay and systemic moments that keep each round fresh and innovative.
‘Pokémon Fire Red and Leaf Green’ (2004/2026)
Pokémon and Pokémon-adjacent video games are popular right now because, after a spin-off and an inspired game, the next entry on this list is Pokémon Fire Red and Leaf Green. This remake of the original game has players traveling around the Kanto region collecting gym badges while also battling Team Rocket and foiling their evil plans, leading into the player’s main goal of defeating the Champion.
This is a tricky game to include because it came out two decades ago through a physical format. However, Nintendo released Fire Red and Leaf Green on the Nintendo eShop in 2026, and there is no legitimate way to buy the old physical copies, meaning they are eligible for this list. The original was one of the best-selling video games ever, and this port is already selling like hotcakes, proving that fans want to re-experience OG Pokémon.
‘Meccha Chameleon’ (2026)
There is always a trendy video game that comes out every year which is cheap, fun to play, everyone plays it for months, and then it dies. While the last has yet to happen, Meccha Chameleon seems to be the hit trend of 2026. In it, a group of players is sent out into a world to hide, being able to paint themselves to blend in. A hunter is then set free to find the painted hiders in one of the most fun games of hide-and-seek.
Meccha Chameleon is the must-play game of summer 2026, reeling in millions of fans with its addictive gameplay that try-hards and casuals will both enjoy. This silly game has excellent replay value because each map has hundreds of new spots, and with fan-made maps, there are endless opportunities. Meccha Chameleon is an affordable game that players can sink hours into, proving it is the hit video game right now that is only available digitally.
‘Mixtape’ (2026)
Most of the big games that could earn a Game of the Year nomination are also on physical discs, but there is usually an indie game nominated, and the best bet so far to fill that spot is Mixtape. On the final night before high school ends, three friends reminisce about their best memories while planning to make a night they don’t forget.
Some gamers weren’t fans of the gameplay, mainly because it is a narrative-focused game without many specific inputs to control. However, the charm in this game lies in its fun micro-mechanics and nostalgic vibe that portrays a bittersweet feeling of highs and lows of youth. Mixtape features a gorgeous playlist and inventive mechanics that enhance the coming-of-age narrative, making it one of the best video games of the year so far.
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