Pokémon Pokopia has reclaimed the top spot on Metacritic, surpassing Resident Evil Requiem as the highest-rated game of 2026 following a recent surge in positive reviews.
The life simulation game, featuring Pokémon characters, now boasts an average score of 90 based on 101 critic reviews. While the score experienced some fluctuation initially, it has now stabilized at the top of the rankings, solidifying its position nearly three weeks after launch. This demonstrates the growing popularity of cozy gaming experiences within the broader video game market.
Resident Evil Requiem, from Capcom, currently holds the second-highest score with an average of 89. Despite the established popularity of the survival horror genre and its iconic protagonist, Leon Kennedy, it wasn’t enough to overcome the appeal of Pokopia.
Achieving a Metascore of 90 also establishes Pokémon Pokopia as not only the highest-rated game of 2026, but also the highest-rated title in the entire Pokémon franchise. The combination of Pokémon elements with the cozy style of games like Animal Crossing appears to have been a successful formula.
Source: GamesRadar
