Top Games of 2026 Covered:

1. Grand Theft Auto VI - The biggest entertainment launch in history
2. Nioh 3 - Already dominating with 50+ hours of souls-like perfection
3. Avowed - Best RPG of 2025 coming to PS5
4. Marvel: TOKON Fighting Souls - Arc System Works + Marvel 4v4 fighter
5. Phantom Blade Zero - "Kungfupunk" aesthetic meets horror
6. 007: First Light - IO Interactive's take on Bond
7. Marvel's Wolverine - Insomniac's M-rated X-Men adventure
8. Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis - Reimagining the 1996 classic
9. Plus: Reanimal, High On Life 2, Mewgenics, Big Hops

3D Printing's Gaming Revolution:

1. Print Your Favorite Characters - Figurines for $5-20 vs. $50-200 official
2. Weapon Replicas - Gjallarhorn, Master Sword, Leviathan Axe
3. Cosplay Props - Professional-grade armor and accessories
4. Custom Controllers - Personalized gaming accessories
5. Tabletop Gaming - D&D miniatures and terrain sets
6. Convention Culture - Physical merch at gaming events
7. Studio Applications - How game developers use 3D printing

Practical Guidance:

• Complete beginner's guide to getting started
• Printer recommendations by budget ($200-$700+)
• Where to find STL files (free and premium)
• Legal considerations and best practices
• Future predictions for gaming + 3D printing convergence

Engaging Elements:

• Real cost comparisons showing massive savings
• Personal stories from Comic Con experiences
• Industry insider examples (Stranger Things, Marvel movies)
• Step-by-step action plans
• Community resources and connections

Level Up Your Gaming: The Hottest PS5 & Xbox Titles of 2026 (And How 3D Printing Is Revolutionizing How We Experience Them)

November 19, 2026. Mark it down. Circle it. Tattoo it on your gaming calendar if you have to.

That's the day Grand Theft Auto VI finally drops after 13 years of waiting—and it's just one of the absolute bangers landing on PS5 and Xbox this year.

But here's what's even more mind-blowing: while you're racing through Vice City or slashing through yokai in Nioh 3, there's a parallel revolution happening that's transforming how gamers physically interact with their favorite titles.

3D printing has gone from "cool hobby" to "how the hell did I game without this?"

You can now print a life-sized replica of your Guardian's Gjallarhorn from Destiny 2. You can create custom controllers adorned with symbols from your favorite franchise. You can build entire tabletop terrain sets inspired by your favorite RPGs. And you can do it all from your bedroom for the cost of what you'd spend on a few months of Game Pass.

Welcome to 2026, where the line between digital and physical gaming has blurred completely—and we're here for every pixelated, layer-by-layer moment of it.

The Gaming Blockbusters Dominating 2026

Let's start with what you're actually going to be playing. Because holy hell, this year's lineup is stacked.

🔥 Grand Theft Auto VI (November 19, 2026)

Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S
Why it matters: This isn't just a game release. This is a cultural event.

After several postponements and an eternity of waiting, the time is finally coming. On November 19, GTA 6 from Rockstar Games will finally be released. Grand Theft Auto 6 will finally continue the series 13 years after the fifth instalment launched and everything points to the development team creating the biggest and most ambitious open-world game of all time.

What's new:

• Two playable characters for the first time since GTA V
• Vice City returns - but this time in the modern era, not 2002
• Expanded map covering the entire spectrum from Miami-inspired metropolis to surrounding rural areas
• Next-gen only - built from the ground up for current-gen hardware

The hype is real: GTA 6 will undoubtedly be the most important game of 2026. Industry analysts predict it could become the highest-grossing entertainment product in history.

3D Printing Connection: Within hours of launch, expect the community to be printing custom Vice City landmarks, character figurines, and replicas of the game's legendary vehicles. The modding community is already warming up the printers.

⚔️ Nioh 3 (Available Now - February 2026)

Platforms: PC, PS5
Why it's dominating: Team Ninja's souls-like series just hit its peak.

Team Ninja's souls-like Nioh games have established themselves as fast-paced and punishing adventures. Nioh 3 doesn't stray from that established formula, but it does add compelling new additions and refinements that sharpen the experience.

What's new:

• "Open-field" design adds more exploration and discovery
• Quality-of-life enhancements that respect your time while maintaining challenge
• Rock-solid combat that's the best in the series
• 50+ hours of gameplay with co-op and repeatable endgame content

Critical reception: GameSpot calls it "the best game in the series to date and Team Ninja at its best."

3D Printing Connection: The yokai designs, samurai armor, and legendary weapons are already being recreated by the 3D printing community. Expect detailed helmet replicas and character figurines flooding Etsy and Printables.

🎮 Avowed (February 17, 2026 - Coming to PS5)

Platforms: PS5 (Xbox exclusive now multiplatform)
Why it's huge: One of the best RPGs of 2025 finally lands on PlayStation.

Nearly a year since its initial release, one of the best RPGs of 2025 is finally coming to the PS5. Set in the Pillars of Eternity universe, Avowed has you taking on the role of an envoy of Aedyr, who is sent to investigate a mysterious plague.

What makes it special:

• Deep choice-driven narrative where decisions matter
• Companion system with meaningful relationships
• First-person RPG excellence from Obsidian Entertainment
• Cross-save support for Xbox players transitioning to PS5

3D Printing Connection: The fantasy weapons, armor sets, and creature designs are prime 3D printing material. Cosplayers are already preparing for convention season.

🦸 Marvel: TOKON Fighting Souls (2026)

Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC
Why fighting fans care: Arc System Works + Marvel = magic

Here's a State of Play reveal that nobody had on the cards: Arc System Works (Guilty Gear, Double Dragon) has unveiled Marvel: TOKON Fighting Souls, a 4v4 tag team fighting game set in the Marvel universe.

Confirmed playable characters:

• Spider-Man
• Doctor Doom
• Ghost Rider
• Storm
• Captain America
• Iron Man
• (More to be announced)

3D Printing Connection: Custom fight sticks, character busts, and diorama scenes of epic Marvel battles are already in production. The Arc System Works art style translates beautifully to 3D printed figurines.

🗡️ Phantom Blade Zero (2026)

Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC
Why it's stunning: "Kungfupunk" meets horror in the most gorgeous way possible

Phantom Blade Zero is an intense and graphically impressive action game with a mythological Chinese setting that could become one of the absolute gaming highlights of 2026.

What sets it apart:

• "Kungfupunk" aesthetic - classic wuxia meets steampunk and horror
• 30+ weapon categories for deep combat variety
• Changing realities and beings of higher power
• Northlight engine with ray tracing and RTX effects

3D Printing Connection: The ornate weapons and Chinese mythological creature designs are cosplayer and collector gold. Expect intricate sword replicas and demon figurines.

🕵️ 007: First Light (2026)

Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC
Why Bond fans are hyped: IO Interactive + James Bond = Hitman-style espionage perfection

007: First Light puts James Bond in the hands of IO Interactive, developers behind the Hitman trilogy. The game explores Bond's origin story with gameplay systems proven across three Hitman releases.

What to expect:

• Stealth-action gameplay from the Hitman masters
• Origin story showing how Bond became 007
• Multiple approach solutions to every mission
• Been in development since 2020 when IO acquired the license

3D Printing Connection: Bond gadgets, miniature Aston Martins, and villain props are already being designed by fans. The spy aesthetic is perfect for 3D printed replicas.

🦴 Marvel's Wolverine (2026 - Date TBA)

Platforms: PS5 Exclusive
Why the hype is real: Insomniac + Wolverine = Berserker Barrage

Marvel's Wolverine delivers Insomniac's take on the X-Men character for PS5. Marvel's Wolverine carries high expectations after Insomniac's Spider-Man games sold tens of millions combined.

What we know:

• M-rated approach promises grittier content than Spider-Man
• Insomniac quality after two spectacular Spider-Man games
• Full X-Men universe potential for expanded storytelling

3D Printing Connection: Wolverine's claws, X-Men logos, and character busts are perennial favorites. This release will spark a new wave of mutant memorabilia.

🏺 Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis (2026)

Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC
Why Lara's back matters: Reimagining the 1996 classic for modern audiences

Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis sees itself as a reinterpretation of the first instalment in the series from 1996 and aims to bridge the gap between nostalgia and innovation.

What's new:

• Modern storytelling while honoring the original
• Complete graphical overhaul with current-gen technology
• Reimagined puzzles balancing challenge with accessibility
• Action adventure with picturesque locations

3D Printing Connection: Lara's iconic gear, ancient artifacts, and puzzle pieces translate perfectly to 3D printed collectibles. Cosplayers have been waiting for this.

The Games You're Already Playing

Don't sleep on the titles that dropped early in 2026 and are already dominating:

Reanimal (February 13) - Co-op survival horror that's terrifying friends everywhere
High On Life 2 (February 13) - Comedy FPS that's as funny as it is shooty
Mewgenics (PC) - Cat breeding roguelite from The Binding of Isaac creator
Big Hops - 3D platformer meets Breath of the Wild in the year's best surprise

The 3D Printing Revolution: Bringing Games Into Physical Reality

Now here's where things get really interesting.

From Pixels to Plastic: The Gaming Merch Renaissance

Gaming franchises have increasingly turned to 3D printing to produce high-quality merchandise, allowing fans to own physical replicas of in-game items. From detailed figurines to life-sized weapon replicas, this technology provides an efficient and cost-effective method for bringing virtual assets into the real world.

Here's what's changed in 2026:

1. You Can Print Your Favorite Characters - At Home

Platforms like Gambody, Printables, and Etsy are flooded with STL files (the blueprints for 3D printing) for virtually every game character imaginable.

Popular 3D printed gaming figures:

• Destiny 2 Guardians and enemies
• Genshin Impact character collection
• Marvel superheroes (officially licensed designs)
• Pokemon models (Pikachu, Baby Yoda style mashups)
• League of Legends champions
• Dark Souls and Elden Ring bosses

Cost comparison:

• Official collectible figure: $50-200
• 3D printed version: $5-20 in materials

The catch: You need to paint and finish them yourself—but that's half the fun for many collectors.

2. Weapon Replicas That Look Screen-Accurate

Weapon replicas such as the Gjallarhorn rocket launcher and Ace of Spades hand cannon from Destiny 2 have been produced using 3D printing. These replicas allow players to bring legendary in-game gear into their collections.

Popular weapon prints:

• Master Chief's assault rifle (Halo)
• Kratos' Leviathan Axe (God of War)
• Destiny 2's exotic weapons collection
• Zelda's Master Sword variants
• Warhammer 40K weapons (chainsaw swords, bolters)

Real example: A functioning LED-lit Gjallarhorn replica costs $800+ officially. A 3D printed version? About $60 in materials plus 80 hours of print time.

3. Cosplay Props That Actually Look Professional

Cosplay props and costumes benefit from 3D printing, allowing competitive cosplayers to create intricate armor pieces, weapons, and accessories with greater accuracy and reduced production time.

What's being printed:

• Full armor sets (Iron Man, Mandalorian, Halo Spartans)
• Helmets with perfect screen accuracy
• Props with working lights and electronics
• Custom pieces for original characters

Game-changer: 3D scanning technology now lets cosplayers scan their own bodies and create custom-fitted armor. No more generic sizes that don't quite fit.

4. Custom Gaming Accessories

Beyond pre-made collectibles, 3D printing allows players to create custom gaming accessories tailored to their preferences.

Popular customizations:

• Controller shells with game-themed designs
• Headset stands shaped like in-game items
• Cable management clips with franchise logos
• Monitor mounts with character designs
• Keyboard keycaps with game symbols

Example: Custom Trials of Osiris (Destiny 2) controller shell with Egyptian symbols - $15 to print vs. $60+ custom controller.

5. Tabletop Gaming Has Exploded

In gaming, online communities have sprung up around tabletop games like Dungeons & Dragons, for which gamers use 3D printers to create one-of-a-kind D&D 3D printed miniatures, figurines, terrains, landscapes, and other board game accessories.

What's being printed:

• Character miniatures for D&D campaigns
• Entire terrain sets (castles, dungeons, forests)
• Custom dice towers and holders
• Game board accessories
• Monster collections

The revolution: A Warhammer 40K army that costs $500+ officially? Print it for $50 in materials. The community has mixed feelings about this, but the cat's out of the bag.

6. Collectibles That Match Your Setup

Crafted with precision using 3D-printing technology, keychains, magnets, and coasters bring a touch of virtual battlegrounds to your everyday life.

Current trends:

• LED-backlit character silhouettes
• Functional items (phone stands shaped like characters)
• Modular display systems for collections
• Custom nameplates for streaming setups
• Game-themed organizers for desks

The Business Side: Gaming Merch is Big Money

Major franchises have embraced 3D printing for collectible merchandise, offering players the chance to own detailed recreations of iconic in-game objects.

How studios are using 3D printing:

Promotional Models: Physical versions of in-game locations, characters, and weapons are created for gaming expos and promotional events.

Studio Gifts: Custom 3D-printed figurines, weapon models, and other collectibles serve as unique giveaways for game developers and dedicated players.

Prototyping: Studios create physical models of in-game items before finalizing digital assets, improving the design process.

Real example: Aaron Sims Creative (VFX studio) used 3D printing extensively for Stranger Things' Demogorgon design. "The first results were just amazing. The level of detail was something that I couldn't even imagine that you could get in a printer."

Convention Culture: Where Digital Meets Physical

Gaming conventions like GuardianCon, Gamescom, Comic Con, and local shows have showcased 3D-printed collectibles, demonstrating how the technology enhances fan engagement.

What you'll find at gaming cons in 2026:

• Vendor booths selling 3D printed gaming merch
• Custom printing stations (bring a file, get it printed)
• Cosplay competitions where 3D printed props dominate
• Artist alleys with painted 3D printed figures
• Industry booths showing off official 3D printed merchandise

Personal story worth sharing: One attendee at MCM Comic Con bought a 3D printed Loki bust after taking a selfie with a Loki cosplayer. "Funny thing is, I have plenty of 3D printers at home and could easily print one myself, but after taking a selfie with Loki, picking up the bust just felt right. It's more than a collectible. It's a memory."

That's the power of combining gaming passion with physical objects.

How to Get Started: Your Gaming 3D Printing Guide

Step 1: Choose Your Entry Point

Budget-Friendly Start ($200-400):

• Creality Ender 3 V3 series
• Anycubic Kobra series
• Good for props, larger items, functional prints

Resin Printing for Detail ($300-500):

• Elegoo Mars or Saturn series
• Anycubic Photon series
• Best for miniatures, small detailed pieces

Professional Results ($700+):

• Bambu Lab P1S
• Prusa MK4
• Creality K1 series
• For serious collectors and cosplayers

Step 2: Find Your Files

Free Sources:

• Printables.com (Prusa's platform)
• Thingiverse (largest library)
• MyMiniFactory (curated quality)

Premium Sources:

• Gambody (high-quality video game models)
• Patreon creators (monthly exclusive designs)
• Etsy (unique designs, supporting artists)

Cost: Free to $20 per model typically

Step 3: Learn the Basics

Essential skills:

• Slicing software (Cura, PrusaSlicer)
• Support placement for overhangs
• Basic post-processing (sanding, priming, painting)
• Painting techniques for realism

Time investment: 2-4 weeks to get comfortable, 3-6 months to master

Step 4: Join the Community

Where gamers who 3D print hang out:

• Reddit: r/3Dprinting, r/PrintedMinis, r/3DPrintedTerrain
• Facebook groups for specific games
• Discord servers for STL file creators
• YouTube channels for tutorials

The Legal Gray Zone: What You Can and Can't Print

Let's be real about this:

Definitely Legal:

• Fan art designs (derivative works for personal use)
• Original creations inspired by games
• Files specifically licensed for personal printing
• Commissioned custom designs

Gray Area:

• Printing copyrighted characters for personal use (technically infringement, rarely enforced)
• Sharing files of copyrighted content
• Selling prints of copyrighted characters (definitely illegal)

Absolutely Illegal:

• Selling 3D printed copyrighted characters without license
• Mass producing and distributing prints
• Claiming copyrighted designs as your own

Best practice: Print for personal use and personal display. Don't sell copyrighted content. Support official merch when possible. Credit artists who create the STL files.

The Future: Where This is All Heading

Prediction #1: Official Game-to-Print Partnerships

Imagine this: You unlock a legendary weapon in your favorite game. The game offers: "Print a physical replica for $29.99 - file sent directly to your printer."

This is coming. Studios are already exploring it.

Prediction #2: In-Game Customization → Physical Prints

Character creators getting more detailed + 3D printing = your exact custom character as a physical statue.

Already happening: Some games let you export your character model for printing.

Prediction #3: AR/VR + 3D Printing Convergence

Scan items in VR, send to printer, hold the physical version. The loop between digital and physical closes completely.

Prediction #4: Print-on-Demand Gaming Merch

Convention vendor booths become "scan, customize, print, take home" stations. 30-minute turnaround for custom gaming items.

Already exists: Some cons have this in 2026. It'll be everywhere by 2028.

The Bottom Line: Why This Matters

Here's the thing: Gaming has always been about escapism, creativity, and community.

3D printing amplifies all three.

Escapism: Bring your favorite game into physical reality
Creativity: Customize everything to match your vision
Community: Share designs, techniques, and finished prints with fellow gamers

The games of 2026—GTA VI, Nioh 3, Marvel's Wolverine, and dozens of others—are incredible virtual experiences. But 3D printing lets you extend those experiences into your actual life.

That Gjallarhorn on your wall? That's not just decoration. It's a physical reminder of your Destiny 2 triumphs.

That custom controller with Trials of Osiris symbols? That's your personalized connection to competitive glory.

That full set of D&D minis you printed for your campaign? That's your creative contribution to shared storytelling.

The barrier between digital and physical gaming has collapsed.

And honestly? It's about damn time.

Your 2026 Gaming Action Plan

Play the games:

• GTA VI (November 19) - Pre-order if you must
• Nioh 3 - Available now, pure souls-like perfection
• Avowed - Coming to PS5, don't miss this RPG gem
• Pick 3-5 others from this list that match your genres

Start printing:

• Budget $200-500 for your first printer
• Join communities before buying (get recommendations)
• Start with simple props before attempting full armor
• Connect with local printing communities

Experience both:

• Use gaming to inspire printing projects
• Use printed items to enhance gaming setup
• Share both with your community
• Document your journey (content opportunities!)

The year 2026 is the convergence point. The games are incredible. The technology is accessible. The community is thriving.

Whether you're blasting through Vice City, slaying yokai, or printing your Guardian's armor—this is the best time to be a gamer.

Level up your gaming.
Level up your space.
Level up your life.

One game, one print, one layer at a time.

Game on. Print on. Welcome to the future of gaming.

What will you print first?