EDITORIAL RANKINGS
How these lists work
These are editorial starting orders for the purpose named in each list. They reflect our recommendations, rather than measured popularity, tournament standings, hands-on scores, or a community poll. Follow the linked guide to decide whether a pick fits your own play style. Updated September 5, 2026.
Squad Night: Where We Would Start
- 1
Fortnite
Fortnitemares runs until November 1. Take down a Five Nights at Freddy’s boss to possess it, or hunt Freddy Krueger in Nightmare Neighborhood.
Get into it → - 2
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4
DMZ Early Access opens October 20 for digital pre-orders. Agree on an exfil plan before your squad drops into Hajin.
Get into it → - 3🌴
GTA Online
Halloween Survivals and Slasher modes pay triple GTA$ and RP through October, so a full crew earns faster.
Get into it → - 4🧱
LEGO Fortnite Odyssey
For a calmer co-op night: Brick or Treat adds Halloween props each week through October 29, and everything stays until November 12.
Get into it → - 5👻
Pokémon GO
Gather a raid group for the Chandelure Super Mega Raid Day on October 31, from 2 to 5 p.m. local time.
Get into it →
Competitive Focus: Pick a Skill to Practice
- 1
VALORANT
Map Rating now grades you from C to S on every map. Find your weakest map and make it your practice focus.
Get into it → - 2
League of Legends
Worlds is played on Patch 26.20. Watch how pros adapt to the Yunara and Rocketbelt nerfs, then try one of their ideas in your own games.
Get into it → - 3
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4
Launch day brings 12 core 6v6 maps and four new modes. Pick one map to learn properly when the game arrives on October 23.
Get into it → - 4🔫
VALORANT esports
Start by reading equipment and opening plans; its round structure gives each decision a clear context.
Get into it →
Build, Explore, Return
- 1
Minecraft
Join the snapshots or previews to explore the new ice caves before the final drop of 2026 arrives. Back up your worlds first.
Get into it → - 2🌪️
Minecraft Avatar Legends Add-On
Learn the elements at temples that generate in your own worlds, then build with Sintered Stone and Scorched Timber.
Get into it → - 3
Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Explore a region deliberately, then return to a hideout whose layout reflects your own priorities.
Get into it → - 4🌴
GTA Online
Build a personal routine of jobs, vehicles, and businesses around the activities you enjoy.
Get into it →
The Learning Shortlist
- 1🏝️
Your next Fortnite island
From October 22, publishing or updating an island needs portrait and landscape thumbnails plus a logo. Make yours before the deadline.
Get into it → - 2📺
Your first Stream-o-Ween stream
Add the Stream-o-Ween tag in an eligible category, and set AutoMod to level 2 before front-page viewers arrive.
Get into it → - 3💡
Your first redstone circuit
A small visible mechanism lets you explain every connection before adding complexity.
Get into it → - 4🎥
Your first OBS broadcast
Practice the production routine with a private recording before going live.
Get into it →