April 2026 Overview
April has delivered a strong wave of high-quality releases. Steam charts have seen notable disruption this week, with several new entries climbing fast and a few established titles refusing to leave the top ten.
1. Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree DLC
Genre: Action RPG | Developer: FromSoftware | Price: ~$40
The most anticipated expansion in Elden Ring history currently holds the #1 spot on Steam. A completely new map, brutal new bosses, and expanded lore make this essential for fans.
Highlights:
- The Shadow Realm map is larger than Limgrave
- 10+ new bosses with mechanics never seen before
- New weapons and spells that meaningfully expand build diversity
Quick verdict: 9.5/10 — A landmark DLC by any measure.
2. Hollow Knight: Silksong
Genre: Metroidvania | Developer: Team Cherry | Price: ~$30
After years of anticipation, Silksong has arrived and delivered. Playing as Hornet in a story entirely independent of the original, it lives up to every expectation.
Highlights:
- Over 150 enemy types and dozens of boss encounters
- A more complex combat system than Hollow Knight 1
- Another exceptional soundtrack from Christopher Larkin
Quick verdict: 9/10 — An indie gem that cannot be skipped.
3. Counter-Strike 2
Genre: FPS | Developer: Valve | Price: Free
CS2 holds top-three position thanks to a major update featuring a remastered de_inferno and improved anti-cheat systems.
April updates:
- Inferno 2.0 with entirely new visuals
- Rumored Valorant-style agent system
- Premier mode improvements
4. Hades II (Early Access)
Genre: Roguelike | Developer: Supergiant Games | Price: ~$25
Hades II remains in Early Access but already holds an Overwhelmingly Positive rating. Play as Melinoe on a mission to rescue her father.
Highlights:
- New characters drawn from Greek mythology
- Significantly expanded boon system
- The same addictive gameplay loop as the original, refined further
5. Stardew Valley 1.6
Genre: Simulation / RPG | Developer: ConcernedApe | Price: ~$15
The free 1.6 update has sent Stardew Valley back into the top 10 with a content drop that rivals full expansions.
Update 1.6 content:
- New farm map: Meadowlands
- Major multiplayer improvements
- Dozens of new items and seasonal events
6. Palworld Season 2
Genre: Survival / Crafting | Developer: Pocketpair | Price: ~$30
After its shocking debut in early 2024, Palworld returns strong with Season 2. New content and a PvP mode have been warmly welcomed.
7. Manor Lords
Genre: City Builder | Developer: Slavic Magic | Price: ~$40
A medieval city-builder developed by one person over several years — and the biggest Early Access hit of 2026.
Highlights:
- The most visually impressive medieval graphics in the genre
- Complex and realistic economic simulation
- Deeply engaging supply chain management
8. Path of Exile 2 (Early Access)
Genre: Action RPG | Developer: Grinding Gear Games | Price: ~$30
PoE 2 remains in Early Access, but each major update pulls hundreds of thousands of players back. The April season brings new endgame content.
9. Baldur's Gate 3 (Official Mod Support Update)
Genre: RPG | Developer: Larian Studios | Price: ~$60
BG3 remains in the top 10 thanks to official mod support. The Steam Workshop has exploded with thousands of community creations.
10. Celeste (Classic Pick of the Month)
Genre: Platformer | Developer: Maddy Makes Games | Price: ~$20
Steam's Classic of the Month — 75% off and introduced to a new generation of players. An indie game about mental health and pushing personal limits.
April 2026 Summary
April is a month of quality over quantity — fewer releases, but every major title delivers. If you can only pick one game this month, Hollow Knight: Silksong offers the best value.
- Budget pick: Stardew Valley 1.6 (free update if you already own it)
- AAA pick: Elden Ring DLC
- Hidden gem: Manor Lords
Last updated: April 11, 2026. Prices may vary by region and during sales.
