The cooperative puzzle game Big Walk, developed by House House, has rapidly ascended to become Metacritic's highest-rated game of 2026 to date. With 13 scored reviews and additional unscored praise, Big Walk currently holds a Metacritic score of 93, positioning it above other notable releases like Forza Horizon 6 and Mina the Hollower for the year's best-reviewed new game.
Critics have lauded Big Walk for its ingenious puzzle design and relaxing atmosphere. Mark Delaney of Gamespot awarded the game a 9/10, describing it as "one of the best co-op games ever." Delaney highlighted the developer's subtle approach to game design, which encourages players to explore the game's open-world island and uncover its many secrets organically. The world itself is presented as a juxtaposition of realistic landscapes and vibrantly colored, cartoonish structures, with House House trusting players to forge their own adventures through curiosity and shared discovery.
Imran Khan of Restart echoed these sentiments in a five-star review, emphasizing the game's robust collection of puzzles that necessitate clear communication among players. "There’s a lot of puzzles in Big Walk and as our group did more and more, we got better and better at learning to communicate within the game's absurd contexts, at interpreting how each other think, at knowing exactly what it means when someone sits down and raises their arms above their heads," Khan wrote. This focus on collaborative problem-solving appears to be a central theme praised by reviewers.
The game's conclusion has also garnered significant attention, though details remain scarce to avoid spoilers. Chris Schilling of Eurogamer offered a tantalizing glimpse in his five-star review, calling the ending a "subtle but ingenious twist on a familiar game design maxim." He suggested that Big Walk's finale tests not just players' learned skills but also their understanding of their companions and the unique methods developed to overcome shared challenges.
Polygon's own review, co-authored by Julia Lee and Johnny Yu, characterized Big Walk as an "unforgettable hang-out game" that fosters deeper connections between friends. The game's emphasis on communication has been compared to a summer camp experience, leaving players feeling closer to one another. Supporting two to 12 players, with puzzles that dynamically adjust to group size, Big Walk offers a unique bonding experience for those seeking a cooperative adventure.