The first half of 2026 has been a goldmine for cosplay inspiration. From Resident Evil Requiem and Clair Obscur to Marvel Rivals, The Witcher, and Game of Thrones, cosplayers have transformed these worlds into outfits that often outshine the originals in complexity and detail. Here are the ten standout cosplay looks setting the bar this year.
PeachMilky nails Grace Ashcroft cosplay from Resident Evil Requiem
PeachMilky’s cosplay of FBI analyst Grace Ashcroft dropped right alongside the game’s February 27 release-and hit the mark perfectly. No flashy gimmicks, just a leather jacket over a hoodie, a flashlight, and a pistol. It’s a straightforward look that captures the essence of a rookie analyst thrown straight into a bioterror crisis without combat training.
Grace is the daughter of journalist Alyssa Ashcroft, investigating the Raccoon City incident. In the storyline, she’s kidnapped by medical center director Victor Gideon and survives not through combat prowess but sharp observation and logic. Capcom designed her as a foil to veteran Leon Kennedy-Grace is the rookie, setting the tone for her entire character.
Resident Evil Requiem sold 7 million copies in its first two months-underscoring Grace’s instant popularity. We also featured another Grace cosplay by Fishy on itzine.ru, complete with the standard suit and the Dimitrescu deluxe skin.
Likeassassin’s Mael cosplay from Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
Clair Obscur took home Game of the Year at the 2025 Game Awards, Golden Joystick, New York Game Awards, and D.I.C.E. Awards-fueling a cosplay wave worthy of the hype. Likeassassin captured Mael’s second outfit flawlessly: an art deco-inspired tailored jacket, strapped pants, laced boots, and a rapier. Photographer: Anya Vishnya.
Mael is the youngest member of the 33rd expedition tasked with stopping the mysterious Artist who erases generations annually. Her sleek black-and-purple jacket with gold detailing, tight pants with straps, and combat-ready boots channel elegant art deco aesthetics into functionality. Likeassassin also brought Mael’s later-game look to life.
According to itzine.ru, TIME crowned Clair Obscur its 2025 Game of the Year, and cosplay from the title continues to spread worldwide. See also Ani Deichan’s take on Mael.
OICHI’s Frieda cosplay from Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End
Vera Andreeva, aka OICHI, prepared her Frieda cosplay ahead of the anime’s second season premiere. No over-the-top effects-just a spot-on recreation of the character’s iconic staff and costume that nails her contemplative spirit.
Frieda is an elf mage outliving most companions, striving to understand the humans she never truly got to know. The series embraces a slow, melancholic pace, a mood OICHI captured more faithfully than technically flashier Frieda cosplays.
Elena Biryulina as Astrid cosplay from How to Train Your Dragon
The recent live-action adaptation revived interest in the franchise’s Nordic roots. Elena Biryulina’s Astrid comes alive with fabric armor, torch, and axe. Photographer: TAIYAKI.
Astrid is the fiercest warrior of her village, friend and later wife to Hiccup. Unlike most franchise cosplay that focuses on Toothless or Hiccup, Biryulina’s choice stands out by nailing the details of Astrid’s gear over flashy effects.
Daniela Strogger’s Litianna cosplay from Lords of the Fallen 2
One of the boldest entries: Daniela recreated the Dark Sorceress Litianna from Lords of the Fallen 2 before the game’s release. Realistic black armor, tattered dark fabrics, staff, and whip come together flawlessly.
Crafting cosplay for unreleased games is a distinct challenge: designers must rely solely on promo materials and concept art. Achieving an instantly recognizable and atmospheric look under these limits speaks volumes about Daniela’s skill.
Evgeniy Bibikov and Elliana Zabor as Geralt and Yennefer cosplay from The Witcher
This dynamic duo’s cosplay only works as a pair. Evgeniy ”b.e.n. cosplay” Bibikov and Elliana Zabor recreate a tense Skellige scene where Geralt and Yennefer hunt for missing Ciri: chainmail, cloaks, Witcher swords, and a stark atmosphere with no distractions. Photographer: Ekaterina Morpheeva Photography.
While fans reminisce over the original Witcher trilogy, CD Projekt RED is hard at work on The Witcher 4 starring Ciri, expected no sooner than 2027.
Lada Lumos as Luna Snow cosplay from Marvel Rivals
Marvel Rivals has dominated the charts recently, sparking a wave of cosplays. Lada Lumos’s Luna Snow stands out for authenticity over sex appeal; a vibrant color palette and exact costume details make this one pop.
Luna Snow is a Korean Marvel superhero, pop singer, and ice-powered strategist. In Marvel Rivals, she’s a support character with one of the highest skill ceilings. Other Marvel Rivals cosplays on itzine.ru include Magik by Hologana and Emma Frost by KroniDovna.
Miray’s Harlequin cosplay from Genshin Impact
Miray’s version of Harlequin-the Fatui’s fourth Harbinger-is among the most technically demanding cosplays here. Intricate patterns and a full-length signature braid in the character’s colors demand months of meticulous work.
Harlequin’s dual nature-flirtatious and playful on the surface, but one of Fatui’s deadliest agents underneath-makes her a perpetual favorite for cosplay enthusiasts.
Margarita Eliseeva’s Nurse cosplay from Silent Hill
Silent Hill nurses are common cosplay fodder, but Margarita Eliseeva’s take stands out for grim realism. Every detail is frighteningly precise; lighting and mood leave no room for irony. Credits: Mysteria Cosplay, retouch by 412ART, DARK BEAUTY COSPLAY, GOTHS UNDEAD.
The nurse first appeared in Silent Hill 2 (2001) and embodies twisted sexuality as a source of fear. This ambiguity fuels her enduring cosplay appeal.
Arina Zaburnyagina’s Sansa Stark cosplay from Game of Thrones
Closing out the list is Arina Grantaire’s iconic take on Sansa Stark-fur cloak, green dress, and fiery red hair. Photographer: Ekaterina Morpheeva Photography.
Sansa’s journey is one of the longest on Game of Thrones-from naive girl enamored with knights to a sharp, cautious political player. Arina chose the green dress from King’s Landing, representing the middle of Sansa’s transformation when survival became her main skill.
Find more cosplay coverage at itzine.ru/smthelse/cosplay.