The 2020’s are proving to be one of the best decades in video games when it comes to great releases. We’ve gotten revivals of old classic franchises, long-rumored games, incredible indies, and countless surprises. 2025 is shaping up to be just as iconic, what with the successor to the Nintendo Switch on the horizon and first-party PlayStation and Xbox games finally trickling in after five years of their current generation consoles on the market. Read on for our most anticipated games of 2025!

Check out last year’s list here.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows

One of a handful of games on this list that’s going through a tumultuous development, Assassin’s Creed Shadows aims to give fans something they’ve been wanting since the series’ inception: a feudal Japan setting. Normally, I’d be extremely excited about this, but it’s hard to deny that Shadows will be existing in the shadow (laugh, please) of another game in a similar setting: Ghost of Yotei. Regardless, I’m cautiously optimistic and will be checking this out when it launches this February.

Release Date: February 14

Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series, PC

Avowed

A new game from renowned developer Obsidian (of Fallout: New Vegas and Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II fame), Avowed is a first-person fantasy RPG set in the Pillars of Eternity universe. It’s previewing extremely well after its initial delay, and this style is right up my alley being a big Elder Scrolls and Fallout fan, so I’m excited to see what Obsidian does with this IP. Combining magic and melee combat in ways that fit my play-style will likely keep me coming back for multiple playthroughs. Of note, Obsidian has another game set for release in 2025 with the Outer Worlds 2, so it’ll be interesting to see how they strategize its release.

Release Date: February 18

Platforms: Xbox Series, PC

Borderlands 4

Like many other gamers, I’m starting to get live service game fatigue. Due in part to incessant industry layoffs and predatory business practices, I find myself gravitating much more towards single-player narrative games rather than massive online communities. The Borderlands franchise is one of the progenitors of the looter-shooter genre, and recent releases have adopted some of these live-service mechanics, but this is another game I’m cautiously optimistic for – Borderlands 3 released to middling reviews, so I’m banking on 4 to make some improvements.

Release Date: TBA 2025

Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series, PC

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

Kurosh says:

Having just finished one of the best turn-based RPG games I’ve experienced with Metaphor: ReFantazio, I am eager to get my hands on Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and see what it can bring to the genre. With its inventive UI transitions and seamless blend of turn-based strategy and real-time elements, it promises a bold new chapter for the genre. If its gameplay fulfills this potential, it could easily dominate my gaming highlights of 2025.

Release Date: Spring 2025

Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series, PC

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach

Kurosh says:

When Death Stranding first arrived, its eerie parallel to our quarantined, disconnected world left a lasting impression, resonating as a hopeful reminder of the ties that bind us. Now, with the sequel on the horizon, my curiosity is piqued by what Hideo Kojima and his team at Kojima Productions have envisioned for this next chapter. The promise of Troy Baker battling towering foes with a guitar only heightens the intrigue. Consider me mesmerized.

Release Date: TBA 2025

Platforms: PS5

Doom: The Dark Ages

The recent Doom titles have been some of the most “video game-ass video games” to come out in recent memory. Revealed in the summer of 2024, Doom: The Dark Ages looks to continue that trend with fast-paced action, snappy gunplay, and gory, over the top kills (not to mention the killer soundtrack). This entry appears to be fantasy-adjacent, with the Slayer mowing down enemies with a shield and ball-and-chain. Oh, and you can ride a dragon. I’m in.

Release Date: TBA 2025

Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series, PC

Demonschool

Kurosh says:

Necrosoft Games’ Demonschool takes the school drama of Persona with surreal, otherworldly twists and mixes it with tactical RPG elements akin to Into the Breach and I love it. Ever since I first encountered it at PAX West, this indie gem has lingered in my mind as an innovative take on storytelling and strategy.

Release Date: Q1 2025

Platforms: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series, Nintendo Switch, PC

Elden Ring: Nightreign

Do the good folks at FromSoftware sleep? Revealed at the Game Awards, Elden Ring: Nightreign is a surprising multiplayer-focused game using the mechanics fans of the genre are familiar with. What’s interesting is that it can be played either alone or in a party of three, but not with a duo. Weird. Anyway, previews have been describing this as roguelike experience with Monster Hunter DNA, so I’m excited to jump into this with some friends and day numerous times along the way.

Release Date: TBA 2025

Platforms: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series, PC

Fable

The first new mainline game in this series since 2010’s Fable III, this entry aims to recreate the same type of humor blended with the high-fantasy settings fans would expect. Details are relatively scarce, but Xbox has been promising this for 2025 for awhile now.

Release Date: TBA 2025

Platforms: Xbox Series, PC

Ghost of Yotei

A sequel to Sucker Punch’s 2020 masterpiece Ghost of Tsushima, Ghost of Yotei takes place a few hundred years and features a new protagonist, Atsu. This is far and away my personal most anticipated game of 2025, and I can’t wait to see how they improve on its gameplay elements from the original. Oh, and there better be a Legends mode.

Release Date: TBA 2025

Platforms: PS5

Grand Theft Auto VI

The consensus with pundits in the industry is that Grand Theft Auto VI is likely to be pushed beyond 2025, but we’re excited about this regardless. GTA V is still going strong since its original launch in 2013, launching on almost every platform since. Taking inspiration from real-world Florida, you can expect the typical carjacking and gang shooting shenanigans from the series’ past.

Release Date: TBA 2025

Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series

Hades 2

Kurosh says:

Supergiant Games’ diving into sequel territory with Hades II is both unexpected and exhilarating. Building on the brilliance of its predecessor, this sequel, currently in early-access, introduces an array of intriguing characters and promises an unforgettable return to the Underworld. Resisting the urge to dive in immediately has been a challenge, but with Supergiant’s flawless track record, it’s clear we’re in for another amazing journey back into the Underworld.

Release Date: TBA 2025

Platforms: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series, Switch, PC, iOS

Kingmakers

Kurosh says:

Kingmakers by Redemption Road mixes medieval fantasy with modern chaos, crafting an experience that is as bewildering as it is thrilling. Armed with a pickup truck, a machine gun, and the option to play co-op, I think it could capture the same chaotic energy that Helldivers 2 brought in 2024. Players dive into frenetic third person battles that blend eras in a symphony of controlled mayhem that looks to be an exhilarating time.

Release Date: Early Access Q1 2025

Platforms: PC

Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii

Danreb says:

Somehow, someway, RGG Studio puts these games out like clockwork. Developed as a standalone expansion to the superb Infinite Wealth, Pirate Yakuza puts players back in the shoes of Goro Majima, Kazuma Kiryu’s sadomasochistic adversary, as he winds up on the shores of Rich Island with no memories. He eventually becomes a pirate and develops a pirate fighting style for reasons nobody knows. In addition to happening after Infinite Wealth, Pirate Yakuza brings back Hawaii as a main setting, which was one of the highlights of that title while also bringing back the classic beat-’em-up action from early Like a Dragon games as well as The Man Who Erased His Name

Release Date: February 21

Platforms: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series, PC

Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra

Jaesa says:

Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra is an action-adventure game Marvel fans can get their hands on this year. Developed by Skydance and announced in 2022, the game is set during World War II with Captain America (Steve Rogers) and Azzuri, T’Challa’s grandfather and the Black Panther of that era, Gabriel Jones of the Howling Commandos, and Nanali, the leader of the Wakandan Spy Network. Through the lens of these four characters, players will see different perspectives from this alliance formed to take down the terrorist organization Hydra.

With inspiration from the Marvel Comics “Captain America/Black Panther: Flags of Our Fathers” limited series, the narrative will guide players through locations including Occupied Paris and the jungles of Wakanda. From a quick glimpse of the trailer, the game is sure to deliver an immersive and visually stunning experience.”

Release Date: TBA 2025

Platforms: TBD

Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater

Pushed out of the original release window of 2024, Konami’s remake of one of their most popular entries in the Metal Gear Solid series is the perfect jumping on point for newcomers to the franchise (read: me). The tactical espionage action returns, and I hope for our sake that the success of this game will inspire Konami to revive their other popular franchises. Castlevania, please and thank you.

Release Date: TBA 2025

Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series, PC

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond

Nintendo’s first big new release of the year (that we know of), Metroid Prime 4 is finally out of development hell along with a snazzy new title: Beyond. Continuing the story where Metroid Prime 3: Corruption left off, the intergalactic bounty hunter Samus Aran is now hunting down the mysterious Sylux. Could this also be the first confirmed launch title for the Switch 2? Time will tell.

Release Date: TBA 2025

Platforms: Switch

Monster Hunter Wilds

Danreb says:

I’ve never been a great Monster Hunter.  I’ve never even successfully completed the campaign, which many fans will call cake, but the community behind it just makes it so much fun to play despite how much I’ve sucked at it. While I feel like Capcom has been overpushing this one, it’s easy to see why.  Once again, Capcom looks to be making the definitive Monster Hunter experience, and just watching it makes me want to be better at the game because of all the cool new things you can do in it, so I’ll definitely be giving it another chance.

Release Date: February 28

Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series, PC

Nintendo Switch 2

The successor to Nintendo’s record-breaking handheld-home-console-hybrid, colloquially known as the Switch 2, is likely to be released before the end of 2025. With an official reveal looming in just the next couple of months, fans have been clamoring for any and all info, from leaks and rumors to fan mock ups. After eight years with the Switch, I’m excited to see where the Big N goes from here.

Release Date: TBA 2025

The Outer Worlds 2

The Outer Worlds will likely release in the back half of 2025 so as not to cannibalize Obsidian’s other release, Avowed. Regardless, the first space-faring adventure was a great love letter to the genre in a whole new setting, and held many fans over until Starfield’s release in 2023. Here’s to hoping this sequel captures that same magic.

Release Date: TBA 2025

Platforms: Xbox Series, PC

Pokemon Legends: Z-A

Pokemon Legends: Arceus was a surprise hit. The real-time Pokemon catching mechanics were something fans have been waiting for for years. With the visual fidelity of the mainline Pokemon titles leaving a lot to be desired, you can’t deny these games’ quality in terms of design and balance. The Legends spin-off moniker makes for great opportunities for us to return to familiar regions and experience new stories, and this entry is one to definitely keep on your radar.

Release Date: TBA 2025

Platforms: Switch

South of Midnight

South of Midnight is a Soulslike set in the American South that sports an incredibly unique stop-motion art style. Compulsion Games’ social media accounts continue to show off screen shots and features, so I wouldn’t be surprised to see a reveal in the near future.

Release Date: TBA 2025

Platforms: Xbox Series, PC

Split Fiction

Danreb says:

Aside from its required cooperative nature, what really made 2021’s It Takes Two  special was how it seamlessly adapted several genres of video games in a polished and loving way. The game was a platformer, followed by a fighting game, and then into a third person shooter, and it all just worked. Split Fiction looks to do the same thing and really embrace the fun.  It’s easy to see why EA Originals is always willing to sign everything that Hazelight and Josef Fares put out.

Release Date: March 6

Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series, PC

Sunderfolk

Kurosh says:

The team behind Sunderfolk has sparked immense anticipation with their bold vision. Secret Door, and Dreamhaven, brings together seasoned talent from Blizzard, Riot Games, and Vicarious Visions, promising exceptional craftsmanship. Their unique blend of tactical RPG mechanics and couch co-op gameplay feels both innovative and exciting. The early showcases hint at something extraordinary.

Release Date: TBA 2025

Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series, Switch, PC

Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter

Danreb says:

The “Trails” series of RPGs has quietly been the best JRPG series “nobody knows about” for over a decade now, with people understandably unwilling to hop back and forth between handheld, PC, and console releases in order to get caught up. This remake of the first Trails game not only gives people the chance to get into it, it also marks developer Falcom shedding “The Legend of Heroes” label the same way Persona shed the Shin Megami Tensei label–acknowledging that the spinoff is what people are here for. It’s finally time for Trails to more widely be recognized in the same breath of Final Fantasy, Persona, and Dragon Quest, and we can’t wait.

Release Date: Fall 2025

Platforms: PS5, Nintendo Switch, PC

What 2025 games (and beyond) are you excited for? Let us know on our socials, and be sure to join our Discord community to keep the conversation going!