There’s something electric about being a gamer in 2025. The year is packed with new releases, long-awaited sequels, and a few curveballs that nobody saw coming. Whether you’re into sprawling RPGs, clever indies, or just want a reason to dust off your Switch (or Switch 2!), there’s a lot to be excited about right now. Let’s dig into the best video games of 2025 that are making headlines, breaking pre-order records, or simply getting players talking.
Pokémon Legends: Z-A – Nintendo’s Next Big Leap
It’s hard to overstate the buzz around Pokémon Legends: Z-A. Slated for late 2025 and launching on both the original Switch and the new Switch 2, this entry promises a fresh take on the series245. Expect a sprawling city setting, new mechanics, and a blend of open-world exploration with classic Pokémon charm. For longtime fans and newcomers alike, this is the must-watch Nintendo release of the year.
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond – A Return to Sci-Fi Greatness
After years of rumors and delays, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is finally on the horizon for Switch and Switch 2 owners256. Samus is back, and early previews suggest a bold mix of atmospheric exploration and modern action. If you’ve missed that blend of isolation and discovery, this could be the comeback story of the decade.
Doom: The Dark Ages – Medieval Mayhem
The Doom franchise is taking a wild turn with Doom: The Dark Ages, dropping players into a brutal, medieval-inspired world356. Expect the same fast-paced, visceral combat, but with new weapons and a darker, more ancient setting. For fans of shooters, this is shaping up to be a must-play, especially if you love your action with a side of heavy metal.
Elden Ring: Nightreign – Cooperative Soulslike
FromSoftware is back with Elden Ring: Nightreign, a spin-off that leans into cooperative multiplayer while keeping the punishing, mysterious world-building that made the original a hit35. If you’ve ever wanted to tackle a Soulslike with friends, this one’s for you. The hype is real, and expectations are sky-high.
Slay the Spire 2 – Deckbuilding Returns
Indie darling Slay the Spire gets a sequel this year, and fans of roguelike deckbuilders are watching closely456. Early access is already generating buzz, with new characters, mechanics, and even more strategic depth. If you loved the original, expect to lose dozens of hours to this one.
Monster Hunter Wilds – Open-World Evolution
Capcom is pushing boundaries with Monster Hunter Wilds, promising a more open, dynamic world and new monsters to hunt457. The series has always been about teamwork and epic battles, and this entry looks set to deliver bigger, wilder encounters than ever before.
The Wolf Among Us 2 – Noir Adventure Returns
Telltale’s beloved detective series returns with The Wolf Among Us 2456. Expect more hard-boiled storytelling, tough choices, and a stylish, gritty atmosphere. The first game was a cult classic, and this sequel is one of the most anticipated narrative games of the year.
Hollow Knight: Silksong – Indie Perfection?
It’s been years in the making, but Hollow Knight: Silksong is finally set for release in 202556. The follow-up to one of the most acclaimed indie games ever, Silksong promises new abilities, a new protagonist (Hornet!), and a world that’s as haunting as it is beautiful. If you love Metroidvanias, this is a can’t-miss.
Other Big Names to Watch
2025’s lineup is stacked. Here are a few more titles that have gamers buzzing:
- Gears of War: E-Day – A fresh chapter for the iconic shooter series56.
- Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra – Superheroes meet WWII in this ambitious action game10.
- The Outer Worlds 2 – More space-faring RPG goodness46.
- Killing Floor 3 – Co-op horror action ramps up6.
- Mafia: The Old Country – A return to the classic crime saga10.
- Star Wars Outlaws – Open-world scoundrel adventures in the galaxy far, far away56.
- Subnautica 2 – Dive back into the unknown with new underwater mysteries45.
What Makes 2025 Different?
This year, it’s not just about sequels and big franchises. There’s a real sense of experimentation: shooters going medieval, RPGs getting more social, and indies pushing boundaries with art and mechanics. The arrival of new hardware like the Switch 2 is also shaking up what’s possible, with better graphics and bigger worlds on handheld devices25.
Tips for Navigating the 2025 Game Flood
- Keep an eye on release dates: With so many games dropping, it’s easy to miss a gem. Bookmark a release calendar and check back often156.
- Try something new: If you always play shooters, give a deckbuilder or narrative game a shot. 2025’s variety is its strength.
- Watch for early access: Many indies are launching in early access first, so you can get in on the ground floor and help shape development45.
- Consider platform exclusives: Some of the biggest games this year are tied to new consoles or PC, so check compatibility before you buy.
Final Thoughts
The best video games of 2025 aren’t just the ones with the biggest budgets or the loudest trailers-they’re the ones that surprise you, challenge you, and keep you coming back for “just one more hour.” Whether you’re waiting for Pokémon Legends: Z-A, planning a co-op run in Elden Ring: Nightreign, or just excited to see what indie devs dream up next, this year is stacked with reasons to play.
