The Best Games Of 2025 (So Far)

Now that we’ve reached 2025, similar to prior years, there are quite a few upcoming games to anticipate. Last year provided us with the remarkable Metaphor ReFantazio and Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree, along with several other GOTY contenders like Astro Bot, Balatro, and Restful Hill 2. This year, numerous games are poised to achieve high review scores, such as Split Fiction, Doom: The Dark Ages, and Assassin’s Creed Shadows, to name just a few.

Additionally, the Switch 2 is expected to launch this year, and Nintendo often has a few surprise hits whenever it introduces new gaming hardware to its fans. You can also count on indie games to astonish and delight, as some of the finest and most unique titles frequently emerge from this category. Just like last year, we will be tracking the best of the best throughout 2025, so feel free to revisit this page to see which games have made the cut.

As a reminder, a game must secure a minimum score of 8 to earn a spot on this list. That doesn’t imply that games scoring below this mark aren’t worth checking out, as these titles can still be quite impressive if you’re willing to overlook some of their imperfections.

Our first game of 2025 to achieve a rare 10/10 score, Split Fiction is yet another masterpiece from developer Hazelight. The studio has created some of the best co-op games in recent memory, and following the critically acclaimed It Takes Two, Split Fiction presents a captivating story filled with fantastic levels, engaging gameplay, and charming protagonists.

Check out our Split Fiction review. Available on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S.

Some of the finest games challenge your mental abilities while offering a unique experience to enjoy, and this year, Blue Prince fits that description perfectly. Accessible yet challenging, it stands as a masterfully crafted roguelike puzzle game set within a shapeshifting manor filled with intricate details and significant suspense. The end result is a distinctive architectural journey and one of the most unforgettable games of 2025 so far.

Read our Blue Prince review. Available on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S.

Anyone looking to sink their teeth into a vampire narrative will want to experience Cabernet, as this 2D story-driven RPG presents an intriguing pursuit of the dark creatures. Set in 19th century Eastern Europe, Cabernet is a vibrant examination of vampires through a grounded perspective and narratively satisfying character arcs.

Read our Cabernet review. Available on PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Switch.

Like the best sequels, Kingdom Come 2 enhances the original game in nearly every aspect. The journey through 15th century Bohemia features engaging quests, exhilarating combat, and an impressively polished overall experience. There are surprises at every turn in this medieval adventure, as the game expertly weaves choices and consequences with deep RPG elements to create an intriguing knight’s tale.

Read our Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 review. Available on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S.

Don’t Nod has established itself as one of the premier studios for narrative-driven games, and the first chapter of Lost Records: Bloom and Rage marks a promising start for a new series. This coming-of-age tale feels authentic and explores youth through a unique presentation, relatable characters, and innovative camcorder-focused gameplay.

Read our Lost Records: Bloom and Rage review. Available on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S.

A vivid journey through feudal Japan, Assassin’s Creed Shadows is an engaging adventure filled with moments that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Admittedly, that is if you choose to focus on Naoe during your playthrough, as co-protagonist Yasuke feels somewhat misfit in this action RPG when compared to his shinobi counterpart. Naoe’s gameplay elevates traditional stealth mechanics, and while there are narrative shortcomings, Assassin’s Creed Shadows remains a worthwhile entry in the series.

Read our
Assassin’s Creed Shadows review. Available on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S.

The First Berserker: Khazan prominently showcases its souls-like inspiration while introducing its own chase within the genre through clever touches. A striking combination of parry-focused combat reminiscent of Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, striking visuals, and impactful movement will have you on the edge of your seat during this exhilarating journey.

Read our The First Berserker: Khazan review. Available on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S.

Like other sports titles, MLB The Show 25 serves as another brilliant illustration of gradual enhancements leading to significant changes. Adjustments have contributed to further refining its engaging gameplay, resulting in a game that feels more vibrant with each swing of the bat. With an overhauled progression system and improvements in various gameplay modes, MLB The Show 25 delivers another spectacular experience for baseball enthusiasts.

Read our MLB The Show 25 review. Available on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Switch.

Monster Hunter World and Monster Hunter Rise laid a robust foundation for the franchise, and with Monster Hunter Wilds, Capcom’s series feels more approachable than ever for newcomers. Thanks to various clever gameplay adjustments, polished mechanics, and innovative systems that emphasize adaptability, Monster Hunter Wilds provides an enjoyable experience for everyone on its new frontier.

Read our Monster Hunter Wilds review. Available on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S.

Civilization VII doesn’t overhaul its 4X turn-based strategy format, but it does introduce several important modifications to its own design. How these changes will influence the broader picture remains to be seen—as some could be quite controversial with long-time players—but at its core, the Firaxis-developed strategy game remains as engaging as ever. Whether you’re guiding civilization through diplomacy or warfare, Civilization VII has a solid base to build upon for years to come.

Read our Civilization VII review. Available on PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Switch.

South of Midnight plays it safe with its gameplay mechanics, yet compensates with an incredible narrative, an authentic atmosphere, and creative visuals. This exploration of the American Deep South is structurally sound in its gameplay and smooth in its storytelling.

Read our South of Midnight review. Available on PC and Xbox Series X|S.

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