The best games of 2025 have impressed us throughout the first half of the year – there have been some serious stunners released this year already. Series that have been around for ages have charmed us with innovative twists like Mario Kart World and Assassin's Creed Shadows. Meanwhile, brand new games like Clair Obscure: Expedition 33 and The Alters have blown us away! It's not over yet, either, as there's still load of new games for 2025 that we're looking forwards to playing.
Here, you'll find our ranked list that tracks our favorite games of the year so far. As far as our review scores go, these have all received the coveted 4-stars or above (and you can find our methodology for scores by checking out how we score on GamesRadar+). That means there's plenty of overlap on those numbers, so here we've drilled deeper in to rank them even with that in mind – though these may change throughout the year as our incessant arguing continues.
But, the resulting list speaks for itself. These are all fantastic games. And, at the end of the day, the best games of 2025 below are the ones that will be leading the charge when it comes to our Game of the Year discussions. Talk about being organized! Curious why something isn't below? Well, you can look at all our reviews to learn more. We also build specific lists as well, with a wider net, such as the best single-player games, best RPG games, best FPS games, and more! For now, though, join us to take a look at our best games of 2025 so far!
The best games of 2025, ranked
Developer: Visual Concepts | Release date: March 14, 2025 | Platform(s): PC, PS5, PS4, XSX, XO
Sure, there are some problems with WWE 2K25 – as there are in plenty of sports games of the modern era. WWE's high-octane glitziness may justify some of that in MyFaction, but you still can't get around that this entry can sometimes feel less 'money in the bank' than it is 'virtual currency right outta your wallet'. But what's this? By gawd, that's Gameplay's entrance music! And it's rushing the ring!
"A truly wonderful wrestling experience, hampered by the determination to drive fans into parting with even more cash. Maybe that's just the way sports sims are now – but it's still a huge shame," says Ben Wilson, author of our WWE 2K25 review.
This is the best feeling simulated wrestling has ever felt, combining the immediacy of the classic Smackdown vs Raw era with some truly sublime animations that sell every impact in the ring alongside the personality of every wrestler in it. And there's a lot of wrestlers – this roster is stacked. The ways they grapple are just as exciting, new Bloodline Rules giving new ways to play, and a thrilling showcase mode that allows for clashes across history and for you to play with the very events that shaped WWE over the years. A return to form.
Developer: Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio | Release date: February 20, 2025 | Platform(s): PC, PS5, PS4, XSX, XO
Move over, Kiryu-chan! Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii ditches both recent series protagonists, Kazuma Kiryu and Ichiban Kasuga, to spotlight fan favorite Goro Majima is his only solo game to date. It feels like a long time coming, too, as Yakuza 0, in which he co-stars, is still one of the best Yakuza games ever released.
"The return of beat 'em up combat and Goro Majima are great, while new ship combat refreshes a wealth of side content. Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii feels like RGG Studio's most worthwhile spinoff game to date," says James Daly, author of our Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii review.
Many years have passed, and he might start the game with shipwreck-induced amnesia, but he's still the Majima fans have loved over the years. Teaming up with the young boy who saved his life, he sets out on a pirate quest to uncover a mysterious treasure. And wouldn't you believe it? It turns out to be in the midst of a crime caper conspiracy that spans Hawaii and the many islands nearby. This means small new areas in this spin-off, such as pirate haven Madlantis, are joined by the return of the Honolulu map from Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth. Refreshed with loads of new activities as well as the return of favorites, this side-story is still mega-sized with loads to do. That's just Yakuza through and through.
Developer: Shin'en Multimedia | Release date: June 5, 2025 | Platform(s): Nintendo Switch 2
Just as Fast RMX was there to help the Nintendo Switch out at launch with a thrilling antigrav racer, so too is Fast Fusion present to do much the same for Nintendo Switch 2. This is a lightning fast racer that shows the hardware can really bring the stuff when it comes to giving a sense of speed.
"A brilliantly fast and playable racing game that doesn't cost the Earth, Fast Fusion is a superb example of what Switch 2 can deliver. Super Hero mode is pretty perfect, though some balancing issues and oddly fuzzy visuals take off some of the shine. This is really front of the pack," says Justin Towell, author of our Fast Fusion review.
The titular fusion twist is a little underwhelming – simply allowing you to unlock new vehicles by slotting two pre-existing ones together, which isn't as creative as it seems at first glance. Yet, everything else here really feels like a cut above, with plenty of inventive, gravity-defying courses that look gorgeous even as they whizz by you and loads of verticality to navigate your path to the front of the pack.
Developer: In-house | Release date: January 30, 2025 | Platform(s): PC, PS5, XSX, XO
What's better than action and stealth individually? As Sniper Elite: Resistance answers, how about doing both at the same time? Better than that? Doing it to hundreds of Nazis. Like its predecessors, this mixes tense cat-and-mouse mechanics with ludicrous amounts of X-ray cam gore to really allow you to revel in your WW2 mission of liberation with extreme prejudice.
"A case of evolution rather than revolution, Sniper Elite: Resistance uses what came before to create something that's familiar, but consistently fun and occasionally tense. Plentiful collectibles and unlocks throughout the campaign, and a fantastic invasion mode, ensure this will last long past the final mission," says Luke Kemp, author of our Sniper Elite: Resistance review.
Plonked into occupied France, 1944, this feels like more of an addendum to the "brilliant and brutal" Sniper Elite 5 than full-on sequel, shifting the narrative from Karl Fairburne to the formerly supporting hero Harry Hawker. Some may dislike that this feels more like a continuation than a complete reinvention, but considering the quality of the fifth adventure, building on what worked there results in a smart and considered sniping game here. Honing in on what works means the action does feel more fleshed out here, at times reaching Hitman 3 levels of deviousness in what you're able to pull off. To top it off, a devilish invasion multiplayer mode adds plenty of replay value, too.
Developer: Deconstructeam, Selkie Harbour | Release date: April 29, 2025 | Platform(s): PC
Many Nights a Whisper might only be a couple of hours long even if you take your time, but few games are so focused on a single game mechanic and goal. As a chosen teen, you've been training for years to perform a ritual that sees you make one incredibly hard shot to light a torch across the water – and you only get one chance to do it.
"With one chance to land a single, perfect shot – few games have this tension and impact, really making me sit with how I felt about everything," says Oscar Taylor-Kent, author of our Many Nights a Whisper review.
Even getting your shot to reach that torch is a challenge, and to do so you'll need to listen to the anonymous wishes of those who come to worship at the temple you live – adding their braids to your sling whenever you accept them (they'll apparently come to pass when you light the torch). You keep growing in strength, and keep practising until, eventually, you need to decide to take the shot. Succeed or fail, it's an ending to the story that you can't reverse. Because of it, there's plenty of tension as you try to perform this single feat of skill, and it really makes you consider the act of winning and losing in a game.
Developer: Uvula | Release date: May 28, 2025 | Platform(s): PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S
Following a teen named Teen who is permanently trapped in a T-pose, the novelty of challenges simply navigating this sunny seaside town bring to be stuck in that position quickly give way to absurdist storytelling that's charming and affirming in equal measure.
"Though it struggles to pace itself evenly due to a short run-time, To a T is a remarkable, life-affirming wonder. Perfectly un-perfect and proud of it, this is a flag waved high for oddballs – and likely to be one of 2025's most memorable games," says Andrew Brown, author of our To a T review.
There's plenty in To a T that's introspective even as it's always very silly and very warm – making you think about what it means to be 'perfect'. Though there's something of a coming of age story in here, To a T is never really quite what you expect it to be from scene to scene. This vibe is best deployed when meshed with its mechanics – which it does quite well – though there's an over-reliance on cutscenes the further you get in. Still, you're unlikely to spend another five hours feeling quite the same range of odd emotions To a T elicits, and feeling quite so good after. It's a wonderful experience.
Developer: Omega Force | Release date: January 17, 2025 | Platform(s): PC, PS5, XSX, XO
After a very rough attempt to reinvent the franchise with Dynasty Warriors 9, it's great to see Dynasty Warriors Origins take the larger-than-life "one versus one hundred" battler back to the drawing board. What results is a game that feels like it plays to the series' strengths while also feeling very fresh. Here, rather than loads of heroes to pick from, you have just one new character – Ziliuan – and this focuses on how you weave through the Romance of the Three Kingdoms epic historical tale.
"More than getting the series back in the saddle after the disappointing Dynasty Warriors 9, Dynasty Warriors: Origins evolves the genre and injects fresh excitement. A stripped back approach champions the explosive combat's focus on visceral clashes and tactile battlefields, with charming characters and a more immersive story mode," says Oscar Taylor-Kent, author of our Dynasty Warriors Origin review.
Able to read the "winds" of battle, any force you lend your blade (or many other weapon types) to has a huge advantage in conflicts, meaning you'll quickly need to make decisions around which of the three kingdoms to back. Mixing light and heavy attacks together as usual, combat feels more tactile than ever, with quick counters and clashes making battles feel high impact yet still fluid. Each battlefield feels huge in scope, too, with mounted cavalry charges feeling like they shake the earth as soldiers all around shout out as one.
Developer: Ivy Road | Released: February 24, 2025 | Platforms: PS5, XSX, PC
In recent years, the cozy game genre has been flooded with titles that mainly stick to the Stardew Valley-styled box. However, Wanderstop flips the trope on its head by following the champion fighter Alta, who is struggling to adapt to the new slow pace she finds herself in while running a tea shop. In fact, Alta is pretty much trapped in her new cozy reality, despite her wish to find a new master so that she may redeem herself after suffering a recent string of defeats that weigh heavy on her mind.
"As unsurprising as it may be to those who have played creators Davey Wreden (The Stanley Parable and The Beginner's Guide) and Karla Zimonja's (Gone Home and Tacoma) games, Wanderstop does narrative beautifully," says Miri Teixeira, author of our Wanderstop review.
Wanderstop is full of whimsy on its surface, letting you discover charmingly named plants, grow resources, and unlock new recipes. Farm plants, grow hybrids, and gather what you need from the world around you while also discovering stories from your customers. But this game, at its core, has a deep story all about change and Alta's journey through her trauma. Get ready to be shocked by unexpected feelings and witness one of the most effective stories of the year.
Developer: Firaxis Games | Released: February 11, 2025 | Platforms: PS5, XSX, PC, NS, XO, PS4
Civilization 7 is the best that Civ has ever looked, period. And that's high praise when you consider that we are talking about a franchise with some of the best 4X games in existence. Developed by Firaxis Games, Civilization 7 takes the tried and tested formula that we all love: exploration, expansion, exploitation, and extermination, and adds a stunning map and less intimidating campaigns for us to enjoy. In this outing, your chosen leader will stay with you from start to finish. It'll be your civilization that will be changing throughout different points of your playthrough, flipping Civ on its head.
"Civilization 7 is a revolutionary strategy game for newcomers and long-time fans alike. Though some tweaks around diplomacy and Ages fall short, a host of small reinventions – along with Firaxis' biggest gamble in tackling the tedium of long-running campaigns – pays off superbly," says Andrew Brown, author of our Civilization 7 review.
However, as every great ruler knows, change is sometimes necessary, and all of Civ 7's new features work in its favor. The new mechanics keep things fresh as you play lengthy campaigns with friends, and that, paired with less information to absorb on your screen, makes every session feel snappy and fun. It's a great evolution for one of the best strategy series around, and the ideal place for newcomers to the genre to dive into.
Developer: MercurySteam | Release date: May 22, 2025 | Platform(s): PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S
With a title this generic, and its dark fantasy theming, it'd be easy to assume this was just the Castlevania: Lords of Shadows devs doing a soulslike, but that doesn't do justice to how charmingly unique Blades of Fire really is. Set in a world in which steel rules all, but has fallen under the control of a malicious presence, Aran sets out on a journey to set the balance right with his dead friend's sassy apprentice Adso in tow.
"MercurySteam follow up the career high point of Metroid Dread with a dark fantasy soulslike full of neat ideas. Blades of Fire dares to make the case for weapon degradation being a good thing and succeeds. The fun characters, secret-stuffed level design, and terrific combat don’t hurt either. A really pleasant surprise," says Abbie Stone, author of our Blades of Fire review.
Able to forge and swap between loads of weapon types – each with multiple combat style (spears for instance can pierce or slash) – different foes are weak to different attack types on a per limb basis. These chunky attacks feel great in action as you cut down legions of enemies, sometimes striking off their limbs to seize victory in tense encounters. Mazey soulslike level design is present, but each area is pretty, and has unique gimmicks that make it exciting to see what comes next.
Developer: Obsidian Entertainment | Released: February 13, 2025 | Platforms: XSX, PC
Obsidian Entertainment gives us one of the best Xbox Exclusives of the year with the fantasy RPG Avowed. Set in the Pillars of Eternity universe, Avowed follows the story of a Godlike Envoy from the Aedyr Empire who is set on a mission to uncover and stop a mysterious plague that's threatening the Living Lands called the "Dream Scourge." However, immersive story aside, what really sets Avowed out from the pack is how rewarding exploration is here.
"Avowed fills a first-person void within the fantasy RPG genre, but it also stands as an immersive spin on Pillars of Eternity without losing any of the stellar storytelling and worldbuilding that Obsidian Entertainment is known for," says Anna Koselke, author of our Avowed review.
With every new area you discover, there will be a chest or some form of loot to find. If he didn't stumble upon anything, chances are you simply missed it. You'll find yourself going off the path, searching for side quests that meaningfully impact your story and character, and soon, you'll realize that hours have gone by. Combat in Avowed is also a blast, with each character build being customizable to fit your perfect playstyle. While the companion combat system isn't perfect, and some story beats lack a certain punch, you won't regret giving this one a try.
Developer: Jump Over the Age | Release date: March 20, 2025 | Platform(s): PC, PS5, XSX, NS
The writing for the sci-fi world of Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector, in which the nature of corporate ownership of synthetic bodies is explored, is as sharp here as it was in its predecessor. But this sequel has the ambition to go so much further. Last time around, we were stuck on one space station, whereas the multi-location tale that's spun this time around is much more sweeping. For the most part, this really plays into the strengths of the tabletop RPG-inspired system, to give so many more varied storytelling opportunities.
"Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector is a smart sequel in that it takes everything that worked from the stellar first and expands, but the novelty of the original – which was quietly transformative for anyone interested in the genre – is a difficult lightning to capture in a bottle twice. It works, and works well, but the success of Citizen Sleeper also set the bar impossibly high," says Rollin Bishop, author of our Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector review.
Where some friction is removed in how you maintain your 'sleeper' body, a new system for destructible die adds tension to many more key moments, making this ultimately more consistently thrilling, decisions always feeling like they have plenty of weight. This mostly comes across in missions you set out on, selecting party members to join you. This makes Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector feel much more social in design, a slight tonal shift that we think makes this incredible sequel better than ever, and one of the best game stories we've played to date.
Developer: Ubisoft Quebec | Release date: March 20, 2025 | Platform(s): PC, PS5, XSX
Assassin's Creed Shadows kicks off Assassin's Creed Mirage's shift in direction to return to the modern era of the series' open-world RPG style like Assassin's Creed Valhalla – but this is more than 'another one of those.' The scale of this Sengoku-era-set Japan is enormous, and more realistic than ever before, and it's a huge and dense world full of discoveries around every corner.
"Assassin's Creed Shadows thrives on boldness. Its dual protagonists improve on the series' stealth-driven roots and modern RPG leanings, though they're let down by a vague story that fails to make full use of either character," says Andrew Brown, author of our Assassin's Creed Shadows review.
Split between two heroes, Naoe and Yasuke, the former is a stealthy shinobi while the latter is a combat-specialist samurai. This means you're always risking something in play, forcing you to lean into each characters' strength as a trade-off. Almost every mission after the opening hours can be played as either. We love both, but Naoe's additions to the series' stealth are truly exceptional. She's fluid to play as, able to go prone in long grass or flip off ledges. Detailed castle designs mean each area feels like a fresh challenge, mixing interiors and exteriors to create maze-like spaces to master.
Developer: Dogubomb | Release date: April 10, 2025 | Platform(s): PC, PS5, XSX
Loads of roguelikes have hooked us over the years, but that also means that while it's a genre we love, we often know what to expect. Blue Prince, however, is able to deliver something that feels truly unique. Built entirely around exploration and devious puzzles, this has us called to a mysterious, shifting manor to etch new rooms onto its blueprint to go deeper and deeper.
"This exploration roguelike is like nothing else I've played, and became a puzzle obsession I just couldn't shake," says Oscar Taylor-Kent, author of our Blue Prince review.
Which means when you've run out of stamina, the whole manor you've been exploring disappears and you start again. Your quest is to find the 46th room in a manor consisting only of 45, meaning you need to unravel a mystery to find out how to track down and unlock the secret room. Just reaching the very back of the manor is taxing enough, but you'll quickly pull at other threads to push further, and find clues to uncover a whole secret family mystery. Every run adds something new, and this is one of the freshest games we've played all year.
Developer: Warhorse Studios | Released: February 4, 2025 | Platforms: PS5, XSX, PC
Who would have thought that a medieval RPG would be one of the top gaming experiences of the year? Well, Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 is a sadistic gift that will have peasants spitting in your face, guards kicking you while you are down, and will keep you coming back for more torture. This is a direct sequel to the last KCD game and sees Henry of Skalitz return. However, you find yourself back at square one after some unfortunate events, meaning you'll have to work up the historical ladder of influence once again.
"Provided you have the patience with its pacing and are willing to put in the hours to get deeper into its systems rather than just trying to min-max your way out of a problem at optimal speed, it's a thoroughly absorbing RPG that's quite unlike anything else," says Alan Wen, author of our Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 review.
While the grind may be slow at first, as you skill up and embark on thoroughly well-written quests, you'll soon be hooked on that feeling of accomplishment as you work to overpower every person who did you wrong at the start of your adventure. Kingdom Come Deliverance 2's open world is also a marvel and is a genuine joy to track through. While this game does require patience, it'll be your new obsession if given the chance.
Developer: Blendo Games | Release date: April 30, 2025 | Platform(s): PC
Skin Deep is an immersive sim with knee-slapping humor and fast-paced mechanics that reward diving into danger rather than slowly sneaking around. Playing as an insurance agent, you're activated to liberate ships crewed by cats whenever space pirates attack. And in this world, there's a lot of pirate attacks.
"A genuinely stellar immersive sim, replete with chaos and countless combat options to fend off space pirates. Always funny, never dull, and full of felicitous felines, annoying bugs and an irritating save system don't spoil what is one of this year's must-play indie games," says Joe Chivers, author of our Skin Deep review.
Each ship is a labyrinth of vents and airlocks, a sandbox for you to get creative with taking pirates out – all while needing to scoop up their regenerating heads and flush them before they can come back. With eyeballs that can zoom and enhance, and a third lung to breathe in space, there's plenty of powered up options to deal with them. Each stage only takes about 20-30 minutes, meaning this is a nicely bite-sized slice of imsim action.
Developer: Rebellion | Released: March 27, 2025 | Platforms: PS5, PS4, XSX, XBO, PC
Set in the north, Atomfall is a supremely British game that mixes together elements of Fallout 4 with Stalker 2 to create an experience like little else that feels like an adventure all your own. A freeform structure champions the decisions you make, meaning most players will have their own journey through unravelling the mysteries of this post-nuclear disaster world where mechs, mutants, and stranger things roam.
"This isn't British Fallout – it's something much better than that" say Luke Kemp, author of our Atomfall review.
Multiple endings compliment the loose nature of the game, and combined with the default settings that give you essentially zero handholding you really feel like you're striking out alone (though settings can be tweaked). Brutal combat can wreck you if you're not careful too. But there's plenty to pick through in these small yet wonderfully dense maps, and you always have a sense of the danger ahead meaning that when things go, erm, south, it does feel your fault. Give this a go, you've probably never played anything else like it.
Developer: Shiny Shoe | Release date: May 21, 2025 | Platform(s): PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch
Fantastic roguelikes can have a tough time with sequels – when you make your first game so much fun to just keep replaying, how do you convince people to move on to something else? Monster Train 2 is one of the best jumps we've ever seen.
"Let's hope the conductor doesn't come through because Monster Train 2 is a truly first class ride through deckbuilder roguelike heaven. I'm already going off the rails with all the possibilities these smart evolutions to the rules and cards on offer bring, each run teasing me to chase new ways to to master the rails. I'm well and truly on board," says Oscar Taylor-Kent, author of our Monster Train 2 review.
It's mostly thanks to how it evolves just about every mechanic that made the original deckbuilder battler so great in the first place, adding so much more while building on the same foundations that the first game begins to feel like just a first draft. Helping out is the return of plenty of options from the first game too, meaning you don't feel like you're missing anything in this sequel. Instead, this train outspeeds the original, soaring ahead to make for one of the best roguelike games we've played period.
Developer: Two Point Studios | Released: February 27, 2025 | Platforms: PS5, XSX, PC
For years, we've enjoyed building up hospitals and university campuses across strange biomes and unlocking even stranger contraptions along the way. However, the newest Two Point series entry, Two Point Museum, is the best game yet. Here you'll be managing a series of museums (or using sandbox mode to create your dream one from scratch). Complete objectives, send experts out on dangerous expeditions to find more exhibits, and work to keep your museum profitable!
"Two Point Museum is a real dream come true – both as an avid museum-goer and management sim fan – and that speaks to how effectively its main campaign succeeds at giving me all the tools I need to shape my own exhibitions exactly to my liking, and all the know-how I need to run and manage everything," says Heather Wald, author of our Two Point Museum review.
Two Point Museum is packed with all the fun and whimsy from previous Two Point outings while also introducing some exciting new features to spice up the gameplay. Expeditions have consequences that can result in some untimely staff deaths. You can build exhibits such as aquariums and ghost rooms, and guided tours are a great new way to earn some cash. If you love sim games and find the concept of seeing a floppy disk as part of a prehistoric exhibit hilarious, then Two Point Museum is a must-play.
Developer: Don't Nod | Release date: February 18, 2025 | Platform(s): PC, PS5, XSX
The creators of Life is Strange may not be tied to that brand anymore, but they still bring plenty of that same vibe to Lost Records: Bloom & Rage – Tape 1 and Tape 2. This is another teen girl coming-of-age story that balances its charming, heartwarming '90s setting with something sinister and strange beneath the surface, and is one hella good time across both of its episodes.
"The first part of Lost Records: Bloom and Rage is a wonderfully sincere portrait of teenage girlhood. Don’t Nod has returned to, and evolved, a tried and true formula, and the result is a supernatural teen coming-of-age story that’ll spirit your heart away," says Rachel Watts, author of our Lost Records: Bloom & Rage – Tape 1 review and Lost Records: Bloom and Rage – Tape 2 review.
Importantly, this isn't just Life is Strange with the numbers filed off. Lost Records: Bloom & Rage revives what we loved about that series but brings plenty new to the table – while still being a narrative-first game in which you make plenty of dialogue choices and explore a lot of environments. A dual timeline, one in which the girls meet in the present day to discuss the strange events of their fateful summer, and one the events themselves, adds a neat story twist. So too does Swann's camcorder, which you can use to seamlessly record what's around you, expertly blending the nosiness that's core to Don't Nod's prior games with a mechanical hook we couldn't put down. We were hooked after the first episode, but are pleased to report Tape Two really sticks the landing.
Developer: Toby Fox | Release date: June 5, 2025 | Platform(s): PC, Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, PS5, PS4
The only real knock we have against Deltarune is we're still waiting for a few more chapters to finish this extraordinary followup to Undertale off. Still, with this boxed release to coincide with the Nintendo Switch 2 launch (it's also on other platforms, mind) – additional chapters will be added to it for free – Deltarune is solidifying itself as one of the most creative RPGs ever.
"Deltarune channels a broad range of classic RPGs but remains a unique, goofy and heartfelt creation of Toby Fox that finds novel ways to find victory in battle through peaceful means, while tickling your funny bone at every opportunity. Even with just over half of the saga complete, it's already the developer's most ambitious work yet," says Alan Wen, author of our Deltrarune review.
Where Undertale was playful, Deltarune takes it to the next level. This time you have a party of misfits alongside you, and a place to call home to come back to. Pacifism is still a choice, with encounters navigating that decision being even more creative than the first time around. The chapter structure also allows the game to shrug off expectations around rules – constantly transforming into something new from mechanics to even visual style. So far, this is triumphant, and clever use of the format means that while this story will continue it doesn't feel incomplete to jump in at this point either.
Developer: Hazelight Studios | Released: March 6, 2025 | Platforms: PS5, XSX, PC
Split Fiction is the best co-op game that you'll play in 2025, trust us. From the minds that bought us the go-to title for couples in 2021 (It Takes Two), Hazelight Studios delivers another two-player masterpiece here. Following the story of two writers (one specializing in sci-fi, the other in fantasy) trying to escape a machine that's extracting all their ideas, Split Fiction will throw you into several beautiful worlds along with uniquely crafted levels.
"Split Fiction is another expertly crafted cooperative game from Hazelight that perfectly straddles two genres simultaneously and consistently introduces one good idea after another," says Sam Loveridge, author of our Split Fiction review.
As you and your player two search for glitches that can stop the machine, you'll experience a ton of different styles of gameplay along with Hazelight's signature platforming focus. Shoot targets and create portals, engage in some Snake-style gameplay, or fly dragons while avoiding rockslides, every second of Split Fiction is exciting and is packed with obvious love and nods to classic video games. While the plot is straightforward, and you will be dying to return to some gameplay sections, Split Fiction is a marvel and already a strong contender for Game of the Year.
Developer: Nintendo | Release date: June 5, 2025 | Platform(s): Nintendo Switch 2
11 Bit Studios are already responsible for some of our favorite survival games – both Frostpunk games are some of the best city building games for a reason. They balance nail-biting odds with genuine drama that comes from player interaction with the mechanics. The Alters takes a similar approach while pitching itself quite differently, dialling in to tell one person's story through several dramatic lenses.
"Both immense in scope and deeply introspective. 11 Bit Studios has once again found the humanist side in a genre rooted in systems and management. It's a fantastic base builder and survival sim, but what makes The Alters truly brilliant is how these systems are underlined with vulnerable, emotional moments – like holes being punctured in your space suit," says Rachel Watts, author of our The Alters review.
Jan Dolski is trapped on an alien planet with no crew thanks to a crash landing, and the only way he can escape is to get the mobile base back up and running, mining for resources. And the only way he can do that is to get more hands on deck… by cloning himself. The problem is, requiring different skills means he has to nudge the cloning process to diverge each replicant towards a different path by rethinking his life's decisions. As these similar-yet-unique individuals work together, they need to deal with drama and fallout around those conflicting viewpoints while struggling to stay alive, all while drilling down into what makes their life choices important.
Developer: Nintendo | Release date: June 5, 2025 | Platform(s): Nintendo Switch 2
What happens when Mario Kart goes off road for once? You get Mario Kart World, a followup racer that's so inventive it ditches the numbering and secures its own subtitle. Here each track is just a part of the whole, the focus being on racing through a huge interconnected open world to get from race to race.
"Mario Kart World is indisputably the best first-party launch game for the new Nintendo Switch 2 console, and its new major departures for the franchise – like Knockout Tour and Free Roam – are delightful, but it remains to be seen if the kart racer can keep up the pace for the long haul," says Rollin Bishop, author of our Mario Kart World review.
Even Grand Prix get the open treatment, a large portion of each race having a huge 24-strong roster of colorful characters battling down highways and across bridges until bursting onto each course proper for a final lap. Knockout Tour is a new mode that shares the spotlight, playing out as one long elimination race across several non-stop legs that whittles down player counts. Tying it all together is a chill Free Roam mode that has you unlock character costumes and stamps as you wander around clearing challenge missions and uncovering secrets.
Developer: Capcom | Release date: February 28, 2025 | Platform(s): PC, PS5, XSX
Busywork begone! Monster Hunter Wilds is a game that understands the appeal of the series' core loop – of teaming up to fell big beasties to craft better, stronger gear – and zeroes in on making sure that's the bulk of the experience. While some vets may miss the slower rituals of older game's hunts, like tracking and paintballs, the immediacy of your clashes with massive foes using almost-as-large weapons is electric in this new entry.
"With the best combat and narrative in a 20-year series of action RPGs, Monster Hunter Wilds is the new peak of Monster Hunter, only further enlivened by a colorful cast of monsters that defies longtime design conventions," says Austin Wood, author of our Monster Hunter Wilds review.
While the endgame challenge we crave is still to come, build creation is smarter than ever, thanks to the ability to take multiple weapons on hunts and a revised skill system. But other standout additions are more obvious to players of all levels, all revolving around the detailed maps that feel like living, breathing environments. Base camps are now located within those maps directly, so you always feel like a part of the ecosystem, and new Seikrets – raptor-like mounts – can steer you all around each zone with automated ease. This means you only need to worry about the next hunt on the horizon.
Developer: Sandfall Interactive | Release date: April 24, 2025 | Platform(s): PC, PS5, XSX
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a love letter to your favorite RPGs, mixing together elements from Final Fantasy 7 all the way to Persona 5. But, crucially, Sandfall Interactive's impressive debut is no imitator. This tells a mature, emotional, and gripping story of a group of young adults out to save their world with genuinely groundbreaking battle mechanics that make this a genre best in class.
This is an old-school feeling JRPG as dynamic as Persona but with parry-filled battles as hard-won as Sekiro," says Alan Wen, author of our Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 review.
It's not the first RPG to enhance turn-based bouts with interactive elements, but no other game manages to make it feel this good. A parry system really rewards skill, allowing you to go toe-to-toe with its toughest enemies while taking no damage if you're good enough, and a dodge system allows you to get out of the way of strikes too. Flashy though combat is, it's not for show at all, each character sporting unique battle mechanics and able to equip loads of gear with unique ability synergies. A breezy 30 hours or so to complete, heaps of optional content keep you playing for some time as you explore every nook and cranny in the lusciously designed overworld. This isn't a story you'll forget any time soon.
