Have you ever felt that exhilarating rush of anticipation when a new year of gaming beckons? It’s a feeling many of us share, wondering what incredible adventures await on our PCs and consoles. Just as our host Jonas Gössling rightly points out in the video above, 2025 has already proven to be a truly remarkable year for gaming, even just a few months in. We have been introduced to a spectacular array of titles, ranging from exciting new intellectual properties to eagerly awaited sequels and even beloved re-releases, all competing for our attention.
However, it is acknowledged that not every launch has been flawless. For instance, the PC port of Spider-Man 2 experienced significant issues at launch, though it has since evolved into a much better experience. Similarly, Rise of the Ronin, while providing the best version of its open-world adventure on PC, still suffered from technical inconsistencies. And Civilization 7, it seems, may have been released prematurely, leaving it to chase its potential. Despite these minor stumbles, the sheer volume of high-quality new games 2025 has delivered thus far is quite astounding. Let us delve deeper into some of the most compelling gaming highlights that have emerged this year, offering insights into why these games are considered essential additions to your library.
Best Action-Packed Adventures of 2025 So Far
Unleashing Havoc with Dynasty Warriors Origins
For fans of pure, unadulterated action, Dynasty Warriors Origins is a title that cannot be overlooked. This latest installment is described as a return to the series’ roots, moving away from the open-world excursions seen in previous titles like Dynasty Warriors 9. Imagine stepping onto a vast battlefield, an unstoppable force against hundreds of enemies, clearing them out in mere seconds. This provides an incredibly satisfying feeling of power, even if the gameplay might not always demand extreme strategic depth.
With Origins, the visual fidelity of the series has reached new heights. The stunning graphics, especially evident in the elaborate special attacks, significantly enhance the gameplay experience. Furthermore, even the ‘cannon fodder’ enemies are observed to be more aggressive, requiring quicker reactions and making the combat less simplistic than before. It is clearly established that Dynasty Warriors Origins is a wonderfully exaggerated action spectacle and stands as the finest entry in the series to date.
Ninja Gaiden 2 Black Remake: A Challenging Return
The surprise ‘shadow drop’ release of the Ninja Gaiden 2 Black Remake in January was a treat for many. While some long-time fans may have had criticisms regarding certain aspects, it is important not to lose sight of the fact that Ninja Gaiden 2 Black, despite any perceived weaknesses or missing content, remains an exceptionally good action game defined by its fast-paced combat. For players new to the Ninja Gaiden universe, this ‘Black’ version of the second installment is regarded as an excellent starting point.
The remake benefits greatly from the Unreal Engine 5, presenting a visually impressive experience. Story-wise, it is suggested that not much is missed from the first game, allowing newcomers to fully enjoy part two. However, be prepared for a very high difficulty level, as this challenge is what the series has always been known for. If you crave intense, skill-based combat, this is a PC and console game 2025 entry worth exploring.
Like a Dragon Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii: A Swashbuckling Spin-Off
If the traditional Yakuza and Like a Dragon games have sometimes felt too serious or grounded for your taste, then the newest spin-off, Like a Dragon Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, is sure to bring a smile to your face. This title boldly transforms the iconic Japanese gangster narrative into a full-blown buccaneer adventure. Set in sun-drenched Hawaii, series veteran Goro Majima gathers a pirate crew, aiming to become the ultimate captain of the seas while also trying to recover his lost memory.
This quirky journey is described as being thoroughly worthwhile. The story and characters are undeniably charming, and the unique blend of classic pirate tropes with a modern setting feels incredibly refreshing. As is typical for the series, a wealth of varied activities is included. Players can engage in thrilling ship battles, explore exotic islands, and partake in numerous mini-games. This is clearly a genuinely good Yakuza game, enhanced by its delightful pirate gimmick, complete with themed outfits, sea shanties, and bazooka-equipped naval combat.
South of Midnight: A Stylized Single-Player Journey
Prior to its release, there were some technical concerns surrounding South of Midnight, the new game from Compulsion Games. Fortunately, these fears were unfounded, as the action-adventure is reported to run smoothly on both PC and Xbox, and it looks remarkably stylish. The game’s style and atmosphere are highlighted as its primary strengths, thanks to compelling story cinematics, imaginative level design, and an outstanding soundtrack.
For those seeking a single-player experience in a fresh, uncharted setting, and who are willing to overlook minor gameplay shortcomings, this game offers approximately 10 hours of memorable playtime. A particularly interesting feature is the option to disable combat entirely, allowing players to focus solely on the story, platforming, and exploration. This makes South of Midnight an accessible and intriguing highlight among the new games 2025 has offered.
Engaging RPGs and Strategic Adventures
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2: A Historical Masterpiece
From its humble beginnings as a Kickstarter secret to becoming arguably the most anticipated RPG of the year, Kingdom Come: Deliverance and its sequel have truly had an impressive development journey. The wait for this continuation is enthusiastically described as being more than worth it. Players can expect to traverse beautiful Bohemian landscapes, undertake creative and multi-faceted quests, and experience a wonderfully presented story filled with interesting characters.
The feeling of moving through a truly living game world, where non-player characters go about their daily lives regardless of your presence, is captivating. In essence, everything that was fantastic in the first installment has been elevated and improved in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2. Even the intricate combat system from the predecessor has been significantly refined. It is emphasized that anyone still hesitant about playing this game due to a misconception that it is a demanding, dry medieval survival sandbox should reconsider. This title is presented as an exceptional role-playing game offering a fantastic story and hundreds of hours of entertainment.
Avowed: Rewarding Exploration in a Rich Fantasy World
Obsidian’s RPG, Avowed, arrived in February and, while it may have been overshadowed by Kingdom Come 2, it proved to be a satisfying experience for those craving a fantasy world brimming with exciting secrets. Avowed is praised for its ability to reward exploration unlike many other games, and it achieves this without relying on a sprawling open world. Instead, it features expansive, handcrafted regions that consistently offer a reward or beautifully designed environment at the end of every path.
The combat system is dynamic, notable for its diverse range of weapon classes, encompassing everything from swords and magic to pistols – nearly anything one might imagine in a fantasy setting. The narrative depth is anchored by the rich lore of Eora, a foundation established in the Pillars of Eternity games. Currently, Avowed is available on PC and Xbox, and is included with Game Pass, making it easily accessible. A PS5 version is certainly hoped for by many.
Trails Through Daybreak 2: A JRPG Saga Continues
Fans of epic stories, intricate twists, and deep emotional narratives have been well-served in recent years, thanks in no small part to the regular releases in the Trails series. This JRPG saga, originating in 2004, has woven a continuous narrative across an impressive 12 games. To make entry less daunting, developer Nihon Falcom divides the games into distinct arcs. The latest arc follows the story of Van Arkrides, and Trails Through Daybreak 2 directly continues the events of its predecessor.
Players once again accompany the enigmatic problem solver through the underworld, gradually uncovering the secrets of a mysterious organization. A novel time-travel mechanic is introduced in this installment: at specific points in the campaign, correct actions must be taken at the right time, or players are sent back to the past to resolve the issue differently. Furthermore, Trails Through Daybreak 2 refines its hybrid combat system, blending real-time and turn-based elements, now incorporating magic directly into real-time engagements. The gripping story, exceptionally well-written characters, and mature, darker themes position this newest Trails entry as a true genre highlight among the best games 2025 has presented.
Monster Hunter Wilds: Refined Hunting on PC and Consoles
Monster Hunter Wilds is described as a game that does not reinvent the series’ core formula: hunt large monsters, craft new weapons and armor from their remains, and then hunt even larger monsters. However, Wilds has successfully refined this simple yet addictive gameplay loop. For the first time in the series, a genuinely engaging story is included, which is expected to draw newcomers into the franchise more effectively. Indeed, Wilds is identified as the most accessible game in the series due to its compelling campaign.
Long-time fans are not forgotten, as new attacks for every weapon provide ample incentive for veterans. However, it is noted that Capcom still has significant technical work to do. Even on high-end hardware like an Nvidia RTX 5080, observable model and texture loading issues, frequent framerate drops, blurry textures, and even crashes were reported. Such severe PC problems almost prevented the game from making this highlight list. Despite these considerable flaws, Monster Hunter Wilds is ultimately considered a hit. The game offers hundreds of hours of enjoyment for those who love to grind for optimal equipment, continuously refine their builds, and explore the vast content, including the unique Arti-weapons. It is undoubtedly one of the biggest highlights of 2025, offering endless engagement.
Xenoblade Chronicles X Definitive Edition: A Wii U Gem Reborn
The Xenoblade Chronicles series has finally been consolidated on a single console with the release of part three. However, for a long time, one crucial spin-off was trapped on the Wii U – until now. Xenoblade Chronicles X Definitive Edition has at last arrived on the Nintendo Switch. In this JRPG, Earth has been destroyed by aliens, and the surviving humans search the cosmos for a new home, eventually landing on the fantastical planet Mira. Players explore its imaginative terrain, gradually building a new colony.
Unlike other titles in the series, Xenoblade Chronicles X primarily focuses on gameplay. While the story is present, it does not take as prominent a role compared to other entries. Instead, players are rewarded with new mechanics even after dozens of hours, such as unlocking a transformable mech that can eventually fly, fundamentally altering planetary exploration. The Definitive Edition also introduces numerous small improvements. Developer Monolith Soft has significantly upgraded character models, revamped the previously cluttered interface, added new story segments, and generally enhanced the graphics. This JRPG is therefore not just a highlight, but also the definitive version of Xenoblade Chronicles X.
Unique Sims and Innovative Shooters
Two Point Museum: Wacky Management Strategy
Fans of bustling management strategy games received an early highlight in March 2025 with Two Point Museum. Much like its predecessors, Two Point Hospital and Two Point Campus, this title tasks players with building and managing an institution, this time a museum. Those who enjoy decorating and a generous dose of eccentricity will find themselves right at home. Guests might wish to be transformed into vampires, or ghosts might need to be housed in a poltergeist room. Expeditions are also launched to acquire new exhibition pieces, as a museum naturally requires them.
The only slight impediment to the game’s flow is identified as the random system for these excavations, as the game decides which artifacts are unearthed. Despite this, with its extensive decoration options, amusing exhibits, and high level of ‘wuselfaktor’ (bustling activity), Two Point Museum remains a charming strategy highlight among the new games 2025.
Schedule 1: From Dealer to Empire Builder
Australian solo developer Tyler achieved a massive surprise hit with the crime simulation Schedule 1. In this indie game, players rise from being a small-time dealer to becoming the ‘Pablo Escobar’ of the fictional town of Highland Point. What makes Schedule 1 unique is its blend of work simulation, cozy game elements, gangster epic, and sandbox mischief. The game’s aesthetic and content clearly draw influence from the hit series Breaking Bad, with numerous small references, from the iconic RV to gas masks and yellow lab overalls, being found.
Players who believe they can build a more enduring empire than ‘Ol Heisenberg are invited to test their mettle in Schedule 1. While the humor and art style may be subjective, concurrent player numbers of approximately 400,000 people per weekend speak volumes about the strength of its core gameplay. For a modest price of around €20, players receive a somewhat unpolished but highly motivating open-world sim that can be experienced alone or with up to four players simultaneously.
Atomfall: A Unique Post-Apocalyptic Mystery
Atomfall, from Sniper Elite developer Rebellion Developments, initially sounded like a blend of Stalker and Fallout. Players find themselves in a quarantined zone, aiming to escape, encountering large bunkers everywhere, and the shooter is steeped in a 1950s aesthetic at every turn. However, the finished game surprisingly revealed itself to be something quite distinct. This uniqueness is primarily attributed to its quest system. Players do not follow markers; instead, they gather clues and must independently find their way to the objective or deduce the solution to tasks themselves.
While shooting and stealth are part of the experience, the clear emphasis is on exploration and puzzle-solving across multiple hub worlds. Atomfall thus cultivates a very specific identity, appealing to those who prefer not to simply rush from one quest marker to the next. This makes it a fascinating entry among the new games 2025 has delivered.
Challenging Combat and Narrative Excellence
The First Berserker Khazan: A Demanding Souls-Like
The world of The First Berserker Khazan is bleak. General Khazan, having protected his empire from a dragon, finds himself brutally tortured and near death in a mountain range due to intrigues. A demon then possesses him, and together they embark on a path of revenge. While the story of Khazan is not considered the most captivating, the action RPG excels in its gameplay. In this Souls-like title, players explore 16 rather linear levels, battling through one of the most challenging, yet simultaneously best, representatives of the subgenre.
Blocking, dodging, and countering are essential for survival. Enemies are never unfair; instead, they must be studied, and their patterns memorized. The game’s gray-brown levels and the significant difficulty are noted as potential deterrents. While battles are never unjust, boss health bars deplete relatively slowly, meaning players might die if they simply spend too long on a single attempt. However, the accumulation of experience points even from failed boss attempts helps maintain motivation. In summary, The First Berserker Khazan, with its excellent combat system and varied enemies, is considered one of the best Souls-likes currently available, despite its very high difficulty.
The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered PC: A Flawless Port
Following the problematic PC release of Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 in January, expectations for the PC version of The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered were understandably low. However, it can now be confirmed that the port is exceptionally well done. The PC version is highly optimized and offers a nearly overwhelming number of graphical options. While new graphical effects like Ray Tracing did not make it into the PC version, the new release is still the most beautiful rendition of this already impressively detailed game, thanks to improved shadows, LODs, and enhanced image processing.
Even if the pacing in part two is not quite as effective as in the first The Last of Us, the sequel is still ranked among the best games of the last 10 years. It has now received a PC version that more than lives up to its prestigious status. This flawless transition ensures more players can experience one of the finest new games 2025 has offered, marking a positive shift in PC port quality.
Seamless Co-op and Engaging Stealth
Split Fiction: The Ultimate Co-op Experience
Hazelight, the acclaimed studio behind the celebrated It Takes Two, delivers a true co-op spectacle with its latest title, Split Fiction. Those who enjoy playing with a friend, either via couch co-op or online, are offered a unique adventure filled with creative ideas, engaging puzzles, and challenging platforming sequences. Split Fiction places a strong emphasis on both gameplay and visual variety. The two author characters, Zoe and Mio, journey through their self-written worlds within the game.
Imagine riding dragons in Zoe’s fantasy novel, while in Mio’s sci-fi stories, you might find yourself grappling along flying cyber-cars. Split Fiction expertly hides various goodies throughout, including references to other games and optional levels. A particularly cool feature is that only one copy of the game needs to be purchased; thanks to the Friends Pass, your co-op partner can join for free, whether online or locally. So, find a co-op partner, grab your controllers, and dive into one of the best co-op worlds seen in recent years.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows: Stealth Takes Center Stage
The circumstances surrounding Assassin’s Creed Shadows could not have been more challenging. Publisher Ubisoft has been contending with dwindling fan trust and a struggling stock market for months. This title also became the first in the series to be postponed multiple times. Yet, it appears the extra development time benefited the game significantly. Shadows has emerged as a magnificent open-world adventure set in feudal Japan, particularly impressing with its versatile stealth system.
Players are given the ability to extinguish light sources, crawl along the ground, hang from ceilings, eliminate enemies through walls, and much more. Stealth has rarely felt so engaging and rewarding in an Assassin’s Creed game. Simultaneously, the action-packed combat, featuring the powerful samurai Yasuke, is just as enjoyable as in previous installments. Furthermore, Shadows finally tells a clearly structured revenge story with its two protagonists, Naoe and Yasuke. The charismatic characters ensure players are eager to uncover the story’s conclusion.
While Assassin’s Creed may not have reached its full potential, with some repetitive side activities and a somewhat unintelligent AI, Shadows undeniably takes crucial gameplay steps forward and is breathtakingly beautiful. This title marks a significant step for the series, securing its place among the best new games 2025 has to offer on both PC and consoles.
