The anticipation for a new year of gaming often feels like waiting for a grand orchestra to begin. Each announcement, each trailer, plays a small note, building towards a symphony of releases. It is a shared experience among gamers, the quiet hum of excitement for what could be the next epic adventure or a beloved series making a triumphant return.
Just as shared in the accompanying video, 2025 is shaping up to be a truly incredible year for those of us who appreciate the artistry and innovation of video games. This year, it is believed, could deliver a diverse catalog, featuring everything from sprawling open-world survival games to intricate strategy titles. The focus here is on completely new experiences and exciting continuations, rather than remakes or early access titles. This is done to ensure the spotlight remains on fresh adventures and significant advancements.
Anticipated Video Games of 2025: A Look at the Horizon
As the gaming landscape evolves, 2025 is poised to offer a rich tapestry of experiences across various genres. Many of these upcoming video games are designed to captivate with deep narratives, refined mechanics, and stunning new worlds. Here, some of the most exciting titles are explored in more detail, giving a clearer picture of what awaits players.
Dynasty Warriors Origins: A Return to Form
After seven long years, the legendary “one versus 1,000” combat system is being revitalized with Dynasty Warriors Origins, slated for release on January 17th. Players will step into the shoes of a nameless hero during the tumultuous Eastern Han period. This fresh perspective is expected to deepen the immersion in the Three Kingdoms era.
The core gameplay is centered on engaging entire armies in real-time, demanding both direct combat prowess and strategic troop command. Unique skills, known as Arts, are tied to specific weapons, while powerful Musou attacks can dramatically shift the tide of battle. It is hoped that Koei Tecmo has addressed past criticisms, ensuring a more vibrant world and diverse game modes for this single-player adventure, steering clear of issues seen in previous entries.
Dune Awakening: Survive Arrakis
Set to arrive in early 2025, Dune Awakening transports players to the harsh desert planet of Arrakis in an open-world survival MMO. Inspired by the recent cinematic successes, this title places players in the role of a nameless prisoner, tasked with learning the brutal ways of survival. Funcom, known for its work on Conan Exiles, is at the helm of this ambitious project.
The journey begins in the relative safety of the Haga Basin, but progress in technology and gear allows for ventures into story-rich cities and eventually the treacherous Deep Desert. This is where large-scale PvE and PvP battles unfold over precious spice, utilizing ground vehicles and ornithopters. Coriolis storms are a constant threat, reshaping the landscape and revealing new opportunities, while the colossal sand worms always loom as an unkillable force of nature, requiring constant evasion. Water discipline is paramount, as survival demands extraction from every available source.
Civilization 7: Evolving a Legacy
One of the most wish-listed games for 2025, Civilization 7, is preparing to launch on February 6th, promising to evolve its beloved strategy formula. While retaining a familiar feel, the game introduces significant changes designed to refresh the experience. The game is now structured into three longer ages: Antiquity, Exploration, and Modern.
A notable innovation allows players to switch civilizations and leaders at the beginning of each age, untethering leaders from their original factions for greater strategic freedom. Subtle yet impactful changes, such as navigable rivers, are introduced, facilitating movement and trade. New combat units called Commanders are also added, offering more tactical options to influence large-scale battles, which is akin to adding a specialized chess piece that can turn the game around.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2: Henry’s Continuing Saga
February 11th marks the anticipated release of Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, an RPG continuing the story of Henry. Now a trusted ally, Henry embarks on a journey driven by revenge, betrayal, and self-discovery. The combat system, previously lauded for its complexity, has been refined for better accessibility while retaining its deep challenge. This is like making a high-performance sports car easier to drive without sacrificing its speed.
The addition of crossbows and early firearms expands combat diversity, while alchemy and crafting systems are said to be enhanced, offering even more depth. With over five hours of cinematics promised, the game is set to be one of 2025’s most ambitious and feature-rich RPG experiences, immersing players in a medieval world that feels truly alive.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows: Edo Period Stealth and Combat
Ubisoft aims to make a significant statement on February 14th with Assassin’s Creed Shadows, taking the series to Japan’s Edo period, a setting long requested by fans. Players will control two distinct protagonists: Naoe, a shinobi assassin, and Yasuke, a historically inspired black samurai. Their contrasting fighting styles, unique weapons, and tools are expected to offer varied strategic advantages and disadvantages.
Stealth remains a core tenet, but Yasuke’s combat-focused approach means the game embraces both elements with more ways to engage foes and navigate the open world. A wide array of weapons, from katanas to kunai, will be wielded. An expansive main narrative is expected to drive the experience, complemented by the open-world design rich with side content, allowing players to explore at their own pace.
Avowed: High Fantasy in Eora
After years of anticipation and a bit of mystery, Avowed, an Obsidian Entertainment RPG set in the Pillars of Eternity world, is scheduled for February 18th. This first-person open-world adventure promises a unique high fantasy experience. At its heart is a dual-wield combat system, allowing players to creatively mix and match weapons, even wielding two wands or guns simultaneously.
True to Obsidian’s reputation, a strong narrative driven by player choice is a central pillar. Dialogue decisions are said to lead to both major and minor different outcomes, shaping the journey. Though the graphical tone has shifted from dark fantasy to a purer fantasy aesthetic, the narrative depth and choice-driven gameplay remain enticing prospects for fans of rich storytelling.
Monster Hunter Wilds: A New Forbidden Land
Following the global success of Monster Hunter World, Capcom is ready to unleash Monster Hunter Wilds on February 28th. This sixth main entry thrusts players into the vibrant, monster-filled Forbidden Lands. Players assume the role of a hunter on a quest to uncover the secrets of the White Wrath and rescue the Keepers, whose village has suffered an attack.
While no new weapon types are introduced, many existing weapons have been reworked for enhanced accessibility and interest. Seamless cross-play is promised from day one, allowing hundreds of players to coexist in a shared world, fostering easier matchmaking and a more connected experience than ever before. As one of the top wish-listed games, its launch is expected to be met with immense fanfare.
Dragonkin: The Banished: Draconic ARPG Action
For fans of action RPGs, Dragonkin: The Banished presents an intriguing prospect, emerging as a potential dark horse in the 2025 lineup. Players choose from four heroes, each imbued with unique draconic powers, to liberate the world from corruption. For example, the Barbarian channels ice powers from white dragon blood, while the Oracle commands electricity from blue dragon blood.
The game introduces innovative mechanics like the Ancestral Grid system, where skill pieces are collected as loot and slotted into a grid to customize play styles. City-building elements are also planned, offering a respite from the action. The development team is committed to a deep dragon theme, weaving it into every aspect of the game, creating an experience that truly embraces its mythical creatures.
The Alters: A Clone for Every Problem
11 Bit Studios, known for pushing genre boundaries, continues this tradition with The Alters. Players control Jan Dolski, a space miner stranded on a hostile planet. Survival hinges on creating clones, or “Alters,” each possessing different skills, personalities, and backgrounds based on alternative life choices Jan could have made. This is like having a team of specialized versions of yourself, each uniquely suited for a task.
The gameplay blends third-person adventure with side-scrolling base management, challenging players to manage their growing army of Jans. Resources must be mined, the mobile base expanded, all while racing against the radiation of a rising star. The unique combination of action and decision-making promises an interesting exploration of self and strategy.
Atomfall: British Nuclear Survival
Channeling strong Fallout vibes, Atomfall is set to arrive in March 2025 as a survival action game centered around a nuclear incident in a fictional British village. This title represents a significant step up in ambition for developer Rebellion, and early glimpses suggest a memorable experience. The game features similarities to modern Fallout titles, including a blend of melee and ranged combat with scavenged weapons.
Exploration and genuine problem-solving are key, with clues guiding quests rather than overt hand-holding. Tools like metal detectors, flashlights, and even robots are part of the gameplay, all serving an overarching story infused with dry British humor. While some animations might still seem unrefined, the compelling premise and potential for deep exploration are highly intriguing.
Judas: BioShock’s Spiritual Successor?
March 2025 will see the release of Judas, the debut title from Ghost Story Games, led by Ken Levine, the creative mind behind the BioShock series. The game unfolds aboard the Mayflower, a spaceship carrying humanity’s last remnants. Players take on the role of Judas, sparking a revolution against three controlling individuals, each with their own agenda.
Trailers immediately evoke BioShock, featuring religious themes, vibrant characters, and a distinctive retro aesthetic. Levine introduces “narrative Legos,” pre-built narrative segments, level designs, and art that dynamically assemble based on player actions. This innovative approach promises a story with nuanced reactivity, a frequently promised but rarely fully realized feature in games, making Judas a highly anticipated title.
Crimson Desert: A Grand and Fantastical Adventure
Long awaited by RPG fans, Crimson Desert is slated for release in the second quarter of 2025. This game defies easy categorization, aiming to blend elements reminiscent of The Witcher 3 with the expansive scope of Grand Theft Auto. The promise is for incredibly cinematic and unique gameplay that spans diverse environments, from arid deserts to cloud-piercing heights.
This is not a typical high fantasy RPG; instead, it incorporates more fantastical elements and less historical grounding. Combat is a striking blend of traditional sword, bow, and magic with martial arts, allowing the main character, Kliff, to move with martial flair. As a single-player narrative-driven adventure, fully voice-acted cutscenes and a story that traverses a dense, populated open world are expected, alongside ample conflict that can be resolved through diplomacy or action.
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach: Kojima’s Next Enigma
The sequel to Hideo Kojima’s innovative game, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, could capture global attention at any point in 2025. Players will once again embody Sam Bridges, embarking on a new mission to save humanity from extinction, set after the events of the first game. The narrative is expected to be central, with familiar characters like Fragile returning, but with a new focus.
Sam leaves Bridges, his allies disperse, but the United Cities of America remain in disarray. Tasked with forming a new group called Drawbridge, Sam resumes his role as a porter, connecting isolated cities across the UCA. Traversal, stealth, platforming, and combat are all anticipated, but the “weirdness factor” synonymous with Kojima’s work is expected to be amplified, promising an even more unique experience.
Doom: The Dark Ages: Medieval Demon Slaying
“Before he was a hero, he was a weapon of the gods.” This premise underpins Doom: The Dark Ages, a new entry in the legendary shooter franchise that moves into a dark fantasy medieval world. This setting is a stark contrast to the apocalyptic futuristic backdrops of previous Doom games, offering a fresh visual and thematic direction. New weaponry includes a brutal flail and a shield saw, adding new dimensions to the action.
Bold ideas are being introduced, such as mech battles where players control constructs like Atlan against gigantic demons. A dragon-riding feature is also glimpsed, suggesting new ways to traverse the world and engage enemies. This entry is not afraid to experiment, and its success hinges on how these disparate elements coalesce into a cohesive and satisfying experience for fans of fast-paced demon slaying.
Eternal Strands: Colossus-Inspired Magic
Eternal Strands, a lesser-known but highly anticipated title, is set for release in early 2025. The game draws inspiration from Shadow of the Colossus, allowing the main character, Brin, to climb onto gigantic constructs and target weak spots. This is a battle of scale, where strategy is as important as strength.
Magic is a central focus, with fire, ice, and telekinetic attacks shaping Brin’s offensive and defensive capabilities. The world itself interacts with the magic system, allowing Brin to manipulate elements, snap trees, and lift boulders to solve puzzles and create unique interactions. Exploration of Denervin is also key, with players using magic to navigate and uncover the secrets of a mysterious group known as the Enclave.
Fable: Whimsical High Fantasy Returns
Fable, a high fantasy series deeply cherished by many, is still awaiting a firm 2025 release date, four years after its official reveal. Developed by Playground Games, the new entry is expected to remain true to its whimsical roots within the darkly comedic world of Albion. Players will embody a new hero, whose appearance and personality are shaped by in-game actions and dialogue choices.
While specific system details are scarce, a semi or fully open world is a reasonable expectation, along with a strong narrative infused with classic British humor. The return of the innovative morality system is also anticipated, raising questions about how it will evolve in a modern gaming landscape where choice is a more common element. Its revival is like polishing a classic jewel to sparkle in a new setting.
Slay the Spire 2: Deck-Building Evolution
Arriving in early access sometime during 2025, Slay the Spire 2 aims to recapture the success of its 2017 predecessor with its addictive rogue-like deck-building gameplay. Set 1,000 years after the first game, the sequel introduces new slayers, each with unique cards, mechanics, and personalities. The Spire itself has changed, with new enemies, events, and treasures appearing in procedurally generated rooms.
Players can pursue risky builds or safer strategies, but all paths ultimately lead to the act’s boss. Built from the ground up on a new engine, the game promises modern features, improved visuals, and expanded mod support, ensuring that this tactical card-combat experience feels both familiar and fresh. It’s a new chapter in a beloved book, offering deeper lore and refined gameplay.
South of Midnight: Deep South Mythos
South of Midnight is shaping up to be a unique adventure themed around the mythos of the American Deep South, and it is a game many are personally excited about for 2025. Players control Hazel, a girl who discovers a world where reality and fantasy intertwine after a hurricane devastates her hometown of Prospero. Hazel possesses a unique form of spellcasting called weaving magic.
This magic is used to combat strange creatures, explore a dark modern folk-tale world, and solve environmental puzzles. Compulsion Games, known for its distinctive and imaginative titles, is developing this game, promising players something truly different. Its foundation is a rich storytelling experience, magical combat, and the relatively unexplored Southern Gothic setting, creating a game with a truly unique flavor.
Mouse: P.I. For Hire: Noir Cartoon Shooter
Easily one of the most unique games set for a 2025 release, Mouse: P.I. For Hire is a first-person shooter inspired by classic 1930s cartoons. Its monochromatic visual style gives it a distinct, timeless look, perfectly complemented by a jazzy retro soundtrack. Players step into the shoes of Jack Pepper, a war hero turned private investigator navigating the corrupt city of Mouseburg.
An arsenal of whimsical weapons, such as the Mauser pistol and the Turpentine Gun, will be at the player’s disposal. This stylistic choice, combined with innovative gameplay, ensures Mouse: P.I. For Hire will be one of the more memorable and visually striking titles of the year, like watching a classic animated film where you get to control the action.
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond: Samus’s Next Mission
It has been a long wait for a new Samus Aran adventure, but 2025 is poised to be the year Metroid Prime 4: Beyond finally launches. With Retro Studios, the original developers, back at the helm, this classic FPS is expected to return to the core formula known and loved by fans. As Samus, players will explore vast interconnected environments.
The scan visor remains a crucial tool, used to gather information about enemies, items, and the world. While innovation might not be the primary goal, the game promises the satisfying experience of morph ball transformations, shooting space pirates, and delving deeper into the Metroid universe. For fans, this is like returning to a familiar, beloved home, but with new secrets to uncover.
Grand Theft Auto 6: Vice City’s Return
Without a doubt one of the most anticipated games of 2025, Grand Theft Auto 6 remains largely shrouded in mystery, yet excitement continues to build. The game is set in the fictional state of Leonida, a parody of Florida, with Vice City (modeled after Miami) as its main urban area. The story will follow a crime duo: Lucia, the series’ first female protagonist, and her male partner.
Based on trailers, Vice City is expected to be crazier than ever, tapping into local Florida culture while broadly satirizing America. Gameplay is expected to feature the familiar formula of carjacking, police chases, and committing crimes with explosive flair. Elements of social media are also hinted at, adding a modern twist to the infamous world. Regardless of the current details, GTA 6 is destined to be a monumental launch, like a cultural phenomenon waiting to happen.
Mecha Break: Gundam Meets Zone of the Enders
Mecha Break, a darkhorse among the 2025 lineup, can best be described as a fusion of Gundam and Zone of the Enders. Early glimpses suggest a highly promising mech combat experience. Players can choose from a wide array of mechs—including Assault, Melee, Sniper, Reconnaissance, and Support—each with unique play styles, strengths, and weaknesses.
Further customization allows players to personalize paint jobs, armor, internal frameworks, and weaponry, ensuring each mech encountered on the battlefield feels distinct. The game offers arena-based PvP modes for squads of three or six, or an intense 48-player Battle Royale. In the Battle Royale, players face environmental enemies, ambushes, massive pulse storms, and rival pilots, all while vying for spoils of victory. Unique pilot stories are also promised, adding depth to the high-octane mech action.
Hell is Us: Sci-Fi Supernatural Action
For those drawn to science fiction and truly weird games, Hell is Us, set for release sometime in 2025, presents an intriguing proposition. Inspired by the 2018 film Annihilation, the game offers a captivating take on its source material. Players assume the role of Rami, a United Nations peacekeeper gone absent without leave to search for his parents in the war-torn country of Ofidia.
The Calamity, a mysterious event, has given rise to supernatural creatures known as Hollow Walkers. Gameplay blends melee and ranged combat with a heavy emphasis on a drone that assists in both exploration and fighting. Since Hollow Walkers cannot be defeated with conventional weapons, players must resort to ancient armaments, further enhancing the game’s creative and atmospheric depth. The unique premise and strong atmosphere suggest Hell is Us could be a surprise hit.
Ghost of Yōtei: A New Protagonist, New Powers
Recently revealed, Ghost of Yōtei is the highly anticipated sequel to the PlayStation exclusive, Ghost of Tsushima. This title continues the legacy but introduces a new protagonist, Atsu. Unlike Jin, Atsu can dual-wield katanas, immediately offering a different combat feel. The game is expected to be extremely narrative-driven, with its story unfolding over 300 years after the events of Tsushima.
The new setting centers around Mount Yōtei in Northern Japan, offering a fresh landscape to explore. As the first game Sucker Punch, the developers, are creating specifically for the PlayStation 5, impressive visual improvements are promised. This includes massive sight lines, incredible skyboxes, and more realistic environmental movement, such as wind on grass and vegetation, further immersing players in this feudal Japanese world.
Arc Raiders: Extraction Shooter Redefined
Arc Raiders, a game that has seen significant developmental changes, is finally slated for release sometime in 2025. Originally conceived as a looter shooter, it has been massively restructured into an extraction shooter. This new direction combines the ruthless PvP of titles like The Division’s Dark Zone with the survival and scavenging elements of Generation Zero, creating a high-stakes experience.
Set in a distant future Earth, Arc machines have overrun the surface, forcing humanity underground. Players venture to the surface through repurposed tunnel networks to scavenge essential materials. Along the way, they will engage in unique quests, loot structures, and defeat enemies for valuable items. Confrontations with other players, both solo and in groups, introduce a layer of social dynamics where alliances or betrayals can lead to quick changes of fortune. Every excursion carries the risk of losing all gear and loot, making each decision impactful as players navigate between dangerous machines and rival players. Large set pieces and formidable threats are still expected to be revealed, adding to the anticipation for this transformed title.
The year 2025 truly holds the promise of exceptional gaming experiences. From grand strategic epics to intimate narrative journeys, and from classic series reinventions to bold new IPs, there are many upcoming video games that cater to every taste. The detailed previews provided here only scratch the surface of the innovation and excitement that will be brought to players worldwide, making 2025 a year to eagerly look forward to for new games coming in 2025.
