After several years of standout blockbusters, the global gaming industry shows no sign of slowing down in 2025. Major developers and indie teams alike are preparing launches that encompass many genres and platforms.Some of the most anticipated video games of 2025 have been teased for months—or even years—and each promises innovative gameplay systems, compelling storylines, or reimagined takes on beloved formulas. While certain games expand on established franchises, others journey into all-new settings. Together, they signal an exciting future for players across numerous platforms.
We cover many of 2025’s most anticipated video games, highlighting possible hardware shifts alongside them. Rumors point to a new Nintendo console arriving sometime within the year, potentially affecting these launch schedules. We begin with games that have firm or semi-firm release dates, then shift to major titles still awaiting a precise window. Remember that any release date can change if studios need more time for polish. Even so, the current plan suggests that 2025 may be pivotal—solidifying the current console generation’s legacy while teasing what comes next.
February Highlights
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 (February 4)
Platforms: Likely PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Genre: Immersive Historical RPG
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is the sequel to Warhorse Studios’ acclaimed historical RPG set in medieval Bohemia. The first game excelled at realism, branching quests, and a responsive open world. This follow-up seeks to expand those core pillars, delivering an even more natural sense of chaos and consequences to every decision. Previews and hands-on sessions indicate that it retains the original’s demanding approach, placing players in a challenging world where factions, NPCs, and random events can dramatically affect each other.
Its greatest appeal might be its “engine of chaos,” as some testers have described it. Variables like clothing choices, moral decisions, and wandering caravans can send players down unexpected paths. While this can lead to frustration—especially if you lack the “save-game potions” at a crucial moment—it also brings forth vibrant, unpredictable stories. The main narrative follows Henry again, as he wrestles with a landscape fraught with turmoil, alliances, and personal struggles. Developers remain tight-lipped about plot twists, but there is a strong emphasis on political drama and the influence of your reputation. Whether you gravitate toward stealth, diplomacy, or bold combat, the game’s systems promise outcomes that feel earned.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 inherits the first game’s steep learning curve, so success relies heavily on preparation and wit. It could become a hallmark historical RPG for 2025 if it polishes the difficulty and continues to emphasize emergent storytelling.
Avowed (February 18)
Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, PC
Genre: First-Person/Third-Person RPG
Avowed takes place in the Pillars of Eternity universe but trades the original isometric view for a more immersive first-person perspective (with an optional third-person mode, some say). Obsidian Entertainment is renowned for its witty dialogue and deep narrative branches, and the studio describes Avowed as one of its largest undertakings since The Outer Worlds. After some development delays, the new date of February 18 appears firm.
Avowed’s gameplay centers on layered faction systems, moral decisions, and expansive magic. Because the Pillars lore involves gods, souls, and a richly detailed history, the story may focus on those themes in larger, more cinematic ways. Players can fight with swords, cast spells, or use diplomacy. Obsidian also emphasizes how your choices affect alliances. Those who enjoyed the Pillars of Eternity games’ narrative depth will likely see recognizable deities and societal elements, but newcomers can jump in without prior knowledge.
Lost Records: Bloom & Rage Tape 1 (February 18)
Platforms: PC, Consoles (Exact TBA)
Genre: Narrative Adventure
Lost Records: Bloom & Rage Tape 1 comes from some of the minds behind the Life Is Strange series. This narrative adventure examines multiple protagonists bound by a strange 1995 event. Years later, they must deal with the event’s lingering effects. The developers specialize in immersive storytelling, moral choices, and powerful character arcs, so the game follows in the tradition of heartfelt drama and branching dialogue.
The Bloom & Rage concept suggests equal focus on gentle, reflective interactions and bursts of conflict. For fans of Life Is Strange, the emotional stakes and unexpected twists should feel familiar, with each choice shaping the characters’ relationships and personal growth. Expect a story-driven experience that sets it apart from action-focused titles.
Monster Hunter Wilds (February 28)
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC
Genre: Action RPG
Capcom’s Monster Hunter Wilds builds on the enormous worldwide appeal of Monster Hunter: World. Wilds introduces vast new locales, rideable bird-like raptors, and a “focus mode” for zeroing in on monster weak points. The studio retains the slinger tool from World, allowing for more strategic control over each confrontation. As in previous entries, cooperative play remains pivotal, letting groups of friends embark on epic hunts together.
Early discussions mention dynamic weather systems that might affect monster behavior. Because gear progression and crafting are integral to Monster Hunter, each new region could provide raw materials for forging better weapons and armor. If Capcom balances the depth of the hunts with user-friendly tutorials, Wilds may attract both returning veterans and first-timers, reinforcing the franchise’s global momentum.
March Releases
Split Fiction (March 6)
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC
Genre: Co-Op Adventure
Hazelight Studios—known for A Way Out and It Takes Two—returns with Split Fiction, another cooperative narrative adventure. This time, two authors—one writing science fiction and the other creating fantasy—become trapped inside each other’s fictional worlds. If Hazelight’s previous games are any indicator, expect shared puzzles, comedic moments, and an emphasis on collaboration.
Players may need to unite sci-fi gadgets and fantasy magic to progress, merging each writer’s unique genre elements. Hazelight excels at blending gameplay mechanics with story themes, so look out for how the two realities overlap and influence each other. This project has the potential to match the emotional resonance and creativity of It Takes Two.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows (March 20)
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC
Genre: Open-World Action-Adventure
Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed Shadows fulfills a longstanding request: a feudal Japan setting. Set late in the Sengoku period, it follows two protagonists, Naoe and Yasuke, bridging the conflict between assassins and templars in a war-torn land. The game preserves familiar stealth, parkour, and open-world design while integrating new feudal Japanese weapons and combat styles.
After being delayed multiple times, Shadows must meet high expectations, particularly concerning historical authenticity and technical polish. Its ambition could pay off with a fresh perspective on the Assassin’s Creed formula, showcasing mountain temples, farmland, and bustling towns where political upheaval and clan rivalries drive each mission. Dual perspectives might also freshen up the narrative, offering more varied gameplay and dialogue.
Tales of the Shire (March 25)
Platforms: Nintendo Switch (Likely), Other Consoles TBA
Genre: Cozy Simulation
Developed with help from Weta Workshop, known for its work on The Lord of the Rings films (here italicized as The Lord of the Rings), Tales of the Shire shifts the focus from large-scale conflict to a calm hobbit lifestyle. Instead of battling orcs, players will cook, farm, and immerse themselves in everyday activities. Early teasers promise pastoral charm, possible co-op features, and the signature warmth of the Shire.
For those who love the slower pace of farming sims, Tales of the Shire might become a favorite. There may be subtle references to The Lord of the Rings, but the emphasis stays on living like a hobbit. This approach diverges sharply from many large-scale AAA games, demonstrating that Middle-earth can be inviting without epic battles.
SPRING SURPRISES
Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves (April 24)
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC
Genre: 2D Fighting
SNK revives the Fatal Fury franchise with City of the Wolves, the first mainline entry since 1999. Known for its lively characters and fast-paced fights, Fatal Fury shaped early 2D fighting. Advanced combo systems, eye-catching visuals, and dynamic comebacks define the new entry.
Playtesters praised its fluid action and balanced roster. If the netcode and online lobby systems run smoothly, City of the Wolves could reestablish SNK’s hold on the fighting scene. Longtime fans hope it captures the spirit of the genre’s golden age while still introducing helpful tutorials for newcomers.
Unconfirmed 2025 Releases
Borderlands 4
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC
Genre: First-Person Looter Shooter
Gearbox’s Borderlands series popularized comedic, loot-focused gunplay across alien worlds. Borderlands 4 follows a more uneven reception to Borderlands 3, seeking to recapture the charm of Borderlands 2 while updating the humor and gameplay. The villain is rumored to be the Timekeeper, leading a cult called the Order of Kairos.
Frantic shootouts, absurd weapon types, and a co-op emphasis define the franchise. Whether the sequel can match the writing and flair of Borderlands 2 remains to be seen, but the development team wants to deliver more robust skill trees and imaginative gun designs. Fans still consider Borderlands synonymous with loot-driven mayhem, hoping the new chapter highlights what made the series special.
Death Stranding 2
Platforms: PlayStation 5
Genre: Action-Adventure, Strand-Like
Hideo Kojima’s Death Stranding generated polarized responses, combining atmospheric hikes with “Strand” systems that let players aid each other indirectly. The sequel continues Sam Porter Bridges’s journey, hinting at commentary on the global pandemic and advanced ways for players to reshape each other’s worlds. Cinematic storytelling and big-name actors are expected, along with dreamlike cutscenes.
Kojima Productions suggests deeper social elements, refined traversal, and potential expansions to combat. If you loved the meditative pace of the first game, Death Stranding 2 may heighten its uniqueness with further surrealism. However, those who found the original too slow may want to see if Kojima balances that measured gameplay style with more variety.
Dispatch
Platforms: TBA
Genre: Narrative Adventure, Superhero Comedy
Dispatch is an episodic, choice-driven adventure from AdHoc Studio, formed by ex-Telltale developers. Featuring voice talents like Aaron Paul and Laura Bailey, it aims to blend comedic superhero themes with interactive storytelling. Players handle scenarios in a hero call center, deciding how to respond to chaotic city happenings.
Similar to older Telltale titles, branching dialogue and moral decisions shape the narrative. Yet the comedic tone sets Dispatch apart from Telltale’s more dramatic series. If you enjoy stylized graphics, comedic superhero elements, and narrative-driven choices, keep an eye on this project. It may rekindle the spark of Telltale’s heyday.
Elden Ring: Nightreign
Platforms: PlayStation 4/5, Xbox One/Series X|S, PC
Genre: Roguelike Soulslike
FromSoftware’s Elden Ring became a global sensation in 2022, merging grand open-world design with punishing Soulslike combat. Nightreign transforms those fundamentals into a roguelike experience: players navigate a realm collapsing over three in-game days, culminating in a final showdown with the Night Lord. Up to three players can form a party, exploring a map that changes every run.
Precise timing, skillful dodges, and punishing bosses remain integral. However, procedural generation introduces unpredictability each time. The question is whether Nightreign’s random design can maintain FromSoftware’s meticulous lore and tension. If it balances novelty with classic Souls difficulty, it may capture dedicated fans and roguelike enthusiasts alike.
Fable 4
Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, Windows
Genre: Action RPG
Fable once defined the Xbox experience, mixing fairy-tale charm, humor, and moral choices. After Lionhead Studios closed, Playground Games—renowned for Forza Horizon—took over. They aim to modernize the whimsical world of Albion while preserving the franchise’s essence.
Fable 4 is rumored to keep elements like reactive morality and comedic NPC interactions. As you perform heroic or villainous deeds, your character’s appearance and the surrounding environments may shift. If Playground applies the open-world know-how from Forza Horizon, the new Albion might feel bigger, more varied, and deeply interactive. The hope is that it regains the narrative sparkle that made the original games so beloved.
Ghost of Yōtei
Platforms: PlayStation 5
Genre: Open-World Action-Adventure
Ghost of Tsushima wowed players with stunning visuals, methodical combat, and thematic depth. Ghost of Yōtei continues that legacy, leaping forward to 1603 Japan with a new protagonist named Atsu. Sucker Punch hints at changes to weapons, stealth kills, and mountainous terrain. Although it takes place centuries after Tsushima, it retains the tensions of samurai warfare and the moral weight of the Ghost persona.
Comparisons will likely arise with Assassin’s Creed Shadows, another high-profile 2025 release set in feudal Japan. Nonetheless, if Sucker Punch matches the original’s cinematic flair and well-paced progression, Ghost of Yōtei could stand out as a masterpiece in its own right.
Grand Theft Auto 6
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Genre: Open-World Action
Rockstar has kept official information about Grand Theft Auto 6 guarded, but the hype is enormous. GTA V remained on bestseller lists for over a decade, so a sequel carries massive expectations. Reports hint at a return to Vice City, plus multiple playable protagonists, reminiscent of GTA V’s popular approach.
Rockstar’s track record suggests an intricate narrative, satirical humor, and an online mode that might overshadow everything else. Other publishers often shuffle their release dates to avoid clashing with Rockstar, reflecting its impact on the market. If GTA 6 meets even a fraction of the current speculation, it could redefine open-world gaming and dominate 2025 discussions.
Hades 2 (Full Release)
Platforms: Switch (Likely), PC, Other Consoles TBA
Genre: Action Roguelike
Supergiant Games returns to the Greek mythological universe of Hades, this time focusing on Chronos. The original’s Early Access approach earned acclaim, blending a roguelike loop with a story that expanded each time you died. Hades 2 expands combat possibilities, introduces new gods, and builds more romance arcs. The Early Access model continues, with frequent updates that polish weapons, enemy encounters, and dialogue.
If Hades 2 refines its synergy system—where different god powers combine into unique attacks—it could surpass an already beloved predecessor. The full release date remains “TBD,” but it could happen in 2025. Expect fast-paced battles, memorable writing, and a soundtrack that intensifies the drama of each fight.
Hollow Knight: Silksong
Platforms: Switch, PC, Possibly Other Consoles
Genre: Metroidvania
Team Cherry’s Hollow Knight earned praise for its moody world, precise controls, and hidden lore. Silksong follows Hornet in a new kingdom, focusing on faster combat, distinct movement, and a different approach to item usage. Delays have stacked, leaving fans to speculate on a 2025 launch.
Hornet’s agility might open fresh strategies, such as using mid-air tools or weaving through enemies more fluidly. The soundtrack and hand-drawn aesthetic are expected to remain integral. With so many players still considering Hollow Knight a top-tier Metroidvania, Silksong carries the weight of high expectations.
Judas
Platforms: TBA
Genre: Narrative Shooter
Ken Levine—mind behind BioShock (video game)—spent years developing Judas, a new IP rumored to meld immersive sim elements, moral dilemmas, and dystopian sci-fi. Levine has mentioned a “narrative Lego” concept, aiming to let story pieces rearrange based on player actions. While details are scarce, fans anticipate BioShock-like pacing and a strong philosophical angle.
Judas might explore post-apocalyptic themes, though how it differs from Levine’s earlier projects remains unknown. Considering how BioShock revolutionized narrative shooters, many are eager to see if Judas can replicate that impact in a fresh setting.
Lost & Found Co.
Platforms: TBA
Genre: Hidden Object, Puzzle Adventure
Lost & Found Co. promises a cozy puzzle experience, placing players in a whimsical city where they run a shop dedicated to retrieving misplaced items. By hunting through varied scenes and chatting with clients, you gradually piece together local lore. Developer Bit Egg Inc. mentions random item placements, suggesting replay value and light storytelling elements.
Fans of hidden object or casual puzzle games may find Lost & Found Co. endearing. Its day-night cycle might unlock region-specific mysteries. If you enjoy laid-back exploration with narrative layers, this title might offer a comforting change of pace from more intense games.
Mafia: The Old Country (Q2/Q3 2025)
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC
Genre: Narrative Crime Adventure
Mafia: The Old Country marks the fourth mainline installment in the Mafia series, functioning as a prequel tracing the origins of organized crime through Enzo Favara’s journey. Set in San Celeste, it chronicles Favara’s rise from working in Sicily’s mines to becoming a key figure in the Torrisi crime family. Unlike Mafia 3—which experimented with an open-world approach—The Old Country places stronger emphasis on linear, narrative-driven storytelling, returning the franchise to its roots in more ways than one.
The setting, spanning everything from gritty Sicilian back alleys to affluent mansions, immerses players in a tense and atmospheric environment. Mafia: The Old Country could focus heavily on character interactions, highlighting Enzo’s shifting loyalties and the choices that shape his transformation into a hardened criminal. Fans longing for a concentrated story arc, akin to the first two Mafia games, may find this a refreshing callback.
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond
Platforms: Nintendo Switch or Next-Gen Nintendo System
Genre: Action-Adventure, First-Person
Nintendo’s Metroid Prime 4 was first announced in 2017, then restarted under Retro Studios in 2019. Now subtitled Beyond, it seems poised to reinvigorate the franchise’s first-person exploration. Rumors involve multiple planets or an open-ended structure. Sylux, a rival hinted at in prior teasers, might play a key role in the story.
If next-gen Nintendo hardware arrives, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond could function as a system showcase, featuring advanced graphics and refined control options. Returning elements like the Morph Ball, scanning visor, and puzzle-oriented progression are likely. Fans await fresh details on how Retro will adapt classic Metroid Prime design for a modern audience.
Nirvana Noir
Platforms: TBA
Genre: Indie Adventure, Narrative
Nirvana Noir is a sequel to a lesser-known indie that explored cosmic creation. Its neon visuals and dynamic camera shifts made a strong impression in the demo, evoking surreal trips through existential questions. You traverse realms brimming with kaleidoscopic colors, solve puzzles, and connect with unusual characters who challenge your worldview.
For those who adore heady, abstract experiences, Nirvana Noir may deliver. The final version could expand puzzle mechanics and reveal more about its cosmic storyline. The soundtrack, with its pulsing electronic motifs, reinforces the game’s hypnotic aura.
Pokémon Legends: Z-A
Platforms: Nintendo Switch or Next-Gen Nintendo System
Genre: Action RPG
After the success of Pokémon Legends: Arceus, Game Freak returns with Pokémon Legends: Z-A, set in the early history of the Kalos region from Pokémon X and Y. Beyond open-world exploration and real-time catching, the game highlights the construction of Lumiose City and a storyline that resurrects Mega Evolutions. This blend of old and new might satisfy fans who enjoyed Arceus’s departure from standard Pokémon formula.
Z-A likely focuses on learning about Kalos’s early myths, perhaps discovering how Mega Evolution was first uncovered. If the gameplay loop mirrors Arceus—gathering data, battling iconic creatures, and forging new tools—it could breathe fresh life into the franchise while appealing to nostalgia for Kalos favorites.
Professor Layton and the New World of Steam
Platforms: Nintendo Switch (or Next-Gen), Possibly Other Platforms
Genre: Puzzle Adventure
Level-5 revives the Professor Layton series in a steampunk American town called Steam Bison. This environment brims with gears, quirky contraptions, and whimsical inhabitants. Expect a variety of logic puzzles and riddles woven into the plot. The series has always succeeded at mixing charming art with clever puzzle design.
New World of Steam might expand beyond standard puzzle formats, possibly incorporating steam-powered machinery or contrivances that call for inventive thinking. For fans who missed the professor’s top-hat adventures, this entry should scratch that puzzle itch. Its tone remains playful, with friendly characters helping Layton unravel bigger mysteries.
Wrestling With Emotions: New Kid on the Block
Platforms: TBA
Genre: Indie Wrestling, Narrative
Wrestling With Emotions rejects the gritty edge of most wrestling sims, offering a bright, cartoonish style. The playable demo showcased over-the-top moves, comedic storylines, and a chance to bond or feud with an array of flamboyant competitors. You can create wild entrances, customize your wardrobe, and build relationships that shape each match’s outcome.
If polished, this project might appeal to those who appreciate humor and theatrics over serious sports simulation. Developer updates suggest an emphasis on personal expression, comedic cutscenes, and the joy of imaginative wrestle-fests. That approach sets it apart in a genre often dominated by dark or hyper-real titles.
Hardware Speculation and Industry Outlook
A new Nintendo console could land in 2025, potentially accompanying Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, Tales of the Shire, and Pokémon Legends: Z-A. Microsoft and Sony continue to support Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5 with exclusives like Fable 4 and Ghost of Yōtei, suggesting that the current console generation has plenty left to offer.
PC gaming remains robust, hosting nearly all these major releases. Streaming and subscription models, including Game Pass or PlayStation Plus, may also become more influential, especially if publishers see them as a means to reach broader audiences quickly. Though VR steadily gains traction, none of 2025’s big games are confirmed to feature VR elements. Expansion or spin-off content might still appear if fan interest grows.
Final Thoughts
There are abundant reasons to be excited about the most anticipated video games of 2025. Whether you crave historical realism in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, the comedic spin of Dispatch, or the gentle rhythms of Tales of the Shire, the array of genres ensures something for everyone. Many of these projects have faced long development cycles, while others emerged more recently with immense hype. They collectively highlight a few important trends:
- Long-Awaited Sequels: Fable, Metroid Prime, Hollow Knight, and more return after years of anticipation. Each aims to expand on what once made them stand out.
- Experimental Spin-Offs: Elden Ring: Nightreign and Monster Hunter Wilds tweak existing formulas in bold ways, adding roguelike elements or new mounts.
- Story-Focused Adventures: Lost Records: Bloom & Rage Tape 1, Dispatch, and Judas underscore a surge in branching narratives, layered characters, and cinematic cutscenes.
- Cozy and Comedic Titles: Tales of the Shire and Wrestling With Emotions show that not all releases revolve around grit. Heartfelt or comedic options continue to appeal to varied tastes.
- Hardware Transitions: Whether Nintendo truly unveils new hardware remains uncertain, but if it does, a late-year shift could reconfigure holiday releases.
Game development timelines may still shift, with some ambitious projects postponed until 2026 or beyond. That can frustrate eager fans, yet it usually provides more thorough polish. Track official announcements from publishers, platform holders, and gaming expos like E3 or Summer Game Fest for the latest schedules.
With such a high volume of potential hits, players might find their backlogs ballooning. Strategy-minded gamers may want to plan which lengthy open-world adventures or complex multiplayer titles fit into their schedules. Subscription services can also streamline the choice, giving access to multiple releases for one fee.
A Pivotal Year for Interactive Entertainment
Looking at the most anticipated video games of 2025, there is a sense of evolution: emergent gameplay and refined mechanics feed sprawling open worlds, while comedic and indie experiences push boundaries in different ways. Whether you prefer medieval authenticity, cosmic weirdness, or hobbit tranquility, at least one title should grab your interest.
Many of these games could leave a mark for years, potentially spawning sequels or inspiring other studios. Big titles like Grand Theft Auto 6 or Elden Ring: Nightreign might shape game design for the next decade, while smaller gems like Lost & Found Co. or Wrestling With Emotions might cultivate dedicated niche communities. Either way, players benefit from a wealth of creativity.
Stay flexible with expectations. Some of these games, no matter how hyped, might face unexpected setbacks. Surprises may also surface if a studio announces something remarkable late in the year or decides to “shadow drop” a nearly finished product.
Yet the anticipation itself often adds to the thrill. Looking forward to immersive RPGs like Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, comedic co-op romps like Split Fiction, or philosophical shooters like Judas can spark countless discussions and speculation. Embrace that excitement, keep tabs on official news, and prepare for one of the most varied and potentially transformative lineups in gaming history.
If you plan to dive into multiple releases, consider staggering your playthroughs and coordinating with friends for co-op experiences. Many of these titles, from Avowed to Ghost of Yōtei, appear designed to enthrall you for dozens of hours. Whether you prefer to focus on narrative campaigns, gather resources in a farmland sim, or battle monstrous foes, 2025 shows great promise.
Leave a Reply