The Hottest Games of 2025: Your Ultimate Guide to What's Coming Next!

The gaming world is abuzz with anticipation as 2025 approaches, shaping up to be a potentially landmark year for new releases. While the dynamic nature of game development means some highly anticipated titles have shifted their launch windows, the upcoming year is still packed with incredible experiences from beloved franchises and exciting new intellectual properties. This report delves into the most talked-about games slated for release, offering a glimpse into their worlds, core mechanics, and expected launch periods.

The complex process of developing AAA games often leads to unforeseen delays. Titles that were once widely expected in a particular year, such as Grand Theft Auto VI and Fable, may see their release dates pushed back. This phenomenon, where ambitious projects frequently face postponements, highlights the significant challenges developers and publishers encounter in managing public expectation and hype cycles. The ripple effect of such shifts can even influence the scheduling decisions of other major publishers, underscoring the interconnectedness of the industry.¹ Understanding these dynamics is crucial when looking at future release calendars.

2025's Most Anticipated Games at a Glance

For those seeking a rapid overview of the year's highlights, the table below consolidates essential release information, offering a quick reference point before diving into the detailed descriptions.

Game Title	Expected Release Date	Key Platforms
Doom: The Dark Ages	May 15, 2025	Xbox Series X
Monster Hunter Wilds	February 28, 2025	PC, PS5, Xbox Series X
Assassin's Creed Shadows	March 20, 2025	PC, Mac, PS5, Xbox Series X
Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater	August 28, 2025	PC, PS5, Xbox Series X
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach	June 26, 2025	PlayStation 5
Civilization VII	February 11, 2025	PC, Switch, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X
Kingdom Come: Deliverance II	February 4, 2025	PS5, Xbox Series X
Avowed	February 18, 2025	Xbox Series X
Borderlands 4	September 12, 2025	PS5, Xbox Series X
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond	2025	Nintendo Switch
Lost Records: Bloom & Rage	Tape 1: Feb 18, 2025; Tape 2: Apr 15, 2025	PC, PS5, Xbox Series X
South of Midnight	April 8, 2025	Xbox Series X
Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves	April 21, 2025	PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X
The Outer Worlds 2	2025	PC, PS5, Xbox Series X

The Main Event: Highly Anticipated Games Launching in 2025

The year 2025 promises a diverse and thrilling lineup of titles, ranging from brutal re-imaginings of classic franchises to innovative narrative adventures and expansive RPGs. Each game brings its unique flavor, ensuring something for every type of player.

1. Doom: The Dark Ages

Prepare for a brutal, medieval twist on the classic demon-slaying action with Doom: The Dark Ages. This prequel delves into the Doom Slayer's origins, blending the series' signature fast-paced, ultraviolent combat with a dark fantasy setting.³ Unlike Doom Eternal's emphasis on speed and agility, The Dark Ages takes a more grounded approach, incorporating weighty melee weapons like the Shield Saw—a spinning shield that doubles as a bladed boomerang—and the Skull Crusher, a medieval flail.³ A new parry system also stands out as a key addition, allowing players to deflect enemy attacks with precise timing.³

This shift in combat style and setting suggests id Software is not merely iterating but actively evolving the Doom formula. By introducing medieval elements and a more grounded combat rhythm, the developers appear to be refreshing the franchise, potentially attracting new players who prefer a different pace, while also deepening the lore by exploring the Slayer's past. This reflects a broader industry trend where successful franchises experiment with core mechanics or settings to maintain relevance and appeal, taking calculated risks to avoid stagnation.³ The game promises expanded semi-open environments, increased destructibility, and a more cinematic, story-driven experience built on id Tech 8, featuring real-time ray tracing and enhanced lighting.³ It is set to release on May 15, 2025, for Xbox Series X|S, PS5, and PC.⁵

2. Monster Hunter Wilds

Get ready to brave dynamic, transforming environments in Monster Hunter Wilds, scheduled for release on February 28, 2025, for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S.⁵ This highly anticipated entry in the action RPG series promises a story exploring the delicate balance between monsters and humans in a world of duality.⁸ Players can expect the signature cooperative gameplay, with seamless online co-op and cross-platform multiplayer. The game aims to deliver an unbridled force of nature, with environments drastically changing from moment to moment.⁸

While Monster Hunter Wilds is listed as one of the most anticipated titles, early user reviews from its Steam store page indicate a mixed reception, with 47% positive reviews in the last 30 days and 62% positive overall. This suggests that high anticipation does not automatically translate to universal critical or player acclaim upon release. This situation highlights the inherent challenges developers face in satisfying all player expectations, and it underscores the pressure to innovate while retaining core appeal. For a long-running franchise like Monster Hunter, maintaining consistent quality and player satisfaction across new iterations is crucial for its longevity and continued success in the market.⁸

3. Assassin's Creed Shadows

Journey to Feudal Japan in Assassin's Creed Shadows, an immersive open-world action RPG that fans have long dreamed of. This setting has been a highly requested locale for the franchise, and its realization here demonstrates a commitment to fan preferences.⁹ This entry, set to release on March 20, 2025, for PC, Mac, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S, features dual protagonists: Naoe, a stealthy shinobi assassin, and Yasuke, a formidable samurai warrior.⁵ Players will navigate a world of shifting alliances and historical conflict, exploring vibrant castles, serene temples, and treacherous forests.¹⁰

The game emphasizes fluid parkour, advanced stealth mechanics (allowing players to blend into shadows and scale rooftops), and visceral samurai combat with precise strikes and parries.¹⁰ The narrative focuses on the bond and growth between Naoe and Yasuke, exploring an underlying theme of unity and finding one's place in a changing world.⁹ The inclusion of a "Canon Mode" is a notable design choice, providing a defined story without major narrative choices, which caters to players who prefer a definitive story path while still offering the series' evolving gameplay.⁹ This strategic effort by Ubisoft to revitalize the Assassin's Creed franchise involves returning to highly requested settings while simultaneously innovating on core gameplay and narrative delivery methods to keep the series fresh and appealing to a wider audience.

4. Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater

Dive back into the Cold War era with Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater, a faithful ground-up remake of the beloved 2004 original. This game tells the origin story of Big Boss (Naked Snake) as he infiltrates Soviet territory to assassinate his former mentor, The Boss.¹¹ The remake promises a massive visual overhaul built on Unreal Engine 5, with smoother, more seamless movements and environments that push current-gen limits.¹² It aims to preserve the original story, voice actors, and iconic soundtrack, while offering both a "Legacy Mode" (original controls/camera) and a "Modern Mode" (over-the-shoulder third-person shooter experience) for enhanced accessibility.¹²

This approach caters to both nostalgic fans who cherish the original's integrity and new players who demand modern gameplay and visuals. By preserving the core narrative and audio while modernizing the presentation and controls, the developers aim to bridge the gap between legacy and contemporary gaming expectations. The success of recent remakes in the industry has shown a strong market for revitalizing classic titles, allowing beloved games to reach new generations of players who might be put off by outdated graphics or mechanics, while also offering a fresh experience for long-time fans.¹² Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater is scheduled for release on August 28, 2025, for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S.⁵

5. Death Stranding 2: On the Beach

Hideo Kojima's highly anticipated sequel, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, expands the unique world of connections and isolation. Sam Porter Bridges (Norman Reedus) returns, journeying beyond the UCA into uncharted territory.¹³ The narrative underwent a significant rewrite in response to the global COVID-19 pandemic, deepening themes of reconnection and rebuilding a fractured society, showcasing a remarkable responsiveness to real-world events.¹³

Players can expect improved traversal mechanics, more varied terrain, and a shift towards more prominent, tactical combat, with a multitude of new options including remote stealth attacks and the ability to drop Sam's backpack for more agile movement.¹³ The game promises photorealistic graphics meticulously depicting desolate lands, dynamic environmental hazards like "gate quakes" and sandstorms, and a mobile base called DHV Magellan, hinting at themes reminiscent of colonial domination.¹⁴ These gameplay enhancements suggest a conscious effort to address feedback from the first game, particularly regarding traversal convenience and combat depth, without abandoning the core "strand" mechanics. This iterative design process, where sequels refine and expand upon mechanics based on the original's reception, aims for a more balanced and engaging experience. Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is scheduled for release on June 26, 2025, exclusively for PlayStation 5.⁵

6. Civilization VII

The next installment in the iconic turn-based strategy series, Civilization VII, invites players to guide their chosen leader from the Antiquity Age to the Modern Age. While retaining core gameplay elements of building empires, waging war, and forming alliances, it introduces new features such as age transitions where players retain their cities but lose certain buildings and soldiers.¹⁵ The Exploration Age brings a deeper focus on religion and ocean exploration, allowing players to convert other civilizations without war and sail the seas.¹⁵ The Modern Age introduces artifact excavation and ideological choices, including democracy, fascism, or communism.¹⁵ The game aims for an addictive "one more turn" experience, with improved AI allies that can automatically attack and conquer enemy cities in alliances.¹⁵

The design philosophy appears to be about evolving the series with new mechanics while retaining its fundamental appeal. However, early feedback on the PC version indicates it has been described as "a bit of a disaster" with bugs and a terrible UI, and concerns have been raised about gameplay being "dummied down" for VR.¹⁶ This suggests significant technical challenges in delivering a polished experience across multiple platforms, especially for a complex strategy game. Balancing innovation with stability and ensuring a consistent, high-quality experience across PC, consoles, and potentially VR, is a major hurdle that can impact a game's initial reception and long-term success.¹⁶ Civilization VII is scheduled for release on February 11, 2025, for PC, Switch, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S.⁵

7. Kingdom Come: Deliverance II

The direct sequel to the critically acclaimed historical RPG, Kingdom Come: Deliverance II, continues the story of Henry of Skalitz shortly after the first game's cliffhanger.¹⁷ Players will follow Henry's quest for vengeance and self-discovery, now on a "bigger stage" as part of a group engaged in "guerrilla warfare" against an invading king.¹⁸ The game promises an even larger scale, with nearly 100 hours of content across the main story and side quests, and advancements in graphics and gameplay mechanics.¹⁸ It aims to be an evolution, not a revolution, of the original's immersive, historically accurate experience, building directly on its success.¹⁸

This strategic decision to expand the scope and ambition while staying true to its core identity (historical accuracy, story-rich RPG) is evident in the increased content and a development team that has grown from around 110 to over 250 developers.¹⁸ The direct narrative continuation caters to the loyal fanbase eager to see Henry's journey unfold. This approach exemplifies how successful niche titles can expand their production value for a sequel while maintaining the elements that made the original beloved. The importance of narrative continuity for story-driven RPGs, where player investment in characters and lore is paramount, is also highlighted.¹⁷ Kingdom Come: Deliverance II is scheduled for release on February 4, 2025, for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.⁵

8. Avowed

From RPG masters Obsidian Entertainment, Avowed is a hotly anticipated first-person action RPG set in the vibrant, grimdark world of Eora (from Pillars of Eternity).¹⁹ Players embody a "Godlike" imperial envoy investigating the "Dreamscourge" in the Living Lands. The game promises engaging and accessible combat, described as being like Skyrim but with more weight and impactful abilities, and a magic system that players have found particularly enjoyable.²⁰ It also features satisfying crafting and rewarding exploration in visually stunning, varied landscapes.¹⁹ The game offers plenty of player choice in conversations and major decisions, exploring themes of colonization, refugees, and identity amidst a soul plague.¹⁹

Obsidian's strong reputation for crafting deep, choice-driven RPGs directly fuels anticipation for Avowed. Early positive feedback on combat, an area often targeted for improvement in first-person RPGs, suggests the developers are successfully translating their expertise into a new action-oriented format. This demonstrates the power of a developer's track record in building anticipation and trust within the gaming community. When a studio known for quality in a specific genre announces a new title in that genre, expectations are naturally high, and early positive impressions can significantly boost pre-release momentum.¹⁹ Avowed is scheduled for release on February 18, 2025, for Xbox Series X|S and PC.⁵

9. Borderlands 4

Gear up, Vault Hunters! Borderlands 4 is set to deliver more frenetic gunplay, irreverent humor, and endless loot. This entry takes players to a brand-new planet called Kairos, under siege by an authoritarian faction known as The Order.²¹ Key new features include seamless open-world exploration with no loading screens between regions, advanced traversal mechanics like double-jumps, a licensed parts weapon system, and fully integrated crossplay and co-op.²¹ Players can expect new Vault Hunters with deeper skill trees and an even more diverse array of loot than Borderlands 3.²²

The focus on seamless exploration and advanced traversal suggests Gearbox is addressing common criticisms or evolving expectations for modern open-world games. Fully integrated crossplay directly responds to a major player desire for easier multiplayer experiences, while deeper skill trees indicate a commitment to player choice and build variety, a core appeal of the looter-shooter genre. This illustrates how established franchises adapt to evolving industry standards and player expectations. Features like seamless open worlds and robust crossplay are becoming increasingly standard in AAA titles, and Borderlands 4's inclusion of these demonstrates a commitment to staying competitive and appealing to a broad player base.²¹ Borderlands 4 is scheduled for release on September 12, 2025, for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.⁵

10. Metroid Prime 4: Beyond

After years of anticipation, Samus Aran returns in Metroid Prime 4: Beyond. This long-awaited sequel continues Samus's story as a bounty hunter on a new mission, exploring the alien world of Viewros (also referred to as Tenmaar in early stages).²³ The game promises to evolve the series' signature first-person adventure gameplay, introducing new mechanics like psychic powers for Samus, allowing her to manipulate objects and control projectile trajectories.²³ Players can expect classic Metroid Prime elements like lock-on shooting, scanning, morph ball, and suit upgrades, all with modern polish and potentially exploring territories "beyond familiar space".²³

The protracted and rebooted development cycle, spanning nearly a decade, highlights the immense pressure and challenges in delivering a sequel to such a beloved and critically acclaimed series.²³ The "Beyond" subtitle and the extensive development time suggest an ambitious scope to redefine the series. The game's release on Nintendo Switch, while other snippets mention the "Switch 2" in relation to other 2025/2026 games, raises questions about whether Prime 4 might be a cross-gen title or if Nintendo is preparing for a new console launch, making Prime 4 a potential flagship for either the current or next-gen Switch.⁵ This situation underscores the strategic importance of flagship titles for console manufacturers, especially during potential console transition periods. A game with such a long development history and high anticipation carries the burden of not just delivering a great game, but potentially showcasing new hardware capabilities or bridging console generations.²³ Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is listed with a 2025 release date for Nintendo Switch.⁵

11. Lost Records: Bloom & Rage

From the creators of Life is Strange, Lost Records: Bloom & Rage is a narrative adventure game split into two "tapes." It follows four high school friends in 1995 and their adult selves in 2022, reunited by a mysterious package that threatens to expose a dark secret from 27 years prior.²⁷ The game explores themes of identity, self-discovery, and enduring friendships, featuring an all-female cast and touching on social issues like body image and LGBT representation.²⁷ Players experience dual perspectives—first-person in the present, symbolizing introspection, and third-person in the past, focusing on group dynamics—and shape relationships through dialogue choices.²⁸

The episodic release of "Tape 1" on February 18, 2025, and "Tape 2" on April 15, 2025, allows for anticipation building and community discussion between parts, a proven model for narrative-driven games.⁵ The explicit inclusion of diverse representation and social themes, while potentially attracting criticism from a "vocal minority," also allows the game to resonate deeply with specific audiences and contribute to broader discussions about representation and real-world issues in gaming.²⁷ This demonstrates a growing trend in narrative games to tackle more complex social issues and offer diverse perspectives, highlighting the continued viability of episodic content for story-rich experiences, allowing developers to craft impactful cliffhangers and maintain player engagement over time.²⁷

12. South of Midnight

Immerse oneself in the American Deep South with South of Midnight, a semi-linear action-adventure game. Players take on the role of Hazel Flood, a young woman who discovers her Weaver powers to fight malevolent spirits called Haints and repair tears in the "Grand Tapestry" of life.²⁹ The game blends traditional gothic tropes with an exploration of the South's history and societal problems, featuring charming and grotesque characters, and an evocative musical score that integrates into the narrative, telling stories through songs.²⁹

While the game's unique aesthetic, narrative, and atmospheric elements are highly praised, showcasing a strong artistic vision, some criticisms point to repetitive combat, wooden platforming controls, and a disappointing final boss.²⁹ This illustrates a common trade-off in game development where a strong artistic vision or narrative focus might come at the expense of highly refined core gameplay loops. It also suggests the game might appeal more strongly to players who prioritize atmosphere, story, and unique settings over perfectly executed mechanics, carving out a niche audience.²⁹ New abilities and customizable difficulty aim to keep the combat engaging despite its repetitive nature.²⁹ South of Midnight is scheduled for release on April 8, 2025, for Xbox Series X|S and PC.⁵

13. Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves

The legendary fighting game series returns with Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves, promising a unique art style and an innovative REV system that supercharges combat.³² It introduces two distinct control schemes, including a simplified option, designed to welcome both newcomers and veterans, alongside robust battle systems.³² The game features a 17-character roster (with 5 more coming), deep story content, and solid offline/online modes with cross-play and rollback netcode.³³ It aims to be a challenging option for hardcore fans with a high learning curve, while still being accessible for casual players.³³

SNK is attempting to balance the inherent complexity and high skill ceiling of a traditional fighting game with a desire to attract new players. This "easy to learn, hard to master" approach is crucial for the genre's growth. This design choice reflects a broader trend in the fighting game genre, which has seen a resurgence, where developers are increasingly trying to lower the barrier to entry for new players while still providing the deep, competitive mechanics that satisfy veteran players. Features like cross-play and rollback netcode further solidify its commitment to modern fighting game standards, crucial for community building and competitive longevity.³³ Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves is scheduled for release on April 21, 2025, for PC, PS4, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S.⁵

14. The Outer Worlds 2

Obsidian Entertainment's follow-up to their hit retro-futuristic RPG, The Outer Worlds 2, promises to expand on its predecessor's dark humor and satirical take on corporate excess in space.³⁴ Players will step into the role of an Earth Directorate agent investigating deadly rifts in a new colony called Arcadia.³⁴ The sequel teases brand-new character-building elements, a revamped skill system with more defined distinctions, and new perks like "Serial Killer" and "Psychopath" to encourage unconventional playstyles, allowing players to double down on quirky choices.³⁵ Expect enhanced combat, improved graphics, and expanded exploration opportunities, all while maintaining the series' comedic tone.³⁴

Obsidian is clearly focusing on deepening player agency and customization, allowing for truly unique and potentially morally ambiguous character builds. This commitment to player choice, combined with the continuation of its signature satirical tone, suggests a refinement of what made the first game popular. This reflects an ongoing evolution in RPG design towards greater player freedom and consequence. By offering more diverse and impactful character-building options, developers empower players to shape their experience more profoundly, which can lead to higher replayability and stronger player investment. The consistent satirical tone also shows the power of games to deliver social commentary through entertainment.³⁴ The Outer Worlds 2 is listed with a general 2025 release date for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S.⁵

A Quick Look Beyond 2025: Games We're Still Waiting For (But Not in 2025!)

While the primary focus remains on the exciting titles slated for 2025, it is important to acknowledge that some of the most anticipated games, often mistakenly associated with the upcoming year, have officially shifted their release windows.

Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA 6)

The gaming world is buzzing for Grand Theft Auto VI, but it is important to note that this behemoth of a title is now officially slated for a May 26, 2026, release.¹ Following years of speculation and a massive leak, Rockstar formally revealed the game in December 2023.¹ It is expected to feature two Bonnie and Clyde-inspired protagonists, including a Latina woman, and will be set primarily in Vice City.¹ The delay from an initially anticipated late 2025 window was confirmed in May 2025, with Rockstar citing the need for "extra time to deliver at the level of quality you expect and deserve".³⁶

This title is not just highly anticipated; it is an economic powerhouse capable of significantly impacting the entire video game market. Projections suggest sales of 40 million units and earnings of $3.2 billion in the first year, with rumors of a budget surpassing $1-2 billion, potentially making it the most expensive game to develop.¹ Its delay, while frustrating for players, underscores a developer's commitment to quality over rushed releases, especially for titles with such immense financial and reputational stakes. The decision to delay, despite the pressure, suggests a prioritization of delivering a polished product, which ultimately benefits the consumer and the studio's long-term standing. The sheer scale of anticipated sales suggests that these "mega-titles" can "rebound" the video game market, indicating their crucial role in driving industry growth and consumer spending. The delays, therefore, are not just about individual games but reflect a broader industry trend of prioritizing quality and avoiding developer crunch.¹ Grand Theft Auto VI will launch on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S.¹

Fable

The highly anticipated reboot of the beloved fantasy RPG series, Fable, has also been officially delayed from its previous 2025 window to 2026.² Developed by Playground Games, known for the Forza Horizon series, the team is taking additional time to ensure the game lives up to the series' "legendary reputation," citing its "ambitious scope" and the need for "additional polish". ² This delay, similar to Grand Theft Auto VI, reinforces the industry's focus on delivering high-quality, polished experiences, even if it means extending development timelines. Fans can expect it to launch on Xbox Series X|S and PC, with day one availability on Xbox Game Pass.³⁷

Conclusion: Get Ready to Game!

The year 2025 is poised to be an exhilarating period for the gaming community, with a diverse lineup of highly anticipated titles ready to captivate players across various genres and platforms. From the medieval brutality of Doom: The Dark Ages to the intricate narratives of Death Stranding 2: On the Beach and Lost Records: Bloom & Rage, and the expansive worlds of Kingdom Come: Deliverance II and The Outer Worlds 2, there is a wealth of experiences awaiting. While some colossal titles like Grand Theft Auto VI and Fable have shifted to 2026, their delays underscore a broader industry commitment to quality and innovation, promising richer, more polished experiences in the long run.

As developers continue to push boundaries in storytelling, gameplay mechanics, and technical fidelity, the future of gaming looks incredibly bright. Mark your calendars, prepare your platforms, and get ready to dive into these incredible new worlds. The stage is set for an unforgettable year of gaming!