The Best Games Of 2025 So Far

The Best Games Of 2025 (So Far)

2025 has been a phenomenal year for gaming, delivering a diverse range of experiences from AAA blockbusters to innovative indie titles. At Gaming News, we’ve been meticulously tracking the releases, sifting through the noise to bring you the absolute best games the year has offered thus far. This list isn’t just a compilation; it’s a carefully curated selection of titles that have truly impressed us with their innovation, quality, and sheer entertainment value. We’re not just looking for games that are good; we’re searching for the ones that are exceptional, the ones that will stay with you long after the credits roll. We update this list regularly, so be sure to check back often for the latest additions and updates!

Our Criteria for Excellence

Before we dive into the list, let’s briefly touch upon our selection criteria. To make it onto our “Best of” list, a game needs to achieve a minimum review score of 8 out of 10. This isn’t to say that games scoring below this aren’t worth playing. Many titles with lower scores offer unique experiences and can be enjoyable despite their flaws. However, our list is reserved for games that have demonstrated consistent excellence across various aspects, including gameplay, storytelling, graphics, sound design, and overall polish. We strive to include games that not only meet but exceed expectations, offering players something truly special.

The Top Tier: Games Scoring 9 or Higher

These are the games that have blown us away, achieving near-perfection in their respective genres. They represent the pinnacle of game development and are must-plays for any serious gamer.

Hades II – 10/10: A Roguelite Masterpiece

Supergiant Games has done it again. Following the stellar success of the original Hades, Hades II emerges from its early access phase as a fully realized roguelite masterpiece. Building on the foundation of its predecessor, Hades II offers nuanced storytelling, captivating combat, and improvements across the board. You play as Melinoë, the Princess of the Underworld, as she fights to defeat Chronos, the Titan of Time. The game features a new cast of gods and goddesses to meet, each with their own unique boons and abilities. The combat is fluid and responsive, with a satisfying sense of progression as you unlock new weapons and abilities. Hades II is available on PC and, surprisingly, the Switch 2 and original Switch, making it accessible to a wide audience. It truly stands out as a must-play title, offering endless replayability and a deeply engaging experience. Expect to find physical editions for the Nintendo Switch launching around November.

Split Fiction – 10/10: The Pinnacle of Cooperative Gaming

Hazelight Studios continues their reign as the kings of co-op with Split Fiction. Following in the footsteps of the critically acclaimed It Takes Two, Split Fiction delivers a thrilling narrative, exceptional level design, and compelling characters. The game demands constant communication and collaboration between players, forcing them to think creatively to overcome obstacles. The story is a rollercoaster of emotions, with moments of humor, heartbreak, and triumph. Split Fiction is available on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S, making it accessible to players across all major platforms. If you are looking for a game to play with a friend, family member, or significant other, Split Fiction is an absolute must-play.

Absolum – 9/10: Beat-‘Em-Up Reinvented

Guard Games, the developers behind the modern beat-’em-up classic Streets of Rage 4, have once again proven their mastery of the genre with Absolum. This time, they’ve infused the classic beat-’em-up formula with roguelike elements, creating a unique and addictive experience. The game is set in a world of swords and sorcery, with stunning art direction and rewarding combat mechanics. Each run is different, with new challenges and opportunities to discover. Available on PC, PS5, PS4, and Switch, Absolum is a must-play for fans of the beat-’em-up genre and those looking for a fresh take on roguelike gameplay.

Arc Raiders – 9/10: A Community-Driven Extraction Shooter

Extraction shooters are notoriously difficult to get right, but Arc Raiders nails the formula with its thrilling action, spontaneous cooperation, and rewarding gameplay loop. The game fosters a strong sense of community, with players working together to survive in a post-apocalyptic world. The gunplay is satisfying, the loot chases are gratifying, and the endgame is cleverly designed to keep players engaged. Available on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S, Arc Raiders offers a unique and immersive extraction shooter experience that stands out from the crowd.

Blue Prince – 9/10: A Mind-Bending Roguelike Puzzle Game

Blue Prince is a masterfully crafted roguelike puzzle game that will challenge your mental muscles while offering a unique and memorable experience. Set inside a shapeshifting manor house, the game is full of intricate details and grand mysteries. Each room presents a new puzzle to solve, requiring you to think creatively and strategically to progress. The game is approachable but challenging, offering a satisfying sense of accomplishment with each solved puzzle. Available on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S, Blue Prince is a must-play for fans of puzzle games and roguelikes looking for something truly unique.

Cabernet – 9/10: A Vampire Tale Reimagined

For those looking to sink their teeth into a compelling vampire story, Cabernet offers a fascinating spin on the infamous monsters. Set in 19th century Eastern Europe, this 2D narrative-driven RPG examines vampires through a grounded lens, with narratively fulfilling character arcs. The game explores themes of morality, identity, and the consequences of immortality. Available on PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Switch, Cabernet is a must-play for fans of narrative-driven RPGs and those looking for a fresh take on the vampire myth.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 – 9/10: A Breath of Fresh Air in the RPG Genre

Sandfall Interactive’s debut game, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, feels like a breath of fresh air in the fantasy RPG genre. While it incorporates familiar elements, it also puts a novel spin on these ideas by reimagining the traditional turn-based structure and blending it with action to create an engaging experience. The game features gorgeous graphics, an elegant art direction, and an emotional story anchored by a cast of captivating characters. Available on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is an instant classic that deserves a spot on any RPG fan’s playlist.

Donkey Kong Bananza – 9/10: The Switch 2’s Killer App

Donkey Kong Bananza is arguably the best reason to invest in a Switch 2. The lovable ape shines in this colorful adventure, with a central concept of destruction that’s perfectly executed. The core gameplay is a blast of fun, and the game feels like a highlight reel of Donkey Kong magic. This is a bold new direction for DK, and a must-play title for all fans of the greatest ape.

Elden Ring: Nightreign – 9/10: A Souls-Like Cooperative Masterpiece

FromSoftware has once again redefined the souls-like genre with Elden Ring: Nightreign. This cooperative multiplayer game condenses the core souls-like experience into an unforgettable adventure that is fast, aggressive, and ruthless in its challenge. The game demands teamwork and coordination, forcing players to rely on each other to survive. Available on PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One, Elden Ring: Nightreign is a must-play for fans of the souls-like genre looking for a new and challenging experience.

Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles – 9/10: A Tactical RPG Classic Reborn

Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles is a stunning reminder of why the original Final Fantasy Tactics was such a formative game in the tactical RPG genre. The updated translation, enhanced visuals, and rewarding combat systems all shine in this upgraded package, making it the definitive version of one of the best Final Fantasy spin-offs. Available on PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Switch 2, and Switch, this is a must-have for fans of tactical RPGs.

Ghost of Yotei – 9/10: A Captivating Tale of Revenge

Ghost of Yotei is the sequel to Ghost of Tsushima that fans have been waiting for: a bigger, bolder follow-up that gives players free rein to explore a romanticized version of ancient Japan. The winning formula of the original has been enhanced, delivering an elegant and captivating tale of revenge that feels better than ever to play. The exploration feels consistently rewarding, the combat mechanics are razor-sharp, and the story will keep you glued to your screen. Available exclusively on PS5, this is a must-play for fans of action-adventure games.

Herdling – 9/10: A Moving Adventure Through Nature

Herdling is a beautiful trek across scenic vistas that tells a grand story without ever needing to speak a single word. Minimalistic but impactful, it’s a reminder of just how much responsibility humanity has been entrusted with as the apex species on this planet. This is a game that will appeal to people who care deeply for animals and nature. Available on PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Switch.

Hollow Knight: Silksong – 9/10: A Worthy Successor

With enough hype to fuel a mission to Mars, Hollow Knight: Silksong needed to pull out all the stops to justify years of summoning circle memes. Fortunately, Team Cherry’s metroidvania does just that and more, polishing the gameplay of the first Hollow Knight game to deliver an approachable and satisfying sequel. New mechanics add layers of new flavor to the experience, resulting in a game that was worth the wait. Available on PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Switch 2, and Switch.

Mortal Kombat Legacy Collection – 9/10: A Definitive Retro Brawler Experience

Mortal Kombat Legacy Collection is the definitive way to experience these genre-defining games in the modern age, a time capsule of Mortal Kombat history that includes the best of the franchise from that era, as well as a few of its polarizing entries. Along with brand-new content created just for this release, it stands tall as an entertaining history lesson. Available for PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Switch 2, and Switch.

Keeper – 9/10: A Weird and Wonderful Journey

Double Fine at its best, Keeper is strange, a visual treat for the eyes, and full of emotional storytelling. While the famed studio’s DNA can be felt in every pixel, it still manages to be fresh and inventive, as it proudly combines a sense of self-confidence with unbridled weirdness to create a refreshingly artistic experience. Available on PC and Xbox Series X|S.

Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 – 9/10: Medieval Realism at its Finest

Like the best sequels, Kingdom Come 2 improves on the original game in almost every area. The journey through 15th century Bohemia features engaging quests, thrilling combat, and an incredibly polished experience overall. There are surprises around every corner in this medieval adventure, as the game expertly blends choices and consequences with deep RPG elements to create an exciting knight’s tale. Available on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S.

Lego Voyagers – 9/10: A Charming Cooperative Adventure

A gorgeous and touching story of companionship, Lego Voyagers is an effortlessly charming co-op game. It’s full of creative puzzles, tranquil vibes, and a heartwarming story that reminds you why Lego is an experience that’s best shared with a friend, whether it be physical or digital. Available for PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Switch 2, and Switch.

Lost Records: Bloom and Rage – 9/10: A Promising Start

Don’t Nod has established itself as one of the best studios for narrative-driven games, and the first chapter of Lost Records: Bloom and Rage is a promising start for a new series. This coming-of-age story feels authentic and explores adolescence through a superb presentation, relatable characters, and novel camcorder-focused gameplay. Available on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S.

Mario Kart World – 9/10: The King of Kart Racers Returns

A colorful racing game that builds on the foundation of Mario Kart 8, Mario Kart World is both a joy to play and constantly rewarding. It’s the first big exclusive of the Switch 2 era, and one of the best games in the long history of this beloved franchise.

Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater – 9/10: A Faithful and Modernized Remake

Remaking a beloved classic is no easy feat, and the task becomes even more daunting when that game is considered to be the very best entry in the legendary Metal Gear Solid series. To its credit, Konami has successfully modernized Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater, bringing it to life with vivid graphics, an overhauled control scheme on par with contemporary games, and a wealth of extra content. These upgrades and tweaks enhance Snake’s dangerous mission for a new generation while still feeling familiar to veterans of the series, and its unchanged Cold War-era story remains as timeless as ever. Available on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S.

Shinobi: Art of Vengeance – 9/10: A Shinobi Series Rebirth

After years of hiding in the shadows, Sega’s Shinobi series has made a big comeback with a game that both honors its legacy and evolves it for a new audience. With Streets of Rage 4 developer Lizardcube at the helm, Shinobi: Art of Vengeance is a fast-paced action game full of delicious combos to dial in and shurikens to hurl at unsuspecting foes. Old-school at its core, this new Shinobi adventure does the franchise proud with its slick gameplay and reverence for the past. It’s good to see Joe Musashi back in action. Available on PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Switch.

Silent Hill F – 9/10: A New Benchmark in Psychological Horror

For decades, most Silent Hill games have been living in the shadow of Silent Hill 2, which has long been considered to be the best game in the psychological-horror series. Silent Hill F doesn’t just rise to the occasion; it sets a new benchmark that future games in the franchise will be hard-pressed to reach, let alone surpass. An exceptionally crafted exploration of horror and mature themes backed up by polished gameplay and superb storytelling, Silent Hill F is a masterclass in terror. Available for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S.

The Sims 4: Enchanted By Nature – 9/10: A Fairytale Fantasy

At this point in the life-cycle of The Sims 4, there’s a mountain of DLC out there for the life-simulator. Enchanted By Nature solidifies its position as one of the best paid DLC releases for the game, as it goes all in on the idea of living your best fantasy life with its vibrant locales and enchanting fairy gameplay. Available for PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One.

Great Games Worth Playing: Scores of 8

These games, while not perfect, still offer excellent experiences and are well worth your time.

The Year Is Far From Over

While 2025 has already delivered a wealth of exceptional games, the year is far from over. We’re eagerly anticipating upcoming releases and will continue to update this list as new titles impress us. Check back regularly to stay informed about the best games of 2025. We’ll be sure to keep you up to date!

You also may like 〣〣