2025 is a very exciting year for video games, with a lineup packed with highly anticipated releases from major studios and indie developers both. With so much on the horizon, it’s hard not to feel a sense of excitement for what lies ahead. As we step into a brand-new year, now is the perfect time to take a closer look at what’s coming. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most talked-about titles set to release in 2025 and highlight why they’ve caught our attention.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance II
Starting off the list, we have Kingdom Come: Deliverance II, which is the highly anticipated sequel to the original Kingdom Come: Deliverance, set in 15th-centuryBohemia. Thisaction role-playing gamepicks up the story ofHenry, a blacksmith-turned-hero, as he navigates the chaos of a civil war in medieval Europe. Known for its sense of realism and historical accuracy, the game lets players interact with the world in many different ways like engaging in detailedswordplayand managing relationships withNPCs. Your decisions matter too, with player actions having some impact on thestorylineand the world around you.
One of the exciting new features in the sequel is the introduction ofcrossbowsandearly firearms, which should bring in more variety to combat, includingmounted crossbow combat. The game world is also twice the size as the original now, and it’s split between two major regions: the beautifulBohemian Paradiseand the economically rich city ofKutná Hora.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance II is set to launch onPlayStation 5,Xbox Series X/S, andWindowson August 09, 2025.
Elden Ring Nightreign
Next on the list is one of the games we are most excited about.Elden Ring: Nightreignis a fresh spin on the Elden Ring universe, bringing a cooperative action-adventure twist to the table. Instead of the solo open-world RPG experience we’re used to, this standalone game is mostly about teaming up with up to two friends (or random players if needed) to take on a fast-paced roguelike adventure. Set in a reimagined chunk of Limgrave, you’ll explore familiar but remixed areas, fight through waves of enemies, and face off against randomized bosses. Each run is split into three in-game days, with the difficulty ramping up as night falls and acid rain shrinks the map.
The game also introduces a hero-based system where you pick from distinct characters, each with unique skills and playstyles. Plus, there’s no weight management here, so you’re free to focus on exploring and battling without worrying about gear slowing you down.
Elden Ring: Nightreign is set to launch in 2025 on PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S. While there’s no exact release date yet, fans can expect it later in the year.
Monster Hunter Wilds
After that is another huge title, Monster Hunter Wilds is Capcom’s next big entry in the series, building on the success of Monster Hunter: World. This time though, you’re shoved into the “Forbidden Lands,” a wild, monster-packed region where you’ll track down a missing expedition while battling some of the fiercest creatures yet. Like always, the loop is about hunting, capturing, or slaying monsters to gather materials for crafting better gear and weapons all the while basically getting stronger to take on even bigger threats. All 14 classic weapon types are back, but Wilds spices things up with new movesets and a Focus mode to make combat feel a bit more tactical.
One of the new features Wilds brings to the table is its ecosystem. Monsters don’t just sit around waiting for you; they act like real creatures, reacting to time, weather, and even each other. You’ll see predators hunting prey, migrations happening in real time, and life cycles unfolding as you explore. Multiplayer is more accessible than ever, with co-op for up to four players or AI-controlled hunters if you’re flying solo. Quality-of-life features fans loved in World are back too, like the revamped Slinger, which can now deal with environmental hazards, and an option to swap out spider-like enemies for something less creepy if that’s not your vibe.
Dropping on June 21, 2025, Monster Hunter Wilds will hit PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S—marking the first time the series launches on all platforms at once.
Up next, Avowed is Obsidian Entertainment’s next big RPG, set in the world of Pillars of Eternity. You play as an envoy from the Aedyr Empire, sent to the Living Lands to figure out what’s behind a strange plague called the “Dream Scourge.” The gameplay mixes first and third-person perspectives, with combat that lets you mess around with magic, melee weapons, and even guns. You can switch between setups like dual pistols, dual wands, or a classic sword-and-shield combo. Plus, there are skill trees to unlock abilities and weapon upgrades to tweak your playstyle even more.
You will also get to explore the Living Lands which is full of different biomes like forests, deserts, and caves spread across large open zones. You’ll meet NPCs, make choices through dialogue, and have companions join you, each with their own personality and skills. While there’s no romance, the companions are still a big part of the story, which leans into Obsidian’s signature focus on characters and narrative. Instead of going full Skyrim with a giant open world, Avowed keeps things tighter, giving you a more story-driven experience.
Avowed drops on June 23, 2025, for Windows PC and Xbox Series X|S. It’s also hitting Xbox Game Pass on day one, so you’ve got plenty of ways to jump in.
The First Berserker: Khazan
The First Berserker: Khazan is an upcominghack-and-slash ARPGfrom Neople and Nexon, set in a dark fantasy world that’s full of decayed landscapes and a heavy, brooding vibe. You step into the shoes ofKhazan, a former general wrongfully exiled after being accused of treason. Now, as the titularFirst Berserker, Khazan taps into dark powers on his mission for revenge. The game leans heavily into inspiration from the legendary mangaBerserk, with brutal combat, a rich story of betrayal, and a deeply immersive atmosphere.
The game’s fast, action-packed gameplay, is a huge reason why fans are looking forward to its release, featuring a mix ofweaponsandskillsto master. Thedeep skill tree system, inspired byDungeon Fighter Online, allows you to shape Khazan’s combat style. While there are hints ofsoulslikeinfluences, the real focus here is delivering a hardcoreaction RPGexperience, setting it apart from other slower-paced, tactical games in the genre.
The First Berserker: Khazan is coming toPC,PlayStation, andXbox. The game is expected to be released on July 12, 2025.
Crimson Desert
Crimson Desert is an upcoming single-player action RPG from Pearl Abyss, the team behind Black Desert Online. The game takes place in Pywel, a massive medieval fantasy world where you play as Kliff, a Greymane caught up in political chaos and ancient mysteries. The world is also full of biomes like snowy mountains, deserts, forests, and rocky plateaus, each with its own culture, lore, and creatures like goblins and trolls. The story dives into a kingdom that’s fallen apart, a dead king, and some mysterious time-bending forces, blending classic fantasy with some cool futuristic twists.
The gameplay sounds just as massive as the story. You’ll be able to raid castles, solve puzzles, and explore hidden secrets across an open world. Combat looks intense, with flashy moves, weapon strategies, and even things like taking hostages to gain the upper hand. The AI for the NPCs looks impressive too, with how they interact with one another. It makes you feel like the world is actually alive.
It’s not just focused on fighting too. you may take on side activities like fishing, crafting, and building up a team of mercenaries to join you in big battles. Crimson Desert is set to launch in late 2025 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Windows, and macOS.
AI Limitis what some people describe as the spiritual sequel to Code Vein, a popular ARPG where anime meets soulslike. This game is a post-apocalyptic sci-fi action RPG set in Havenswell, the last city of mankind. You play as Arrisa, a Blader with immortality, on a mission to uncover the truth behind the collapse of civilization. After the failure of an artificial ecosystem, disasters and the spread of a strange substance called the Mud led to the rise of monsters and the downfall of humanity. Sounds familiar? I swear it’s not the plot to Code Vein. As you explore Havenswell’s ruins, from sewers and slums to the floating Sky City, you’ll face enemies, uncover hidden truths, and search for a way to rebuild.
The game focuses on fast-paced combat and exploration. You’ll have access to a variety of weapons, unique abilities, and a left-hand transformation system that lets you cast spells for attack or support. There’s also the Sync Rate system which encourages people to try out combinations of offensive and defensive play. Customization is also a big feature, with weapons and clothing which gives you benefits and different styles.
AI Limitlaunches on August 07, 2025, for PlayStation 5 and Windows.
Ghost of Yotei
Next on the list is a game described by the CEO of PlayStation, Hermen Hulst, as the most exciting game of the year,Ghost of Yōteiis an upcoming action-adventure game developed by Sucker Punch Productions and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment. It’s a standalone sequel to Ghost of Tsushima and it takes place in Hokkaido, Japan, in 1603, and follows Atsu, a female warrior who adopts the identity of “The Ghost.” Set during the Shakushain Rebellion, the story explores a pivotal yet lesser-known period of Japanese history, highlighting the struggles of the Ainu people against the Matsumae clan. Players will have more narrative control than in the first game, shaping Atsu’s journey as she seeks vengeance against samurai and pirates.
The game offers a vast open world designed to showcase the beauty and danger of northern Japan. you’re able to expect locations like Mount Yōtei and the dense forests of what is now known as Shiretoko National Park. Building on the foundation of Ghost of Tsushima, Ghost of Yōtei introduces deeper player choices, expanded combat mechanics, and a focus on cultural authenticity, with the development team getting some inspiriation from multiple trips to the region.
Ghost of Yōteiis set to release exclusively on PlayStation 5 in 2025.
The Outer Worlds 2
Up next,The Outer Worlds 2is the upcoming sequel to Obsidian Entertainment’s 2019 action RPG, set in a brand-new solar system called Arcadia. Players take on the role of an Earth Directorate Agent tasked with uncovering the source of mysterious rifts threatening the colony, all while navigating a factional war in a world controlled by megacorporations. With its mix of combat, stealth, and dialogue-driven choices, the game builds on the foundation of the first installment, offering branching story paths shaped by player decisions and interactions.
This sequel’ss trailer promises a lot of things including expanded gameplay like an improved selection of melee and ranged weapons, better visuals, and a stronger focus on action. While staying true to its signature dialogue tree system, which allows players to role-play, the game introduces a fresh cast of characters and a completely new setting to explore.
The Outer Worlds 2is set to release in 2025 for PlayStation 5, Windows, and Xbox Series X/S. With its mix of gameplay and Obsidian’s reputation for storytelling, it’s definitely one of the year’s most anticipated titles.
Doom: The Dark Ages
Lastly,Doom: The Dark Agesis an upcoming first-person shooter and prequel to the 2016 Doom reboot and Doom Eternal. Set in a medieval fantasy world, players take on the role of the Doom Slayer during his time as a weapon for Gods and Kings. In this unique setting, players will defend kingdoms and battle the forces of Hell using an arsenal of brutal new weapons, including a mace, a saw shield, and a skull gun, alongside classic Doom staples like the shotgun. The game reimagines Doom’s combat by blending the strafing-heavy gameplay of the original series with grounded mechanics that emphasize horizontal movement over verticality.
The medieval theme introduces new enemies, massive AI encounters, and even demon dragons, while maintaining the chaotic, fast-paced action the series is known for. With expansive worlds, fresh weapons, and gameplay that combines nostalgia with innovation,Doom: The Dark Agespromises to deliver a thrilling experience for both new and veteran fans of the franchise.
Set to release in 2025,Doom: The Dark Ageswill be available on PC, Xbox Series X/S, and PlayStation 5. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the series, this is shaping up to be one of the year’s most exciting shooters.
Bonus - Kingmakers
Since this year’s lineup is really interesting, I figured we have some space to throw in a few more games. Kingmakers is an upcoming tactical action game from Redemption Road Games that takes the Hundred Years’ War and adds in a hilarious futuristic twist. You’ll step into the role of a time traveler armed with modern weapons and vehicles, switching between commanding armies from a top-down perspective and jumping into the action yourself. Yes, you get to lead an army from the middle ages while you’re equipped with a modern arsenal of weapons which includes Tanks and Apache Helicopters. The game mixes historical drama with sci-fi elements, giving you the chance to reshape history through alliances, conquests, and strategy.
What stands out about Kingmakers is its scale. The battles feature thousands of units fighting in real-time, made possible by advanced AI and efficient performance. The game also includes destructible environments, dynamic weather, and detailed battlefield mechanics to keep things engaging. There’s co-op support for up to four players, letting you and your friends take on medieval warfare in some unconventional ways—like storming castles with tanks or defending against cavalry with helicopters.
It’s being developed for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. While a 2024 release was initially floated, the game was delayed and got push it into early 2025. If you’ve ever wanted to to know what it’s like to ride down a medieval battlefield in a motorcycle with guns ablaze, then you can check this out.
Bonus - Showa American Story
Our last bonus on this list is Showa American Story, which is an upcoming Zombie RPG from NECKOM Entertainment, set in an alternate timeline where Japan’s economic dominance has turned the United States into a cultural colony. Taking place during a zombie-infested version of the 80s, the game follows Choko, a teenage girl mysteriously resurrected from the dead, on her journey to reunite with her sister. The game blends absurd humor, B-Movie aesthetics, and over-the-top action with cultural satire. Players will explore a reimagined, post-apocalyptic “Showa America,” where familiar American landmarks are fused with Japanese influences, creating a bizarre yet kind of interesting world.
The game looks like it has a diverse combat system that combines melee and ranged weapons, allowing players to take on waves of zombies and very eccentric bosses. With its mix of fast-paced action, quirky characters, and minigames, the game will most likely deliver experience that balances some intense moments with lighthearted fun. Players can also customize Choko’s RV, which serves as a mobile base of sorts for upgrading skills and managing resources.
Launching on Steam for PC and PlayStation 5, Showa American Story is currently slated for a 2025 release.
That wraps up our list, but it’s worth noting that this is just a small glimpse of what 2025 has in store. There are plenty of other exciting games on the horizon that didn’t make the cut here, many of which are absolutely worth checking out. Plus, there will surely be surprise announcements and releases throughout the year that we don’t even know about yet. And yes, there’s always the wildcard GTA 6 might actually be released this year, though the reason why I didn’t include it is because I have a sneaking suspicion it could face another delay. Let’s hope that’s not the case! Who knows, this year might end up actually being better than 2024’s lineup. What’s a title you’re waiting for this year? Let’s talk about it in the comments below.
