There have been some truly interesting game titles across genres this year. From thought-provoking narratives to high-octane action and visually rich worlds. With over half the year gone, we’ve already seen some of the best video games in 2025 so far, with standout releases that are redefining modern gaming standards
This list focuses only on games that have already been released. So if you’re wondering what games to play right now, these are your best bets. Whether you’re on PlayStation or Xbox, here are the best games released in 2025, based on critic reviews and audience reception,
10 Best Games Released in 2025 So Far
1. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC
Genre: Turn-based RPG with real-time mechanics
Let’s kick things off with one of the most visually stunning RPGs of the year. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 dropped earlier in 2025 and immediately turned heads This isn’t just because of its dark, artsy vibe, but for how it reimagines turn-based combat.
You play as Gustave, leading a resistance against a mysterious entity called The Painter, who literally erases people from existence every year. The game’s battles are turn-based but with real-time reaction events. So you’re not just selecting moves; you’re executing them with precision.
What really makes this one stand out? The painted environments, the poetic writing, and the fact that it’s impossible to predict where the story is going. If you’re into tactical RPGs with emotional depth and a strong narrative, this is easily a solid pick.
2. Split Fiction
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, Nintendo Switch 2
Genre: Co-op narrative action-adventure
If you loved It Takes Two, you’re going to love Split Fiction even more. Hazelight Studios is back with another emotional, cooperative masterpiece — but this time, they’ve cranked the creativity up to eleven.
The concept? Two estranged siblings get pulled into fictional worlds they created as kids. And now, they have to fight their way back through stories they barely remember. Each world is a different genre, from noir detective mysteries to post-apocalyptic survival, and even classic fantasy.
Gameplay-wise, it’s built entirely around co-op mechanics, so you’ll need a second player (online or local). If you’re looking for something to play with a friend or partner that’s both heartfelt and packed with fun, Split Fiction should be high on your list of top 10 games in 2025.
3. Blue Prince
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Genre: Puzzle-exploration roguelike
Blue Prince is one of those games that doesn’t look flashy at first — but once you start playing, you can’t stop thinking about it.
You start in a blank mansion and build it one room at a time by placing new tiles. Each room holds puzzles, secrets, or traps. The goal? Keep building and exploring while a hidden timer counts down — and when it hits zero, it’s game over.
What makes this one special is how it blends puzzle-solving, exploration, and strategy into something that feels calm, creepy, and super clever. It’s also solo-friendly, making it perfect for players who like to go at their own pace. Honestly, it’s one of the best video games in 2025 so far , a rare gem that deserves your attention.
4. Elden Ring: NightReign
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC
Genre: Action RPG / Multiplayer spin-off
Elden Ring: NightReign isn’t a direct sequel. It’s more like a dark, mysterious sibling. Set in the same twisted universe FromSoftware is known for, this one shifts the focus to cooperative and PvP multiplayer while keeping the punishing boss fights and dense lore we expect from the studio.
You still get the open-world freedom, insane monster design, and atmospheric storytelling, but this time with new ritual-based combat and synchronization mechanics that reward team play. Whether you’re going solo or teaming up, this one’s a must-play for Soulsborne fans. Definitely among the best video games to play this year — if you’re up for the challenge.
5. Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Genre: Historical open-world RPG
If you’re looking for something more grounded and brutally realistic, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 brings you back to medieval Bohemia with a no-magic, full-immersion RPG experience. You play as Henry, a commoner caught up in a war-torn kingdom, and everything from sword fights to dialogue choices feels authentic and meaningful.
The sequel improves combat, adds more side quests, expands the map, and gives you even more ways to shape your journey. It’s a game that rewards patience and exploration — not button-mashing. If you want a historically rich, open-world RPG where your choices actually matter, this is one of the best games released in 2025 so far
6. Lost Records: Bloom and Rage
Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, PC
Genre: Episodic narrative adventure
From the studio behind Life is Strange comes Lost Records: Bloom and Rage, a beautiful, emotional story split into two episodes (Tape 1 and Tape 2). You follow four former teenage friends reuniting years later to confront a secret they buried in the ‘90s — and each of their stories hits hard.
Gameplay is mostly exploration, dialogue choices, and environmental storytelling. But what really makes this shine is the voice acting, the writing, and the way it makes you feel. If you’re into story-heavy games that stick with you, this is one of the best video games in 2025 for that.
7. Mario Kart World
Platform: Nintendo Switch 2
Genre: Kart racing / Arcade multiplayer
Nintendo has done it again. Mario Kart World, the newest entry in the iconic series, dropped alongside the Switch 2 — and it’s a blast. We’re talking huge open courses, grinding rails, wall-riding, and new character-specific abilities that make each racer feel unique.
There’s also a massive online mode that lets you compete globally in real-time circuits with up to 32 players. It’s fast, polished, and full of those chaotic moments that only Mario Kart can deliver. Whether you’re a competitive racer or a casual party player, Mario Kart World easily earns its place among the best video games in 2025 so far.
8. Doom: The Dark Ages
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC
Genre: First-person melee shooter (medieval-themed)
Doom: The Dark Ages throws the iconic Doom Slayer into a brutal, gritty world filled with siege engines, undead monstrosities, and close-quarters melee combat. Think less plasma rifle, more spiked flail and rocket-mounted shield.
The combat is still fast, fluid, and over-the-top, but the setting gives it a fresh, dark twist. There’s also a heavier focus on lore, with cinematic cutscenes that deepen the Slayer’s mythos. If you’re into high-intensity action, this is one of the new games in 2025 that absolutely delivers.
9. South of Midnight
Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, PC
Genre: Stylized action-adventure
This one’s for the art lovers. South of Midnight is a Southern Gothic action-adventure game set in a mythical version of the American South. You play as Hazel, a young woman who can manipulate threads of magic, unraveling both physical and emotional mysteries in a hand-animated world.
It’s not just a visual stunner — the game mixes light combat, platforming, and puzzle-solving, while exploring themes of grief, folklore, and family. If you want a game that feels like an indie movie wrapped in magic and mood, this is one of the best video games to play this year.
10. Death Stranding 2: On the Beach
Platforms: PlayStation 5 (timed exclusive)
Genre: Narrative-driven exploration & stealth
Hideo Kojima is back at it. Death Stranding 2 expands everything the first game introduced — the long, lonely treks, the surreal world-building, and those wild cinematic sequences. This time around, the game focuses even more on community building, improved traversal mechanics, and a richer, more emotionally grounded narrative.
It’s weird. It’s beautiful. And it’s exactly what you’d expect from Kojima — maybe even more. If you’re the kind of player who loves slow-burning, thought-provoking games with triple-A production value, this is one of the best video games in 2025 so far.
Honorable Mention: Monster Hunter Wilds
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Genre: Action RPG / Open-world hunting
Released back in February, Monster Hunter Wilds took the series’ massive creature battles and dropped them into fully seamless open-world regions — a first for the franchise. The monster AI is smarter, the environments are dynamic, and the mount system lets you move and fight like never before.
It was Capcom’s fastest-selling game in history, and while it didn’t quite crack the top 10 for us, it’s absolutely one of the most played and most talked-about new games in 2025.
Final Thoughts
The games released so far in 2025 have delivered some of the most diverse and rewarding experiences we’ve seen in recent years.
What really stands out this year is how well developers are combining innovation with polish. Games like Split Fiction and Clair Obscur take big creative risks and pull them off beautifully, while fan-favorites like Mario Kart World and Doom: The Dark Ages remind us why certain franchises continue to dominate. It’s been a great mix of surprises, sequels, and new ideas that push the industry forward.
If you’re wondering what games to play before the year ends, start here. These titles aren’t just popular — they’re some of the best video games in 2025 so far, and they’ve already left their mark.