What to Play in 2025? The 20+ Most Anticipated New Games

Gamers all over the world are keeping their fingers crossed and waiting for 2025 to bring a few good games into the world of gaming. With the recent hijinks in development and game technology and creativity going above and beyond, they can look forward to great graphics, gameplay, and engrossing storylines. If you wonder about what will dominate the gaming industry this year, here is a sneak peek on the most expected release taking place in 2025.

1. Donkey Kong Country Returns HD

Release Date: Jan. 16 | Platform: Nintendo Switch

One of the biggest critical hits back in the days of 2010 after its release, Donkey Kong Country Returns will be back to lure its players into delight in the light of having an HD remake by the time it is 2025. Accompanying Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong, players will collect bananas while overcoming challenges offered by the jungle. If you discover this game later, note that it is one of the most anticipated new games for Nintendo Switch users.

2. Synduality Echo of Ada

Release Date: Jan. 23 | Platform: PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox Series X

Synduality Echo of Ada is an extraction shooter with a relaxed sci-fi and mech-themed environment. Partner up with an AI companion to explore the mysterious place, engage in battle with strange creatures and returning players over the most sought-after resources. This is one of the new games of 2025 featuring exciting action and immersive futuristic environments.

3. Sniper Elite: Resistance

Release Date: Jan. 30 | Where to Play: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X

Starring Karl Fairburne, an operative exiled to Nazi-occupied France, the new Sniper Elite makes yet another entry in as Sniper Elite: Resistance. Taking things up a notch, players must use stealth and strategy to eliminate enemies from a distance in one of the most awaited new games in 2025.

4. Civilization 7

Release Date: Feb. 11 | Where to Play: Mac, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X

One of the most beloved strategy franchises, Civilization 7 brings new twists to the classic formula, including the introduction of different Ages that represent various civilizations' eras. It's a perfect fit for anyone who loves history and strategy, making it one of the new releases in 2025 that you won’t want to miss.

5. Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2

Release Date: Feb. 4 | Where to Play: PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox Series X

The sequel to the critically acclaimed Kingdom Come: Deliverance offers more realistic medieval warfare. In this highly anticipated new game, players will face the challenges of 15th-century Bohemia, from sword combat to survival elements, making it one of the most immersive games of 2025.

6. Assassin’s Creed Shadows

Release Date: Feb. 14 | Where to Play: Mac, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox Series X

Fans have long been waiting for an Assassin's Creed game set in feudal Japan, and 2025 finally delivers. Assassin's Creed Shadows lets you play as two protagonists, including the legendary samurai Yasuke, in one of the most anticipated new games for fans of stealth and combat.

7. Avowed

Release Date: Feb. 18 | Where to Play: Windows PC, Xbox Series X

Obsidian Entertainment’s Avowed transports players to the world of Eora, offering an exciting first-person fantasy RPG. With swords, spells, and an immersive narrative, this title is a must-play for fans of Obsidian's previous games and one of the most highly anticipated new releases in 2025.

8. Monster Hunter Wilds

Release Date: Feb. 28 | Where to Play: PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox Series X

Capcom’s Monster Hunter Wilds offers an expansive world filled with new monsters, mounts, and dynamically changing environments. This 2025 release promises to engage both veterans and newcomers to the series.

9. Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii

Release Date: Feb. 21 | Where to Play: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X

The next installment in the Like a Dragon series takes you to the sunny shores of Hawaii, offering exciting sword and naval combat. Whether you're a longtime Yakuza fan or new to the franchise, this 2025 release is worth checking out.

10. Lost Records: Bloom & Rage

Release Date: Feb. 18 | Where to Play: PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox Series X

Don’t Nod’s latest game, Lost Records: Bloom & Rage, tells a heartfelt, supernatural story about a 90s band. If you’re a fan of emotionally charged narratives, this is one of the new titles in 2025 that will tug at your heartstrings.

11. FragPunk

Release Date: March 6 | Where to Play: PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox Series X FragPunk is a fast-paced hero shooter that adds card-based mechanics to enhance gameplay. If you’re looking for a colorful, intense multiplayer experience, this is one of the most exciting upcoming games in 2025 to keep on your radar.

12. Tales of the Shire

Release Date: March 25 | Where to Play: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox Series X

Tales of the Shire embraces the peaceful, pastoral life of hobbits, allowing players to farm, socialize, and live a cozy life in the Shire. If you loved the Lord of the Rings universe but prefer a more relaxing gaming experience, this is one of the upcoming games in 2025 that’s perfect for you.

13. InZoi

Release Date: March 28 | Where to Play: Windows PC

InZoi is a realistic life simulation game powered by Unreal Engine 5. If you love detailed character creation and immersive life simulation mechanics, this is one of the upcoming games in 2025 you won’t want to miss.

14. Atomfall

Release Date: March 27 | Where to Play: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X Set in an alternate history version of 1960s England, Atomfall is a survival game inspired by Fallout: New Vegas. Scavenge, craft, and explore in one of the most unique and promising upcoming games of 2025.

15. Football Manager 25

Release Date: March 2025 | Where to Play: PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X

Football Manager 25 promises the most technical and visual advancements in the series yet. For soccer fans and strategy enthusiasts, this is one of the most eagerly awaited upcoming games of 2025.

16. Grand Theft Auto 6

Release Date: Fall 2025 | Where to Play: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X

Possibly the most anticipated new game of 2025, Grand Theft Auto 6 will bring players back to Vice City with a new, modern story. Get ready for chaotic missions, sprawling open-world adventures, and more in this highly anticipated game.

17. Borderlands 4

Release Date: 2025 | Where to Play: PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox Series X

The Borderlands series is back with a new entry, continuing its chaotic, loot-filled adventures. Fans of the series will definitely want to keep an eye out for this exciting upcoming game set to release in 2025.

18. 2XKO

Release Date: 2025 | Where to Play: PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox Series X

2XKO is a fighting game set in the League of Legends universe, designed for 2v2 combat. Riot Games takes a new step into the fighting genre with this unique offering, making it one of the most anticipated upcoming games of 2025.

19. Death Stranding 2: On the Beach

Release Date: TBA | Where to Play: PlayStation 5

The next installment of the baffling and beautiful Kojima Productions game Death Stranding (2019) continues its strange journey. With new and even more surreal additions like Dollman, a stop-motion animated living puppet, this game promises to be just as mysterious as its predecessor. Prepare for another cryptic story that will leave you questioning reality.

20. Demonschool

Release Date: 2025 | Where to Play: Mac, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X

In this light horror narrative, players will fight big bads while attending school on a mysterious island. The game combines turn-based RPG elements with a school schedule planning mechanic, letting you build skills while preparing to face monstrous challenges.

21. Doom: The Dark Ages

Release Date: 2025 | Where to Play: PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox Series X

Set in the medieval past, Doom: The Dark Ages lets players take control of the Doom Slayer in a time before his iconic weapons. Armed with a spiked flail, a chain-saw shield, and an armored mech, this game promises non-stop action with a mix of old-school brutality and cutting-edge mechanics.

22. Dune: Awakening

Release Date: TBA | Where to Play: PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox Series X

In this open-world sandbox game, Dune: Awakening allows players to align with various factions fighting for control of Arrakis. Customize your character, battle with melee and ranged weapons, build bases, and drive vehicles across the sand dunes. It blends elements of Subnautica and No Man’s Sky with Dune’s iconic world-building.

23. Ghost of Yōtei

Release Date: 2025 | Where to Play: PlayStation 5

Ghost of Yōtei is an upcoming action-adventure game developed by Sucker Punch Productions and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment. Set in the early 1600s in the regions around Mount Yotei, Ghost of Yōtei introduces Atsu, a samurai out for revenge. Wielding dual katanas, she faces off against various enemies in a new and unique storyline from the developers behind Ghost of Tsushima.

24. Killing Floor 3

Release Date: 2025 | Where to Play: PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X

The Killing Floor series returns with a new chapter full of co-op zombie-slaying action. Killing Floor 3 promises enhanced visuals and more unlockable upgrades. Team up with friends to take on increasingly challenging enemies in this fast-paced shooter.

25. Elden Ring Nightreign

Release Date: 2025 | Where to Play: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X

This multiplayer co-op spinoff of Elden Ring introduces roguelike and battle royale mechanics into the world of the Lands Between. Randomized loot and preset characters add a fresh twist, while still retaining the signature difficulty and atmosphere that makes Elden Ring so captivating.

26. Professor Layton and the New World of Steam

Release Date: 2025 | Where to Play: Nintendo Switch

The legendary puzzle-solving professor returns in Professor Layton and the New World of Steam. Set in a world where technology is rapidly evolving, the game promises new mysteries to unravel and challenges to solve, continuing the series' rich tradition of brain-teasing adventure.

27. South of Midnight

Release Date: Apr. 8 | Where to Play: TBA

South of Midnight is an atmospheric, third-person adventure game set in the deep South of the United States. The game explores themes of folklore, mysticism, and mystery as players journey through a dark, enchanting world filled with unique characters and supernatural creatures. The story is woven around a protagonist whose quest is to uncover hidden truths buried deep within the heart of the region.

28. Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater

Release Date: 2025 | Where to Play: PlayStation 5, Windows PC, and Xbox Series X

A full remake of Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater, Delta: Snake Eater brings Hideo Kojima's legendary stealth-action game to modern consoles with cutting-edge graphics and new gameplay mechanics. Players will again step into the shoes of Naked Snake as he navigates dense jungle environments, faces off against deadly foes, and tries to prevent a nuclear catastrophe during the Cold War. Expect enhanced visuals, updated combat systems, and a gripping narrative that remains faithful to the original.

29. Fable

Release Date: 2025 | Where to Play: Xbox Series X, Windows PC

The Fable reboot returns to the whimsical world of Albion, where players will once again embark on an adventure in a morally-driven open-world RPG. The game will feature a more dynamic, vibrant world, allowing players to build their characters and decide their fate, whether as a hero or a villain. With a focus on storytelling, humor, and freedom of choice, this Fable promises to be a true evolution of the beloved series.

30. Splitgate 2

Release Date: 2025 | Where to Play: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Windows PC

Splitgate 2 expands upon the popular first-person shooter that combines portals and fast-paced combat. With improved mechanics, new game modes, and more maps, Splitgate 2 aims to build on the original's unique blend of strategy and speed. Players will be able to create portals to navigate environments, outsmart their opponents, and engage in intense multiplayer matches across expansive arenas.

31. Crimson Desert

Release Date: 2025 | Where to Play: PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox Series X

Crimson Desert is an action RPG that blends both single-player and multiplayer elements within a vast, visually stunning open world. Set in a war-torn fantasy land, players will navigate through a variety of landscapes, engage in brutal combat, and uncover deep lore while interacting with NPCs and other players. The game features a dynamic combat system, alongside an immersive narrative where choices affect the world around you. Expect intense battles, exploration, and a richly detailed world.

As 2025 unfolds, gamers will have plenty of new titles to dive into. Whether you're a fan of classic franchises or looking for something entirely new, these games in 2025 will provide unforgettable experiences. Stay tuned for more updates on these exciting new games as their release dates approach!