2025 is shaping up to be an incredible year for gamers. With several months already behind us, we’ve seen some standout titles making waves in the gaming community. Split Fiction has emerged as one of the biggest games of the year so far, leading many “Best of 2025” lists alongside other notable releases like Monster Hunter Wilds and Kingdom Come: Deliverance II.
The gaming landscape this year has been diverse, with titles spanning various genres gaining critical acclaim. Avowed has captured players’ attention with its immersive world, while Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition has brought enhanced gameplay to an already beloved franchise. These games have set a high bar for what’s still to come in 2025, including the highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto 6.
Looking at player reception, many gamers have found themselves drawn to unexpected hits. Some players who never showed interest in certain franchises before have discovered new favorites, similar to how some Reddit users reported becoming hooked on the Persona series after trying Persona 3 Reload earlier this year.
Biggest Games of 2025 So Far
We’re only a few months into 2025, and it’s already shaping up to be a standout year for gaming. From genre-defining strategy games to sprawling open-world adventures, the releases have been nothing short of huge. Here’s a breakdown of the top games making waves so far this year.
1. Monster Hunter Wilds
- Platform: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC
- Release Date: February 28, 2025
- Why It’s Big: Capcom’s biggest and most accessible Monster Hunter yet, Wilds smashes records as the fastest-selling entry in the franchise.
- Key Features:
- Seamless open world with no loading screens
- Focus mode to exploit monster wounds
- Portable pop-up camps for resupplying on the fly
- Weapons revamped for smoother learning curves
- In-Depth Look:
Monster Hunter Wilds does a delicate balancing act: it introduces simplified systems for new players while giving longtime hunters a vast postgame to explore. While early-game hand-holding annoyed veterans, the endgame opens up beautifully. If you’ve been Monster Hunter-curious but intimidated, this is the one to try.
2. Split Fiction
- Platform: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC
- Release Date: February 14, 2025
- Why It’s Big: Hazelight’s latest co-op gem, Split Fiction, blends wild imagination with heartfelt storytelling. Think It Takes Two on an energy drink binge.
- Key Features:
- Mandatory co-op (online or couch)
- Wacky genre-shifting levels (cyberpunk, fantasy, pigs with jetpack fart powers)
- Accessible difficulty with an emphasis on teamwork
- In-Depth Look:
You and your partner take on Mio and Zoe, two squabbling authors stuck in their own story worlds. From racing sand sharks to ninja showdowns in floating cities, Split Fiction constantly reinvents itself. If you’re looking for a game that makes communication fun (or chaotic), this is it.
3. Avowed
- Platform: Xbox Series X|S, PC
- Release Date: February 20, 2025
- Why It’s Big: Obsidian’s take on Skyrim-style action-RPGs brings the lore of Pillars of Eternity into a broader, more approachable adventure.
- Key Features:
- First-person action with magic and guns
- Deep lore with a focus on personal redemption stories
- Vertical exploration and environmental storytelling
- In-Depth Look:
Avowed leans into visceral combat and player agency, offering dual-wield options and rich questlines. While the pacing lags mid-game, the ending delivers a powerful emotional payoff. It may not be for everyone, but for those craving a new fantasy world to get lost in, this is a solid pick.
4. Civilization VII
- Platform: PC
- Release Date: February 2025
- Why It’s Big: The legendary strategy series returns, bringing with it a host of new mechanics and quality-of-life improvements that breathe fresh life into the franchise.
- Key Features:
- Manage civilizations through historical epochs
- Deeper diplomatic systems and AI improvements
- New victory conditions and cultural dynamics
- In-Depth Look:
Civ VII refines the core experience while introducing new wrinkles to the “one more turn” addiction. Whether you prefer dominating through military might, scientific progress, or cultural influence, this entry makes every path feel viable and rewarding. It’s already a staple for strategy fans in 2025.
5. Assassin’s Creed Shadows
- Platform: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC
- Release Date: March 20, 2025
- Why It’s Big: Ubisoft finally delivers the long-requested Japan setting, and it doesn’t disappoint.
- Key Features:
- Two protagonists: Yasuke (a historical samurai) and Naoe (a stealthy shinobi)
- Dual playstyles mixing brutal combat with silent assassinations
- A living open world set in feudal Japan, complete with dynamic seasons and weather
- In-Depth Look:
Shadows is a visual feast, with meticulously recreated historical settings and a dynamic world that reacts to player choices. Yasuke offers the most grounded, weighty combat in the series, while Naoe returns to the franchise’s stealth roots. It’s the most immersive Assassin’s Creed to date and a must-play for fans.
Honorable Mentions
- Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii – A swashbuckling spin-off starring Majima in one of the series’ goofiest (and surprisingly heartfelt) adventures.
- Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 – For hardcore RPG players who want gritty realism and brutal medieval combat.
2025 is off to a killer start—and with heavy hitters like GTA 6 and Metroid Prime 4 still on the horizon, it’s only going to get wilder from here.
Key Takeaways
- Split Fiction currently leads the pack as 2025’s standout game, with Monster Hunter Wilds and Kingdom Come: Deliverance II also receiving significant acclaim.
- The year has featured strong releases across multiple genres, from action-adventures to RPGs, showing the industry’s creative diversity.
- Several surprise hits have emerged, with many players discovering and falling in love with game series they hadn’t previously explored.
Blockbuster Titles of the Year
2025 has already delivered some extraordinary gaming experiences across both major studio releases and innovative independent creations. Players have been treated to epic adventures with stunning visuals alongside creative smaller titles that push gaming boundaries.
AAA Epic Releases
The year kicked off strong with Final Fantasy VII Rebirth continuing to impress players with its expansive world and reimagined storytelling. Square Enix delivered on the high expectations set by the first installment in the remake trilogy.
Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree has dominated discussions since its release. FromSoftware’s massive expansion adds significant new areas, challenging bosses, and deepens the already rich lore of the original game. Many critics are already considering it a contender for Game of the Year.
PlayStation 5 exclusive Astro Bot from Team Asobi has charmed players with its playful platforming and clever use of the console’s features. The game showcases what the PS5 hardware can truly accomplish.
Metaphor: ReFantazio brought a fresh JRPG experience to both PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, combining striking art direction with innovative gameplay systems.
Innovative Indie Experiences
Animal Well has emerged as a standout Metroidvania title. Its mysterious world, clever puzzles, and tight platforming mechanics have earned it widespread acclaim despite coming from a small development team.
Lorelei and the Laser Eyes delivered a unique puzzle experience with its striking black-and-white visuals and mind-bending challenges. The game’s narrative complexity has sparked numerous discussion threads as players work to unravel its mysteries.
Tales of Kenzera: Zau brought African mythology to life in a touching action-adventure. Its emotional storytelling paired with satisfying combat mechanics has made it a surprise hit.
These indie titles prove that innovation often comes from smaller studios willing to take creative risks, providing experiences that feel distinctly different from major releases.
Genre Spotlight and Trends
Gaming in 2025 has already showcased remarkable innovation across multiple genres. Developers are pushing boundaries with complex storytelling mechanisms, refined combat systems, and more immersive multiplayer experiences.
Role-Playing Game (RPG) Evolution
RPGs continue to dominate the gaming landscape with several standout titles. Dragon’s Dogma 2 has expanded on its predecessor’s formula with a more dynamic open world and enhanced pawn system. The game’s intricate combat mechanics have received particular praise.
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth has successfully blended traditional JRPG elements with modern storytelling techniques. Its Hawaii setting provides a fresh backdrop for the series.
Building on 2023’s success of Baldur’s Gate 3, RPGs are emphasizing player choice more than ever. Split Fiction, one of this year’s highest-rated games according to Metacritic, offers branching narratives that genuinely respond to player decisions.
PlayStation and Xbox exclusives have embraced RPG elements, with even action-adventure titles incorporating deeper character progression systems.
Rising Action and Fighting Scenes
Fighting games have seen a significant renaissance led by Tekken 8. The game has revitalized the competitive scene with its refined mechanics and robust online infrastructure.
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown merged Metroidvania exploration with precise combat, creating a hybrid that appeals to fighting game enthusiasts and platformer fans alike.
Horror-action has found new life with the Silent Hill 2 remake. The updated combat system maintains the psychological tension of the original while providing more responsive controls.
Nintendo has contributed to the action genre with several exclusive titles that blend family-friendly aesthetics with surprisingly deep combat systems.
Indie titles like Balatro have proven that innovative action mechanics don’t require AAA budgets to be compelling.
Enhanced Multiplayer Gameplay
Helldivers 2 has redefined cooperative gameplay with its blend of chaotic action and strategic team coordination. Its consistent content updates have maintained a dedicated player base.
Cross-platform play has become standard for most major releases, allowing PC, PlayStation, and Xbox players to seamlessly connect.
Monster Hunter Wilds builds upon the series’ cooperative foundation with expanded hunting mechanics and a more responsive multiplayer infrastructure.
The indie scene continues to produce multiplayer gems that focus on unique mechanics rather than graphical fidelity. These games often find unexpected success through community engagement and streaming popularity.
Battle royale elements have evolved beyond standalone games, with many titles incorporating limited-time battle royale modes to keep their multiplayer communities engaged and growing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Video game enthusiasts have many questions about 2025’s standout titles. The gaming landscape has evolved rapidly with several blockbuster releases and unexpected hits shaping the industry.
What are the top-selling video games in 2025 so far?
Monster Hunter Wilds has dominated sales charts since its launch, breaking franchise records within its first month. The game’s expanded open world and refined hunting mechanics resonated with both longtime fans and newcomers.
Split Fiction has also performed exceptionally well commercially, particularly on PlayStation platforms where it briefly held the top spot for digital sales.
Avowed, Obsidian’s first-person RPG, rounds out the top three sellers with impressive numbers across PC and Xbox platforms, benefiting significantly from its Day One Game Pass availability.
Which video games released this year have received the highest critical acclaim?
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth continues to earn praise for its narrative depth and gameplay innovations. Critics have awarded it numerous perfect scores for successfully expanding on the first installment.
Black Myth: Wukong has received widespread acclaim for its stunning visuals and challenging combat system inspired by Chinese mythology.
Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree, while technically an expansion, has been reviewed as a standalone masterpiece. Many critics have suggested it surpasses the original game in both scope and design.
What titles have been nominated for Game of the Year in 2025?
While formal nominations for most award shows haven’t been announced yet, industry insiders predict Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, Black Myth: Wukong, and Monster Hunter Wilds will lead the pack.
Smaller titles like Neva and Lego Horizon Adventures have generated significant buzz as potential nominees in various categories.
The expansion Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree has sparked debate about whether it qualifies as a new game or should compete in DLC categories.
Which 2025 video game releases have generated the most player engagement?
Online multiplayer titles continue to dominate engagement metrics. The newest Battle Royale sensation, Orbital Drop, has maintained over 2 million concurrent players since February.
Monster Hunter Wilds has seen unprecedented community participation with its expanded multiplayer features and regular content updates.
On streaming platforms, Black Myth: Wukong set records for viewership during its launch week, becoming the most-watched single-player game debut in Twitch history.
Have any indie games become surprise hits in the gaming market this year?
Celestial Mechanics, a space exploration puzzle game from a three-person development team, has sold over 1.5 million copies since January.
The hand-drawn adventure game Whispers of Aldwynn surpassed all sales projections, becoming the highest-rated indie title of the year.
Several indie roguelikes have found significant success, continuing the genre’s popularity with Crimson Descent leading the pack in both sales and player reviews.
What are the major gaming industry trends seen in the most successful video games of 2025?
Cross-platform play has become nearly standard in multiplayer games, with even traditionally exclusive titles embracing the feature to maintain competitive player bases.
Subscription services continue to influence game design, with studios creating experiences that encourage long-term engagement rather than just initial sales.
AI-assisted development tools have noticeably improved NPC behaviors and environmental responses in open-world games, with Monster Hunter Wilds and Avowed showcasing particularly advanced implementations.
