Top Upcoming Games of 2025: Your First Look at the Year’s Most Anticipated Titles
Do you remember the excitement of unwrapping a new video game, that feeling of anticipation as the disc was placed into the console? In today’s fast-paced gaming world, that sense of wonder is often replicated by the anticipation surrounding major new releases. As discussed in the video above, the first half of 2025 is already shaping up to be a truly remarkable period for gamers, with many groundbreaking titles expected. A diverse array of experiences is promised, catering to nearly every taste imaginable. Let us explore some of the most compelling new games of 2025 that have been revealed, delving into what makes each one a must-watch for your gaming calendar.
Diving Into the Best New Games of Early 2025
1. Civilization 7: A New Age of Strategy
The highly anticipated Civilization 7, developed by Firaxis Games, is set to launch on February 11th, marking another significant chapter in the renowned 4X strategy series. This installment is not merely a rehash; interesting new mechanics are being introduced, for example, which could fundamentally alter gameplay. Players will navigate through distinct historical periods, including antiquity, exploration, and modern eras, each offering unique challenges and opportunities for growth. A particularly fascinating addition involves “crisis points” that occur between ages, where difficult decisions must be made regarding which elements from the previous age are carried forward. This system is expected to enable intriguing alternate history scenarios, such as Benjamin Franklin constructing the Great Wall of China, adding a layer of creative freedom for strategists.
While the core essence of Civilization is maintained, ensuring familiarity for long-time fans, these innovative systems are designed to provide a fresh and engaging experience. The strategic depth that has always been characteristic of the series will undoubtedly be present, but now with even more variables to consider. Many players will appreciate the ability to truly forge a unique historical path, making each playthrough distinct and memorable. This global launch will be available across a broad spectrum of platforms, including PC (Windows, Mac, and Linux), PlayStation consoles, Xbox systems, and the Nintendo Switch, ensuring widespread accessibility for tactical masterminds.
2. Assetto Corsa Evo: Redefining Racing Realism
For enthusiasts of high-fidelity racing simulations, Assetto Corsa Evo promises to be a significant leap forward, with its PC early access release slated for January 16th. This iteration aims to transcend traditional circuit racing by introducing an expansive open-world environment, encompassing over 600 square miles of what is purportedly real-world terrain inspired by the Nurburgring area. Such an immense map size allows for unprecedented exploration and diverse driving experiences, moving beyond the confines of a racetrack. The developers have leveraged a proprietary engine, crafted specifically to deliver an unparalleled level of detail and responsiveness, setting a new benchmark for the genre.
The immersion will be further enhanced through the inclusion of a dynamic day-night cycle and realistic weather conditions, factors which significantly impact driving strategy and vehicle handling. Perhaps the most intriguing claim, however, relates to “advanced vehicle physics.” Significant advancements in vehicle physics are often desired by players, as this element can greatly impact the realism and feel of a racing game, bridging the gap between arcade and simulation. Moreover, full VR support will be integrated, promising an even deeper level of engagement by placing players directly into the cockpit. Following its initial PC launch, versions for PS5 and Xbox Series consoles are anticipated to be released later in the year, bringing this enhanced driving experience to a wider audience.
3. The First Berserker: Khazan: An Epic Prequel Journey
Set within the rich lore of the long-running Dungeon Fighter Online universe, The First Berserker: Khazan is an action RPG that is attracting considerable attention. This single-player prequel plunges players 800 years into the past, telling the origin story of Khazan, the titular first berserker, long before the events familiar to fans of the online game. Published by Nexon, the game is being hailed as a hardcore action RPG, suggesting a challenging and deeply rewarding combat system will be at its core. Given the enduring popularity of Dungeon Fighter Online since its 2005 debut (with a Western release in 2015), a built-in audience of millions is eagerly awaiting this new perspective on its mythology.
A smart move by the developers, Neople, is the release of a playable demo on January 16th, ahead of the full game’s launch on March 27th for PS5, Xbox Series, and PC. This demo not only allows players to experience the game without commitment but also features transferable save data, meaning progress made in the demo will carry over to the purchased game. Such a consumer-friendly approach is invaluable, as it enables prospective players to fully evaluate the gameplay and narrative, ensuring that the final product truly resonates with them. The high-quality footage released so far suggests that this title could quickly become a beloved franchise, drawing in both veteran fans and newcomers to the Dungeon Fighter universe.
4. Killing Floor 3: Leap into a Dystopian Future
The co-op first-person shooter series is set to receive its next installment with Killing Floor 3, which makes a substantial narrative and thematic jump. Unlike its predecessors, Killing Floor 1 and 2, which were set in the near future, this new entry propels players into the year 2091. This temporal shift allows for a more extreme dystopian world, where the insidious Horzine corporation wields even greater power and the genetically engineered Zeds have become frighteningly more advanced. From a gameplay perspective, this narrative choice provides ample justification for introducing new enemy types, more complex environments, and an overall maximalist approach to the action and horror.
While retaining the franchise’s signature visceral action, Killing Floor 3 promises significant upgrades, including advanced enemy AI. The renewed focus on intelligent and challenging adversaries is a welcome development, as it promises to make each encounter more dynamic and strategic for players. A major highlight for groups of friends is the six-player co-op mode, which will feature full cross-play functionality across all platforms. This means players on PS5, Xbox Series, and PC can team up seamlessly, regardless of their preferred system, making it easier than ever to fight back against the Zed hordes. The game is expected to deliver its intense, cooperative experience in March, offering a powerful upgrade for fans of the series.
5. Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2: The Pursuit of Historical Realism
The critically acclaimed medieval RPG series continues with Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, scheduled for release on February 4th for PS5, Xbox Series, and PC. The original game was widely praised for its unwavering commitment to historical accuracy and immersive realism, and this sequel appears to be doubling down on that philosophy. Rather than simply increasing difficulty, the developers are focusing on refining core mechanics to make them more authentically representative of medieval life and combat. This dedication is particularly evident in the swordplay system, which is promised to be much more fluid and intuitive, allowing for more nuanced and realistic engagements.
Furthermore, the archery system is also receiving significant attention, aiming for a more refined and believable experience. The goal is to ensure that every combat encounter feels grounded in reality, reflecting the skill and precision required of medieval warriors. Players will find a substantially larger world to explore, as the game will feature two distinct maps, each reportedly comparable in size to the entirety of the original game’s single map. This expansion effectively doubles the playable area, providing an even grander sense of scale and opportunity for exploration within its historically rich setting. For those who appreciated the depth and authenticity of the first game, this sequel is poised to offer an even more compelling and expansive journey.
6. Atomfall: Surviving Alternate 1960s Britain
Rebellion Developments brings us Atomfall, a single-player survival action game that places players in an intriguing alternate history 1960s Britain. The divergence point for this dystopian timeline is the real-world 1957 Windscale nuclear disaster, where events unfolded much more catastrophically. Five years after this event, players embody a lone survivor within a vast quarantine zone, attempting to navigate a world forever changed by nuclear fallout. While the premise might evoke comparisons to the Stalker series, Atomfall is said to lean more heavily into crafting and survival mechanics, focusing on resource management and maintaining one’s existence against overwhelming odds.
The game appears to be more narrative-driven than a pure sandbox experience, guiding players through a compelling story rooted in its unique alternate history. Combat encounters are designed to feel balanced between melee and ranged options, ensuring that players can adapt their fighting style to suit different threats and situations. The visual aesthetic also sets it apart, offering a distinct take on the post-apocalyptic genre that is far removed from common portrayals. Atomfall is slated for release on March 27th, and will be available on PlayStation consoles, Xbox systems, PC, and notably, will be accessible via Xbox Game Pass from day one, offering a compelling adventure to a wide audience.
7. Assassin’s Creed Shadows: A Return to Roots?
The 14th major installment in the iconic series, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, has generated much discussion, yet it also holds significant promise. Releasing on February 14th, Valentine’s Day, for PS5, Xbox, PC, and iPad, Ubisoft has indicated a deliberate shift towards more traditional Assassin’s Creed gameplay. This approach is intended to serve as a “bridge” between the older, more stealth- and parkour-focused titles and the more recent open-world RPG entries. Players can expect an emphasis on core elements such as precise assassinations and intricate parkour, which were hallmarks of the early games.
While maintaining a large and detailed map featuring locations like Kyoto, Osaka, and Iga, the story missions are described as more linear and focused. This design choice aims to deliver a tightly woven narrative experience without sacrificing the expansive exploration that modern players have come to expect. The potential for this game lies in its ability to marry the best aspects of both eras of Assassin’s Creed, providing a refined stealth experience within a beautifully rendered feudal Japan. Despite any pre-release controversies, the commitment to a gameplay style favored by many long-time fans suggests that Assassin’s Creed Shadows could very well deliver a highly satisfying adventure for both new and returning players.
8. Avowed: Obsidian’s Vision of a Living Lands
From the esteemed developers at Obsidian Entertainment, known for their narrative depth and player choice in titles like Fallout: New Vegas, comes Avowed. This first-person RPG is set within the rich and expansive Pillars of Eternity universe, arriving on February 18th for Xbox Series and PC, with day one access on Game Pass. While often compared visually to games like Skyrim, Avowed is distinguished by its “open-zone” structure, which offers large, interconnected areas rather than a singular, seamless open world. This design choice allows for focused storytelling and environmental detail within each zone, while still providing a sense of scale and discovery.
Players can anticipate the deep, meaningful choices and engaging factional dynamics that are characteristic of Obsidian’s previous works. The reputation of the studio for crafting compelling narratives where player decisions truly matter creates high expectations for a truly immersive RPG experience. The game is being developed by a team with a strong pedigree in crafting intricate worlds and memorable characters, which helps set it apart from other fantasy RPGs that might merely aim to emulate established aesthetics. Avowed is poised to offer a fresh yet familiar take on the fantasy RPG genre, appealing to those who appreciate thoughtful design and impactful storytelling.
9. Split Fiction: A Collaborative Adventure
Hazelight Studios, the innovative minds behind the award-winning co-op adventure It Takes Two, are back with Split Fiction, launching on March 6th for PS5, Xbox Series, and PC. This title continues their tradition of crafting unique, co-operative experiences, where two players must work together to overcome challenges. The narrative is particularly creative, revolving around two writers, Mio (a science fiction author) and Zoe (a fantasy author), whose worlds collide, forcing them into a collaborative adventure that blends both genres. This concept promises a visually diverse and mechanically varied experience as players traverse environments that seamlessly transition between fantastical landscapes and futuristic cityscapes.
A standout feature of Split Fiction is the innovative “Friends Pass” system. This allows one player who owns the game to invite a friend to join the entire adventure, even if that friend does not own a copy of the game. Furthermore, this functionality is fully cross-platform, meaning players can connect and play together regardless of whether they are on PlayStation, Xbox, or PC. This level of player-friendly design significantly enhances accessibility and encourages collaborative play, embodying Hazelight’s commitment to shared gaming experiences. Split Fiction is set to deliver another compelling story-driven co-op journey, designed for friends to explore together.
10. Monster Hunter Wilds: Evolution of the Hunt
The venerable Monster Hunter franchise is preparing for its next major evolution with Monster Hunter Wilds, slated for a February 28th release on PS5, Xbox Series, and PC. Known less for its narrative and more for its exceptionally deep gameplay loop of hunting formidable creatures, this installment appears to advance many core aspects of the series. The development team is reportedly drawing inspiration from both the expansive, living world of Monster Hunter World and the more vertical, action-oriented movement of Monster Hunter Rise. This combination suggests a title that will offer vast, detailed environments coupled with enhanced player mobility and interaction.
Players can anticipate a rich and dynamic ecosystem where monsters behave with increased complexity and interaction, making each hunt a unique challenge. The integration of cross-platform four-player cooperative multiplayer ensures that hunters can easily team up with friends across different systems to tackle the game’s colossal beasts. The blending of the best elements from previous titles is expected to create a fresh yet familiar experience for both long-time fans and newcomers alike. Monster Hunter Wilds is poised to be a significant release, promising countless hours of thrilling hunts and cooperative adventure in its highly anticipated debut.
Bonus Game: Metal Gear Solid 3 Delta: A Classic Reimagined
Adding to the excitement of early 2025 is the alleged arrival of Metal Gear Solid 3 Delta, a full remake of the beloved classic, Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater. This project is being crafted using the powerful Unreal Engine 5, promising stunning modern visuals while reportedly preserving the original gameplay experience. A significant point of interest for fans is the retention of the original voice cast, which ensures that the iconic performances and emotional resonance of the narrative remain intact, with only a few new lines added for specific moments. The goal is to deliver a faithful recreation that enhances the presentation without altering the core genius of Hideo Kojima’s masterpiece.
Modern quality-of-life conveniences are expected to be subtly integrated, smoothing out some of the original game’s more dated mechanics without compromising its challenging and strategic espionage gameplay. The prospect of experiencing Naked Snake’s gripping origin story with contemporary graphics and refined controls is incredibly enticing for both veterans and those new to the series. If Metal Gear Solid 3 Delta lands in the first half of 2025 on PS5, Xbox Series, and Windows, it would undoubtedly be a monumental event for the gaming community, potentially paving the way for further remakes of other cherished Metal Gear Solid entries.
