Top New Games Coming in 2025: An In-Depth Look at Upcoming Releases
As the gaming world continually evolves, 2025 is shaping up to be an exceptionally strong year, with numerous highly anticipated new games coming in 2025 that promise to captivate players. The video above offers a fantastic overview of many of these titles, highlighting key details and release windows. This article will delve deeper into the exciting landscape of 2025 game releases, expanding on the insights provided and exploring the innovation these games aim to bring.
In charting the landscape of these upcoming releases, a conscious effort was made to focus purely on fresh experiences. This means you will find no remakes or remasters discussed here, as the focus is on original content and new narratives. Similarly, games transitioning from early access to full 1.0 versions have been excluded, ensuring that the spotlight remains on truly new launches.
Epic Adventures and Strategic Masterpieces
Dynasty Warriors: Origins
After a seven-year hiatus, fans of the iconic hack-and-slash series can look forward to Dynasty Warriors: Origins, which is set to arrive on January 17th. This entry promises a return to the franchise’s celebrated roots, with players stepping into the shoes of a nameless hero during the tumultuous Late Eastern Han period. The aim is to offer a fresh perspective on the Three Kingdoms era, a setting rich with historical intrigue and conflict.
At the core of Origins is the intense “one versus 1,000” combat that defined the series. Players will engage entire armies in real-time, requiring not only quick reflexes but also strategic command of their own troops to overcome overwhelming numerical disadvantages. A variety of unique skills are to be utilized, including Arts, which are tied to specific weapons, and powerful Musou Attacks that can decisively shift the tide of battle.
Following the lukewarm reception of Dynasty Warrior 9, which faced criticism for its open world and limited game modes, Koei Tecmo is under pressure to deliver a refined and engaging experience. Origins will, however, maintain the single-player focus of its predecessor, ensuring a narrative-driven experience for those eager to immerse themselves in the world.
Dune: Awakening
Capitalizing on the recent cinematic successes, Dune: Awakening is slated for an early 2025 release, offering an open-world survival MMO set on the infamous desert planet Arrakis. Developed by Funcom, known for Conan Exiles, the game places players in the role of a nameless prisoner tasked with surviving the planet’s harsh environment. The gameplay is centered around essential survival mechanics: gathering resources, crafting tools, and building shelters to withstand the elements and predatory enemies.
The journey begins in the relatively safe Haga Basin, a PvP-free zone, allowing players to build up their technology and gear before venturing into the Deep Desert. This hostile region is where all servers converge, featuring large-scale PvE and PvP combat over the precious Spice, utilizing ground vehicles, ornithopters, and Spice-enhanced soldiers. Coriolis storms are a regular occurrence, dramatically altering the landscape, revealing new opportunities, and keeping players on edge.
The constant threat of sandworms looms large, as these colossal creatures cannot be defeated but must be evaded at all costs. Water discipline is a crucial survival element, necessitating avoidance of direct sunlight and the extraction of water from various sources. Dune: Awakening is expected to be one of the most significant new games coming in 2025, promising an immersive and challenging experience for fans of both the Dune universe and survival MMOs.
Civilization VII
One of the most wish-listed new games coming in 2025, Civilization VII is set to launch on February 6th, continuing to evolve Firaxis’s beloved strategy series. While familiar to long-time players, the game introduces several changes designed to refresh the iconic Civilization experience. A notable alteration is the division of the game into three longer ages: Antiquity, Exploration, and Modern.
Players are now given the strategic option to switch civilizations and leaders at the commencement of each new age, offering unprecedented flexibility. Leaders are also no longer intrinsically tied to their specific civilization, which opens up a vast array of starting possibilities. Numerous smaller, yet impactful, foundational changes have been implemented, such as navigable rivers. This allows for movement and trade to occur on interior waterways, significantly altering strategic considerations.
A new combat unit, Commanders, is introduced to provide more tactical options for turning the tide of battles across all fronts, which could prove pivotal given the large scale of Civilization’s combat encounters. These changes aim to deepen the strategic layers while keeping the core experience fresh and engaging for both veterans and newcomers.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance II
Among the most anticipated RPGs of 2025 game releases, Kingdom Come: Deliverance II is scheduled for February 11th. The game continues the saga of Henry, now a trusted ally of the rightful King, as he embarks on a journey rife with revenge, betrayal, and self-discovery. The combat system, which was perceived as complex in the first installment, has undergone refinement, making it more accessible to new players while retaining the challenging nuance for mastery.
New weapons, including crossbows and early forms of firearms, have been integrated, adding further diversity to combat encounters. Alchemy and Crafting systems have been enhanced and expanded, offering greater depth for players who enjoy these aspects of RPG gameplay. With over five hours of cinematics promised, the game is poised to be one of the most ambitious and feature-packed titles for 2025, offering a rich narrative and immersive world.
Assassin’s Creed: Shadows
Ubisoft hopes to regain momentum on February 14th with the release of Assassin’s Creed: Shadows, a title steeped in anticipation and set to address long-standing fan requests. For the first time in the series’ history, the game is set in Japan during the Edo period, a locale fans have desired for decades. Players will assume control of two distinct protagonists: Naoe, a shinobi assassin from the Iga clan, and Yasuke, a historically inspired Black Samurai.
Each character will possess distinct fighting styles, unique weapons, and specialized tools, presenting specific advantages and disadvantages throughout the gameplay experience. Stealth remains a central pillar of Assassin’s Creed: Shadows, but with Yasuke’s combat-focused approach, the game is leaning into both sides of the experience. A wide array of weapons, including katanas, kanabos, bows, naginatas, kunai, shuriken, and smoke bombs, will be at the players’ disposal.
While a compelling main narrative will drive the game forward, Ubisoft continues its open-world design philosophy, packing the world with ample side content for exploration. The integration of dual protagonists and a highly requested setting aims to offer a fresh and engaging Assassin’s Creed experience.
Avowed
Set in the rich world of Pillars of Eternity, Obsidian Entertainment’s Avowed finally launches on February 18th, following years of anticipation and a shroud of mystery. This first-person open-world RPG has been on many players’ radars, with Obsidian promising a high-fantasy adventure that distinguishes itself from others in the genre. Combat is a central focus, featuring a unique dual-wield system that permits players to mix and match various weapons, including the option for double wands or guns.
As is characteristic of Obsidian games, a strong narrative-driven experience is expected, with a significant emphasis on player choice. Developers have indicated that decisions made during dialogue will lead to varied outcomes, both minor and major, contributing to a deeply personal playthrough. The game’s visual tone has shifted from dark fantasy to a purer fantasy aesthetic, yet the core promise of Obsidian’s storytelling and world-building remains a strong draw.
Monster Hunts and Unique Worlds
Monster Hunter Wilds
Building on the global phenomenon of Monster Hunter: World, Capcom returns on February 28th with the sixth main entry in the series, Monster Hunter Wilds. The game transports players to the Forbidden Lands, a new and vibrant world teeming with formidable monsters. Players take on the role of a hunter, tasked with uncovering the secrets of the White Wrath and rescuing the Keepers after their village suffers an attack.
While Wilds does not introduce new weapon types, many existing weapons have been reworked for improved accessibility or to provide more interesting mechanics than their previous iterations. Capcom has also committed to seamless cross-play from day one, allowing hundreds of players to coexist in a shared world. This feature is expected to facilitate easy matchmaking and foster a more connected multiplayer experience than ever before. As one of the top wish-listed new games coming in 2025, Monster Hunter Wilds is poised for a massive launch.
Dragonkin: The Banished
For those perpetually seeking new RPG experiences, Dragonkin: The Banished has emerged as an intriguing title among the 2025 game releases. Players select one of four heroes, each fighting to liberate the world from a pervasive draconic corruption. The Barbarian utilizes ice powers derived from White Dragon Blood, while the Oracle employs electric powers from Blue Dragon Blood. The Knight wields a fire lance and shield, offering resistance to draconic corruption, and the Tracker employs arrows, blades, and traps infused with draconic toxins.
Dragonkin introduces innovative mechanics such as the Ancestral Grid system, replacing traditional skill trees. Players collect skill pieces as loot and slot them into a grid, allowing for highly customizable playstyles. Additionally, the game reportedly includes city-building elements, providing moments of respite from the action. A definitive aspect of the game is its thorough embrace of dragon lore and themes, integrated into every facet of the gameplay and world design.
The Alters
11 Bit Studios, known for pushing genre boundaries, presents The Alters, a distinctive upcoming game for 2025. In this title, players control Jan Dolski, a space miner marooned on a desolate, hostile planet. To survive, Jan is compelled to create clones of himself, known as Alters. Each Alter possesses unique skills, personalities, and backgrounds, shaped by different life choices. The player’s role involves managing this growing assembly of Jans, mining for resources, and expanding a mobile base, all while racing against the increasing radiation from a rising star.
The gameplay uniquely blends third-person adventure with side-scrolling base management, a combination rarely seen in video games. This fusion of action and decision-making promises an interesting dynamic as players learn to coexist with and lead multiple versions of their own character. The innovative premise alone makes The Alters one of the intriguing new games coming in 2025.
Atomfall
Channeling strong Fallout vibes, Atomfall is slated for release in March 2025 as a survival action game. The adventure unfolds around a nuclear incident in a fictional British village, marking a significant leap in ambition for developer Rebellion. Based on initial gameplay footage, Atomfall shows potential for a memorable experience, drawing many similarities to modern Fallout titles. This includes a blend of melee and ranged combat, utilizing a variety of scavenged and often barely functioning weapons.
Exploration and genuine problem-solving are expected to be hallmarks of the game, with leads providing clues for quests without the overt hand-holding common in contemporary video games. Tools such as metal detectors, flashlights, and even robots appear to be integral to the gameplay experience, all serving an overarching story infused with a dry British sense of humor. While the action mechanics may still seem a bit unrefined in early showings, the premise and potential intrigue many.
Judas
Releasing in March 2025, Judas is the debut game from Ghost Story Games, a studio spearheaded by Ken Levine, the creative mind behind the acclaimed BioShock series. The game is set aboard The Mayflower, a spaceship carrying the last remnants of humanity towards Proxima Centauri. Within this vessel, three influential individuals manipulate events, each pursuing their own agenda. Players assume the role of Judas, a character who breaks free from restrictive controls and ignites a revolution on the ship.
Trailers for Judas immediately evoke parallels to BioShock, a connection strengthened by Levine’s involvement. Themes such as religious iconography, strong and vibrant character designs, and a distinct retro-futuristic atmosphere permeate the world. Levine has introduced a concept he terms “narrative Legos” – pre-built segments of narrative, level design, and art that can be dynamically assembled in response to player actions. The implementation of this adaptive storytelling system is a significant point of interest, potentially offering nuanced narrative variations often promised but seldom fully realized in games.
Crimson Desert
Slated for release sometime in the second quarter of 2025, Crimson Desert has been a long-watched title for RPG enthusiasts. It is a game challenging to categorize, described as an ambitious blend of elements akin to both The Witcher 3 and Grand Theft Auto. The goal is to create highly cinematic and unique gameplay experiences, transporting players from arid deserts to breathtaking aerial landscapes. What is immediately apparent is that this is not a typical high fantasy RPG; it incorporates far more fantastical elements than might be expected from a more historically grounded title.
This fantastical bent is also evident in the combat system, which combines traditional sword, bow, and magic with martial arts. The main character, Cliff, is seen executing various acrobatic moves during battles, designed to make combat a particularly memorable aspect of the game. Despite the flashy combat, Crimson Desert is set to be a single-player narrative-driven adventure. Pre-release glimpses have showcased fully voice-acted cutscenes and a story that spans a densely populated open world, promising ample conflict to be resolved through either diplomacy or direct action.
Anticipated Sequels and Innovative Experiences
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach
The sequel to Hideo Kojima’s innovative title, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, could capture significant attention at any point during 2025. Set after the events of the original game, players will once again embody Sam Bridges, this time on a new mission to safeguard humanity from extinction. As expected from a Kojima production, the game will be heavily narrative-driven, featuring returning familiar characters like Fragile, but with an entirely new thematic focus.
After Sam’s departure from Bridges, his allies forge separate paths, yet the United Cities of America remain in disarray. Sam is compelled to rejoin the effort, now as part of a new organization called Drawbridge, resuming his role as a porter to transport goods and re-establish connections between isolated cities across the UCA. The gameplay will feature extensive traversal, both on foot and in vehicles, alongside elements of stealth, platforming, and combat. True to Kojima’s style, the “weirdness factor” is anticipated to be significantly amplified in this sequel, promising an experience that defies convention.
Doom: The Dark Ages
Before he became a hero, he was a weapon of the Gods – this is the premise behind Doom: The Dark Ages, a new entry in the legendary boomer shooter franchise. The Dark Ages transports the game to an entirely new setting: a dark fantasy medieval world. This looks strikingly different from the apocalyptic futuristic environments of previous Doom titles, offering a fresh aesthetic and thematic direction. The medieval setting also influences the Doom Slayer’s arsenal, introducing a new flail and a shield saw, both adding new dimensions to the visceral action.
The Dark Ages is also poised to introduce bold new ideas, such as mech battles where players control constructs like Atlan to combat gigantic demons. Glimpses of a new dragon riding feature have also been shown, which could drastically alter world traversal and enemy engagement. It is clear that Doom: The Dark Ages is not afraid to experiment, and whether these innovative elements fully resonate with players remains a key question for this highly anticipated 2025 release.
Eternal Strands
An under-the-radar game generating quiet excitement is Eternal Strands, projected for an early 2025 release. The game takes inspiration from Shadow of the Colossus, with the main character, Bryn, capable of climbing onto colossal constructs to deliver calculated attacks against armor pieces and vulnerable spots. Eternal Strands also features a heavy magic focus, incorporating fire, ice, and telekinetic attacks that shape Bryn’s offensive and defensive strategies in these larger-than-life battles.
The game world itself plays a crucial role in the magic system, allowing Bryn to manipulate the environment by snapping trees, lifting boulders, and creating unique elemental interactions. Beyond combat, players will explore Denevrin, utilizing magic to navigate the world and uncover the secrets of a mysterious group known as the Onclade. This blend of colossal boss fights, elemental magic, and environmental interaction positions Eternal Strands as a compelling contender among the new games coming in 2025.
Fable
If there is one game many hope receives a firm 2025 release date, it is Fable. This high-fantasy series holds a special place in the hearts of many gamers, and four years after its official reveal, players are still eagerly awaiting substantial gameplay footage. Nevertheless, Fable is legendary in the gaming world, and despite a new developer, Playground Games, at the helm, the team is clearly committed to preserving its whimsical roots.
Set in the darkly comedic world of Albion, players will assume the role of a new hero. Through their actions and dialogue choices, they will shape the character’s appearance and personality. While details about the game’s systems remain largely under wraps, it is a reasonable assumption that Fable will feature a semi- or even fully open world. As with previous installments, the game is expected to be largely narrative-driven, showcasing classic British humor, alongside an abundance of side quests, secrets, and content to explore. The return of the morality system is also highly anticipated; how the team evolves this system in the modern gaming landscape, where player choice is more common, remains a significant question.
Slay the Spire 2
Arriving into early access sometime during 2025, Slay the Spire 2 aims to replicate the success of its predecessor with its addictive rogue-like deck-building gameplay. The sequel to the 2017 hit is set 1,000 years after the events of the first game, introducing new Slayers, each with their own unique sets of cards, mechanics, and personalities. The Spire itself has transformed, presenting new enemies, events, and treasures as the rooms and items discovered change with each playthrough.
Players can opt for high-risk, high-reward builds or play it safe, exploring countless different strategies, with all paths ultimately leading to the boss at the end of each act. Slay the Spire 2 has been re-written from the ground up on a new engine, promising modern features, improved visuals, and expanded modding support. This foundational overhaul aims to enhance the beloved gameplay while offering a more robust and visually appealing experience.
South of Midnight
A personal favorite among the new games coming in 2025 is South of Midnight, a unique adventure rooted in the mythos of the Deep South. Players control Hazel, a girl who discovers a world where reality and fantasy intertwine after a hurricane devastates her hometown of Prospero. Hazel can tap into a distinct form of spellcasting called Weaving Magic, which she will use to combat strange creatures, explore the dark, modern folk-tale world, and solve environmental puzzles.
Compulsion Games, the team behind South of Midnight, is recognized for its unconventional approach to game design, which significantly contributes to the excitement surrounding this title. The game presents players with a truly different experience, built upon rich storytelling, magical combat, and the relatively unexplored Southern Gothic setting. This fresh perspective and unique aesthetic position South of Midnight as a potentially memorable release.
Mouse P.I. for Hire
Easily one of the most unique 2025 game releases, Mouse P.I. for Hire is a first-person shooter inspired by classic 1930s cartoons. The game features a monochromatic visual style, which gives it a distinct and charming look, perfectly complemented by a jazzy retro soundtrack that accompanies the adventure. Players assume the role of private investigator Jack Pepper, a war hero turned detective, as he navigates the corrupt city of Mouseburg.
An arsenal of whimsical weapons, such as the Mauser Pistol and the Turpentine Gun, will be at the player’s disposal. Mouse P.I. for Hire is poised to be one of the more memorable titles of 2025, thanks to its distinctive art direction, engaging premise, and unique gameplay mechanics.
Blockbusters and Hidden Gems of 2025
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond
It has been a significant period since the last Samus Aran game, but 2025 appears to be the year Metroid Prime 4: Beyond finally launches. With Retro Studios, the original developers, back at the helm, this classic FPS is expected to return to the core formula that defines the series. As Samus, players will explore vast, interconnected environments, utilizing the Scan Visor to gather crucial information about enemies, items, and the surrounding world.
Metroid Prime 4 is not primarily focused on innovation but rather on refining the established and beloved gameplay. For those who enjoy transforming into a morph ball, engaging in combat with space pirates, and delving deeper into the Metroid Universe, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is certainly a title to watch among the new games coming in 2025.
Grand Theft Auto VI
Without a doubt, Grand Theft Auto VI stands as one of the most anticipated 2025 game releases, despite much of its content still being shrouded in mystery. The excitement surrounding this title continues to build exponentially. The game is set in the fictional state of Leonida, an analogue of Florida, with its main hub being Vice City, modeled after Miami. The narrative will follow a criminal duo: Lucia, marking the series’ first female protagonist, and her male partner.
While definitive gameplay footage has yet to be released, it is safe to infer from the trailers that Vice City will be more chaotic than ever. The game taps into local Florida culture while also offering satirical commentary on broader American society, promising an even more outlandish experience. Gameplay is expected to feature the familiar formula of vehicle theft, police chases, and engaging in various criminal activities. Elements of social media, glimpsed in the trailer, will also be integrated. Regardless of the current level of detail, Grand Theft Auto VI is undeniably set to be a monumental launch.
Borderlands 4
Among the 2025 game releases that remain largely enigmatic is Borderlands 4, slated for sometime next year with sparse details. What is known is that the game will move beyond Pandora, exploring a new planet. The story will pick up directly after the events of Borderlands 3, with Lilith having teleported Pandora’s moon to an undisclosed location in space. Beyond this, information is limited, save for the presence of a new dangerous threat that Vault Hunters will confront.
The series’ traditional loot-and-shoot gameplay is confirmed to return, featuring new enemies, bosses, vehicles, and weapons. The development team has indicated an intention to further expand the RPG elements, promising greater depth in character progression and customization. Gearbox is certainly in need of a success after Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands did not achieve widespread player adoption, making Borderlands 4 a pivotal release for the studio.
Mecha Break
One of the dark horse new games coming in 2025, Mecha Break is best described as a fusion of Gundam and Zone of the Enders, and early impressions are highly promising. Players will be able to choose from a diverse array of mechs, including Assault, Melee, Sniper, Reconnaissance, and Support types, each possessing unique playstyles, strengths, and weaknesses. These base mechs can then be extensively customized, with options for paint jobs, armor, internal frameworks, and weaponry, ensuring that each mech encountered on the battlefield is distinct to its pilot.
Players will have access to either an arena-based PvP mode, supporting squads of three or six, or an intense 48-player Battle Royale combat mode. In the Battle Royale, participants will engage with both large and small environmental enemies, navigate ambushes, evade massive pulse storms, and seize spoils of victory, all while outmaneuvering rivals. Additionally, each pilot will feature a unique story for players to explore. This comprehensive mech game appears to possess serious staying power in the competitive gaming landscape.
Hell is Us
For enthusiasts of science fiction and unconventional game experiences, Hell is Us, projected for a 2025 release, will likely pique interest. The game draws inspiration from the 2018 film Annihilation, and early gameplay footage suggests an intriguing interpretation of its source material. Players assume the role of Remy, a United Nations peacekeeper who goes AWOL to search for his parents in the war-torn country of Fadia. A catastrophic event known as the Calamity has given rise to creatures called Hollow Walkers in the region, establishing a foundation for supernatural occurrences.
The gameplay integrates melee and ranged combat with a significant emphasis on a drone that assists in both exploration and fighting. These Hollow Walkers, however, are impervious to conventional weapons, necessitating the use of ancient armaments. This unique combat mechanic further amplifies the creativity evident throughout the game. Hell is Us presents a visually striking experience, and if its gameplay quality matches its atmospheric premise, it could emerge as a surprise hit among the new games coming in 2025.
Ghost of Yotei
Recently revealed, Ghost of Yotei is the much-anticipated sequel to Ghost of Tsushima. This title will be another PlayStation exclusive, continuing the legacy of its predecessor but with a new protagonist, Atsu. Unlike Jin, Atsu is capable of dual-wielding katanas, a feature that should provide an immediately distinct combat feel. Much like the first game, Yotei will be extremely narrative-driven, with its story unfolding over 300 years after the events of Tsushima.
The setting is also new, situated in the area surrounding Mount Yotei in Northern Japan. This marks the first game Sucker Punch, the developers, are creating entirely from the ground up for the PlayStation 5, promising impressive visual improvements. These enhancements include massive sightlines, incredible skyboxes, and more realistic environmental effects, such as the movement of wind on grass and vegetation, further immersing players in its feudal Japanese world.
Arc Raiders
A game that has experienced significant developmental shifts, Arc Raiders is finally slated for release sometime in 2025. Originally conceived as a looter-shooter, it has undergone a substantial restructuring, now emerging as an extraction shooter. The new direction draws comparisons to the ruthless PvP of The Division’s Dark Zone, combined with the survival and scavenging elements of Generation Zero. Set in the distant future on Earth, Arc Machines have overrun the surface, forcing humanity to live primarily underground.
Players venture to the surface through repurposed tunnel networks to scavenge for essential materials needed for survival. They will engage in a variety of unique quests while looting structures and defeated enemies for valuable items. Furthermore, players must contend with other players, both solo and in groups, making decisions about cooperation or conflict to secure loot. The constant risk to one’s gear and collected loot ensures that situations can escalate rapidly between players and machines. Large-scale set pieces and threats are still to be fully revealed, but excitement is building for this unique extraction experience among the new games coming in 2025.
