Halfway through 2025, the gaming world is buzzing! Even with major news like Grand Theft Auto 6 shifting its release window to next year, this period has already given us some genuinely amazing new video games. Critics have been busy playing, and a clear list of top contenders for “Game of the Year” is starting to emerge. Whether you’re into epic stories, brain-bending puzzles, or intense action, there’s likely something on this list for you.
Based on aggregated review scores, these are the highest-rated new releases of 2025 to date, according to the review tracking site OpenCritic. To make the cut, games needed at least 20 reviews and had to be completely new releases (no remasters or early access titles).
Top-Rated New Games of 2025 (According to Critics)
Here’s a quick look at the games currently leading the pack, based on their average critic score:
- Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 – 92
- Death Stranding 2: On the Beach – 90
- Split Fiction – 90
- Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 – 89
- Blue Prince – 89
- Monster Hunter Wilds – 89
- Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo – 89
- Keep Driving – 89
- StarVaders – 88
- Monster Train 2 – 88
Diving Deeper into the Top Performers
Leading the charge as the highest-rated game of the year so far is Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. This game has earned widespread praise for its stunning soundtrack, gripping story, and a turn-based combat system that feels fresh and strategic. It’s quickly become a front-runner for major awards later this year, impressing players and reviewers alike with its unique blend of art, music, and challenging gameplay.
Key art collage for the top-rated RPG Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
Right behind with impressive scores of 90 are two highly anticipated titles: Death Stranding 2: On the Beach and Split Fiction. Hideo Kojima’s latest, Death Stranding 2, continues the unique open-world adventure of the first game, pushing boundaries with its gorgeous visuals and cinematic experience. Meanwhile, Split Fiction, from the director of It Takes Two, Josef Fares, offers a thrilling co-op adventure that cleverly mixes sci-fi and fantasy elements, proving that playing together can be a blast.
Death Stranding 2 cinematic moment featuring protagonist Sam Porter Bridges and a baby
Just missing the 90 mark but still highly acclaimed with an 89 rating is Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2. This game doubles down on the realistic medieval RPG experience of its predecessor, offering a deep and challenging journey that fans of historical settings and hardcore role-playing will appreciate, while also making smart improvements to appeal to a wider audience. Also hitting 89 is Blue Prince, a first-person puzzle game with elements that change each time you play (known as roguelike elements), making it incredibly hard to put down once you start exploring its mysteries.
Whether you’re looking for a sprawling RPG, a cinematic adventure, a fun game to play with a friend, or a challenging puzzle, these highly-rated games from the first half of 2025 offer something truly special. They represent the best of what the year has delivered so far, according to the people who play and review games for a living.
Looking for more gaming news and upcoming releases? Stay tuned!
