The Hottest Games of 2025 So Far: Halfway Through the Year’s Must-Plays

Halfway through 2025, the gaming world has already delivered some truly unforgettable experiences. From deep sci-fi sagas to epic fantasy adventures and thrilling action, developers have pushed boundaries and given us plenty to be excited about. We’re taking a look at the standout titles that have made their mark in the first half of the year.

Diving Into 2025’s Top Games

The year has been packed with surprises and anticipated releases. Here are some of the games that are defining 2025, each bringing something unique to your screen.

Steel Seed (Ranked 20th)

Imagine a future ruled by killer robots, where the last hope is a protagonist who’s part-human, part-machine, guided by a robot companion who’s also… her father, and the cause of the robot uprising? That’s the wild setup for Steel Seed.

This stealth-action game for PS5, Xbox, and PC from Storm in a Teacup mixes a quirky story with engaging gameplay. You’ll be sneaking, jumping, and solving puzzles in a cool dystopian world. It’s a shorter adventure, around 12 hours, perfect if you love quick, intense gaming sessions filled with stealth and clever platforming challenges.

The Alters (Ranked 19th)

Man standing in front of glowing lines, looking at multiple versions of himself

From 11 Bit Studios, The Alters is one of the most unique games of the year. You play as Jan Dolski, a worker stranded on a mining ship. To survive, he discovers he can create alternate versions of himself – “Alters” – by tweaking his own life story. Each Alter has a different personality and skills based on the path Jan didn’t take. It’s a survival game focused on managing your alternate selves and facing the consequences of your choices, with multiple endings to uncover. Available on current-gen systems, it’s a thought-provoking dive into alternate realities.

Sniper Elite Resistance (Ranked 18th)

First-person view through a sniper scope aiming at a distant soldier in a snowy environment

Rebellion brings us another Sniper Elite hit! This time, Sniper Elite Resistance gives fan-favorite character Harry Hawker his own story set in 1944, parallel to Sniper Elite 5. It packs customizable weapons, open-ended missions letting you choose your approach, and the signature X-Ray kill cam (yes, just like Mortal Kombat!). Plus, a solid multiplayer mode. If you enjoy planning every step, using stealth, and taking down targets from afar with satisfying precision, this game on PS4, PS5, PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S delivers thrilling tension.

Ninja Gaiden 2 Black (Ranked 17th)

A ninja character standing in a rain-soaked alley, holding a sword with glowing effects

Team Ninja brings back Ryu Hayabusa in Ninja Gaiden 2 Black, a visually stunning return that blends the best of the original game and its Sigma 2 version. Built with Unreal Engine 5, it features intense, stylish combat where you can strategically dismember enemies. New story chapters add fresh content for veterans, while the core over-the-top action is perfectly preserved. Despite minor technical hiccups, it’s a fantastic showcase of classic hack-and-slash action powered by modern tech, a must-try on current-gen systems.

Dynasty Warriors Origins (Ranked 16th)

A character in elaborate historical armor stands holding a staff with a determined expression

The latest entry in Omega Force’s long-running Dynasty Warriors series, Origins, steps away from controlling historical figures from the Romance of the Three Kingdoms novel. Instead, you play as a new character interacting with these legends. It’s still the signature “one-against-a-thousand” hack-and-slash action the series is known for, delivering a massive power fantasy. But Origins also includes poignant story moments and satisfying upgrade systems, making it a strong single-player experience on various platforms.

Lies of P: Overture (Ranked 15th)

Pinocchio character looking out over a dark, steampunk city from a high vantage point

The highly anticipated expansion for the Pinocchio-inspired Soulslike, Lies of P: Overture, has been a huge hit. It adds new areas, weapons, and dives deeper into the lore of Krat’s dark world. The story explores P’s past before he lost his memories, showing a version of Krat before the Puppet Frenzy. Meeting characters like the Legendary Stalker and the original Alidoro provides exciting backstory. New weapons and Legion Arms offer fresh ways to approach challenging bosses. If you loved the challenging combat and atmosphere of the original, Overture is a rewarding return.

Split Fiction (Ranked 14th)

Two characters, one male and one female, stand back-to-back in front of a swirling portal, surrounded by geometric shapes

From Hazelight Studios, the creators of It Takes Two, comes Split Fiction, another unique co-op multiplayer experience. It follows two writers trying to protect their work from a greedy corporation. The game stands out not just for its gameplay mechanics that change with each level, but also for its main characters, Mio and Zoe. Their distinct personalities and surprisingly deep backstories make them relatable and charming. Blending sci-fi and fantasy, the gameplay is designed specifically for two players working together. It’s perfect for enjoying a weekend with a friend, packed with creative challenges and fun references to popular entertainment.

Atomfall (Ranked 13th)

Character holding a rifle stands looking out over a ruined British countryside scene

Rebellion’s second entry on this list, Atomfall, brings a blend of action, survival, humor, and heart. Set in a British countryside ravaged by a radioactive accident, you play as a survivor navigating this dangerous world. What sets it apart is the injection of excellent British humor that balances the serious survival elements. It combines familiar genre mechanics with fresh ideas and a story that keeps you guessing. If you’re looking for a survival game with a unique tone and personality, Atomfall offers a distinct experience on current platforms.

Monster Hunter Wilds (Ranked 12th)

A large, orange monster with tusks and fur sits scratching its head

The latest installment in the popular Monster Hunter series, Monster Hunter Wilds, is an excellent action-RPG that meaningfully improves upon its predecessors. It features huge open worlds, incredible monster designs, and a flexible crafting system. The game is built for both solo play and teaming up with up to three friends for challenging cooperative hunts. If you’re seeking a game that tests your skills, offers deep progression, and is incredibly fun to play with friends, Monster Hunter Wilds provides many hours of engaging action.

Elden Ring Nightreign (Ranked 11th)

A dark fantasy character in armor stands in a bleak, rocky landscape

FromSoftware takes its acclaimed Elden Ring and transforms it into something new with Nightreign. This entry shifts genre, focusing on a roguelike experience while bringing back the signature challenge and boss design from the Dark Souls series. While the open world of the Lands Between is gone, the new region of Limveld offers frenetic energy and unique playstyles. An RNG-based loot system makes each “Expedition” unpredictable, and challenging “Nightlords” test your skills. FromSoftware plans even harder updates, aiming to push the roguelike genre to new heights with their trademark difficulty.

Karma The Dark World (Ranked 10th)

A monochrome, distorted image of a man's face with geometric patterns

Karma The Dark World is a psychological thriller from Pollard Studios with a seemingly simple premise that hides a deeply engaging experience. Set in an alternate reality where Germany is ruled by a tyrannical corporation, you play as a loyal officer tasked with examining the thoughts and memories of a criminal. This setup allows the game to explore complex themes and ideologies through intense narrative and immersive visuals, all without combat. The game’s stunning audio design perfectly complements its visuals, creating a haunting atmosphere that sticks with you.

Ender Magnolia: Bloom in the Mist (Ranked 9th)

A character with white hair and a small spirit companion stands looking at a large, intricate machine

Following the beloved Ender Lilies, Ender Magnolia: Bloom in the Mist expands on its predecessor’s charming side-scrolling adventure. Developer Adglobe and Live Wire have built upon solid foundations, offering a larger world, deeper customization, and more story and lore. Playing as Lilac in the Land of Fumes, you’ll encounter a well-written and voiced cast of supporting characters that add emotional depth to the journey. Available on both current and previous-gen systems, it’s an accessible and fun entry that enhances the established mechanics.

The First Berserker Khazan (Ranked 8th)

A muscular character in dynamic pose, glowing with energy, holding a large weapon

Neople’s take on the Soulslike genre, The First Berserker Khazan, delivers an adrenaline-fueled combat experience rooted in the Dungeon & Fighter universe. Khazan’s story of revenge is exciting from the start, pushing the protagonist to his limits against challenging foes. What makes it stand out is its striking cel-shaded art style and a combat system that perfectly embodies the protagonist’s rage with powerful attacks and desperate defenses. With diverse weapons and demanding bosses, it’s a stylish and substantial action game.

Kingdom Come Deliverance II (Ranked 7th)

A character in historical clothing sits on a horse in a lush forest setting

For fans of deep, historical action-RPGs, Kingdom Come Deliverance II is a treasure. It continues the story of Henry, adding new areas, characters, and mechanics. The game is packed with detailed environments, quirky conversations, and mysteries to uncover within a complex political landscape. It’s a robust game that rewards exploration and immersion, making it appealing even to those new to the genre. With more content planned, this detailed recreation of medieval Bohemia is definitely worth exploring.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows (Ranked 6th)

Two characters, one male samurai and one female ninja, stand in a traditional Japanese building

Fans have long asked for an Assassin’s Creed set in feudal Japan, and Shadows delivers. You play as two distinct protagonists, the samurai Yasuke and the shinobi Naoe, exploring Japan’s winding roads, villages, and castles. The game uses an improved Anvil engine and dynamic weather to enhance its stealth and RPG mechanics. Many fan-favorite features from past games are integrated smoothly into the core gameplay. Shadows is a definitive Assassin’s Creed experience for many, offering vast landscapes and secrets to uncover.

DOOM: The Dark Ages (Ranked 5th)

Id Software shakes up the formula in Doom: The Dark Ages. While still the high-octane action you expect, the addition of a range of melee weapons adds a layer of strategy to the Slayer’s combat. This shifts the pace slightly, moving away from pure freneticism to allow for powerful close-quarters combat alongside the iconic gunplay. It’s a focused experience that, while perhaps playing it safe for some, successfully evolves the core DOOM loop.

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered (Ranked 4th)

A fantasy character stands in a forest looking at a glowing portal

Bethesda surprised everyone with a shadow-drop release of a full remaster for The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion. This current-gen version, powered by Unreal Engine 5, brings modern visuals, ray tracing, improved NPC behavior, and updated controls and UI, while including all original content. Returning to Cyrodiil as the Hero of Kvatch feels like a perfect blend of nostalgia and modern gaming comfort. It elevates the classic experience, making it accessible and polished for a new generation of players who might have found the original a bit rough around the edges. It’s easily one of the must-play games of 2025.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 (Ranked 3rd)

A group of fantasy characters stands ready for combat in a colorful, abstract environment

Sandfall Interactive’s debut title, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, has taken the gaming world by storm. It features incredible visuals, a memorable musical score, and a fantastic voice cast that brings the story to life. The narrative beautifully balances poignant character moments against a backdrop of complex moral dilemmas. Combat is challenging, with enemies hitting hard, but your heroes have versatile skills designed to synergize, allowing for creative strategies. This masterpiece is earning strong recommendations from everyone who plays it.

Mario Kart World (Ranked 2nd)

Various Mario characters racing carts on a colorful track winding through a grassy hill

For those with the new Nintendo Switch 2, Mario Kart World is a definitive launch title. It offers accessible kart racing gameplay bolstered by a huge roster of characters. But the big news is the addition of an open-world design, a free-run mode, boat racing, and off-roading! Nintendo has clearly used its extensive experience in the genre to create an experience that is not only fun for everyone but deeply rewarding for players who explore its various systems and massive races. It’s a must-have for Switch owners.

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach (Ranked 1st)

Sam Porter Bridges standing next to a Metal Gear Solid character, both wearing backpacks

Hideo Kojima continues Sam Porter’s story in Death Stranding 2: On the Beach. Following Sam’s decision to leave BRIDGES and raise Lou, things inevitably get complicated. Kojima’s unique vision shines through, blending awe-inspiring landscapes with the first game’s core delivery gameplay loop, while adding new elements that fit the evolving narrative. This sequel is designed to appeal to fans of the original’s sprawling, often mysterious story, and might just be compelling enough to draw in those who were curious but hesitant about the first game’s distinctive style.

A Strong Year So Far

2025 is shaping up to be an incredible year for gaming across all platforms and genres. These titles represent just a snapshot of the innovation and creativity we’ve seen.