Best Games of 2025 So Far

We're halfway through 2025, and already the gaming year is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent memory. Between major franchise comebacks, impressive indie surprises, and next-gen hardware launches, it’s been a busy stretch for players on every platform. If you’re wondering what’s worth playing right now—or which games might be early Game of the Year contenders—you’re in the right place.

Following the high bar set by 2024 releases like Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree and Metaphor: ReFantazio, 2025 is showing no signs of slowing down. With the launch of the Switch 2 and a stacked release calendar across PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, we’ve already got a ton of standout titles that have made serious waves.

To keep things focused, we’re highlighting games that earned at least an 8/10 or higher in reviews, either here at IGN or across the wider gaming community. That doesn’t mean everything outside that range isn’t worth your time—but these are the titles that are absolutely living up to the hype so far.

Split Fiction Kicks Down the GOTY Door

Right out of the gate, Split Fiction has been the biggest surprise of the year. The new game from Hazelight, the studio behind It Takes Two, is everything we love about co-op gaming, turned up to eleven. With two distinct storylines that twist and intersect in clever ways, Split Fiction doesn’t just tell a great story—it lets both players feel like they’re steering it. The 10/10 score it earned wasn’t a fluke. It's polished, heartfelt, and endlessly fun. Available on PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S.

Meanwhile, Blue Prince has quietly become a fan favorite. This roguelike puzzle game throws you into a constantly shifting mansion where every decision counts. It’s smart, stylish, and surprisingly addictive. If you like games that mess with structure and expectations, this one's a no-brainer. Available on PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S.

Another standout is Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, an ambitious fantasy RPG that feels like a blend of Final Fantasy and Control, with just enough of its own identity to stand out. From its painterly art direction to its real-time/turn-based combat hybrid, it’s clear this is a studio swinging for the fences—and landing most of its hits.

Familiar Names, Fresh Twists

2025 has also been great for fans of long-running franchises. Elden Ring: Nightreign brings a bold new multiplayer direction to FromSoftware’s universe. It leans into faster, more aggressive combat while letting players explore some of the darkest corners of the Lands Between. If Shadow of the Erdtree was about closure, Nightreign is about shaking things up.

Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is bigger, better, and a lot more forgiving than its predecessor. It builds on the original’s dedication to realism without making the gameplay feel like a chore. If you’re into historical RPGs with deep world-building and meaningful combat, this sequel nails the formula.

Over in the action space, Doom: The Dark Ages turns back the clock in the best way possible. Trading futuristic settings for medieval battlegrounds, it’s still the same brutally fast shooter under the hood—but with a fresh aesthetic and some killer new weapons. And yes, the soundtrack still rips. Available on Windows PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S.

New Faces Making Big Moves

While sequels and reboots are having a great year, 2025 also has its share of impressive newcomers. Lost Records: Bloom and Rage, the new narrative adventure from Don't Nod, blends supernatural mystery with grounded storytelling. Its camcorder-style perspective brings a fresh approach to the choice-driven drama the studio’s known for, and it’s one of their best efforts to date.

The Alters is another standout—part survival sim, part existential crisis. You play as Jan, stranded on a remote planet and forced to create alternate versions of yourself to survive. It’s weird in the best way, full of emotional storytelling and tough moral choices.

Then there’s South of Midnight, which stands out with its stop-motion-inspired art and deep Southern gothic vibes. It’s not afraid to get introspective, and it nails the tone of a modern folklore tale without losing sight of gameplay.

AAA Powerhouses Stay in the Game

Assassin’s Creed Shadows finally brings the long-requested feudal Japan setting to life. Its dual protagonists—Naoe, a nimble shinobi, and Yasuke, a powerhouse samurai—give players two very different playstyles to master. The stealth gameplay feels sharper than it has in years, even if the story doesn’t quite hit the emotional highs of earlier entries.

Elsewhere, Monster Hunter Wilds continues to evolve the formula with more seamless world transitions, improved AI companions, and dynamic weather that actually impacts hunts. It’s still very much Monster Hunter, but with enough tweaks to feel fresh.

Bethesda also dropped The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered, a glow-up of the 2006 classic that keeps the original’s spirit intact while adding much-needed quality-of-life updates. It’s a nostalgia trip that actually holds up in 2025—and that’s not something you can say about every remaster. Available on all major platforms: PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S.

Indies Doing It Their Way

It wouldn’t be a complete year without some indie gems pushing boundaries with different genres. Cabernet delivers a more grounded take on vampire storytelling, leaning into dialogue and decision-making over combat. It’s subtle, slow-burning, and surprisingly moving.

Skin Deep is an immersive sim that doesn’t take itself too seriously—until it does. You’ll sneeze, slip, and stumble your way through missions, all while navigating tightly packed environments with real-time consequences.

Then there’s Sunderfolk, a tactical RPG that borrows elements from tabletop gaming to create an almost co-op-like single-player experience. It’s tactical without being overwhelming, and it's a great option if you want something with more personality than polish. Available on PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch.

The Rest of the Year Looks Just as Stacked

The year’s far from over, and there’s still a lot to be excited about. Games like The First Berserker: Khazan, Lies of P: Overture, and FBC: Firebreak are already building hype thanks to early previews and demo buzz. And with more Switch 2 exclusives expected later this year, Nintendo fans have plenty to look forward to.

As more developers experiment with live-service formats, ambitious remakes, and web3-enabled technology, the industry continues to shift. But if the first half of 2025 has proven anything, it’s that great gameplay, strong stories, and smart design still rise to the top—no matter how big or small the project. So whether you’re catching up on the biggest AAA hits or digging into the indie scene, 2025 is already delivering the goods. And we’re just getting started.