The gaming landscape in 2025 has seen a wide range of releases across multiple platforms, offering experiences that range from high-fantasy RPGs to immersive action-adventures and challenging puzzle games. These titles have stood out for their storytelling, gameplay mechanics, and overall player engagement. The following games represent some of the most notable releases this year.
Epic Adventures in Fantasy Worlds
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, is a role-playing game that combines a rich narrative with turn-based combat. Set in a Belle Époque-inspired world where life expectancy shortens yearly, players lead a team of explorers on a journey to an unknown continent. The game’s story focuses on character relationships and strategic battles, and its design draws inspiration from classic RPGs while incorporating modern gameplay features. Expedition 33 has been widely recognized for its depth and storytelling.
Ghost of Yotei, a PlayStation 5 exclusive, offers another immersive narrative set in 1600s Japan. Players take on the role of Atsu, a mercenary seeking revenge for her family’s death. The game builds on the foundation of its predecessor, Tsushima, with expanded combat options, weapon mastery, and open-world exploration. By adopting the persona of an onryō, or vengeful spirit, players navigate the Ezo region in a game that emphasizes both skillful combat and story-driven progression.
Realistic Historical and Open-World Experiences
Kingdom Come: Deliverance II, available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, presents an expansive medieval RPG environment. Players control Henry of Sjkatlkiz through the Trosky region of Bohemia, encountering a world that reacts dynamically to their decisions. With historically informed details, intricate combat systems, and multiple DLCs, the game offers hundreds of hours of gameplay. Its approach to historical realism and reactive world-building has been widely noted as a defining feature of 2025’s open-world releases.
Split Fiction, which can be played on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC, and Nintendo Switch 2, explores cooperative storytelling in a genre-blending adventure. Players control Mio and Zoe, two writers trapped inside a shared simulation of their story ideas. The game shifts rapidly between sci-fi and fantasy settings, requiring collaboration to overcome puzzles and obstacles. Its cross-platform Friend’s Pass system allows shared play even if only one player owns the game, expanding accessibility and encouraging social gameplay.
New Approaches to Mythology and Puzzle Design
South of Midnight, available on Xbox Series X/S and PC, draws inspiration from American Deep South folklore. Players take on the role of Hazel, a Weaver who helps spirits move on, as she navigates post-hurricane supernatural events. The game is distinguished by its stop-motion visuals, narrative focus, and atmospheric soundtrack, delivering a storytelling-driven experience outside the conventional action-adventure formula.
Blue Prince, released on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, applies a roguelite structure to puzzle-adventure gameplay. Players must locate the elusive 46th room of a sprawling estate, making daily decisions about room arrangements while managing stamina and navigating penalties. The game emphasizes strategic planning and patience, rewarding players who engage thoughtfully with its systems.
Platforming, Action, and Post-Apocalyptic Challenges
Donkey Kong Bananza, a Nintendo Switch 2 title, is a 3D open-world platformer where players control Donkey Kong in search of Banandium Gems during a gold rush. The game encourages exploration, interaction with the environment, and use of unique abilities, providing a playful and engaging experience for platforming fans.
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, for PlayStation 5, continues Hideo Kojima’s post-apocalyptic narrative. Players once again control Sam as he reconnects isolated communities, traveling across hazardous terrain while managing both environmental and enemy threats. The game combines strategy, precise navigation, and combat mechanics to deliver an experience consistent with Kojima’s distinctive design style.
Hollow Knight: Silksong, available on PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and PC, offers challenging 2D platforming and combat. Players control Hornet as she navigates the insect kingdom of Pharloom, facing difficult boss fights and exploring intricate environments. The game’s emphasis on precise gameplay and atmospheric design has made it one of the most notable releases of the year.
Hades II, released on PC, Mac, and Nintendo Switch, follows Melinoë, Princess of the Underworld, on a quest to defeat Chronos. Building on the foundation of the original Hades, the game delivers fast-paced roguelike combat, Greek mythology-inspired narratives, and highly stylized environments. Its combination of action, strategy, and storytelling has solidified its position as a standout 2025 release.
Honorable Mentions
Silent Hill f, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, brings the survival horror franchise to a 1960s Japanese village shrouded in fog. Players control high school student Shimizu Hinako, navigating psychological horror and puzzle-solving challenges. Assassin’s Creed Shadows, available on multiple platforms, is set in 16th-century Japan. Players control Naoe and Yasuke, experiencing different perspectives and combat styles in a historically grounded open-world setting. Both titles have been recognized for their contributions to narrative depth and immersive gameplay.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the best RPGs released in 2025?
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and Ghost of Yotei are considered the standout RPGs of the year, offering rich narratives, detailed characters, and immersive combat systems.
Which action-adventure games should I play from 2025?
South of Midnight, Death Stranding 2, and Hollow Knight: Silksong provide varied action-adventure experiences, from atmospheric storytelling to post-apocalyptic exploration and precise platforming challenges.
Are there any notable cooperative or multiplayer games?
Split Fiction allows cooperative play across platforms using a Friend’s Pass system, enabling players to work together without both owning the game.
Which games are available across multiple platforms?
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Kingdom Come: Deliverance II, Blue Prince, Split Fiction, Hollow Knight: Silksong, and Assassin’s Creed Shadows are all available on multiple consoles and PC, providing a broad range of access for gamers.
Is there a focus on mythology or historical settings in 2025 games?
Yes. Hades II explores Greek mythology, Kingdom Come: Deliverance II emphasizes historical realism, and South of Midnight draws on American Deep South folklore. These games combine narrative depth with world-building for an immersive experience.
