Exciting 2025 Gaming Releases You Can’t Miss
As 2024 draws to a close, gaming enthusiasts and industry veterans alike are looking forward to what promises to be another banner year in gaming. The year 2024 offered a rich catalog of titles, from innovative indie gems to blockbuster AAA releases, and as the gaming community continues to evolve, 2025 is poised to carry that momentum forward with an even more promising slate of games.
The gaming world has always been at the forefront of technological advancements, blending creative storytelling, immersive worlds, and cutting-edge mechanics. With so many upcoming titles on the horizon, it’s hard to keep track of everything that’s being released. But fear not, as we’ve compiled a list of the top upcoming gaming releases for 2025 that span all genres, from action-packed thrillers to narrative-driven experiences.
Games Radar
Whether you’re a fan of expansive open worlds, competitive multiplayer, cooperative puzzles, or the nostalgia of classic franchises, there’s something here for everyone. Let’s take a deep dive into the most anticipated games set to release in the upcoming year and what makes them so special.
1. Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Release Date: February 14, 2025
Platform: PlayStation, Xbox, PC
When Assassin’s Creed Shadows was delayed in 2024, fans were left with a mixture of disappointment and anticipation. However, that wait is now over, and the latest entry in the beloved Assassin’s Creed franchise is set to launch in February 2025. This highly anticipated title promises to blend the series’ trademark action-adventure mechanics with new, fresh ideas that expand the game’s immersive historical storytelling.
In Assassin’s Creed Shadows, players will take on the roles of two protagonists: Naoe, an adept shinobi assassin, and Yasuke, a powerful African samurai of historical legend. The game is set during the later years of the Sengoku period, one of the most tumultuous times in Japanese history. It introduces a narrative that explores the struggles for power and peace in a divided Japan, as well as the personal journey of these two exceptional warriors from vastly different backgrounds.
Polygon
Gameplay will focus on stealth, assassination, and exploration, with a renewed emphasis on combat mechanics that will require players to master the unique fighting styles of both Naoe and Yasuke. The addition of Yasuke, a real historical figure who was the first African samurai in Japan, adds an intriguing layer to the Assassin’s Creed mythos, offering players a chance to experience historical events from a perspective that has rarely been explored in gaming.
As with most Assassin’s Creed games, expect a sprawling open world that includes meticulously recreated cities, lush forests, and ancient temples. The dynamic weather system, enhanced AI, and rich historical context will make this installment a worthy successor in the franchise’s long legacy. Whether you’re a fan of historical drama or action-packed combat, Assassin’s Creed Shadows is shaping up to be one of 2025’s must-play games.
2. Split Fiction
Release Date: March 6, 2025
Platform: PlayStation, Xbox, PC
Split Fiction, one of the newest titles to be announced at the Game Awards, has already captured the imagination of gamers worldwide, especially those who are fans of cooperative gameplay. Much like its predecessor It Takes Two, Split Fiction is expected to redefine cooperative gaming with its innovative gameplay mechanics and compelling narrative.
In Split Fiction, players assume the roles of Zoe and Mio, two aspiring writers who are eager to get their big break. They are brought together by a simulation company that promises to bring their fictional worlds to life, although the company’s true intentions might not be as benevolent as it seems. When an accident causes the two characters to fall into each other’s worlds, they must work together to escape, solving puzzles and overcoming obstacles along the way.
Steam
What sets Split Fiction apart from other cooperative games is its narrative structure. Zoe and Mio specialize in different genres—one in high fantasy, the other in gritty sci-fi—which means that the game’s levels will alternate between these two wildly different worlds. Players will need to work closely together, utilizing each character’s unique abilities to navigate through diverse environments, from magical forests to dystopian cities.
As the story unfolds, the game will also explore themes of creative ownership, the intersection of art and industry, and the complexities of artistic collaboration. With its unique premise, Split Fiction promises to be a highly engaging experience that not only challenges players’ puzzle-solving skills but also invites them into a thought-provoking narrative about the nature of storytelling itself.
3. Grand Theft Auto VI
Release Date: Sometime in 2025
Platform: PlayStation, Xbox, PC
The hype surrounding Grand Theft Auto VI has reached fever pitch, especially after the game’s jaw-dropping trailer amassed over 93 million views within 24 hours of its release. Rockstar Games has long been known for its attention to detail and its ability to craft deeply immersive open-world experiences, and GTA VI looks set to carry this legacy forward with its next installment in the iconic Grand Theft Auto series.
Set in the vibrant, sun-soaked city of Vice City, players will step into the shoes of Lucia, the series’ first female protagonist in 20 years. From what has been revealed so far, GTA VI will offer players an open-world playground filled with criminal activities, high-speed chases, and the kind of over-the-top action that the Grand Theft Auto series is known for. Whether you’re exploring the neon-lit streets of Vice City, pulling off daring heists, or engaging in high-octane shootouts, GTA VI promises to deliver the adrenaline-fueled gameplay that fans have come to expect from the franchise.
Northjersey
While the storyline remains under wraps, the trailer suggests a Bonnie and Clyde-style partnership between Lucia and an unnamed male accomplice. Their dynamic will no doubt lead to endless chaos and unforgettable moments. Expect the game to push boundaries with advanced graphics, even more interactive environments, and a deeper, more engaging narrative than ever before.
With GTA V still a cultural phenomenon years after its release, GTA VI is one of the most highly anticipated games of the decade. Be sure to have your annual leave ready—this one’s going to be a wild ride.
4. Death Stranding 2: On The Beach
Release Date: 2025
Platform: PlayStation, PC
Hideo Kojima’s Death Stranding was a divisive masterpiece that captivated audiences with its mysterious story, immersive world, and unconventional gameplay. Fans of the first game have been eagerly awaiting a sequel, and Death Stranding 2: On The Beach is set to deliver a fresh chapter in this apocalyptic universe.
Returning as Sam Bridges, players will once again traverse a desolate, otherworldly landscape in a quest to restore connectivity to a fragmented society. The gameplay will continue the original’s unique “walking simulator” mechanics, with an emphasis on delivering packages across dangerous terrains while avoiding supernatural creatures. However, the stakes are higher this time around, as Sam must face even greater threats and engage with the deeper existential questions posed by the world of Death Stranding.
Steam
Kojima has promised that On The Beach will further explore the philosophical underpinnings of the first game, asking whether reconnecting humanity is truly the right path. With stunning visuals, an eerie soundtrack, and an engaging narrative, Death Stranding 2 is poised to be another unforgettable experience for fans of the original and newcomers alike.
5. Dispatch
Release Date: 2025
Platform: PlayStation, Xbox, PC
From the creators of The Wolf Among Us and The Walking Dead, Dispatch brings a unique twist to superhero storytelling. Set in a world where superheroes must manage their day-to-day lives while dealing with office politics, personal relationships, and their larger-than-life powers, Dispatch is a choice-based game that combines humor, strategy, and character development.
The sixth axis
Players will take on the role of a superhero team manager, deploying heroes on various missions around the city while navigating the complex dynamics of office life. Expect to see personalities clash, heroes face moral dilemmas, and a wide range of hilarious scenarios that will have you questioning the true nature of being a hero.
Featuring an all-star cast, including Aaron Paul and JackSepticEye, Dispatch promises to bring light-hearted, yet impactful, storytelling that will entertain and engage. Fans of narrative-driven games and those looking for a more comedic take on the superhero genre should keep Dispatch on their radar.
6. Ghost of Yōtei
Release Date: 2025
Platform: PlayStation, PC
The Ghost of Tsushima franchise has earned its place among the most beloved PlayStation exclusives of all time. The next installment, Ghost of Yōtei, is set to expand the world of feudal Japan, with a new protagonist and a fresh setting in the Hokkaido region.
Set 329 years after the original game, players will control Atsu, a new female warrior who adopts the persona of “The Ghost” to protect her homeland. As with its predecessor, Ghost of Yōtei will feature visceral combat, a sprawling open world, and choices that affect the game’s outcome. However, it promises to explore deeper elements of feudal Japan’s history, focusing on the spiritual and mystical aspects of the culture.
The New York Times
The rich visual design and immersive environments that made Ghost of Tsushima so remarkable are expected to return, along with new mechanics that will expand on the previous gameplay. Ghost of Yōtei is poised to be another major milestone for the franchise and will no doubt capture the hearts of gamers around the world.
7. Judas
Release Date: 2025
Platform: PlayStation, Xbox, PC
Judas comes from the creator of Bioshock, one of the most influential and beloved game series of all time. Set aboard the generation ship Mayflower, Judas places players in the shoes of the titular character, a troubled figure navigating a doomed ship in a distant galaxy.
Judas official website
The game is a narrative-driven first-person shooter that focuses heavily on choice-based gameplay. Players will be forced to form alliances, face moral dilemmas, and ultimately decide the fate of the ship’s inhabitants. With a deep, branching narrative and a unique storyline that emphasizes player choice, Judas is shaping up to be one of the most exciting titles of 2025.
8. Sid Meier’s Civilization VII
Release Date: February 11, 2025
Platform: PC
Sid Meier’s Civilization series has long been a favorite of strategy fans, and Civilization VII is set to build on the franchise’s legendary gameplay. Players will once again be tasked with building an empire from the ground up, managing resources, engaging in diplomacy, and waging wars to establish global dominance.
Epic Games
The new game will introduce exciting new mechanics and updates, including cross-play multiplayer modes, expanded victory conditions, and even more intricate systems for managing your empire’s economy and military. Fans of the series can expect a deeper and more refined experience that challenges them to make tough decisions and explore new strategies.
9. Metroid Prime 4: Beyond
Release Date: 2025
Platform: Nintendo Switch
Nintendo
Samus Aran is returning in Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, a thrilling new chapter in the iconic series. Set on a haunting, isolated planet, players will once again guide Samus through a series of high-octane encounters as she unravels the mysteries surrounding a new alien threat. Expect atmospheric exploration, challenging platforming, and pulse-pounding action that will make this one of the most anticipated Nintendo titles of the year.
10. Borderlands 4
Release Date: 2025
Platform: PlayStation, Xbox, PC
Borderlands.2k
Borderlands 4 continues the franchise’s signature blend of humor, chaotic action, and loot-based gameplay. Set on the new planet Kairos, players will encounter a new set of outrageous characters and an all-new story filled with mayhem, humor, and plenty of explosive gunplay. Fans of the series can look forward to new weapons, creative enemy designs, and cooperative multiplayer fun that will keep them coming back for more.
The Future of Gaming in 2025
The gaming landscape of 2025 is brimming with excitement, with a diverse array of titles that promise to push the boundaries of what we know and love about video games. From cooperative experiences to expansive open-world adventures, 2025 will offer something for every type of gamer. Whether you’re a fan of action, strategy, or narrative-driven games, the year ahead is sure to bring countless unforgettable gaming moments. Get ready to dive into these epic releases and prepare for an amazing year ahead in the world of gaming.
