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The BEST Games You Must Play Now

The BEST Games of 2025 You Must Play Now

Table Of Contents

2025 has already proven to be an exceptional year for gaming enthusiasts worldwide. From groundbreaking indie masterpieces to blockbuster AAA releases, the gaming industry has delivered an impressive array of experiences that showcase the medium’s continuing evolution. Whether you’re seeking immersive RPGs, innovative co-op adventures, or cutting edge platform exclusives, this year has something spectacular to offer every type of gamer.

The Gaming Landscape of 2025

The year 2025 marks a significant milestone in gaming history with the successful launch of the Nintendo Switch 2, delivering highly anticipated exclusives that have redefined portable gaming. Meanwhile, the industry has witnessed both triumph and turbulence, from major labor agreements to groundbreaking independent releases that have challenged conventional gaming wisdom.

From nostalgic remasters that breathe new life into beloved classics to entirely original experiences that push creative boundaries, 2025‘s gaming catalog demonstrates the industry’s remarkable diversity and innovation. Let’s explore the standout titles that have defined gaming excellence this year.

Top Tier Masterpieces (9-10/10 Scores)

Split Fiction – A Perfect 10

Split Fiction

Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S
Developer: Hazelight Studios

Split Fiction achieves gaming perfection as Hazelight Studios’ follow up to the acclaimed It Takes Two. This cooperative masterpiece weaves together the stories of two writers one specializing in science fiction, the other in fantasy who must escape a machine extracting their creative ideas.

The game brilliantly straddles two genres simultaneously, offering unique co-op mechanics that require genuine collaboration between players. Each level introduces fresh gameplay concepts, from portal creation and target shooting to dragon flying and Snake style challenges. Split Fiction represents the pinnacle of cooperative gaming design, making it an essential experience for gaming partnerships.

Blue Prince – Architectural Puzzle Excellence

Blue Prince

Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S
Developer: Raw Fury

Blue Prince delivers one of 2025‘s most innovative gaming experiences through its unique architectural puzzle design. Players are summoned to a mysterious, ever shifting manor house where they must etch new rooms onto blueprints to delve deeper into the structure’s secrets.

This roguelike puzzle game challenges players to locate the legendary 46th room in a manor consisting of only 45 rooms. When stamina depletes, the entire manor vanishes, forcing players to start anew while retaining knowledge from previous runs. The game’s focus on exploration and intricate puzzle solving creates an addictive loop that rewards both patience and ingenuity.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 – JRPG Renaissance

Clair Obscur

Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S
Developer: Sandfall Interactive

Sandfall Interactive’s debut title revolutionizes the JRPG genre by combining classic turn based mechanics with dynamic action elements. Set in a richly detailed fantasy world, the game follows a group of young adults on a quest to save their world from an ancient threat.

The innovative combat system incorporates parry mechanics reminiscent of Sekiro alongside traditional turn based strategy, creating battles that reward both tactical thinking and precise timing. With gorgeous visuals, compelling characters, and approximately 30 hours of content, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 stands as a modern classic that honors JRPG traditions while pushing the genre forward.

Donkey Kong Bananza – Platform Perfection

Donkey Kong Bananza

Platforms: Switch 2
Developer: Nintendo

Nintendo’s first major 3D Donkey Kong adventure in over two decades showcases the Switch 2’s capabilities while delivering pure platforming joy. Developed by the Super Mario Odyssey team, the game combines familiar Nintendo polish with innovative destruction mechanics that make every level a playground of creative possibilities.

Players join Donkey Kong and young Pauline on a colorful adventure filled with transformation powers, banana themed collectibles, and nostalgic nods to classic DK games. The game’s central destruction mechanic provides endless entertainment while smart level design ensures consistent delight from beginning to end.

Mario Kart World – Racing Revolution

Mario Kart World

Platforms: Switch 2
Developer: Nintendo

Mario Kart World represents the series’ boldest evolution, abandoning traditional track based racing for an interconnected open world experience. This Switch 2 exclusive transforms the familiar Mario Kart formula by connecting races through a vast, explorable environment.

The game introduces Knockout Tour, an elimination style racing mode, alongside Free Roam exploration that encourages discovery of secrets, character costumes, and challenge missions. Grand Prix races now feature massive 24 player competitions across highways and bridges, creating the most dynamic Mario Kart experience to date.

Excellent Adventures (8-9/10 Scores)

Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 – Medieval Mastery

Kingdom Come

Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S
Developer: Warhorse Studios

The highly anticipated sequel to Kingdom Come: Deliverance improves upon its predecessor in virtually every aspect. Set in 15th century Bohemia, this medieval RPG offers unparalleled historical authenticity combined with engaging quest design and refined combat systems.

Players once again assume the role of Henry of Skalitz, beginning from humble origins and gradually ascending the social hierarchy through skill development and strategic decision making. The game’s commitment to historical accuracy, combined with meaningful choices and consequences, creates one of 2025‘s most immersive RPG experiences.

Monster Hunter Wilds – Frontier Excellence

Monster Hunter Wilds

Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S
Developer: Capcom

Monster Hunter Wilds streamlines the series’ core loop while introducing quality of life improvements that welcome both newcomers and veterans. The game emphasizes the thrilling hunt craft upgrade cycle that defines Monster Hunter while reducing tedious preparation elements.

New features include Seikret mounts for seamless world traversal, integrated base camps within living ecosystems, and enhanced weapon switching during hunts. The game’s dynamic environments and improved accessibility make it the most welcoming entry point for new hunters while satisfying longtime fans with refined gameplay systems.

The Alters – Sci-Fi Survival Innovation

The Alters

Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S
Developer: 11 bit studios

11 bit studios delivers another survival masterpiece with The Alters, combining base building mechanics with profound philosophical exploration. Players control Jan Dolski, stranded on an alien planet and forced to clone alternative versions of himself to survive.

Each clone represents different life choices and possesses unique skills necessary for survival tasks. The game explores themes of identity, regret, and personal growth while delivering solid survival gameplay mechanics. The emotional weight of managing multiple versions of oneself creates a uniquely introspective gaming experience.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows – Feudal Japan Adventure

Assassin's Creed Shadows

Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S
Developer: Ubisoft

Assassin’s Creed finally arrives in feudal Japan with dual protagonists offering distinct gameplay approaches. Naoe, the shinobi, excels in stealth mechanics with enhanced movement abilities and environmental interaction. Yasuke, the samurai, provides powerful combat options for direct confrontation.

The game’s recreation of Sengoku era Japan impresses with its scale and attention to detail. While the narrative has shortcomings, the improved stealth mechanics and gorgeous world design make this a worthy entry in the long running franchise.

Notable Platform Exclusives

Switch 2 Launches Strong

Switch 2

The Nintendo Switch 2’s debut year has exceeded expectations with several standout exclusives. Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza demonstrate the console’s enhanced capabilities while maintaining Nintendo’s signature charm and accessibility.

Fast Fusion provides thrilling antigrav racing that showcases the system’s improved performance, while the enhanced Deltarune collection (Chapters 1-4) offers one of the year’s most creative RPG experiences with its unique blend of comedy, heart, and innovative mechanics.

Indie Darlings Making Waves

Two Point Museum – Management Excellence

Two Point Museum

Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC
Developer: Two Point Studios

The latest Two Point series entry perfects the management simulation formula with museum curation. Players design exhibitions, manage staff expeditions, and balance profitability while creating educational experiences. The game’s signature humor and engaging progression systems make it the series’ strongest entry.

Wanderstop – Cozy Gaming Redefined

Wanderstop

Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC
Developer: Ivy Road

From the creators of The Stanley Parable comes an unexpectedly deep exploration of trauma disguised as a cozy tea shop simulator. Players control Alta, a retired fighter adjusting to peaceful life while processing personal struggles. The game subverts cozy gaming expectations with genuine emotional depth.

Skin Deep – Immersive Sim Innovation

Skin Deep

Platforms: PC
Developer: Blendo Games

This space based immersive sim combines humor with tactical gameplay as players control an insurance agent liberating cat crewed ships from pirates. The game’s bite sized levels and creative problem solving mechanics create an accessible yet challenging experience that rewards experimentation.

Remastered and Enhanced Experiences

Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater – Remake Excellence

Metal Gear Solid Delta

Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S
Developer: Konami

Konami successfully modernizes the beloved Metal Gear Solid 3 with stunning visual improvements, refined controls, and additional content. The remake preserves the original’s Cold War narrative while enhancing gameplay systems for contemporary audiences.

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered – Fantasy Revival

The Elder Scrolls IV

Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S
Developer: Virtuos/Bethesda

This comprehensive remaster transforms Oblivion with significant visual upgrades and quality of life improvements. While some gameplay elements feel dated, the enhanced presentation and added features create an appealing experience for both newcomers and nostalgic fans.

Sports and Fighting Games Excellence

Madden NFL 26 – Franchise Revival

Madden NFL 26

Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Switch 2
Developer: EA Tiburon

After years of incremental updates, Madden NFL 26 delivers substantial improvements, particularly to Franchise mode. Enhanced presentation, improved AI, and meaningful progression systems make this the series’ strongest entry in over a decade.

WWE 2K25 – Wrestling Entertainment

WWE 2K25

Platforms: PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One
Developer: Visual Concepts

WWE 2K25 combines the best wrestling gameplay in years with an impressive roster and engaging Showcase Mode. While microtransactions in The Island mode disappoint, the core wrestling experience delivers authentic entertainment.

Looking Ahead

As we progress through 2025, the gaming calendar remains packed with anticipated releases. The year has already demonstrated gaming’s incredible diversity, from intimate indie experiences to blockbuster spectacles that push technical boundaries.

The successful launch of Nintendo Switch 2 has energized the portable gaming market, while continued support for current generation consoles ensures broad accessibility for gaming’s expanding audience. Meanwhile, the industry’s focus on both innovation and preservation, evidenced by high quality remasters alongside original creations, suggests a healthy balance between honoring gaming history and embracing future possibilities.

Conclusion

2025 stands as a remarkable year for gaming, offering exceptional experiences across every genre and platform. Whether you prefer cooperative adventures, competitive racing, strategic RPGs, or contemplative indies, this year’s releases provide countless hours of entertainment and artistic achievement.

From Split Fiction’s perfect cooperative design to Blue Prince’s innovative puzzle mechanics, from Mario Kart World’s racing revolution to Clair Obscur’s JRPG excellence, 2025 has delivered gaming experiences that will be remembered and celebrated for years to come. As we await the year’s remaining releases, it’s clear that 2025 has already secured its place among gaming’s greatest years.

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