The 25 Best Video Games of 2025: the essential titles that defined the year
2025 was an exceptional year for gaming. Massive RPGs, innovative indies, long-awaited sequels and surprising new IPs shaped one of the strongest lineups of recent times. These are the 25 best video games of the year, chosen for their impact, quality, innovation and popularity.
1. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
A breathtaking RPG inspired by the Belle Époque, featuring emotional storytelling, turn-based combat and a striking artistic identity.
2. Kingdom Come: Deliverance II
A historically immersive experience with realistic sword combat, rich world-building and a captivating medieval storyline.
3. Death Stranding 2: On the Beach
Kojima’s return delivers emotional storytelling, bold direction and a surreal yet engaging continuation of the original concept.
4. Ghost of Yōtei
A stunning open-world samurai adventure with refined combat and a dramatic narrative arc.
5. Donkey Kong Bananza
A colorful, energetic and inventive platformer that revitalizes the iconic franchise.
6. Mario Kart World
A groundbreaking entry that introduces open-world exploration and ambitious racing mechanics.
7. Hollow Knight: Silksong
A beautifully crafted Metroidvania with challenging combat, elegant design and a vast interconnected world.
8. Hades II
The beloved roguelike returns with expanded systems, new gods and even deeper narrative progression.
9. ARC Raiders
A cooperative shooter with intense action, dynamic environments and strong multiplayer focus.
10. Split Fiction
A standout cooperative title built around communication, puzzle-solving and emotional storytelling.
11. Blue Prince
An atmospheric roguelike with clever level design and a unique conceptual approach.
12. The Séance of Blake Manor
A Victorian mystery adventure with supernatural elements, exploration and branching decisions.
13. Battlefield 6
A large-scale military shooter that reinvigorates the series with impressive visuals and robust multiplayer.
14. Silent Hill F
A return to psychological horror with unsettling imagery, layered storytelling and a chilling atmosphere.
15. Dispatch
An original narrative experience that blends unconventional mechanics with emotional depth.
16. Monster Hunter Wilds
A massive new hunting adventure filled with ecosystems, creatures and refined cooperative gameplay.
17. Absolum
A visually striking and innovative title acclaimed for its design and execution.
18. Lumines Arise
A mesmerizing puzzle game that combines rhythm, minimalism and audiovisual harmony.
19. Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo
A delightful retro-inspired platformer full of charm and clever mechanics.
20. The Roottrees Are Dead
A mysterious narrative journey with exploration, atmosphere and psychological depth.
21. Kingdom Come: Deliverance II (Expansions)
Additional content expands the medieval epic with new missions, regions and mechanics.
22. Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound
A fast-paced and demanding action title that brings the iconic ninja saga back to its roots.
23. DOOM: The Dark Ages
A bold reinvention of the franchise, blending medieval themes with the brutal DOOM combat style.
24. Marvel Rivals
A competitive action game featuring iconic heroes, fast matches and accessible gameplay.
25. Silent Hill f re
A deeply atmospheric and psychological horror experience that pushes the genre forward.
Conclusion
2025 delivered an extraordinary lineup of games, blending innovation, creativity and unforgettable experiences. Whether players enjoy intense action, emotional storytelling or cooperative adventures, this list captures the finest titles the year had to offer.
