The Best Video Games of 2025 (So Far)

Fellow gamers, while it’s unfortunate but predictable that Grand Theft Auto 6 won’t be hitting shelves in 2025, the upcoming lineup of video game releases this year more than compensates for that disappointment. Who needs to hijack a vehicle and race through Vice City when Mario Kart World now features rail grinding mechanics? I’d love to see GTA 6 introduce a cow as a playable character, or perhaps Wario in a buzzing bumblebee suit. The good news? We don’t actually need GTA 6 this year-because the Nintendo Switch 2 has arrived, and it’s packed with exciting new features. Good riddance, I say.

This year has been a whirlwind of gaming adventures-from battling monstrous foes in Doom: The Dark Ages to finally conquering a version of Elden Ring with friends in Elden Ring: Nightreign. We’ve also had the chance to test the first major home console launch in over five years, and the experience has been nothing short of exhilarating. And the best part? The year still holds many more exciting titles. Anticipate the arrival of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4 and Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater. Additionally, sequels for beloved franchises like Ghost of Tsushima, Death Stranding, The Outer Worlds, and Pokémon Legends are on the horizon. For now, here’s a curated list of the top ten video games we’ve enjoyed so far in 2025.

Innovative Cooperative Experiences

Split Fiction stands out as the latest remarkable cooperative game from the creators of It Takes Two and A Way Out. This title features two protagonists-aspiring genre writers-who find themselves battling a powerful tech corporation intent on stealing their creative ideas. The game’s narrative splits into two distinct worlds-sci-fi and fantasy-each offering unique adventures that challenge players to collaborate in innovative ways. The gameplay mechanics are filled with clever twists, culminating in a mind-bending final level that players won’t want to miss. –Bryn Gelbart

Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector

Citizen Sleeper was one of my standout titles in 2022, and I’m pleased to report that its sequel, Citizen Sleeper 2, manages to deepen the experience without losing its original charm. The game’s more intricate dice mechanics, inspired by tabletop role-playing games like Dungeons & Dragons, elevate the strategic depth and enjoyment of this space-faring adventure. It’s a compelling blend of storytelling and gameplay that keeps players engaged. –Josh Rosenberg

South of Midnight

Released in April, South of Midnight is a captivating experience that immerses players in a richly Black, Southern Gothic universe. It’s a journey filled with haunting melodies and atmospheric storytelling. Unlike Ryan Coogler’s Sinners, this game follows Hazel’s quest to locate her missing mother amidst a landscape teeming with folklore creatures-both benign and dangerous. The game’s straightforward gameplay is complemented by its compelling narrative and immersive environment, making it a standout in 2025’s lineup. –B.G.

Mario Kart World

Mario Kart World is arguably the most impressive installment in the series to date. The Nintendo Switch 2 launch title boasts a roster of 24 racers simultaneously, introduces mechanics like grinding and wall jumping, and features a sprawling interconnected world beyond the race tracks. Fans can now choose characters such as Penguin, Wiggler, and Cow-adding fresh chaos and charm. While it doesn’t reinvent the wheel, World remains as chaotic and entertaining as ever. –J.R.

Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii

Just when you thought the Yakuza series couldn’t get any zanier, the developers announced Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii. This offbeat action-adventure follows a former Yakuza boss who, after a shipwreck and losing his memory, turns to piracy. Players assemble a diverse crew and engage in lively naval battles on the high seas. If you’re craving a wild, swashbuckling experience, this game might be exactly what you need-an unexpected but delightful addition to the franchise. –J.R.

Lost Archives

Don’t Nod’s Lost Records is a compelling teen drama that rivals the original Life Is Strange. Its premise echoes the mysterious vibe of Yellowjackets, following a group of women-both teenagers in the ’90s and adults today-whose lives are intertwined with dark secrets. Released in two episodes, the game’s narrative starts off slowly but intensifies as the stakes rise. It’s a nostalgic yet fresh take on ’90s storytelling, blending mystery, drama, and supernatural elements seamlessly. –B.G.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

Sandfall Interactive’s debut, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, is an ambitious role-playing game already garnering attention for potential Game of the Year honors. Featuring turn-based, party-oriented combat with light real-time elements-more akin to Earthbound than Final Fantasy VII Remake-the game is set in a dark fantasy universe inspired by French revolutionary imagery. Notable voice talent includes Andy Serkis and Charlie Cox from Daredevil. It’s reminiscent of classic Nintendo RPGs but tailored for an adult audience. –J.R.

Doom: The Dark Ages

Doom: The Dark Ages offers a fresh take on the legendary franchise, introducing new weaponry, including a shield and a variety of close-combat tools like flails. The game also features a mech suit and even a mech dragon-adding a new layer of chaos and excitement to the classic formula. –B.G.

Blue Prince

In certain gaming circles, Blue Prince has earned the nickname “Metroidbrainia,” a term that’s as mysterious as the game itself. It’s a first-person exploration experience set in a procedurally generated house, where players gather knowledge and document it meticulously-almost as if turning into a mad scientist. The game’s core mechanic involves exploring, creating blueprints, and solving environmental puzzles, but it’s also known for driving players to obsessive note-taking. In essence, Blue Prince transforms its players into dedicated, sometimes unhinged, researchers. –B.G.

Elden Ring: Nightreign

Ahead of the 2024 Game Awards trailer, I was convinced that FromSoftware’s Hidetaka Miyazaki had declared there would be no Elden Ring sequel. Yet, unexpectedly, Elden Ring: Nightreign arrived, transforming the brutal challenge of dying repeatedly to the same boss into a shared, multiplayer experience. This spin-off feels like FromSoftware officially sanctioned the chaos of player-made multiplayer mods, offering a blend of popular genres-battle royale, rogue-like-and, of course, the signature Soulsborne difficulty. –J.R.