Top Games of 2025 Beyond Grand Theft Auto 6 Hype

The gaming world anticipated 2025 as the year of Grand Theft Auto 6, but Rockstar Games' announcement to delay the release to 2026 shifted the spotlight. Instead, 2025 has emerged as a year filled with remarkable games from diverse creators, offering fresh experiences that captivate players across platforms.

Standout Games Defining 2025

One of the year's surprises is Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, a turn-based RPG with French influences that explores profound themes about fighting against an uncertain future. Available on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series, it’s also part of Xbox Game Pass, making it accessible to a wide audience.

Hazelight Studios continues to excel in co-op gaming with Split Fiction, a whimsical and action-packed title that redefines multiplayer fun, perfect for friends or new teammates alike.

Warhorse Studios returns with Kingdom Come: Deliverance II, a historically accurate RPG set in 15th century Bohemia that emphasizes realism over fantasy, immersing players in a richly detailed medieval world.

Puzzle enthusiasts will appreciate Blue Prince, a unique game where a mansion’s layout shifts daily, challenging players to uncover mysteries room by room.

Capcom’s Monster Hunter Wilds reinvigorates the franchise with a vast open world, larger monsters, and quality-of-life improvements, delivering what many consider the best entry yet.

id Software keeps the adrenaline pumping with Doom: The Dark Ages, exploring the Doomslayer’s journey beyond Earth with fresh gameplay additions that keep the decades-old franchise vibrant.

Ubisoft answers fan calls with Assassin's Creed Shadows, set in feudal Japan. This installment blends action and stealth, introducing dual protagonists navigating political and supernatural challenges.

A nostalgic surprise is The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered, which revitalizes the 2006 classic with modern graphics and controls, delighting both new players and longtime fans.

Finally, Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii offers a quirky mix of pirate adventures and Yakuza storytelling, blending humor and heartfelt moments in a unique setting.

With major events like the Nintendo Switch 2 launch and the Summer Game Fest on the horizon, 2025 promises even more excitement. But the games already released prove that innovation and quality come from all corners of the industry, not just the biggest franchises.