The most anticipated games of 2025

See, 2024 was a great year for games, delivering gems like Style: ReFantazio, Astro Bot, Balatro, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, Off the Grid and more. But we're an optimistic bunch, and we think 2025 might be. Even better.

This is what we're getting from the first set of games expected to launch this year, including sequels and original titles, from Grand Theft Auto 6 to (potentially) Intergalactic: Heresy Prophet and more.

Wait, let's dwell on that for a moment: GTA 6 is actually expected to come out later this year, which is only twelve years from its predecessor. Let's hope the promise comes true. And Nintendo Switch 2 is probably just around the corner, as well.

There's already plenty to be excited about, and we've already started highlighting the biggest ones coming down the pipeline in 2025. Below you'll find some of our early picks to keep your eye on. Update this list regularly throughout the year to expand and exchange it with newly revealed games.

Grand Theft Auto 6

Release Date: Late 2025 Platforms: PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S

This is undoubtedly the most anticipated game of 2025 and probably one of the most anticipated games. The latest entry in the Grand Theft Auto franchise remains incredibly popular, grossing billions of dollars and still boasting 24 million monthly players despite being nearly 12 years old.

That's why we're all waiting for Grand Theft Auto 6. Set in the fictional state of Leonidas, which is clearly based on Florida, players can revisit Vice City in a story that seems to revolve around two main characters. Be a Bonnie and Clyde-esque story.

There have been all sorts of rumors surrounding cryptocurrency appearing in the game, be it Bitcoin, Ethereum, or perhaps an original token created by Rockstar Games. But they are not fully confirmed yet.

Shadows of the Assassin's Creed

Release Date: February 14th Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S and PC

Ubisoft is back with Assassin's Creed Shadows, which transports players to 16th century Japan to fight as a Japanese shinobi, Nao, and a historical samurai, Yasuke. The story sees the two protagonists clash as their respective factions clash as part of Japan's political unification.

Catastrophe: The Dark Ages

Release date: 2025Platforms: PC, Xbox Series X/S and PS5

The eighth core entry into the popular shooter franchise, Doom: The Dark Ages is set to be developed by ID Software and published by Bethesda Softworks. The first-person shooter will act as a prequel to the 2016 Doom title, following the franchise's main character as he battles through Hell.

But the game promises to set itself apart from other installments in the series by adding dragon riding and focusing on melee combat. It's a slight change of vibe, but not too much—after all, it's still wildly, hilariously violent.

Sid Meier's Civilization VII

Release Date: February 11 Platforms: PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PC and Switch

Great world domination, but don't want to get your shoes dirty? Sid Meier's Civilization VII, developed by Firaxis, allows you to take control of legendary leaders from history to fulfill your warlord fantasies without messing around – or alternatively, strive for greatness without causing too much destruction. It's up to you.

The series will see the development of a new city title, a new diplomacy screen, a new “era” system and new civilizations at the dawn of each era – and Harriet Tubman as the new leader.

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond

Release Date: 2025 Platform: Nintendo Switch

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond was first announced at E3 2017 – yes, that long ago – and is initially being developed by Bandai Namco Studios. However, in 2010, In 2019, it moved its hands to Retro Studios, the team behind the original Prime Three attempt.

It looks mostly the same at this point, but given the quality of previous entries — and how much time has passed since Prime 3 in 2007 — fans might be happy with it. Metroid Prime 4: Beyond has been announced for the Switch, but we doubt it will be released on the upcoming Switch 2.

Intergalactic: Heretical Prophet

Release Date: TBAPlatform: PlayStation 5

Naughty Dog's first all-new IP from The Last Intergalactic: Heresy takes the third-person action genre into space.

In the trailer, we meet Jordan A. Moon, a bounty hunter on a mission to Sempiria, a planet that has been untouched for over 600 years. Moon is looking for a member of the Five Aces crime syndicate who seems to have a history. After our character lands on the ground, he shows off his futuristic melee weapon and starts killing robots. The trailer gives off a cool futuristic vibe, and Naughty Dog hardly misses. This is one to enjoy.

The spirit of Yotei

Release Date: 2025 Platform: PlayStation 5

Sucker Punch Productions' comeback after the success of Ghost of Tsushima isn't a sequel, but it's definitely (somehow) related – although it's unclear exactly how. Set 300 years after Tsushima, Ghost of Yotei is expected to feature the same stealth action fighting gameplay set in more beautiful landscapes.

fairy tail

Release Date: 2025Platforms: Xbox Series X/S, PC

Developed by Arcade Games, the popular racing game Forza Horizon, the action role-playing game (RPG) Fable 4 card game Fable Fortune was released in 2011. Players become their own heroes, battling enemies using a mix of swordplay and magic as their choices make or break their reputation.

Elden Ring: Nightreign

Release Date: 2025 Platforms: PS5/PS4, Xbox Series X/S + One, PC

Elden Ring: Nightreign—developed by Software and published by Bandi Namco—takes place in Limveld, the same location as Limgrave from the original title. This three-player co-op spinoff pits players against other mythical creatures and challenging boss battles. Did you (and two friends) find what he was looking for?

Nintendo Switch 2

Release date: TBD

Yes, the Nintendo Switch 2 is more hardware than software—but besides Grand Theft Auto 6, is there more to expect from Nintendo's next device in gaming?

The original Switch was an undeniable smash hit after the underwhelming Wii U, and Nintendo has continued to ride the momentum for nearly eight years now. Leaks and reports point to a successor that doesn't ditch the winning hybrid formula, but brings some key improvements in power and hopefully staying power. We're ready, Nintendo.

Editor's note: This story was originally published on December 16, 2023 and was last updated with new information on January 1, 2025.