The Games You Need to Play in 2025

Are you a die-hard gamer? Get ready for 2025! This year is set to be one of the biggest in recent history for the video gaming industry—and will definitely compensate for all the disappointments and delays we had to endure in 2024. 

How Gaming’s Shaping up in 2025 

2025 is going to be a very busy twelve months for gaming! Sure, the pushback of Avowed to mid-Feb isn’t the best news to crack open a new calendar year with, but with massive console and PC titles all confirmed—as well as an impressive showing of new releases for the Nintendo Switch—there’s some serious content to be digging into. 

Headline releases include the much-anticipated Grand Theft Auto 6, which is currently in competition with Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed Shadows to be the biggest release of the year. Sadly, though, it looks like any PC gamers among you will be waiting a while longer for that particular Rockstar title to hit the platform. There’s also the seventh edition in the Civilization series set to launch in February, as well as Obsidian’s aforementioned action RPG. 

While You’re Waiting…

Before we dive into the most anticipated titles of 2025, here are some suggestions for great gaming experiences that will tide you over until release day. These standout games are already well-established, so they’ll definitely keep you entertained and might even introduce you to a few new favorites. 

The first half of the decade has delivered some memorable PC titles; Starfield was easily one of the most talked-about. Released in 2023, Bethesda’s ambitious Sci-Fi RPG transports you to a sprawling galaxy, balancing story-driven quests with all things open world. Modding for the game is already thriving, ensuring it’s grown (and will continue to grow) beyond launch. 

Intrigued by Game-Fi? We don’t blame you! The crypto landscape contains some real gems, encompassing everything from metaverse games to online casino classics like crypto pokies. If you’re after a light and easy gaming session, give crypto pokies a spin at Joe Fortune for a Bitcoin-friendly take on iGaming. There are lots of advantages to gambling with crypto, including faster transactions, better security, bigger bonuses, and more privacy – all things that have drawn the savvy casino enthusiast toward crypto gaming, whether it’s the pokies they love or baccarat that holds their heart. Casinos are a mainstay of the gaming world, and they’re here to plug the gaps while you wait for your top title to release.

Alternatively, put your smartphone to good use and revisit Genshin Impact. It’s been kicking around for a few years now, but regular updates with new regions and characters ensure this AAA title remains as engaging as ever. 

The Year’s Most Anticipated Games 

Well, enough with the introductions, let’s crack on with talking about the video games you need to be playing in 2025. This is by no means an exhaustive list, given that there are over 50 titles due to hit the shelves during the first quarter alone, but we’re pretty sure you’ll find plenty to enjoy here. 

Monster Hunter Wilds (Capcom)

Release date: February 28

PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S

2025’s installment in the Monster Hunter series places you in the bizarre Forbidden Lands, with all its many beasties. True to the Japanese third-person action RPG form, you’ll have to balance fulfilling the mission (finding a missing expedition party) with studying the mythical creatures around you before taking part in weapon-crafting to hunt the big nasties. 

Civilization VII (Firaxis Games)

Release date: February 11

PC, PS4-5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch 

For three decades, Firaxis Games has defined turn-based strategy video gaming and Civilization VII won’t disappoint. With a new feature introduced for 2025—the overarching campaign is split into three different ages—it’s set to redefine the genre yet again. Rather excitingly for PlayStation gamers who haven’t made the switch to the PS5 series yet, Civilization VII will be compatible with the PS4. 

GTA 6 (Rockstar Games)

Release date: TBC, likely late 2025

PS5, Xbox Series X/S

Can you believe it’s been 10 years since we last got our hands on a brand new Grand Theft Auto game? Much as we all love GTA 5, it’s high time for a new entry in the series. GTA 6 returns to Vice City, this time centering a Bonnie and Clyde inspired storyline. Specifics are pretty thin on the ground at this stage, but we’re bound to see Rockstar continuing to push the boundaries of sandbox gaming with this release. 

Assassin’s Creed Shadows (Ubisoft)

Release date: March 20

PC, PS5, Xbox Series X 

Following a series of delays, Ubisoft has finally confirmed it will release Assassin’s Creed Shadows on 20th March. Set in 16th century Japan this time around, the game puts you in the skillful shoes of Naoe or Yasuke, a female shinobi and African Samurai respectively. This is the first time the open-world staple has ventured to the land of the rising sun, so we’re all super excited to get stuck in. 

To Be Confirmed…

We’ve taken a well-educated stab at a potential release date for GTA 6, and there was no way we could not feature such a massive game in our main list, but over half of the releases slated for 2025 are still being kept under wraps. Out of the many games still shrouded in mystery, we’re particularly looking forward to The Witcher 4, Fallout 5, and Marvel’s Blade. Check back for updates! 

And if you need a good DNS for your gaming experience, we’ve compiled a list of the 20 best options here.