Table of Contents
Introduction
The gaming industry is constantly evolving, pushing the boundaries of storytelling, graphics, and gameplay mechanics. In 2025, players can expect groundbreaking releases across various platforms, from next-gen consoles to high-performance PCs. Whether you’re into action-packed adventures, immersive RPGs, or competitive multiplayer experiences, this year promises an exciting lineup of must-play games. This guide highlights the top 10 must-play games in 2025, each offering something unique for gamers of all preferences. We’ve carefully selected these must-play games based on their gameplay innovation, critical acclaim, and community anticipation. Read on to discover which must-play games deserve a spot in your collection!
The Best Must-Play Games of 2025
1. Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree
- Guided by Empyrean Miquella, players are beckoned to the Land of Shadow, a place obscured by the Erdtree where the godde…
- In these strange new lands, players discover the dark secrets of the world as they meet others who follow in Miquella’s …
- ELDEN RING Shadow of the Erdtree takes players beyond the Lands Between to explore the Land of Shadow, a completely new …
Description: The highly anticipated expansion to the critically acclaimed Elden Ring, Shadow of the Erdtree, expands on its vast open-world experience.
Key Features:
- Expansive new regions and dungeons
- Enhanced combat mechanics
- Deep lore-driven storytelling
Best For: Fans of open-world RPGs and Soulslike games.
Why It’s Recommended: A thrilling expansion that builds upon one of the best RPGs ever made.
2. Starfield
- Start your journey by customizing your appearance and deciding your Background and Traits
- Venture through the stars and explore more than 1000 planets
- Pilot and command the ship of your dreams.
Description: Bethesda’s ambitious sci-fi RPG expands with a massive DLC, offering new planets, factions, and story-driven missions.
Key Features:
- Open-world space exploration with additional star systems
- Dynamic quests and faction expansions
- Advanced ship customization and combat improvements
Best For: Sci-fi lovers and RPG enthusiasts.
Why It’s Recommended: A next-gen space adventure with limitless possibilities and expanded lore.
3. Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
- The Amazon Exclusive Edition includes a FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH PS5 controller skin (inside the case) featuring Cloud …
- An Expansive World: As the party searches for Sephiroth, explore the beautiful, expansive regions of the world and open …
- Deepen their relationships to unleash powerful team based combos
Description: The second installment in the Final Fantasy VII Remake project, Rebirth, brings an expansive reimagining of the beloved classic.
Key Features:
- Stunning visuals and cinematic storytelling
- Refined combat system blending real-time action and strategy
- Expansive open-world areas
Best For: Fans of RPGs and the Final Fantasy series.
Why It’s Recommended: A beautifully crafted remake with engaging gameplay and nostalgia-packed moments.
4. Hollow Knight
- Classic side-scrolling action, with all the modern trimmings.
- Tightly tuned 2D controls. Dodge, dash and slash your way through even the most deadly adversaries.
- Explore a vast interconnected world of forgotten highways, overgrown wilds and ruined cities.
Description: A long-awaited sequel to the beloved indie metroidvania, Silksong follows Hornet on a new adventure through a beautifully hand-drawn world.
Key Features:
- Challenging platforming and combat
- Expansive new regions to explore
- Engaging lore and atmosphere
Best For: Indie game lovers and metroidvania fans.
Why It’s Recommended: A masterpiece in platforming and action exploration.
5. Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales
- Miles morales discovers explosive powers that set him apart from his mentor, peter parker. Master his unique, bio-electr…
- A war for control of Marvel’s new York has broken out between a devious Energy Corporation and a high-tech criminal army…
- Traverse the snowy streets of his new, vibrant and bustling Neighborhood as miles searches for a sense of belonging. Whe…
Description: Insomniac Games’ latest installment in the Spider-Man series features new characters, expanded open-world mechanics, and thrilling combat.
Key Features:
- Play as multiple Spider-Man characters
- Enhanced AI and combat system
- Expanded city exploration and side missions
Best For: Action game fans and Marvel enthusiasts.
Why It’s Recommended: A next-gen superhero experience with refined gameplay and storytelling.
6. Baldur’s Gate 3: The Shadowlands
Description: Larian Studios delivers a massive expansion to its groundbreaking RPG with new races, classes, and storylines.
Key Features:
- D&D-inspired gameplay with new mechanics
- Expansive world with rich lore
- Multiplayer co-op options
Best For: RPG fans and Dungeons & Dragons players.
Why It’s Recommended: A must-play for lovers of deep narrative-driven RPGs.
7. The Legend Of Zelda: Echoes Of Wisdom
- Immersive Adventure: Embark on a captivating journey through the vibrant world of Hyrule in this action-packed Nintendo …
- Unique Gameplay: Solve puzzles, battle foes, and explore dungeons with the iconic Link and his allies using innovative m…
Description: Tmmersive Adventure: Embark on a captivating journey through the vibrant world of Hyrule introduces dynamic inter-realm gameplay mechanics.
Key Features:
- Vast open-world exploration with new sky and underground zones
- Unique puzzles and dungeons
- Engaging physics-based gameplay
Best For: Adventure game lovers and Zelda fans.
Why It’s Recommended: A revolutionary sequel with new mechanics and an engaging world.
8. Diablo IV
Description: Blizzard’s next installment in the legendary Diablo series brings dark storytelling and fast-paced action RPG combat.
Key Features:
- Gritty, atmospheric world with next-gen graphics
- Deep skill customization and new classes
- Multiplayer and endgame content
Best For: ARPG fans and dungeon crawlers.
Why It’s Recommended: A return to Diablo’s darker roots with enhanced gameplay.
9. Hogwarts Legacy
Description: The magical open-world RPG Wizarding World with spells, locations, and story arcs.
Key Features:
- Spellcasting and potion crafting upgrades
- Hogwarts exploration with dynamic events
- Immersive story-driven gameplay with new choices
Best For: Harry Potter fans and RPG enthusiasts.
Why It’s Recommended: A dream come true for fans of the franchise.
10. Resident Evil 6
- Starting with four distinct, yet interwoven story threads, for either solo or co-op play, both offline and online, not o…
- Ada Wong, Resident Evil’s very own femme fatale, dives into a thrilling campaign of intrigue and infiltration, featuring…
- The most expansive Resident Evil game to date- Experience the horror through four distinct yet intertwined campaigns
Description: A modern reimagining of the survival horror classic with improved mechanics and visuals. Key Features:
- Starting with four distinct, yet interwoven story threads, for either solo or co-op play, both offline and online, not only does Resident Evil 6 deliver both different perspectives and gameplay styles
- Ada Wong, Resident Evil’s very own femme fatale, dives into a thrilling campaign of intrigue and infiltration, featuring unique missions, gameplay and weapons. Ada is available from the start
- The most expansive Resident Evil game to date- Experience the horror through four distinct yet intertwined campaigns
- Solo or co-op – Resident Evil 6 delivers both single and two player co-op gameplay either offline or online
- Includes all the available DLC content from Resident Evil 6: Siege Mode, Predator Mode, Survivor Mode, Onslaught Mode, The Mercenaries maps, ResidentEvil.net costumes
Best For: Survival horror fans.
Why It’s Recommended: A masterpiece in horror game remakes.
Conclusion
As 2025 unfolds, the gaming landscape continues to evolve with innovative storytelling, breathtaking visuals, and deeply immersive experiences. Whether you prefer action-packed adventures, thought-provoking RPGs, or multiplayer challenges, this year offers something for everyone. These must-play games not only showcase cutting-edge game design but also redefine what it means to be a gamer. Make sure to experience these must-play games yourself!
In addition to our main selections, there are several other must-play games that are creating buzz this year. Keep an eye out for titles that showcase innovative mechanics and storytelling, as they may also deserve a spot on your must-play game list.
Now that you’ve seen our top picks, which of these games are you most excited to play? Are there any titles we missed that deserve a spot on this list? Share your thoughts in the comments below and let’s get the conversation started! Don’t forget to check out the latest deals and updates on these games as they launch throughout the year!
