These are the game highlights for 2025

Yes, the list gets longer from year to year. But that’s not my fault. More and more games are released every year. Almost 19,000 titles were published on Steam alone in 2024. In view of that, my 84 recommendations seem almost harmless. I haven’t included games with no set release date, such as Hollow Knight: Silk Song.

Airborne Empire

In this sequel to Airborne Kingdom, you can once again build flying cities and use them to explore a wondrous world. Aside from assuring there’s enough buoyancy, water and food, you also have to defend yourself against sky pirates. The first game was a lot of fun, and incidentally, part two is being published by Swiss company Stray Fawn.

When: 13 January in Early Access
Where: PC

Hyper Light Breaker

Explore open worlds, create new character builds and fight hordes of monsters either alone or with friends. And since previous instalment Hyper Light Drifter was a sensational game, the new one’s definitely worth a look.

When: 14 January in Early Access
Where: PC

Aloft

Aloft is set in a picturesque celestial world. Alongside friends, you collect resources and turn floating islands into ships. There’s also a fungal plague to fight and a hurricane to tame.

When: 15 January in Early Access
Where: PC

Assetto Corsa EVO

Among racing simulation fans, the Assetto Corsa series enjoys a better reputation than Gran Turismo and the like. Realism is even more in the foreground here. In addition to photorealistic racing cars and hyper-accurate race tracks, VR and multi-monitor support is offered as standard.

When: 16 January
Where: PC

Donkey Kong Country Returns HD

Jump, roll and run through 80 levels of the 14-year-old Wii classic, this time with beautifully enhanced graphics. Additional levels from the 3DS version are also included.

When: 16 January
Where: Switch

Dynasty Warriors: Origins

This series is known for its massive battles where you face off against legions of enemies. This continues in the latest instalment, set in ancient China, an empire divided into three kingdoms. But blindly hitting into your target won’t lead to success in these chaotic battles. Some tactics are also required when manoeuvring across all those extensive battlefields.

When: 17 January
Where: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S

Ender Magnolia: Bloom in the Mist

Here’s how my fellow editor Kevin Hofer described the predecessor. Its successor is said to have almost doubled in size. What remains is the 2D Metroidvania gameplay and a dark fantasy world that you have to free from a sinister creature. In addition to its enchanting style, the atmospheric soundtrack stands out too. It was made by the same composer as part one’s, by the way.

When: 23 January, already available in Early Access
Where: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch

Synduality: Echo of Ada

Locked in a so-called Cradlecoffin, a type of battle tank, you glide as a drifter through a dystopian fantasy world in search of a rare resource. In addition to various large-calibre ranged weapons, you can also wield swords and similar melee weapons in the fight against aliens and other drifters.

When: 23 January
Where: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S

Warside

Brings back strong memories of Nintendo’s Advance Wars series. If you fancy pixelated adorable military battles, then take a look at Warside. Its turn-based battles are beautifully animated, and with 12 playable commanders, there should be plenty of variety. In addition to the campaign, you can also play in multiplayer mode and compete with human opponents.

When: 28 January
Where: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Switch

Sniper Elite: Resistance

Equipped with your trusty sniper rifle, you infiltrate well-protected Nazi bases in occupied France. As in other games from the series, large levels allow for several approaches. The inconspicuous one is usually best. If you prefer shooting to sneaking, you can get away with that as well. The iconic X-ray view whenever your bullet hits an enemy is back in all its glory too. You can listen to my impressions of the pre-release version in episode 229 of our Tech Affair podcast (podcast in German).

When: 30 January
Where: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S

Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector

As an escaped malfunctioning android, you travel through space in search of a new home. The game’s a mix of role-play with dice and visual novel.

When: 31 January for PC
Where: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch

Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2

An open-world role-playing game set in medieval Europe that really slows things down. Everything takes a little longer, but the world is all the more vivid and believable for it.

When: 4 February
Where: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S

Rift of the NecroDancer

A rhythm action game where you have to strum the right guitar strings in classic Guitar Hero or Rock Band style to beat up monsters.

When: 5 February
Where: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Switch

Slender Threads

Slender Threads is a classic point-and-click adventure game. After author Harvey Green visits a supposedly unassuming small town for some inspiration, mischief and eccentric characters quickly pop up.

When: 7 February
Where: PC

Sid Meier’s Civilization VII

The strategy series returns to let you write history. Build a huge empire, erect architectural wonders and become embroiled in diplomatic squabbles.

When: 11 February
Where: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch

Assassin’s Creed Shadows

Alternate between brute samurai Yasuke and light-footed shinobi assassin Naoe as you explore feudal Japan. Assassinate from an ambush or confront your enemies face to face. There’s also bound to be countless side activities.

When: 14 February
Where: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S

Tomb Raider IV–VI Remastered

The first three games have already been given a makeover; now it’s time for parts four to six. You can switch freely between the classic polygonal graphics and the remaster.

When: 14 February
Where: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Switch

Date Everything!

The clue’s in the name. Over 100 characters are waiting for your flirtation in this sandbox dating simulator. From wall shelves to smoke detectors and grandfather clocks, nothing is safe from your charm.

When: 14 February
Where: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch

Avowed

Obsidian’s fantasy role-playing game lures you into the Living Lands, a mysterious island full of adventure and danger. Instead of a class system, the game focuses on individuality and lets you skill your character as you wish.

When: 18 February
Where: PC, Xbox Series X/S

Lost Records: Bloom and Rage

The studio behind Life is Strange comes up with its next emotionally charged story. In it, you experience a magical 90s summer through four high school friends, ending in an inexplicable event. 27 years later, you have to confront the dark secrets that ended your friendship.

When: 18 February
Where: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S

Era One

Anyone who’s always wanted to design their own space station should make note of Era One. The game combines real-time strategy, base building, survival and tactical battles. Amateur engineers should get their money’s worth.

When: 20 February
Where: PC

Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii

Goro Majima has lost his memory and reinvents himself as a pirate. The ex-Yakuza matures into a captain and fights spectacular battles with swords and cannons.

When: 20 February
Where: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S

Hollywood Animal – blockbuster or arthouse?

Manage a Hollywood studio in the early days of sound film. Grow into a billion-dollar megacorporation passionate about multiverses, or found a boutique studio to conquer film festivals with avant-garde directors. It’s all up to you. Hollywood Animal involves you in every step of the movie production process, from developing the plot to distributing the film. Wars, social unrest and corruption will also have an impact on the business.

When: 27 February
Where: PC
Multiplayer: no

Monster Hunter Wilds

Soon, those wild monsters will be at it again. A new world, now separated by significantly fewer loading screens, awaits fresh hunters. New weapons, monsters and a useful mount promise plenty of variety.

When: 28 February
Where: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S \

Two Point Museum

The hospital and university campus are now followed by a museum requiring creative design and maintenance. Typical of the series, Two Point Museum also offers plenty of slapstick.

When: 4 March
Where: PC

Split Fiction

Hazellight, the studio behind It Takes Two, delivers a new co-op adventure in 2025. A machine catapults two author buddies into their own stories. As a result, the game is almost completely detached from any fixed setting and should offer huge variety, at least in terms of its levels.

When: 6 March
Where: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S

Fragpunk

Fragpunk is the latest contender for the hero shooter throne. Teams of five players compete against each other. The special gimmick here? More than 100 splinter cards. They change the gameplay significantly: you can jump higher, acquire a giant head, shoot chain lightning and much more.

When: 6 March
Where: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S

Suikoden I & II HD Remaster: Gate Rune and Dunan Unification Wars

Konami’s legendary JRPGs shine in a new guise. Following part three, a prequel, the first two games finally get an HD remake too.

When: 6 March
Where: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Switch

Wanderstop

The creator behind The Stanley Parable delivers their next surreal adventure game. Failed fighter Alta caters to travellers at her tea store in an enchanted forest. Growing and harvesting tea ingredients is just one part of the game, which feels like more than it pretends to be.

When: 11 March
Where: PC, PS5

Tales of the Shire

In this sweet and cosy game, you do what hobbits do. Set up your pretty Hobbit hole, take care of the garden, fish in the ponds and cook delicious meals.

When: 25 March
Where: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch

Atomfall

Radiates nuclear vibes similar to Fallout. However, the explorable areas are smaller than the open worlds in Bethesda and Obsidian games. On the other hand, Atomfall does offer Northern English charm and a suspenseful story.

When: 27 March
Where: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S

The First Berserker: Khazan

This action RPG is set in the same universe as Dungeon Fighter Online. While that game may not be particularly well known here, it apparently has over 800 million players worldwide according to Studio Nexon.

When: 27 March
Where: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S

Inzoi

The Sims on steroids: that’s the impression I get from this lifesim, developed by PUBG maker Krafton. In addition to a massive wealth of gameplay options and complex simulation, the whole thing also looks wonderful thanks to Unreal Engine 5.

When: 28 March
Where: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S

Football Manager 25

The next iteration of the successful football sim now licences the Premier League, and women’s football is also making its debut. Thanks to a switch to Unity, you can also expect a big technical leap.

When: March
Where: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, Mobile

Killing Floor 3

The bloody co-op action spectacle is advancing to the next round. Flung far into the future, you and your friends can slaughter your way through hordes of monstrous creatures to save humanity from extinction.

When: March
Where: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S

Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2

Development has been dragging on for years now. After a relaunch, Studio Chinese Room is taking care of the successor to the cult vampire role-playing game. As a big fan of the original, I’ll keep all my fingers crossed.

When: Q1
Where: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S

The Precinct

As a police officer, you try to bring law and order to a city plagued by criminal gangs. In terms of gameplay, an enormous degree of freedom awaits you, including destructible environments. The 80s movie noir setting also looks exciting.

When: Q1
Where: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S

The Alters

This sci-fi game mixes adventure, survival and base-building elements. The special feature: as regular employee Jan Dolski, you can create alternate versions of yourself, each with their own personalities. Together, you try to escape from an alien planet.

When: Q1
Where: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S

Kingmakers

Strapped with modern weapons, you travel back to the Middle Ages and change the course of history alone or together. If you want to hunt knights with an AK47, you’ve come to the right place.

When: Q1
Where: PC

Dune: Awakening

Set on the famous literary desert planet, this MMO lets you experience an alternative story to the original. Regardless, everything still revolves around the all-valuable spice. Grow your character, build bases, explore the vastness of the desert with an ornithopter and face colossal sandworms.

When: Q1
Where: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S

Mandragora

This 2.5D action RPG combines Souls-like and Metroidvania elements. Visually, the dark fantasy world is reminiscent of Castlevania. Different classes and abilities allow for various playstyles.

When: 17 April
Where: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch

Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves

After 26 years, a new instalment in the cult 90s fighting game series is finally being released. The new combat system REV promises exciting battles. There are also two control modes for beginners and veterans.

When: 24 April
Where: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X/S

Tempest Rising

A real-time strategy game that’s obviously based on the classic Command & Conquer series. A must for fans of explosive massive battles.

When: 24 April
Where: PC

Revenge of the Savage Planet

The sequel to Journey to the Savage Planet retains its satirical space setting. You can now explore its colourful sci-fi worlds and rummage for resources in co-op mode.

When: May
Where: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S

ARK 2

This sequel to the successful survival multiplayer original is pushing things forward. Vin Diesel is front and centre here, telling the tale as ARK hero Santiago. There’s also a tried and tested mix of prehistoric creatures and futuristic technologies.

When: Q2
Where: PC, Xbox Series X/S

Heroes of Might & Magic: Olden Era

After Songs of Conquest won the title of best turn-based strategy in a fantasy setting, the original is back. There are six factions to choose from, all able to explore the magical fairytale world and send mystical creatures into battle.

When: Early Access Q2
Where: PC

Nivalis

Nivalis is a kind of life sim set in a vibrant cyberpunk city. You start out small, with a noodle stall or a stim store and grow into a bar, a restaurant or a nightclub. The city can be explored freely.

When: Spring
Where: PC

Mafia: The Old Country

Part four in the open-world gangster series moves its setting to Sicily at the start of the 20th century. A new, darker mafia story awaits you there. After all the previous games were set in the USA, I’m curious to see how the change of scenery will feel.

When: Q3
Where: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S

Spine – This is Gun Fu

Gun Fu is a made-up word combining the terms Kung Fu and Gun. Both are definitely front and centre here. In this action game, expect acrobatic and cinematic close combat action as well as lots of shooting. Really reminds me of John Wick.

When: Q3
Where: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S

Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound

A sidescroller in the classic 16-bit Sega era style. With Blasphemous, studio The Game Kitchen has already delivered a first-class action game and Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound should be in no way inferior.

When: Q3
Where: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Switch

Deep Rock Galactic: Rogue Core

Rogue Core is a roguelite spin-off of the popular space dwarf multiplayer game. You start from scratch with your companions each time, building up abilities and skills during the mission.

When: Q3 Early Access
Where: PC

Double Dragon Revive

The arcade classic, a staple in videogame punch-ups since 1987, is getting a new instalment with 3D graphics. This does little to change the basic game principle, though. As before, you run horizontally through picturesque areas and beat up everything in your path. Inexplicably offers no co-op mode.

When: Q3
Where: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S

Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater

This full remake of the PlayStation 2 classic is for people like me who missed the original back in the day, or anyone who wants to relive the story without getting eye cancer.

When: Q3
Where: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S

Little Devil Inside

In Little Devil Inside, you play a 19th-century explorer dealing with all kinds of supernatural beings. Offers a co-op mode and looks extremely charming.

When: Q3
Where: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Switch

Dying Light: The Beast

This spin-off from the open-world zombie series lets you slip into the boots of Kyle Crane. He’s undergone brutal experiments, which is why he can now become a kind of monster himself. A handy ability, since the undead are still out to get him.

When: Q3
Where: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S

Crimson Desert

This single-player game from the Black Desert Online studio looks extremely ambitious. A gigantic open game world to explore on foot, on horseback and even from the back of a dragon. Big battles against tough bosses at last year’s Gamescom really gave me something to chew on.

When: Q4
Where: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S

Fable

The makers of Forza Horizon aren’t necessarily the most obvious studio to continue the iconic role-playing game series. Nevertheless, I’m optimistic the new Fable will be able to capture the charm of previous instalments.

When: 2025
Where: PC, Xbox Series X/S

Pragmata

Capcom’s Pragmata is refreshingly different. You control a little girl riding the shoulders of a human in futuristic combat gear. Together, you fight your way through a dystopian world full of robots.

When: 2025
Where: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S

Judas

The new game from Bioshock creator Ken Levine looks like a direct sequel to the dystopian adventures through underwater and floating cities. This time, the first-person action takes place in a decaying spaceship.

When: 2025
Where: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S

ILL

This first-person survival horror game takes you to a gloomy settlement that’s fallen into madness. Thanks to an «advanced mutilation system», you can chop up grotesque monsters in the very best Dead Space style. A complex weapon system also promises plenty of variety in combat.

When: 2025
Where: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond

Samus Aran, the galaxy’s greatest bounty hunter, will soon be setting off on new adventures. So far, we haven’t received much more than one short trailer.

When: 2025
Where: Switch

South of Midnight

An unusual setting and an unusual graphical style make South of Midnight stand out from the crowd. Visually, the third-person action adventure has slight parallels to Into the Spider-Verse. As Hazel, you’ll live through myths and encounter creatures from folklore of the American South.

When: 2025
Where: PC, Xbox Series X/S

The Outer Worlds 2

Obsidian’s steampunk-inspired sci-fi role-playing series will continue in 2025. However, since Avowed will be released in the same year, it might get postponed. The humour of part one comes into its own again in the trailer and should accompany you on your adventure through the colourful world.

When: 2025
Where: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S

Winter Burrow

An adorable survival game where you play a sweet little mouse. To survive the barren winter, you must collect resources, talk to other animal inhabitants and build yourself a cosy home in a tree stump. Looks like a picture book.

When: 2025
Where: PC, Xbox Series X/S

Subnautica 2

Soon you’ll be diving again, collecting resources and assembling an underwater base. The survival game now offers a co-op mode too.

When: Early Access 2025
Where: PC

Slay the Spire 2

A roguelike deck builder where you’ll keep putting together new card combos to defeat the Spire. Face new creatures and develop fresh strategies to overcome any challenge.

When: Early Access 2025
Where: PC

Borderlands 4

The colourful looter shooter with its countless weapons is back. Little seems to have changed in terms of the concept. The fourth part should again deliver tons of slapstick, lots of shooting and loads of chaos.

When: 2025
Where: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S

Eriksholm: The Stolen Dream

A stealth game where you control different characters across a lively world. Its levels are designed to offer a wide variety of solutions. The fictional Eriksholm is modelled on a Scandinavian town. It looks beautiful, and the cutscenes with their expressive characters are particularly impressive.

When: 2025
Where: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S

MOUSE: P.I. For Hire

This first-person shooter in a 1930s cartoon style should feel like a Metroidvania to play. It hits all the right notes stylistically, now only the gameplay has to impress.

When: 2025
Where: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S

Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra

The game is inspired by comic series Captain America/Black Panther: Flags of Our Fathers. Set in occupied Paris during the Second World War, Steve Rogers and the King of Wakanda have to try and prevent the rise of Hydra. It was produced by Amy Hennig, who made a name for herself with Uncharted.

When: 2025
Where: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S

Cairn

A climbing game, its movements remind me of QWOP. Still, they shouldn’t make things unnecessarily difficult for you. But they’ll offer you many options as to how and where to place your hands and feet. How you’ll conquer the summit is up to you.

When: 2025
Where: PC

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

Once a year, a painter wakes up in a mystical world. She paints a number, and all people of that age turn into smoke. As the number’s getting smaller and smaller, you set out to destroy the painter. The combat system is a mix of real-time and turn-based. Visually, the game looks fantastic.

When: 2025
Where: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S

Grand Theft Auto 6

Undoubtedly the biggest game of the year – if it actually comes out in 2025. Set in the fictional state of Leonida, modelled on Florida, you’ll likely play a gangster couple. The trailer suggests you can expect the typical GTA social satire. The focus will be on influencers, social media and internet culture.

When: 2025
Where: PS5, Xbox Series X/S

Doom: The Dark Ages

The Doom Slayer will soon be slashing away once more. Guns are out of fashion, since you’ll also be able to throw a shield around and even ride a dragon.

When: 2025
Where: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach

There’s no way I can briefly summarise this story about a strange world haunted by tar-like monsters. Still, I can’t wait to see what crazy things Hideo Kojima and his team come up with next.

When: 2025
Where: PS5

Skate.

The iconic skating simulator will soon get rolling again. In contrast to Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater, even simple tricks were a challenge in Skate. Part four should build on this when it launches in Early Access at the beginning of the year.

When: Early Access 2025
Where: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S

Star Birds

This colourful construction and resource management game comes from Toskana Interactive, the creators of Dorfromantik and YouTubers behind «kurzgesagt!». In this game, you colonise small asteroids by extracting their natural resources and building production chains.

When: 2025
Where: PC

FBC: Firebreak

A cooperative first-person shooter from Remedy, the studio behind Max Payne and Alan Wake. It’s set in the same world as Control too. As an assistant at the Federal Bureau of Control, you and two other players fight against supernatural monsters. You have all kinds of curious weapons at your disposal, such as exploding garden gnomes.

When: 2025
Where: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S

Ghost of Yotei

The sequel to the extremely successful Ghost of Tsushima turns the clock forward 329 years and is set in Hokkaido. You can once again look forward to picturesque landscapes and cinematically staged sword fights.

When: 2025
Where: PS5

Elden Ring Nightreign

From Software offers this cooperative multiplayer title to pass the time until Elden Ring 2 is released. Here, you can face countless monsters with two friends even without the help of mods.

When: 2025
Where: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S

Anno 117: Pax Romana

In the latest Anno instalment, you build up an economic empire as a city governor in the Roman Empire.

When: 2025
Where: PC

Pokémon Legends: Z-A

Pokémon Legends: Z-A is the successor to Pokémon Legends: Arceus. The Kalos game region is based on France, and the city of Illumina City is reminiscent of Paris. Z-A also marks the return of mega development that first appeared in X and Y.

When: 2025
Where: Switch

Little Nightmares 3

Alone or as a duo, you wander through a dark world full of giant, grotesque creatures out to kill you. Each of the two characters have a special item – Low wields a bow, Alone a wrench. They always work together to overcome puzzles and escape the monsters.

When: 2025
Where: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Switch

Directive 8020

Directive 8020 is the new horror release from Until Dawn makers Supermassive Games. Colony ship Cassiopeia has crashed on a planet 12 light years away from Earth. The crew quickly realise they aren’t alone. As in previous games, you try to guide as many characters as possible through the game alive and not lose them to an alien organism in brutal death animations.

When: 2025
Where: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S