10 Most Anticipated Games of 2025: What to Watch Out For (2025)

2025 is set to be a massive year for gaming. With long-awaited sequels, major AAA titles, and innovative indie titles over the horizon, the industry is primed for one of the biggest years yet. Some of the most highly anticipated games of all time are finally almost within our grasp, and delayed projects continue to strengthen the lineup for this year.

This list will highlight some of the most highly anticipated games of 2025, both from major franchises to potential hidden gems that truly deserve your attention. Whether you’re a fan of sprawling open-world environments, fast-paced action, or innovative mechanics, we’re sure you won’t want to miss some of these upcoming games.

Major Confirmed AAA Releases

Borderlands 4

Set to release September 23^rd, 2025, Borderlands 4has stirred a solid buzz throughout the gaming community. The first proper trailer for the game was released at the Game Awards last year, and it got crowds talking. The trailer features a large-scale conflict in a cinematic and then transitions to gameplay. The game is set to take place on a brand-new planet, Kairos, which is supposed to be open-world with seamless loading screens. The colors are bright, the graphics are smooth, and the gameplay looks simply fantastic.

There will be big expectations ofBorderlands 4given the recent downfall of the series. The Borderlandsmovie released last year certainly did less than impress, receiving a measly 10% on Rotten Tomatoes and 4.6 on IMDb. It is also the first new entry sinceBorderlands 3 in 2019, giving the franchise a good loading period before another game. Will Borderlands 4 live up to the well-deserved hype it has received, or will we be left expecting more from the game? Gearbox has confirmed the game will release on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X.

Ghost of Yōtei

Given the success ofGhost of Tsushimafrom 2020, it is no surprise we are getting a follow-up withGhost of Yōtei.However, the game itself isn’t a direct sequel, with a lot of key features changing. We have a new protagonist, Atsu, who is a young female warrior seeking revenge. The game also takes place 300 years after the events of its predecessor in a brand new location – Hokkaido. Sucker Punch dropped the release trailer in September, showing off the game’s beautiful visuals and hints of its intriguing storyline. We also saw Atsu can duel-wield katanas, making for an exciting new mechanic we did not get the chance to play with in Ghost of Tsushima.

The announcement of the game called for some backlash, however, due to the choice of a female lead. Some people complained about wanting a direct sequel to Jin’s story and continuing his legacy, while others complained about the presence of a female protagonist and made claims about the production team and Atsu’s actress, Erika Ishii. Some even claim female samurais never existed, but this is completely incorrect. Female samurais, known as Onna-bugeisha, were trained in combat and fought alongside male samurai, so it will be exciting to see this reflected in the game.

I think the inclusion of a female protagonist is a brilliant decision, and one that I am pleased Sucker Punch has made. Investing in female protagonists draws in more diverse players and encourages younger girls to play the game. The game is due to release on PS5 during 2025, and with it receiving a nomination for Most Anticipated Game at the 2024 Game Awards, there is no doubt Sucker Punch will deliver.

DOOM: The Dark Ages

As one of the most iconic and influential video game series of all time, any new entry into DOOM is bound to be talked about. Confirmed for a May 15 release, it was announced during the Xbox showcase in 2024, and is to be released for Xbox Series X|S, PS5 and PC. The game is set to take place after the events of Doom 64,but before the events ofDoom(2016).

This title will introduce several new mechanics when it comes to combat, the most noticed being the Shield Saw. This new weapon will allow players to block incoming attacks and execute parries, adding a new strategic layer to attacks. Players can also lock onto enemies and launch themselves towards them, as well as throwing the weapon to deal further damage. The players will be encouraged to use more melee weapons as more are being introduced, but this Shield Saw is going to shake things up for sure!

With all of these new innovative changes, and with the power of the newest idTech engine, this title promises to expand the beloved franchise into new and exciting territories. With expansive and non-linear levels,DOOM: The Dark Agesis going to make waves in the industry this year, and I cannot wait to get my hands on it!

Shinobi: The Art of Vengeance

The last time this franchise got a release was in 2011, with a 3DS title that received mixed reviews.Shinobi: The Art of Vengeance was announced during the 2023 Game Awards, and is slated for a August 29 release this year. This title was particularly eye-catching because of its beautiful hand-drawn art style, which gives the game a natural and stunning flow. The game also returns the players to the shoes of Joe Musashi, who appeared in the first five titles and was the main character up until 1991.

Based on the release trailer, the game maintains the classic platforming aspect of the original titles while adding modern and enhanced combat. Action is fast, combos are slick, and the animations are seamless, giving the game a nostalgic feel with modern twists.Shinobiis also slated for a Hollywood debut due to Sega’s success with theSonic the Hedgehogmovies, which will undoubtedly excite fans given the 14 year drought of games. This release has much anticipation with fans and critics alike and has a lot of eyes set on its arrival.Shinobi: The Art of Vengeanceis set to release on Nintendo Switch, PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and Xbox One.

GTA 6

How onearthcan we have a most anticipated games article and not include this beast?Grand Theft Auto 6was confirmed by Rockstar in February of 2022, and after leaks, promos, and delays, Take Two confirmed the game’s release for later this year. The game returns the player to Vice City, which we last saw in GTA: Vice City, and is a fictional representation of Miami. The title won The Most Anticipated Game award at the Game Awards in 2024, which was little to no shock for anyone vaguely involved in the gaming community.

The game features Lucia, marking the first female protagonist in the series since 2000, and her partner-in-crime Jason. Their story will take inspiration from Bonnie and Clyde, promising players a thrilling journey through the criminal underground. GTA6 will take similar mechanics from its predecessor, GTA5, including the multiple-protagonist view of the game. However, the game will also further refine these mechanics and implement more realism, which has been teased at in recent GTA5 DLC’s, with destroyable environment objects being introduced (which you can only assume is a method of testing). With a very exciting promo trailer, there is no doubt GTA6 is going to break records on release day.

Highly Anticipated Indie Games

Deltarune Chapters 3&4

As a follow-up to Toby Fox’s acclaimedUndertale,Deltaruneis continuing to expand with the upcoming releases of chapters 3 and 4. Fox has confirmed on a X/Twitter post that the two chapters are due for release this year, but exact dates depend on localization and console porting process. The game is slated to have 5 chapters, with development focusing on the completion of the narrative arc shortly after these two new chapters.

Chapter 3 will pick up after the events of the first two chapters where Kris, Susie, and Ralsei sealed a Dark Fountain and then faced Queen in a cyber-themed world. Along the way they met new party members, uncovered hints of a deeper mystery, and saw Kris’ unsettling actions outside of the Dark World. With new themes and locations inbound, the next 2 chapters look to expand off of the previous events and enhance the narrative before the concluding chapter.

With the anticipation for these installments being extremely high, Toby Fox has kept many details under wraps. The glimpes we do get, however, offer new and fresh material suggesting new settings, mechanics, and deeper story revelations. Whether you’re a long time fan or a newcomer to the series, these upcoming chapters are sure to be some of the most intriguing releases of 2025.

Cairn

Cairnis an upcoming survival-climber game developed by The Game Baker, the makers ofHavenandFuri.The player controls Aava, a climber who is aiming to reach the top of Mount Kami. The mountain is famous for having half of its challengers return, with no human reaching the summit. Aava is accompanied by a robot companion who supplies her with climbing equipment and allows her to build and retrieve anchors during the climb.

The game was announced during the Summer Game Fest 2024, with a reveal trailer detailing stunning graphics and challenging gameplay. After a demo was released later that year, critics praised the game for it’s climbing mechanics and the emersion created for the player. With planned release for 2025,Cairnhas gained significant attention due to its unique mechanics and visuals. Players eager to experience Aava’s ascent should wishlist the game on Steam to receive up-to-date news.

Date Everything!

Have you ever thought what it would be to date… well, anything but human? Well,Date Everything!is your chance to fulfill that dream! Players assume the role of a character who loses their job to AI and receives a pair of magical glasses dubbed “Dateviators”. These glasses animate every household object in sight, transforming them into dateable characters. With over 100 fully-voiced characters, this incredibly unique experience is bound to provide a brand-new experience to players.

The concept for this game originate as a joke between voice actors Ray Chase and Robbie Daymond. Since then, it has evolved into a full-fledged indie creation with over 70,000 lines of dialogue. The game has gathered a lot of positive attention due to its commitment to full compensation to all the voice actors. Along with this and its innovative approach to the dating sim genre,Date Everything!has create quite the stir in the game community. Due to delays, the game is set to launch June 2025 on multiple platforms, including PC, Nintendo Switch, PS5, and Xbox.

TRON: Catalyst

TRON: Catalystis an upcoming title from Bithell Games, set to release June 17th on PC and consoles. Players will get the chance to explore Arq Grid, which was introduced as a digital city in TRON: Identity(2023). It’s setting is characterized by unique environments, offering a rich backdrop for the game. We will play as Exo, who wields a power known as the Glitch after a mysterious package explosion. The Arq Grid is experiencing instability, and it’s the player’s job to explore Exo’s new power to explore the secrets of the Grid and save it from the brink of collapse.

The game features an extremely dynamic combat system with both melee and ranged combat. The iconic Disk features in a lot of moves (including a Disk kick), and the player can also engage in high-speed Light Cycle action. The player can collect Data Shards to enhance Exo’s abilities and progress through the Grid. With a familiar but modern art style, this title is a strong follow up to the well-performing first gameTRON: Identity.

Sword of the Sea

Sword of the Seacaught a lot of people’s attention due to its similarities toJourney(2012) with its striking visual style. The game is built off the core mechanic where you surf across sand with your sword in a surfboard-like movement. You travel through Necropolis, uncovering an ocean lost with time, with the goal of restoring life to the land, encountering marine wildlife on the way.

The game is set in a visually stunning world with fluid animations, with music done by Austin Wintory, who has featured on titles such asJourney, Assassin’s Creed: Syndicate,andABZÛ.Given the amount of inspiration fromJourney, Sword of the Seawill feel like a sequel of sorts. While no official release date has been announced, Giant Squid has confirmed a 2025 release for PS5 and PC platforms.Journeywas personally one of my favourites for a long time, so this one is certainly on my list!

Closing Out

As the year of 2025 continues to unfold, it appears to be one of the most exciting years for games. From blockbuster titles we have waited years for, to innovative new titles, we can’t wait to get our hands on every single one. Whether you’re eager for your favorite franchises to return, explore fresh new worlds, or experience game-changing mechanics, all of these releases are sure to deliver unforgettable adventures. Which release excites you the most? Let us know!