2025 has delivered a remarkably diverse collection of standout games—from emotionally charged RPGs and innovative co-op adventures to open-world racers and monster-hunting epics. Titles like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and Death Stranding 2 exemplify narrative brilliance, while Mario Kart World and Assassin’s Creed: Shadows exemplify broad appeal and engaging gameplay. Together, these ten games define what makes 2025 such a standout year for gaming.
1. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
A deeply emotional RPG celebrated for its stunning visuals, innovative turn-based combat, and rich narrative. It currently tops many “best of 2025 so far” lists and holds the highest rating—92—on OpenCritic’s aggregated ranking.
2. Death Stranding 2: On the Beach
Known for its surreal storytelling, striking atmosphere, and bold design choices, it shares a high 90 rating with Split Fiction.
3. Split Fiction
A creative co-op adventure from Hazelight where shifting realities and meta-narratives come to life, earning a 90 rating—the same as Death Stranding 2.
4. Kingdom Come: Deliverance II
The medieval RPG returns with deep realism, upgraded mechanics, and immersive storytelling. It holds a score around 89.
5. Blue Prince
A first-person puzzle game with roguelike elements and labyrinth-style challenges, widely praised and rated 89.
6. Monster Hunter Wilds
Expands on the Monster Hunter formula with massive environments, new combat options, mounts, and dual-wielding, reigniting the beloved franchise.
7. Avowed
Obsidian Entertainment’s high-fantasy epic packed with compelling characters, tough choices, and rich world-building—it’s one of the most talked-about RPGs of 2025.
8. Mario Kart World
This ambitious, open-world entry in the Mario Kart series launched alongside the Switch 2. It supports 24-player races, introduces new modes, and boasts strong sales and praise.
9. Donkey Kong Bananza
A visually vibrant action-platformer featuring destructible environments and a dynamic underground world, earning acclaim for its creativity and charm.
10. Assassin’s Creed: Shadows
A blockbuster action-adventure that achieved huge player numbers—millions reached worldwide—and broke franchise records in concurrent Steam players. It remains one of the best-selling and most discussed titles of 2025.
Why These Titles Stand Out
- Critical acclaim & review scores: Titles like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Death Stranding 2, and Split Fiction have garnered top-tier review scores and dominate mid-year best-of lists. Item4GamerGame RantGQMetacritic
- Innovative gameplay & design: Mario Kart World reimagines kart racing with open-world freedom and expanded multiplayer; Donkey Kong Bananza redefines platforming through its destructible environments; Split Fiction blends storytelling and co-op in unique ways.
- Sales & cultural presence: Assassin’s Creed: Shadows quickly amassed millions of players, breaking concurrent player records and becoming one of Ubisoft’s biggest launches of 2025.
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