Shacknews 25 Most Anticipated Games of 2025

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2025 is here, ushering in a brand new crop of video games that have us eagerly counting down the days! Classics such as Grand Theft Auto, Pokemon, and Civilization are set to return with their latest installments, joining an array of exciting original titles. Once again, we’re compiling our highly anticipated list of games for this year!

Shacknews 25 Most Anticipated Games of 2025

These are the games the Shack Staff is most anticipating (in no particular order) in 2025.

Monster Hunter Wilds

Few things in gaming are as eagerly anticipated as a major Monster Hunter release, and this February, players will finally have the opportunity to experience Monster Hunter Worlds, an open-world adventure that promises countless hours of gameplay. With a variety of weapons and playstyles, there’s never a shortage of fun to be had, and it usually caters to a wide range of tastes. Personally, I can hardly wait to craft all the Greatswords, take on the largest monsters, and dive right in. The 28th of February can’t arrive soon enough.

Grand Theft Auto 6

Among the games set to launch this year, none are as eagerly awaited as Grand Theft Auto 6. Although there’s speculation that its release might get pushed back from 2025 to 2026, for now, we can only rely on Rockstar’s plan to roll out their next epic open-world game this year. Given this, it’s a certainty that GTA 6 should be on every list of highly anticipated games.

Hollow Knight: Silksong

It’s been long enough that as we step into a new year, it’s reasonable to expect Hollow Knight: Silksong to be released. Team Cherry has kept quiet about its sequel since its last appearance, which was during the Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase in June 2022.

There’s been an immense craving for Sliksong and further Metroidvania adventures from Team Cherry, with their challenging platforming and combat. It seems like this year might just see the game’s launch, and considering it was initially announced in February 2019, there’s a hint that its release could come earlier than anticipated.

Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2

In terms of accurately portraying medieval periods, not many games rival the authenticity provided by Kingdom Come: Deliverance. Now, approximately seven years since its release, gamers are gearing up to step into the boots of Henry once more for another immersion in Europe’s history through the perspective of a peasant born and raised in a village. The initial game was marked by an emphasis on realism, with the player initially unable to read or wield a sword. However, with perseverance and determination, the player could master reading, explore alchemy, and even attain knighthood-like status. Get your weapon ready, as Henry’s journey is set to continue!

Earthblade

2018’s Celeste was one of the standout indie games of the past ten years. Its quality was so exceptional that any game developed by Extremely OK Games in the future would be highly anticipated. After announcing Earthblade, a Metroidvania game set in a fantastical universe, back in 2018, there have been some delays. However, we’re hopeful that we’ll get to play Earthblade in its full splendor in the year 2025.

Avowed

Over the years, Obsidian Entertainment has stealthily established itself as Xbox’s most dependable first-party game developer, known for consistently delivering high-quality games. Their upcoming project, Avowed, promises a blend of the immersive gameplay style reminiscent of The Elder Scrolls series and the unique charm and humor that Obsidian is renowned for. Last year, we were thrilled by the character development and combat features showcased during a preview, and we can’t wait to get our hands on the complete game in February.

Split fiction

Zeuslight is uniquely preserving the couch cooperative game genre, and their upcoming title appears to be just as daring as any other release this year. The intriguing blend of fantasy and sci-fi elements in Split Fiction has piqued our interest, and we anticipate a deeply emotional narrative that could rival It Takes Two.

Killing Floor 3

In a grisly evolution, the Killing Floor series has transformed the concept of a zombie mode similar to Call of Duty Zombies into an intense, gory, and exhilarating experience overflowing with weapons, violence, and triumph. Killing Floor 2 remains one of our all-time favorite cooperative games, so it’s no wonder we’re ecstatic about the upcoming Killing Floor 3, scheduled for release in 2025. The graphics appear to be cranked up to their maximum potential. The weaponry looks impressive, the monsters terrifying, and the dismemberment system more realistic than ever. For those unfamiliar with the series, most enemies in Killing Floor 2 can be reduced to muscle and bones when continuously attacked, providing visual feedback on the process. It seems that enemy monsters will also have the ability to retaliate against unlucky players caught in the chaos. Killing Floor 3 appears to offer more of what we loved from the previous games, and we’re hoping that popular weapons like the Doomstick and Helios Rifle make a return in some fashion.

Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves

2025 is shaping up to be another fantastic year for us fighting game enthusiasts! After the releases of Guilty Gear Strive, The King of Fighters XV, Street Fighter 6, and Tekken 8, it’s now time for SNK to take center stage once more. They’re pouring their energy into reviving one of the oldest franchises in the genre: Fatal Fury. City of the Wolves is looking absolutely stunning in every trailer we’ve seen so far, and it’s finally set to drop in April 2025. It’s important to mention that this game serves as a sequel to Garou: Mark of the Wolves, which brings improvements and upgrades to several of its systems, along with the return of characters unique to that title. Garou was already an exceptional addition to the 2D fighter era, and I can’t wait to see how City of the Wolves builds upon its legacy! The golden age of fighting games continues to shine brightly.

Doom: The Dark Ages

Bethesda and id Software reignited our adrenaline rush when they resurrected the Doom franchise with the outstanding 2016 Shacknews Game of the Year. While opinions may vary about Doom: Eternal, the upcoming game, Doom: The Dark Ages, seems set to be an exhilarating symphony of brutal first-person shooter action. Expect machine guns that fire skulls instead of bullets, shields with spinning saw blades, colossal mecha battles against demons, and much more, making this game a must-play for every Doom fan. The excitement level reached new heights when an exceptional trailer was unveiled at QuakeCon 2024. Though the release date for Doom: The Dark Ages in 2025 is yet to be announced, it promises another thrilling opportunity to kill and destroy until there’s no more left to do.

Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater

2021 looks set to be an exciting year for gaming enthusiasts, as more Metal Gear content is on its way! Although it’s not a completely new installment in the series, this remake of the 2004 classic, Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater (also known as Metal Gear Triangle), promises to reignite the excitement of fans worldwide. As the fifth game in the franchise, it delves into the origins of many stories that players have encountered throughout their gaming journeys. Whether you’re a dedicated fan or newcomer to the series, this title is generating buzz as something everyone wants to play this year.

Civilization 7

Should you be seeking an engaging method to spend around 1,000 hours in the year 2025, let me tell you about Civilization 7! I’ve always marveled at how 2K Games manages to reinvent the wheel with each iteration, and they certainly do it well. This team consistently delivers when it comes to their Civilization games, and nothing quite compares to guiding a civilization from its primitive beginnings through to the space age, experiencing all the exciting moments along the way that make for an unforgettable experience. Civilization 7 is slated for release in early February 2025, so you’ll want to mark your calendar and perhaps even request some time off work if you’re serious about conquering the world!

Assassin’s Creed Shadows

Although they may not be perfect, there’s an undeniable charm to a well-crafted open-world game from Ubisoft. Whether you find yourself drawn to the Far Cry or Assassin’s Creed series, it’s a kind of desire that occasionally arises. Assassin’s Creed: Shadows appears to be another exciting addition to the franchise. Initially set for release in February 2025, it was pushed back to March. Personally, I’m eagerly anticipating the arrival of Naoe and Yasuke in the game.

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond

As the Nintendo Switch nears its sunset, there’s just one major first-party game left to be released. This title has been in anticipation since it was initially revealed back in June 2017, a mere three months after the console’s launch. Samus Aran’s journey, spanning over four years now, is nearing its conclusion with the upcoming fourth installment of the Metroid Prime series.

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is due this year, but its specific release format is yet unknown. Could it be the final substantial first-party game for Nintendo Switch? Or maybe a launch title for its successor? Perhaps it could even serve both purposes. Whichever way it goes, we’re eager to dive back into the immersive world of first-person Metroid play!

Pokemon Legends: Z-A

As a long-time gamer, I can honestly say that the first Pokémon Legends game felt like a much-needed revival for a series that had grown a bit stale over the years. Now, with the second Legends game set in Lumiose City of the Kalos Region, I’m genuinely excited to rekindle the spirit of adventure that has been missing from the Pokémon games. A big part of my anticipation for this game lies in its potential release on the successor to the Nintendo Switch, which promises improved performance and visual quality.

Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet

Naughty Dog has earned a remarkable reputation as a game developer, with every title they produce capturing global attention. The unveiling of Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet showcased an impressive flair while distinguishing itself from other notable works by the studio. Regardless of when it’s released, on which platform it will be available, or any other concurrent events in the world, you can rest assured that we’ll be eagerly anticipating and immersing ourselves in this intriguing sci-fi adventure as soon as possible.

Mafia: The Old Country

2021 is seeing me dive headfirst into Mafia: The Old Country, a game that underscores the significance of family in the world of mafia stories. As Enzo Favara, I’m called upon to stand by my kin, go the extra mile to safeguard our turf, and perhaps amass some wealth in this thrilling, third-person journey. This adrenaline-pumping experience will lead me through the treacherous underbelly of organized crime in 1900s Sicily.

Elden Ring: Night Reign

Whoa, when I thought Elden Ring couldn’t get any better, here comes Elden Ring: Nightreign! But this isn’t just another Soulsborne game from the masterful minds at FromSoftware – it’s a roguelike, multiplayer-focused adventure set within the Lands Between. The announcement towards the end of 2024 took us all by surprise; I don’t think anyone had this on their gaming bingo card! Yet, if there’s one company capable of delivering an extraordinary experience, it’s undoubtedly FromSoftware. And let me tell you, some familiar Dark Souls 3 bosses made an appearance in that trailer – oh boy, here we go again!

Ghost of Yotei

Sucker Punch ventured daringly into Feudal Japan with the celebrated Ghost of Tsushima, and the captivating environment, tough battles, and engrossing narrative sparked countless imaginations, making the reveal of a sequel all the more exciting. In Ghost of Yotei, Sucker Punch delves further into one of Japan’s glorious eras, but this time jumping 300 years ahead.

One fascinating aspect of Ghost of Yotei is that Sucker Punch decided to move away from Jin Sakai and introduce a new primary character instead. This shift not only offers a fresh narrative but also allows players to explore how Japan has transformed over three centuries. They’ll have the chance to observe how the landscape and samurai clans have adapted since Jin Sakai’s time, embarking on an entirely new journey.

Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii

Over the years, Yakuza-like games have been gaining more and more fans, with Infinite Wealth from last year receiving high praise from critics. This positive trend continues as Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio plans to launch Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii this year. The game is expected to keep all the elements that fans cherish about the series. We’re confident there will be engaging storylines, memorable characters, and plenty of amusing side quests, mini-games, and other features to keep us occupied.

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach

Death Stranding, Hideo Kojima’s debut at Kojima Productions, was a divisive start, but with the game now popular, its sequel is generating considerable excitement. The unveiling of Death Stranding: On the Beach gave us an intriguing glimpse into Sam Porter Bridges’ upcoming adventure, complete with new characters and returning favorites. Even though we never imagined Higgs would appear in such a form, his crow/cyborg body and electric guitar weapon quickly won us over. The BTs are also looking quite ominous in the sequel. We’re eager to see more of this game, and based on the initial nine-minute trailer, we have no doubt that Kojima will deliver plenty as we anticipate its release later this year. Prepare for another bizarre package delivery experience in 2025.

Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra

As an ardent fan,

I can’t contain my excitement about Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra! What we do know is that this game will showcase what Unreal Engine 5 is truly capable of. But the real clincher for me is the talent behind it – industry icon Amy Hennig, who has crafted some of the most unforgettable video game journeys of our time! If this game allows us to embody Captain America and Black Panther, fighting Nazis with powerful punches, then count me in. It’s a win-win situation in my book!

The Outer Worlds 2

For decades, Obsidian Entertainment has been creating exceptional games for gamers’ enjoyment. This innovative company consistently delivers successes, often venturing into genres and styles that other developers consider risky. Despite exploring new territories, RPGs remain at the heart of their work, as demonstrated by the critically lauded Outer Worlds. First released in 2019, gamers are now eagerly anticipating an extended exploration of that humorous universe with The Outer Worlds 2. We’re excited to witness how Obsidian Entertainment will push the boundaries of the RPG genre once more in this irreverent journey across the cosmos.

Fable

Despite several previews, it’s tough to fully grasp the storyline of the latest Fable installment. One key question remains: will Playground Games, known for Forza Horizon, be able to meet the high standards set by Lionhead Studios? Could players still create their own character, shape their legacy, and influence the fairy tale world’s fate based on their decisions? If the new Fable can deliver even a hint of the immersive RPG experience from the original series, it promises to be an engaging game. At least, the cast seems promising with notable actors like Richard Ayoade and Matt King joining in.

Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound

2025 saw an unexpected comeback of Ninja Gaiden in a 2D platforming format, and the announcement at Geoff Keighley’s 2024 Game Awards left us exhilarated. The game, titled Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound, was the highlight of the event for many. With Dotemu overseeing production and The Game Kitchen (known for their work on Blasphemous games) handling development, anticipation grew. The summer 2025 release date leaves us eager for more previews, but early looks have been promising. Ragebound promises to bring back Ninja Gaiden in beautiful 2D format, with what appears to be smooth platforming and movement, along with stylish and intense action sequences. While we hope Koei Tecmo might also revive the 3D aspect of Ninja Gaiden, this 2D comeback is an exciting step forward for a beloved franchise we’ve longed to see reemerge.

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2025-01-12 20:28