Wow, what a year 2025 has been for gaming! It feels like just yesterday we were all watching trailers and getting hyped for the huge new titles. Now that it’s August, many of those big games are finally here and we’ve had a chance to play them.
So, it’s the perfect time to ask: Were they as good as we hoped?
Let’s take a look at the biggest games that have come out this year. We’ll talk about which ones are amazing, and also look at what’s still on the way—even the blockbusters that we now have to wait for in 2026.
1. Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA 6)
It’s impossible to start this list with anything else. Grand Theft Auto VI isn’t just a game; it’s a cultural event. After more than a decade since its predecessor, Rockstar Games is taking us back to the vibrant, neon-soaked streets of Vice City in the state of Leonida.
- What It Is: The next evolution of the open-world crime saga. Expect a sprawling map, an immersive story rumored to follow two protagonists, and an unprecedented level of detail and realism that will likely set a new industry standard.
- Why We’re Excited: The first trailer shattered records for a reason. The graphical leap, the dense and lively world, and the promise of Rockstar’s signature satire make this the undisputed king of the most anticipated AAA games of 2025.
- Release Date: Has been moved to May 26, 2026.
- Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
- Store Links:
2. Monster Hunter Wilds
Capcom is roaring back with the next mainline entry in its beloved monster-slaying franchise. Monster Hunter Wilds aims to create a more seamless and immersive ecosystem, where the environment and the creatures within it feel more alive than ever before.
- What It Is: An action RPG where you hunt massive, formidable monsters in a vast, living world. The core loop of hunting, gathering resources, and crafting better gear to take on even bigger threats is back and looks better than ever.
- The Verdict: The hype was absolutely worth it. Launching on February 28th, Monster Hunter Wilds received universal acclaim for its ambitious world design and quality-of-life improvements. The seamless integration of the mount and the feeling of a persistent, living world made it an instant classic and a must-play title of 2025.
- Release Date: 28 February 2025
- Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC
- Store Links:
3. DOOM: The Dark Ages
Prepare to rip and tear through medieval-inspired hellscapes. A prequel to the modern DOOM saga, The Dark Ages puts you back in the boots of the Doom Slayer but with a brutal, new-yet-old arsenal.
- What It Is: A high-octane, first-person shooter that blends fantasy with sci-fi. This time, the Slayer is a medieval super-weapon, wielding a skull-spitting shield-saw and even piloting a giant mech-dragon.
- The Verdict: id Software delivered exactly what they promised: a brutal, medieval power fantasy. Released on May 15th, critics praised the fresh setting and the incredible new Shield Saw, which added another layer to the fast-paced combat. While the setting was new, the lightning-fast “rip and tear” gunplay felt as good as ever, proving the DOOM formula can thrive anywhere. It’s a fantastic new chapter for the series and a standout action game for 2025.
- Release Date: 15 May 2025
- Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC
- Store Links:
4. Death Stranding 2: On The Beach
The visionary creator Hideo Kojima is back with a sequel to his unique and genre-defying game. Sam Porter Bridges returns for another journey to connect a fractured world, but this time, the scope appears to be even grander and stranger.
- What It Is: A narrative-driven action-adventure game with Kojima’s signature cinematic flair. Expect a deep, complex story, stunning visuals powered by the Decima Engine, and gameplay that evolves the original’s “strand” concept of connecting with other players.
- The Verdict: As expected from Hideo Kojima, this game was a wild, beautiful, and deeply strange journey. Arriving on June 26th, it instantly became one of the most talked-about and debated games of the year. The story was even grander and more mind-bending than the original, and the gameplay expanded on the traversal mechanics in meaningful ways. While its unique pace isn’t for everyone, for players who love a deep, cinematic story and a one-of-a-kind experience, Death Stranding 2 is an absolute masterpiece.
- Release Date: 26 June 2025
- Platforms: PlayStation 5
- Store Links:
5. Fable
The beloved fantasy RPG series is finally being rebooted. Set in the whimsical and satirical world of Albion, the new Fable promises a true next-generation experience filled with charm, choice, and consequences.
- What It Is: An open-world action RPG where your choices shape your character and the world around you. Will you be a celebrated hero or a feared villain? The power is in your hands.
- Why We’re Excited: Developed by Playground Games (of Forza Horizon fame), the game looks absolutely gorgeous. The trailer captured the series’ unique British humour perfectly and hinted at a rich world ripe for exploration and adventure. It’s the return of a legend.
- Release Date: Has been delayed and is now slated for a general 2026 release window.
- Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, PC
- Store Links:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Conclusion: A Landmark Year for Gaming
In the end, 2025 didn’t unfold exactly as we all expected, but it still delivered in a big way. The games that did launch this year gave us incredible worlds to explore and unforgettable stories to experience.
The delay of some of the biggest titles into 2026 isn’t a disappointment—it’s a promise of more amazing games to come. It’s a great reminder that even when the calendar changes, our excitement for incredible games never does.
What game are you most hyped for in 2026? Let us know your thoughts!
