2025 has already proven itself as a year of risk-taking, wild sequels, surprise hits, and technical marvels. Whether you play on PC, console, or both, the first half of the year was stacked with releases that challenged, entertained, and—sometimes—blew us away. Below, you’ll find deep, narrative-driven reviews of the actual best games of 2025 so far, straight from the heart of the community.
10. Split Fiction (Hazelight Studios)
Every now and then, a game emerges that doesn’t just ask you to play with a friend—it forces you to truly cooperate. Split Fiction is Hazelight’s latest outing, and much like their acclaimed hit It Takes Two, this game is a co-op-only masterpiece that demands teamwork, communication, and a sense of adventure. But where its predecessor was heavy on emotion and relationships, Split Fiction doubles down on variety, innovation, and pure fun.
From the first moments, the game throws you into a world that feels ripped from both the pages of a fantasy novel and a pulpy sci-fi comic. You and your partner play as two authors—one who crafts fantasy, the other who pens sci-fi—who are suddenly zapped into the universes they created. The result is a co-op experience where every chapter shifts genres, visual styles, and even core mechanics.
One moment, you’re storming across a battlefield astride dragons, calling down spells as chaos erupts around you. The next, you’re infiltrating neon-lit cyberpunk factories or platforming through surreal, Dune-inspired deserts. No two levels are the same; the game practically delights in keeping you off balance, demanding new approaches and quick adaptation at every turn.
But what truly sets Split Fiction apart is its pacing and inventiveness. It never lingers too long on a single idea, and just as you master a new mechanic, it throws a new one your way. The final act, without spoiling anything, is a jaw-dropping showcase of what’s possible with gaming technology in 2025—something you need to see to believe.
Narrative Perspective:
While Split Fiction may not pack the emotional gut-punch of It Takes Two, it still offers genuine moments of camaraderie, trust, and shared laughter. The story is lighter, more of a whimsical journey than a therapy session, but the joy of overcoming wild challenges together creates its own emotional highs. This is a game that celebrates creative partnership—in both its plot and its design.
Final Word:
Whether you’re a longtime co-op fan or just looking for something to shake up your game nights, Split Fiction is easily one of 2025’s most memorable experiences. Just don’t blame me if your friendships are tested by that one impossible puzzle!
9. The Alters
For gamers who love stories about identity, isolation, and survival, The Alters offers a blend of resource management and philosophical sci-fi you won’t soon forget. From the creators of Frostpunk and This War of Mine, this game takes you to a remote planet where disaster has left you—Jan Dolski—alone in a massive, multi-purpose space station. Or at least, you start out alone.
The Twist:
The station was meant to be run by a full crew, but with everyone gone, Jan is forced to clone himself—again and again. But these aren’t simple copies. Each “Alter” is a version of Jan that made a different life decision: one became a doctor, another an engineer, a third perhaps pursued culinary dreams. These versions come with unique skills, quirks, and emotional baggage.
You’ll be researching new tech, venturing out into the hostile alien world, gathering resources, and—crucially—learning how to manage the needs, ambitions, and insecurities of your own clones. Building a med lab? You’ll need to staff it with a Jan who went to med school. Cooking food? Time to awaken the chef within. The strategy quickly becomes layered and personal.
Narrative Analysis:
The genius of The Alters isn’t just in its systems, but in how it gets you to reflect on your own life choices. Every clone is a “what if?” come to life, and the dialogue, conflicts, and even teamwork between your various selves make for some surprisingly emotional moments. Sometimes you’ll wish you could fire one of your own selves—but sometimes, their unique insight is exactly what saves you.
Gameplay Depth:
Fans of challenging, experimental games will find plenty to chew on. The survival systems can be brutal, and there’s real satisfaction in balancing your “crew” and making hard decisions under pressure. If you love deep sci-fi, emergent narrative, and games that take risks, The Alters is a must-play sleeper hit.
8. Mario Kart World
Mario Kart is back, and if there’s one thing this series is known for, it’s timeless fun and high-octane chaos. But Mario Kart World raises the bar: for the first time, the franchise goes fully open-world, with sprawling courses and new mechanics that redefine how you race, drift, and battle your friends.
The Details:
Is this the best Mario Kart ever? That’s the debate raging on forums and group chats. What’s certain is that the game delivers a massive roster of tracks, thanks to its open-world structure. You’ll discover intricately designed raceways, secrets hidden around every turn, and a level of detail on character skins that shows Nintendo at their most playful.
The developers took a “don’t fix what isn’t broken” approach, preserving the classic, pick-up-and-play feel that has made Mario Kart a household name. But new power-ups, move sets, and modes—like the highly addictive Knockout Tour—ensure that even series veterans will be constantly surprised.
Personal Take:
There’s something magical about loading up Mario Kart with friends, either locally or online, and realizing that—despite the new tricks and larger scale—it still feels like the game you grew up on. Yet, the tweaks to competitive play and online systems give it a real edge for 2025. Is it worth the higher price tag? That’s up to you. But for my money, it’s some of the best multiplayer fun you’ll have this year.
Final Thought:
It’s impossible to say now if Mario Kart World will out-sell the legendary Mario Kart 8, but with its innovative structure and pure, joyful gameplay, it’s certainly positioned to take the crown.
7. The First Berserker: Khazan
Not every game gets a massive marketing push, but some just gather momentum by being so good—and so tough—that gamers can’t stop talking about them. Enter The First Berserker: Khazan, a Souls-like action RPG that has carved out a devoted following, one punishing boss fight at a time.
Why It’s Unique:
Drawing from the Dungeon & Fighter franchise, Khazan could have been a niche spin-off. Instead, it’s a stand-alone experience that stands tall on its own merits. The combat is fierce and precise, demanding not just skill, but an almost masochistic persistence from players. You will die—a lot. But the triumph after every grueling battle makes every setback worthwhile.
Narrative Immersion:
Khazan drops you into a moody, atmospheric world that feels lived-in, full of strange lore, haunting environments, and enigmatic characters. The game isn’t just hard for the sake of it; it wants you to feel the cost and meaning of victory. Every inch you gain is earned.
The Bottom Line:
If you love Dark Souls, Bloodborne, or Sekiro, and you crave a new mountain to climb, The First Berserker: Khazan is your Everest. Just don’t be surprised if you end up on message boards, trading tips and nursing your wounded pride—it’s that kind of game.
6. Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon
Some of the year’s best games are the ones you didn’t see coming. Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon arrived with little fanfare, but quickly found a passionate audience, especially among those hungry for an Elder Scrolls-style RPG with a dark, unique twist.
Gameplay Experience:
Imagine stepping into a world where every shadow seems to whisper secrets, where combat is both tense and tactical, and where exploration always feels rewarding. The systems—loot, skills, leveling, world events—will all feel familiar to fans of Skyrim or Oblivion. Yet Tainted Grail makes it fresh with its grim, haunting art direction and lore drawn from Arthurian legend.
What Sets It Apart:
The graphics won’t blow you away, but the world-building and music absolutely will. Quests are well-written, choices matter, and the compact campaign means the game never wears out its welcome. It’s both a loving homage to open-world fantasy and a bold statement that indie RPGs can compete with the giants.
Recommendation:
If you’re sick of waiting for the next Elder Scrolls, or you just want an RPG that’s different but familiar, Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon is a refreshing surprise. Dive in and see why so many are calling it their sleeper hit of the year.
5. Doom: The Dark Ages
The Doom franchise is the heavy metal anthem of video games—a series that’s never afraid to break its own rules. Doom: The Dark Ages continues that tradition, launching players into a medieval-inspired apocalypse filled with brutal combat, thunderous weapons, and some of the wildest set-pieces in the series.
How It Plays:
The formula has evolved again. The pace is still fast, but the action is heavier and more aggressive. Melee weapons have a real sense of impact, and the new shield-throwing mechanic (think Captain America, but much bloodier) adds a layer of strategy and spectacle.
Open arenas give you more room to maneuver, while moments piloting mechs or riding a dragon that’s equal parts robot and beast give the campaign a bombastic flair. There are times when the set-pieces feel a bit repetitive, but the game’s sense of creativity—like a gun that fires pulverized skulls as shrapnel—always keeps things interesting.
Atmosphere:
The visuals are pure heavy metal album cover—fiery skies, crumbling castles, and hordes of demons just waiting to be reduced to giblets. The soundtrack, as always, is a pulse-pounding highlight.
Why It’s Great:
Each new Doom game has its own flavor, and fans will argue for years about which is best. But The Dark Ages ensures that, in 2025, “rip and tear” is still the most fun you can have with a controller.
4. Death Stranding 2
Hideo Kojima has never been one to play it safe, and Death Stranding 2 is a testament to his commitment to weird, ambitious storytelling and genre-defying gameplay. This sequel leans into what made the original such a cult hit—but refines, deepens, and, in many ways, redeems the formula.
What’s Changed:
If you didn’t like the first game’s “walking simulator” label, you might still be skeptical. But Death Stranding 2 adds more dynamic combat, smarter stealth, and a world that feels even more mysterious and alive. The new tools and gadgets make traversal and package delivery more interesting, and the boss encounters are truly unforgettable.
Narrative Experience:
The pacing is much improved, distributing story beats throughout the game so that you’re never too far from the next wild revelation. Visually, the game is a feast: from the bleak beauty of the environments to the striking character models, everything feels next-gen. The soundtrack is as powerful as ever, carrying you through moments of loneliness, awe, and terror.
My Take:
Whether you’re here for the story, the spectacle, or just to see what the mad genius of Kojima dreams up next, Death Stranding 2 is a journey worth taking. If you ever doubted the power of games to surprise you, this is your wake-up call.
3. Elden Ring Nightreign
It’s rare for a single release to totally change how people play together, but Elden Ring Nightreign does just that. This expansion (or spiritual sequel) to FromSoftware’s legendary open-world masterpiece isn’t just more of the same—it’s a twist on the formula that demands a new approach, especially with friends.
How It Works:
Nightreign adds new bosses, new areas, and—most importantly—a new character class system that challenges players to rethink their builds and strategies. It’s not just about grinding out the perfect sword or spell; it’s about adapting, learning, and pushing yourself into unfamiliar territory.
The game encourages co-op play, making it ideal for groups who want to tackle the brutal new challenges together. Bosses are harder, the environments are more treacherous, and even veterans will find themselves dying (and laughing) in equal measure.
Why Play It:
If you’re craving another taste of the unique magic that only FromSoftware delivers, but you’re ready for something that pushes the envelope in new directions, Elden Ring Nightreign is your ticket. It’s tough, it’s beautiful, and it’s everything you want from a modern action RPG—plus a little bit more.
2. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
Some games arrive quietly, then suddenly everyone’s talking about them. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is that game for 2025. It blends the cinematic scope of a JRPG with fresh turn-based mechanics and a story that’s as moving as it is original.
What Makes It Stand Out:
The world of Expedition 33 is a fractured one—every year, the oldest generation dies, and a group of adventurers set out to end the cycle. Your quest is to challenge the magical Paintress behind it all, battling strange creatures, forming bonds, and uncovering the truth behind the world’s curse.
Combat is deep and demanding, blending traditional turn-based structure with real-time dodges and parries. This keeps every encounter tense and interactive—there’s no mindless button-mashing here. Boss fights are memorable, requiring strategy, patience, and timing.
Narrative Depth:
The game’s cast is full of quirky, memorable characters, and the story doesn’t shy away from real stakes and emotional moments. The music and art direction are superb, setting the mood perfectly for both epic battles and quieter, reflective scenes.
For RPG Lovers:
If you’ve ever loved Final Fantasy, Lost Odyssey, or Persona, you owe it to yourself to play Expedition 33. It’s challenging, it’s heartfelt, and it’s easily one of the most rewarding adventures of the year.
1. Kingdom Come: Deliverance II
Some sequels promise “bigger and better” and actually deliver. Kingdom Come: Deliverance II is that rare beast—a game that takes everything great about the original and expands on it in every way that matters.
The World:
This is historical RPG at its best. The developers have painstakingly recreated medieval life, from bustling market towns to quiet forests and bloody battlefields. You’ll lose yourself in this world for hours on end, just living, exploring, and getting caught up in the politics and power struggles of the era.
Combat and Story:
Swordplay is weighty and realistic, requiring real skill and timing, especially on horseback or in big battles. The questlines are deeper, the NPCs richer, and the choices you make feel even more consequential. The main character, Henry of Skalitz, remains one of gaming’s most relatable “everyman” heroes, and the world reacts to your actions in subtle and surprising ways.
Atmosphere and Charm:
There’s a genuine love and attention to detail here. From side quests that make you laugh out loud, to moments of true emotional depth, everything in Kingdom Come: Deliverance II feels handcrafted. It’s not just a technical marvel—it’s a creative triumph, and a love letter to both history and immersive storytelling.
Final Verdict:
If you want a game you can truly live in, with believable characters, deep systems, and stories that stick with you, Kingdom Come: Deliverance II is not just the best of 2025 so far—it’s a strong contender for game of the decade.
Bonus Picks: Hidden Gems You Shouldn’t Miss
2025 was so packed that narrowing it down to ten was impossible. Here are a few more you shouldn’t sleep on:
- Schedule I: Viral hit with a “drug-dealer simulator” twist, cartoony art style, but with real gameplay depth and strategy.
- Blue Prince: For puzzle lovers, this is a mind-bending, original experience—one of the best in its genre for years.
- Ender Magnolia: An anime-inspired 2D Metroidvania, it released under the radar but is now a cult classic, especially on Steam.
- Dune: Awakening: The MMO survival RPG finally launched in full. Build, survive, and rule on Arrakis—the ultimate test for fans of the Dune universe.
Conclusion: Why 2025 Is a Turning Point for Gaming
From massive sequels to out-of-nowhere indie darlings, 2025’s first half was a celebration of everything that makes gaming great. We got new worlds to explore, new challenges to overcome, and new friends (and rivals) to meet online. Every game on this list brought something unique—whether it was new technology, bold storytelling, or just pure, unforgettable fun.
But this isn’t just our list—what did we miss? Which games surprised you the most, or became instant classics in your eyes? Drop your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to subscribe or share if you love deep-dive gaming reviews and lists like this.
Game on—and here’s to an even better second half of 2025!
