7 Best Video Games of 2025 You Need to Play Right Now

Video games have had a very busy year. Well, I probably say that every year, but 2025 has brought some AAA releases that are generational, mobile gaming has received a much-needed boost, and the independent scene continues to thrive with experiences that are unmatched elsewhere.

There are still many games that I can’t wait to play, and the year isn’t quite over yet. However, I thought I would take a moment to select seven incredible books that I have thoroughly enjoyed throughout 2025.

Sincerely, I think 2025 has had something to offer everyone. Whether you enjoy the greatest soulslikes, are looking for one of the greatest role-playing games ever made, or just want to make a big impact with a (literally) ground-breaking Switch 2 year-one game, this game is for you.

Let’s get started.

Wuchang: Fallen Feathers

Fallen Feathers in Wuchang

I never imagined that I would enjoy Wuchang: Fallen Feathers as much as I did. Demons added for good measure to a historical context using the Soulslike formula? We’ve seen the film quite a few times already.

However, Wuchang uses sheer quality to mostly prevent derivativeness. I adore its freeform approach to character construction, and it features some of the most impressive soulslike level designs I’ve encountered outside of the FromSoftware library. If your current loadout isn’t working for you against a particular area or boss, you’re free to respec your skill points for free at any time.

With a wide array of environments and some breathtaking views to take in, the game is also visually attractive. Wuchang is a soulslike that, in my opinion, will last for a very long time if you include some fantastic boss fights, a fantastic music, and lots of atmosphere.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

Task 33: Clair Obscur

Regarding Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, I’m not sure if there is anything I can say that hasn’t already been mentioned. It is the critical darling of 2025 and has gained a lot of fame through word-of-mouth, and for good cause.

In addition to its distinctively grim backdrop, Expedition 33’s warfare system also helps it establish a place in the canon of turn-based role-playing games. Battles stay unexpected and tight throughout the game by utilizing more action-focused aspects like reactive defense, parrying, and jumping to react to opposing strikes.

Expedition 33 is a remarkable accomplishment for the first significant expedition undertaken by a relatively small development team. You must read it through to the conclusion because it tells a heartbreaking story of persevering through loss and suffering, and I won’t soon forget it.

Donkey Kong Bananza

Bananza: Donkey Kong

You just want to punch stuff sometimes. Donkey Kong Bananza’s emphasis on beating the living daylights out of its adversaries and surroundings seems to be intentionally designed to increase dopamine, making it the ideal game to play when you’ve had a terrible day at work.

Bananza, like its predecessor Super Mario Odyssey, is incredibly hard to put down. In order to overcome platforming problems and uncover countless hidden mysteries, the game is more than eager to let you loose on enormous environments and take huge chunks out of them.

It’s the best platformer I’ve played in a long time; I haven’t been this excited to drop everything and explore its world, sometimes without even having a goal in mind, since A Hat in Time. Naturally, Bananza has a great and long campaign, but all I really need is a little encouragement to get back into it.

Dynasty Warriors Origins

The History of Dynasty Warriors

I’m a big fan of the Dynasty Warriors series, so I may be a little biased here. However, aside from the fantastic Hyrule Warriors, Omega Force’s “1-vs-1,000” action games have become very monotonous in recent years. So much so that it was refreshing to see the developer tackle different kinds of games, including the very underrated Wild Hearts.

Dynasty Warriors Origins is not without its problems for me. The game is severely lacking the humorous flair of its predecessors, and the lone protagonist is incredibly dull. The game is also severely harmed by the fact that you can only play as other famous officers.

However, Origins soars when it’s excellent. It presents the most emotionally engaging battle the series has ever shown. You get the impression that you are actually participating in epic historical battles thanks to the strength of modern consoles and innovative features like ambush charges and grand strategies.

With a booming rock music and extravagantly flashy weapon move sets, it’s undoubtedly got the sauce. However, I would at the absolute least want to see a character creator (a perplexing omission given that it’s become somewhat of a Koei Tecmo standard) and fully playable officers from the Three Kingdoms if Omega Force is going to continue using this updated model in the future.

Umamusume: Pretty Derby

Umamusume: Adorable Derby.

Even though I like Honkai: Star Rail, I usually try to stay away from mobile games. On the surface, these games are free to play, but it’s widely known how they may stealthily drain your wallet.

Thus, I was taken aback when Umamusume: Pretty Derby’s Western release turned out to be a really fun experience that I never once felt the urge to enhance with my bank information. As an alternative, Umamusume offers a very simple gameplay loop in which you select your favorite Uma to begin a career playtime with, training their stats for major race events.

It is in these races that Umamusume truly shines. You’ve probably seen a few viral videos of players going completely crazy as Haru Urara grabs her first victory over a charging Daiwa Scarlet.

Since Umamusume is ultimately a gacha game, there is always the temptation to spend money in order to obtain support cards and limited characters. Fortunately, the mobile game developer Cygames has a reputation for being really kind, and you will frequently find yourself inundated with currency for pulls without having to pay a dollar.

Elden Ring Nightreign

Nightreign, Elden Ring

Even though I adore Elden Ring from 2022, I think I might enjoy Elden Ring Nightreign a bit more.

Its surprisingly fast tempo fits this dark alternate rendition of The Lands Between quite well. The original Elden Ring is a cautiously paced, comparatively slow event. Nightreign is what you would experience if you were blinded, had rockets tied to your shoes, and spun around ten times.

After its release, the game has gotten a lot of support, the majority of which has been positive. For two-player-only matches, it now offers duos mode. For seasoned Souls veterans, a constant stream of enhanced boss battles through the Everdark Sovereign system keeps things interesting.

If Nightreign’s bosses weren’t up to par, it would undoubtedly collapse. Fortunately, it features some of the best boss fights I’ve seen in FromSoftware’s history. Even though there are a few that are quite annoying, battles against the insane Libra and the enormous ice dragon Caligo are breathtaking, and they are accompanied by some amazing music.

This tenacious, intensely exciting multiplayer game is ideal for two or three players. Although solo play has also been enhanced since launch, you’ll get the most out of it when you play with two others for some classic cheerful cooperation.

Tokyo Xtreme Racer

Xtreme Racer Tokyo

Even though I’m a major fan of arcade racers, I’ve regrettably overlooked Genki’s Tokyo Xtreme Racer series. When the current Tokyo Xtreme Racer’s early access edition came out on Steam, I took care of this for myself, and I’ve been having a ton of fun with it.

You take on the role of a street racer hoping to rise through the ranks and become a local legend in this game set on Tokyo’s night-soaked highways. It is arguably the purest form of racing. You’ll travel freely on the many roadways until you encounter a racer you haven’t yet challenged. You can start a street race clash by flashing your lights quickly behind them. Your objective? In other words, a sufficient amount of time between you and your competitor.

It’s straightforward yet incredibly fast fun, made possible by a large assortment of authorized Japanese cars from Nissan, Subaru, Mazda, and other manufacturers. Along with a variety of story beats from a variety of entertaining, intriguing people, you’ll also get to enjoy a sleek Eurobeat soundtrack. Yes, there is a backstory here as well.

There is currently no release date for Tokyo Xtreme Racer’s full version, and it is uncertain if it will be available on consoles. However, just around half of the game’s planned material is currently available in the early access version, meaning that players can play for at least 15 to 20 hours.