2025's Most Anticipated Games - Matt's Picks
2025 is shaping up to be one of the biggest years in video games of all time. No matter whether you play on PC, PlayStation 4 or 5, Xbox One or Series X|S, or the Nintendo Switch, and maybe the upcoming Switch successor, you’re going to have a lot to play in 2025. Given that, we couldn’t simply pool the team’s thoughts into one top 10 countdown of the most anticipated games, so we solicited 10 from each person to discuss. Today, hear what Matt has to say about their 10 most anticipated games of 2025.
I want to add a small disclaimer to this list. My most anticipated game is actually GTA 6, but I have no faith that it will come out in 2025. While I would be delighted to be wrong, that is the reason I haven’t included it in this list.
10. Monster Hunter Wilds
I was late to the Monster Hunter party, only joining in on the fun when World landed on the PS4 and Xbox One. But despite my lateness, I am now all in, having spent a huge amount of time in both World and the smaller-scoped Rise since. Now Wilds is promising a massive improvement with easier onboarding for new players, mounts, improved graphics and a whole host of other upgrades to ensure I am super pumped to once again grab my comically oversized weapon and take down some giant beasties.
9. Assassin’s Creed Shadows
I have always been a ride-or-die Assassin’s Creed fan. I have found enjoyment in every single entry in the now long-running franchise. Sure some have been below par, but I still have found things to like even in the worst entries. The last Assassin’s Creed release, Mirage, was a bit of a throwback title and while it was nice to play an older-style AC game, I am looking forward to the more complete RPG experience that Origins and Odyssey became. I just hope it doesn’t go too far like Valhalla did, which put a dampener on the whole experience by simply being too bloody big.
8. Civilization VII
After 6 entries, a couple of spin-offs and more expansions than you can poke a stick at, what is left to say about the premier turn-based strategy franchise that could convince fans that VII will be anything less than an absolute time-consuming banger? It is almost time for “just one more turn” once again and I can’t wait.
7. The Outer Worlds 2
More corporate shenanigans, more black humour, more crazy weapons and more sexy skyboxes. I make no pretence at hiding my adoration for Obsidian and The Outer Worlds 2 is sure to be my sort of game. What is even more exciting for me personally is that The Outer Worlds 2 is not the only Obsidian game I am super pumped for… but more on that a little further down the list.
6. Dying Light: The Beast
I love the Dying Light games. The movement and combat systems are fantastic and the world that has been created for the franchise balances player power with terror in such effective ways. As a result, I can’t wait for more. The Beast looks to be taking the franchise in a more FPS-focused direction as opposed to melee combat so it will be interesting to see if that changes the dynamics at all.
5. Mafia: The Old Country
I have always adored the Mafia games. Their stories are all exceptional and while some gameplay elements have been a bit rough, there has always been more than enough to keep me engaged for the entire game. When I heard that Mafia: The Old Country was going to be a linear experience, my expectations immediately jumped, because open worlds were always the weakest part of the previous games. Mafia: The Old Country is making me an offer that I just can’t refuse (I am not even sorry about that joke)
4. DOOM: The Dark Ages
Crank the metal music, load the shotgun and warn the Demons. The Doom Slayer is back. What ID Software has done with the Doom franchise since 2016 has been nothing short of perfect and I expect nothing less from the latest entry.
3. Avowed
Obsidian’s second game on my list and one that seems to get better with every showing. After being lucky enough to spend some time with a preview build, I am more than happy to say that this is shaping up to be an excellent RPG set in a fantastic world that is chock full of what makes Obsidian games great, namely wonderful writing and engaging systems. Avowed is sure to keep RPG fans like myself happy for some time to come.
2. Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii
GORO MAJIMA!!! That is all I need to say to get Yakuza fans excited and finally, we are getting a whole new game based on the Mad Dog of Kamurocho’s exploits. It seems Majima has lost his memory so decides to take up a life of piracy. Not the strangest idea in the Like a Dragon universe, but one that has immediate potential. At this point this franchise can do no wrong for me and I expect that trend will continue with Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii.
1. Fable
A new Fable has been on my wish list for years now and we are so close that I can smell it. It looks like Microsoft and Playground have nailed the tone now the bigger challenge is to bring the gameplay, concepts and feel of the classic titles into the modern age. I have faith and that is why it is my most anticipated game for 2025
So that concludes Matt’s list of their most anticipated games of 2025. What are some of yours? Hit us up via social media to let us know what games you are keen on in 2025!
