At first glance, you would think that 2025 looks like another lean year for games. But that couldn’t be further away from the truth. The truth is that most game publishers are waiting for the official release date for Grand Theft Auto 6 to drop. Most know that any large game released remotely close to it will have all the wind taken out of their sails. This is not an opinion, it is a fact. But smaller games do not share that concern as their audiences will support them, even if they release relatively close to the monster.
For this list, the Sirus team picked out 25 games we are looking forward to the most this year. Though many games on this list are expected to be from the cream of the crop, some may surprise us as sleeper hits.
Erickson’s Picks
Mafia: Old Country
Platforms: PlayStation, Xbox, PC
Release date: Summer 2025
Mafia: Old Country is an upcoming action-adventure game set in the birthplace of the Italian mafia, Sicily, well before the events of the first Mafia game. Players take control of Enzo Favara as he fights to stay alive during a turbulent time in Silicy’s history.
As of the writing of this article, we don’t have anything to go on beyond an overview trailer and a few cinematics. We also don’t know how the Salieri or Morello crime families are connected to The Old Country but we assume that there will be cameos from much younger versions of characters first introduced in the original Mafia game. I’m excited for this game’s release because I know that Hangar 13 will do right by Mafia fans. The devs handled Mafia: Definitive Edition with as much care and respect to the source material, and I do not doubt that they will do so again with this sequel prequel.
Tempest Rising
Platforms: PC
Release date: April 24, 2025
Tempest Rising is an upcoming RTS greatly inspired by the great RTSs of the late 90s and early 2000s. Just one look at it and you are already reminded of Command & Conquer but with a new coat of paint.
2025 is a crazy year for RTS games and I am excited for this one the most. I’ve been keeping track of the game’s development for some time now and I was impressed with what I saw from playtests and previews from people I follow in the RTS space.
Mecha Break
Platforms: PlayStation, Xbox, PC
Release date: 2025
Mecha Break is my most anticipated game in 2025. It is essentially a PvPvE third-person shooter mech hero shooter in the style of Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon. Players are expected to work as a team to take down enemy pilots while completing a set of objectives.
I was already hooked on the game when I participated in the closed beta last year. My only regret was not putting more hours into the chaotic PvP game modes before the test servers shut down. Aside from the multiplayer game modes, I’ve heard that it will be released in a full single-player campaign mode. I’m already sold, so anything more is icing at this point.
Lost in Random: The Eternal Die
Platforms: PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, Xbox, PC
Release date: 2025
Lost in Random: The Eternal Die is the sequel to 2021’s Lost in Random. The game itself moves away from its action-adventure deckbuilder roots and instead embraces gameplay seen in action rogue-likes. It follows the story of Aleksandra, the evil queen from the first game, as she sets off on a journey of revenge on those who lied about saving her sister.
I absolutely loved the Nightmare Before Christmas vibes of the first game and I can’t wait to go back and explore the Realms of Random again. And I don’t have much more to talk about.
[Random Rules!]
FBC: Firebreak
Platforms: PlayStation, Xbox, PC
Release date: 2025
FBC: Firebreak is an upcoming 3-player co-op FPS set in the enigmatic world that is the Federal Bureau of Control (FBC). The Oldest House, the Bureau’s headquarters is again under siege by extra-dimensional forces. And it is up to Firebreak, the bureau’s most experienced response unit, to restore order to the chaos.
As someone who loves going into random Warhammer: 40,000 Darktide games here and there, I feel that FBC: Firebreak is a natural pick for me. I hope it doesn’t end up becoming as difficult as GTFO.
Jarren’s Picks
Dying Light The Beast
Platforms: PlayStation, Xbox, PC
Release date: Summer 2025
Dying Light The Beast is a zombie game that offers its own iconic spin on the genre by introducing parkour as a mechanic. We finally get to see the return of Kyle Crane and explore what happened to him ever since the zombie outbreak in Harran.
I was never a fan of how Techland took away guns for the second game in favor of a more medieval post-apocalyptic zombie experience. They eventually did add them back but lacked the notable features such as surrendering enemies. This time, we seem to get it back naturally which opens up diverse options for how we want to play. I’m excited to see what dangers Techland has in store for us this time. Running around the rooftops of buildings and teetering at the edges of a fatal fall has never felt so badass.
What really interests me the most is the direction the story seems to be heading. Crane was always altruistic but the titular beast inside him seems to have taken a toll in his psyche. The trailer shows us him taking down elite soldiers sent after him in a Predator-like fashion and I can’t wait to see that incorporated into gameplay.
The Outer Worlds 2
Platforms: PlayStation, Xbox, PC
Release date: 2025
The Outer Worlds 2 is a game that wears its influences on its sleeve and clearly doesn’t take itself too seriously. I’ve been a fan of Obsidian Entertainment ever since New Vegas and can’t wait to pick which factions I like, characters I’m fond of, and what character I ultimately want to be. The tongue-in-cheek humor that this game clearly has in store will make making multiple playthroughs amusing and entertaining.
Ever since Starfield, I longed for a space game that didn’t bore me with all. And The Outer Worlds 2 is an experience I’m confident will have me laughing out loud and invested in each story it’s trying to tell. It’s time to explore this parody of capitalism again and shoot everyone I don’t like in the face. Or talk them to death.
Kim’s Picks
Grand Theft Auto 6
Platforms: PlayStation, Xbox
Release date: Q3/Q4 2025
GTA 6 has been a long time coming, and from what we’ve seen so far, it looks like Rockstar is ready to blow our minds again. GTA 6 is the return to Vice City, but better. Vice City is back, and it’s more beautiful than ever. Rockstar’s blending nostalgia with modern upgrades and familiar landmarks from the original Vice City. It’s like stepping into an old memory, but completely reimagined. Oh, and there’s wildlife! Flamingos, crocodiles, and even sharks, there’s so much happening in this game and I can’t even start counting. Rockstar’s adding a layer of modernity to the chaos. Social media and viral culture seem to play a big role, poking fun at influencer lifestyles. Rockstar’s humor is in play as GTA 6 takes aim at influencer culture, and just the general absurdity of life overall. It’s all tied together with Rockstar’s knack for blending parody with biting commentary.
Also, I spent a huge chunk of my time in GTA 5 collecting (stealing) cars, because, well, isn’t that the title of the game after all? Kidding aside, in GTA 6, vehicle customization is getting a major upgrade! Imagine, you’ll be able to trick your way out with cars with vinyl wraps, custom paint jobs, and so much more.
The story also feels fresh with Lucia and her partner as the new protagonists. From the trailer, you can tell this game is diving into themes of love, trust, and betrayal, classic Rockstar storytelling. But I’m not just looking forward to the story, I also can’t wait to see what Rockstar does with GTA 6 Online. Exploring this massive map, pulling off heists, and causing chaos with friends sounds like an absolute blast. The possibilities for new multiplayer modes, features, and customizations are endless. I just wish Rockstar would give us a solid release date already. And for me, the chance to team up with friends in GTA 6 Online is the cherry on top.
Monster Hunter Wilds
Platforms: PlayStation, Xbox, PC
Release date: February 28, 2025
Imagine hunting in a place where monsters don’t just roam, they live. In Monster Hunter Wilds, the world is its own ecosystem. Predators hunt prey, weather shifts, and even the time of day affects how creatures behave. It’s not just a game, it’s an adventure where the environment itself feels alive and unpredictable. Yes, the developers of Monster Hunter Wilds have emphasized the game’s dynamic and immersive ecosystem in several interviews.
Producer Ryozo Tsujimoto highlighted the focus on the ever-changing climate of the natural world, aiming to incorporate both the richness and harshness of nature into the game. Director Yuya Tokuda also mentioned that the ecosystem is consistently maintained, with the world evolving even when players return to base, ensuring a persistent and living environment.
They’re leveling things up with mechanics that make hunting smarter, not harder. For example, Focus Mode lets you pinpoint monster weak spots, while the new Wound System rewards targeting injuries during fights. And the Hook Slinger? It’s a game-changer for mobility, it’s an improved version of the Clutch Claw from Monster Hunter World that you can use to grab items, swing over terrain, and even mess with the environment. It’s about giving you more control and making every hunt feel fresh.
And for the first time, your Hunter and their Palico companions have voices and personalities. There’s an actual story here, with a focus on a boy named Nata and the mysterious “White Wraith.” It’s all tied into this forbidden land you’re exploring, which adds emotional weight to the adventure. I am very excited to see how all of this will unfold.
Conrad’s Picks
Marvel 1943 Rise of Hydra
Platforms: PlayStation, Xbox, PC
Release date: 2025
Marvel Rise of Hydra centers around the story of Captain America during World War II. He is joined by Azzuri, The Black Panther of the 1940s, as they team up against a common enemy. Alongside sidekicks Gabriel Jones, of the Howling Commandos, and Nanali, a Wakandan Spy, they must save Paris from the sinister plot of the Nazi division known as Hydra.
Among the big Marvel games to be released this year, I am excited for this one as we are getting for the 1st time in over 10 years a new Captain America & Black Panther game. Since its announcement last year, I have been waiting for more news about it and I recently saw mostly leaks and rumors. Though there is no possibility of a new gameplay trailer anytime soon, I am hoping that the developers behind them will give gamers a chance to know what to expect and hope to deliver a game worth investing.
Arknights Endfield
Platforms: PlayStation, Mobile, PC
Release date: August 30, 2025
Anknights Endfield is about a protagonist known as the Endministrator. Your role is known as a key guardian who must protect all life and save humanity from multiple disasters. Armed with the mastery over Originium and the Protocol network, along with the Endmin’s need for periodic long-term hibernation, is one of Endfield’s most important secrets.
This game is a real-time 3D RPG with strategic elements by HYPERGRYPH. It has recently launched a beta event where players can test out the game and experience an all-new gaming genre from tower defense to 3rd person shooting game. With a combination of popular characters from the mobile game, they will come to life once more on the next-gen consoles this year.
Legend of Heroes Trails Through Daybreak II
Platforms: PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, PC
Release date: February 14, 2025
The 2nd chapter of Calvard arc will be coming to the West. With newer characters appearing and an improved battle system, the Legend of Heroes series is becoming one of the most popular JRPG series for all consoles. The story of Van Arkride and his allies will face a new challenge. A dark enemy has emerged and for some unknown reasons, looks similar to Grendel form. With the power of his allies and discovering the hidden truths behind the fall of the organization known as Almata, Van will need to use every ounce of his abilities to save Calvard and unlock the truth behind this crimson beast.
As a Kiseki fan, I am glad that this game will launch in the West. With new localization features and a chance to test out the new battle system, this game will truly give rise to a whole new meaning of what JRPG games are. Plus, this will add another new chapter to the Kiseki series and will give me a chance to learn what other lore I can get from this game.
Mon’s Picks
Pokémon Legends: Z-A
Platform: Nintendo Switch
Release date: 2025
Pokémon Legends: Z-A is potentially the first Pokémon game on the Nintendo Switch 2. It feels like a fresh start for the franchise, taking everything we loved about the previous installments like Legends: Arceus and Scarlet/Violet and pushing it further. Hoping that there will be better graphics, a bigger open world, and more Pokémon to discover; it’s shaping up to be exactly what we’ve been hoping for.
This game isn’t just another entry—it’s a glimpse of what Pokémon will be able to offer in the next few years. Are we finally getting the evolution of the series we’ve dreamed of? I couldn’t be more excited to see how far it can go!
Elden Ring Nightreign
Platforms: PlayStation, Xbox, PC
Release date: 2025
I’ll admit, Elden Ring: Nightreign has me nervous but the good kind. FromSoftware absolutely nailed it with Elden Ring, and now they’re raising the stakes with a fully online multiplayer experience. We’re looking at a bigger, more interconnected world, with co-op and PvP that feels like the next step for the series.
There’s so much potential here, and I can’t wait to dive into it with friends—or maybe face them in battle. Nightreign feels like the continuation of everything we loved about the original, and I’m ready to see how it reshapes the genre.
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach
Platform: PlayStation
Release date: 2025
When I heard Hideo Kojima was working on Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, I couldn’t help but get excited. The first game was so unique, and the “strand” system really stuck with me. Now, Kojima’s teasing new mechanics and a deeper story about connection, and I can’t wait to see where he takes us next.
We know Kojima loves surprises and I’m ready for whatever twists and challenges he’s got planned. This sequel feels like it will push boundaries again, and I’m here for every second of it.
Fredo’s Picks
Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound
Platforms: PlayStation, Xbox, PC
Release date: Summer 2025
Ninja Gaiden Ragebound strikes me as an interesting entry considering the fun I had playing the earlier titles, or as much as I could get my hands on them. Ragebound seems like a good return to form from the original side-scrolling hack-and-slash gameplay with more flair that really pulled me in, like the way the original NES trilogy and the SNES remakes did than Ninja Gaiden Sigma did, but it’s still a good pull for the last. I’m not saying it’s a bad run for the series, and I hope it really lives up to how good it showed itself in the trailer.
House of the Dead 2 Remaster
Platforms: PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, Xbox, PC
Release date: Spring 2025
I’ve been playing House of the Dead since the 2000s, having enjoyed the earlier PC ports of 1-3 and my go-to on arcades if they are present, the way things are shaping up, the remake’s on a good path to be as good as the originals, if not better.
For House of the Dead 2 Remake, I expect it to be on par with the original, but with the secret weapons and stuff found in the original PC port’s other mode to be intact where they are. Boss battles should remain as fun as they were, the voice acting as lively as the first game’s remake, and Goldman finally sounds like he IS a fanatic of his own belief that his goals are indeed the right path for humanity.
Leif’s Picks
The Alters
Platforms: PlayStation, Xbox, PC
Release date: March 2025
The Alters is an up-and-coming survival game where the protagonist gets lost in this strange new planet and only has a few days before he can escape the planet or else get destroyed along with it. The most interesting thing about this game is that the protagonist can clone himself so he can delegate his task to his clones.
I love trying out new and interesting games and this one really caught my eye. With tones of space exploration and survival, this is a game I feel like I would truly enjoy. I have played a bit of the demo and it really looks promising.
Ghost of Yotei
Platform: PlayStation
Release date: 2025
Ghost of Yotei is the next game from Sucker Punch that is set in the same world as Ghost of Tsushima. It is not a direct sequel to GoT but instead a whole new story in a new setting.
I really loved the vibrant world of Ghost of Tsushima. It was a living breathing explorable world where every corner awaited an adventure. I cannot wait to see what new things I can explore in Ghost of Yotei.
Lex’s Picks
Civilization 7
Platforms: PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, PC
Release date: February 11, 2025
Ever since my hands-on of Sid Meier’s Civilization 7, I never had enough and I needed to have that “one more turn” mindset. Civilization 7 reforms the entire franchise, and with Sid’s 33/33/33 mantra in developing a sequel, I’m sure fans and newcomers will have a great time with the game. I can’t wait to fully experience Civilization 7 when it comes out!
Split Fiction
Platforms: PlayStation, Xbox, PC
Release date: March 06, 2025
Josef Fares has never failed to amaze me with his creative visions in co-op video games. With the success of A Way Out and the tremendous win of It Takes Two in The Game Awards 2021, Split Fiction surely brings a ton of entertaining aspects that will make the experience of two players memorable.
Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater
Platforms: PlayStation, Xbox, PC
Release date: 2025
As a huge fan of Hideo Kojima’s works in the past. Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater is a remake of the third Metal Gear Solid game that launched in 2004. Snake Eater is probably one of the best Metal Gear Solid games to have ever released. It served to be a prequel to the first Metal Gear Solid game and its fifth mainline release (The Phantom Pain, 2015).
Snake Eater tells the story of the early years of Big Boss. This remake can serve as a starting point to bring the franchise to modern audiences, paving the way for Konami to remake the first and second Metal Gear Solid games.
Little Nightmares III
Platforms: PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, Xbox, PC
Release date: 2025
Little Nightmares always held a special place in my heart. As a platformer puzzle junkie, Tarsier Studios’ horror adventure is filled with abstract, unorthodox eerie-level designs and characters that’ll leave you either terrified or amazed. Its interesting world certainly captured my interest in the franchise since it launched in 2017. With Little Nightmares III’s new co-op feature, it’ll make the adventure even more enjoyable than it was.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC
Release date: March 20, 2025
Set in feudal Japan, Assassin’s Creed: Shadows is Ubisoft’s latest epic. Despite the controversies surrounding the game and its biggest hurdle to at least meet expectations, I do believe Shadows has a lot of potential. As pointed out in my hands-on impressions, Shadows definitely has high points that will make the game a good catch for fans. I can’t wait to play more of Assassin’s Creed: Shadows in March!
DOOM: The Dark Ages
Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC
Release Date: May 15, 2025
DOOM: The Dark Ages will set the world of Hell in more flames as Doom Slayer is back and he looks stronger than ever. Considered to be a prequel to id Software’s DOOM (2016), this tells the tale of the mightiest hero of the world from the codex we’ve read in the first entry of the rebooted franchise. Filled with more action and new ways to kill monstrosities, DOOM: The Dark Ages will fulfill the thirst of killing demons when it comes out on May 15, 2025!
