Sportskeeda’s picks for the best games of 2025 may seem a bit unrelated, although the term itself has become very controversial in recent years. The last twelve months have seen many ups and downs for the industry. With layoffs and AI still looming, gamers were also treated to titles like Clair Obscur Expedition 33 and Kingdom Come Deliverance 2.
Clair Obscur Expedition 33’s win at The Game Awards 2025 also perfectly echoes Baldur’s Gate 3 director Swen Vincke’s prophecy at TGA 2024. Sportskeeda Gaming’s top picks for 2025 span genres and styles, aiming to capture the best of the year.
Chiaroscuro: Expedition 33
- Promoter: Interactive sandfall
- Platforms: PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox Series X|S
“Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is more than a game; it is an interactive gallery, every moment a carefully curated exhibition showcasing the profound artistry of virtual worlds. From hand-crafted landscapes to a story tackling deep themes of loss and grief, followed by a set of stellar compositions, the game makes for a memorable experience. – Sportskeeda Review.
In Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, you are tasked with helping the members of Expedition 33 in their fight against the Painter. There are multiple playable characters, with different skill trees and weapons. It boasts of an excellent art style and world design that will surely leave you wanting to know more.
ARC Raiders
- Promoter: Onboard the studios
- Platforms: PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox Series X|S
“In every way, ARC Raiders feels more like a way of life than just a game, and coming from a pull-and-shoot shooter, that seems like a shock to me. Each map is like a place burned into your memory forever, and there are more to come. I’ve done my best to find cracks in a perfect work of art, and there may be, but they’ve escaped my eyes. As a result, I’m back at my desk every day, exploring the rust belts and waiting to see what more this world has to offer. – Sportskeeda Review.
ARC Raiders has been all the rage since its release in October. With a current all-time high of 481,996 concurrent Steam players, ARC Raiders has been one of the most popular multiplayer titles among gamers, recently voted this year’s Best Multiplayer Title at The Game Awards 2025. And if you’re having trouble, check out our beginner’s guide.
Kingdom Come Deliverance 2
- Promoter: War Horse Studios
- Platforms: PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox Series X|S
“Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 felt like one of those rare experiences that leaves a deep mark. It features a highly optimized engine, coupled with extraordinary gameplay elements and an exceptional narrative that continually improves over time, making for an experience that almost seems too good to be real.” – Sportskeeda Review.
Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 builds on what its predecessor has already achieved, while delivering expanded role-playing mechanics and a visually impressive world to explore.
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach
- Promoter: Kojima Productions
- Platforms: PlayStation 5
“Death Stranding 2 builds on the gameplay and world-building of its predecessor and does a perfect job of kicking it up a few notches without making it the same. Yet DS2 also stands out with its own identity – with the story it tells, the theme it explores, and the way it sets up the future of the series (if Kojima Productions decides to pursue one).” – Sportskeeda Review.
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach continues the story from which the first title ended. There is another continent to connect to the chiral network while facing the looming threat of the Higgs.
Blue Prince
- Promoter: Dogubombe
- Platforms: PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox Series X|S, macOS
Blue Prince is a first-person puzzle game that has caught the attention of the gaming community. You play as Simon P. Jones as he explores his late great-uncle’s mansion, the Mt. Holly Estate, and searches for the 46th room. We won’t spoil any more, go take a look!
Hades 2
- Promoter: supergiant games
- Platforms: Windows, Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2, macOS
Hades 2 continues the roguelike Dungeon Crawler roots of the first title, with players controlling Melinoe, Princess of the Underworld, this time as she battles Chronos, the Time Titan. A working knowledge of Greek mythology will especially help you appreciate the relationships and conversations between the game’s various characters.
Shipping
- Promoter: Ad hoc studio
- Platforms: PlayStation 5, Windows, Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2
The episodic adventure game is a workplace superhero comedy in which you can choose different dialogue options and change the story. The game shines with its writing and vibrant art style, the former particularly ensuring that Dispatch feels fresh and funny. The developers describe the gameplay as managing a “dysfunctional team of misfit heroes” as you decide how to respond to the city’s emergencies and with whom.
Divided fiction
- Promoter: Hazelight Studios
- Platforms: PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2
Divided fiction is THE cooperative game to try if you’re looking for something to play with a friend. You play as Mio or Zoe, authors trapped in the world of their creations. The goal is to escape. The level design is top-notch and you will thoroughly enjoy the journey with your gaming partner. If you are facing difficulty somewhere, check out our top 5 tips and tricks for Split Fiction guide.
Despelote
- Promoter: Julian Cordero, Sebastián Valbuena
- Platforms: PlayStation 4 and 5, Windows, Xbox One and Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, macOS
Despelote is described as a first-person title that is narrative-driven. The gmae takes place in Quito as Ecaudor attempts to qualify for the 2002 FIFA World Cup. With a ball at your feet, you can interact with other characters, find out how they feel as the country attempts to qualify, and much more. The game’s unique art style and approach to storytelling will surely catch your attention.
Song of the Hollow Knight’s Silk
- Promoter: Cherry Team
- Platforms: PlayStation 4 and 5, Windows, Xbox One and Series X|S, Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2, Linux, macOS
“Hollow Knight Silksong is a master class in how to create a sequel that not only honors its predecessor, but also redefines it. Team Cherry took the essence of Hollow Knight’s intricate design, punishing combat, and deep world-building, then expanded it all into something far more ambitious. Pharloom is both a nightmare and a dream to explore, filled with countless secrets, deadly encounters, and moments of wonder that will stay with you long after you’ve put down the controller. ” – Sportskeeda Review.
Hollow Knight: Silksong is real and was finally released in 2025. Play as Hornet again and face the kingdom of Pharloom, which is under the spell of “Haunting”. The sequel will appeal to both fans of the first title and newcomers, enticing with a gorgeous art style and challenging gameplay.
Silent Hill
- Promoter: Entertainment NeoBards
- Platforms: PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox Series X|S
“Silent Hill f feels like both a return and a new beginning for the series. Instead of relying solely on scares, it tries to build tension with its eerily calm, creepy atmosphere and ambient noises. There’s a strange beauty in the way it can unsettle you, keeping you in suspense while drawing you into the rural streets and fields of Ebisugaoka. Silent Hill f is by far the best horror game in 2025. It’s a masterfully crafted horror experience and a reminder of why the Silent Hill franchise has always stood out in the genre.” – Sportskeeda Review.
A spin-off from the iconic franchise, Silent Hill is a hit with survival horror fans. Your goal is to uncover the mystery that lies in Hinako’s hometown, Ebisugaoka.
This concludes Sportskeeda Gaming’s top picks for 2025. With big hitters like GTA 6 arriving in 2026, we can hopefully look forward to an exciting year for video games.
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Edited by Angshuman Dutta
