Best games of 2025 (Sportskeeda Gaming picks)

Sportskeeda's picks for the best games of 2025 can come off a bit indie-heavy, although the term itself has become hotly contested in recent years. The past twelve months have seen a lot of ups and downs for the industry. While layoffs and AI still loomed above, 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 echoed 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 very best the year had to offer.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 (Image via Sandfall Interactive)

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

• Developer: Sandfall Interactive
• Platforms: PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox Series X|S

"Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is more than a game; it's an interactive gallery, each moment a carefully curated exhibit showcasing the profound artistry of virtual worlds. From handcrafted landscapes to a story tackling the profound themes of loss and grief, followed by a stellar set of compositions, the game makes for a memorable experience." - Sportskeeda Review.

In Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, you are tasked to help the Expedition 33 members as they battle the Paintress. There are multiple playable characters, with varying skill trees and weapons. It boasts of excellent art style and world design that will surely keep you wanting more.

ARC Raiders (Image via Embark Studios)

ARC Raiders

• Developer: Embark Studios
• Platforms: PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox Series X|S

"In every aspect, ARC Raiders feels more like a way of living than just a game, and coming from an extraction shooter, that feels like a shock to me. Every single map is like a place etched in your memories forever, and there is more to come. I tried my best to unearth cracks in a perfect piece of art, and there might be some, but they escaped my eyes. Hence, I'm back on 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 ever since it released in October. With a current all-time peak of 481,996 concurrent Steam players, ARC Raiders has been one of the most popular multiplayer titles among players, recently adjudicated as this year's best multiplayer title at the Game Awards 2025. And if you are struggling, check out our beginner guide.

Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 (Image via Deep Silver)

Kingdom Come Deliverance 2

• Developer: Warhorse Studios
• Platforms: PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox Series X|S

"Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 felt like one of those rare experiences that leave a deep mark. It boasts a highly optimized engine, coupled with extraordinary gameplay elements and an exceptional narrative that continuously improves over time, making it an experience that seems almost too good to be real." - Sportskeeda Review.

Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 builds on what its predecessor already achieved, while providing extensive role-playing mechanics and a visually impressive world to explore.

Death Stranding 2 (Image via Kojima Productions)

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach

• Developer: Kojima Productions
• Platforms: PlayStation 5

"Death Stranding 2 builds on the gameplay and world-building of its predecessor and does a perfect job of taking it up a few notches without making it just the same. Yet, DS2 also stands out with an identity of its own - with the story it tells, the theme it explores, and how 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 tale from where the first title ended. There's another continent to connect to the chiral network while dealing with the looming threat of Higgs.

Blue Prince (Image via Dogubomb)

Blue Prince

• Developer: Dogubomb
• Platforms: PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox Series X|S, macOS

Blue Prince is a first-person puzzle game that 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 further, go check it out!

Hades 2 (Image via Supergiant Games)

Hades 2

• Developer: Supergiant Games
• Platforms: Windows, Nintendo Switch & Nintendo Switch 2, macOS

Hades 2 continues the roguelike dungeon crawler roots of the first title, with players controlling Melinoe, the princess of the Underworld, this time around as she fights Chronos, the Titan of Time. A working knowledge of the Greek mythology will especially help you enjoy the relationships and conversations between the different characters in the game.

Dispatch (Image via AdHoc Studio)

Dispatch

• Developer: AdHoc Studio
• Platforms: PlayStation 5, Windows, Nintendo Switch & Nintendo Switch 2

The episodic adventure game is a superhero workplace comedy where you can choose different dialogue options and change the story. The game shines through its writing and vibrant artstyle, the former especially ensuring that Dispatch feels fresh and funny. The developers describe the gameplay as managing "a dysfunctional team of misfit heroes" while you are deciding how to respond to city emergencies and with whom.

Split Fiction (Image via AdHoc Studio)

Split Fiction

• Developer: Hazelight Studios
• Platforms: PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2

Split Fiction is the co-op game for you to try out if you are looking for something to play with a friend. You play as either Mio or Zoe, authors who got trapped within 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 struggling anywhere, check out our 5 best tips and tricks for Split Fiction guide.

Despelote (Image via Panic)

Despelote

• Developer: Julian Cordero, Sebastian Valbuena
• Platforms: PlayStation 4 & 5, Windows, Xbox One & Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, macOS

Despelote is described as a slice-of-life 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, learn about what they feel as the country attempts to qualify, and more. The game's unique art style and approach to storytelling will surely catch your eye.

Hollow Knight Silksong (Image via Team Cherry)

Hollow Knight Silksong

• Developer: Team Cherry
• Platforms: PlayStation 4 & 5, Windows, Xbox One & Series X|S, Nintendo Switch & Nintendo Switch 2, Linux, macOS

"Hollow Knight Silksong is a masterclass in how to build a sequel that not only honors its predecessor but also redefines it. Team Cherry has taken the essence of Hollow Knight's intricate design, punishing combat, and deep world-building, then expanded all of it into something far more ambitious. Pharloom is both a nightmare and a dream to explore, filled with countless secrets, deadly encounters, and moments of awe that will stay with you long after you put the controller down." - Sportskeeda Review.

Hollow Knight: Silksong is real and it finally released in 2025. Play as Hornet once again as you tackle the kingdom of Pharloom, which is under the spell of the "Haunting". The sequel will cater to both fans of the first title and newcomers, enticing with beautiful art style and challenging gameplay.

Silent Hill F (Image via Konami)

Silent Hill f

• Developer: NeoBards Entertainment
• Platforms: PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox Series X|S

"Silent Hill f feels both like a return and a fresh start for the series. Instead of relying on only jump scares, it tries to build the tension with its eerily quiet and creepy atmosphere and the ambient noises. There is a strange beauty in the way it can unsettle you, keeping you on the edge of your seat while pulling you into the rural streets and fields of Ebisugaoka. Silent Hill f is easily the best horror game of 2025. It's a masterfully crafted horror experience and a reminder of why the Silent Hill franchise always stood apart in the genre." - Sportskeeda Review.

A spinoff of the iconic franchise, Silent Hill f hit the mark with the survival horror afficianados. Your goal is to uncover the mystery that lies within Hinako's hometown, Ebisugaoka.

---

This wraps up Sportskeeda Gaming's top picks for 2025. With heavy hitters like GTA 6 arriving in 2026, we can look forward to hopefully an exciting year for video games.

Are you stuck on today's Wordle? Our Wordle Solver will help you find the answer.

Edited by Angshuman Dutta