We may only be in the 2nd month of 2025 but one of the biggest and most anticipated games of the year has already been released. And a load more are just around the corner. With a mixture of big AAA-style releases and some more unknown titles, here are some of our most anticipated games coming up this year.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2
I just mentioned that one huge game has already come out and it’s this one. Kingdom Come Deliverance gained an extremely passionate fan base that slowly grew over time. Despite its quirks and issues, the first was a fantastic RPG that didn’t rely on magic or fantasy elements. Instead placing you in the shoes of a normal guy, Henry. The sequel looks to build on everything that the first game did. It’s fair to say that based on the reviews we’ve seen, it has succeeded. Now, I just need to clear some backlog so I can play it.
Avowed
February is looking stacked for great games this year, and another releasing pretty soon is Obsidian’s latest RPG adventure Avowed. I wasn’t really paying much attention to Avowed until the previews came along a couple of months ago. They showed a decent amount of the early game and I have to say it looked fantastic. The exploration looks rewarding and fun. The environments look beautiful.
I actually like that it’s not claiming to be a massive game too. Sure it looks big with lots to do but not an overwhelming amount. Sometimes a slightly more streamlined game is much more appreciated. Additionally, it’s coming to Gamepass which makes it super accessible for so many. I can’t wait to jump in.
Den of Wolves
10 Chambers cooked hard with GTFO. It was hard as nails at times, scary, fun, and unique. It’s probably fair to say that it was quite a niche game but it certainly had a dedicated fan base.
Den of Wolves is the next title from 10 Chambers and its slick stylish reveal trailers show an evolution of the GTFO formula. Moving to a heist-style game more akin to something like Payday. Operating as criminals for hire, you will infiltrate mega-corporations to carry out various “unauthorized errands”. This techno-thriller co-op heist game is looking amazing.
Arc Raiders
I’ll be honest after spending probably close to 3 years playing a load of extraction shooters – mostly during the lockdown era. I haven’t properly played one in well over a year. I tried Arena Breakout, and it was okay. I couldn’t get into it though. However, each Arc Raiders playtest I’ve been involved in I have always been left wanting more. It’s a little more casual feeling than the others – probably, in part, down to the 3rd person camera. Everything I’ve seen and tried has been excellent.
The setting is amazing, the visuals look beautiful and the gameplay is fun and approachable. I’m super interested to see the future of Arc Raiders. I just hope that the decision to go for a fully paid model rather than F2P doesn’t send it down the Concord path.
Lost Records: Bloom & Rage
It’s been a long while since I’ve played any kind of ‘coming of age’ teen angsty drama from the likes of DON’T NOD. However, I think Lost Records: Bloom & Rage might be where I jump back in. I have this weird nostalgia for retro vibes in media and this game is looking like an excellent throwback with a good ol’ mystery thrown in. If we get DON’T NOD at their best then this could be a really amazing game.
Exodus
There isn’t really a lot known about Exodus, but there is already a lot of hype around it. This doesn’t mean it will be good. But I’m hopeful that we might get the next Mass Effect.
“Having fled a dying Earth, humanity has found a new home in a hostile galaxy. Here, we are the underdogs, fighting our final battle for survival. You are the Traveler, humanity’s last hope.“
Sounds pretty cool to me! But also a lot like Mass Effect. I’m not sure it will actually come out this year. However, I hope we at least get to hear a lot more about the game and see some gameplay.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
Some of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 looks mad but in the best kind of way. The turn-based RPG looks incredible with stunning details in the world design, characters, and animations.
Once a year, the Paintress wakes and paints upon her monolith. Paints her cursed number. And every one of that age turns to smoke and fades away. This is where you come in. You’ll be leading members of Expedition 33 on their quest to destroy the Paintress so that she can never paint death again.
Fable 4
Fable 4 is another I’m not sure we will see in 2025, although I would absolutely love to. It’s been far too long since we’ve had a Fable game. Honestly, I just can’t wait to dive back into that world. The previous games were all so full of charm, wit, and character. They were a joy to play. Despite being announced 4 years ago, we still don’t really know a lot about the game. Surely we’re due something soon?
Tales of the Shire
A cosy life-sim set in Hobbiton? Yes, please. Create your own delightfully comfy Hobbit house, get to know the locals, and help them with tasks, keep your pantry stocked with delicious treats. It all sounds wonderful. I can’t wait to get to explore the shire and discover all of its secrets and beautiful spots.
Eriksholm: The Stolen Dream
Real-time-tactics stealth games can be a bit niche. However, Mimimi games carved out a brilliant section for themselves and pretty much cemented themselves as the modern masters. But since they wrapped up on making any more, there is room for someone new. River End Games are looking to step into the genre with the stunning-looking Eriksholm: The Stolen Dream. This narrative-driven stealth game puts you in the shoes of Hanna in search of her brother who disappeared under mysterious circumstances.
The city of Eriksholm looks amazing, and I’ve always been a big fan of this genre right the way back to the original Commandos games. This one is shaping up very nicely.
-Will
