The year 2025 is shaping up to be a monumental one for the gaming industry, with a lineup of highly anticipated titles set to redefine the landscape of interactive entertainment. From long-awaited sequels to groundbreaking new IPs, gamers worldwide are buzzing with excitement about what’s on the horizon. If you’re wondering, “What big game is coming in 2025?”—you’ve come to the right place.
This article dives deep into the most significant video game releases slated for 2025, offering detailed insights into release dates, platforms, and what makes each title a must-play. Let’s explore the biggest games of 2025 that are poised to dominate the charts and capture players’ imaginations.
Why 2025 Is a Landmark Year for Gaming
Before we dive into the specifics, it’s worth noting why 2025 is generating so much hype. The gaming industry is at a pivotal moment: current-generation consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S are hitting their stride, while Nintendo is gearing up to launch its next-generation console, the Nintendo Switch 2.
Add to that the promise of cutting-edge PC titles and the resurgence of beloved franchises, and you’ve got a recipe for one of the most exciting years in gaming history. Whether you’re a fan of open-world adventures, strategic masterpieces, or action-packed shooters, 2025 has something big in store.
The Biggest Games Coming in 2025
Here’s a detailed rundown of the most anticipated video games confirmed or expected to launch in 2025. These titles are generating massive buzz across platforms like PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and PC.
1. Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA 6)
- Release Window: Fall 2025 (TBC)
- Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S (PC release likely later)
- Developer: Rockstar Games
- Genre: Open-World Action-Adventure
Arguably the most anticipated game of the decade, Grand Theft Auto VI is set to take players back to the neon-soaked streets of Vice City in a fictional state called Leonida (Rockstar’s take on Florida). Following the record-breaking success of GTA V—the second best-selling game of all time—expectations are sky-high.
The first trailer, released in December 2023, introduced Lucia, a female protagonist, and showcased a vibrant, chaotic world filled with crime, alligators, and social media satire. While Rockstar has a history of delays, the current target is Fall 2025. If it hits that window, GTA 6 could easily become the best-selling game of the year—and possibly the decade.
Why It’s Big: With a 12-year gap since GTA V, unparalleled hype, and Rockstar’s reputation for delivering expansive, immersive worlds, GTA 6 is the game to watch in 2025.
2. Monster Hunter Wilds
- Release Date: February 27, 2025
- Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC
- Developer: Capcom
- Genre: Action RPG
Capcom’s Monster Hunter series has been a global phenomenon since Monster Hunter: World in 2018, and Monster Hunter Wilds promises to elevate the franchise to new heights. Set in a dynamic, living ecosystem, this title introduces seamless open-world hunting, massive monsters, and enhanced multiplayer features.
Players will wield an arsenal of weapons to take down colossal beasts, crafting gear from their remains in true Monster Hunter fashion. Early previews highlight improved combat fluidity and a vibrant world teeming with ecological detail.
Why It’s Big: With its February release, Monster Hunter Wilds is poised to kick off 2025 with a bang, appealing to both series veterans and newcomers hungry for cooperative action.
3. Metroid Prime 4: Beyond
- Release Window: 2025 (TBC)
- Platforms: Nintendo Switch (and likely Nintendo Switch 2)
- Developer: Retro Studios
- Genre: First-Person Action-Adventure
After years of development challenges and a full reboot in 2019, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is finally set to arrive in 2025. Revealed during a Nintendo Direct in 2024, this long-awaited sequel follows galactic bounty hunter Samus Aran on a new mission filled with exploration, combat, and mystery.
The game’s stunning visuals and atmospheric design make it a potential flagship title for the Nintendo Switch—or its successor, the Switch 2, which is expected to launch in 2025 with backwards compatibility.
Why It’s Big: A 17-year wait since Metroid Prime 3, combined with Nintendo’s knack for delivering polished experiences, makes this a defining moment for Switch owners.
4. Pokémon Legends: Z-A
- Release Window: 2025 (TBC)
- Platforms: Nintendo Switch (and likely Nintendo Switch 2)
- Developer: Game Freak
- Genre: Open-World Action RPG
Following the success of Pokémon Legends: Arceus, Game Freak is taking players back to the Kalos region (from Pokémon X and Y) with Pokémon Legends: Z-A. This open-world action RPG promises a fresh take on the franchise, focusing on the urban redevelopment of Lumiose City and the mysterious Mega Evolution mechanic. With improved visuals and gameplay refinements, it’s a bold step forward for Pokémon fans eager for innovation.
Why It’s Big: Pokémon’s consistent sales power (millions of copies per release) and the promise of a next-gen experience make this a standout title for 2025.
5. Death Stranding 2: On The Beach
- Release Window: 2025 (TBC)
- Platforms: PlayStation 5 (PC release likely later)
- Developer: Kojima Productions
- Genre: Action / Open-World Adventure
Hideo Kojima’s genre-defying vision continues with Death Stranding 2: On The Beach. Building on the original’s surreal narrative and “strand-type” gameplay, this sequel follows Sam Porter Bridges (Norman Reedus) on a new journey across a hauntingly beautiful world. Expect mind-bending storytelling, cinematic visuals, and innovative mechanics that blur the line between game and art.
Why It’s Big: Kojima’s cult following and the original’s critical acclaim ensure this will be a major talking point in 2025.
6. Civilization VII
- Release Date: February 11, 2025
- Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, PC
- Developer: Firaxis Games
- Genre: Turn-Based Strategy
The legendary Civilization series returns with Civilization VII, promising a fresh take on the strategy formula that has captivated players for decades. Key innovations include independent civilizations and leaders, evolving empires across historical ages, and enhanced multiplayer options.
Whether you’re conquering the world or building a peaceful utopia, Civ VII aims to keep you hooked for hundreds of hours.
Why It’s Big: With its early 2025 release and a passionate fanbase, Civ VII is set to dominate the strategy genre.
7. Assassin's Creed Shadows
- Release Date: March 20, 2025
- Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC
- Developer: Ubisoft Quebec
- Genre: Open-World Action RPG
Set in feudal Japan during the Sengoku period, Assassin’s Creed Shadows introduces dual protagonists: Naoe, a stealthy shinobi, and Yasuke, a historical African samurai. This long-requested setting blends breathtaking visuals with refined stealth and combat mechanics, offering players two distinct playstyles in a sprawling open world.
Why It’s Big: Japan’s rich history and Ubisoft’s knack for expansive RPGs make this a top contender for 2025.
8. Doom: The Dark Ages
- Release Date: May 15, 2025
- Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC
- Developer: id Software
- Genre: First-Person Shooter
The Doom Slayer returns in Doom: The Dark Ages, a prequel that blends medieval brutality with the series’ signature fast-paced gunplay. Featuring new weapons, monstrous enemies, and semi-open-world areas, this installment explores the origins of the iconic hero. id Software’s mastery of visceral action ensures it’ll be a adrenaline-pumping hit.
Why It’s Big: Doom’s legacy and a May release slot position it as a summer blockbuster for shooter fans.
9. Borderlands 4
- Release Window: 2025 (TBC)
- Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC
- Developer: Gearbox Software
- Genre: Looter Shooter
The chaotic, loot-filled world of Borderlands returns with Borderlands 4. Promising more outrageous weapons, irreverent humor, and co-op mayhem, this sequel aims to build on the franchise’s massive fanbase. Details are scarce, but Gearbox’s track record suggests another wild ride.
Why It’s Big: With a dedicated community and a knack for replayability, Borderlands 4 is a safe bet for 2025 success.
10. Elden Ring Nightreign
- Release Date: May 15, 2025
- Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC
- Developer: FromSoftware
- Genre: Co-op Action RPG
FromSoftware expands the Elden Ring universe with Elden Ring Nightreign, a standalone co-op spin-off. Featuring procedurally generated areas, customizable characters, and intense boss battles, it offers a faster-paced take on the acclaimed formula. Whether solo or with a team, this promises to satisfy Soulslike fans.
Why It’s Big: Elden Ring’s monumental success ensures this spin-off will draw huge crowds in 2025.
Honorable Mentions: Other Big Games to Watch
- Fable (2025, Xbox Series X|S, PC) – A whimsical reboot of the beloved RPG series.
- South of Midnight (April 15, 2025, Xbox Series X|S, PC) – A folklore-inspired action-adventure.
- Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater (August 28, 2025, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC) – A faithful remake of the stealth classic.
- Little Nightmares 3 (2025, Multiplatform) – A chilling new chapter in the horror series.
- Ghost of Yōtei (2025, PlayStation 5) – A spiritual successor to Ghost of Tsushima.
What Makes These Games Stand Out?
The 2025 lineup isn’t just about big names—it’s about innovation, nostalgia, and scale. Titles like GTA 6 and Monster Hunter Wilds push technical boundaries with massive worlds and refined gameplay, while Metroid Prime 4 and Pokémon Legends: Z-A tap into decades of fan loyalty. Meanwhile, new hardware like the Nintendo Switch 2 could amplify these experiences, making 2025 a turning point for the industry.