The games coming out in 2025 are set to redefine the gaming landscape with some of the most anticipated titles in recent history. Finally, after years of waiting, players will get their hands on Grand Theft Auto VI, arguably the most hyped game of the decade.
Beyond the streets of Vice City, 2025 promises an incredible lineup spanning multiple genres. From Death Stranding 2's bizarre new adventure to Monster Hunter Wilds' expansive hunting grounds, and Elden Ring's first major expansion, gamers will have plenty of options to fill their libraries. Additionally, beloved franchises like Assassin's Creed, Metal Gear Solid, and Civilization are all delivering major new entries. Whether you're into open-world adventures, strategic gameplay, or narrative-driven experiences, 2025 is shaping up to be a landmark year that will test both your gaming budget and your free time.
Grand Theft Auto VI
Rockstar's long-awaited crime saga returns with a groundbreaking new chapter that has already broken records for anticipation. The second trailer alone accumulated 90 million views within just 48 hours, demonstrating unprecedented interest in this blockbuster title.
GTA VI game overview
Set in the fictional state of Leonida (Rockstar's version of Florida), GTA VI centers around protagonists Jason and Lucia – a criminal couple with a Bonnie and Clyde-style relationship. Players will explore the neon-soaked streets of Vice City and beyond in what Rockstar describes as "the biggest and most immersive evolution of the franchise's history". The expanded map includes at least five counties and several cities – estimated to be nearly twice the size of GTA V's world.
GTA VI platforms
At launch, GTA VI will be exclusively available on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. PC gamers will likely need to wait, as Rockstar has confirmed making PS5 a priority and focusing on "what sells," suggesting a PC release won't happen for a "long time".
GTA VI release date
Originally targeted for fall 2025, Rockstar has now confirmed GTA VI will release on May 26, 2026. The developer acknowledged the delay, stating: "We hope you understand that we need this extra time to deliver at the level of quality you expect and deserve".
Why GTA VI is a must-play
Beyond its compelling criminal narrative, GTA VI showcases incredible attention to detail – from sweat dripping from characters' bodies to realistic muscle deformations, foaming beer bottles, and individually modeled blades of grass. Moreover, market analysts predict the game will generate over $1 billion in pre-orders alone, potentially setting new sales records for the entertainment industry.
Death Stranding 2: On The Beach
Hideo Kojima's anticipated sequel brings players back to his post-apocalyptic world with Death Stranding 2: On The Beach. Following the critical success of the original, this second installment pushes boundaries even further.
Death Stranding 2 overview
Set 11 months after the original game, players once again control Sam Porter Bridges (Norman Reedus) as he embarks on a mission to connect Australia to the Chiral Network. The journey involves navigating treacherous environments affected by day-night cycles, earthquakes, sandstorms, forest fires, and the age-accelerating Timefall rain. The iconic Social Strand System returns, allowing players to affect each other's worlds asynchronously through collaborative building and resource sharing.
Death Stranding 2 platforms
At launch, the game is exclusively available on PlayStation 5. There are no plans for a PS4 version as the game's advanced graphics target next-gen hardware. However, based on the original game's pattern, a PC port might appear approximately six months after launch.
Death Stranding 2 release date
Death Stranding 2: On The Beach releases on June 26, 2025.
Why Death Stranding 2 stands out
The sequel significantly improves upon its predecessor with expanded combat options, dynamic weather effects, and a more focused, affecting story. Furthermore, the game introduces skill trees and greater flexibility in approach, all while maintaining the unique delivery-focused gameplay that defined the original.
Monster Hunter Wilds
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Capcom's latest entry in their monster-hunting franchise brings an impressive evolution to the series that promises to be one of the standout games coming out in 2025.
Monster Hunter Wilds gameplay
The action role-playing gameplay centers around hunters exploring the Forbidden Lands, a nearly uninhabitable area with multiple biomes and dangerous storms. Players can now carry two weapons simultaneously, swapping between them using their bird-like Seikret mounts. The innovative Focus Mode allows hunters to target specific monster weak points through a wound system, dealing extra damage when hitting these vulnerable areas. Another notable addition is the ability to set up Pop-up Camps within the open world, creating a more seamless hunting experience. Despite being primarily multiplayer-focused, solo players can now summon AI-controlled Support Hunters to assist during difficult encounters.
Monster Hunter Wilds platforms
Monster Hunter Wilds will launch simultaneously on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Windows PC. Notably, this marks the first title in the series to support cross-platform play between all versions, allowing hunters on different systems to join forces regardless of their gaming platform.
Monster Hunter Wilds release date
The game is scheduled for worldwide release on February 28, 2025. An open beta began on October 26, 2024, attracting over 460,000 concurrent players on Steam alone.
Why Monster Hunter Wilds is exciting
Beyond its technical improvements, Monster Hunter Wilds introduces dynamic weather systems called Inclemency that dramatically alter environments during hunts. The game has already broken records, selling 8 million copies within just three days of release, making it Capcom's fastest-selling game to date. Essentially, the combination of fourteen weapon types, phenomenal monster design, and revolutionary gameplay changes creates an experience that builds upon the foundation of previous titles while introducing ambitious new features.
Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater
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After a two-decade wait, Konami's iconic stealth series returns with Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater, a faithful remake poised to introduce a new generation to one of gaming's most celebrated titles.
MGS Delta overview
Metal Gear Solid Delta is a meticulous recreation of the 2004 classic that tells the origin story of Big Boss. Developed using Unreal Engine 5, the remake maintains the original's storyline and game design while delivering stunning visual enhancements. Players can choose between two control styles: a modern over-the-shoulder view or the legacy top-down perspective. The remake retains the original voice acting but modernizes gameplay with quality-of-life improvements like a quick-select menu for camouflage changes without pausing and updated animations throughout.
MGS Delta platforms
The game will launch simultaneously on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam. Physical editions will be available for console players, although PC gamers will only have access to digital copies. PlayStation 5 Pro owners can expect enhanced performance even in Quality Mode, with PSSR technology providing more detailed rendering of the game's lush jungle environments.
MGS Delta release date
Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater will release on August 28, 2025. Nevertheless, players who purchase the Digital Deluxe Edition will gain early access starting August 26. Pre-orders are already available, with the standard edition priced at $69.99/£69.99 and the Digital Deluxe Edition at $79.99/£79.99.
Why MGS Delta is a big deal
Initially released in 2004, Metal Gear Solid 3 is considered one of the best stealth games ever made. The remake faithfully preserves elements that made the original special, including its celebrated storytelling and survival mechanics. Indeed, the game brings back fan-favorite features like the Snake vs. Monkey mode (replaced with a Bomberman crossover on Xbox). Although Hideo Kojima isn't involved in this project, Konami has ensured the remake stays true to his vision while making it accessible to modern audiences.
Avowed
Obsidian Entertainment's first-person fantasy RPG invites players to a mysterious island rife with magic and danger as one of the most anticipated games coming out in 2025.
Avowed game overview
Set in the Living Lands within the fictional world of Eora (first introduced in Pillars of Eternity), players assume the role of an envoy sent to investigate a mysterious plague called the Dreamscourge. Throughout this journey, you'll discover a personal connection to the island and an ancient secret threatening to destroy everything. The game features a mix-and-match combat system allowing players to combine swords, spells, guns, and shields. Unlike its Pillars predecessors, Avowed adopts a classless character system with free-form progression.
Avowed platforms
Upon release, Avowed will be available on Xbox Series X|S and PC (via Windows, Steam, and Battle.net). Consequently, this marks one of the first Xbox first-party titles to be distributed through Blizzard's PC platform. The game is optimized specifically for current-gen hardware, requiring at minimum an AMD Ryzen 5 2600/Intel i5-8400 processor and AMD RX 5700/Nvidia GTX 1070 GPU.
Avowed release date
Avowed launches on February 18, 2025. Even so, players who purchase the Premium Edition ($89.99) gain early access beginning February 13.
Why Avowed is worth watching
Beyond its stunning visuals powered by Unreal Engine 5, Avowed stands out with its companion system featuring unique characters who are deeply integrated into the story rather than optional recruits. The game offers exploration with environmental puzzles, hidden treasures, and choices that genuinely impact the world and its inhabitants.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Ubisoft takes the Assassin's Creed franchise to feudal Japan in Assassin's Creed Shadows, marking the first time players can explore this long-requested setting within the mainline series. This entry stands as one of the most anticipated games coming out in 2025.
AC Shadows setting
Set in 16th century feudal Japan during the Sengoku period, players navigate through historically accurate locations including Edo (modern-day Tokyo) and Kyoto. The game introduces a dual-protagonist system featuring Naoe, a female shinobi assassin, and Yasuke, a historically inspired African samurai. Both characters offer distinct playstyles – Naoe excels at stealth and agility, while Yasuke brings power and direct combat prowess.
AC Shadows platforms
The game will launch across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Next, Ubisoft has confirmed that cloud versions will be available for Nintendo Switch users. PC players can purchase through Ubisoft Connect or the Epic Games Store, with Steam availability coming later.
AC Shadows release date
Assassin's Creed Shadows is scheduled for release on November 15, 2025. Before that, a closed beta test will run in August 2025, accessible to players who pre-order the Gold or Ultimate Editions.
Why AC Shadows is a return to form
After recent RPG-focused entries, Shadows reintroduces core stealth mechanics that defined earlier games. Subsequently, the game emphasizes social stealth, precise assassinations, and parkour navigation. Overall, Ubisoft aims to balance accessibility for newcomers with depth for longtime fans, creating an experience that honors the series' roots while pushing its boundaries in one of the most requested historical settings.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2
Warhorse Studios' medieval RPG Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 stands out among games coming out in 2025 with its unparalleled historical authenticity and immersive world.
KCD2 story and gameplay
Continuing directly from the first game's cliffhanger, players follow Henry and Sir Hans Capon as they deliver an important message to Otto Von Bergow at Trosky Castle. The story unfolds amid a civil war in 15th century Bohemia between Wenceslaus IV and the invading Sigismund. Combat has been refined with four directional inputs instead of five, making battles more fluid yet still challenging. The game introduces crafting mechanics where Henry can forge weapons as a blacksmith, alongside a reputation system affecting how NPCs respond to you throughout the world.
KCD2 platforms
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 launched simultaneously on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (via Steam, Epic Games Store, and GOG). PC players account for approximately 56% of total units sold.
KCD2 release date
The game released worldwide on February 4, 2025, after being pushed back from its original late 2024 target to allow for additional polishing.
Why KCD2 is highly anticipated
The game's remarkable recreation of medieval Kuttenberg (modern Kutná Hora) stands as one of the most detailed cities in RPG history. Furthermore, KCD2 sold over 2 million copies within just two weeks of release, a milestone that took the original game an entire year to achieve. Above all, the main story campaign spans approximately 60 hours, with improvements in every aspect while maintaining the series' commitment to historical authenticity.
Civilization VII
Firaxis Games revolutionizes the iconic turn-based strategy series with Civilization VII, transforming how players experience historical empire-building among the games coming out in 2025.
Civ VII new features
The game introduces a revolutionary three-age structure (Antiquity, Exploration, and Modern) instead of multiple eras. Players select a new civilization at the start of each age, with options depending on previous choices. Another major change separates leaders from civilizations, allowing players to pair any leader with any civ. The game also replaces workers with automatic improvements and transforms the settlement system—settlers now found towns that convert production directly into gold before optionally upgrading to cities.
Civ VII platforms
The game launches simultaneously across PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC via Steam and Epic, plus Mac and Linux. Furthermore, all versions support cross-platform play and cross-progression.
Civ VII release date
Civilization VII releases worldwide on February 11, 2025. Meanwhile, Deluxe and Founders Edition owners gain early access starting February 6.
Why Civ VII is a strategy fan's dream
The game introduces Influence as a diplomatic currency, navigable rivers, and specialized commander units that provide unique bonuses. Additionally, Steam Workshop support enables endless customization through community mods. The streamlined structure also makes completing full games more achievable without sacrificing strategic depth.
Doom: The Dark Ages
id Software takes the iconic DOOM franchise back in time with DOOM: The Dark Ages, a prequel that shifts the series toward a more grounded combat experience among the games coming out in 2025.
Doom Dark Ages gameplay
In contrast to previous entries' acrobatic combat, The Dark Ages emphasizes strategic engagements with the Doom Slayer portrayed as an "iron tank". The game introduces the versatile Shield Saw, which allows for blocking, parrying, and attacking with a single input. Especially noteworthy is the slow-motion glory kill feature for improved control during fights. Furthermore, players can pilot vehicles for the first time in the series, including a cybernetic dragon and a massive 30-story Atlan mech. Melee weapons such as gauntlets, iron maces, and flails provide devastating close-quarter options.
Doom platforms
DOOM: The Dark Ages will launch on PlayStation 5, Windows, and Xbox Series X|S. Accordingly, it will be included as a day one release for Xbox Game Pass subscribers. PC players can purchase through Steam, and those buying GeForce RTX 5070 or higher graphics cards receive a free copy until May 21, 2025.
Doom release date
The game launches on May 15, 2025. Plus, pre-order purchasers gain advanced access.
Why Doom fans are hyped
The Dark Ages reached 3 million players in its first week—seven times faster than DOOM Eternal—making it id Software's biggest launch ever. The game places greater emphasis on storytelling through more cutscenes and character development, providing deeper insight into the Doom Slayer's origins. Reviews praise its melee combat as "the best close-quarters action experienced in a shooter".
Elden Ring: Nightreign
FromSoftware brings a radical new direction to the Soulslike genre with Elden Ring: Nightreign, among the most experimental games coming out in 2025.
Nightreign gameplay
Nightreign transforms the Elden Ring experience into a standalone co-op roguelite adventure. Players choose one of eight unique Nightfarers (character classes) with distinct abilities and combat styles to explore Limveld, a region where layouts remain consistent but enemies, loot, and bosses change with each session. Throughout three day-night cycles, players must gather weapons, defeat enemies to collect runes, and level up before facing powerful Nightlord bosses. The Night's Tide mechanic creates urgency by gradually shrinking the playable area. Interestingly, when teammates fall in battle, players revive them by attacking rather than traditional revive mechanics, keeping combat flowing naturally.
Nightreign platforms
The game launches simultaneously on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One. Unfortunately, Nightreign lacks cross-play functionality between platforms, requiring friends to play on the same system.
Nightreign release date
Elden Ring: Nightreign releases worldwide on May 30, 2025. PC players gain earlier access in some regions, beginning at 6pm EDT on May 29, while console players start at midnight local time.
Why Nightreign is a game-changer
Not only does Nightreign introduce a fresh take on FromSoftware's formula, but it also achieved remarkable success with 2 million players on its first day and 5 million copies sold since launch. The game breaks traditional RPG progression by condensing character development into short sessions while maintaining permanent progression through collectible relics. For this reason, its gameplay loop provides the highlights of RPG elements while focusing on combat execution.
The Outer Worlds 2
Obsidian Entertainment's sequel to their award-winning sci-fi RPG joins the lineup of anticipated games coming out in 2025, promising a bigger, bolder adventure than its predecessor.
Outer Worlds 2 story
As an Earth Directorate agent, players investigate devastating space-time rifts threatening humanity's existence. Your mission takes you to Arcadia, home of skip drive technology, where three factions wage war for control. The Protectorate, a military regime believing in order through obedience; Auntie's Choice, a corporate merger of familiar companies; and The Order of the Ascendant, scientists turned faith-based futurists. Each faction pushes their own vision of humanity's future through propaganda and radio stations that respond dynamically to your choices.
Outer Worlds 2 platforms
The game launches simultaneously on Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC (via Battle.net, Steam, Xbox PC), PlayStation 5, and Xbox Cloud Gaming. Therefore, it will be available day one on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass. With Xbox Play Anywhere, a single purchase grants access across Xbox consoles and PC with full cross-saves.
Outer Worlds 2 release date
The Outer Worlds 2 releases on October 29, 2025. Pre-orders are currently available, offering Commander Zane's Anti-Monopolistic Battle Pack at launch.
Why Outer Worlds 2 is promising
Primarily, the sequel introduces much larger, more expansive areas with rewarding exploration. Improved combat mechanics and refined gunplay make action sequences more satisfying. Unlike its predecessor, the game now supports full third-person view. Character creation includes backgrounds affecting conversation options, alongside a Fallout: New Vegas-inspired perk system. Most impressively, companions react meaningfully to your decisions, potentially leaving your party if they disagree with your actions.
Borderlands 4
Gearbox Software's most ambitious looter-shooter to date, Borderlands 4 takes the franchise to Kairos, a dangerous new planet primed for revolution among the anticipated games coming out in 2025.
Borderlands 4 gameplay
Set on planet Kairos, players choose from four new Vault Hunters: Vex the Siren, Rafa the Exo-Soldier, Harlowe the Gravitar, and Amon the Forgeknight. The game introduces enhanced mobility with gliding, dodging, double-jumping, and point-grappling. Plus, combat receives an overhaul with the deepest skill trees in the series' history. The new "Licensed Parts" system allows weapons to incorporate behaviors from multiple manufacturers, creating unprecedented variety. Players can freely explore Kairos' diverse regions—from lush fields to deadly deserts—on hover bikes without loading screens.
Borderlands 4 platforms
Upon release, Borderlands 4 will launch on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam and Epic Games Store. The Nintendo Switch 2 version arrives later in 2025. Beyond providing online co-op for up to four players, the game supports two-player splitscreen on consoles. Cross-platform play will be available at launch.
Borderlands 4 release date
Borderlands 4 releases on September 12, 2025. The date was moved forward by 11 days from its original September 23 launch. Pre-orders are currently available.
Why Borderlands 4 is a return to chaos
After six years since the last mainline entry, Borderlands 4 represents a fresh start with a completely new setting and cast. The game draws inspiration from Borderlands 2's humor while introducing a more somber tone with its antagonist, the Timekeeper. Early previews praise its improved co-op systems, deeper weapons mechanics, and dynamic world design. Thus, the game aims to reclaim the looter-shooter throne with a perfect balance of approachability and complexity.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
French developer Sandfall Interactive brings a unique narrative-driven experience to the list of games coming out in 2025 with Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, a turn-based RPG infused with Belle Époque esthetics and theatrical flair.
Expedition 33 story
In the isolated island of Lumière, citizens face a grim reality called the Gommage—a yearly phenomenon where an entity known as the Paintress marks a decreasing number on a distant tower, causing everyone of that age to vanish. Players lead Expedition 33, the latest group of volunteers sailing to the mainland to destroy the Paintress before she claims more lives. The party includes Gustave (Charlie Cox), his foster sister Maelle (Jennifer English), the scholar Lune (Kirsty Rider), and warrior Sciel (Shala Nyx). After surviving a devastating attack that nearly wipes out the expedition, these four survivors must press forward, uncovering mysteries of previous failed missions.
Expedition 33 platforms
The game launched simultaneously on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Windows PC. Fortunately for Xbox users, it was included as a day one release on Xbox Game Pass. PC gamers can purchase through Steam or Epic Games Store, with the download requiring approximately 55GB of storage space. PlayStation Plus subscribers received a 10% discount when pre-ordering through the PlayStation Store.
Expedition 33 release date
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 released on April 24, 2025. The game went gold on March 22, 2025—precisely 33 days before launch, an intentional nod to the game's title.
Why this RPG is unique
Primarily, the game stands out with its French Belle Époque setting instead of typical Japanese RPG influences. The narrative tackles themes of mortality and grief with theatrical presentation reminiscent of French artistic tradition. Additionally, the combat system blends turn-based mechanics with real-time elements, creating an accessible yet challenging experience. With approximately 30 hours for the main story plus another 30 hours of side content, the game offers a focused yet substantial experience compared to 100-hour RPGs. The outstanding voice performances from an A-list cast bring natural, realistic dialog to life.
South of Midnight
Compulsion Games delivers a Southern Gothic adventure with South of Midnight, bringing unique folklore and magical storytelling to the roster of games coming out in 2025.
South of Midnight story
Set in the fictional town of Prospero, players control Hazel Flood whose mother disappears when a devastating hurricane washes away their home. After witnessing strange phenomena, Hazel discovers she's a Weaver—someone with the mystical power to mend broken bonds between spirits. Throughout her journey, Hazel encounters creatures from Southern American folklore including Two-Toed Tom, Huggin' Molly, Rougarou, and Altamaha-ha. Primarily, the narrative explores themes of family secrets, identity, and reconciling with the past.
South of Midnight platforms
The game will be available on Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, and Steam. Additionally, it supports Xbox Cloud Gaming alongside streaming options through NVIDIA GeForce NOW and Boosteroid. Xbox Game Pass subscribers will have immediate access on launch day.
South of Midnight release date
South of Midnight releases on April 8, 2025, at 9:00 A.M PT. Prior to this, early access begins April 3, 2025, for Premium Edition purchasers or Game Pass Ultimate subscribers who buy the Premium Upgrade add-on.
Why it's a narrative gem
The game stands out owing to its masterful exploration of Southern folklore alongside emotionally impactful storytelling. Its striking visual style utilizes stop-motion animation in cutscenes, plus an outstanding soundtrack featuring blues, country music, and church hymns that punctuate significant moments. Upon closer inspection, South of Midnight delves into serious themes including grief, forgiveness, and healing trauma.
Wuchang: Fallen Feathers
Chinese developer Leenzee Games joins the soulslike arena with Wuchang: Fallen Feathers, adding a compelling Eastern perspective to the games coming out in 2025.
Wuchang gameplay
Set during the Ming Dynasty's final years, players control Wuchang, a female pirate with amnesia who suffers from a mysterious illness called "Feathering" that causes people to mutate into monsters. Combat emphasizes aggression through the Skyborn Might system, which players generate by perfectly dodging enemy attacks. This resource powers weapon skills, discipline attacks, and spells. A unique madness mechanic tracks Wuchang's deteriorating condition, increasing both damage dealt and received when maxed out.
Wuchang platforms
The game launches on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers can access the game on day one. Unfortunately, there's no support for last-gen consoles, though a potential Nintendo Switch 2 port might appear if sales perform well.
Wuchang release date
Wuchang: Fallen Feathers releases on July 24, 2025, worldwide, except North and South America where it launches on July 23.
Why Wuchang is a soulslike to watch
Beyond its unique Ming Dynasty setting, Wuchang stands out with its expansive skill tree resembling Final Fantasy X's Sphere Grid. The combat system offers impressive flexibility, allowing players to swap between two weapons mid-combo. Most impressively, each weapon type features distinct mechanics rather than just statistical differences.
Split Fiction
Hazelight Studios cements its position as the master of cooperative experiences with Split Fiction, a wildly unpredictable adventure destined to shake up the games coming out in 2025.
Split Fiction co-op mechanics
This split-screen adventure demands genuine teamwork as players control Mio and Zoe, two writers trapped inside their own stories. The game features a constantly evolving set of mechanics that change every 30 minutes. Throughout your journey, you'll navigate through sci-fi and fantasy settings, requiring precise coordination to overcome challenges. What truly distinguishes Split Fiction is its clever integration of numerous gameplay styles - from platforming and puzzles to action sequences and vehicle sections.
Split Fiction platforms
The game launches simultaneously on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC with full crossplay support. Remarkably, only one player needs to purchase the game thanks to the Friend's Pass system, allowing a second player to join for free across any platform.
Split Fiction release date
Split Fiction releases globally on March 6, 2025.
Why Split Fiction is innovative
The game's split-screen isn't merely functional—it moves, rotates, and sometimes disappears entirely based on the action. As of yet, each level introduces entirely different mechanics; one minute you're escaping a supernova, the next you're challenging a monkey to a dance battle. After all, Split Fiction has already surpassed one million sales within just two days of release.
Pokemon Legends: Z-A
Game Freak reimagines its legendary franchise with Pokémon Legends: Z-A, taking a groundbreaking urban approach that stands apart from other games coming out in 2025.
Pokemon Z-A setting
Set entirely within Lumiose City, the game features an urban redevelopment plan transforming the metropolis into a shared space for humans and Pokémon. During daytime, trainers explore vibrant streets and special "wild zones" where Pokémon roam freely, including powerful alpha Pokémon with glowing red eyes. As night falls, the dynamic changes completely—battle zones appear for the Z-A Royale competition, where players climb from Rank Z to Rank A through strategic combat. Hotel Z serves as your base of operations, owned by the mysterious AZ who claims to be 3,000 years old.
Pokemon Z-A platforms
The game launches simultaneously on Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 on October 16, 2025. Primarily, the Switch 2 Edition offers enhanced performance with improved resolution and higher frame rates. Players purchasing the standard Switch version can upgrade via an additional pack available on Nintendo eShop and My Nintendo Store.
Pokemon Z-A release date
Pokémon Legends: Z-A releases globally on October 16, 2025. Digital pre-orders begin June 5 through Nintendo eShop. Physical editions will also be available at launch.
Why Z-A is a bold new direction
For the first time in the series, trainers and Pokémon move in real-time during battles without turns. This revolutionary system introduces strategic considerations like move timing, varying attack ranges, and effect areas. In addition, the game brings back Mega Evolution with mysterious "Rogue Mega Evolution" incidents where wild Pokémon transform unexpectedly. As part of this new direction, Z-A introduces unique day-night cycles affecting gameplay substantially—a return to concepts from earlier generations.
Conclusion
The gaming landscape of 2025 promises an extraordinary year for players across all platforms. From the long-awaited return to Vice City in GTA VI to the mysterious depths of Death Stranding 2, gamers certainly have an unprecedented lineup of titles to anticipate. Regardless of your preferred genre, 2025 delivers something special – whether you seek the strategic depth of Civilization VII, the intense action of DOOM: The Dark Ages, or the narrative richness of South of Midnight.
Major franchises make their triumphant returns throughout the year, with Metal Gear Solid Delta bringing a beloved classic to modern hardware and Monster Hunter Wilds expanding its hunting grounds to new territories. Additionally, fresh experiences like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and Split Fiction demonstrate that innovation remains alive and well alongside established series. The variety spans from Assassin's Creed Shadows finally exploring feudal Japan to Pokémon Legends: Z-A reimagining its formula within an urban setting.
Cross-platform play emerges as a growing trend, with titles like Monster Hunter Wilds and Borderlands 4 allowing friends to play together regardless of their chosen system. Meanwhile, Microsoft continues strengthening its Game Pass offering with day-one releases including Avowed, South of Midnight, and The Outer Worlds 2. PlayStation maintains its exclusive edge with Death Stranding 2, though most major titles will eventually reach multiple platforms.
These seventeen games represent just a fraction of what 2025 holds for the gaming community. Budget considerations aside, the sheer quality and diversity of experiences coming next year suggest we might be entering one of the most memorable periods in gaming history. Players should prepare their systems, clear their calendars, and perhaps start saving now – because 2025 stands poised to deliver an exceptional year of gaming that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the medium.