2025 is shaping up to be one of the most stacked years in gaming history. From long-awaited sequels to entirely new IPs from beloved studios, the release calendar is absolutely loaded. We’ve rounded up the 10 most anticipated games of the year — the ones that have the gaming community buzzing, debating, and counting down the days. Let’s get into it.
1. ⚔️ Grand Theft Auto VI
Platform: PS5, Xbox Series X (PC TBA) | Expected: Fall 2025
Let’s start with the elephant in the room. GTA VI is the most anticipated game in history by almost any metric. Rockstar’s return to Vice City with a dual-protagonist story (including the franchise’s first female lead, Lucia) has been generating hype since the first trailer dropped in December 2023 and became the most-viewed gaming trailer of all time. Everything we know suggests this will be a generational leap for open-world gaming.
👉 Pre-order GTA VI accessories and prep your setup:
🎮 DualSense Controller on Amazon →
🗣️ Gaming Headset on Amazon →
2. ⚔️ Mafia: The Old Country
Platform: PS5, Xbox Series X, PC | Expected: Summer 2025
The Mafia series is back with a prequel set in 1900s Sicily, exploring the origins of the Cosa Nostra. Early trailers have shown stunning period-accurate environments, brutal combat, and the series’ signature cinematic storytelling. For fans of narrative-driven action games, this is a must-watch.
3. 🐉 Monster Hunter Wilds
Platform: PS5, Xbox Series X, PC | Released: February 2025
Monster Hunter Wilds launched in February 2025 and immediately broke records, becoming Capcom’s fastest-selling game ever and one of the biggest Steam launches in history. The game introduces dynamic weather systems, a living ecosystem where monsters interact with each other, and the most fluid combat the series has ever seen. If you haven’t played it yet, you’re missing out on one of the best games of the generation.
👉 Find Monster Hunter Wilds on Amazon →
4. 👨🚀 Borderlands 4
Platform: PS5, Xbox Series X, PC, Switch 2 | Expected: 2025
Gearbox is back with the fourth mainline entry in the beloved looter-shooter franchise. Borderlands 4 promises a new planet, a massive roster of new Vault Hunters, and the series’ signature irreverent humor cranked up to 11. The co-op gameplay that made the series famous is back and better than ever, with cross-platform play confirmed.
5. 🎵 Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet (Naughty Dog)
Platform: PS5 | Expected: 2025–2026
Naughty Dog’s first new IP since The Last of Us is a sci-fi action-adventure starring Jordan A. Mun, a bounty hunter stranded on a planet that’s been cut off from the universe for 600 years. The reveal trailer was polarizing (mostly due to the music choice), but the gameplay potential from the studio behind TLOU2 is undeniable. This is one to watch closely.
6. ⚡ Doom: The Dark Ages
Platform: PS5, Xbox Series X, PC | Expected: May 2025
id Software is taking Doom to the Middle Ages with this prequel to 2016’s Doom. The Dark Ages is a darker, slower, more brutal take on the franchise — trading the series’ signature speed for a heavier, shield-based combat system. Riding giant mechs and dragons has also been confirmed. Yes, really. The hype is very real.
👉 Prebuilt Gaming PC for Doom: The Dark Ages on Amazon →
7. 🕷️ Hollow Knight: Silksong
Platform: PC, Switch 2, PS5, Xbox | Expected: 2025 (fingers crossed)
The most meme-worthy release date in gaming history, Silksong has become a running joke about perpetual delays — but the excitement for Team Cherry’s follow-up to the beloved Hollow Knight remains sky-high. When it finally drops, it will be a massive moment for the indie gaming community.
8. 🏀 NBA 2K26
Platform: All major platforms | Expected: September 2025
2K Sports’ annual basketball franchise continues to dominate the sports gaming market. NBA 2K26 is expected to bring significant improvements to MyCareer mode, the AI player behavior, and the controversial MyTeam card system. Sports gamers know the drill — it’s going to sell millions regardless.
9. ⚔️ Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Platform: PS5, Xbox Series X, PC | Released: March 2025
Ubisoft’s long-awaited feudal Japan entry in the Assassin’s Creed franchise finally launched in March 2025 after multiple delays and significant controversy surrounding its historical accuracy and character choices. Despite the pre-launch drama, early reviews have been largely positive, with many calling it a return to form for the franchise. The dual-protagonist system (stealth-focused Naoe and combat-focused Yasuke) is being praised as one of the series’ most innovative mechanics.
👉 Find Assassin’s Creed Shadows on Amazon →
10. 🎮 Mario Kart World (Nintendo Switch 2)
Platform: Nintendo Switch 2 | Expected: Launch Title 2025
We mentioned it in our Switch 2 article, but Mario Kart World deserves its own spotlight here. The first open-world Mario Kart game features a massive explorable map, 24-player online races, and a roster of characters that includes basically everyone from Nintendo’s history. Early impressions from those who have played it call it the best Mario Kart ever made. High praise for a franchise that’s been consistently excellent for 30+ years.
👉 Shop Nintendo Switch 2 on Amazon →
Gear Up for the Best Games of 2025
With a lineup this stacked, you’re going to want to make sure your gaming setup is ready. Here are our top recommendations:
- 🖥️ 4K OLED Gaming TV — Shop on Amazon →
- 🎧 Premium Gaming Headset with Surround Sound — Shop on Amazon →
- 🔋 Gaming Chair with Lumbar Support — Shop on Amazon →
- 🎮 Extra Controller (for co-op) — Shop on Amazon →
Which game on this list are you most excited for? Drop your pick in the comments! And make sure you’re tuned into The Gamer Couch Podcast — we’re covering every major release with reviews, reactions, and hot takes all year long.
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