2025 was arguably one of the best year's for gaming so far. It wasn't even enough to be considered just great, but you had to be amazing. Without further ado, here are my top 10 favorite games of 2025.

10. Skate Story

As someone who isn’t much of a fan of the more technical skateboarding games like Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater or Skate, Skate Story is definitely up my alley. It’s more about vibes than it is about pulling off complex tricks. Add in some kaleidoscopic visuals and a synthwave soundtrack, Skate Story has such a mesmerizing atmosphere that you forget that you’re riding through literal hell.

9. Dispatch

I love The Boys and Suicide Squad. And Dispatch is the perfect crossover between the two. The dysfunctionality between these wannabe reformed superheroes really makes for a compelling narrative as you get to grow alongside them. It’s a real zero to hero adventure, and I love how the developer was able to make management simulators fun for me. The excellent art direction and voice acting made it felt like playing a real Netflix TV series.

8. The Alters

This one really caught me by surprise this year! The Alters is a man named Jan who’s the sole survivor of a mining expedition crash and has to summon alternate timeline versions of himself to fill in for his crew. I loved learning about all of the different incarnations of Jan, such as one where he didn’t go to college, while others didn’t divorce his ex-wife, Lena. Additionally, you have to balance their internal squabbles with Jan’s main mission, to rebuild his base and escape the sun. The Alters really highlighted how I felt about my various mid-life crises up to this point.

7. Elden Ring Nightreign

I honestly didn’t think I would like this as much as I did. Elden Ring Nightreign has the perfect combination of challenge, teamwork, and reward that makes it truly standout amongst other roguelite games in the genre. Although it’s not perfect, it somehow works! The game really could’ve used in-game voice chat and cross-play, which is baffling to exclude in 2025. Still, I had a blast, probably due to Stockholm Syndrome—I wrote way too many guides on this game.

6. Hollow Knight Silksong

Man, this game is really, really difficult. But its exploration is unmatched. I immensely enjoyed traveling throughout the kingdom of Pharloom and slowly unlocking different abilities and movement options. It really nails down the Metroidvania aspect but also provides a huge sense of accomplishment after beating bosses, something only a Soulslike game could do. Sure, it can be unfairly punishing at times, but that did little to diminish its charm as one of the best platformers ever.

5. Ghost of Yotei

Ghost of Yotei can feel a bit derivative at times, but hey, don’t fix what isn’t broken! It’s a great sequel that expands on Ghost of Tsushima’s mechanics in an organic way, such as letting our protagonist Atsu wield all kinds of different weapons instead of abiding by a samurai’s code of honor and just using a katana. Some players might be sick of Sony’s revenge stories, but I’m not. It’s bloody, impulsive, and most of all, fashionable. Who knew Atsu had so much drip?

4. The Hundred Line: Last Defense Academy

I wish I could go back and experience the Danganronpa and Zero Escape games again. They were full of suspense and mystery that they had me on the edge of my seat every time. The Hundred Line: Last Defense Academy is the closest I’ll ever get to it! By combining the zany art style of the former and the conspiracy-laden stories of the latter, this game is one hell of a time. It also includes a surprisingly fleshed out and fun turn-based strategy component that helps alleviate the slow pacing of its visual novel segments. Very few games justify its massive 100+ hour run time, but this certainly does.

3. Trails in the Sky First Chapter

I absolutely love the Trails series, and this remake hit all the right notes. The revamped turn-based and action combat system has been carefully refined since the Trails from Daybreak days is at its best here. It feels smooth to play, and it's gorgeous to look at. Joshua and Estelle are relatable characters and make it easy to grow alongside them as they step out into the world to stop a national conspiracy to save their home. If you’ve been hesitant on starting this series, now’s the best time to start, as the Second chapter releases next year.

2. Hades II

Hades was one of my favorite games back in 2020, and this sequel has improved it in every single way. By having a new protagonist in Melinoe, the game is able to stand on its own two feet without overly relying on what made the first so fun. She’s just as charming as the previous protagonist, Zagreus, and she has her own fighting style. Many of the gameplay mechanics feel simultaneously familiar yet updated, and Hades II is the prime example on how to create a juggernaut follow-up.

1. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

Yes, I know, but I’ve been singing Expedition 33’s praises since it launched back in April. As a JRPG enjoyer, this game had its hooks on me ever since it was revealed back in 2024. I know there was something special about it. The turn-based combat mixed with parrying, the emotional story, and deep characters helped propel Expedition 33 to the upper echelon of RPGs. Hell, they even brought back the long lost art of world maps to the public consciousness. Don’t let the haters say that it’s mid now that everyone’s on the hype train. Expedition 33 is one of the greatest games of this generation.

Honorable Mentions

• Death Stranding 2: On the Beach
• Donkey Kong Bananza
• Kingdom Come Deliverance II
• ARC Raiders
• Silent Hill f