Level Up Your Playlist: The Absolute Top 10 Games to Conquer Before Summer 2025 Ends!

The first half of 2025 has been a whirlwind for gamers. From critically lauded indie titles punching well above their weight to sprawling AAA blockbusters, anticipated sequels, and even the seismic launch of new hardware, the gaming landscape has been incredibly vibrant and diverse. Choosing what to dedicate precious gaming hours to has been tougher than ever.  

Fear not, adventurers! This guide cuts through the noise to present the definitive list of the top 10 gaming experiences demanding your attention between late January and the end of June 2025. We’ve scoured reviews, tracked player buzz, and considered overall impact to curate a list blending the best already-released hits with the most anticipated titles across PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and the newly launched Nintendo Switch 2. Plus, stick around for special spotlights on two live service titans: New World: Aeternum, whose latest season shows promising signs, and Gray Zone Warfare, which continues its fiery momentum with impactful updates.  

The Hottest 10 Games of H1 2025 (Ranked 10-1)

10. Kingdom Come: Deliverance II

• Genre: Action RPG
• Platform(s): PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC
• Release Date: February 4, 2025  

Prepare to be transported back to the tumultuous, historically grounded world of 15th Century Bohemia. Kingdom Come: Deliverance II continues the saga of Henry of Skalitz, a common man caught in the throes of civil war. Players embark on a deeply personal journey fueled by revenge, betrayal, and self-discovery within a sprawling, dynamic open world that meticulously reacts to their actions. The game boasts deep RPG mechanics, challenging first-person combat that aims for realism, and an unwavering commitment to historical authenticity.  

Building upon the dedicated following of its predecessor, KCD II launched early in the year to considerable acclaim, offering a more polished, visually stunning, and expansive experience. Critics praised its immersive world, compelling narrative progression, and notable improvements to graphics and systems, reflected in strong aggregate review scores (Metascore 88). While some reviewers and players noted occasional bugs or found certain gameplay elements potentially tedious , the game’s ambition, unique setting, and dedication to simulation secured its place as a standout Q1 release. The positive reception underscores a continued, significant audience appetite for deep, historically-focused RPGs that prioritize immersion and complex systems, even if they come with a steep learning curve or lack the polish of more mainstream titles. This success might encourage further exploration of less common historical periods or simulation-heavy mechanics in the genre.  

9. Monster Hunter Wilds

• Genre: Action RPG
• Platform(s): PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC
• Release Date: February 28, 2025  

Capcom’s globally renowned monster-slaying franchise returned with Monster Hunter Wilds, marking a significant evolution for the series. Moving away from distinct hunting zones, Wilds introduces a more seamless open-world experience, inviting players to track colossal beasts across vast, interconnected ecosystems teeming with life. The core loop remains intoxicating: hunt powerful monsters, gather resources from the environment and your quarry, and craft increasingly formidable weapons and armor. Wilds focuses on streamlining the path to the hunt and implementing numerous quality-of-life improvements, aiming for greater accessibility without sacrificing the series’ signature depth.  

As one of the year’s first major AAA releases, Monster Hunter Wilds generated immense hype and largely favorable reviews, achieving high critical scores (Metascore 88/89). Reviewers celebrated its successful evolution, the stunning detail of its open world, and the thoughtful quality-of-life enhancements that make diving into hunts quicker. Some veteran hunters noted a potentially easier difficulty curve compared to past entries, and others found the campaign lengthy or the UI occasionally cumbersome. Nevertheless, its sheer scale, polish, and refined gameplay loop make it an essential experience for action RPG enthusiasts. The game’s embrace of a more integrated open world and features aimed at broader accessibility mirrors a larger trend within major Japanese game development, where successful Western design philosophies are being adapted to expand global reach, demonstrating a strategic effort to compete more directly in the open-world dominated market while carefully preserving the core elements that define the franchise.  

8. Split Fiction

• Genre: Co-op Action Adventure
• Platform(s): PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC (Switch 2 release planned )  
• Release Date: March 6, 2025  

Hazelight Studios, the masterminds behind the Game of the Year-winning It Takes Two , delivered another dose of mandatory co-op brilliance with Split Fiction. Players step into the shoes of Mio and Zoe, two writers with contrasting styles – one sci-fi, one fantasy – who find themselves inexplicably trapped within their own colliding narratives. What follows is a wildly imaginative, genre-bending adventure where players must master unique, character-specific abilities and rely intrinsically on their partner to overcome bizarre and constantly shifting challenges. Expect the unexpected, from taming dragons to battling cyber ninjas.  

Garnering universal acclaim (Metascore 91) , Split Fiction was lauded by critics for its sheer inventiveness, incredible gameplay variety, polished execution, and pure, unadulterated fun. It represents the pinnacle of Hazelight’s unique co-op formula, offering an unforgettable journey best shared with a friend or partner. The continued critical and commercial success achieved by Hazelight’s co-op-only design philosophy, backed by major publisher Electronic Arts , strongly validates the market for high-quality, narrative-driven experiences built fundamentally around cooperation. This sustained success could encourage the wider industry to invest more confidently in dedicated co-op games that go beyond optional modes or competitive multiplayer.  

7. Blue Prince

• Genre: Strategy Puzzle Adventure / Roguelike
• Platform(s): PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC
• Release Date: April 10, 2025  

Enter the enigmatic Mt. Holly, a manor house where reality seems fluid. In Blue Prince, players navigate an architectural labyrinth whose corridors and chambers rearrange themselves with each new dawn. This first-person adventure blends strategy and puzzle-solving with roguelike elements, challenging players to explore ever-changing rooms, decipher their intricate mechanisms, and strategically choose their next path in a quest to find the legendary Room 46.  

Emerging as a surprise indie sensation in April, Blue Prince quickly became one of the highest-rated games of 2025, achieving a remarkable Metascore of 92 on PC. Critics were captivated by its innovative fusion of genres, the compelling sense of mystery, its beautiful art style, and the deeply satisfying puzzle design that constantly demands learning and adaptation. Its launch day availability on Xbox Game Pass significantly broadened its reach, allowing a large audience to discover this unique gem. The rapid ascent of Blue Prince to critical darling status highlights how exceptional quality and genuine innovation, amplified by accessible distribution models like subscription services, can propel indie titles into the mainstream spotlight, proving unique concepts can compete effectively based on merit.  

6. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

• Genre: Turn-Based RPG (JRPG-style)
• Platform(s): PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC
• Release Date: April 24, 2025  

Prepare for a visually stunning and emotionally charged journey in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. Set in a breathtaking fantasy world inspired by France’s Belle Époque, the game presents a grim reality: each year, the mystical Paintress awakens to paint a number, condemning all citizens of that age to vanish into smoke. With the number 33 looming, players join Gustave, Maelle, and their fellow Expeditioners on a desperate, year-long quest to destroy the Paintress and break the cycle of death. The game evolves the JRPG formula by integrating real-time actions – dodging, parrying, countering, chaining combos, and free-aiming at weak points – into its turn-based combat core.  

Launching shortly after Blue Prince, Clair Obscur also achieved universal acclaim, matching its 92 Metascore on PS5. Reviewers hailed it as a masterpiece debut from developer Sandfall Interactive, praising its unique and gorgeous art direction, innovative and engaging combat system, immersive narrative, and exceptional soundtrack. Many critics pegged it as a potential Game of the Year contender, comparing it favorably to genre classics while celebrating its fresh approach. The simultaneous arrival and top-tier critical success of both Clair Obscur and Blue Prince in Q2 demonstrate that significant innovation and outstanding quality emerged from both debut and independent studios during this period, challenging the traditional dominance of established AAA franchises and showcasing a vibrant and diverse gaming landscape where originality can achieve widespread recognition.  

5. Mario Kart World

• Genre: Racing
• Platform(s): Nintendo Switch 2
• Release Date: June 5, 2025  

The checkered flag waves for the next generation of Mario Kart! Arriving as a key launch title for the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2, Mario Kart World promises to redefine the beloved racing series. Set in a vast, interconnected world, players can seamlessly race across different courses within a single environment. Races are bigger than ever, supporting up to twenty-four drivers simultaneously. New modes include the elimination-style Knockout Tour, where players must maintain high placements through checkpoints, and Free Roam, allowing exploration and photo opportunities off the beaten track.  

As a flagship title for Nintendo’s new hardware, releasing day-and-date with the console on June 5th , Mario Kart World is poised to be a massive system-seller and a focal point of the gaming world in June. While reviews are pending, the franchise’s pedigree, combined with the promise of significant evolution leveraging the Switch 2’s power, makes it a crucial release. Note the increased price point of $79.99 for this title. Nintendo’s choice to launch the Switch 2 with a mainline Mario Kart underscores the franchise’s immense cultural and commercial power, arguably surpassing even traditional Mario platformers as a system driver currently. This strategic move, along with the higher price point, signals both confidence in the title and a potential shift in Nintendo’s first-party software pricing strategy for its new generation.  

4. Death Stranding 2: On The Beach

• Genre: Action-Adventure
• Platform(s): PS5
• Release Date: June 26, 2025  

Visionary creator Hideo Kojima invites players back into the hauntingly beautiful and bizarre world of Death Stranding with Death Stranding 2: On The Beach. Players rejoin Sam Porter Bridges as he embarks on a new, perilous journey of connection, venturing beyond the established boundaries of the United Cities of America (UCA) on a mission to save humanity from extinction. Expect the signature Kojima blend: breathtaking, often desolate landscapes, strange otherworldly threats (BTs and beyond), refined traversal mechanics (including new vehicles and environmental challenges), enhanced combat options, and a deeply philosophical, complex narrative exploring the consequences and necessity of human connection.  

As the follow-up to one of the most unique and debated titles of the previous generation, Death Stranding 2 carries immense anticipation within the gaming community. Coming from Kojima Productions, players expect cutting-edge visuals, exceptional performances, and a story that will linger long after the credits roll. Its release date of June 26th positions it as a major exclusive blockbuster to close out the first half of 2025 for PlayStation 5 owners. Sony’s continued partnership with Kojima Productions on this ambitious sequel highlights PlayStation Studios’ ongoing commitment to funding and championing auteur-driven, high-budget, narrative-focused single-player experiences. It suggests a firm belief that unique artistic visions, even those attached to unconventional intellectual properties, remain powerful differentiators and significant draws for their platform ecosystem.  

3. Elden Ring Nightreign

• Genre: Co-op Action Survival / Action RPG
• Platform(s): PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC
• Release Date: May 30, 2025  

Prepare to rise against the encroaching darkness, Tarnished, but this time, bring friends. Elden Ring Nightreign is a standalone cooperative adventure set within the Elden Ring universe, offering a distinctly new experience. Instead of a lone journey, up to three players team up, choosing from a roster of unique heroes, each with distinct skills and abilities. Together, they must survive three intense day-and-night cycles within a procedurally generated version of Limgrave, now called Limveld. Each night, a relentless environmental threat, the Night’s Tide, shrinks the playable area, forcing confrontations and culminating in a battle against a powerful boss. The game features enhanced mobility, including wall jumps and traversal via Spectral Hawks, demanding teamwork and strategic build coordination.  

Announced to massive fanfare at The Game Awards 2024 and following successful network tests in February 2025 , Nightreign leverages the colossal success of the original Elden Ring while pivoting to a focused co-op, roguelike structure. Its May 30th release date makes it a major event for late Q2, offering a fresh way to experience FromSoftware’s challenging world design and combat. With downloadable content already planned , Nightreign represents more than just a spinoff. Its existence as a standalone title with cooperative focus, procedural elements, and a mid-tier price point ($40) signals FromSoftware’s willingness to experiment with different gameplay structures and business models within their established universes. This venture could be testing the waters for future projects incorporating more robust co-op or varied genre elements, diversifying their portfolio beyond the traditionally single-player-centric Souls-like formula.  

2. Doom: The Dark Ages

• Genre: First-Person Shooter
• Platform(s): PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC
• Release Date: May 15, 2025  

Rip and tear… through time itself. Doom: The Dark Ages serves as an epic prequel to the modern Doom saga, delving into the cinematic origin story of the Doom Slayer’s legendary rage. Transported to a dark, medieval setting blending brutal technology with grim fantasy, players wield familiar devastating weapons like the Super Shotgun alongside new instruments of destruction, such as the versatile Shield Saw. The game promises vicious, grounded combat reminiscent of classic Doom, but escalates the power fantasy with the ability to pilot a colossal Atlan mech and soar through the skies on a fierce, cybernetic dragon. Developed by the legendary id Software using the latest idTech engine , players will carve a path through Hell’s legions across some of the largest and most expansive levels the studio has ever created.  

The announcement of Doom: The Dark Ages sent shockwaves of excitement through the FPS community. Its May 15th release date firmly established it as one of Q2’s most anticipated titles, further amplified by its day-one availability on Xbox Game Pass. The striking shift to a prequel timeline infused with heavy medieval and dark fantasy aesthetics indicates id Software’s creative confidence in evolving the iconic franchise’s visual identity and tone. This move, combined with an emphasis on being an accessible entry point for newcomers while retaining the core brutal gameplay loop , suggests a strategic effort to broaden Doom‘s appeal and keep the decades-old series feeling fresh and unpredictable.  

1. Nintendo Switch 2 (Hardware)

• Type: Hybrid Video Game Console
• Manufacturer: Nintendo
• Release Date: June 5, 2025  

The most significant event in the gaming landscape for the first half of 2025 is undoubtedly the arrival of Nintendo’s next-generation hardware: the Nintendo Switch 2. Launching globally on June 5th, this successor to the phenomenally successful Nintendo Switch maintains the beloved hybrid design while introducing substantial upgrades. Key enhancements include a larger 7.9-inch LCD screen with a full 1080p resolution and support for higher refresh rates (up to 120 Hz) , significantly improved CPU and GPU performance for faster processing and more advanced visuals , a hefty 256GB of internal storage , and redesigned Joy-Con 2 controllers that attach magnetically and feature pointer/mouse functionality. Crucially, the system retains compatibility with a vast library of existing Nintendo Switch games and accessories , launching at a suggested retail price of $449.99.  

The launch of a new Nintendo console is a generational event, impacting millions of players worldwide. The Switch 2’s arrival, backed by anticipated launch titles like Mario Kart World, solidifies its position as the most impactful release within the January-to-June timeframe. Demand is expected to be extremely high, with Nintendo already cautioning about potential launch day delivery constraints. Nintendo’s choice to utilize an LCD panel instead of OLED for the launch model, while delivering significant internal upgrades and maintaining the core hybrid concept at a competitive price point, suggests a pragmatic strategy. It prioritizes delivering next-generation performance and features while managing production costs, potentially paving the way for future hardware revisions (like an OLED model) down the line. The strong emphasis on backwards compatibility is also a critical factor, ensuring a smooth transition for the massive existing Switch player base and providing immediate value upon purchase.  

Top 10 Games: H1 2025 Quick Guide

(Honorable Mentions): The first half of 2025 was packed, and several other notable titles deserve recognition. Fighting game fans saw the long-awaited return of a classic series with Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves. The Yakuza/Like a Dragon series took a swashbuckling turn in Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii. Obsidian Entertainment delivered its first-person fantasy RPG Avowed. PC players received highly anticipated ports of major console exclusives like Final Fantasy VII Rebirth and Marvel’s Spider-Man 2. And strategy enthusiasts welcomed the next installment of a legendary franchise with Sid Meier’s Civilization VII.  

Spotlight: New World: Aeternum – Is Season 8 the Turning Point?

Since its initial launch and subsequent transformation into New World: Aeternum alongside its console debut , Amazon Games’ MMO has navigated a complex journey. The arrival of Season 8, titled “Season of the Divide” on May 13th , is viewed by many in the community as a potentially crucial moment, aligning with hopes that the game is finding a stronger direction.  

Several key features in Season 8 suggest positive momentum. The introduction of a Hardcore Seasonal World (launching early June) presents a high-stakes challenge with exclusive rewards for players who can survive Aeternum’s perils without dying, catering directly to a dedicated segment seeking intense experiences. This mode features faster progression and lifts Artifact limits, making it a distinct way to play. PvP enthusiasts receive the new “Coral Divide” Outpost Rush map, adding environmental variety and verticality to the popular mode. Furthermore, Season 8 includes limited-time previews of entirely new PvP modes like 10v10 Capture the Flag, a “Barebones” OPR variant stripping out gear perks, and a new 3v3 Arena map, signaling an ongoing commitment to PvP development.  

Beyond PvP, long-requested quality-of-life features are finally materializing, most notably the Barbershop, allowing character appearance changes. Strategic depth is added to open-world conflict through destructible PvP Camps. The development team also demonstrates responsiveness to combat feedback by adjusting target lock and aim assist mechanics to reintroduce more player skill, particularly for controller users. Seven powerful new Artifacts also arrive, promising fresh build possibilities. The continued use of a Living Roadmap format also provides transparency into development priorities.  

However, player sentiment remains complex. While there’s excitement for new features , some express disappointment with the continued focus on seasonal servers, viewing past iterations as unsuccessful experiments. A significant portion of the player base voices frustration over the perceived slow progress on core endgame PvE content, noting that major additions like new zones and weapons remain in the distant “In Exploration” phase of the roadmap. Despite these concerns, many players, especially newcomers, find the current game engaging and feel it offers a modern MMO experience.  

Season 8 certainly introduces compelling content and demonstrates a willingness to address player feedback. The strategy appears to be a balancing act: engaging hardcore niches with features like Hardcore mode and robust PvP updates, while simultaneously enhancing general accessibility and quality-of-life through features like the Barbershop and potentially simpler crafting systems. While the slow pace of major new PvE zone or weapon additions remains a friction point for veterans , the combination of new modes, QoL improvements, and ongoing communication suggests Season 8 could indeed be steering New World: Aeternum in a more positive and sustainable direction.  

Spotlight: Gray Zone Warfare – Still Setting the Battlefield Ablaze!

Gray Zone Warfare burst onto the scene as a demanding tactical extraction shooter, quickly carving out a niche with its emphasis on realism, large open-world map inspired by Laos, and high-stakes PvEvP and PvE gameplay. Operating within an Early Access framework , the game has maintained significant buzz through continuous development and a highly engaged community.  

The game’s momentum, often described as being “on fire,” is fueled by a steady stream of impactful updates. The “Night Ops” update (late 2024) was a major milestone, introducing a dynamic day/night cycle that fundamentally alters tactical approaches, alongside crucial Night Vision Gear. Development continues with the “Winds of War” (Update 0.3) cycle throughout Spring 2025 , bringing further enhancements. Recent patches have delivered new weapons and extensive customization options (with over 80 new parts added in one update alone ), revamped tasks, significantly upgraded AI behavior , more realistic health and ballistics modeling (including projectile destabilization in tissue ), and overhauled weapon durability and repair systems.  

Crucially, developer Madfinger Games demonstrates remarkable responsiveness to its player base. Frequent hotfixes rapidly address critical issues like crashes, performance problems, and gameplay bugs. Player feedback has even led to a reshaped development roadmap, prioritizing highly requested PvP features such as capturable Combat Outposts (COPs), dynamic PvP Zones triggered by faction conflict, and investigations into custom server options. This transparent approach, involving regular devlogs and streams , fosters a strong sense of collaboration.  

Naturally, as an Early Access title, Gray Zone Warfare faces challenges. Players report performance issues on various hardware configurations (including high CPU usage and FPS drops) , encounter frustrating bugs (like disappearing character models or matchmaking failures) , and sometimes grapple with network connectivity errors. Some players also express concerns about the increasing focus on PvP or offer critiques of specific mechanics like player movement or the weapon modding interface. However, the overwhelming sentiment appears positive, with players praising the immersive core gameplay loop, the tangible improvements brought by updates like Night Ops, and the developers’ commitment to listening and iterating. This development style—built on transparency, rapid iteration, and direct response to community feedback—appears to be a highly effective model for nurturing a dedicated player base in the complex tactical shooter genre, maintaining enthusiasm despite the inherent technical hurdles of Early Access.  

Conclusion

The first half of 2025 delivered an exhilarating and remarkably varied period for gaming. From the unexpected rise of critically acclaimed indie darlings like Blue Prince and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 to the polished co-op chaos of Split Fiction, the brutal satisfaction of Doom: The Dark Ages, and the monumental launch of the Nintendo Switch 2, the landscape was rich with diverse experiences. Blockbuster sequels like Kingdom Come: Deliverance II and Monster Hunter Wilds refined their formulas, while anticipated titles like Elden Ring Nightreign and Death Stranding 2 promised unique adventures right at the cusp of summer. Simultaneously, live service games like New World: Aeternum and Gray Zone Warfare continued their evolution, responding to player feedback and introducing significant new content and features.

Whether your preference lies in innovative puzzle design, shared cooperative journeys, deep role-playing epics, high-octane first-person shooting, exploring new hardware frontiers, or engaging with ever-evolving online worlds, the period from late January to June 2025 offered something substantial for nearly every type of player. The sheer quality and variety on display set a high bar for the remainder of the year.

What were your standout games from the first half of 2025? Did New World: Aeternum‘s Season 8 impress you, or is Gray Zone Warfare keeping you hooked? Share your thoughts and top picks in the comments below, and let us know what you’re most excited about as we head into the second half of the year!