Every year brings a new wave of video games that capture our imaginations, but 2025 has already distinguished itself as a landmark for creativity, technical achievement, and storytelling in the gaming world. Whether you’re a lifelong gamer or someone who just picks up a controller on weekends, the year’s releases have something for everyone. Rolling Stone’s roundup of the best video games of 2025 so far reflects not just critical acclaim, but also the way these titles have resonated with players around the globe.
Death Stranding 2: A Journey Beyond the Edge
Few sequels arrive with as much anticipation as Death Stranding 2, and Hideo Kojima’s latest opus does not disappoint. Building on the enigmatic, haunting world of its predecessor, Death Stranding 2 expands the open world into something even more vast and mysterious. Players once again step into the shoes of Sam Porter Bridges, but this time the stakes feel even higher, with a narrative that delves deeper into the themes of connection, isolation, and hope.
What sets Death Stranding 2 apart is its willingness to challenge the player, both emotionally and mechanically. The game’s unique blend of exploration, package delivery, and asynchronous multiplayer returns, but with new twists—unexpected weather events, shifting landscapes, and even more intricate social systems. The visuals are breathtaking, with landscapes that feel almost photorealistic, and the soundtrack once again tugs at the heartstrings. For many, this is not just a game, but an experience—a meditation on the ties that bind us, even in the face of overwhelming odds.
Expedition 33: The Final Frontier, Reimagined
Space exploration games have always held a special place in the hearts of gamers, but Expedition 33 takes the genre to new heights. This title puts players in the role of a lone astronaut tasked with surviving—and thriving—on a distant, uncharted planet. What makes Expedition 33 stand out is its commitment to realism: physics are meticulously simulated, and every resource must be carefully managed.
The sense of isolation is palpable, but so is the thrill of discovery. Each new biome feels distinct, from icy wastelands to lush, alien forests. The crafting and survival mechanics are deep but accessible, allowing players to gradually build their own story of perseverance. Expedition 33 is not just about surviving; it’s about finding beauty and meaning in the unknown. Critics and players alike have praised its stunning visuals and challenging gameplay, making it a must-play for anyone who’s ever looked up at the stars and wondered what’s out there.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows: A New Era for a Legendary Franchise
The Assassin’s Creed series has always been known for its rich historical settings and thrilling stealth gameplay, but Assassin’s Creed Shadows elevates the formula to new heights. Set in a meticulously recreated historical era, this installment introduces new stealth mechanics and a refreshed parkour system, making movement through the game’s sprawling cities more fluid and exhilarating than ever.
Players are drawn into a complex web of intrigue, betrayal, and revolution, with a cast of characters that feel genuinely alive. The attention to detail in the world-building is staggering—every alley, rooftop, and marketplace is teeming with life and stories waiting to be uncovered. The narrative is both personal and epic, weaving together the destinies of assassins and their adversaries in ways that feel fresh, even after so many entries in the series. Fans and newcomers alike have praised Shadows for its engaging story, refined gameplay, and the sheer beauty of its world.
Monster Hunter Wilds: The Hunt Goes On
For those who crave action and camaraderie, Monster Hunter Wilds delivers in spades. This action RPG builds on the beloved formula of hunting massive, fantastical creatures across expansive environments, but with a renewed focus on cooperative multiplayer. Players team up to track, battle, and capture a dizzying array of monsters, each with their own behaviors and habitats.
What makes Monster Hunter Wilds special is the sense of scale and dynamism in its world. Environments are not just backdrops—they’re active participants in the hunt, with changing weather, destructible terrain, and emergent events that keep every encounter feeling fresh. The thrill of planning a hunt with friends, adapting strategies on the fly, and finally bringing down a colossal beast is as exhilarating as ever. The game’s depth and replayability have earned it high praise, cementing its place as one of 2025’s must-play titles.
A Year Defined by Innovation and Heart
What unites these standout games is not just technical excellence, but a willingness to push boundaries—whether it’s in storytelling, gameplay mechanics, or world-building. 2025’s best games so far are a testament to the power of the medium to move us, challenge us, and bring us together. As the year continues, players can look forward to even more adventures, but these early highlights have already set a high bar for what’s possible in gaming.
