The gaming industry has continued to push boundaries in 2025, delivering stunning visuals, compelling stories, and innovative gameplay. From AAA blockbusters to indie gems, this year’s lineup offers something for every type of gamer. Whether you’re a fan of open-world adventures, heart-pounding horror, or tactical shooters, these are the top 10 must-play games of 2025 that you shouldn’t miss.
1. Starfield: Beyond Horizons
Platform: PC, Xbox Series X/S
Genre: Sci-Fi RPG
Developer: Bethesda Game Studios
The expanded universe of Starfield returns with Beyond Horizons, a massive DLC that adds new star systems, quests, and factions. Building on the core game’s deep RPG mechanics and exploration, this expansion introduces enhanced ship customization and a revamped combat system.
Why You Should Play:
- Immersive space exploration with stunning graphics.
- Enhanced storyline with branching choices.
- Modular ship-building system for creative customization.
2. The Elder Scrolls VI: Hammerfell
Platform: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S
Genre: Open-World RPG
Developer: Bethesda Game Studios
After years of anticipation, The Elder Scrolls VI transports players to Hammerfell, a land of deserts, mountains, and political intrigue. With an overhauled combat system, dynamic weather, and an intricate questline, this game sets a new standard for open-world RPGs.
Why You Should Play:
- Expansive open world with unparalleled freedom.
- New spellcrafting and dual-wielding mechanics.
- Faction-based quests with meaningful consequences.
3. Resident Evil 9: Reckoning
Platform: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S
Genre: Survival Horror
Developer: Capcom
Capcom’s latest entry continues Ethan Winters’ story with a darker and more psychological twist. Set in a decaying European city plagued by a mysterious virus, Resident Evil 9 combines atmospheric horror with tense combat and puzzle-solving.
Why You Should Play:
- Terrifying enemies and enhanced AI.
- Real-time weather effects influencing gameplay.
- Non-linear exploration with multiple endings.
4. Grand Theft Auto VI
Platform: PS5, Xbox Series X/S
Genre: Open-World Action
Developer: Rockstar Games
The long-awaited GTA VI finally arrives, featuring a sprawling map that includes Vice City and several Caribbean islands. With its multi-protagonist system, dynamic NPCs, and a living world, it redefines what’s possible in open-world games.
Why You Should Play:
- Expansive online mode with heists and missions.
- Improved driving mechanics and AI interactions.
- A gripping story full of crime, betrayal, and satire.
5. Hollow Knight: Silksong
Platform: PC, Switch, PS5, Xbox Series X/S
Genre: Metroidvania
Developer: Team Cherry
After a long wait, Hollow Knight: Silksong finally graces us with its presence. This sequel features Hornet as the protagonist, exploring a vast and perilous kingdom filled with intricate platforming and challenging combat.
Why You Should Play:
- Hand-drawn art and atmospheric soundtrack.
- Expanded abilities and deeper combat mechanics.
- Non-linear exploration with hidden secrets.
6. Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty
Platform: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S
Genre: Action RPG
Developer: CD Projekt Red
Phantom Liberty is a narrative-driven expansion for Cyberpunk 2077, focusing on the gritty underbelly of Night City. With enhanced AI, improved driving, and new storylines, it addresses many of the core game’s shortcomings.
Why You Should Play:
- Deep narrative choices with impactful consequences.
- Expanded weapon and cyberware customization.
- New districts and side quests.
7. Final Fantasy XVI: Legacy of Eorzea
Platform: PS5
Genre: Action RPG
Developer: Square Enix
This DLC for Final Fantasy XVI revisits Eorzea with new story arcs, dungeons, and summons. Its action-oriented combat system, combined with a compelling narrative and jaw-dropping visuals, makes it a must-play for RPG enthusiasts.
Why You Should Play:
- Real-time combat with fluid animations.
- Expansive lore and emotionally charged story.
- Massive boss battles with strategic depth.
8. Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon
Platform: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S
Genre: Mech Combat
Developer: FromSoftware
FromSoftware brings back the Armored Core series with a fresh take on mech warfare. Customization is deeper than ever, with hundreds of parts and weapons to fine-tune your mech for different missions and enemies.
Why You Should Play:
- Tactical combat with a focus on positioning and counters.
- Detailed mech customization and loadouts.
- Intense boss battles with a steep but rewarding difficulty curve.
9. Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II
Platform: PC, Xbox Series X/S
Genre: Action-Adventure
Developer: Ninja Theory
A sequel to the critically acclaimed Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice, this game delves deeper into Norse mythology and Senua’s battle with psychosis. Its photorealistic visuals and binaural sound design create an immersive and haunting experience.
Why You Should Play:
- Captivating narrative exploring mental health.
- Realistic motion capture and voice acting.
- Brutal and visceral combat system.
10. Hades II
Platform: PC, Switch
Genre: Roguelike
Developer: Supergiant Games
Following in the footsteps of its predecessor, Hades II introduces new gods, weapons, and biomes. With its fast-paced combat, rich storytelling, and replayability, it’s already a contender for Game of the Year.
Why You Should Play:
- Fluid combat with a variety of weapons and boons.
- Beautiful art style and dynamic voice acting.
- Endless replayability with new challenges and lore. Dartboard games offer a wide variety of fun and challenging options for players of all skill levels. From classic games like 501 and 301, which are staples in competitive play, to more casual and family-friendly options like Around the Clock, Cricket, and Shanghai, there’s something for everyone. These games help develop accuracy, strategy, and mental math skills, making them both entertaining and beneficial. Whether played solo for practice or with friends for a friendly competition, dartboard games provide endless hours of engagement and are a great way to socialize, relax, and improve hand-eye coordination.
Conclusion
The year 2025 is shaping up to be a landmark year for gaming, offering a diverse range of experiences—from sprawling open-world adventures to intense, narrative-driven horror. Whether you’re a fan of RPGs, action games, or indie gems, this list of must-play games promises to keep you entertained for countless hours. So grab your controller, update your rig, and dive into these incredible worlds!
