2025’s Biggest Video Game Releases Must-Plays

2025’s Biggest Video Game Releases Must-Plays

Grand Theft Auto VI: A Return to Vice City

After years of anticipation and speculation, Rockstar Games finally delivers Grand Theft Auto VI. Set in a vibrant and modernized Vice City, the game promises a sprawling open world brimming with detail. Early gameplay reveals suggest a focus on a dual protagonist system, offering diverse gameplay styles and narrative perspectives. Expect the trademark Rockstar humor, thrilling heists, and an unforgettable soundtrack. The improved graphics engine promises unparalleled visual fidelity, making this a must-have title for any GTA fan.

Starfield: Bethesda’s Epic Space Opera

Bethesda Game Studios, creators of the Elder Scrolls and Fallout franchises, venture into space with Starfield. This ambitious RPG promises unparalleled freedom and exploration across a vast galaxy brimming with planets, alien races, and mysteries to uncover. Players can customize their spaceship, join factions, and craft their own destiny amidst interstellar conflicts. With Bethesda’s signature attention to detail and immersive world-building, Starfield is shaping up to be a generation-defining RPG.

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom’s Expansion

Following the massive success of Breath of the Wild, Nintendo delivers a substantial expansion to the critically acclaimed title. Tears of the Kingdom builds upon the existing world, adding new verticality with sky islands and subterranean areas to explore. Expect new abilities, expanded gameplay mechanics, and a deeper story that continues the adventures of Link and Zelda. This expansion promises countless hours of exploration and adventure in a beloved world.

Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty – A Second Chance?

CD Projekt Red attempts to recapture the magic of Cyberpunk 2077 with its highly anticipated expansion, Phantom Liberty. This standalone expansion features a new story arc, new characters, and a fresh perspective on Night City. Improved gameplay mechanics, refined visuals, and a renewed focus on storytelling aim to fix past issues. While skepticism lingers, early reviews suggest a significant improvement over the initial launch, offering a compelling reason to revisit the neon-drenched world of Night City.

Marvel’s Wolverine: A Clawsome New Adventure

Insomniac Games, known for their work on the critically acclaimed Spider-Man games, tackles the iconic Marvel hero, Wolverine. The game promises a gritty, mature take on the character, set in a violent and unforgiving world. Expect brutal combat, a gripping storyline, and a visually stunning recreation of Wolverine’s signature abilities and feral nature. Fans of action games and comic book adaptations are in for a treat.

Hogwarts Legacy: A Deeper Dive into the Wizarding World

Expanding on the initial launch, Hogwarts Legacy receives substantial updates and downloadable content (DLC) throughout 2025. These additions will bring new quests, characters, and magical creatures to explore the vast halls of Hogwarts and beyond. Players can expect a deeper dive into the lore, adding even more playtime for fans of the Harry Potter universe. The updates further build on the game’s already impressive open world and spellcasting mechanics.

Diablo IV: Season of the Malignant

Blizzard Entertainment continues to support Diablo IV with regular content updates and seasons. The “Season of the Malignant” promises a new storyline, challenging gameplay mechanics, and new items to collect. Diablo IV’s addictive gameplay loop, coupled with the promise of fresh content, solidifies its place as a must-play for ARPG fans. Expect new ways to customize your character, build and tweak your skills, and delve into the dark and perilous world of Sanctuary.

Final Fantasy XVI: Expansion and Beyond

Square Enix supports the critically acclaimed Final Fantasy XVI with a major expansion pack. The expansion adds new areas to explore, characters to meet, and expands on the already rich story. Expect new challenges, epic battles, and a deeper dive into the lore of Valisthea. This expansion will keep players invested in this compelling new entry to the iconic franchise for months to come.