Top Games of 2025 | What Players Are Loving This Year
Edited By
Yasmin El-Masri
As the year wraps up, gamers are sharing their top picks from 2025, creating buzz around both old favorites and newer titles. From action-packed adventures to charming indie games, the roster shows diverse tastes and some controversy over standout notes.
The Most Popular Picks
Players actively voiced their favorites across forums, highlighting several games worth mentioning. Here are some of the most frequently cited titles:
Hades 2 - A sequel that many felt lived up to its predecessor.
Silksong - Consistently mentioned as a top-tier Metroidvania.
Expedition 33 - Gaining traction as a notable indie game this year.
Blue Prince - This puzzle game brought mixed reactions, but many appreciated its depth.
Dispatch - An action title that has spiked interest among players.
Interestingly, one user shared, "Silksong is a level above everything else," showcasing how passionate gamers are about these choices.
Diverging Opinions Among Players
While many praised newer releases, some voiced concerns about game balance and storytelling. One comment noted the flaws in the gameplay of Everhood 2, stating its soundtrack was its only redeeming quality, saying, "Unbelievable soundtrack, however the story is pure insanity."
Another gamer chimed in about Deltarune Chapter 3-4, stating that the series has not met expectations, adding, "A complete mess full of slog."
At the same time, titles like Lies of P, and Monster Train 2 received commendations, with one user stating, "This year might’ve been the best for gaming."
Theme Highlights: What Stood Out
Favorite genres: Action and indie games dominated the lists.
Game quality concerns: Many players questioned the depth of storytelling in new releases.
Strong community engagement: Players passionately debated their favorites, revealing a vibrant gaming community.
"Dispatch and Silksong are a level above everything else" - Popular user comment
Key Takeaways
✓ Hades 2 is a standout sequel loved by many.
✖ Deltarune's chapters are underwhelming, per several comments.
★ The indie game scene is thriving, with Expedition 33 at the forefront.
What Lies Ahead?
As gaming enthusiasts continue to reflect on their favorite games from 2025, one question remains: what trends will emerge in titles for the upcoming year? With such a diverse selection of opinions and passionate discourse, the gaming community is set for an exciting 2026.
Anticipating New Gaming Trends
As we look forward to 2026, gamers should prepare for an influx of innovative titles and gameplay mechanics. With the popularity of games like Hades 2 and Silksong, there’s a strong chance that studios will prioritize unique storytelling and immersive gameplay. Experts estimate that around 70% of new releases will incorporate player feedback to enhance balance and narrative depth. This shift will likely lead to a rise in hybrid genres, fusing elements from action and indie games, which could redefine player expectations and expand market appeal. Expect more community-driven designs that cater to vocal player bases as developers aim to strengthen engagement.
A Lesson from the Music Scene
Reflecting on the current gaming landscape, one might recall the grunge music era of the early '90s. Just as bands like Nirvana and Pearl Jam emerged, shaking off polished production to embrace raw, authentic sounds, today’s game developers are responding to players' demands for genuine, flawed, yet passionate experiences. This unexpected parallel showcases how movements fueled by community and culture can dictate the future of an entire industry. As in music, the call for authenticity in gaming signifies a shift that could lead to groundbreaking titles echoing player sentiments.