The 2025 release calendar is murky but one question looms: Will Grand Theft Auto 6 actually come out this year? A studio notorious for perfectionism and delays has promised it, but its arrival — along with the likely debut of a new Nintendo console — will rumble through the entire industry.
Other huge games also creep on the horizon, from a high-stakes Assassin’s Creed title to a cozy Lord of the Rings spin-off. Here are 25 of our most anticipated 2025 games:
‘Avowed’ (Feb. 18)
Obsidian Entertainment has plenty of experience emulating Bethesda’s open-world role playing games. After several delays, the studio’s answer to Skyrim is finally coming out — and will hopefully become my next fantasy obsession. — Corey Bridges, associate producer, ‘The Indicator’
‘Lost Records: Bloom & Rage Tape 1’ (Feb. 18)
The narrative adventure game Lost Records: Bloom & Rage will feature four protagonists dealing with the fallout of a mysterious 1995 incident years later. From the developers of the heartfelt Life Is Strange series, Lost Records looks like it’ll deliver some seriously immersive choices and an unforgettable story — I can’t wait to dive in! — Natalia Fidelholtz, talent development manager
‘Monster Hunter Wilds’ (Feb. 28)
Monster Hunter Wilds will introduce new locales, bird-like raptor mounts, backup weapons, and a focus mode to precision-target a Monster’s weak points. I’m also thrilled for the return of the slinger from 2018’s Monster Hunter World! — Vanessa McGinnis, digital campaign manager
‘Split Fiction’ (March 6)
This new split-screen co-op game merges the stories of its two protagonists: science fiction writer Mio and fantasy star Zoe. Oh, and it’s made by It Takes Two developer Hazelight Studios. Sign me up. — James Delahoussaye, producer, ‘TED Radio Hour’
‘Arkham Horror: The Drowned City’ (March 7)
Arkham Horror: The Drowned City promises to finally pit us against Cthulhu himself! While the expansion will contain fresh mechanics and investigator cards, I’m most excited for the new “personal motivations” that’ll impact the plot based on the investigators you’re playing as. — Vanessa McGinnis, digital campaign manager
‘Assassin’s Creed Shadows’ (March 20)
Shadows has been delayed (twice) since its late 2024 release, which is a positive sign for anyone sick of Ubisoft publishing unfinished games. It might be a controversial take but I’m hoping Shadows is like Ghost of Tsushima — but fun. — James Delahoussaye, producer, ‘TED Radio Hour’
‘Tales of the Shire’ (March 25)
So, real talk — I barely follow The Lord of the Rings, but I am a fan of cozy farm sims that let me cook and grow stuff. This game basically guarantees I can get my best friend and husband into playing with me — I can only play through Stardew Valley so many times! — Emily Alfin Johnson, growth editor, network initiatives
‘Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves’ (April 24)
Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves, the long-awaited sequel to 1999’s Garou: Mark of the Wolves, revives a 2D fighting franchise known for colorful characters and fast-paced action. Playtests throughout 2024 have received strong praise for the broad possibilities enabled by its combo system and mechanics that can shift the momentum of matches at the drop of a hat. — Lindsay Totty, producer, ‘Morning Edition’
‘Oath: New Foundations’ (Nov. TBD)
Oath: New Foundations promises a suite of new mechanics for the legacy board game and a robust single-player mode for those like me who can’t find friends willing to decipher its complexity. I can’t wait to take over my kitchen table with the stories of kingdoms and intrigue, but let me know if you’re brave enough to tackle it with another human! — Austin Frank, director, Institutional Giving
‘Borderlands 4’ (TBD)
I’m a longtime fan of Gearbox’s looter-shooter franchise, so I’m pumped for another mainline installment! Hopefully, the main antagonist is more memorable than the previous game’s Calypso Twins. — Corey Bridges, associate producer, The Indicator
‘Death Stranding 2’ (TBD)
I was excited about the original Death Stranding for years before it came out, but I never had the patience to finish it. Now, after the gloriously bonkers trailer for Death Stranding 2, I’m eager to dive into Hideo Kojima’s weird world again. Maybe I’ll stick with it this time. — Justin Lucas, senior director, Communications
‘Dispatch’ (TBD)
I fear the sequel to The Wolf Among Us may never see the light of day, but much of the team behind the original game formed a different company to develop Dispatch. Featuring the voice talents of Laura Bailey and Aaron Paul, I’m hopeful this superhero comedy can live up to Telltale’s golden age. — James Mastromarino, NPR Gaming lead and ‘Here & Now’ producer
‘Elden Ring: Nightreign’ (TBD)
Nightreign looks like an attempt to distill Elden Ring’s exacting combat and open exploration into something resembling a cooperative extraction game. I don’t know if it’ll work, but if it’s as compelling as my beloved Hunt: Showdown, I know I’ll be conscripting all my friends to try it. — James Mastromarino, NPR Gaming lead and ‘Here & Now’ producer
‘Fable 4’ (TBD)
While I’m only cautiously optimistic, the trailer for Fable 4 has me hoping for a captivating storyline and a return to the series’ signature humor. Fingers crossed! — Natalia Fidelholtz, talent development manager
‘Ghost of Yōtei’ (TBD)
Ghost of Tsushima was brilliant. I’ve played some decent but comparatively muddled knockoffs since then (looking at you, Rise of the Rōnin), so I’m hopeful that Ghost of Yōtei can truly build upon its stunning predecessor. — Justin Lucas, senior director, Communications