From Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 to Assassin’s Creed Shadows and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, 2025 has already been a strong year, but there are so many more games to look forward to.
These are the most exciting games that you should be putting on your wishlists for the rest of the year. However, there is science behind our excitement! To compile this list, we teamed up with MindGAME Data, who use search volume, social impressions, video, and live stream views to predict how big a game will likely be.
In fact, they predicted that Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 wouldn’t be obscure way before the new turn-based RPG was released.
They compile all this data to get a cumulative ‘MindSHARE score’ – the bigger the score, the bigger the hype. Below, you can check out the data to see the hottest new games for the rest of the year, and also discover why you should be looking forward to them.
Top games releasing in 2025
Here are the most anticipated games coming out in 2025, in release date order.
Doom: The Dark Ages
- Release date: May 15, 2025
- Developer: id Software
- Genre: First-person shooter/slasher
- Multiplayer: No
What it’s about: Doom Slayer becomes humanity’s last hope when demons invade a techno-medieval kingdom. Luckily, he has experience when it comes to ripping and tearing.
Why we’re excited: Doom Eternal was a stellar entry in the rebooted FPS franchise, so this prequel is more than welcome. Doom: The Dark Ages trades its sci-fi setting for something more akin to id Software’s Hexen series, so get ready to kill some demonic knights with axes, flails, and whatever else Doom Slayer can get his hands on.
Words by Sam Smith
MindGAME data:
- Cumulative mindSHARE: .524
- Cumulative Search Volume: 5,400,000
- Peak Search Ranking: 52
- Peak Video Ranking: 36
- Peak Twitch Ranking: 1049
Elden Ring Nightreign
FromSoftware/Bandai Namco- Release date May 30, 2025
- Developer: FromSoftware Inc.
- Genre: Multiplayer roguelike
- Multiplayer: Yes
What it’s about: In this co-op multiplayer Elden Ring spin-off, the Tarnished must battle a new threat when enemies from across space and time begin invading the Lands Between.
Why we’re excited: We called Elden Ring the best game of all time and had nothing but praise for the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC, so you won’t be surprised to learn we’re very excited for Elden Ring Nightreign.
No one expected a new FromSoftware game so soon, so Nightreign’s announcement was a wonderful surprise. In what is essentially Elden Ring as a roguelike, you pick your character, then band together with two other players to defeat the boss specific to that in-game night.
It also marks the first official crossover of the Souls series with legendary bosses from all three Dark Souls games finally tangling with characters from Elden Ring. Not only does the existence of Nightreign prove that the Miyazaki multiverse theory was correct, but we’re finally going to see what happens when these worlds collide.
Words by Sam Smith
MindGAME data:
- Cumulative mindSHARE: .778
- Cumulative Search Volume: 6,500,000
- Peak Search Ranking: 62
- Peak Video Ranking: 82
- Peak Twitch Ranking: 28
Deltarune Chapters 3 & 4
Toby Fox- Release date: June 5
- Developer: Toby Fox
- Genre: RPG
- Multiplayer: No
What it’s about: Deltarune Chapters 3 and 4 bring the next two chapters of this episodic RPG, which runs parallel to Toby Fox’s other hit, Undertale, and follows Kris, a teenage boy destined to save the world.
Why we’re excited: Undertale fans had it easy, as the game was released as a whole package. Deltarune fans have been stuck theorizing about what comes next since Chapter 2 arrived in 2021, but at last, two more chapters arrive in June 2025.
It’s a fantastic story you’ll quickly get sucked into and before you know it, you’ll be desperate to have your burning questions answered… before the wait for more Chapters begins.
Words by Scott Baird
MindGAME data:
- Cumulative mindSHARE: 1.206
- Cumulative Search Volume: 58,280,000
- Peak Search Ranking: 34th
- Peak Video Ranking: 25th
- Peak Twitch Ranking: 224
Mario Kart World
Nintendo- Release date: June 5, 2025
- Developer: Nintendo
- Genre: Arcade racing
- Multiplayer: Yes
What it’s about: Mario Kart returns as a Nintendo Switch 2 launch title. Expect all the wacky races you could ever wish for in a big open world.
Why we’re excited: Our excitement for Mario Kart World is twofold. On one hand, we’re getting a brand-new Mario Kart game with new courses, characters, modes, and for the first time, an open world.
On the other hand, we’ll be playing it on the Switch 2. It arrives the same day as the new console, and with the Switch being the perfect party game console, we couldn’t think of a better game to play on day one.
Words by Liam Mackay
MindGAME data:
- Cumulative mindSHARE: .987
- Cumulative Search Volume: 7,190,000
- Peak Search Ranking: 49
- Peak Video Ranking: 47
- Peak Twitch Ranking: 574
Death Stranding 2: On The Beach
Kojima Productions- Release date: June 26, 2025
- Developer: Kojima Productions
- Genre: Action-adventure
- Multiplayer: No
What it’s about: Norman Reedus returns as Sam Porter Bridges as he works to expand the Chiral Network outside of America.
Why we’re excited: Hideo Kojima’s ambition and artistry have earned him a degree of goodwill, and I’ll play anything he puts out, but his involvement isn’t the only reason we’re excited. We got a good look at Death Stranding 2 during January 2024 PlayStation State of Play, and beyond its breathtaking graphics and the incredible mo-cap performances, we were intrigued by the return of Higgs, who has somehow returned from the dead. How has he crawled his way back to the land of the living? We’ll have to play to find out.
Words by Tom Percival
MindGAME data:
- Cumulative mindSHARE: .43
- Cumulative Search Volume: 17,760,000
- Peak Search Ranking: 45th
- Peak Video Ranking: 58th
- Peak Twitch Ranking: 1327
Donkey Kong Bananza
Nintendo- Release date: July 17, 2025
- Developer: Nintendo
- Genre: Action-adventure platformer
- Multiplayer: No
What it’s about: Donkey Kong comes to the Nintendo Switch 2 with his first 3D platformer since 1999’s Donkey Kong 64. Villainous apes have stolen the Golden Bananas, and in your quest to get them back, you’ll be completing objectives and battling enemies through almost completely destructible environments.
Why we’re excited: A new Donkey Kong is long overdue, with this being the first release since 2014’s Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze.
Donkey Kong Banaza looks like Super Mario Odyssey, but faster-paced and more action-packed. Almost everything can be destroyed, and wrecking your way through these gorgeous 3D levels looks like an absolute blast.
Words by Liam Mackay
MindGAME data:
- Cumulative mindSHARE: .160
- Cumulative Search Volume: 5,300,000
- Peak Search Ranking: 175
- Peak Video Ranking: 149
- Peak Twitch Ranking: 1693
Mafia: The Old Country
Mafia: The Old Country- Release window: August 8, 2025
- Developer: Hangar 13
- Genre: Action-adventure
- Multiplayer: No
What it’s about: Set in 1900s Sicily, Mafia: The Old Country goes back to where it all began and explores the origins of organized crime. New protagonist Enzo Favara escapes a life of poverty by joining the brutal Torrisi crime family, ruled by its enigmatic leader.
Why we’re excited: After Mafia 3 went a little too far in jumping on the open-world bandwagon, The Old Country is going back to what the series does best: polished, focused storytelling. By trimming the excess fat, this prequel to the original game looks set to double down on the cinematic qualities that made the first two titles so special.
This time, we’re going all the way back to Sicily to explore how and why organized crime spread across the Italian island before breaking into the US. Whether you’re a long-time fan of the franchise or a Sopranos fan just looking for more mob stories, ‘Mafia 4’ is making an offer you can’t refuse.
Words by Nathan Warby
MindGAME data:
- Cumulative mindSHARE: .104
- Cumulative Search Volume: 1,700,000
- Peak Search Ranking: 378
- Peak Video Ranking: 176
- Peak Twitch Ranking: 870
Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater
Konami- Release date: August 28, 2025
- Developer: Konami
- Genre: Stealth Action
- Multiplayer: No
What’s it about: In an alternate history version of the Cold War, the legendary soldier known as The Boss has defected to the Soviet Union. Her protégé, Naked Snake, is sent on a mission to destroy a new weapon that is being developed by the Russians, where he will inevitably face her on the battlefield once more.
Why we’re excited: The Metal Gear Solid franchise has been dead for a long time, with Konami being uninterested in making (good) entries in the series, and Kojima off doing his own thing with his studio.
Metal Gear Solid Delta is a chance for Snake to return, and what better way to do it than with a remake of one of the best entries in the franchise?
With all new visuals, the return of the classic cast, and control/QoL improvements up to the wazoo, Metal Gear Solid Delta is shaping up to be something fresh players and returning fans can look forward to.
Words by Scott Baird
MindGAME data:
- Cumulative mindSHARE: .158
- Cumulative Search Volume: 5,300,000
- Peak Search Ranking: 231
- Peak Video Ranking: 249
- Peak Twitch Ranking: 710
Borderlands 4
Gearbox Software- Release date: September 12, 2025
- Developer: Gearbox Software
- Genre: Looter Shooter
- Multiplayer: Yes
What it’s about: The newest entry in the beloved Borderlands series, following four new Vault Hunters hunting for wealth and glory on the planet of Kairos. You’ll come up against the Timekeeper, a ruthless dictator who dominates the masses, and it’s the Vault Hunter’s job to ignite a resistance.
Why we’re excited: The Borderlands games are as fun as they are chaotic. The villains of 3 may not have lived up to the tyrannical Handsome Jack of Borderlands 2, but the action-packed gameplay has only continued to improve with each instalment.
The wacky world of Borderlands has truly carved out a unique space for itself in the looter shooter genre. With new Vault Hunters taking center stage, thousands of crazy weapons to wield, and endless loot to collect on a brand-new planet, this promises to be another epic sci-fi adventure.
Learn more about Borderlands 4 here.
Words by Tyler Constable
MindGAME data:
- Cumulative mindSHARE: .132
- Cumulative Search Volume: 4,200,000
- Peak Search Ranking: 234
- Peak Video Ranking: 156
- Peak Twitch Ranking: 895
Marathon
Bungie- Release date: September 23, 2025
- Developer: Bungie
- Genre: Extraction shooter
- Multiplayer: Yes
What it’s about: Halo creators Bungie are entering the extraction shooter realm by reviving its 1994 FPS, Marathon. You play as a Runner, a cybernetic mercenary whose job is to search the lost colony of Tau Ceti IV, battle other players and NPCs, and extract with high-value weapons and upgrades.
Why we’re excited: Extraction shooters, like Escape from Tarkov and Delta Force, are getting more and more popular – and for good reason. They’re tense and difficult, but extremely rewarding when things click.
Reactions to the alpha have been mixed, but we’re still excited to see what the creators of Halo and Destiny can do with their take on the genre. After all, their gunplay is among the best in the biz.
Words by Liam Mackay
MindGAME data:
- Cumulative mindSHARE: .787
- Cumulative Search Volume: 9,500,000
- Peak Search Ranking: 20th
- Peak Video Ranking: 66th
- Peak Twitch Ranking: 23rd
Ghost of Yotei
Sucker Punch- Release date: October 2, 2025
- Developer: Sucker Punch Productions
- Genre: Action-adventure
- Multiplayer: TBC
What it’s about: Ghost of Yotei takes place in 1603, more than 300 years after the events of Ghost of Tsushima. As the name suggests, Yotei leaves Jin and the war-raged lands of Tsushima in the past and sets its sights on Atsu – a new protagonist who finds herself roaming through the beautiful vistas of the Hokkaido region.
Why we’re excited: We’re leaving the tiny island of Tsushima behind and heading to Hokkaido – a vast area known for its outstanding beauty. This prospect alone has the armchair adventurer in us incredibly excited. I can’t wait to grab the nearest horse and gallop through the countryside, searching for wandering Ronin to take down.
Also, what’s cooler than a katana? Well, how about two katanas? Yes, Atsu seems to have a double-bladed combat style echoing that of Miyamoto Musashi – a legendary swordsman renowned for his undefeated duels. If that wasn’t cool enough, there are also new weapons like the Tanegashima (Matchlock Rifles), which add extra firepower to ranged engagements.
We’ve only seen a little bit of gameplay so far, but still, I can’t wait to see if Sucker Punch has landed another critical hit with Yotei.
Words by James Busby
MindGAME data:
- Cumulative mindSHARE: .654
- Cumulative Search Volume: 5,100,000
- Peak Search Ranking: 78
- Peak Video Ranking: 60
- Peak Twitch Ranking: 1615
Hollow Knight: Silksong
Team Cherry- Release window: 2025
- Developer: Team Cherry
- Genre: Metroidvania
- Multiplayer: No
What it’s about: The sequel to the metroidvania hit, Hollow Knight: Silksong is perhaps the most anticipated indie game ever. Playing as Hornet, captured and sent to an unfamiliar land, you have to battle and puzzle your way to the kingdom’s peak.
Why we’re excited: We’ve been desperate for more Hollow Knight after the original became a roaring success for its gorgeous art style, hauntingly beautiful soundtrack, and tough but rewarding gameplay.
Announced back in 2019, the sequel promises the same and more, with a brand-new world to explore, new enemies to fight, and a new acrobatic movement system for Hornet. We’re trying to temper our excitement until it’s actually in our hands, but it’s proving impossible.
Words by Liam Mackay
MindGAME data:
- Cumulative mindSHARE: .588
- Cumulative Search Volume: 23,600,000
- Peak Search Ranking: 88
- Peak Video Ranking: 73
- Peak Twitch Ranking: 619
Ninja Gaiden 4
Team Ninja- Release window: 2025
- Developer: Team Ninja
- Genre: Hack and slash
- Multiplayer: No
What it’s about: Ninja Gaiden is back after 13 years. You mainly play as Yakumo, a young ninja fighting his way through a futuristic Tokyo to lift the curse that’s devastated the city, but you also play as the previous protagonist, Ryu Hayabusa.
Why we’re excited: Ninja Gaiden 4 looks like everything a Ninja Gaiden fan could want: fast-paced hack-and-slash combat, huge setpieces, and crazy boss fights. It looks just as bloody, just as difficult, and just as awesome as the best games in the series, but it appears to be a big step up from the disappointing third installment.
While we can’t wait to play as Ryu again, Yakumo’s Bloodbind Ninjutsu fighting style looks badass, especially with the stylized slowdowns as you land the killing blow.
Words by Liam Mackay
MindGAME data:
- Cumulative mindSHARE: .512
- Cumulative Search Volume: 3,970,000
- Peak Search Ranking: 66
- Peak Video Ranking: 63
- Peak Twitch Ranking: 1669
Pokemon Legends: Z-A
The Pokemon Company- Release window: 2025
- Developer: Game Freak
- Genre: Action RPG
- Multiplayer: No
What it’s about: In the second Pokemon Legends game, you explore Kalos and its vast capital, Lumiose City.
Why we’re excited: Legends: Arceus is one of the best Pokemon games in recent memory, so the Legends name alone is enough to get us excited.
This innovative title gave the franchise new life, allowing trainers to finally fulfill their dream of freely exploring the Pokemon world. It also had a compelling gameplay loop and provided insight into Sinnoh’s fascinating past. Pokemon Legends: Z-A will aim to do the same for Kalos, and we can’t wait to play what has the potential to be the greatest Pokemon game ever made.
Words by Kurt Perry
MindGAME data:
- Cumulative mindSHARE: .859
- Cumulative Search Volume: 9,500,000
- Peak Search Ranking: 95
- Peak Video Ranking: 70
- Peak Twitch Ranking: 1433
As these games release and our reviews arrive, depending on our scores, they may make it into our best games of 2025 list, so check back in.
Now you’re caught up with the most anticipated games of 2025, while you wait for them to release, you can check out the best horror games and the biggest Soulslikes to look out for this year.
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