At the end of 2024 we set a reward, asking our community which game releasing in 2025 they were most excited about. That reward has been awarded and the tallies have been counted. And now in this mini piece of curated content, we’re delighted to announce the winners. Without further ado, here’s our gaming community’s 2025 most anticipated countdown, followed by justifications, descriptions, and trailers:

10: Doom: The Dark Ages

Release date: unannounced, 2025

In 10th place we have Doom: The Dark Ages, here’s why Vivisector is excited for some merciless FPS action: 

“As you can see from my avatar, I love the Doom saga. From the trailers, it seems the events of The Dark Ages occur between Doom Eternal and Doom 2016. Of course I’m excited just to play, but the thing I most want to try is the big f***ing mech. In Eternal, we only see them destroyed or in the final battle, but the idea of piloting one myself gives me goosebumps.”

9. Subnautica 2

Release date: unannounced, 2025

Next up is Subnautica 2, a sequel to the celebrated 2018 underwater survival-adventure odyssey, giving players a new chance to explore fascinating alien water worlds. Here’s why Mistymeooww is ready to dive back in: 

“In the first Subnautica, once I was able to explore the world properly, it was amazing. I saw strange, scary, and gigantic sea monsters and all types of marine life. Thankfully, the cartoonish graphics take the edge off, because the ocean is terrifying. I can’t wait to try Subnautica 2 to discover all of the improvements and new mysteries.”

8. Assassin’s Creed: Shadows

Release date: 14 February 

There are an array of new Assassin’s Creed games in the works, but few have as many people talking about them as Assassin’s Creed: Shadows. Here’s 0ffworld: 

“We, the AC fans, have been dreaming of an Assassin's Creed game set in feudal Japan for oh so many years. I was super excited when they announced that it was finally in the works. I've loved stealth games ever since I was a kid playing early Splinter Cell games. I'm hoping this will be similar to the current-gen Tenchu game we never got. (Curse you, Sekiro!). For work (and hobbies), I’m involved with Japanese culture every day, so I'm very happy that after finishing Ghost of Tsushima on PC last year, I can keep my streak of exploring Japan in open-world games going!”

7. Death Stranding 2: On the Beach

Release date: unannounced, 2025

One of the most critically acclaimed, intriguing, and yet divisive games of all time is getting a sequel. AndyRice is a recent Death Stranding convert; this is why: 

“I wasn’t very interested in Death Stranding when it first released, since lots of people called it a ‘walking simulator’. But during the COVID pandemic, I decided to give it a try since I had nothing to do. I instantly fell in love with the story, artistic style, and music. Moreover, Hideo Kojima invited many of my favorite actors - Léa Seydoux, Mads Mikkelsen, Norman Reedus - to act in the major roles. The game is definitely a great piece of art and interactive movie. And I just can’t wait to experience more.”

6. Kingdom Come Deliverance 2

Release date: 4 February

Another sequel comes in at number six. DunRingill was won over by the first KC:D and can’t wait to see how Warhorse takes it up a notch: 

“Part one was such a special experience. Set in medieval Bohemia, the game feels more like a medieval simulator than an action game. The historical details are so accurate and immersive, and the stories and characters so well written; once you commit yourself to KC:D, you can't put it away. The preview videos hint that Warhorse Studios will take it up to the next level with this year’s sequel. So if you’re in for historical, medieval roleplay gaming, without sorcery, high elves, or dragons, this’ll be for you!”

5. Atomfall 

Release date: 27 March 

Another game that’s garnered a lot of attention in the last year, Atomfall is an upcoming post-apocalyptic survival action game set in northern England. Here’s why SIRCAM can’t wait to give it a try:

“I’ve largely only been playing New World the whole year, but in 2025, Atomfall is the only video game that I’ll be sinking my teeth into. After watching the trailers and gameplay, I can see why people are calling it British Fallout. I’m getting good vibes about it, and I hope they improve AI behaviour, shooting, and melee attack animations before release. I wish the best to the boys and girls of Rebellion, and hope that they can deliver like they have with their other titles.”

4. Monster Hunter Wilds 

Release date: 25 February 

Capcom’s upcoming action RPG looks set to expand upon the Monster Hunter franchise’s cult following with a visually impressive game with incredible-looking action. Here’s Borrrrr on why it’s so hotly anticipated: 

“As 2025 approaches, one game I'm incredibly excited about is Monster Hunter Wilds. As someone who loves exploration, combat, and grinding, this game has all the elements I enjoy. The open-world concept offers a new level of immersion, allowing players to explore vast environments and face off against monsters that range from cute to terrifying. The thrill of battling massive creatures, crafting new gear, and grinding for resources with friends makes it even more exciting. I’m really looking forward to hunting with my party, as there’s nothing better than tackling epic challenges together!”

3. Fable

Release date: unannounced, expected in Q4 

In third place, we have the Fable relaunch. For many, this author included, the Fable games hold a special place in hearts and memories. After a hiatus, there are countless gamers hoping that Fable 2025 will bring back the whimsy, charm, storytelling, and humour of the beloved originals. Another gamer who’s just as excited is Kethervir:  

“For many years, I’ve been waiting to play a new Fable game. The first Fable lives in a special place in my heart that other games simply can’t compete with. It’d take too long to describe everything I love about the game, its ambience, combat, puzzles, housing, fishing, power struggles, relationships, character growth, and all the many activities you can do in this awesome, awesome game series. And that’s not to forget the incredible story. This release is huge, and I pray it’s like the first!”

2. Elden Ring: Nightreign 

Release date: unannounced, 2025

Elden Ring has been enjoying spectacular popularity for years, and now this standalone cooperative adventure looks set to keep the hype train chugging. Here’s one of its many nominators, mypets: 

“There are several games that promise to deliver a lot in 2025. But one that I'm really excited to play is Elden Ring: Nightreign. We already know that Elden Ring never disappoints; the story is impeccable, couple it with the difficulty and setting and you get unparalleled immersion.

“Nightreign will bring a new experience with the cooperative multiplayer mode, which is sure to provide new and much more challenging experiences. I'm really excited to face the Lord of the Night with the gang and embark on the new discoveries that Elden Ring: Nightreign is bound to give me!”

1. Grand Theft Auto 6

Release date: autumn

We’d say ‘drumroll please’ but GTA 6 earning the number one most anticipated game of 2025 slot should be a surprise to no one. The franchise stands in a category of its own, with every new game taking the world by storm. After years of theories, hints, teasers, fake news, and rumours, it’s finally coming. Here’s Makster summarising the hype: 

“It has to be the GOAT: GTA VI. It's already the most culturally hyped game in modern times and rightly so. Rockstar Games has rarely missed when it comes to putting out quality games. The GTA series is one of the few games that transcends the medium. Even those that haven't heard of video games past Pac Man and Pong will know of the violent simulator GTA, and after a decade of waiting, we will now see a new mainstay instalment. I am so ready."

If you're looking for something to play before these games release, check out Just About Video Games's GOTY 2024. Some text has been edited for brevity, clarity, or spelling, punctuation, and grammar. You can find the original wording here. Image credit: Warhorse Studios