2025 has already delivered some fantastic action-adventure games, and there are more on the way! We’ve seen great remakes, highly anticipated sequels, and even completely new game series. Several of these titles are quickly becoming all-time favorites.
Like with any game category, a few titles really stand out thanks to special features and innovative gameplay that make them incredibly fun and memorable. Naturally, one game excelled so much it became our top pick of the year.
Without further ado, here are the nominees for the best action-adventure game of 2025.
1. Mafia: The Old Country
This game, set in the early days of the Mafia in Sicily, delivers everything fans love about the series. It’s a compelling story brought to life with stunning visuals, and the gameplay is as thrilling as ever.
If you didn’t see ‘Enzo’s tryst with the Torrisi family’ when it came out earlier this year, it’s definitely worth watching. The only downside is that there aren’t more episodes available – it’s just that good!
2. Ninja Gaiden 2 Black
Okay, so this game really nailed the feeling of the original, but with a lot of cool stuff from Sigma 2 thrown in. It totally brought back some awesome memories! As a Ryu fan, I’m always happy to jump back into his story. But what really got me hooked was having three brand new characters to play as. Plus, the New Game Plus mode means there’s a ton to master – I found myself really getting into all the game’s systems and mechanics.
The game is really satisfying to play, letting you create amazing combat sequences if you master the weapons. If you’re looking for a classic gaming experience, it’s definitely worth trying!
3. Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Exploring ancient Japan while tracking down the Shinbakufu was a real highlight of the game. The world was cleverly designed for Naoe’s fast-paced movement and combat, and it really let Yasuke excel as a powerful, resilient character. We especially enjoyed discovering everything this world had to offer.
Honestly, the stealth in this game is incredible. I’ve been able to sneak through whole castles without raising an alarm, which is exactly what I want in an Assassin’s Creed game! If you’re after a really immersive experience, definitely check out Exploration Mode – it makes the world feel so much more real.
4. Split Fiction
Mio and Zoe have created a fantastic story in Split Fiction that’s best experienced with a friend. The game features clever level design, memorable bosses and enemies, and a compelling story that really lets the game’s strengths come through.
I absolutely loved this game! It’s seriously funny and charming, but it also packs a real emotional punch. Plus, it’s full of little nods to celebrities and shows I recognize, which is a fun extra layer. Playing with the AI is good, but honestly, it’s way better with a friend. It’s just one of those games you finish and immediately want to play again!
5. Metroid Prime 4: Beyond
Playing as Samus in Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is incredibly fun. While you’ll encounter some challenging enemies, the game features a fantastic world and captivating setting. It immediately draws you in with a thrilling opening and then delivers a consistently enjoyable experience.
Samus also gains abilities that help you explore and fight, which could make this game a really enjoyable experience if you decide to play it.
6. Metal Gear Solid Delta Snake Eater
Konami successfully remade the original Snake Eater, introducing a classic game to a new audience and showcasing why the series is so highly regarded. Playing as Naked Snake on his first mission against a powerful enemy is incredibly enjoyable, and players can also jump into FOX Hunt for some competitive multiplayer action.
This game is a classic, and Delta is the definitive way to play it. Konami has updated it with several improvements that make it feel like a more contemporary Metal Gear Solid title.
7. Hell is Us
Remi’s journey through Hadea to find his parents isn’t a lighthearted one, but the game excels at rewarding players who explore and pay attention. Those who truly investigate will uncover hidden story details and valuable items. However, the game offers very little guidance – discovering everything relies heavily on your own observation and memory.
It’s refreshing to play a game with so much mystery. Uncovering the story and history bit by bit is both unsettling and rewarding, making it a compelling experience.
8. Echoes of the End
Ryn and Abram’s game hasn’t become a huge hit, but it’s still a good experience. The story is full of memorable scenes, and the combat is quick and rewarding. You’ll find plenty to enjoy, both through the main storyline and the experiences you create yourself while playing.
Honestly, the voice acting is fantastic – the actors really brought the story to life. And while it’s not perfect, the whole package is fun enough to get you through it once. I enjoyed my first playthrough, for sure!
9. Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii
It’s incredibly enjoyable to see Goro lead his own pirate crew in a thrilling adventure, battling against rival ships – it’s even more fun than you’d expect! This story is a fantastic introduction to Ryu Gya Gotoku and really highlights how popular the Like a Dragon series has become.
The fighting is really fun, and adding a jump button is a great response to what players wanted. The story is full of unexpected twists and turns, and with tons of extra things to do, you’ll be entertained for hours.
10. Shadow Labyrinth
Traveling with Puck and Swordsman #8 through this strange world was a real pleasure. The world constantly throws obstacles in their path, making for a challenging experience that truly tests your skills and strategy. But overcoming those challenges makes the journey incredibly rewarding.
This game boasts excellent level design and challenging enemies and bosses, making it incredibly replayable. Keen-eyed players will also notice fun nods and references to other popular Bandai Namco games.
11. Death Stranding 2: On The Beach
This new game from Hideo Kojima takes players to both Mexico and Australia, offering an incredible experience that showcases the power of modern gaming. It builds on everything fans loved about the original Death Stranding, adding exciting new features that are truly groundbreaking and need to be experienced firsthand.
This game grabs you right from the start and is so enjoyable that you’ll want to play it again and again.
12. Ninja Gaiden 4
Ninja Gaiden 4 successfully revives the series with a blend of classic elements that longtime fans will appreciate, alongside fresh content that makes it accessible to new players. It’s a stylish return to form.
The latest installment in the series sees Ryu facing the Dark Dragon once more, this time alongside a fresh character who adds exciting new elements to the fighting. It’s a highly anticipated game that delivers on many fronts, establishing itself as one of the best action games of the year with a story that will keep you hooked and eager to see what happens next.
13. Hollow Knight: Silksong
Everyone was incredibly excited about Silksong this year, and for good reason. By making Hornet the main character, the game offered fresh combat and movement options, and it’s much larger and more ambitious than the original Hollow Knight.
The game expertly combines exploration, movement, fighting, and storytelling, creating a truly wonderful experience. Even though it takes place in a harsh world, it’s incredibly fun to play.
14. Ghost of Yotei
Ezo is a fantastic setting for horseback adventures and thrilling battles against dangerous enemies. While Atsu’s quest for revenge is captivating, the game truly shines in how it lets you help her reconnect with her lost home while simultaneously building her reputation as a fearsome legend. This combination makes the experience both heartwarming and exciting.
The game’s stunning scenery and challenging battles create exciting gameplay that we’ll likely enjoy for a long time. As a PlayStation exclusive, it could also be a big draw for console sales during the holidays.
15. Dying Light: The Beast
Wow, this game is seriously good! Playing as Kyle Crane again, it’s definitely a lot darker and more realistic than his previous adventures, which actually makes the world feel so much more believable. The Beast really makes you think – you’re constantly exploring this awesome open world, but you’ve also got to be careful because the Infected are tough, and resources are limited. You really have to be smart about how you use everything you find, or things can go south fast!
This story feels exactly like a classic Dying Light experience, and fans of the series are excited about where it leaves things. If you enjoy intense action and a compelling narrative, this game is definitely worth playing.
Each of these books has been unique and wonderful, but we now have the difficult task of choosing just one as the best.
The winner of the best action-adventure game of 2025 is:
Ghost of Yotei
Atsu is a beautifully designed adventure where exploring the world feels natural and immersive, cleverly hiding the complex systems that make it all work. It’s a truly exceptional open-world game with unique gameplay, and its combat is a thrilling, fast-paced fight to the death against dangerous spirits, leaving only the strongest warrior standing.
That concludes our list of the top action-adventure games from 2025. After such a fantastic year for gaming, we’re already excited to see what 2026 brings!
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2025-12-31 23:14