The Best Games of 2025 — The Windows Central team ranks our favorite titles across Xbox and Windows PC

2025 was an absolutely insane year for games.

No matter what you play on—Xbox, Windows PC, Steam, Nintendo Switch, or PlayStation—one thing is clear: this year had an incredible number of fantastic games.

Great games came out in many forms this year. From massive, big-budget titles from major publishers to smaller, independent games that became viral sensations, the sheer number of available games is overwhelming – the ‘backlog’ of unplayed games is definitely a problem for many players.

As 2025 comes to a close and we look ahead to 2026, my team at Windows Central has compiled a list of our favorite Xbox and PC games from the past year. It’s a completely subjective ranking, based purely on our votes – so don’t expect any scientific rigor here!

Ranking our favorite games of 2025!

You’ll find a few extra games listed at the bottom that we wanted to acknowledge, even though they didn’t quite meet our main criteria – either because they were updated versions of older games, expansions, or didn’t receive enough support from our team.

10. Silent Hill F

Silent Hill F successfully revives the classic horror series after more than ten years. The game takes place in 1960s Japan and follows Hinako as she navigates a terrifying and unsettling nightmare, shaped by both her difficult family history and the everyday struggles of school life.

With its surprising turns, engaging fights, and immersive world, this game shows Konami is still a force to be reckoned with in 2025 – and we’re excited about it. — Jez Corden

9. Elden Ring: Nightreign

FromSoftware, the studio behind popular action RPGs like Elden Ring, usually creates large, carefully designed games. Elden Ring Nightreign is a big change of pace – it’s a fast-paced, cooperative roguelike where you and your friends fight through enemies on a shrinking map, collecting upgrades along the way. I was hesitant at first, but quickly became hooked on its quick and intense combat.

Nightreign takes the excellent gameplay of Elden Ring and adds 10 different characters to play as, including two new ones from the ‘The Forsaken Hollows’ DLC, which also adds new bosses and a map. Each character has unique abilities and strengths. While more enemy variety would be nice, Nightreign is a well-made and innovative game that any fan of challenging action RPGs should definitely try. — Brendan Lowry

8. Hollow Knight: Silksong

After years of anticipation, Hollow Knight Silksong was a huge hit this summer, becoming immediately available on Xbox Game Pass and launching at the same time as the Xbox handheld console, the Ally.

As an analyst, I can confidently say that Hollow Knight Silksong is a relentlessly challenging metroidvania, clearly influenced by the soulslike genre. It doesn’t shy away from being difficult, and players should be prepared for some frustration! However, it’s also a truly exceptional game. The art style is gorgeous, the music is incredible, the story is captivating, and the combat is incredibly precise. It’s an instant classic and a must-play for anyone who enjoys this type of game – just be patient and take your time with it. – Jez Corden

7. Arc Raiders

Growing up playing DayZ on PC has definitely influenced my experience with ARC Raiders. It evokes the same feelings I had back then, particularly the freedom to make your own choices and the uncertainty of encountering other players. Like DayZ did in 2013, ARC Raiders constantly makes you wonder who you can trust, and it’s exciting to see that tension in a modern game. It reminds me of the multiplayer games from the Xbox 360 era and captures the same unique spirit that made DayZ so memorable. Honestly, it makes me wish DayZ had received this much attention when it first came out. — Adam Hales

6. Battlefield 6

For years, Call of Duty has dominated the first-person shooter market. But after a few unsuccessful attempts, EA’s Battlefield series has finally delivered a strong contender this year, and it’s actually making a real impact on Call of Duty’s dominance – perhaps for the first time ever.

As an analyst, I’ve been watching the gaming landscape closely, and it’s clear Battlefield 6 delivered what many modern Call of Duty titles were missing – a return to more realistic, ‘grounded’ warfare. Players really responded to this shift, and we saw EA benefit significantly from it this year.

5. Ball x Pit

Our team really got into Ball x Pit this year. It unexpectedly became incredibly popular during the third quarter, and everyone was playing it.

Ball x Pit is a fast-paced game that blends the brick-breaking action of classics like DX Ball with the compelling, wave-based gameplay of titles like Vampire Survivors. Prepare to battle through endless enemies, collecting and combining power-ups that constantly change and improve your abilities – it’s shaping up to be one of the most addictive games of 2025. – Jez Corden

4. Hades 2

As a researcher following Supergiant Games, I can confidently say they’ve done it again. After the incredible success of the original Hades, expectations were high for their first sequel, and they absolutely delivered. Launching in early access and continually updated, the team created an even more expansive and impressive roguelike game. It’s a beautiful blend of stunning visuals, fast-paced action, and a really compelling reimagining of Greek mythology.

I really love the new character, Melinoë, and how well she fits in with the rest of the story’s cast. Each playthrough feels unique, and it’s incredibly rewarding to become more powerful as you fight the Titan of Time and his challenging bosses.

Adding to the incredible experience is a fantastic soundtrack, again created by Darren Korb of Supergiant Games. Hades 2 is easily among the very best games released this year. — Samuel Tolbert

3. Blue Prince

I wasn’t sure whether to include Blue Prince among my favorite games of the year. It definitely left a strong impression, but I had a complicated relationship with it. It was incredibly absorbing, and often frustrating, yet I kept returning to play it again and again.

I previously announced I was leaving to protect my sanity, but then I ended up working another 20 hours. This job feels like a never-ending puzzle within a larger mystery – just when you think you’ve figured something out, new questions arise.

It’s a strangely satisfying challenge – you really have to actively work through problems, jotting down notes as you go. But it can be frustrating when ideas suddenly hit you at inconvenient times, like when you’re trying to sleep! And it’s incredibly annoying to struggle with something for days, only to discover the answer was obvious the whole time.

Playing Blue Prince was surprisingly great, especially when working with friends to share discoveries and solve puzzles. It’s a remarkably clever game, and I rarely enjoy something so challenging, but Blue Prince is truly unforgettable. Any fan of puzzles or roguelike games absolutely needs to try it. — Jennifer Young

2. Kingdom Come Deliverance 2

I’m choosing Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 as my Game of the Year. While Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is also fantastic, I think Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is slightly better.

Warhorse Studios has created a truly impressive medieval RPG. What sets it apart are its incredibly responsive and realistic systems – from how the world reacts to your actions, to the detailed and historically accurate combat. Even the armor works realistically, with damage affecting specific areas and layers of protection.

This game isn’t just beautifully made visually and aurally – with incredible graphics and a sweeping orchestral score – it’s also a joy to play. The story is captivating, and there are over 120 hours of side quests and activities that really bring the medieval Bohemian setting to life. I highly recommend it! —Brendan Lowry

1. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is impressive for many reasons. It comes from Sandfall Interactive, a new studio founded by former Ubisoft developers who wanted the freedom to create without the restrictions of a large company.

Our goal is to create a game that feels like a tribute to classic Japanese role-playing games, but with updated graphics and a distinctive French atmosphere.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 quickly became one of the year’s biggest hits. It delivered the kind of large-scale Japanese role-playing game that Final Fantasy fans have been hoping for—a game Square Enix hasn’t been making lately—but with a fresh and original approach. The game’s story is particularly strong, being both gripping and emotionally resonant, even though it takes place in a dark and often depressing fantasy world that also manages to be inspiring.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is our pick for Game of the Year because it overcomes challenges and feels special, even though it draws inspiration from other games. It’s a truly creative work and a powerful example of what makes the gaming industry thrive. — Jez Corden

Honorable Mentions

Atomfall

Atomfall is a classic British action game, but its developer, Rebellion, isn’t just known for the Sniper Elite series. This unique shooter is set in a beautifully detailed, hand-crafted version of the Cumbrian countryside and embraces all the eccentricities of Britain. The game’s story is inspired by a little-known nuclear incident that actually happened in Northern England.

While the name might suggest Fallout, this game feels more like STALKER, with a strong emphasis on exploring, being stealthy, and having a lot of freedom – and it does all of those things exceptionally well. – Jez Corden

Dying Light: The Beast

Dying Light: The Beast didn’t get the attention it deserved, and I think there are a couple of reasons why. It came out during a crowded period for game releases, and its name might have been misleading. Really, it’s more like a full sequel – Dying Light 3 – but Techland seemed hesitant to call it that because it originally started as downloadable content. Over time, it expanded significantly, becoming a standalone game with a completely new map, features, gameplay systems, and story.

Okay, so I’ve been playing *Dying Light: The Beast*, and it’s seriously cool. It continues the story of Kyle Crane, but with a massive twist – you can turn into this powerful, hulking mutant! Trust me, smashing zombies with your bare hands in beast mode is unbelievably satisfying. If you’re a fan of the *Dying Light* series, you absolutely shouldn’t miss this one. Honestly, I think it’s even better than *Dying Light 2*, and the beast transformation is just… addictive. (And yeah, in the game, it’s literally infectious!) – Jez Corden

DUSK

DUSK deserves recognition, especially for its Xbox release. It’s a key game in the ‘boomer shooter’ revival, bringing back the fast-paced, action-packed first-person shooter style of games like DOOM. With its retro look, tons of hidden secrets, and over-the-top action, DUSK became one of my favorite games of 2025 after discovering it, and it plays great on the Xbox Series X/S as well. — Jez Corden

The Alters

As an analyst, I’ve been following *The Alters*, and I’m a little disappointed that Alex Jordan’s incredible voice performance as Jan Dolski didn’t get the recognition it deserved at The Game Awards. It’s a game that didn’t get as much attention as some others, and I think his work really stood out.

In The Alters, you don’t control just one Jan—you play as multiple versions of him. These are clones created with Jan’s memories to help maintain a massive, traveling space station. You’re stranded and running out of oxygen and supplies, so you need to reach the designated extraction point before the planet’s sun destroys you.

If you enjoyed the challenging survival gameplay and emotionally impactful story of *This War of Mine*, this game should definitely be on your radar in 2025. – Jez Corden

Keeper

In 2025, I played a lot of games, but only three were truly exceptional, earning a perfect 10 out of 10: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, The Alters, and Keeper.

Even after years of anticipation following Psychonauts 2, Keeper didn’t disappoint. It actually surpassed my high expectations for Double Fine Productions, one of Xbox’s most innovative studios.

While you could simply describe Keeper as a walking, talking lighthouse accompanied by a dinosaur-like bird, that doesn’t quite capture the game’s depth. It certainly *sounds* like something Double Fine would create, but Keeper offers a surprisingly rich experience beyond that quirky premise.

Zachary Boddy calls this game stunningly beautiful, praising its incredibly creative and powerful visual style as the best he’s seen this year. He also found it completely captivating, with a grand story about history, finding meaning, and family that will stay with you long after you finish playing.

Silent Hill 2

I also want to highlight Silent Hill 2, especially for Xbox players. While it came out on PlayStation and PC previously, its recent release on Xbox makes it worthy of recognition. In my opinion, it’s easily one of the best Xbox games of 2025, and Bloober Team did an incredible job with it.

Silent Hill 2 is a highly acclaimed survival horror game known for its intensely creepy atmosphere, challenging gameplay, and smart puzzles. Its intriguing story, strangely effective voice acting, and memorable music have made it a classic that still stands out. Bloober Team has done a fantastic job with this remake, staying true to the original’s spirit, and it’s now available on Xbox. — Jez Corden

Dispatch

AdHoc Studio, founded by people who previously worked at Telltale Games, has launched its first game, Dispatch, to positive attention.

Dispatch cleverly mixes the ordinary world of office life with the unpredictable adventures of unconventional heroes, successfully refreshing the superhero genre. The show boasts fantastic characters and genuinely funny moments, all brought to life by an amazing voice cast featuring Aaron Paul (from Breaking Bad) and many stars from Critical Role.

Dispatch is a standout narrative adventure game, ranking among the best like The Walking Dead and The Wolf Among Us, and I’m eagerly anticipating a second season. — Samuel Tolbert

Cronos: The New Dawn

I want to highlight another great game that didn’t get enough attention this year, and this one’s from Bloober Team. Their original survival horror game, *Cronos: The New Dawn*, blends gameplay inspired by classics like *Resident Evil*, *The Evil Within*, and *Dead Space*, but sets it all within a distinctive Polish science fiction world.

This game plunges you into a haunting, post-apocalyptic world as a mysterious character known as the Traveller. You’ll journey through different points in time to uncover the cause of the world’s destruction. Expect a gripping story with plenty of surprises, intense battles, and stunning environments. Bloober Team has really outdone themselves with this one, and fans are hoping for more games set in this universe. — Jez Corden

WH40K: Rogue Trader — Lex Imperialis DLC

Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader is particularly special to me. It was the first computer role-playing game I ever finished, and I enjoyed it so much that it quickly became my favorite game in the Warhammer 40,000 series.

The Lex Imperialis DLC significantly enhanced everything I enjoyed about the game. It introduced exciting new character Archetypes, weapons found throughout the game, and substantial balance adjustments for all classes. This adds a lot more replayability thanks to new cutscenes and story choices. Plus, there are fantastic new adventures where you can eliminate enemies of the Imperium alongside the Arbites, a new companion and character origin inspired by Judge Dredd. — Alex Cope

Monster Hunter Stories 1 and 2

I got my hands on the original Monster Hunter Stories back in 2021 on the 3DS, and honestly, I was hooked. What I really appreciated was how it took the core feel of Monster Hunter – the hunting, the gathering, all of it – and translated it into a really engaging turn-based RPG without feeling like just another Pokémon clone. It really stood out!

A few years later, I was thrilled to experience it again on a larger screen with the HD Remaster (and the Xbox version of Monster Hunter Stories 2). It’s just as enjoyable as I remembered, and now includes extra content that wasn’t in the original 3DS game.

I had lost some excitement for Monster Hunter after being let down by Monster Hunter Wilds, but this game brought that passion back. I’m really looking forward to seeing what happens next in the series with the release of Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection on March 13, 2026. — Alex Cope

Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound

Many modern games avoid being too difficult, fearing they’ll lose players. It’s refreshing to see the Ninja Gaiden series, with Ninja Gaiden Ragebound, remain true to its challenging, classic style.

This game is incredibly challenging – I even hurt my wrist trying to keep up with the fast-paced combat! But overcoming those challenges was incredibly rewarding. Figuring out the intricate levels, learning all the different ways to fight, discovering hidden areas, and finally defeating the difficult bosses made all the effort worthwhile.

I never got into the Ninja Gaiden series before, but this game completely changed my mind! It was incredibly fun and visually stunning, and now I’m excited to go back and play the older titles to see what I’ve been missing. — Alex Cope

Happy Holidays from the Windows Central Gaming Team!

That’s a wrap on our favorite games for 2025.

It’s been an incredible year for new game releases, as titles previously delayed due to the pandemic finally launched one after another. And 2026 looks to be just as packed! We can expect big games from Xbox Game Studios, including Fable, a remastered Halo: Combat Evolved, and Gears E-Day. But the biggest release will almost certainly be Grand Theft Auto 6, which is currently scheduled to come out in just under a year – assuming there aren’t any further delays.

What were your favorite games of 2025? And what upcoming games for 2026 are you looking forward to the most? Let us know in the comments, and happy holidays to everyone celebrating Christmas!

2025-12-13 19:45