News2025 GOTY Watch (Game of the Year Candidates)

The time has come for us to name our nominees across the different categories for the year! Check back soon for our winners.

Best Early Access Game

• 2XKO
• 33 Immortals
• Aethermancer
• ENDLESS Legend 2
• Fellowship
• Grounded 2
• Mycopunk
• R.E.P.O.
• Schedule I
• Titan Quest II

Best Indie Game

• Ball x Pit
• Blue Prince
• Hades 2
• Hollow Knight: Silk Song
• Look Outside
• Megabonk
• Peak
• Sword of the Sea
• The Alters
• The Bazaar

Best Remake / Remaster

• Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake
• Final Fantasy Tactics
• Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater
• Ninja Gaiden 2 Black
• Suikoden I & II HD Remaster
• Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2
• The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered
• Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4
• Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition
• Yooka-Re-Playlee

Multiplayer

• Absolum
• ARC Raiders
• Battlefield 6
• Borderlands 4
• Dune: Awakening
• Elden Ring Nightreign
• Mario Kart World
• Monster Hunter Wilds
• PEAK
• Split Fiction

Single Player

• Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
• Death Stranding 2: On The Beach
• Dispatch
• Donkey Kong Bananza
• Doom: The Dark Ages
• Ghost of Yōtei
• Kingdom Come: Deliverance II
• Ninja Gaiden 4
• Silent Hill f
• The Hundred Line: Last Defense Academy

2025 Game of the Year

• ARC Raiders
• Blue Prince
• Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
• Death Stranding 2: On The Beach
• Donkey Kong Bananza
• Ghost of Yōtei
• Hades 2
• Hollow Knight: Silk Song
• Kingdom Come: Deliverance II
• Split Fiction

These games are true standouts of 2025 and are slated to win many awards at the end of the year. Each one has truly succeeded in executing its vision and, in some cases, pushing the boundaries of its respective genres.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

• Release Date: April 24, 2025
• Platforms: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
• Developer: Sandfall Interactive
• Publisher: Kepler Interactive

Sandfall Interactive's debut game, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, is a masterpiece from top to bottom, making history as likely the best AA game of all time and a strong GOTY candidate. Inspired by JRPGs and Soulslikes, Expedition 33 strikes a unique balance that breathes new life into turn-based combat.

Outside of gameplay, it is a masterclass in music, art style, and worldbuilding - in hindsight, it's no surprise that it was greenlit for a film before its actual release date. The game is on virtually every major platform except Nintendo Switch 2 (hopefully, it'll be ported one day), so there's no reason why it shouldn't be in your library or backlog.

Donkey Kong Bananza

• Release Date: July 17, 2025
• Platforms: Nintendo Switch 2
• Developer: Nintendo EPD
• Publisher: Kepler Interactive

After 26 years since the last 3D installment in the franchise, Donkey Kong Bananza marks a triumphant return to form for the legendary franchise. Helmed by Nintendo's Mario Odyssey team, this game is not just a GOTY contender, but it's risen in the ranks for one of the best 3D platformers, period.

Featuring voxel technology that makes the majority of the environment destructible, Bananza marks an evolution comparable to Zelda's leap forward with Breath of the Wild. No two players will play it the same way!

Amid price increases and a seemingly sparse library for the Nintendo Switch 2's early era, Donkey Kong Bananza has shifted the narrative as a gorilla-sized reason to purchase the console alone.

Death Stranding 2: On The Beach

• Release Date: June 26, 2025
• Platforms: PlayStation 5
• Developer: Kojima Productions
• Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment

Hideo Kojima, one of the last true auteurs in video games, has done it again with Death Stranding 2: On The Beach. As a follow-up to the ambitious Death Stranding, the sequel refines and elevates the formula in virtually every way imaginable.

The action-adventure "strand game" offers a cinematic adventure only Kojima-san can deliver. If you haven't played the first one, you can still enjoy Death Stranding 2 as the game offers story recaps, but if you can play the predecessor first, you'll be rewarded with a much better experience.

Kingdom Come: Deliverance II

• Release Date: February 4, 2025
• Platforms: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
• Developer: Warhorse Studios
• Publisher: Deep Silver

Kingdom Come: Deliverance II takes the throne as the best Western-RPG of 2025 and is a darkhorse for the year's top RPG against Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. The medieval sandbox game rooted in realism delivers for fans of the first installment while serving as a more accessible entry point for new players.

With promising new systems, improvements to established ones, and a more ambitious scope, Kingdom Come: Deliverance II brings a cult-classic franchise into the spotlight.

Split Fiction

• Release Date: March 6, 2025 and June 5, 2025 (Nintendo Switch 2)
• Platforms: Nintendo Switch 2, PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
• Developer: Hazelight Studios
• Publisher: Electronic Arts

Hazelight Studios has long stood as a shining beacon for a quickly fading art form in the gaming industry: the couch co-op experience. Following the massive success of It Takes Two, which claimed 2021’s Game of the Year from numerous outlets, the studio has doubled down with another bold addition to their consistently exceptional catalog.

The story built around two writers — one sci-fi, the other fantasy — takes you across a diverse spectrum of gameplay mechanics and tongue-in-cheek tropes. It’s a love letter to the genres they inhabit, blending heartfelt narrative with diverse mechanics that celebrate what makes each genre special.

Its included Friend Pass makes it easy to jump in and play with a friend or family member even if you can’t be together in person. The game is slightly more challenging than It Takes Two, but players familiar with its predecessor will find the transition seamless.

Blue Prince

• Release Date: April 10, 2025
• Platforms: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
• Developer: Dogubomb
• Publisher: Raw Fury

Every year, standout indie games push the boundaries of genre and mechanics in spaces that bigger studios would deem too risky. Blue Prince elegantly combines roguelike deckbuilding with a mystery that unravels through short-term and long-term puzzles. Beyond its inventive mechanics, the game crafts one of the most unique atmospheres of the year with unsettling exploration that evokes feelings of Mark Z. Danielewski's House of Leaves.

Hollow Knight: Silk Song

• Release Date: September 4, 2025
• Platforms: macOS, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox X|S
• Developer: Team Cherry
• Publishers: Team Cherry

To no one's surprise, Hollow Knight: Silksong smashed its opening week, peaking at 587k on Steam alone. For the most part, the long-hyped sequel delivered for its fans, with its criticism being mostly directed toward its challenge level - but hey, were you expecting it to be easy? WIth Metroid Prime 4: Beyond still in the wings, it's insane knowing that Silksong doesn't have the best Metroidvania of the year locked down just yet.

Hades 2

• Release Date: September 25, 2025
• Platforms: Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PC
• Developer: Supergiant Games
• Publishers: Supergiant Games

If you've been holding out on playing Hades 2 until its full release, you’re in for a treat — it's met and exceeded our expectations. The Early Access version was already polished to a high standard, and its full version is an absolute masterclass. Check out our full Hades 2 review here.

Ghost of Yotei

• Release Date: October 2, 2025
• Platforms: PlayStation 5
• Developer: Sucker Punch Productions
• Publishers: Sony Interactive Entertainment

Ghost of Tsushima was a deserved GOTY contender during its time, so it's no surprise that there is a ton of hype built up for Ghost of Yotei. The sequel continues where its predecessor left off, but also adds some improvements, most notably in areas such as combat. Fear not, PC fans, a worthy port is almost guaranteed to follow in the coming years.

ARC Raiders

• Release Date: October 30, 2025
• Platforms: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
• Developer: Embark Studios
• Publishers: Embark Studios

After some unfortunate blunders by Marathon, ARC Raiders stole the hearts and minds of extraction shooter aficionados. From the same studio that brought you The Finals, it delivers a potent package of top-notch worldbuilding with excellent gameplay. It's gone from somewhat of an underdog to a legit contender for Escape From Tarkov's crown. See our Arc Raiders review here!

This category includes great games that just missed the mark for being among the crème of the crop or were otherwise noteworthy. Many other games could've been listed here depending on who you ask!

Upper Tier

Borderlands 4

• Release Date: September 12, 2025
• Platforms: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2 (delayed)
• Developer: Gearbox Software
• Publishers: 2K

Although Borderlands 4 represents a strong return to form for the series after a controversial 3rd installment, its launch left much to be desired.

Overall, it's a great game, but we felt it didn't deserve to be in the GOTY conversation.

See all of our explanations why in our full Borderlands 4 review.

Monster Hunter Wilds

• Release Date: February 28, 2025
• Platforms: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
• Developer: Capcom
• Publisher: Capcom

In 2018, Capcom brought the Monster Hunter franchise to the mainstream with the global release of Monster Hunter World and an evolution of the game's scale. Monster Hunter Wilds builds upon the foundation of World with a lush open world and the most narrative-driven entry in the franchise's history. While some rough edges have to be acknowledged — particularly for PC players facing notable technical issues — it still comes close to ranking among the year’s very best games.

Elden Ring Nightreign

• Release Date: May 30, 2025
• Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S
• Developer: FromSoftware
• Publishers: Bandai Namco Entertainment

Elden Ring Nightreign is one of the standout multiplayer games of the year, streamlining the Elden Ring formula into a compact boss rush experience akin to Risk of Rain 2. While Miyazaki wasn’t directly involved, this spin-off earns its place within the franchise, delivering a satisfying and addictive gameplay loop. We'd love to see FromSoftware change their mind and make it a long-term live service game.

Mario Kart World

• Release Date: June 5, 2025
• Platforms: Nintendo Switch 2
• Developer: Nintendo EPD
• Publishers: Nintendo

As the debut Nintendo flagship title for the Switch 2, Mario Kart World carried the daunting task of being the console's main selling point, holding the line until Donkey Kong Bananza swung into the scene. With an increased racer count, new mechanics like wall-riding, and a brilliant new Knockout Tour game mode, Mario Kart World makes an argument for being the best title for its competitive audience. Unfortunately, its Free Roam mode doesn't reach its titular potential with an "open world" that leaves a lot on the table.

Dune: Awakening

• Release Date: June 10, 2025
• Platforms: PC
• Developer: Funcom
• Publishers: Funcom

Riding the wave of Dune’s pop culture height, following the success of Denis Villeneuve's acclaimed films, Dune: Awakening meets the moment with one of the best survival games of the year. With a splash of fresh RPG elements alongside the genre staples of base building and exploration, the game provides an experience any survival-gamer will enjoy and fans of the IP will love.

While it has some trademark Funcom jank and an endgame that could use refinement, the overall package lives up to the hype.

Lower TIer

Absolum

• Release Date: October 9, 2025
• Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4|5, Nintendo Switch
• Developer: Dotemu, Guard Crush Games, Supamonks
• Publishers: Dotemu, Gamirror Games

Absolum is a beat-em-up by Dotemu, who has become a consistent fixture to keep the old school genre alive and thriving. It combines roguelite upgrade elements a la Hades, similar to Rotwood (Early Access), with map branches that are similar to F.T.L (Faster Than Light). On top of great mechanical feel and execution, the game has a top-notch art direction with a hand-drawn style and absolutely stacked musical talent.

The Alters

• Release Date: June 13, 2025
• Platforms: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
• Developer: 11 Bit Studios
• Publishers: 11 Bit Studios

For fans of titles like Frostpunk and This War of Mine, The Alters provides this year's premier moral dilemma see-saw. The clone-colony management survival game boasts a narrative with philosophical crossroads that would tantalize fans of Black Mirror. While some ideas shine brighter in concept than in execution, it’s a memorable emotional roller coaster well worth your time.

South of Midnight

• Release Date: April 8, 2025
• Platforms: PC, Xbox Series X|S
• Developer: Compulsion Games
• Publishers: Xbox Game Studios

South of Midnight is an underrated action-adventure game that truly shines due to its rare exploration of a rich world that deserves more attention, the Deep South. With a well-executed story within beautiful environments that play to the strength of the region's mythology and folklore, few games compare. Although it doesn’t reinvent the genre’s gameplay formula, it's a solid recommendation for almost anyone looking to explore a rare setting.

The First Berserker: Khazan

• Release Date: March 27, 2025
• Platforms: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
• Developer: Neople
• Publishers: Nexon

Set in the same universe as the Dungeon Fighter Online (DNF) Universe, The First Berserker: Khazan makes an argument for having the best combat of the year. At a point in time where soulslikes are becoming a dime a dozen, The First Berserker: Khazan stands on its own with a hack-and-slash speed and anime aesthetic. It won't be for everyone, but fans of the genre should give it a shot, especially if you're looking for a challenge.

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle

• Release Date: December 9, 2024 + April 17, 2025 (PlayStation 5)
• Platforms: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
• Developer: MachineGames
• Publishers: Bethesda Softworks

First released in late 2024 for PC and Xbox Series X|S—followed by PlayStation 5 in 2025—Indiana Jones and the Great Circle stands as a strong cinematic journey. Packed with well‑executed homages and fan‑service moments, it delivers almost everything long‑time fans could hope for. Even if you’re new to the franchise, it’s a worthwhile adventure and a solid entry point.

The Hundred Line: Last Defense Academy

• Release Date: April 24, 2025
• Platforms: PC, Nintendo Switch 2
• Developer: Too Kyo Games, Media.Vision
• Publishers: Aniplex

Released the same day as Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 (Sandfall vouches for them!) and the same weekend as The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered, The Hundred Line: Last Defense Academy is likely 2025’s most slept-on game. Led by Kazutaka Kodaka, best known for Danganronpa, this hybrid visual novel and tactical RPG lives up to its name with one hundred endings shaped by your choices. Unsure if it’s your cup of tea? Its demo provides a pretty lengthy experience.

Doom: The Dark Ages

• Release Date: May 15, 2025
• Platforms: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
• Developer: id Software
• Publishers: Bethesda Softworks

The Doom series is always a comfort choice if you’re in the mood for a single‑player action FPS. The Dark Ages ends the modern trilogy on a somewhat divisive note due to its slower pace, but its bold medieval setting, new weapons, and unexpected set‑pieces make it a fresh take on the formula.

Dispatch

• Release Date: October 22, 2025
• Platforms: PC
• Developer: AdHoc Studio
• Publishers: AdHoc Studio
  

We’ve had our eye on Dispatch since it was first revealed at the 2024 Game Awards, thanks to the involvement of alumni from Telltale’s golden era and an absolutely stacked voice cast. Gameplay‑wise, it blends classic quick‑fire dialogue choices with a layer of dispatcher mechanics reminiscent of This Is the Police. While it's still mid-episode delivery, it's largely met the hype with 1 million copies sold in 10 days.

Here, we praise the efforts of the creators who did magic with much smaller budgets. Like our Honorable Mentions, we want to acknowledge that many other games could've been here. If you're looking for notable titles like R.E.P.O. and Schedule I, they're both still in Early Access, so check back when they fully release.

Ball X Pit

• Release Date: October 15, 2025
• Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, Windows, macOS
• Developer: Kenny Sun
• Publishers: Devolver Digital

If you were a fan of Breakout growing up, Ball x Pit takes that classic ball-to-brick gameplay and fuses it with the roguelike mechanics of today. It's one of the most addicting titles of the year as each run only takes 10-15 minutes, making it easy to go just one more round. Outside of gameplay, it has a top notch sound track with an art style akin to Loop Hero. Check out our full Ball X Pit review here.

Megabonk

• Release Date: September 18, 2025
• Platforms: PC
• Developer: vedinad
• Publishers: vedinad

In a month that included indie heavyweights like Hollow Knight: Silk Song and Hades 2, Megabonk has come out of left field as a massive success. Taking the Vampire Survivors formula and blending it with Risk of Rain 2, Megabonk provides an addictive experience that is fresh enough to stand on its own.

Rather than incentivizing standing in one spot and just clearing waves, its mechanics encourage map exploration and dynamic movement. Lastly, the likely conspiracy of the mysterious creator, Vedinad, being Danidev, adds a layer of alluring mystery to an already personality-filled title.

PEAK

• Release Date: June 16, 2025
• Platforms: PC
• Developer: Team PEAK
• Publishers: Aggro Crab, Landfall

PEAK is a breakout co-op survival game for up to four players centered around ascending procedurally-generated levels with a variety of traversal tools. It's a natural transition for friend groups that enjoyed the likes of Chained Together, delivering inevitable moments of shared hilarity, frustration, and triumph. With each run offering a different experience, it provides replayability well beyond most indie games at its price point.

The Bazaar

• Release Date: March 5, 2025
• Platforms: PC
• Developer: Tempo
• Publishers: Tempo

After some early growing pains, The Bazaar has settled into a great form as as not only the premier asynchronous auto‑battler, but one of the best in the genre overall. WWith a steady stream of fresh content, it’s fulfilling its vision of making every run truly unique. Don't sleep on it if you're a fan of autobattlers or roguelike deckbuilders, especially when you can play it for free.

Rematch

• Release Date: June 19, 2025
• Platforms: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
• Developer: Sloclap
• Publishers: Sloclap, Kepler Interactive

After the success of Sifu, Sloclap's follow-up title, Rematch, takes the studio's impeccable mechanical execution and applies it to a team sports environment. Hitting a sweet spot that delights EA Sports FC and Rocket League fans alike, Rematch is one of our favorite new multiplayer games of the year. It's one of the year's standout new multiplayer games, bridging the worlds of EA Sports FC, Rocket League, and fighting games. Whether you're solo or have a dedicated squad, it's easy to "go one more" due to the compact and addictive 6-minute matches.

Abiotic Factor

• Release Date: July 22, 2025
• Platforms: PC
• Developer: Deep Field Games
• Publishers: Playstack Games

After over a year in Early Access as a hidden gem for survival enthusiasts, Abiotic Factor is finally getting the recognition it deserves following its 1.0 release. Fusing the atmospheric tension of Half‑Life, the depth of Project Zomboid, and the chaotic co‑op energy of Lethal Company, it still manages to carve out its own distinctive identity in a crowded genre.

Keep Driving

• Release Date: February 6, 2025
• Platforms: PC
• Developer: YCJY Games
• Publishers: YCJY Games

Keep Driving is a charming indie that pairs the strategic journey‑management of FTL: Faster Than Light with the cozy nostalgia of the perfect road trip playlist. It’s more about unwinding and enjoying the ride so those seeking challenge may want to look elsewhere. But for pure vibes, it’s easily one of the year’s hidden gems.

Monster Train 2

• Release Date: May 21, 2025
• Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
• Developer: Shiny Shoe
• Publishers: Big Fan Games

The first Monster Train, released May 21, 2020, was one of the strongest roguelike deckbuilders of the post-Slay the Spire era. Its signature twist of positioning drafted units across train floors gave it a distinct feel akin to a tower defense game. Monster Train 2 builds on that foundation with new clans, ability mechanics, and systems to deliver a sequel that feels both familiar and fresh.

despelote

• Release Date: May 1, 2025
• Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S
• Developer: Shiny Shoe
• Publishers: Big Fan Games

Despelote is a short and sweet slice-of-life experience that only indie games can deliver. Its art direction achieves a charming balance between stylized cartoon visuals and realistic detail, paired with exceptional sound design. Even if you’re not a futbol fan, its heartfelt exploration of childhood themes makes it well worth your time.

Hell Clock

• Release Date: Jul 22, 2025
• Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S
• Developer: Rogue Snail
• Publishers: Mad Mushroom

Hell Clock blends the best of ARPGs like Diablo and Path of Exile with roguelikes like Hades, creating an addictive loop that will hook both loot demons and mechanical maniacs alike. Beyond its excellent feel, its rare dark‑fantasy Brazil setting helps it stand apart. If you’re a fan of its inspirations, give it a shot.

Lastly, we have our list of games that deserve your hype and will likely land among our aforementioned categories. Some have established release dates, while others might still be TBD for 2025.

Metroid Prime 4

• Release Date: December 4, 2025
• Platforms: Nintendo Switch 2
• Developer: Retro Studios
• Publishers: Nintendo

After a solid start with Mario Kart World and a historic evolution with Donkey Kong Bananza, the bar is set incredibly high for Metroid Prime 4: Beyond. Likely the last heavy-hitter for the Switch 2's first year, it will likely be one of the main draws for Nintendo's holiday season. The title also has some new potential due to the console's new mouse function, adding more depth to an already immersive franchise.

Note that GOTY awards usually do not apply to December releases.

Slay the Spire 2

• Release Date: TBD 2026
• Platforms: macOS, PC
• Developer: Mega Crit
• Publishers: Mega Crit

The first Slay the Spire ushered in a new era of countless games inspired by it, so its sequel has a lot to live up to. Of all the games we've listed, it has the chance to garner the most hours played on average by its players. We hope it avoids a 2026 delay, but this is one we’d rather see done right than rushed!

EDIT: Sorry for the jinx, but Slay the Spire 2 has been delayed until 2026 after all.