2025 proved to be an exceptional year for video game enthusiasts across all genres, offering a vast array of titles for every platform and player preference. Whether a dedicated sports fan or an avid explorer of open-world adventures with deep stories, the year delivered memorable experiences for everyone.

The sports gaming landscape saw the release of its perennial blockbusters, including EA Sports FC 26, NBA 2K26, and Madden NFL 26. Additionally, EA Sports College Football 26 provided an excellent follow-up to its predecessor, further solidifying the series' appeal to countless college football aficionados. Soccer fans were introduced to an innovative experience with Sloclap's Rematch, a fresh 5v5 action-soccer game. Skateboarding enthusiasts were equally well-served with multiple offerings: EA's skate, Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 + 4, and the new Skate Story, each presenting a distinct take on the sport. On the racing front, 2025 was comparatively quieter, with Mario Kart World emerging as the clear frontrunner for the year.

Action game fans found themselves well-catered to, particularly within the indie scene, which was energized by the roguelike Hades II and the highly anticipated Hollow Knight: Silksong. High-profile action titles like Monster Hunter Wilds, Death Stranding 2: On The Beach, Ghost of Yotei, and Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater all made strong cases for the year's best action game.

The role-playing game (RPG) genre experienced a particularly massive year. Kingdom Come: Deliverance II and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 were notable releases, both vying for the prestigious Game of the Year crown.

Overall, 2025 offered such a rich selection that players found it difficult to make a wrong choice, with any of the games from the year's top releases highly recommended for playing during the holiday period. This extensive list of 2025's best games includes titles such as Hades II, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Pokémon Legends: Z-A, NBA 2K26, Split Fiction, Donkey Kong Bananza, Civilization VII, Hollow Knight: Silksong, Death Stranding 2: On The Beach, Rematch, skate., WWE 2K25, Kingdom Come: Deliverance II, Monster Hunter Wilds, EA Sports FC 26, Skate Story, Mario Kart World, Battlefield 6, Ghost of Yotei, Madden NFL 26, EA Sports College Football 26, ARC Raiders, Silent Hill f, and Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater, Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 + 4.