Dive Into 2025’s Most Addictive Video Games – Part 1
It is already the month of December and 2025 is nearly done, however there have been some great titles all throughout the year and we decided to make a definitive list for some of the most addictive video games we got during the year! We separated it into 2 dozens of Steam games in almost all of the main gaming genres, so there should be something for everyone to enjoy on it! We hope you like it and let’s directly dive right in the action with the first part of our list!
NINJA GAIDEN 4
Developer: Platinum Games, Team Ninja | Released: October 21, 2025 | Platform(s): Windows PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S
Just recently in 2025 we marked the return of the famous ninja action-adventure series with NINJA GAIDEN 4 by precisely blending some of the fastest-paced combat with innovative gameplay in the popular franchise. Players got a thrilling story set in a near-future Tokyo that is under threat from an evil ancient enemy. The fate of the city rests on the shoulders of Yakumo, a young ninja prodigy, who uses blood-powered Shinobi arts. As he battles against the deadly cybernetic ninja soldiers and the many strange creatures with them, Yakumo must confront his destiny and manage to free Tokyo from the ancient curse. The main character of the franchise, Ryu Hayabusa, is also playable of course, coming with an updated set of combat techniques and deadly moves.
The game definitely revives the high-speed combat that made NINJA GAIDEN so popular, offering players an intense and dynamic gameplay experience. It combines Team NINJA’s combat style with the flashy action from Platinum Games, so that players can engage in visually impressive battles that reward both skill and strategy.
Most of the reviews for NINJA GAIDEN 4 highlighted its combat as one of the best in recent gaming history, comparing it favorably against other similar action games such as Devil May Cry 5. It also offers varied assortment of environments from a futuristic Tokyo cityscape to scenic valleys, aiming to deliver some of the most impressive gaming action available this year. We are just beginning and the bar is already set quite high!
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
Developer: Sandfall Interactive | Released: April 24, 2025 | Platform(s): Windows PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S
In April of this year we got Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, a turn-based RPG where players lead a group on a mission to eliminate the Paintress, who annually paints a cursed number that causes individuals of the same age to mysteriously disappear. This year, the number is "33," marking an urgent need to stop her for many.
The game is set in a fantastical world inspired by Belle Époque France, featuring various landscapes such as the Island of Visages and the Forgotten Battlefield, where players can find secrets and complete hidden quests. We are joining the characters Gustave, Maelle and others as they face their final year. You must work together against hordes of tough enemies, while uncovering more about the fate of past expeditions that happened during the previous years.
Players are able to create unique characters with different gear, stats, and skills to better suit their playstyle. The game features a unique blend of turn-based and real-time mechanics that make the combat more engaging, by allowing players to dodge, parry and counter in battles.
While the story may have some melodramatic moments, it also tackles serious themes of mortality and grief, infused with lots of sincerity. The graphics are impressive, accompanied by an emotional soundtrack and the performances of such a talented cast definitely contribute to the depth of the narrative. It is quite obvious that Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 combines artistic vision with traditional RPG elements, offering a unique experience that both honors and innovates within the genre, aiming to inspire the upcoming games of the future.
The Outer Worlds 2
Developer: Obsidian Entertainment | Released: October 29, 2025 | Platform(s): Windows PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S
This year The Outer Worlds 2was among the more anticipated sequels and the first-person sci-fi RPG by Obsidian Entertainment did not disappoint. Players stepped into the role of a charming Earth Directorate agent tasked with the mission to find the cause of dangerous rifts that threaten humanity. The game is set in Arcadia and your choices are going to impact the fate not only of the colony living there but the whole galaxy actually.
The colony is having some turmoil due to a conflict that involves the Protectorate's authoritarian rule, a rebellion by a religious group and a corporate invasion. Many different factions are trying to achieve power and control over the rifts for their own purposes. You would understand everything much better once you start exploring the various zones, uncover plenty of lore and seriously alter the future of a world that is on the verge of collapse.
Players have the ability to greatly customize their characters with set of abilities and make choices that best suit their preferred playstyle, thus effectively shaping the narrative around them. Whether you prefer diplomacy, strategy, chaos or something else, the game adapts directly to your actions. You can also recruit companions, each coming with unique characteristics and backgrounds, so that you could guide them towards their goals or your own, adding extra depth to the storyline.
The Outer Worlds 2 refines the RPG experience from its predecessor with smoother combat and much more engaging build crafting, while the compelling story of political intrigue and the new Flaws & Perks system make it an enticing experience worth exploring, but now we must jump to the next entry on the list.
Dying Light: The Beast
Developer: Techland | Released: September 4, 2025 | Platform(s): Windows PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch
This autumn brought us Dying Light: The Beast, the latest game in the Dying Light series and it received the best reviews to date in the history of the popular franchise, most likely due to Techland’s decade-long experience, greatly enhancing all the elements such as immersion, exploration, melee combat, parkour and the iconic day-night cycle. It offers more than 40 hours of survival adventure, so players can certainly explore the vast open world of Castor Woods, where they would have to face the new infected threats and develop their own beastly powers within the returning main character, Kyle Crane.
Dying Light: The Beast serves as a perfect comeback for longtime fans and is also very much welcoming for newcomers as well. Players will follow Kyle Crane's journey of vengeance, which includes a multitude of unexpected twists and alliances, unveiling dangers beyond imagination. You can switch between human and beastly playstyles, allowing for a dual combat experience. Nighttime in Dying Light remains a very thrilling challenge, with choices to run, hide or fight against the terrifying foes. The melee combat is certainly the highlight for its physicality, with impactful strikes against the zombies and various weapon modifications to further enhance the brutality of the gameplay.
The game's parkour mechanics provide an adrenaline-filled experience, letting players navigate the environment with incredible speed or drive vehicles through hordes of zombies since Castor Woods is quite vast and has tourist areas, industrial zones, farmland and natural parks, all coming with a visual mix of beauty and destruction. Co-op play allows teams of up to four players to share the experience together, tackling dangers and discoveries as a group. Let’s now go on a hunt for some monsters, shall we?
Monster Hunter Wilds
Developer: Capcom | Released: February 28, 2025 | Platform(s): Windows PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S
Of course that our list has Monster Hunter Wilds on it, we can’t skip a title where the unpredictable environments change so quickly and are full of such powerful wild beasts. The story centers on the relationship between monsters and humans, focusing on their efforts to somehow coexist. As a Hunter, players must track and defeat a variety of beastly monsters and then create weapons or armor from the materials gathered during the hunts. This time we are focused on uncovering the connection between the inhabitants of the Forbidden Lands and their surroundings. The plot begins with a young boy named Nata, who escapes a monster attack on his village and is then rescued at the Forbidden Lands' border. His story leads the Guild to send an expedition to further explore this uncharted area.
The Forbidden Lands are known for their rapidly changing weather conditions, influencing the presence and behavior of monsters. During the more difficult periods, aggressive monsters travel in packs, while more abundant wildlife appears at better times. Monsters have adapted to these shifting environments, thus showcasing unique traits and will for survival. Hunters must also adjust their strategies based on these specific environmental shifts. Players would have access to various new weapon types and armor, so they must learn to predict monster behavior and understand their surroundings to succeed.
Monster Hunter Wilds also introduces smart build creation, allowing players to carry multiple weapons and showcasing detailed maps that feel alive. Players would also encounter supportive characters throughout their journey, enhancing the experience even more. Base camps are integrated into the maps and a new type of mounts known as Seikrets provide you with easier navigation and maneuverability during hunts.
Atomfall
Developer: Rebellion | Released: March 27, 2025 | Platform(s): Windows PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S
In March the survival-action game Atomfall arrived and it is set five years after the Windscale nuclear disaster in Northern England. Players explore a fictional quarantine zone in the British countryside filled with strange characters, cults and government secrets. The game is developed by Rebellion and challenges players to try and discover the dark mysteries that the disaster could hide.
Players participate in a narrative-driven mystery, where they must unravel the interconnected stories through deep exploration, mindful conversation and ruthless combat. Scavenging for supplies is essential to your survival, so you must craft weapons and items to handle well in this world. Combat could become very intense due to a frequent lack of enough firearms and ammunition, requiring players to engage in brutal hand-to-hand fights in many situations.
Atomfall creatively reimagines the Windscale disaster, blending science fiction and folk horror elements into a unique blend that feels both familiar and odd. The game's setting features a picturesque yet dangerous rural world with rolling hills, villages and many perilous locations such as cult-controlled ruins and even nuclear bunkers.
Players will experience a game that is not just a British version of Fallout but something more engaging, as it features multiple endings and minimal guidance, which very much enhances the sense of lonesome exploration and personal responsibility. The dense maps provide numerous opportunities for discovery, making every player's journey through the post-nuclear landscape distinct and personal. Be sure to give it a try for its unique premise, as we move on to another recent gaming hit!
Hollow Knight: Silksong
Developer: Team Cherry | Released: September 4, 2025 | Platform(s): Windows PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch
A few months ago we finally got Hollow Knight: Silksong, the sequel to the award-winning action-adventure game Hollow Knight. In this entry, players take on the role of Hornet, a skilled hunter, as she explores a new kingdom called Pharloom. The objective is to battle against the tough enemies and uncover as many of the ancient mysteries as possible, while making your journey through the kingdom's vast reaches.
The game features a range of new environments around the fallen insect kingdom, where players can explore various landscapes such as dark caverns, mossy grottos and whole gilded cities. The combat is designed to be quite fast-paced and acrobatic, enabling Hornet to utilize a variety of deadly moves against her foes. Players can also craft powerful tools, mastering weapons and traps to reach new locales on the map.
In addition to facing over 200 different enemies, players would contend with more than 40 legendary bosses in some grand combat challenges. There is also an option to play in Steel Soul mode, which offers a more difficult challenge once players have completed the main game. The soundtrack includes an orchestral score created by award-winning composer Christopher Larkin, featuring a mix of melancholy melodies and intense boss themes. To say the game has been highly anticipated is an understatement and it was greatly-received, being described as nearly perfect and a worthy follow-up to the original. This is where the silence of the fog takes a hold over us and we shift out attention to a place of despair.
Silent Hill f
Developer: NeoBards Entertainment | Released: September 25, 2025 | Platform(s): Windows PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S
Silent Hill f arrived in September of this year and tells a story set in 1960s Japan, as Shimizu Hinako's quiet town of Ebisugaoka is getting engulfed in a thick fog, turning her surroundings into a terrifyingly blooming nightmare. As the silence deepens and the fog grows denser, so does danger seem to be on the rise. To survive this nightmare Hinako and her friends must navigate through the small twisted alleys and paths of the town, solving intricate puzzles and manage to overcome the grotesque monsters lurking everywhere.
This new chapter in the SILENT HILL series, is written by the acclaimed author Ryukishi07 and it shows, by intertwining a lot of psychological horror elements within a haunting Japanese backdrop. Players are going to experience a different entry in the series with a gripping narrative filled with themes of doubt, betrayal and regret, greatly enhanced by the enchanting music in the soundtrack produced by Akira Yamaoka and striking visuals of beauty combined with decay. The story raises questions about life and the meaning of family and friendship - what is real, is it all a figment of Hinako’s imagination, or perhaps rooted in ancient myths and spiritual beliefs?
The game features multiple endings: with the first playthrough having a fixed conclusion, while any subsequent attempts would allow for choices to shape the outcome differently, offering a total of five endings. Combat is a bit more different this time since it is melee-only and it comes with some newly added to the series mechanics such as stamina bar, breakable weapons and when paired with the lack of firearms it could be rather arguable if that actually helped improve upon the horror experience. Nonetheless, we are heading to another completely different world and period that reached gaming in early 2025!
Kingdom Come: Deliverance II
Developer: Warhorse Studios | Released: February 4, 2025 | Platforms: Windows PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S
Kingdom Come Deliverance II is an action RPG set in 15th century Medieval Europe, following the story of the young protagonist - Henry. The game offers players an open world filled with engaging quests, exciting combat and polished visuals. It focuses on the choices you make and their consequences, creating a deep RPG experience worthy of your attention.
Developed by Warhorse Studios the Kingdom Come sequel most certainly improves upon the original game in almost every way possible, it was released nearly a year ago and players are still enjoying the experience. With the many types of challenges, fighting against unkind peasants and ruthless guards, all while trying to regain your influence after a series of serious setbacks, it could be quite the demanding experience.
The release has received largely positive feedback, emphasizing that it can be truly rewarding if players are willing to invest the time needed to understand its systems, rather than just rushing through it. Initial slow progress could actually lead you to a lot more satisfying sense of accomplishment later on. Players will grow attached to their character's journey as they seek revenge on those who wronged them.
Kingdom Come Deliverance II has a pacing that will turn it into an absorbing RPG meditation unlike any other you have tried before. Despite requiring persistence, the open-world is well crafted and very much enjoyable, making it highly-likely to become a favorite of the players willing to engage deeply enough with it. As for us, we take on our next incredible gaming title on the list!
Battlefield 6
Developer: Battlefield Studios | Released: October 10, 2025 | Platform(s): Platform(s): Windows PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S
Masterfully developed by Battlefield Studios, Battlefield 6 got released on October 10, 2025, for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S. It most definitely has a flashy campaign with the highlight that this time it really encourages experimentation in the gameplay and it is simply gorgeous to look at. More refined than innovative, this FPS is on par with the franchise, especially with all that it has going on for itself.
The multiplayer aspect is also praised for being the most refined and enjoyable gameplay and the place where Battlefield 6 shines the most, showing a lot of improvement compared to the previously mixed one in Battlefield 2042. Multiplayer action is just fantastic to play, giving a feel like the formula comes directly after Battlefield 3 and Battlefield 4.
The class system allows for different role types and with this comes the importance on unlocking new kinds of specific gear, because it is genuinely integral to play as part of a team – which could work out wonderfully… as long as you are part of a squad that's up for actually playing together as a unit.
All in all, even though the Battlefield 6 campaign may be lacking a bit of depth, the multiplayer experience is engaging enough and the well-developed co-op really stands out, making it the main attraction available for fans of the first-person shooter genre. Let’s now jump right into another beloved series with the next title on our list!
Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Developer: Ubisoft Quebec | Released: March 20, 2025 | Platform(s): Platform(s): Windows PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S
This year’s Assassin’s Creed Shadows is set in feudal Japan, the game features a vast open-world filled with stunning locations such as castle towns, shrines, temples and countryside roads. The environment is dynamic, with changing seasons and weather that influence the gameplay.
When it comes to Assassin's Creed Shadows one of the features that stands out is the fact that you would control two different characters: Naoe, a clever Shinobi and Yasuke, a powerful Samurai. Players would have to use stealth tactics, avoid light or making sounds as well as use the dark shadows to sneak into enemy locations. There are also tools like grappling hooks, shuriken stars and smoke bombs that would come at handy. The game actually encourages switching often between Naoe and Yasuke, as it is possible to tackle the challenges with different strategies—by using either stealth or strength.
The game should appeal to both new players and longtime series fans, with most reviews praising it as quite enjoyable and a high point for the franchise. Combat is more aggressive and demands skillful parrying, exploration is navigated through an improved map system, shifting away from tedious collection of tasks from the past entries. Assassin's Creed Shadows represents somewhat of a technological advancement in the series, utilizing the new Anvil engine for more realistic graphics and detailed environments. Features such as ray-traced lighting and real-time reflections create a visually stunning experience that would truly delight you.
Avowed
Developer: Obsidian Entertainment | Released: February 13, 2025 | Platforms: Platform(s): Windows PC and Xbox Series X|S
In this early 2025 release we are welcomed to the Living Lands, a mysterious island in the fictional world of Eora from the Pillars of Eternity games. Avowed is a fascinating first-person fantasy action RPG developed by Obsidian Entertainment, where players explore a magical place filled with adventure and danger.
The Living Lands is infused with a secretive type of ancient magic, making the environment seem alive and full of inspiring secrets. However, a strange plague threatens these lands, spreading its chaos all around. As an envoy of Aedyr, you are tasked with the objective of investigating this unknown plague, but very soon your mission starts feeling rather personal, as if the island is calling out to you. The choices you decide to make would also impact the land and its inhabitants significantly, as every decision you take has its consequences that are going to test your determination.
In this thrilling release you will explore the diverse environments, each with its own thriving ecosystem and fight against enemies using a variety of weapon types, including swords, spells, guns and shields to protect you. You can use a grimoire to cast spells that can trap or significantly harm foes and shoot arrows with bows for long-range attacks. You will also be joined by companions from different species, each with their unique skills and own quests and your choices would affect their journeys too.
Avowed features high-quality visual graphics, particularly the version on the PC with 4K support and really smooth performance. The game uses ray tracing technology to create realistic lighting and shadows, making every scene feel more immersive. Additionally, Avowed supports ultra-wide 21:9 displays, providing a cinematic experience in the expansive landscapes of the Living Lands, allowing players to enjoy the sheer scale of the mountains, fields and ancient ruins more dramatically. A true masterpiece you should certainly enjoy!
This is the point at which we close off on the first half of our picks and will very soon meet you again with the other 12 entries on the list of most addictive games of 2025, since there are still cool titles to discuss!