Summer ’25: The Hottest 25

Here are the 25 hottest upcoming video games that are currently generating significant buzz and anticipation. This list, carefully curated, reflects the titles that have captured our attention and that we believe will resonate with gamers everywhere. From imminent releases to projects further down the line, these are the games that deserve your time and attention.

The Hot 25: Summer 2025 Edition

25. Crisol: Theater of Idols

Get ready for a blood-soaked experience in Crisol: Theater of Idols, a first-person horror shooter from Vermila Studios and Blumhouse Games. Its striking visual style and unique gameplay concept – where blood serves as both health and ammunition – make this an adventure to watch out for in 2025.

24. Directive 8020

The Dark Pictures Anthology returns in 2026 with Directive 8020. Envision The Thing set in deep space, a body horror scenario where you must guide five protagonists to safety aboard the colony ship Cassiopeia. This title promises to be a significant leap forward for Supermassive Games.

23. Baby Steps

Set to launch on 8th September 2025, Baby Steps is poised to redefine the walking simulator genre. Traverse a massive mountain by meticulously placing one foot in front of the other, stumbling through serene wilderness. It’s a simple concept executed with brilliance.

22. Beast of Reincarnation

Beast of Reincarnation marks a departure for Game Freak from the Pokémon universe. Scheduled for release in 2026, this dazzling action-RPG blends elements of Studio Ghibli, Nier: Automata, and Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice.

21. Cairn

The creators of Furi and Haven present Cairn, an inventive survival-climber that challenges you to ascend a towering mountain. Manage your resources, secure your pitons, and chart your own path to the summit, but resist the urge to look down.

20. Out of Words

Out of Words, a standout from Summer Game Fest, is a co-op platformer boasting a lush, handcrafted stop-motion aesthetic and physics-based puzzles. Communication is key to saving the wonderland of Vokabulantis, but will it be enough to salvage a troubled relationship?

19. Pragmata

First revealed in 2020, Pragmata, Capcom’s sci-fi adventure, is set for a 2026 release. This puzzle-shooter hybrid has emerged as one of the most intriguing prospects on the horizon.

18. Mixtape

Mixtape is a glorious indulgence. As three teenagers embark on a final adventure, a curated playlist of iconic songs draws them into dreamlike recreations of their most cherished memories. Annapurna seems to have created something truly special.

17. Witchbrook

After a lengthy wait, Witchbrook is back on the radar. Recent gameplay showcases have renewed excitement for this witchy life-sim, where you enrol at Witchbrook College to hone your magical abilities. It’s Stardew Valley meets the mystic arts.

16. Dying Light: The Beast

Techland scales back from the expansive Dying Light 2 to deliver a more focused survival experience in Dying Light: The Beast, arriving on 19th September. Starring original protagonist Kyle Crane, this title recaptures the fear and intensity that made the first game a classic.

15. The Blood of Dawnwalker

From the creative minds behind The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt and Cyberpunk 2077 comes The Blood of Dawnwalker, a dark fantasy RPG where you play as a vampire hybrid running out of time. Its intricate gameplay systems and stunning visuals make it a highly anticipated title for 2026.

14. Pokémon Legends Z-A

Pokémon Legends Z-A is poised to be the first new Pokémon game on the Switch 2. Set in the Kalos region with a new real-time combat system, this instalment is shaping up to be one of the most promising in years, celebrating Pokémon‘s 30th anniversary early.

13. Borderlands 4

The iconic looter-shooter returns. Gearbox Software is back with Borderlands 4, pushing the boundaries of movement mechanics and weapon variety. With a larger playspace, greater freedom, and more detailed character building, the results are promising. Expect it on 12th September.

12. Silent Hill F

Konami continues its Silent Hill revival with Silent Hill F, launching on 25th September 2025. Embracing Japanese horror, it departs from the westernised approach of later instalments. Shifting the setting to the town of Ebisugaoka allows Silent Hill F to redefine the series’ fear factor.

11. The Outer Worlds 2

Obsidian Entertainment is crafting its most expressive RPG to date. Known for Fallout: New Vegas and Pillars of Eternity, the studio is leveraging its expertise to create a sequel focused on player freedom. The Outer Worlds 2, arriving on 29th October 2025, allows you to define your character and shape the universe with your actions.

10. Metroid Prime 4: Beyond

After nearly a decade, Retro Studios is bringing back Samus Aran in 2025 with Metroid Prime 4: Beyond. Expected to showcase the capabilities of the Switch 2, this first-person adventure retains the series’ focus on exploration and atmosphere. Set on the planet of Viewros, you’ll scan for secrets, upgrade Samus’s suit, and battle space pirates.

9. The Duskbloods

A new action-RPG from FromSoftware is always exciting. The Duskbloods, a Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive, marks a significant departure for the studio. This eight-player multiplayer game supports PvP and PvE encounters, featuring vampire-like Bloodsworn characters with unique weapons and abilities.

8. Fable

Playground Games, the studio behind Forza Horizon, is rebooting Fable in 2026. With a focus on player choice, this sprawling RPG will allow your decisions to shape the fate of Albion. Expect a luscious open world, detailed characters, and explosive third-person combat.

7. Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater

A remake has earned a high spot on this list due to the legacy of Snake Eater. Konami’s remake of Metal Gear Solid 3 introduces new gameplay mechanics, enhances character detail, revamps camouflage systems, and overhauls the visual design. Launching on 26th August 2025, it’s a thrilling prospect.

6. 007: First Light

IO Interactive, the studio behind the Hitman: World of Assassination trilogy, tackles James Bond. 007: First Light, slated for 2026, promises an adventure where espionage is key. You’ll play as a young, inexperienced MI6 agent earning their 00 status.

5. Ghost of Yotei

Sucker Punch’s approach to open-world design is special. Ghost of Yotei, a 2025 PS5 exclusive, focuses on exploring the lush landscapes surrounding Mount Yōtei. Set 300 years after the first game, you play as Atsu, a wandering ronin seeking vengeance. Expect improved combat and a deeper connection with the world around you when it arrives on 2nd October 2025.

4. Grand Theft Auto 6

The delay of Grand Theft Auto 6 into 2026 is a blessing for other developers. This title has the potential to be the biggest release in entertainment history. Featuring dual protagonists Jason Duval and Leonida Keys, GTA 6 will take you to the state of Leonida, a Florida-inspired environment. Rockstar Games is poised to deliver one of the most detailed and expressive open worlds ever created. Expect it on 26th May 2026.

3. The Witcher 4

Although still years away, The Witcher 4 ranks highly due to CD Projekt RED’s track record. The studio is revolutionising open-world RPG design. With Ciri taking on the mantle of Witcher, expect to battle monsters with steel and silver swords, as well as deploy new chain weapons and abilities.

2. Hollow Knight: Silksong

After numerous delays, Hollow Knight: Silksong is finally on the horizon for 2025. This metroidvania expands upon the original Hollow Knight, offering a new character, kingdom, and expanded combat skills. Expect over 100 new enemies and a new quest system.

1. Resident Evil Requiem

Resident Evil Requiem, launching on 27th February 2026, brings together the threads of Resident Evil 7, Resident Evil Village, and the recent remakes. You’ll play as Grace Ashcroft, daughter of Alyssa Ashcroft from Resident Evil Outbreak, and return to Raccoon City 30 years after its destruction. With the ability to switch between first and third-person perspectives, Resident Evil Requiem promises a nightmarish experience.