The holidays are approaching and the end of the year is drawing near. Thus, it is time to look back at the year that was 2025 and come up with what we thought were the best games of the year. The year overall was another standout year, which much of the 2020s have become, and was a flourishing year for titles coming out of the indie space unlike we’ve ever seen before. We couldn’t fit everything into our usual Top 10 lists, so you’ll see a few games that got an honorable mention from us here at mxdwn. Without further ado, let’s dive into what we believe were the best games of 2025.

Honorable Mentions

Ghost of Yotei

Elden Ring Nightreign

After Elden Ring’s meteoric success in 2022, players wondered where FromSoftware would go next. The answer to that arrived in the form of Elden Ring Nightreign, a co-op roguelike souls game. Despite some initial bumps upon launch — one of them being a lack of a two-player co-op option — the game was able to finish the year off strong. Players collect resources, find upgrades for their run, and race against the approaching rain, all while defeating enemies across the map and end of each night with the goal of reaching a final boss: a Nightlord.

Rather than creating their own character, players were given the chance to explore the procedurally generated alternate timeline Limgrave as pre-established characters known as Nightfarers. The overarching story of the Primordial Night in the Lands Between is accompanied by Remembrances, or the storylines unique to each Nightfarer. Completing difference Remembrances also give players the opportunity to achieve different endings, so those who are enjoyers of lore aren’t left out from the enjoyment, either. And, those looking for nostalgia from past Dark Souls games will find them in the form of world bosses and bosses that appear at the end of each night before you inevitably come to face a Nightlord. Additional game modes, such as Everdark versions of Nightlords and the Deepest Night game mode, have also provided additional challenges for those seeking it. And, Elden Ring Nightreign’s DLC, Forsaken Hallows, introduced two new Nightfarers as well two new Nightlords and a new map. Nightreign is truly the gift that keeps on giving.

While those devoted to the genre may find Elden Ring Nightreign less challenging than the single-player releases from FromSoftware, the game itself provides an opportunity to enjoy souls gameplay in quick sessions with friends without the daunting time commitment of a Dark Souls or Elden Ring playthrough. (And, for those who also sometimes slip over the edge, no fall damage…) Nightreign has provided players another glimpse into FromSoftware’s limitless potential and sets the stage for future projects from the developer.

-Jenna DeCurzio

The Top 10

10. The Rogue Prince of Persia

Revivals and revisitations to older franchises have become all the rage in the modern gaming era. One such franchise in the midst of its return is Ubisoft’s Prince of Persia franchise. There’s the remake of the 20o3 entry Sands of Time on the horizon and the great 2D platformer Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown released last year to rave reviews (and even made our Top 10 last year). However, that wasn’t the only game that Ubisoft had for the franchise last year as a roguelike entry in the series known as The Rogue Prince of Persia released in early access last Spring. After over a year in early access, the game finally hit 1.0 this past August.

The full release was worth it as The Rogue Prince of Persia is another great entry in the franchise and shows how Ubisoft is still doing their best when it comes to their smaller titles. Nothing else out there looks like this game. It feels like the world and design are pulled directly out of a comic book. Then, there’s the gameplay. The Rogue Prince of Persia forgoes the metroidvania style gameplay that The Lost Crown had, and instead returns to the classic 2D sidescrolling action of the original games. As aforementioned, the game is also a roguelike so you will be dying a lot throughout playing the game. However, much like other games in the genre, you feel yourself improving with each run you make. However, where most action roguelikes shine in the combat, this game has so much more emphasis on its movement which feels so good to execute as you learn to to traverse the world the more you play. The Rogue Prince of Persia has its own legs to stand on that sets it apart from the other games that have released or are planned to release in the near future for the franchise. If Ubisoft needs to decide which direction to take the franchise next, they have set some really good pillars for the franchise to build upon.

-Zachary Dalton

9. Shinobi: Art of Vengeance 

The Shinobi franchise is one of gaming’s oldest and is fondly remembered from the era when Sega was a major force in the industry and still making consoles. A few years ago, Sega had announced that they planned to revive many of their classic franchises that have laid dormant for years. One of those franchises was Shinobi. After fourteen years without a new game, this year, Sega delivered one of the most high quality 2D action platformers with Shinobi: Art of Vengeance.

Shinobi: Art of Vengeance is a complete mondernization of the classic Shinobi games, but still fits in perfectly with those games from the late 1980s. The game features some of the most beautiful art direction with every location being stunning visually and even combat flowing perfectly into the game’s visual style. Speaking of combat, Shinobi: Art of Vengeance has some of the most smooth combat and gameplay. The ease at which you can take on the plethora of foes you encounter and, as you fight, build up their meters to execute as many enemies at once or use one of your abilities to clear the entire screen is so much fun. Level design also plays a big role here as, while the game is level based, the levels you explore are massive with plenty of secrets to discover which give the incentive to return as you progress through the game and unlock new abilities that make traversal easier.

While not as dominant as a force when the franchise first launched way back when, Sega is showing that their still one of the top players in the industry and they don’t need their own console to prove it. With how well Shinobi: Art of Vengeance has done as a revival for the franchise, it will be great to see where it goes next and shows Sega’s care for their old franchises they plan to bring back.

-Zachary Dalton

8. Blue Prince

In a year when the indie game sector finally seized control of the conversation, a handful of quieter releases were inevitably pushed aside by louder successes. Blue Prince was one of those games—the first strike in a one-two punch of masterclass indie releases that arrived in April—and yet it has remained a constant presence in my downtime ever since.

What separates Blue Prince from many of its contemporaries is how confidently it trusts the player. It resists over-explanation and constant spectacle, instead inviting patience and attention. Each session feels less like chasing completion and more like returning to a familiar mental space, where curiosity replaces urgency. In a landscape dominated by checklists and algorithmic pacing, Blue Prince feels quietly defiant in its slow, deliberate design.

In retrospect, Blue Prince is the kind of game that grows stronger with distance. It didn’t dominate discourse or fuel endless hot takes, but it lingers in a way few releases do. Its restraint, atmosphere, and quiet confidence reflect a creative maturity that defined this year’s indie scene. While flashier games may mark the year historically, Blue Prince defines it emotionally for me.

-Diego Villanueva

7.  Donkey Kong Bananza

Out of all games that came out this year, Donkey Kong Bananza definitely deserves to be in the top ten. Fans have been waiting for years for a real instalment in the Donkey Kong franchise. This most recent adventure takes Donkey Kong through the planet core in the search for bananas and the legendary banana root, which will grant a wish to anyone who can reach it in the center of the earth. You are also joined by a young Pauline who also has a wish to return home after she was kidnapped by the evil Void Co.

Each level is huge and has so much to explore. You will find bananium gems, which can be used to upgrade Donkey Kong’s skills, to make exploring easier and fun and when you complete the game you can return to the core and find even more gems and new and harder challenges. You even gain new transformations, each with special abilities needed to prevent Void Co. from getting their wish. This game shows that our favorite ape is always ready for an adventure to save the world, help his friends and eat plenty of bananas.

-Jose Olivera

6.Hades II

Supergiant Games surprised everyone when they released the “God-like, Rogue-Like” Hades with its intoxicating mix of art, gameplay, and music. Now, with its first sequel, Hades II, Supergiant Games takes things further and makes one of the best sequels of all-time.

5. Death Stranding 2: On the Beach

Death Stranding 2 is much like its predecessor. Obviously, most sequels are, but the second ever game from Hideo Kojima’s studio is beat for beat incredibly similar to Death Stranding. This isn’t a weakness, however; rather a chance to witness a master revision of a polarizing genre maker, in gameplay, story, world, and theme. In a roster this year that’s filled with incredibly original and innovative titles from independent studios that dominated The Game Awards, Death Stranding 2 sets itself apart by being an premiere example of what happens when an auteur is granted a huge budget to work with.

Once again, the player is put into the boots of Sam Porter Bridges and tasked with reuniting yet another continent after the eponymous Death Stranding event that stripped the world of its connection and pierced the veil that separates realms of the living and the dead. The devastated renditions of Australia and Mexico in the game are absolutely breathtaking, and despite feeling so empty and somber, are actually filled with the friendly ghosts of all of the other players who brave the wilds with you.

This time, however, it isn’t just about building metaphorical and literal bridges between the isolated enclaves of humanity; it’s about recognizing the problem with the blind march towards “progress” the previous title touched on. There’s a larger focus on combat that’s not only super fun to master, but also a recognition of the current pessimism that grips the world. The consequences of AI, climate change, and armed conflict surround the game in a thick, but intriguing atmosphere. Kojima’s titles have always grappled with politics and social issues, however Death Stranding 2 might be one of the most ludo-resonant big-budget games (whose story and gameplay thematically support each other) that’s come out recently.

-Julian Ebert

4. Silent Hill f

3. Dispatch

Dispatch has quickly become one of the standout games of 2025, thanks in large part to the team behind it. Developed by AdHoc Studio, a company founded by veterans of Telltale Games, it revives the episodic, narrative-driven format that fans have missed since Telltale’s closure. Rather than feeling like a relic of the past, Dispatch refines that approach with sharper pacing, smarter storytelling, and a modern sensibility that makes every episode feel like a must-watch chapter in an animated series rather than just another game.

The story explores themes of redemption, identity, and personal growth through branching choices that genuinely affect character relationships and emotional beats in memorable ways. The animation is not just eye-catching to the player, it enhances the tone of each scene from chaotic office banter to heartfelt character moments, creating a cohesive aesthetic that feels both polished and expressive. Featuring performances from well known actors like Aaron Paul, Jeffrey Wright, Laura Bailey, and a mix of acclaimed voice actors and popular creators (including Jacksepticeye, MoistCr1TiKaL, and others), the voice work brings real personality and nuance to every character. This star-studded, talented ensemble helps anchor the story’s emotional impact and keeps players invested in every episode. 

All of these elements were crafted by a team rooted in narrative excellence, supported by a strong story, distinctive animation, and unforgettable voice performances combined to make Dispatch one of the most memorable and engaging gaming experiences of 2025. For players craving story-first games with heart, humor, and cinematic flair, Dispatch delivers in every way. 

-Dylan McHugh

2. Hollow Knight Silksong

This past September, Hollow Knight Silksong took the gaming world by storm. Team Cherry’s indie metroidvania has been highly anticipated, with fans looking forward to playing through Hornet’s story ever since the original Hollow Knight came out in 2017. Fan expectations for Silksong were astronomically high, but this incredible game surpassed every expectation and more.

Silksong follows the events of the first Hollow Knight game, with the player taking control of Hallownest’s former princess-protector Hornet. After being kidnapped and brought to the decrepit kingdom of Pharloom, Hornet begins unraveling her personal connections to the city and the mysteries behind the silk-based phenomenon known as the “Haunting.” Hornet’s adventure through Pharloom beautifully weaves together themes of motherhood, identity, and preservation.

Silksong features incredibly beautiful 2D animation, imbuing every needle-swing and boss battle with an undeniable charm. Additionally, the beloved 2D platforming and combat style from the original Hollow Knight have returned for the sequel. Compared to the Knight from Silksong’s precursor, Hornet’s base playstyle relies more on speed and agility rather than pure damage out-put. Through different tools and crests, however, players can adapt Hornet’s movements to match their personal playstyle.

Team Cherry’s passion and dedication for game development shines through in every element of Silksong. Silksong’s beautiful story, stunning visuals, and addictive gameplay qualify it as one of the best games of 2025.

-Sydney Fullbright

1. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

Well no surprises here as to what our Game of the Year is. If we could, we would play “Alicia” just to give you Game Awards PTSD. But our award for Game of the Year is, of course, Sandfall Interactive’s Clair Obscur: Expedition 33.

With clear inspirations pulled from Super Mario RPG, Lost Odyssey, and Final Fantasy (with E33 director Guillaume Broche even thanking Final Fantasy creator Hironobu Sakaguchi in his GOTY acceptance speech) Expedition 33 is a love letter to classic Japanese RPGs, combining the strategic turn-based combat and character drama heavy narratives of the east with a western approach to presentation, design, and dialogue. It is no exaggeration to say that this deep combat and theming, wrapped in western aesthetics, has introduced so many newcomers to the world of turn-based RPGs.

But being a bridge between cultures is not Expedition 33’s only claim to fame. Between its engaging gameplay, magnificent score, compelling and tragic narrative, charming characters, and wonderful art direction Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is far and away the most complete package of 2025. It has a veritable horde of award trophies for a reason, and its spot as our Game of the Year is well earned.

-Derek Lairmore