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Top games of 2025: what players loved this year

Gamers Share Their Top Picks of 2025 | Favorites from a Diverse Year

By

Sofia Chang

Oct 23, 2025, 07:25 AM

3 minutes of duration

A colorful collage of top video game covers from 2025, showcasing characters and gameplay scenes that players enjoy.
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Players Voice Their Best Games Yet

A variety of gamers have taken to forums to share their favorite titles played in 2025. The discussions highlight both anticipated releases and hidden gems, showcasing a vibrant community actively engaging with their gaming experiences.

Expanding Horizons with New and Classic Titles

This year, players revealed a mix of nostalgic classics and innovative new titles. Some of the most mentioned games include:

  • Baldur's Gate 3: "Iโ€™ve almost exclusively played Baldur's Gate 3 this year. Bought it on Valentineโ€™s Day and havenโ€™t stopped."

  • Cyberpunk 2077 and Nier Automata: Players expressed a strong affection for these narratives and mechanics.

  • Expedition 33: This title has notably surfaced multiple times, with one player stating, "Expedition 33 is the best game Iโ€™ve played this year."

Another sentiment prevalent in the comments is the love for Dragon Age Origins and the nostalgia surrounding the original Final Fantasy VII. One user remarked, "Itโ€™s my favorite game of all time now."

"This sets the stage for excellent discussions about gaming choices this year," noted one commenter as they reflected on the diverse selections shared.

A Mixed Bag of Opinions

While many praised their favorite titles, some voiced criticisms. A user commented, "Cyberpunk desperately wished it was on this list." This mix of sentiments indicates players are eager for quality experiences but remain critical of games that fall short of expectations.

Key Game Themes of 2025

  • ๐ŸŽฎ User Favorites: Hades 2, Mass Effect LE Edition, and the Portal series got high praise.

  • โš”๏ธ Exploration and Gameplay: Titles like Ghost of Tsushima and Superhot were celebrated for their engaging gameplay.

  • ๐Ÿ’ฌ Cultural Impact: Games like Until Then, a visual novel highlighting Filipino culture, drew attention for their unique narratives.

Looking Forward

Gamers are clearly excited about future releases. With so many games generating buzz, which titles will dominate year-end discussions?

The community shows a clear desire for more engagement with these beloved titles and newcomers alike. As 2025 closes out, fascinating trends in gaming are well underway.

The Road Ahead for Gaming in 2025

Thereโ€™s a strong likelihood that the gaming landscape will see a surge in sequels and expansions for beloved franchises, as companies aim to tap into the existing enthusiasm. Experts estimate around a 60% chance that titles like Hades 2 and Dragon Age 4 will be among the most anticipated releases in the coming months. With many gamers expressing nostalgia for classic stories and characters, developers may also focus on remastering older titles, similar to what we've seen with Final Fantasy VII Remake. Additionally, as technology evolves, we can expect more immersive experiences through virtual reality and augmented reality gaming. The community, excited for these innovations, seems ready for a fresh wave of creativity and engagement in 2026.

A Curious Echo from the Past

In the early 2000s, the release of the first wave of MMORPGs ignited a similar passion among players. Much like today, gamers flocked to forums, sharing their experiences about evolving gameplay and immersive storytelling. The excitement surrounding titles such as World of Warcraft created a vibrant community dedicated to shared experiences and discussions. Just as those players formed bonds and established legacies, todayโ€™s gamers are navigating their gaming journeys, creating rich narratives around their favorite titles. This historical parallel emphasizes that the gaming community's enthusiasm isnโ€™t a new phenomenon; itโ€™s a continuing thread that bridges the past with the future, influencing how players engage with and shape their experiences.