Another year, another gradual step up for graphics and engine tech. In 2025 we may start to see the full utilization of the ninth console generation’s performative capabilities. Studio Asobi confirmed that last year’s Astro Bot used the full processing power of the PS5, but that was something of an outlier – though we may see more of that this year. There’s little doubt that developers are honing in on the deeper capabilities of engine tech as well, with Unreal Engine 5 rolling along in its third year of release. Here are 15 graphically stunning Unreal Engine 5 games to look forward to in 2025.
Burning Sword Death Sun
I always appreciate a game that knows exactly what it is and doesn’t shy away from it. That’s Burning Sword Death Sun, a game about a leader of a martial sect emerging from hell itself to assert dominance across a fictional China through the use of his flaming sword and lighting-fast fist strikes. I’m not exaggerating in the least either. And then there’s the unapologetic soulslike gameplay with a hack and slash spin to make things quick and frenetic. Unreal Engine 5 is used to good effect when it comes to the gorgeous vistas, swaying grass, and rich color usage, though the facial textures still need some time in the oven. Burning Sword Death Sun has a release window of Q2 2025 and the demo is currently playable on Steam right now, so check it out if you enjoy challenging action combat.
