With so much landing at once, finding the true must-plays can feel overwhelming. But after digging through everything 2025 has to offer, these 15 titles rose above the rest.

The nominees for the best Xbox games of 2025 are:

The Outer Worlds 2

If you liked The Outer Worlds 1, you’ll absolutely adore the sequel. The Outer Worlds 2 triples down on what makes the setting work so well by translating a lot of that directly into gameplay. The Shrink Ray is a great example of that, and so are the many guns, among plenty of other oddities. Beyond the expanded gameplay suite, the quests now offer more varied routing and decision-making than before, placing you firmly in the driver’s seat as you navigate the corporate dystopia within the colony of Arcadia. And thanks to Game Pass, you don’t even have to pay full retail price, giving Xbox a clear leg up over other platforms.

Keeper

Keeper is an indie game that absolutely deserves more attention. Its blend of genres—base-building, mystery, and survival—is executed with smart quality-of-life features and genuinely fun mechanics. Keeper is also a visual standout. The painterly art style and atmospheric music elevate an already addictive gameplay loop, making it easy to lose entire evenings to it. Even with all the AAA blockbusters dropping in 2025, Keeper keeps pulling us right back in.

Battlefield 6

Well, DICE has finally done it—they’ve knocked a Battlefield out of the park for the first time in what feels like ages. This large-scale objective-based FPS recaptures everything players loved about Battlefield 4, with improved squad play, and smartly designed maps that reward coordinated tactics. Paired with phenomenal graphics and impressive performance, Battlefield 6 represents a true return to the glory days of this tactical warfare genre.

Clair Obscur: Expedition

Expedition does just about everything you could ask for in a video game. Its art direction is striking and original, the turn-based timing mechanics add an addictive twist to the classic formula, and the story and characters deliver all the emotional punch RPG fans crave. It’s a masterful consolidation of what makes games unforgettable, making it an obvious frontrunner for multiple game awards.

Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2

I can’t say enough good things about this game, so I’ll be brief. Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is simply the most impressive open-world RPG released in recent memory. It sets a new benchmark for main storylines in open-world games, and its side quests are absolutely worth seeking out. You again play as Henry, the down-on-his-luck everyman trying to survive in medieval Europe, and the grounded role-playing systems make this feel like a true immersive-sim experience. From herb brewing to blacksmithing and countless other mechanics, it’s a dense, reactive world. It’s also a visual powerhouse that shines on the Xbox Series X.

Ninja Gaiden 4

You’ve gotta appreciate how unapologetically “video gamey” Ninja Gaiden 4 is. It’s a full-throttle return to the hardcore character-action games of the 2000s, and we wouldn’t want it any other way. The standout highlight, of course, is its buttery-smooth, lightning-fast combat. Few games in 2025 were as rewarding to master as Ninja Gaiden 4’s combo-heavy battle system. Add a story that respects the series’ lore and a crisp graphics/performance package, and you’ve got an easy fan favorite.

Atomfall

In a year with many RPGs, it’s somehow a lower-scale release from the Sniper Elite studio that stands out. This retro-futuristic RPG benefits from Rebellion’s reliably strong gunplay, while its crafting and survival systems create an engaging gameplay loop that encourages all the looting you could want. But it’s the clever environmental storytelling and branching narrative that make this one warrant multiple playthroughs. If you like Fallout in any capacity, you owe it to yourself to give Atomfall a shot.

Elden Ring: Nightreign

Nightreign may not be what the purely single-player crowd hoped for, but it proves that FromSoftware is more than capable of branching out from their usual formula. Yes, the game still takes place in a familiar though dramatically rearranged Lands Between, but its wild new bosses and fast-paced co-op structure make it hard to put down once you start.

Dynasty Warriors: Origins

If you’ve never played a Musou game before, this is the place to start. It’s a reboot that refines and enhances everything about the series while telling the Three Kingdoms narrative from a fresh cinematic angle. Battles are as massive as ever, with hundreds of enemies on-screen posing a threat to your larger-than-life warrior. Seeing all the familiar Three Kingdoms characters fully voice-acted with lengthy scripts is a genuine delight; this is some of the strongest character work the franchise has ever seen.

Assassin’s Creed: Shadows

It’s been a long time coming, but a feudal Japan Assassin’s Creed has been finally delivered. Classic AC stealth is represented through the shinobi Naoe, while Yasuke the samurai offers a more arcade-y brawler playstyle. The dual-protagonist structure broadens the narrative while executing the most robust gameplay suite the series has ever featured. But the true star is the setting. Sixteenth-century Japan looks spectacular thanks to the dynamic weather, day/night cycle, and diverse biomes.

DOOM: The Dark Ages

I don’t know how, but id Software continues to reinvent Doom’s gameplay with every installment. This time, the Doom Slayer arms himself with medieval armor and a brutal flail, turning the familiar demon-slaying chaos into something both fresh and ferocious. Between the heavy metal soundtrack and the medieval enemies, Doom: The Dark Ages feels new while still preserving everything fans love about the genre.

Borderlands 4

Borderlands 4 may largely stick to the established formula, but it refines its looter-shooter DNA in meaningful ways. The standout improvement is the loot system: drop rates feel more balanced and quality-of-life upgrades like a dedicated legendary icon finally make sorting your haul painless. Meanwhile, combat remains as sharp satisfying as ever. With its biggest open world yet and the strongest gameplay in the series, Borderlands 4 is the 2025’s best looter-shooter.

Black Myth: Wukong

Xbox players can finally enjoy what many considered 2024’s Game of the Year. Nailing the FromSoftware-inspired formula while maintaining a wholly unique identity is no easy task, yet Game Science managed to exceed expectations. The animation work surrounding the protagonist’s transformations and abilities is exceptional, and the setting is truly enchanting. It’s easy to lose track of time battling a tough boss, but the lean, focused level design respects that time without adding any unnecessary bloat.

Helldivers 2

Helldivers 2 is another smash hit from 2024 arriving on Xbox platforms, and it’s an absolute treat. Servers have been smooth and reliable, and frequent updates keep missions, objectives, and enemy factions feeling fresh. Few squad-based games are as funny, chaotic, and endlessly replayable as Helldivers 2. If you’re on Xbox, now is the perfect time to dive in.

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered

What an absolute delight it was to see Bethesda shadow-drop a remake of one of their most influential titles back in April. The best part is how faithful the remaster remains to the original while still looking fantastic on modern hardware. Many longtime fans may miss the old bloom-heavy aesthetic, but this remaster nails the lighting and texture work on a technical level. Quality-of-life additions—like a sprint toggle and new combat animations—make this the ideal way to experience Oblivion. Best of all, it releases at a reasonable price and includes all DLC and expansions.

And the Best Xbox Game of 2025 Goes to:

Clair Obscur: Expedition

Expedition is tailor-made for those who cherish the artistic and interactive potential of video games. Its gripping, gut-wrenching story and deep yet familiar battle system keep you hooked from start to finish. It’s a complete experience in every sense. More importantly, it embraces its identity wholeheartedly. The enemies are unlike anything else in modern gaming; you don’t see masked  many nightmare inspired creatures in any other RPGs, for example.

Its exploration of themes like fate and sacrifice may sound derivative on paper, but in execution it feels like a classic story reimagined through a unique lens. Only video games can convey this blend of style, timing-based combat, and narrative impact so cohesively. And so, Expedition rises to the top as our favorite Xbox game of 2025. It fires on all cylinders, and does so with a voice that is distinctly its own.

We’re here to give them the spotlight they deserve, and perhaps give you a great new game to pick up and play. Join us as we take a look at a few excellent titles that deserve your attention. There’s something for everybody, and you’re sure to find a title that joins your list of favorites!

1. Blue Prince

With a rather unconventional premise, and a whole lot of entertaining puzzle-adventure gameplay to stretch your brain power to its limits, this is a gem of a game that did not get its due in a year crowded with huge releases. But Simon P. Jones’ surreal trip through the Mt. Holly Estate and the discovery of its story make for an unforgettable adventure.

If you enjoy solving puzzles and are the kind who doesn’t like to leave any loose ends in their games, this one is going to have you occupied for quite a while.

2. Dispatch

It can be jarring to be relegated to a desk job after an exciting stint in the field even for the best of superheroes. But Mecha Man, aka Robert Robinson III, faces a frustrating twist to his career and having to manage a team of reformed supervillains is the perfect recipe for a story that’s told with heart and charm.

A stellar voice cast elevates the experience, and Dispatch is a game that you enjoy from the very beginning right up until you navigate a roller coaster of decisions whose varying outcomes could have you wanting to dive back in for another playthrough. That’s certainly a game that’s easy to recommend.

3. Tormented Souls 2

Caroline Walker (or Emma, if you’re familiar with this one’s predecessor) just can’t catch a break. This sequel builds on the first game’s strengths while telling a grim, chilling story about a cult that seems intent on continuing Noah’s work.

But Caroline has never been one to sit around and wait for fate to play its hand, and you’re going to be navigating dark hallways and dangerous places with bated breath. This is an excellent horror experience that does well to bring forgotten genre trappings back with style.

4. Keeper

It isn’t everyday a game gives a lighthouse the ability to walk, and puts its players behind a character as unique as the one in Keeper. As the lighthouse, your travels aren’t as lonely as they could be thanks to Twig, and the bond that forms between them as they tackle the scourge that’s affecting their home is a lovely story.

This one’s bizarre premise lets its creators come up with some very inventive designs in their levels, and navigating its world isn’t going to be easy. But we can tell you it’s definitely worth it.

5. Atomfall

An action survival gameplay loop set in an alternate, post-apocalyptic version of the British countryside into a radioactive zone was always going to be a blast, and our time with Atomfall had us chuckling away at the humor that it has managed to bake into an otherwise grim world.

The story is definitely gripping enough to make this a rewarding experience while the side content brings some top-shelf writing into the fray. This is a world that’s going to be very worthwhile to those of you who like ferreting out secrets and leaving no missions incomplete.

6. Cronos: The New Dawn

The Bloober Team cemented its reputation as a talented horror studio with its take on a time-travelling survival horror adventure. As the Traveller, every step you take into the game’s world makes you feel the weight of its desolation, while its threats can have you missing perfectly aligned headshots thanks to their raw aggression and feral rage.

However, for those of you who learn the art of survival in this bleak world, you get to find very creative ways to turn the tables in a deadly dance of tactics, strategy, and skillful shooting. It’s a slow-paced ride but a wild one nonetheless.

7. Hell is Us

Although this one did gain a fair bit of traction, it can be hard to put the allure of a world that staunchly refuses to reveal its secrets to none but the most diligent of players into words. But Hell is Us does just that, leaving you scribbling furiously away on a notepad just so that you get to experience all that it has to offer.

It can be quite a disorienting experience at first but the story and combat can have you quite invested. If exploration and lore hunting sound like hours of fun to you, this one is going to have you very content with how it presents its best features.

8. Shinobi: Art of Vengeance

Fast, stylish, and well-paced, Joe Musashi’s battle against the ENE Corporation is a great game. The story moves along at a breakneck pace, giving you new ways to dish out damage in your 2D platforming adventure. Musashi’s agility and the fact that the stakes are literally about life and death with a dollop of vengeance thrown in make this a shinobi adventure with all the good stuff.

Just be ready to bring your best fighting skills to the table as you take on the ENE’s hordes of soldiers, yokai, oni, and imposing bosses.

9. Echoes of the End

Although Ryn and Abram’s journey didn’t get the start that developer Myrkur Games might have wanted, the studio has done well to release an enhanced edition of Echoes of the End as a free update, fixing a significant portion of its launch issues and making it a very enticing offering.

The combat is now quite good, while the story has several great moments in the second half of the adventure. Stick with this one and you’re going to find yourself quite invested in how things turn out.

10. The Rogue Prince of Persia

If you’re a fan of roguelites, this one might be right up your street. Playing a Prince who is on the run from an army of possessed soldiers is a great way to spend a few hours exploring well-designed levels with mechanics that are quite engaging.

Evil Empire has done well to capture the look and feel of a Prince of Persia game a action adventure game, and you should definitely give this one a shot. Its recent Switch debut should see it get some well-served attention, too.

11. Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound

This side-scrolling hack n’ slash spin-off of the popular franchise is definitely up there with the best ones of the year. Kenji Mozu’s inspired effort to defend the Hayabusa village from demonic threats, leaving Ryu free to live out his legend in America, is a very entertaining take on the Ninja Gaiden universe.

Its slick combat and challenging platforming make it a pleasure to play too. This is a great choice for those of you who love to let your blades do the talking.

12. Wuchang: Fallen Feathers

If you’re a Soulslike fan and have somehow missed this one from Leenshee Games, it’s worth checking out. Bai Wuchang’s mission to save her sister quickly turns into an exploration of sinister events against the background of a failing dynasty.

That premise does very well to set up battles that can test your reflexes and ability to improvise in the field. Combat is an art in this game, and you’re given a wide set of tools to use as you paint a bloody canvas that tells an epic story. Expect to be challenged, and this one is going to take your breath away.

13. Shadow Labyrinth

Bandai Namco’s refresh of the classic character was such a blast we almost forgot our initial scepticism of the entire exercise. The swordsman and Puck are quite a duo, navigating a treacherous world that leaves a very interesting trail of information about its history and denizens.

With challenging enemies and mechanics, Shadow Labyrinth is a game that has you always on the lookout for a detail that you missed, and can take a long time if you’re intent on teasing out all of its secrets.

14. Eriksholm: The Stolen Dream

While it can be difficult to handle the emotional weight that this excellent story brings to the table, Hanna’s desperate journey to rescue her brother, and the people she meets along the way make this one a worthy addition to our list of 2025’s underrated gems.

This is a game that brings some great stealth mechanics in a world in which the shadows are your biggest strength, and a story that underlines the importance of staying unseen through the eyes of a young orphan. This one’s a winner for all of you stealth nuts out there.

15. Steel Seed

Bringing excellent stealth action, robust platforming, a dark sci-fi-world, and a relatable protagonist and companion duo, there’s a lot to like about Steel Seed. Although this one did draw a bit of flak on the critical front, its story and excellent world building are compelling reasons to dive into this title.

Zoe’s sassy yet earnest nature wins you over quite quickly, and her proficiency with her weapons make her fun to embody in this tale of redemption. Despite a relatively shorter runtime, this game has its charms, and the journey is definitely worth it.

And that’s a wrap on our best single-player sleeper hit titles that you might have missed out on this year. Here’s to a fresh new batch of winners as we look to 2026 and beyond.

That’s not quite the case in Keeper, thankfully, and even if it isn’t exactly breaking the mold as far as titles in the genre go, there’s still an incredibly vibrant and mysterious world to explore with some fun and unorthodox puzzles. And that’s without factoring in the visuals and music, with art direction channelling that signature Double Fine feel while still feeling unique.

The story starts out in a straightforward enough fashion. A flock of seabirds is pursued by a mysterious swarm, and one of them is separated, dropping down to the island and settling on a dilapidated lighthouse. Just when it seems the end is near, the latter springs to life, flashing its light and dispersing the swarm, or at least causing it to retreat. From that moment on, the two travel together, and really, things only get weirder from there.

"It’s to Double Fine’s credit that each of these entities is brimming with personality, and even if you don’t directly interact with many of them, they still play a part in the puzzles."

But the lighthouse is about as baffled by its sudden sentience as we are. It groans and creaks from its stationary position, crumbing in a heap before inevitably gaining legs and the gift of movement…before unceremoniously tipping over again due to its sheer heft. Even as it learns balance, that heft is always apparent throughout, whether it’s dashing quickly or skulking through dark caverns. In a sense, it’s almost representative of the lighthouse’s mood. It can take a bit of getting used to, especially while moving around and orienting the light, but it feels natural after a point.

Nevertheless, it’s the mysteries of Keeper that will push you to progress forward. Why did the lighthouse suddenly awaken? What is this mysterious power that allows it to manipulate the environment? What is this island, and who are its denizens? How influential was the seabird in its awakening, and just what is that giant beacon on the mountaintop that the lighthouse is seemingly compelling towards? What exactly is the swarm, and why are they so incessantly chasing after the seabird? What happened to the rest of the flock? Those are only a handful of questions that come to mind, and Double Fine is more than happy to throw a few more while keeping you guessing.

Because it’s a wordless narrative, you’ll have to piece things together on your own…or not, if simply barreling through environments and taking in the world is more to your liking. Keeper is as much of a vibe as it is a narrative, thanks to its surreal environment. There’s a post-apocalyptic element to the island, almost as if its prior civilisation was long since wiped out, but then you encounter some of the stranger beings that inhabit it. The rocks that are also wandering around on four legs. The sentient tree that really needs those three blue orbs to let you through. The door looks just absolutely depressed because its symbols are misaligned, and it’s represented by a single eye.

It’s to Double Fine’s credit that each of these entities is brimming with personality, and even if you don’t directly interact with many of them, they still play a part in the puzzles. Your primary functions as a lighthouse, at least initially, include walking around, dashing through obstacles and shining a light (which can be focused to occasionally burn through certain parts of the environment, among other things). The seabird also helps out, whether it’s clasping onto levers and turning them, retrieving items, shaking fruit from trees or pulling objects. It’s all simple enough and easy to grasp, especially from the outset, until you remember that shining a light on those sentient rocks causes them to suddenly drop down, breaking anything beneath them, which comes in handy for retrieving an object in the environment.

"That variety is obvious in the environments as well, which range from extensive lush greenery to shadowy catacombs where a dark presence resides in the island’s underbelly for some unknown purpose."

Eventually, you’ll manipulate other searchlights to clear a path for the lighthouse and even shift between the realms of the dead and living (at least as I understand it) to turn the seabird into a spirit that phases through walls, restoring its corporeal state to actually manipulate the switches. It’s only a teaser for some of the truly bizarre mechanics to come, but it also highlights Keeper’s confidence in its gameplay variety. Even as simple as it can feel at times with all the mulling about from one point to the next, and even if these puzzles aren’t especially difficult, they still feel unique and, more importantly, don’t overstay their welcome.

That variety is obvious in the environments as well, which range from extensive lush greenery to shadowy catacombs where a dark presence resides in the island’s underbelly for some unknown purpose. Even if some elements will creep certain players out (caution to those suffering from arachnophobia, if it wasn’t obvious by now why), Keeper is simply awash in incredible details and surreal findings. This is further aided by the music, which alternates between upbeat and whimsical to dire and foreboding depending on the location. And even with the lack of spoken dialogue, the animation work is strong enough that you can actually feel the camaraderie between the lighthouse and the seabird developing in real time.

Of course, it’s worth bringing up performance and optimisation on PC. An Intel Core i5-11400, 32 GB RAM and an RTX 4060 – well above the minimum requirements, but well below the recommended. Despite this, I still managed to run it in 1080p with all graphics settings at High and with DLAA enabled. Frame Generation is responsible for ensuring the frame rate stays at a relatively consistent 60 frames per second throughout, with minimal drops. And that’s saying something, given the sheer amount of detail, lighting, shadows, and effects present throughout, even with this animated art style.

"Keeper doesn’t try to overwhelm you with its environments and storytelling so much as ease you in, offering some incredible environments, gorgeous visuals and fantastic music along the way."

With so many incredible games launching this season, not to mention the other two major offerings that Microsoft is publishing this month alone, Keeper is definitely at risk of being swept under the rug. The relatively modest $30 price belies an experience that isn’t too long, and which can sometimes feel a bit too linear at points (though you occasionally have some freedom).

However, for those who stick with it, there’s a sweeping narrative to explore, one that goes beyond your average quest to save the world, focusing on unlikely friendships against bizarre odds. Keeper doesn’t try to overwhelm you with its environments and storytelling so much as ease you in, offering some incredible environments, gorgeous visuals and fantastic music along the way. Again, it’s not exactly pushing the adventure puzzle genre forward, but in terms of execution, especially when it comes to Double Fine titles, it’s a success and then some.

This game was reviewed on PC.

Unlike the above names, it will retail for $29.99 (though this, of course, varies with region). Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass subscribers can play it on day one, as usual, but overall, it’s a much more budget-friendly release.

Available for Xbox Series X/S and PC at release and directed by Lee Petty (Headlander, RAD), Keeper is about a sentient lighthouse traveling with a mysterious seabird for some unknown purpose. Little is known about the gameplay, but players traverse the island, discovering all kinds of surreal creatures and environments while combating a mysterious threat.

The center of the island is the goal, but to what end? We’ll find out in just a few days, so stay tuned.

Baldur’s Gate Enhanced Edition and Baldur’s Gate 2 Enhanced Edition arrive for PC on October 9th for the same tiers, while Supermassive’s The Casting of Frank Stone is available on October 14th. Ball x Pit is next on October 15th for Ultimate and PC Game Pass with The Grinch: Christmas Adventures.

Eternal Strands also debuts for Premium subscribers on the same day. It’s joined by He Is Coming for PC (Game Preview) and Ninja Gaiden 2 Black. Pax Dei exits early access on October 16th and will be available for Ultimate, Premium and PC Game Pass subscribers.

Double Fine’s Keeper arrives on October 17th for Ultimate and PC Game Pass, while Evil West debuts on October 21st for the same tiers (plus Premium). Finally, Ninja Gaiden 4 arrives on October 21st for Ultimate and PC Game Pass subscribers.

Check out the three titles leaving the service on October 15th:

• Cocoon (Cloud, Console, and PC)
• Core Keeper (Cloud, Console, and PC)
• Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutants Unleashed (Cloud, Console, and PC)

Ghost of Yōtei

Easily the biggest game of the month, and certainly a contender for Game of the Year, but that’s to be expected. Sucker Punch Productions’ skill for creating engaging open worlds is on full display once more as Atsu scours Ezo for revenge against the Yōtei Six. There’s more variety and less repetition, while the combat system has been expanded to include more weapons, fresh mechanics like disarming enemies (and throwing weapons into their imminent carcasses), and a wolf that occasionally helps out. In a year where Sony desperately needs some PS5 exclusives, Ghost of Yōtei looks to be an incredible showcase for the console when it launches on October 2nd.

Battlefield 6

About four years ago, the Battlefield franchise suffered a slump that few thought it could ever recover from. But here we are with Battlefield 6, a combined effort between DICE, Ripple Effect, Criterion and Motive Studio, which could take the series to new heights of success. The return of an epic globe-hopping campaign is already fantastic, but even the multiplayer with its Classes, weapon feel, and grounded atmosphere has us excited. Even Portal and the new Battle Royale don’t look too shabby. Launching on October 10th, Battlefield 6 will be available for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC.

Pokémon Legends: Z-A

Game Freak’s latest Pokémon title also marks the series’ debut on Nintendo Switch 2 alongside the original Switch, but it goes even further by taking place in a single city. As a new trainer in Lumiose City, it’s your job to investigate the strange outbreak of Rogue Mega-Evolved Pokémon while having their wish granted in the Z-A Royale. Between new Pokémon and Mega Evolutions, a free-for-all competitive mode called Battle Club, and much more, Pokémon Legends: Z-A is certainly shaping up well. It’s out on October 16th for Switch 1 and 2.

The Outer Worlds 2

For a game that goes “bigger and deeper” than the original, with an overhaul to Skills and Flaws alongside much larger planets and a third-person perspective, The Outer Worlds 2 certainly feels like the underdog heading into October. Maybe it’s the sheer range of other big-name sequels to look forward to, but the new, more-serious story (which still packs moments of dark levity) looks intriguing, and there’s plenty of room for more niche playstyles. Whether you’re a team player or a solo operative intent on killing all NPCs, The Outer Worlds 2 could satisfy that role-playing fix when it launches on October 29th for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC.

Digimon Story: Time Stranger

Seven years after Cyber Sleuth – Hacker’s Memory, a new entry in the Digimon Story is finally upon us with Time Stranger. Launching on October 3rd for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC, it was actually announced way back in December 2017 and offers a brand new story with time travel elements. Following an incident that would change the world, the player, as part of a mysterious organization, ventures back in time to try to prevent it. On top of over 450 Digimon to collect, players travel to Illiad in the Digimon World and attempt to unravel what’s going on. Will it end up overshadowed by Pokémon Legends: Z-A or stand out all the more? We’ll find out in the coming days.

Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2

Super Mario Galaxy has returned, and thankfully, it isn’t part of a compilation that’s available only for a limited time. This time, Nintendo Switch players can experience each title in the series for $39.99 separately or for $69.99 in a bundle. Switch 2 owners can play both games at 4K courtesy of a free update, and there are new features like more Storybook Chapters, amiibo support and Assist Mode. These are more like re-releases than remasters, but if you’ve ever wanted to play two of the best 3D platformers ever made, they may be worth checking out on October 2nd.

ARC Raiders

As if it isn’t competing for time with all the other big releases, Embark Studios’ ARC Raiders is sandwiched between two triple-A shooters (with Battlefield this month and Call of Duty in the next). Nevertheless, if the response has proven anything, it’s that it may very well hold its own. Launching with four maps with different conditions and challenging foes, the extraction shooter packs Embark’s sleek shooting with a distinct post-apocalyptic atmosphere. Between mastering different skills, competing quests, taking a shot at the leaderboards, or trying to understand the world as a whole, ARC Raiders promises a lot, and we can’t wait to dive in when it launches on October 30th for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC.

Little Nightmares 3

The heavyweight survival horror titles are already out, but there’s still Little Nightmares 3 to look forward to ahead of Halloween. Set in The Spiral, the story follows Low and Alone as they attempt to escape its hellish landscape. Between towering monsters, sentient puppets, and other horrors, it’s a tall task, but each packs unique tools like arrows and a wrench for puzzle-solving and self defense. And while couch co-op isn’t supported, there is a Friends Pass, meaning another player can join in without owning the game. All the better to spread the terror when Little Nightmares 3 launches on October 10th for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and Switch 2.

Keeper

You never truly guess what Double Fine Productions will pump out next, and Keeper, out on October 17th for Xbox Series X/S and PC, is truly unique. You control, of all things, a sentient lighthouse that ventures across the world to learn more about its purpose. Between encountering other strange entities in a wordless narrative and the trippy visuals, it’s certainly shaping up to be an adventure unlike any other.

Jurassic World Evolution 3

You kind of know what you’re getting with any Frontier Developments management sim, and Jurassic Park Evolution 3 is no exception. The usual campaign, sandbox and challenge modes return, but there are over 80 species, each with variants (including juvenile dinosaurs), and more complex creation tools to embrace alongside new attractions. Couple this with new locations, and there’s plenty to look forward to when it launches on October 21st for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC.

Ninja Gaiden 4

One of the gold standards for incredible hack and slash action-adventures, Ninja Gaiden, is finally getting a new mainline title on October 21st for Xbox Series X/S, PS5 and PC. Ninja Gaiden 4 follows Yakumo of the Raven Clan as he ventures to the remains of Tokyo to slay the Dark Dragon. The Order isn’t having it, though, and neither is series mainstay, Ryu Hayabusa (who’s also playable), leading to some bloody battles. While possessing an array of armaments, Yakumo also has Bloodraven Form to modify his attacks and even unleash Bloodbath Kills to maim several foes at once. Promising accessibility via Hero Mode and hardcore challenge courtesy of Master Ninja difficulty, Ninja Gaiden 4 could be the most epic title in the series yet.

Kingmakers

What happens when modern soldiers are sent back in time to fight medieval battles containing hundreds of units? You get Kingmakers, with its unique mix of third-person shooting, extensive military equipment and base-building, launching on October 8th for PC. When you’re not engaging in the battle, you can take an overhead view and command units. All this and co-op for up to four players? If nothing else, it looks like a fun bit of controlled chaos.

Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault

Nothing can stop a good merchant, especially one like Will, who ventures into dungeons to collect the wares himself. Moonlighter 2 directly follows the first game’s events, as you venture into The Endless Vault, collect valuable artifacts, and sell them in your store. The profits can be used to upgrade the town of Tresna, your own shop and even equipment to delve deeper into the dungeons for more profitable finds. With a jump to full 3D and new mechanics – like using your own backpack as a weapon – there’s plenty to look forward to when Moonlighter 2 launches in Steam Early Access on October 23rd.

Double Dragon Revive

The classic side-scrolling beat ’em up franchise returns courtesy of Arc System Works and Yuke’s when Double Dragon Revive launches on October 23rd for PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, and PC. Alongside Story Mode with support for up to four playable characters, there’s Extra Mode with more than 50 mission types and a uniquely separate story across multiple unlockable episodes. Between this and Absolum, it’s a great month for beat ’em up fans.

Plants vs. Zombies: Replanted

After botching Battle for Neighborville and Plants vs. Zombies 3, PopCap Games is going back to the drawing board. Or more specifically, to the first garden in Plants vs. Zombies: Replanted, an HD version of the tower defense that started it all. Fortunately, there’s a lot to justify that $20 purchase, from a new hardcore mode to the more forgiving but still challenging Cloudy Day Mode. You can even compete in local PvP as the zombies or defend together in co-op. Replanted launches on October 23rd for Xbox One, PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC, and Nintendo Switch 1 and 2.

Tormented Souls 2

The original Tormented Souls didn’t push any boundaries, but for a title inspired by old-school Resident Evil, it wasn’t half-bad. Tormented Souls 2, out on October 23rd for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC, continues the story of Caroline as she ventures to a mysterious yet sinister new location. While you’ll be shifting between realities, solving puzzles and fighting off new enemies, tank controls are still in effect, and you won’t have unlimited saves, just like the survival horror games of yesteryears, but you can enable assist mode.

Once Upon A Katamari

A new Katamari title that isn’t a remaster? Somehow, it’s true as Once Upon A Katamari launches on October 24th for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, PC, and Nintendo Switch. The Prince is once again tasked with fixing the sky after The King of All Cosmos destroys it yet again, and this time, you’re venturing through time, rolling up the Ice Age and other notable eras. With character customization, new tools and KatamariBall, a new four-player competitive mode, the good times may indeed be ready to roll.

Dispatch

What happens when Mecha Man no longer has his mech suit to fight crime? He does the next best thing, taking on a job as a superhero dispatcher. That’s only the start of Robert Robertson’s ordeals, however, as he works with ex-supervillains, dispatching them to different locations with unique consequences. Between unlocking new abilities and managing their various personality quirks, Dispatch is a unique mix of narrative adventure and hero strategy with a strong cast. The first two episodes debut on October 22nd, followed by the next two on October 29th for PS5 and PC, with the final four out in November.

Wreckreation

I’ll admit to being somewhat disappointed with Bugbear’s Wreckfest 2 (which has seen several updates after launching in early access), but Wreckreation, developed by the team behind Dangerous Driving, could fill that void. It’s out on October 28th for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, and introduces the 400 square kilometer sandbox that is MixWorld, which you’re free to build up and wreck alone or with others. With extensive customization tools and plenty to discover, it’s an interesting proposition, and hopefully one with a lot of staying power.

Mortal Kombat: Legacy Kollection

Have you ever wanted a definitive collection of all classic Mortal Kombat titles? Yes, even Mythologies: Sub Zero and Special Forces? Mortal Kombat: Legacy Kollection could be the answer as it contains Mortal Kombat 1, 2, 3, 4, Trilogy and much more with multiple versions, online play with rollback netcode and instant access to all secret characters. You can explore the lore of the series and its characters, and learn more about the franchise’s development courtesy of new creator interviews. Launching on October 30th for Xbox Series X/S, PS4, Xbox One, PC, PS5, Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2, it could very well be a must-buy for any fighting game fan.

Schafer also noted that none of the new titles will be sequels to older Double Fine games, saying that working on Psychonauts 2 resulted in “keeping us fine for sequels for a while”. This also means that Brutal Legend will likely not be getting a sequel any time soon.

“Well, I’m here to announce right now…that we are making other games too,” Schafer said (transcription via Windows Central). “We have multiple games going on at the studio, and the thing I will say is that they’re all brand new. They’re all brand new IP, we did Psychonauts 2 and that’s keeping us fine for sequels for a while.”

Schafer also took the chance to talk about Keeper, and how the title serves as the singular vision of game director Lee Petty. Schafer spoke about Petty having “interesting tastes” which range from The Dark Crystal to films inspired by Cronenberg as well as surrealist painters. This, Schafer believes, will result in a game where players will experience strange things.

Keeper was first announced all the way back in June. The narrative adventure game will put players in control of a strange lighthouse that has found itself being able to walk. The game will largely revolve around exploring the world and solving environmental puzzles with the help of the lighthouse’s friend, a bird named Twig.

The puzzles in Keeper will revolve around the lighthouse and Twig each being able to do only specific things, and thus having to work together to make it through the world. Over the course of the title, this leads to the two fostering an unlikely friendship, all of this happening without a single word of spoken or written dialogue.

More details about Keeper were revealed earlier this week courtesy of an Xbox Wire interview of Petty. In this interview, Petty spoke about how Keeper has been designed to get players to “embrace the unexpected” as they spent time in the strange world.

“A key tenet of this game is the unexpected,” explained Petty. “We wanted players to be able to relax a bit, chill out a bit, and embrace the unexpected. So to that end, there’s some experimentation, but there’s nothing the player can do to die in this game. They can’t mess up the experience. We sort of get the player on board early so that, when something unexpected is thrown at them, it’s not a moment of panic that they don’t know how to get through.”

Petty also described Keeper as being an accessible title, with minimal obstacles in the way when it comes to things like complicated control schemes. The title will also feature accessibility features, including remappable controls.

Keeper is being developed for PC and Xbox Series X/S, and is slated for release on October 17 with a price tag of $29.99. The title will also be available on Game Pass on day one of its release.

In an interview on Xbox Wire, Petty mentions that one of the game’s key tenets is how it presents things that players wouldn’t expect. To achieve this, Keeper gives players the chance to relax and get in the right mindset to “embrace the unexpected”. Along with this, the game will also encourage heavy experimentations with various interactions in the world without any risk of the player-controlled lighthouse dying.

“A key tenet of this game is the unexpected,” explained Petty. “We wanted players to be able to relax a bit, chill out a bit, and embrace the unexpected. So to that end, there’s some experimentation, but there’s nothing the player can do to die in this game. They can’t mess up the experience. We sort of get the player on board early so that, when something unexpected is thrown at them, it’s not a moment of panic that they don’t know how to get through.”

Petty also talks about the gameplay of Keeper, and how the adventure game slowly unveils more and more gameplay mechanics that build on top of previous ones. Things start out simple, with the player only being able to move around and aim the lighthouse beam to help out the bird companion, named Twig. However, there are also obstacles that require both the lighthouse and Twig to work together, since they’re both capable of accomplishing different things.

“The lighthouse beam has two main modes,” he said. “It has an unfocused and a focused mode. The unfocused mode is for exploring – as you shine it around, you might see little subtle shimmers or reactions in the world. Bigger transformations occur when the player focuses that bigger, brighter beam on things, and that’s often used to solve puzzles as well.”

“Twig rides along on the lighthouse and can do things that the lighthouse can’t. The lighthouse doesn’t have arms, only legs. Twig however, can directly manipulate things in the world. So what the player can do, for example, to solve a puzzle is use a combination of that light ability and Twig’s ability to pick up and collect things.”

The gameplay also will be quite dense, with the interviewer noting that there were 11 different puzzles, along with several more smaller interactions in the 15 minute demo that was showcased at Gamescom. Petty said that a lot of the gameplay will depend on the player’s own sense of exploration and how they interact with the world.

“There’s a lot of stuff for the player to discover along the experience,” he explained. “Some of those come in the form of environmental storytelling, some of those things are in the form of hidden interactions with the various creatures, and a lot of it is also just about the players’ interpretation of the games events, and finding meaning in the experience.”

Keeper is also designed with simplicity in mind, with few obstacles in the way of controls and accessibility being a major aspect of the title’s game design. Petty described the game as not being one about mastery over controls, but rather a fun experience to enjoy.

“We wanted Keeper to be an experience that wasn’t especially difficult to play,” he said. “It’s not a game about control, mastery or incredibly hard challenges, because we wanted this sort of unique, weird-but-chill experience for players to go on. We don’t have a need for all those buttons on the controller.

“And we also just have a really big set of accessibility features where people can map the controls to what they want. If they prefer to play with keyboard and mouse, or they play on a controller, we support both of them.”

Keeper is coming to PC and Xbox Series X/S on October 17, and is priced at $29.99. Along with being an Xbox Play Anywhere title, it will also be available on Game Pass on day one.

Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, Keeper, Grounded 2, and the ROG Xbox Ally (which will allegedly receive a release date) make up day one, as previously announced. However, you can also look forward to Cronos: The New Dawn, Hotel Barcelona, Invincible VS, World of Warcraft: Midnight, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, Dying Light: The Beast, Starsand Island, PowerWash Simulator 2, Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade, Outbound, and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle: The Order of Giants.

Day 2 is also just as packed. Previously confirmed titles include The Outer Worlds 2, Ninja Gaiden 4, and Overwatch 2, but Onimusha: Way of the Sword, Jurassic World Evolution 3, FragPunk, Mistfall Hunter, At Fate’s End and Age of Empires 4 are also present. Final Fantasy Tactics – The Ivalice Chronicles, My Hero Academia: All’s Justice, Silent Hill f, LEGO Voyagers, and High on Life 2 will also appear. If that wasn’t enough, you can expect to see Silent Hill f and Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater in action.

Before all this unfolds, Gamescom Opening Night Live will take place on August 19th at 11 AM PDT and promises its own stacked lineup. Then there’s Future Games Show on August 20th, featuring Phantom Blade Zero and Little Nightmares 3. Stay tuned for live coverage throughout all this.

In Keeper, a story is going to be told without the use of any words whatsoever. Players will get to explore a world that has been described by Double Fine as being “post-human”, with humanity having long since died off.

One of the last signs of humanity’s existence, a decrepit lighthouse, unexpectedly starts moving. After ultimately collapsing, its rubble reassembles itself and the lighthouse grows a set of legs. Players take on the role of this lighthouse, and start things off with only a single objective: get to the center of the island.

The lighthouse will also be accompanied by a bird that can interact with ancient mechanism. Keeper is ultimately a game about an unlikely friendship, and the duo of protagonists set off to explore the world and find new meaning in their lives.

At Double Fine, the creative lead behind Keeper is Lee Petty, who originally joined the studio as art director on Brutal Legend. Since then, Petty has worked on several of the studio’s projects, including Psychonauts 2 and Broken Age. Petty’s previous works as creative lead include Headlander, Stacking, and RAD.

Keeper is coming to PC and Xbox Series X/S on October 17.