Though there was no release window at the time, he alleged in a new tweet that, “As far as I know, RDR2 is this year.” When asked if this rumor was different from last year, he responded, “Same info as last year. I don’t have any update to suggest it won’t be this year.”

Of course, as he mentioned before, release timings can (and often) change, and Rockstar pretty much does its own thing. The company has already delayed Grand Theft Auto 6 several times, but it’s seemingly on track for this year, with Summer marking the start of launch marketing. How that will affect Red Dead Redemption 2: Enhanced Edition really remains to be seen.

However, if it had to release at some point, one would think it’s sometime this Summer, even as late as September, to ensure it doesn’t conflict with Grand Theft Auto 6. As always, time will tell, so stay tuned for more updates.

Widely considered one of the greatest games ever made, Red Dead Redemption 2 is available for Xbox One, PS4, and PC. It sold in over 82 million units as of December 31st, 2025.

It is the experience that leads into Arthur’s story in the second game, after all, and there’s so much of it that shows up in that prequel that makes it a very interesting precursor to a title that continues to be among the very best of modern gaming’s best titles. That made me quite excited to finally have it playable on a current-gen console.

"The valleys in front of you now look all the more enticing, while rays of sunlight bathe it all with a welcoming, warm glow."

But issues crop up quite early on, making me question whether releasing it as an “enhanced” port was even worth the effort. Rockstar is definitely busy with GTA VI and perhaps even the beginnings of Red Dead Redemption III, but does that mean a version of one of its best-sellers should compromise on the value it offers?

Perhaps I’m coming down too hard on the game, as there are a few things that really made it stand out during my time with it. For instance, revamped textures and lighting make the game’s world all the more immersive. Red Dead Redemption was quite a good-looking game when it came out back in 2010, and its current-gen makeover does very well to give it a fresh coat of paint.

The valleys in front of you now look all the more enticing, while rays of sunlight bathe it all with a welcoming, warm glow. Those rays also dance off your clothes and the faces of characters you’re conversing with, lending the experience a sense of realism that wasn’t as pronounced in the original, thanks to technological limitations of the time.

The framerate’s another plus, with both exploration and combat feeling very smooth. Loading times and performance are also excellent, with barely any time for a stretch before you’re loaded into the settlement or location you wanted to fast travel to. I barely needed to activate my Dead Eye when I got into a firefight, with the improved framerate letting me pull off headshots with ease.

"Furthermore, the excellent textures and lighting only serve to underline how dated the character models and facial animations are."

However, despite how these improvements make an already great game even better, there are issues to be had. For all of the visual splendor that the PS5 has enabled, the lack of graphical options does rankle a little. Even on the PS5 Pro, you’re stuck with what you get, which is annoying even though what you get is a nearly perfect version of an excellent game.

Furthermore, the excellent textures and lighting only serve to underline how dated the character models and facial animations are. No amount of warm sunlight is going to change the fact that your character and the people they’re talking to look and move like they come from an era of gaming that should be long-forgotten by now.

Lip-syncing issues and a distinct lack of movement on character faces during conversations are also issues that break the game’s spell. While these issues may have been acceptable losses or even par for the course back in the day, they’ve no business being in a 2025 release, even if it is an enhanced port of the original experience.

But they aren’t really game-breaking, and I was able to forgive them for the most part. But the opening cutscene brought up an issue that really annoyed me, considering how it made me miss out on bits of conversation. The game’s audio sometimes chooses to drown out any other audio output, relegating conversations to the background. It happened more than a few times and often at a very inconvenient moment, making it quite an annoyance.

"A few QoL changes to the game’s menus and controls could have gone a long way in presenting an experience that seemed optimized for current-gen hardware."

My DualSense controller remained painfully quiet in my hands thanks to a distinct lack of integration with its haptics and adaptive triggers, an omission that I think deserves a comment, thanks to how immersive it could have made so much of the experience for me. Some of my annoyances from fifteen years ago are also a part of this new version. My horse’s sprinting inputs were decidedly finicky, while John resolutely refused to sprint to cover during one firefight, choosing to soak up a few enemy bullets instead.

Balancing these weaknesses against the game’s improvements has me wondering if Rockstar couldn’t have done more to bring a more polished, current-gen experience to the table. A few QoL changes to the game’s menus and controls could have gone a long way in presenting an experience that seemed optimized for current-gen hardware as opposed to an enhanced port that underlines the game’s age.

It’s a testament to Red Dead Redemption’s quality that it has managed to withstand the test of time and even remain relevant despite the overwhelming success of the title that followed it. There aren’t a great many titles today that have aged as well as it has, and the fact that this version’s its third release in three years is telling. It’s a solid story that comes with some brilliant examinations of life in the Wild West, and the redemption it promises as a result might not be the kind any of us was expecting at the end of John’s journey.

But all of its strengths only serve to showcase the fact that the current-gen version of this game should have been more than what it is. Given the game’s pedigree, a full-blown remake should have been the way to go if Rockstar wanted to truly keep one of its best titles alive through the ages. For starters, this one’s popularity is a great argument in favor of it.

"But if you’re a franchise newbie, dive right in and enjoy a title that’s sure to tempt you into continuing the adventure with its next instalment."

Secondly, all of the tech that the studio needed to give the aging experience a new lease of life has now been around for a while. The latest generation of consoles and the ones that are going to follow are now potent vehicles for remakes that give a fresh new spin on familiar titles.

Third, remakes of older titles like Demon’s Souls and Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater prove that there is a market for them, with great ones being successful enough to justify a similar effort for Red Dead Redemption.

As it stands, the latest version of the game feels more like a cash grab rather than an earnest effort to bring a classic to a new generation of players, or perhaps reward veterans with a brilliant version of a game that’s quite close to their hearts. As such, it’s quite hard to recommend to those of you who’ve already played the game unless you’re itching for another stab at it.

But if you’re a franchise newbie, dive right in and enjoy a title that’s sure to tempt you into continuing the adventure with its next instalment. Although it should have been more, this version of Red Dead Redemption is the one to beat today.

This game was reviewed on the PlayStation 5.

So what can you expect with the third re-release of the classic thus far? You can check out our feature for more details, but long story short, it offers 4K and 60 FPS on PS5 and Xbox Series X/S, alongside improved image quality. The Switch 2 version includes 60 FPS and DLSS support with mouse controls, which is a nice bonus. All three editions support high dynamic range (HDR) for more realistic brightness.

Of course, cross-save is also supported on PlayStation and Switch, so you can continue wherever you left off on PS5 and Switch 2 (jury’s out on whether Xbox supports the same). If you’re a Netflix subscriber, then you can play the game for free on iOS and Android.

If you’re curious about the re-release (and why it pales in comparison to the Game of the Year Edition), check out our reviews for the PS4, Switch and PC versions. In the meantime, the wait for a current-gen upgrade to Red Dead Redemption 2 continues.

For that matter, what is it about this re-release that spurs some manner of debate, even among those who love the original? We’ll dive into all that later, but for now, you can look forward to…

4K/60 FPS on PS5 and Xbox Series X/S

As you’d expect, the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S can deliver up to 4K resolution and 60 frames per second. They also benefit from improved image quality, and since Double Eleven, who worked on the PC port, has returned, you can more than likely expect the same level of draw distance, shadow quality, and other fidelity settings, if not better. And much like the PC version, which is currently the best possible representation of the game, it should look amazing.

DLSS and Mouse Controls on Switch 2

Nintendo Switch 2 players, thankfully, aren’t left out in the cold. While docked and handheld resolutions remain unknown, you still get 60 FPS performance and DLSS benefits along with an exclusive feature: Mouse support. Not that aiming was the biggest problem on consoles, but there’s finally an option for finer-tuned aiming.

HDR Support

Whichever your console of choice, each will benefit from high-dynamic range support. Despite its age, this fictionalized version of 1911 America is absolutely gorgeous, whether you’re admiring the sunrise or galloping across the open plains at sunset. HDR makes it look that much more natural, which in turn immerses you all the more.

Free Upgrades

If you own Red Dead Redemption on previous-generation consoles, such as the PS4 or Nintendo Switch, when it was re-released back in 2023, there’s good news. The current-gen version is a free upgrade. If you’re subscribed to PlayStation Plus Extra or Premium, then both the PS4 and PS5 versions will be available at launch, which is nice.

The Xbox version is a bit trickier – you’ll need the backwards compatible version of the game made available for Xbox One. But the fact that it’s supported for a free upgrade is still nice.

Cross-Gen Saves

To sweeten the deal even further, PS4 and Nintendo Switch save data will transfer over to the PS5 and Nintendo Switch 2. If you started two years ago and suspected that a free current-gen upgrade would arrive eventually, congratulations – you’ve been vindicated. Unfortunately, this doesn’t seem to apply to Xbox. Rockstar doesn’t mention it, and it’s not even listed on the Microsoft Store.

What the Heck is Going on?

So obviously, there are many questions about why Red Dead Redemption is being re-released yet again, especially after all those rumors about its sequel’s current-gen update. And while we may never know, for those who don’t know, this is essentially a sequel to Red Dead Redemption 2. It stars John Marston, as he’s coerced by the Bureau of Investigation to hunt down his old allies from the Van der Linde Gang. We won’t go into further details, since that would spoil the surprises, but suffice it to say that it’s an epic journey.

The Good Ol’ Days

Former lead writer Dan Houser breaks down Red Dead Redemption quite succinctly – no machine guns (aside from the fixed turrets), no cars, no cities, and no large crowds of pedestrians. Just a dude riding a horse around the desert, and yet, it’s one of the most endearing open worlds of all time. You’ll explore fictionalized versions of the Western US, which fans estimate is about 11.984 square miles. It seemingly pales in comparison to Red Dead Redemption 2’s map (which is reportedly 29 square miles), but it’s still fairly sizable.

Robbing, Hunting, and Shooting

Exploration is the biggest appeal, especially as you encounter random events through the countryside, tame different horses, or take in the scenery. But Red Dead Redemption features side missions, hunting and collecting flowers (sadly, there’s no fishing). John can also partake in some arm wrestling, treasure hunts, showcase his mastery in Sharpshooter challenges, herd cattle, rob trains, clear out hideouts occupied by gangs, and, my favorite, Five Finger Fillet.

The (Bounty) Hunter and The Hunted

There’s also bounty hunting, where you can hunt down wanted criminals and take them dead or alive. The latter is a great way to showcase your lassoing skills and even offers a larger payout. However, bounties can also be placed on your head if you commit enough crimes. The more rampant your crime spree, the more bounty hunters come after you unless you pay the fine or use a letter of pardon, which brings us to the…

Honor System

Depending on your actions, the public will either view John Marston as the good guy or a no-good scoundrel. If your Honor is high, then you’ll be welcomed by townsfolk and won’t even have to worry about stealing a horse. But if it’s low, people will treat you with suspicion and even avoid offering their services. It plays into the kind of outlaw you want to be, and works quite well.

Combat and Dead Eye

Though it doesn’t boast as extensive a gun selection as Grand Theft Auto, Red Dead Redemption still offers old-school revolvers, shotguns, rifles, and the like for gunfights. While you can take cover and peek out to aim at enemies, blind-firing is also available. Aiming at a target’s legs or arms is a good way to incapacitate them, but the main calling card of the series is Dead Eye – a slow-mo mechanic where you can individually mark enemies. Once it ends, John unleashes a hail of bullets, taking down all marked targets simultaneously. It truly is high noon everywhere in the world.

What’s in This Re-Release?

So you know what to expect from Red Dead Redemption, but what about the re-release? As Rockstar noted, it’s based on the Game of the Year Edition, which includes the base game, the non-canon Undead Nightmare expansion, and additional outfits from DLC like Hunting and Trading. You can also access single-player extras like the Golden Guns (which confer more Fame on kills), the Deadly Assassin outfit (which causes Dead Eye to recharge faster), the War Horse, and so on.

What’s Not Included

The downside is that there’s no multiplayer support, which is a problem because the original release was pretty robust in that department. So no competitive modes, no co-op posses of eight players that can assault gang hideouts, etc. That also means no additional maps or Red Dead Revolver characters from the Legends and Killers pack, or the six additional co-op missions introduced in Outlaws to the End. And no, not even challenging other players to horse races.

Playtime

If you’re cruising through the story, Red Dead Redemption will take about 18 hours or so, which can easily go up to 26 if you play the side content (while a completionist run is about 46 hours on average). Chuck in Undead Nightmare, which is about six to eight hours for the story and all side content, and you have a pretty extensive amount of content overall.

Why You Should Play it

Whether you should pick it up, given the price and age of the title, is really up to you. But should you set aside the time and experience Red Dead Redemption if you haven’t before? Absolutely. It doesn’t boast as many features or as big a world as most modern triple-A open-world titles, but the sheer heart and quality of the writing still shine, after all these years.

It’s coming to Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and Nintendo Switch 2 on December 2nd. Granted, an ESRB rating earlier in the day offered some advance notice, but the surprising bit is that it’s also coming to iOS and Android. Not to keep, of course. More on that in a bit, because it kind of explains this whole deal.

So right off the bat, the first question that anyone would have to ask is: Why? Why Red Dead Redemption 1, which already had a re-release on PS4 and Nintendo Switch in 2023, and then a PC port in 2024? Yes, it’s a free upgrade and not just for PS5 and Switch 2 players who own the original. If you also own the backwards-compatible Xbox One version, it’s free on Xbox Series X/S as well. Also, both PS4 and PS5 versions will be coming to PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium subscribers on the same day.

There’s just one problem, though: Where the heck is Red Dead Redemption 2 in all of this?

You know, the fourth-best-selling game of all time, which managed to beat Mario Kart 8’s sales total with a whopping 79 million sold in just seven years? Rumors have been circulating for a while now about a potential release on Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and Switch 2 this Fall. As is always the case with rumors, you should take them with a grain of salt – even Rob Wiethoff and Roger Clark, the voice actors for John Marston and Arthur Morgan, were teasing some kind of big announcement.

However, fans have been craving a current-gen update for some time now. Red Dead Redemption 2 released pretty close to the end of the life cycles for PS4 and Xbox One. Wouldn’t it be great if you could experience it in 4K/60 FPS on today’s platforms? You could argue that PC players already get these features and much more, but on top of catering to those who don’t have one, this is an opportunity to bring one of the greatest games ever made to new audiences. An opportunity to showcase one of the, if not the, best open worlds ever created, matched by an outstanding narrative of loyalty, camaraderie, betrayal and – say that again – redemption.

After Grand Theft Auto 5, originally released in 2013 for Xbox 360 and PS3, would receive not one but two re-releases. The first was on the Xbox One and PS4 in 2014, which arrived even before the PC version, if you can believe it, and the Expanded and Enhanced version for PS5 and Xbox Series X/S in 2022. Of course, the reason, along with why they received new features and “content,” is obvious beyond just selling more copies. It also introduces more people to Grand Theft Auto Online – the real cash cow.

I’m not saying that current-gen players shouldn’t experience Red Dead Redemption. Having resolutions that go up to 4K, 60 FPS performance, improved image quality and HDR support? That’s a pretty significant jump from the PS4 version, which eventually received a patch to run at 60 FPS on PS5. Switch 2 players can also look forward to 60 FPS performance, HDR, DLSS and mouse controls, though only at “high resolution”, not 4K (and you just know there was a debate about whether Rockstar could charge $80 for that). Regardless, it would be a vast improvement over the Switch 1 version.

But that’s more or less it (unless Rockstar is hiding something special). No new content or other notable features. Which isn’t a problem for current owners, but what about those buying it for the first time? They’ll likely have to pay $50 at a minimum. As good as Red Dead Redemption 1 is – and it is very good – it’s still over 15 years old. Just because Rockstar isn’t charging triple-A game rates doesn’t make that price any less annoying (and it was already preposterous two years ago on the Switch and PS4). Unless, of course, you’re subscribed to PlayStation Plus Extra/Premium – which is a Sony move, no doubt – or to Grand Theft Auto+, which wraps back around to GTA Online taking prominence.

You know what’s even more preposterous, two years later? This isn’t even the complete Red Dead Redemption experience. Rockstar says that it’s based on the Game of the Year Edition, but previous re-releases didn’t have any multiplayer. The base game and Undead Nightmare expansion are pretty great, but new players can’t experience Outlaws to the End and its co-op missions, or Legends and Killers, which adds Red Dead Revolver characters and new maps. Rolling around with your friends in a posse to clear out the hideouts of gangsters? Roaming the landscape together and maybe engaging in some low-stakes PvP? A time that newer generations will never get to experience.

Of course, offering multiplayer means having to allocate servers and resources for tools like reporting troublesome players or revamping matchmaking, and Rockstar can’t have that (especially without a metric ton of microtransactions a la GTA Online). At this point, the powers-that-be clearly just want to re-release the same product with as few changes as possible, as many times as possible, if it can provide a shred of additional revenue. It wouldn’t be the first time – look at Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition, which sold millions.

The other half of this equation is Red Dead Redemption becoming available on “compatible” iOS and Android devices…through Netflix with “mobile-friendly controls.” And right away, it feels like the entire reason for even re-releasing the game on current-gen consoles is primarily for this deal. The GTA Trilogy was pretty successful through this model, so it makes sense that Rockstar and Netflix would want a repeat of that. If you don’t have a subscription? Why, just sign up today. Or sign up for GTA+. Ownership? Why would you possibly want to own these games on mobile? That’s just crazy talk.

Is it absurd to think that Red Dead Redemption 2’s chances of a current-gen re-release hinge on whether Rockstar can justify the amount of money needed to create mobile versions, and whether Netflix would pay that much? Probably, but those mobile versions of RDR1 stick out like a sore thumb amid all this. Even if they’re rife with problems, it’s just another way for Netflix to add “value” to the overall subscription. Similarly with GTA+ or those who avail of the free upgrades. Who cares if they’re extremely barebones? They’re free!

Rockstar can go ahead and re-release RDR1 as many times as it wants – heck, it’s their IP, even if the shamelessness of those prices is apparent. But for years and years, long-time fans of Red Dead Redemption 2 and even Red Dead Online have wanted something, anything from the studio, only to be met with silence. Maybe that’s the plan – to make them so desperate for the bare minimum that it could just release a current-gen version for, say, $60, with no additional content and a few new features, and get away with it.

And honestly, at that point? Even crickets would be better.

Note: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of, and should not be attributed to, GamingBolt as an organization.

Recent rumors have also been circulating about the same, which didn’t help matters. However, interestingly, it seems that an “enhanced” version of Red Dead Redemption 2 is still in development, according to NateTheHate. Regarding the announcement of RDR1, the insider responded to a Twitter user with, “This doesn’t negate RDR2 happening.”

What about when he specifically said it would arrive later this year? “I said I was told it would come a few months after Switch 2 launch – which is info from the start of 2025.” He then pointed out that since then, Grand Theft Auto 6 has been delayed, and Rockstar “does whatever they want. Release timelines can change.”

It’s hard to argue with that. Who could have predicted that GTA6 would see not one but two big delays before 2025 was even up? Whether Red Dead Redemption 2 is coming to Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and Switch 2 or not, it’s ultimately up to Rockstar to confirm the same.

In the meantime, Red Dead Redemption will be available on December 2nd for the same platforms. It will also be available on iOS and Android for Netflix subscribers.

His comments arrive amid ongoing fan speculation about Rockstar’s post-GTA 6 roadmap and whether the studio will eventually return to the frontier.

Houser can imagine another Red Dead, but he views the existing pair as a complete arc. “Each of the games (referring to the Grand Theft Auto games) was its own standalone story. It’s not quite the same with Red Dead; in some ways, it would be sadder if someone continued it, because it was a cohesive, two-game arc. That said, it will probably happen. I don’t own the IP. That was part of the deal: it’s a privilege to work on something, but you don’t necessarily own it.

Houser’s framing matters because it hints at the creative challenge a sequel faces: Red Dead’s first two games are narratively interlocked—Arthur Morgan and John Marston’s arcs echo and resolve each other, which raises the bar for a third chapter to justify itself without feeling like an appendage.

Practically, the business logic still points toward a return: Red Dead remains a premium brand with long tails, and Houser himself concedes a continuation is probable even if it makes him wistful to watch from the outside.

Bottom line: If Rockstar rides back into Red Dead, it’ll need a fresh approach, not just a new map. Houser’s “two-game arc” remark is a challenge and a warning: a third ride must earn its existence with a perspective as bold as Arthur and John’s.

Clair Obscur: Expedition

While traditional role-playing games never disappeared, they did become quite rare for a few years. The release of Clair Obscur: Expedition has managed to remind many people why that style of combat was so beloved. Along with an excellent setting that revolves around serious themes like loss and grief, Expedition also has a solid take on turn-based combat, with every single character in your party having their own bespoke mechanics, be it Maeve’s stance system, how Lune handles elements, or even Gustave’s Overcharge mechanics. Pair this with rewarding high-level gameplay with parries and dodging, and you get one of the best RPGs out there.

Baldur’s Gate 3

Baldur’s Gate 3 finally managed to hit mainstream success, thanks in large part to its strong setting and ambitious design. Baldur’s Gate 3 adapts rules from the 5th edition of tabletop RPG Dungeons & Dragons, and features some of the most interesting and likeable characters that have been featured in games in quite some time. Along with this, it also has an expansive story that kicks things off with a great premise: figure out how to get rid of a parasite in your brain before you end up being turned into a mindflayer. What follows is an epic adventure that carries you through different cities and planes, where countless stories and challenges await.

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Complete Edition

What can we say about The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt that hasn’t been said already? An entire decade since its original release, the open-world RPG has continued to be awesome thanks to constant support from CD Projekt RED, not only through the release of excellent expansions—but also through updating the title to make use of more modern hardware with enhanced visuals. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt continues to have an excellent story, with plenty of wonderfully-written sidequests. All of this, paired with a great combat system leads to a generally fun way to spend hundreds of hours.

Elden Ring + Shadow of the Erdtree

In many ways, both Elden Ring as well as its expansion, Shadow of the Erdtree, represents the culmination of everything developer FromSoftware has learned in developing titles since 2009’s Demon’s Souls. Along with the slow-paced but heavy combat that the studio is known for, Elden Ring and its expansion also feature a great open world to explore, some of the best boss fights it has ever design, and some incredibly dense lore available for players who would care enough to pore through the dozens of item descriptions and conversations needed to uncover it all. Pair this with tools that provide plenty of options for players that might want an easier time through the game, and Elden Ring and Shadow of the Erdtree simply prove themselves to be the best that FromSoftware has to offer.

Red Dead Redemption 2

Developer Rockstar has had many great games under its belt, essentially changing the entire concept of open-world games with the release of Grand Theft Auto 3 and its host of follow-ups, but none of them have been as jaw-dropping or awe-inspiring as 2018’s Red Dead Redemption 2. Acting as a prequel to the original Red Dead Redemption, the title puts you into the shoes of Arthur Morgan as he experiences the age of the cowboy coming to an end as a member of the Van der Linde gang. Along with some excellent character-writing and fun missions, Red Dead Redemption 2 also offers dense gameplay, taking on a simulationist approach to even side activities like hunting or train robbing, giving players hundreds of hours worth of things to do in its massive and lush open world.

Days Gone Remastered

While Days Gone was originally a PS4 game that came out to a middling reception, its release on PC has been a glow-up for the open-world zombie title, with modern gaming PCs being more than capable of handling the hordes of zombies that get thrown at you. Sure, the main narrative may not be particularly noteworthy. However, the side-activities, as well as the general gameplay loop encouraged by the fact that upgrading your motorbike is important, make the overall idea of setting out to scavenge from long-abandoned medical facilities or even rival gang camps an enticing idea.

Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition

While its initial release may have been a bit of a mess, in the years since, Cyberpunk 2077 has proven itself to be an excellent open-world action RPG. Taking on the role of V in the year 2077, you set out to become a legend in Night City. However, one of the jobs you take alongside your best friend Jackie goes horribly wrong, and now you’re slowly dying and the ghost of Johnny Silverhand lives in your head. Cyberpunk 2077, along with its expansion Phantom Liberty, tells an excellent story that takes you across Night City’s various districts and social strata as you try and figure out the evil machinations of the megacorporation Arasaka that led to the development of the thing that has been slowly killing you. Along with an excellent main story, Cyberpunk 2077 also features several well-written and fun side-quests that can range from getting into a rivalry with a Japanese pop group to discussing the nature of sentience with an AI taxi service.

Disco Elysium – The Final Cut

Quite easily one of the most interesting takes on the RPG genre that has been attempted, Disco Elysium – The Final Cut puts you in the shoes of a detective. You explore the city of Revachol, which is seemingly in the midst of a cultural upheaval in some parts, alongside your partner Lieutenant Kim Kitsuragi. Disco Elysium focuses more on conversation than it does action, and one of its most unique aspects is the fact that each aspect of the protagonist’s mind and body has a personality of its own. Through these conversations, you learn more about yourself, about Revachol, and about the world at large.

Mass Effect Legendary Edition

Mass Effect is one of those rare video game trilogies that deserves its “legendary” moniker. The three titles tell the story of a galaxy’s fight against a cosmic, existential threat, and puts players in the shoes of human Commander Shepard who must assemble a rag-tag crew of allies from the various species from across the galaxy as they try to figure out the mysteries behind the forces known only as the Reapers. Along the way, in true RPG fashion, there are also plenty of choices that players have to make, with many of these choices having far-reaching consequences for the galaxy as a whole. While the ending of Mass Effect 3 might be regrettable, the rest of the journey still holds up even today as one worth experiencing.

Prey (2017)

While it may not have anything to do with its 2006 namesake, Prey (2017) is an immersive sim that puts players in the shoes of Morgan Yu. Working for the TranStar Corporation on ethically-dubious experiments, you eventually start serving on the Talos I space station. However, these experiments eventually start going wrong, and the space station comes under attack by an alien threat known as the Typhon. The twist is that these aliens can shapeshift, which adds an extra layer of tension to the gameplay. Even when you’re just exploring an office room, one of the mugs might end up being a Mimic-type Typhon that can attack you at any time, after all. What makes Prey especially interesting is the freedom it gives the player in how they choose to tackle any situation, be it stealth, combat, or even something more creative, like building platforms out of nearby furniture and your Goo Gun to avoid any dangers.

The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim Special Edition

Skyrim is still – at the time of publishing – the latest game in The Elder Scrolls franchise, and there’s a good reason that it has been the best-selling one so far. Taking place in the eponymous region of Skyrim, the game puts players in the shoes of whatever character they might like to be and, after a short opening quest, sets them free in the world. What makes Skyrim fun is that it has hundreds of hours worth of content, not only through its main story, but through several side quests as well. Along with this, the game also has an excellent modding community that has constantly worked on adding more content to the game, as well as improving what’s already there. Generally speaking, The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim is the closest thing we have to a game we can play forever.

Fallout 3

What Skyrim does for the fantasy genre, Fallout 3 does for players that might prefer a post-apocalyptic setting. Taking place in and around a post-nuclear fallout Washington DC – referred to in-game as the Capitol Wasteland – Fallout 3 sets you loose in an open world with a single goal: find your father. More interesting than the main story, however, is the sheer amount of side-content that is available right from the get-go. The first-person RPG will have you cover the entire length and breadth of the wasteland as you try and do as many side-quests as possible thanks to the excellent writing. While we’re at it, the gameplay isn’t bad either; it might be dated by modern standards, but the RPG systems in the game allow for plenty of player choice in terms of how you want to define your play style.

Hollow Knight: Silksong

After years of memes making the rounds on the Internet, Hollow Knight: Silksong is finally out. Putting players in the shoes of new protagonist Hornet, Hollow Knight: Silksong features an entirely new world to explore, and tons of challenging boss fights to tackle. Along the way, there are also plenty of new gameplay systems to explore, including the new healing mechanics, as well as the ability to change up Hornet’s entire moveset if you so desire. Much like the original Hollow Knight, Silksong has an easy claim to the crown at the top of the genre.

Marvel’s Spider-Man 2

While Marvel’s Spider-Man was already a fantastic return of the webslinger to the gaming medium, Insomniac Games has taken everything about the open-world action game and turned it up to eleven with Marvel’s Spider-Man 2. Not only does it feature an even more epic storyline featuring plenty of Spider-Man’s rogues gallery, it also features two whole Spider-Men taking on the threats to New York City – Peter Parker and Miles Morales. Throw on top a fun plot about both of our heroes growing together, as well as the unique personal issues affecting both of them, as well as the threat of the Symbiote over the whole plot, and you get a great time.

Little Nightmares 2

Little Nightmares 2 is an interesting game since, while it might appear like a cutesy platformer from the outside, underneath its adorable exterior lies a dark game filled with a surprising amount of horror. The title revolves around a boy, Mono, who finds a girl, Six, trapped in the basement of a dark and terrible house, and the two must work together to make it out alive.Along the way, they will have to deal with many terrifying enemies and other dark secrets of the main setting of the game – the Pale City – and the title makes heavy use of some psychedelic visuals to hammer home the point that the city is not a welcoming place for wayward children.

Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2

While most open-world RPGs tend to make use of fantasy settings, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 instantly sets itself apart from its contemporaries by instead making use of real-world place, complete with accurate depictions of historical events. Taking place in the lands of Bohemia, protagonist Henry finds himself and his friend, Sir Hans, the victims of a bandit attack on their way to deliver a message to Trosky. What follows is Henry’s attempts to complete his mission, and along the way, grow as a person. Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 takes a simulationist approach to its gameplay, with armours and weapons feeling appropriately hard to find and maintain, and crafting systems that will have you reading instructions from books before you go about mixing potions or forging a sword. The title offers hundreds of hours worth of gameplay, along with some of the best sword-fighting mechanics ever executed in a first-person game.

Alan Wake 2

Alan Wake was a masterclass in horror, but its sequel takes things a step further. In Alan Wake 2, players control multiple characters as they explore genuinely creepy locations, face terrifying creatures, and experience it all with an amazing score and exceptional gameplay. This is what horror games should strive to be, and it leaves us eager to see what Remedy has in store for the inevitable Alan Wake 3.

Death Stranding Director’s Cut

Hideo Kojima’s first major project after his departure from Konami, Death Stranding is a game that is quite difficult to explain. Essentially, you are a courier in a world where a global catastrophe has made humanity spread out far and wide, with little to keep them connected to each other. The core gameplay revolves around you taking on delivery jobs and then figuring out how to cross the terrain to get to your objective. What makes this interesting is that Death Stranding is one of those rare games where terrain is quite important, and you can’t just climb any surface you see. This means that you will have to figure out the best route to take that doesn’t risk too much damage to the cargo you’re carrying. Throw on top a bonkers plot that revolves around the concepts of death, the soul and the body, as well as the general creepiness that the ghost-like BTs exhibit, and you have a fantastic time experience, while long, is well worth it.

The Witness

From the developer behind Braid, The Witness is a strange puzzle game that takes a single mechanic – being able to draw lines – and turns it into the entire game. While most of the title will have you finding screens to then solve logical puzzles with your line drawing powers, the whole game essentially blows open at a certain point when you start to discover that the entire world around you is also a puzzle that can then be manipulated and solved in different ways. Along the way, the game also features narration that explores the nature of the island you’re exploring, and what its true purpose might be. All of this is paired with some wonderful art direction and a vibrant colour palette that makes sure that nothing in The Witness ever looks boring.

Ghost of Tsushima

Ghost of Tsushima is an open-world game where the protagonist – a samurai named Jin Kasai – survives an initial battle against an invading Mongol force, and must rally the citizens and soldiers of Tsushima island to mount a resistance against the invaders. Over the course of the fantastic open-world game, Sakai must also come to terms with meanings behind words like honour, and the caste system that Japan was living under at the time. Ghost of Tsushima features simple-but-excellent combat gameplay, as well as quite a few tools for the player should they decide to sneak around instead, as they go around Tsushima liberating settlements from the Mongols and ultimately figure out a way to get at the primary antagonist – Khotun Khan, cousin of Kubali Khan.

The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered

While the original The Last of Us was a great game with a fantastic story anchored by wonderfully-written characters, The Last of Us Part 2 goes a step further, giving us a darker tale that focuses on two distinct characters and their quest for vengeance and redemption. Along with the larger overall scale of gameplay, The Last of Us Part 2 also tells a grander story, and features some of the most fun boss fights to have been put into a title where the gameplay is otherwise quite realistic. On top of all of this, the Remastered release on PC also has a host of extra content in the form of the roguelike survival mode No Return, where you get to take on combat challenges as the character of your choice in a variety of different levels.

Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice

FromSoftware might be largely known for its slow-paced action RPGs in the Souls series and Elden Ring, but with Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, the studio instead decided to take on a much faster style of gameplay where being on the defensive was punished. Rather than hiding behind a shield, in Sekiro, you are instead forced to learn the timings of various enemy attacks so that you can instead parry them, eventually breaking your foes’ posture to then finish them off with a glorious killing blow. The title still maintains much of the FromSoftware DNA, however, including how death works and the emphasis on smaller-scaled levels that are more dense and intertwining, encouraging plenty of exploration. Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, despite its differences from the studio’s other games, can easily be considered one of its best outings yet.

Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection

A collection featuring two games – Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End and Uncharted: Lost Legacy – Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection tells two excellent stories. While one tries to wrap up the ongoing plot of Nathan Drake trying to forge a legacy for himself, the other instead features two supporting characters from preceding Uncharted games in the roles of dual protagonists as they set off on an adventure of their own. Where Uncharted 4 offers a polished take on everything the series has had to offer so far, Lost Legacy instead goes for more experimental game design. All in all, both titles are well worth playing, even if you haven’t been able to play the first three games in the series.

Frostpunk 2

The original Frostpunk was a fresh take on the city-builder genre with a unique setting where you have to build and manage a city around sources of heat, since the planet has essentially frozen over. Its sequel pulls the camera back a bit, and instead of having you put down individual buildings, you’re now laying out entire districts with a single click. Despite this more zoomed out take on the gameplay, however, Frostpunk 2 still makes the player choose between two horrifying choices for the survival of their city, much like its predecessor, and the general progression of the title has been taken in interesting directions, such as how trade routes are managed and how districts can boost or bring down one another, depending on proximity. All of this is paired with some wonderful visuals and excellent sound design that perfectly manage to bring your cities to life.

A Plague Tale: Requiem

A Plague Tale: Requiem is a direct sequel to A Plague Tale: Innocence, and revolves around the two siblings once more having to travel together again. This time around, Amicia and Hugo de Rune have to travel south in order to try and look for a cure for Hugo’s affliction. On the gameplay side of things, it offers more of a refinement over its predecessor rather than any radical changes. Players take on the role of Amicia while Hugo helps out from time to time. However, both characters also have plenty of new abilities to play around with in combat encounters. A Plague Tale: Requiem also acts as an absolute feast for the eyes considering its incredible level of visual fidelity and strong art direction.

The Rogue Prince of Persia

After having spent several months in Early Access, The Rogue Prince of Persia was finally out a few weeks ago, and the fact that developer Evil Empire took player feedback quite seriously is evident. The title features incredibly-polished side-scrolling and platforming with smooth animations and a great visual style that still manages to work well with the randomly-generated levels. Throw on top some fast-paced combat that rewards quick timing, as well as a large variety of weapons, and you’re going to have a great time as you figure out the time-bending story of the Prince who is trying to save his people after previously having been the unwitting instigator of this doom to begin with.

Middle-earth: Shadow of War

Middle-earth: Shadow of War builds on everything its predecessor did in expansive ways. It brings back the much-beloved Nemesis system, which allows protagonist Talion to face down various kinds of Orc enemies, each with their own unique personalities and fighting styles. On top of this, the Orcs winning the fight also means that they’ll get stronger, making the subsequent rematch even harder. The Nemesis system alone makes Shadow of War worth your time, but if that’s not enough, it also has a fun story exploring an alternate timeline of the Lord of the Rings books where a giant war was waged against the forces of Mordor well before the events of the books take place. The gameplay also serves as an excellent evolution of the classical style of open-world action gameplay we saw over the last couple of console generations.

Shadow of the Tomb Raider

In Shadow of the Tomb Raider, Lara Croft embarks once again on a perilous hunt for a precious treasure. However, in her carelessness, Croft accidentally sets off a chain of events that threatens the world, and now she must find a way to stop the destruction. On the gameplay side of things, it offers fast and responsive gunplay as well as plenty of options for some stealth, including the ability for Croft to cover herself in mud to blend in with her surroundings better. The star of the game is undoubtedly the platforming, and with plenty of tombs for Croft to raid, Shadow of the Tomb Raider offers just about everything you could ask for.

Black Myth: Wukong

Black Myth: Wukong is an interesting take on a classic setting. The game features excellent boss fights, along with some gorgeous visuals. These aspects are further bolstered by the fact that the combat system is incredible and responsive. Even the encounter design deserves some praise, since Black Myth: Wukong has been designed around the idea of making the player use just about every tool they have at their disposal. There isn’t really much else to say that hasn’t already been said plenty of times already. It did, after all, manage to hold on to its concurrent player count records at launch when compared to any game out there on PC.

Mafia: The Definitive Edition

While the Mafia series has seen a newfound level of success thanks to the recent release of Mafia: The Old Country, the original Mafia is still worth revisiting, especially in its Definitive Edition form, since it now features modernised gameplay and combat systems, as well as a massive upgrade in visual quality. The story revolves around humble taxi driver Thomas Angelo in the city of Lost Haven, who finds himself embroiled with the local mob thanks to a recent car chase against a rival mob. Things slowly escalate as Angelo climbs up the ranks of the Salieri family. Interestingly, the story is told in the form of Angelo confessing to his crimes to a detective, with liberal use of flashbacks as the main storytelling device. The title also features a fun open world to drive through, especially since few games ever use the Great Depression as their setting.

Mad Max

Having come out at a time where many players and critics alike were suffering from open-world fatigue, Mad Max was quite overlooked. However, in the decade since, the title has been vindicated thanks to its excellent open world design and strong gameplay. Mad Max is a unique open world game where the player’s vehicle, the Magnum Opus, is an important form of progression. Much of the game will be spent with you, as Max, trying to find parts and blueprints to upgrade the car. Along with this, there is also an emphasis on vehicular combat, as well as good ol’ fisticuffs and some ranged weapons thrown in for good measure.

Hogwarts Legacy

Hogwarts Legacy is an open-world game that perfectly manages to tap into the world of the Harry Potter books. The title takes place a hundred years before the events of the books, and puts players in the shoes of a budding young wizard joining the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. As they live out their student life, players will also eventually discover a bubbling goblin uprising, as well as criminal wizards. Hogwarts Legacy is one of those games that any fan of the Harry Potter series owes themselves to play because of just how well it captures the magical feelings of the books.

Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon

While Skyrim might offer a fun take on a fantasy open-world RPG, Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon takes a darker turn. The game takes on the classic tales of Arthurian legend, albeit with its own unique interpretations. Along with its vast open world, Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon also features quite a bit of emphasis on first-person combat, be it with swords or at range with a bow and some arrows. There are also plenty of other things to do while you’re out and about, from gathering crafting materials to simply taking a break by sketching some scenery or fishing by a lake.

Star Wars Outlaws

Star Wars Outlaws stands as a redemption story of its own, overcoming early skepticism to win players over. While the game was a mess when it first came out, the developers have taken quite a bit of player feedback to then introduce a host of fixes to the game, from gameplay aspects like improving how stealth works, to the addition of plenty of story content through the release of two expansions. Star Wars Outlaws is a great way to experience the Star Wars universe without the baggage of having to play as a Jedi.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows

Assassin’s Creed Shadows represents something of a new leaf for the franchise. While many had found the last two releases—Valhalla and Odyssey—a bit too bloated, Shadows pulls its filler and padding back a bit, instead focusing on delivering a few core activities that are actually fun and make the world a joy to explore. It also finally takes the franchise to Japan, and introduces a pair of new protagonists: the stealthy Naoe and the fearsome Yasuke. The two have to work together to figure out the secrets behind Oda Nobunaga’s death, while also dealing with the machinations of an early form of the Templars.

The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered

While Skyrim might serve as a fantastic open-world RPG in its own right, its predecessor, Oblivion, was also a downright excellent game. And now, with the Remastered release, we can once more explore the lands of Cyrodiil as we take on the opening of the Oblivion Gates and a Daedric invasion. Along with this, there are also plenty of side-quests to take on, including a host of factions to join, from the fighter’s guild to the Dark Brotherhood. You can even simply become an arena fighter if that’s all you really want to do, it’s ultimately all up to you.

Atomfall

While Rebellion might be known for its excellent shooter series Sniper Elite, the studio decided to try something different with Atomfall. Rather than taking on Nazi soldiers on covert missions during World War 2, Atomfall instead has you scavenging for resources in a strange world where it is up to you to figure out the game’s story through your own skills of investigation and deduction. While there are plenty of fights you can still get into, you’ll want to be a lot more careful about the kinds of enemies you decide to take on, since you’re a lot more fragile and not as well-armed as you might be in a Sniper Elite game.

Sniper Elite: Resistance

While Rebellion has been experimenting with Atomfall, it still hasn’t left its Sniper Elite series behind. We also recently got the release of Sniper Elite: Resistance, where players take on the role of a brand new protagonist, SOE Agent Harry Hawker, who is taking on missions that run parallel to the events of Sniper Elite 5. Since it is ultimately a spin-off, Sniper Elite: Resistance features primarily the same gameplay as its predecessors, but with quite a bit more refinements in various things, from second-to-second gameplay all the way up to how its missions are structured.

Firewatch

Firewatch is a narrative adventure game where the goal is quite simple; on his first day at Firewatch tower Two Forks, protagonist Henry gets some interesting calls on his radio, which is otherwise only used to contact his supervisor who is based at the Thorofare tower. Things quickly start getting dark, and Henry must figure out who is calling him on the radio, and what exactly is up with his supervisor who he is yet to physically meet. Firewatch doesn’t really feature any combat. Rather, there is a focus on exploration and environmental storytelling, and it’s largely up to the player to figure out where to go and how to get there.

Dying Light

While there have been a couple of sequels out so far, the original Dying Light is still a game well worth playing thanks to its fantastic melee combat systems and parkour mechanics that make travelling through the streets and rooftops of the zombie-infected city of Haran. The story itself is also quite interesting, with protagonist Kyle Crane having been infected with the zombie virus and needing to find a way to curtail its symptoms before he ultimately turns. The title also features an interesting twist on the day-night cycle, with day time being safe for exploration but night time offering far greater rewards at the risk of the player having to deal with incredibly dangerous and more powerful zombies dubbed Volatiles. All of this combined with a fun crafting system that rewards creativity in your weapon choices make Dying Light often feel like it’s still the best game in the series so far.

Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown

Until the release of Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown, the Ace Combat franchise felt like one of the worst-kept secrets in terms of how insane it can be both in terms of quality of gameplay and story. Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown tells a brand new story in the world of Strangereal, with the plot primarily revolving around a massive war between the Kingdom of Erusea and the Osean Foundation. The title features excellent arcade-style dogfighting combat with a host of fighter jets from the real world, as well as quite a few fictional jets for some added fun.

Half-Life 2

Quite an easy contender for one of the greatest games ever made, Half-Life 2 has a sprawling campaign that holds up even to this day thanks to the sheer amount of variety it presents to players, both in the form of different weapons and enemies, as well as the mechanics of various levels. The title was also important in introducing the physics engine that is part of Valve’s own Source engine, and the feature was on incredible display thanks to a weapon like the gravity gun. Throw on top an impressive story that is told in an incredibly minimalistic way without ever cutting to a cutscene, and it’s easy to see why Half-Life 2 is so widely regarded as being such a great game, even in 2025.

Halo: The Master Chief Collection

While PC as a platform is no stranger to first-person shooters, it is hard to argue that the Halo franchise isn’t one of the best that the genre has seen. Thankfully, thanks to Halo: The Master Chief Collection, players can experience almost the entirety of the Halo storyline, starting from the original Halo: Combat Evolved, its sequels Halo 2, Halo 3 and spin-offs ODST, Halo Reach, and even the start of 343 Industries’ (now Halo Studios) run with the franchise, Halo 4. The collection also offers a way to play all of the various games’ levels in remixed orders, following distinct themes like levels that focus on vehicles, for example, to focusing more on certain subplots. Halo: The Master Chief Collection is essentially the best way to experience a seminal shooter series, warts and all.

Monster Hunter Wilds

Quite possibly the most refined gameplay offered so far in the Monster Hunter franchise, Monster Hunter Wilds represents the pinnacle of the series, if not in its smaller roster of monsters when compared to its predecessors, then at least in its gameplay systems and massive, beautiful worlds. Monster Hunter Wilds features a short, fun story that takes you across the Forbidden Lands as you try to get young child Nata back to his family. Along the way you’ll get to take on several monsters, both new to the series as well as returning favourites, using the weapons of your choice out of 14 distinct options. Monster Hunter Wilds features plenty of gameplay refinements as well, including a mount system, as well as the ability to carry around two weapons that you can switch between mid-fight, which is great since each weapon feels like you’re playing a new game altogether.

Returnal

One of the rare instances of a AAA roguelite game, Returnal is an intense third-person shooter that puts players in the shoes of space pilot Selene Vassos who finds herself having crashed on an alien planet named Atropos. What follows is a psychedelic adventure as she tries to find the source of a mysterious signal called the White Shadow, but the twist is that Selene seems to be stuck in some kind of time loop where, every time she dies, she finds herself waking up at the moment of her ship’s crash. The title is filled with fast-paced and tense combat that has you dodging massive projectiles shot by strange creatures, and occasionally also getting your hands on upgrades for your weapons. The story itself is also quite interesting, pulling in plenty of allusions from myths as she tries to make it off Atropos alive.

Sleeping Dogs

Born from the ashes of the long-dead True Crime series of games, Sleeping Dogs is the closest we’ve ever gotten to having a Hong Kong action movie in video game form. The plot revolves around the adventures of undercover cop Wei Shen who must infiltrate a triad gang in order to take it down from the inside. When it comes to gameplay, Sleeping Dogs is an open-world game with several inter-mingling systems, from driving and vehicular combat, to melee combat with slick martial arts moves, and the occasional bouts of ranged combat when you can get your hands on a gun. The game wonderfully realises its setting of Hong Kong, often showing the stark contrasts between the cleaner commercial areas of the city and the but bright and colourful entertainment districts.

Metro Exodus

Whereas the first two games in the Metro series were more focused on offering linear experiences, Metro Exodus broadened its scope by a considerable amount by opting to set players free in more open environments. While far from an open-world game, Metro Exodus still provides quite a bit of freedom to players in terms of how they want to approach any situation. Along with this, the title also encourages plenty of exploration since, in keeping with series tradition, resources are scarce in Metro Exodus. Exploring is also a great way to get your hands on valuable upgrade materials to improve the arsenal of weapons you will ultimately end up using against not only human enemies, but mutated foes as well. The story is also quite interesting, since it revolves around Artyom, his wife Anna, and their friends the Rangers departing the Moscow Metro system in a train to explore the Russian wilderness.

Gears of War: Reloaded

When the original Gears of War first came out back in 2006, it was considered a mind-blowing experience for the time thanks to its visuals, as well as refinements over the turn-based shooter mechanics we had seen done much worse in plenty of other games. Gears of War: Reloaded, however, proves that the original title still holds up to this day thanks to its incredible campaign with plenty of set pieces, fun and varied weapons to play around with, and some downright fantastic visual upgrades that have been made to take better advantage of modern hardware.

Dead Cells

Dead Cells is one of those rare indie games that manages to get just about every single one of its aspects right. Even something as simple as movement and exploration feel great in the roguelite action game, and the level of variety on offer with the weapons, as well as the meta progression system that encourages not only mastery of the traversal systems, but also a willingness to explore, make just about every run of Dead Cells feel like a fun time. Throw on top some excellent pixel art that really makes its massive boss fights come to life, as well as the plethora of additional content – ends up making it very difficult to put the side-scroller down for good.

Detroit: Become Human

While games made by Quantic Dream might be quite divisive at times, Detroit: Become Human is outright the best title that the studio has put out so far. Featuring narrative-focused gameplay that largely involves having conversations and making choices at key moments, Detroit: Become Human tells three distinct stories in a world where humanity treats sentient androids that it has developed as slaves. All three stories have the player take on the role of a distinct android, where you have to figure out the complex moral quandaries that take place throughout the storylines.

Portal 2

When the first Portal came out, it was widely regarded as a radical new entry in a genre that was otherwise known to revolve around killing things. It ultimately ended up laying the foundations for what would become Portal 2 – a bigger, grander sequel in every way possible. Portal 2 takes place an unknown amount of time after the events of the first game, and has Chell once more pick up the portal gun to find her way out of the Aperture Science facility she’s trapped in. Along with GlaDOS returning once more as a major character, Portal 2 also features a new character in the form of Wheatley. We also get a lot of storytelling in the game, since quite a bit of it has you exploring ancient versions of the bathroom curtain company that would eventually become Aperture Science.

Outlast

There might be plenty of stealth-based horror games out there, but Outlast manages to be something quite special thanks to its use of some real-world history to build up its scare. Revolving primarily around the MK Ultra experiments that were conducted by the CIA, the game puts you into the shoes of independent journalist Miles Upshur who is trying to get the scoop on Mount Massive Asylum for the Criminally Insane. Unfortunately, owing to unethical experiments, most of its residents have essentially gone insane, and now Upshur must figure out how to survive and get out in one piece while also making sure he gets enough evidence along the way. Outlast also makes use of a handheld camera as its primary PoV device, since it offers a night vision mode. However, players will also have to keep a track of their battery consumption, since you don’t want to be trapped in the dark with murderous people around you.

Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance

Ostensibly the closest the Metal Gear franchise gets to having a “final” game since it takes place furthest into the future, Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance is a major departure for the series. It trades in the tactical espionage action in favour of the more bombastic tagline of lightning bolt action, and puts you in the shoes of a fully cyborg-ised Raiden at the peak of his power. Developed by PlatinumGames, Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance features a fantastic combat system that has an emphasis on not only long and vicious combos, but also parrying the enemy’s attacks to open them up for massive counter-attacks. This, along with the Zandatsu system that lets you cut just about everything, be it an enemy’s limbs or a bridge’s support, make Revengeance a treat to play. Throw on top an over-the-top but fun story about private military contractors and a cartoonishly evil US Senator and you have an explosive roller coaster.

Resident Evil

Before the remake of Resident Evil 2 back in 2019 was considered the high watermark for video game remakes, the series had already earned similar acclaim for its remake of the original Resident Evil. Originally released on the GameCube all the way back in 2002, the remake of the original Resident Evil eventually made its way to PC, complete with higher-resolution textures and all of the high-quality upgrades that it got over the original. Even after all these years, Resident Evil still manages to feel like a one-of-a-kind survival horror experience, thanks to its tight level design and generally excellent gameplay that melds environmental puzzle solving and tense action sequences, all while keeping you on the edge of your seat thanks to a constant scarcity of weapons and ammo.

Watch_Dogs 2

It’s no secret that the original Watch_Dogs was a bit of a disappointment, both in terms of its visuals, as well as its story and characters. The series’ second stab at the series in the form of Watch_Dogs 2, however, proved to be a much more interesting experience. Rather than focusing on the brooding Aiden Pearce, Watch_Dogs 2 instead stars a group of scrappy young adults as they venture into the real world to start their careers, but find themselves fighting against an authoritarian regime that is making use of high-tech surveillance technology to control the populace. Protagonist Marcus Holloway is a much more fun character than Pearce ever was, and the attempts of his rebel hacker crew, DedSec, to take down ctOS 2.0 are a wild, fun, and often emotional adventure.

Silent Hill f

After the Silent Hill franchise spent over a decade being missing from the overall gaming scene, the series made a bombastic return with last year’s remake of the seminal Silent Hill 2. A year later and now we even have a brand new entry in the stories franchise – Silent Hill f. The game takes place in the unique setting of a quaint Japanese finishing town in the 1960s, where school-going girl Hinako has a strained relationship with her parents and goes to meet her friends for some solace. However, a sinister fog starts covering the town of Ebisugaoka, and Hinako finds herself trapped and fighting for her life. While there is an emphasis on combat this time around, Silent Hill f is still able to effectively pull off the scares and tense atmosphere that the series is known for.

Dying Light: The Beast

The newest entry in the Dying Light franchise is seen as something of a return to form for the series. While Dying Light 2 Stay Human did well for developer Techland, the studio itself acknowledged that it had lost what made the original Dying Light great, and hence we get The Beast. Once more putting us into the shoes of Kyle Crane after the events of The Following, Dying Light: The Beast features improved parkour-based traversal over its predecessor, while also bringing in improvements to both melee and ranged combat, all of which is packaged into a fantastic new open world to explore with plenty of variety, both in terms of zombie types and the scenery.

Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter

A reimagining of an absolute classic, Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter is a ground-up 3D remake of a seminal 2D sprite-based RPG. As its name implies, it is the first part of the expansive Trails franchise, and puts you in the shoes of Estelle Bright and her adopted brother Joshua as they set off as members of the peacekeeping guild, starting out as bracers and slowly working their way up. The Trails series, while long, absolutely features several stories well worth experiencing, and there is currently no better way to start your journey than with Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter.

Blue Prince

Puzzle games, especially in the indie space, tend to come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. Very rarely, however, does one show up that ends up feeling like a revelation. This is precisely what developer Dogubomb achieved with Blue Prince. The premise is quite simple: you are stuck in a mysterious manor – Mt. Holly – where the rooms shift around for no apparent reason. The core of the game is exploring the mansion, but the twist is that the player decides what the next room will be every time they open a door. Blue Prince has a wide gamut of puzzles for players to figure out as they try to make their way to the rumoured Room 46. To throw another wrench in your plans, the house once again shifts its rooms around every dawn. Blue Prince is the kind of game where you can spend anywhere from between 15 minutes to several hours at a stretch as you try to comb through the mysterious rooms of Mt. Holly to find a way to their destination.

Commandos: Origins

While the real-time tactical stealth series Commandos doesn’t really need much of an introduction, the latest release, Commandos: Origins, proves that the genre and style of gameplay still has legs in the modern day. Taking us all the way back to the origin of the World War 2 crew of commandos you play in the original Commandos, Commandos: Origins offers entirely new challenges throughout its various maps, all with more modernised gameplay thanks to updated visuals, as well as a large variety of objective types that will have you make use of just about every ability you and your crew can muster.

“With the continued growth of Grand Theft Auto Online and the upcoming release of Grand Theft Auto 6, the successful candidate will lead both the evolution and operation of the data platform supporting what will be the largest game launch in history,” wrote the company in the job listing, “ensuring it scales to deliver an exceptional experience for millions of players worldwide.”

The sentiment that Grand Theft Auto 6 might have a major impact on the gaming market is one that has also been shared by industry analysts. Back in August, Ampere Analysis analyst Louise Wooldridge and Wedbush Securities analyst Michael Pachter had spoken about how much the game would ultimately end up costing in terms of development and marketing budgets.

Since GTA 6 is “probably the most anticipated game of all time,” Wooldridge spoke about the game also costing quite a bit to make. “We can expect it to be one of the most expensive games ever made,” Wooldridge said. Pacther, for his part, believes that, despite development costs, the game will also end up being quite profitable for Rockstar owner Take-Two Interactive.

“I expect a $100 price point for the game,” said Pachter. “The game will be immensely profitable. It will likely generate $10 billion lifetime and another $500 million annually from GTA Online.” He also expressed a belief that Grand Theft Auto 6 will end up having a budget of over $1.5 billion by the time it comes out.

Back in May, Take-Two had revealed during an earnings report that development on GTA 6 had begun “in earnest” back in 2020. The company also noted that the time and money being spent on the game’s development would end up being worth it. “Affording Rockstar additional time for such a groundbreaking project is a worthy investment,” said the company.

“The ambition and complexity of Grand Theft Auto 6 is greater than any previous Rockstar title, and the team is poised to release another astonishing entertainment experience that will exceed players’ expectations,” the publisher continued.

The second trailer for Grand Theft Auto 6 was released back in May, and its immense success serves as a good barometer for what we can expect from the audience response to the full game when it finally comes out. The trailer, for instance, had accumulated more than 75 million views on its first day alone.

Grand Theft Auto 6 is coming to PS5 and Xbox Series X/S on May 26, 2026.

According to the report, there have been a total of 71 million games sold in 2025 across PC and consoles in Europe, which marks a 6 percent drop over the same period from 2024. This data accounts for sales having taken place up to July 28. Of the 71 million game sales, 52 million were digital copies, while 19.7 million were physical copies. These are 3 percent and 9 percent reductions over the previous year, and around 74 percent of games sold this year in Europe have been digital, which, when it comes to percentages, is a 2 percent rise from 2024.

The best-selling game in Europe in 2025 has been EA Sports FC 25. The title was released back in 2024, and taking it into account, Assassin’s Creed Shadows currently sits in the number 2 spot for game sales overall in Europe across PC and consoles. The top 20 sales chart, which you can check out below, also include other games released this year, including The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered, Elden Ring: Nightreign, and Nintendo Switch 2 launch title Mario Kart World. It is worth noting that digital sales data for Nintendo games hasn’t been revealed.

The data, coming from official European charts company GSD, also interestingly omits Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. It was noted as being missing because publisher Kepler Interactive hasn’t shared sales data for the game with GSD. An analyst from GSD, Sam Naji, also revealed some details about how game spending has changed for PC and consoles over the year.

In his analysis, Naji said that the first 19 weeks of 2025 saw spending drop by 2 percent compared to 2024, down to €1.33 billion, while the number of copies sold dropped by 9 percent. He attributed this to the average price of games having gone up by around 8 percent, with gamers spending an average of €29 per game, when compared to 2024’s average of €27 per game. He also noted that digital spending had gone up by 8 percent compared to a 6 percent drop in number of units sold, attributing it to a 15 percent rise in average price for digital games – €22 to €25 per game.

Best Selling Games in Europe for 2025 Across PC and Consoles:

1. EA Sports FC 25 (EA)
2. Assassin’s Creed Shadows (Ubisoft)
3. Grand Theft Auto 5 (Rockstar)
4. Red Dead Redemption 2 (Rockstar)
5. Hogwarts Legacy (Warner Bros)
6. Split Fiction (EA)
7. Monster Hunter Wilds (Capcom)
8. Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 (Activision Blizzard)
9. Mario Kart World (Nintendo)
10. Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 (Plaion)
11. The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered (Bethesda)
12. Star Wars Battlefront 2 (EA)
13. Elden Ring: Nightreign (Bandai Namco)
14. It Takes Two (EA)
15. Grand Theft Auto Online (Rockstar)
16. NBA 2K25 (2K Games)
17. F1 25 (EA)
18. Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six: Siege (Ubisoft)
19. Mario Kart 8: Deluxe (Nintendo)
20. Battlefield 1 (EA)