The year 2025 delivered an extraordinary spectrum of interactive experiences, cementing its place as a truly memorable year for gaming. From deeply engaging narratives to innovative gameplay mechanics, players journeyed through countless virtual worlds, discovering new challenges and forming unforgettable connections. As the year draws to a close, the time has come to look back and celebrate the titles that truly shone brightest. Our team has carefully considered the vast library of releases, deliberating over which games left the most significant impact. It was a rigorous process, but one game ultimately emerged as the clear favorite, securing a commanding majority of votes. Let’s dive into the standout games that shaped our year, including those that earned special recognition and our ultimate Game of the Year.
Honorable Mentions
While only a select few can make it onto our final shortlist, 2025 was rich with other magnificent titles that deserve hearty commendation. Split Fiction, from Hazelight Studios, once again redefined cooperative play with its ingenious action-platforming. It built upon its predecessors with level designs that continually surprised and delighted players, pushing the boundaries of what co-op can achieve. On a darker note, Konami’s return to its horror roots with Silent Hill f offered a haunting narrative interwoven with a unique New Game Plus structure. This fresh take on the psychological horror genre ensured each playthrough revealed new layers of its chilling mystery.
For those craving relentless action, Ball x Pit from Kenny Sun and Devolver Digital provided an addictive brick-breaking roguelike experience. Its frantic pace and endless replayability kept us coming back for “just one more run.” Meanwhile, Level-5’s charming Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time blended the comforting rhythm of life simulation with exciting dungeon exploration, creating a perfectly cozy yet adventurous escape. Lastly, Ghost of Yotei captured the majestic spirit of its spiritual predecessor, expanding on its open-world samurai combat and breathtaking vistas with enhanced mechanics and even more stunning landscapes. These titles represent just a fraction of the incredible gaming landscape of 2025.
What’s your pick for Best Game of 2025?
With so many incredible releases, choosing just one “Best Game of the Year” can feel like an impossible task. But we want to hear from you! Which title stood out above the rest in your gaming experiences throughout 2025? Cast your vote below, and share your thoughts in the comments!
- Blue Prince
- Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
- Death Stranding 2: On the Beach
- Donkey Kong Bananza
- Hades 2
- Hollow Knight: Silksong
- Something else (tell us in the comments!)
Runner-Up – Death Stranding 2: On the Beach
Sequels often face the monumental challenge of innovating while retaining the essence of their predecessors. Death Stranding 2: On the Beach masterfully navigated this tightrope, evolving the polarizing “walking simulator” into a more broadly appealing, yet equally distinctive, experience. Kojima Productions infused the game with an unprecedented level of player agency, reminiscent of the open-ended freedom found in games like Metal Gear Solid V. Players are equipped with an ever-expanding arsenal of tools and vehicles, from advanced climbing gear to innovative transport drones and even combat-ready musical instruments, allowing for diverse approaches to every delivery mission. The world itself dynamically adapts to player actions, with new infrastructure like roads and ziplines appearing, or players forging entirely new paths through collaborative efforts. This constant evolution ensures no two journeys feel identical. Beyond the physical traversal, Sam Porter Bridges’ journey is deeply emotional, exploring profound themes of human connection and resilience amidst personal hardship. On the Beach truly realizes the original vision, offering an expanded and refined experience.
Runner-Up – Hades 2
Supergiant Games had a high bar to clear following the immense success of the original Hades, and Hades 2 not only met but soared past all expectations. At first glance, it appears to be a familiar roguelike loop, yet beneath the surface lies a cleverly redesigned and ambitious sequel. Players take on the role of Melinoë, princess of the Underworld, on a mission to defeat the formidable Titan of Time, Chronos. The most striking innovation is the introduction of two distinct, opposing paths available from the start of each run: ascending towards Mount Olympus or descending deeper into Tartarus. Each route features unique biomes, boss encounters, narrative arcs, and challenges, effectively eradicating the common roguelike pitfall of repetition. Facing a tough boss? There’s an entirely different adventure waiting to be explored. Melinoë’s build-crafting potential is vast and deeply satisfying, offering an unparalleled level of customization through divine boons and various weapons. Coupled with Supergiant’s signature stunning art direction, evocative soundtrack, and incredibly fluid combat, Hades 2 stands as a monumental achievement in the genre.
Runner-Up – Hollow Knight: Silksong
The eight-year anticipation for Hollow Knight: Silksong created a monumental wave of expectation, a level of hype usually reserved for established AAA franchises. It’s nothing short of remarkable that Team Cherry not only lived up to but arguably surpassed these fervent hopes. This game is a visual masterpiece, boasting some of the most meticulously hand-drawn environments of this generation. Players will explore ancient ruins, eerie forests, and vibrant cities, each vista a feast for the eyes. These stunning backdrops serve as the stage for exquisitely crafted platforming challenges that rival the very best in the genre, demanding both precision and patience. Central to the experience are the exhilarating and infamously difficult boss encounters that solidify Silksong’s reputation for challenging gameplay. While unforgiving, the game remains fair, constantly guiding players through its intricate Metroidvania map with alternative routes should a specific foe prove too daunting. In an era saturated with challenging titles, Hollow Knight: Silksong reminds us that true mastery and a profound sense of accomplishment make every sting and struggle truly worthwhile.
Runner-Up – Blue Prince
The roguelite genre continues to demonstrate its incredible versatility, lending itself to action RPGs, shooters, card games, and even innovative puzzle experiences. Dogubomb’s Blue Prince stands out as a brilliant addition to this latter, rarer category. This elegantly designed labyrinth challenges players to locate a hidden room within a sprawling mansion, where each new chamber is selected from a random array of blueprints. Yet, the true genius of Blue Prince lies beyond this primary objective. Every fresh attempt unveils a multitude of secrets, unexpected room combinations that hint at deeper lore, and breathtaking revelations that enrich the mansion’s enigmatic history. The initial hurdle of its randomized nature makes building rooms in a specific sequence seem impossible, as blueprint availability is unpredictable. However, players quickly discover that the real puzzle lies in discerning logic, patterns, and subtle connections within the environment. When these intricate design threads finally intertwine, the immaculate construction of Blue Prince becomes profoundly evident, marking it as a truly unique and cerebral experience.
Runner-Up – Donkey Kong Bananza
Nintendo’s launch of the original Switch was defined by the revolutionary Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. With the debut of the Switch 2, the pressure was immense to deliver another groundbreaking title. Donkey Kong Bananza answered that call with an experience centered around the exhilarating destruction of its vibrant world. While games with destructible environments are not new, Bananza takes it to an unprecedented level, allowing players to utterly demolish levels while miraculously retaining a sense of exquisite, Mario-esque craftsmanship. The terrain is riddled with hidden collectibles, and unearthing them often requires solving clever environmental puzzles that provide constant satisfaction. The true crowning glory of this platforming marvel is the dynamic duo of DK and Pauline. Their partnership is not only endearing but also mechanically powerful, especially with the introduction of “Bananzas.” These rhythm-activated power-ups transform the heroes into unstoppable forces, capable of smashing through foes and mountains alike. It’s arguably Nintendo’s most empowering and riotously fun power fantasy to date.
Winner – Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
There’s an undeniable resonance with classic RPGs found within Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. Its turn-based combat, character-driven narrative, and linear progression lovingly nod to the foundational role-playing games of yesteryear. Few titles so proudly wear their inspirations, particularly the enduring legacy of Final Fantasy. However, with their debut, Sandfall Interactive has accomplished far more than just a tribute; they’ve showcased a profound understanding of what made those classics beloved, and how to invigorate those principles for a contemporary audience.
Within the familiar structure of a traditional, Japanese-style RPG, this nascent studio has forged a distinctly modern interpretation of the genre. Its stunning combat encounters demand both split-second, real-time input and thoughtful, turn-by-turn strategic planning. Formidable bosses are overcome through intelligent (and delightfully creative) utilization of a deeply customizable perks system, transforming your group of adventurers into an unstoppable force. Furthermore, each party member, from elegant fencers to destructive mages, is defined not merely by their weapon choice but by unique battle mechanics, ensuring every character feels distinct and vital to the team.
Sandfall’s artistic vision extends far beyond its impressive combat. Clair Obscur transports players to a breathtaking realm where every sight and sound feels genuinely fresh. Its uniquely French, Belle Époque-inspired art style is visually distinct from anything else in the genre. Complementing this is an incredible musical score by Lorien Testard, destined to be celebrated alongside the great compositions of video game history. Yet, it’s Expedition 33’s deeply moving and emotionally resonant story, carried by its powerfully drawn characters, that leaves the most indelible mark. In a world where a malevolent deity annually extinguishes younger generations, the game profoundly explores themes of survival, grief, and the will to persevere. The answers uncovered fundamentally transform not only the characters but, remarkably, many players themselves. This has unquestionably been the year’s most discussed game, and it comes as no surprise that it not only won our end-of-year vote but achieved a near-unanimous victory.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is iGV’s Best Game of 2025.
Our heartfelt congratulations go to Sandfall Interactive, and indeed to all the talented studios whose games were nominated and recognized in our annual awards. Did we pick your ultimate favorite, or do you believe we overlooked a worthy contender? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Don’t forget to explore our full list of awards to see who else we honored across games, movies, TV shows, and more from this remarkable year. For now, we hope you thoroughly enjoyed the fantastic games of 2025, and we eagerly anticipate even more incredible experiences in 2026.
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