The year 2025 delivered an extraordinary array of experiences for Xbox players, marked by significant launches from both first-party studios and third-party developers, many appearing on Game Pass from day one. Despite some challenging business decisions from the platform itself, including various price adjustments and project shifts, the sheer quality and variety of games available provided a continuous stream of entertainment. Whether you played on an Xbox console, PC, or even a branded handheld device, the ecosystem thrived with remarkable titles.
At iGV, we’ve carefully considered the year’s releases across numerous categories for our annual awards. Our rigorous voting process determined a shortlist of five exceptional games that graced Xbox in 2025, ultimately leading to our selection for the year’s top honor. With the landscape of platform exclusivity ever-evolving, our nominees represent the best games playable on Xbox systems this year, regardless of their launch platforms or publishing partnerships. Join us as we first acknowledge the strong contenders and then unveil iGV’s choice for the Best Xbox Game of 2025.
Honorable Mentions
Xbox saw a phenomenal lineup of games that, while not reaching the very top, certainly left their mark. Obsidian Entertainment had an outstanding year, kicking things off with Avowed, a rich fantasy RPG that provided a deep, engaging adventure. Later, their co-op survival sequel, Grounded 2, entered early access with a promising start, building on its predecessor’s inventive premise. Compulsion Games captivated us with South of Midnight, an action-adventure blending southern gothic aesthetics with distinctive gameplay. id Software offered a fresh take on its iconic shooter series with Doom: The Dark Ages, incorporating new melee elements. For fans of classic RPGs, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered was a welcome return to Cyrodiil, beautifully updated for modern systems. The roguelike puzzler Blue Prince also stood out as a clever day-one Game Pass addition, challenging minds with its intricate mysteries. Finally, the electrifying action of Ninja Gaiden 2 Black further amplified anticipation for the full release of Ninja Gaiden 4, showcasing Xbox’s commitment to diverse publishing. These titles collectively highlight the strength of 2025’s offerings.
What’s your pick for Best Xbox Game of 2025?
After reviewing our top selections, we want to hear from you! Cast your vote in our poll above to tell us which Xbox game from 2025 you believe deserves the ultimate title. Your opinion helps shape the conversation around this incredible year in gaming.
Runner-Up – Hollow Knight: Silksong
The highly anticipated sequel, Hollow Knight: Silksong, finally arrived in 2025, meeting and exceeding years of player expectations. Team Cherry’s long-awaited creation delivered an expansive, challenging, and deeply gratifying action-adventure experience. Launching directly onto Game Pass while also achieving significant sales, Silksong quickly became a focal point of gaming discussions throughout the year, living up to its predecessor’s acclaimed legacy.
Silksong truly shines with its hauntingly beautiful atmosphere, perfectly complementing the intricate platforming and formidable combat encounters. Hornet’s fluid movement system allows for seamless navigation through the vast, interconnected world, culminating in some of the most intense boss battles seen this year. Success demands quick thinking, precise movement, and an unwavering aggressive approach against diverse and unpredictable foes. Even when faced with repeated defeats, the desire to overcome these colossal challenges keeps players persistently engaged. Beyond its demanding nature, Silksong also charms with its distinct art style and an array of endearing insect companions, adding a touch of warmth to its otherwise formidable world.
Runner-Up – Split Fiction
Following their Game of the Year triumph with It Takes Two, developer Hazelight continued their tradition of innovative co-op experiences with Split Fiction. This unique adventure places two writers into their own fictional creations, resulting in a journey across wonderfully imaginative worlds. The game masterfully blends various genres and mechanics, offering a constantly fresh and engaging experience when played with a friend. Teamwork is essential as you collaborate on puzzles, platforming segments, and high-octane action sequences, seamlessly shifting between fantasy and sci-fi settings. The integration of these disparate elements is often brilliant, with clever references reflecting the creative struggles and inspirations of protagonists Mio and Zoe.
Split Fiction also explores profound themes about artistry and creation, suggesting that the journey of making something holds immense value beyond its final form. Just when players believe they understand the game’s direction, its concluding chapters deliver truly unforgettable moments, elevating the entire experience. If you haven’t yet embarked on this inventive journey, grab a friend and utilize the free co-op pass to discover one of the year’s most imaginative and emotionally resonant titles.
Runner-Up – Keeper
After a period of relative quiet since Psychonauts 2, Double Fine Productions delighted audiences with the unexpected release of Keeper this year. Playing as a sentient lighthouse might sound unconventional, but Double Fine’s signature charm and unique artistic vision breathe life into a world that communicates primarily through atmosphere and subtle interactions. The game’s puzzles encourage careful observation of the environments, while quiet encounters with the few inhabitants of its seemingly abandoned landscapes weave brief, impactful narratives without the need for extensive dialogue. Our assessment noted Keeper as “a visually stunning and emotionally resonant journey packed into a concise playtime,” serving as a testament to a studio’s creative freedom. Its relaxed pace combined with significant emotional depth made it a memorable standout of 2025.
Runner-Up – The Outer Worlds 2
From its initial reveal earlier this year, The Outer Worlds 2 immediately promised to be a quintessential Obsidian RPG. While the first game laid a solid groundwork and helped Obsidian forge its own identity beyond its Fallout lineage, this sequel demonstrates a clear understanding of its predecessor’s areas for improvement. Obsidian has meticulously addressed nearly every point of critique, crafting a follow-up that truly embodies the studio’s strengths: rich, narrative-driven role-playing experiences with deep, interconnected systems that empower players to customize their journey entirely.
The enhancements to both gunplay and melee combat are immediately noticeable, making every hostile encounter considerably more engaging. However, it’s the expanded progression systems and intricate level design, reminiscent of classic immersive sims, that elevate the RPG experience to new heights. The game dynamically responds to your choices, offering unique perks alongside imaginative debuffs through its refined Flaws system, directly reflecting your actions. This system perfectly illustrates how The Outer Worlds 2 more profoundly acknowledges player agency and delivers meaningful consequences. Retaining its sharp dystopian satire, coupled with a captivating cast of companions and a more focused narrative across vastly expanded worlds, The Outer Worlds 2 showcases Obsidian at the peak of its powers.
Winner – Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
In a decision that surprised very few, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 proudly claims iGV’s title for the best Xbox game of 2025. This remarkable RPG, available to Game Pass subscribers on launch day, immediately established itself as one of the most compelling role-playing experiences in recent memory.
As their inaugural project, Sandfall Interactive masterfully drew inspiration from iconic Japanese RPGs like Final Fantasy X and Persona 5. However, the studio’s distinct French heritage truly defines Clair Obscur, from its striking artistic presentation and nuanced storytelling to its unforgettable musical score that perfectly complements both epic boss battles and the magical essence of its painterly world. Like the finest RPGs, Clair Obscur excels at developing its characters, fostering an intimate connection as players witness their triumphs and sorrows. This emotional depth is a testament to the studio’s exceptional writing and an incredible voice cast, ensuring that Expedition 33’s wild narrative twists resonate profoundly.
The game also features a sophisticated turn-based combat system, made exhilarating by active timing-based inputs for attacks and defenses, keeping players fully immersed in every skirmish. Its intricate progression and customization options for each character empower players to become strategic masterminds, crafting optimal builds that leverage unique abilities and mechanics. The visual execution of these elements coming together is simply breathtaking. Clair Obscur stands as a brilliant example of a team realizing a clear creative vision while honoring the enduring qualities of its influences. It unequivocally captured the admiration of the iGV team.
iGV Awards 2025: The Winners
Curious to explore more of our annual awards? Our dedicated pages provide deeper insights into each category, outlining our selection criteria and celebrating the big winners, alongside many worthy runner-ups. Discover the full spectrum of excellence from 2025:
Leave a Reply