The Indie Revolution: Celebrating the Best Games of 2025
The Indie and Double-A Domination
Alright folks, let’s just admit it: indie and double-A games completely stole the spotlight in 2025! While the big blockbuster games still made an appearance (because, you know, flash and cash), it was the little gems like Clair Obscur and Dispatch that captured our hearts and our thumbs. Imagine this: you’re trying to keep up with the hottest games of the year, and all the while, these ‘smaller’ titles are quietly taking over not just our consoles but also the buzz on social media.
If you’d told me back in January that the best-sellers on Steam would have such oddball choices, I would’ve laughed. But here we are! So, we decided to comb through the sea of 2025’s releases and handpick ten that truly made our gaming hearts go pitter-patter. Prepare yourself for some gaming love!
Our Favorite Picks of 2025
Let’s kick things off with a game that took the world by storm: Hades 2. Released in early access last spring, it was practically ready to rock and roll right out of the gate. Bigger bosses? Check. Extra weapons? Double-check. A second path to conquer? You bet! By the time it officially launched in September, Supergiant had bestowed upon us more reasons to return to the underworld. Each run feels fresh, and if you loved the first game, you’ll be beckoned back for ‘just one more run’ time and time again.
Next up, we have Split Fiction, which is like Where It Takes Two’s cooler sibling. This game cranks the splitscreen co-op experience up to eleven! Picture neon-lit motorbike chases through cyberpunk cities and fantastical worlds, all while solving puzzling enigmas with your partner. It’s engaging, it’s stylish, and it’s flat-out fun. Plus, who doesn’t want to dart around as a pig destined for, well, something interesting?
Then there’s Arc Raiders. In an age where new multiplayer games are as reliable as a broken clock, this one has risen from the ashes like a phoenix. With surprisingly fun mechanics and a surprisingly wholesome community, the game manages to balance chaos amidst robot world domination. Join forces or take it easy; this gem accommodates everyone.
As we dive into the horror scene, we must acknowledge the brilliant Routine – the perfect blend of atmospheric dread and thoughtful gameplay. You’ll tread through a deserted moon station, wondering if you’ll make it out alive or join the crew in their mysterious fate. It’s not just about gore; it’s the haunting atmosphere and clever puzzles that keep you hooked.
Don’t forget about the adrenaline-pumping Battlefield 6. Despite a campaign that could’ve been better, its multiplayer mode is a chaotic dance of survival that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Whether you’re hiding from bombs or raining down fire from above, every match feels engaging, intense, and just the right amount of wild.
And how could we overlook the episodic storytelling giant, Dispatch? Each week, it left us with wild emotional highs and lows as we followed Robert Robertson III trying to piece together his heroic past. It’s like if Telltale games came back to life and threw a party. The humor and character depth are unmatched, aided by a star-studded cast.
Then we venture into the historical landscape of Kingdom Come Deliverance 2. It’s not your typical open world that just sprawls out; this game feels alive! You navigate through medieval plots, dancing dice games, and maybe even get your chops in shape on getting that sweet moustache style. You’re here to live the life of Henry of Skalitz, and every little decision feels monumental.
Lastly, every dreamy adventurer’s fantasies are fulfilled in Hollow Knight: Silksong. It’s been years in anticipation, but Team Cherry knocked it out of the park. With heart-pounding mechanics and breathtaking visuals, every aspect screams love and dedication. The sequel takes the already phenomenal predecessors’ magic and ramps it up!
As we wrap up our wild ride through the best games of 2025, let’s not forget the quirky vibes and escapades in Blue Prince and the immersive storytelling of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 that will stick with you long after you hit exit. Simply put, if you’re looking for engaging gameplay and a world to dive into, these titles are it!
That’s a wrap on our Game of the Year roundup! Stay tuned, as there’s much more gaming goodness to come in 2026 and beyond. Who knows what treasures await us? Let’s find out together!