Eleven Must-Play Games to Start Your 2025 – PlayStation.Blog

Can you believe it? The end of 2024 is already upon us! It truly feels as if the year zipped right past us in a whirlwind of gaming excitement. And what a year it’s been! We’ve journeyed through epic realms with RPG giants like Final Fantasy VII Rebirth and Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, and plunged into the multiplayer mayhem of Helldivers II. Stellar Blade introduced us to breathtaking combat, while nostalgic favorites like Astro Bot, Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree, and Silent Hill 2 kept us revisiting fond memories. However, with the dawn of a new year, there’s a fresh wave of gaming adventures on the horizon. In just the first four months of 2025, we’re set to dive into a lineup of highly anticipated titles. Let’s preview some of the fantastic experiences awaiting us soon.

Please note: release dates are always subject to change.

Dive into 2025 with These Exciting New Releases

The legendary Three Kingdoms saga of Dynasty Warriors returns with one of its most ambitious installments yet in Dynasty Warriors: Origins. This game transports players back to the very beginning, introducing a fresh martial artist who crosses paths with soon-to-be icons like Guan Yu and Zhang Jiao at pivotal moments in their stories. Expect meticulously designed battlefields teeming with soldiers to conquer, blending strategic gameplay and thrilling action. Whether you’re a newcomer or a seasoned veteran of the series, Origins promises a captivating experience brimming with surprises.

Publisher: Koei Tecmo | Developer: Omega Force | Platform: PS5

Blending gorgeous visuals with explosive mecha combat and exploration, Echo of Ada invites players into a post-apocalyptic world still grappling with Mother Nature’s upheaval. This standalone narrative exists within the universe of the Synduality: Noir anime, where remnants of humanity strive to survive amid toxic downpours and fierce creatures. As an apprentice Drifter, you’ll command a mech dubbed a Cradlecoffin, backed by a formidable AI named Magus. Customize your mech and harness Magus’s abilities to fend off monstrous threats and compete against other players.

Publisher: Bandai Namco Entertainment | Developer: Game Studio | Platform: PS5

Get ready to swing by on PCs early next year as the award-winning Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 brings its high-flying open-world action beyond the PlayStation. With Peter Parker and Miles Morales at the helm, players will zip through New York City battling Kraven and his Hunters, utilizing loads of gadgets and even the iconic symbiote suit.

Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment | Developer: Insomniac Games | Platform: PC

For strategy aficionados, the epic Civilization series makes its grand return. Once again, guide your civilization through historical epochs—Antiquity, Exploration, and Modern—each with unique gameplay features and civilizations to explore, confronting crises and forging your path forward. Will you follow the scripts of history or carve out new destinies for your civilization?

Publisher: 2K | Developer: Firaxis Games | Platforms: PS5, PS4

In an enthralling return, one of gaming’s cherished franchises transports players to Sengoku-era Japan in a fresh setting. Stepping into the shoes of both a female ninja, Naoe, and a samurai warrior, Yasuke, the genre-defining mix of stealth and action gets elevated with new tools and traditional weaponry in an ever-evolving open world.

Publisher: Ubisoft | Developer: Ubisoft | Platform: PS5

Celebrating one of gaming’s iconic heroines, Lara Croft shines once more with the remastering of Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation, Chronicles, and Angel of Darkness. These classics have undergone delightful graphical enhancements, while offering a choice between traditional or modern controls, and a new photo mode that highlights Lara’s enduring style.

Publisher: Aspyr | Developer: Crystal Dynamics | Platforms: PS5, PS4

Stepping into another thrilling chapter, the Like a Dragon series unfolds more of Mad Dog Goro Majima’s eccentric escapades. After losing his memory on a deserted island, Majima resurfaces as a quaint marauder of the seas. Enjoy quirky, seafaring battles and staple series antics like minigames and all-out karaoke sessions.

Publisher: Sega | Developer: Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio | Platforms: PS5, PS4

Join the Monster Hunter series for its latest venture into the Forbidden Lands, where it’s up to you to investigate the mysterious White Wraith. Embark on grand hunts either solo or with friends in this uncharted territory filled with formidable creatures just waiting to be challenged.

Publisher: Capcom | Developer: Capcom | Platform: PS5

Suikoden I & II HD Remaster transports fans and newcomers back to the classic RPGs of the PlayStation era, weaving tales of rebellion, companionship, and valor. Rallying the iconic 108 Stars of Destiny, players will lead a ragtag band of heroes against the tide of war on their heart-wrenching adventure.

Publisher: Konami | Developer: Konami | Platforms: PS5, PS4

Immerse yourself in the serene life of the Shire with Tales of the Shire, a charming simulation game that cherishes the everyday joys of hobbit life. From farming and fishing to forming bonds with fellow hobbits in Bywater, delight in the simple pleasures of this lovely little world.

Publisher: Private Division | Developer: Weta Workshop | Platform: PS5

Last but not least, Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves reintroduces the legendary fighting game saga to players old and new. With magnificent visuals, revitalized combat systems, and a mixed cast of beloved and new characters, the clash for Southtown is as exhilarating as ever.

Publisher: SNK | Developer: SNK | Platforms: PS5, PS4

Eager for more? Explore the full lineup of exciting gaming releases for 2025 on playstation.com.