Top 15 Upcoming Games of 2025: Release Dates, Trailers & Preorders

May 23, 2025 7 minutes Kevin Leye

If 2024 was stacked, 2025 is looking downright legendary. This roundup highlights the top 15 upcoming games you should have on your radar, with a quick digest on what to expect, where the hype comes from, and how to keep up with release dates, trailers, and preorder windows. It’s a living wishlist: schedules shift, trailers drop out of nowhere, and preorder bonuses come and go—so think of this as your smart, spoiler-light guide to planning your playtime in 2025.

How we picked these games

Impact: Big franchises with proven pedigree or breakout potential.
Visibility: Titles that have shown meaningful footage or concept reveals.
Plausibility: Games slated for 2025 or commonly discussed as likely for the year. Dates change; we’ll flag uncertainty where relevant.
Variety: A good mix of action, RPG, horror, adventure, and indie darlings.

A quick note on dates, trailers, and preorders

Release windows are often “TBD 2025” until publishers lock them in.
Trailers are your best barometer for tone and scope; expect new drops around major showcases.
Preorders typically open near a firm date announcement. Physical special editions can sell out early; digital versions rarely do.

The list

Grand Theft Auto VI Why it’s hot: The next big leap for open-world crime sagas. Expect a dense, reactive city and viral water-cooler moments galore. Release window: 2025 (subject to change). Trailer status: Official trailers exist and set the tone; expect deeper gameplay showcases as launch nears. Preorders: Likely to open closer to a locked date. Expect multiple editions.
Monster Hunter Wilds Why it’s hot: A new era of hunting with large-scale ecosystems and slick co-op loops. The series thrives on addictive buildcraft and boss mastery. Release window: 2025 (announced). Trailer status: Reveal trailers are out; watch for deep-dive monster and weapon spotlights. Preorders: Standard and deluxe editions are probable, with cosmetic bonuses a safe bet.
Doom: The Dark Ages Why it’s hot: A brutal, medieval-flavored spin on the modern Doom formula, mixing visceral combat with larger-than-life arenas. Release window: 2025 (announced window). Trailer status: Cinematic and gameplay reveals exist; look for system breakdowns later. Preorders: Expect multiple versions; keep an eye out for steelbook or collector’s swag.
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach Why it’s hot: Kojima’s strand gameplay returns with surreal worldbuilding, stunning vistas, and that signature, cerebral storytelling. Release window: Targeting 2025. Trailer status: Lengthy, mood-setting trailers exist; more gameplay specifics should land closer to launch. Preorders: Likely to include soundtrack or cosmetic bonuses; watch official announcements.
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond Why it’s hot: Samus is back. First-person exploration, puzzle-labyrinth design, and atmospheric sci-fi are set to ignite a new wave of Prime fans. Release window: 2025. Trailer status: Official reveal has set expectations; deeper gameplay walkthroughs likely ahead. Preorders: Expect standard and possibly a collector’s edition with series nostalgia.
Little Nightmares III Why it’s hot: Co-op-friendly, eerie platforming in a beautifully unsettling world. Expect inventive set pieces and environmental storytelling. Release window: 2025 (following a delay). Trailer status: Teasers exist; keep an eye out for longer gameplay slices showing co-op dynamics. Preorders: Editions may include cosmetic packs; physical versions are often limited.
South of Midnight Why it’s hot: A stylish, folklore-infused adventure with distinctive art direction and a strong narrative hook. Release window: 2025 (publicly indicated). Trailer status: Reveal footage is out; look for combat and exploration deep dives. Preorders: Likely to open once a firm date is announced; watch for platform-specific bonuses.
Hades II (1.0) Why it’s hot: The early access run already shows refined combat, sharp writing, and fresh roguelite momentum. 1.0 should be a polished gem. Release window: 1.0 expected in 2025, pending development milestones. Trailer status: Multiple gameplay showcases from early access; expect a launch trailer. Preorders: Early access is available; full release preorders may be closer to 1.0.
Path of Exile 2 Why it’s hot: Deep ARPG systems, ambitious campaign structure, and endgame theorycrafting for days. A massive timesink in the best way. Release window: Widely expected around 2025; specifics vary by platform and rollout plan. Trailer status: Extensive gameplay presentations exist; more systems breakdowns are likely. Preorders: Look for supporter packs or founder-style bundles aligned with launch plans.
Fable Why it’s hot: A beloved RPG returns with whimsical humor, moral choices, and fairytale mischief—reimagined with modern tech. Release window: TBA. Many expect 2025, but it could shift. Trailer status: Cinematic and tone-setting footage is out; gameplay deep dives pending. Preorders: Will open once a date lands; collector’s editions are possible for a franchise revival this big.
Pragmata Why it’s hot: A mysterious sci-fi adventure with striking imagery and a contemplative tone, poised to scratch that “what is really going on?” itch. Release window: TBA after prior delays; 2025 is possible if development milestones align. Trailer status: Early teasers exist; watch for a refreshed reveal and clearer gameplay focus. Preorders: Not typically available until a date is confirmed.
The Wolf Among Us 2 Why it’s hot: Noir fairy-tale detective work returns with style. Expect impactful choices, sharp dialogue, and a moody soundtrack. Release window: TBA; fans are hopeful for 2025. Trailer status: Teaser material exists; a gameplay trailer would be the next major milestone. Preorders: Likely to appear once the release window firms up.
Silent Hill f Why it’s hot: A bold new take on a classic horror name, blending psychological chills with fresh aesthetic choices. Release window: TBA; 2025 is plausible but not guaranteed. Trailer status: Concept and teaser content are out; more concrete gameplay is the big question. Preorders: Horror fans should watch official channels for bundles and soundtrack offerings.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Why it’s hot: A stylish, turn-based RPG with painterly art and creative combat timing—one to watch for genre fans. Release window: Indicated for 2025. Trailer status: Reveal and gameplay snippets exist; expect a systems-focused showcase later. Preorders: Standard and deluxe editions likely, with cosmetic or soundtrack add-ons.
Judas Why it’s hot: From a legendary creator of narrative shooters, this sci-fi project oozes atmosphere and tension with a focus on choice and consequence. Release window: Widely speculated for around 2025, though subject to change. Trailer status: Reveal trailers are out; deeper gameplay spotlights awaited. Preorders: Expect visibility to ramp up when a final date is announced.

How to follow dates, trailers, and preorders without missing a beat

Set reminders around major showcases: early summer and late year events are prime for updates.
Track official publisher accounts and storefront pages for each game to catch date locks and preorder opens the moment they happen.
Avoid fear-of-missing-out: digital bonuses are often cosmetic; don’t overpay unless you truly want physical collectibles.
For PC players, hold preorders until system requirements are final. Performance profiles can change late in development.

Frequently asked questions

Will these dates slip? Absolutely possible. Treat “2025” as a target until day-and-month are confirmed by the publisher.
Are trailers representative of final gameplay? Sometimes. Look for extended gameplay demonstrations for a truer picture.
Do I need to preorder? Only if you want physical goods that can sell out, or if there’s a meaningful discount. Otherwise, waiting for reviews is usually the smartest move.

Final word 2025 could be the kind of year that keeps your backlog busy well into 2026. Whether you’re here for bombastic shooters, sweeping RPGs, spooky atmospheres, or the next indie obsession, there’s something to mark on your calendar. Keep expectations flexible, watch for those date-lock announcements, and build your wishlist now—your future self will thank you when the release rush begins.