10 Video Games You Need to Play Before 2025

As we gear up for the Christmas festive season or let loose, depending on how you like to celebrate, we’re doing some house cleaning of all the games you absolutely want to check out before the end of the year. 

Some are prequels to highly anticipated releases scheduled to be released in 2026. Others are spectacular games that were released this year, and were so good that they have made it to December 11, 2025’s Game of the Year nominations list. And we’ve added a few that were simply unforgettable indies, genre-breaking and defining entries, and everything in between. 

Drum rolls, please, while we unpack the video games you need to play before 2026.

10. Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector

The first Citizen Sleeper was astonishing; you’d hardly think that it’s an indie game. But from its humble beginnings comes the sequel: Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector. Eye-catching of all is the tabletop-inspired dice mechanics that randomize decisions and outcomes in such clever and unexpected ways. 

Given that the story is also deeply emotional, it makes the entire playthrough memorably humane. In a sci-fi world at a decaying space station, featuring an android with a malfunctioning body on the run, it’s amazing how touching the adventure and NPC interactions can get.

9. Mecha BREAK

Among the best mech multiplayer games that have entertained online gamers worldwide this year is Mecha BREAK. And it continues to be a fan-favorite, with thousands of daily players. Even though the player count has been dwindling because of monetization concerns, it’s hard to deny how fun the combat is. 

Its arcade-style systems and anime aesthetic are impressive. Plus, in-depth customization to make your chosen mech truly your own.

8. Kingdom Come: Deliverance II

If you’re looking for a deep RPG to get invested in, Kingdom Come: Deliverance II won’t disappoint. It brings to you a medieval saga whose story will grab your attention and hold it through to the end. Meanwhile, the environments and combat are a huge step up from the first game. 

Varied weapons that feel satisfying, an immersive world that you easily get lost in, and impactful storytelling with outcomes that actually mean something. It’s a well-packaged present that’s perfect for the Christmas season ahead.

7. Hollow Knight: Silksong

Another indie game to rock the gaming world was Hollow Knight. And now we have a sequel, which only takes the first game to the next level. Hollow Knight: Silksong didn’t need to do much. 

Yet, it still refined the original’s already tight and precise platforming. It created a faster, more acrobatic movement system and blended it all with an alluring hand-drawn art style and excellent music.

6. Elden Ring

I’m just going to slot Elden Ring here for anyone who hasn’t played it yet. Absolutely no going to 2026 without checking out this masterpiece. This has been the pinnacle of breathtaking open-world exploration, not just because of the deep lore but also the endless secrets, gear, enemies, bosses, rewards, and conversations you always find to interact with and keep you busy in the massive universe of The Lands Between.

5. South of Midnight

The video games you need to play before 2026 include South of Midnight, which represents the 2025 games that left us with a lasting impression. It dared to create an unforgettable environment and atmosphere, using a riveting Southern Gothic aesthetic and blending it with folklore.

Characters, too, are exciting, thanks to the strong story and emotional music. Meanwhile, platforming and combat hold their own, resulting in a well-rounded action-adventure.

4. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

If Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 doesn’t win Game of the Year, dare I say the awards show is rigged? Definitely one of the biggest games this year that actually hits the bullseye on all fronts. Its story immediately grabs you by the heartstrings and isn’t afraid to go deep into mature and heavy themes. 

Characters put up believable performances and are even more impressive in battle, with challenging and dynamic turn-based combat. It’s been a pleasure spending time in the dying world of Lumiere, but more so rooting for the hope that is evasive and constantly slipping away.

3. Split Fiction

Just because It Takes Two marked one of the best co-op games ever, Split Fiction is definitely worthy of the video games you need to play before 2026. At least before the next great thing that Hazelight Studios does sweeps us away. You still enjoy a co-op experience that involves you and your partner in the story and controls, encouraging you to work together and coordinate your strategies. 

Meanwhile, the worlds and stories you unravel are worthy of spending time with, featuring breathtaking fantasy and sci-fi arcs. It’s all buttery smooth and enjoyable, no matter your age, style, or taste in gaming.

2. Baldur’s Gate 3

With families and friends coming together to delight and share in the holiday season, you might appreciate the tabletop RPG adventure of Baldur’s Gate 3. You and your family and friends have the freedom to create your own stories and adventures, immersing yourself in the rich world and complex characters of the Forgotten Realms. 

Mechanics are great, supporting branching narratives and outcomes. It creates lots of places to explore and surprising encounters with allies and enemies alike. And in the tactical turn-based combat, the sharp claws come out, protecting your companions, challenging enemies, and influencing the fate of the Forgotten Realms.

1. Hades 2

Wrapping up the video games you need to play before 2026 is Hades II, which also made it to the 2025 Game of the Year nominees, and for good reason. It’s the perfect game to challenge yourself with, mastering its roguelike formula. You unlock useful tools and resources with every run, and discover new environments the farther you get. 

And it never feels wasted, thanks to constant progression and rewards. As you head into the new year, a dungeon crawler seems perfect, getting lost in endless but tactical fun that never grows stale.