Game Rant Editor in Chief Anthony Taormina’s Top 10 Games of 2025

I really enjoy making Game Rant’s annual Top 10 Games list, and each year I also create my own personal favorites. It’s something I anticipate because I love reflecting on the year’s games and choosing the ones that meant the most to me. While it’s subjective, it feels like a great way to wrap up my gaming year.

This year, I played a lot of portable, replayable games – rogue-lites especially – because I traveled quite a bit. From trips to Paris to experience Pokemon Legends Z-A, to the opening of Epic Universe, having the Switch 2 and Xbox ROG Ally X with me kept me entertained and actually made me enjoy some games even more than I expected.

My gaming preferences change, but I always appreciate a compelling story or an engaging opening. I try to play a lot of different games, which makes the truly great ones really stand out. Ultimately, I’m looking for games that stay with me long after I’ve put the controller down. These ten games really captivated me this year.

10. The Rootrees are Dead

One of the best gaming experiences I’ve had this year was playing The Roottrees are Dead with my wife. I’d heard a lot of positive buzz about it and decided to check it out. I didn’t realize I’d get so caught up in the story and really start to care about the characters – we found ourselves both feeling for some of them and strongly disliking others.

If you’ve ever enjoyed the feeling of connecting the dots – like in that popular Charlie Day meme with the yarn and photos – you’ll love The Rootrees are Dead. It lets you feel like a detective, but one who solves mysteries by researching online rather than through traditional, exhausting fieldwork. Plus, the game is surprisingly deep and substantial – it offers a lot more content than you might initially think.

9. Donkey Kong Bananza

If anyone asks me what game is essential for the Nintendo Switch 2, I immediately recommend Donkey Kong Bananza. Nintendo consistently surprises me by taking ideas or characters I think are just okay and turning them into something amazing. I didn’t expect the gameplay to be so enjoyable, or that I’d be so determined to collect every single banana just to hear that phrase. But here I am, completely hooked!

Seriously, the music in this game is SO catchy, and the Bananza powers are just a blast! I found myself grinning from ear to ear every time I played Donkey Kong. If you’re even thinking about getting a Nintendo Switch 2, let me tell you, Donkey Kong Bananza is the game that will make you do it – even if you figured Mario would be the one to show off the new system!

8. Dispatch

Image via AdHoc Studio

To be honest, I didn’t really enjoy the gameplay aspect of Dispatch. I found myself stressing over every decision, worried it would negatively impact the story. This is because the story itself is fantastic, and the voice acting is truly excellent – I really cared about the fate of the Z-Team. I realize this might just be a personal issue, but I think many others felt the same way.

Even if Dispatch wasn’t a game, just a movie or show, I would have loved it. It’s sophisticated, truly funny, and the entire cast is fantastic. I’m a big fan of Telltale Games, and this feels like a major step forward for that style of storytelling – bigger and better in every way.

7. Absolum

I played a lot of rogue-lites this year, and Absolum really stood out. The combination of beat-em-up action with runs felt fresh, but what initially hooked me were the choices in how you progressed and the optional side missions. Once I got comfortable with the fighting, I started completing runs quickly, always looking for ways to improve my character with new upgrades and skills.

Many rogue-lite games depend heavily on your early choices, but Absolum proved that even unexpected combinations of abilities can make you incredibly powerful. I especially appreciated having a defined goal – a final boss – which gave each attempt a clear purpose. The constant unlocking of new upgrades, even when you lose, is what really kept me playing Absolum for hours.

6. Avowed

I never really got into games like Skyrim or the Elder Scrolls series, but Avowed immediately appealed to me. The world felt large and interesting without being confusing, and I genuinely liked the characters and cared about what they thought of me. The combat was fluid and allowed for a lot of freedom. Overall, Avowed is exactly the kind of immersive, open-world fantasy adventure I love.

I’ve heard people call this a lighter version of Bethesda’s games, and honestly, that’s a big part of why I enjoyed it so much. Avowed really let me play how I wanted, and I found myself spending way more time just trying out different things than I usually do. Obsidian Entertainment clearly understands what makes a great RPG – they create worlds that feel real and, most importantly, are genuinely fun to explore.

5. Death Stranding 2: On the Beach

I really enjoyed the first Death Stranding, but eventually, the constant package deliveries became repetitive and felt like a grind, even though I still had many hours left to play. Death Stranding 2: On the Beach fixed those frustrating parts, made the core gameplay ideas more interesting, and thankfully, the ending arrived just as I started to lose motivation.

What a fantastic conclusion! Death Stranding 2 truly showcases Hideo Kojima’s unique creative vision. He crafts incredibly memorable experiences, and it’s great to see developers get a second chance to refine their big ideas. This game, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, is a perfect illustration of how a developer can build upon success and improve what didn’t quite work the first time around.

4. Ball x Pit

I didn’t get Ball x Pit at first, honestly. It seemed a little strange! But I decided to give it a try, and wow, it really grabbed me. Once I started unlocking characters and figuring out how to build up the town, I was completely hooked. I couldn’t stop playing!

One of the best things about Ball x Pit is that each attempt is quick, and the game consistently introduces fresh ideas to keep things interesting. You might even find that characters you initially thought were weak become surprisingly useful as you play more. This isn’t just another Breakoutstyle game; Ball x Pit* is truly unique and incredibly addictive – almost anyone can get hooked!

3. Split Fiction

I consistently enjoy games made by Hazelight, especially those directed by Josef Fares. My friend and I had a great time playing Split Fiction, and I consider It Takes Two to be my favorite game from 2021. I think Split Fiction builds on the ideas from It Takes Two with more intricate gameplay. While the story isn’t perfect, the game’s strong final act significantly elevates the overall experience.

The final section of the game is incredibly impressive, showcasing technical skill that will wow even people who don’t usually play games. I always look forward to what Hazelight creates, and they consistently deliver amazing experiences. If their latest game is anything to go by, they’re determined to keep pushing creative boundaries, and I’m excited to see what they come up with next.

2. Hades 2

I loved the original Hades, but Hades 2 really grabbed me. What makes the sequel so addictive is how the two different gameplay loops – exploring the Underworld and then venturing to Olympus – work together. Learning new skills and weapons in the Underworld, then confidently applying them in Olympus, was a fantastic combination that made this game stand out from all the other rogue-lites I played this year, and I played quite a few!

While the story isn’t quite as compelling, everything else about Hades 2 really resonated with me. It’s incredibly addictive – you always want to play just one more run – and that’s why it’s become one of my top games this year.

1. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

Image via Sandfall Interactive

You’ve probably heard a lot about how good Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is, and I’ll try not to go on too long. When I first tried the game in March, I thought it might be good, but I didn’t realize I would love it as much as I do. I especially enjoy the combat; the parry and dodge system in Clair Obscur is one of the most rewarding I’ve played in a while.

That single detail really makes the game stand out, but it’s the story, graphics, music, and acting that truly make it exceptional for me. While choosing my favorite game of the year is often tough, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 was a clear winner. It earned the top spot early in 2025 and stayed there all year.

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Like everyone else, I’m really hyped for Grand Theft Auto 6. But I’m equally excited to see how Resident Evil: Requiem comes together, and if Insomniac can make the new Wolverine game as good as their Spider-Man titles. 2026 looks like a huge year for games, and I’m eager to see how my top 10 list shakes out. Catch you in a year!

2025-12-24 14:06