We’re back! Apologies for last year. The previous management at G/O Media made some questionable decisions, preventing anyone at Kotaku from creating personal top ten lists. Their baffling approach nearly led to the downfall of this site, but they’re all gone now, and I’m still here. Let’s dive into my 10 favorite games of 2025!
Compiling this 2025 list was quite an experience. I began with over 20 games that I really enjoyed, but narrowing it down to ten turned out to be surprisingly straightforward. While I played many great titles this year, few resonated with me like Control in 2019 or Half-Life: Alyx did the following year. It was a strong gaming year, but nothing screamed “Zack’s Favorite Game!”
Now, feel free to scroll to the list and agree or disagree with my selections. As always, the list is in no particular order until the end, where I will reveal my top game of the year! (For context, check out my previous lists from 2024 to 2019.)
Oh! And if you make it to the very end, you will also find my top 10 games of 2024. Take that, Jim!
Battlefield 6
This online FPS from EA has its issues, like smaller maps and some vehicle balancing problems. Yet, despite these flaws, I’ve logged nearly 150 hours into Battlefield 6 since its launch. The chaos and tactical gameplay are exactly what I look for in multiplayer combat, from driving tanks to clearing rooms with SMGs, culminating in moments that are pure battlefield madness.
Routine
After finishing Routine, a creepy sci-fi horror title, I wasn’t sure it would make my list, but it stayed with me. It creates an oppressive atmosphere that builds up throughout the game, leading to intense moments without relying on cheap scares. Set in eerily realistic surroundings, Routine fully immerses you in its experience.
Avowed
I have a soft spot for extensive RPGs that let me explore and discover quests. Obsidian’s Avowed refines the sprawling style of Bethesda games by introducing well-crafted side quests and memorable characters without the extra bloat. While it lacks the simulation elements of Skyrim, its engaging narrative makes it stand out in a crowded genre.
Dispatch
Dispatch is a narrative-driven episodic game focused on a superhero agency. It pays homage to old Telltale games while injecting fresh energy into the formula. With great voice acting and humor, it revitalizes the narrative experience in gaming, making me eager for a second season.
And my top game of 2025…The Outer Worlds 2
After much contemplation, I can confidently say that The Outer Worlds 2 is my game of the year. As a fan of RPGs resembling the Fallout series, I find this sequel builds beautifully on its predecessor with enhanced visuals and engaging gameplay. It retains the quirky essence that fans adore and introduces delightful new elements, making it effortlessly replayable.
Zack’s Top 10 Games Of 2024
- Astro Bot
- Silent Hill 2
- Star Wars Outlaws
- Helldivers 2
- Balatro
- Dragon Age: The Veilguard
- Thank Goodness You’re Here
- Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2
- Dungeons of Hinterberg
- Indiana Jones and the Great Circle – My Favorite Game Of 2024!
