2025 was a fantastic year for gaming. From an abundance of incredible RPGs, a new home console, marvellous 3D platformers and gaming stories we’ll remember forever — this year had it all.
We’ve spent the last few weeks polishing off our 2025 backlogs and discussing the greatest games to release in the past 12 months. After lengthy discussions and an internal voting process, we’ve locked in our top 10.
What are your top games of 2025? Let us know in our Discord!
The following list is reflective of our team, what we’ve been playing and what has resonated the most with us. So without further ado… Here’s Quest Daily’s top 10 games of 2025 — and why our writers voted for them.
10. DONKEY KONG BANANZA
READ OUR REVIEW: Review | Donkey Kong Bananza: ‘Imperfect Masterpiece’ (NS2)
Dan: I knew Nintendo would bring out the big guns for the Nintendo Switch 2, but I truly went bananas when a new Donkey Kong game was revealed. Donkey Kong Bananza is my personal favourite of 2025, taking one of Nintendo’s most iconic characters and dropping him into one of the most inventive 3D platformers in years. From smashing environments to uncovering hidden Banandium gems, it is bursting with joyful destruction. Add clever throwbacks, fun twists, and Pauline’s unforgettable musical return, and Donkey Kong Bananza beats its chest all the way onto our GOTY list.
Fish: OOOH BANANA! With a new console in the Switch 2 and Donkey Kong 64 being my favourite Nintendo 64 game hands down, needless to say I was beating my chest with anticipation for a new 3D adventure featuring my favourite neck-tie-wearing gorilla. And boy, it didn’t disappoint. Just the fact that you can smash ANYTHING brings pure joy. And is oddly meditative. The world feels so open when digging around in any direction and discovering secret Banandium in the rubble. The music is jamming and the relationship between Donkey Kong and Pauline is just downright beautiful. Easily one of the best games of the year!
9. MONSTER HUNTER WILDS
READ OUR REVIEW: Review | Monster Hunter Wilds: ‘Bigger And Better Than Ever’ (PS5)
Nathanael: Monster Hunter Wilds is the biggest and best Monster Hunter has ever been. For a long and storied series, Monster Hunter has still held a relatively cult following thanks to its old-school features. But Monster Hunter Wilds did so much to make the game accessible for new hunters, from simplifying hunts, rewards and meals, to a better scale in hunt difficulties and a really engaging campaign. Monster Hunter Wilds was my favourite review this year, and it’s also a game I’ve kept going back to, as the team has added major and minor updates, seasonal events, and heaps of new monsters since launch.
Tom: Wilds succeeds in making the series feel faster, smoother, and more welcoming. It may have lost some teeth originally, but the title updates since launch have replaced those in full! The world is wildly alive, with shifting weather, roaming monsters, and complex ecosystems. The addition of the Seikret turns traversal into something you barely think about anymore. Your feathered friend also allows quick swapping of gear on the fly, repositioning mid-fight, or a quick escape in a pinch. Combat and systems are noticeably streamlined too, making everything feel more fluid than past entries while still keeping that familiar Monster Hunter weight. And then there is the personal victory lap: the return of Lagiacrus in a title update. Seeing my all-time favourite monster swim back into the spotlight, in 4k, instantly locks Wilds into something special for me.
What are your top games of 2025? Let us know in our Discord!
8. KINGDOM COME DELIVERANCE II
READ OUR REVIEW: Review | Kingdom Come: Deliverance II: ‘Fortune Favours The Bold’ (PS5)
Tim: Kingdom Come: Kingdom Come: Deliverance was a spectacular game — ambitious, authentic, and refreshingly uninterested in coddling you. A tough act to follow, then. Warhorse didn’t reinvent the wheel with Kingdom Come: Deliverance II; they just picked up exactly where you left off (literally) and made everything more expansive, smoother, and simply just better. It kept everything that made the first game infamous — unapologetically difficult and an obsessive attention to detail. But the world just feels more alive, the story cuts deeper, the writing is simply fantastic, and the mechanics feel more refined. Don’t get me wrong, it is still a cruel and frustrating beast at heart. But it never felt unfair. A reminder that sometimes, you simply have to just get better. Every victory feels earned, and you’re living with the consequences when things inevitably go wrong. The realism hits head‑on, but without ever sacrificing fun — two ideas that rarely coexist this well. Few RPGs are this grounded, deliberate, or satisfying. And I, for one, still can’t put it down.
Nathanael: So many RPGs today focus more on the ‘Game’ than the ‘Roleplaying’ aspect of that category. But Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 rides in on its roleplaying horse and batters down the gates with medieval style. While I was playing through for review, I kept having to remind myself to keep progressing forward, and not get lost in every duel, side quest and rumour scattered throughout the world. I’ve been back countless times, exploring the world and diving deeper into blacksmithing, duels, horse racing. I’ve now chased down more legendary weapons than I can fit in my collection — what a game.
7. DEATH STRANDING 2: ON THE BEACH
READ OUR REVIEW: Review | DEATH STRANDING 2: ON THE BEACH: ‘Out-Stranding’ (PS5)
Julian: I didn’t like the first game — there, I said it. Thankfully, DEATH STRANDING 2 takes all the frustrations of the first game and sends them into a massive voidout. It reshapes the formula, giving players more reasons to have “just one more delivery”. Lengthy walking sequences are few and far between and you quickly gain access to vehicles and other modes of transport. Connecting the Chiral Network never felt like a chore. It’s just… Better. The Aussie setting also helped me fall in love with the world. Haven’t played the first game but want to give DS2 a go? There’s a substantial recap in the menu that’s worth watching, also a few fantastic YouTube recaps to get you caught up.
Shaun: I didn’t like the first game… I LOVED it — there, I said it. What resonated with me in the first, was only amplified and expanded upon in the second. That’s the magic of DEATH STRANDING 2, it opened up its arms to embrace a wider range of gamers, while still staying true to its identity. DS2 has some of the coolest and craziest characters in gaming. Tomorrow was an outright badass, dropping my jaw to the floor with her combat prowess. But it was deranged villain Higgs (voiced by Troy Baker) that absolutely stole the show as the narrative antithesis to our hero Sam Porter Bridges. With a bonkers story packed full of twists and epic set pieces, a thrilling mix of stealth and action, and the best game soundtrack of 2025. DEATH STRANDING 2: ON THE BEACH is a certified banger.
6. MARIO KART WORLD
Dan: Start your engines! Mario Kart World is pure Nintendo magic. I have played countless Mario Kart games over the years, but this bold open-world reinvention genuinely surprised me. Turning the journey between races into part of the chaos made every match feel unpredictable and fresh. There is plenty here for seasoned players too, from whacky power-ups and the ever-terrifying Blue Shell to a huge character roster and, in my opinion, the best Rainbow Road ever.
Alex: To me, Mario Kart games are timeless. While some entries shine more than others, what I love most is the fun they bring when played with friends. Mario Kart World continues that tradition but adds so much more. Its open-world component adds a whole new layer of excitement and variety to each race, creating new routes across the map and making each race feel fresh every time. Mario Kart World easily became a GOTY contender for me.
What are your top games of 2025? Let us know in our Discord!
5. GHOST OF YOTEI
READ OUR REVIEW: Review | Ghost of Yōtei: ‘A Feast For The Senses’ (PS5)
Ben: PlayStation mainline games are known for having cinematic narratives that blend seamlessly with their satisfying combat and sprawling worlds to lose yourself in. However, I don’t think any game has come as close to nailing this formula as well as Ghost of Yōtei did. Exploring Yōtei’s Ezo-period Japan was awe-inspiring, filled with experiences to keep you occupied on your quest, yet never too distracted or overwhelmed to have you suffer decision paralysis like in other open-world titles. Combat is immensely gratifying as well, offering you a wide arsenal of weapons and tools to use with clear benefits and windows to use them. What makes Ghost of Yōtei shine is that it manages to wrap all of these aspects in a compelling story that makes you want to push on with Atsu’s quest for revenge while building her connections with the land and its people.
Nathanael: If 2020s Ghost Of Tsushima was a Kurosawa film, then Ghost of Yotei is a Tarantino film. It follows a bad-ass lone warrior as she hunts down her own kill list of big baddies all in the name of revenge. It takes everything that made Ghost of Tsushima great, and turns the dial up a notch. You have new weapon types to master, better exploration, more open world stories to explore, and a heartfelt story with spectacular acting from Erica Ishii. Sharpen your blades and jump in.
Shaun: Although there’s only two entries so far, the ‘Ghost of’ IP is quickly becoming one of my favourites. The latest, Ghost of Yōtei, has perfected the sprawling open-world action game formula often associated with Ubisoft games. The map is filled with points of interest, but never feels bloated like an Assassin’s game can. Side-quests are just as good quality as the main missions, the addition of bounty hunts is inspired, and side-activities like bamboo chopping or clearing bases are both challenging and rewarding. It all adds up to an experience you can happily lose countless hours to. Oh, and it has a dope story, fantastic combat and a bloody wolf companion! What more do you need!?
4. DISPATCH
READ OUR REVIEW: Review | Dispatch: ‘Zero to Hero’ (PS5)
Shaun: Superhero workplace-comedy Dispatch is the return to form for the episodic narrative genre we all needed. Vulgar and violent, funny and foul-mouthed, heroic and heartfelt; Dispatch delivers a mature story full of hilarious moments, tough decisions, and asshole characters you can’t help but love. The motley crew of villains-turned-heroes are brought to life by a fantastic voice cast featuring the likes of Aaron Paul, Jeffrey Wright, and Laura Bailey. The Matthew Mercer voiced villain, Shroud, is a scene stealer. His cold, calculating nature and sociopathic genius create an intimidating aura that permeates the whole game. AdHoc Studio absolutely nailed this one and a sequel can’t come soon enough!
Rivers: Dispatch takes a formula that the Telltale games of the early 2010s excelled at and gives it an impressive level of polish. The chemistry between this recognisable cast is undeniable, the constant choices blend seamlessly into the story, the dispatching gameplay is engaging while accessible, and the animation is consistently gorgeous. The end result is a broadly appealing adventure, hopefully laying down a model that can be emulated by a steady stream of games in the future.
3. SPLIT FICTION
READ OUR REVIEW: Review | Split Fiction: ‘Truly Unforgettable Experience’ (PS5)
Julian: There was a lot riding on Hazelight Studios to knock it out of the park with Split Fiction. Safe to say they did. Split Fiction was a rollercoaster of emotion and innovative gameplay — it wowed me every time I picked up the controller. I’ve played through the game almost three times, once with Shaun for review, another time with my partner and another time with my eldest daughter. Every play through was just as thrilling, swapping around between Zoe and Mio offered something different for each level, whether it was being on the opposite side of a gate or dragons with different abilities. This is one of the best games of the last decade and is a must play. The only caveat is you need to have a friend to play with…
Alex: With a hard act to follow with It Takes Two, Hazelight Studios knocked it out of the park again with Split Fiction. This game ticked all the boxes for me: a great story, exciting and varied gameplay and a whole lot of laughs and fun. This was an absolute delight to play, and sets the expectation I have for all future couch co-op games.
Sonia: Hazelight Studios pushed co-op gameplay to another level with It Takes Two, then proved it wasn’t a one-hit wonder with Split Fiction. I wondered if they could transcend what they did with It Takes Two, and I’m happy to say they did. The sheer variety of different scenarios had my partner and me hooked, with a compelling story to boot.
2. ASSASSIN’S CREED SHADOWS
READ OUR REVIEW: Review | Assassin’s Creed Shadows (PS5)
Tom: As a long time Assassin’s Creed diehard and self-professed weeb, Shadows easily became one of my favourite games of 2025, mostly because it refused to pick just one way to be fun. Naoe represents the series epitome of stealth, delivering stealth mechanics that even Tenchu would admire. She flips across rooftops, vanishes into the shadows, and any guards left alive likely question their career choices. Even if the game ended there, I would still be sold, however the world is absolutely stunning. This is easily the most beautiful and alive setting Ubisoft has ever made, full of colour, shifting seasons, and quiet moments where villages breathe, wildlife roams, and the landscape feels like it exists whether you are there or not.
Sonia: Assassin’s Creed Shadows did what no other entry in the series has managed in a long time: it lured me back, eager to stab from the shadows once again. Shadows is — if you can believe it — a surprisingly cosy game at heart. From riding horses at full tilt through feudal Japan to leaping from above for a perfectly timed assassination, it scratched my post-holiday Japan itch and kept me coming back for more. Then Shadows remembers it also has Yasuke, the samurai, and suddenly subtlety is optional. Switching to him turns careful planning into joyful destruction, with doors smashed open and enemies sent flying with a boot to the face a spartan would be proud of. The contrast is what makes it special. You get to admire the world in silence as a ninja, then immediately stomp through it as a human battering ram, and somehow both feel perfectly at home.
Tim: If Assassin’s Creed has ever looked better, I’ve yet to see it. Assassin’s Creed Shadows is absolutely stunning — I’ve lost count of how many times I climbed a pagoda to do anything but the objective, just to stare at the view. What really struck me, though, is how it feels like a return to Assassin’s Creed’s roots. You can actually be an assassin again, whilst still having the freedom to do a little smash and bash should you need to scratch that itch. A rich story, a beautiful setting, and just enough flexibility to make it all your own.
1. CLAIR OBSCUR: EXPEDITION 33
READ OUR REVIEW: Review | Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 (PlayStation 5)
Shaun: From the opening moments of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 I was hooked. Its awe-inspiring yet melancholic world drew me in with a sense of morbid curiosity, and the devastatingly brilliant story and mulit-dimensional characters made me never want to leave. The blend of turn-based combat and real-time mechanics mixed surprisingly well, and the soundtrack is pure symphonic excellence. In a year of fantastic villains, it was Andy Serkis’ Renoir that rose above them all. His unwavering conviction, dapper suits, and the way he devastates the party multiple times throughout the game, make him an antagonist to remember. But what cements him as an all-timer is the fact that, from a different perspective, he isn’t a villain at all. While his methods may be extreme, his goal is pure hearted.
Julian: I honestly didn’t expect this game to grab me. Hours in, I was unsure if it was really going to click, but I’m so glad I stuck with it. I’ve attempted to play my fair share of turn-based JRPGs over the years, yet this is the first one that truly got under my skin. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 swept me up with its devastatingly beautiful story, dazzling combat, and an enchanting world I didn’t want to leave. There’s a reason it’s taken home so many awards — and Sandfall Interactive has earned every single one.
Sonia: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 had one hell of an elevator pitch: a mysterious (and deeply creepy) figure on the horizon, painting a number onto a monolith as people vanish into ashy rose petals — and an expedition determined to stop her. Its truly original story kept me coming back for more, even as I fumbled my way through parries early on. What’s more, it made me fall in love with turn-based combat all over again. Paired with a hauntingly beautiful soundtrack, it’s a clear standout and our 2025 GOTY.
Ben: Ever since Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 was shown at 2024’s Xbox Showcase, I was hooked on everything it had to offer. A stylish JRPG set in a mature fantasy setting? Say no more, I was sold. Launching the game day one of its release was like signing a contract to forego any sleep for the next week. After clearing the first few areas and getting the hang of its deeply satisfying take on turn-based combat, I felt myself being launched back into my childhood playing Final Fantasy X like the food critic in Ratatouille. I knew Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 would be my game of the year the moment I finished Act One right before a trip to Japan, and all I could think about was when I’d get the chance to play it again (inbetween gacha pulls and emptying my entire savings at the Final Fantasy 14 cafe). With a game as special as this, there’s no surprise that developers Sandfall Interactive are sweeping up all the awards this year.
There you have it! Our top ten games of 2025 revealed.
Here’s a recap:
Top 20 Games of 2025:
#1 Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
#2 Assassin’s Creed Shadows
#3 Split Fiction
#4 Dispatch
#5 Ghost of Yotei
#6 Mario Kart World
#7 Death Stranding 2: On the Beach
#8 Kingdom Come Deliverance 2
#9 Monster Hunter Wilds
#10 Donkey Kong Bananza
What are your top games of 2025? Let us know in our Discord!
