FULLSYNC’s most anticipated games of 2025 – so many big returns

by Ali
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2024 was a solid year for gaming, but let’s be real—it didn’t quite hit the highs of 2023’s insane triple-A games lineup. But fear not! 2025 is shaping up to be an absolute banger, packed with some of the biggest franchises making a return. We’re talking Monster Hunter, DOOM, Mafia, Metal Gear Solid, and the one game that’s been cooking for over a decade—Grand Theft Auto VI.

Of course, delays are always a possibility, but hey, surprises happen too! Some unannounced games might sneak into the release schedule, making this year even more legendary. Based on everything we know so far, 2025 could be one for the history books. So, after MaddOx listed his top picks, it’s time for mine. So, let’s break down the biggest games we can’t wait to get our hands on.

Ali’s top games of 2025

Monster Hunter Wilds (February 28)

Monster Hunter Wilds is the first big hitter of the year, and hype levels are through the roof. Monster Hunter World and Rise were absolute juggernauts, raking in 20.9 and 16 million sales, respectively, and Wilds is set to follow in their footsteps.

This time, CAPCOM is flexing the power of the RE Engine to bring bigger, more seamless zones, fully voiced characters (yes, even your Palico!), and plenty of new weapon moves. The quality-of-life improvements are just the cherry on top. With launch just around the corner, we’re itching to dive in and see if it lives up to expectations.

Monster Hunter Wilds - Logo and Key Art

DOOM: The Dark Ages (May 15)

The DOOM reboot series has been nothing short of phenomenal, and The Dark Ages takes things in a bold new direction. Instead of acrobatic, lightning-fast combat, this prequel focuses on heavier, more brutal fights in a sci-fi medieval setting.

The Slayer wields a badass shield that can block, parry, and even be thrown like a lethal frisbee. Melee combat is getting a serious upgrade with iron flails and spiked maces. And let’s not forget the insane set pieces—30-story Atlan mechs and cybernetic dragons? Yeah, we’re in.

Doom: The Dark Ages - Logo and Key Art

Mafia: The Old Country (Q2/Q3)

Mafia games fans, this one’s for you. The Old Country takes us back to the early 1900s in Sicily, where we’ll witness Enzo Favara’s rise from forced labour in sulphur mines to the world of organised crime.

Unlike previous entries, this one’s a linear, cinematic experience, with authentic period firearms, knife fights, and even horseback chases. A bold change for the series, but given Mafia’s history of nailing storytelling, we’re all in.

Mafia: The Old Country logo and key art

Elden Ring: Nightreign (TBA)

FromSoftware caught everyone off guard at The Game Awards 2024 with the reveal of Nightreign. Unlike Elden Ring, this game leans heavily into multiplayer, with procedurally generated areas and a survival-based structure.

The idea? Survive three in-game days before facing a final boss, while a shrinking play area forces players to strategise and adapt. It’s a gamble for FromSoftware, but if anyone can make it work, it’s them.

Elden Ring: Nightreign logo and key art

Ghost of Yōtei (TBA – PlayStation 5)

Sucker Punch is back with the long-awaited follow-up to Ghost of Tsushima, but this time, we’re heading to Hokkaido, 329 years after the first game. The biggest change? A new protagonist—Atsu, a female warrior taking on the mantle of “The Ghost”.

Expect more player choice in shaping the story and a world that feels less repetitive than its predecessor. If they can build on what made Tsushima so special, this could be an instant classic.

Ghost of Yotei Key art

Grand Theft Auto VI (TBA)

Twelve years. That’s how long it’s been since Grand Theft Auto V first dropped. With 200 million copies sold, it’s the second best-selling game of all time (behind Minecraft), and GTA VI is primed to take over the world of games once again.

Rockstar has already shattered YouTube records with the debut trailer, introducing Lucia and Jason, the criminal duo at the heart of the story. The game is set for a Fall 2025 release, but given Rockstar’s track record, don’t be surprised if it slips into 2026. Either way, this is THE game to watch.


Fable (TBA – PC, Xbox Series)

The beloved Xbox RPG series is finally making a return, courtesy of Playground Games (the folks behind Forza Horizon). While details are still scarce, we know that Fable is keeping its signature British humour and fantasy charm while reimagining the series with modern tech.

A full gameplay reveal is expected soon, and fingers crossed it actually launches this year!

Fable - Logo and Key Art

Ninja Gaiden 4 (Fall 2025)

Out of nowhere, Ninja Gaiden 4 was announced at the Xbox Developer Direct 2025, and the hype train is officially rolling.

Set in a near-future Tokyo ruled by the Dark Dragon, the game introduces a new protagonist, Yakumo, but don’t worry—Ryu Hayabusa is back as a playable character too. Expect signature moves like the Izuna Drop and Flying Swallow, plus all the brutally fast combat Ninja Gaiden is known for.

Ninja Gaiden 4 - Logo and Key Art

Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater (TBA)

Big Boss is back! Metal Gear Solid 3 is one of the greatest games of all time, and Delta aims to bring it into the modern era with Unreal Engine 5.

Konami is tweaking the controls with a ‘New Style’ scheme inspired by Metal Gear Solid V, but for those who love the classic feel, the ‘Legacy Style’ will be available too. Given the success of the Silent Hill 2 remake, there’s reason to believe this could be another home run.

Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater - Logo and Key Art

Crimson Desert (TBA)

Set in the war-torn continent of Pywel, Crimson Desert is a visually stunning open-world action RPG that promises an epic story-driven experience. You’ll follow Kliff, the captain of the Greymanes, as he fights to survive and uncover the mysteries of this brutal world.

Expect a deep combat system, a vast world to explore, and breathtaking visuals that push the limits of current-gen hardware. If executed well, this could be one of the year’s biggest surprises.

Crimson Desert - Logo and Key Art

Honourable mentions

There were too many great-looking games to squeeze into our top ten, so here are some other games you should definitely keep an eye on:

What’s your most anticipated game of 2025?

That’s my list, but I want to hear from you! Which games are you most excited for? Let us know in the comments or over on our socials.


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