The Most Anticipated Video Games for the Second Half of 2025
Image: Rockstar Games
The first half of 2025 has already delivered some incredible indie gems and solid AAA releases. But as we head into the summer, all eyes are on the massive holiday season and the blockbuster titles poised to define the second half of the year.
From long-awaited sequels to ambitious new worlds, the lineup is stacked. Developers are finally harnessing the full power of the current generation of consoles, promising games that are bigger, more beautiful, and more immersive than ever before.
After a packed Summer Game Fest, we’ve sorted through the hype. Here are the five most anticipated video games we can’t wait to play in the second half of 2025.
1. Starfall: Echoes of the Void (Bethesda Game Studios)
Release Window: November 2025
Two years after the launch of the ambitious but divisive Starfield, Bethesda is returning to its fantasy roots with a new single-player epic. While not a new Elder Scrolls title, Starfall is a brand-new IP that promises the classic Bethesda experience: a massive, hand-crafted open world, deep character customization, and the freedom to ignore the main quest for 100 hours while you explore ancient ruins. Set in a “dark fantasy” world shattered into floating islands, the gameplay shown so far reveals a new emphasis on vertical exploration and a more action-oriented combat system. After the quiet solitude of space, the industry is watching to see if Bethesda can recapture the magic that made Skyrim a legend.
2. Project Chimera (Sony Santa Monica Studio)
Release Window: September 2025
What does the celebrated studio behind God of War do next? The answer is Project Chimera, a brand-new, third-person action IP that was the surprise showstopper of the latest PlayStation Showcase. Set in a stunning biopunk world where humans merge with animal DNA, the game looks like a blistering-fast character action game in the vein of Devil May Cry, but with the cinematic presentation and emotional storytelling that Santa Monica Studio is known for. The protagonist’s ability to shapeshift between different animal forms during combat looks fluid, creative, and incredibly satisfying. This is poised to be Sony’s big holiday blockbuster.
3. Neon Shadow (Nightlight Interactive)
Release Window: October 2025
From the indie studio that brought us the critically acclaimed horror game The Last Broadcast comes Neon Shadow, a cyberpunk stealth-action game that oozes style. You play as an augmented detective who can manipulate light and shadow, allowing for incredible freedom in how you approach missions. The art direction is a gorgeous mix of rain-slicked streets and vibrant neon, but it’s the innovative “shadow-stepping” mechanic that has everyone talking. This could be the sleeper hit of the year.
4. Everwild (Rare / Xbox Game Studios)
Release Window: Holiday 2025
The beautiful, mysterious Everwild has been in development at Rare for what feels like an eternity. After years of silence, Xbox re-unveiled the title with a stunning gameplay demo, and it looks like it was worth the wait. The game is a unique, non-combat, cooperative adventure where players work together to nurture and heal a magical ecosystem. The art style is breathtaking, like a living watercolor painting. In a sea of action games, Everwild‘s focus on harmony and nature could be the breath of fresh air the industry needs.
5. Grand Theft Auto VI (Rockstar Games)
Release Window: The Elephant in the Room (Expected Late 2025 / Mid 2026)
No “most anticipated” list would be complete without acknowledging the single most hyped piece of entertainment media on the planet. While Rockstar remains tight-lipped, the leaks, trailers, and sheer cultural momentum surrounding Grand Theft Auto VI make it an unavoidable force. Promising a return to Vice City and a new dual-protagonist narrative, every scrap of information sends the internet into a frenzy. The biggest question mark of 2025 is whether Rockstar will actually release it this holiday season. If they do, it won’t just be the biggest game of the year; it will be one of the biggest entertainment launches of all time.
The next six months are shaping up to be a legendary period for gaming. Whether you’re looking for a massive RPG, a cinematic action game, or a unique indie, the holiday season is set to deliver in a big way.
