The most anticipated RPG of 2025

RPG is a basic type of video game. Whether they're high fantasy or modern, turn-based or action, there's an RPG for everyone. 2024 was packed with great RPGs from start to finish, with Like a Dragon: Infinite Treasures and Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth dominating the start of the year, and Metaphor: ReFantazio and Dragon Age: Veilguard steals the spotlight at the end of his tail. How does 2025 compare?

We asked our editorial team to take a look at the upcoming RPGs of 2025 and see which ones they're most excited to play next year. Take a look for yourself, and you might find a new RPG to watch in 2025.

Like a Dragon: Yakuza Pirates in Hawaii

Stacey Henley, editor-in-chief

I've managed to avoid writing about Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii throughout TheGamer's waiting lists so far, partly because of its long name, but mostly because I know six other people from TG have it at the top of their list too. But if we're not writing a list of Hawaii pirate games we're most looking forward to next year, it's too perfect an opportunity to pass up.

Infinite treasure is my GOTY for 2024, so to see it quickly followed by pirates (the coolest thing the world has ever created) is great. Not as traditional as Avowed, not as widespread as Monster Hunter, not as nameless hero as Fable, Like Dragon: Pirate And So On is an RPG that I can't wait for hours next year .

Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector

Ben Sledge, Features Editor

Have I nominated Citizen Sleeper 2 for any of these? I don't care. This is the game I'm most looking forward to, overall, so of course it's my top pick in the RPG category. But I worry about that too. How do you follow one of my favorite games of all time? How do you do better fulfillment? The Hexport demo calmed some of my fears, adding new companion mechanics and powerful missions, but there's still a lot to experience. I'm happy, I'm scared, I'm ready to go again.

Avowed

Amanda Hurych, editor

I'm a basic person when it comes to RPGs. So, of course, what I'm really looking forward to next year is Avowed. Ironically, it wasn't the years that Obsidian Entertainment had been making great games like Fallout: New Vegas and Pillars of Eternity that got me excited. No. It was Pentiment that filled me with faith about Obsidian's next venture.

This little game about a 16th-century artist who solves a murder is simply stellar, and if Obsidian takes the time to make such a passion project, with no guarantee that it will find a specific audience, I can't wait. to see what they give us with the help of the usual, that is, basic, RPG tropes!

Pokemon Legends: ZA

Rebecca Phillips, Executive Editor

I'm opening my mind to RPGs going into 2025. Metaphor: ReFantazio was barely on my radar for most of 2024, but ended up being my favorite game of the year (and entered in my personal favorite, period) . That being said, I am very excited about Pokemon Legends: ZA. I like Legends Arceus, like janky, but I didn't get along well with Scarlet & Violet. If Game Freak sticks to what they learned from Arceus and, well, nothing from S&V, I'll be happy with that.

I hope ZA expands on the Arceus concept and takes them to where Pokemon is. can Go for it, if the time and effort has been put in. The world-capturing mechanics have done a solid job in Arceus, especially since the environment is a bit bleak, so if it gets it right, it's a start in my book. .

Xenoblade Chronicles X: Ultimate Edition

Hilton Webster, Staff Writer

I've never owned a Wii U, though that's not an unusual situation. While most of the console's games have found their way to the Switch, Xenoblade Chronicles X is the only one. I've played this game now, but some aspects are a little rough in emulation, so I'm glad to finally have a proper port.

Xenoblade Chronicles X is a strange game though. The dialogue is bland, the levels are very absurd, and it has a complex combat system and confusing UI to make the other games in the series seem trivial by comparison. And I can't wait to get back to this fun and addictive game. And finally play online too.

Besides, I've already said I'm dying to play Monster Hunter Wilds, and I can't keep saying that, can I?

Hexxen Hunter

Matt Arnold, Staff Writer

Hooded Horse has quickly become my favorite publisher, so I checked out one of their projects, a horror RPG by Ulisses Spiele Digital. Hexxen Hunters lets you train and command a command of witch hunters in dark 18th century Europe. It looks like Darkest Dungeon meets Baldur's Gate, which obviously has a lot of potential if done right.

legend

Helen Ashcroft, Evergreen Publisher

The original saga was developed by Lionhead Studios, which also created Black & White and The Movies. This trifecta of series was a staple of my early gaming life and I love them all to this day.

Granted, I might trade Fable for more black and white, but the Fable in 2023 trailer still had me interested in quietly waiting for it to air. The trailer is bad at telling us what the game is about, but there are three main things I like about it: crazy British comedy, petty loan sharks, and Richard Ayoade. For sale!