The most anticipated RPG starts in 2025

RPGs are a staple genre of video games. Whether it's high fantasy or modern, turn-based or action, there's an RPG for almost everyone. 2024 was packed with great RPGs from start to finish, with Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth and Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth dominating the beginning of the year, and Metaphor: ReFantazio and Dragon Age: Veilguard stealing the limelight at the end of the year. How will 2025 compare?

We asked our editorial team to take a look at the RPGs coming in 2025 and see which ones will be played the most next year. Take a look for yourself and you might find a new RPG to look forward to in 2025.

Updated January 4, 2025 by Rebecca Phillips: who is ready for another great year of RPGs? We've updated this article to include our self-published authors' most anticipated RPGs for 2025.

Like A Dragon: Pirate Yakuza In Hawaii

Stacey Henley, Managing Editor

I've managed to avoid writing about Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii on TheGamer's most anticipated lists so far, partly because of its incredibly long title, but mostly because I know about six other TG people have it right at the top of their list as well . But if we can't write a list of which pirate games set in Hawaii we're most looking forward to next year, it's too perfect an opportunity to pass up.

Infinite Wealth is my GOTY for 2024, so seeing how quickly pirates (the coolest thing the world has ever invented) followed suit is a treat. Not as traditional as Avowed, not as sprawling as Monster Hunter, not as nameless as Fable, Like a Dragon: Pirate And So On is an RPG I can't wait to spend hours on next year.

Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector

Ben Sledge, Features Editor

Have I already nominated Citizen Sleeper 2 for one of these? i don't care Overall, it's my most anticipated game, so it's naturally my top pick for the RPG category. However, I also have concerns about this. How do you watch one of my favorite games of all time? How to achieve better perfection? The Hexport demo eased some of my concerns, adding new companion mechanics and intense missions, but it still has some catching up to do. I'm excited, I'm scared, I'm ready to go again.

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Amanda Hurych, Editor

I'm a basic person when it comes to RPGs. So of course I'm most looking forward to next year's Avowed. Interestingly, it's not Obsidian Entertainment's years of experience creating great role-playing games like Fallout: New Vegas and Pillars of Eternity that got me so excited. No. It's actually Pentiment that fills me with faith about Obsidian's next venture.

This small, narrative game about a 16th century artist solving a murder was simply stellar, and if Obsidian took the time to create such a passion project, with no guarantees that it would find a niche audience, I can't wait. to see what they give us with a heavy helping of classic, well, basic RPG tropes!

Pokemon Legends: ZA

Rebecca Phillips, Executive Editor

I'm keeping my mind open for RPGs in 2025. Metaphor: ReFantazio was barely on my radar for most of 2024, but it ended up being my favorite game of the year (and sneaking into my personal favorites, period). That being said, I'm also cautiously excited about Pokemon Legends: FOR. I love Legends Arceus hot though, but I didn't get along with Scarlet & Violet. If Game Freak sticks to everything they learned from Arceus, and well, nothing from S&V, I'll be happy with it.

I hope ZA expands on the core concepts of Arceus and takes it where Pokemon is he could go if the time and effort has been put in. The world catching mechanic did a lot of the heavy lifting in Arceus, especially since the environments were a bit bland, so if that's the case, it's already got a big edge in my book. .

Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition

Hilton Webster, Staff Writer

I've never owned a Wii U, though that's probably not an isolated situation. While the vast majority of that console's exclusives eventually found their way to the Switch, Xenoblade Chronicles X was the lone outlier. I've played the game now, but some aspects are a little off in the emulation, so I'm just excited to finally have a proper port.

But Xenoblade Chronicles X is such a strange game. The dialogue is rambling, the scale is truly absurd, and there are enough complex combat systems and confusing UI to make any other game in the series look tame in comparison. And I just can't wait to get back into that wonderful, indulgent game. And finally, play online too.

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

Hexxen Hunters

Matt Arnold, Staff Writer

Hooded Horse is quickly becoming a favorite publisher of mine, so I was intrigued by one of their projects, a horror RPG from Ulisses Spiele Digital.

Hexxen Hunters lets you train and command an order of witch hunters in the dark gothic Europe of the 18th century. It looks like Darkest Dungeon meets Baldur's Gate, which clearly has a lot of potential if done right.

Fable

Helen Ashcroft, Evergreen Editor

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

I'll admit, I probably would have sold Fable for more Black and White, but the trailer for Fable 2023 still intrigued me enough to quietly await its release. The trailer doesn't tell us much about what the game is about, but it has three key things I love about it: silly British humor, petty loan sharks, and Richard Ayoade. Sold!

Assassin's Creed Shadows

Ben Jessey, self-published writer

The Assassin's Creed RPG games weren't to everyone's taste, but I enjoyed them and I still love the series – although not as much as I used to. So I'm still fascinated by Assassin's Creed Shadows. The characters look interesting and the Japanese setting should be good. I doubt it will bring back the glory days of the AC series, but I expect a solid installment that I will sink many hours into. Plus I'm hoping the release delay means it won't launch with as many problems as many other AC games.

Monster Hunter Wilds

Seth Parmer, self-published writer

I can talk about how excited I am about Monster Hunter Wilds all day, especially after playing the beta and seeing how massive this game is going to be. Being able to take two weapons with you on a hunt makes the fight much more distinct and important, as you can now control different elements that the monster may be weak to, and it means you'll gather more materials to craft more weapons to use. they will never see me complain.

There's no doubt I'll be spending hundreds of hours in Monster Hunter Wilds, and being able to do that while unleashing devastating attacks with my trusty Switch Ax and Dual Blades is just a dream come true.

Like A Dragon: Pirate Yakuza In Hawaii

Kyle Chamaillard, self-published writer

After finishing Yakuza 0 in 2018, I finally decided to catch up with the series in 2024 by finishing Yakuza 4-7 and The Man Who Erased His Name. I'm excited to dive into Pirate Yakuza Hawaii as I finally get to play it alongside everyone else and witness the glory that is a game starring the great Goro Majima.

At this point, the Yakuza series can do no wrong. I just love existing in his endlessly hilarious and dramatic world and can't wait to be Mr. Smee to Captain Hook's Majima.