By Vimeo Game
If you’re reading this, you’ve likely survived one of the most stacked years in gaming history. 2025 wasn’t just “good”—it was a relentless barrage of triple-A heavy hitters that drained our wallets and our sleep schedules. We started the year hunting monsters in the Forbidden Lands and ended it slicing through feudal Japan.
But with so many titles vying for your SSD space, which ones actually lived up to the hype? As we close out the year, I’ve cut through the noise to bring you the definitive list of the best action games of 2025. Whether you want to feel like a demon-slaying tank or a stealthy shinobi, these are the titles you need to play right now.
1. Monster Hunter Wilds
Developer: Capcom
Released: February 28, 2025
Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC
If you only played one game this year, it was probably Monster Hunter Wilds. Capcom didn’t just iterate on World; they evolved the entire ecosystem. The focus this year was on immersion and fluidity. The seamless transition from cutscenes to gameplay is flawless, and the new dynamic weather system isn’t just cosmetic—it actively changes monster behavior.
Why It’s A Must-Play
The standout feature is the Focus Mode. It allows you to target specific monster wounds with surgical precision, adding a layer of tactical depth we haven’t seen before. Plus, the Seikret (your new raptor mount) changes the pacing entirely. Being able to sharpen your weapon or chug a potion while galloping away from an enraged Rathalos? Game changer.
Pro Tip: Don’t sleep on the Hook Slinger. It’s not just for traversal; use it during storms to trigger environmental traps like falling rocks or lightning rods to deal massive free damage.
2. Doom: The Dark Ages
Developer: id Software
Released: May 2025
Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC
Forget the acrobatics of Doom Eternal. The Dark Ages took us back to the ground—and it felt heavy. This prequel traded the “fighter jet” mobility for “tank” durability, and the result is the most visceral shooter of the year. The medieval-tech aesthetic is gorgeous, blending gore with gothic grandeur in a way only id Software can pulling off.
Why It’s A Must-Play
The Shield Saw. It’s arguably the best weapon introduced in the franchise since the Super Shotgun. It serves a dual purpose: blocking incoming fire and revving up to decapitate demons in melee range. The combat rhythm is different this time—less about dashing away, and more about standing your ground and parrying hell knights in the face.
Pro Tip: The Shield Saw parry window is generous but crucial. Master the “Shield Bash” combo early on—parry a projectile, then immediately shield-bash the enemy to stagger them for a guaranteed Glory Kill.
3. Ghost of Yōtei
Developer: Sucker Punch Productions
Released: Late 2025
Platforms: PS5
Just when we thought we were out, Sucker Punch pulled us back into feudal Japan. Set hundreds of years after Tsushima, Ghost of Yōtei introduces us to Atsu, a new protagonist in the snowy, untamed wilds of Hokkaido. The visuals are stunning—Mount Yōtei looms over every frame like a painting come to life.
Why It’s A Must-Play
While Jin Sakai was about the conflict between Samurai honor and the Ghost, Atsu is a hunter from the start. The gameplay leans heavily into dual-wielding and firearm usage (matchlock rifles), making combat feel faster and more aggressive. The new “Ezo” region is vertical and dangerous, forcing you to use the environment and verticality much more than on the flat beaches of Tsushima.
Pro Tip: Invest in the “Wolf Stance” immediately. It’s designed specifically for the new dual-wielding mechanics and lets you seamlessly mix rifle shots into your katana combos for massive stagger damage.
4. Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Developer: Ubisoft
Released: February 2025
Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC
After a delay that pushed it out of 2024, Assassin’s Creed Shadows finally arrived, and honestly? It was worth the wait. Ubisoft finally gave us the feudal Japan setting we’ve begged for, but the twist of two distinct protagonists—Naoe (the shinobi) and Yasuke (the samurai)—solved the series’ identity crisis.
Why It’s A Must-Play
The duality is real. Playing as Yasuke feels like an action brawler—smashing through walls and decimating enemies with brute force. Switching to Naoe turns the game into a classic Splinter Cell-style stealth experience, complete with a grappling hook and dynamic lighting mechanics where you can extinguish lanterns to create shadows. It’s two best-in-class games wrapped in one package.
Pro Tip: When playing as Naoe, use the “Eagle Vision” to identify interactable light sources. Shooting out a lantern before entering a room isn’t just cool; it confuses the AI, causing them to break formation and making them easy pickings.
5. Death Stranding 2: On The Beach
Developer: Kojima Productions
Released: Mid-2025
Platforms: PS5
Hideo Kojima did it again. Death Stranding 2 is weird, beautiful, and surprisingly action-packed. While the first game was about walking, this one is about journeying. The stakes are higher, the terrain is more treacherous (thanks to dynamic floods and earthquakes), and the combat has been significantly overhauled.
Why It’s A Must-Play
The “Magellan” ship acts as a mobile base of operations, which completely changes the game loop. You aren’t just a lonely porter anymore; you’re leading a crew. The visuals are arguably the best on the PS5, with facial animations that blur the line between game and film. It’s not for everyone, but if it clicks, it’s an obsession.
Pro Tip: Utilize the “Drawbridge” system creatively. You can now stabilize terrain for other players in real-time. If you see a “Like” pop up mid-battle, it means someone just used your infrastructure—use that dopamine hit to power through the BT encounters!
Quick Comparison: Which Game is For You?
| Game | Best For… | Difficulty | Average Playtime |
| Monster Hunter Wilds | Co-op action & boss fights | High | 100+ Hours |
| Doom: The Dark Ages | Adrenaline junkies & FPS fans | Medium/High | 15-20 Hours |
| Ghost of Yōtei | Story lovers & open-world explorers | Medium | 40-50 Hours |
| AC Shadows | Stealth purists & brawler fans | Adjustable | 60+ Hours |
| Death Stranding 2 | Sci-fi fans & patient gamers | High (Strategic) | 50+ Hours |
2025 Gaming FAQ
1. Was GTA 6 actually released in 2025?
The short answer: No. Despite the massive anticipation, Rockstar pushed the release window to late 2026 to ensure polish. While it’s disappointing, the delay of GTA 6 gave games like Monster Hunter Wilds and Ghost of Yōtei the breathing room to shine without being overshadowed.
2. Do I need a PS5 Pro or high-end PC for these games?
For Monster Hunter Wilds and Death Stranding 2, a high-end setup is highly recommended. Wilds is particularly CPU-intensive due to the seamless map and complex monster AI. However, Doom: The Dark Ages runs surprisingly well on standard hardware thanks to id Software’s wizardry with the id Tech engine.
3. Which of these games has the best co-op?
Monster Hunter Wilds takes the crown here. The cross-play functionality was flawless at launch, and the new SOS system makes dropping into hunts easier than ever. Borderlands 4 (released in September) is a close second if you prefer shooters, but Wilds offers a deeper team-based strategy.
Conclusion
2025 proved that the action genre is far from stale. Whether you spent the year parrying demons in Doom or mastering the katana in Ghost of Yōtei, there was something for every playstyle. The delays of some mega-titles only meant that the games that did release had to be exceptional to hold our attention—and they absolutely delivered.
Which of these titans did you pour the most hours into this year, and are you still grinding for that one rare drop in Monster Hunter? Let me know in the comments below!
