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After another incredible year in gaming, the PlayStation Lifestyle team decided to reflect on the past 12 months. We counted up all the new titles we played and tallied votes to discover which games earned spots on our list of the best games of 2025.
Notably, this year saw only five Sony first-party releases (excluding ports and remakes), meaning most of our top picks come from indie developers and major publishers alike. Many of these titles are likely familiar to you, though a few may come as a surprise.
And without further ado, here’s the list!
10. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
Highlighting just how packed this year was with stellar titles, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 barely squeezes into the tenth spot. Yet, its stunning artistry, courtesy of Sandfall Interactive’s debut, can’t be overlooked. RPG enthusiasts are probably familiar with Clair Obscur, but if this one slipped past you, it’s worth checking out.
9. Kingdom Come: Deliverance II
You might have forgotten Kingdom Come: Deliverance II even launched in 2025 since it came out early in February. It’s the last European-developed RPG to make our list. Unlike Clair Obscur, this game transports players to a beautifully recreated 15th-century Bohemia, offering unparalleled freedom, a sprawling open world, and the gritty realities of medieval life and warfare. If those aspects pique your interest, don’t pass this one up.
8. Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater
With many fans on staff, it’s no surprise Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater made the cut. Although series creator Hideo Kojima had no involvement—having parted ways from Konami a decade ago—the game’s roots in the classic PS2 version make it a compelling reimagining. It boasts modern controls, visual enhancements, and ray-traced graphics, making it feel like a true, worthy remake rather than just a cash grab.
7. Lumines: Arise
Much like the previous entry, Lumines: Arise doesn’t overhaul its core gameplay; aside from the new Burst mechanic, it closely resembles the 20-year-old PSP original. Beyond gameplay, the series’ hypnotic visuals and soundtrack make it a sensory delight. Playing in VR only heightens the experience, making Lumines: Arise a true feast for the eyes and ears.
6. Split Fiction
Building on the success of A Way Out and It Takes Two, Hazelight Studios delivered another hit with Split Fiction. This cooperative adventure mixes aerial dragon flight with cyber-ninja combat, showcasing their knack for creating engaging multiplayer experiences. If you play this, try to find a friend to team up with locally—that’s where it truly shines.
5. Blue Prince
Blue Prince caught us off guard upon release, and soon we were hooked. Its roguelike gameplay might feature some cryptic puzzles, and a frustrating bug once wiped out hours of progress—yet it’s so addictive that we kept returning for more. Drafting rooms, uncovering lore, peeling back endless layers—like an onion or a parfait—this game draws you in deep.
4. Battlefield 6
After years of uneven releases, Battlefield makes a triumphant return with Battlefield 6, feeling as fresh and exciting as ever. Its focus on objective-based, squad-centric combat provides a unique experience among shooters. The destructible environments, vast array of vehicles, and weapons to master add to the thrill of the game.
3. Ghost of Yotei
While its storyline follows a traditional revenge arc, Ghost of Yotei stands out as a top-tier experience. Building on the foundation of Ghost of Tsushima, Sucker Punch pushes the PS5 (and PS5 Pro) to its limits with stunning visuals and immersive gameplay. Multiple filters and audio options make it a game worth revisiting multiple times, thanks to its gorgeous design and rich atmosphere.
2. Sword of the Sea
Among the many skating games released in 2025, none evoke the wonder that Sword of the Sea achieves. It artfully balances platforming and puzzles while inviting players to explore a breathtaking world full of surprises. Fans of Journey or Giant Squid’s previous titles (Abzû, The Pathless) will find this a perfect choice.
1. Death Stranding 2: On The Beach
Some might dismiss it as a walking simulator, but Death Stranding 2: On The Beach goes far beyond that label. It’s a reflection of our society—more connected than ever yet increasingly disconnected. Visually, it’s remarkable, featuring some of the most meticulously crafted cutscenes yet. For many of us on staff, it’s another peek into Hideo Kojima’s genius—an innovative creator who’s been redefining genres for four decades. At its core, it’s also a game about sticks, ropes, chiral networks, Timefall, and plate gates—a true spectacle that leaves a lasting impression.
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