The recent release of Grand Theft Auto VI’s second trailer on May 6, 2025, has intensified anticipation for its launch, now delayed from its original fall 2025 window to May 26, 2026, as Rockstar Games announced earlier this month, citing the need for extra time to ensure top-tier quality. This postponement, while disappointing for fans eager to explore Vice City with protagonists Jason and Lucia, opens the door for a stellar lineup of games to shine in 2025 and early 2026.
This listicle spans a diverse array of genres, from the punishing co-op of Elden Ring: Nightreign to the historical crime saga of Mafia: The Old Country. Expect open-world epics like Ghost of Yōtei, and fast-paced shooters like Doom: The Dark Ages. Blockbusters such as Pokémon Legends: Z-A cater to casual fans, while Death Stranding 2 pushes experimental boundaries. With release dates from February to December 2025, these titles, backed by studios like FromSoftware and Capcom, promise to keep gamers hooked across platforms, as social media hype underscores their massive appeal.
This countdown ranks the 10 most anticipated video games launching before GTA 6, spotlighting titles poised to dominate consoles, PCs, and your playtime until Leonida’s streets beckon.
10 Pokémon Legends: Z-A
Release Date: Late 2025
Platforms: Nintendo Switch, Switch 2
Why It’s Hyped: Set entirely within the vibrant, Paris-inspired Lumiose City of the Kalos region from Pokémon X and Y, Pokémon Legends: Z-A introduces a futuristic urban redevelopment narrative, blending exploration with a real-time combat system that allows players to position and dodge Pokémon during battles. The return of Mega Evolutions, a fan-favorite mechanic absent for seven years, alongside a unique starter trio of Chikorita, Totodile, and Tepig, has sparked widespread enthusiasm. With its enhanced graphics and innovative gameplay like parkour and the Z-A Royale battle league, Pokémon Legends: Z-A is poised to redefine the Pokémon experience, captivating longtime fans and newcomers alike.
Official trailer for Pokémon Legends: Z-A:
9 Mafia: The Old Country
Release Date: August 8, 2025
Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S
Why It’s Hyped: Mafia: The Old Country has emerged as one of the most highly anticipated games of 2025 due to its compelling return to the roots of the beloved Mafia series, blending a gritty, linear narrative with stunning visuals powered by Unreal Engine 5. Set in the brutal underworld of 1900s Sicily, the game follows Enzo Favara’s journey from indentured labor to joining the Torrisi crime family, promising an immersive, cinematic experience that echoes the critically acclaimed storytelling of Mafia and Mafia II. Fans are excited for its shift away from the open-world structure of Mafia III toward a focused, narrative-driven adventure, complete with authentic Sicilian voice acting and high-stakes combat.
Mafia: The Old Country trailer:
8 Borderlands 4
Release Date: September 12, 2025
Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S
Why It’s Hyped: Borderlands 4 is fueled by its promise to elevate the iconic looter-shooter franchise with a bold new setting on the planet Kairos, innovative gameplay mechanics, and a refined approach to its signature humor. Following the mixed reception of Borderlands 3 and spin-offs like Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands, Gearbox Software’s ambitious sequel introduces a seamless open-world-like experience, enhanced traversal tools like grappling hooks and jetpack glides, and a revamped loot system with the Licensed Parts System to make every weapon feel unique. The game’s reveal at Gamescom 2024, followed by a gameplay-packed trailer at The Game Awards 2024, showcased vibrant visuals and chaotic co-op action, reigniting fan excitement.
Borderlands 4 gameplay trailer:
7 Fable
Release Date: Early 2026
Platforms: PC, Xbox Series X|S
Why It’s Hyped: Fable, the upcoming reboot of the beloved action RPG series, is one of the most highly anticipated games due to its rich legacy and promising reinvention by Playground Games, a studio renowned for Forza Horizon. Set in the whimsical yet dark world of Albion, Fable captivates fans with its signature blend of player-driven storytelling, morality-based choices that shape the hero’s journey, and irreverent British humor, as showcased in trailers featuring actors like Richard Ayoade and Matt King. The game’s stunning visuals, powered by the ForzaTech engine, and its expansive open-world design promise a modern take on the franchise, while its day-one availability on Xbox Game Pass ensures broad accessibility.
Fable official trailer:
6 Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater
Release Date: August 28, 2025
Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S
Why It’s Hyped: Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater stands out as one of the most exciting games of 2025 due to its stunning reimagining of the beloved 2004 classic, Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater. This remake leverages cutting-edge technology to deliver breathtaking visuals, enhanced gameplay mechanics, and a faithfully recreated narrative that immerses players in the Cold War-era jungle adventure of Naked Snake.
Konami’s dedication to preserving the original’s iconic stealth-action essence while introducing modern refinements ensures it appeals to both longtime fans and newcomers. With its blend of cinematic storytelling, tactical espionage, and technical prowess, Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater promises to be a landmark release this year.
Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater release date trailer:
5 Doom: The Dark Ages
Release Date: May 15, 2025
Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S
Why It’s Hyped: Doom: The Dark Ages is one of the most highly anticipated games of 2025 due to its bold reimagining of the iconic Doom franchise, blending visceral, high-octane combat with a fresh medieval-inspired setting. Developed by id Software, the game promises a cinematic prequel to Doom (2016) and Doom Eternal, diving into the Doom Slayer’s origins with a darker, fantasy-driven narrative packed with cutscenes and deeper storytelling.
Innovative gameplay features, like the versatile Shield Saw, new melee weapons such as a flail and mace, and the ability to pilot a cybernetic dragon or a towering Atlan mech, elevate the series’ signature “rip and tear” action to new heights. Coupled with expansive levels, a heavy metal soundtrack, and the return of grounded, strategic combat reminiscent of the original Doom, it’s no surprise fans are eagerly awaiting this ambitious evolution of the demon-slaying saga.
Doom: The Dark Ages official trailer:
4 Death Stranding 2: On The Beach
Release Date: June 26, 2025
Platforms: PS5
Why It’s Hyped: Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is a highly anticipated title due to Hideo Kojima’s unparalleled reputation for crafting ambitious, genre-defying experiences, coupled with the game’s promise to expand on the original’s groundbreaking formula. Set for release in 2025, its recent trailer showcased a visually stunning world with surreal landscapes and cinematic storytelling, featuring a star-studded cast including Norman Reedus, Elle Fanning, and new additions like George Miller.
The sequel introduces refined traversal mechanics, deeper social connectivity features, and a narrative that explores themes of isolation and hope, resonating with fans eager for Kojima’s unique vision. With 95% completion confirmed by Kojima Productions and buzz on social media highlighting its “mind-bending” scope, Death Stranding 2 is poised to captivate players seeking an innovative adventure before Grand Theft Auto VI’s 2026 launch.
Death Stranding 2: On The Beach trailer:
3 Mario Kart World
Release Date: June 5, 2025
Platforms: Nintendo Switch 2
Why It’s Hyped: Mario Kart World is among 2025’s most highly anticipated games due to its bold reinvention of the beloved Mario Kart franchise, launching exclusively on the Nintendo Switch 2 on June 5, 2025. As a launch title, it introduces an open-world format, allowing players to seamlessly race across interconnected regions like bustling cities and volcanic plains, a first for the series.
With 24-player races—doubling the series’ norm—new modes like Knockout Tour, and over 40 playable characters with unlockable costumes, it promises unprecedented scale and variety. The game’s stunning visuals, inspired by Super Mario Bros. Wonder, and innovative mechanics like rail grinding and dynamic weather have sparked massive excitement, with X posts praising its “beautiful graphics” and “cool mechanics,” positioning it as a potential system-seller for the Switch 2.
Mario Kart World - Nintendo Direct video
2 Ghost of Yōtei
Release Date: October 2, 2025
Platforms: PS5
Why It’s Hyped: Set to release in 2025, Sucker Punch’s Ghost of Tsushima sequel introduces a new protagonist, Atsu, a female samurai, navigating the breathtaking yet perilous landscapes around Mount Yotei in 1603. Sucker Punch’s promise of enhanced combat mechanics, deeper customization, and a narrative exploring themes of vengeance and honor has sparked fervent excitement, amplified by a reveal trailer showcasing fluid swordplay and vibrant visuals. With fans on X praising its “next-level immersion” and the original’s 10 million-plus sales as a benchmark, Ghost of Yotei is poised to deliver a cinematic masterpiece that will captivate players before GTA 6 launches.
1 Elden Ring: Nightreign
Release Date: May 30, 2025
Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S
Why It’s Hyped: Elden Ring: Nightreign has emerged as one of 2025’s most anticipated games due to its bold reimagining of the Elden Ring universe, blending FromSoftware’s signature challenging combat with innovative co-op and roguelike elements. Set in the procedurally generated Limveld, this standalone spin-off introduces a thrilling three-player co-op experience where players, as Nightfarers, navigate a shrinking map across three day-and-night cycles to battle formidable bosses, including the enigmatic Nightlord.
The game’s promise of randomized enemies, rewards, and environments ensures no two runs are alike, amplifying replayability and strategic depth. Coupled with FromSoftware’s proven track record, as seen in Elden Ring and Shadow of the Erdtree, and a swift release on May 30, 2025, following its reveal at The Game Awards 2024, Elden Ring: Nightreign has ignited excitement for its fresh take on a beloved franchise
Elden Ring: Nightreign overview trailer
The GTA 6 delay reshapes the 2025 Game of the Year race, giving other studios a golden opportunity to shine. Without GTA 6’s colossal presence, games like Elden Ring: Nightreign and Ghost of Yōtei are frontrunners to sweep awards with their innovative mechanics and stunning worlds. Fans on social media buzz with excitement for this competitive lineup, with fans calling 2025 a “stacked” year where bold storytelling and genre-defining gameplay could steal the spotlight from Rockstar’s absence.
You can watch the latest trailer for Grand Theft Auto VI below:
