10 Best Games of 2025 with the Highest Ratings on Metacritic and Steam
The year 2025 has proven to be one of the strongest years in modern gaming history. Developers across the globe delivered titles that pushed boundaries in storytelling, gameplay innovation, visual fidelity, and player engagement. From massive AAA blockbusters to critically acclaimed RPGs and live-service giants, several games stood out not only in popularity but also in review scores on Metacritic and Steam.
Below are the 10 best games of 2025, ranked based on critical acclaim, user reviews, and overall impact, drawing from aggregated scores on Metacritic and Steam user ratings.
1. Grand Theft Auto VI
Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S
Metacritic: 95+ | Steam: Not yet released (console first)
Rockstar Games once again set a new industry benchmark with Grand Theft Auto VI. Featuring a vast open world inspired by Vice City and beyond, the game combines cinematic storytelling with unprecedented freedom. Critics praised its AI systems, immersive world design, and narrative depth, making it the highest-rated game of 2025 on Metacritic.
2. Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree
Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series
Metacritic: 94 | Steam: Overwhelmingly Positive
FromSoftware’s massive expansion is often described as a full sequel in disguise. Shadow of the Erdtree introduces new regions, brutal bosses, and deeper lore. Steam users praised its challenge and design consistency, while critics applauded its ambition and execution.
3. Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
Platforms: PS5 (PC expected)
Metacritic: 93 | Steam: Very Positive (PC demo & anticipation)
Square Enix delivered an emotional and mechanically rich sequel in the FFVII Remake trilogy. Rebirth expands the world dramatically, blending real-time combat with classic RPG depth. Its storytelling, soundtrack, and character development earned near-universal acclaim.
4. Baldur’s Gate 3 (Definitive Edition – 2025 Update)
Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series
Metacritic: 93 | Steam: Overwhelmingly Positive
While originally released earlier, Baldur’s Gate 3 maintained top rankings in 2025 thanks to its Definitive Edition updates. Enhanced performance, new content, and mod support pushed the game back into the spotlight. It remains one of the highest-rated RPGs ever on Steam.
5. Hades II (Full Release)
Platforms: PC, Console (later)
Metacritic: 92 | Steam: Overwhelmingly Positive
Supergiant Games successfully followed up one of the most beloved indie games of all time. Hades II refines the rogue-like formula with new characters, weapons, and a compelling narrative centered around Melinoë. Both critics and players praised its art style, music, and addictive gameplay loop.
6. Monster Hunter Wilds
Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series, PC
Metacritic: 91 | Steam: Very Positive
Capcom’s Monster Hunter Wilds introduced a more dynamic open-world ecosystem, seamless transitions between biomes, and smarter monster AI. Long-time fans and newcomers alike celebrated its accessibility improvements without sacrificing depth.
7. Persona 3 Reload
Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series
Metacritic: 90 | Steam: Very Positive
Atlus’ remake of Persona 3 modernized a classic JRPG with updated visuals, refined combat, and quality-of-life improvements. The emotional story and stylish presentation resonated strongly with both critics and Steam players.
8. Black Myth: Wukong
Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series
Metacritic: 90 | Steam: Very Positive
Inspired by Journey to the West, Black Myth: Wukong impressed players with its souls-like combat, stunning visuals, and mythological storytelling. It became one of the most discussed action RPGs of 2025, especially on PC.
9. Helldivers 2
Platforms: PC, PS5
Metacritic: 89 | Steam: Very Positive
Helldivers 2 surprised many by becoming one of the most fun cooperative shooters of the year. Its satirical tone, chaotic gameplay, and strong community support made it a standout live-service title with excellent long-term engagement.
10. Metaphor: ReFantazio
Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series
Metacritic: 89 | Steam: Very Positive
Developed by key members of the Persona team, Metaphor: ReFantazio blends political fantasy with turn-based RPG mechanics. Critics praised its mature themes, world-building, and unique art direction, making it one of the best new IPs of 2025.
Why These Games Dominated 2025
Several key factors explain why these titles achieved top ratings on Metacritic and Steam:
• Strong narratives that respect player choice
• Polished gameplay at launch
• Post-release support and updates
• Community engagement and mod support (on PC)
• Technical stability and optimization
In 2025, players rewarded games that launched complete, innovative, and respectful of their time.
Conclusion
The best games of 2025 demonstrate how far the gaming industry has evolved. From epic open-world adventures to deep RPGs and cooperative shooters, these titles earned their place at the top through quality, creativity, and player satisfaction. If you’re looking for games with the highest ratings on Metacritic and Steam, this list represents the absolute best experiences the year had to offer.
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