2025 was a pretty good year for games, I still have plenty to try. I know I got my fill. I can bounce between games sometimes so I was sure to try a decent amount out this year. Some land, some don't. I also go back to the olds that I know just work so some old games may be in here.
According to my steam replay, I played 36 games - 27 being new ones.
Warframe
I have to start this list with what apparently is my most played game percentage wise on Steam at 20% for 2025! Revisiting this game after being YEARS away was awesome. Playing with a group of friends, most new to the game, made this revisit really special. Leveling up with friends, experiencing the new stories, having IRL money for cool cosmetics made this experience the one I wish I had when I first got into it. I played mainly on PC (keybmouse & controller) with a dash on the phone if I was away or needed a break working. The amount of content given away for free in this game is insane, and I recommend it to anyone looking for a PvE game. The grind is real though.. be aware.
Battlefield 6
My most HYPED game of the year. Not saying my favorite or best as I do have thoughts about this game, but it is still very fun and I couldn't wait to play this. It felt like forever after the disapointment of Battlefield 2042, so getting hyped with friends, family and coworkers for this game felt special. The discourse all throughout the internet during the beta and release of the game made just made you want to peak at the hype, but the gameplay made you stay. It truly is another Battlefield game which is awesome to have as an option again. While I don't think this game is perfect, I have plenty fun and cannot wait for the future content for this game.
Arc Raiders
Now this is my personal game of the year. Initially the game looked boring to me. Another extraction shooter, decent art style, servicable graphics and familiar gunplay (clear as day Star Wars Battlefront devs). Every video seemed to be only that, and I wasn't too interested. But the hype never died down and I started to see the game everywhere. I had leftover Steam money so decided to give a shot and worse case scenario I'll refund - but after a few raids I was hooked.
Loading in I could see that the graphics were realistic and beautiful looking, but what launched me into total immersion was the top tier audio. After taking a few steps, I heard gunshots out in the distant and boom I was in fight or flight - carefully listening for anything else. I noticed the Arc interacted with the player and the environment in a way I haven't seen before. The ARC fly with real quad like drone physics, or walk and trip in creepily realistic movement patterns. They search for you as if they are sentient and truly scanning for threats.
The community and other players Raider interactions felt nuanced opposed to Tarkov where everything is shoot on sight. Every time I saw someone I didn't know whether to shoot as someone playing a PVP game, or approach and try to be friendly as a fellow human. At times I feel like I'm playing a game of morality, instead of loot and extraction. When you are deep into this game, it pulls you in like 'Sword Art Online'. The lines between being a virtual character and a real person in that world gets blurred. Shooting a gun has weight and with every trigger pull you are commiting to the loud bang, echo, and harm to the world. Seeing ARC makes my heart rate increase forcing me to rethink my route or approach. Every extract came with a sense of relief as if I truly did escape from a life threatening event. I am aware this is nerdy, but when a game is capable of immersing you like this it's nothing to shrug off. Embark did something special here and despite the game looking as just another extraction shooter on the outside, I can tell you 100%.. it is not. My personal favorite game of the year and I I'd recommend it to everyone looking for a thrill.
Space Marine 2
The Finals
Honorable Mentions
Golf with your Friends
Minecraft
Team Fortress 2
Soon to Play
Half Life 1
Boltgun
Stalker 2