The previous few years have been a superb time for sci-fi gaming followers, and 2025 was no exception. We’ve launched into expansive area journeys, battled cosmic behemoths, and survived the post-apocalypse a number of instances over. And now, because the yr involves a detailed, we’re right here to put down the area regulation with our greatest sci-fi and area video games of 2025.
We’ve seen all of it, from big-budget, AAA titles like The Outer Worlds 2 and DOOM: The Dark Ages to plucky indie tasks like Routine and Citizen Sleeper 2. Almost each style is represented on this listing too, with technique video games and RPGs sitting proudly alongside first-person shooters and preventing video games.
10. The Outer Worlds 2
Release date: October 29, 2025 | Platforms: PC (Windows), PS5, Xbox Series X/S | Developer: Obsidian Entertainment
The Outer Worlds blasted off in late 2025 to surprisingly little fanfare, however most gamers agree it is a large improve over the unique space-set RPG. With a much more comedic tone, bigger maps (throughout a number of planets) to discover, and versatile dialogue and development techniques, it packed virtually every part we may’ve wished from a follow-up.
The story follows an all-new customized character — an Earth Directorate agent — tasked with uncovering what’s inflicting harmful rifts which can be spreading throughout the galaxy. As you’d anticipate from an Obsidian recreation, the narrative is formed by your selections and actions, with character builds providing all kinds of bonus choices to take care of delicate conditions. The replay worth is excessive, so long as the combination of FPS motion and open-ended exploration clicks with you.
9. Dune: Awakening
Release date: June 10, 2025 | Platform: PC (Windows) | Developer: Funcom
Though it is not immediately linked to Denis Villeneuve’s large film variations, Dune: Awakening places a lot of their aesthetic to good use and manages to seize the cruel, however lovely surprise of Arrakis.
As a web based survival recreation, it does not break a number of new floor, however Frank Herbert’s universe’s distinctive traits and parts give it a special taste from the get-go and refresh the acquainted MMO gameplay loop.
In a gaming panorama stuffed with always-online MMOs value exploring in depth, Arrakis’ treacherous sands and its extra populated locales are alluring in methods even the largest Dune followers weren’t anticipating at first. With a deal with base-building, factions, and tales that develop on the characters and lore we already knew, Dune: Awakening finds its personal steadiness and rewards persistent teams of gamers.
As a solo adventurer, there’s additionally enjoyable available, however put together your self for a extra nomadic playstyle, making use of powers and devices to keep away from direct battle. Just bear in mind: Do not concern. Fear is the mind-killer.
8. DOOM: The Dark Ages
Release date: May 15, 2025 | Platforms: PC (Windows), PS5, Xbox Series X/S | Developer: id Software
Taking on total demonic armies of hell by no means will get previous, particularly after we get to step into the massive stompy boots of the mighty Doom Slayer (or Doomguy for the OG followers). This yr, DOOM: The Dark Ages gave us an especially steel prequel that — whereas a bit too lore and cutscene-heavy — offered extra shocking methods and gameplay refreshes to maintain the long-running FPS sequence alive and kicking butt.
But wait, this can be a sci-fi listing; does not DOOM: The Dark Ages have a medieval setting? Yes, nevertheless it additionally accommodates loads of plasma weapons, rocket launchers, spaceships, and whatnot. It expertly mixes darkish fantasy and sci-fi parts, and the artwork course alone makes it an journey value embarking on.
Some say you possibly can’t train an previous canine new methods, however id Software has confirmed all of the doubters mistaken as soon as once more. Sure, it is not as impressed because the finest DOOM video games, however few shooter formulation have remained this enjoyable and iconic for therefore lengthy.
7. Marvel Cosmic Invasion
Release date: December 1, 2025 | Platforms: PC (Windows & Linux), PS4/5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch 1/2 | Developer: Tribute Games
Another large favourite that arrived proper earlier than the top of the yr was Marvel Cosmic Invasion. Tribute Games is not any stranger to knocking out wonderful side-scrolling blasts from the previous (however they’re fashionable releases), so expectations had been excessive.
With a enjoyable solid of heroes borrowed from throughout Marvel’s historical past, and sufficient combos and particular strikes to hold the journey to the end line, it is certainly one of our favourite fashionable beat ’em ups and little doubt one of many yr’s finest sci-fi video games general.
Annihilus, an often-overlooked Marvel villain, additionally will get much-deserved time to shine on this pixelated cosmic odyssey, along with his insectoid Annihilation Wave on the heart of the galaxy-wide chaos that additionally showcases different well-known dangerous guys like Knull and Galactus. A lesser model of Marvel Cosmic Invasion may’ve been one-note, however Tribute Games went for broke with each the roster of playable characters and the choice of enemies and areas. The result’s an incredible celebration of the extra space-oriented aspect of the Marvel universe.
6. Terminator 2D: NO FATE
Release date: December 12, 2025 | Platforms: PC (Windows), PS4/5, Xbox One & Series X/S, Nintendo Switch | Developer: Bitmap Bureau
We not too long ago ran by way of the Terminator video games which can be really good, since most of them… you realize, suck. We can add one other entry to that listing, although, as Bitmap Bureau’s Terminator 2D: NO FATE is an authorized banger. It leans exhausting on the retro vibes and refreshes the side-scrolling formulation with some new methods.
At first look, it’d seem like an old style throwback with pure arcade DNA you possibly can beat in a single sitting, however with alternate story paths and loads of unlockable modes that make achievement-hunting a blast, Terminator 2D: NO FATE surprises with out diluting its pick-up-and-play nature. The pixel artwork is beautiful; the controls are easy; and the mission selection retains the expertise dynamic throughout its quick runtime. James Cameron’s 1991 sci-fi motion masterpiece lastly has a recreation tie-in worthy of its legacy.
5. Tempest Rising
Release date: April 24, 2025 | Platform: PC (Windows) | Developer: Slipgate Ironworks
Slipgate Ironworks shocked us in 2025 with Tempest Rising, a superb sci-fi real-time technique recreation. At first look, it appears very Command & Conquer influenced, however when you get previous the plain homages, you may uncover Tempest Rising is a lot extra.
With two very asymmetrical playable factions (and the promise of stranger additions on the horizon), this RTS leans exhausting on its sci-fi parts, and the moment-to-moment enjoyable issue is greater due to it.
The story takes us into an alternate historical past Earth the place two factions battle over the management of territory and the mysterious Tempest useful resource, which has enabled all kinds of technological developments. The complexity rapidly ramps up, and the 2 distinct campaigns know the right way to hold issues participating in the long term. After that, after all, it is all about offline skirmishes and, in case you’re courageous sufficient, dueling on-line opponents. With sturdy base-building, stable fight mechanics, and well-designed items, Tempest Rising now sits comfortably among the many RTS classics.
4. Routine
Release date: December 4, 2025 | Platforms: PC (Windows), Xbox One & Series X/S | Developer: Lunar Software
Entertainment Editor Ian right here for this entry. I’m a little bit of a child with regards to horror video games, however I’ll soldier by way of when the aesthetic is on level. So, as a fan of the retrofuturistic, tapepunk look of flicks like Alien, Routine necessitated me placing on my large boy pants and wading in.
I’m glad I did too, as a result of Routine is a masterclass in visible styling, world-building, and pressure. The opening half of the sport performs out just like the android sections of Alien Isolation, as you keep away from killer area robots whereas determining what occurred to the crew of the moon base you had been despatched to restore.
Then one thing else arrives, and we’re a family-friendly web site, which implies I am unable to use the torrent of curse phrases that I might usually use to explain it right here, so I’ll simply say “flip that thing, flip it right to heck”. You’ll spend a bit extra time than is right hiding below a desk, ready for enemies to maneuver so you possibly can proceed, however this minor pacing quibble apart, Routine is totally deserving of your time.
3. Death Stranding 2: On the Beach
Release date: June 26, 2025 | Platform: PS5 | Developer: Kojima Productions
Death Stranding 2 is in contrast to the rest on the market. If you are on the lookout for standard tales and characters, look elsewhere as a result of this can be a Hideo Kojima recreation. He’s a bizarre man, however you possibly can’t deny the person’s potential to craft fashionable and intriguing video games. If you vibe with that, this daring sequel is likely one of the yr’s finest releases.
Death Stranding 2 has an even bigger deal with participant freedom than the unique, letting you sort out deliveries throughout tough landscapes in additional attention-grabbing methods. As a outcome, a lot of the unique’s monotony was nullified, however what about the remaining?
Well, it is exhausting to explain the plot, and even tougher to take action with out spoiling something. But on this off-beat post-apocalypse, the place mysterious hostile creatures roam the Earth and communities search to reconnect by way of the Chiral Network, porter Sam Bridges and his allies search to assist Australian colonies 11 months after the USA-set authentic recreation. With an even bigger deal with fight and autos in between lengthy walks, it actually stands by itself and continues to be a singular expertise. It’s not for everybody, nevertheless it rewards the curious.
2. Split Fiction
Release date: March 6, 2025 | Platforms: PC (Windows), PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch 2 | Developer: Hazelight Studios
After profitable Game of the Year at The Game Awards again in 2021, Hazelight Studios went to work on their subsequent ground-breaking co-op title. The outcome was Split Fiction, a bonkers co-op journey that takes us by way of a smorgasbord of each fantasy and science fiction worlds, honoring the previous and current of the genres throughout gaming, films, and books.
In this crazy journey – which will be performed in split-screen or on-line co-op – two aspiring writers are trapped inside tales they’ve written when an organization tries to shamelessly steal their inventive concepts. This would possibly sound acquainted in our age of AI slop generated utilizing stolen works, however the recreation’s execution is at the least extra entertaining than Big Tech’s makes an attempt to destroy the web.
With gentle cycles and laser cannons that includes alongside dragons and magical powers, there’s by no means a boring second in Split Fiction. The sheer number of concepts, distinct sequences, and set items it throws at you is just mind-blowing. Dust off that second controller, name a buddy, and play this one — you owe it to your self.
1. Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector
Release date: January 31, 2025 | Platforms: PC (Windows & macOS), PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch | Developer: Jump Over The Age
Citizen Sleeper 2 was certainly one of our most anticipated video games for 2025, and launching again in January, it was a improbable technique to begin the yr.
This dice-driven RPG is a standalone sequel to the unique (which you must undoubtedly additionally try), constructing upon every part that made the unique nice. It’s half role-playing recreation, half choose-your-own-adventure ebook in disguise, and your mileage will rely in your tolerance for studying in your video games, however the story it tells is definitely worth the effort.
It’s not only a ebook, although — it is constructed on the inspiration of decision-making and dice-rolling that Dungeons & Dragons followers know and love. You play as an escaped android making an attempt to outlive a chilly, cyberpunk future amongst the celebrities.
Due to its board recreation-like design, the concept is to undergo Citizen Sleeper 2 a number of instances, experiencing totally different outcomes and digging up tales and discoveries you will have missed the primary time round. The easy gameplay implies that repeating runs isn’t a slog, so it is excellent for avid gamers preferring the extra stress-free aspect of the medium.
Just do not anticipate the writing to go really easy on you; Citizen Sleeper 1 & 2 are heavy explorations of transhumanism, the gig financial system, and the strain company management places on all of us. Happy holidays, everybody!!!!