The Ultimate Gaming Bucket List: Top 10 Must-Play Licensed Games Right Now

The gaming landscape of 2025 has been nothing short of spectacular, offering a diverse array of immersive experiences for every type of player. From sprawling open worlds to gripping narratives, developers have pushed the boundaries of interactive entertainment. If you’re looking to invest your time and money in the best that the industry has to offer, look no further. Here is a curated list of the top 10 licensed games that have defined the year and are absolutely worth your attention.

An Epic Journey Through Feudal Japan: Assassin’s Creed Shadows

Assassin’s Creed Shadows transports players to the long-awaited setting of feudal Japan, offering a breathtakingly beautiful and historically rich open world. This installment introduces a dual protagonist system, allowing you to experience the story through the eyes of both a shinobi and a samurai, each with unique skills and perspectives. The game masterfully blends stealth, exploration, and visceral combat, creating a deeply engaging and unforgettable adventure.

A Hauntingly Beautiful Post-Apocalyptic Sequel: Death Stranding 2: On the Beach

Hideo Kojima’s visionary sequel, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, expands upon the innovative gameplay of its predecessor. Players will once again traverse a hauntingly beautiful and treacherous world, connecting disparate communities in a post-apocalyptic landscape. With stunning visuals, a deeply enigmatic narrative, and refined gameplay mechanics, this title offers a truly unique and thought-provoking experience that will stay with you long after the credits roll.

The Highly Anticipated Expansion of a Masterpiece: Elden Ring: Nightreign

FromSoftware returns to the Lands Between with Elden Ring: Nightreign, a masterful expansion that builds upon the critically acclaimed original. This DLC introduces a vast new area to explore, filled with formidable new bosses, intriguing lore, and a wealth of new weapons and abilities. For fans of challenging yet rewarding gameplay, Nightreign is an essential addition to the Elden Ring saga, offering dozens of hours of new content to conquer.

A Thrilling Hunt in a Vibrant Ecosystem: Monster Hunter Wilds

Capcom’s latest entry in the beloved Monster Hunter series, Monster Hunter Wilds, delivers an unparalleled action RPG experience. Set in a sprawling and dynamic ecosystem, players will track and hunt a variety of awe-inspiring monsters, each with its own unique behaviors and challenges. The game’s emphasis on preparation, strategy, and skillful execution makes every hunt a thrilling and rewarding endeavor.

A Gritty and Realistic Medieval Saga: Kingdom Come: Deliverance II

Warhorse Studios’ sequel to the critically acclaimed RPG, Kingdom Come: Deliverance II, continues the gritty and realistic portrayal of medieval life. Players will once again be immersed in a historically accurate world, where every choice has consequences. With its deep and engaging questlines, challenging combat system, and unwavering attention to detail, this title offers a truly immersive and authentic medieval experience.

A New Era of Grand Strategy: Civilization VII

The legendary Civilization series returns with its seventh installment, offering an even more addictive and nuanced grand strategy experience. Civilization VII introduces new civilizations, leaders, and gameplay mechanics that will challenge even the most seasoned veterans of the franchise. The pursuit of scientific, cultural, or military dominance has never been more engaging, ensuring countless hours of strategic gameplay.

A Visually Stunning and Brutal New IP: Black Myth: Wukong

Black Myth: Wukong has been one of the most anticipated titles in recent years, and it delivers on its promise of a visually stunning and brutally challenging action RPG. Based on the classic Chinese novel Journey to the West, the game features breathtaking graphics, fluid combat, and epic boss battles. It’s a true showcase of next-generation gaming and a must-play for fans of the genre.

The Definitive Football Simulation: EA Sports FC 25

EA Sports continues to refine its football simulation with EA Sports FC 25. Boasting enhanced graphics, more realistic player animations, and deeper gameplay mechanics, this title offers the most authentic football experience to date. Whether you’re managing your favorite club in career mode or competing against players online, FC 25 delivers the beautiful game in stunning detail.

The Next Chapter in a Legendary Franchise: Final Fantasy XVII

Square Enix’s latest mainline Final Fantasy entry, Final Fantasy XVII, continues the series’ tradition of epic storytelling and breathtaking worlds. With a captivating narrative, a memorable cast of characters, and an innovative combat system, this installment is a worthy successor to its legendary predecessors. It’s a sprawling JRPG that will immerse you in its world for hundreds of hours.

A Triumphant Return to Form: Dragon Age: The Veilguard

BioWare’s highly anticipated return to the world of Thedas, Dragon Age: The Veilguard, is a triumphant return to form for the beloved RPG franchise. The game features a rich and branching narrative, deep character customization, and strategic, party-based combat. It’s a must-play for fans of high fantasy and compelling storytelling.