TIME magazine has published its gaming results for 2025, presenting a surprisingly diverse selection: the list includes sweeping role-playing epics with remarkable soundtracks, a new work by Kojima, and a long-awaited indie hit. First place went to Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, a rare case in which an RPG topped the annual chart. The editors emphasized that the game stands out for its world design, fantastical creatures, soundtrack, and a combat system that keeps the player engaged at every moment.

Second place was taken by Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, where Hideo Kojima once again draws players into his surreal world, turning every step into a philosophical experience. Third place went to Ghost of Yotei, an action-adventure set in feudal Japan that blends an open world with dynamic combat.

Other Rankings: Horror, Indie, and Multiplayer

Fourth place went to Split Fiction, a cooperative adventure for two players who solve puzzles across parallel realities. Fifth place was awarded to Silent Hill f, a horror title that successfully brought back the series’ signature atmosphere while introducing new mechanics of fear.

Sixth place was taken by Hollow Knight: Silksong, an indie platformer fans had been awaiting for years. Lost Records: Bloom and Rage took seventh place, while eighth went to DOOM: The Dark Ages, a classic first-person shooter with fast and brutal gameplay.

Ninth place went to the arcade racer Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds, which holds players’ attention through high speed and chaotic track action. The list concludes with Marvel Rivals, an online action game centered around superheroes and team-based battles.

Full Top 10 According to TIME

  1. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 (RPG)
  2. Death Stranding 2: On the Beach
  3. Ghost of Yotei
  4. Split Fiction
  5. Silent Hill f
  6. Hollow Knight: Silksong
  7. Lost Records: Bloom and Rage
  8. DOOM: The Dark Ages
  9. Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds
  10. Marvel Rivals

Trends of 2025

The year became one of long-anticipated returns: many titles, including Kojima’s new game, Silent Hill f, Hollow Knight: Silksong, and DOOM: The Dark Ages, had been awaited for years. RPGs such as Clair Obscur dominated the top of the ranking, yet did not overshadow indie projects or multiplayer hits. Japanese aesthetics (Ghost of Yotei), cooperative gameplay (Split Fiction), and strong soundtracks and world design were also notable trends.

In Brief

TIME’s top three games of 2025 were Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, and Ghost of Yotei. The list combines major long-awaited releases (Silent Hill f, Hollow Knight: Silksong, DOOM: The Dark Ages) with fresh hits such as Marvel Rivals. The year was marked by RPG epics, horror titles, and cooperative games, with particular attention paid to music and world building.