2025 is shaping up to be a banner year for Xbox gamers, with a diverse range of titles on the horizon, from highly anticipated sequels to innovative new IPs. Whether you're a fan of sprawling open-world adventures, intense action, or thought-provoking narratives, there's something to pique everyone's interest. Here's a look at some of the top Xbox games to watch in the coming year:

AAA Blockbusters and Long-Awaited Sequels

• Gears of War: E-Day: The Coalition is taking players back to the very beginning of the Locust War with Gears of War: E-Day. This installment promises to showcase the raw and brutal conflict that defined a generation, featuring a younger Marcus Fenix and Dom Santiago facing off against the Locust Horde with more primitive weaponry. Fans can expect robust cooperative and competitive multiplayer options, a hallmark of the Gears of War franchise.
• DOOM: The Dark Ages: Prepare for a medieval twist on the iconic FPS series with DOOM: The Dark Ages. This prequel to DOOM and DOOM Eternal will explore the Doomslayer's origin story, pitting him against demonic forces in a dark and gritty setting. Expect intense combat, over-the-top weaponry, and a fusion of medieval and sci-fi elements.
• Fable: The beloved RPG series is making a comeback with Fable, developed by Playground Games, the studio behind the Forza Horizon series. While details remain scarce, this new installment is expected to retain the franchise's signature humor and choice-driven gameplay within a grand fantasy setting.

Intriguing RPGs and Adventure Games

• Avowed: Obsidian Entertainment, known for their RPG expertise, is delivering Avowed, a first-person, open-world RPG set in the world of Pillars of Eternity. Players will explore the Living Lands, a lawless region filled with outcasts and criminals, while investigating a mysterious plague. Avowed promises a blend of sword-and-sorcery combat, exploration, and a deep, lore-rich world. It is set to launch on February 18.
• The Outer Worlds 2: Obsidian Entertainment is also working on The Outer Worlds 2, a choice-driven open-world sci-fi extravaganza. Promising improvements over the first game, it offers an alternative for those who didn't enjoy Starfield.
• South of Midnight: Developed by Compulsion Games, South of Midnight is an action-adventure title with a unique visual style and a focus on narrative. Set in the American South, the game follows Hazel as she confronts mythical creatures and unravels a family mystery.

Other Notable Titles

• Ark 2: Featuring Vin Diesel, Ark 2 is expected to release in early 2025.
• State of Decay 3: Undead Labs is continuing their zombie survival franchise with State of Decay 3. The game is expected to combine stealth, combat, role-playing, and strategy in a persistent online world.
• Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector: Scheduled for release on January 31, Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector is another anticipated title.
• Atomfall: Rebellion Developments' Atomfall is set to release on March 27, 2025.
• Clair Obscur: Expedition 33: This turn-based RPG is the biggest third-party launch on Xbox Game Pass of 2025.

Indie Gems and Game Pass Discoveries

Beyond the AAA titles, 2025 will also bring a wealth of indie games to the Xbox platform, many of which will be available on Xbox Game Pass. These titles often offer unique gameplay experiences, innovative mechanics, and compelling stories. Keep an eye out for announcements and showcases highlighting these smaller, but no less exciting, games.

Xbox Game Pass continues to be a major draw for gamers, offering access to a wide variety of titles for a monthly subscription fee. Many of the games listed above are expected to be available on Game Pass at launch, providing excellent value for subscribers.

With a mix of established franchises and innovative new titles, 2025 promises to be an exciting year for Xbox gamers. The diverse lineup caters to a wide range of tastes, ensuring that there will be plenty of compelling experiences to dive into throughout the year.