The year 2025 is set to be a remarkable one for fantasy gaming enthusiasts, with a lineup of highly anticipated titles that promise to transport players into mesmerizing realms filled with adventure, magic, and epic storytelling. Here's a glimpse into some of the standout fantasy games scheduled for release this year:
1. Elden Ring Nightreign
FromSoftware, renowned for its challenging and immersive titles, is set to release Elden Ring Nightreign on May 30, 2025. This cooperative spin-off of the acclaimed Elden Ring transports players to a procedurally generated version of Limgrave, now known as Limveld. Designed for teams of three, players will collaborate over three in-game days to prepare for a climactic boss battle. The game introduces a dynamic shrinking gameplay area, adding layers of strategy and urgency to the experience.
2. Absolum
Developed by Guard Crush Games in collaboration with Supamonks, and published by Dotemu, Absolum is an action-RPG "rogue-'em-up" inspired by classic fantasy brawlers like Golden Axe and Dungeons & Dragons: Chronicles of Mystara. Set in the fantasy realm of Talamh, players will join rebels fighting against the tyrannical Sun King Azra. The game promises intricate combat, replayability through unlockable items and quests, and both solo and co-op modes. A gameplay reveal is anticipated in spring 2025.
3. Crimson Desert
Pearl Abyss, the studio behind Black Desert Online, ventures into open-world single-player adventures with Crimson Desert. Set in the medieval fantasy world of Pywel, players follow mercenary protagonist Kliff in a narrative that echoes elements from Dragon’s Dogma and The Witcher. The game is slated for release on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.
4. Chronos: The New Dawn
Chronos: The New Dawn, developed by Bloober Team, combines elements reminiscent of Dead Space and Bioshock, featuring nightmarish creatures within a retro-futurist, time-traveling narrative. Players will traverse between a desolate post-apocalyptic future and 1980s Poland, extracting essences of key individuals to alter the future. The game is expected to launch on PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC in 2025.
5. Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time
The next installment in the Fantasy Life series, The Girl Who Steals Time, is set for an April 2025 release on the Nintendo Switch. This open-world RPG allows players to build unique characters and explore a mysterious island, traveling through time and solving puzzles. Players can choose from various jobs, engage in combat, farming, mining, fishing, and more, while designing their homes and towns to restore the island's former glory.
6. Eternal Strands
Inspired by titles like Shadow of the Colossus and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Eternal Strands follows warrior Brynn on a quest to uncover the secrets of an ancient civilization. Utilizing abilities like manipulating natural elements and telekinesis, players will face nine distinct bosses, each offering new skills and gear upon defeat. The game is scheduled for release on January 28, 2025, for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.
7. Dreamed Away
Dreamed Away is an action-adventure RPG that tells the story of Théo, a boy lost in a mysterious city in 1990s France. Featuring beautifully animated pixel art, the game explores human emotions as Théo searches for his sister amidst dungeons filled with phantoms. It boasts a unique, fast-paced combat system comprising mini-games. A demo is currently available on Steam, with the full release expected in 2025 for Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, and PC.
These upcoming titles showcase the diverse and immersive experiences awaiting fantasy game enthusiasts in 2025, each offering unique worlds, compelling narratives, and innovative gameplay mechanics
