7 most anticipated open-world games set to release in 2025

2025 is filled to the brim with open-world games that have been subject to much anticipation from the masses. Be it a massive AAA release or new developers trying to capture the market, it seems like the games industry has finally recovered from the lull period between 2020 and 2022. As we enter the new year with excitement, we have some intriguing games to look forward to.

Here are the seven most anticipated open-world games set to release in 2025.

Note: This article is subjective, reflective of the writer's opinions, and in no particular order.

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7 most anticipated open-world games that have a 2025 release period

1) Kingdom Come Deliverance II

A still from Kingdom Come Deliverance II (Image via Deep Silver)

When it comes to realistic, grounded, and brutal open-world RPGs, very few games can match up to Kingdom Come Deliverance. This title was praised for its ruthless combat system that focuses on using medieval spears, swords, and shields to conquer your enemies. Now, Warhorse Studios is planning to release the sequel on February 4, 2025.

The game builds upon everything that made the prequel engaging while trying to iron out the technical issues. It also introduces new content to the universe, such as crossbows and firearms.

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2) Monster Hunter Wilds

A still from Monster Hunter Wilds (Image via Capcom)

If you want an RPG with in-depth and varied weapon variety, the Monster Hunter franchise will be right up your alley. Its latest installment, Wilds, tries to bring the series formula up to date with new additions, such as focus mode, 3D maps, and online SOS flares. The title will also continue to introduce new locales and monsters, each having different movesets and weaknesses.

Monster Hunter Wilds is one of the most anticipated open-world games that carries the pedigree of the IP. The game releases on February 28, 2025.

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3) Death Stranding 2: On The Beach

A still from Death Stranding 2: On The Beach (Image via Sony Interactive Entertainment)

When it comes to one of the most divisive games in recent times, Hideo Kojima's Death Stranding has to be one of the top contenders. While the game was unanimously praised for its narrative, it received flack for its lackluster mission designs. However, six years after the prequel, the devs are set to release its successor in 2025.

On The Beach continues the story of Sam Porter, bringing back the previous cast while also introducing new characters. It is definitely one of the most anticipated open-world games releasing sometime in 2025.

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4) Ghost of Yotei

A still from Ghost of Yotei (Image via Sony Interactive Entertainment)

Sucker Punch's Ghost of Tsushima took over the world during its release in 2020. Five years after its release, the devs are finally back with its sequel. The game takes place 329 years after the original and features a new playable character. The devs claim that the sequel will give you more control over the game's narrative and will feature a less repetitive open world.

Sucker Punch's efforts in ironing out the problems with the already great first game make Ghost of Yotei one of the most exciting open-world games releasing sometime in 2025.

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5) Crimson Desert

A still from Crimson Desert (Image via Pearl Abyss)

While earlier entries focused on continuations of already established IPs, Pearl Abyss is about to release one of the most ambitious open-world games in recent times. Set in the fictional world of Pywell, the medieval action-adventure single-player title boasts beautiful visuals, a unique art design, amazing melee-based combat, and an intriguing premise.

This standalone adventure set in the Black Desert universe is set to release in late 2025.

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6) Assassin's Creed Shadows

A still from Assassin's Creed Shadows (Image via Ubisoft)

After an unassuming attempt to revert to its roots with Mirage, Ubisoft is releasing its next continuation in the prominent Assassin's Creed franchise. Assassin's Creed Shadows is set in feudal Japan, towards the end of the Sengoku era. Featuring two new protagonists, Naoe and Yasuke, the game builds upon the stealth and combat mechanics from the previous iterations.

The decision to set the next Assassin's Creed game in the much-awaited Japanese setting makes Shadows one of the most anticipated open-world games releasing on February 14, 2025.

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7) Grand Theft Auto VI

A still from Grand Theft Auto VI (Image via Rockstar Games)

We cannot conclude this list featuring anticipated open-world games without adding what is perhaps the most awaited title in recent years — the sixteenth entry in one of the most popular franchises, Grand Theft Auto VI. The game follows Lucia, the franchise's first playable female protagonist, and Jason as they run amok in Vice City.

GTA VI uses the updated RAGE engine, which was significantly improved after Rockstar used it in GTA V and Red Dead Redemption 2. Hence, the upcoming title could be Rockstar's most graphically advanced title yet. The game is set to release somewhere in 2025.