The anticipation surrounding the future of PC gaming has reached a new height with the recent unveiling of the Most Wanted PC games for 2025 and beyond, as determined by the PC Gaming Show. This extensive list, compiled through the votes of over 80 industry experts, showcases titles poised to shape the gaming landscape in the upcoming months. Notably, the much-anticipated Grand Theft Auto VI has made a surprising appearance at fifth place, falling short of the top three spots that many might have expected.
The reveal was part of a dynamic two-hour presentation that featured an array of trailers, announcements, and exclusive behind-the-scenes insights from various studios. Esteemed figures in the gaming industry, including Brenda and John Romero, Brian Fargo, and Tanya DePass, contributed their expertise to the judging panel, ensuring a well-rounded selection of titles.
As with any forward-looking list, the release dates for these games vary significantly. Eight titles are currently marked with the dreaded “TBD,” while another seven have a vague promise of “2025.” Interestingly, one title, The Thing: Remastered, has already launched, surprising fans with its release just a day prior to the event.
The 25 most wanted PC games of 2025
25) Judas
Developer: Ghost Story Games; release date: TBD
This narrative-driven first-person shooter from Ken Levine, the creative mind behind BioShock, immerses players in a story set aboard a doomed starship.
24) Killing Floor 3
Tripwire Interactive; early 2025
The co-op horde shooter returns, transporting players to the year 2091, where they will face new horrors alongside familiar foes like the Husks.
23) Control 2
Remedy Entertainment; TBD
Despite the original Control not necessitating a sequel, the anticipation for Control 2 remains high, with fans eager for its release.
22) Crescent County
Electric Saint; TBD
This title offers a unique blend of “witch tech” with elements of racing, decorating, and flirting, presenting a fresh take on life simulation games.
21) Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector
Jump Over the Age; January 2025
The sequel to Citizen Sleeper promises another engaging narrative-driven sci-fi adventure, set to launch next month.
20) Perfect Dark
The Initiative; TBD
A reimagining of Rare’s classic Perfect Dark, this sequel is being developed by the team behind the Tomb Raider reboot, aiming to deliver an Xbox console exclusive.
19) Menace
Overhype Studios; 2025
From the creators of Battle Brothers, Menace ventures into sci-fi territory with tactical gameplay that promises intense skirmishes.
18) Mafia: The Old Country
Hangar 13; 2025
This prequel to the Mafia series invites players back to Sicily, offering a visually stunning experience that could become the series’ best installment yet.
17) Dune: Awakening
Funcom; Early 2025
Set in Frank Herbert’s iconic universe, Dune: Awakening is an open-world survival MMO developed by the team behind Conan Exiles.
16) Witchbrook
Chucklefish; TBD
This 2D pixel art game combines magic, life simulation, and school-life elements, creating a cozy and enchanting experience.
15) Skate.
Full Circle; 2025
After a 15-year hiatus, the beloved skating series returns as a free-to-play game in early access, aiming to honor its roots while introducing new mechanics.
14) Project 007
IO Interactive; TBD
The creators of Hitman are working on a James Bond game, though details remain scarce at this stage.
13) Atomfall
Rebellion; March 27, 2025
Set in an alternate timeline of Britain, Atomfall allows players to explore a fictional quarantine zone filled with scavenging, crafting, and intriguing characters.
12) Light No Fire
Hello Games; TBD
The team behind No Man’s Sky returns with a single-planet survival game that intertwines fantasy with exploration.
11) Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater
Konami; TBD
This remake of Snake Eater promises stunning visuals and reimagined gameplay, although it may not arrive until 2026.
10) The Thing: Remastered
Nightdive Studios; out now
The classic horror game from 2002 has been revitalized and is now available for players to enjoy.
9) Wanderstop
Ivy Road; March 2025
Davey Wreden’s latest project is poised to be a contender for indie game of the year, featuring a complex narrative experience backed by Annapurna Interactive.
8) Avowed
Obsidian Entertainment; February 18, 2025
This first-person fantasy RPG marks Obsidian’s return since The Outer Worlds, and it certainly looks promising as its launch date approaches.
7) Kingdom Come: Deliverance II
Warhorse Studios; February 4, 2025
The sequel to the medieval RPG arrives earlier than anticipated, promising an even richer historical experience.
6) Death Stranding 2: On the Beach
Kojima Productions; 2025
Hideo Kojima’s sequel continues the journey of Sam Porter Bridges, set against a backdrop of an expanded and visually stunning world.
5) Grand Theft Auto VI
Rockstar Games; 2025
The highly anticipated next installment in the GTA series is set for a fall 2025 release, though the specifics of its PC launch remain uncertain.
4) Slay the Spire 2
Mega Crit; 2025
This sequel aims to build upon the beloved deck-building roguelike, promising even more strategic gameplay for fans.
3) Monster Hunter Wilds
Capcom; February 28, 2025
Capcom’s latest entry in the monster-slaying RPG genre showcases beautiful environments and refined combat mechanics.
2) DOOM: The Dark Ages
id Software; 2025
This prequel explores the origins of the Doom Slayer, merging medieval chaos with demonic action reminiscent of classic PC FPS titles.
1) Sid Meier’s Civilization VII
Firaxis Games; February 11, 2025
The reigning champion of 4X strategy games is set to return, introducing new mechanics, fresh civilizations, and an immersive gameplay experience that promises to challenge your system’s capabilities.