As 2025 draws to a close, the spotlight turns to the year’s least optimized PC games. This assessment is based on the latest iterations of these titles, rather than initial reviews, acknowledging that some developers have made significant strides in improving performance since launch.
Games That Escaped the List
Before delving into the poorly optimized titles, it’s worth noting a couple of games that have notably improved. First up is MindsEye. Despite its mixed reception, Build A Rocket Boy has made substantial performance enhancements, allowing the game to run nearly twice as fast on the same hardware. While opinions on the game itself may vary, it no longer deserves the label of being unoptimized.
Next is Echoes of the End, which initially suffered from severe stuttering issues. Fortunately, developers have implemented fixes that have improved its performance, placing it above many other Unreal Engine 5 titles. It’s crucial to differentiate between a game’s quality and its performance, and in this case, Echoes of the End has made commendable progress.
7) Rise of the Ronin
At number seven, we find Rise of the Ronin. While the game offers an engaging experience, its PC version has been criticized for its optimization. Players attempting to run it on Ultra Settings often encounter a chaotic experience, as the high GPU demands are not justified by the visuals. Lowering the settings can yield better performance, yet it’s disappointing that Team Ninja has a history of such optimization issues.
6) Double Fine’s Keeper
In sixth place is Double Fine’s Keeper. This title boasts a striking art style, but its performance leaves much to be desired. Achieving a smooth 60FPS at Native 4K requires players to dial back settings to Medium, which is perplexing given the game’s visual demands. The lack of justification for its high GPU requirements is a letdown for fans of the studio.
5) The Outer Worlds 2
The Outer Worlds 2 claims the fifth spot. With Ray Tracing enabled, the game becomes nearly unplayable on most systems. Disabling this feature can help, but mid-range PCs still struggle due to the game’s heavy reliance on only a few CPU cores. The stuttering issues and unimpressive graphics further exacerbate the situation, making one question the necessity of its high GPU demands.
4) Borderlands 4
Fourth on the list is Borderlands 4. Although a recent performance update from Gearbox has alleviated some issues, particularly for GPUs with 8GB of VRAM, the game still suffers from stutters and high GPU requirements that seem unwarranted. While the update is a step in the right direction, there remains considerable work to be done.
3) Monster Hunter Wilds
Taking the third spot is Monster Hunter Wilds. This title, like its predecessor Dragon’s Dogma 2, grapples with significant performance problems. Despite a recent update from Capcom and promises for future improvements, the game continues to struggle across all platforms, raising concerns about the RE Engine’s capabilities.
2) Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2
In second place, Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 suffers from severe stuttering that can render the game unplayable. The absence of a substantial patch, coupled with only minor hotfixes, leaves players frustrated. Given its lackluster sales, there’s little hope for a comprehensive resolution to its optimization woes.
1) Oblivion Remastered
Finally, the title of the worst-optimized PC game of 2025 goes to Oblivion Remastered. Released by Virtuos, the game has seen no updates since April, leaving it plagued by stutters and various bugs. Despite its impressive visual upgrades, the technical shortcomings severely detract from the overall experience. It’s a disappointing fate for a beloved franchise that deserves better treatment.
As we transition into the new year, it’s essential to reflect on these titles and their optimization journeys, while also looking forward to the potential for improvements in the gaming landscape.
