Top Trending Video Games: What's Hot in Gaming This Year

Trending video games have taken over the gaming world this year, and trust me, there’s a lot to keep up with. Each year, I try to stay on top of new releases and trends, but even I get a little dizzy with the number of new titles popping up. The pace? Relentless. The graphics? Insane. But the real kicker? The kind of experiences these games are offering us. Whether you’re a couch warrior like me or a hardcore esports competitor, this year’s lineup has something for everyone.

Open-World Adventures: The Bigger, the Better

Alright, let’s start with the heavy hitters—the open-world games. If you’ve been around the gaming scene even a little bit, you know these are the ones that get the most buzz. But this year? It’s like developers turned it up to 11. More worlds to explore. More ways to break the game. More ridiculous amounts of side quests that you know you’ll never finish.

Take Starfield, for example. Bethesda’s gone full throttle with this space exploration game. And when I say “space,” I’m not talking about a few planets and a couple of moons. Nah, Starfield offers a universe with over 1,000 planets. I mean, if you’re the type who enjoys being lost in a game, this is your new home. I tried exploring just one planet—just one—and somehow ended up spending six hours crafting ship parts. That wasn’t the plan, but you know how it goes.

Then there’s The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. I’ll admit, I was skeptical at first—How could it top Breath of the Wild?—but they somehow pulled it off. The Hyrule map is even more sprawling, and the mechanics? Next level. At this point, I’m convinced they’ve made an entire world out of puzzles I’ll never solve. But man, does it look good.

But hey, it’s not just exploration we’re talking about here. These worlds are alive. They react. One minute you’re saving a town, and the next, a random dragon swoops down to ruin your lunch. You blink and it’s six hours later. Just me? Okay.

Battle Royales & Multiplayer Mayhem: Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop

Look, we all know the battle royale train isn’t slowing down. I’ve tried. We all have. You remember Fortnite? Yeah, it’s still here, and its dominance isn’t going anywhere. As of 2025, it’s getting more content, more skins, and more ways to spend your money. But that’s not the most ridiculous part—what’s nuts is that it still works. The game is a giant, chaotic circus, and you’re invited to the party. The thrill of dropping into a new map, grabbing weapons, and then just praying you don’t get caught in the crossfire—it’s like a digital fever dream, and I’m here for it.

Call of Duty: Warzone is still dominating the multiplayer scene, too. The gameplay is fast-paced, unforgiving, and downright brutal. If you’re someone who has ever raged after getting sniped from across the map, you get it. But hey, there’s something addictive about it. I’ve been known to play for hours and then realize I forgot to eat. But that’s what multiplayer games do—they absorb you in a way that’s almost unnatural.

Trending Video Games aside, there’s Apex Legends, PUBG, and even Fall Guys adding more flavor to the mix. Whether you’re into hardcore action or slapstick chaos, these games have found ways to keep everyone hooked. And the best part? You can jump in, get your adrenaline fix, and then bail—no strings attached.

The Return of Legends: Revamped Classics

Okay, let’s talk nostalgia—because it’s not just new games making waves this year. A bunch of old favorites are coming back with a vengeance. These remakes, reboots, and sequels are reminding us that sometimes, old-school gaming still reigns supreme.

I’ll admit, I was one of the first to queue up for Resident Evil 4 Remake. I loved the original (and by “loved,” I mean it gave me nightmares as a teen), but this remake? Whew. I wasn’t ready for how terrifying it could still be. But that’s the beauty of these remakes. They take everything we loved about the old games and just polish it up. The graphics? Next level. The sound design? Bone-chilling. And yeah, I still jump when a zombie lurches out of nowhere. But I digress.

Then there’s Final Fantasy XVI, which is a huge deal. I’ve been a fan of the series since I could barely hold a controller, so when the latest installment dropped, I dropped everything. The high fantasy vibes? Immaculate. The combat system? Mind-blowing. And don’t even get me started on the soundtrack—chef’s kiss. It’s one of those games you can’t just play while distracted; it demands your full attention. My cat, though? Not a fan. She insists on sitting on my controller when things get too tense. Classic Luna.

And if you thought Street Fighter was dead? Think again. Street Fighter 6 made its comeback this year and has everyone from pros to noobs (hello) diving back into the fighting scene. If you’ve ever spent hours trying to master Ryu’s Hadoken (and failing spectacularly), you know what I’m talking about. But this game’s smooth mechanics, new characters, and accessibility features are bringing in a whole new crowd. Don’t worry, I’m still getting my ass kicked.

VR & AR: Stepping into Other Realities

I gotta be honest here: Virtual Reality was something I was always “meh” about. I watched friends try VR games and thought, “Cool, but it’s not for me.” Fast forward a few months, and now I’m that guy who spends hours in VR, talking to random people in Horizon Call of the Mountain. You know, that game where you fight mechanical dinosaurs in the mountains? It’s so immersive that I almost tried to climb the couch as if it were a rock wall. Spoiler: didn’t work out.

But seriously, VR is here to stay, and it’s only getting better. Games like Half-Life: Alyx and No Man’s Sky VR are making strides that even I didn’t expect. The immersion, the detail—it’s like stepping into another world. Sometimes, I forget I’m in my living room and not fighting off alien invaders.

As for augmented reality (AR), it’s still hanging on, though Pokémon GO isn’t quite the craze it once was. I’m still trying to catch ‘em all (guilty), but it’s the new AR experiences that are slowly creeping up on us. Imagine walking through your neighborhood, interacting with challenges, storylines, or even other players in real life. It’s like something out of a sci-fi movie, but now, it’s happening on your phone. Wait, is that a Pikachu on my driveway?

Indie Games: The Little Guys Stealing the Show

Finally, let’s talk about the underdogs—the indie games. They might not always get the glitzy commercials or millions in marketing, but some of these games are stealing the spotlight. Remember Hades? A rogue-like masterpiece. Or Hollow Knight, which has so much heart it could make you cry… even if you’re just trying to dodge bugs. These games prove that innovation doesn’t need a multi-million-dollar budget.

This year, titles like Lords of the Fallen and Baldur’s Gate 3 are showing us what indie studios can do. They may not have the massive marketing budgets, but their passion for the craft shines through. I’m just here for it.

Anyway, Here’s the Kicker…

Gaming in 2025 is wild, y’all. From open-world adventures that really never end to remakes of games we thought we’d left behind, there’s never been a better time to dive into the virtual chaos. And if you ever find yourself lost in a battle royale or getting caught in a VR trap, remember—there’s no shame in taking a break. Or, you know, playing just one more hour… until your controller dies.