GTA 6 Delayed to 2026: Top Games to Play in 2025

The news we all anticipated has finally come to pass: the release of GTA 6 has been pushed back. Initially set for a 2025 launch, this eagerly awaited game will now hit the shelves on May 26, 2026. But don't let this delay dampen your spirits—2025 is shaping up to be an incredible year for gaming enthusiasts. We've already been treated to stellar titles like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, Blue Prince, and Split Fiction. And the excitement doesn't stop there, with a slew of other titles on the horizon. From the samurai-themed Ghost of Yotei to the co-op chaos of Borderlands 4, and even a new console from Nintendo with its own lineup of games, 2025 promises to be a year of unforgettable gaming experiences. Here's a comprehensive look at what you can look forward to in the rest of 2025, minus the "Grand Theft Auto 6" buzz.

What’s next?

With GTA 6 originally slated for later this year, you might not have cleared your gaming calendar just yet. But fret not, because some blockbuster releases are right around the corner. Doom: The Dark Ages is set to launch on May 15 for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC, offering a gothic reimagining of the beloved shooter. Shortly after, Elden Ring Nightreign will hit Xbox, PlayStation, and PC on May 30. This co-op roguelike marks new territory for FromSoftware, promising a fresh take on their signature gameplay for multiplayer enthusiasts.

Fast forward to June, and you can dive into Hideo Kojima’s latest masterpiece, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, arriving exclusively on PS5 on June 26. The trailers are already bursting with innovative concepts, setting the stage for a game that will push boundaries beyond its predecessor's delivery-focused gameplay. If you're a fan of challenging terrain, Dune: Awakening will be available on PC starting June 10. Just remember to keep an eye out for those sandworms and stay hydrated.

Switch 2

With the delay of GTA 6, the spotlight now shines brightly on the Nintendo Switch 2. Set to launch on June 5, it will be accompanied by its inaugural major title, Mario Kart World. On the same day, you can enjoy enhanced versions of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, boasting superior resolutions and frame rates. The Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour, a mini-game tutorial, will also be available, alongside a range of third-party titles such as Hogwarts Legacy, Spit Fiction, Street Fighter 6, Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut, Cyberpunk 2077, and, of course, Fortnite.

June is just the beginning, as Donkey Kong Bananza arrives on July 17, promising a thrilling 3D platforming experience. Later in the year, you can anticipate Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, Pokemon Legends: Z-A, Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment, and the long-awaited Hollow Knight: Silksong, all set to grace the Switch 2.

Big Hitters

As the year winds down towards the holiday season, expect a flurry of major releases. Though not officially announced, we're likely to see a new Call of Duty and EA Sports FC 26 around that time. September will see the launch of two massive shooters: Borderlands 4 on the 12th, promising even more outrageous gunplay, and Marathon on the 23rd, an intriguing extraction shooter from the creators of Destiny.

On October 2, PlayStation fans can dive into Ghost of Yotei, a follow-up to Tsushima that weaves a tale of vengeance against shadowy masked samurai. This should be a treat for those who enjoyed the narrative of this year's Assassin’s Creed Shadows.

While specific dates are yet to be confirmed, keep an eye out for highly anticipated titles like The Outer Worlds 2 and Crimson Desert, which are expected to arrive towards the end of the year.

2025 Release Timeline

This list barely scratches the surface of what's in store for 2025. For a more extensive rundown of upcoming games, check out our detailed timeline of the biggest releases planned for the remainder of the year.

• Doom: The Dark Ages - May 15
• Blades of Fire - May 22
• Elden Ring Nightreign - May 30
• F1 25 - May 30
• Mario Kart World - June 5
• The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition - June 5
• The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition - June 5
• Deltarune: Chapter 3 + 4 - June 5
• Dune: Awakening - June 10
• FBC: Firebreak - June 17
• Death Stranding 2: On the Beach - June 26
• Tamagotchi Plaza - June 27
• EA Sports College Football 26 - July 10
• Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 + 4 - July 11
• Donkey Kong Bananza - July 17
• Shadow Labyrinth - July 18
• Wuchang: Fallen Feathers - July 24
• Tales of the Shire: A Lord of the Rings Game - July 29
• Mafia: The Old Country - August 8
• Madden NFL 26 - August 14
• Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater - August 28
• Lost Soul Aside - August 29
• Hell Is Us - September 4
• Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion - September 5
• Terminator 2D: No Fate - September 5
• Borderlands 4 - September 12
• Marathon - September 23
• Ghost of Yotei - October 2
• Directive 8020 - October 2
• Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2 - October 2025
• Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment - Winter 2025
• Crimson Desert - Q4 2025
• Pokémon Legends: Z-A - Late 2025
• Little Nightmares 3 - 2025
• Metroid Prime 4: Beyond - 2025
• Kirby Air Ride - 2025
• Dying Light: The Beast - 2025
• Hollow Knight: Silksong - 2025
• Ninja Gaiden 4 - 2025
• The Outer Worlds 2 - 2025
• Cronos: The New Dawn - 2025
• Professor Layton and the New World of Steam - 2025
• Witchbrook - 2025