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

The moment many had feared—and secretly expected—has finally arrived: *Grand Theft Auto VI* has officially been pushed back. Originally slated for a 2025 release, Rockstar’s highly anticipated blockbuster is now set to launch on May 26, 2026. While this delay may come as a disappointment to some, it's far from the end of the road for exciting game releases this year.

In fact, 2025 remains one of the most packed and promising years in recent gaming history. Already, we've seen incredible titles like *Clair Obscur: Expedition 33*, *Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2*, *Blue Prince*, and *Split Fiction* hit shelves. And that’s just the beginning. More are scheduled to arrive throughout the year, including major titles such as *Ghost of Yotei*, *Borderlands 4*, and even a brand-new console from Nintendo. So whether you're into action, adventure, strategy, or co-op chaos, there's something for every gamer in 2025.

What’s Coming Soon?

With *GTA 6* out of the picture for now, there’s plenty to fill the void over the next few months. If you’re craving fast-paced action, Doom: The Dark Ages arrives on Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC on May 15, offering a gothic reimagining of the classic shooter franchise. Then, just a couple of weeks later on May 30, FromSoftware delivers Elden Ring Nightreign, a co-op roguelike spin-off of the acclaimed *Elden Ring*. It’s a fresh take on the Souls-like genre and perfect for fans looking for high-intensity cooperative play.

By June, the release calendar heats up even more. On June 26, Hideo Kojima returns with Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, exclusively for PS5. Based on early trailers, this sequel promises to be even more surreal and ambitious than its predecessor. Meanwhile, *Dune: Awakening* lands on PC on June 10, bringing survival gameplay to the vast deserts of Arrakis. Just remember to watch out for sandworms and stay hydrated.

Nintendo Switch 2 Launch Lineup

With *GTA 6* no longer anchoring the second half of 2025, the biggest event of the year becomes the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2. Set to debut on June 5, the new console will come bundled with *Mario Kart World*, a title sure to dominate multiplayer nights. Alongside it, enhanced versions of *The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild* and *Tears of the Kingdom* will also launch, offering improved visuals and performance.

Additional launch titles include the interactive tutorial experience Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour, along with third-party heavy hitters like *Hogwarts Legacy*, *Split Fiction*, *Street Fighter 6*, *Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut*, *Cyberpunk 2077*, and of course, *Fortnite*. The momentum continues into July with the release of Donkey Kong Bananza on July 17, delivering a vibrant and inventive 3D platforming experience.

Later in the year, players can look forward to major titles such as *Metroid Prime 4: Beyond*, *Pokémon Legends: Z-A*, *Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment*, and—finally—the long-awaited *Hollow Knight: Silksong*, all confirmed for release on the Nintendo Switch 2 alongside other platforms.

Fall Blockbusters and Year-End Highlights

As the year moves toward its peak holiday season, the pace of major releases only intensifies. Although not yet officially announced, both *Call of Duty* and *EA Sports FC 26* are expected to drop around the fall timeframe. September brings two standout shooters: Borderlands 4 on September 12 and Marathon on September 23. The former promises chaotic looter-shooter fun, while the latter—a tactical extraction shooter developed by the creators of *Destiny*—is shaping up to be one of the year’s most intriguing titles.

Then, on October 2, PlayStation fans get their next samurai epic with Ghost of Yotei, the spiritual successor to *Ghost of Tsushima*. With a story centered around vengeance and shadowy masked warriors, it aims to deliver the cinematic elegance fans loved in its predecessor.

Beyond these, several other high-profile games are expected to land in late 2025, including *The Outer Worlds 2* and *Crimson Desert*. These titles have been generating buzz for years and are likely to be among the final big releases before the year ends.

2025 Game Release Timeline

Here's a full list of confirmed upcoming titles for the rest of 2025:

• 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