Happy New Year! For many of us, 2024 has been an excellent year of gaming, especially if you’re a fan of RPGs. This year, expectations are already high with some high-profile releases scheduled, including Doom: The Dark Ages, Borderlands 4, Sid Meier’s Civilization VII, Avowed, Monster Hunter Wilds, Split Fiction, Ghost of Yōtei, Death Stranding 2: On The Beach, Dune: Awakening, Elden Ring: Nightreign, and of course, Grand Theft Auto VI. Unfortunately, many of those titles don’t have release dates yet, and it’s partly because many of them want to stay wisely out of Grand Theft Auto VI’s way.
While you’re waiting, though, there are plenty of great games to start off the new year. Here are our top games to play in January 2025.
Wuthering Waves
It isn’t quite as popular as Genshin Impact and other HoYoverse titles, but Wuthering Waves from Kuro Games is finally heading to PlayStation 5. Originally launched on PC and mobile on May 22, 2024, the Genshin Impact competitor has built a fanbase thanks to its character design and combat system. Many of us have been enjoying the game since its launch and have included it in our Favorite Games of 2024 list. If you’re looking for an open-world gacha game that’s fairly generous and doesn’t require much of your time each day, take a look at Wuthering Waves.
Wuthering Waves releases on January 2 for PlayStation 5.
Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana
This classic Ys title is getting a remastered version nearly 15 years after its last release. Along with a graphical update, Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana will also receive numerous improvements and upgrades including all-new voiceover for the protagonist, Adol Christin. Other changes include Turbo mode, added difficulty options, Refined character illustrations, and remastered audio.
Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana releases on January 7 for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Switch.
Freedom Wars Remastered
Another remastered title, Freedom Wars Remastered, is an action RPG that supports up to eight players. This version delivers 4K visuals, upgraded textures, and 60 fps performance on PlayStation and PC, along with an overhauled weapon crafting system, difficulty settings, and other gameplay upgrades. The original Freedom Wars was a 2014 PlayStation Vita title, so for many, the remastered version will be their first opportunity to play it.
Freedom Wars Remastered releases on January 10 for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Switch, and PC.
Donkey Kong Country Returns HD
The number of remastered titles in January 2025 continues, this time with Donkey Kong Country Returns HD. It is a visually enhanced version of the Wii game and includes the additional levels from the Nintendo 3DS version, totaling 80 levels across nine worlds. Donkey Kong Country Returns HD also supports local two-player co-op. The original was released in 2010 on the Wii before heading to the 3DS in 2013. It is likely one of the last first-party titles for the original Switch, as Nintendo should be revealing the Switch 2 any day now.
Donkey Kong Country Returns HD releases on January 16 for Switch.
Tales of Graces f Remastered
What’s this? Another remaster? Tales of Graces f Remastered is next on our list, bringing the classic RPG to a whole new generation. The original was released in 2009 on the Wii, but only in Japan. It then got a release on the PlayStation 3 the following year, but the game didn’t launch in the U.S. or Europe until 2012. This remastered version includes Lineage and Legacies, an after-story to the main scenario, along with quality-of-life features like auto-save, various skip functions, the ability to turn off enemy encounters, and more.
Tales of Graces f Remastered releases on January 17 for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Switch, and PC.
Dynasty Warriors: Origins
For some, Dynasty Warriors: Origins is the biggest launch of January 2025, especially since it is one of the few brand new games. The latest entry in the long-running franchise promises to deliver the most exhilarating action yet while presenting a new version of the Three Kingdoms from the perspective of an original protagonist. If you have somehow never played a Dynasty Warriors game and are curious whether this one is worth checking out, there is a free demo available.
Dynasty Warriors: Origins releases on January 17 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
Star Wars: Episode I: Jedi Power Battles
If you thought we were done talking about remastered games, think again. Aspyr is back with yet another classic Star Wars remastered title, this time it’s Star Wars: Episode I: Jedi Power Battles. This action game was originally a PlayStation and Dreamcast title that launched in 2000, before making its way to the Game Boy Advance in 2001. It features a mix of platforming and beat ’em up as players fight to take back Theed Palace. Star Wars: Episode I: Jedi Power Battles supports two-player couch co-op and features all your favorite Jedi including Mace Windu, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Plo Koon, Adi Gallia, and Qui-Gon Jinn. This version will have several previously locked characters available from the beginning: Darth Maul, Captain Panaka, Queen Amidala, Ki-Adi Mundi, and the Battle Droid.
Star Wars: Episode I: Jedi Power Battles releases on January 23 for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Switch, and PC.
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
It’s now the best game I’ve ever played, and one that I spent over 200 hours on last year. Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is finally coming to PC, less than one year after its launch on PlayStation 5. It’s the second game in the Final Fantasy VII remake trilogy and a massive one, with more content than you’d expect after Final Fantasy VII Remake’s limited variety. There are plenty of mini-games that may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but if you’re a fan of the original and love the characters, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is a must-play. I love the game so much that I plan to replay it on PC just to enjoy it at 120 fps.
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth releases on January 23 for PC.
Eternal Strands
If you’re searching for another brand-new title to explore in January 2025, consider Eternal Strands. It is developed by indie studio Yellow Brick Games and is a third-person action-adventure game centered on battling enormous towering creatures. Players assume the role of Brynn, a brave Weaver determined to reclaim her people’s home. The game appears promising, particularly its combat, and we hope it satisfies the craving left by Shadow of the Colossus.
Eternal Strands releases on January 28 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap
It feels a bit like Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap has flown under the radar, but we’ve enjoyed every entry in the series, so we’re looking forward to this one. For those who aren’t familiar with the franchise, Orcs Must Die! blends third-person shooter with trap defense mechanics and multiplayer for co-op fun. The latest entry adds roguelite elements to keep up with the times, along with new War Mages, weapons, abilities, and traps. If you enjoy tower defense games, do yourself a favor and play Orcs Must Die!
Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap releases on January 28 for Xbox Series X|S and PC.
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
PlayStation’s Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 (review) has finally launched on PC over a year after its PlayStation debut. The sequel brings together Peter Parker and Miles Morales for double the Spider-Man fun, and in some respects, double the mess of a story. Overall, I found Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 to be a great game, but it feels quite similar to its predecessors. Insomniac Games played it safe with the sequel, but if you enjoyed the original and the Miles Morales spinoff, you’ll find very little to complain about with Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, provided the port is done well.
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 releases on January 30 for PC.
