Over the past few years, some of gaming’s most unexpected hits have dropped in the quieter months between the New Year festivities and the onset of spring. Traditionally, gamers were thought to be too occupied with holiday presents and festive feasts to dive into new games. However, the seeming lull has proven to be the perfect opportunity for publishers to release hidden treasures that might otherwise be overshadowed by higher-profile titles.
I remember Dying Light, which launched about a decade ago in 2015. This game managed to carve out a space at just the right moment, capitalizing on both the zombie craze and the PS4-open-world excitement. It set a precedent, showing that a savvy release could turn into gold, regardless of the gaming season. Since then, we’ve seen a pattern where indie projects and lesser-known franchises slip in after the holiday rush to find surprising success.
Solidifying this trend was the resurgence of Resident Evil as a heavyweight contender, particularly with the brilliant Resident Evil 2 Remake. It captured the gaming zeitgeist and influenced current industry trends that are still going strong today.
Fast forward to 2025, where February has transformed into a battleground for some major releases from industry giants and renowned indie creators. A few games like Assassin’s Creed and Avowed found themselves here due to development delays, while others, such as Monster Hunter and Kingdom Come, seem poised to replicate the post-holiday launch magic they’ve witnessed before.
February 2025 is shaping up to be an epic clash of RPG giants, each vying for its share of gamers’ attention and time. With so many contenders, only one RPG can ultimately claim your free hours. Let’s take a closer look at what’s coming up.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 – February 4, 2025
Stepping back into the medieval world, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 aims to capture both the crown and your imagination. It stays true to its “dungeons not dragons” philosophy, delivering a historically grounded experience that’s equal parts renaissance fair, sandbox adventure, and delightful glitch showcase. Built on CryEngine, an engine that’s primarily designed for FPS games, the game stretches the tech to populate vibrant towns and maintain an ever-evolving open world. The original dazzled with its immersive world yet constantly teetered on technical boundaries.
I’ve spent countless hours with the first installment, which introduced fascinating role-play ideas with varying degrees of execution. Skills like lockpicking could be comically challenging, while overcoming story battles could morph into endless retries if you preferred stealth or dialogue-based paths. Yet, it also brought unique elements like unreadable texts until you learned to read from a monk.
In the sequel, players return as Henry of Skalitz, continuing his unexpected rise from a humble blacksmith to a significant political force. The challenge lies in refining Henry’s ongoing journey without the usual narrative trope of suddenly stripping characters of their previous powers.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 promises vast improvements, with a map said to be twice the size of its predecessor and a fine-tuned performance. How it manages this expanded scope will likely decide its place among this year’s anticipated heavyweights.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows – February 14, 2025
Even with its hurdles, I have high hopes for Assassin’s Creed Shadows, especially since I loved Assassin’s Creed Odyssey. Ubisoft’s recent struggles with projects like Skull and Bones and Star Wars: Outlaws mean Shadows has a lot riding on it.
Japan, a long-anticipated setting for the franchise, has already been tackled by games like Ghost of Tsushima. This puts the pressure on Ubisoft to deliver something fresh without the aid of mythology’s more mystical story arcs.
On the mechanics side, Shadows introduces two protagonists, the shinobi Naoe and the samurai Yasuke, with dynamic combat styles, from katana to naginata. The reworked stealth system is another exciting change. The characters present an intriguing contrast: as charismatic Naoe fades into the background, the formidable Yasuke captures immediate attention.
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla had its struggles, with extended playtimes that diluted engagement. Shadows, hopefully, promises more variety and richer gameplay, potentially reinvigorating the franchise once more.
Avowed – February 18, 2025
The chaos of last-minute schedule changes in gaming means one’s exit strategy can become an unintentional rendezvous with competitors. Avowed, by Obsidian Entertainment, dodged internal Game Pass conflicts only to land amidst fierce 2025 launches. Yet, its Game Pass availability might play to its advantage.
If The Outer Worlds was Obsidian’s take on a space-themed Fallout, Avowed is akin to a vibrant Skyrim meets Dragon Age. It features compact maps brimming with treasures, foes, and the intricate quests Obsidian thrives on.
As a fan of Obsidian’s entire portfolio, from Fallout: New Vegas to Grounded, I eagerly anticipate Avowed. Set in the Pillars of Eternity universe, it boasts a dreamy fantasy aesthetic and the potential for engrossing storytelling. If it can balance engaging gameplay with narrative depth, it might surprise players, despite potentially having the smallest budget.
Monster Hunter Wilds – February 28, 2025
The Monster Hunter series has ascended to new heights since the release of Monster Hunter World in early 2018. It finally captured the Western market’s attention, paving the way for a multitude of genre competitors. With formidable rivals looming, including Dauntless and other upcoming titles, Monster Hunter Wilds stands ready to reclaim its crown.
While Monster Hunter Rise left its mark, especially on the Switch, Wilds aims to go bigger. With expansive worlds and dynamic environments, it promises breathtaking vistas and formidable, cunning monsters.
This isn’t a niche endeavor anymore—Monster Hunter is set to be a blockbuster. The grand adventure kicks off at the end of the month.
With such an abundance of choices, the decision of which game to prioritize might be tricky. Which of these will you dive into immediately, and which will linger on your to-do list? Don’t forget, beyond these thrilling releases, Elden Ring: Nightreign, Borderlands 4, Death Stranding 2, Ghost of Yotei, Pokemon Legends Z-A, and that juggernaut GTA 6 are on the horizon too. Choices, choices!
