Xbox’s Big Bet: 2025’s Most Anticipated Games Aim to Hit Nostalgia and Ambition Hard

There’s no shortage of big releases coming to Xbox this year, but the second half of 2025 is where the console seems to finally stretch its legs. Some of these titles have been brewing for years, while others seem to have come out of nowhere. Either way, Xbox fans might actually need a calendar and a couple of alarms to keep up with what’s coming.

And if you’re wondering whether the wait has been worth it? Well, let’s just say it’s starting to look that way.

Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater Is a Return to Glory

The name “Snake” still holds weight.

For longtime fans, Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater is a big deal. It’s not just a remake—it’s a time machine wrapped in modern visuals. Originally released in 2004, Snake Eater quickly became a stealth classic and arguably Hideo Kojima’s finest work before the series took a turn into philosophical overdrive.

This new version? It keeps the weird, wonderful DNA intact. You’ll still find The End—the impossibly old sniper—and The Pain, that bee guy nobody forgets. But now, everything looks absolutely stunning.

There’s a new free-roaming camera, tighter combat mechanics, and a lot of modern polish that doesn’t get in the way. Snake now bleeds, breaks bones, and gets covered in leeches—yes, visible ones—while you heal in real time. It’s grotesque. It’s perfect.

Here’s what fans can expect:

• The iconic crocodile head is still there.

• Disguises and lockers still play a role.

• The same level layouts, but now through a whole new visual lens.

Konami’s decision to remake Snake Eater after 20 years might seem overdue, but it also feels just right. Especially for players who missed it the first time around—or for those who want to feel like they’re 15 again, sneaking around in a jungle with a dart gun and dreams of Cold War espionage.

Crimson Desert Could Be Xbox’s Surprise Hit of the Year

Crimson Desert isn’t the quiet type.

Developed by Pearl Abyss, the South Korean studio best known for Black Desert Online, this one is a different beast entirely. A full-blown single-player epic set in the brutal fantasy world of Pywel, Crimson Desert has already generated serious buzz thanks to its jaw-dropping visuals and fresh spin on medieval action games.

Forget Unreal Engine 5—this game uses the studio’s in-house BlackSpace Engine. And you can tell.

The combat? It’s got that Souls-lite vibe. Big bosses, deliberate movement, smaller enemies with actual purpose. Think Jedi: Fallen Order with a Korean twist.

But here’s the real question: will it bring something new, or just a prettier version of the same-old formula? That’s where a lot of the anticipation (and anxiety) sits. Pearl Abyss isn’t trying to copy Shift Up, the minds behind PS5’s Stellar Blade, but comparisons are inevitable. Still, there’s real hope this game carves its own place on the Xbox lineup.

Beyond the Headliners: Other Titles Worth Your Time

The second half of 2025 isn’t just about two games. It’s stacked.

There’s a full buffet of genres and styles, from flashy sequels to quirky indies that just might surprise you. Here’s a look at more games slated to land on Xbox in the coming months:

Xbox Is Leaning into What Makes Its Library Special

You could say Xbox is finally playing to its strengths—big worlds, experimental AA titles, and Game Pass fodder that actually feels valuable.

What’s interesting is how varied the 2025 schedule looks. You’ve got:

• A polished remake of a beloved stealth game

• A massive single-player fantasy saga

• Atmospheric sci-fi side-scrollers

• Gritty, post-apocalyptic shooters

• A few RPGs with real narrative heft

There’s no clear “theme” this year. But maybe that’s the point. In a year where Sony has leaned more into sequels and Nintendo is bracing for a Switch successor, Xbox seems to be taking the bet that diversity will win out.

And after the dry spells of recent years? Fans are hungry.

What It Means for Game Pass and Xbox’s Identity

It’s hard to talk about Xbox in 2025 without bringing up Game Pass.

Yes, the day-one releases are still a selling point. But what’s changed is that more and more of these games actually feel essential. Metal Gear Solid Delta, for example, could singlehandedly boost subscriber numbers if it hits the service early. (So far, no confirmation.)

Crimson Desert? Maybe not day one, but it’d be a huge get. Especially with how global tastes are shifting, and Korean developers are finding larger audiences in the West.

Meanwhile, indies like Replaced give the Game Pass catalog that necessary depth. They’re stylish, risky, and don’t cost hundreds of millions to make. But they’re memorable—and that sticks.