Ethan Gach’s Top 10 Games of 2025 – Kotaku

Normally, I am excited to see what games make the cut. Usually, Ethan Gach from Kotaku shares his personal list of the top 10 games, which is really helpful. Essentially, these lists are fluid, reflecting his thoughts at the moment, and he admits that his feelings about games often change over time.
Sometimes, I think his lists are more of a snapshot than a definitive ranking, but that is what makes them so interesting. Generally, his top 10 games of 2025 are presented in alphabetical order, which is nice.
Obviously, the first game on the list is 9 Kings, which is a beautifully designed blend of tower defense strategy and roguelike deck-building. Naturally, 9 Kings is still in Early Access, but it already offers a compelling experience, and the addition of a quest mode late in the year has effectively doubled the game’s content.

Ethan Gach’s Top 10 Games of 2025

Always, I look forward to seeing what other games are on the list. Typically, the next game is Arc Raiders, which broke Ethan’s rule of not using a mic with random players. Seriously, Arc Raiders excels in blending immersive PVE encounters with unpredictable PVP interactions, creating a rich sci-fi world.
Apparently, the game features solid gunplay and rewarding progression, which is great. Usually, I prefer games with good gunplay, and Arc Raiders seems to deliver.

9 Kings

Normally, I would not expect a game like 9 Kings to be so high on the list, but it is really good. Essentially, the game is a beautifully designed blend of tower defense strategy and roguelike deck-building, and it is still in Early Access.
Sometimes, I think Early Access games can be hit or miss, but 9 Kings already offers a compelling experience. Generally, the addition of a quest mode late in the year has effectively doubled the game’s content, which is a big plus.

Arc Raiders

Always, I am excited to try out new games, and Arc Raiders seems like a lot of fun. Usually, I prefer games with good multiplayer, and Arc Raiders excels in blending immersive PVE encounters with unpredictable PVP interactions.
Apparently, the game features solid gunplay and rewarding progression, which is great. Naturally, I would expect a game like Arc Raiders to have good gunplay, and it seems to deliver.

Citizen Sleeper 2

Sometimes, I think sci-fi games can be really interesting, and Citizen Sleeper 2 is no exception. Essentially, the game is a sci-fi TTRPG that feels sprawling compared to its predecessor.
Generally, the game’s combination of dice-roll skill checks, resource management, and branching dialogue creates a grim yet evocative journey through a declining cosmic landscape. Normally, I would expect a game like Citizen Sleeper 2 to be really complex, and it seems to deliver.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

Always, I look forward to seeing what other games are on the list, and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a great choice. Usually, I prefer JRPGs with good gameplay, and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has rock-solid gameplay and a new gold standard for turn-based combat.
Apparently, the writing, performances, and soundtrack are exceptional, which is great. Naturally, I would expect a game like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 to have good writing and performances, and it seems to deliver.

Donkey Kong Bananza

Sometimes, I think action platforming collectathons can be really fun, and Donkey Kong Bananza is no exception. Essentially, the game starts strong and ends even stronger, though it loses some steam in the middle.
Generally, the game’s ambition and novelty make it a standout, which is great. Normally, I would expect a game like Donkey Kong Bananza to be really challenging, and it seems to deliver.

Elden Ring Nightreign

Always, I am excited to try out new games, and Elden Ring Nightreign seems like a lot of fun. Usually, I prefer multiplayer action-RPGs with good gameplay, and Elden Ring Nightreign reinvents open-world exploration and boss fights.
Apparently, the game uses a battle royale format to create a unique and engaging experience, which is great. Naturally, I would expect a game like Elden Ring Nightreign to have good multiplayer, and it seems to deliver.

Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles

Sometimes, I think classic RPGs can be really interesting, and Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles is no exception. Essentially, the game is a classic RPG with an excellent job system and story.
Generally, the remaster is cautious with improvements but avoids ruining the original masterpiece, which is great. Normally, I would expect a game like Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles to be really challenging, and it seems to deliver.

Ghost of Yotei

Always, I look forward to seeing what other games are on the list, and Ghost of Yotei is a great choice. Usually, I prefer games with good writing and performances, and Ghost of Yotei has great writing and performances.
Apparently, the game is impressively large and uncompromisingly slick, backed by great writing and performances, which is great. Naturally, I would expect a game like Ghost of Yotei to have good writing and performances, and it seems to deliver.

Hollow Knight: Silksong

Sometimes, I think 2D action games can be really fun, and Hollow Knight: Silksong is no exception. Essentially, the game combines elements of Metroidvanias and Soulslikes, and it is ambitious, rewarding, and features one of the best closers in modern Nintendo games.
Generally, the game seems like a lot of fun, and I would expect it to be really challenging. Normally, I would expect a game like Hollow Knight: Silksong to have good gameplay, and it seems to deliver.

Split Fiction

Always, I am excited to try out new games, and Split Fiction seems like a lot of fun. Usually, I prefer action-adventure games with good design, and Split Fiction has smart design.
Apparently, the game is well-paced, balanced, and continually one-ups itself with ingenious gameplay mechanics, which is great. Naturally, I would expect a game like Split Fiction to have good gameplay, and it seems to deliver.