Over the past few years, the gaming landscape has shifted, with some of the biggest hits finding their moment in the usually quiet months between January and springtime. Traditionally, this post-holiday period is a time when we’ve had our fill of festive feasts and are engaged with the new games unwrapped over Christmas. But lately, it’s become a strategic sweet spot for game publishers eager to launch remarkable titles without the crush of heavyweight competition.
Remember back in 2015 when Dying Light made a significant splash? It was a fresh IP that broke through thanks to the perfect mix of zombie thrills and the excitement of open-world exploration on the PS4. That release showed how impactful dropping a game in this less crowded timeframe could be.
Since then, we’ve seen a pattern emerge where indie gems or lesser-known series make their debut during this period, enjoying success without the holiday chaos. This approach proved even more beneficial when Resident Evil 2’s remake emerged, stunning players and solidifying the template for capturing gamers’ attention in this post-festive slot.
This year, the trend has only amplified. February 2025 is shaping up to be a battleground of epic proportions, with four major releases from top publishers and premium indie studios duking it out. Some, like Assassin’s Creed and Avowed, found themselves here by accident due to development delays. Others, like Monster Hunter and Kingdom Come, are strategically eyeing this launch window, having reaped its benefits before.
In the nascent days of 2025, this space is fast becoming prime real estate, promising a royal rumble of RPGs and challenging our gaming loyalties. Let’s dive into the contenders vying for top billing.
First in the lineup is Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 on February 4, 2025. Known for its “dungeon, not dragons” approach, this medieval RPG is a mix of historical reenactment, open-world exploration, and quirky inelegance. Running on CryEngine, typically used for FPS games, the first game painted a vivid world that often teetered on the brink of chaos. Deliverance 2 looks to build on this, promising a larger scope and refined gameplay mechanics, hoping to outshine during a crowded launch month.
Next, coming February 14, 2025, is Assassin’s Creed Shadows. Even though its journey to release has been bumpy, Ubisoft aims to captivate fans with this new chapter. Set in Japan—long a dream setting for the franchise—Shadows must differentiate itself after competitors have already played the feudal Japan card. With dynamic combat styles and two protagonists—each offering distinct gameplay experiences—Ubisoft is ready to redefine the Assassin’s Creed experience, particularly by promising a long-asked-for overhaul of the stealth mechanics.
Then there’s Avowed, arriving on February 18, 2025. Thanks to scheduling shifts and internal Game Pass competition, Obsidian Entertainment’s fantasy RPG has landed in a fiercely competitive month. Drawing on the studio’s reputation for compelling narrative-driven games, Avowed promises a rich storytelling experience set against smaller, intricately crafted worlds echoing Skyrim and Dragon Age, and though it might face stiff competition, its lower entry cost could entice more players into its immersive world.
Finally, Monster Hunter Wilds makes its entrance on February 28, 2025. The franchise has come far since Monster Hunter World captivated audiences back in February 2018. Now, with high expectations following the success of Monster Hunter Rise, Wilds expands the universe with massive, richly detailed environments and innovative monster behaviors, reinforcing its standing as the genre’s best.
As February unfolds, gamers are faced with a cornucopia of choices. Which will capture your imagination immediately? Which will patiently await its turn on your playlist in the years to come? The options are vast, and the gaming horizon continues to expand, teasing future releases like Elden Ring: Nightreign, Borderlands 4, Death Stranding 2, Pokemon Legends Z-A, and the legendary GTA 6…
