Underrated games of 2025 that released quietly which people are hardly talking about
Every year, the gaming industry gets flooded with flashy trailers of big AAA titles with massive marketing budgets, that dominate headlines. And even in 2025, in the shadows of these blockbusters lie some underrated games that bring fresh mechanics, creative storytelling, and heart—especially from indie studios.
We should not look at these games as mere side projects; they’re passion-fueled experiences that often go unnoticed simply because they don’t have the marketing power of a big-name publisher. In the noise of billion-dollar franchises like GTA 5, many players missed out on these hidden gems of 2025 that might arguably be even more innovative and rewarding. Indie developers, especially in 2025, have pushed boundaries far beyond recycled open worlds and lazy sequels.
This article highlights five overlooked games of 2025 that you probably haven’t played—but absolutely should. If you’re tired of games with promising cinematic trailers which disappointed you due to its soulless gameplay, now it is time to look at small indie games of 2025 that released silently but never got noticed by the mainstream.
5. Dynasty Warriors Origins
Developer: Omega Force
Genre: Hack-and-Slash / Action
Despite being part of the long-running Dynasty Warriors franchise, this game surprisingly flew under the radar. Regardless, it managed to sell 1 million units by February 2025. Dynasty Warriors Origins reintroduces large-scale combat with smarter enemy AI and tighter controls. Based on a novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms, the game’s story mode is well-paced, and the visual style finally modernizes the classic formula. The game might not be groundbreaking, but many feel it is the best Dynasty Warriors has felt in years. One of the more polished overlooked games 2025 had to offer.
Check out Dynasty Warriors on Steam.
4. Wanderstop
Developer: Ivy Road
Genre: Narrative Adventure / Exploration
Another one of the underrated games of 2025, Wanderstop is not for you if you are looking for an action-packed experience. It is a narrative-driven exploration game which feels like a warm blanket on a rainy day. There’s no combat—just conversations, peaceful discovery, and emotional weight. Perfect for those seeking a break from chaos. Yes, it is not for everyone, but its quiet impact is undeniable. Easily one of the most soulful hidden gems of 2025!!
Check out Wanderstop on Steam.
3. The Phantom
Developer: Art of Play Interactive
Genre: Arcade Beat-’Em-Up / Side-scroller
A perfect game for those who grew up reading Phantom comics in the 90s and early 2000s. Even the game’s art style is similar to the comics! The Phantom is a side-scrolling beat-’em-up game which is rooted in comic book nostalgia, with animal companions and a co-op mode. The game is not groundbreaking, and as per the reviews, it does have some flaws. But it is definitely a treat for those who love arcade classics. Definitely among the most underrated games of 2025. Note that if you are expecting a superhero experience like Insomniac’s Spiderman series or Rocksteady’s Batman Arkham series, this game might not be for you.
Check out The Phantom on Steam.
2. Atomfall
Developer: Rebellion Developments
Genre: Survival Action / Narrative Adventure
Set in a dystopian alternate 1960s England, Atomfall blends survival, sci-fi, and cult horror in a weirdly addictive way. Think Fallout meets Stalker, with British paranoia. There’s an eerie charm to its world, with minimal handholding and choice-driven progression. The game might not be perfect, but it might deliver far more than many overpriced titles we have seen in the past few years. It would not be wrong to put Atomfall in the list of the best indie games 2025 has put out. Oh, and if you have an XBox gamepass subscription, you can play the game absolutely free!
Check out Atomfall on XBox!
1. AI Limit
Developer: SenseGames
Genre: Action RPG / Soulslike
This soulslike action RPG is another among the underrated games of 2025. It takes you to a dystopian future where you play as a warrior named Arissa. The game is dripping with dark sci-fi aesthetic and crisp, punishing combat. Think of AI Limit as NieR mixed with Dark Souls—with enough originality to stand on its own. The learning curve is steep but rewarding. Boss designs are impressive, and the music? Banger!! A true hidden gem of 2025 that deserved way more attention.
Check out AI Limit on Steam.
Have you played or at least heard of any of these underrated games of 2025? Do consider checking them out!
If you are a horror fan, check out our list of some of the best horror games released post 2020.
