January has kicked off the year with a bang, delivering an incredible lineup of new games across all genres. From sky-high city-building to intense action RPGs and nostalgic racing throwbacks, there’s something for every gamer. Whether you’re hunting titans, swinging through NYC, or exploring dark fantasy worlds, here are the best new games of January 2025!
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Airborne Empire
The Early Access title Airborne Empire takes city-building to new heights—literally. In this open-world RPG city builder, you don’t just build a settlement; you create a floating metropolis, managing lift, balance, and propulsion to keep your airborne empire thriving. As you explore a vast, colorful world, you’ll gather resources, complete engaging quests, and navigate both the wonders and dangers of the skies.
But beware—sky pirates lurk in the clouds, ready to disrupt your tranquil city. You’ll need to defend your people while expanding your reach, uniting distant kingdoms, and uncovering hidden treasures. Airborne Empire builds on the foundation of Airborne Kingdom, adding combat and deeper mechanics to make the experience even more dynamic. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing yet strategic experience or an adventure filled with charming characters and satisfying systems, this game offers the best of both worlds.
Aloft
Floating islands, skyships, and a cozy survival experience – Aloft, released in Early Access in January, invites you to build your dream home in the clouds. This sandbox survival game lets you turn entire islands into flying ships and freely explore an open world of aerial landscapes, ancient ruins, and lost knowledge.
But all is not peaceful in the skies. A creeping fungal corruption threatens the ecosystem, and it’s up to you to uncover the secrets of the past and restore balance. Unlike many survival games, Aloft rewards exploration and creativity rather than punishing failure. There is no brutal drop damage or constantly breaking gear – just the freedom to explore, build, and soar. If you’re looking for a relaxed survival experience with stunning visuals and endless creative potential, Aloft is for you.
💡 Tip: Check out our blog about the best survival games for more great recommendations!
DYNASTY WARRIORS: ORIGINS
If you’ve been craving the exhilarating chaos of Dynasty Warriors at its best, Dynasty Warriors: Origins delivers just that—and more. This latest installment reimagines the legendary Three Kingdoms saga with a fresh twist, putting you in the boots of a nameless hero as you fight your way through massive battlefields teeming with enemy forces.
The action is sharper and more intense than ever before. Gone are the days of mindless button-mashing—this time, you’ll have to think on your feet, master a variety of weapon combos, and strategize with your allies to gain the upper hand. The enemy AI has been significantly upgraded, so enemy officers won’t just stand around waiting to be knocked down. The game brings back the classic Dynasty Warriors feel while introducing new mechanics to keep things fresh. One highlight we particularly enjoyed was the return of customizable bodyguards.
The world feels more immersive than ever, making every battle feel like a grand war rather than a solo brawl. The story, told through the eyes of an original protagonist, offers a unique perspective on the conflict of the Three Kingdoms. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the series or diving in for the first time, Dynasty Warriors: Origins is an exciting, nostalgic, and rewarding experience that finally gives fans the evolution they’ve been waiting for.
ENDER MAGNOLIA: Bloom in the Mist
The dark fantasy Metroidvania ENDER MAGNOLIA throws you into the haunting Land of Fumes, a once prosperous kingdom now overrun by Homunculi—artificial life forms driven mad by toxic underground fumes. You step into the role of Lilac, an “Attuner” with the power to purify these sad creatures, uncovering lost memories and long-buried secrets in the process.
The world design is stunning! Layered backgrounds, masterful use of color, and meticulous detail bring each eerie environment to life. The soundtrack is phenomenal, setting the tone with haunting melodies that alternate between mournful, eerie, and majestic. Combat is tight and customizable, giving you access to eight unique summons, powerful Attuner Arts, and fluid movement abilities that make exploration a dream.
The map is one of the best in the genre, with a clean interface, intuitive backtracking, and smooth traversal that makes unlocking new areas feel like second nature. Fast travel from anywhere keeps things moving, and even small quality-of-life details show how much thought has gone into refining the experience. ENDER MAGNOLIA is a must for any Metroidvania fan!
💡 Tip: You can find even more amazing Metroidvania titles in our dedicated blog!
Eternal Strands
If you love action-adventure games that let you climb, explore, and take on giant beasts, Eternal Strands is a game you should check out. You play as Brynn, a young but determined weaver on a mission to reclaim her people’s lost home. Armed with powerful magic and an arsenal of weapons, you’ll take on everything from humanoid constructs to colossal titans, using the environment and the elements to your advantage.
The world of Eternal Strands is vast, vertical, and vibrant. You can scale almost any surface, uncover ancient secrets, and lose yourself in a land that feels truly alive. The art direction is stunning, with colorful landscapes and distant vistas that make the world feel massive. And while the combat has a bit of a learning curve, pulling off magical combos and strategic takedowns is incredibly satisfying once you get the hang of it. Beyond the action, the game’s writing and voice acting breathe life into your companions, making the camp feel like more than just a place to upgrade your gear.
FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH
The journey continues! Final Fantasy VII Rebirth picks up where Remake left off, taking you beyond the confines of Midgar and into a sprawling world filled with adventure, danger, and heartfelt moments. Join Cloud, Tifa, Aerith, Barret, and Red XIII as they hunt down the enigmatic Sephiroth, travel across vast landscapes, ride Chocobos, and uncover the planet’s deepest secrets.
The game strikes a masterful balance between nostalgia and innovation. The open world is teeming with content, from breathtaking environments to exciting side quests. The combat system offers some of the best action RPG gameplay. The emotional weight of the story is unparalleled, and the relationships between characters shine through, making every moment feel personal and impactful. With a stunning soundtrack, unforgettable set pieces, and an adventure that’s both epic and deeply human, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is as close to a modern RPG masterpiece as you can get.
Hello Kitty Island Adventure
If you’re looking for a game that lets you relax, explore, and hang out with some of the most adorable characters ever, Hello Kitty Island Adventure is exactly what you need. This open-world adventure invites you to befriend Hello Kitty and her pals as you restore a mysterious island, uncover its secrets, and participate in all sorts of fun activities.
You can cook delicious meals, solve ancient puzzles, decorate your cozy cabin, and explore eight beautifully designed regions—from underwater depths to floating islands in the clouds. Whether you’re braving a lava-filled volcano or throwing a birthday party, every moment feels like a warm hug wrapped in pastel colors and charming animations. Over 50 original music tracks, a vibrant world full of hidden treasures, and the freedom to do things at your own pace make Hello Kitty Island Adventure the perfect game to unwind with after a long day!
Jotunnslayer: Hordes Hel
The roguelike horde-survivor game Jotunnslayer: Hordes of Hel delivers an intense, mythologically charged experience you won’t want to miss. Set in the dark realms of Norse mythology, you’ll take on the role of a god-like warrior, battling through relentless waves of enemies to prove your strength. Each run is a brutal test of endurance—slay foes, earn divine blessings from ancient Viking deities, and conquer the Nine Worlds.
The game shines with satisfying combat, diverse enemy hordes, and powerful boss fights that push your skills to the limit. With multiple objectives and challenges to complete, each session feels fresh and rewarding. The fast-paced action, smooth mechanics, and striking visuals make this a must-play for fans of Vampire Survivors and Death Must Die. If you’re looking for a challenging but rewarding battle, Jotunnslayer is well worth your time.
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 swung onto PC in January with all the high-flying action, emotional storytelling, and epic battles that have made the series a fan favorite. This time, you step into the suits of Peter Parker and Miles Morales, seamlessly switching between them as they fight to protect New York from a terrifying new symbiote threat—headlined by none other than Venom. The game expands Marvel’s New York like never before, adding Brooklyn, Queens, and even Coney Island to your playground.
Traversal feels better than ever, with the return of smooth web-swinging and the addition of Web Wings, making zipping across the city an absolute blast. Combat is more intense, with new powers, improved parries, and bosses that will put your skills to the test. If you loved the previous games, this one takes it up a notch. The story hits hard, the action is top-tier, and whether you’re gliding between skyscrapers or taking on enemies with flashy new moves, it’s a superhero experience you don’t want to miss.
Tokyo Xtreme Racer
If you’ve ever dreamed of racing through Tokyo and longed for the golden age of street racing games, Tokyo Xtreme Racer is here to bring that dream roaring back to life. Set in a closed-off, neon-drenched Tokyo, this game throws you onto the city’s highways for high-stakes duels against fearless rivals. With authentic cars, meticulously recreated expressways, and intense, white-knuckle battles, every race feels like a test of skill, speed, and nerve.
Tokyo Xtreme Racer is a love letter to the PS2-era street racing scene, with rock-solid mechanics, addictive gameplay, and that perfect blend of nostalgia and innovation. Every headlight flash signals the start of a pulse-pounding showdown, where the only thing standing between you and victory is pure driving mastery. If you’ve ever wanted a racing game that feels as epic as you remember it, this is it.
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