The Best New Games of July 2025 | Monthly Recap

From stealthy gems to cozy life sims and brutal roguelikes, last month offered something for every type of gamer. Whether you’re into building empires or blasting through wastelands, these new releases are definitely worth your time. Let’s explore the best new games of July 2025!

Eriksholm: The Stolen Dream

Chances are, Eriksholm: The Stolen Dream isn’t even on your radar. That’s a shame, because it’s easily one of the best games we played last month, but sadly, it didn’t get much attention. This underrated isometric stealth adventure drops you into a stunning early-1900s-inspired Nordic city, where shadows are your best friends and every step forward uncovers another layer of mystery.

You play as Hanna, who is on the run from a city-wide manhunt after her brother disappears under suspicious circumstances. The story hits hard right from the start. There’s no long-winded exposition—just you, a few clues, and a city full of secrets. While the narrative is gripping, it’s the combination of top-notch voice acting, haunting music, and atmospheric art design that truly draws you in. You can feel the tension in every alley, every whisper, and every desperate decision.

Gameplay-wise, it’s perfect for fans of Shadow Tactics or Desperados 3, with smooth stealth mechanics, clever level design, and a generous checkpoint system that encourages experimentation. Later chapters even allow you to switch between characters with unique skills, making every encounter feel new. If you love story-rich stealth games and want something beautifully crafted yet overlooked, Eriksholm: The Stolen Dream deserves a spot on your list this month.

FUMES

FUMES feels a lot like Mad Max meets crunchy PS1-style visuals. You jump in, attach weapons to your rusty ride, and race across a wild wasteland blasting anything that moves. It’s a glorious love letter to the golden age of car combat games and captures everything that made the genre fun back in the day. The physics are delightfully chaotic, the controls are sharp, and the combat delivers pure satisfaction.

The game doesn’t hold your hand. There’s just you, your beast of a car, and whatever poor sucker tries to stand in your way. You’ll chase down upgrades, fight off monstrous bosses, and laugh your head off at the sheer absurdity of it all. Even in Early Access, it’s already got that “just one more run” magic. The pixel-crunch art style, pounding soundtrack, and arcade-style gameplay deliver something that feels both nostalgic and fresh.

Grounded 2

Grounded is back! And it’s bigger, bolder, and somehow even smaller. Once again, you’re shrunk to the size of an ant, but this time the world extends far beyond the backyard. You’ll explore abandoned playgrounds, overgrown jungle gyms, and forgotten corners of suburbia that now feel like massive open-world dungeons full of secrets and surprises. This sequel enhances everything that made the first game great.

The survival gameplay is sharper, the base-building more rewarding, and the new weapon and armor crafting systems are simply fun. Plus, there’s the buggy—a rideable, upgradable mount that not only helps you travel but also fights alongside you. It’s not just about fighting spiders anymore (though, yes, they’re still terrifying). Something new is out there, something watching. Obsidian has layered in mystery and atmosphere without sacrificing the charm. It’s demanding, sure, but rewarding at every turn.

💡Tip: If you need help getting started, check out our Grounded 2 Tips and Tricks!

Hell Clock

Hell Clock thrusts you into a war-torn chapter of Brazilian history and challenges you to forge your own path through the chaos. You play as Pajeú, a warrior on a mission to save his fallen mentor’s soul, and each run feels like a fight against time itself. The deeper you go, the stronger you become, unlocking savage, inhuman powers with a loot system that constantly rewards experimentation.

What really makes Hell Clock stand out is how cleverly it combines the variety of a classic ARPG with the high-stakes intensity of a roguelike. If you’re bored with generic power-ups and dull difficulty curves, this game is a game-changer. The skill tree is huge, the loot system is endlessly satisfying, and the action just feels right. Plus, the Portuguese voice acting is truly haunting.

Stronghold Crusader: Definitive Edition

Stronghold Crusader: Definitive Edition is a full revival of a legendary RTS that still resonates today. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to castle sims, this game immerses you in the dusty chaos of the Crusades with upgraded visuals, enhanced audio, and a wealth of new content. You’ll face off against 20 unique enemy lords, build sprawling fortresses, and challenge your tactical skills through reworked campaigns, co-op missions, and intense skirmish battles.

The combination of city-building, economy management, and intense siege warfare still feels unique. There’s nothing like the thrill of defeating your enemies with a well-timed assassin rush or overwhelming them with horse archers after mastering the early market economy. The learning curve is tough, but that makes every win even more satisfying, especially when facing some of the game’s difficult late-stage challenges. It’s a rare blend where nostalgia and modern refinement come together perfectly.

Tales of the Shire: A The Lord of the Rings™ Game

Tales of the Shire: A The Lord of the Rings™ Game offers pure comfort for your gaming soul. Set in the peaceful village of Bywater, this charming life sim allows you to finally do what every LotR fan has dreamed of—slowing down and living like a Hobbit. You’ll garden, cook, fish, decorate your Hobbit hole, and build bonds with neighbors, all wrapped in the cozy aesthetic of the Shire.

Seasonal changes not only transform how the world looks; they subtly change gameplay and mood. Hosting meals feels meaningful, and the day-night cycle gives you time to explore at your own speed. It’s not trying to be Frodo’s adventure—this is your personal gentle story, your way. It’s one of the best new releases of July 2025 because it knows exactly what it is: a game about slowing down, connecting with a community, and enjoying life’s simple pleasures.

The King is Watching

The King is Watching is a wildly clever roguelite kingdom builder where your royal gaze is law. Want your peasants to farm? Look at them. Want your miners to dig? Don’t blink. As soon as you glance away, productivity nosedives and chaos sneaks in. It’s part resource management, part autobattler, and totally addictive. Every run throws new events at you, demanding smart choices.

Will you strengthen your army or prioritize rebuilding your kingdom? Magic or manpower? Silver or wheat? The strategic decisions are complex, but the quick pace makes it easy to get drawn in for “just one more round.” The game captures that satisfying roguelite cycle: each failed reign provides currency to unlock new kings, advisers, and abilities, keeping each playthrough fresh. The pixel art charm and quirky humor are the perfect finishing touches.

WUCHANG: Fallen Feathers

WUCHANG: Fallen Feathers may have had a rocky launch with performance issues, but don’t let that turn you away. It’s one of the most atmospheric and rewarding action RPGs of the summer (if your PC can handle it). Set in the dark beauty of late Ming Dynasty China, you play as Wuchang, a pirate turned warrior fighting monsters born of plague and war, while also uncovering the mystery of her own identity.

If you’ve played Dark Souls 3 or Lies of P, you’ll feel right at home here. The bosses are punishing but fair, the kind where you wipe the sweat off your hands after finally nailing that perfect parry or dodge. Combat is smooth and adaptable, allowing you to experiment with weapon enchantments and spells, plus a generous (and free!) respec system that makes trying new builds exciting. The level and art design are stunning. From crumbling temples to eerie forests, the world pulls you in with its grounded aesthetic and haunting atmosphere. It’s not perfect, but it’s a game that rewards patience, curiosity, and a love for challenge.

💡 Tip: Check out our WUCHANG Tips and Tricks for an edge in the tough Soulslike!