Some of the best new RPG releases in the first half of 2025 on PC and Consoles
We’re now at the halfway point of 2025, and barring any major surprise releases, I think it’s a good time to take stock and look at the best RPGs and turn-based Strategy Games of the year so far.
Of course, I’ll revisit this list at the end of the year to update it with new titles set to launch in the next six months. That said, it’s already been a fairly strong year, not necessarily groundbreaking, but certainly filled with interesting new releases that deserve a spot in this roundup.
To be honest, the scene is mostly dominated by indie projects, AA titles (you know who I’m talking about), and remasters. I’ve rounded up 15 of them, but there are a few more out there.
Those Who Rule
Release date: 27 Jan, 2025
Platforms: PC
Eldin Turulja’s Those Who Rule is a classic RPG war story of raw recruits turning the tide of a major conflict. Think of classic Fire Emblem on a hex grid, with deeper flanking and positioning rules, and you’ll have a pretty good idea of how it plays.
Those Who Rule offers short-term tactical decisions, like how best to deploy and command your troops, with more long-term strategic ones like how to level and promote each character. There’s also a Brutal Mode for players looking for an extra challenge! Here you can find my preview of it.
Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector
Release date: 31 Jan, 2025
Platforms: PC – PlayStation – Xbox – Nintendo Switch
2022’s Citizen Sleeper was a treat for RPG fans everywhere, and its sequel ups the ante with a tale of an android on the run. No longer limited to a single space station, Citizen Sleeper 2 challenges you to crew a starship in the dangerous Starward Belt, making choices that will shape your fate.
Like the original, Citizen Sleeper 2 uses a tabletop-like dice system, giving it the feel of roleplaying with friends as you explore its deep sci-fi narrative.
Keep Driving
Release date: 6 Feb, 2025
Platforms: PC
There are plenty of RPGs set in magical worlds with high stakes. Keep Driving takes a different road – quite literally – by applying turn-based RPG mechanics to a relaxing road trip in the early 2000s.
Instead of combat encounters, you’ll use Keep Driving’s battle system to overcome ordinary obstacles, like getting stuck in traffic. You can pick up hitchhikers and learn their stories, then take the whole trip again to see how things might have gone if you’d taken a different route. If you’re looking to chill for a few hours, this pixelated vacation is one to try.
The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak II
Release date: 14 Feb, 2025
Platforms: PC – PlayStation – Nintendo Switch
Trails Through Daybreak II continues the current storyline of the long-running Legend Of Heroes franchise. It’s one of the deepest RPG settings around, but you don’t need to be up-to-date on all the lore to enjoy this soaring adventure.
In the Calvard Republic, you’ll lead your party in the investigation of a series of strange murders. Between unraveling the mystery and mastering the game’s combo-driven combat system, there will be plenty to keep you busy.
SaGa Frontier 2 Remastered
Release date: 27 Mar, 2025
Platforms: PC – PlayStation – Nintendo Switch
Originally released for the PlayStation in 1999, SaGa Frontier 2 is one of the many classic JRPGs from that legendary console. The recent remaster gives newcomers and longtime fans a chance to experience the game’s trademark split narrative and exploration.
The remaster also includes several new features, including more character customization, new bosses, and even a New Game Plus!
Suikoden I&II HD Remaster Gate Rune and Dunan Unification Wars
Release date: 6 Mar, 2025
Platforms: PC – PlayStation – Xbox – Nintendo Switch
Of course, SaGa Frontier 2 isn’t the only nostalgic PlayStation JRPG that got a remaster this year; the first two Suikoden games have also been released for a new generation, as a single package!
The Suikoden games are famous for their enormous rosters of playable characters – the 108 Stars Of Destiny refer to the 108 potential party members in each game. Of course, they also have exciting, classic fantasy stories and lovely pixel animation, plus new quality-of-life additions like conversation logs and fast-forward in battles.
Dark Deity 2
Release date: 24 Mar, 2025
Platforms: PC
The original Dark Deity was a great pick for fans of classic Fire Emblem, nailing the tone and gameplay while still managing to create a world all its own. In true old-school fashion, Dark Deity 2 continues to improve on the formula while continuing the greater story of the Eternal Order.
25 years after the events of the first game, Irving and company’s descendants have to take up arms once more to keep the peace. If you liked the original – or just enjoy TRPGs in general – this is one game you won’t want to miss.
Chains of Freedom
Release date: 15 Apr, 2025
Platforms: PC
There’s still no sign of XCOM 3, but in the meantime you get get your tactical battle fix with creepy post-apocalyptic thriller Chains Of Freedom. Set in a fictional nation on the brink of collapse, this game challenges you to contend with government conspiracies, strange beings, and deadly locales.
Scavenging for consumables is a big part of keeping your team fully stocked, and mysterious biocrystals are used to upgrade their abilities. Chains Of Freedom also has a demo available, so check it out!
LUNAR Remastered Collection
Release date: 18 Apr, 2025
Platforms: PC – PlayStation – Xbox – Nintendo Switch
While they might not have the instant brand recognition of Final Fantasy or Dragon Quest, Lunar and Lunar 2 are about as iconic as it comes in terms of mid-’90s JRPGs. These classic PlayStation titles have it all, from old-school combat to gorgeous anime cutscenes.
The Remastered Collection includes both games, which take place in the same world a millennium apart. They’re a must-play for die-hard JRPG fans.
Maliki : Poison Of The Past
Release date: 22 Apr, 2025
Platforms: PC – Nintendo Switch
Poison Of The Past brings the graphic novel Malilki to life, letting you lead the battle against Poison across the time continuum. Using temporal manipulation, you can create combos and change the initiative order in battle, or even shift combatants entirely into the past or future!
Between adventures, Maliki offers some cozy base building, as you tend to the Thousand Root Tree, grow crops, and craft for the battles to come.
The Hundred Line -Last Defense Academy-
Release date: 24 Apr, 2025
Platforms: PC – Nintendo Switch
If you’re looking for a single game that can fill up hours upon hours and keep you engaged the entire time, look no further than Last Defense Academy. Released in April to rave reviews, it tells the story of students tasked with fighting off extradimensional invaders for 100 days. Think Persona meets Danganronpa with tactical battles.
The game offers 100 story paths, each with its own ending. You’ll have to be truly dedicated to see how every possible outcome turns out!
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
Release date: 24 Apr, 2025
Platforms: PC – PlayStation – Xbox
You’ve probably heard plenty about Clair Obscur already; its meteoric launch took it from being a promising RPG from a new studio to an instant contender for Game Of The Year in many players’ eyes, and it’s easy to see why. Between its beautiful visuals, amazing soundtrack, and haunting story, the story of Expedition 33 has quickly become a fan favorite.
It’s also included on GamePass, so if you happen to have a subscription it’s not to be missed.
Fuga: Melodies of Steel 3
Release date: 29 May, 2025
Platforms: PC – PlayStation – Xbox – Nintendo Switch
Fuga: Melodies Of Steel has developed a cult following with its first two titles. Its dramatic storyline and unique gameplay, where you assign characters to stations on a massive tank during battle, follow the exploits of children trying to survive in a war-torn world.
While Fuga 3 does continue the story of the first two games, it’s designed to be accessible to players who haven’t played them. Whether you’re a longtime fan or curious what all the fuss is about, the third installment is a great place to board the Taranis and set off for adventure.
Cyber Knights: Flashpoint
Release date: 2 Jun, 2025
Platforms: PC
The Trese Brothers’ cyberpunk tactical RPG has been in the making for some time now, and 2025 finally saw its full release. If you’re a fan of Shadowrun, Cyberpunk 2077, or the genre in general, this is definitely a game worth checking out.
While there’s a ton of gameplay just in planning your heists – selecting and outfitting your crew, leveling up classes, and the actual mission itself – there’s also a deep story element to the game. Your crew’s stories change based on the missions that they undertake and how they turn out, offering a huge amount of replayability.
Front Mission 3 Remake
Release date: 25 Jun, 2025
Platforms: Nintendo Switch
If you’ve already played through everything on this list… congratulations, you’ve been busy! Luckily, there are still plenty of turn-based games to look forward to in the second half of 2025, starting with the third Front Mission Remake, launching 25 June.
The first two Front Mission games have already been remade for the Nintendo Switch, and the impending release of the third shows no signs of stopping. Front Mission is a deep multimedia franchise with a big setting to explore, so now is a perfect time to dive in.
This is everything I think is worth checking out, regarding 2025 releases so far, for now. I’ve left out several titles released in early access, which I’ve decided to hold off on. But let me know what you think, and feel free to recommend other games. Wish you the best. Ciao
