Here we are with the December 2025 recap. All the new releases lined up across RPGs, strategy games, and everything in between. I’m also tidying up the master article that tracks every 2025 release, and while doing that, I’ve realized just how many games have dropped this year.
This month sees the debut of the brand-new entry in the Octopath Traveler series, alongside some intriguing indies like Death Howl. Enough talk, here are the month’s most important releases.
Effulgence RPG
- Developer: Andrei Fomin
- Release Date: 2 December 2025 (Early Access)
- Platforms: PC
- Steam Page
The first game on the list I’m bringing you is something truly unique when it comes to its visual style. Effulgence RPG building its world entirely out of glowing ASCII characters in a way that has to be seen to be believed.
Upon defeating an enemy, each of the characters it’s comprised of is collected as crafting materials, which you can then recombine into weapons of your own to power up your run.
While it enters Early Access this month, Effulgence is expected to grow into a highly-replayable 3-5 hour roguelite. It’s both a creative concept and a beautiful game to look at, so we’re very excited to see it develop.
Titans of the Past
- Developer: Devil’s Dozen Games
- Release Date: 3 December 2025
- Platforms: PC
- Steam Page
Ukrainian dev team Devil’s Dozen has translated their love of old-school CRPGs into Titans of the Past, a deep party-based adventure with modern mechanics. The game blends real-time and turn-based mechanics by having time pass only when you move; if you’re stopped, so is the world, giving you time to strategize and plan.
Throw in class customization, ARPG-style loot drops, and even a town of your own to develop, and Titans of the Past is a game you could really immerse yourself in. There’s a free demo available to give it a try, and if you’re looking for a retro-style game but the classics feel too clunky nowadays, this could be your answer.
Octopath Traveler 0
- Developer: Square Enix
- Release Date: 4 December 2025
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch
- Steam Page
I’m really curious to see what this new Square title can do, especially since it actually shifts the story back to the very beginning of the series timeline.
In Octopath Traveler 0, you’ll create your main protagonist and rebuild a town, inviting companions to live with you in your settlement. There’s lots of exploring to do with a party of up to 8 characters, all in Octopath‘s signature lush HD-2D environments.
Octopath Traveler has been a boon for JRPG fans, and we’re expecting the newest entry in the series to be another grand adventure. The prologue is available as a free demo, and the release of the game itself is just around the corner.
Pirates Outlaws 2: Heritage
- Developer: Fabled Game
- Release Date: 3 December 2025 (Early Access)
- Platforms: PC
- Steam Page
Like its predecessor, Pirates Outlaws 2 applies the roguelite deckbuilder formula to swashbuckling adventure on the high seas. You’ll choose a hero and companion, combining their abilities to form the basis of your deck as you hunt for treasure and challenge the greatest pirates of the age.
With enhanced card crafting and even more of the series’ stylized designs, Heritage looks to improve on the original and give players lots to explore. It’s releasing into Early Access this December, and a free demo is already available.
Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader (Switch)
- Developer: Owlcat Games
- Release Date: 11 December 2025
- Platforms: Switch 2
- Steam Page
Chances are, you don’t need any introduction to Owlcat Games‘ grimdark masterpiece Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader. It’s one of the most immersive 40k games ever made, letting you take command of a merchant dynasty and engage in thrilling tactical combat over its extensive campaign.
Now that Rogue Trader is coming to the Switch 2, you can take your battles against the forces of Chaos wherever you go! The Switch is actually a great platform for squeezing in a quick mission here and there, so if you’ve been waiting to get your hands on Rogue Trader, this is a fine opportunity.
Away From Home
- Developer: Squishy, Cameron Smith-Randick
- Release Date: 5 December 2025
- Platforms: PC
- Steam Page
Away From Home is a colorful, expressive RPG that asks, “what if a game like Earthbound had a living world?” You can affect the world around you in unexpected ways, leading to multiple endings that make this a title you’ll want to explore over and over.
Away From Home uses rhythm-based battles to resolve combat, and its surreal dreamlike universe means they can get pretty strange. If you’re looking for something well outside the ordinary, try the free demo or play the full game when it launches on the 5th.
RuneQuest: Warlords
- Developer: Virtuos
- Release Date: 9 December 2025
- Platforms: PC
- Steam Page
RuneQuest and its setting of Glorantha have been classic parts of the tabletop RPG world for decades. Even if you’re not a longtime fan, you might want to check out their upcoming tactical game, RuneQuest: Warlords. Take command as one of Glorantha’s three main factions and lead diverse armies of soldiers and monsters into battle.
Warlords is published by Slitherine, so you can expect deep and satisfying gameplay that feels at home with the setting’s tabletop roots. Between the campaign, skirmish, and even multiplayer, this could be a treat for strategy fans.
Warhammer 40,000: Dark Heresy (Alpha Test)
- Developer: Owlcat Games
- Release Date: 16 December 2025
- Platforms: PC
- Steam Page
Rogue Trader was great, so it’s only natural that fans eagerly await Dark Heresy, Owlcat’s next foray into the grim darkness of the far future. This time, you’ll join the Inquisition, rooting out corruption from the heart of the Imperium wherever it arises.
The main release of Dark Heresy is still a long way off, but anybody who’s pre-purchased the Developers’ Digital Pack or Collectors’ Edition will get access to the Alpha Test starting on 16 December. The Alpha is only available on Steam, but it’s the first chance for players to meet the new cast of heroes.
Keep the Heroes Out
- Developer: Brueh Games, YamCat Games
- Release Date: 9 December 2025
- Platforms: PC, Switch
- Steam Page
The holidays are a great time for couch co-op, and this digital adaptation of the board game Keep The Heroes Out challenges you and up to three friends to defend your dungeon from greedy, looting adventurers. Work together with the other players to protect the treasure at all costs, using your hand of cards and unique monster powers to stop any would-be heroes.
Keep The Heroes Out also has scenarios to add extra challenges while you defend your vault. The demo is available for free right now, letting you get the hang of it before the full game launches.
Death Howl
- Developer: The Outer Zone
- Release Date: 9 December 2025
- Platforms: PC
- Steam Page
This is definitely one of the titles I’ve been looking forward to the most. Death Howl bills itself as a “soulslike deck-builder,” and it’s published by 11bit studios (of Frostpunk fame), so you can expect a challenge from this one.
With its strange, surreal visuals and dark-fantasy hero’s journey, it also manages to capture the FromSoft soulslike look and feel, while still remaining first and foremost a deckbuilder.
The game itself plays a bit like Knights In Tight Spaces, placing you on a grid as you play your cards, so positioning is just as vital as your deck and combos. It looks like it could be a refreshing blend of genres, so give the demo a try before the game launches next week.
Dissimilar
- Developer: Opal Grave Games
- Release Date: 9 December 2025
- Platforms: PC
- Steam Page
If you’re looking for a good story as the days get shorter, Dissimilar and its mysterious locale could be just what you’re looking for. This indie Tactical RPG lets you freely explore the interior of a castle called the Haven, an ancient structure retrofitted with sci-fi gadgets and robots, unraveling the secrets inside.
The entire game is hand-drawn, from the environments to the characters, bringing the story to life in a way you don’t often see. It’s a great sign for a debut title from Opal Grave Games, so give the demo a try and see if the mystery entices you!
Unto Deepest Depths
- Developer: McCollum Games
- Release Date: 11 December 2025
- Platforms: PC (including Linux)
- Steam Page
Unto Deepest Depths is a tactical RPG based around a simple rule: all units must move and must attack every turn, no exceptions. It doesn’t sound so bad, until things start to get even the least bit complicated.
If there’s nobody in range but an ally, you have to attack them. If an AoE hits an advanced unit, you can’t hold it back until they’re out of the way. A simple rule means lots of challenge and planning that make for a unique experience.
As you probably expect, Unto Deepest Depths is a game for players looking to test their skills. The free demo is definitely worth checking out to see how the whole thing works, and the full game is expected to launch mid-month.
Lords of the Void
- Developer: BoargamesStudio
- Release Date: 11 December, 2025 (Early Access)
- Platforms: PC
- Steam Page
Lords of the Void is a post-apocalyptic fantasy strategy game, sort of like an indie Heroes of Might and Magic, but different enough to be recognizable as its own thing. As humans, mages, demons, or steampunk lizards, you’ll fight for what’s left of the world after a devastating Calamity.
Lords of the Void, which already has a free demo available, is entering Early Access, with all of its planned mechanics and features ready to go (including hot-seat multiplayer). The full version is expected sometime in 2026, so if you’re a fan of classic strategy, keep an eye on this one.
Voice of Belldona
- Developer: StoryCropStudio
- Release Date: 31 December 2025
- Platforms: PC
- Steam Page
The last one on my list is this anime roguelite deckbuilder, which has loads of challenging enemies to face and some very cool character and monster design. The two playable characters have completely different fighting styles, so between that and the multiple deck options, it should offer a good amount of replay value.
It should be noted that while Belldona‘s user tags include NSFW, it doesn’t appear to be that kind of game. Regardless, use your discretion with this one, and try the demo to see if it’s the kind of deckbuilder you’re looking for.
