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1. Avowed

   • Genre: First-person RPG
   • Developer: Obsidian Entertainment
   • Release Date: February 18, 2025

   Avowed is an upcoming action RPG developed by Obsidian Entertainment, renowned for their work on critically acclaimed RPGs such as Fallout: New Vegas, The Outer Worlds, and Pillars of Eternity. Set in the world of Eora, specifically in a region called the Living Lands, Avowed offers a distinct first-person perspective compared to Obsidian's previous isometric RPGs in the Pillars of Eternity universe. While sharing lore and setting with Pillars of Eternity, Avowed aims for a different gameplay experience, emphasizing first-person combat and exploration.

   The game's narrative is expected to be a core element, as is typical of Obsidian titles. Players will be immersed in the Living Lands, a region plagued by a mysterious disease called the "Dreaming Plague." The story will likely revolve around investigating the source of this plague and making choices that impact the fate of the land and its inhabitants. Obsidian is known for creating morally grey choices and complex narratives, so expect a story with depth and player agency.

   Gameplay in Avowed is anticipated to blend magic and melee combat. Trailers and gameplay previews have showcased a variety of weapons, spells, and abilities that players can utilize in first-person combat scenarios. Companions will also play a significant role, offering assistance in combat and potentially contributing to the narrative through their own storylines and interactions. Exploration of the Living Lands is expected to be a key component, with diverse environments and secrets to uncover. While not strictly open-world in the vein of Skyrim, Avowed is described as having large, explorable areas.

   Given Obsidian's pedigree in RPG development, Avowed is highly anticipated for its potential to deliver a compelling narrative, engaging combat, and a rich world to explore. It is poised to be a major single-player RPG release in early 2025.

2. Lost Records: Bloom & Rage

   • Genre: Narrative Adventure
   • Developer: DON'T NOD
   • Release Date: February 18, 2025

   From DON'T NOD, the studio known for narrative-driven games like Life is Strange and Vampyr, comes Lost Records: Bloom & Rage, a nostalgic adventure set across two timelines. The game centers around four friends in 1995, charting their summer of friendship, memories, and growing closer. However, the narrative then jumps forward 27 years, revealing that these friends vowed never to speak again after that pivotal summer. A "long-buried secret" from 1995 serves as the catalyst for their reunion in the later timeline, suggesting a mystery that players will unravel.

   DON'T NOD is celebrated for crafting emotionally resonant stories with relatable characters and impactful choices. Lost Records: Bloom & Rage is expected to continue this tradition, focusing on themes of friendship, secrets, and the passage of time. The dual timeline structure suggests a narrative that will explore how past events shape the present and how unresolved issues can resurface years later.

   Gameplay is likely to be focused on narrative exploration, character interaction, and choice-driven storytelling, similar to DON'T NOD's previous titles. Players can expect to engage in conversations, explore environments, and make decisions that influence the relationships between the characters and the unfolding mystery. The 1990s setting adds a layer of nostalgia, potentially incorporating cultural elements and themes relevant to that era. Lost Records: Bloom & Rage is anticipated to be a poignant and emotionally engaging single-player experience, appealing to fans of narrative adventure games.

3. Monster Hunter Wilds

   • Genre: Action RPG
   • Developer: Capcom
   • Release Date: February 28, 2025

   Monster Hunter Wilds is the next mainline entry in Capcom's hugely successful Monster Hunter franchise. Building upon the foundations of Monster Hunter: World, Wilds is set to be a visually impressive and expansive open-world experience, promising to be one of the most ambitious titles in the series to date. The game aims to evolve the Monster Hunter formula with more dynamic environments, seamless open areas, and interconnected ecosystems.

   The core gameplay of Monster Hunter revolves around hunting massive and diverse monsters, crafting gear from their materials, and tackling increasingly challenging hunts. Monster Hunter Wilds is expected to retain this core loop while significantly enhancing the world and monster interactions. Trailers have showcased dynamic weather systems, environmental interactions, and more complex monster behaviors, suggesting a more immersive and reactive world. New biomes and monsters are also expected, expanding the already vast bestiary of the Monster Hunter universe.

   Combat in Monster Hunter Wilds is likely to be refined and expanded, building upon the action-oriented, skill-based combat the series is known for. New weapons, combat mechanics, and monster attack patterns are anticipated, providing fresh challenges for veteran hunters and newcomers alike. The cooking and preparation mechanics, a staple of the series, are also expected to be upgraded. Monster Hunter Wilds is poised to be a flagship single-player (with co-op multiplayer options) action RPG in 2025, appealing to both long-time fans and those new to the franchise with its enhanced visuals and evolved gameplay.

4. Assassin's Creed Shadows

   • Genre: Action-Adventure, Stealth
   • Developer: Ubisoft Quebec
   • Release Date: March 20, 2025

   Assassin's Creed Shadows marks a highly anticipated entry in the long-running Assassin's Creed franchise, finally taking the series to feudal Japan. Developed by Ubisoft Quebec, the studio behind Assassin's Creed Odyssey, Shadows promises to deliver a dual protagonist experience, allowing players to control both a samurai and a shinobi (ninja) in a late Sengoku period Japan.

   The narrative is expected to explore historical events and figures of the era, blending them with the fictional Assassin-Templar conflict that is central to the Assassin's Creed series. Players will experience the story from the perspectives of Yasuke, a historical African samurai, and Naoe, a fictional female shinobi. Each character is expected to offer distinct gameplay styles and narrative perspectives. Yasuke is portrayed as a more direct, armored warrior, while Naoe emphasizes stealth and agility, staying true to the ninja fantasy.

   Gameplay in Assassin's Creed Shadows is expected to return to a greater focus on stealth, reminiscent of earlier Assassin's Creed titles, while retaining the open-world structure and RPG elements of recent installments. The game promises a near 1:1 scale open-world Japan, encouraging exploration and discovery. A new grappling hook mechanic is expected to enhance traversal and stealth options. The dual protagonist system aims to provide varied gameplay experiences, with players switching between Yasuke's samurai combat and Naoe's shinobi stealth approaches to missions and challenges. Assassin's Creed Shadows is highly anticipated for its setting, dual protagonists, and potential to revitalize the stealth aspects of the franchise.

5. The Alters

   • Genre: Space Survival, Strategy
   • Developer: 11 bit studios
   • Release Date: 2025

   The Alters is a unique sci-fi survival game from 11 bit studios, the creators of Frostpunk and This War of Mine. The game presents a thought-provoking premise: players control Jan Dolski, a stranded worker on a remote planet, who must create "alters" - alternate versions of himself - to survive. Each alter possesses different skills and abilities based on branches of Jan's past life choices, creating a strategic resource management and character-driven survival experience.

   The narrative of The Alters is expected to delve into themes of existentialism, identity, and the nature of self. Jan's interactions with his alters will likely explore different facets of his personality and past, raising questions about choice, regret, and the paths not taken. The game's setting, a desolate and resource-scarce planet, will create a backdrop of isolation and desperation, enhancing the narrative's introspective tone.

   Gameplay in The Alters is anticipated to blend survival mechanics with strategic management and character interaction. Players will need to manage resources, maintain a base, and assign tasks to different alters based on their skills. The alters are not simply clones; they have distinct personalities and needs, requiring players to manage their relationships and morale. The game's core mechanic of creating and managing alters offers a novel approach to the survival genre, emphasizing the psychological and strategic aspects of managing multiple versions of oneself to overcome adversity. The Alters is expected to be a compelling and unique single-player experience, combining survival gameplay with a deep and introspective narrative.

6. Atomfall

   • Genre: Action-Adventure, Shooter
   • Developer: Rebellion Developments
   • Release Date: March 27, 2025

   Atomfall is a post-apocalyptic action-adventure game from Rebellion Developments, the studio behind the Sniper Elite and Zombie Army series. Set in 1957 rural Britain, the game presents an alternate history scenario where a nuclear catastrophe has devastated Northern England. Players will explore this irradiated landscape, facing off against mutated creatures, rogue military factions, and uncovering a conspiracy related to the atomic fallout.

   The narrative of Atomfall draws inspiration from the real-life Windscale fire of 1957, reimagining it as a much larger and more impactful nuclear event. The game is expected to blend Cold War anxieties with post-apocalyptic themes, creating a unique and unsettling atmosphere. Players will unravel a mystery surrounding the disaster and the forces vying for control in the ravaged region.

   Gameplay in Atomfall is anticipated to combine action-adventure elements with shooter mechanics. Players will explore the open world of rural Northern England, scavenging for resources, crafting equipment, and engaging in combat. Based on Rebellion's previous titles, gunplay is expected to be a core component, likely with a focus on tactical combat and resource management in a hostile environment. The mutated creatures and human factions will provide diverse enemy encounters, and the conspiracy storyline will drive the single-player narrative experience. Atomfall promises a blend of action, exploration, and post-apocalyptic intrigue in a unique 1950s British setting.

7. Civilization VII

   • Genre: 4X Strategy
   • Developer: Firaxis Games
   • Release Date: February 11, 2025

   Civilization VII is the latest installment in the legendary Civilization series, a flagship franchise in the 4X strategy genre. Developed by Firaxis Games, Civilization VII aims to innovate and evolve the series formula while retaining the core elements of empire building, technological advancement, diplomacy, and warfare across human history.

   The Civilization series is known for its deep and engaging turn-based strategy gameplay, allowing players to lead a civilization from ancient times to the modern era, competing against other civilizations controlled by AI or human players. Civilization VII is expected to introduce new features and mechanics to enhance this formula. Details revealed so far suggest a focus on a "layered" approach to history, with fewer but longer ages, and civilizations potentially morphing and evolving over time. New units, technologies, and gameplay systems are also expected.

   Gameplay in Civilization VII will remain turn-based, with players managing their cities, economies, research, culture, diplomacy, and military. The game is expected to offer a vast scope, allowing players to shape the course of history through their strategic decisions. Improvements to AI, diplomacy, and combat are anticipated, along with visual and UI enhancements. Civilization VII is a major release for strategy game enthusiasts, promising to deliver the next evolution of the iconic 4X franchise, primarily focused on single-player experience against AI opponents, with multiplayer options available.

8. Hades II

   • Genre: Roguelike, Action RPG
   • Developer: Supergiant Games
   • Release Date: 2025 (Early Access already available)

   Hades II is the highly anticipated sequel to Supergiant Games' critically acclaimed roguelike action RPG, Hades. Building upon the success of its predecessor, Hades II introduces a new protagonist, Melinoë, the Princess of the Underworld and sister to Zagreus from the first game. This time, Melinoë is on a quest to confront Chronos, the Titan of Time, offering a fresh narrative and gameplay experience within the Underworld setting.

   The narrative of Hades II expands upon the mythology and characters established in the first game. Melinoë's story is expected to be just as compelling and character-driven as Zagreus's, with a focus on her unique motivations and relationships within the pantheon of gods and mythical figures. Supergiant Games is known for its strong writing and character development, so expect a rich and engaging story alongside the action gameplay.

   Gameplay in Hades II retains the core roguelike structure of Hades, with players venturing through procedurally generated Underworld levels, battling enemies, and collecting boons from Olympian gods to enhance their abilities. Combat is expected to be fast-paced, fluid, and skill-based, with new weapons, abilities, and enemy types. While currently in Early Access, Hades II already shows promise for refining and expanding upon the addictive gameplay loop of the original, with a new protagonist, story, and gameplay additions. Hades II is poised to be another major single-player roguelike hit in 2025, appealing to fans of the original and newcomers to the genre.

9. Dynasty Warriors: Origins

   • Genre: Musou, Action
   • Developer: Koei Tecmo
   • Release Date: January 17, 2025

   Dynasty Warriors: Origins is the latest mainline installment in Koei Tecmo's long-running Dynasty Warriors franchise, known for its "musou" style gameplay where players take on the role of historical or fictional warriors and battle through hordes of enemies on vast battlefields. Origins aims to be a significant entry in the series, promising enhanced visuals and a return to the series' roots.

   The narrative of Dynasty Warriors: Origins is expected to be based on the historical events of the Three Kingdoms period of China, as is typical for the series. Players will likely take on the roles of famous warriors from this era, participating in large-scale battles and experiencing a dramatic retelling of historical conflicts. The story is expected to be character-focused, highlighting the rivalries and alliances between different factions and warriors.

   Gameplay in Dynasty Warriors: Origins will center around the series' signature "1 vs. 1,000" musou combat. Players will control powerful warriors with unique movesets, cutting down swarms of enemies and engaging in strategic battles. Origins is expected to feature enhanced graphics and potentially new gameplay mechanics, aiming to deliver a more refined and immersive musou experience. The game is seen as a potential revitalization for the Dynasty Warriors series, appealing to long-time fans with its large-scale battles and historical setting. While the series often includes co-op modes, Dynasty Warriors: Origins will have a robust single-player campaign experience.

10. Kingdom Come: Deliverance II

    • Genre: Action RPG
    • Developer: Warhorse Studios
    • Release Date: February 4, 2025

    Kingdom Come: Deliverance II is the sequel to Warhorse Studios' critically acclaimed historical RPG, Kingdom Come: Deliverance. Set in 15th century Bohemia, the game continues the story of Henry, the son of a blacksmith, as he navigates the tumultuous events of the Hussite Wars. Deliverance II promises to be even more expansive and immersive than its predecessor, offering a larger world, a deeper narrative, and refined gameplay mechanics.

    The narrative of Kingdom Come: Deliverance II is expected to be a direct continuation of Henry's story, further exploring the historical conflicts and political intrigue of 15th century Bohemia. The game is praised for its historical accuracy and grounded portrayal of medieval life, and Deliverance II is expected to maintain this commitment to realism. Players will likely encounter historical figures and events, making choices that impact the course of the narrative within a historically authentic setting.

    Gameplay in Kingdom Come: Deliverance II will retain the first-person perspective and realistic combat system of the original. Combat is skill-based and challenging, emphasizing swordplay, archery, and other medieval weaponry. The game is expected to expand upon the RPG elements of the first game, with deeper character progression, more skills and abilities, and a larger open world to explore. Deliverance II is highly anticipated by fans of the original for its commitment to historical accuracy, challenging gameplay, and immersive medieval world, offering a unique single-player RPG experience.

These 10 games represent a diverse range of genres and gameplay styles, all anticipated for a single-player PC release in 2025. They showcase the breadth of upcoming titles and offer something for various gaming preferences.