🎮 Gaming Goals 2025: My Adventure Map Unfolds

The new gaming year is in full swing, and I’ve finally set my goals. Each year, I try to combine brand-new releases with long-postponed classics. My typical target is around 12–15 games annually, alternating between story-rich epics, tough-as-nails challenges, and a few cozy co-op sessions with friends. Here's what I plan to conquer in 2025.

🌀 Alan Wake II — The Writer’s Return

Genre: Psychological Horror | Studio: Remedy Entertainment

I’ve waited years for this. Ever since the eerie tale of Alan Wake first unfolded in Bright Falls, I’ve been hoping to return. Remedy's narrative-driven design and mysterious storytelling are exactly my kind of thing. I'm especially intrigued to see whether there’ll be links to Control and the shared universe that Remedy has been teasing. The surreal darkness, cryptic clues, and storytelling through gameplay — I’m ready to lose myself in it.

🧙 Divinity: Original Sin I & II — A Tactical Journey

Genre: Tactical RPG | Studio: Larian Studios

These legendary CRPGs have been calling my name for years, and now it’s time to answer. After falling in love with Baldur’s Gate 3 in 2024, I realized I needed more of that Larian magic. The freedom of choice, the turn-based combat, and the absolutely chaotic options (yes, throwing gnomes included!) make me eager to see where Divinity started. It's more than just playing — it’s discovering what could happen.

🗡️ Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree — The Test Awaits

Genre: Action RPG (Soulslike) | Studio: FromSoftware

If base Elden Ring was the journey, then this DLC is the exam. I held off on jumping in right away — not because of fear, but because I wanted to be ready. Now that the initial chaos has passed, I’m mentally prepped for whatever nightmare Miyazaki has waiting. Based on what I’ve heard, it’s not just more of the same. It's harder, deeper, and more cryptic. And that’s exactly what I want.

🎭 Split Fiction — Co-Op with a Twist

Genre: Cooperative Adventure | Studio: Hazelight

Coming from the creators of It Takes Two, Split Fiction looks like another masterpiece of cooperative storytelling. These games are always best experienced with a friend, offering puzzles, story depth, and moments of sheer chaos. Sadly, the lack of Russian subtitles may delay my playthrough, but I’m hopeful that fan translations or updates will allow more players to enjoy this adventure in their native tongue.

🕯️ Little Nightmares III — A Wordless Wonder

Genre: Puzzle Platformer | Studio: Supermassive Games

Few games can tell so much with so little. Little Nightmares creates horror not with gore, but with mood. This third installment adds co-op, which is an intriguing shift. I love slow, thoughtful puzzle games with someone by my side, so this title is perfect for cozy gaming nights. Here's hoping the style and mystery remain intact with the new studio behind it.

🌑 Elden Ring: Nightreign — Shadows Rise

Genre: Soulslike Battle Royale Hybrid | Studio: FromSoftware

This rumored expansion (or sequel?) is high on my wishlist. A blend of Soulslike difficulty and battle royale chaos? I’m in — even if it means coordinating with two friends for co-op, which isn’t always easy. Still, the allure of new bosses, twisted lore, and massive, dynamic combat arenas makes this an unmissable release if it hits in 2025.

This is only the beginning. A few titles are still on the horizon, and my wishlist will likely grow. But if I can check off these games, I’ll consider 2025 a gaming year well spent.

More updates — and thoughts on the games I finish — to follow soon. Stay tuned! 🎮