Best Story-Driven Games You Shouldn’t Miss This Year

In a sea of loot shooters and battle royales, story-driven games remain a beacon for those seeking rich, emotional, unforgettable experiences. Here are the must-play narrative masterpieces of 2025.

Final Fantasy XVII

Square Enix continues its legacy of delivering grand adventures with Final Fantasy XVII. Set in a fractured world where ancient magic collides with high technology, the story follows five heroes grappling with personal demons, political chaos, and cosmic threats.

Expect:

• Gorgeous cutscenes and world-building
• Heart-wrenching character arcs
• Massive, choice-driven consequences

Fans of epic sagas like FFX and FFXV will find XVII a true spiritual successor.

Telltale’s The Expanse: Complete Season

Telltale’s back, and they’re better than ever. The Expanse blends gripping space opera with tough moral choices. Every decision ripples across the solar system, affecting alliances, betrayals, and survival.

Key Strengths:

• Deeply human storytelling
• Memorable cast of characters
• Branching narratives with multiple endings

If you loved The Walking Dead or The Wolf Among Us, you can’t miss this.

Dragon Age: Dreadwolf

BioWare returns to its storytelling roots with Dreadwolf. Political intrigue, religious conflicts, and ancient threats collide in Thedas once again. With a fully voiced protagonist and even deeper relationship-building, this could be BioWare’s redemption arc.

Expect:

• Rich world-building and lore
• Choices that reshape the world
• Complex companions with evolving relationships

For RPG fans, Dreadwolf is an event, not just a game.

Alan Wake II: Shadows Over Bright Falls

Alan Wake II dives even deeper into psychological horror. Reality shifts and fractures as you uncover the dark secrets of Bright Falls. The writing is sharp, the scares are clever, and the meta-narrative bends your mind in the best way possible.

Strengths:

• Inventive, unsettling storytelling
• Cinematic visuals
• Psychological depth

Fans of horror and mystery games will be glued to their controllers.

Pentiment II

Obsidian’s beloved narrative adventure gets a stunning sequel. Pentiment II lets you explore the ripple effects of history through a fresh cast of characters. Choices matter, time passes relentlessly, and your actions shape entire generations.

Highlights:

• Hand-painted medieval art style
• Deep, philosophical storytelling
• Every choice feels meaningful

If you love slow-burn narrative games with real intellectual weight, Pentiment II is a masterpiece.