Summer Game Fest 2025!
 

Greeting fellow Aliens! As may or may not know, we just had Summer Game Fest happen with a whole slew of new game announcements, reveals, dates, and wow are things looking insane for the rest of the year! While watching the show, I made a list of a handful of games that are 100% on my Steam wishlist going into the second half of 2025, and a few lookers for 2026!   

Without further ado, and in particular order, here are my top picks from the Summer Game Fest! 

Mortal Shell II 

Well, my beautiful Aliens, I know you saw this coming. As a big soulslike fan, of course Mortal Shell II is going to make list of favs from SGF! This one looks to truly build on its predecessor with punishing combat, new features, and a deeper sense of exploration. The core “shell” system returns, allowing you to inhabit different warrior bodies, each with unique combat styles and traits. This time around though, you’re armed with ranged options like revolvers and shotguns for a more flexible combat experience, should those fit your fancy! Another new and interesting mechanic is mid-run shell switching! Allowing you to swap playstyles on the fly versus being locked into one for x amount of time.  

Coupling these neat mechanics with intense boss fights, satisfying finishers, and some incredible-looking art. Mortal Shell II looks to promise something incredible so if this isn’t on your list, give it another look!  
 

Chronicles: Medieval 

Chronicles: Medieval was unveiled at SGF this year as a sprawling sandbox RPG with colorful visuals that break the mold on traditional medieval aesthetics – full stop. Sign me up, I am ready. Developed by Raw Power Games, it’s scheduled for early access on Steam in 2026. Fun fact: the studio initially showed interest in generative AI tools but later confirmed that the game’s world is purely handcrafted.  

Gameplay features open-world exploration and sandbox-style freedom. The vibrant trailer contrasts usual dark ages gloom with luminous, handcrafted environments. This sandbox focus encourages player creativity and emergent storytelling. Although we get a glimpse at actual gameplay in the trailer, I am still curious how the game will truly feel. Initially, I am thinking it’s going to feel akin to something like Bannerlords, though we will have to see more as we get closer to early access! If this looks like something up your alley, throw it on your list!  
 

End of Abyss 

Truth be told, I have had my eyes on End of Abyss for what feels like years now! Developed by Section 9 Interactive, you can probably guess the incredible team here are ex-Tarsier Studios devs that worked on the Little Nightmares franchise. It has a very similar scope here and a super eerie feel, but that is exactly what I loved about the Little Nightmares franchise, so that is what I love here! 

Now we don’t know all that much about the gameplay here but from the trailer we can definitely see a wide range of baddies that are going to be coming at us (I might scream once or twice). What is that big blob thing that breaks into more baddies, or that hand looking thing that seems to just want a hug! Whatever these things are, I am totally ready to put the headset all the way on and get truly immersed in this spooky world! 
 

Game of Thrones: War of Westeros

I mean, where do I even begin here? It’s Game of Thrones. And it’s a real-time strategy game, is there anything else that is needed? Probably one of the most recognizable IPs in the last decade+, War of Westeros is finally here to give us a chance to avenge the Red Wedding (IYKYK). 

Developed by Playside Studios, War of Westeros aims to capture the political tension and scale of its source material while offering engaging strategy gameplay rooted in lore-rich, alternate-history scenarios. The game stands out for letting you rewrite pivotal TV moments such as Jon Snow's fate or Daenerys' endgame. From infantry and cavalry to siege engines and dragons, huge armies get deployed in asymmetric faction warfare. Players can take control of iconic Great Houses like Stark, Lannister, Targaryen, or even the Night King and the army of White Walkers. Set for release in 2026, it promises both single-player campaigns and competitive multiplayer, so definitely keep your eyes peeled for more information on this one because WINTER IS COMING!
 

Arc Raiders 

I had to put Arc Raiders on my list for obvious reasons! While I didn’t get to participate in the recent tech test that ended in May, I watched the streamers playing and it looked like an absolute cinema! I just hope the genre of 'PvPvE Extraction' isn’t... old news, per say. Would love hear thoughts on that in comments from other perspectives. We have a release date of October 30, 2025 now with this one so add it to the calendar!  

For those that haven’t seen Arc Raiders yet, or the recent gameplay during the tech test, the game plunges players into a post-apocalyptic world where humanity fights robotic ARC enemies on a surface devastated by catastrophe. Solo and cooperative missions involve scavenging for loot, battling NPCs and players, then escaping with your haul. And of course, if you die before you extract, you lose it all! There are base-building elements and skill tree that reward play and deepen investment. And yes, there is supposed to be cross-play and Steam Deck support so you can play with your friends anywhere! Check it out! 
 

Dune: Awakening

Another one I had to add to the list – while Dune: Awakening is technically already released it is currently my absolute JAM! I am loving the game. Since we got blessed with an official launch trailer during SGF, I can add it to my list here and really, let's pretend its opposite day because this would be #1 for me! My currently most played!   

If you haven’t jumped into Dune yet, allow me to wipe the spice away and tell you that this game is awesome! Developed by Funcom, Dune is the spiritual successor to Conan: Exiles. Initially, myself among others, were worried for the release of Dune, that it would just be a Conan reskin essentially. While it has its similarities, the game is all the way DUNE. The game's survival layer is huge: keep hydrated, avoid sandstorms, dodge Sardaukar patrols, manage stillsuits, and don’t get eaten by glorious Shai’hulud!  

All culminating to an end game that includes faction warfare and guild-based combat in the deep desert! Fighting over spice fields and political influence via Landsraad resolutions. Multiplayer events, such as sandworm-influenced confrontations, promise emergent conflict and cinematic scale! Dune: Awakening is truly a deep and complex survival MMO experience set in one of science fiction's most iconic universes. If you’re on the fence with this one, I would 10/10 recommend jumping over into the sand and giving it a rip, it’s a great time! 
 

And there you have it! Some of my favorites from Summer Game Fest that I definitely will be playing and keeping my eyes on as we progress through these sunny days! As always, would love to hear your thoughts in the comments down below! Any games that are not on this list that you are stoked about? Let’s hear about it!