I play a lot of games, but these are the ones I find myself returning to again and again this year. Whether it’s the cozy rhythm of building settlements or the pulse-pounding stress of surviving the end of the world, these titles have all carved out space in my gaming routine, especially after a long day.

This isn’t a complete list of my all-time favorite games (I plan to do that in a future post), but if you’re curious what I’ve been vibing with in 2025 – this is it!

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Fallout 4 (Modded with All DLCs)

Fallout 4 is a post-nuclear open-world RPG where you emerge from Vault 111 into the ruins of Boston. As the Sole Survivor, you navigate moral choices, factions, and threats while shaping your own path in the Wasteland.

Even after all this time, I can’t get enough of Fallout 4. But I don’t just play it for the story – I’m obsessed with the settlement building side of it. Most of my mods are focused on building and décor, and the creative possibilities are endless. It’s basically post-apocalyptic interior design therapy.

Fallout mods are available on both PC and console, so it’s easy to enhance your experience no matter how you play.

I also wrote a post about the Fallout TV series! Check it out here.

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Fortnite – Battle Stage Mode

Fortnite is a free-to-play multiplayer game known for its battle royale format, but Epic continues to expand its creative experiences – including music events and festivals in-game.

Okay, hear me out – I rarely play Battle Royale anymore unless a friend begs me to. But the Battle Stage music festival mode? I LIVE for it. It’s my go-to for vibing out with music and rhythm gameplay. It brings back nostalgic vibes of Guitar Hero and Dance Dance Revolution, and it’s honestly just pure fun.

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Against the Storm

A dark fantasy roguelite city-builder where you lead various species (like beavers and lizards) to build settlements under constant rainfall. Every playthrough is different thanks to randomized conditions and challenges.

I love a good survival city-builder, and Against the Storm has me hooked. The dark, rainy atmosphere paired with roguelite elements makes every run feel fresh and rewarding. It’s one of those games I sit down to play “for a bit” and suddenly it’s 2 a.m.

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Cyberpunk 2077 + Phantom Liberty DLC

An open-world action RPG set in the dystopian metropolis of Night City, where you play as V, a mercenary with customizable cybernetic upgrades, storylines, and choices that shape your experience.

I’ve probably started my fourth playthrough after the most recent update, and it’s still not enough. Exploring Night City never gets old, and I find something new each time I dive in. Between the main story, DLC, and open-world chaos, I could spend forever in this neon-drenched dystopia.

Oh, and let’s not forget Keanu Reeves plays the iconic Johnny Silverhand, and Idris Elba joins the cast in the Phantom Liberty DLC. Yeah, it’s that cool.

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Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 (My Top Game of 2025!)

Expedition 33 is a visually stunning, turn-based RPG where strategy, storytelling, and a hauntingly beautiful world come together. Its combat is fluid, and the characters are memorable.

I wasn’t expecting this one to become my top favorite of the year, but here we are! I normally don’t gravitate toward turn-based games, but Expedition 33 blew me away. The gameplay is smooth, the narrative is compelling, and the soundtrack – chef’s kiss. I even find myself listening to the OST when I’m not playing.

And if you’re curious about the music that’s hooked me so hard, check this out – it’s the game’s main theme, Alicia.

This piece gives me chills every time. It perfectly captures the haunting beauty and emotional tone of the game. I swear, the moment I hear those first few notes, I’m instantly pulled right back into that world.

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Endzone: A World Apart

Set in a world ravaged by nuclear disaster, you must guide your people through rebuilding civilization. Manage food, water, radiation levels, and shelter to ensure survival.

If you’re sensing a theme here – yes, I love post-apocalyptic city-builders. Endzone scratches that itch perfectly, with just enough tension and strategy to keep things engaging. It’s gritty, it’s moody, and it keeps pulling me back in.

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Surviving the Aftermath

Build a colony and survive in a post-apocalyptic world filled with dangers. Balance resources, explore the map, and manage survivors as you create a thriving settlement.

It’s a bit more laid-back than some others, but that’s exactly why I love it. The challenge ramps up gradually, and it has enough depth to keep me invested without feeling overwhelmed.

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Frostpunk

A brutal society survival game where you manage the last city on Earth in a frozen world. Will you lead with compassion or strict order? Every decision affects the fate of your people.

My comfort chaos game. Whenever I don’t know what to play, Frostpunk is there. Endless Mode is my go-to when I just want to strategize in a frozen apocalypse. And YES, I am counting down the days until Frostpunk 2 drops on Xbox Series X|S (my poor laptop can’t handle the PC version)!

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The Sims 4 (Modded, Of Course)

A life simulation game where you create characters (Sims), build their homes, guide their lives, and tell your own stories. It’s endlessly customizable – especially with mods.

With over 2,000 hours logged, I think it’s safe to say I have a slight addiction. I love customizing everything, from homes to stories, and my game is stacked with mods. It’s my happy place when I just want to create, control chaos, or live out my own version of a dream life.

And if you’ve never tried it – The Sims 4 base game is free, so it’s super easy to jump in and see what the hype’s about. Just don’t blame me when you start downloading mods at 2 a.m.! Mods are only available for the PC version, which opens up a ton of creative and gameplay possibilities.

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These games have really defined my gaming time in 2025. They help me relax, spark creativity, and offer a fun escape from daily stress. I’ve got plans to share a post of my all-time favorite games and franchises soon (because yes, that deserves its own space!), but for now, these are the current MVPs in my rotation.

🗨️ Have you played any of these? What’s your go-to game this year?