5 2025 Games That Went Under the Radar

When you have giants like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Hollow Knight: Silksong, and a whole parade of critically-acclaimed releases commanding the spotlight, it’s no surprise that some genuinely great games slipped quietly past the mainstream radar. 2025 has been packed—almost overpacked—with titles fighting for attention, and unless you’ve been glued to every announcement, a few gems likely escaped your backlog. 

The good news? Those hidden hits are absolutely worth doubling back for. So if you’re craving something fresh, surprising, and criminally overlooked, here are five games from 2025 you may have completely missed.

Courtesy Next Upgrade Shop

And if you need accessories to elevate the experience, the Next Upgrade Shop has you covered with gear like the Aula Wired Gaming Mouse and more.

The Midnight Walk

From IGDB

This haunting first-person adventure blends handcrafted visuals with a surreal, clay-like aesthetic that makes every moment feel unsettling in the best way. It’s a narrative-driven experience that slowly sinks its hooks into you, building dread through atmosphere rather than jump scares. While it didn’t dominate any award nominations, those who played it still can’t stop talking about its eerie charm.

Centum

From IGDB

A genre-blending mix of psychological horror, point-and-click puzzling, and visual novel-style storytelling, Centum is as bizarre as it is memorable. The shifting art styles and cryptic narrative give it an almost dreamlike quality that sticks with you long after the credits roll. It’s not a loud game, but it is a clever, quietly ambitious one that rewards players who enjoy piecing together strange stories.

Lost Records: Bloom & Rage

From IGDB

Released in two parts, this narrative adventure captures the messy beauty of friendship, nostalgia, and growing up. With its grounded storytelling and emotional weight, it feels almost like flipping through an old photo album—one filled with choices that actually matter. Despite strong reviews, it never quite broke into the mainstream, making it a perfect pick for players who love story-first experiences.

Nubby’s Number Factory

From IGDB

Equal parts chaotic and strategic, this quirky roguelike turns a seemingly simple pegboard puzzle format into something wildly addictive. Its absurdist art direction and ever-shifting power-ups give each run a burst of unpredictable energy. It’s the kind of game you try “just once” and suddenly realize an hour has passed.

Rosewater

From IGDB

Set in a dusty, alternate-history Western world, Rosewater delivers a refreshing take on classic point-and-click adventure design. Its storytelling is rich, cinematic, and driven by a cast of characters who feel genuinely alive in the world they inhabit. With a slower pace and emphasis on atmosphere, it quietly cemented itself as one of 2025’s standout narrative adventures—even if few people noticed.

Find Hidden Gems at Next Upgrade Shop

If you’re looking to catch up on this year’s overlooked gems, these five should absolutely be on your radar. And for all your gaming needs—from peripherals to upgrades—the Next Upgrade Shop has everything to level up your setup.