The standout games of 2025, according to the publication, were those that emerged unexpectedly. These included a roguelike puzzle game, a challenging mountainous walking simulation, a Geometry Wars-inspired title, and a mini-game collection exploring the difficulties of adolescence. "The games that really stood out for me in 2025 were the ones that seemed to come out of nowhere," Ars Technica stated.

The list's release comes as the gaming industry looks ahead to 2026, with several major projects in development, including Grand Theft Auto VI, which was delayed. The anticipation for these upcoming titles is high, mirroring the excitement surrounding previous releases like Red Dead Redemption 2 in 2018, which set sales records and garnered critical acclaim. The absence of Grand Theft Auto VI from this year's list is a notable shift, similar to how delays impacted the release schedules of highly anticipated sports games in past years.

While Ars Technica did not provide specific scores or player performance data for each game, the inclusion of diverse genres and development scales suggests a broad appeal within the gaming community. The publication's focus on unexpected hits echoes the success of indie games like Stardew Valley, which defied expectations to become a commercial and critical success.

As the industry prepares for 2026, the performance of these top 20 games will likely influence development trends and player expectations. The full list and detailed reviews are available on Ars Technica's website for subscribers.