We’re over halfway into 2025, and some big game releases are lined up for July, giving us even more to add to our gaming backlog.
While the sun is shining and the heat is blazing for many of us, the world of gaming doesn’t stop, and, while it might not be as rammed as the release calendar will be heading into the holiday season, July 2025 certainly has plenty of games to be aware of.
We’ve taken a look at the full slate to select seven games you shouldn’t miss.
Biggest Games Coming in July 2025
College Football 26
After the franchise returned last year for the first time in a decade, an annual release cycle for the EA Sports title is set, and College Football 26 is the next entry.
Major changes have been made to Dynasty mode, including crossplay between Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5, real-world coaches being available, a trophy room to showcase your achievements, and numerous presentation updates.
College Football 26 releases July 10 on Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5.
Donkey Kong Bananza
Mario Kart World stole the show in the launch month of Nintendo Switch 2, but now it’s time for everyone’s favorite ape to step forward in Donkey Kong Bananza—the first 3D platformer for the character in over a quarter of a century.
Releasing July 17, exclusively on Switch 2, a special Nintendo Direct presentation earlier this month highlighted more of what players can expect from the title, including the role of Pauline and co-op availability for the title.
Grounded 2
Almost three years after the full release of the first game, and five years after the title first entered early access, Obsidian Entertainment are back with Grounded 2, launching in Game Preview for Xbox X|S and PC on July 29.
Details on exactly what the title entails remain to be seen but, with availability in Xbox’s Game Pass service, it’s likely to attract a flood of players, especially considering how spectacular the first game was.
Tales of the Shire: A Lord of the Rings Game
Delayed late last year until ‘early 2025, Tales of the Shire: A Lord of the Rings Game was then set for a March release, though a further delay pushed the title back again. Finally, players will be able to dive into the game on July 29.
Set between the events of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, Tales of the Shire might not be something you’d expect to see from within the J. R. R. Tolkien universe, appealing to those who enjoy the likes of Animal Crossing and Stardew Valley.
Wuchang: Fallen Feathers
A soulslike RPG set in China during the Ming dynasty, Wuchang: Fallen Feathers put the player in control of Bai Wuchang, a pirate, for what looks to be an epic adventure—and a July 24 release date is right around the corner.
Games set in China have surged in popularity, with a Black Myth: Wukong last year playing a huge role in that, and Wuchang: Fallen Feathers will appeal to those craving a new soulslike adventure.
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4
Over two decades since they were originally released, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 features remasters of the classic titles. While skating games were the norm 20 years ago, times have changed since and Pro Skater 3 + 4 will hit a gap in the market.
Launching July 11, and available with an Xbox Game Pass subscription, Pro Skater 3 + 4 will whet the appetite ahead of a potential resurgence for the skating genre, with the highly-anticipated Skate due to enter early access later this summer.
Wildgate
Releasing July 22, Wildgate is a PVP multiplayer shooter blending ship-to-ship combnat and first-person action, with players on the hunt for powerful weapons and ship upgrades.
An Open Beta earlier this year proved to be extremely popular, and the game has over 350,000 wishlists on Steam, so watch this space!
What game are you most looking forward to in July? Let us know in the Insider Gaming forum!
Looking for your next read? Check out the nine biggest games still to release in 2025, and take a look at the best Roblox games to play this summer holiday.
