Pure Xbox's Game Of The Year 2025

5. South of Midnight (Xbox Series X|S)

Compulsion Games really blew us away with their modern folktale South of Midnight earlier in 2025, to the point where Pure Xbox staffer Ben Kerry calls it his personal Game of the Year! In a recent post, he highlighted its "charming characters, gorgeous environments and surprisingly heartfelt story", while also pointing out that its best elements are so good that he can forgive any shortcomings such as the arguably unengaging combat.

In all honesty, we weren't that excited for South of Midnight ahead of launch back in April, but we're so glad it changed our minds - and it's clearly impressed more than a few Xbox fans, reaching the top five in the Pure Xbox Game of the Year roundup. We can't wait to see what Compulsion comes up with next.

4. The Outer Worlds 2 (Xbox Series X|S)

What a ridiculously busy year it's been for Obsidian. The Outer Worlds 2 was actually the final game the studio released in 2025, following the previous successes of Avowed (which is higher on this list) and Grounded 2 (which finished just outside the top 25). Last but certainly not least, this sequel proved an excellent follow-up to the 2019 original.

When we first went "Hands On" with The Outer Worlds 2 in October, we mentioned how the graphics were prettier, the combat was snappier and the story had us intrigued. Its appeal has only grown since then, both with ourselves and the Pure Xbox community at large. To have finished in the top five is a tremendous achievement in such a stacked year.

3. DOOM: The Dark Ages (Xbox Series X|S)

On paper, it makes sense that a game like DOOM: The Dark Ages would automatically be in the running for Game of the Year. There was definitely some skepticism this time around though — how would they create a fresh-feeling experience compared to the likes of DOOM (2016) and DOOM Eternal? Was it time to put the series on hiatus for a while?

Evidently not, as DOOM: The Dark Ages has taken the Bronze Award in our Pure Xbox Game of the Year roundup, clearly proving a massive hit with Xbox fans over the past 12 months. We think it's amazing as well, mentioning in our review how it's "another absolutely stellar offering" that "puts the final touches on a masterful trilogy". Congrats, id Software!

2. Avowed (Xbox Series X|S)

The Silver Award in this year's Pure Xbox Game of the Year roundup goes to Avowed! It seemed almost impossible for this fantasy RPG to live up to the hype, and the reviews were actually not outstanding for it back at launch (it has an 80 average rating on Metacritic), but it's undoubtedly captured the hearts and minds of the Pure Xbox community.

In our review all the way back in February, we praised Avowed as a "fantastic action-RPG that focuses on its combat and exploration first and foremost", highlighting its "fast-paced fights", "colourful environs" and "moreish" campaign. With a total of 408 votes (almost 100 more than DOOM: The Dark Ages), Avowed takes the crown for Xbox first-party titles in the PX GOTY rankings.

1. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 (Xbox Series X|S)

Everyone, act surprised! The Pure Xbox Game of the Year for 2025 is officially Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. Sandfall Interactive's debut game (!) blew everyone away earlier this year when it turned out to be a stunningly impressive RPG, blending an engrossing narrative with an addictive turn-based combat system.

This is a game that's been winning tons of GOTY awards in recent weeks, including at the big Game Awards event, and so we always expected it'd take the crown here as well. You won't see us complaining — we gave Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 an "Outstanding" 10/10 score in our review at launch, calling it "a masterpiece, really, an odyssey that'll stick in your mind long after you're done, and one of the most enjoyable and fresh RPGs we've played in aeons."

Congratulations to Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 on winning the PX GOTY award for 2025!