Trending Game Genres Every Gamer Needs to Experience This Year

Gaming is an ever-evolving world, with new genres constantly emerging and older genres getting refined.

04:46 16 July 2025

Gaming is an ever-evolving world, with new genres constantly emerging and older genres getting refined. Whether you’re a casual gamer or a dedicated enthusiast, staying on top of the latest trends can offer you a more immersive and rewarding gaming experience. This year, several genres are dominating the gaming scene, offering diverse experiences ranging from deep narratives to competitive gameplay and everything in between. If you want to make the most of your gaming time, here’s a look at the trending game genres you absolutely need to experience.

Battle Royale Games

The Battle Royale genre continues to be a dominant force in the gaming world, combining the adrenaline of survival games with the thrill of large-scale multiplayer combat. Players are dropped into a vast open world where they must scavenge for weapons, fight other players, and be the last ones standing. The genre has evolved significantly since the days of PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG) and Fortnite, with games like Apex Legends and Call of Duty: Warzone pushing the boundaries with better mechanics, smoother graphics, and deeper team-based strategies.

The appeal of Battle Royale lies in its accessibility and intensity. You can jump into a game for a quick match or dive deep into ranked play for a more competitive experience. With frequent updates and seasonal changes, the genre keeps things fresh and engaging. If you haven’t yet tried one of the current Battle Royale games, you’re missing out on some of the most intense multiplayer experiences available today.

Online Casino Games

Online casino games, while not traditionally thought of as a “genre” per se, have surged in popularity in recent years, especially as technological advancements have made these games more accessible and exciting. Slots, blackjack, poker, and roulette are some of the favourites players enjoy, with a massive variety of themes, designs, and gameplay mechanics to choose from. The growth of live dealer games has also elevated the online casino experience, providing players with a more authentic and immersive feel.

The appeal of online casino games lies in their simplicity and accessibility. Whether you’re looking for a quick spin on a slot machine or hoping to test your skills at poker, online casinos offer instant entertainment. Additionally, some online casino platforms offer easy access to secure and private play by avoiding identity requirements. In fact, when searching for an online casino, no ID required has become a highly sought-after feature by many bettors because these platforms allow gamers to get started playing straight away while bypassing the hassles often associated with verifying their identity and sharing personal documents over the internet. 

Beyond private platforms, many online casinos also offer the added benefit of bonuses and promotions, making it easier for players to get started without a significant upfront investment. With seamless payment methods, mobile compatibility, and live interaction with dealers, these games are continuing to attract a broad audience.

Action RPGs

Role-playing games (RPGs) have been around for decades, but the Action RPG genre has truly come into its own in recent years. Blending traditional RPG mechanics like character progression and storytelling with fast-paced combat and exploration, this genre offers an immersive experience for both casual and hardcore gamers. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt and Elden Ring have set new standards for what players can expect in terms of world-building, narrative depth, and combat mechanics.

What makes Action RPGs particularly appealing is the ability to lose yourself in a vast, open world while customising your character’s skills, equipment, and even moral choices. Whether you're exploring the hauntingly beautiful lands of Elden Ring or hunting down monsters in Monster Hunter Rise, the genre allows you to play the way you want, with each choice impacting the outcome of the game.

Simulation Games

Simulation games are perfect for players looking to immerse themselves in a different world without the need for high-stakes action or complex mechanics. The genre allows you to simulate real-world activities, from farming in Stardew Valley to running a theme park in Planet Coaster. In recent years, games like The Sims 4 and Microsoft Flight Simulator have gained massive followings, thanks to their attention to detail and the level of freedom they offer players.

What makes simulation games so appealing is their stress-free nature. You can create, build, and experiment at your own pace, with no rush or time limits. The joy of seeing your virtual world thrive based on your decisions can be incredibly satisfying, making these games perfect for gamers seeking a more relaxed and creative experience.

Fighting Games

Fighting games have long been a staple of competitive gaming, and in 2025, the genre will continue to thrive. With franchises like Tekken 7, Street Fighter V, and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate leading the charge, fighting games are proving to be a major draw for those seeking quick, high-intensity battles. The competitive community in fighting games is one of the most dedicated in the gaming world, and tournaments such as EVO continue to showcase the best of the best.

The thrill of mastering a character’s move set, executing combos, and outsmarting your opponent is what makes fighting games such a timeless genre. Whether you’re playing casually with friends or aiming for tournament-level competition, the genre provides endless fun and the satisfaction of seeing your skills improve over time. It’s a genre that appeals to players who enjoy fast-paced, skill-based gameplay.

Horror Games

For those who enjoy a good scare, the horror genre remains as popular as ever. With advances in technology, horror games have become even more immersive, using sound design, atmospheric visuals, and intense storytelling to keep players on the edge of their seats. Games like Resident Evil Village, Phasmophobia, and The Callisto Protocol have redefined what it means to experience fear in video games, offering players a deeply unsettling atmosphere with nerve-wracking gameplay.

The appeal of horror games lies in the adrenaline rush they provide. There’s something uniquely thrilling about being terrified by in-game events while trying to survive in a hostile environment. If you’re looking to test your nerves and experience a more intense type of gaming, the horror genre is one you won’t want to miss.

Strategy Games

Strategy games are for players who like to think several moves ahead. This genre encompasses a variety of sub-genres, including real-time strategy (RTS) games, turn-based strategy (TBS) games, and grand strategy titles. Popular games like Age of Empires IV, Civilization VI, and XCOM 2 have made waves in the past few years, proving that strategic thinking is still one of the most satisfying ways to play games.

One of the core attractions of strategy games is the emphasis on planning, resource management, and tactical thinking. Whether you’re managing an entire civilisation or leading an elite squad on a covert mission, the genre rewards patience, foresight, and adaptability. It’s a genre that appeals to those who enjoy deep thought and careful planning, offering a rich and complex gaming experience.