The Slormancer
This game immediately went to the top of my wishlist as soon as I learned about it’s existence, and it (mostly) delivered. I consider it one of my GOTY 2025.
It’s an ARPG hack’n’slash (aka Diablo-like) that is much deeper than it seems. All weapons have unique build-defining effects, all gear can be crafted to perfection, there is a ton of levels to grind everywhere, and it’s a pure “numbers go brr” kind of game. I only regret the lack of variety in environments, a grind that becomes too tedious into endgame, and a perfectible gamepad implementation.
Still, there’s an insane amount of content for a very modest price.
Escape from Duckov
2nd GOTY, a top-down PvE extraction shooter. If you’re unfamiliar with the genre, the gameplay loop is simple: drop on a large-ish map, complete quests, loot gear and materials, and extract alive… or lose everything. This is a type of game that is predominantly dominated with PvPvE hardcore games (Tarkov, Hunt Showdown), so a lighter, more casual take with ducks was all I needed to have fun.
The difficulty curve is excellent, the maps are full of places to explore, the quests take you everywhere, and you really feel the power progression as a player. There are also already many neat mods. I love this game.
Small caveat: I don’t recommend it on the Steam Deck, unless you’re ok with aiming with the trackpad.
ARC Raiders
Third and last GOTY, the PvPvE extraction shooter for players that don’t like PvP.
I bought it, got killed by some random German streamer, refunded it (because I don’t have enough time to learn to git gud at PvP games), and then bought it again to play with a friend because I really wanted to like this game. It’s casual enough for me, the PvP vs PvE balance makes it not frustrating to lose a game, and the solo lobbies are mostly chill. And then we play duo or trio to burn through our stash and just have dumb PvP fun.
Basic weapons are viable in PvP, the PvE is actually engaging (and you need it for crafting), and it’s just an all-around good game. Avoid their stupid and toxic subreddit, though.
Mouthwashing
As a walking sim, it was “ok”. Thing is, I certainly lack media literacy to fully appreciate it, as I usually just understand games at surface level. I read a few posts about it after finishing it, and I was like “oooooh”, like there are 4 layers deep to each chapter and each action of each character. So it’s probably good if you take your time to analyze and understand all the metaphors.
Deep Rock Galactic: Survivor
Yet another survivors-like, though this one is pretty to look at, and quite difficult.
DRGS has a strong emphasis on crowd control: you’re not going to clear screens of mobs, you’re here to collect minerals (permanent unlocks) and gain xp points to level up your stats and weapon perks (reset after each mission), and have a chance to kill the big boss as quickly as possible.
The only negative point I have is about the loot: it adds a sort of arpg-like layer to the game for the min-maxers, but I’ve never, ever bothered to look at anything I’ve ever looted. IMO it doesn’t fit the genre: I don’t want to look at stats and sort my stash, I just want to play a short brainless game. Fortunately, there’s a button to automatically fit the best gear available.
Anyway, it’s an excellent game for the Steam Deck, with many weapons to unlock and master, and 300 achievements. Dopamine goes brr.
R.E.P.O.
Funniest multiplayer coop game I’ve played in… maybe forever. I wouldn’t play it solo at all though, because it unlocks its full potential if you manage to gather 3+ friends.
The proximity voice chat and design of the robots add A LOT to the wackiness and humor. The way their eyes focus on the closest point of interest, their “south-park-canadian” mouths, the flailing arms… The gameplay loop itself is just an excuse to put yourself in stupidly dangerous situations and laugh at your unfortunate beheaded teammates.
