As April comes to a close and May finally begins, players can start getting hyped for some of the month's most exciting new releases, including the jaw-droppingly mesmerizing DOOM: The Dark Ages. The start of a new month marks the endless cycle that is adding to one's backlog, piling on top more and more games, because the gaming industry keeps releasing masterpiece after masterpiece. While not every game in the month will appeal to everyone, you're bound to find at least one title that you like.

Of course, many may still be playing April's best games, including the likes of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, which launched at the tail end of the month. Unfortunately, May features several timesinks, including a sprawling survival MMO, the latest entry into the never-ending soulslike genre, and a handful of indies that are too charming not to play. All of these and more await eager players in May, so strap in for yet another extremely busy month as your backlog buckles under the pressure of playing absolutely everything that comes out.

DOOM: The Dark Ages Is A Big Win For May

It's One Of The Most Anticipated Games Of The Year

Of course, the big game of May and one of 2025's most anticipated Xbox games is DOOM: The Dark Ages. This latest entry into the DOOM reboot series marks a dramatic shift in tone, although players will still get to revel in all the blood-curdling gore and testosterone. It serves as a prequel to both DOOM and DOOM Eternal, putting players once again into the shoes of the Slayer, although this time he's being controlled by a mysterious cosmic entity that wants to use him to crush the forces of hell on the world of Argent D'Nur.

It is surprisingly more story-heavy than one may expect, with the game's marketing doubling down on all the lore and story details that are being explored through this new entry. Of course, in typical DOOM fashion, none of that is going to get in the way of having a rip-roaring good time, crushing enemy skulls, blasting demons with an oversized gun, and utilizing that fancy new chainsaw shield that looks like far too much fun. DOOM: The Dark Ages very much looks like a continuation of everything that made its predecessors so amazing.

Fortunately, it is one of the many games coming to Game in May and is even dropping onto the service on day one. It's all a continued effort by Xbox to release its first-party titles on the subscription service and as a product on launch day. This will likely serve as the primary way it is played by fans, although those on PS5 and PC will also be able to play it the day it releases worldwide. No one will be left out when, after a long wait, DOOM: The Dark Ages finally launches on May 15, 2025.

Soulslike & Survival Fans Are Winning In May

Elden Ring: Nightreign And Dune: Awakening Are Finally Releasing

Of course, there are so many more games releasing in May than just DOOM: The Dark Ages. In fact, some of 2025's most anticipated RPGs are coming out in May, including Elden Ring: Nightreign, the follow-up to one of the greatest games of all time. The co-operative title features roguelike elements and sees players - either in teams of three or alone - prepare for a final boss that they'll need to face after three in-game days. At the end of each day, they'll need to defeat a minor boss, and, in doing so, will unlock crucial items that'll help them win.

It sounds like a very unique and fun experiment within the soulslike framework, one that will undoubtedly be a critically acclaimed masterpiece and a potential GOTY contender, considering the pedigree of the studio developing it, FromSoftware. Of course, there are some key differences between it and its predecessors, namely the lack of player-driven builds and a focus on pre-made characters called Nightfarers. Elden Ring: Nightreign's Nightfarers may take some getting used to, but will likely introduce a whole new audience to the genre.

Elden Ring: Nightreign has a little competition in May, however, as the month also marks the Beta weekend of the highly anticipated MMO survival game, Dune: Awakening. Of course, the full game isn't scheduled to launch until June, but players will get to access a huge Beta weekend in May. By accessing Dune Awakening's Beta, players can test out 20 hours of gameplay, allowing them to explore the enormous world of Arrakis, try out different character builds, and get to grips with everything the game has to offer.

Dune Awakening's Beta will run from May 9 to May 12, which is a few weeks before Elden Ring: Nightreign officially launches on May 30. Fortunately, there will still be plenty to do while players wait patiently in between, as May is host to several other exciting releases, including a myriad of smaller indie titles that nevertheless look just as enthralling, and a few AA games to get stuck into. May is certainly set to be a very busy month for anyone even remotely interested in video games.

The Full Schedule Of May Video Game Releases

From AAA To Indie Titles

Beyond the big three games releasing in May, there are a handful of other excellent titles that are definitely worth trying out. Farming sim fans should check out Pixelshire, a game that feels like it's banking on the boundless nostalgia people have for the likes of Lord of the Rings and Stardew Valley, but frankly, in the best way possible. It's a huge sprawling pixel-art adventure game that could end up being one of 2025's best indie games, so long as the unbelievably quirky To a T doesn't dethrone it thanks to the sheer ridiculousness of its plot.

Fans of the wonderfully satirical and hilarious Journey to the Savage Planet are bound to have a great May as its sequel, Return to the Savage Planet, is finally launching, promising an even bigger, bolder, and more entertaining experience. The Midnight Walk, one of the few 2025 PS5 exclusives, is also set to release in May, offering players a unique and absolutely terrifying Tim Burton-esque nightmare world to explore. If they aren't enough, here is every game releasing in May 2025:

Of course, a few other noteworthy mentions for the month are Fantasy Life i: the Girl Who Steals Time, the long-awaited sequel to the 3DS classic from legendary developer Level-5, Blades of Fire, the latest game from Mercury Stream, the developers of Metroid Dread, and Monster Train 2, the follow-up to one of the best roguelike deckbuilders ever made. All of these games and more will make May a month to , even if everyone exclusively plays the phenomenal-looking DOOM: The Dark Ages.