In the ever-evolving gaming landscape of 2025, a seismic shift has unfolded as Death Stranding 2: On the Beach recently overtook Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 to become the highest-rated game on the PlayStation Store. This development marks a dramatic turn in the year's narrative, with both titles captivating players globally through their innovative mechanics and immersive storytelling. death-stranding-2-surpasses-clair-obscur-in-2025-gaming-rankings-image-0 The swift rise of Death Stranding 2, released just a week ago, underscores the fierce competition that defines this year's releases, setting the stage for an unpredictable Game of the Year race. Players and critics alike are abuzz with discussions, as the shift reflects broader trends in player preferences and critical acclaim.

The Meteoric Rise of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

Sandfall Interactive's debut game, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, launched in April 2025 and quickly became a cultural phenomenon. Its unique blend of turn-based combat and deeply engaging narrative earned it widespread adoration, propelling it to record-breaking heights. On Metacritic, the game achieved an unprecedented user score of 9.7 based on over 17,200 reviews, cementing it as the highest user-rated title in history. Critics weren't far behind, awarding it a score of 93, which initially placed it atop the charts for 2025 releases—a feat that outshone other notable games like Split Fiction and Blue Prince. 😊 The game's success wasn't just about numbers; it sparked vibrant player communities and discussions about its thematic depth.

However, the landscape shifted with the release of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom on the Switch 2, which boasted a critic score of 96. While Tears of the Kingdom is a 2023 game, its re-release highlights how older titles can resurface to challenge new ones. This minor setback didn't diminish Clair Obscur's standing as the top Metacritic-scored game for genuine 2025 releases, but it hinted at the volatile nature of gaming accolades. Players often debate whether re-releases should compete with fresh launches, adding a layer of complexity to the year's narrative.

Death Stranding 2's Dominance on PlayStation Store

The arrival of Death Stranding 2: On the Beach by Kojima Productions has dramatically altered the leaderboard, snatching the top spot from Clair Obscur on the PlayStation Store. With a stellar rating of 4.93, it narrowly surpassed Clair Obscur's 4.91, thanks to an overwhelming 97% of user ratings granting it a perfect five stars. This achievement isn't just a statistical win—it reflects the game's seamless integration of open-world exploration and emotional storytelling, resonating deeply with the PlayStation community. 🎮 Despite this, Clair Obscur maintains its edge on Metacritic with a critic score of 93, three points higher than Death Stranding 2's 90, illustrating how different platforms yield varied perceptions.

The rivalry between these giants has injected fresh energy into 2025's gaming discourse. Before Death Stranding 2's release, many saw Clair Obscur as the frontrunner for Game of the Year, but now both stand as top contenders. This dynamic shift emphasizes the importance of player feedback, as users celebrate Death Stranding 2's innovative multiplayer elements while cherishing Clair Obscur's narrative richness. Here's a quick comparison of their key metrics:

Game Title PlayStation Store Rating Metacritic User Score Metacritic Critic Score
Death Stranding 2 4.93 N/A 90
Clair Obscur 4.91 9.7 93

Note: N/A indicates data not fully available, as PlayStation Store ratings focus on user feedback rather than Metacritic user scores.

The Intensifying Game of the Year Race

With Death Stranding 2's surge, the battle for Game of the Year has become fiercely competitive. Previously, Clair Obscur was nearly a unanimous pick among gamers, but now it shares the spotlight with Kojima's sequel. This doesn't overshadow other heavy hitters like Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 and Monster Hunter Wilds, both poised to make significant impacts. Smaller indie darlings such as Split Fiction and Blue Prince remain in contention, having enjoyed successful launches earlier in 2025. 🕹️ The diversity in genres—from action RPGs to puzzle adventures—ensures that the race caters to varied tastes, with players passionately advocating for their favorites.

Looking ahead, the remaining six months of 2025 promise even more excitement with upcoming releases that could disrupt the hierarchy:

  • Hollow Knight: Silksong: Recently confirmed for a 2025 launch, this anticipated sequel could captivate with its challenging gameplay.

  • Hades 2: Aiming for its full 1.0 release later this year, building on its predecessor's roguelike excellence.

  • The Outer Worlds 2: As a AAA title with a legacy of GOTY nominations, it brings sci-fi depth to the mix.

  • Ghost of Yotei: Another high-profile entry, following in the footsteps of its 2020-nominated predecessor.

These contenders highlight the richness of 2025's offerings, where innovation and nostalgia blend to create unforgettable experiences. Gamers eagerly await how these titles will perform, with some speculating that Silksong could emerge as a dark horse, much like Clair Obscur did earlier.

As 2025 unfolds, the gaming world continues its dynamic evolution, with Death Stranding 2's ascent symbolizing the fluid nature of player and critical acclaim. This echoes the opening sentiment of seismic shifts in the industry, promising an exhilarating conclusion to the year's competitive saga. The interplay between established franchises and bold newcomers ensures that the journey toward Game of the Year remains thrilling and unpredictable. 😊