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From Ghost of Tsushima to Sekiro: 5 Games You Must Try In the Year 2025
If Assassin's Creed Shadows left you yearning for more open-world adventure, stealth-based action, and sword fighting, don't worry; you're in good company. This feudal Japan-inspired entry into the Assassin's Creed franchise has re-sparked enthusiasm for cinematic combat, depthful storytelling, and immersive world-exploring. Fortunately for us, there are a plethora of action-packed games out there that scratch that very itch.
The following 5 games are well worth trying out if you're eager to continue the Shadows experience:
1. Ghost of Tsushima: Director’s Cut
Platform: PS4, PS5
Why You’ll Love It:
Set in feudal Japan during the Mongol invasions, Ghost of Tsushima offers breathtaking visuals, fluid katana combat, and a rich story of honor and rebellion. The stealth mechanics and samurai-vs-ninja gameplay style feel like a spiritual sibling to Assassin’s Creed Shadows.
Highlights:
Stunning open-world visuals
Realistic sword combat
Deep character arcs and narrative choices
2. Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
Platform: PS4, Xbox One, PC
Why You'll Love It:
FromSoftware's hard-hitting action-adventure game puts you in the sandals of a shinobi on a quest to rescue a young lord. With high-drama sword fights, parkour travel, and cinematic boss battles, Sekiro is perfect for fans of challenging combat and feudal Japanese culture.
Highlights:
Precision sword combat
Grappling hook travel
Rich lore with minimal handholding
3. Red Dead Redemption 2
Platform: PS4, Xbox One, PC
Why You'll Love It:
Though it’s set in the American West, Red Dead Redemption 2 offers the same epic scale, freedom of exploration, and narrative immersion that AC fans adore. Its detailed world-building and moral choice system resonate with the layered storytelling found in Shadows.
Highlights:
Massive open world
Realistic survival elements
Gritty, emotional story
4. Middle-Earth: Shadow of War
Platform: PS4, Xbox One, PC
Why You’ll Love It:
If you enjoy the mix of stealth and brute strength, this fantasy video game based on Tolkien lets you overwhelm orcs and take fortresses in an extremely detailed world. The Nemesis System in the game, the first of its kind, allows each enemy fight to be unique—similar to writing your own epic novel.
Highlights:
Nemesis System for personalized enemies
Stealth and magical fighting
Extremely large open-world spaces to conquer
5. Horizon Forbidden West
Platform: PS4, PS5
Why You'll Love It:
For players who loved Assassin's Creed Shadows' blend of world exploration and stealth but want a sci-fi equivalent, Horizon Forbidden West offers robotic beasts, sweeping vistas, and high-octane combat. It shares the same sense of wonder and narrative depth that AC fans will adore.
Highlights:
Gorgeous robotic enemies
Tough female protagonist
Rich crafting and combat systems
Final Thoughts
Even as Assassin's Creed: Shadows brings a new chapter to the AC saga, these games provide their own fix of adrenaline-fueled action and suspenseful drama. Whether cutting through hordes as a stealthy assassin or discovering forgotten ages, these are games that'll have your blood pumping and fingers flying.