Digital Foundry experts named DOOM: The Dark Ages and Assassin’s Creed Shadows the best games of 2025 in terms of graphics and optimization
Digital Foundry experts reviewed games from 2025 and published their own top titles with the best graphics.
What is known
Shooter DOOM: The Dark Ages took first place in the top, but experts noted that they were impressed not so much by the graphics itself (although it is excellent), but by the perfect combination of beautiful images, decent destructibility of objects, and excellent optimization, allowing the game to run smoothly even on weak PCs.
id Software traditionally pays great attention to the technical perfection of its games, and the new DOOM installment was no exception, which pleased Digital Foundry.
The second place in the top will surprise many, as it is occupied by one of the most controversial games of the year — Assassin’s Creed Shadows. Like DOOM, it is noted not for graphics as such, but for excellent physics and competent implementation of ray tracing in the vast open world of feudal Japan, while the game boasts quality optimization. However, all of the above does not apply to versions for Xbox Series S and Switch 2.
Rounding out the top three is Death Stranding 2: On the Beach. Digital Foundry specialists praised the PS5 exclusive for its luxurious character and location detailing and the highly realistic implementation of lighting. The play of light and shadow affects each frame, and such an effect was achieved without the use of ray tracing.
Top most beautiful games of 2025 according to Digital Foundry (note that starting from the fourth place, the games are listed in random order):
- DOOM: The Dark Ages;
- Assassin's Creed Shadows;
- Death Stranding 2: On the Beach;
- Silent Hill f
- Routine
- Metroid Prime 4
- Mafia: The Old Country
- Ghost of Yōtei
- Earthion
- Dying Light: The Beast
Source: Digital Foundry
