Say hello to the next big PvP game

PvP games is more popular than ever. It doesn't matter if players prefer intense shooting battles or more tactical MOBA gameplay; There is sure to be a good game out there for them to prove their skills and outdo their opponents. 2025 gave the world so many amazing PvP games, from Battlefield 6 to ARC Raiderseach puts a unique spin on existing genre norms, with some new names entering the room and providing an experience unlike any other. But the gaming wave never seems to stop, and there are many more insanely cool and exciting PvP titles just waiting to be released, each with a unique art style, gameplay loop, and world for players to invest in and explore for countless hours.

Recently, the world of PvP games has been taken over by extraction shooters, and while there are already many great ones, it seems that the genre is just getting started. But not all PvP games have to follow the same loot-and-shoot formula, and as it turns out, many newer titles are experimenting much more in both existing genres and by blending several into a single experience. Many of these games come from established IPs or developers, while others are a team's first attempt at gaming greatness, but they all look fascinating and should certainly be on any PvP fan's radar in the coming months.

Marathon

• Class-based combat in the form of different skins.

• Competitive mode for more hardcore players.

Marathon is the next big name in the extraction shooter space, driving players into high-stakes PvP runs where every decision matters. Set in a mysterious world full of color and vibrancy, players control cybernetic mercenaries called Runners, entering contested zones to seize loot, complete objectives and compete for extraction while facing both AI threats and rival players. The core loop will feel familiar to genre veterans, but the difference comes from the emphasis on class abilities and techniques that ensure each player has a distinct role in the context of their team.

The art style is obviously the biggest draw, with far more bright colors and contrasts than in other, more realistic shooters, but the aesthetic extends to how enemies work and how weapons feel, rather than being just for looks. One of the biggest problems extraction shooters face is the divide between casual and hardcore players, and even the most successful games struggle to find a balance that works for everyone. With Marathonhowever, all types of players will be able to enjoy the experience, whether they want to jump in for a few sessions and log out, or if they want to keep pushing through to the late game, climbing the ranks and tackling the challenging Cryo Archives that should keep them invested long after launch.

Active matter

Reality bends around all the action

• Fast and fluid passage between surfaces.

• Intense PvP encounters complete with hideous enemies.

Active matter takes the extraction shooter formula and warps it into surreal territory, literally turning many of the genre's conventions on their heads. Players enter quantum unstable zones rich with the titular Active Matter, a reality-bending resource that affects gravity, space topology, and battlefield conditions. Inside these areas, players must compete for the limited loot pool while fending off both other players and abstract PvE threats.

Where other shooters take a more grounded approach to level design and combat, Active matter isn't afraid to lean into chaos. Not only is the combat fast and intense, but it also takes place in extremely unpredictable environments, where players can be on solid ground one minute and running along rooftops the next. This alone makes the game look unique in an otherwise crowded space, and a clear one to watch if players are waiting for their next shooting spree.

Mishap Hunter

Soulslike Goodness Meets PvP Chaos

• Fantasy mixed with the extraction loop.

• Focus on melee and abilities in combat.

Mishap Hunter takes a completely different approach to extraction games, swapping guns and grenades for a dark fantasy setting that has as much PvP goodness as any other game in the genre. The game puts players in the role of Gildhunters, specialized fighters who venture into dangerous worlds in search of loot, resources and glory, but the task is anything but a cakewalk. Fighting other players is central to the experience, and there are plenty of opportunities for skilled players to land a nice set of gear upgrades, whether it's by taking down a fearsome monster or a fellow hunter.

Mechanically, combat is tactical and skill-driven in a very different way to a traditional extraction game, with deep character builds and gear customization that have a huge impact on the player's success in each run. Whether teaming up or going solo, players must balance risk and reward, as pushing deeper yields better loot, but also increases their chance of bumping into other hunters. Many players may already be tired of the extraction genre, and this game may be just what they need to rekindle that passion and get back into the fray.

SAND: Raiders Of Sophie

The base that moves with you

• Procedurally generated desert world.

• Base-building mechanics meet large-scale PvP battles.

SAND: Raiders of Sophie is what happens when Mad Max encounter base-building and high-stakes PvP action. The world is a vast, desolate battlefield where players need to construct and customize giant Tramplers – walking mobile bases that serve as transport, storage and combat platforms – while fending off others looking for their next big payday. These mechanical behemoths aren't just neat backdrops for the fights; they fundamentally shape how PvP engagement develops. Players can mount heavy weapons and go on the offensive to tear through anyone and anything that gets too close.

Due to the modular nature of the pedals, players can easily build and adapt their bases to their needs and tastes without having to worry about staying within set limits. This also allows them to focus all their attention on the battles on the sand, where skill and strategy are the driving forces for success in the wasteland. Alongside the large-scale battles, there are also plenty of moments where players need to run around on foot, venturing into the various structures that litter the landscape and hunting for whatever loot they can hopefully escape with.

Invincible VS

Bring comic book to life

• 3v3 tag fighter set in Invincible universe.

• Iconic characters battle in a variety of environments.

Invincible VS takes the realm of superheroes to the tag-fighting genre, leaving the actors in the pit Invincible against each other in tense 3v3 battles to the death. Players assemble teams of iconic heroes and villains and engage in fast-paced competitive matches where combo execution, defensive timing and team synergy are equally important in determining the winner.

Fighting game players will feel right at home, and there are plenty of features that make the game feel more modern and polished than even some of the big names in the genre. Seamless mid-combo switching, fast, fluid movement and a heavy focus on competitive multiplayer for those who really want to push their limits and become the best heroes they can be. The tag fight genre can be hotly contested, but this is easily one of the more exciting and promising upcoming entries. and can easily become a mainstay for even long-time players.