The Worst Games of 2025 (That You Should Totally Play)

5 min read


Not every game needs a 90+ Metacritic score to be worth your time. In fact, some of the lowest-rated games of recent years have developed cult followings — not despite their flaws, but because of them. Whether it’s broken mechanics, bizarre storytelling, or just plain chaos, these 10 titles prove that gaming disasters can still be a blast when approached with the right mindset (and sense of humor).

So if you’re tired of polished AAA perfection, grab your controller and dive headfirst into the weird, the broken, and the oddly beautiful.






1. Overwatch 2



Publisher: Blizzard Entertainment
Genre: Hero Shooter
Price: Free-to-play

Why it was rated poorly:
Players slammed Overwatch 2 for its controversial monetization, missing PvE content, and what many felt was a glorified update to the original.

Why it’s still worth trying:
Underneath the drama lies some of the best team-based shooting mechanics in the industry. Its hero designs, maps, and satisfying abilities still deliver top-tier competitive energy — especially when you’re playing with friends who remember the good old days of Overwatch 1.






2. PAYDAY 3



Publisher: Starbreeze Studios
Genre: Co-op Heist Shooter
Price: $39.99

Why it was rated poorly:
At launch, PAYDAY 3 was nearly unplayable due to server crashes and missing features fans expected.

Why it’s still worth trying:
After patches and updates, the co-op heist gameplay has become smoother, and the thrill of coordinating the perfect robbery remains unmatched. It’s chaotic, tense, and perfect for a group of mischievous gamers.






3. Wolfenstein: Youngblood



Publisher: Bethesda Softworks
Genre: Action Co-op Shooter
Price: $29.99

Why it was rated poorly:
Critics hated its cringey dialogue, repetitive missions, and confusing progression system.

Why it’s still worth trying:
Despite its flaws, Youngblood is a fun co-op shooter with satisfying gunplay, neon aesthetics, and a surprisingly challenging AI system. Plus, dual-wielding laser cannons while storming Nazi bunkers with a friend? Always fun.






4. Redfall



Publisher: Bethesda / Arkane Studios
Genre: Open-World Vampire Shooter
Price: $69.99

Why it was rated poorly:
One of 2023’s biggest disappointments — plagued by lifeless AI, weak performance, and dull open-world design.

Why it’s still worth trying:
Arkane’s DNA still shines through. The vampire-hunting premise and atmospheric world design make it a strangely immersive solo experience — especially after recent patches improved stability.






5. The Lord of the Rings: Gollum



Publisher: Daedalic Entertainment
Genre: Stealth Adventure
Price: $49.99

Why it was rated poorly:
Gollum was universally panned for awkward controls, poor visuals, and an uninspired story.

Why it’s still worth trying:
If you’re a Tolkien fan, there’s something endearingly tragic about sneaking through Mordor as Gollum. It’s flawed but weirdly compelling, like a lost PS3-era relic brought to life.






6. Battlefield 2042



Publisher: EA DICE
Genre: First-Person Shooter
Price: $59.99

Why it was rated poorly:
Broken launch. Missing features. Unbalanced maps. Enough said.

Why it’s still worth trying:
In 2025, Battlefield 2042 has quietly become a solid large-scale war sim after major updates. Dynamic weather, destruction, and sheer chaos still make it a thrill for FPS fans craving spectacle.






7. Skull and Bones



Publisher: Ubisoft
Genre: Pirate Adventure
Price: $69.99

Why it was rated poorly:
After a decade in development, fans expected Assassin’s Creed IV 2.0. What they got was repetitive grinding and lifeless naval missions.

Why it’s still worth trying:
If you love the fantasy of piracy, it delivers gorgeous visuals and satisfying ship combat — especially in short, casual sessions with friends.






8. Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League



Publisher: Warner Bros. Games
Genre: Action Shooter
Price: $69.99

Why it was rated poorly:
Fans hated the live-service grind, repetitive missions, and awkward tone.

Why it’s still worth trying:
Rocksteady’s combat design still slaps. The mobility, voice acting, and chaotic co-op combat make it mindless fun when you’re not taking it too seriously.






9. Balan Wonderworld



Publisher: Square Enix
Genre: Platformer
Price: $19.99

Why it was rated poorly:
Critics called it confusing, outdated, and unintentionally creepy — a bizarre mess from the creator of Sonic the Hedgehog.

Why it’s still worth trying:
Because it’s so bad it’s good. The costumes, music, and sheer weirdness make it a cult classic waiting to happen — a true fever dream of a platformer.






10. Postal 4: No Regerts



Publisher: Running With Scissors
Genre: Open-World Satire
Price: $29.99

Why it was rated poorly:
Terrible performance, offensive humor, and outdated design.

Why it’s still worth trying:
It’s pure chaos. Like a time capsule of early 2000s edge, Postal 4 delivers absurd, unfiltered fun that feels forbidden in today’s sanitized gaming landscape.






Why Bad Games Deserve a Chance

Sometimes, the best gaming stories don’t come from polished perfection — they come from broken brilliance. Underrated or low-rated games often showcase creative risks that safer titles avoid. They make you laugh, rage, and appreciate the artistry (and absurdity) of game development.

These are the games where bugs become features, and frustration turns into shared laughter. They’re the ones you talk about for years — not because they were perfect, but because they were memorable.







FAQs

  • What makes a game “low-rated”?
    Games that receive poor critic or user scores due to bugs, bad design, or failed expectations.

  • Are bad games ever fun?
    Absolutely. Many “bad” games become cult classics for their creativity, humor, or chaotic gameplay.

  • Which 2025 games were rated poorly but improved?
    PAYDAY 3 and Battlefield 2042 both received major updates that fixed core issues.

  • Why do some gamers enjoy broken or buggy titles?
    The unpredictability and comedy of glitches can make for surprisingly fun experiences.

  • Where can I find these games?
    Most are available on Steam, Xbox Game Pass, PlayStation Store, or Epic Games Store — often at steep discounts.






🎮 Final Thought

Gaming isn’t just about perfection — it’s about adventure, chaos, and stories worth telling. So next time you see a game with terrible reviews, don’t scroll past it too quickly. That digital disaster might just be your next favorite memory.

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