The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild – A Timeless Masterpiece

With the introduction of the Nintendo Switch 2, there has been a significant shakeup in the rankings of games released this year in terms of critical acclaim. This is mainly due to older games being re-released for the new console.

One such example is The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, originally released in 2017, now considered one of the top-rated games of 2025.

Breath of the Wild has been upgraded for the new console, the Switch 2, along with its sequel, Tears of the Kingdom. These upgraded versions, known as Switch 2 Editions, offer enhanced gameplay experiences for players. However, it is worth noting that some content, such as DLC, may require additional purchases.

As a result of these upgrades, Breath of the Wild has climbed to the top of the MetaCritic list for 2025, tying with other highly-rated games like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Blue Prince, Split Fiction, and Despelote.

Expedition 33 currently holds the top spot with a combined MetaCritic score of 93, tied with Breath of the Wild. The competition is fierce, with Blue Prince close behind at 92, Split Fiction at 91, and Despelote rounding out the top five with an 89 score.

With the release of new games, existing titles have been pushed down the rankings. For example, The Hundred Line: Last Defense Academy has been displaced from the top 20 due to Breath of the Wild’s resurgence.

Looking ahead, the upcoming Switch 2 Edition of Tears of the Kingdom is expected to further shake up the rankings with its impressive 94 MetaCritic score. This means that a game originally from 2023 could become the highest-rated release of 2025.

For players who have upgraded to the Switch 2 and purchased the Zelda upgrades, resources like our Breath of the Wild guide and Tears of the Kingdom guide can be invaluable. Whether you’re revisiting these classics or experiencing them for the first time, our guides offer helpful tips and strategies.