The reign of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 as the highest-rated game of 2025 on Metacritic has concluded, overtaken by two iconic titles—The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom. This shift in rankings is attributed to enhancements brought about by Switch 2 upgrades, which have bolstered these games’ appeal with features like improved resolution, better frame rates, HDR support, and an interactive navigation tool via the Nintendo Switch App.

In recent developments, The Legend of Zelda series has regained prominence within the gaming community, with both Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom achieving remarkable scores on Metacritic. These games now hold the top positions, scoring 95 and 93 respectively, pushing Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 slightly lower despite its robust number of reviews. Interestingly, the Zelda duo benefits from newly released upgrade packs designed specifically for the Switch 2, offering players a more refined experience through enhanced graphics and additional functionalities.

Notably, while Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 boasts a significantly higher review count, the influence of marketing departments cannot be underestimated. Publishers often place great importance on Metacritic scores, yet this change may merely require a small footnote adjustment rather than a complete overhaul of promotional strategies. Furthermore, it is worth considering that only halfway through the year, other contenders might still emerge to challenge these frontrunners.

Despite the fluctuating leaderboard dynamics, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 remains celebrated as one of the standout releases of the year. Its narrative depth and gameplay innovation have earned widespread acclaim, leaving many optimistic about its potential at upcoming award ceremonies. As highlighted in our detailed review, the game stands out as a testament to creative excellence, even incorporating elements inspired by the dreams of its lead writer.

As the gaming landscape continues to evolve throughout the remainder of the year, the competitive nature of these rankings underscores the ongoing quest for excellence in video game development. Whether Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 secures further accolades or new titles ascend the charts, the industry's vitality ensures an exciting journey ahead for enthusiasts and creators alike.