Every autumn, the must-have appointment with Just Dance returns, aiming to brighten up the seasonal gray with its vibrant looks, memorable characters, and, of course, its signature dance moves. Over the years, it has faced rivals and imitators, yet they have failed to diminish its solid returning user base and extensive library of available songs, now firmly anchored within its subscription system, which was revamped in 2023 with the establishment of a true live service hub. We have extensively tested Just Dance 2025 Edition and can now tell you how this new version compares to its predecessors and whether it lives up to them.
Just Dance 2025 Edition updates, but doesn’t innovate
Let’s get ahead of ourselves and say that if, after sixteen iterations, you think Just Dance needs a refresh or at least a formula update, you’re going to be disappointed, because the development team clearly aimed to stuff this new edition full of great tracks, improving a little here and there, but without any groundbreaking changes. Once you purchase the 2025 Edition, it will integrate seamlessly with the previous version as a painless update, unlocking a new playlist and integrating with the 2023 and 2024 editions (if you own them) and any ongoing subscription to “+”. This is not a new game in the truest sense but rather a rich package of tracks that brings some technical tweaks and changes to the gameplay modes.
The core gameplay of Just Dance 2025 Edition remains focused on following and executing rhythmic movements mirrored by on-screen avatars: the goal is to closely follow the colourful choreographies presented, using your entire body (or parts of it, depending on the choreography). However, in reality, the only movement that truly matters is that of the hand holding the joy-con (or a motion controller, like a mobile phone with the appropriate app installed). This is aside from a few tracks that involve actions different from the standard, such as “danceable” songs you can do while seated, like the one inspired by The Little Mermaid. Movement accuracy is key, and you can’t really “cheat”—the system is quite precise (though not millimetre-perfect), but also flexible, allowing for various levels of gameplay and engagement, whether you aim for perfection in movement, the complete choreography, or just straightforward fun. It’s also worth mentioning that for some (few) videos, different choreographies are available depending on the player’s skill level.
Another commendable aspect is the effective integration of the function—previously experimental—of being able to use your mobile phone not just as an additional controller (which is convenient logistically but inconvenient ergonomically) but also as a rudimentary camera that reads movements, allowing you to dance without holding anything in your hand; you do need a spacious living room and a certain distance from the screen, and the system can only recognize one dancer at a time, but it’s still a very welcome feature, although it could be improved.
Various choreographies and individual moves are always well-designed to have a strong theme, considering accessibility while keeping in mind the genre and rhythm of the song, as well as any original choreography. As a champion of diversity and inclusiveness, Just Dance now features an even wider variety of characters and avatars for everyone, which is also reflected in the videos: among others, “BANG BANG! (My Neurodivergent Anthem)” is a special ‘map’ created in collaboration with Galantis and ERG on Neurodiversity, aimed at raising awareness about ADHD.
Po-po-poker face
With a bit of practice, you can learn both the original steps and those actually seen in the original music videos, all with a satisfying experience. Movements are learned gradually, the learning curve is simple and accessible for anyone willing to put in even a little effort, and fun is guaranteed, with many activities available and up to six players in local multiplayer. The pre-existing Dance Floor from the earlier version of the series has not yet been reinstated (and we wonder if it ever will be), where players used to challenge dancers from around the globe on rotating songs. Unfortunately, the sense of community that once defined JD seems to have diminished, as attention now appears more focused on local gameplay. Take the Challenge mode, for example, which offers in-person competitions with friends, or the revamped Training mode, which keeps track of calories burned while dancing: a great way to initiate a fitness routine. This aspect effectively makes the game one of the best apps for gaming and fitness, despite not being designed for that purpose.
As per tradition, it is possible to choose from around forty exclusive songs in this edition, of various genres and difficulties, which can be tackled with a wide selection of modifiers, and, of course, also in company, locally up to six players and online, by creating private online rooms or joining public sessions in a massive virtual dance club, along with competitive multiplayer options, both real-time and asynchronous.
A series of challenges (personal, multiplayer, and online) is present, complete with corresponding rewards: the seasonal paths are well-thought-out and rich with enticing milestones for collectible graphic lovers.
As it is fundamentally an update, the menus are those of the previous edition, and it would be time to redesign them more cohesively, perhaps modularly according to player preferences: sometimes navigating to your preferred modes or playlists requires several steps, and even the internal search function could be made smarter, presenting categories of songs more effectively. The integration of the various editions is also becoming confusing, without any intention to validate ownership of previous editions before 2023, for which you still need to load the game “separately” or recover the songs through the + feature if active… which is almost mandatory to make the most of the extensive “legacy” song library the series offers. One new feature is the option to purchase thematic packs related to past editions or artists, rather than years, at a cost of 10 euros each, which remain permanently unlocked. It’s an interesting idea, but we need to see how it evolves.
The Playlist of Just Dance 2025 Edition
Below is the list of songs available in Just Dance 2025 Edition at launch: in addition to these, you can naturally count on those from the seasonal rotation and those from the Just Dance+ catalogue. The selection is undoubtedly good and varied, featuring classic hits (a couple, surprisingly less “dance-oriented”) and notable new entries, plus a quirky celebratory song from SpongeBob (practically the only new content aimed at a younger audience) and a major collaboration with Ariana Grande, which includes five tracks. It’s a solid selection, but not the best seen in recent years in terms of “Fiesta” and variety.
Moreover, the commendable and unusual effort to create a genuine storyline within the saga from the historical avatars introduced in the 2023 and 2024 editions does not find continuation in this new 2025: the references and nods to the lore are still present, but there is no longer a song path linked by a real storyline, which was left hanging last year… we hope this gets a follow-up because losing this feature, though ancillary, means a cut from the production side without any apparent desire to invest further in something fun and interesting, albeit perhaps complex resource-wise… resources that, frankly, don’t seem to have been allocated elsewhere: the technical level of the operation is the same as ever, for better or worse.
- Yes, and? – Ariana Grande
- The boy is mine – Ariana Grande
- We can’t be friends (wait for your love) – Ariana Grande
- One Last Time – Ariana Grande
- Break up with your girlfriend, I’m bored – Ariana Grande
- Stop This Fire – NIUS
- Control Response – Hyper
- Halloween’s Here – The Just Dance Band
- Move Your Body – The Sunlight Shakers
- Sunlight – The Just Dance Band
- Sleigh Ride – Mrs. Claus and the Elves
- Basket Case – Green Day
- Whenever, Wherever – Shakira
- Unstoppable – Sia
- Vogue – Madonna
- Party In The U.S.A. – Miley Cyrus
- Yeah! – Usher feat. Lil Jon
- Poker Face – Lady Gaga
- My Heart Will Go On – Céline Dion
- exes – Tate McRae
- Paint The Town Red – Doja Cat
- Lovin On Me – Jack Harlow
- LUNCH – Billie Eilish
- Payphone – Maroon 5 feat. Wiz Khalifa
- Espresso – Sabrina Carpenter
- In Your Eyes (Remix) – The Weeknd feat. Doja Cat
- Pink Venom – BLACKPINK
- Training Season – Dua Lipa
- The Lion Sleeps Tonight (Wimoweh) – The Tokens
- Play Date – Melanie Martinez
- Padam Padam – Kylie Minogue
- In the Shadows – The Rasmus
- Dubidubidu (Chipi Chipi Chapa Chapa) – Christell
- Sweet Melody – Little Mix
- Chattahoochee – Alan Jackson
- You Love Who You Love – Zara Larsson
- BANG BANG! (My Neurodivergent Anthem) – Galantis
- Calabria 2007 – Enur feat. Natasja
- Something I Can Feel – Mandy Harvey
- Mi Gente Lo Siente – Don Elektron & Gotopo
- SpongeBob’s Birthday – Groove Century
If you’ve never played Just Dance or are returning to the series after years away, the 2025 Edition is sure to captivate you with its colourful graphics, rich playlists, great choreography, and well-designed single and multiplayer modes. Fans of the brand will find it a must-have, thanks to its unique musical selection, but they’ll likely feel a bit let down by the overly “conservative” approach that adds nothing truly new and fails to reintegrate requested features or elements from the past. Some rough edges remain (the menus are cumbersome to navigate), and while the supplementary subscription model works, it feels more like a mandatory extra cost than a pleasant upgrade. Let’s dance to that, but let’s hope for something more from the 2026 edition.