Mafia II: Definitive Edition tells one of the best mob stories in gaming, anchored by characters you genuinely grow to care about. Don’t come expecting a busy open world – the city serves as a rich backdrop for a tightly focused, linear narrative. Its bittersweet tale of loyalty and consequence makes for a perfectly paced, movie-like experience over the holidays. | © Feral Interactive
Diablo IV is a triumphant return to form, capturing the dark, addictive essence that made the series legendary. Its gripping campaign, deep skill trees, and satisfying combat make it incredibly easy to lose entire days to. While its cosmetic shop is pricey, the core game offers a massively rich and rewarding action-RPG experience that’s perfect for a long winter break. | © Blizzard Entertainment
PEAK has no campaign or extra modes, it focuses purely on perfecting its tense, co-op survival experience. That makes it a fantastic choice for a small group of close friends looking for a shared challenge. Your fun depends entirely on the company you keep, creating some uniquely memorable winter gaming sessions. | © Landfall Games
While its microtransactions and grind can be a downside, the core combat and building loop of Fortnite remains incredibly strong and addictive. It’s a constantly evolving social space, perfect for dropping into with friends for some casual, chaotic fun. For a free-to-play experience you can jump into anytime, it’s hard to beat for winter break sessions. | © Epic Games
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe remains the definitive Mario Kart experience, a polished and near-perfect refinement of the beloved racing formula. While some may wish for more new content at full price, the sheer fun is undeniable. It's an absolute must-have for local multiplayer and the perfect game to break out with family over the holidays. | © Nintendo
This charming indie is a wonderfully cozy escape from the usual holiday bustle. Spend your days managing a little sushi restaurant and your nights diving in vibrant waters for fresh ingredients. It’s a silly, lighthearted, and completely absorbing loop that offers pure, uncomplicated fun. | © MINTROCKET
This heartfelt co-op adventure is the perfect winter game to play with a friend, celebrating teamwork with consistently fun mechanics and creative level design. While not every new idea lands perfectly, the sheer variety keeps it feeling fresh and unpredictable. Its spectacular moments of brilliance and charm make the overall journey thoroughly worthwhile. | © Hazelight Studios
Blue Prince has a brilliant core hook: drafting and placing rooms to explore a mysterious, moody mansion. Solving its long-form puzzles delivers a fantastic "eureka" moment, though its punishing RNG and lack of mid-run saves can frustrate. For puzzle enthusiasts looking for a deep winter project, its unique blend of architecture and mystery is worth the dedication. | © Dogubomb
Dropped on an alien planet with a simple goal – build a massive, efficient factory from scratch. It's a strangely wonderful beast with some rough edges, but the core loop of planning and optimization is incredibly absorbing. If you're looking for a deep, logistical project to sink a winter weekend into, this is the perfect choice. | © Coffee Stain
Untitled Goose Game is all about causing playful, non-violent chaos as a mischievous goose in a sleepy village. Its short length is perfect for a lazy afternoon, keeping the fun from ever wearing thin. It’s a delightful experience you’ll love showing to friends and family for the first time over the holidays. | © House House
This heartfelt adventure about former villains seeking redemption is a breath of fresh air for superhero stories. Its gorgeous animated art style and lovable, all-star cast bring the interactive narrative to life. AdHoc Studio’s debut has brilliantly revived the choice-based episodic genre, making it a perfect, story-rich game to settle into over the holidays. | © AdHoc Studio
EA Sports FC 26 makes specific updates that, while not revolutionary, show an effort to listen to player feedback. The addition of two distinct gameplay styles offers some welcome choice, though some persistent bugs and AI quirks remain. It’s a reliable choice for your holiday football fix, but the core experience may not justify a full-price jump if you own last year's title. | © EA Sports
Hades II doesn’t just follow up the original, it surpasses it in nearly every way. The addictive gameplay loop is perfect for bite-sized runs or long holiday sessions, always pulling you back for one more attempt. With thrilling combat and an immersive story, it’s an essential play for any action fan this winter. | © Supergiant Games
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a genre-bending masterpiece and a perfect winter project, proving what a passionate team can accomplish. Its world is so rich and deep that you can happily get lost in it for hours. It’s the kind of game that might just redefine what you look for in a turn-based RPG. | © Sandfall Interactive
If you're curious about extraction shooters but find them intimidating, ARC Raiders is your ideal winter experience. Its combat is accessible but never shallow, making those tense raids with friends both thrilling and forgiving. The world has a gritty texture that makes every successful extraction feel genuinely rewarding. | © Embark Studios
Looking for the perfect game to dive into over the holidays? This list has something for every mood, whether you're after a deep solo adventure, chaotic fun with friends, or a cozy story to unwind with.
