Games to play during the New Year holidays

New Year is just around the corner, but you have no festive spirit at all? This selection of the best New Year games is meant to help you immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere. Fill your mug with hot tea (the main thing is not to forget about it), grab some cookies, and arm yourself with even a modest PC!

Overlord 2

From the very beginning, we find ourselves in the snow-covered town of Nordberg, decorated for the holiday of Middle-earth. At first, we play as the Witchling, the future Dark Lord, and even as a “child,” we are already sowing evil all around us. We have the chance to enjoy the cozy holiday town... and then lay waste to it, starting fires with fireworks, breaking into homes, and turning the townspeople into our slaves. It’s no wonder one of the Witchling’s nicknames is the Nightmare of Nordberg!

Mafia 2

It’s not exactly a Christmas game, but the first winter levels, with falling snowflakes, snow-covered houses, and Frank Sinatra’s immortal hit “Let It Snow,” will immerse you, if only briefly, in the enchanting pre-Christmas atmosphere of America in the 50-60 years.

Bully

To get to the Christmas celebration, you have to reach the third chapter. But believe me—it’s worth it. It’s snowing outside, the school is decorated for the holiday, and students are taking part in a Christmas play... It’s the perfect time to skip class and have some fun by coming up with another prank! This game lets you feel like a real American school bully, and the varied missions the game throws at you will definitely keep you entertained!

Borderlands 2: How Marcus Saved Mercenary Day

Have you ever faced an army of evil snowmen who want to kill you? Here’s your chance to make up for lost time in the Christmas DLC for Borderlands 2. A winter location, special weapons, hostile snowmen, and holiday loot—it’s going to be the craziest Christmas ever!

Batman: Arkham Origins

Gotham City is blanketed in snow, and its residents are getting ready to celebrate. Only Batman keeps working for the good of the city, fighting crime, because the Joker and the other villains have more devious plans than celebrating Christmas.

Saints Row IV — How the Saints Save Christmas

In this Christmas DLC, you’ll have to save Santa Claus, who is trapped in a virtual world. Shoot gingerbread men, cookies, and giant elves, fly around in crazy vehicles, and save Christmas!

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

Sure, the game’s story contains not the slightest hint of New Year, but its atmosphere is perfect for spending the New Year holidays in cozy fashion. Fight a couple of dragons, climb the cold peak of the Throat of the World, and make your way to the mages’ guild, tucked away in a snow-covered, partly ruined town. Then step into a warm tavern, breathe in the aroma of fresh cabbage soup, drink some strong Nord mead, and listen to the local bard’s songs... Rugged northern romance. Mods can always add some New Year (or New Life Festival) atmosphere—decorate your estate, put up a tree, set the table, and invite your friends. Happy New Year, Dovahkiin!