The holiday season is upon us, and the year is coming to a close sooner than we're ready for. But, along with the crowning of Game of the Year, the next day to mark on the gamer's calendar is the New Year, where we look forward to all the big releases coming in 2026.
The team here at Game Rant won't be taking time off, as we're committed to keeping you up to date on all the latest around the industry, but we'll make some time for our loved ones (which means, our favorite gaming systems). So, we asked the team here at GR what they're playing over the holidays, and the results were predictably varied.
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Casey Muir-Taylor
Social Media Coordinator
After the Game Awards and the awesome and exciting Divinity trailer, I'm back in the world. Divinity original sin 2. While it does play somewhat similar enough to Larian Baldur's Gate 3It's different enough in its combat to stay interesting. If you enjoyed BG3 I highly recommend playing it.
On the opposite side, I'm always playing Overwatch 2 with my friends I know it gets a lot of hate in the overpopulated hero shooter landscape, but in my opinion it does well. Finally, I'm also making my way through The Hundred Line Last Defense Academy. It's a hidden gem from earlier this year that combines many aspects of the games I love. If you enjoy Persona, Fire Emblem, Danganronpa, or JRPGs in general, I think it's worth a try.
Dalton Cooper
Managing Editor
During the holidays I will play View of Blake Manor. I didn't even know it existed until the reviews started coming in, and it suddenly became one of the highest rated games of 2025. Then, when I found out it was a first-person puzzle game. Return of Obra Day and Blue Prince vibes, I was sold immediately. I've been hooked ever since.
I'm still working on my first playthrough, but this is the kind of game I can see myself going through more than once, so I might play twice over the holidays. Of course, I will be spending time playing games with family friends, so there will be plenty Overwatch 2, ARC Raidersand Battlefield 6 Sessions too.
Grayson Morales
Chief Guide Editor
As dull as the city is, I'll probably spend the holidays continuing to grind Pokemon Legends ZAThe Mega Dimensions DLC. I already have over 60 hours in the game, and I'm still halfway through the new story missions, with a lot of side missions to cover.
If I'm really bored, I might try to complete the entire Pokedex, but we'll have to wait and see. I also plan to spend some quality time with my partner and boot up Mario Kart World, Super Smash Bros. UltimateAnd maybe Kirby Air Riders. With the lack of big new December games, unfortunately, I don't have much to sink my teeth into!
Jake Fillery
Evergreen editor
This holiday season, I will play Call of Duty: Black Ops 7. While it's by no means a zombie-killing festival addicted to any festival, it's definitely a fun time for everyone involved (except the zombies). I'm over a month into Black Ops 7, and outside of my addictive joy of multiplayer, I can't stop running trains and blasting through high rounds of Zombies mode.
Ashes of the Damned and Astra Malorum are treats I wouldn't have expected for my stocking at Christmas, but they're more than welcome to stay. I've accumulated over 100 hours on Black Ops 7 Zombies, and I'm afraid I won't be able to stop. Shooting undead, drinking perks, and hearing Richtofen's hilarious lines never get old. The fond nostalgia I felt for the series since I first opened the door to Nacht der Untoten from 2008's Call of Duty: World at War on Christmas Day is still going strong 17 years later!
Jeff Brooks
Evergreen editor
This year has been filled with so many great titles that I've had to leave a few unfinished along the way. I usually like to revisit one of these back-burner games at the end of the year (or a few, if I can swing it). It's the game I want to go back to the most right now Ghost of Yotei. i loved Ghost of Tsushima Back in 2020, but its main story always had that ludonarrative dissonance — Assault was such a critical priority for Gin, that every stray fox or relaxing dip in a hot spring felt like a step into that main story's urgency.
Ghost of YoteiThe kill list structure really lends itself to wandering off the beaten path and doing anything and everything along the way. Atsu has been stewing for revenge for over a decade, giving plenty of space to take in those small moments without them affecting the overall story momentum. I doubt I'll actually do everything the game has to offer, but it's such a fun game to play that I'm happy to spend more time basking in the beauty of Ezo. I'm excited to put a nice little bow on the game to end the year.
Joshua Duckworth
Executive Editor
My “main” game is now Fallout 76. It's been years since I last played it, like before Wastelanders, so I want to come back and see the changes. I started a brand new level 1 character, so it'll be a while before I get to Burning Springs, but I'm enjoying this take on Appalachia so far. It's definitely clicking a lot better now than the last time I played it.
I also have co-op games with my friends in rotation. Phasmophobia Pretty much never leaves the rotation, so it's easily my most played game of the year. The Winter Jest update is the cherry on top, adding three new ghosts. We tighten it again. Tanglewood hates to see us coming. We've also got late game saves Satisfactory We are trying to lose, but I think it will be completed before the new year. Oh, and my wife and I have savings Baldur's Gate 3 Going, it needs time to play!
Finally, I have a Dragon Age: Veil Guard Character I started to give DA. I'm playing her slowly (she's a dwarf badass), and she's romancing Devryn. But I'll probably wrap him up by the end of the year, too. Depending on the timing, especially with nothing until February for me in 2026, I can feel the Dragon Age marathon coming sooner rather than later.
Mark Sammut
Chief Editor
While the exact game isn't set in stone right now, I'll play it too It takes two or Marvel Cosmic Attack during the holidays. I visit my family every Christmas, and recently, I've started a tradition with my younger brother where we play through a co-op game. Since there is a big age gap between us, we didn't have many opportunities to play together before, so it's been fun.
Paul Woodward
Interactive map editor
On vacation, I plan to play The Witcher 3. I put it down a few years ago and never beat it, but now I'm finally going to take the time to beat this fantastic game. I also have the DLC, so I'm looking forward to checking that out for the first time.
Tim Prabhu
Between work commitments and parenting I'm not sure how much gaming time I'll have during the holiday season, but when I do, I'll be playing on the couch ran away with my wife. We love playing relaxing games together, and this genre is perfect for winding down after a busy day.
The latest update to the game really got me into the festive season, so I'm looking forward to checking out the new content when I have time. And, of course, contribute to the huge community Snowman!
Tom Bowen
Lead Evergreen Editor
As I do most years, I'm replaying the first one Shenmue Game over Christmas break. It made a big impression on me when I first played it in December of 2000, and so I associate it with Christmas. Over the years, returning to the streets of Yokosuka has felt like going home, so revisiting Shenmue Sometimes it's also a great way to deal with homesickness, getting angry during the festive season.
Happy Holidays from everyone here at Game Rant!
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