The holiday season is upon us. Gamers, as well as their loved ones, are looking for the best video games to give or receive for Christmas 2021. While there aren't many specifically Christmas video games, there are plenty of RPG, simulation, and RTS games out there that are sure to deliver a Merry Christmas to the recipient. Due to the global situation, many of us spent more time indoors than usual, making it a great time for gaming. But as always, there’s the choice to be made of which games you buy upon release, or those you wait to go on sale. But luckily the festive season is a perfect time to add the titles you pined for all year to your Christmas list. If you are looking for the perfect game to give your gamer this year, we’ve summed up the Top 5 (and some more we just can’t ignore) Christmas gifts for gamers we think could top anyone’s list this holiday. Great for PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and PC players alike.
Battlefield 2042
The end of the year usually means new shooter game releases, and that’s why we have to shout out Battlefield 2042. This franchise is back with their famous huge scaling online multiplayer first-person shooting. Fans really couldn’t wait, since Battlefield 5 came out already 3 years ago and did not meet expectations. But with BF2042, developer DICE is going all out to get back on track - and we can tell. This game takes place in, well obviously, the year 2042, following the events in Battlefield 4. Because of extreme climate change, the collapse of the European Union, and orbiting satellites crashing into Earth, a global blackout was the result and with that, a new war began.
In this new iteration, this climate change brings a unique way of playing, with sandstorms and tornadoes to deal with. Other than that, new near-future weapons and gadgets enter the battlefield. With drones, deployable turrets and vehicles that players can commandeer, the game will give you access to new strategies while playing. With the introduction of Specialists, Battlefield 2042 is adding more diversity in gameplay. Besides the ancient formula of fighting in squads, these specialists let you operate as an individual during matches.
Why it’s the perfect Christmas gift for your gamer:
With Battlefield 2042 being online multiplayer only, this game brings plenty of opportunities for friends to game together during the long dark winter months. Together or apart, gamers can log on and spend endless quality time enjoying the latest release of this incredibly popular franchise.
Pokémon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl
Whether in your 30s or just starting out in the gaming world, we all know and love a good Pokémon adventure. So why not head back to Sinnoh with the remakes Pokémon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl? The original games were released in 2006, these games can now be played on Nintendo Switch. With a distinct visual style, the classic (some might even say retro) gameplay and the top-down camera perspective, we love to go back to this fictional island and catch as many Pokémon as possible. Because we gotta catch ‘em all right?!
Find, fight and catch the pocket animals of the fourth generation in the series. As a Pokémon Trainer, this adventure will prepare you to face an array of opponents, Gym Leaders all while exploring a lovely environment. And of course, we must not forget the search for the two legendary creatures Dialga (Brilliant Diamond) and Palkia (Shining Pearl).
Why it’s the perfect Christmas gift for your gamer:
This title is a dose of seasonal nostalgia. Odds are your recipient has grown up with the franchise or is part of the newly obsessed generation. Either way, Pokémon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl are perfect for kids and adults alike. It is guaranteed to provide hours and hours of gameplay during festive season and beyond. Plus, who wouldn’t love to find Pikachu under their tree this year?
Forza Horizon 5
Racing fans will definitely have this at the top of their list. Forza Horizon 5 is an ‘arcade’ version of the Forza series that has already had huge success for the last 9 years and is still going strong. With this fifth installment, we again can expect gorgeous graphics and stunning scenery, this time in a fictional representation of Mexico. The game has the largest map of the Horizon series and is one of the most diverse ones yet. Drive through vast environments like an active caldera volcano, jungles, beaches, ancient Mayan temples, and towns and cities such as Guanajuato.
Complete the offline campaign mode and challenge yourself against real-life players in the online multiplayer mode. Survive tropical storms, experience all four seasons and choose from different gameplay modes, as well as hundreds of licensed cars.
Why it’s the perfect Christmas gift for your gamer:
Give your gamer an escape this holiday! There is plenty to explore in Forza Horizon 5 giving them the chance to leave the cold winter behind and drive into the sunsets of beautiful virtual Mexico - solo or with friends!
Far Cry 6
From Mexico to Cuba, we shift from driving cars to some more serious subjects in Far Cry 6. In the latest game of the critically acclaimed Far Cry series, players arrive on the fictional island of Yara, which is based heavily on Cuba. You take control of guerilla fighter Dani Rojas, and you and your group are at war with dictator Anton Castillo. Played by Giancarlo Esposito (Breaking Bad, The Mandalorian), this antagonist is, as all the others, a convincing baddie in the franchise. These “bad guy” personas are one of the famous aspects in the series, and it doesn’t stop there.
The gameplay formula is still the same with a few impressive improvements, where you can explore the open world as always and fight for a better regime. In a variety of regions, you will have the freedom of picking your weapons, your own strategy and perks to defy this even more. If you loved the predecessors, you will have some great action-packed fun and chaotic energy experienced in Far Cry 6.
Why it’s the perfect Christmas gift for your gamer:
Everyone loves a good action-packed story. Far Cry 6 is just that. Give your gamer the chance to take down the regime and explore the huge open world map of Cuba-esque Yara. The characters are a huge bonus in this game - villains and heroes alike and keep players invested and entertained on top of the addictive gameplay. No boredom this Christmas for players that’s for sure!
Age of Empires 4
Real-time strategy is back baby, with Age of Empires 4! One of the all-time favorite RTS franchises finally got its fourth game, developed by Relic (known for Company of Heroes and Warhammer 40k). We don’t get a whole new era to conquer, as we’re back in medieval warfare. This game grabbed a lot of inspiration from predecessor Age of Empires 2, although we got new campaigns to play, some new civilizations to choose from and different ways of gameplay to experience. Build your base and fight your war with your own strategic brain.
If you’re looking for a strategy game with lovely design, Age of Empires 4 is your way to go. Don’t expect too much innovation, but more of a fresh coat of paint. This title plays it safe and lacks ambition to push the boundaries of the prequels. But is it that bad? We still think this game offers a lot for strategy veterans and new players. Just go back to medieval times, and you end 2021 on a high note. It is still a good time to be an RTS-player.
Why it’s the perfect Christmas gift for your gamer:
Just like with Pokémon, Age of Empires has a dedicated audience and is sure to hit lovers of the franchise right in the feels. Since it is not a reinvented version, it brings back the best and most-loved aspects for simply a new adventure. Give a dose of familiar and beloved historical gameplay this season.
More Games for Christmas 2021
And that’s not all, because we want to wrap it up (pun intended) with a few more rapid-fire video game recommendations for Christmas 2021:
- The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Anniversary Edition: Which reached its 10th anniversary this year. Perfect for having a white Christmas on the snowy mountains in Tamriel.
- Final Fantasy XIV: Endwalker: With new areas, a higher level cap and millions of players, it is the perfect game to take into 2022.
- FIFA 22: If you can’t handle the winter break in football, go for the new FIFA. Always a pleasure to start an online FUT-season or play the Career Mode.
- Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy - The Definitive Edition: The three titles that changed the gaming industry: GTA 3, Vice City and San Andreas. These famous titles are definitely a sure-win for any Christmas list.
- Call of Duty: Vanguard: Rather play Battlefield’s competitor? This WWII shooter of the iconic CoD franchise will be a hit for sure for gamers that love to play with friends.
- Valheim: This small indie game from developer Iron Gate Studio exploded in sales earlier this year. It is the game that keeps on giving! This Viking-era game constantly gets content updates, so one will survive Christmas and, long after, with plenty of entertainment guaranteed.
Gift Games & Have A Blast This Christmas
There are even more options to surprise your gamer loved ones this year. You can also consider giving some classics (or game credit) like Minecraft, Fortnite V-Bucks, League of Legends Riot Points, Super Mario Odyssey, PUBG Mobile UC or Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Again, we understand it is a lot to choose from to find the best game for a gift, especially if you're unsure which console to buy for, so you could always let them choose on their own with a gift card. All you need to find out is which platform they prefer! For example, you can add a PlayStation Gift Card, Xbox Gift Card, Nintendo eShop Card or Steam Gift Card. So put on your Santa hat and make your gamer happy this festive season with a brand-new game but more importantly, grab a controller and play along! A perfect way to have a wonderful gaming Christmas together!
