Winter is the ideal season for gaming, and these 11 winter-themed games deliver frosty landscapes, compelling stories, and immersive gameplay. From icy survival challenges to snow-filled adventures, these games will take you to stunning winter worlds!
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Frostpunk
We start strong with a game that throws you into the middle of a desolate, icy wasteland. The unforgiving frozen world of Frostpunk is a brutal test of your leadership and resilience. You rule the last city on Earth, and every decision you make shapes the fate of your people. With humanity on the brink of extinction, you must balance resource management, societal needs, and the relentless pressure of the cold.
The city you build is a beacon of hope, struggling to survive a frozen apocalypse. What sets Frostpunk apart is its unforgiving yet fair gameplay. Every decision carries weight, forcing you to grapple with moral dilemmas amid dwindling supplies and desperate citizens. Will you choose efficiency over empathy? Sacrifice morality to keep the generator running? You’ll have to make tough decisions to survive the harsh winter!
💡 Tip: Check out this blog for more city-building games!
Horizon Zero Dawn (The Frozen Wilds)
When you step into The Frozen Wilds, you can almost feel the icy wind sting your cheeks. This Horizon Zero Dawn DLC drops you into the Cut, a stark and beautiful winter wilderness governed by the mysterious Banuk tribe. Set in a world dominated by towering mechanical beasts, the base game shines with its exciting combat, detailed world-building, and Aloy’s captivating journey as she uncovers the secrets of humanity’s fall and her own destiny.
In The Frozen Wilds, the stakes are even higher, the machines more deadly, and the mysteries deeper. The atmosphere makes this perfect for winter. There’s crunching snow underfoot that muffles sound, icy winds howling through jagged peaks, and the glow of aurora-like skies. Beneath the snow and silence lie new lore, deeper insights into the world, and the Banuk’s connection to the land and machines. It’s best enjoyed after you already understand Aloy’s journey!
The Long Dark
Fans of survival games should check out The Long Dark, a survival masterpiece that replaces zombies and explosions with the raw, unyielding power of nature. It offers a thoughtful, immersive experience that drops you into the aftermath of a geomagnetic disaster, forcing you to rely on your wits and instincts to survive in the icy Canadian North. The world is stunning and expansive. Snow-covered forests and rugged mountains span over 50 square kilometers, and the aurora borealis dances in the night sky above.
What makes The Long Dark special is its emphasis on realism and atmosphere. With no second chances or respawns, each mistake – like forgetting your firewood or failing to dodge a pack of wolves – becomes a harsh lesson. Combine this with the hauntingly beautiful visuals and soundtrack, and you’ll find yourself immersed in a deeply personal survival struggle.
Metro Exodus
Next on our list of winter-themed games is Metro Exodus, a gripping first-person shooter that takes you far beyond the tunnels of the Moscow Metro. Set in 2036, this epic journey challenges you to lead a group of survivors across the frozen Russian wilderness in search of a new home. Inspired by Dmitry Glukhovsky’s novels, the game skillfully combines combat, stealth, exploration, and survival horror into a seamless, immersive experience.
One of the best aspects of the game is its unmatched world-building. The story unfolds over a year, but the winter setting takes center stage. Snow-covered landscapes, frozen ruins, and haunting silence create an atmosphere of relentless cold and danger. As you battle mutant beasts and scavenge for resources, the unforgiving environment will test your determination at every turn. Whether you’re navigating icy wastelands or seeking warmth by a flickering fire, Metro Exodus makes winter feel like a character in its own right.
💡 Tip: Head over to this blog for more great shooter recommendations!
Winter Burrow
There is something wonderfully comforting about slipping into Winter Burrow during the cold season. You play as a tiny mouse returning from life in the big city to rediscover a childhood home that now sits in ruins and needs repair. This is not the frantic kind of survival game. You wander the woods at your own pace, gathering berries and branches, knitting sweaters, baking pies, and slowly transforming your abandoned burrow into a glowing, cozy refuge.
The world feels like stepping into a beautifully illustrated storybook filled with muted colors, gentle music, and soft snow. You are never truly alone, either. You meet local animals and insects that slowly fill your world with life, connection, and clues. Crafting feels rewarding and personal, especially when you curl up inside your decorated burrow after a long trek outdoors. The game lasts about 10 to 12 hours, depending on how much you want to collect and discover, and it remains charming throughout.
SnowRunner
A simulation shouldn’t be absent from our list of winter-themed games, and this is the perfect time to recommend SnowRunner. It’s the ultimate off-road winter adventure, putting you in a world where every journey tests your skills. The advanced terrain simulation ensures that every rut, snowdrift, and icy patch reacts realistically to your every move, making each task a unique puzzle.
The winter environments are incredible. Picture battling through snow-covered landscapes, with chain tires gripping icy slopes, or carefully inching across treacherous frozen lakes. These environments are harsh and demand precision and planning. You can customize and upgrade your vehicles to handle the conditions and gain an advantage over the elements. It might not seem like it, but the game is very relaxing, and the feeling of achievement when you finally deliver that oversized load through a blizzard is unmatched.
💡 Tip: If you want to escape the cold by playing games with summer vibes, check out this blog!
Subnautica: Below Zero
If you’re looking for a winter-themed game with a unique setting, try Subnautica: Below Zero. In this exciting underwater survival game, you’ll face the harsh, alien winters of planet 4546B. Set two years after the original Subnautica, Below Zero drops you into an Arctic region full of mystery, danger, and beauty. You will investigate a deadly cover-up, explore abandoned research stations, and uncover fragments of a dark history hidden beneath the ice.
The game features a breathtaking winter setting. Glittering biomes such as the crystalline expanses of Crystal Caverns or the mysterious, blue-lit Twisty Bridges await. Above the water, snow-covered peaks and the icy Glacial Basin pose new challenges. Surviving the freezing temperatures will require ingenuity as you build habitats, craft vital tools, and operate unique vehicles. While the game emphasizes adventure and exploration rather than fear, it offers a compelling story and stunning visuals that will keep you engaged.
💡 Tip: If you’re looking for a horror game set in winter, we recommend Until Dawn! Head over to our Horror Games Blog to read more about it.
Feel The Snow
Feel The Snow invites you to immerse yourself in a frosty wonderland! As one of the adorable snow creatures, Annie or Willie, you’ll explore a pixel-art world full of charm, danger, and endless possibilities. Whether solving the mysteries of an engaging storyline or building your perfect winter retreat, this sandbox action-adventure offers the ideal blend of fun and challenge. The atmosphere is immersive and lively, with snow-covered landscapes, chilling enemies, and survival elements.
Combat is another standout feature. Feel The Snow keeps things fresh with a variety of weapons, magic, and skills to master as you fend off dark creatures lurking in the cold. The game offers something for everyone, from casual exploration and farming to exciting combat and epic boss battles. It’s an unforgettable snowy escape in a beautifully crafted winter world.
God of War Ragnarök
God of War Ragnarök plunges you into the harsh chill of Fimbulwinter, where the world feels heavy with snow, tension, and destiny. You follow Kratos and Atreus through the Nine Realms on an emotional and brutal journey. The winter setting is outstanding. The frozen forests, icy valleys, and muted sunlight feel almost tangible. You sense the weight of the season in every creaking branch and every breath of cold air.
The performances are exceptional and add real depth to the characters. Kratos’s voice and posture carry decades of history. Atreus moves forward with youthful stubbornness and growing maturity. The combat feels powerful and expressive, allowing you to experiment with weapons and abilities until it feels natural. Boss encounters and side stories are carefully crafted and enhance the emotional journey rather than distract from it. Playing Ragnarök in winter feels like settling into an epic saga of ice, conflict, and hard-earned growth.
💡 Tip: Check out this blog for more amazing action adventures!
Spider-Man: Miles Morales
What could be more exciting than swinging between snow-covered buildings in the stunning New York skyline? Spider-Man: Miles Morales puts you in the shoes of Miles as he balances his life as a teenager and a superhero. He has to protect the city from a power struggle that threatens his new home and to discover what it truly means to be a hero. The game’s winter setting creates a magical yet gritty atmosphere. The streets of Harlem are lit up with festive lights, and the crunch of snow under Miles’ feet contrasts with the excitement of combat.
Miles’ unique abilities, such as his bio-electric venom blasts and stealth camouflage, distinguish him from Peter Parker and offer a fresh perspective on combat. As you master these powers, you’ll discover a heartfelt story of responsibility, sacrifice, and belonging that will stay with you long after the credits roll. Whether you’re battling a high-tech criminal army or simply enjoying the winter wonderland, Miles Morales is a must-play for fans of action-packed games!
I am Setsuna
If you’re a fan of classic JRPGs and winter-themed settings, I am Setsuna offers a truly enchanting experience. Drawing inspiration from the legendary Chrono Trigger, this game skillfully combines nostalgic mechanics with modern design. You’ll journey alongside Setsuna, a young woman destined to make the ultimate sacrifice to save her people, in a story that will tug at your heartstrings. The setting is a peaceful yet somber winter wonderland, with snow covering every inch of the world.
The muted color palette, punctuated by subtle bursts of warmth, deepens the story’s emotional impact. The visuals evoke the charm of classic PS1-era RPGs while feeling fresh and timeless. One of the things we love about this game is its hauntingly beautiful piano-driven soundtrack, which perfectly complements the dark, snowy landscape. While the story may rely on familiar JRPG tropes, the atmosphere and artistry make I am Setsuna an unforgettable winter journey.
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