Winter is the perfect season for gaming, and these 11 winter-themed games deliver frosty landscapes, gripping stories, and immersive gameplay. From icy survival challenges to snow-filled adventures, these games will transport you to mesmerizing winter worlds!
Table of Contents
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 in the face of 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!
The Long Dark
Fans of survival games need to check out The Long Dark, a survival masterpiece that trades zombies and explosions for the raw, unrelenting force of nature. It’s a thoughtful, immersive experience that throws you into the aftermath of a geomagnetic disaster, leaving you to rely on your wits and instincts to survive the icy grip of the Canadian North. The world is beautiful and vast – snow-covered forests and rugged mountains spread over 50 square kilometers, and the aurora borealis flickers in the night sky above you.
What is special about The Long Dark is its focus on realism and atmosphere. With no second chances or respawns, every misstep – like neglecting your firewood supply or failing to dodge a pack of wolves – becomes a hard lesson. Couple this with the hauntingly beautiful visuals and soundtrack, and you’ll find yourself drawn into an intensely personal struggle for survival.
💡 Tip: You can find more survival games in this blog.
Horizon Zero Dawn (The Frozen Wilds)
With the recent release of Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered, now is the perfect time to dive into this post-apocalyptic world if you haven’t already. We especially recommend The Frozen Wilds DLC for this time of year. Set in a world ruled by towering mechanical beasts, the base game shines with its thrilling combat, intricate world-building, and the compelling journey of Aloy as she uncovers the secrets of humanity’s fall and her own destiny.
Things get even more intense in The Frozen Wilds. This DLC takes you to The Cut, a harsh, frozen wilderness in Banuk territory. Here, the stakes are higher, the machines deadlier, and the mysteries deeper. The landscape is a masterpiece of winter immersion – crunching snow underfoot, icy winds whipping through jagged peaks, and the glow of aurora-like skies. Team up with Banuk warriors to scale Thunder’s Drum, a dangerous mountain that holds the secrets of the Old World. If you loved the base game, this DLC is a must!
Metro Exodus
Next up 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 band of survivors across the frozen Russian wilderness in search of a new home. Inspired by Dmitry Glukhovsky’s novels, the game masterfully blends combat, stealth, exploration, and survival horror into a seamless, immersive experience.
One of the best parts of the game is its unparalleled world-building. The story spans a year, but the winter setting steals the show. Snow-covered landscapes, frozen ruins, and eerie silence create an atmosphere of unrelenting cold and danger. Between battling mutant beasts and scavenging for resources, the harsh environment will test your resolve at every turn. Whether navigating icy wastelands or huddling for 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!
Everholm
Let’s take a break from fighting for survival and look at a more casual game. Winter isn’t just about surviving the cold; it’s about curling up with a warm blanket and a hot cup of tea and relaxing. For that, we would like to recommend one of our recent favorites. While Everholm isn’t technically a game with a winter setting, it does have changing seasons and a super cozy vibe. And the stunning visuals and soothing soundtrack make this game an ideal escape, especially on frosty days.
In this enchanting RPG, you play as Lilly, who stumbles upon a magical island while searching for her long-lost sister. The island’s quirky inhabitants already know who she is, and they seem to hold the key to her past and her sister’s fate. Everholm’s charm lies in its focus on relationships, exploration, and magic. Instead of combat-heavy gameplay, you’ll build a homestead, uncover secrets, and bond with the Everfolks. The lush world invites you to slow down and spend your days as you please – fishing, farming, broom riding, or casting spells.
SnowRunner
A simulation shouldn’t be missing from our list of winter-themed games, and this is the perfect opportunity for us to recommend SnowRunner. It’s the ultimate off-road winter adventure, and it has you navigating a world where every journey will test your skills. The advanced terrain simulation means that every rut, snowdrift, and icy patch reacts realistically to your every move, making each task a unique puzzle.
The winter environments are outstanding. Imagine battling through snow-covered landscapes, with chain tires gripping icy slopes, or carefully inching across treacherous frozen lakes. These environments are brutal and require precision and forethought. You can customize and upgrade your vehicles to suit the conditions and give you an edge over the elements. It may not sound like it, but the game is very relaxing, and the sense of accomplishment 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 thrilling underwater survival game, you will face the harsh, alien winters of the planet 4546B. Set two years after the events of the original Subnautica, this sequel plunges you into an Arctic region teeming with mystery, danger, and beauty. You’ll investigate a deadly cover-up, plunder abandoned research stations, and uncover fragments of a dark history hidden beneath the ice.
The game features a stunning winter setting. Glittering biomes such as the crystalline expanses of Crystal Caverns or the eerie, blue-lit Twisty Bridges await. Above the waterline, snow-capped peaks and the icy Glacial Basin present new challenges. Surviving the freezing temperatures will require resourcefulness as you build habitats, craft essential tools, and pilot unique vehicles. While the game leans more toward adventure and exploration than terror, it delivers a compelling story and stunning visuals that will keep you hooked.
💡 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 navigate a pixel-art world full of charm, danger, and endless possibilities. Whether unraveling the mysteries of an engaging storyline or creating your ideal winter hideaway, this sandbox action-adventure delivers the perfect mix of fun and challenge. The atmosphere is immersive and dynamic, with snow-covered landscapes, chilling enemies, and survival elements.
Combat is another standout feature; it’s not your average survival game slog. Feel The Snow keeps things fresh with various weapons, magic, and skills to master as you fend off dark creatures lurking in the cold. The game has something for everyone, from casual exploration and farming to thrilling combat and epic boss battles. The game is an unforgettable snowy escape in a beautifully crafted winter world.
God of War Ragnarök
After Horizon Forbidden West, God of War Ragnarök is another sequel to a PlayStation hit that finally made its way to our PCs in 2024. This epic continuation plunges you into the frosty grip of Fimbulwinter and a wintry world on the brink of destruction. Kratos and Atreus embark on a mythic quest to uncover truths that might avert Ragnarök – the prophesied end of the Nine Realms.
The frozen landscapes of Midgard are stunningly detailed, depicting a world in the throes of a long and unforgiving winter. Combat in Ragnarök takes a familiar yet refined approach. Wield Kratos’ Leviathan Axe, imbued with icy fury, or his fiery Blades of Chaos as you take on waves of enemies and colossal boss battles. At its core, the game is a story of family, grief, and the struggle to navigate destiny. The storytelling is as beautiful as the first, the visuals are gorgeous, and the gameplay is deeply satisfying.
💡 Tip: Check out this blog for more amazing action adventures!
Spider-Man: Miles Morales
What could be more fun than swinging from one snow-covered building to another in the beautiful New York skyline? Spider-Man: Miles Morales puts you in the shoes of Miles Morales as he navigates his dual life as a teenager and superhero. He must defend the city from a power struggle threatening his new home while discovering what it means to be a hero in his own right. The game’s winter setting adds a magical yet gritty atmosphere. The streets of Harlem glow with festive lights, and the crunch of snow beneath Miles’ feet contrasts with the thrilling combat.
Miles’ unique abilities, such as his bio-electric venom blasts and stealth camouflage, set him apart from Peter Parker and offer a refreshingly different take on combat. As you master these powers, you’ll uncover a heartfelt story of responsibility, sacrifice, and belonging that will resonate long after the credits roll. Whether you want to take on a tech-savvy army of criminals or simply soak up 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 masterfully blends 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 serene yet somber winter wonderland where snow covers every inch of the world.
The muted color palette, punctuated by subtle bursts of warmth, enhances the emotional depth of the story. 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.
Have even more fun in your winter games with PLITCH!
If you’re not ready to brave the relentless cold alone in Metro Exodus or want to make Everholm even more relaxing, now’s the perfect time to try PLITCH! We offer customization options for all the games on this list and over 5,000 more.
Want unlimited venom power in Miles Morales, infinite ammo in Metro Exodus, or an adjustable timer in Everholm? We’ve got you covered. Our codes only work in single-player mode, so there’s no risk.
Check out this blog and our YouTube channel to learn more about PLITCH and see our codes in action.
Happy Gaming!
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