Best Open-World Games To Play This Winter

Winter is a time for rest and relaxation. With shorter, darker days, it’s natural to feel less inclined to go out. If you have a pile of games you’ve been meaning to play, now’s the perfect time! But if you’re looking for a new, immersive open-world game to enjoy during the colder months, keep reading to find some recommendations.

Here are some games I’d suggest checking out this winter. Many were discounted during the Steam winter sale, but watch for more deals after the holidays. These aren’t specifically winter-themed games, but ones that feel perfect for the season or are popular right now. With a mix of RPGs, survival games, and sandbox titles, there’s likely something here for everyone.

Subnautica

With The Sequel Delayed, It’s Time To Jump Back Into The First One

Fans of Subnautica received disappointing news in 2025: Subnautica 2 has been delayed. This follows other issues within the franchise, including KRAFTON’s announcement that it’s prioritizing AI development, and the departure of the three original creators of the Subnautica games.

The future of the Subnautica series is uncertain, which is disappointing given how enjoyable and captivating the original game is. While Below Zero has its strengths, it doesn’t quite recapture the magic of that first experience. If you’re considering playing Subnautica and are drawn to open-world exploration and survival crafting, I highly recommend giving it a try. Just be aware that it’s more than just a relaxing, peaceful game. There are genuinely frightening creatures in the alien ocean, and you might find yourself developing a fear of the deep sea after playing.

Fallout: New Vegas

The New Show Is Bringing More Love To The Franchise

The second season of Amazon’s Fallout is currently airing, and it’s a great show even if you’re not familiar with the Fallout games. If you enjoy sci-fi or post-apocalyptic stories, you should definitely check it out. While we’re waiting for news about Fallout 5 from Bethesda, I highly recommend playing Fallout: New Vegas – it’s considered the best game in the series and was developed by Obsidian Entertainment.

This game is a bit dated and you might encounter crashes, especially on Steam, so saving frequently is a good idea. However, its incredible roleplaying depth and character customization were groundbreaking for their time, and it’s easy to forgive the older graphics. The modding community is also fantastic. If you’re willing to play a classic, this is a great place to start with the series. Otherwise, Fallout 4 is a good entry point as well.

Where Winds Meet

The Hottest MMORPG Right Now

Haven’t heard of Where Winds Meet yet? You should definitely check it out – it’s free to play! This open-world adventure, set in 10th-century China, was a surprisingly great find in 2025. While it has a few minor localization and interface issues, the game is visually stunning and offers fantastic character customization options.

The game’s beautiful world is a joy to explore, offering stunning photo opportunities and a sense of freedom reminiscent of the Assassin’s Creed series. You’ll find something new around every corner, with a huge number of side quests to keep you busy – perhaps even too many! As an MMORPG, it features deep character customization, exciting combat, and both cooperative and player-versus-player gameplay. I recommend playing with friends for the best experience, but be patient – new MMORPGs can feel overwhelming at first.

The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim

Go-To Bethesda RPG For Winter Vibes

If you enjoy playing games that fit the current season, and you love snowy landscapes in winter, then The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim is a game you absolutely need to try. It’s a classic open-world RPG that has remained popular through several releases, and many players still enjoy revisiting it. While the main story isn’t its strongest point, the downloadable content and side quests are excellent enough to make it worth playing again, even without adding modifications. As with any good RPG, you get to create and develop your character from the very beginning.

Do you want to play a powerful warrior who crushes enemies with a massive axe? Or perhaps a mage who casts spells while a partner fights up close? Maybe you prefer to be a sneaky archer, taking down foes without them ever seeing you? You can do any of that! And when you’re tired of fighting, you can relax by farming, fishing, getting married, and building your own home. All of this takes place in a beautiful, vast northern world with diverse landscapes, from snowy peaks to colorful autumn forests – making it the ideal winter RPG.

No Man’s Sky

The Game Is The Best It’s Ever Been

Two games, Cyberpunk 2077 and No Man’s Sky, are great examples of remarkable turnarounds. Both initially launched with serious problems that threatened their future, but dedicated effort helped them recover. No Man’s Sky has improved dramatically since its release, and if you were disappointed with the original game, now is a perfect time to give it another try.

No Man’s Sky offers something for everyone, whether you prefer a relaxing, creative experience or a challenging survival adventure with lasting consequences. All you need is a sense of wonder as you journey between planets, collect materials, construct settlements, and improve your equipment. While there are missions and quests to complete, and expeditions for a more directed challenge, the real appeal of No Man’s Sky is the freedom to play exactly how you want.

The Long Dark

Enjoy The Grueling Winter In A Virtual World Too

If you enjoy the winter setting of Skyrim but want a more realistic survival challenge you can play from the comfort of home, I recommend The Long Dark. Be warned, though – it’s a tough game with permanent death! You’ll need to manage cold, hunger, and even the psychological effects of isolation. The game features a vast, frozen landscape where you’ll have to hunt and search for supplies if you want to survive.

Like most survival games, you can do a lot here – hunt, set traps, fish, and more. Just remember to pack the right equipment and keep yourself well-fed! Managing your hunger is important, as running out of energy will limit what you can do. If you enjoy challenging survival games that require both exploration and careful planning, this one is a great fit.

Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2

The 2025 Open-World RPG That Needs More Love

Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is an RPG that’s generated a lot of buzz, though not everyone has had a chance to play it yet. If you’re new to the series, don’t let the fact that it’s a sequel discourage you – the original game still holds up incredibly well. And while the sequel might not be getting as much attention as it deserves, it’s a fantastic experience. The combat can seem challenging at first, but it’s very satisfying once you get the hang of it.

The game’s role-playing is incredibly detailed and clearly made with a lot of care. It’s rare to find a game where the world feels so alive – characters react to your choices, and everything is deeply immersive. You can even do things like develop a drinking problem, enter horse races, and have villagers react to your character’s hygiene! This level of detail puts the game in a class of its own for medieval immersion. Just be aware that the combat system takes some getting used to.

2026-01-06 06:05