What Game Rant Is Playing This Holiday Season

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The holidays are here, and the year is flying by! Now that we know the Game of the Year, gamers are already looking ahead to 2026 and all the exciting new games coming out then.

The Game Rant team will continue to deliver the latest gaming news throughout the holidays. We’re just making sure to also spend time with family and friends – and enjoy some gaming ourselves! We asked everyone on the team what games they’re planning to play, and as you might expect, the answers were all over the place.

Casey Muir-Taylor

Social Media Coordinator

Image via Larian Studios

I revisited Divinity Original Sin 2 after watching its trailer at The Game Awards. While it shares similarities with Larian’s Baldur’s Gate 3, the combat feels distinct enough to keep things fresh. If you liked Baldur’s Gate 3, I definitely recommend checking it out.

Lately, I’ve been spending a ton of time with my friends playing Overwatch 2. I know it gets a bad rap with so many hero shooters out there, but honestly, I think it’s the best one! I’ve also been really into The Hundred Line Last Defense Academy. It’s a bit of a hidden gem that came out earlier this year, and it’s seriously amazing – it blends everything I love about games like Persona, Fire Emblem, and Danganronpa. If you’re into JRPGs at all, I definitely recommend checking it out!

Dalton Cooper

Managing Editor

Image via Raw Fury

I’m planning to play The Seance of Blake Manor over the holidays. I only discovered it recently when I started seeing great reviews – it turned out to be one of the top-rated games of 2025! Learning it’s a first-person puzzle game inspired by Return of the Obra Dinn and Blue Prince convinced me to get it, and I’ve been completely engrossed ever since.

I’m currently enjoying my first time playing this game, but I think it’s one I’ll definitely replay – maybe a few times during the holidays. I’ll also be playing with friends and family, so we’ll be having lots of sessions with Overwatch 2, ARC Raiders, and Battlefield 6.

Greysun Morales

Lead Guides Editor

Even though the city is pretty boring, I’ll likely be spending the holidays playing the Mega Dimension DLC for Pokemon Legends Z-A. I’ve already put over 60 hours into the game, but I’m only about halfway through the main story and still have a lot of side quests to finish.

When I’m super bored, I might go for the full Pokedex challenge, but we’ll see if I actually have the patience! Otherwise, I’m planning some good hang-out time with my partner, and we’re definitely firing up Mario Kart World and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. Maybe even Kirby Air Riders if we’re feeling it. Honestly, though, December is looking a little empty when it comes to huge new releases, which is a bummer!

Jake Fillery

Evergreen Editor

This holiday season, I’m really enjoying playing Call of Duty: Black Ops 7. It might not sound very festive to be killing zombies, but it’s a lot of fun! I’ve been playing for over a month, and I’m completely hooked on both the multiplayer and the Zombies mode – I can’t stop trying to get to higher and higher rounds.

I was surprised to find Ashes of the Damned and Astra Malorum as gifts, but I’m definitely not complaining! I’ve spent over 100 hours playing Zombies in Black Ops 7 and I’m completely hooked. There’s just something about shooting zombies, grabbing perks, and listening to Richtofen’s funny lines that never gets old. My love for the series started back in 2008 with Call of Duty: World at War – I still remember opening that first door on Nacht der Untoten on Christmas Day, and that feeling hasn’t faded after all these years!

Jeff Brooks

Evergreen Editor

This year has seen a huge number of great games released, and unfortunately, I haven’t been able to finish them all. I usually try to revisit some of those unfinished games towards the end of the year, and the one I’m most eager to return to is Ghost of Yotei. I really enjoyed Ghost of Tsushima when it came out in 2020, but I always felt a disconnect between the serious story of the invasion and the more peaceful side activities. It felt odd to be relaxing or exploring when the main character was supposedly focused on such a critical conflict.

The way Ghost of Yotei organizes its missions encourages exploration and side activities, which is great because Atsu’s decade-long quest for revenge doesn’t feel rushed. I don’t expect to complete everything the game offers, but it’s so enjoyable to play that I’m happy to simply spend more time experiencing the world of Ezo. I’m looking forward to finishing the game and wrapping up the year with a satisfying conclusion.

Joshua Duckworth

Executive Editor

via Bethesda Game Studios

I’m currently playing a lot of Fallout 76. I hadn’t played in years – not since before the Wastelanders update – so I decided to jump back in and see how it’s changed. I’ve started a new character from level one, so it will take a while to get to the Burning Springs area, but I’m really enjoying the game’s take on the Appalachia world so far. It feels much more polished and enjoyable than when I last played it.

I’ve been playing a lot of co-op games with my friends, and we always come back to Phasmophobia – it’s easily my most-played game this year! The recent Winter’s Jest update with three new ghosts just makes it even better, and we’re really into it. We’re also working on finishing a long-running game of Satisfactory, but I think we’ll wrap that up before the new year. Plus, my wife and I are playing Baldur’s Gate 3 when we have time!

I recently created a character for Dragon Age: Veilguard – a dwarven rogue who’s romancing Davrin. I’ve been playing her casually and plan to finish her playthrough by the end of the year. With not much planned for 2026 until February, I’m starting to think I’ll replay some of the older Dragon Age games before then – maybe even a full marathon!

Mark Sammut

Lead Editor

I’m planning to play either It Takes Two or Marvel Cosmic Invasion over the holidays. I always visit my family at Christmas, and lately my younger brother and I have started a tradition of playing a co-op game together. We didn’t really get to game together much when we were growing up because of our age difference, so it’s been a lot of fun.

Paul Woodward

Interactive Map Editor

I’m planning to finally finish playing The Witcher 3 over the holidays. I started it a few years ago but never got around to completing it, and I’m excited to dive back in. I also have the extra content, so I’m looking forward to experiencing that for the first time.

Tim Lord

Community Lead

The holidays are always hectic with work and the kids, so I’m not sure how much time I’ll get to game. But when I do get a chance, you can find me on the couch playing Palia with my wife. We’re both big fans of cozy games – they’re just perfect for relaxing after a long day.

I’m really feeling the holiday spirit thanks to the game’s latest update, and I’m excited to check out all the new stuff when I get a chance. I also want to help build the community snowman!

Tom Bowen

Lead Evergreen Editor

Like many years, I’ll be playing the original Shenmue game during my Christmas break. I first played it in December 2000 and it really stuck with me, so it’s become a Christmas tradition. Over time, exploring the town of Yokosuka in the game has started to feel comforting and familiar, and it’s a nice way to feel connected to home during the holidays when I sometimes miss it.

Wishing you a happy holidays from everyone here at Game Rant!

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2025-12-18 23:46