Whether a fan of the festive season or not, the majority of video game developers relish in the joyous occasion that is Christmas, re-vamping their beloved titles with new cosmetics, game modes, and map styles. Usually, these visually appealing updates tend to attract current and prospective players across the globe, offering sign-in gifts such as free weapon wraps or holiday-themed character skins.
As a result of these merry over-hauls, fans are also able to tackle unique, yet in some cases, difficult, challenges within their prized titles; oftentimes granting them the ability to achieve rare items, exclusive to the make-over. Nevertheless, these festive must-haves should be in every player's rotation this Christmas.
10 Overcooked! 2 - Kevin's Christmas Cracker
Overcooked! 2's initial release back in 2018 saw players undergo fast-paced, chaotic kitchen runs with their closest friends. This wacky title puts fans at the heart and soul of a busy kitchen, prompting them to complete tasks within short time frames, while also maintaining transparent communication and teamwork with their cohort chefs.
During the festive period, Overcooked! 2 would see the implementation of its Christmas content update, 'Kevin's Christmas Cracker'. Passionate fans can expect to receive five exclusive Christmas-themed kitchens, alongside three luscious new recipes, providing plenty to get stuck into over the holidays. This also saw the release of two achievable chef skins, Elf and Snowman, alongside the ultra-turbulent new practice mode, posing an endless stream of buoyant co-op fun.
9 Valorant - Snowball Fight
Amidst players dubbing Valorant a blend between Counter-strike: Global Offensive and Overwatch, its debut launch in 2020 proved a prominent success. From its mesmerizing agent concepts to its perplexing map designs, Valorant firmly solidifies itself as a 5v5 PVP classic in modern gaming.
Similar to most titles, Riot Games' Valorant engrossed fans with a festive update. Entitled 'Snowball Fight', fans can expect to receive items such as a Christmas-themed gun buddy to attach to their loadouts, or even Christmas-themed Agent skins to wear in-game. Alongside this is a new PVP mode, which sees Agents battle it out using snowballs, rendering copious amounts of playtime for fans to enthrall themselves in.
8 Clash of Clans - Holiday Trader Special
Despite the title being a mobile exclusive, Clash of Clans' initial release in 2012 propelled itself to the top of the charts, amassing millions of players worldwide in the process. With the ability to forge villages, raid enemies for loot, craft and upgrade spells and heroes, Clash of Clans has profoundly established itself as a flashy pillar within the gaming industry.
Supercell's Clash of Clans consistently embellishes itself with seasonal events, including Christmas. Their 'Holiday Trader Special' typically consists of limited-time offers within the trader's tent, offering players unique opportunities to swoop in on cheap, festive deals. Additionally, fans would see the release of temporary Christmas-themed troops and spells such as the Ice Wizard and the Santa Surprise Spell, allowing fans to partake in Christmas-themed Clan Wars and raids.
7 Among Us - Christmas Update
Although a relatively new title, Among Us prizes itself on how unique it is. With nearly 500 million monthly players in November 2021, and a rather basic skill set to succeed within this murder-mystery title, it creates an exciting, cooperative environment for friends and family to immerse themselves in.
Innersloth's creative re-vamp of each Among Us map design portrays to fans their innovative festive spirit, as this decorative over-haul embodies Christmas lights and ornaments alike. The release of various rigorous tasks are also set to challenge the player, with Christmas-themed cosmetics such as Santa hats as their ultimate reward.
6 Apex Legends - Holo-Day Bash
Released in 2019, Apex Legends have some fans believing that they have cemented themselves as an FPS classic within the gaming community. While competing with other triple-A titles, this free-to-play shooter combines elements from various other games, such as its battle royale mode, hero abilities, and even vehicles, yet somehow does it better.
Relating to the quirky, personalized nature of each hero, Respawn Entertainment also carry this through with their seasonal publication of 'Holo-Day Bash'. Devoted fans can expect several challenges, unique to Apex Legends, offering weapon wraps, hero skins, and even Christmas-themed emotes. In addition to this, players can expect the release of contemporary map locations, loot points, and different game-mode iterations, posing the possibility of incessant entertainment with friends this Christmas.
5 Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Siege - Snow Brawl
Rainbow Six Siege's 2015 debut saw fans flocking to the title, eager to test out each distinctive operator and climb the competitive ladder. This diverse, strategy-based title was fueled by the competitive nature of players, driving its position within the gaming industry to that of a successful one.
Entitled 'Snow Brawl', Ubisoft has managed to create a truly beloved Christmas event within Rainbow Six Siege, generously gifting their players exclusive holiday-related cosmetic bundles. These operator skins, weapon wraps, and charms can all be achieved through their limited-time capture-the-flag mode, 'Snow Brawl', confirming this title as a must-have in every gamer's rotation this Christmas.
4 Call Of Duty: Warzone - Festive Fervor
Some fans would argue that Call Of Duty can be highly regarded as one of the most popular franchises of all time, with titles such as Call Of Duty: Warzone, released in 2020. With the surge of battle royale titles in recent years, Call Of Duty: Warzone can be seen as dominating the scene. Due to its prolific movement system, alongside its satisfying kill animations, it's no wonder this title was the face of gaming for months on end.
As per the majority of the previous Call Of Duty titles, Infinity Ward relishes in sustaining immersive, yet creative festive updates, renownedly cherished by millions worldwide. 'Festive Fervor' saw players earn rewards such as calling cards and weapon charms through general play-time and in-game tasks. They also scattered numerous elves to collect across the map, alongside a 'Krampus' monster, set to chase the player if they came in the proximity of it, granting fans a plethora of enjoyment over the holidays.
3 Fortnite - Winterfest
Fortnite's unexpected release in 2017 could have never predicted the sheer success it would eventually amass over the coming years. With the infinite potential of customization, to the in-depth strategies formulated by players over the years, Fortnite has definitively altered the battle royale industry as we know it.
Though controversial, some fans may argue that Fortnite's yearly 'Winterfest' is the most gratifying festive event in the gaming community. Much of this belief has sparked from feelings of nostalgia, while others are purely anticipating the release of Christmas-themed goodies. Fans can expect the return of their favorite cosmetics, while also being gifted free Christmas presents, solidifying this Christmas event as a must-play for countless gamers this holiday season.
2 GTA 5 - Festive Surprise
Temporarily concluding the Grand Theft Auto series in 2013, GTA 5 ripped into the gaming industry intending to become a household name. From the blatantly vulgar story mode to the fully customizable lawless online mode, Rockstar Games had fans queuing to purchase this historic title.
Much like Epic Games' Fortnite, fans classify GTA 5's 'Festive Surprise'event as the most praiseworthy Christmas update available. Players can expect all the trimmings with the return of this revered event, including Christmas clothing options, a thick downpour of snow, and even Christmas-themed jobs that involve snow-balling friends.
1 Overwatch - Winter Wonderland
With its prosperous release in 2016, Blizzard's Overwatch seized its position as an FPS classic, boasting record-breaking player activity, while simultaneously snatching awards along the way. Host to one of the largest gaming competitions, Overwatch League, alongside its in-depth hero lore, players soon found themselves addicted to climbing the ranks solo, or with friends.
Numerous players have decisively concluded that Overwatch's 'Winter Wonderland' undoubtedly takes the limelight regarding Christmas events. Blizzard understands it's the time for giving, and that's just what they do. From the majority of map re-designs, and the release of new PVP and PVE modes, to the Christmas cosmetics devoted fans have longed to return, Winter Wonderland spreads bundles of joy, and playtime, over the festive season.