Christmas 2025 might be the biggest gaming season. Award winners, major franchises, and unexpected indie gems are all on the table. That makes picking the right gift harder, not easier. More choice means more chances to miss.
- How We Chose These Holiday Hits
- Game Awards & GOTY Nominees to Gift
- Best-Selling Blockbusters of 2025
- Best Family & Kid-Friendly Games for Christmas Morning
- Co-op & Multiplayer Titles for Friends and Siblings
- Story-Driven Epics for Single-Player Bingeing
- Indie Darlings & Hidden Gems of 2025
- Platform-Specific Picks (PS5, Xbox, Switch, PC)
- Best Budget-Friendly & Subscription-Based Options
- How to Match the Right Game to the Right Player
- FAQ: Christmas 2025 Gaming Gifts
- Conclusion
This guide gets straight to the point. We pulled together the must-play titles across genres, platforms, and age groups. The picks are grounded in facts: award nominations, sales data, and trusted holiday gift lists. Whether you are buying for a hardcore grinder, a casual player, or the whole family, this will help you get it right the first time.
How We Chose These Holiday Hits
Every game here either picked up serious award buzz, showed up on critics top lists, topped sales charts, or landed in expert gift guides. If it made the cut, it earned it.
The list covers all major platforms: PS5, Xbox Series XS, PC, and both the current and next-gen Nintendo systems. We made sure to include something for every kind of player, from intense solo runs to couch co-op nights.
Game Awards & GOTY Nominees to Gift
These are the titles that dominated the Game Awards 2025 discussion. They are ideal for the core gamer who keeps up with the industry and wants the latest standout release.
| Game | Release | Genre | Developer | Video | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Clair Obscur Expedition 33 | 2025-04-24 | Role-playing (RPG) | Sandfall Interactive | |
 | Death Stranding 2: On The Beach | 2025-06-25 | Adventure | Kojima Productions | |
 | Ghost Of Yotei | 2025-10-02 | Action & Adventure | Sucker Punch Productions | |
 | Dispatch | 2025 | Adventure & Indie | ||
 | Hades II | 2024-05 | Adventure & Hack and slash/Beat 'em up | Supergiant Games | |
 | Split Fiction | 2025-03-06 | Adventure & Role-playing (RPG) | Hazelight Studios | |
 | HELLDIVERS 2 | 2024-02-08 | Shooter & Tactical | Arrowhead Game Studios | |
 | Battlefield 6 | 2025 | Arcade shooter & FPS | EA Digital Illusions CE | |
 | Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 KCD 2 | 2025-02-04 | Role-playing (RPG) & Adventure | Warhorse Studios |
Each game here speaks to a different kind of player. Some offer deep, layered stories. Others are all about fast reflexes and challenge. A few are long-awaited fan favorites that finally delivered.
Best-Selling Blockbusters of 2025
Need a safe pick? These are the games everyone is buying, talking about, and logging hundreds of hours into. They consistently show up on sales charts and big-name buyer guides.
| Game | Release | Genre | Developer | Video | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Elden Ring Nightreign | 2025-05-30 | Role-playing (RPG) | FromSoftware | |
 | Metal Gear Solid Delta Snake Eater | 2025-08-28 | Adventure & Shooter | Konami | |
| | Clair Obscur Expedition 33 | 2025-04-24 | Role-playing (RPG) | Sandfall Interactive | |
 | Borderlands 4 | 2025-09-11 | Looter-Shooter & FPS | Gearbox Software | |
 | Silent Hill F | 2025-09-25 | Horror | NeoBards Entertainment | |
 | Arc Raiders | 2025-10-30 | Extraction Shooter | Embark Studios | |
 | Ea Sports Fc 26 | 2025-09-26 | Sport | EA Vancouver | |
 | Football Manager 26 | 2025-11-04 | Simulator | Sports Interactive | |
 | Call Of Duty Black Ops 7 | 2025-11-14 | FPS | Treyarch | |
 | Hollow Knight Silksong | 2025-09-04 | Indie & Platform | Team Cherry |
These are solid choices if you want something most people will enjoy. Just make sure the person you’re buying for likes either story-driven games or quick multiplayer matches.
Best Family & Kid-Friendly Games for Christmas Morning
These picks are made for the living room. Simple controls, friendly art, and local multiplayer make them perfect for younger players or mixed-age groups. Many of them appear in this year’s top gift lists aimed at families.
| Game | Release | Genre | Developer | Video | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Paw Patrol On A Roll | 26-08-2018 | Puzzle & Adventure | Torus Games | |
 | Minecraft | 2013-11-19 | Simulator & Adventure | Mojang Studios | |
 | Mario Kart World | 2025-06-05 | Racing | Nintendo EPD | |
 | Crash Team Racing Nitro Fueled | 2019-06-21 | Racing & Arcade | Beenox | |
 | Sonic Racing Crossworlds | 2025-09-25 | Racing | Sonic Team | |
 | Pummel Party | 2018-09-20 | Indie & Arcade | Rebuilt Games |
Always check the age rating and difficulty level. And for multiplayer, confirm that the game supports local play. Not every co-op title is couch-friendly.
Co-op & Multiplayer Titles for Friends and Siblings
Games that shine during the holiday break. Whether it is shooters, survival games, or party brawlers, these are built for groups.
| Game | Release | Genre | Developer | Video | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Peak | 2025-06-16 | Co-op Adventure | Aggro Crab Games | |
 | REPO | 2025-02-26 | Adventure | semibot | |
 | Content Warning | 2024-04-01 | Indie & Adventure | ||
 | Lethal Company | 2023-10-23 | Indie & Adventure | Zeekerss | |
 | Risk Of Rain 2 | 2019-03-28 | Indie | Hopoo Games | |
 | Dying Light The Beast | 2025-09-18 | Role-playing (RPG) & Adventure | Techland | |
| | HELLDIVERS 2 | 2024-02-08 | Tactical & Shooter | Arrowhead Game Studios | |
 | Monster Hunter Wilds | 2025-02-28 | Role-playing (RPG) & Adventure | CAPCOM |
Key detail: check whether the game requires a paid subscription to play online. And confirm whether it supports cross-play. That avoids problems when players are on different systems.
Story-Driven Epics for Single-Player Bingeing
Some players just want to unplug and disappear into a big story. These are the picks for them. Each one offers a cinematic, focused experience with strong narrative hooks.
| Game | Release | Genre | Developer | Video | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Red Dead Redemption 2 | 2018-10-26 | Role-playing (RPG) & Shooter | Rockstar Games | |
 | The Witcher 3 Wild Hunt | 2015-05-18 | Adventure & Role-playing (RPG) | CD PROJEKT RED | |
 | The Last Of Us Part I | 2023-03-28 | Shooter & Adventure | Naughty Dog | |
 | Baldurs Gate 3 | 2020-10-06 | Adventure & Role-playing (RPG) | Larian Studios | |
 | Mass Effect Legendary Edition | 2021-05-14 | Adventure & Shooter | BioWare | |
 | Cyberpunk 2077 Phantom Liberty | 2023-09-26 | Shooter & Role-playing (RPG) | CD PROJEKT RED | |
 | God Of War | 2022-01-14 | Hack and slash/Beat 'em up & Adventure | Santa Monica Studio | |
 | Detroit Become Human | 2020-06-18 | Adventure & Puzzle | Quantic Dream | |
 | Final Fantasy VII Remake | 2020-04-10 | Adventure & Role-playing (RPG) | Square Enix Creative Business Unit I |
Before buying, think about how much time the person can actually invest. Some of these are 30-hour journeys, but others are triple that. Also consider tone. Some are dark, while others are more hopeful or cozy.
Indie Darlings & Hidden Gems of 2025
If your gift target already owns the big games, go for something off the radar. These are well-reviewed indies and smaller releases that showed up on expert lists throughout the year.
| Game | Release | Genre | Developer | Video | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | Hollow Knight Silksong | 2025-09-04 | Platform & Indie | Team Cherry | |
 | Blue Prince | 2025-04-10 | Puzzle | Dogubomb | |
 | Citizen Sleeper 2 Starward Vector | 2025-01-31 | Role-playing (RPG) & Indie | Jump Over the Age | |
| | Dispatch | 2025 | Adventure | Adhoc | |
 | Vampire Survivors | 2021-12-17 | Adventure & Role-playing (RPG) | Poncle | |
 | Megabonk | 2025-09-18 | Survivor-like | vedinad | |
 | The King Is Watching | 2025-07-21 | Indie | Hypnohead | |
 | Ball X Pit | 2025-10-15 | Rougelike | Kenny Sun |
They make solid second gifts. They also work well as digital-only options. And they show you actually put thought into the pick instead of just chasing whatever was trending.
Platform-Specific Picks (PS5, Xbox, Switch, PC)
Each platform has its strengths. PS5 delivers big cinematic single-player games. Xbox stands out for its Game Pass lineup. Nintendo is the go-to for family-friendly and party games. PC is where you find deep strategy, modding scenes, and niche favorites.
| Game | Release | Genre | Developer | Video | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | Death Stranding 2 On The Beach | 2025-06-25 | Adventure | Kojima Productions | |
| | Ghost Of Yotei | 2025-10-02 | Adventure | Sucker Punch Productions | |
 | Indiana Jones And The Great Circle | 2024-12-09 | Adventure & Puzzle | MachineGames | |
 | Uncharted The Lost Legacy | 22-08-2017 | Adventure & Puzzle | Naughty Dog | |
| | Mario Kart World | 2025-06-05 | Racing | Nintendo EPD | |
 | The Legend Of Zelda Tears Of The Kingdom | 2023-05-12 | Adventure & Role-playing (RPG) | Nintendo EPD Production Group No. 3 | |
 | The Elder Scrolls Iv Oblivion Remastered | 2025-04-22 | Adventure & Role-playing (RPG) | Bethesda Game Studios |
Check exclusivity, because some of these are only on one system. Others are multiplatform but may run better on specific hardware.
Best Budget-Friendly & Subscription-Based Options
Not every gift needs to be a sixty-dollar box. Plenty of smart picks come in under budget.
Or another idea: skip individual games and go with a subscription. Game Pass, PS Plus, or Switch Online give players access to a rotating library of games and often include discounts. They are low-risk and usually very welcome.
How to Match the Right Game to the Right Player
A few quick examples make it easier:
- The lore-obsessed RPG fan: give them something story-heavy with big world-building
- The competitive FPS player: think high-skill multiplayer with tight mechanics
- The cozy-sim enjoyer: pick a low-stress game that focuses on creativity or daily routine
- The family with one console: go for a kid-safe game with strong local co-op support
FAQ: Christmas 2025 Gaming Gifts
What is better, digital or physical?
Physical looks good under the tree, but you can also give the key or digital code as a beautifully packaged gift voucher.
Which games are safe for kids?
Check the rating and look for titles marked “E” for Everyone. Focus on games listed in the family section above.
What if I do not know their platform?
If you know they play on PC, stick with that. Otherwise, a subscription card or general gift voucher is the safest route.
Conclusion
You do not need to know every franchise or platform to pick a good gift. Just start with a few solid questions: Who is it for? What kind of games do they play? What system do they own?
Go with the Game Awards nominees if they are deep into gaming. Pick a best-seller if you want a sure hit. Choose a family-friendly title if you are shopping for kids. And if you want to look smart, give them an indie gem that nobody else thought of.