For most of us, it’s starting to get cold outside. For some, it’s already been like that for a while and they’re probably thinking something along the lines of “welcome to the party, pal!” Then there those fortunate few who may not see so much as a single snowflake all winter. Lucky them, eh? Regardless of the winter situation outside, though, there are plenty of games out there ready and able to add some much-needed zest to these colder months; read on for some of the best.

Banjo-Kazooie

For a large number of gamers out there, Banjo-Kazooie probably doesn’t need much explanation. It’s been a hit ever since it released for the N64 in 1998, and it’s still widely praised and discussed even today. It’s one of those rare classics that manages to do more than just hold up for those who played it when they were kids, still raking in brand-new fans with each year that passes.

While the game as a whole is a top-quality adventure that’s fun no matter the time of year, it works well as a winter game thanks to Freezeezy Peak. It’s not just that it’s a snow level, but rather that it’s the quintessential snow level. As they run through the area, players light a Christmas tree, climb gaming’s biggest snowman, have sled races, take in a log cabin village and battle evil, snow-ball pelting snowmen. And it’s all done to a wonderfully-festive theme that never seems to get old. Freezeezy Peak is winter summed up in a single level and playing through serves as a wonderful reminder that these cold months aren’t all dark and dreary.

Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong’s Double Trouble

Unlike Banjo-Kazooie, Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong’s Double Trouble (aka just DKC3) doesn’t exactly enjoy widespread acclaim. Sure, it’s considered a decent game, but it’ll likely always live in the shadow of its predecessor: Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy’s Kong Quest (or DKC2).

There's at least one thing that DKC3 does better than DKC2 though: winter levels. DKC3 has quite a few levels that are either covered in snow or are set in snowy places like mountains. The Kongs must (among other things) survive a runaway bobsled, dodge penguins, ascend perilous peaks and even take on Bleak: an actually abominable snowman.  It’s (almost) all beautiful to behold, but it does make one glad that they can just hang out inside.

Meanwhile, DKC2 has two ice caves. They're great ice caves of course, and are excellent levels in the way that almost all levels in DKC 2 are, but simply having ice doesn't make something a true "winter" level. The original Donkey Kong Country actually does better in terms on winter too, since it too has an ice cave (a very festive one) in addition to two snowy alpine levels. Still, DKC 3 takes the crown for the sheer number and variety of winter things it brings to the table.

Celeste

Celeste is a heartwarming tale about personal growth, self-confidence and overcoming one’s personal demons. As players help Madeline ascend Mt. Celeste, they get to see her change and grow as she confronts the mountain’s challenges one after another, with one them being an actual manifestation of her negative self. There’s plenty of snowy scenery to enjoy and play through, and the gameplay is fantastic. What’s most likely to stick with players after the credits finally role, however, are the quiet moments Madeline either enjoys alone with her thoughts or shares with Celeste’s other characters.

They’re the kinds of moments everyone encounters at one point or another while the skies are grey and the ground is cold, and it can be nice to see them from another, likely more positive angle. It helps one realize how necessary each of those moments is, no matter how one feels about them at the time. In other words, Celeste is a wonderfully fun game that can also help put both winter and one’s own personal journey into perspective.

Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Not everyone necessarily wants to get introspective while they’re gaming, though, looking instead to simply relax and let the world outside be for a while. For those people, Animal Crossing: New Horizons (or really any Animal Crossing game) is probably the best fit. The entire point of this series is chilling and having fun with all the cute villagers living nearby, and New Horizons’ Christmas event makes getting into that spirit even easier.

The event isn’t so different from past iterations, of course. Once the calendar finally acknowledges the winter season, players can start making snowmen and collecting snowman items. Once December 24 arrives, though, the time to seek out Jingle and help him celebrate Toy Day will have finally come. Villagers can help spread good cheer by delivering presents for Jingle, getting more prizes themselves depending on how many animals they deliver to.

There are only three or four prizes to be had in the New Horizons event though, so those who enjoy collecting might want to play an older Animal Crossing so that they can get all the Jingle-themed furniture instead.

God of War: Ragnarok

Okay, so God of War: Ragnarok isn’t exactly chill like most of the others are, but then neither is winter. For most of us, winter is often so stone cold that one cannot help but fantasize of being able to stand unfazed as the icy winds rage and the snow piles high around us. In other words, we all wish we could be like Kratos sometimes: a man who is so tough that tunics are optional even in the deepest depths of Fimbulwinter.

More seriously, though, God of War: Ragnarok is an awesome game about defying fate that just so happens to be set in the most legendary winter of them all. It’s not all snow and ice thankfully, but it probably wouldn’t even matter if it was. Kratos, Atreus and their allies spend so much time battling their enemies with brutal flair that it’s easy to forget about all the white stuff covering the ground. Really, this is an adventure worth taking anytime, but seeing the Fimbulwinter winds blow does, like some of the other games here, help one to better appreciate things like hot coffee and central heating.

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One of the great things about winter is that it’s a time where things naturally slow down and allow everyone to catch their breath for a moment. Chores and duties become less pressing, “going out” isn’t as important, and gamers in particular don’t need to work as hard to keep up with the newest stuff or work-through the ever-present backlog. No, settling-in and enjoying the elements through classics both new and old is all one really needs this time of year.