Winter is here and it’s getting colder. Snow falls here and there and if you would like to let off steam in the snow virtually or satisfy your longing for snow with games, there are a number of options. Many games have been released over the years in which you are out and about in the snow, whether in individual levels or throughout the game.
Below we show you some of the best snow levels and worlds in video games, of course without claiming to be exhaustive! There are sure to be more, and feel free to comment on your favorite if it’s not already included. So then, let’s take a look at some of the best snow worlds and levels, in no particular order, as always.
Hoth in Star Wars Battlefront 1 and 2 (2015/2017 – PC, Xbox, PlayStation)
Who, as a Star Wars fan, could forget the infamous battle on the ice planet Hoth in The Empire Strikes Back? Regardless of whether the previous or newer Battlefront games are better or not, Hoth has rarely looked more beautiful than in DICE’ Battlefront 1 and 2.
On the ice planet, you cavort both outdoors and inside the Echo Base and play out the battle between the rebels and the Empire there. Of course you can also take a seat in the Snowspeeder or steer an AT-AT, after all that’s part of the real Hoth feeling. Of course, due to the amount of snow, it’s not the most detailed environment, but if you enjoy beautiful snowy worlds, you’re definitely in good hands here.
Interest? For PC there is Star Wars Battlefront 2 on Steamfor the Xbox in Microsoft Store and for PlayStation in PlayStation Store.
Horizon Zero Dawn: The Frozen Wilds (2017 – PC, PlayStation)
After Aloy’s adventures in Horizon Zero Dawn, you travel to the north and the frozen wilderness there in The Frozen Wilds. It’s extreme conditions that await you in the borderlands of the Banuk tribe, among other things you will also be confronted with new threats, puzzles and of course a new story.
So if you’ve always wanted to fight your way through a snowy region with Aloy, you can live that wish to the fullest in The Frozen Wilds. A good opportunity to catch up on the expansion in wintertime if you’ve missed it so far – or even the whole game!
Interest? For PC there is Horizon Zero Dawn on Steam and for PlayStation in PlayStation Store.
Snowrunner (2020 – PC, Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch)
Snowrunner… Sounds like you’re running through the snow on foot. But that’s not really the case, you’re driving your cars through open terrain and completing various missions either alone or with up to three other players in co-op mode.
The heart of Snowrunner is the physics engine, which really doesn’t make it easy for you to overcome mud, raging water, snow and frozen lakes with the 40 available cars. Once you get stuck in the mud here, you have to make a real effort to get out of it. A good off-road experience for those who want something more simulation-heavy.
Interest? For PC there is Snowrunner on Steamfor the Xbox in Microsoft Storefor PlayStation in PlayStation Store and for Nintendo Switch in eShop.
Lost Planet (2006 – PC, Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch)
If it’s too warm for you on earth, you’re definitely in good hands on planet EDN IIIE. Said planet and its frigid wasteland are the setting of Capcom’s Lost Planet. But you’re not just making a cozy winter holiday here, you’re spoiled by the huge and nasty Akrid aliens who are after the colonists of the planet. And there are also snow pirates.
So some things you have to deal with in the third person perspective in this world. And I haven’t even mentioned the arctic winds, blizzards and mountains of ice. In other words: If you want lots and lots of virtual snow, Lost Planet is definitely in good hands.
Interest? For PC there is Lost Planet on Steam and for the Xbox in Microsoft Store.
Rise of the Tomb Raider (2015 – PC, Xbox, PlayStation)
At least part of the time you are in Rise of the Tomb Raider in deep snow. Lara Croft fights, swings and climbs through beautifully snow-covered landscapes that definitely exude a wintry feeling. Technology enthusiasts, on the other hand, enjoy the tracks that Lara makes through the deep snow, even if she is traveling more slowly there.
Rise of the Tomb Raider also has a lot to offer away from the snowy landscapes, which makes it a great action-adventure. And the “20 Year Celebration” edition brings a lot of additional content with it. One of the best of Lara Croft’s recent adventures. If you are interested in action-adventures and have missed it so far, you can access it without hesitation.
Interest? For PC there is Rise of the Tomb Raider on Steamfor the Xbox in Microsoft Storefor PlayStation in PlayStation Store.
Super Mario Galaxy 2 (2010 – Wii, Wii U)
There are many, many levels to complete in Super Mario Galaxy 2, including some worlds that look more like winter. In world three, for example, this includes the Frostflake Galaxy. There are snow statues in the shape of Mario and with the help of large snowballs you can pave your way over lava. The boss also takes the form of a big snowball and has a nasty clown face.
The supercold galaxy in world five again shows the contrasts between lava and ice. Again, you make your way over lava by freezing it, which is not necessarily easy and is a bit of a challenge. This doesn’t look quite as pretty as the Frostflake Galaxy, but it’s still a great level.
Interest? For Wii there is Super Mario Galaxy 2 on eBay.
Norway in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla (2020 – PC, Xbox, PlayStation)
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla is of course mostly played in the British Isles, but right at the beginning you’re on the road in snowy Norway and can return there later at any time. Which is always worth it just because of the landscape.
Here you have high mountains typical of Norway, fjords and lots of snow. And of course there are also beautiful northern lights to see at night. I wouldn’t have minded spending the entire game in Norway, but I guess England were thought to be more interesting. Too bad, but that doesn’t detract from the beauty of virtual Norway in AC Valhalla!
Interest? For PC there is Assassin’s Creed on the Ubisoft Storefor the Xbox in Microsoft Store and for PlayStation in PlayStation Store.
Icewind Dale (2000 – PC, Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch)
A classic of the RPG genre. The D&D game takes you to the northernmost reaches of the Forgotten Realms, to an icy tundra known as Icewind Valley. That is what it looks like here. It’s definitely icy and snowy as you fight your way through a harsh and unforgiving mountain range.
Terrible beasts and all sorts of other monsters lurk there that you and your party can take on. Thanks to the Enhanced Edition released in 2014, you can not only experience the classic on modern PCs without any problems, but also on the consoles. If you want to experience a wintry landscape from a classic top-down RPG perspective, you’ve come to the right place.
Interest? For PC there is Icewind Dale on Steam and at GOGfor the Xbox in Microsoft Storefor PlayStation in PlayStation Store and for Nintendo Switch in eShop.
Dead Space 3 (2013 – PC, Xbox, PlayStation)
It’s not only cold in space, but also on the ice planet Tau Volantis. You will visit him in the third part of Dead Space and deal with the ongoing necromorph plague there as well.
In part three, you can either do it solo or in co-op. You fight your way through an icy and hostile environment, sometimes you have to stay near heat sources in order not to freeze to death. You also have to deal with avalanches, ice walls and a generally rather hostile environment, not to mention the enemies. It does look pretty though!
Interest? For PC there is Dead Space 3 on Steam and for the Xbox in Microsoft Store.
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