Best Games for the Best Geeks

For those of us with geeks in our lives, finding the best gifts this Christmas can easily be narrowed down to just picking out a video game. But for those not in the know, this can prove difficult as there are countless game titles and genres meant for different consoles out there. We’ve come up with a comprehensive list of video games that make for the perfect gift for all the close geeks in your life this holiday season. 

Baldur’s Gate 3 
Platform: Xbox Series X/S, 
PlayStation 5, PC
What hasn’t been said about Larian Studios’ Baldur’s Gate 3? Based on the popular roleplaying system of Dungeons & Dragons, Baldur’s Gate 3 is an impressive role-playing game that offers players a nearly infinite amount of imaginative ways to go about their playthrough. You can go at it alone or enlist the help of friends online, through its multiplayer feature, and form a party to go about and tackle quests given by the game. There are 12 character classes, divided even further into 46 different subclasses, that allow the player to play the game as they see fit. Players can go for a bard’s route, singing mighty songs to help support the party, or as a sword-wielding fighter ready to slash their way through any problems. Much of the charm of Baldur’s Gate 3 also stems from how much attention its developers put into the game. Even the smallest of actions can potentially affect larger parts of the game later on, making every choice matter. There’s also an impressive cast of voice actors that give life to all the characters that can join your character’s party along the way. If that’s not enough to convince you, it even nabbed The Game Awards’ Game of the Year title for 2023.

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
Platform: Nintendo Switch

Adding yet another solid title to Nintendo’s iconic Legend of Zelda franchise, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom for the Nintendo Switch is easily one of the console’s best games released this year. What makes this title stand out from its predecessors is the ability for players to traverse its vast world and explore at their own pace. Several areas allow players to craft certain items that will help them along the way. Add in the solid plotline that shows off the rich lore nestled within the magical open world of Hyrule. It makes for the perfect holiday gift due to the countless hours it can give players as they try to navigate each level in creative ways.

Grand Theft Auto V
Platform: Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Xbox 360, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, PC
Rockstar Games’ recent announcement of Grand Theft Auto VI was enough to send the Internet into a frenzy as its trailer currently sits at over 148 million views as of writing. Since it’s set for release in 2025, it gives ample time to play its predecessor, Grand Theft Auto V. Spanning over three console generations since its release in 2010, GTA V remains one of the most popular games of all time. On Steam, it sits in fourth place in its top 100 most-played games by current players as it reaches over 250,000 players daily. Following the story of three playable characters, step into the lives of Franklin, a young street hustler, Michael, a retired bank robber, and Franklin, a terrifying psychopath, as they navigate through the world of crime. Aside from its main plot, there are plenty of side activities and secrets for players to seek out and enjoy. It also has an online mode wherein players can create their character and cause chaos by joining heists or street races. Another plus is the game’s radio stations having several iconic tracks across different genres of music. It’s the perfect gift for any geek out there who has still yet to experience the exciting world of Los Santos and Blaine County.

Project Zomboid
Platform: PC
This is how you died. From the starting screen alone, Indie Stone’s Project Zomboid sends chilling expectations as it thrusts players into a world thrown into chaos, where zombies take over the planet. So what makes this indie game the perfect holiday gift compared to all the other triple-A zombie games out there? Easily, the addicting gameplay. In Project Zomboid, players must go at it alone or join others in online mode to try and bring a sense of normalcy back to their lives. But to pull it off, you need to find food, water, a steady electricity supply, and learn skills to navigate and survive… All while the bloodthirsty undead roam the streets ready to pounce. Greed can lead to your ultimate downfall as the urge to collect all the loot just might cause your untimely death. Don’t let its simple early 2000s graphics style fool you! It’s amazing to spot all the tiny details that the developers added to allow for an extensive amount of realism to the game. Although it’s still in development, there are countless mods and an active player base that keeps the game thriving. Currently, the developers are working on what is arguably one of the game’s biggest updates. Once put out, it will see the addition of non-playable characters (NPCs) to interact with, animals, and an improved crafting system to allow players to create strongholds and fortify their in-game homes better.

Roots of Pacha
Platform: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PC
For those with geek friends who prefer a casual experience, Roots of Pacha has a wonderful Zen vibe that makes it easy for anyone to pick up. Go on your own or form a small community through the co-op farming mode as you try and cultivate your land in the game’s prehistoric setting. Its simple pixelated look is reminiscent of Stardew Valley and adds a certain charm to its gameplay. Perhaps the best part is getting to encounter all the cute animals—Just looking at the game’s baby mammoths is oh-so-adorable! It certainly makes for a charming holiday present for all the cozy gamers out there.

Holdfast: Nations at War
Platform: PC
Ever wondered what it would be like to take part in the Napoleonic wars or navigate through the trenches of World War I? Holdfast: Nations at War stands out as one of the more unique shooter games out there that is sure to be the perfect gift for any competitive geeks or history nerds on your list. Charge into battle in servers that can reach up to 150 people at max and find yourself thrown into the fun-filled chaos of it all. Another of Holdfast: Nations at War’s strengths is its strong community player base. You can enlist in a regiment to find other players and participate in official line battles. We recommend enlisting under the Imperial Frontier Force (IFF) regiment, a lovely gathering of Oceanians and ASEANs that play matches and hold events regularly.