The holidays are the perfect time to catch up on your favourite games or dive into new ones, and it’s fair to say that gaming visuals have never looked better. For those of us who grew up on 2D classics, we still remember the magic of jumping into 3D for the first time with Super Mario 64 during a snowy winter break. Moments like that are rare, but the holidays have a way of delivering gaming memories that stick with us. While virtual reality has made huge strides, traditional games are also reaching stunning new heights—thanks in large part to Nvidia’s RTX technology.
RTX brings an extra layer of magic to gaming this time of year, making light and shadows behave in ways that look as natural as the glow of holiday lights on a snowy evening. From lifelike reflections to breathtaking rays of light streaming through frosty landscapes, RTX transforms great games into unforgettable visual treats. If you’re looking to settle in by the fire with some truly eye-popping games over the holidays, we’ve got you covered as these RTX-enhanced games are perfect for creating cosy, immersive gaming sessions during the most wonderful time of the year. Let’s take a look at the best games to light up your screen this holiday season!
Star Wars Outlaws
Star Wars Outlaws finally lets players loose in an open-world Star Wars game filled with incredible things to discover, people to meet, and enemies to fight. You take control of Kay Vess, a less-than-squeaky-clean type who’s seeking a way to find their own freedom and start life anew. It’s a tall task, but if you’re smart and don’t mind making the most of the incredible tech available, you’ll come out on top. With RTX-powered lighting and reflections, the galaxy feels more alive than ever, from the glow of neon signs in bustling cantinas to the shimmering metal of ships under twin suns.
Diablo IV
Diablo IV takes the classic ARPG series into the modern age with all new tweaks and quality-of-life features that make it more approachable than ever. There’s an incredible story to get through, sure, but there’s also a wealth of post-game content to delve into that can help you create the perfect build and take on truly unspeakable horrors. You can even do it with friends along the way. Plus, with RTX-enabled effects, every dark dungeon and fiery hellscape is brought to life, immersing you in the eerie glow of flickering torches and the ominous shadows that lurk around every corner.
Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition
First things first, this is not the Cyberpunk that was launched back in 2020. Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition is a massive sprawling tech-dystopia for you to try and protect, destroy, or bend to your will. With a huge array of amazing characters to meet, fight, and even romance, as well as plenty of ways to carve your path through the beautiful neon city, you’ll not get bored in this dystopia. Neither will your eyes, as RTX-powered visuals bring Night City to life with dazzling reflections on rain-slick streets, immersive lighting, and vibrant neon glows that make every corner of the city feel alive.
Minecraft
When you think of Minecraft, the first thing you think of probably won’t be ‘stunning visuals’ but that’s because you haven’t watched rays of light as they crest over whatever blocky creation you’ve put together. Still the same iconic game about freedom and crafting, albeit with more creatures and experiences to uncover than ever before, the graphics are on an entirely different level, thanks to RTX. With ray-traced lighting and realistic shadows, the blocky world transforms into something breathtaking as sunlight filters through leaves and water reflects the beauty of your pixelated masterpieces.
Fortnite
Fortnite is an especially good choice because it’s free, making it perfect for holiday gaming sessions with friends and family. It’s incredibly accessible, so whether you’re a seasoned builder or a total newcomer, everyone can jump in and play together—whether that’s a good idea or not is up to you. Of course, if you’re the only one with RTX turned on, you’ll get to enjoy the stunning battle royale vistas in all their glory, with shimmering water, dynamic lighting, and realistic reflections making the island look sharper and more beautiful than ever.
Marvel’s Midnight Suns
Marvel’s Midnight Suns is one of those hidden gems that deserves a spot on your holiday playlist. It’s a unique and inspired take on the tactical turn-based genre, blending strategic deckbuilding with cinematic superhero flair. Between intense battles, you’ll spend time building relationships with iconic Marvel characters, chatting by the fire, or training in the Abbey to sharpen your skills. Positioning is everything in this one, and with RTX-enabled visuals, the dynamic combat comes to life as fiery explosions, shadows, and energy beams dance across the battlefield in a stunning display.
Ghostwire: Tokyo
Finally, we have Ghostwire: Tokyo, a hauntingly beautiful adventure that’s perfect for the darker, cosier nights of the season. While it doesn’t feature a sprawling open world, its meticulous attention to detail makes every street and alley of Tokyo feel alive—or perhaps eerily not. You play as someone who narrowly escapes death, only to find themselves at the center of a ghostly invasion. It’s a strange fate, but your spectral abilities and uneasy alliance with a spirit inside you will help you navigate a city filled with mysteries and otherworldly threats. With RTX technology, Tokyo’s rain-soaked streets shimmer with eerie beauty, neon lights reflect in puddles, and supernatural effects fill the world with an unsettling but mesmerizing glow.
And there you have it—seven stunning RTX-enhanced games to light up your holidays and give your eyes a visual feast. Whether you’re braving ghostly invasions, battling corruption alongside superheroes, or exploring blocky creations brought to life, there’s never been a better time to dive in. If you’re looking to explore even more RTX-powered experiences, be sure to check out the RTX Games section of our Holiday Sale. It’s the perfect opportunity to pick up something new and make this season shine even brighter.
