Depending on where you live, your idea of “winter” can vary. Game Informer is based in Minnesota, which means we get blizzards, ice storms, sub-zero deep freezes, and more. That sort of makes us experts on chilly weather, and we’re leveraging that knowledge to assemble this list of the best game settings that capture the sense of exploring a winter wonderland. As we move into spring and the melt begins, use this list to keep your snowiest gaming memories frozen in time.
The Final Climb
Journey begins with your character leaping through the sun-parched desert and gracefully sliding over the dunes. However, at the end of the game, that warm climate gives way to an icy, windy ascent that you can feel in your bones. As you trudge through the snow, chilly blasts of air slow you down, blow you off ledges, and practically erase the boundaries that confine your consciousness to your body. It’s not an easy climb, but it is certainly a rewarding one.
Narshe
Braving the elements is a lot easier when you are riding Magitek Armor. The intro to this classic RPG shows three mechanical behemoths crossing a snowy field, heading for an isolated mountain town. The Final Fantasy series has plenty of wintery locations, but in Narshe you can sense the desolation of the environment and the desperation of the villagers as they fight – however pointlessly – against you and the overwhelming force of the Empire.
The College of Winterhold
Not all wizarding schools are full of butterbeer and friendly ghosts. Even for the generally unforgiving environment of Skyrim, the College of Winterhold is nestled in a particularly harsh and frozen corner of the world. For a magically inclined Dragonborn, however, this remote castle soon starts to feel like home; powerful mages can train you in various disciplines, and when you can throw fireballs at will, the cold doesn’t seem like such an issue anymore.
Snowpeak Ruins
Ocarina of Time’s water temple may be one of the least popular dungeons in the series, but Twilight Princess’ frozen-water dungeon is among the best. The icy mansion of Snowpeak Ruins is unique and challenging, with an interesting layout and a cool weapon (the ball and chain). However, the dungeon also has a memorable story about a kind yeti, his sick wife, and the excellent healing properties of soup – the official food of snowy winters.
The Mountain
Considering how much of God of War’s opening hours you spend trying to reach the top of the mountain, it is likely to get built up in your mind. And when you finally reach the summit (after exploring cavernous ruins and fighting a gigantic dragon), it does not disappoint. The snow-covered peak has a breathtaking view, and provides a scenic launching point for the journey Kratos and Atreus thought they had just finished.