If you could only play one game this holiday season, it would be this gem

With the holidays approaching and game releases slowing down, it's time to catch up. There's something special about clearing out your backlog of titles you missed earlier in the year, especially ones you bought at a steep discount. Among the GOTY-nominated games, there are a lot of different games that we'd recommend you try out during the holidays. Claire Obsker endlessly addictive ball x pitBut if you only have time to play one game this holiday season, the root tree is dead.

I think there are many people who are curious about what exactly it is. the root tree is dead am. If you know the game, you can help spread the word about this gem of a game. For those who have played root treeI've included some additional recommendations at the bottom of the post. These are games that I have become obsessed with several times throughout the year. Hollow Knight or ARC Raiders.

What are Roottrees are Dead?

the root tree is dead is a mystery puzzle-solving game that connects your family tree. After the last remaining member of the Roottree family dies, your goal is to use a variety of media to find out who is who among the immediate and extended family. At first it may seem like you are simply putting a name to a face, but eventually a bigger mystery begins to unfold. As the game progresses, you learn that the Rootree family's empire is in a precarious state.

The Roottrees are Dead Steam Trailer Screenshots Newspaper

This game requires a lot of thinking, but it's great because it provides useful clues as you progress. There is also a hint system that gives hints in the direction where the hint is located before giving the hint.

Why The Roottrees are Dead is a Great Holiday Catch-Up Game

I should clarify that the root tree is dead is the perfect holiday game. Not just because it's the best game I've played in 2025, but because it has a little bit of everything. It makes for a great communal experience if you have family visiting for the holidays or if you have family around while you play games. It's a great game to jump into for just a few minutes, make some progress, and then get back to family activities or preparing a nice meal. And finally, the root tree is dead There's enough content to keep you engaged for a long time, especially if you want to complete “the whole story.”

I loved playing. the root tree is dead Because it gave me a chance to unwind at the end of the day with a game that wasn't mechanically demanding. She was able to read various clues and make suggestions and I was able to navigate all the menus. When your partner is not interested in the game, there is little opportunity to play together; the root tree is dead It fits the bill perfectly.

I could see it too the root tree is dead It's a fantastic game to play in groups. I think the more people put their heads together to solve the mystery, the better. I wouldn't say the game is difficult, but sometimes the clues don't appear to be clues at first. You need someone with a different perspective to say, “Hey, I think that’s what it is.”

I can't say enough good things about it the root tree is deadBoth because the entire process was an enjoyable experience to experience with a partner, and also because it's a unique game that does things a little differently than many titles out there. I highly recommend it if you’re looking for something jaw-dropping to do this holiday. the root tree is dead.

Other game recommendations for the holiday season

For those who already know how good it is. the root tree is dead Or, even if the game isn't your thing, there might be a few other titles that are special and would be great to dive into this holiday.

Absolem: There have been a lot of great roguelites this year, and Absolum puts a really fun twist on the subgenre.
gigasword: It's a metroidvania throwback to the era of retro gaming that plays with the idea of carrying around a large sword that's too heavy to easily maneuver.
time passes: How much work can an average fly accomplish during its incredibly short lifespan?
shotgun police man: A fast-paced, really fun platformer where you use the momentum of your weapons to traverse levels and take out bad guys.
Wonder Stop: Making tea for a stranger is a meditation on one's place in the world.

Boro and Alta sitting side by side at Wanderstop

I've had a great time with several of the big triple-A games released in 2025, many of which will be on this year's top ten lists. But I always like to find games that are a little different. Games can explore so many topics through different lenses, and experiences can be familiar or completely new. the root tree is dead It has a lot in common with previous puzzle/mystery games, but packages these ideas in a new way. I hope you give it a try this holiday season and if you like it, pass it on to the next person.