Setting off fireworks. Pretending to know the words to Auld Lang Syne. Trying to make it to midnight before the sleep fairies find you. Seeing in the New Year can be so much fun whether you’re out at a party or home in your pyjamas.

With Covid-19 sticking around, you might need to mix up your plans. Whether you can see your friends and family or not, video games can be the ultimate way to bring in the New Year with a bang.

Unsure on what to play? Don’t worry; here’s our ultimate guide to New Year’s Eve gaming.

For Families

Stuck in opposite corners of the world from your family this year? Don’t worry; hop online and throw the party of the year with Mario Party Superstars. With 5 boards, over 100 minigames, and absolute chaos to be had as Mario, Luigi, Peach, Daisy, Wario, Yoshi and all your favourites. Or get behind the wheel in Mario Kart 8 as you rush around rainbow road for the family trophy.

Don’t fancy play-fighting with family this New Year’s Eve? No worries, team up and take on Overcooked 2 instead. Packed with chaotic cooperative cooking action, you and your family will cook up orders in the Onion Kingdom’s absurd restaurants – just try not to run into each other!

For Mates

In need of a night out when you’ve got to stay in this NewYear’s?  Say no more. Grab your headset, gather your mates online, and get gaming with these free-to-play battle royales.

Fancy some fantasy lands and mythical battles? Apex Legends lets you choose from a line-up of outlaws, soldiers, misfits, and misanthropes to take part in chaotic 60-person battle royale’s across a cluster of planets on the fringes of the Frontier?

Looking for something a little more real? Look no further than Call Of Duty: Vanguard. Team up or take on your mates in all-out war as special forces in a World War II-stricken Pacific.

And if you want the silliest, most ridiculous battle royales of all…

…you already know you’ll be hopping on Fortnite, don’t you?

For Couples

Bored of fondue for two and chick flicks? Level up your New Year’s plans with our picks for gaming with your partners.

Prove just how much of a power couple you are by conquering the farmlands of Stardew Valley. Sharing space, gold and time, you’ll use your hand-me-down tools to turn around your grandfather’s old farm plot and turn it into a thriving home.

If country living isn’t your vibe, that’s fine – why not try 2021’s game of the year It Takes Two. Made to be played cooperatively, you’ll play as married couple Cody and May, who goes on a journey to reach their daughter Rose. Now, we’re warning you, it can get a little weepy, but it’s the ultimate bonding exercise for all you couples.

For you

Planning on playing solo this New Year’s Eve? Stock up onthe snacks, get as cosy as you can, and throw yourself into some fantasy worlds and party the hours away with these adventures.

Live out your childhood dreams and become the Pokemon trainer you’ve always wanted to be with Pokemon Sword and Shield. You’ll travel through the UK-inspired Galar region on a mission to dethrone the league champion whilst catching your favourite Pokemon and exploring the world.

Fancy another fan-favourite? The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is for sure your next session. Step into the shoes of Nintendo mascot Link and restore the kingdom of Hyrule by defeating the malevolent monster Calamity Ganon.

Are fantasy blockbusters not your cup of tea? How about comic-book capers with the galaxy’s most dependable bunch of misfits? Guardians Of The Galaxy lets you experience life as Star-Lord as you take on a series of catastrophic events alongside Gamora, Rocket Racoon, Groot and Drax theDestroyer. Oh, and there’s a killer soundtrack to boot, so you’ll be boogying into the new year in style.

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