The 8 best video game firesides, campfires, and Yule logs

I’m chasing holiday vibes extra-hard this year. In a world that’s anything but, I want to feel cozy and safe sitting by a fireplace. There’s something so comforting about the popping and cracking of a warm fire, maybe with some softly falling snow just beyond the window.

In lieu of an actual fireplace, I’m turning to YouTube and video games — sometimes both! — in search of these cozy atmospheres. It’s the Yule log — a holiday tradition that began in 1966 when New York’s WPIX-TV aired a looped video of some logs in a fireplace. Since the station revived the tradition in 2001, there’s been absolutely no shortage of Yule log videos that tie in with popular franchises, whether it’s Star Wars, Marvel, or even Hades.

But sometimes you don’t simply want to watch. You can have a videogame Yule log. A lot of video games have campfires, and I’ve rounded up the best of them. Here’s my collection of in-game firesides you can sit beside or even build yourself.

Shovel Knight

Have you ever fallen asleep by the campfire? Good thing you’ve got a shovel to put out the embers the next morning.

Skyrim in The Elder Scrolls 5

SkyrimThere are many options. You don’t feel Christmassy but still want to enjoy a festive atmosphere. What about burning skeletons instead?

For those who want to feel more medieval-like in winter, Skyrim has that, too — plenty of them.

Fortnite

Fortnite’s got an in-game Yule log this year, with a challenge available for players who want to sit and chill for a bit. You’ll find it in the Cozy Lodge, where there’s a tactical Santa sitting by a fireplace and a Christmas tree. What’s the best news? You can open gifts, too.

Dark Souls

Bonfires Dark Souls act as checkpoints, which means they’re pretty important and prominent in the game. They’re also a perfect place to just sit and watch a sword burn. You can now buy a sword. that’sGet in the holiday spirit Firesides can be more than just the original Dark Souls, either. They’re all over the franchise.

Outer Wilds

Outer Wilds It is the perfect place to relax in-game at a fireside. It doesn’t necessarily have a holiday atmosphere, but it’s still extremely good. Both fireside and beach songs are available. AndToast marshmallows

The end of the year spoilers Outer Wilds appear in this second video, which features a fireside moment that’s just sublime.

The Undertale

The Undertale’s got a very good, cozy fireside. It’s simple but perfect. Who doesn’t want to be read a story in front of a warm fire?

Animal Crossing – New Horizons

If you’re the creative type in Animal CrossingNew HorizonsIt’s a great place to create a warm winter atmosphere. It is possible that you will want to stay next to the Nintendo Switch to create the ideal atmosphere.

Yule Log – Playable

Ice Water Games offers a digital Yule Log where you can make the fire by yourself.

Called Yule LogNaturally, the game opens with a tiny glowing block which will help you start a fire. The logs then fall from the skies. It’s a nice little animation to watch, but it adds a little something extra now that you can actually tend to the fire.