The holidays near and that means gifts as well as lots of time to play video games. What else would someone fill their day with?

Around the holidays there tends to be many games to choose from, and it is hard to decide which ones to buy for yourself or loved ones.

That’s where this handy dandy article comes in to run down the best of the best of this year.

‘Red Dead Redemption 2’

One of the biggest games to come out in 2018 is “Red Dead Redemption 2.” Rockstar Games’ latest open world adventure did not disappoint.

Gamers will lose hours in Rockstar’s faithful recreation of the dying Old West. That includes spending hours hunting, robbing, shooting and losing one’s hat.

The beta online component launches for everyone Friday, Nov. 30, so that will add even more hours. Kiss goodbye to your social life.

Be warned that the game currently is only on Xbox One and PlayStation 4, so if you have a Nintendo Switch or PC then you are out of luck.

‘Super Smash Bros. Ultimate’

The biggest fighting game franchise is coming back Dec. 7, and it’s going to be huge. The game will bring together every single fighter that has ever graced the Smash Bros. universe with a few new additions.

Along with those fighters comes a slew of stages to fight your friends on. If you get bored pummeling your friends, the game also has a robust single-player story that will have players saving the world as Kirby.

If 65 fighters aren’t enough for you, then don’t fret, as more fighters will be released throughout 2019.

Make sure you have a Nintendo Switch before picking it up.

‘Assassin’s Creed Odyssey’

If you have ever wanted to run around as a mercenary in Ancient Greece, then “Assassin’s Creed Odyssey” is for you. The latest entry in the series has you fighting in Greece in the middle of the Peloponnesian War, the era that “300” took place in.

Players can lose hours “Spartan kicking” people off cliffs and dealing with pesky soldiers. The world pulls you in and makes it hard to leave.

It currently is available on every platform except for Nintendo Switch, though the PC version has had some problems.

‘Fallout 76’

“Fallout 76” is the brand new multiplayer only Fallout game by Bethesda. It goes against everything that makes a Fallout game a Fallout game, but don’t discount it.

This game has a bright future, and with friends it can be one of the best games you’ve played. The world is beautiful and with a little elbow grease Bethesda could make it great.

It is already discounted at many retailers. You can pick it up on Xbox One, PlayStation 4 or PC. The PC version, however, is kind of broken, so it is not recommended.

‘Marvel’s Spider-Man’

Swinging through New York has never been more fun. The feeling of flying through the air at top speeds sends shivers down the spine.

This game truly makes you feel like Spider-Man as you fight crime and save New York. Being able to fight great enemies like Scorpion or Rhino is a thrill ride.

The only downside is it is only on PlayStation 4.

Those are the best games that you could pick up around the holidays.

Of course, there are the shooters “Call of Duty: Black Ops 4” and “Battlefield V,” if you want to shoot bad guys.

There are also the more kid friendly games, “Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu” or “Lego DC Super-Villains,” for some family fun.

Some earlier in the year highlights like “God of War” are options as well.

Every year new video games come out, and these classics could get lost in the onslaught of new titles. Grab these gems before they disappear.