Lonely Mountains: Snow Riders is finally coming to PS5—here’s why that’s actually interesting

Why the PS5 release actually matters

This caught my attention because Megagon Industries didn’t just repackage a PC/Xbox game for PlayStation – the PS5 port of Lonely Mountains: Snow Riders (out December 3, 2025) arrives bundled with a year’s worth of updates, including the Freestylers Update that adds Trick Mode and Free Style. That’s meaningful for players who care about fresh mechanics rather than a lazy console port. It’s also arriving at holiday season timing when new console owners are hunting for standout experiences that aren’t just blockbusters.

• PS5 release date: December 3, 2025.
• Includes a year’s worth of updates – notably the Freestylers Update with Trick Mode and Free Style.
• Highlanders DLC is available but sold separately.
• The game has already passed 1 million players on PC and Xbox.

Key takeaways

• Megagon is betting on longevity: the “year of updates” claim signals live-service-style support without the shady microtransactions (so far).
• Trick Mode shifts the gameplay focus – Snow Riders could move from precision downhill runs to something more creative and replayable.
• Highlanders DLC being a separate purchase matters: the base PS5 package isn’t the full meal.
• 1M+ players is a solid baseline that suggests the core formula resonates.

Breaking down the PS5 release

Lonely Mountains: Snow Riders is Megagon’s follow-up to Lonely Mountains: Downhill, the studio’s surprise hit that married tight physics, minimal UI and a gorgeous low-poly aesthetic. Downhill won fans by trusting the player — no endless HUD clutter, just you, gravity and choice. Snow Riders keeps that DNA but swaps biking for skiing and, crucially, layers co-op and trick-focused modes on top.

The PS5 port will ship with a year’s worth of updates already included, and that Freestylers Update is the headline: Trick Mode and Free Style change the objectives. If you liked nailing a perfect line on a slope and beating your ghost, Trick Mode adds a different kind of mastery: chaining grabs and spins. That broadens the game’s appeal from niche downhill purists to players who enjoy scoring, style and creative expression — think of it as the difference between time trials and a skate-like trick loop.

What this means for players

For existing fans, the update roadmap is reassuring. A year of planned updates suggests Megagon intends to keep expanding systems and levels rather than moving on immediately. For newcomers on PlayStation, Snow Riders arrives as a fuller package than earlier console launches might have offered.

That said, Highlanders DLC is sold separately. That’s not a red flag on its own — paid expansions are standard — but call it what it is: the PS5 box won’t include every piece of content. If you’re the kind of player who wants the whole mountain at once, expect to pay more.

Why now — and why it could matter

Releasing on December 3 positions Snow Riders to catch holiday shoppers and new PS5 owners who want fresh, approachable multiplayer experiences beyond the big-budget options. The sports niche has been hungry for smaller, well-made alternatives to the Ubisoft-style mega-sports titles; Snow Riders’ 1M+ player base shows there’s appetite for a smaller studio doing something different.

Technically, PS5 could also add real value: faster load times, a smoother 60fps mode, and DualSense haptics could translate well to the feel of carving snow — though Megagon hasn’t detailed platform-specific enhancements yet, so treat those as plausible upsides, not promises.

Skeptic’s corner

“A year of updates” is a marketing-friendly phrase. Gamers should ask specifics: how big are those updates? Are they free maps and modes, or mostly balance tweaks and cosmetic items? And while Trick Mode is exciting, there’s a risk: adding tricks can dilute the precise, risk-reward design that made the original formula special. Will Snow Riders balance both, or split its audience?

TL;DR

Lonely Mountains: Snow Riders landing on PS5 on December 3 is a smart move — the port includes meaningful updates like Trick Mode and promises ongoing support, and the game already has over a million players behind it. But Highlanders DLC being separate and the vague “year of updates” language mean buyers should check what’s included before pulling the trigger. For anyone who loved the studio’s precision-focused downhill work, this could be an appealing, expanded package — as long as Megagon preserves the tight feel while adding freestyle flair.