Norco is a point-and-click adventure game filled with many strange and hidden achievements. The game's odd sense of wit and dreary pixel aesthetic are used well to throw players off the scent of some of these secrets. Some choices that seem inconsequential can come back around when least expected.
The game lets players explore a twisted, alternate version of Norco, Louisiana as Kay and her mother Catherine. They meet more than a few bizarre characters along the way, and none are as strange as a certain Sketchy Santa Claus. Interacting with Santa in Act 1.2 and Act 2.4 is necessary for the secret HO HO HO achievement. Here's how to go about receiving it, along with a gift from Santa himself.
Act 1.2
Go to the French Quarter
Players take control of Catherine during a flashback in Act 1.2. Catherine's sections of the game are based around her work for the mysterious duck app on her phone. Once players have exited the clinic, they can head straight to the French Quarter.
Give Santa a Dollar
Once players have made it to the French Quarter they need to interact with the Sketchy Santa to give him Catherine's last dollar. Do not argue with him, even though it's obvious that the money is not going to a good cause or spreading any Christmas cheer. Don't speak to the two men on the left side of the screen either, as the player might accidentally give them her last dollar and ruin the possibility of getting the achievement.
Act 2.4
Enter the Mall
Later on, in Act 2.4, Catherine will enter the mall with help from PAWPAW. PAWPAW will briefly join the party as she infiltrates the mall and the cult of the Garretts.
Go to Service Corridor 1C
As Catherine, players can explore and talk to the strange cult members who all go by the name Garrett while wearing the same uniform. The particular Garrett the player needs to find is on the left side of the hall in Service Corridor 1C alongside two others.
Speak to Garrett with PAWPAW
If players find the correct Garret,t he will ask PAWPAW for illicit drugs to make it through the boring cult sermons. PAWPAW will mention multiple new areas as potential places to make a deal along with Sketchy Santa.
Speak to Santa Again
From inside the mall, Catherine can still use her ride-share app on her phone to travel back to the French Quarter. If she did give Santa her last dollar early on in the game, he will be friendly. PAWPAW will speak with him, and Santa will give Catherine a baggie of downers to give to Garrett. Receiving this baggie will unlock the HO HO HO achievement.
Norco is available on PC, macOS, PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and Xbox One.