PC Archives

AppWizard

February 1, 2026

‘Anyone mad is a cheater:’ Players are divided as Rust beefs up anti-cheat with more effective—and invasive—upgrades

The presence of a "cheat community" in Rust has led to harassment of developers, prompting Facepunch to implement security measures similar to those in other games, including Secure Boot and Trusted Platform Module (TPM) requirements. Starting in March, server owners will have the option to allow connections only from players with Secure Boot and TPM 2.0 enabled, with plans to potentially make this mandatory. This decision is influenced by the effectiveness of invasive anti-cheat strategies, although it has faced mixed reactions from the community regarding accessibility and system upgrades. Facepunch has also decided against bringing Rust to Linux or Proton due to these evolving anti-cheat protocols.

AppWizard

February 1, 2026

Epic Games Store quietly offers two PC free games ahead of usual gieaway schedule

The Epic Games Store has established itself as a strong competitor in digital distribution by securing exclusive deals with developers, enhancing its library with titles like Fortnite and Control. The platform engages users through regular giveaways of popular titles and seasonal events, fostering community interaction. It continues to grow its user base and library while investing in technology and user experience to maintain its market position.

AppWizard

February 1, 2026

February is surprisingly light on cozy game launches but we’re looking forward to these chill picks you shouldn’t miss

Cozy gaming is gaining popularity within the PC gaming community, characterized by charming aesthetics and relaxing gameplay. A special section is dedicated to cozy games, highlighting smaller titles. The Steam Next Fest on February 23 will feature many cozy game demos. Notable cozy game picks for February include: - Reigns: The Witcher: A game that parodies Tinder's swiping mechanics with moral dilemmas faced by Geralt. - Creature Kitchen: A puzzle game where players cater to whimsical characters through cooking and problem-solving. - Bento Blocks: A puzzle game focused on slicing and arranging sushi ingredients into lunchboxes, evoking nostalgia. - Reanimal: A game with horror elements that offers a captivating experience, diverging from typical cozy aesthetics.

AppWizard

February 1, 2026

One of BioShock Infinite’s best narrative devices is its music

BioShock Infinite's soundtrack has had a lasting impact since its launch thirteen years ago, particularly through its innovative use of music that blends different time periods. A significant moment features the Bee Sharps, a barbershop quartet performing the Bee Gees' "God Only Knows," juxtaposing a 1912 setting with a song from over fifty years later. Another poignant scene includes Booker and Elizabeth discovering an acoustic guitar, where Elizabeth sings lines from the hymn "Will the Circle Be Unbroken." The music enhances the game's emotional depth and storytelling, making it a crucial part of its legacy and gameplay experience.

AppWizard

February 1, 2026

Bethesda wants to make Fallout 76 “thicker” in 2026, and that’s exactly what I was hoping to hear

Fallout 76 has become the game that has consumed the most gaming hours for the author within the franchise. Bethesda has improved the game significantly since its launch, creating a vibrant world with a lively community. The Burning Springs expansion has introduced new regions, including Ohio, and Skyline Valley has opened up previously underutilized areas. Creative director Jon Rush and lead producer Bill LaCoste discussed plans to enhance the game's depth and player engagement, addressing critiques about the game's lack of depth. Changes to camp-building rules have allowed for greater freedom in player construction. Despite the focus on new content in Ohio, the rest of the map continues to see engagement from players.

AppWizard

February 1, 2026

Can you guess which game these competitive rank crests are from?

PC Gamer has created a collection of gaming trivia quizzes covering various topics, including health bars and in-game currencies. A gamer is hosting a challenge where participants identify games based on their competitive ranked logos, incorporating familiar and surprising elements to test knowledge and engagement.

AppWizard

February 1, 2026

Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time Got a Remastered Mod

Ubisoft announced the cancellation of the remake of Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time, which was initially unveiled in September 2020 and faced multiple delays. The project was ultimately halted due to not meeting quality standards. In response to this cancellation, a mod called Sands of Time Remastered Mod has been released for PC gamers, enhancing the original game with high-quality textures and improved HD cutscenes. The mod also revamps the Dagger of Time's appearance and allows for additional visual enhancements using Reshade. The mod is available for download, but installation instructions can be found on the NexusMods page. Screenshots of the mod have been shared, showcasing the improvements.

AppWizard

February 1, 2026

Bolt Action PC First Look: How Slitherine is Reimagining the World’s Biggest WWII Tabletop Game

Slitherine and Frag Games are developing a digital adaptation of Warlord Games’ WWII tabletop miniatures game, Bolt Action, with a planned release in 2026. The game will faithfully recreate the “Six Orders” activation system, a suppression-based pinning system, and tactical armor facing. Key features include a comprehensive Army Painter for customization and a dynamic single-player campaign set in the Normandy theater. The game will maintain the original ruleset, including the tactical pillars of unit activation, the emphasis on suppression over health, vehicle positioning for damage, distinctions between direct and indirect fire, experience levels for squads, and extensive customization options for forces.

AppWizard

February 1, 2026

Steam Opens the Gates: Four Major PC Games Are Free to Play This Weekend

Steam is currently offering free access to four PC games: Fallout 76, Deep Rock Galactic, Dead by Daylight, and Grounded 2. The free access for Deep Rock Galactic, Dead by Daylight, and Grounded 2 lasts until February 2, while Fallout 76 is available for free until February 5. After the promotional period, players will need to purchase the games to retain access. Discounts are available for those interested in buying: Fallout 76 is 80% off, Dead by Daylight is 60% off, and Deep Rock Galactic is 70% off. Grounded 2 is not included in the discount promotion.

AppWizard

February 1, 2026

Horror Adventure Game DO NOT PLAY Launches This Summer for PC

SCRAP and Fahrenheit 213 are developing a horror adventure game titled DO NOT PLAY, set to launch on PC via Steam this summer. The game features a system error that overwhelms players with numerous windows, creating an unsettling experience. It draws inspiration from the banned browser game “GeM,” but the developers clarify they were not involved in its creation. DO NOT PLAY is a first-person escape game where players solve puzzles and mini-games to uncover mysteries and find safety. The game recreates the nostalgic atmosphere of early 2000s flash games and explores the intersection of nostalgia and reality.