For those who cherish the world of PC gaming, the PCGamingWiki stands as a beacon of knowledge and community support. With approximately 2,900 members on Discord and around 300 active contributors, this platform has cultivated a dedicated following, yet it remains somewhat underappreciated in the broader gaming landscape. Founded by Andrew Tsai, also known as Andytizer, the PCGamingWiki has been a labor of love for over a decade, evolving alongside the gaming industry and even inspiring the creation of the AppleGamingWiki.
A roundup of fixes
The primary mission of the PCGamingWiki is to serve as a repository for community-sourced solutions to the myriad issues that can plague PC games. While many PC ports are notorious for their glitches and bugs, the Wiki provides a streamlined approach to troubleshooting. For instance, Star Wars Jedi: Survivor has faced criticism for its performance issues, including stuttering and crashes. However, a quick visit to the PCGamingWiki reveals a series of fixes, such as skipping the intro video to avoid crashes and adjustments for ray tracing that enhance gameplay stability.
In a more recent example, the Wiki highlights the FFXVIFix mod for Final Fantasy XVI, which addresses critical issues like frame rate caps and ultrawide support. It even details minor enhancements, such as cursor locking and audio continuity when the game is minimized. Whether a game is relatively bug-free, like The Plucky Squire, or riddled with issues, the PCGamingWiki is the go-to resource for uncovering necessary fixes.
A true database
Beyond its troubleshooting prowess, the PCGamingWiki serves as an extensive database for virtually every PC game imaginable. Users can find detailed information on graphics features, resolution options, controller compatibility, and save data locations. Recently, the Wiki has begun incorporating screenshots from in-game settings menus, allowing potential buyers to preview options before making a purchase.
This wealth of information proves invaluable in various scenarios. For example, Horizon Forbidden West utilizes Steam’s DRM, while purchasing it through the Epic Games Store bypasses this requirement. Additionally, Black Myth: Wukong lacks native HDR support, but the Wiki provides guidance on forcing HDR through configuration settings. Such insights can significantly enhance the gaming experience, especially for those equipped with high-end displays.
One of the standout features of the PCGamingWiki is its comprehensive catalog of save data and configuration file locations. Given the inconsistency in where games store these files, the Wiki’s detailed listings can save users considerable time and frustration. For instance, during a co-op session of Elden Ring, I relied on the PCGamingWiki to locate my save file for backup purposes. Similarly, when I encountered resolution limitations in Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin, the Wiki guided me to the configuration file, enabling me to adjust the settings seamlessly.
Oh, the lists!
The PCGamingWiki excels not only in cataloging information but also in organizing it into extensive lists. From straightforward compilations of games that support Windows Auto HDR to more intricate listings, such as those detailing DualSense controller compatibility, the Wiki offers a treasure trove of insights. An automated system populates many of these lists, while others are meticulously maintained by contributors.
One particularly useful list highlights games that support various upscaling technologies, including Nvidia’s DLSS and AMD’s FSR. This information is crucial for gamers looking to optimize their performance. For example, in Chivalry 2, players must run the game in DirectX 12 mode to utilize DLSS, while in Supraland, DLSS is unavailable on the Microsoft Store version.
From accessibility features to controller support and graphics APIs, the PCGamingWiki has curated lists for nearly every aspect of PC gaming. While some entries may seem niche, the majority are highly relevant and beneficial to gamers seeking to enhance their experience.
For those who have yet to explore the PCGamingWiki, now is the perfect opportunity to bookmark this invaluable resource. With its constant updates and community-driven content, it remains an essential tool for any PC gamer looking to navigate the complexities of their favorite titles. The platform is sustained through ads and a modest Patreon, encouraging users to contribute and support the ongoing efforts of the community.
