challenges Archives

AppWizard

May 5, 2026

New Kaiju Game Beastlink for PC and Console Announced

Beastlink is a multiplayer game where players can embody both monster hunters and kaiju in expansive sandbox environments using Grove Street's SuperDestruction physics system. The game features four kaiju: Horned Lizard, Bull Shark, Vampire Bat, and Mandrill, each with unique abilities. Players engage in vehicular combat and navigate urban landscapes with 250,000 destructible objects, aiming to gather resources to Link with dormant kaiju. Early access begins this summer on console and PC, with closed beta weekends starting on May 8. Grove Street Games, established in 2007, is the developer behind Beastlink, known for titles like the Ark series and Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition.

AppWizard

May 5, 2026

Vampire Crawlers finds the perfect balance between strategy and automation, and it gives me that Survivors feeling all over again

Vampire Crawlers builds on the mechanics of its predecessor, Vampire Survivors, allowing players to collect and deploy cards with reduced cognitive load during battles. The game features a synergy system that enhances damage output through strategic card selection and mana management. Combat consists of fast-paced waves of enemies, and players can utilize a Play All feature for automation, which can be effective if they have a strong deck. The game is currently featured in the Steam Deckbuilders Fest event.

AppWizard

May 5, 2026

The latest Rust update is an absolute nightmare for roof campers, but I welcome it with open arms

The upcoming Rust update, Upgrade Hard, Raid Harder, will be released on Thursday, May 7, at 11 am PDT / 2 pm EST / 7 pm BST / 8 pm CET. It introduces a mortar, allowing players to launch explosive projectiles from a distance, which changes the dynamics of base raids. The update also includes a rework of the Tin Can alarm, improvements to the workbench, a nerf to Deep Sea loot, and the introduction of a Boat Vendor for purchasing boat equipment. Additionally, new naval achievements will be added for players to explore.

AppWizard

May 5, 2026

Valorant’s latest patch brings heartbreaking Sage lore update, and the rework rumors are looking more likely

Sage from Valorant is experiencing side effects from her powers that are turning her into crystal. In Patch 12.08, a voicemail to Brimstone reveals her frustration with being told to take a break during a crisis. There are rumors of a potential rework for Sage, especially following Deadlock's comments about her losing her revive ability. Sage's struggles have been highlighted in various updates, including a music video where she loses control of her abilities and a recent update showing crystallization spreading to her neck and face. Despite her challenges, she remains a popular choice among players, with a 28.47% pick rate overall, though this decreases at higher competitive levels.

AppWizard

May 5, 2026

Recent Arc Raiders Steam reviews hit ‘mixed’ for the first time since launch, and I can see why

Arc Raiders received over 41,000 positive reviews on Steam between October 30 and November 6 of last year, indicating early success and player enthusiasm. However, as of May 2026, the game has shifted to a mixed reception, particularly following the Riven Tides update, which failed to meet player expectations. Concerns include unsatisfactory game balance and accelerated weapon degradation, making gameplay frustrating. The development team is considering balancing adjustments in response to player feedback.

AppWizard

May 5, 2026

Beloved Dota 2 esports team Heroic has just disbanded, saying it’s a “tough game to commercialize”

Dota 2 esports is experiencing a decline in popularity, particularly in Western markets, overshadowed by League of Legends. The esports organization Heroic has disbanded its Dota 2 team due to financial challenges, despite earlier success in Latin American tournaments and a top six placement during TI 2025. Heroic's Chief Gaming Officer, Robin Nymann, stated that Dota 2 is difficult to commercialize and that the decision was primarily financial. This trend of financial instability is affecting many organizations in the esports industry, which are facing dwindling prize pools and rising operational costs.

AppWizard

May 5, 2026

Subnautica 2 Coming to Xbox Game Preview on May 14

Subnautica 2 will debut in Game Preview on May 14 for Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, ROG Xbox Ally, and through Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass. Players will assume the role of a crew member aboard Alterra’s CICADA ship, tasked with creating a home for themselves and 40,000 passengers. The game will feature multiplayer capabilities, allowing exploration solo or with up to three friends. The developers have optimized the game for Xbox, focusing on performance and controller experience. The ROG Xbox Ally's performance was considered during development, with a default graphics preset and customization options. The game is a result of years of development, with ongoing updates planned for new biomes, creatures, and craftables. Players can add Subnautica 2 to their Xbox Store wishlist and join the Official Discord for updates.

Winsage

May 5, 2026

Defender yanks root certs as Windows updates blocks backups

Microsoft's Defender anti-malware tool update version 1.449.425.0 removed two DigiCert root digital certificates, leading to false positives that flagged them as severe malware (Trojan:Win32/Cerdigent.A!dha). This incident was later identified as a false positive, and updating to version 1.449.430.0 or later reinstates the certificates. The issue may be linked to a DigiCert employee encountering disguised malware. Additionally, Windows updates from April 14 caused third-party backup applications to malfunction due to the addition of vulnerable psmounterex.sys kernel driver versions to a blocklist. Users experienced difficulties with mounting backup image files, and Microsoft referenced a vulnerability rated 9.3 out of 10 in the driver. Other affected software includes Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud and UrBackup server. Microsoft has not explained the delay in adding the vulnerable driver to the blocklist, and other recent update-related issues have also been reported.

AppWizard

May 5, 2026

PlayStation 5 Linux Tested: Steam PC vs Native PS5 Games

Linux has been successfully implemented on the PlayStation 5, allowing users to run an open operating system on the console. This implementation, led by security researcher Andy Nguyen (TheFlow), utilizes an exploit for PS5 consoles with system software versions up to 4.5. Users can boot Linux from a USB or SSD, with Ubuntu 26.04 LTS providing around 15GB of usable memory. The PS5's hardware, including its Zen 2 processor and GPU, is fully accessible, with CPU speeds reaching up to 3.5GHz and GPU speeds up to 2.23GHz when boost mode is activated. However, running Linux on the PS5 presents challenges, such as sourcing a unit with the required firmware and limitations in resolution, as users cannot exceed 1080p. Performance tests showed that Linux can match the PS5's performance in some titles, but issues with memory management were noted, leading to stuttering and crashes in certain games. For example, reducing texture quality improved performance in games like Pragmata, while rendering issues were observed in Crimson Desert. The implementation allows for a unique gaming experience, but it also highlights the complexities and limitations of running Linux on a gaming console.

AppWizard

May 5, 2026

I got to play Dead as Disco early, and it’s a vivid, unrestrained romp that lets you brawl through music videos like a kung-fu Baby Driver

Harvey Randall has discovered a passion for the rhythm action game Dead as Disco, which features beat-driven combat against colorful adversaries and an emotional narrative about fame and personal connections. The game includes stunning visuals and an original soundtrack from professional musicians. Players can upgrade their skills and hideouts, and an endless mode offers various challenges. Users can also add their own music to the game. Future updates will introduce multiplayer features, genre challenges, and level creation tools. The game is set for early access launch on May 5.