civilizations Archives

AppWizard

November 25, 2025

Stellaris Infernals brings the heat to the strategy game’s universe, and I can’t wait to burn it all down

The Stellaris Infernals Species Pack introduces new playable alien races adapted to volcanic worlds, including bird-like, crocodilian, and insectoid forms. It features a new Crisis Path with the Galactic Hyperthermia mechanic, allowing players to terraform stars into red giants and create Entropy Conduits. The DLC also adds four new Civics focused on fire and heat, such as the Fire Cult and Scorched World Heralds. The new species possess the Thermophilic trait, thriving on hot planets and consuming alloys instead of traditional food sources, but they struggle on Arctic worlds. The DLC is available for purchase on Steam.

AppWizard

November 13, 2025

29 Games Like Minecraft To Play In 2025

No Man's Sky, developed by Hello Games, was released on August 9, 2016, and has evolved into a premier open-world survival game by 2025. It is available on PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch. The game features procedurally-generated worlds, allowing players to explore millions of unique planets, construct bases, gather resources, and encounter various creatures. Recent updates have introduced fossil discovery and reconstruction. Players can also engage in shipbuilding and customization, interact with others in hub stations, and complete quests for currency.

AppWizard

November 4, 2025

Civilization 7’s new initiative lets you test features before they go live, including the one you’ve all been asking for

Firaxis is launching the Firaxis Feature Workshop to enhance player engagement and satisfaction for Civilization 7 by incorporating community feedback. The studio is developing a mode that allows players to guide a single civilization through all three ages, responding to player criticism of the current gameplay. Creative Director Ed Beach mentioned that they are playtesting this feature and inviting community members to help refine it. Following the recent patch 1.3.0, which included a naval rework and new civilizations, the team will focus on larger features like the single-civ mode and the Workshop, with plans for smaller, less frequent updates. Early participants in the Workshop will test upcoming changes to Legacy Paths and Victories. Applications to join the Workshop are currently open, and successful applicants will have access to a private Discord server for feedback.

AppWizard

November 1, 2025

The next Civilization 7 update aims to deliver “more strategy, less ambiguity” with a total overhaul to naval combat

The upcoming Civilization 7 update, version 1.3.0, will significantly overhaul naval combat, introducing a system referred to as 'naval combat 2.0.' This update will categorize naval units into two types: Light Units, which are fast and melee-focused with increased vision, and Heavy Units, which are slower but capable of powerful ranged attacks. The update will reintroduce true ranged combat at sea, recalibrating melee and ranged strengths to align with these new roles. The new Privateer unit will allow players to ignore borders and pillage trade routes, impacting diplomatic relations. The update also includes the Civilization 7 Tides of Power collection, featuring new leaders, civilizations, and wonders, available for free for a limited time.

AppWizard

October 28, 2025

Civilization 7 will get ‘one of the most requested features’ since launch: The option to play as one civ from start to finish

Firaxis is testing a new feature for Civilization 7 that allows players to play as a single civilization from the dawn of time to the modern era. This feature aims to provide a continuous gameplay experience by enabling players to guide a civilization through different Ages. The implementation may require adjustments, such as integrating elements from earlier Ages into modern civilizations. Firaxis has launched the Firaxis Feature Workshop to involve community members in the development process. An upcoming update will also enhance the naval aspect of the game by introducing a new Harbor building, a Privateer unit, and additional sea resources.

AppWizard

October 18, 2025

Keeper review

Keeper is an adventure game developed by Double Fine and published by Xbox Game Studios, set to release on October 17, 2025, for a price of .99. The game features a sentient lighthouse and a bird navigating a vibrant, post-apocalyptic world, with gameplay lasting approximately six hours. It avoids common gaming trends such as crafting systems and battle passes, focusing instead on a narrative that unfolds in a visually stunning environment. The gameplay includes manipulating time through the lighthouse's searchlight to solve puzzles and interact with hybrid creatures. The game transitions from serene exploration to exhilarating sequences, maintaining a captivating experience throughout.

AppWizard

October 2, 2025

The new Humble Bundle is a wild mix of Warhammer games for just $12

Humble Bundle is offering a collection of ten Warhammer games and two DLC packs for a modest price as part of the Waaaghtober! celebration. The term "Waaagh!" refers to the large military campaigns by orks, resulting in significant destruction. Notable titles in the bundle include Space Marine and Vermintide 2, the latter currently available at a 90% discount during the Steam Autumn Sale. The bundle is priced attractively compared to the individual game prices and will be available until October 29.

AppWizard

October 1, 2025

New Civilization 7 update targets the 4X giant’s biggest problems, from lack of variety to pointless choices

The latest patch for Civilization 7, update 1.2.5, introduces a new world-generation algorithm with two new map types: 'Continents and Islands' and 'Pangaea and Islands,' with the former as the default. Enhancements to city development menus aim to streamline decision-making without limiting player choices. The update includes significant balance changes, such as the removal of most stacking percentage bonuses for yields, replaced by flat bonuses, and a new cost-progression mechanic for buildings that increases future construction costs. Base production in towns has been reduced, and unit maintenance costs recalibrated. Two new types of city-states—diplomatic and expansionist—have been added, each offering distinct benefits. Napoleon has been overhauled to better reflect his historical significance, with updated abilities for both his personas. The update is now live, with a focus on maintaining backward compatibility for existing saves, though some new features may only be available in new games.

AppWizard

September 18, 2025

Stellaris factions keep getting weirder, as Paradox’s “madness-consumed doomsday cult” lets you embrace the end with open arms

Paradox Interactive's latest expansion for Stellaris, titled Shadows of the Shroud, introduces the Endbringers, a faction linked to a cosmic force that leads them toward an unavoidable fate. Players must choose to resist, accept, or propagate this impending doom. The expansion features predetermined ascension paths, with the Psi-Corps replaced by the Chamber of Silence, where players can attune to the End's voice. The Shroud interface now acts as a countdown clock, and players can gain various covenant powers while managing rising paranoia among their populace. New civics, such as 'Entropy Drinkers,' allow leaders to siphon life energy from the population. The expansion also includes proxy wars, enabling players to instigate conflicts between civilizations based on trust or infiltration ratings. Shadows of the Shroud is set to launch on September 22, priced at .99 / £16.75, and will be available as part of the Season 9 expansion pass for .99 / £34.99.

AppWizard

August 14, 2025

I dove deep into Steam’s 4X Fest, and these are the six best games on discount you should grab before the sale is over

The Steam 4X Fest is currently running until August 18 at 10 am PT, focusing on 4X strategy games. Notable titles featured include: - Age of Wonders: Planetfall (2019, Triumph Studios, .19 / £8.49): A sci-fi 4X game with quirky factions and mod support. - Stellaris (2016, Paradox Development Studio, .99 / £8.74): A complex game set in space, offering unique playthroughs through procedural generation. - Galactic Civilizations 4 (2023, Stardock Entertainment, .99 / £15.24): An approachable 4X game allowing players to craft spaceships and choose various strategies. - Age of Wonders 4 (2023, Triumph Studios, .99 / £25.19): Features asymmetrical factions, cross-platform multiplayer, and customization options. - Civilization 6 (2016, Firaxis Games, .99 / £4.99): A popular entry in the series with engaging gameplay and expansions that enhance replayability.