civilizations Archives

AppWizard

June 15, 2026

This week in PC games: a trio of surreal shooters, a big Stellaris expansion, and a new RPG from Octopath Traveller devs

This week features the Steam Next Fest, showcasing numerous game demos and playtests. Notable new game releases include: - Stellaris: Nomads: Introduces migrant civilizations with planet-scale spaceships in a 4X strategy game. - Day Trade Coach: A stock market trading simulator with a live news feed and professional trading terminal interface. - Mole: Players pilot a drill guided by whispers from the deceased in a whimsical setting. - Alaric: A "boomer shooter" with metroidvania design elements. - Copa City: A football management game set in 2026, focusing on the chaos of fan influx. - GoblinAmerica: An early access FPS where players embody US presidents to restore order and rewrite history. - The Last Salvage Squad: Features anime robots battling UFOs. - A four-dimensional chess game concept. Additional noteworthy titles include: - R-Type Tactics I • II Cosmos: A remastered collection of turn-based PSP R-Type games. - The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales: An action-RPG with "2D-HD" graphics by veterans of Octopath Traveller. - Mech Spa: A nurturing game focused on mechs. - Mythic Love: Iberian Legends: An otome visual novel exploring Iberian folklore. - The Quiet Things: An autobiographical narrative addressing childhood trauma. - Moon River: A short RPG where players navigate a river revealed by moonlight, marking its full release. The Treehouse team is engaged in various activities, including urban adventures, exploring fungal brains, and artistic projects.

AppWizard

June 5, 2026

Seven years later, Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition finally arrives on Mac

Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition has been released for Mac users in 2026 by Feral Interactive, following its original PC release in 2019. The game is a real-time strategy (RTS) title that allows players to control various nations and historical figures, featuring numerous single-player campaigns and three DLC expansion packs. The Mac version includes enhanced 4K/high-resolution graphics, is optimized for Apple Silicon processors, and is available on Steam with plans for a Mac App Store release later in 2026. Online multiplayer is restricted to Mac users only, with no cross-platform play with PC players. The Definitive Edition offers hundreds of hours of gameplay through historical scenarios and skirmish battles.

AppWizard

June 2, 2026

LIFTED launches July 22 for PC, later for PS5 and Switch 2

LIFTED, a cinematic puzzle platforming adventure game developed by Adventure Works, will debut on PC via Steam on July 22, with plans for future releases on PlayStation 5 and Switch 2. The game features characters Ari Buktu and Professor Lionel Raventhorpe on a quest to find a legendary tiara for Miss Barton. Players will explore various locations, including 1818 Egypt and ancient Mayan civilizations, while solving puzzles and engaging in humorous antics. The narrative is crafted by Nick Gambino, a winner of the Austin Film Festival.

AppWizard

May 30, 2026

Story-driven Japanese-inspired RPG Full Circle announced for consoles, PC

Publisher Deck13 Spotlight, in collaboration with 2nd Player Games, has announced a new pixel art RPG titled Full Circle, which is inspired by classic PlayStation games. The game will be available on PC via Steam, with more details to be revealed at Gamescom 2026 in August. Full Circle is set in a post-apocalyptic universe where humanity lives in the skies, and players will navigate a world filled with mutated beasts and rival cities. The game features strategic turn-based combat, a diverse cast of characters, and a narrative that explores themes of hope and melancholy. Players can customize their party, engage in various activities, and explore distinct landscapes.

AppWizard

May 21, 2026

Civ 7’s massive overhaul update brings its highest Steam player count in over a year

Firaxis has released the Test of Time update for Civilization 7, described as a significant free patch that acts like an expansion. Key features include the ability to maintain the same civilization across age transitions, redefined victory conditions, and optional objectives with bonus rewards. The update has led to a surge in player engagement, with nearly 16,200 users logged into Civ 7 on Steam, the highest count in over a year. However, reactions are mixed; while some players celebrate the improvements, others feel the changes may not fully revitalize their interest, citing issues with engagement and user interface. The pricing strategy for downloadable content, particularly the Right to Rule Collection, has also sparked discussions about value. Community opinions vary, with some claiming the update has transformed the game, while others remain skeptical.

AppWizard

May 7, 2026

Path of Exile 2’s complete endgame redesign is great for everyone, especially newcomers

Grinding Gear Games unveiled the upcoming Path of Exile 2 patch 0.5, titled "Return of the Ancients," which includes nearly 900 words of updates. The patch features a comprehensive redesign of the endgame, introducing new systems like Atlas Ascendancies and league-specific features such as Runes of Aldur. The Runes of Aldur league involves rescuing a blacksmith and activating remnants for rewards, including over 100 new runes and a new stat called Runic Ward. A new currency type, Alloys, allows crafting modifiers on items. The endgame has a revamped structure with fixed league mechanics and unique quest lines, culminating in encounters with the Arbiter of Ash and a mysterious ultimate boss. All four launch mechanics have received upgrades, and quality-of-life improvements include in-game build guides and enhanced market features. Two new Ascendancies, the Spirit Walker Huntress and Martial Artist Monk, will be introduced, along with new unique items like Raven's Flock. The patch is scheduled for release on May 29, 2026, with a showcase at Exilecon in November.

AppWizard

May 7, 2026

Civilization 7 has been profitable despite design missteps

Firaxis has introduced a new "Ages" system in Civilization 7, requiring players to switch civilizations twice during a campaign, which has received mixed reactions. The game's engagement on Steam is lower than that of Civilization 5 and 6, even a year after release. Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick stated that Civilization 7 is still a profitable enterprise, although he acknowledged that the changes may have deviated too far from player expectations. An update is scheduled to release later this month, offering a return to a more traditional Civilization structure, which could attract players who prefer classic gameplay.

AppWizard

May 6, 2026

Civ 7 is getting ‘by far the most-requested addition’ later this month, but I’m more interested in whether it’ll finally feel fully baked

Firaxis announced that Civilization VII will introduce a feature allowing players to engage with a single civilization throughout an entire campaign. The upcoming Test of Time update, launching on May 19, will be a comprehensive, free overhaul based on player feedback. Key features include the introduction of "time-tested Civs," allowing players to maintain their civilization across ages, a revamped victory system with dynamic conditions, optional side objectives for various playstyles, updated map generation techniques, user interface improvements, balance changes, and a complimentary leader for all players.

AppWizard

April 21, 2026

Minecraft Crafting Essentials: How to Craft Paper | Attack of the Fanboy

Paper is an essential resource in Minecraft, particularly highlighted in the 1.21 Tricky Trials update. Players can craft paper by arranging three sugar cane in a horizontal row on a crafting table. Sugar cane can be found near water sources, thriving in deserts and swamps, and can be planted on various surfaces. The introduction of the Crafter block in the 1.21 update allows for automated paper production, enhancing efficiency. Sugar cane growth is influenced by random ticks, with Java Edition experiencing updates every eighteen minutes and Bedrock Edition every fifty-four minutes. Trading paper with villagers can yield emeralds, with a potential to reduce the trade cost to one sheet per emerald by curing zombie villagers. Additionally, the lore of the game connects paper to the Ancient Builders and their libraries, emphasizing its historical significance.

AppWizard

April 13, 2026

As the new Galactic Civilization 4 DLC rolls out, you can the game at under $3 in the latest Humble Bundle

The latest Humble Bundle features Galactic Civilizations 4, available for .57 / £2.33 for the base game and .32 for the complete bundle, the lowest price to date. The game is a classic 4X strategy title with innovative mechanics, including sectors connected by "space roads." It has received significant enhancements through DLCs, such as Megastructures and Tales of the Arnor, and a second expansion pass is in progress with content planned through 2027. The game received a review score of 8/10. The bundle also includes other titles like Terminator: Dark Fate - Defiance and Valkyria Chronicles 4, available until April 22.