Exclusion Zone Archives

AppWizard

November 4, 2025

Game Pass is about to lose its most immersive, hardcore survival game, so play it while you can

Stalker 2 and Frostpunk are set to exit Microsoft’s Game Pass subscription service on Saturday, November 15. Stalker 2, known for its FPS combat and narrative set in the Chernobyl exclusion zone, has improved since its initial release. Frostpunk challenges players to build a city in a post-disaster world and will be succeeded by Frostpunk 2, which remains available on Game Pass. Other titles leaving on the same date include Blacksmith Master, Football Manager 2024, and Spirittea.

AppWizard

October 23, 2025

Buckle Up, Xbox – Pacific Drive Launches Today with Game Pass

Pacific Drive is now available on Xbox Series X|S and PC, included in Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium, and PC Game Pass from day one. The Whispers in the Woods expansion also launches today, adding new narrative elements, Anomalies, artifacts, and a new explorable forest map. The game features a first-person driving survival adventure where players must keep their vehicle operational while navigating the dangers of the Olympic Exclusion Zone.

AppWizard

October 23, 2025

One of the most underrated survival games just got even better with a surprise DLC that turns it into nightmare fuel

The latest DLC for Pacific Drive, titled Whispers in the Woods, is now available for immediate download. It introduces a darker narrative involving cults and new survival mechanics, set in an uncharted area of the Olympic Exclusion Zone. Players will uncover the cult's secrets, interact with new characters, and utilize Artifacts that enhance abilities and alter the environment. The expansion includes new types of anomalies, offers eight to twelve hours of gameplay, and features unlockable car components and decorative items.

AppWizard

September 28, 2025

This survival game is like Subnautica in space, and you can grab it and eight other games for just $12

Breathedge is a survival game set in space where players must manage oxygen and resources after becoming embroiled in a cosmic conspiracy. The game features a character named Man, who constructs a space station while navigating his predicament. Chernobylite is another survival game set in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone, where players control Igor, searching for his missing fiancée amidst radiation threats. Both games are part of the Lone Survivor bundle available for £10.68 at Humble Bundle, which includes other titles like Conan Exiles and State of Decay 2: Juggernaut Edition, offering a total value of £183.32.

AppWizard

March 18, 2025

Get in here, stalker: Stalker 2’s Patch 1.3 is here with a whopping 1,200 fixes

Stalker 2's 1.3 update introduces over 1,200 changes, including improvements to mutant AI, adjustments to artifacts like the Weird Pot, increased damage from explosive props, and enhanced durability for unique weapons. The A-Life system has also received general improvements. GSC Game World encourages player feedback for further development and has expressed resilience in the game's development despite challenges. A 15% discount is currently available on Steam for new players.

AppWizard

March 4, 2025

The PC game releases we’re most excited about in March

February featured notable PC game releases including Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, Civilization 7, Avowed, and Monster Hunter Wilds. In March, key releases include Assassin's Creed Shadows and Inzoi. Significant release dates for March are as follows: - March 3: Carmen Sandiego - She's back, but where? (Steam) - March 4: Grimoire Groves - Cozy dungeon crawler (Steam) - March 4: Merchants of Rosewall - Run a fantasy shop (Steam) - March 4: Knights in Tight Spaces - Close-quarters tactics (Steam) - March 5: Air - Visual novel classic (Steam) - March 6: Chernobylite 2: Exclusion Zone - Post-apocalyptic ARPG (Steam) - March 6: Book Bound - Run a bookshop (Steam) - March 6: FragPunk - 5v5 Valorant-style hero shooter (Steam) - March 6: MainFrames - Platformer set in an operating system (Steam) - March 7: Lost Lullabies (Early Access) - '80s inspired co-op horror (Steam) - March 7: Sugardew Island - Similar to a certain valley (Steam) - March 6: Suikoden 1&2 HD Remaster - A classic Konami remaster (Steam) - March 10: Rise of the Ronin - A PS exclusive comes to PC (Steam) - March 11: Wanderstop - An existential cozy game (Steam) - March 14: WWE 2K25 - Annual pro wrestling game (Steam) - March 14: Out of the Park Baseball 26 - Baseball management (Steam) - March 18: 33 Immortals - 33-player roguelike (Epic) - March 18: MySims - Updated Sims spin-off from 2007 (Steam) - March 20: Atelier Yumia - Open world crafting RPG (Steam) - March 20: Mudborne - Not a muddy Bloodborne, it's about frogs (Steam) - March 25: SOPA - Adventure in search of a potato (Steam) - March 25: Tales of the Shire - Hobbit life sim (Steam) - March 25: Nordhold - Tower defense (Steam) - March 26: Mother Machine - Co-op platformer (Steam) - March 26: JDM: Japanese Drift Master - Drift racer (Steam) - March 27: AI Limit - Post-apocalyptic, sci-fi ARPG (Steam) - March 27: As We Descend - Roguelike deckbuilder (Steam) - March 27: The First Berserker: Khazan - "Hardcore" ARPG (Steam) - March 27: Mini Royale - Green army men battle royale (Steam)

AppWizard

March 2, 2025

I wrote one-sentence reviews of over 70 Steam demos to help you decide which to try before Next Fest ends

During the recent Steam Next Fest, 83 game demos were explored, with impressions shared on 72 titles. Highlights include: - Monster Train 2: A more intricate version of the original. - Sandustry: A blend of Noita and Factorio with unique mechanics. - Nomad Idle: An action RPG mixed with idle game elements. - Deliver At All Costs: Early GTA-inspired package delivery game. - Machine Mind: Resource gathering and base defense in a Borderlands-inspired setting. - Mech Havoc: A top-down shooter combining Brigador and MechWarrior elements. - Solarpunk: A survival game lacking depth. - Tempest Rising: A revival of Command & Conquer. - Mecha Break: Overwhelmed by free-to-play design choices. - Void War: Combines FTL and Warhammer 40k. - Wizdom Academy: Falls short as a wizard school management sim. - Settler's Domain: A minimalist colony-builder that encourages rapid gameplay. - Behind the Sword: An indie grand strategy 4X game with a unique spherical grid. Additional notable titles include: - RoadCraft: Relaxed truck logistics game. - Grit and Valor - 1949: Dieselpunk mech micro-RTS. - Drop Duchy: City builder with randomization issues. - He is Coming: Lo-fi roguelike RPG. - Desperate Place: Sci-fi iteration of Thronefall. - Roman Triumph: Survival City Builder: Interesting city builder with subpar AI art. - Icaria: Worker-programming factory game. - Rise of Industry 2: Lacking gameplay mechanics despite appealing aesthetic. - Windward Horizon: Complicated crafting and RPG mechanics. - Guntouchables: Co-op action roguelike with potential. - Game of Thrones: Kingsroad: Brief and unengaging demo. - Darkwater: Potential premise hindered by discomforting field of view. - War Rats: The Rat em Up: Chaotic experience added to wishlist. Other games mentioned include Chip ‘n Clawz vs. The Brainioids, Outworld Station, As We Descend, Railgods of Hysterra, City Tales: Medieval Era, Task Force Admiral, Yes, Your Grace: Snowfall, Dark Moon, Chernobylite 2: Exclusion Zone, The Horror at Highrook, Radiolight, Is This Seat Taken?, God Forsaken, Total Chaos, Nordhold, Missing Banban, Wheel World, I Am Legion: Stand Survivors, Labyrinth of the Demon King, Unyielder, Reignbreaker, Urban Jungle, Dagger Directive, Star Crafter, Blightstone, Redemption of Liuyin, Cybertaxi: Lunatic Nights, MechaKnights Legends, Jitter, Rock Crusher, Chaos Front, Savara, Pochemeow, Death Ring: Second Impact, Mystical Tactics, Uber Urban, Sweep, Anoxia Station, Starless Abyss, Scarecrow, Wanderstop, and Conquest Dark.

AppWizard

February 27, 2025

A Selection of New PC Games Worth Playing in 2025

In 2025, the PC gaming landscape features several must-play titles, including: - Call of Duty: Black Ops 6: A highly anticipated installment with impressive gunplay, a return of zombies, and new weapons and features. - Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl: A sequel set in the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone, focusing on survival and resourcefulness. - WoW The War Within: An update to World of Warcraft introducing a new Story Mode feature, attracting returning players. - Marvel Rivals: A game featuring superhero battles that has gained popularity for its exhilarating gameplay. - Civilization VII: Released in February, it has received positive reviews for enhancements, including new Ages and expanded resources. Other notable games include Age of Mythology Retold, Fallout London, Black Myth Wukong, Frostpunk 2, Ara History Untold, Metaphor ReFantazio, and Dragon Ball Sparking Zero.

AppWizard

February 20, 2025

The survival game with the best car ever has sold over a million copies in a year, and is now 40% off on Steam

Pacific Drive, launched a year ago, has sold over a million copies, making it a leading survival game of 2024. Developed by Ironwood Studios, the game features a station wagon that evolves into a versatile vehicle equipped with sci-fi gadgets, enhancing the gameplay experience. Players develop a bond with the vehicle, which serves as a resilient companion in the game's chaotic environment.

AppWizard

February 11, 2025

15 indie PC games that will make you forget about AAA titles

- Hades is a roguelike dungeon crawler from Supergiant Games that combines action and storytelling. - Stardew Valley is a farming simulation game featuring pixel art and a soothing soundtrack, allowing players to manage a farm and build relationships. - Neon White is a fast-paced game that mixes first-person shooting and platforming, utilizing cards for moves and featuring vibrant art. - The Long Dark is a survival game set in a post-apocalyptic wilderness, focusing on resource management and strategic decision-making. - Sifu is a martial arts game with an aging mechanic that adds strategy to skill development and combat. - Slay the Spire combines deck-building with roguelike elements, offering easy-to-learn mechanics and challenging gameplay. - Undertale is an RPG known for its unique storytelling and player interaction, featuring quirky characters and memorable dialogue. - Hollow Knight is a Metroidvania game with hand-drawn art, intricate world design, and challenging gameplay that rewards exploration. - Celeste is a platformer that addresses mental health themes while providing challenging gameplay and beautiful pixel art. - Tunic is an adventure game inspired by classic titles, encouraging exploration in a mysterious world filled with secrets. - 1000xResist features a thought-provoking narrative, though its gameplay may not be as polished as others. - Balatro is a humor-infused strategy game developed by a solo creator, known for its addictive gameplay. - Pacific Drive is a driving adventure game set in the Olympic Exclusion Zone, combining exploration with survival elements. - Cocoon is a puzzle game with innovative design and intuitive gameplay, set in beautifully crafted worlds. - Amnesia: The Dark Descent is a horror game that emphasizes atmosphere and psychological tension, redefining the genre.