free-to-play Archives

AppWizard

January 29, 2026

NVIDIA RTX Remix Logic Is Out Now, Allowing Modders to Add Dynamic FX to Classic PC Games

The RTX Remix Logic feature has launched through an update to the NVIDIA app, allowing modders to trigger graphics effects based on real-time in-game events without needing source code or engine access. There are over 30 in-game events that can serve as triggers, including player state, world bounding boxes, object state, time flow, and input. This feature can manipulate over 900 RTX Remix graphics parameters, such as lighting conditions, weather systems, material properties, post-processing effects, and path-traced volumetrics. A no-code node-based interface enables modders to easily implement this feature. RTX Remix Logic can be integrated into over 165 classic PC games. Additionally, new games supporting NVIDIA's DLSS technologies include Half Sword, which will feature DLSS 4 Multi Frame Generation, and Code Vein II, along with the free-to-play PvP shooter Highguard, both supporting DLSS Super Resolution.

AppWizard

January 27, 2026

Is Highguard down? Current server status

Wildlight Entertainment's PvP raid shooter, Highguard, has launched, but initial reports indicate server instability, with some players unable to progress beyond the main menu due to a persistent login queue after completing the tutorial. The developers have not yet commented on the server issues. Players are advised to monitor the PlayHighguard X account for updates on server status, as in-game notifications may also be provided.

BetaBeacon

January 26, 2026

Poll Reveals 2025 Favorite Android Apps And Games

Androidify won the app vote with over 40% of responses, leaving other contenders far behind. The result shows that users value delight and personality in apps over utilitarian features. In gaming, Red Dead Redemption took the top spot with around 30% of the vote, indicating a growing appetite for high-quality premium games on mobile devices. The success of Androidify and Red Dead Redemption highlights the importance of blending functional utility with personality and delivering premium-grade gaming experiences on mobile platforms.

AppWizard

January 21, 2026

Should you reroll in Arknights Endfield?

Players in Arknights Endfield can reroll their accounts by creating a new account with a different email address and progressing through early-game content to unlock free permits and banner currency, which takes about eight hours. Rerolling is generally not recommended, as the chances of achieving a better outcome are slim, and the process is time-consuming. The beginner banner offers a one-in-five chance of obtaining a specific character. A tier list indicates that characters like Last Rite and Pogranichnik are top-tier options, while Ardelia is less favorable since players receive her automatically on the third day of the sign-in event. Four-star operators can also provide valuable support for higher-tier characters. The game has a unique pity system that differs from other gacha games.

AppWizard

January 20, 2026

Marathon is enjoying some unexpected Ws, with pre-orders flying on Steam and a cast that exposes Arc Raiders’ big weakness

Enthusiasm for Marathon has increased, positioning it as one of the most anticipated games of the year. Following the announcement of its release date and pre-orders, Marathon has become one of the top five best-selling games on Steam. The game is expected to benefit from competition in the extraction shooter genre, with its unique features like first-person gunplay and player-versus-player interactions. Recent gameplay footage has improved perceptions of the game, and it will be priced at .99 / £34.99. The voice cast includes notable actors such as Ben Starr, Jennifer English, Neil Newbon, and Roger Clark, indicating Bungie's commitment to quality. Currently, Marathon ranks as the fifth best-selling game on Steam, with only Arc Raiders and Fallout 76 surpassing it among paid titles. The game is set to release on March 5.

BetaBeacon

January 20, 2026

From $4.99 to $0.00: New giveaway available for limited time with ad-free experience

Epic Games is offering a limited time mobile giveaway for the game Dumb Ways to Die, which includes Fortnite unlocks and an ad-free gaming experience.

AppWizard

January 18, 2026

Cutesy Stardew-like life sim with millions of players just hit Steam, but the PC version is a letdown and it’s awful news for Steam Deck

Heartopia, a life simulation game, has gained over five million players on mobile but has struggled to resonate with the Steam audience after its PC release. The game launched on Steam with vague announcements about its availability and received nearly 1,000 reviews shortly after, though feedback has been mixed. Players feel the PC version seems like an afterthought, with issues related to control schemes and the absence of controller support. The development team is engaging with the community but has provided generic responses regarding improvements. Despite these challenges, 69% of Steam reviews are positive, with players appreciating the game's charm, although frustrations about camera controls persist. Heartopia is available for free on Steam.

AppWizard

January 18, 2026

Sci-fi survival game Once Human’s got a new set of dangerous creatures, and one will haunt my nightmares for weeks

Once Human is a free-to-play sci-fi survival game that has introduced a new update featuring three new adversaries: the Devourer, the Hoarder, and the Sonivore. The Devourer is a 45-meter-long creature that resembles a subway train and consumes Stardust-enriched ores. It can be interacted with by feeding it minerals, but if players fail to satisfy it, it may burrow underground with valuable materials. The Hoarder is a creature that resembles a shopping cart on legs, collecting items and leading players to its nest, which can be raided at a risk. The Sonivore is a gel-like entity that targets sound and high-value supplies, requiring players to use distractions to escape. The update also includes two new weapons, the EBR-14 rifle and the TEC-9, along with a new gear set and the Deviant Sprout upgrade path. The update is set to launch on January 21.

AppWizard

January 16, 2026

Heartopia (PC) Review

Heartopia is a life-simulation game that blends cozy simulation elements with MMO features, allowing players to cultivate a town and interact with locals. However, the MMO aspects dilute the individuality typically found in cozy games, as multiple players receive the same accolades for completing quests. Gameplay involves repetitive fetch quests to unlock activities like home decoration and fishing, which can feel tedious. The game features a community aspect, but players may find their neighbors' homes replaced or their own home relocated between sessions, undermining familiarity. Character design is uninspired, and the user interface resembles a mobile game, lacking polish. As a free-to-play title, it includes multiple currencies that create confusion, with microtransactions for premium items. Despite these issues, the game offers engaging home-building mechanics and unique hobbies like Birdwatching and Pet Care. Overall, Heartopia struggles to effectively merge MMO elements with cozy simulation, making it a less appealing option compared to established titles like Animal Crossing.

AppWizard

January 11, 2026

New Cyberpunk Game Available for Free for All Steam Users

Beat of Rebellion is a free-to-play isometric rhythm-based Hack & Slash game developed by the indie studio CyberRacoons and published by AIV. It has received an 86% approval rating on Steam, earning a “Very Positive” designation. Players control a character called a Pulsedrifter in the dystopian city of New Nexus, where music is used as a weapon against oppression. The game features a vibrant aesthetic, clever level designs, fluid mechanics, and an engaging soundtrack.