free update Archives

AppWizard

February 23, 2026

Civilization 7’s biggest free update is almost here and, with a 40% discount, now is the ideal time to buy

Civilization 7 is currently available at a 40% discount on Fanatical, priced at .99/£35.99. It introduces a new Age system that segments gameplay into three phases and requires players to choose a leader to guide them while swapping civilizations. A free Test of Time update is set to be released this Spring, allowing players to maintain a single civilization throughout their journey and revamping Victory conditions with a new system called Triumphs. The update will focus on four key areas: Military, Economy, Culture, and Science. The current deal is available until February 26, 2026.

AppWizard

February 11, 2026

Age of Wonders 4’s next expansion introduces nomadic, post-apocalyptic bunnies

The upcoming expansion for the Age of Wonders series, titled Rise from Ruin, introduces a new species called harefolk, characterized by speed and endurance. Players can customize these characters with previously unlocked traits. The expansion also features a new map type, the Astral Barrens, which presents challenges such as drained mana and unstable spells. Three new magical tomes will be available: the Tome of the Warband, the Tome of the Sandwalkers, and the Tome of the Warlord. Additionally, the expansion will include two new mounts, five realm traits, new music, and narrative content. A free update named Scorpion will be released alongside it, providing quality of life improvements, bug fixes, a combat balance overhaul, and new customization options. The expansion is set to launch on March 9.

AppWizard

January 30, 2026

Gearbox finally wakes up with the first big Borderlands 4 update of the year and a roadmap, yet I’m still worried for its future

Gearbox announced a significant update for Borderlands 4 set for 2026, which includes enhanced loot drops in Ultimate Vault Hunter Mode, a rework of Harlowe's Zero-Point action skill, and the addition of a photo mode. The update integrates the Inertia augment into Harlowe's skill, boosts slam damage and status effects, and generates mini projectiles with successful attacks. Boss-related loot drops will increase with UVHM tiers, and a new setting to disable mouse smoothing has been added. A free update will introduce ultra-rare Pearlescent gear, and the first major story DLC, "Mad Ellie and the Vault of the Damned," is anticipated. Future content will include a second raid boss, a takedown, and three additional Bounty Packs. Gearbox aims to improve performance and stability while addressing character viability. Concerns remain about the game's future and the effectiveness of limited-time events.

AppWizard

January 20, 2026

I can’t put down this dark fantasy roguelike that’s basically Elden Ring Nightreign, and it just got a magical new character

Ravenswatch is a dark fantasy roguelike ARPG that blends elements from top-down action games and power-leveling titles. The game features a roster of fairytale characters and has introduced its first DLC character, Merlin, along with a significant update that includes an overhaul of magical objects and balance adjustments. Merlin has a unique skill set with two-button combinations that allow him to cast nine distinct spells across three categories: nature, arcane, and defense. His passive trait enables him to build runes of potency through basic attacks, enhancing his spells. The game also includes a complimentary update with five new magical objects, improvements to the enemy aggro system, and guaranteed rare or epic items from certain chests. Merlin will be available on January 19 for .99 / £6.49, and the game has an 86% approval rating on Steam.

AppWizard

January 15, 2026

Monster Train 2’s first DLC is transforming the game with a giant new mode and the hammer-swinging Railforged clan

A significant update for Monster Train 2, titled Destiny of the Railforged, will be released in early February as the game's first paid DLC. It introduces a new clan, the Railforged, and a gameplay mode called Soul Savior. In Soul Savior, players battle to reclaim souls from a final boss named the Lifemother, with unique mechanics that enhance gameplay. Players can unlock and upgrade over 30 souls, each providing powerful enhancements and strategic options. The Railforged clan specializes in boosting the pyre's attack power and features new units and mechanics. Additionally, the Wurmkin clan will receive a free update with new designs and balance adjustments. Pricing details for the DLC have not been disclosed.

AppWizard

January 10, 2026

As co-op hits like Peak and Schedule 1 thrive, a former champion is back to reclaim its crown, so get your crew ready

Deep Rock Galactic has an average rating of 97% on Steam from nearly 300,000 user reviews. Season 6, titled Relic of Hoxxes, introduces the Ossuary Depths biome and a new mission type, Heavy Excavation, focused on amber hunting. The seasonal event, Ossium Raid, features the Bone Collector, which players can track for treasures. A performance pass with unlockable items and a paid cosmetic DLC pack will also be available. Season 6 is set to release on January 29.

AppWizard

December 28, 2025

Steam has quietly become the best place to buy videogame soundtracks—even for games that were never released on PC

The text discusses the evolution of video game music and highlights various soundtracks available for gamers. It mentions that accessing game soundtracks has become easier with platforms like Steam, where Capcom offers over 100 albums, including titles like Monster Hunter Wilds and Street Fighter 6. The release of Overture included an updated soundtrack with 51 new tracks at no extra cost. Virtua Fighter 5's soundtrack features 531 tracks for £30, providing a comprehensive history of 3D fighting games. A modern reimagining of the Chinese RPG You Cheng Huan Jian Lu has made its soundtrack available at a low price, while Clair Obscur’s award-winning soundtrack is set to release on CD next February as an eight-disc set, with a DRM-free Steam version available at half the price, including new remixes and tracks.

AppWizard

December 20, 2025

History’s most famous wizard is joining the dark fantasy roguelike I can’t put down, so I guess I’m not stopping yet

Merlin will be introduced as the first paid character in the upcoming Ravenswatch DLC, scheduled for release in January 2026, priced at .99. A free update will accompany this DLC, focusing on balancing magical objects and introducing five new magical items. Merlin can choose from nine spells across nature, arcane, and sacred light categories, making him the most adaptable character in the game. The base game is currently available at a 50% discount during the Steam Winter Sale.

AppWizard

December 4, 2025

Creative Assembly has been busy—Total War: Medieval 3 is coming, along with more Warhammer DLC and another game that will be revealed next week, ‘marking the beginning of an exciting new era’

Creative Assembly has announced the development of Total War: Medieval 3, returning to the Middle Ages after two decades since Total War: Medieval 2. The announcement was made during a 25th anniversary showcase by Sega and Creative Assembly. The game is described as a tribute to its predecessors and an evolution for the franchise, promising historical authenticity and player agency. It is currently in pre-production. Creative Assembly's last major release, Total War: Three Kingdoms, received acclaim but lacked ongoing support. The studio also continues to develop content for Total War: Warhammer 3, with a new DLC titled Lords of the End Times set for release next summer. Additionally, another announcement is expected during The Game Awards on December 11, which is described as one of the most ambitious projects in the franchise's history.

AppWizard

December 2, 2025

Payday 3 tears up one of its worst systems and replaces it with a shiny new one, and it’s a huge step in the right direction

Since its launch in 2023, Payday 3 has faced challenges, with daily player counts on Steam for Payday 2 being approximately 20 times higher than for Payday 3. Starbreeze has canceled a Dungeons & Dragons project to focus on enhancing Payday 3 and has transitioned support for Payday 2 to another studio. The upcoming free update, Skills 2.0, will overhaul the skill system by eliminating the previous buffs (Rush, Edge, and Grit) and introducing a more intuitive structure with six main archetypes: Soldier, Ninja, Mechanic, Hacker, Conman, and Professional, each with three subdivisions. Players will have access to 51 skill points upon reaching Infamy level 150 and an online tool will help plan skill progression. Starbreeze has adjusted weapon damage to maintain balance and introduced various enhancements, including the ability to throw bags at enemies to stagger them and resolving a bug with throwing knives.