Hardcore Archives

AppWizard

March 1, 2026

For Project Zomboid players, the year-long wait for a stable build is nearly over

Project Zomboid's build 42 was released in an 'unstable' form in December 2024 and has not yet transitioned to a 'stable' state, despite the addition of multiplayer support in late 2025. Concerns have arisen within the community regarding the team's communication during this prolonged development. Christian 'Serellan' Allen became the new design director in late 2025 and aims to address these issues. He acknowledges the complexity of the game and the need for dedicated design leadership. The team is currently focused on bug fixes, balancing, and polishing build 42, with no specific release date for the stable version. Enhancements made under Allen's direction include a revamped right-click menu and planned balance adjustments for game modes. He emphasizes the importance of community feedback and intends to improve communication about the game's direction.

AppWizard

March 1, 2026

Hack-and-Slash Action Game Verminsteel Announced for PC

Developer Glass Bottom Games has announced its upcoming title, Verminsteel, an anthropomorphic hack-and-slash action game set to launch on PC via Steam in 2027. The game features players as a crow warrior fighting against occupying forces, utilizing various weapons and engaging in battles across the Fragarian countryside. Players can also play as other characters, rally allies, and upgrade weapons. The game emphasizes community themes and has been developed without the use of generative AI.

AppWizard

February 26, 2026

Anthropomorphic hack-and-slash action game Verminsteel announced for PC

Glass Bottom Games has announced their new project, Verminsteel, an anthropomorphic hack-and-slash action game featuring a crow protagonist. The game is set for release on PC via Steam in 2027. Players will use a variety of weapons, including swords and frying pans, to battle against enemy forces and rescue townsfolk. The game emphasizes community and collaboration, with players able to recruit allies and utilize their unique skills. Key features include a deep combat system, squad maneuvers, and weapon upgrades. Glass Bottom Games confirmed that no generative AI was used in the game's development. An announcement trailer is available for viewing.

AppWizard

February 25, 2026

This Guy Built One Piece’s Marineford In Minecraft…In Hardcore

A YouTuber named stan616 spent nearly 80 days recreating Marineford from One Piece in Minecraft's Hardcore mode, using over 1,187,773 blocks. Unlike Creative mode, Hardcore mode requires players to mine, harvest, and craft every block, facing threats from aggressive mobs that can lead to complete loss of progress upon death. To aid his project, stan616 used schematics to design blueprints in Creative mode, which were then exported into Hardcore mode. He documented his journey in a 90-minute video, highlighting the risks and challenges he encountered. The completed build is available for purchase on his Patreon for .00.

AppWizard

February 21, 2026

Hooded Horse’s new strategy game Menace isn’t XCOM, and that’s okay

Menace is a turn-based strategy game that distinguishes itself from the XCOM series by offering a grander, more theatrical experience reminiscent of Company of Heroes and Starship Troopers. It features larger-scale confrontations and a unique squad structure where each member operates as an individual unit, allowing for a focus on overwhelming force rather than precision strikes. The game includes named characters commanding groups of up to eight soldiers, but the large number of troops can dilute emotional connections, making losses feel less impactful. The developer has invested in character development, but the emotional bond is weaker compared to smaller squads. The game is currently in early access and is expected to evolve before its full release.

Tech Optimizer

February 19, 2026

Avast Antivirus in 2026: Still Worth Paying For on Windows and Mac?

Ransomware is evolving, and many users in the United States continue to invest in Avast Antivirus as of 2026. Avast, now part of Gen Digital, has shifted from a traditional free antivirus to a comprehensive consumer security suite, which includes three tiers: Avast Free Antivirus, Avast Premium Security, and Avast One. The product lineup features a core antivirus engine, ransomware and phishing protection, a firewall, Wi-Fi inspector, built-in VPN, and performance cleanup tools. Avast's core antivirus engine provides real-time file scanning and web/email shields, consistently ranking high in independent lab tests for malware protection. The ransomware shield protects sensitive folders from unauthorized encryption, while the firewall and Wi-Fi inspector are available in paid tiers. The built-in VPN is designed for safer public Wi-Fi use, and performance tools aim to optimize system efficiency. Pricing for Avast products in the US varies, with a free tier supported by upsell prompts for premium features, Premium Security typically offered as an annual subscription, and Avast One marketed as a higher-value bundle. Renewal pricing often increases significantly after the first year, leading to user complaints. Microsoft Defender is now effective enough that many experts believe average users may not need third-party antivirus software, but Avast justifies its subscription by offering stronger web protection, more control over app permissions, and additional non-security features. User feedback highlights strong protection but frequent upsell prompts, performance issues on low-end machines, and concerns over past data collection practices. Avast is seen as valuable for households with mixed tech literacy, remote workers, students on older hardware, and users seeking basic privacy protections.

AppWizard

February 19, 2026

My love for Arc Raiders is starting to wane, and that plays right into Marathon’s hands

Arc Raiders has been a dominant presence in the author's gaming time since its launch at the end of October, even with new seasons for other games like Black Ops 7 and Battlefield 6. The author has experienced some fatigue with Arc Raiders recently, despite previously believing it would succeed. Key features of Arc Raiders include emergent gameplay, flexible engagement options, and a free loadout system. However, the author notes a lack of new content, such as weapons, maps, and enemy types, since the launch of Stella Montis, leading to diminished interest. Upcoming updates, including the Shrouded Sky update, promise new content, but the author expresses concern that if this update does not reignite excitement, they may shift their focus to Marathon, which offers polished gameplay and customization options that Arc Raiders currently lacks.

AppWizard

January 21, 2026

What Kind of Minecraft Player Are You, Really?

Minecraft is a game that allows for diverse playstyles beyond simply defeating the Ender Dragon. Players engage in various activities such as building massive automated farms, creating intricate bases, exploring for rare structures, or focusing on survival challenges. Playstyle analysis tests have emerged to better understand player behavior, categorizing them into roles like Builders, Explorers, and Hardcore Survivors based on their in-game actions rather than achievements. Builders focus on long-term projects and aesthetics, Explorers prioritize adventure and discovery, while Hardcore players emphasize skill and survival strategies. Modern playstyle tests evaluate gameplay commitment, risk tolerance, and engagement with game mechanics, producing visually appealing result cards for sharing within the community. Recent updates to Minecraft have influenced player interactions, encouraging structured exploration and enhancing automation. There is a growing trend towards valuing long-term survival worlds, with players investing more time in their projects. Most players exhibit a blend of styles, contributing to the game's replayability and the relevance of nuanced playstyle analysis.

AppWizard

January 14, 2026

Forget Hades 2, this underloved punk roguelike I adore is less than $1 for a short time only

Reignbreaker is a roguelike game where players embody Clef, a rebel aiming to overthrow an oppressive Kingdom in a medieval punk world. The gameplay features isometric combat similar to Hades, with high-octane action and unique mechanics such as motorized javelins and traps. Players earn rewards to enhance abilities as they progress through trials. The game is currently available in the Killer Bundle from Fanatical, starting at .75 for five games, making it a cost-effective option compared to Steam sales. The bundle includes various titles, such as Chernobylite: Premium Edition and Postal: Brain Damaged.

AppWizard

January 6, 2026

10 Best RPG Minecraft Mods

RPG Minecraft mods enhance the gameplay experience by introducing new elements such as intricate progression systems, formidable bosses, and magic. The following are ten notable RPG Minecraft mods: 1. L_Ender’s Cataclysm: Features intense boss battles with handcrafted bosses like Ender Golems and Netherite Monstrosity, requiring strategic gameplay. 2. Myths and Legends: Inspired by folklore, it immerses players in a dark fantasy realm with mythical creatures, relics, and cursed items. 3. Warrior Rage: Introduces a kill-streak mechanic that enhances attack speed and damage as players defeat enemies. 4. When Dungeons Arise: Populates the world with crafted structures like warships and underground cities, offering unique loot and a risk-to-reward exploration system. 5. Ars Elixirum: Enhances potion brewing with random effects influenced by the world seed, allowing for customized potions. 6. Dark Souls Expansion: Offers a hardcore RPG experience with methodical combat and a new dimension filled with challenging enemies. 7. Born in Chaos: Introduces new aggressive mobs to enhance survival gameplay, especially during nighttime exploration. 8. The Aether: A sky-based dimension with new materials and powerful bosses, featuring a unique progression system. 9. Goety – The Dark Arts: Focuses on magic, allowing players to perform dark rituals and summon creatures through crafting a Totem of Roots. 10. Dungeon’s Delight: Adds cooking mechanics using monster drops, providing unique effects and new tools for gameplay. Most of these mods are beginner-friendly, with The Aether and Dungeon’s Delight recommended for newcomers. For combat and PvP, L_Ender’s Cataclysm and Dark Souls Expansion are top choices.