iron Archives

BetaBeacon

September 30, 2026

You can now turn your Android handheld into a Steam Deck, and here’s the proof

Valve has released Steam OS for Arm devices, which has been ported to Android handhelds by developers. The Arm version of Steam OS can run from a microSD card on supported devices like the AYN Odin 2 family and Retroid Pocket 6. The performance of games on Steam OS Arm varies, with some games working well and others not booting up at all. While there are other apps available for playing Steam games on Android, the release of Steam OS for Arm devices is a significant development in preparation for a potential Arm-powered Steam Deck in the future.

AppWizard

September 28, 2026

This ambitious Half-Life 2 mod asks: what if Iron Lung had a submarine and an airship?

Iron Lung is an acclaimed indie horror game that has inspired a film adaptation by Markiplier. The genre of vehicular horror is largely unexplored, with few titles like Barotrauma and Klekta. The Temple is an upcoming total conversion mod for Half-Life 2 that allows players to navigate a horror-filled submarine and expands the experience into space. It is part of MapLabs and promises over two hours of gameplay, featuring three vehicles and a visually impressive environment. The mod includes elements inspired by Amnesia: The Dark Descent, such as invisible water monsters and a talking crow companion. The creator, Klems, has hinted at a potential release "very soon, possibly next month."

BetaBeacon

September 20, 2026

Super Smash Bros Melee just got an Android port (Updated)

Super Smash Bros Melee has been unofficially ported to Windows and Linux by developer 999sian. Users need to provide their own US version of the game due to legal reasons. The port features various enhancements and updates, with the latest build showing promising progress. An Android port is also available, with the latest beta release fixing previous issues. The community is excited about these unofficial ports and looks forward to further updates and improvements.

AppWizard

September 11, 2026

Star Wars Zero Company gets much-needed first patch so you won’t miss shots with a 100% chance to hit any more

Players are hesitant to engage with the iron man "beskar" mode in Star Wars Zero Company due to apprehension and technical issues, including reports of game crashes that risk losing progress. The recent 1.1 patch aims to resolve these concerns by fixing various crash issues, restoring deleted Beskar saves, and addressing specific crash problems related to Beskar mode. The development team has faced staffing reductions since the game's launch, which has delayed the resolution of fundamental issues. The community hopes for additional team members to expedite the patching process.

BetaBeacon

September 8, 2026

Absolum coming to iOS, Android on November 5

Absolum is a game where players join a rebellion led by high enchantress Uchawi to free the lands of Talamh from the oppressive rule of Sun King Azra. Players can choose from four heroes with different fighting styles and must craft new strategies to defeat Azra's elite guard. The game features arcade beat 'em up action combined with modern roguelite mechanics, set in a fantasy world with beautiful art and music by composer Gareth Coker. The game is available on both iOS and Android with revamped touch controls and cross-progression between devices.

AppWizard

September 2, 2026

Minecraft 26.3 Pre-Release 1 patch notes: Number system overhaul, bug fixes and more

Mojang has launched the pre-release phase for Minecraft Java Edition 26.3, introducing the Wilderness Drop. The pre-release includes extensive bug fixes and a technical upgrade to the Number Provider system, which has been restructured into separate registries for integer and float calculations. Key changes include new integer-specific providers and float-specific providers, as well as mandatory cooking times for recipes. Block State Providers can now be defined as standalone types. Notable bug fixes address issues with Blast Furnaces, Endermen, Drowned, music events, ore generation, and more. Players can download the pre-release to explore the new features.

AppWizard

September 1, 2026

Crumbl Builds Minecraft in Cookie Form, One Square Block at a Time

Crumbl is collaborating with Minecraft for its first character licensing venture, offering a limited-time menu from August 31 to September 5 featuring six square-shaped treats inspired by the game. Pre-orders opened on August 30. The desserts include: 1. Grass Block Cake: Cinnamon vanilla cake with chocolate crumb streusel and brown cream cheese frosting. 2. Creeper Key Lime Sandwich: Lime cookies filled with lime icing and topped with a creeper figure. 3. Lemon Poppyseed Cookie: Lemon base with lemon curd and buttercream, topped with a bee. 4. Cookies & Cream Sandwich: Purple marshmallow mousse with brownie and cookies & cream crumbs, topped with an Enderman. 5. Cherry Blossom Cookie: Pink dough with maraschino cherries and cherry cream cheese frosting, topped with a pig. 6. Cookie Butter Cookie: Spiced marbled cookie-butter square with melted cookie butter and topped with a chicken figure. The packaging resembles earth blocks from the game. The first 200 customers on launch day will receive a Launch Day Exclusive spoon, while pre-orders will include an in-store Mystery Spoon. A 12-pack will feature two spoons with rotating designs. Pre-orders do not come with a spoon.

AppWizard

August 27, 2026

Game of Thrones: War for Westeros isn’t even out yet and it already feels ancient

Game of Thrones: War for Westeros is an RTS game set to release in 2027, inspired by HBO's series. The game revisits the struggle for the Iron Throne, allowing players to command characters like Kit Harington's Jon Snow and listen to narration by Charles Dance. Gameplay involves constructing buildings, generating resources, training troops, and capturing territories, but it primarily features standard infantry units like spearmen and swordsmen. Only two factions, the Starks and Lannisters, are available in the preview, with the Starks able to deploy direwolves and the Lannisters focusing on economic strategies. The game lacks the excitement and complexity found in other RTS titles, feeling straightforward and uninspired, with gameplay that does not leverage the source material's strengths.

AppWizard

August 25, 2026

Paradox’s next grand strategy game is taking cues from Fallout and Mad Max

Paradox Development Studio is developing a new game titled Afterworld, set in a post-apocalyptic North America. Players will lead a tribe of survivors, choosing their tribe's origins and focusing on survival by gathering resources. The game allows players to rebuild civilization or create new societal structures, including religions and laws, while utilizing pre-collapse technology. A unique tech tree evolves through exploration, with procedural generation ensuring varied experiences in each playthrough. Dan Lind, the game director, emphasizes that Afterworld is Paradox's first non-historical setting in a decade, offering a fresh perspective for a grand strategy game. A preview of the game mechanics will be released in the coming weeks.

AppWizard

August 23, 2026

The 100 Best Strategy Games To Play In 2026

Hearts of Iron IV is a grand strategy game set during World War II, where players control a nation and navigate warfare, diplomacy, and military strategy. It offers extensive gameplay options, including resource management and political maneuvering, and is known for its replayability. Phoenix Point is a turn-based tactical strategy game set in a post-apocalyptic world, where players lead customizable squads against alien threats, emphasizing tactical decision-making. War on the Sea is a real-time tactical strategy game focused on naval battles in the Pacific Theater during World War II, featuring historically accurate ships and aircraft. Terra Invicta is a grand strategy game in Early Access, where players manage factions in a near-future scenario while preparing for potential interstellar conflict. Command & Conquer: Generals is a real-time strategy game featuring three factions: the United States, China, and the Global Liberation Army, known for its engaging gameplay. Cold Waters allows players to command a Cold War-era nuclear submarine, focusing on stealth tactics and realistic naval simulation. Gears Tactics is a turn-based game set in the Gears of War universe, where players lead a squad against the Locust Horde. Warhammer 40,000: Battlesector involves commanding Primaris Space Marines in tactical battles against Tyranids, with expansions enhancing gameplay. Company of Heroes 2 is a real-time strategy game set on the Eastern Front during World War II, featuring squad-based tactics and dynamic campaigns. Total War: Shogun 2 is set in feudal Japan, allowing players to command clans during the Sengoku Jidai period, combining tactical battles with strategic management.