PC Archives

AppWizard

May 3, 2026

Resident Evil Requiem Just Got an Incredible Half-Life Mod

An Early Access mod titled Requiem for Ravenholm by FlamingosPeak Workshop reimagines Resident Evil 9 with elements from the Half-Life universe, featuring characters like Leon as Gordon Freeman and Victor as the G-Man. The mod is not a complete overhaul but offers a glimpse of what a new Half-Life installment might look like. Users should expect bugs and visual inconsistencies, which the developers plan to fix in updates. The mod is available for download, accompanied by a trailer. Other mods for Resident Evil Requiem include a VR mod, a dismemberment mod, an increased zombie count mod, and a whimsical mod that replaces Licker voices with Michael Jackson's. A video showcasing fixed camera angles for Resident Evil is also available. Resident Evil Requiem is noted as one of the most optimized PC games of 2026, supporting real-time Path Tracing, with a detailed PC Performance Analysis available for review.

AppWizard

May 3, 2026

In the 33 months since Baldur’s Gate 3 launched, it’s hardly ever fallen out of the top 5 most-played games on Steam Deck

Baldur's Gate 3 has been a popular game on the Steam Deck for 33 months, only dropping out of the top five most-played games for four months. It has consistently remained in the top ten during its absences. The Steam Deck features a public leaderboard for most-played games, updated regularly. Despite hardware limitations, Baldur's Gate 3 offers a satisfactory gaming experience, particularly due to its turn-based mechanics. Historical data on its performance is sourced from Gaming on Linux, Steam Deck HQ, and Steam Deck Gaming.

AppWizard

May 3, 2026

Nearly 40 years after launch, NetHack just got a 5.0.0 release with over 3,000 patch notes

NetHack, an iconic roguelike game first released in 1987, has been added to the Museum of Modern Art alongside other notable titles. As of yesterday, it has been updated to version 5.0.0, which includes 3,100 fixes and changes. The game is still an active open-source project supported by the DevTeam. Players should be aware that old saves and "bones files" will not be compatible with this new version. The main menu of the NetHack website now provides download links for various platforms, including Windows, DOS, and Amiga. The game's GitHub page contains detailed updates, including gameplay notes. Resources like PC Gamer's "NetHack from aaaa to Zruty," a let's play series, are available to assist players in navigating the game.

AppWizard

May 3, 2026

I love everything about Valve’s Steam Controller except this one major flaw

The Steam Controller features trackpads that serve as substitutes for a mouse and keyboard, providing precision for desktop browsing. It defaults to a desktop configuration upon startup, which is not user-friendly and requires users to memorize the button layout or create a custom configuration. Customization is hindered by software issues, including an inability to modify the desktop configuration and challenges with assigning buttons. Users have reported difficulties with Guide Button Chords and Action Sets, leading to wasted time and confusion. The Quick Access Menu button cannot be customized, limiting its effectiveness. Despite these issues, the controller performs well without extensive customization, boasting impressive battery life and comfort. Improvements in software explanations and customization accessibility are needed for broader appeal.

AppWizard

May 3, 2026

There’s a game coming out this year where you fight your Steam backlog, and it’s more dangerous the more you’ve spent

Many PC gamers struggle with a growing backlog of unplayed games due to the ease of accumulating titles from platforms like Steam and GOG. Some gamers feel pride in their backlog, while others feel guilt over neglected purchases. Games like Tex Murphy: The Pandora Directive can be enticing at low prices, but busy schedules often prevent players from actually playing them. For example, after purchasing Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous at full price, players may find themselves distracted by other games like Overwatch 2, leaving their intended gaming sessions unfulfilled. Game Quest: The Backlog Battler is available on Steam, highlighting the irony that players may buy it knowing it could also become part of their unplayed titles.

Winsage

May 3, 2026

Your PC is an Xbox, your Android is a Windows Phone, and Windows K2 is here to save Windows 11

Microsoft has restructured its Windows team to enhance Windows 11 and restore user confidence. A new preview build will hide the MSN feed by default, allowing access to widgets on a dedicated page. The latest optional non-security preview update includes reliability upgrades and AI agents. Windows 11 now features Xbox Mode, providing a full-screen, controller-friendly interface for gamers. Significant improvements have been made for Xbox Series X|S consoles and the Xbox app on PC. The original Xbox dashboard has been reverse-engineered for use as a PC launcher. A new custom Android launcher, METROV, recreates the Windows Phone 8.1 experience, while community efforts like 8Marketplace are reviving Windows Phone 8 through restored app access.

AppWizard

May 3, 2026

Xbox Game Pass Users Hail Day One Exclusive Game As “Insane 10/10”

A recent addition to the Xbox Game Pass lineup, Replaced, is a 2.5D cinematic platformer developed by Sad Cat Studios and published by Thunderful Publishing. Released last month as a console exclusive for the Xbox Series X, it is currently not available on other platforms and retails for .99, but is accessible at no additional cost to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass subscribers. The game has received significant attention on Reddit, with many praising its atmosphere and storytelling, although it holds a 4/5 star rating on the Xbox Store and an 83% approval rating on Steam. Some players have criticized its pacing, noting an average playtime of 10 to 15 hours.

AppWizard

May 3, 2026

Star Wars Meets Alien Isolation In Free New Console and PC Survival Game

The Star Wars franchise has an undercurrent of horror, particularly embodied by the character Darth Vader, who represents fear. The game 'Escape From Vader,' part of Fortnite's Star Wars collaboration, allows players to experience this horror as they are pursued by Vader aboard an Imperial ship. The game is a four-player co-op experience available for free on Xbox, PlayStation, and PC, and features gameplay mechanics reminiscent of 'Alien: Isolation.' Players can join by entering the map code 7285-4185-5428. As Star Wars Day approaches, 'Escape From Vader' is one of many free game modes available, with additional content set to be released throughout the month.

Winsage

May 3, 2026

This $10 upgrade transforms your PC — but it’s only on sale until midnight

Microsoft Windows 11 Pro is available for .97, significantly reduced from its regular price of 9. This offer is valid only until midnight tonight. Windows 11 Pro includes features such as Snap layouts, seamless redocking, enhanced search functionality, and improved voice typing. It also offers tools like Azure AD, Hyper-V, Windows Sandbox, and BitLocker device encryption for security and productivity. For gaming, it features DirectX 12 Ultimate graphics and integrates Microsoft's AI-powered assistant, Copilot. Security enhancements include biometric logins, encrypted authentication, and robust antivirus protection.

Winsage

May 3, 2026

You shouldn’t delay your Windows 11 updates, experts reveal

Experts advise against postponing Windows updates, as Microsoft has introduced features allowing users to control when updates occur. Users can pause updates for up to 35 days indefinitely, but delaying updates can lead to security vulnerabilities. Microsoft releases several types of updates: security updates, feature updates, quality updates, driver updates, optional updates, out-of-band updates, and zero-day updates. Zero-day updates are critical and should be installed immediately to avoid exploitation. Recent reports indicate that critical OS patching for Windows 10 and 11 is lagging by an average of 256 days, increasing the risk of cyber incidents.