post-apocalyptic Archives

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 27, 2026

This week in PC games: is Highguard a nothingburger? Plus, Winnie the Cthulhooh, Code Vein 2 and a plant-based RTS

- John Highguard: A sci-fantasy raid shooter developed by former creators of Apex Legends and Titanfall. - Winnie’s Hole: An early access title that transforms Winnie the Pooh into a cosmic horror roguelite. - Echoes Of Elysium: An early access game featuring six-player co-op in a procedural clockwork world. - Earth Must Die: A point-and-click sci-fi comedy from the creators of The Swindle and Lair of the Clockwork God. - The Spirit Lift: A roguelite deckbuilder set in a haunted hotel. - Roots Devour: A game where players control a malevolent tree deciding the fate of humans. - DON’T LET THEM IN: A horror game where players are supermarket clerks dealing with cautious customers. - Lanesplit: A first-person biking simulator with a cinematic style. - Ghost Keeper: An early access title where players manage a house full of ghosts. - Nova Antarctica: A post-apocalyptic game set in Antarctica focused on mysterious signals. - The Midnight Walkers: An early access extraction shooter set in a megamall with a poison gas mechanic. - Calyx: An RTS game featuring a military force against plant life. - Feastopia: A city-builder roguelite where players feed an infant god to avoid becoming part of the menu. - Space Warlord Baby Trading Simulator: A sequel that escalates the absurdity of its predecessor. - Cairn: A climbing adventure game with narrative depth. - I Hate This Place: A survival crafting horror game inspired by comic books. - Don’t Stop, Girlypop: An arena shooter with Y2K aesthetics. - Code Vein 2: The latest entry in the anime Soulslike genre featuring time travel mechanics. - Half Sword: An early access physics-based medieval combat game. - Front Mission 3: A remake of the classic turn-based mech game.

BetaBeacon

January 27, 2026

Oh woe is Mio! Games critic Peter Hoskin reviews Memories In Orbit

- Mio: Memories In Orbit is a game where players control an artificial intelligence named Mio on a mysteriously abandoned space station filled with both friendly and hostile robots. - The game involves a lot of fighting and challenges that require precise movements and strategy. - Players can customize Mio with new powers gained along the way to help in combat and exploration. - Despite similarities to other games in terms of structure and tone, Mio is praised for its graphics and gameplay. - TR-49 is a puzzle-like game where players act as a librarian in a post-apocalyptic Britain, using a book-cataloguing machine to uncover clues and solve codes. - The game features dialogue, wordplay, and a narrative centered around discovering the truth behind the catastrophe.

AppWizard

January 22, 2026

My 5 favorite ‘cozy’ games that don’t actually look like cozy games

The cozy gaming genre has become an important part of the author's identity, but they sometimes feel overwhelmed by the prevalent pastel color schemes. They aim to introduce cozy games to their friend group that lack these typical aesthetic elements, specifically excluding pastel colors, chibi characters, and pixel art. 1. Promise Mascot Agency: A management and exploration game where players help locals in a quaint town and manage a love hotel in a haunted area, focusing on mundane challenges in a serene atmosphere. 2. Chants of Sennaar: A puzzle adventure game that allows players to learn four fictional languages through engaging challenges, set in a mysterious tower with a non-pastel palette. 3. Project Zomboid: A survival game that can be customized to disable zombies, allowing for a peaceful experience in a post-apocalyptic setting where players can cultivate gardens and craft furniture. 4. Potion Craft: A crafting simulation game focused on potion-making, where players grind herbs and manage resources in a medieval aesthetic without pastel colors. 5. Dystopika: A city-building game that allows players to create a dystopian metropolis with unique visuals and the option to personalize billboards, diverging from traditional cozy aesthetics.

AppWizard

January 21, 2026

Death Stranding Director’s Cut Launches on Xbox Game Pass for PC and Console

Death Stranding Director’s Cut is now available on Xbox Game Pass for both console and PC, marking its first appearance on Microsoft's subscription service. This version, developed by KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS and published by 505 Games, is accessible to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and Premium subscribers. The Director’s Cut includes new features such as a new story location called the Ruined Factory, new delivery tools like cargo catapults and support ramps, an expanded combat system with new melee moves and the Maser Gun, a firing range for weapon testing, and a racetrack mode for time-based challenges. The game has been optimized for performance on handheld devices. It is also available for purchase through the Xbox Games Store.

AppWizard

January 19, 2026

If you’re enjoying the TV show, this Fallout game has just got a new update that makes your power armor dreams reality

Fallout 76 has undergone significant improvements since its initial launch, which was marked by gameplay issues and bugs. Over the past seven years, Bethesda has worked to enhance the game, introducing human NPCs, streamlining the onboarding process, and making quests more engaging. Recent updates have focused on precise adjustments rather than complete overhauls, including changes to armor mechanics. Key updates include a reduction in armor weight, rebalancing of the T-51 power armor for better Cryo resistance, and enhanced radiation protection for Hazmat Suits. Over 50 armor mods have been tweaked, and perks related to power armor have been updated. Bethesda has also removed the 'recommended level' text from public event descriptions, which may challenge new or returning players. Additional minor adjustments have been made to events and user interface elements, and the Gauss Minigun has seen changes in overheating duration and damage reduction. Fallout 76 is positioned as an appealing option for fans of the Fallout TV show, offering modern graphics and refined controls.

AppWizard

January 18, 2026

Once and for all, which game has the best art?

Videogame art captivates audiences, with enthusiasts collecting special editions, design works, and vinyl soundtracks featuring concept art. The Dishonored Soundtrack Collection exemplifies the artistic talent within the franchise. Iconic artists like Viktor Antonov have created striking visuals that blend gothic architecture with futuristic elements, contributing to the lasting impact of games like Half-Life 2 and Dishonored. Character art in Dishonored includes contributions from Cedric Peyravernay, Sergey Kolesov, and Piotr Jabłoński, enhancing the game's visual narrative. In Destiny, Rory Norris highlights the captivating concept art of a post-apocalyptic Chicago and the enigmatic Vex architecture illustrated by Jesse van Dijk. Tyler Colp admires Elden Ring's concept art, which translates into stunning visuals, showcasing detailed character designs. Ted Litchfield expresses excitement for Avowed, noting its comic book-style illustrations and inventive designs that evoke nostalgia. The artistry in gaming enhances gameplay and creates emotional connections with players.

AppWizard

January 16, 2026

There’s a fantasy swordsmithing sim launching on Steam next week, which is a sentence I’ve been waiting to hear since browsing my dad’s replica sword catalogs in 4th grade

The author grew up in an environment focused on historical reenactment and fantasy lore, influenced by a father who collected period costumes and bladed weaponry. They eagerly anticipate the early access launch of "Bladesong," a fantasy swordsmithing simulator set to debut on Steam on January 22. The game allows players to craft swords with various features, including length, width, thickness, and cross-section, and includes a story mode set in a medieval post-apocalyptic world. The early access version will offer additional engraving options, materials, and blade shaping techniques.

AppWizard

January 14, 2026

One of the best Xbox Play Anywhere games just got its notorious save bug fixed for Xbox Ally and Xbox PC

The save file bug in Death Stranding on Xbox PC has been resolved through a collaboration between Microsoft, 505 Games, and Kojima Productions. Initially, players faced issues where save files would fail to copy after a short gameplay period, leading to lost progress and contributing to a low review score of 2/5 on the Xbox PC store. The fix is being rolled out as part of the Xbox Gaming Services background app, and players can check for the update by verifying the version number in the Xbox PC app. The updated version is 32.106.13001.0 or higher. After testing the update, players have reported consistent progress saving. Death Stranding Director's Cut is available for purchase on the Xbox Store for .99 and supports the Xbox Play Anywhere initiative.

AppWizard

January 14, 2026

Ultrakill is one of Steam’s highest-rated indies, and it’s 93% off in this bundle

Ultrakill is a first-person shooter (FPS) game that combines stylish combat mechanics similar to Devil May Cry with retro aesthetics reminiscent of classic Doom. Players control V1, a machine navigating a post-apocalyptic world where they battle demons for survival. The game features a variety of mechanics, including parrying and executing precise shots, and encourages players to achieve high ranks for replayability. Ultrakill is currently available for under , with a 93% discount, as part of the Decked Out Collection on Humble Bundle, which includes seven games for £10.71. The collection offers each title for less than £2, and all games come as Steam keys.