Prey Archives

AppWizard

September 2, 2026

Neverwinter: Monoliths of Madness Launches For PC & Consoles

Neverwinter has released its latest expansion, Monoliths of Madness, available on PC and consoles. The expansion introduces chaotic magic and new challenges in Faerûn, with strange monoliths emerging across Menzoberranzan, Northdark Reaches, Narbondellyn, and Dragonbone Vale, spreading madness and attracting cultists. Players, starting at level 20, will join the Emerald Enclave to uncover the origins of these monoliths and cleanse Madness Altars by defeating nightmares and cultists. The expansion features updated combat enchantments, allowing players to equip Strike and Guard bonuses for deeper customization. A Wild Adventure Lockbox is available until November 17, offering a Mythic mount, Star Angler, and a Mythic companion, Encore the Virtuoso. Additionally, a new Battle Pass, Of Minds and Madness, allows players to unlock free rewards and access a Premium Reward Track with exclusive items, including a new Artifact to enhance character strength.

Tech Optimizer

September 1, 2026

NordVPN’s antivirus tool blocks 94% of phishing sites in latest independent test

NordVPN's next-generation antivirus achieved a 94% detection rate for phishing threats in an evaluation by AV-Comparatives, tested against 250 active phishing URLs and recording zero false positives. The antivirus also demonstrated a 92% block rate in similar independent testing and ranked third overall in speed and malware protection behind Avast and Norton. It is included in NordVPN's Complete subscription tier and operates alongside the standard VPN tunnel to block trackers, ads, and malicious sites in real-time. Users are advised to maintain vigilance and practice strong digital hygiene, including scrutinizing URLs and enabling two-factor authentication for added security.

Tech Optimizer

August 26, 2026

Catch Of The Week: The ‘Security Scan’ That Wants You Defenseless

Researchers at Malwarebytes have identified a network of deceptive websites posing as a service called “SysScan,” which pretends to conduct Microsoft security checkups. Users encounter these sites through search results, browser hijacking pop-ups, or unsolicited emails. The sites use Microsoft branding and a fake progress bar to create the illusion of a scan, but they only collect harmless data like operating system and location, which are then manipulated into alarming fake alerts. The fabricated security score is predetermined and does not reflect the user's actual security status. The scam misleads users into believing that Windows no longer supports third-party antivirus software, prompting them to uninstall their protections, which increases their vulnerability. Users are then asked to provide personal and banking information through a form that sends data via a Telegram bot. Eleven fraudulent sites have been traced back to a single server. Indicators of the scam include requests to disable antivirus software, installation of remote-access software, and solicitation of sensitive information. Microsoft does not initiate cold calls or scan computers through web pages. If someone has engaged with the scam, they should disconnect from the internet, uninstall any remote-access tools, reinstall antivirus software, and report the incident to authorities.

AppWizard

August 21, 2026

Redfall developers begged Microsoft to come back and finish its last patch: ‘I know we don’t work here anymore, but can we please release this?’

Redfall, developed by Arkane Austin, was met with widespread criticism, leading PC Gamer to label it as "the first Arkane game we don't like." Following its release, Microsoft announced plans to shut down Arkane Austin a year later. Studio director Harvey Smith acknowledged that while corporate pressures played a role, the studio was also drawn to the games-as-a-service trend, which influenced the game's design. Despite initial enthusiasm for incorporating new mechanics, Smith later expressed regret that Redfall did not meet expectations and pondered whether future updates could have improved it.

AppWizard

August 16, 2026

Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced’s Denuvo Has Been Cracked

Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced was released on July 9 and was cracked by voices38, bypassing its Denuvo anti-tamper protection in just over a month. The game is a full remake with enhanced combat systems, new naval mechanics, and expanded exploration features. It introduces new narrative elements and characters, while also supporting Ray Tracing for improved graphics. Several publishers, including Square Enix, Capcom, KRAFTON, NEOWIZ, Gearbox, IO Interactive, Bethesda, Bandai Namco, and Warner Bros, have removed Denuvo from various titles, reflecting a trend against the use of anti-tamper technologies in gaming.

AppWizard

August 15, 2026

You can now play the secret best immersive sim in coop thanks to this mod

Immersive simulations like Dishonored and Deus Ex have traditionally focused on solitary experiences, but some games have introduced multiplayer elements. System Shock 2 included a cooperative mode that was revitalized in its recent remaster, and Deathloop featured an invasion mechanic. In a new development, a mod called Prey Coop allows up to 16 players to explore the Talos 1 space station in Arkane's Prey. This mod, created by null234, synchronizes various gameplay elements among players. To use the mod, players must install it and Chairloader, forward the necessary ports, and ensure they have legitimate copies of the game and the same DLL build of the mod. Installation instructions are available for interested players.

AppWizard

August 8, 2026

WoW developers reflect on Midnight’s first season—a world without AddOns, task overload, and Prey

The first season of World of Warcraft: Midnight has received mixed reviews, with initial offerings being impressive but subsequent patch content eliciting varied reactions. This expansion is significant as it introduces restrictions on combat AddOns and redesigns every class. Player housing has been added, which has exceeded expectations despite concerns about microtransactions. The developers have expressed positive feedback about the season, highlighting Mythic+, solo content like delves, and the new Prey feature as standout elements. Lead encounter designer Paul Kubit shared his enjoyment of the season and personal goals within Mythic+. The upcoming Curse of Ula'tek expansion is anticipated.

AppWizard

August 8, 2026

Ambrosia Sky: Act Two Launches on PC, Split Critics Praise Story Over Systems

Toronto's indie game studio, Soft Rains, has released Ambrosia Sky: Act Two on PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store. The game has received mixed reviews, with two-thirds praising it as an emotional journey, while one review questions its gameplay and the "immersive sim" label. Owners of Act One receive Act Two for free, while new players can purchase the full game for .99 USD, with a 20% discount available until around August 14, after which the price will increase to .99 USD. Ambrosia Sky is a first-person game where players control Dalia, a field scientist returning to her home colony after a fungal outbreak. Players use an upgradeable chemical sprayer to cleanse space stations and uncover a conspiracy. Act Two focuses on Dalia's search for her ex-girlfriend Maeve and introduces new locations, exo-fungus species, a revamped progression system, and new equipment. The Corruptor fungus adds a new mechanic that has received mixed reviews. The total playtime for both acts is approximately six to seven hours. Critics debate the game's classification as an immersive sim, with some arguing it lacks the open-ended environments typical of the genre. The narrative has been positively received, with praise for its emotional depth and storytelling. The full game is priced competitively for narrative-driven indie games, and the current pricing offers good value for players interested in the story and atmosphere. As of now, Ambrosia Sky has received two critic reviews on Metacritic, scoring 80 and 60.

Winsage

August 2, 2026

You should deep clean your Windows PC every year to keep it running smoothly — here’s how I do it

Maintaining the performance of a Windows 11 computer requires regular care, particularly in software management. An annual deep clean is recommended, with the following steps to improve performance: 1. Uninstall Apps: Use BCUninstaller to remove unnecessary applications, including those from the Microsoft Store, with a bulk uninstall feature and a post-uninstallation cleanup for leftover files. 2. Run a Debloat Script: Utilize tools like Chris Titus Tech's Windows Utility to disable unnecessary bloatware and manage telemetry settings. 3. Disable Startup Apps: Access the Task Manager to disable non-essential applications that launch at startup, improving boot times. 4. Check for Driver Updates: Ensure drivers are up to date through Windows Update and check graphics driver websites for the latest versions. 5. Run a Malware Scan: Use Malwarebytes for deep scans to identify and remove potential malware threats. 6. Delete Temporary Files: Clear temporary files through the Settings app and clean up web browser cached files to free up space.

AppWizard

July 26, 2026

‘The last time I liked everything about a game was probably Baldur’s Gate 3’: Raphael Colantonio, co-founder of Arkane Studios, talks us through the games installed on his PC

Raphaël Colantonio, co-founder of Arkane Studios, was inspired to enter the gaming industry after playing Ultima 7, which led him to co-found Arkane in 1999. The studio's first game was Arx Fatalis, and it has since produced titles like Dishonored and Prey, with their latest project being Weird West. Colantonio is currently playing Mewgenics, having previously completed Cyberpunk 2077 and enjoyed Baldur's Gate 3. He has revisited Call of Cthulhu: Dark Corners of the Earth for enjoyment and research. Colantonio has logged 649 hours in Wasteland 2 and expresses nostalgia for Thief, Fallout, and Deus Ex, noting their influence on his work. He uses DaVinci Resolve for video editing and DiskState for managing hard drive space. Colantonio maintains a tidy desktop with minimal icons and folders.