PvE Archives

AppWizard

January 15, 2026

Marathon fully unveils all seven of its Runners, and I’ll take the one with the grappling hook and loot-stealing drone, please

The author initially lost interest in Marathon due to its challenges and competition from Arc Raiders, but recent updates, including enhanced visuals and the introduction of Runner Shells, have rekindled their enthusiasm. The Runner Shells are highly customizable, offering more flexibility than traditional hero selections in other games. Various Runner Shells, such as Destroyer, Assassin, Recon, Vandal, Triage, and Thief, have unique abilities inspired by Destiny, with Thief particularly appealing for its loot-gathering capabilities. The author expresses optimism about Marathon's potential and intends to engage with the game at launch.

AppWizard

January 9, 2026

Ubisoft says The Division 3 is “a monster” and believes it can have “as big an impact” as the first game

Ubisoft and Massive Entertainment are developing a third installment in The Division series, referred to as The Division 3, which executive producer Julian Gerighty describes as "shaping up to be a monster." The Division 2 continues to offer a rich looter-shooter experience with extensive PvE content and PvP Dark Zones. An upcoming expansion for The Division 2, titled Survivors, will reintroduce the extraction experience with a new twist, although a release date is not confirmed. Gerighty has indicated that The Division 3 will maintain the series' core elements, including online co-op gameplay and RPG mechanics. The franchise's tenth anniversary next year may provide an opportunity for early reveals of both The Division 3 and the Survivors DLC. An exclusive preview event for community members is scheduled for February at Massive HQ in Sweden. Further insights into The Division franchise are expected in 2026.

AppWizard

January 3, 2026

Embark CEO confirms that Arc Raiders’ matchmaking takes your aggression into account, so behave yourself out there

Embark CEO Patrick Söderlund discussed the matchmaking mechanics of Arc Raiders, an extraction shooter launched in 2025. The matchmaking system considers players' tendencies toward aggression, grouping them based on skill and preferences for PvP or PvE interactions. This feature was implemented a week before the interview to enhance player experience by aligning similar preferences. Söderlund confirmed the existence of an aggression-based matchmaking system, acknowledging the complexity of predicting player behavior. He noted that while players may be matched with like-minded individuals, the game still retains inherent PvP tension.

AppWizard

December 25, 2025

‘Minecraft’ Enchanting and Gear Progression: Best Enchant Order for Tools, Weapons, and Armor

The enchanting system in "Minecraft" involves three main components: the enchanting table, anvil, and grindstone. The enchanting table uses lapis lazuli and experience levels to apply enchantments, while the anvil combines enchanted items and books, and the grindstone removes enchantments for XP. Enchantments range from I to IV or V and are specific to gear types. Players typically start with the enchanting table for initial enchants and refine gear using enchanted books obtained through various means. For armor, players should prioritize Protection IV, Unbreaking III, and Mending, followed by utility enchantments. Helmets often include Protection IV, Unbreaking III, Mending, Respiration III, and Aqua Affinity, while boots focus on utility with similar core enchantments. Weapons should be tailored to roles, with swords often featuring Sharpness V, Looting III, and Unbreaking III. Bows typically include Power V and either Infinity or Mending, while tridents have Loyalty or Riptide, Impaling V, and Unbreaking III. Tools, especially pickaxes, are prioritized for resource gathering, with common setups including a Fortune III pickaxe and a Silk Touch pickaxe, both requiring Efficiency V, Unbreaking III, and Mending. General rules to avoid high anvil costs include combining books before applying them to items and managing work histories effectively. Players often upgrade gear gradually rather than aiming for perfect gear early on, and many maintain separate work and display sets of gear. Repairing with raw materials does not incur a work penalty but cannot restore enchantments, while some sub-optimal enchantments can be strategically beneficial in certain situations.

AppWizard

December 18, 2025

A grittier take on post-apocalyptic MMOs like Fallout 76, new shooter finally lands on Steam to mixed reviews

Pioner, developed by GFA Games, is an MMO with shooter elements set in a post-apocalyptic world inspired by Stalker. It features a 50km² island that players can explore, incorporating story-driven exploration, social spaces, and PvE and PvP zones. The game includes a faction-based progression system that allows players to build reputations and unlock better items. Players must manage hunger and rest while crafting tools for survival. Launched on Steam Early Access, Pioner has over 1,200 players but faces performance issues and bugs, resulting in a user score of 50%. A hotfix has been released to address these issues, and new story content is expected by January 2026, along with a roadmap for future developments.

AppWizard

December 9, 2025

Charge! Minecraft’s ‘Mounts of Mayhem’ Drop Arrives with Zombie Horses

The Mounts of Mayhem expansion for Minecraft has launched for both Java and Bedrock Editions, introducing new combat and exploration elements. In the desert biome, players encounter the Camel Husk, a passive mob that serves as transport for hostile riders, including a Husk and a new skeleton variant called the Parched, which thrives in sunlight. Players must defeat both riders to tame the Camel Husk. The Spear weapon has been added, enhancing combat dynamics with damage output increasing with player speed. The Lunge enchantment allows for increased speed during jab attacks. Underwater exploration is enhanced with the Nautilus, a neutral mob that can be tamed with a Pufferfish, providing speed boosts and air supply preservation. Players must defeat its rider, the Zombie Nautilus, to tame it. Horses can now swim in water, and players can craft Netherite Horse Armour by combining Diamond Horse Armour with a Netherite Upgrade Smithing Template and an Ingot. Undead horses will appear at night with spear-wielding zombie riders, requiring players to defeat the riders to tame them.

AppWizard

December 8, 2025

Minecraft Mounts of Mayhem Update Release Date and Time (Countdown Timer)

The Minecraft Mounts of Mayhem update will be released on December 9, 2025. The estimated release times for various time zones are as follows: 7:30 AM PST (United States), 9:00 PM IST (India), 12:30 AM JST (Japan, December 10), 11:30 PM CST (China), 10:30 AM EST (Canada), 4:30 PM CET (Italy), 2:30 AM NZST (New Zealand, December 10). The update will introduce new features including underwater mounts, undead mobs, and a new weapon called the Spear. Players can tame the Nautilus mob by feeding it Pufferfish and can equip mounts with Nautilus armor. The update will also feature Camel Husks, the Parched mob, and the Zombie Horse in survival mode. The Spear will not replace swords and axes but will offer additional combat options.

AppWizard

December 8, 2025

The best armoured warfare PC games to play if you love World of Tanks

World of Tanks (WoT), developed by Wargaming, has been a popular game for over 15 years. The author began playing during its beta phase and has continued to engage with it while exploring other armoured-combat games. War Thunder is a competitor to WoT, featuring a wide range of warfare options including tanks, planes, ships, and helicopters, with a focus on realism. It has a more complex targeting system compared to WoT and allows for multiple respawns in a match. However, players may find aerial assaults challenging, and the grind for modern tanks can be lengthy. Armored Warfare focuses on modern vehicles and offers a quicker progression pace, especially for premium account users. It has a health-based combat system similar to WoT and features a PVE mode with over 40 missions, though it has a lower server population. PANZERKAMPF, a newer game, offers fast-paced WWII combat with a user interface similar to WoT. However, it has limited maps and a more arcade-like experience. Tank Force combines elements of Armored Warfare and WoT, designed for both PC and mobile. It emphasizes a faster-paced experience with Cold War-era tanks and allows players to respawn multiple times during matches. Wargaming is actively improving WoT, addressing matchmaking issues and reworking tanks in the recent 2.0 update. Players are being offered gifts such as premium access and in-game currency.

AppWizard

December 1, 2025

Crossbow vs Bow Minecraft: Complete Comparison Guide

In Minecraft, the bow and crossbow are two primary ranged weapons, each with unique characteristics. Bow: - Draw time: 1 second for full power - Damage: 5–10 hearts, varies with arrow type and enchantments - Ammo: Unlimited as long as arrows are in inventory - Enchantments: Power, Punch, Flame, Infinity - Strengths: Rapid fire, critical hits, Infinity enchantment - Weaknesses: Lower base damage, requires skill for maximum draw - Durability: 384 uses - Repair methods: Anvil + string, crafting a new bow, Unbreaking & Mending Crossbow: - Loading time: 1–1.25 seconds - Base damage: Higher than the bow - Ammo: Arrows and fireworks - Enchantments: Piercing, Quick Charge, Multishot, Unbreaking - Strengths: High damage per shot, special projectiles, reliable hit - Weaknesses: Slower firing, no critical hits, lower durability - Durability: 326 uses - Repair methods: Anvil + string, Unbreaking & Mending, crafting a new crossbow Comparison: - Bow has moderate damage and faster firing speed, while crossbow has high damage but is slower due to reload. - Bow can achieve critical hits; crossbow cannot. - Bow is better for rapid attacks and mobility, while crossbow excels in high-damage bursts and strategic use against armored enemies. Players often choose based on their playstyle: the bow for agility and rapid fire, and the crossbow for powerful, deliberate shots. Many players find value in using both weapons to adapt to different combat situations.

AppWizard

November 27, 2025

I ranked Arc Raiders skins based on how likely I am to shoot them on sight, and I’ve become the thing I swore to destroy

Rory Norris shares his experiences in the game Arc Raiders, focusing on the significance of character skins in player interactions. He notes that different outfits convey various messages about trust and intent. - The Striker outfit resembles Norris's usual attire but makes him suspicious of the wearer's motives due to its aggressive design. - The Macrame outfit evokes danger, prompting Norris to act cautiously around players wearing it. - The Riposta skin, despite its fencing roots, appears threatening, leading Norris to take preemptive action against players in it. - Norris is skeptical of players in the default Origin skin, associating them with unexpected aggression. - The Cosmo outfit increases his distrust due to its unappealing design. - Although the Driftcoat is his favorite, it raises concerns about the wearer's potential threat. - The Leviathan skin's dark design creates an unsettling element of surprise. - The popular Torpedo outfit makes Norris question the intentions of its wearers. - Players in the Ryder skin are more trusted by Norris, though he remains cautious. - The Voyager skin's friendly appearance makes Norris feel at ease. - Norris finds the Astrolite outfit bemusing but holds no ill will towards its wearers. - The Chap skin elicits a neutral response from Norris. - The Cresta outfit is viewed with suspicion due to its unappealing design. - The Hawker outfit's unassuming nature could mask a dangerous player. - The Mirage skin offers a chance for trust, though Norris stays alert. - Ombra's vibrant design does not alleviate Norris's caution. - The Radio Renegade skin is appreciated for its practicality, but Norris remains skeptical. - The Velati outfit fosters a sense of trust if players engage positively. - The Voltedge outfit attracts friendly players, making Norris view them as allies. - Norris constantly negotiates for survival and collaboration in the game. - Players in the Patrol outfit signify skill and dedication, prompting Norris to consider teaming up. - Certain skins foster camaraderie, leading Norris to identify trusted allies in the game.