GeForce NOW has added Star Wars Outlaws to its library of streamable games, along with 8 other new games this week. Flight stick control support is now available on the service.
Cybercriminals use various tactics to infiltrate devices and accounts, spreading malware that can affect PCs, mobile devices, and smart home products. Signs of infection may include increased power consumption, unwanted pop-ups, and sluggish performance, while some malware operates stealthily. Default operating system protections are improving, and users can take proactive measures like installing malware removal applications.
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus is recommended for its real-time and on-demand scanning capabilities, effective malware detection, and cost-effective plans starting at a certain price per year. It includes features such as anti-phishing, anti-tracking, and a VPN, although the VPN has a daily traffic limit. Malwarebytes is another strong option, effective against various threats and offering a user-friendly interface, with paid plans starting at a certain price per year. Avast One Essential provides a free antivirus solution with strong scanning capabilities and additional security features, while ESET offers high-quality antivirus scans but lacks a fully free version beyond a trial. Emsisoft Emergency Kit is a portable scanning tool that operates from a USB drive and is free for personal use.
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus features include:
- On-access and on-demand scanning
- Live customer support
- Anti-phishing and anti-tracking features
- VPN
- Scam protection
- Ransomware combat capabilities
Malwarebytes features include:
- On-access, scheduled, and on-demand scanning
- Browser Guard extension
- VPN
- Multi-platform compatibility
- Free or paid options
- Scam and ad blocker
Avast One Essential features include:
- On-access, scheduled, and on-demand scanning
- Multi-platform compatibility
- Free or paid options
- Strong antivirus scores
- Anti-scam guidance
- Ransomware protection
- Cleanup options
ESET Home Security Essential features include:
- On-access and on-demand scanning
- Real-time protection for financial transactions
- Advanced security features
- Multi-platform compatibility
- Anti-phishing capabilities
- Live customer support
Emsisoft Emergency Kit features include:
- On-demand scanning
- Portable operation from a USB
- Compatible with Windows
- Free for personal use
Players in the Quarantine Zone can undertake the quest "Modern Prometheus," which involves a survivor named Stuart who arrives with a zombified head and requests additional zombie body parts for an experiment. To complete the quest, players must reach day 20, allow Stuart entry into the survivor block, ensure his safety, confiscate body parts from survivor baggage, and engage in conversation with him after collecting four parts.
After admitting Stuart, players must protect him from threats while sourcing the necessary zombie body parts, which cannot be obtained from liquidation or the laboratory. Once all four parts are collected, players discuss the experiment with Stuart, who ultimately meets his demise, leading to a small outbreak of zombies in the survivor base. Players must then eliminate the zombies and can collect a reward of 0 and a severed head collectible from Stuart's belongings.
Players assume the role of a zombie plague "doctor" in the first-person simulation game Quarantine Zone: The Last Check, set to release on January 12, 2026, for £17. Developed by Brigada Games and published by Devolver Digital, the game allows players to screen survivors at a military outpost during a zombie apocalypse, ensuring they are free from the zombie virus and other ailments while also checking for hidden explosives. Players examine survivors for signs of infection, using various tools to inspect their bodies, but the repetitive nature of tasks may lead to monotony. Additionally, players manage supplies and upgrade tools, although these tasks lack depth. Occasional minigames provide brief diversions, but the core gameplay focuses on conducting medical exams. The game will be available on platforms like the Steam Deck.
Brigada Games has launched their first title, Quarantine Zone: The Last Check, on Steam, offering a 10% launch discount until January 26th. The game features professional voiceover work, developed without generative AI, and plans for post-launch content based on player feedback. Key enhancements since the demo include new tools, a revamped tablet UI, a science lab, a new quest system, and additional surprises. Players are encouraged to engage with the game, where decisions impact the fight against infection.
Quarantine Zone: The Last Check is a newly launched first-person medical simulation game available on Steam. Players take on the role of a doctor using a hammer as a tool, blending humor and challenge in various medical scenarios. The game has gained popularity on TikTok and features absurd gameplay, including unconventional treatments. It is currently offered at a 10% discount for a limited time.
The Maw can manifest in various forms, including a blinking cursor or unreturned messages. New PC game releases include:
- Big Hops: A 3D platformer featuring a frog with jumping and tongue skills.
- Confidential Killings: A detective game that could use a more imaginative name.
- Quarantine Zone: The Last Check: Players act as a border guard during a zombie apocalypse, exploring moral dilemmas.
- Hytale: A sandbox building RPG now in early access, developed by Hypixel Studios.
- Hank: Drowning on Dry Land: A whimsical narrative game featuring a drunken, time-traveling character.
- Cassette Boy: An action RPG puzzler with retro visuals and themes of object permanence.
- Streetdog BMX: A game with children performing stunts on bicycles across colorful maps.
- The Legend of Heroes: Trails Beyond the Horizon: The thirteenth installment in an RPG series.
- Tabulo: A roguelite chess game.
- Craftlings: A blend of Lemmings and colony-building elements.
- The Fortress: A first-person turn-based dungeon-crawling RPG.
- NEUROXUS: A fast-paced mech shooter with a neon aesthetic.
- Moving Simulator: A game reflecting the moving experience.
- Lunar Ascendant: Players become the first mayor of the Moon, navigating social media and factions.
James and Julian will attend preview events, while Mark and Ollie are excited about Hytale's launch. A review for Pathologic 3 is being crafted.
Brews & Bastards is available on Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S with Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium, and PC Game Pass. Little Nightmares Enhanced Edition can be played on Cloud, Handheld, PC, and Xbox Series X|S, also available with Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium, and PC Game Pass. Atomfall will be available on January 7 for Cloud, Console, Handheld, and PC with Game Pass Premium. Lost in Random: The Eternal Die, Rematch, and Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine – Master Crafted Edition will also be available on January 7 with Game Pass Premium. Final Fantasy will be available on January 8 for Cloud, Xbox Series X|S, and PC with Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium, and PC Game Pass. Star Wars Outlaws will be released on January 13 for Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S with Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass. My Little Pony: A Zephyr Heights Mystery will be available on January 15 for Cloud, Console, Handheld, and PC with Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium, and PC Game Pass. Resident Evil Village will be available on January 20 for Cloud, Console, and PC with Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium, and PC Game Pass. MIO: Memories in Orbit will also be available on January 20 for Cloud, Handheld, PC, and Xbox Series X|S on day one with Game Pass. Titles leaving the Game Pass library on January 15 include Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn, Neon White, Road 96, The Ascent, and The Grinch Christmas Adventures.
NVIDIA has released its first GeForce NOW Thursday update of the year, adding new PC games to the platform. New entries include the indie game My Winter Car and four previously released titles that are now available for streaming regardless of where they were purchased. Notable titles include Banishers: Ghost of New Eden, The Casting of Frank Stone, and Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2. Upcoming releases for January include StarRupture (Jan. 6), Pathologic 3 (Jan. 9), Quarantine Zone: The Last Check (Jan. 12), MIO: Memories in Orbit (Jan. 20), Nova Roma (Jan. 22), along with Guild Wars: Reforged, Mon Bazou, Supermarket Simulator, and Tavern Keeper. Some anticipated titles such as 2XKO, Arknights: Endfield, The Seven Deadly Sins: Origin, Code Vein II, and Front Mission 3 Remake are not included in this update but may be added later.
January typically sees a quieter period for PC gaming, with many anticipated titles debuting later in the month. Notable releases include:
- January 12: Quarantine Zone: The Last Check (Steam) - Players act as a checkpoint officer in a zombie apocalypse.
- January 26: Highguard (Steam) - A free-to-play hero shooter facing skepticism.
- January 29: Cairn (Steam) - A mountain climbing game praised by early players.
Upcoming gaming events and sales include:
- CES from January 6-9.
- Steam Winter Sale (December 18 - January 5).
- Detective Fest (January 12 - January 19).
- Board Game Fest (January 26 - February 2).
- Taipei Game Show (January 29 - February 1).
Early access launches in January:
- January 6: StarRupture (Steam) - A sci-fi base building and defense game.
- January 22: Bladesong (Steam) - Players craft blades in a dark fantasy setting.
- January TBA: Echoes of Elysium (Steam) - A co-op airship survival RPG delayed from December.
Major updates and events:
- January 20: World of Warcraft's Midnight Pre-Expansion Content Update.
- January 12: Anthem concludes its service.
- January 22: Cult of the Lamb: Woolhaven expansion introduces new content.
Additional game releases in January include:
- January 9: Pathologic 3 (Steam).
- January 12: Big Hops (Steam).
- January 15: Craftlings (Steam) and Legend of Heroes: Trails Beyond the Horizon (Steam).
- January 16: BrokenLore: Unfollow (Steam).
- January 20: Mio: Memories in Orbit (Steam).
- January 21: Dynasty Warriors Origins: Visions of Four Heroes (Steam).
- January 22: Nova Roma (Steam) and Arknights: Endfield (Epic).
- January 28: The Seven Deadly Sins: Origin (Steam) and The Midnight Walkers (early access).
- January 29: Don't Stop, Girlypop! (Steam).
