resource gathering Archives

AppWizard

January 31, 2026

Is Hytale worth playing? A lifelong Minecraft fan’s perspective

In 2010, a 14-year-old journalist began playing a beta version of Minecraft, which sparked a lasting passion for the game. Minecraft's core gameplay remains popular, supported by a vibrant community that creates mods and custom servers. Hytale, a sandbox RPG that originated from the Hypixel Minecraft server in 2015, has been released as a standalone game after a challenging development process. Hytale features familiar aesthetics from Minecraft but introduces enhancements like a structured beginning and RPG elements. It aims to capture the essence of Minecraft while offering new experiences for players. Hytale is currently in early access and reflects the spirit of innovation in sandbox gaming.

AppWizard

January 16, 2026

Hytale Early Access Review So Far

Hytale, developed by former Minecraft modders, is a survival crafting game that serves as a spiritual successor to Minecraft. It retains familiar block-breaking and building mechanics but streamlines gameplay by allowing players to craft basic tools from easily collectible materials. Movement is enhanced with the ability to jump higher and utilize parkour mechanics. The game runs smoothly on high-performance systems, maintaining framerates above 60 even at maximum draw distance. Hytale features an engaging combat system with various weapon types and a diverse range of enemies. Building mechanics offer a broader selection of components, though some classic techniques may become obsolete. The Early Access version currently lacks clear direction, with the main hub area under construction and exploration revealing barriers in dungeons. Overall, Hytale presents thoughtful enhancements and a refreshing take on the survival crafting genre.

AppWizard

January 13, 2026

If I could change one thing in Arc Raiders this year, I’d abolish late spawns

The author completed their Expedition by acquiring the last Ion Sputter and reflected on their experiences in Stella Montis. They noted that late spawns in Arc Raiders, while previously a minor inconvenience, have become a significant hurdle due to the game's focus on Expeditions and resource collection. Specifically, late spawns drastically reduce the chances of obtaining necessary items like Ion Sputters and Frequency Modulation Boxes. The introduction of aggression-based matchmaking has further complicated resource gathering. The author argues that late spawns disrupt strategic planning and introduce randomness, making it difficult to achieve specific objectives. They suggest that if the game continues to emphasize resource pursuit, the late spawn mechanics should be reconsidered to align with other extraction shooters.

AppWizard

January 3, 2026

How I Fell Back In Love With Minecraft After 10 Years Away

The author first played Minecraft in 2010 and was captivated by its charm, comparing it to a digital Lego set. Over time, they drifted away from the game due to burnout and political controversies surrounding its creator, Markus “Notch” Persson. The author visited Mojang in March 2011 when Minecraft had sold over a million copies, a figure that has since grown to over 350 million. Persson's demeanor changed after the game's acquisition by Microsoft for .5 billion in 2014 and the emergence of GamerGate, leading to the author's negative feelings towards the game. The Donut SMP server, created by YouTuber DrDonut, peaked at nearly 46,000 players in a single day and features an in-game economy where players can buy and sell resources. The author's son initially sought a Minecraft Realm for his classmates but later requested to join the Donut SMP server after tensions arose in the Realm. The author, initially hesitant, found common ground with their son on the server, leading to collaborative gameplay that involved resource gathering and crafting. They created a secret base and automated systems, learning about supply and demand in the game's market. This experience rekindled the author's joy in Minecraft and strengthened their bond with their son.

AppWizard

January 1, 2026

Designing a more magical survival game: a first look at Witchspire

Witchspire is a co-op open-world survival game developed by the Swedish team Envar, targeting Early Access in 2026. Players assume the roles of witches or wizards who reactivate an ancient monument, the Witchspire, and embark on a quest to return home. The game features an expansive environment with floating islands and diverse biomes, utilizing witchcraft as a gameplay mechanic. Players can build structures through astral projection, gather resources with magical tools, and use collectible familiars for combat and crafting. The game emphasizes a non-punitive progression system, allowing players to explore various biomes and engage in combat with spells and upgradeable gear. The world includes "corruption events" with darker elements, and the narrative unfolds through exploration of ruins and dungeons. Witchspire marks Envar's shift from outsourcing to developing original IPs, with plans to self-publish the game.

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 22, 2025

Out of all the new games I’ve played in 2025, Grounded 2 deserves a special nod simply because it makes me like a genre that I really don’t like: multiplayer survival

Over the past year, 32 new gaming titles were released, with Grounded 2 emerging as a favorite. The game builds on its predecessor, which was played for over 110 hours, and emphasizes adventure and teamwork without competitive pressure. Players can engage in cooperative resource gathering or solo missions, fostering enjoyable experiences. Grounded 2 features awe-inspiring moments and rewards fun over competition, making it popular among families. It is currently in early access, with a full version expected by the end of 2026, allowing for ongoing content updates. The game has reshaped the author's perspective on multiplayer gaming, highlighting its non-competitive appeal.

AppWizard

December 2, 2025

Last year’s addictive co-op building game, Satisfactory, is 30% off Humble’s Cyber Monday sale

Satisfactory is a factory-building game set on an alien world where players construct and optimize automated production networks. The game emphasizes automation, resource gathering, and intricate constructions, allowing players to explore and experiment with their designs. It features a first-person perspective and a co-op mode for collaborative play. Currently, Satisfactory is available for .45, down from .50, as part of the Humble Store's Black Friday and Cyber Monday sale, which offers a 30% discount. This offer is valid until December 4th, 2025.

AppWizard

November 18, 2025

Cancelled Minecraft-Like Game Hytale Is Saved; Early Access Release Imminent

Hytale, an indie game reminiscent of Minecraft, is set to enter early access soon after being repurchased by its developer, Hypixel Studios, from Riot Games. The game, which has been in development since 2015, offers RPG-like depth and a procedurally-generated fantasy world. Following its initial cancellation by Riot Games, Hypixel founder Simon Collins-Laflamme announced the successful repurchase of the game and studio, securing a decade of funding and bringing back 30 developers. The team plans to keep Hytale in early access for several years, focusing on community collaboration and player feedback. Initially available on PC, there are hints of future expansions to other platforms.

AppWizard

November 12, 2025

This Minecraft mod lets you command Steve to do whatever you want, which means no more strip mining or wood gathering ever again

The Steve mod, developed by YuvDwi and available on GitHub, introduces AI "agents" into Minecraft, powered by systems like OpenAI and Gemini. Players can command these AI companions to perform tasks such as herding sheep or mining, allowing them to focus on building and exploring without the burden of resource gathering. This integration signifies a shift towards more collaborative and efficient gameplay in the gaming landscape.