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This week's Epic Games freebie comes from the Blasphemous team, and it's an underrated strategy gem
AppWizard
April 16, 2026

This week’s Epic Games freebie comes from the Blasphemous team, and it’s an underrated strategy gem

Amnesia: The Dark Descent is a game known for its chilling narrative and insanity mechanic. The Epic Games Store has introduced a new title called The Stone of Madness, developed by The Game Kitchen, set in an 18th-century Spanish monastery. Players control five distinct prisoners trying to escape while managing stealth and sanity. The game features real-time tactical gameplay, requiring players to navigate two escape plans with continuous time flow. Each character has unique skills, and maintaining sanity is crucial to avoid traumatic outbursts. The Stone of Madness is currently available for free on the Epic Games Store until April 23 at 8 am PST / 11 am EST / 4 pm BST / 5 pm CEST.
Fake Claude site installs malware that gives attackers access to your computer
Tech Optimizer
April 13, 2026

Fake Claude site installs malware that gives attackers access to your computer

Claude, an AI tool developed by Anthropic, receives nearly 290 million web visits monthly and has become a target for cybercriminals. A fake website has been found that impersonates Claude, distributing a trojanized installer named Claude-Pro-windows-x64.zip. This installer, while appearing legitimate, deploys PlugX malware, granting attackers remote access to users' systems. The fraudulent site mimics the official download page and uses passive DNS records linked to commercial bulk-email platforms, indicating active maintenance by the operators. The ZIP file contains an MSI installer that incorrectly spells "Claude" as "Cluade" and creates a desktop shortcut that launches a VBScript dropper. This script runs the legitimate claude.exe while executing malicious activities in the background, including copying files to the Windows Startup folder to ensure persistence after reboot. The attack utilizes a DLL sideloading technique recognized by MITRE as T1574.002, where a legitimate G DATA antivirus updater is exploited with a malicious DLL. Within 22 seconds of execution, the malware establishes a connection to an IP address associated with Alibaba Cloud, indicating control over the compromised system. The dropper script also employs anti-forensic measures to delete itself and the VBScript after deployment. Indicators of compromise include the filenames Claude-Pro-windows-x64.zip, NOVUpdate.exe, avk.dll, and NOVUpdate.exe.dat, along with the network indicator 8.217.190.58:443 (TCP) as the command and control destination. Users are advised to download Claude only from the official site and to remain vigilant against potential compromises.
If you think Steam's 90% discount on Resident Evil 3 is good, Fanatical's just beaten it
AppWizard
April 5, 2026

If you think Steam’s 90% discount on Resident Evil 3 is good, Fanatical’s just beaten it

The Resident Evil 3 remake from 2020 is often overlooked compared to the remakes of Resident Evil 2 and Resident Evil 4, despite its gripping narrative and gameplay. The game features S.T.A.R.S. officer Jill Valentine and mercenary Carlos Oliveira as they confront the bioweapon Nemesis in Raccoon City. Players battle infected zombies and navigate engaging puzzles from a third-person perspective, moving away from older tank controls. The remake received a mixed review, scoring 7/10, with critiques about its identity between horror and action. Currently, Fanatical offers the game for .60 / £3.15, which is slightly cheaper than the ongoing Steam sale at 90% off.
ARC Raiders and Minecraft Devs Reveal Gorgeous AAA Co-Op RPG
AppWizard
April 1, 2026

ARC Raiders and Minecraft Devs Reveal Gorgeous AAA Co-Op RPG

Wayfinder Studios has announced Wyldheart, a cooperative RPG developed by veterans from games like ARC Raiders, Minecraft, and Battlefield. In Wyldheart, players take on the role of a peasant imprisoned and seek an ancient relic to protect their town, with options to play solo or with up to three friends. The game features a semi-cartoonish visual style inspired by early Elder Scrolls games and the Fable series, focusing on social dynamics, NPC interactions, and exploration. Players can engage with local villagers, uncover quests, gather materials, craft items, and upgrade gear. The combat system offers 19 backgrounds and various skill trees, including magic, adventuring, and survival, along with a range of melee and ranged weapons. The co-op experience includes a drop-in and drop-out system with cloud-shared saves and group XP, designed for busy gamers with campaigns of approximately 10 hours of story content and an additional 15 hours of optional gameplay. Wyldheart is currently in alpha and will enter Early Access later this year, with players able to wishlist it on Steam.
Arc Raiders Steam player count for March down over 50% since launch
AppWizard
March 30, 2026

Arc Raiders Steam player count for March down over 50% since launch

Arc Raiders emerged as a surprise hit in 2025, successfully elevating the extraction shooter genre to mainstream popularity with a vibrant community known as the Care Bears. The game peaked at nearly 500,000 concurrent players, driven by streamer coverage and word of mouth. However, the player base has gradually declined as many have explored the game's content. The Shrouded Sky update in February did not significantly boost player numbers, indicating a need for more substantial content. The upcoming Flashpoint update is anticipated to determine if it can draw players back and sustain interest in the game.
Solasta 2 has an impossible act to follow, but I'm hooked on its D&D roadtrip vibes
AppWizard
March 30, 2026

Solasta 2 has an impossible act to follow, but I’m hooked on its D&D roadtrip vibes

Solasta 2 is an Early Access sequel developed by Tactical Adventures, designed to be faithful to the tabletop D&D experience. The game emphasizes mechanics over narrative, featuring a hex-grid map and a party of four adopted siblings. Players engage in exploration and combat, with a variety of environmental factors influencing decisions. The combat system allows for both ranged and melee attacks, and events often require ability checks or dice rolls. Character creation is limited to four ancestries and six classes, with some animation issues present. The early hours of the game feel somewhat linear, with limited choices, but a roadmap for future updates is in place. Estimated playtime for Act One is 10-15 hours, though players may exceed this as they explore.
Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous' 232 subclasses make it the ultimate RPG for buildcrafting freaks—especially the overpowered Ranger who gets to ride a griffon from level 1
AppWizard
March 29, 2026

Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous’ 232 subclasses make it the ultimate RPG for buildcrafting freaks—especially the overpowered Ranger who gets to ride a griffon from level 1

Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous is a complex RPG that offers 232 subclasses, including 26 base classes, 193 subclasses, and 13 prestige classes, providing a detailed character-building experience. The game features unique mechanics such as animal companions and mounted combat, which enhance gameplay and strategy. One subclass, the "Sable Company Marine," allows players to have a rideable griffon companion from the beginning. The game is available on Steam and GOG, with sales currently offered.
Banquet For Fools review
AppWizard
March 24, 2026

Banquet For Fools review

Banquet for Fools is an immersive role-playing game set to release on March 5, 2026, by Hannah and Joseph Games. Players engage deeply with the game world, which lacks traditional quest logs and markers, requiring them to take notes to track objectives. The game begins with a chaotic scene and spans three centuries into the future, where players create questing parties with unconventional characters. The narrative is intentionally vague, and players must interpret information conveyed through elaborate scrolls and hand-drawn notes. Traveling in the game is a significant experience, with players choosing routes that impact their resources and survival. Encounters with friendly groups or hostile enemies add tension, and combat is real-time, requiring tactical decisions and quick reactions. The combat system emphasizes a personal connection to attacks and encourages players to unlock new abilities that enhance tactical options. Challenges include vague directions from NPCs and a strict day/night cycle, which can lead to frustration but also deepen player engagement with the game world. Each setback offers opportunities to learn and adapt, making the experience rewarding despite its complexities.
Lost in Random: The Eternal Die proves roguelikes don't need to fill 100 hours
AppWizard
March 22, 2026

Lost in Random: The Eternal Die proves roguelikes don’t need to fill 100 hours

Action roguelikes, particularly those inspired by Hades, have gained popularity, with "Lost in Random: The Eternal Die" being a notable recent release. This sequel retains whimsical aesthetics and introduces a magical die companion, focusing on action gameplay rather than exploration. Players select weapons with multiple forms and battle through four regions, facing a boss at the end of each. The game features an innovative card system that allows players to discover unique spells, with timing affecting spell effectiveness. A relic system adds strategic depth, where players draft bonuses and align relics to enhance damage types. Level design includes interconnected rooms and engaging boss battles, which may surpass those in Hades. The game has a playtime of under 21 hours and is currently available at a 45% discount during the Steam Spring Sale for .67 / £10.99, as well as on Xbox Game Pass with a demo available.
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