terrain Archives

AppWizard

January 15, 2026

Hytale and Minecraft: 5 key differences you should know about

Hytale, developed by Hypixel Studios, shares similarities with Minecraft, including expansive, procedurally generated worlds and block-based environments. The game features a more nuanced combat system with special movesets and ultimate attacks, distinguishing it from Minecraft's melee system. Hytale's crafting is streamlined, allowing players to select items from a menu rather than arranging resources in a grid, and includes a progression mechanic for crafting stations. Additionally, Hytale introduces mantling, enabling players to jump and grab onto edges of blocks, enhancing mobility and exploration.

AppWizard

January 10, 2026

How to get Helium in StarRupture

Players can collect Helium from small meteorites on the planet's surface in StarRupture. Initially, Helium may seem unimportant compared to other materials like Wolfram, Titanium, and Calcium, but its demand increases as the game progresses. Helium-rich locations are nearby, and players should equip weapons and ammunition to deal with monsters while gathering Helium. Players can also find the Stabilizer blueprint location close to Helium deposits. After collecting enough Helium, players must connect power sources and place Helium-3 Extractors on vents for efficient production and storage.

AppWizard

January 10, 2026

As the Amazon series hits its stride, these excellent Fallout games are cheaper than ever

The Fallout franchise has gained renewed popularity due to the anticipation of a fifth mainline entry, an upcoming Amazon series, and improvements in Fallout 76. Fallout: New Vegas is highlighted as a significant title in the series, known for its RPG mechanics and narrative depth. Fallout 76, initially criticized at launch in 2018, has evolved into a more enjoyable experience. The Best of Platinum Collection from Fanatical offers Fallout: New Vegas, Fallout 3, and Fallout 76 for .33 / £3.33 each, along with a variety of other games. Recommendations include Fallout: New Vegas, Fallout 76, Amnesia: The Bunker, and RoboCop: Rogue City, with potential discounts for purchasing multiple titles.

AppWizard

January 10, 2026

The PvPvE extraction shooter where you build and drive a huge stompy mechanical base across a ruined planet gets a Steam release date

Sand: Raiders of Sophie is an open-world first-person shooter developed by Hologryph, set in an industrial alternate history of 1910 under the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The game features player-versus-player and player-versus-environment gameplay, allowing players to raid resources and explore the remnants of cities. Players can engage in skirmishes for loot, search for weapons and resources, and navigate using a mobile base called the Trampler, which can transform into a ship. The game is set to be released on Steam in March, and it has undergone several playtests. A new trailer has been released, showcasing the game's visuals and environment.

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 31, 2025

Why Modern PC Games Are CPU-Bound Again

Modern PC gaming faces a challenge where gamers experience underutilized GPUs at around 60% capacity, leading to faltering frame rates despite investing in high-end graphics cards. This issue arises not from CPU inadequacy but from gaming demands evolving faster than how games utilize CPU power. Players upgrading to more powerful GPUs like the RTX 4080 or RX 7900 XT report minimal frame rate improvements, particularly at 1080p and 1440p resolutions, with CPU cores being pushed to their limits while GPU usage declines. This trend is evident across various game genres, and even DirectX 12, which offers improved multithreading, struggles to scale effectively beyond six to eight cores. Developers recognize these CPU limitations but find it challenging to address them. Modern games simulate numerous elements continuously, rely on real-time asset streaming, and face difficulties in distributing workloads effectively across CPU cores. Additionally, console hardware influences game design, often leading to CPU-bound scenarios on high-end PCs. Performance varies between Intel and AMD CPUs depending on game design, with some games demonstrating effective CPU scaling while others do not. CPU bottlenecks are expected to persist as GPU advancements outpace CPU improvements, emphasizing the need for gamers to consider CPU capabilities alongside GPU upgrades.

BetaBeacon

December 31, 2025

Best Android Games To Play When You’re Stuck Waiting in Coffee Shops, During Commutes & More

- Candy Crush Saga is a popular casual Android game that combines strategy with chance. - Roblox and Minecraft are digital playgrounds where players can create and explore unique worlds. - Five Nights at Freddy's is a horror game that has gained popularity for its simple mechanics and tense gameplay. - Garena's Free Fire is a popular battle royale game on Android with over a billion downloads. - There are many other great Android games for short gaming sessions that cater to different preferences and needs.

AppWizard

December 29, 2025

Minecraft’s unofficial “WW1 update” uses the spear as artillery and lets you parry TNT

Minecraft players are innovating with new gameplay possibilities following the introduction of the spear in the Mounts of Mayhem update. The spear has been significantly buffed, making it one of the most lethal craftable weapons in the game. Players are using it to enhance TNT cannons, allowing for greater explosive range and effectiveness in combat. Additionally, players are exploring creative projects, including advanced siege engines and concepts reminiscent of World War 1, such as airships and artillery. It is now possible for players to redirect moving TNT blocks, introducing new gameplay mechanics like parrying TNT.

AppWizard

December 29, 2025

Peak shows you don’t need horror or quirky party games to be one of the best co-ops in years

Peak is a co-op mountain-climbing adventure game that emphasizes teamwork and strategy. Players must collaborate closely to avoid being penalized, such as being thrown off the mountain by a monster for straying too far from the group. The game begins at a crash site with limited supplies, requiring teams to make quick strategic decisions regarding resource allocation based on individual skills. It features a resource management system centered around a single stamina bar that depletes with poor choices, enhancing focused gameplay. The intuitive controls and engaging mechanics make navigating the terrain rewarding, while the game's design fosters camaraderie and playful interactions among players.

AppWizard

December 28, 2025

A game about giant, helpless teddy bears fleeing a dying world may be a bit on the nose right now, but it’s also my favorite game of 2025

Herdling, developed by Okomotive, is a light puzzle adventure game that focuses on nurturing rather than violence. Players guide a calicorn, a majestic creature, through a world affected by neglect, emphasizing themes of life, hope, and companionship. The gameplay involves herding the calicorns through various landscapes while facing challenges that require strategic thinking. The bond between the player and the calicorns creates a sense of responsibility, and players must navigate obstacles while maintaining the creatures' trust and safety. The game features simple mechanics, artistic design, and atmospheric soundscapes, fostering emotional engagement and empathy.