underwater exploration Archives

AppWizard

June 2, 2026

Subnautica 2’s no-killing policy isn’t because it’s ‘a game about pacifism’, says design lead, but because players would ‘master the crappy combat’ over anything else

Subnautica 2 has sparked controversy due to comments suggesting it lacks traditional combat elements. Design lead Anthony Gallegos explained that the decision to minimize combat is not based on a non-violent ethos but stems from the studio's modding culture origins. He referenced the developers of SOMA, highlighting that combat options could detract from the intended atmosphere of dread and exploration. By removing combat, Subnautica 2 aims to maintain tension and immersion in the underwater world. Gallegos also mentioned the possibility of new mitigation systems in future updates, as the episodic release schedule allows for the introduction of additional gameplay mechanics.

AppWizard

May 25, 2026

I’m glad they didn’t release Subnautica 2 all at once—the episodic early access structure has me even more excited to explore its alien ocean

Subnautica 2, currently in early access, sold 2 million copies within twelve hours of its launch. The game features a narrative involving an AI companion named NOA and the remnants of previous colonists, with players encountering the Masefield Syndrome linked to a colossal alien tree. The game includes a survival-crafting element where players must construct a Tadpole mini-sub to explore the ocean. It integrates tools and gadgets into the narrative, enhancing gameplay and driving players to uncover mysteries. The game has received some criticism for its stringent end-user license agreement but has made a significant impact in the gaming community.

AppWizard

May 16, 2026

Subnautica 2 sells two million copies in less than 24 hours

Subnautica 2 features a four-player co-op mode and achieved two million sales within 12 hours of its launch. The game entered early access on May 14 and peaked at over 651,000 simultaneous players across platforms, with Steam recording 467,582 players. More than one million players engaged with the game within an hour of launch, and 93% of reviews have been positive. Players are enjoying the experience, with positive feedback highlighting its visual appeal and content.

AppWizard

May 8, 2026

The best Steam Deck games: 35 essential titles for Valve’s handheld PC wonder

The Steam Deck is a handheld device that enhances PC gaming convenience, allowing players to engage with various games in different settings. Diablo IV has adapted well to the Steam Deck, offering a portable experience that aligns with its dungeon-clearing and loot-collecting gameplay. Post-launch enhancements have improved itemization and the endgame experience, while the expansion, Vessel of Hatred, adds new narrative and gameplay elements. The Steam Deck's ability to suspend and resume games instantly supports quick gaming sessions. Notable games for the Steam Deck include: 1. Animal Well - A Metroidvania-style indie game with puzzles. 2. Aperture Desk Job - A comedic adventure in the Portal universe. 3. Balatro - A roguelike poker game ideal for short sessions. 4. Batman: Arkham Asylum - A classic superhero game with engaging mechanics. 5. Blue Prince - A puzzle-roguelike set in a shifting mansion. 6. Cuphead - A run-and-gun game with hand-animated visuals. 7. Dave the Diver - Combines exploration and restaurant management. 8. Death’s Door - An action-adventure featuring atmospheric storytelling. 9. Disco Elysium - A detective RPG known for its exceptional writing. 10. Dispatch - A narrative adventure with superhero themes. The Steam Deck's game library reflects a variety of genres, appealing to gamers seeking convenience and depth.

AppWizard

May 1, 2026

This new deep-sea roguelike turns mining into a survival horror grind

Yogscast Games is releasing a roguelike game titled The Subminer, set in the icy depths of Enceladus, one of Saturn's moons. Players control a prototype bio-droid tasked with scavenging resources and escaping dangers in a procedurally generated underwater environment divided into three depth levels. Upon death, players return with upgrades for further attempts. The game features a submarine for navigation and support, while players can also dive into tighter spaces as a diver, facing increased vulnerability. The Subminer is developed by Tech Turtles and is set to launch on Steam in 2026. Players can wishlist the game for notifications upon release.

AppWizard

December 20, 2025

My top 12 handheld games I played in 2025 — Indies and AAA titles I recommend for Steam Deck, Xbox Ally X, Legion Go 2, and more

- Little Kitty, Big City: A whimsical game where players navigate city streets as a cat, runs well on handhelds and is Steam Deck verified. - Amber Isle: A cozy game allowing players to create a dinosaur character and craft, marked as Playable for Steam Deck, though some text is small. - Kingdom of Night: An engaging game with 80s-inspired pixel art and combat, set in Miami, Arizona, Steam Deck verified. - PowerWash Simulator: An addictive game about cleaning surfaces, Steam Deck verified. - The Plucky Squire: A game where players leap from book pages into the real world, runs beautifully on Steam Deck and is Steam Deck verified. - My Little Puppy: A heartfelt game about a dog searching for its owner in the afterlife, Steam Deck verified. - Blue Prince: A roguelike puzzle game set in a mansion, marked as Playable for Steam Deck, though some text can be hard to read. - Kulebra and the Souls of Limbo: An adventure puzzle game featuring a snake assisting souls, Steam Deck verified. - Baldur's Gate 3: Acclaimed as 2023's Game of the Year, runs beautifully on handheld devices and is Steam Deck verified. - Dave the Diver: A game combining underwater exploration with sushi restaurant management, Steam Deck verified. - Minecraft: Runs well on handhelds with adjustments, but is not Steam Deck verified. - Immortals Fenyx Rising: An open-world RPG inspired by The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, marked as Playable on Steam Deck. - Horizon Zero Dawn: A favorite game with a captivating story, Steam Deck verified. - Clair Obscur: Expedition 33: An award-winning game with improved performance after an update, Steam Deck verified. - Xbox Game Pass: Offers a vast library of titles perfect for handhelds.

AppWizard

December 12, 2025

Mounts of Mayhem released for Minecraft with new mobs, weapons and more

The latest major update for Minecraft, titled "Mounts of Mayhem," introduces several new features, including: - New mobs: Nautilus, Zombie Nautilus, Camel Husk, and Parched. - Nautilus Armor for player protection. - Introduction of Spear weapons for combat. - Natural spawning of Zombie Horses. - New graphical options: "Texture Filtering" and "Anisotropic Filtering." - Netherite Horse Armor can be obtained by upgrading Diamond Horse Armor using a Smithing Table. - Removal of obfuscation to enhance modding capabilities. - An experimental version of the update is available with manual installation steps. - A guide for playing Minecraft on Linux, SteamOS, or Steam Deck is available on GamingOnLinux. - Minecraft was released on November 8, 2011, and is available on various platforms, including native Linux.

AppWizard

December 10, 2025

Minecraft’s final update of the year is officially here — Mounts of Mayhem brings mounted combat to the Overworld

2025 has seen two Minecraft Live events and four significant content updates, culminating in the final update of the year titled Mounts of Mayhem. This update introduces new features such as a tiered weapon called the spear, which has extended reach and can be crafted from various materials. It includes jab and charge attacks and is designed for mounted combat. A new mount, the nautilus, has been added for underwater exploration, which can be tamed and provides the "Breath of the Nautilus" effect. Three undead mounts have been introduced: the zombie horse, camel husk, and zombie nautilus, each with unique characteristics. The update also features a new hostile mob, the parched, which spawns in deserts and fires arrows of weakness. Additional changes include mounts floating in water, the ability to upgrade diamond horse armor to netherite, and new graphics options for Minecraft: Java Edition. Mojang plans to implement smaller, more frequent updates in the future. Changelogs for both Minecraft: Java Edition 1.21.11 and Minecraft: Bedrock Edition 1.21.130 are available for review.

AppWizard

December 9, 2025

Here are the top 20 most wishlisted games on Steam as we charge headfirst into 2026

The 20 most wishlisted games on Steam include: 20. Vindictus: Defying Fate - A spinoff of the 2012 MMO, set to attract Souls enthusiasts with its focus on dodges and counterattacks. 18. Reanimal - A co-op horror adventure from the creators of Little Nightmares, releasing on February 13, 2026. 17. Mouse: PI for Hire - A visually captivating title combining boomer shooter energy with rubberhose animation, set to release on March 19, 2026. 14. Chrono Odyssey - A photorealistic MMORPG featuring time manipulation mechanics, expected to launch in Q4 2026. 13. Quarantine Zone: The Last Check - A base management simulator set in a zombie apocalypse, releasing in 2025 with a demo available on Steam. 12. Witchbrook - A cooperative life simulation game with pixel art, anticipated to release in 2026. 11. Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era - A tactical RPG aiming to return to the franchise's roots, expected in 2026 with a demo available. 10. Half Sword - A physics-based swordfighting dueling simulator entering early access in Q1 2026. 9. Unrecord - A police officer simulation game with realistic visuals and moral dilemmas, with no announced release date. 8. Ark 2 - A sequel featuring survival crafting mechanics, currently without a clear release date. 7. Blight: Survival - A co-op survival horror game set in a medieval landscape, with no release window yet. 6. Slay the Spire 2 - A sequel to the acclaimed deckbuilding game, expected to launch in March 2026. 5. Kingmakers - A game where players use modern weaponry in medieval England, delayed indefinitely. 4. Resident Evil Requiem - The latest installment in the Resident Evil franchise, scheduled for release on February 27, 2026. 3. Light No Fire - A fantasy survival adventure from Hello Games, with no release date announced after seven years of development. 2. Deadlock - A MOBA in invite-only testing, with no clear release date available. 1. Subnautica 2 - Set to enter early access in 2026, continuing the underwater exploration theme of its predecessors.

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.