The best VR games are bound to surprise, charm, or even scare you in an array of ways. Most importantly, the best examples of VR games thrive in immersion, taking you into different worlds in the blink of an eye, or a quick gesture with your hands.

Regardless of which of the current platforms you choose, there's an extensive catalog of VR experiences to discover. The PlayStation VR 2, Meta Quest 3, and Apple Vision Pro have been leading the charge in recent times with their singular advantages and compromises. Meanwhile, PC VR supports a long list of compatible headsets, including the Valve Index and HTC Vive Pro 2 to name a few, as well as the recent addition of the PlayStation VR 2. If you manage to find stock of the PC adapter, that is.

Our selection has something for every player, regardless of platform and genre of choice. Our picks intersect with the 25 best horror games out there, where you'll recognize a familiar franchise. While there are some VR-exclusive games on the list, some titles originated as so-called flat versions, with a few renowned choices being part of our best PS5 games and best PC game lists.

If you're undecided over what headset to pick, the list will also help you to double-check what you already have in your library that has a VR version ready to boot, before diving into our list of the best VR headsets in 2025 for additional details. If you don't want to immediately spend more money after acquiring a headset, we've also listed 15 of the best free VR games to play.

The future of the VR space might seem uncertain after a taxing 2024, but creatives aren't stopping coming up with ideas anytime soon. With new games like Zombie Army VR, The Midnight Walk, and F1 25 VR on the horizon, there's never been a better time to start training your VR legs and enjoy a number of experiences in a way that can't be mimicked with just a TV and a controller.

Beat Saber

• Platform: Meta Quest headsets, PlayStation VR, PlayStation VR 2, PC VR headsets
• Release Year: 2018
• Developer: Beat Games
• VR Intensity: 3

Much like many of the music tracks featured in the Beat Saber catalog, classics never die. At this point, Beat Saber has become an emblem of VR, with the simple premise of giving you two virtual swords to slice through blocks at the beat of Queen, Fall Out Boy, Lady Gaga, and dozens of other artists.

Beat Saber is a great option to showcase the capabilities of VR to a newcomer in a quick way without forcing their body to move too much. That being said, there's definitely a steep curve to overcome if you're up for the challenge, including different difficulties to master, multiplayer modes, and even a 360 degree variant where you're rotating in place waiting for the next row of blocks to come. You can't go wrong with Beat Saber, and hey, there are quite a few music packs available for free included with the game, so you don't have to spend additional money right away.

Read our Beat Saber review.

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Half-Life: Alyx

• Platform: PC VR headsets
• Release Year: 2020
• Developer: Valve
• VR Intensity: 7

It's not easy to live up to expectations when talking about something like a new Half-Life game, but somehow, Half-Life: Alyx exceeds them. It's a different take on a beloved (and, up until its release, dormant) universe that manages to make a standout use of VR. Starring the Gravity Gloves, which are best experienced with the ever-pricey Valve Index, you're invited to fully immerse yourself in the world around you, making use of the environment and your own creativity to deal with puzzles and dangerous situations.

Time will tell if Half-Life: Alyx will ever make it outside of the PC ecosystem. If you don't have a dedicated headset for desktop PC, the Meta Quest can be used to play Valve's singular experience via wired connection or wirelessly, the latter thanks to a recent update for Steam Link for Meta Quest. Performance will vary depending on your build specs, however, as well as the method of choice. But all in all, Alyx is an experience you won't want to miss--it was GameSpot's Game of the Year for 2020.

Read our Half-Life Alyx review.

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The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners

• Platform: Meta Quest headsets, PlayStation VR, PlayStation VR 2, PC VR headsets
• Release Year: 2020
• Developer: Skybound
• VR Intensity: 7

This might come as a surprise, but one of the best zombie games out there is in VR. The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners is a gritty, in-depth simulation title where you need to gather scraps, craft weapons, and supplies while tending to your wounds and hunger in order to survive the apocalypse in a fictional rendition of New Orleans.

There are very few VR games that balance both tension and a sense of accomplishment like Saints & Sinners does. Helping the locals with main and side missions while cautiously looking at the watch on your wrist so you can plan your escape before the night comes is a thrilling experience that's rarely replicated elsewhere, especially outside of a headset. If you have a Meta Quest 3 or a PlayStation VR 2, developer Skybound released platform-specific updates for each, offering better visuals and some quality-of-life features.

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Thumper

• Platform: Meta Quest headsets, PlayStation VR, Playstation VR 2, PC VR headsets
• Release Year: 2016
• Developer: Drool
• VR Intensity: 6

There are fever dreams and fever nightmares. Thumper definitely fits the second category. Introduced as possibly the most aggressive take on rhythm games to date, you're entrusted with a handful of actions as a space beetle going at full speed through psychedelic scenarios.

Even if you've played the original version, the VR rendition amps up the intensity of the visual and sound design that permeates the whole experience. You're tasked with learning and re-learning patterns until you can make progress, and then you do it all again as obstacles get harder to surpass. Very few games give you the relief that Thumper has in store once you manage to finish a level you've been stuck in for days.

Read our Thumper review.

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Rez Infinite

• Platform: Meta Quest headsets, PlayStation VR, PlayStation VR 2, PC VR headsets
• Release Year: 2016
• Developer: Monstars Inc., Resonair
• VR Intensity: 4

Rez, first released back in 2002, is the sensory overload experience that keeps on giving. Rez Infinite, an HD version released in 2016 with VR compatibility, is the definitive edition of the classic on-rail shooter. Its emphasis on providing a synesthesia effect, as well as some VR-unique capabilities, make the difference.

The most notable feature is Area X, a mode made specifically for VR. In contrast to the original version--which also plays great with a headset--you're off the rail and free to move through a number of unique levels. There's an exhilarating feeling in using eye-tracking to aim at targets, as well as your own head to guide the avatar's movements as you fly and dodge projectiles while beautiful visual effects engulf you. Area X must be experienced by everyone at least once.

Read our Rez Infinite review.

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Tetris Effect

• Platform: Meta Quest headsets, PlayStation VR, PlayStation VR 2, PC VR
• Release Year: 2018
• Developer: Resonair, Monstars, Stage Games
• VR Intensity: 4

Tetris Effect is excellent on every platform. Even if you aren't a fan of the original Tetris, you're bound to get lost in the immersive visuals and sounds as you slowly get better at lining up Tetrominoes. When you pair the experience with VR, however, the result is somehow even more special.

While there isn't a specific level or mode tailored solely for VR like the one Rez Infinite offers, Tetris Effect adapts quite naturally to your headset. You're now bound to move your head around and fully appreciate the often breathtaking vistas up close. Plus, with the additions of the Connected DLC, there's quite a lot to see and do even if you played the original when it first released.

Read our Tetris Effect review.

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Resident Evil Village

• Platform: PlayStation VR 2
• Release Year: 2021
• Developer: Capcom
• VR Intensity: 8

Resident Evil Village marks a big departure from the classic feel of the franchise, building upon the new foundation set by Resident Evil 7. And yet, it works wonders. Controlling Ethan Winters once more--probably one of the unluckiest protagonists in games--you're trusted into a house of nightmarish creatures, from vampires to cursed dolls.

Playing Resident Evil Village in VR heightens the tension and presents the whole experience in a new light. The VR rendition of Resident Evil 7 and the Resident Evil 4 remake are worth trying on their own merits, but Village is different: It makes the best use of the newfound immersion, looks and runs great in the headset, and makes your visit to House Beneviento one you'll never forget.

Read our Resident Evil Village review.

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No Man's Sky

• Platform: PlayStation VR, PlayStation VR 2, PC VR headsets
• Release Year: 2018
• Developer: Hello Games
• VR Intensity: 8

Developer Hello Games is already busy working on its next big game, called Light No Fire, but No Man's Sky is far from being forgotten anytime soon. The past few years have seen the space sim grow in size and scope over and over, adding new ships, expeditions, and an array of mechanics that intertwine with anything from combat to crafting.

No Man's Sky is one of the best Xbox Game Pass games included in the subscription catalog. If you want to experience it in a new light, however, the VR version amps up the immersion to a great degree. If you were initially underwhelmed with the PlayStation VR 2 port, don't worry, as the developer released a major update to integrate Foveated Rendering, which makes the visuals a lot clearer as a result.

Read our No Man's Sky review.

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Batman: Arkham Shadow

• Platform: Meta Quest 3
• Release Year: 2024
• Developer: Camouflaj
• VR Intensity: 7

It was fair to assume that Rocksteady Games had closed the curtain on the Batman: Arkham series permanently, but developer Camouflaj picked up the mantle for an unexpected return. Batman: Arkham Shadow is a Meta Quest 3 exclusive, and upon a first glance, it’s easy to see why. It's by far one of the most impressive-looking games on the platform, and thankfully, Camouflaj understood the assignment of respecting the longstanding legacy of the franchise.

Set between the events of Batman: Arkham Origins and Batman: Arkham Asylum, you take control of the night hero in pursuit of The Rat King, who's terrorizing the city. Mixing in first-person combat that mimics that iconic Arkham system, investigative sections, and a lengthy story, Arkham Shadow is one of those rare VR experiences that come every once in a while, and deserves all the praise it gets.

See at Oculus

Thrasher

• Platform: Meta Quest headsets, Apple Vision Pro
• Release Year: 2024
• Developer: Puddle
• VR Intensity: 3

The novelty of VR can’t be matched by any other technology, but the experience can be enhanced even further with the right tools and ideas. Thrasher, developed by a team formed by the artist and composer of Thumper, is a singular example of the use of hand-tracking alongside a VR headset.

Controlling an ethereal eel across dozens of short, colorful levels, you use your hands to point, pinch, and swipe in the air as the creature dodges traps and confronts bosses, learning movement and attack patterns along the way. It’s as psychedelic as you’d expect from the developer behind Thumper, but with a completely different foundation to boot.

See at Oculus

Gran Turismo 7

• Platform: PlayStation VR 2
• Release Year: 2022
• Developer: Polyphony Digital
• VR Intensity: 5

One of the most exclusive VR experiences, requiring both a PlayStation 5 and a PlayStation VR 2, happens to be one of the best VR games out there. If you enjoy the finesse and precision that Gran Turismo 7 demands, you're in luck, as experiencing the races with a headset on only makes it all better.

Whether you use the DualShock controller or a racing wheel, wearing the PlayStation VR 2 increases the immersion of races, putting you front and center. Looking out the window as you catch the sunset will make every race you end in second place a lot less painful.

Read our Gran Turismo 7 review.

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The Room VR: A Dark Matter

• Platform: Meta Quest headsets, PlayStation VR, Playstation VR 2, PC VR headsets
• Release Year: 2020
• Developer: Fireproof Studios
• VR Intensity: 3

Sometimes, after a long day, all you want to do is unwind. There are plenty of VR games to distract yourself for a while or cut through floating blocks while following a rhythm. But if you want to use whatever remaining energy you have to solve puzzles instead, The Room VR: A Dark Matter will be perfect for you.

The disappearance of an Egyptologist kicks off a series of events involving a police investigation. You're tasked with uncovering what happened as you interact with eerie and cryptic mechanisms. Interactivity is heightened in VR, with the downside that you won't have fast access to your phone to search for a puzzle answer unless you take the headset off.

See at Steam

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim VR

• Platform: PlayStation VR, PC VR headsets
• Release Year: 2018
• Developer: Bethesda Game Studios
• VR Intensity: 8

Yes, it's The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim in VR. Even though it seems safe to assume you've already played Skyrim for countless hours, it's easy to wonder whether or not you should replay Skyrim in VR.

Simply put, the VR treatment of Bethesda's epic is quite a sight to behold. The PlayStation VR version might feel outdated by today's standards, especially if you're used to newer headsets, so it's recommended to opt for a PC VR headset instead. Regardless of your platform of use, you're bound to lose dozens of hours wandering around Tamriel again, if only for good old nostalgia's sake.

Read our The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim review.

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Phasmophobia

• Platform: PlayStation VR 2, PC VR headsets
• Release Year: 2020
• Developer: Kinetic Games
• VR Intensity: 8

If you have any interest in horror or multiplayer games, you likely heard of Phasmophobia by now. Its VR iteration, however, adds a new layer of suspense that can’t be captured on the flat-screen version.

The objective remains the same: Investigate an assortment of scary locales and find clues to identify the entity behind the paranormal activity within. Even in a dark room and with headphones on, the prospect is daunting. The first time you head down the stairs to look at a basement on your own in VR with nothing but a flashlight and your wits, however, is something you need to experience at least once. Fingers crossed the spirit isn’t in there with you when it happens.

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Pinball FX VR

• Platform: Meta Quest headsets
• Release Year: 2025
• Developer: Zen Studios
• VR Intensity: 3

Zen Studios is one of the pioneers in creating VR experiences that simulate the feeling of using a pinball table in real life. After multiple releases over the past few years, Pinball FX VR is a noteworthy showcase of how far the studio has come during this period, offering a virtual arcade with multiple tables and the option for mixed reality.

The base game includes three distinct tables to start, in addition to a campaign mode, challenges and leaderboards for both casual and competitive play styles, and a customizable virtual arcade. If you want to expand your options further, there's already an array of DLC tables which are licensed after classic Williams Pinball tables, from Star Trek to the Twilight Zone, as well as Universal TV classics.

While the virtual arcade is a fun space to use as a hub, mixed reality is a substantial addition, allowing you to scan your room and place tables and cosmetic decorations however you see fit. Last but not least, you can now place your (virtual) hands on the side of the tables to play, as opposed to only being able to control the bumpers at a distance in previous releases.

See at Oculus

Hitman: World of Assassination

• Platform: PlayStation VR 2
• Release Year: 2025
• Developer: IO Interactive
• VR Intensity: 7

IO Interactive has attempted to translate the thrill of 47's contracts to VR, albeit with uneven results.

Hitman 3 was the entry point, which was later expanded with missions from previous games (and led to the World of Assassination package), but it lacked environment interactions and other nice-to-have features in VR, such as manually reloading weapons. Hitman 3 Reloaded followed suit as a Meta Quest 3 exclusive, but the version was compromised in terms of performance and graphical fidelity to run on the headset.

Thankfully, the PSVR 2 version of Hitman: World of Assassination nailed the assignment while addressing some of the shortcomings of the aforementioned launches. Requiring the base game as well as a $10 purchase to enable the VR version, this rendition features all of the new Hitman missions in a presentation that makes great use of the headset's capabilities.

It also includes active reloading, dual-wielding, full ambidexterity to complete different tasks simultaneously, fully usable sniper scopes, improvements to physics, and environmental interactions. If you've been itching for a new playthrough or are just interested in seeing the series in a new light, there's finally a catch-all version to jump in.

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Star Wars Squadrons

• Platform: PlayStation VR, PC VR
• Release Year: 2020
• Developer: Motive Studio
• VR Intensity: 7

Piloting a TIE Fighter in VR is a no-brainer, and Star Wars: Squadrons lets you do more than just that. Dogfighting while wearing a headset is as exhilarating as you'd expect, allowing you to get up close and personal against dozens of ships in outer space.

The VR version also includes head-tracking, which can be a bit tough to parse through if you don't have a steady VR legs. But once you get used to it, you'll be wondering why Star Wars: Squadrons isn't available on PSVR 2 or the later Meta Quest headsets, considering the standout feelings that it manages to offer the moment you jump into your ship.

Read our Star Wars: Squadrons review.

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Blade and Sorcery

• Platform: PC VR headsets
• Release Year: 2018
• Developer: WarpFrog
• VR Intensity: 7

If you have any interest in VR, it's likely that you've come across Blade and Sorcery at some point. This physics-driven medieval fantasy sandbox is quite complex, but at its heart, it's a hilariously crude exposure to the possibilities of VR.

You can make use of melee, magic, and ranged combat in an array of violent ways. Alongside the more rudimentary maps where you fight against others in an arena, the game is regularly updated with new modes and features, including the recent addition of dungeons to plunge into. If you own a Meta Quest headset, Blade and Sorcery: Nomad is a lighter version that can offer similar thrills, if you don't mind a lower graphic quality, fewer enemies on screen, and a few other compromises.

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Walkabout Mini Golf

• Platform: Meta Quest headsets, PlayStation VR 2, PC VR headsets
• Release Year: 2021
• Developer: Mighty Coconut
• VR Intensity: 2

Walkabout Mini Golf, first released for PC VR and then ported to PlayStation VR 2 and Meta Quest headsets, does exactly what it says in the name: It's a breezy mini-golf game in VR where you partake in matches across dozens of courses.

Physics play a big part in the experience, but so does the possibility of playing with others in multiplayer. If you're looking to chill or start a new Friday night routine with friends, you can't go wrong with some virtual mini-golf.

See at Steam

Supernatural

• Platform: Meta Quest headsets
• Release Year: 2020
• Developer: Within Unlimited
• VR Intensity: 5+

If you're not enticed by the idea of going to the gym but still want to get some workout done at home, Supernatural is a much more fitness-focused experience than other cardio-intensive games. Yes, the gameplay is fairly similar to the likes of Beat Saber, especially with the use of licensed music. But there's more than meets the eye if you want to organize an actual routine for yourself.

As you're punching the air and squatting to dodge obstacles, Supernatural uses real-world locations as a background. There are coaches who can guide you with a voice over during workouts, as well as guidance for meditation and stretching. In contrast to the rest of our best VR games list, Supernatural requires a $9.99 monthly subscription, although there's a 14-day trial that you can opt out of at any time to try it out.

See at Meta

Path of Fury - Episode I: Tetsuo's Tower

• Platform: Meta Quest headsets
• Release Year: 2025
• Developer: Leonard Menchiari and Abonico Game Works
• VR Intensity: 7

The VR space has been host to a plethora of medieval-inspired games featuring swords and spells, while shooters are in abundance. Not many games, however, prioritize close-quarters, hand-to-hand combat. Path of Fury - Episode I: Tetsuo's Tower marks a difference, inviting you to punch your way up to the highest floor of the namesake tower on an on-rails structure.

In a similar fashion to arcade classics like Time Crisis, Path of Fury takes you from one encounter to the next in a fast-paced rhythm. Taking cues from games like Beat Saber, every enemy you encounter has impact points around their body, colored to match either your left or right hand. Of course, they're bound to retaliate, for which you'll have to manually block and deflect punches and kicks with your virtual palms. While some of its mechanics might be familiar to VR enthusiasts, the execution and presentation are unmatched.

See at Oculus

Pistol Whip

• Platform: Meta Quest headsets, PlayStation VR, Playstation VR 2, PC VR headsets
• Release Year: 2019
• Developer: Cloudhead Games
• VR Intensity: 8

Pistol Whip is more than just "Beat Saber but with guns." The rhythm shooter has you traversing through an array of levels in an on-rail fashion as enemies show up from all sides to try and take you down. Your best defense is to fire a weapon, which can vary in type and number depending on which mode you're playing, as well as your own physical prowess to dodge upcoming projectiles.

If your actions stick to the rhythm of the song in the background, you'll gain bonus points for your overall score. In practice, it becomes natural to do so, as levels are designed to fit the song, reacting to its crescendos and its beats. Depending on your difficulty of choice, however, Pistol Whip can be one of the most intense VR games out there. Make sure to have a water bottle at hand.

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Before Your Eyes

• Platform: PlayStation VR 2
• Release Year: 2021
• Developer: GoodbyeWorld Games
• VR Intensity: 3

Before Your Eyes was one of GameSpot's best games of 2021, and for good reason. This narrative-driven story makes use of a simple, yet masterfully implemented mechanic: You progress through the game by blinking.

For PC users, this is done by using your webcam, while in mobile, the front camera becomes the main device. On PlayStation VR 2, however, Before Your Eyes uses the headset's eye-tracking to capture your blinking. The headset isn't exactly waterproof, and the story is quite emotive, to say the least, so proceed with caution.

Read our Before Your Eyes review.

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Gorn 2

• Platform: PC VR, Meta Quest headsets (PSVR 2 targeted for Summer 2025)
• Release Year: 2025
• Developer: Free Lives and Cortopia Studios
• VR Intensity: 8

A gory gladiator-style arena is an easy pitch for VR, and Gorn executed it in exhilarating fashion back in 2019. Six years later, Free Lives is back with a sequel, maintaining the comedy of exaggerated violence and wobbly physics while expanding the tools available at your disposal.

Gorn 2 features an arsenal of 35 weapons, new enemy types, and a bigger focus on using the environment for your senseless carnage. Pitfall traps that lead to meat grinders, massive structures to stomp enemies from above, and lava are of great help when dealing with multiple enemies at once. Featuring a four-hour campaign, the sequel is a great trip down memory lane with enough additions to justify the second round. Just be mindful of your real-life surroundings, and roommates, when you swing that axe.

See at Steam

Asgard's Wrath 2

• Platform: Meta Quest headsets
• Release Year: 2023
• Developer: Sanzaru Games
• VR Intensity: 7

Asgard's Wrath 2 is one of the best VR games out now. Released in December 2023, this RPG is included for free when you purchase a Meta Quest 3. It's not just a tech demo, however, but a lengthy experience filled with gorgeous set pieces and surprising depth.

It's hard to describe Asgard's Wrath 2 succinctly, considering it contains a multitude of mechanics. There's wall running, a grappling hook, and swords and magic. You name it. If you're looking for an RPG that will keep you busy for long periods of time, search no further.

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We're closing in on the halfway point of the year, and typically, May is a bit more reserved when it comes to new releases. The good news is that there's still a lot to look forward to beyond the big tentpole releases this month, as original games from smaller studios and long-awaited sequels get a chance to shine this month amongst highly anticipated titles like Doom: The Dark Ages and Elden Ring Nightreign.

Some of the other highlights here include a brand-new collection of Capcom fighting game classics, charming horror, and a boomer-shooter that might just give Doom a run for its money. Keep in mind, this will be the last month before Switch 2 releases, although thanks to backwards compatibility, these Switch games should work on the new console, too.

For a closer look at what else you can expect in 2025, you can check out GameSpot's list of upcoming 2025 video games, the best games of 2025 so far, and a look at the most-anticipated games on the way across various platforms:

• PC
• PS5
• Xbox
• Switch

Shotgun Cop Man

• Release date: May 1
• Platforms: PC, Switch

Have you been wondering what the developers behind My Name Is Pedro have been up to lately? It turns out that they've been working on a new action game with a strange protagonist, called Shotgun Cop Man. What makes this game different is that your primary way of moving is by shooting your guns, as Shotgun Cop Man uses the momentum from his weapons to navigate his way through the various levels. The gameplay looks fast-paced and chaotic, there'll be a level editor available, and the game has an attractive price of just $10.

See on Steam

Metal Eden

• Release date: May 6
• Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S

May looks like a great month for boomer-shooters, as Metal Eden looks like a fun opening act to jump into before the main event of Doom: The Dark Ages. A sci-fi-themed action game from the studio behind the quite-good Ruiner, Metal Eden emphasizes speed, parkour, and gung-ho action. If that sounds like a good time to you, you can check out a fairly beefy demo for the game via Steam and PSN.

See on Steam

Age of Empires 2: Definitive Edition

• Release date: May 6
• Platforms: PS5

Who would have thought that we'd ever see the day where Age of Empires 2 would be playable on a PlayStation console? The best version of that legendary sequel is coming to PS5, and like the Xbox Series X|S edition, it has a control scheme built specifically for consoles. This makes it easier to command legions of soldiers or run a bustling city, and alongside the improved graphics, there's also a ton of content to experience.

See on the PlayStation Store

Among Us 3D

• Release date: May 6
• Platforms: PC

Among Us developer Innersloth continues to evolve the game with new ideas and content, and this month, you can try and find the imposter in your crew while braving the terror of the third dimension. Among Us 3D shifts the perspective to a first-person view, and players will be able to join cross-platform lobbies with other people playing Among Us on several VR platforms.

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Deck of Haunts

• Release date: May 7
• Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Switch

You've ventured into haunted mansions over the years, but have you ever thought about running your own? That's just what you'll be able to do in Deck of Haunts, a new strategy and base-building game that also makes use of roguelite and deckbuilding elements to help you lure in humans, trap them inside, and drain them of their essence to help grow your malevolent mansion into an inescapable prison. While a solid foundation and construction will help you get started during the day, using a deck of sinister cards at night to summon spirits, shift hallways, and unleash other nightmares will help you keep your Heart room core protected.

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Survival Machine

• Release date: May 7
• Platforms: PC via Steam Early Access

Survival Machine puts a twist on the zombie apocalypse, as not only do you have to manage a mobile base that acts as your fortress, homestead, and transport during the day, you also have to fend off waves of zombie attacks at night. You can take an active part in the defense of your base, and when you're not laying down traps for the undead, you can work with teammates to secure resources for your base during the day.

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The Midnight Walk

• Release date: May 8
• Platforms: PC, PS5

You don't often hear of relaxing horror games, but The Midnight Walk might convince you that you can have a chill time while experiencing a few thrills along the way. The Midnight Walk looks like a stop-motion animation film in action, thanks in part to its handcrafted assets that were 3D-scanned directly into the game. As the protagonist The Burnt One, it'll be up to you to bring light back to a dark world while facing off against some unsettling horrors.

See on the PlayStation Store

Spirit of the North 2

• Release date: May 8
• Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S

Like the first game, Spirit of the North 2 is a meditative trek through nature where you take on the role of a fox looking to find its way back home. Isolated from their pack, the game will also see the fox on a quest to find the legendary guardians who have been lost to time and free them from the grasp of the dark shaman Grimnir.

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Revenge of the Savage Planet

• Release date: May 8
• Platforms: PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S

There are vibrant worlds to not only explore but also exploit in this sequel to 2021's Journey to the Savage Planet. Revenge of the Savage Planet is part satire, part co-op adventure, and also partly a jab at Google and its ill-fated Stadia platform, as developer Raccoon Logic Studios doubles down on what made the original game special and amplifies those qualities.

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Void Sails

• Release date: May 14
• Platforms: PC

Sailing across oceans is so passe, and in Void Sails, you can power up the engines of your state-of-the-art flying ship and cruise the airways instead. Tasked with finding your missing father, the action-RPG offers plenty of ship customization, mysterious worlds to discover, and choices that'll impact on the story.

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Doom: The Dark Ages

• Release date: May 15
• Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S

Id Software is headed back to the past for its next Doom game, as players will get to explore the hidden history of the nigh-unstoppable Doom Slayer. Doom: The Dark Ages reveals just how the walking weapon became a living legend, expanding on the lore and gameplay of the series with brutal weapons, cyber-dragons, and a techno-medieval theme as players viciously cleave their way through the armies of hell.

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Capcom Fighting Collection 2

• Release date: May 16
• Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch

Capcom's classic game compilations have set a high bar over the years, and for the next entry in its Fighting Collection, the company is bringing several fan-favorite brawlers to PC and consoles. The main event games here are the re-releases of the Power Stone games--they haven't been widely available since they popped up on the PSP in the Power Stone Collection--and all of the games will be playable online with rollback netcode. Here's the full list of titles included in the collection:

• Capcom vs. SNK: Millennium Fight 2000 Pro
• Capcom vs. SNK 2: Mark of the Millenium 2001
• Capcom Fighting Evolution
• Street Fighter Alpha 3 Upper
• Power Stone
• Power Stone 2
• Project Justice
• Plasma Sword: Nightmare of Bilstein

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RoadCraft

• Release date: May 20
• Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S

Developed by Space Marine 2 studio Saber Interactive, RoadCraft is a game about restoring sites that have been devastated by natural disasters. As the leader of a construction crew, you'll have access to construction machinery that can be used to clear debris, rebuild roads, and restore areas that have been devastated by extreme weather conditions.

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Monster Train 2

• Release date: May 21
• Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Switch

Developer Shiny Shoe's roguelike deckbuilder is easily one of the most influential games in its very specific genre, and several years later, it has some big conductor boots to fill with its sequel. Monster Train 2 looks like it'll be staying on the tracks that made the first game so memorable, but it'll be expanding with new enemies to conquer, more cards to collect, and an endless mode that'll put your deckbuilding skills to the ultimate test, alongside several other new features.

See on Steam

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Tactical Takedown

• Release date: May 22
• Platforms: PC

It was only a matter of time before we got a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles turn-based tactics game! Tactical Takedown sees Leonardo, Raphael, Michelangelo, and Donatello team upfor a strategic showdown against Shredder and his Foot clan across 20 levels. Developed by Space Warlord Organ Trading Simulator and I Am Your Beast studio Strange Scaffold, Tactical Takedown is even teasing an interesting story about the Turtles growing apart as they slowly age into adulthood.

See on Steam

Deliver At All Costs

• Release date: May 22
• Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S

There's nothing better than a game being sold for the low price of absolutely nothing, and delivery simulator gameDeliver At All Costs will be a freebie on PC through the Epic Games Store when it launches this month. Developed by Far Out Games and published by Konami, Deliver At All Costs takes place in 1959 during the height of nuclear warfare paranoia. As Winston Green, it's up to you to deliver all kinds of parcels to their final destinations inside of a semi-open world that can be destroyed as you drive through buildings in order to make good time.

See on Steam

To a T

• Release date: May 28
• Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S

If you're a fan of Keita Takahashi's Katamari Damacy roll-'em-up games, then you'll want to check out To a T. As a teenager stuck in an eternal T-pose, you'll have to figure out how to perform seemingly mundane tasks while also navigating through several other challenges along the way. From figuring out how to brush your teeth to using the power of the T-pose to achieve flight, this looks like a colorful and quirky game to check out in May.

See on Steam

Onimusha 2: Samurai's Destiny

• Release date: May 23
• Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch

While it'll still be a while before the next mainline entry in the Onimusha series,Onimusha: Way of the Sword, is out, fans can look forward to a remaster of Onimusha 2 this month. The sequel follows Jubei Yagyu as he hacks and slashes his way through the demon army of Nobunaga Oda so that he can have his revenge. This new version of the game includes several upgrades, like higher-resolution graphics, modernized controls, a gallery mode containing over 100 sketches, a new digital soundtrack selection, and an auto-save function. If you really want to test your skill with the sword, you can play the game in Hell mode, where one wrong move can hit you with a game over screen.

See at Amazon

Fuga: Melodies of Steel 3

• Release date: May 29
• Platforms: PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Switch

Despite the cutesy aesthetics, the Fuga: Melodies of Steel games have been deceptively grim tales of war and loss, while also forcing players to periodically feed their mighty tank with the souls of children if they want to survive dangerous skirmishes. For the threequel, the combat system has been overhauled, several new systems have been introduced, and there are new strategic options for you to take advantage of in this turn-based tactics game. But one thing that isn't changing? Scenarios where you'll have to make gut-wrenching decisions, as developer CyberConnect2 says that this game will feature plenty of shocking moments.

See on Steam

Elden Ring: Nightreign

• Release date: May 30
• Platforms: PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One

The world of Elden Ring expands this month, but this time, you can expect a multiplayer spin-off set in that dangerous fantasy realm.Elden Ring Nightreign is a co-op action game, as players will have to band together to take on a powerful threat.From Software isn't calling it a live-service game, and in an age of soaring video game prices, it's nice to know that this one will be a budget-friendly $40 when it launches.

See at Amazon

May 2025 Game Releases

• Despelote (PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Switch) -- May 1
• Peglin (PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One) -- May 1
• Shotgun Cop Man (PC, Switch) -- May 1
• Age of Empires 2: Definitive Edition (PS5) -- May 6
• Among Us 3D (PC) -- May 6
• Captain Blood (PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Switch) -- May 6
• High on Life (Switch) -- May 6
• Metal Eden (PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S) -- May 6
• Touhou Spell Carnival (PC) -- May 7
• Survival Machine (PC via early access) -- May 7
• Deck of Haunts (PC) -- May 7
• Empyreal (PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S) -- May 8
• G-Mode Archives+: Shin Megami Tensei: 20XX (PC) -- May 8
• The Midnight Walk (PC, PS5) -- May 8
• Revenge of the Savage Planet (PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S) -- May 8
• Spirit of the North 2 (PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S) -- May 8
• Tokimeki Memorial: forever with you Emotional (Switch) -- May 8
• Vambrace: Dungeon Monarch (PC) -- May 8
• Yes, Your Grace: Snowfall (PC) -- May 8
• Spiritfall (PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Switch) -- May 9
• Death end re;Quest: Code Z (PS5, PS4) -- May 13
• Labyrinth of the Demon King (PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Switch) -- May 13
• Palia (PS5, Xbox Series X|S) -- May 13
• The Precinct (PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S) -- May 13
• Void Sails (PC) -- May 14
• American Arcadia (PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Switch) -- May 15
• Doom: The Dark Ages (PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S) -- May 15
• Nubs: Arena (PC) -- May 15
• Yasha: Legends of the Demon Blade (PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Switch) -- May 15
• Capcom Fighting Collection 2 (PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch) -- May 16
• Nitro Express (PC) -- May 19
• RoadCraft (PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S) -- May 20
• Fantasy Life 1: The Girl Who Steals Time (PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Switch) -- May 21
• Monster Train 2 (PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Switch) -- May 21
• Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Tactical Takedown (PC) -- May 22
• Blades of Fire (PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S) -- May 22
• Deliver At All Costs (PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S) -- May 22
• Mobile Suit Gundam SEED: Battle Destiny Remastered (PC, Switch) -- May 22
• Worshippers of Cthulhu (PC) -- May 22
• Ys Memoire: Memories of Celceta (Switch) -- May 22
• Onimusha 2: Samurai's Destiny (PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch) -- May 23
• Roboquest (PS5, PS4) -- May 27
• To a T (PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S) -- May 28
• Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo (PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Switch) -- May 28
• Fuga: Melodies of Steel 3 (PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Switch) -- May 29
• Scar-Lead Salvation (Win, PS5, PS4) -- May 29
• Shikhondo: Youkai Rampage (Switch) -- May 29
• Sonic Wings Reunion (PC, PS5, PS4, Switch) -- May 29
• Steam-Heart's & Advanced Variable Geo Saturn Tribute (PC, PS5, PS4, Switch) -- May 29
• Disney Illusion Island (PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S) -- May 30
• Elden Ring Nightreign (PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One) -- May 30
• Dragon is Dead (PC) -- May TBC
• Unyielder (PC) -- May TBC

The need for the best Cyberpunk 2077 mods to fix some of the ambitious RPG's bigger issues has changed dramatically in the years since developer CD Projekt Red launched the game in a messy, buggy state. Cars handle less wildly, criminal activity is more tense and dangerous, and things generally just work the way they should.

That doesn't mean they can't work even better, though. Cyberpunk 2077's mod scene is still vibrant, with imaginative creators putting out new CyberDecks, overhauling V's apartment, letting you actually unlock and use every perk, and giving extensive control over photo mode and the kinds of scenes you can create. We've rounded up 17 of the best ones, and we've noted which work with Phantom Liberty and are up-to-date with Cyberpunk 2077's latest version.

Like with most mods, these only work for Cyberpunk 2077 on PC. If you're after some console fun instead, check out our picks for the best PS5 games and best Xbox Series X|S games to play in 2025.

New Level Cap

• Creator: DeepVision
• Download link: NexusMods

Cyberpunk 2077's existing level cap makes it impossible to learn every perk. The idea is to encourage specialization, as you build toward a specific playstyle, and you can just play again if you want to try others after using your once-per-character respec. That'd be fine--in a world with infinite free time. New Level Cap raises Cyberpunk 2077's cap from 60 to 80, which gives you enough points to unlock and master every perk in the game. There's also a feature that lets you customize stat caps for a more tailored experience.

They Will Remember

• Creator: Eris404
• Download link: NexusMods

Night City's a big place with lots of faces, but when someone makes as much of a ruckus (as V inevitably does wherever they go), you'd expect them to stick out a bit. Gangs whose territory V trespasses on always forget who they are, though. They Will Remember doesn't just fix that by letting gangs remember V and bear grudges. It adds an entire reputation system. Get on the Tyger Claws' bad side? Probably best to stay out of Japan Town for a while. They Will Remember adds a disguise system, where V can try to hide their face and other identifying attributes to avoid hostilities, and a relationship network where some factions become hostile based on how close they think you are with a rival.

Night City Alive

• Creator: Katane
• Download link: NexusMods

They Will Remember is already one of the best Cyberpunk 2077 mods for immersion, but Night City Alive makes it even better. It's a fantastic addition on its own as well. True to its name, this one makes Night City feel more alive by increasing how reactive everyone in it is. Gangs commit crimes in public and, if you have They Will Remember You installed, might track you down to pick a fight. The police are aware of your gang affiliations--though it doesn't add police chases--and members of the public are more reactive to what you do around them, so break the law at your own risk. You'll also see motorcycles in traffic more often, which, depending on your driving skills, may be a boon or a curse.

Realistic Map

• Creator: SvenVH
• Download link: NexusMods

Cyberpunk 2077's default map gets bonus points for how thematically fitting it is, with its high-tech, futuristic appearance. It's an absolute nightmare to navigate, though. Even for the more directionally gifted players, the map gives little indication for changes in elevation, nearby landmarks, or other factors that make identifying locations easy. Realistic Map replaces the standard one with a high-resolution scan of the city, the kind you'd expect from Google Satellite, and it makes understanding the layout of Night City and the surrounding area so much easier.

There's a recent conflict between this mod and an update for 50xx series Nvidia cards. You may need to roll back your drivers to an earlier version if the mod doesn't work for you. It also conflicts with the Preem Map mod, so make sure the latter is turned off.

Native Settings UI and Side Menu Add-On

• Creator: anygoodname
• Download link: NexusMods

Native Settings UI is an essential Cyberpunk 2077 mod if you use other mods. It adds sliders, toggles, and other settings-related adjustments to the in-game menu for your other mods under a new "mods section," so you don't have to mess with the mod files to make any alterations. The Side Menu Add-On mod that creator anygoodname made to go with it does one even better. It adds a list of active mods on the menu's left side, which makes organizing and finding what you need much easier, and you can navigate to and adjust them at any time. You need Cyber Engine Tweaks and Archive-XL for the base mod to work, and, of course, you need the base mod for the Side Menu Add-On to function.

Cyberpunk 2077 HD Reworked

• Creator: Halk Hogan PL
• Download link: NexusMods

Cyberpunk 2077 HD Reworked is the Cyberpunk version of The Witcher 3 Reworked and comes from the same modder. It enhances the game's textures, everything from blurry stonework to poorly defined graffiti and even puddle borders and tree bark. It does this mostly without placing excessive additional load requirements on your computer, too, though if you use the "Ultra Quality" version for 4K-capable devices, it may use more VRAM than the base game requires. Creator HalkHogan also published a "Balanced" version that uses less VRAM, though is also a slightly lower quality compared to the 4K version. They said anyone who can run the base game on their computer can also run the "Balanced" mod without any noticeable changes in performance. HD Reworked applies to the base game and Phantom Liberty.

Preem Scopes

• Creator: CyanideX
• Download link: NexusMods

Scoped weapons are a bit of a pain to deal with in Cyberpunk 2077, but this mod sands off most of the rough edges. Preem Scopes removes the green and gray tints from most scopes, so you can actually see what you're trying to aim at. It takes out scan lines, glitches, and other elements that impede your vision, and it deletes 3D HUD effects, making some of Cyberpunk's best weapons even better.

Use Your Cybernetic Eyes

• Creator: CDPR and me
• Download link: NexusMods

Another useful Cyberpunk 2077 mod for aiming is Use Your Cybernetic Eyes. It lets V zoom in while aiming with any weapon, even one that just has iron sights. You get two stages of zoom, and the result is a much higher level of accuracy using unscoped weapons. It's a nice fit with Preem Scopes as well, since some handguns and smaller weapons have scopes that also suffer from excessive visual effects. Bear in mind that you need Kiroshi Optics for this ability to work.

Virtual Atelier

• Creator: Pacings
• Download link: NexusMods

Virtual Atelier is a must-have for anyone who uses clothes mods. This one lets you download virtual store mods, then "purchase" from them or window shop at V's computer. Virtual Atelier comes with a preview feature that shows what an outfit looks like on your V before you buy it. Mod creators can create a virtual store showcasing their custom clothes for use with Virtual Atelier as well. Bear in mind that Virtual Atelier on its own does not add modded clothes to your wardrobe, nor does it add new items. It's a framework that makes displaying modded clothes easier for creators and seeing how they look easier for players. You just need to install those mods yourself.

Drone Companions

• Creator: Scissors
• Download link: NexusMods

Drone Companions is one of the few Cyberpunk 2077 mods that adds a new operating system--features such as V's Cyberdeck--and this one, as the name suggests, lets you build drones. It's called the TechDeck, and once you install the mod, you can find drone blueprint plans at most weapon vendors, along with a new crafting component called Drone Modules that non-organic enemies may drop. The TechDeck lets you create several drone types, including androids, smaller flying drones, and large mechs, and it comes with a set of hacks that buffs each drone. The different drone categories have separate sub-categories as well, such as the revolver-wielding "Techie" android or an android that specializes in sniper rifles and long-distance combat.

Arasaka Cyberarms

• Creator: Aanderz
• Download link: NexusMods

At a glance, this mod seems like just a reskin for V's Cyberarms weapon, but there's more to it than that. Arasaka Cyberarms does, indeed, give V some fancy new, Arasaka-inspired Cyberarms that look much more distinct in combat. However, it also comes with a new set of looks for V's arms out of combat, including fingernail customization and even a toggle to remove nails completely. Despite having "Arasaka" in the name, there's also a set of Zetatech Cyberarms inspired by those in Phantom Liberty.

Breach Protocol Autohacker

• Creator: Jsh
• Download link: GitLab

Autohacker is a perfect mod to install for a second playthrough of Cyberpunk 2077 or a first run if you're struggling with the hacking mini-game. It adds a list of configurations for hacking that ensures you get the right combination every time and walk away with the best rewards, making the best way to earn money in Cyberpunk even more effective. It's simple and effective, and it shaves quite a lot of time off your usual activities. Just make sure to download it from the GitLab link above. The NexusMods version is no longer up-to-date and won't work with Cyberpunk 2077 2.2.

Appearance Menu Mod

• Creator: MaximilliumM
• Download link: NexusMods

Appearance Menu Mod is easily one of the best Cyberpunk 2077 photo mods. The project started as a way to change NPC outfits and save their appearances in 2021, and now, you can spawn vehicles and characters for photo opportunities, pose all NPCs, change outfits and appearances, decorate your apartment, and customize vehicles. You can even alter companion attitudes if, for example, you wanted to create a scene where one of your normally-friendly followers looks like they're about to throw down with V. That's all in addition to a robust set of photo mode tools.

Photo Mode Unlocker

• Creator: SilverEzredes
• Download link: NexusMods

However, if you want even more control over photo mode, Photo Mode Unlocker is an essential companion for Appearance Menu Mod. It removes all in-game restrictions on Cyberpunk 2077's photo mode and lets you do essentially whatever you want with it, and it adds several new, unique poses, all of which are up-to-date with the game's latest version.

Proxima's Apartment Emporium

• Creator: Proxima Dust
• Download link: NexusMods

Proxima's Apartment Emporium is a bundle of apartment mods that change how V's home looks. It comes with two dozen presets, all from mod maker Proxima Dust, and you can have multiple skins active at the same time. These range from designs inspired by Cyberpunk 2077's life paths to one created with the Edgerunners anime in mind. The Corpo apartment, for example, adds a suite of high-tech furniture, a much fancier TV than V normally has, and some swanky houseplants and wallpaper, all befitting a ruthless climber of the corporate ladder. The mod maker keeps these updated with every patch CD Projekt RED releases, so the bundle works with the most recent Cyberpunk update.

Baby Driver 2.0

• Creator: yo soy
• Download link: NexusMods

Maybe you're good at driving in Cyberpunk 2077, but for the rest of us, there's Baby Driver 2.0. Even with all of CD Projekt Red's improvements to the driving system since Cyberpunk's launch, there's still a serious drift issue where it's far too easy to veer into a wall or oncoming traffic. Baby Driver 2.0 tweaks the way cars and bikes handle so they feel appropriately weighty and turn accordingly. Both vehicle types will still drift, but the mod gives you more control over how it works and when to initiate it.

Live in Night City

• Creator: FonWasH
• Download link: NexusMods

Live in Night City creates a completely different way to get through V's adventure by adding survival simulation elements. With this mod, you'll have to manage V's fatigue, thirst, and hunger, all of which have potentially negative effects on their stats if you let them deteriorate. Let V go hungry for too long, and their health drops to dangerously low levels. It's a helpful push toward engaging with other things such as food vendors as well, which you can often ignore without much penalty. Since you have to engage with them now, it's worth downloading something like Immersive Food Vendors that adds new little animations when interacting with a food stall vendor.

We've made it to 2025, and like previous years, there are quite a few upcoming games to look forward to. Last year gave us the amazing Metaphor ReFantazio and Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree, as well as several other GOTY contenders like Astro Bot, Balatro, and Silent Hill 2. This year, there several games that could earn high review scores, like Split Fiction, Doom: The Dark Ages, and Assassin's Creed Shadows, to name a few.

On top of that, the Switch 2 is expected to be arriving this year and Nintendo typically has a few launch game aces up its sleeve whenever it brings new gaming hardware to its fans. You can also count on indie games to surprise and delight, as some of the best and weirdest games are often found in this category. Like last year, we'll be keeping track of the best of the best throughout 2025, so you can revisit this page to see which games have made the cut.

As a reminder, a game has to earn a high review score of at least 8 to make it onto this list. That doesn't mean that games scoring below this threshold aren't worth looking at, as these titles can still be pretty great if you can overlook some of their flaws.

Split Fiction -- 10

Our first game of 2025 to earn a rare 10/10 score, Split Fiction is another masterpiece from developer Hazelight. The studio has crafted some of the best co-op games of recent memory, and following in the footsteps of the critically acclaimed It Takes Two, Split Fiction is a ripping yarn full of terrific levels, exciting gameplay, and likable leads.

Read our Split Fiction review. Available on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S.

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Blue Prince -- 9

Some of the best games are the ones that test your mental muscles while offering a unique experience to savor, and this year, Blue Prince more than meets those qualifications. Approachable but challenging, it's a masterfully crafted roguelike puzzle game set inside a shapeshifting manor house full of intricate details and grand mystery. The end result is a unique architectural adventure and one of the most memorable games of 2025 so far.

Read our Blue Prince review. Available on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S.

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Cabernet -- 9

Anyone looking to sink their teeth into a vampire story will want to check out Cabernet, as this 2D narrative-driven RPG puts a fascinating spin on the infamous monsters. Set in 19th century Eastern Europe, Cabernet is an intriguing examination of vampires through a grounded lens and narratively fulfilling character arcs.

Read our Cabernet review. Available on PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Switch.

See at Fanatical

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

Claire Obscur: Expedition 33 feels like a breath of fresh air in the fantasy RPG genre. While there are familiar elements here, developer Sandfall Interactive also puts a novel spin on these ideas by re-imagining the traditional turn-based structure and blending it with action to create an engaging experience. Throw in gorgeous graphics, an elegant art direction, and an emotional story anchored by a cast of captivating characters, and Sandfall's debut game is an instant classic.

Read our Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 review. Available on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S.

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Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 -- 9

Like the best sequels, Kingdom Come 2 improves on the original game in almost every area. The journey through 15th century Bohemia features engaging quests, thrilling combat, and an incredibly polished experience overall. There are surprises around every corner in this medieval adventure, as the game expertly blends choices and consequences with deep RPG elements to create an exciting knight's tale.

Read our Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 review. Available on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S.

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Lost Records: Bloom and Rage -- 9

Don't Nod has established itself as one of the best studios for narrative-driven games, and the first chapter of Lost Records: Bloom and Rage is a promising start for a new series. This coming-of-age story feels authentic and explores adolescence through a superb presentation, relatable characters, and novel camcorder-focused gameplay.

Read our Lost Records: Bloom and Rage review. Available on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S.

See at Best Buy

Assassin's Creed Shadows -- 8

A beautiful tour of feudal Japan, Assassin's Creed Shadows is an exciting adventure full of moments that'll keep you on the edge of your seat. Admittedly, that's if you decide to focus on Naoe for your playthrough, as co-protagonist Yasuke feels out of place in this action-RPG when compared to his shinobi counterpart. Naoe's gameplay elevates the traditional stealth experience, and while there are narrative shortcomings, Assassin's Creed Shadows is still a worthwhile entry in the series.

Read our Assassin's Creed Shadows review. Available on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S.

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The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered -- 8

It might have been one of the worst-kept secrets in gaming, but the grand remaster of The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion still manages to surprise thanks to the sheer depth of the work done to freshen it up for a new generation of gamers. While some of the gameplay is admittedly still rough, the charm here lies in the incredible visual overhaul alongside numerous quality-of-life changes done by developer Virtuos and Bethesda.

Available on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S. Read our The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered review.

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Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves -- 8

Fatal Fury: City Of The Wolves is a colorful fighting game that offers a polished fighting system inspired by its past and some forward-thinking with the balanced REV System. Energetic and loaded with a roster that encourages experimentation, Fatal Fury: City Of The Wolves is only slightly hamstrung by its sparse selection of gameplay modes.

Available on PC, PS5, PS4, and Xbox Series X|S. Read our Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves review.

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The First Berserker: Khazan -- 8

The First Berserker: Khazan wears its souls-like inspiration on its sleeve, but at the same time, it puts its own spin on the genre with a few clever ideas. A killer combo of parry-heavy combat straight from Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, visuals that pack a punch, and hard-hitting action will keep you on the edge of your seat in this thrilling adventure.

Read our The First Berserker: Khazan review. Available on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S.

See at Amazon

MLB The Show 25 -- 8

Like other sports games, MLB The Show 25 is another fine example of incremental improvements leading to impactful changes. Tweaks have helped to further polish its captivating gameplay, resulting in a game that feels more dynamic than ever with every swing of the bat. Throw in a reworked progression system and improvements to several gameplay modes, and MLB The Show 25 is another great day out for baseball fans.

Read our MLB The Show 25 review. Available on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Switch.

See at Amazon

Monster Hunter Wilds -- 8

Monster Hunter World and Monster Hunter Rise did a great job in building a rock-solid foundation for the series, and with Monster Hunter Wilds, Capcom's series feels more welcoming than ever to newcomers. Thanks to several clever gameplay tweaks, polished gameplay, and new systems that emphasize flexibility, Monster Hunter Wilds offers a fun time for all on its new frontier.

Read our Monster Hunter Wilds review. Available on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S.

See at Amazon

Sid Meier's Civilization VII -- 8

Civilization VII doesn't reinvent its 4X turn-based wheel, but it does make some significant changes to its design. How these changes will shape up in the grand scheme of things remains to be seen--as some of them could very contentious with longtime players--but at its core, the Firaxis-developed strategy game is still as compelling as ever. Whether you're shaping civilization through diplomacy or warfare, Civilization VII has a strong foundation to build upon in the years to come.

Read our Civilization VII review. Available on PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Switch.

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Skin Deep -- 8

Skin Deep is a fine example of taking a genre known for being traditionally dark and injecting some absurdity into it. The oddball immersive sim is delightfully silly, but it's also a puzzle box that requires you to think on your feet, come up with clever solutions, and experiment with every tool in the environment to triumph against overwhelming odds.

Available on PC. Read our Skin Deep review.

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South of Midnight -- 8

South of Midnight plays it safe with its gameplay, but it more than makes up for it with a fantastic story, a setting that feels authentic, and imaginative visuals. An exploration of the American Deep South, South of Midnight is mechanically sound in its construction and stunning in its storytelling.

Read our South of Midnight review. Available on PC and Xbox Series X|S.

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Virtua Fighter 5 REVO -- 8

Virtua Fighter 5 has been knocking around for a few years now, but this new edition of the classic fighting game updates it for modern audiences. More than just a high-definition visual refresh, Virtua Fighter 5 REVO features fine-tuned gameplay, a balanced roster of colorful brawlers, and player-requested rollback netcode for satisfying online matches.

Read our Virtua Fighter 5 REVO review. Available on PC, PS5, and PS4.

See on Steam

Disclosure: GameSpot and Fanatical are both owned by Fandom.

Sunderfolk -- 8

Like the best board game experiences, Sunderfolk is a blast when you have a few friends along for the ride. Inspired by tabletop games, this turn-based tactical RPG is a fun example of how teamwork and strategy can come together to create a grand adventure.

Read our Sunderfolk review. Available on PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Switch.

See on Steam

WWE 2K25 -- 8

This year's entry in the sports entertainment video game franchise sticks to that script, delivering an engaging Showcase Mode, a gigantic roster of superstars, and gameplay tweaks that make WWE 2K25 feel like a main-event superstar. The game also introduces The Island, a PvPvE social space heavily inspired by NBA 2K's The City, but you'll want to avoid it in case you aren't a fan of egregious microtransactions.

Read our WWE 2K25 review. Available on PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One.

See at Amazon

Every other GameSpot review in 2025

As mentioned above, not every game released this year is a winner. That doesn't mean that they're not worth playing, and if you can overlook some of their issues, you might find yourself pleasantly surprised. In case you missed them or you'd like some extra insight, we'll be running a list of the games that didn't make the cut like the other titles above did, and we've arranged them in alphabetical order so that you can quickly find what you're looking for.

• Alien: Rogue Incursion -- 5
• Atomfall -- 7
• Avowed -- 6
• Dynasty Warriors: Origins -- 7
• Eternal Strands -- 6
• InZoi (Early Access) -- 6
• Like A Dragon: Pirate Yakuza In Hawaii -- 7
• Sniper Elite: Resistance review -- 6
• Suikoden 1 and 2 HD Remaster Gate Rune & Dunan Unification Wars -- 6
• Wanderstop -- 7

The massively popular Stardew Valley has a bustling mod scene, with tons of passionate fans creating content or adjusting the farming game's mechanics. While mods for some games, like Skyrim and Fallout, feature a lot of wacky content, the Stardew Valley mods are primarily focused on quality-of-life changes and art overhauls.

While developer ConcernedApe has put out several content updates since the launch of Stardew Valley, the passionate mod community on sites like Nexus Mods has been working hard on new content too. Some modders have gone the extra mile to make new areas and NPCs, but many of them have chosen to focus on changing the art style or fixing small inconveniences in the game. Many of the small mods focus on refining some divisive aspects of the game, such as the fishing minigame. If other games like Stardew Valley aren't doing it for you, adding mods can give you a new experience. All of the mods in this list can be found on Nexus Mods, with direct links to their pages. We've included instructions on how to mod Stardew Valley, but if you're facing errors, each individual mod page has its own instructions and troubleshooting sections. Here are the best Stardew Valley mods to install right now.

Skip Fishing Minigame

Created by: DewMods

The Skip Fishing Minigame does exactly what the title says: If you don't enjoy the fishing minigame in Stardew Valley, this mod will just skip it, automatically catching whatever you hooked. It also has some nice options to fully automate the process, or set a minimum catch amount before the mod kicks in, forcing you to at least catch each type of fish once before the minigame gets automated.

Canon-Friendly Dialogue Expansion

Created by: Ben and Witchweed

A very popular mod, the Canon-Friendly Dialogue Expansion adds a massive amount of new dialogue for every character in multiple scenarios. There are roughly 4,200 new lines across day-to-day interactions, festivals, and marriage. These new lines don't replace any existing dialogue, and all of them are meant to fit in with the tone of Stardew Valley. They are also all in-line with the same level of vulgarity as the rest of the game, so there won't be anything in there to spoil the cozy vibe.

Seasonal Outfits - Slightly Cuter Aesthetic

Created by: Poltergeister, Agent Lyoko, Pathoschild, Hopewashere, Alvadea, Ailin, IronZelly, Geckobud, Tanpoponoko, Airyn, Seyph, Jaksha, Seusmothesaurus, PKpixel, Periera1495, Longevity, Schrodingers Kit, DaniAlbrtSancEs, Medinaquirin, ParadigmNomad, daftpatiance

This artwork mod combines a couple of different mods to create Seasonal Outfits - Slightly Cuter Aesthetic. It gives all of the NPCs new outfits for each season and changes the portraits to reflect these new outfits. It also includes some minor tweaks to the normal portraits and some festival outfits to bring the overall aesthetic together into a cuter look, for anyone that isn't in love with the Stardew Valley style.

1oxnes and talkohlooeys' Seasonal Portraits

Created by: talkohlooeys, 1oxnes, and fuzzlepuzzle

Created to go along with the Seasonal Outfits mod, the Seasonal Portraits mod offers a complete overhaul of the in-game portraits to have a more hand-drawn and cuter art style. Not only are the base game portraits redone, but there are also versions to match the seasonal outfits from the other mod, helping to bring a cute vibe to the game.

Gift Taste Helper Continued X2

Created by: JoXW

This helpful tool adds a list of loved gifts to each villager when you view either their birthday on the in-game calendar or the relationship tab in the menu, so you don't have to create a spreadsheet or keep a guide open. The Gift Taste Helper Continued X2 can have all gifts listed from the start, or it can add them as you give loved gifts for the first time, if you still want to discover them on your own.

NPC Map Locations

Created by: Bouhm and Pathoschild

NPC Map Locations fixes one of the most frustrating, although incredibly small, issues with Stardew Valley: It adds icons to the map to show the current location of every NPC in the game. Without this mod, you have to memorize NPC schedules or spend time searching around town for them if you want to turn in a quest or give them a gift.

Stardew Valley Expanded

Created by: FlashShifter, Poltergeister, iKeychain, EscaMMC, spacechase0, Mouse, Jessie#4755, xNytax, HopeWasHere, CherrySymphony, Coldazrael, halloikbenzander

There are a few different mods that add more content to Stardew Valley, but the standout choice is Stardew Valley Expanded. This mod adds more areas, NPCs, character events, festivals, fish, crops, and so much more. As the name implies, it truly does expand Stardew Valley, so if you just need more Stardew content in your life, this mod will deliver on that front.

Stardew and Chill

Created by: Haphestia

While the name might make you think it does something else, Stardew and Chill is a music mod that changes out the in-game music for a lo-fi hip-hop Stardew Valley-inspired album. It takes music from the Stardew and Chill album made by DJ Cutman and Coffee Date and uses it as replacement tracks throughout Stardew Valley. The album is also on YouTube, so you can check out the music before installing the mod.

Skull Cavern Elevator

Created by: Lestoph

If you've ever found yourself frustrated that Stardew Valley's endgame dungeon didn't have an elevator in it, the Skull Cavern Elevator mod fixes that. Now, the Skull Cavern has an elevator just like the regular mine, checkpointing your progress every five floors so you can return to the furthest depth you previously reached. This can save a ton of time and resources since you no longer have to start from the top each time.

Wildflower Grass Field

Created by: Hesper

The Wildflower Grass Field mod changes the appearance of grass fields to have more variety and to fit whatever season you are in. It adds a ton of flowers and grass for each season, providing a cuter aesthetic as well, if you would prefer that over the default look. The flowers in each season are mixed together randomly, creating unique patches of grass throughout the game.

DaisyNiko's Earthy Recolor

Created by: DaisyNiko

Another visual mod, DaisyNiko's Earthy Recolor changes the visual look of both the environment of Stardew Valley and the exterior of buildings in town to have a warmer, earth-colored aesthetic. It's not a massive change, but it's a bit easier on the eyes and matches the relaxed vibes of the game.

DaisyNiko's Earthy Recolor Interiors

Created by: DaisyNiko

A sister mod to the previous entry, DaisyNiko's Earthy Recolor Interiors applies the warmed and cozier visual color palette to the interior of buildings across the game. If you enjoy the look of the Earthy Recolor on the outdoors, it only makes sense to apply it to the inside of buildings as well.

Custom Kissing Mod

Created by: Digus

Stardew Valley does let you kiss someone once you're married, but if you ever felt disappointed you couldn't kiss your partner prior to marriage, you aren't alone. The Custom Kissing Mod allows you to initiate a kiss with an NPC once you have seen their 10-heart event. It cures exhaustion and provides some relationship points just like the marriage kiss.

Oasis Greenhouse

Created by: DaisyNiko

The Oasis Greenhouse mod overhauls the Greenhouse to make it bigger and add a bunch of additional features, like a Spa that can restore energy and a cellar that can hold casks. The biggest bonus is the additional space, as the Oasis Greenhouse has space for six iridium sprinkler fields and enough space to have two of each kind of tree. If you have found the Greenhouse in Stardew Valley lackluster, this version has a bit of everything.

Wear More Rings

Created by: bcmpinc

The Wear More Rings mod allows you to equip more rings than normal in Stardew Valley. If you have spent a ton of time in either the mines or Skull Cavern, you probably have far more than the two rings you are allowed to wear. This allows you to increase the limit up to 20 rings, letting you utilize as many special powers and bonuses as possible.

Visible Fish

Created by: shekurika

The Visible Fish mod adds, well, visible fish. Now you can spot which fish are currently catchable at your current location by seeing them in the water. This doesn't affect how the fishing minigame works, and the fish won't be visible while biting your line, but it's nice to know what's available when you cast. It also works with other location and fishing mods.

Better Ranching

Created by: Urbanyeti

The Better Ranching mod makes a few small tweaks to the ranching system in Stardew Valley. It adds visual indicators for every animal to show if they can be either milked or sheared, along with an indicator showing if you have pet them yet that day. It also removes failure for both activities, making the overall process of caring for your animals and making money from them much easier.

Part of the Community

Created by: Space Baby

Friendship points in Stardew Valley are typically only gained by interacting with that villager directly, but the Part of the Community mod adds in passive boost to friendship points. Shipping new items, talking with a villager near other villagers, and visiting shops are just a few of the new ways to earn friendship points with the mod, which rewards players for interacting with the community in any capacity.

Immersive Family

Created by: xiaoleiwen

Having a family in Stardew Valley has always felt a bit tacked-on, but the Immersive Family mod aims to fix that. It adds 35 new events for your children, along with a ton of NPC dialogue based around your children. This is meant to make the children feel like an important part of the game, where the NPCs actually acknowledge their existence.

Medieval Buildings

Created by: Gweniaczek

The Medieval Buildings mod changes the design of all of your farm buildings to have a more old-timey feel. Instead of the modern wooden look, buildings are instead made from bricks. While the name implies they will look like castles, they look more like a regal hamlet located just outside of a castle.

Farmer Helper

Created by: aedenthorn

The Farmer Helper mod is a simple tool that helps you not only remember everything you need to do each day, but also prevents you from making simple mistakes while farming. It does two main things, the first of which is to either warn you or prevent you completely from planting seeds too late in a season to actually harvest them. The second is a warning that pops up as you go to bed for the night if you forgot to tend to either crops or animals.

Do Not Eat My Crops

Created by: u_u__w

Do Not Eat My Crops is a very specific mod that does one thing, which is prevent crows from eating your crops if you don't have scarecrows protecting them. This mod takes away the stress of placing scarecrows in the proper places by making it so crows never eat your crops, regardless of scarecrow placement.

Automate

Created by: Pathoschild

If you find yourself tiring of checking your furnaces, crab pots, and other machines every day in Stardew Valley, the Automate mod allows you to create automated machines to do it all for you. By connecting a chest to different machines, it will automatically collect finished products and place more raw materials into machines. You can even connect multiple machines to make an assembly line.

Save Anywhere

Created by: Aredjay and Sweet Panda

The Save Anywhere mod allows you to save (almost) anywhere. Normally, Stardew Valley only saves when you go to sleep at the end of a day, but the mod allows you to save wherever you are, although certain events can prevent you from doing so. Still, it's better than having to either waste a day by cutting it early or lose any progress you have already made that day.

Elle's New Barn Animals

Created by: Elle

If you have ever thought to yourself, "I wish these animals were cuter," when looking at your cows and pigs, Elle's New Barn Animals mod overhauls the barn animals design to be much cuter in design. There are multiple options to choose from for each one, including the option to fully replace some, like having deer instead of cows.

Polyamory Sweet

Created by: ApryllForever

Sometimes you just can't decide which Stardew Valley character to marry. It's a struggle, right? How do you choose from such a variety of fun NPCs? With the Polyamory Sweet mod, you no longer need to make any difficult decisions. The mod allows for multiple spouses or roommates, you can even marry multiple people in one wedding. For the affectionately-inclined, unlimited hugging and kissing is also included. Remember that, unless you're using something like the Friends Forevermod, relationship decay is still a thing so you'll need to pay plenty of attention to your spouses of choice or risk upsetting them. You can mirror real-life too, and select a primary partner by gifting them the Aine Flower, which you can buy at Pierre's or plant with seeds. You can even change bed order or size in the configuration file, so everyone is comfortable.

Elle's Seasonal Buildings

Created by: junimods

Have you ever been wandering around Stardew Valley wishing the building aesthetics had more options? With Elle's Seasonal Buildings, there are seven different color palettes and three building themes, including more colorful, full brick, and all-white. There are eight different farmhouse styles too, whether you want it to be made entirely of stained glass, or you're going for a cottagecore look. Upgraded farmhouses can even benefit from configurable external wall colors, and there's optional holiday or festival-themed decor for farmhouse and cabin exteriors. The mod even gets into the finer details, allowing for the adjustment of fence, mailbox, shipping bin, and fish pond recoloring.

Automatic Gates

Created by: Rakiin aka ScheKaa

How much time do you think you've wasted manually opening and closing gates in Stardew? Well, we've not been keeping count, but trust us when we say it's a lot. Probably. Waste no more time! Installing the Automatic Gates mod does exactly what it says on the tin. It opens and closes gates automatically for players. Animals won't be affected, so you don't need to worry about your herd getting loose. If you don't want all gates to be automatic, there are options to exclude some too.

Bigger Backpack

Created by: spacechase0, bcmpinc

We've addressed the issue of not being able to access your chests anywhere on the map, but what about the increasing frustration of having a limited inventory on your person? Sure, you could move things between chests using the Chests Anywhere mod above, but the Bigger Backpack mod goes one further. Simply head to Pierre's and part with 50,000g to get a backpack with 48 slots. While your inventory starts at 12 slots, it can be upgraded in the vanilla game to 36. But what good is 36? We want 48!

Baldur's Village

Created by: BV

This Baldur's Gate 3-inspired mod adds your favorite BG3 characters to Stardew Valley, with more than 20 new NPCs. There are six new locations straight from the turn-based RPG, and everyone's favorite undead vampire, Astarion, has a romanceable questline. Bumping into Karlach or Wyll isn't unheard of in Baldur's Village, and the art style lovingly brings the beloved NPCs to Stardew in an adorable pixel style. It's a must-download mod for fans of both games.

Custom Companions

Created by: PeacefulEnd

Have you ever found yourself running around Stardew Valley and dreaming of a cute little cow following you around? A bat? A crazed spinning girl? Okay, so the latter might not be super desirable, but it is possible thanks to the Custom Companions mod. After installing it, you can create custom animals, people, or strange entities that can spawn on the map, or follow you around. This is a mod aimed at people who create other mods, or who may want to try their hand at creating custom content.

Chests Anywhere

Created by: Pathoschild

The Chests Anywhere mod removes the frustration of forgetting an item in a chest at home. You can access not just your chests, but fridges, dressers, shipping bins, and Junimo huts from anywhere in the game, and organize their contents. You can move items from one place to another without needing to run across the map. If you've found yourself with a full inventory on a mining expedition, you can now transfer your items to your chest on your farm and continue digging deeper.

Ridgeside Village

Created by: Rafseazz, Mamaesh

The massive Ridgeside Village mod introduces more than 50 new NPCs, a brand-new location, new items, shops, festivals, music, quests, and more. It's an incomprehensibly massive mod which introduces tons of new content while not being intrusive to the base game. 22 of the 50+ new NPCs can be befriended or romanced, and the late game challenges provide a test for even the most seasoned Stardew veterans. There's even the Ridgeside Village Seasonal Outfits mod, which introduces new aesthetics for characters in the mod. There are new quests and festivals if you're bored of the Night Market, and even hotel rooms to stay overnight, and the odd jobs service to hire assistants on your farm. If you've been playing Stardew for years like the rest of us, installing the Ridgeside Village mod is truly like playing a brand-new version of the same farming sim we know and love.

Tractor

Created by: Pathoschild

Vehicles in Stardew Valley? While characters like Lewis have a truck, it's never seen moving around the village, probably because of the incomprehensible scale of the thing. It's almost the size of his house! You can join in on the motoring fun now too, with the Tractor mod by Pathoschild. You can buy a tractor, as well as a garage to put it in, to help you be more efficient with crops, as well as clearing twigs and rocks on the farm. With the mod installed, you'll buy the tractor and garage from Robin who will come over and build it. Then, just get on the tractor and select a tool, seeds, or fertilizer from the toolbar. Pressing the backspace key will also summon the tractor to your current location. The tractor even has a melee weapon to break open mine containers or attack monsters.

Mod Config Menu

Created by: spacechase0

The Generic Mod Config Menu allows you to add a menu option in-game which views all mod settings at once. If you're finding yourself working through our mods list and installing almost all of them, this could be a helpful addition that enables you to manage all of your mods in one place. To find it in Stardew Valley, just use the cog icon either in the title screen or during your playthrough. Note that not all mods support Generic Mod Config Menu, so if some you've installed are missing from the settings page, don't panic.

How To Mod Stardew Valley

While some games make use of the Steam Workshop feature to install and manage mods, Stardew Valley has its own process. You'll need to alter the game files, but if that sounds scary, fear not. It's more simple than it sounds, and we've got instructions on how to install mods, whether they're XNB files or mods that utilize the Stardew Modding API. If you're tinkering with game files, remember to keep a vanilla backup somewhere, just in case undesirable side effects start coming into play.

For XNB files:

• Locate the content file at C:/Steam/steamapps/common/Stardew Valley/Content
• Find the folder that represents the mod you're trying to install. For example, if you want to add a new cow variant, head to the Animals subfolder.
• Replace the "cow.xnb" file with your replacement file.
• Restart the game to apply the mod's effects.

To use the Stardew Modding API, download SMAPI from Nexus Mods. This open-source software will allow you to install DLL files with ease, and also regularly checks for new updates. SMAPI will also help to make mods compatible with future Stardew Valley updates. All you need to do, when your DLL file is downloaded, is move it into the SMAPI mod folder.

While that's it for the best mods to install in Stardew Valley, take note of the house upgrades, and recipes list for your next playthrough. They may be vanilla inclusions, but there's far more on offer than you'd expect.

8BitDo has announced it is temporarily pausing shipments to the US due to tariffs. The popular third-party controller manufacturer is based in China, the country that has been hit with the highest tariffs by the Trump administration. 8BitDo is one of the largest gaming manufacturers to take this step, but it's demonstrative of what could become a trend.

Here is the full statement posted on 8BitDo's website: "Due to U.S. tariffs, only products from our U.S. warehouse are available for shipping to the United States. China warehouse shipping is temporarily paused."

US tariffs on products exported from China now sit at roughly 124%. Rather than asking US consumers to cover cost increases that, in some cases, would more than double the price of goods, 8BitDo and other manufacturers have made the decision to suspend shipments. This isn't really surprising. 8BitDo, for instance, is known for making great controllers for Nintendo Switch, PC, Xbox, and mobile devices for budget-friendly prices. If a controller that has sold for $50 for years is suddenly $100 or more, the number of buyers would plummet and 8BitDo's brand identity would be damaged, perhaps irrevocably. Blaze Entertainment, creator of the Evercade retro handhelds and consoles, also recently paused shipments due to tariffs.

In the US, 8BitDo accessories are primarily sold on Amazon. As such, we've rounded up some of the company's best controllers, keyboards, arcade sticks, and other products that are still in stock for retail price or less. There are still deals to be found on 8BitDo products, but keep in mind that depending on how long the shipment pause lasts, accessories are likely to start selling out.

8BitDo's notable recent releases include the flagship Ultimate 2 Bluetooth and 2.4GHz Controllers and the Xbox Edition Retro Keyboard and Mouse. It's worth noting that while you can still currently preorder the matching Xbox Edition 3-Mode Ultimate Controller, 8BitDo's NES-themed Retro R8 Gaming Mouse is no longer available to preorder and unlikely to return before its May launch.

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Quick look: 8BitDo Notable Products & Deals at Amazon

• 8BitDo Ultimate 2 Bluetooth Controller (Switch, PC)
  • White -- $63 ($70) | Click coupon box
  • Black -- $63 ($70) | Click coupon box
• 8BitDo Ultimate 2 Controller (PC, Android)
  • Black-- $50 ($60)
  • White -- $50 ($60)
  • Purple -- $50 ($60)
• 8BitDo Ultimate 3-Mode Controller (Xbox, PC, mobile)
  • Transparent Green -- $70 | Releases May 15
  • White -- $63 ($70)
  • Black -- $62 ($70)
• 8BitDo Ultimate Bluetooth Controller (Switch, PC, mobile) -- $49 ($60)
• 8BitDo Ultimate Bluetooth Controller + Carrying Case -- $55 ($70)
• 8BitDo Ultimate 2C Controller - Black Myth: Wukong -- $29.72 ($35)
• 8BitDo Ultimate 2.4GHz Controller - Genshin Impact -- $50 ($60)
• 8BitDo SN30 Pro Bluetooth Controller (Switch, PC, mobile) -- $40.49 ($45)
• 8BitDo Pro 2 Bluetooth Controller (Switch, PC, mobile) -- $38.75 ($50)
• 8BitDo Xbox Edition TKL Mechanical Keyboard -- $100 ($120)
• 8BitDo Retro R8 Wireless Mouse - Xbox Edition -- $60
• 8BitDo N Edition Full-Size Mechanical Keyboard -- $96 ($120)

8BitDo Ultimate 2 Bluetooth Controller (Switch, PC)

$63 ($70)

8BitDo's newest flagship controller, the Ultimate 2, offers meaningful upgrades for Nintendo and PC users. The controller features two remappable back buttons and two extra top bumpers, essentially combining the layout of the original Ultimate Bluetooth and the Ultimate 2C.

The Ultimate 2 is also the first 8BitDo controller to use TMR electromagnetic analog sticks, which are similar to Hall Effect sticks but feel smoother and are a bit more precise, in our experience. Another first for 8BitDo is the use of adjustable trigger locks with two settings. It's also the first 8BitDo controller to use a USB-C dongle for its optional 2.4GHz wireless connection. It remains to be seen whether the dongle will be compatible with Switch 2, but you should have no problem syncing the controller via Bluetooth with Nintendo's new console.

Along with the normal internal customization features found in 8BitDo's Ultimate controllers, the Ultimate 2 uses the V2 software--which is only available on PC, Android, and Mac--which has a section for customizing the joystick lighting rings.

The Ultimate 2 Bluetooth is available in white or black and comes with a matching charging dock. It released a few weeks ago and is up for grabs for 10% off at Amazon.

See at Amazon

8BitDo Ultimate 2 Wireless 2.4GHz Controller (PC, Android)

$50 ($60)

Prior to the release of the Ultimate 2 Bluetooth, 8BitDo debuted the new design with the Ultimate 2 Wireless Controller for PC and Android. Like its predecessor, the PC edition lacks Bluetooth and retails for $10 less than the Switch/PC edition. This controller launched in February in three different colors--white, black, and purple--and is currently available for $10 off.

See at Amazon

8BitDo Retro 87 Mechanical Keyboard - Xbox Edition (PC, Mac, Steam Deck, Android)

$100 ($120)

The Xbox Edition of 8BitDo's Retro Mechanical Keyboard has all of the same features as the tenkeyless models released before it, but it has a transparent green design inspired by the original Xbox's special-edition console of the same color. The Xbox Edition--which doesn't actually work on Xbox--is on sale for $100 for a limited time at Amazon.

The keyboard can connect wirelessly via 2.4GHz or Bluetooth to PC, Mac, and Android. It comes with a matching Super Button module featuring a pair of large microswitch buttons.

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8BitDo Retro R8 Wireless Mouse - Xbox Edition (PC, Mac, Android)

$60

The matching transparent green Retro R8 Wireless Mouse is an all-new product from 8BitDo. This ambidextrous wireless mouse supports Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless connections on PC, Mac, and Android. It has four remappable side buttons (two on each side) and comes with a matching charging dock.

See at Amazon

• 8BitDo Retro R8 Wireless Mouse - Xbox Edition -- $60
• 8BitDo N30 Wireless Mouse -- $21 ($30)

8BitDo previously released a 2.4GHz wireless mouse themed around the NES that features a D-pad on the side and a touchpad for scrolling. The Retro R8 Mouse is a big step up, but the peculiar N30 is available for only $21 right now.

8BitDo Full-Sized Retro Mechanical Keyboard (PC, Mac, Steam Deck, Mobile)

$96 ($120)

8BitDo released full-sized versions of the N and Fami Edition keyboards in late 2024. Both models add a numpad and are available for 20% off at Amazon.

• 8BitDo N Edition Full-Size Mechanical Keyboard -- $96 ($120)
• 8BitDo Fami Edition Full-Size Mechanical Keyboard -- $96 ($120)

See at Amazon

If you already have one of the 87-key TKL models, you can pair it with one of 8BitDo's wireless numpads instead.

• 8BitDo NES Mechanical Numpad -- $37.86 ($45)
• 8BitDo C64 Mechanical Numpad -- $38.25 ($45) | Click coupon box
• 8BitDo M Mechanical Numpad -- $38.25 ($45) | Click coupon box
• 8BitDo Fami Mechanical Numpad -- $45

8BitDo Ultimate 2C Wireless Controller - Black Myth: Wukong (PC, Android)

$29.72 ($35)

• 8BitDo Ultimate 2C Wireless Controller (Black Myth: Wukong Edition) -- $29.72 ($35)
• 8BitDo Ultimate 2C Wired Controller (Black Myth: Wukong Edition) -- $21 ($25)

8BitDo's Ultimate 2C is the budget version of the company's flagship controller for PC and Android. This special-edition version is officially licensed and themed around Black Myth: Wukong.

The controller's pro-style features include Hall Effect analog sticks and a pair of remappable top bumpers. Unlike the main Ultimate and Ultimate 2 Controllers, the 2C does not support 8BitDo's customization software. The extra remappable buttons are assigned using a button on the controller.

See at Amazon

8BitDo Ultimate 2.4GHz Wireless Controller (PC, Android, iOS)

$50 ($60)

This Genshin Impact-themed version of the Ultimate connects via a 2.4GHz wireless adapter. Like its Bluetooth counterpart, you're getting a charging dock, Hall Effect joysticks, and pro-style back buttons for added accessibility. You can also use the Ultimate Software on your PC to further modify its performance.

See at Amazon

8BitDo Ultimate 3-Mode Controller (Xbox, PC, Android)

• Transparent Green -- $70 | Releases May 15
• White -- $63 ($70)
• Black -- $62 ($70)

8BitDo's Ultimate 3-Mode Controller is a bit confusing from a compatibility perspective. Although it's officially licensed by Xbox, it only works with a wired connection via the included USB-C cable. The other two "modes" are wireless: 2.4GHz on PC and Bluetooth on Android.

The Ultimate 3-Mode supports 8BitDo's Ultimate software on PC, mobile, and Xbox. The controller has Hall Effect sticks and a pair of remappable back buttons. It also comes with a charging dock, though the upcoming transparent green edition includes a black charging dock rather than the usual matching one.

See at Amazon

8BitDo Ultimate Bluetooth Controller + Carrying Case (Switch, PC, Mobile)

$55 ($70)

The original Ultimate Bluetooth Controller is still an excellent gamepad thanks to Hall Effect sticks, a pair of remappable back buttons, and the ability to customize trigger, rumble, and stick sensitivity via 8BitDo's Ultimate Software. This discounted bundle comes with a carrying case and charging dock for the controller.

Alternatively, you can save six bucks by ditching the carrying case.

• 8BitDo Ultimate Bluetooth Controller (Switch, PC, mobile) -- $49 ($60)
• 8BitDo Ultimate Bluetooth Controller + Carrying Case -- $55 ($70)

See at Amazon

8BitDo Arcade Fight Stick

$88 ($90) for Switch/PC | $108 ($120) for Xbox/PC

8BitDo's budget-friendly wireless arcade sticks offer terrific performance for the price. Available in Nintendo Switch and Xbox editions--both of which work wirelessly on PC--these fight sticks feature great, accurate sticks as well as eight, satisfyingly clicky buttons. Both editions are moddable with third-party parts and are compatible with 8BitDo's Ultimate software, allowing you to set up macros and customize other settings. The Switch edition supports Bluetooth wireless, while the Xbox version utilizes a 2.4GHz wireless dongle.

See at Amazon (Switch)

See at Amazon (Xbox)

8BitDo Pro 2 Wireless Controller (Switch, PC, Mac, Mobile)

$36 ($50)

The 8BitDo Pro 2 is retro-style Switch and PC controller that takes inspiration from the SNES controller while also offering all of the inputs found on modern gamepads and ergonomic handles. It includes a pair of remappable back buttons and is compatible with 8BitDo's Ultimate Software. Just like the flagship Ultimate series, the Pro 2 lets you customize settings such as stick sensitivity and configure up to three custom profiles.

See at Amazon

8Bitdo Ultimate 2C Bluetooth Controller (Switch)

$27 ($30)

One of the best Nintendo Switch controllers for $30 or less, the Ultimate 2C Bluetooth edition supports motion controls, rumble, and has great battery life. Just like the 2.4GHz edition of the 2C, it has a pair of remappable top bumpers.

See at Amazon

8BitDo SN30 Pro Bluetooth Controller (Switch, PC, Android)

$40.49 ($45)

The SN30 Pro Bluetooth Controller is modeled after the Super Nintendo controller but has two analog sticks as well as the triggers and shoulder buttons found on modern gamepads. Unlike the Pro 2, however, it doesn't support 8BitDo's customization app, and it doesn't have remappable back buttons. But if you want a retro controller for modern platforms that also happens to include turbo functionality, motion controls, and rumble, the SN30 Pro is one of the best and most versatile.

See at Amazon

8BitDo Retro Mechanical Keyboard (PC, Mac, Steam Deck, Android)

$86 ($100) for NES Edition

Besides the transparent green edition, there are four TKL 8BitDo keyboards themed around the NES, Famicom, Commodore 64, and old IBM computers. All four of these wireless keyboards connect via 2.4GHz wireless, Bluetooth, and USB-C wired. Unlike the Xbox Edition, these work on iOS because they utilize 8BitDo's original Ultimate Software instead of the V2 version. Each keyboard comes with a pair of detachable Super Buttons, while the C64 Edition also includes the Super Stick (detachable arcade stick).

• 8BitDo Fami Edition TKL Mechanical Keyboard -- $90 ($100)
• 8BitDo N Edition TKL Mechanical Keyboard -- $86 ($100) | Click coupon box
• 8BitDo M Edition TKL Mechanical Keyboard -- $92 ($100)
• 8BitDo C64 Edition TKL Mechanical Keyboard -- $99 ($110) | Click coupon box

See at Amazon

8BitDo M30 Bluetooth Controller (Switch, PC, Android)

$30

Fans of the Sega Genesis should check out 8BitDo's M30 Bluetooth Controller for Switch, PC, and Android. This wireless controller is modeled after the six-button Genesis controller and is great for playing retro games on Nintendo Switch Online.

See at Amazon

One of the most popular features in any Bethesda RPG is the ability to have companions follow you around during your adventure. If you played the original Oblivion, then you know that companions also play a role in Cyrodiil. The feature is also a part of the remaster, but if this is your first time playing the game, then you'll likely have little to no idea how to recruit companions to follow you.

Fortunately, there are multiple ways to get companions in Oblivion Remastered, meaning you can have a fleet of followers ready to go to war with you. Unfortunately, companions are a time investment that don't come to you within a few hours of playing. Below, you can see exactly how to get companions and a list of all the current ones you can have in Oblivion Remastered.

For a more general look at Oblivion Remastered, including some build ideas, skill explanations, and main story quests, check out our full, detailed walkthrough of the game.

All ways to get companions in Oblivion Remastered

Companions can be split up into two categories: permanent followers and quest partners. Permanent followers are companions that you choose to accompany you after accomplishing a task and can be given certain directives after you agree to let them follow you. Quest partners are companions who are assigned to you at the start or during a specific quest in Oblivion Remastered. For example, during the "Weynon Priory" main story quest, Brother Martin follows you until you deliver him to Jauffre.

While quest partners aren't a permanent kind of companion, they technically can be if you simply never complete the quest that they're a part of. Continuing with the example of the Weynon Priory quest, if you never deliver Martin to Jauffre, then Brother Martin will stay by your side as a companion until that quest is marked complete. The same goes for other quests where you're assigned a quest partner. This is especially useful if you get a companion during a side quest, as those quests aren't mandatory to complete, and you can basically keep that follower for the rest of the game with no consequences.

As for permanent followers, these are companions that you can recruit to stay by your side until you direct them to leave your party. There aren't many permanent follower options in Oblivion Remastered, but here's the list of the ones we've found so far:

• Adoring Fan
• Mage Apprentice
• Knights of the Nine

Again, it's important not to mix up permanent followers and quest partners. There are a plethora of quest partners available in Oblivion Remastered that will follow you around during specific quests. However, after that quest is complete, the follower leaves you. Permanent followers are specific companions you recruit yourself and have some dominion over. You're unable to tell a quest partner to leave you alone, while you can speak to a permanent follower and tell them to go away.

You're able to have as many companions as you can find, but you can only have one of each type in your party at a time. There's no limit to the quest partners you can have, but you can't have more than one Mage Apprentice or Knights of the Nine, for example.

Below, we'll go over how to get all three types of permanent followers in Oblivion Remastered.

How to get the Adoring Fan companion

First up is the most famous companion in any Bethesda RPG: the Adoring Fan. The Adoring Fan requires some legwork to acquire as a companion in Oblivion Remastered, as he doesn't just run up to you randomly.

To get the chance to add the Adoring Fan to your party, you need to ascend the ladder in the Imperial City Arena and reach the rank of Grand Champion. This rank is only bestowed upon you after you've beaten Agronak gro-Malog, which requires you to battle and win nearly two dozen fights in the Arena. You can visit the Imperial City Arena on the eastern side of the city at any time, as the fast travel option is available by default. From the fast travel location, head down a floor to speak with Owyn and get started with your Arena journey. The Arena sharpens your combat skills and is also a decent way to make some gold in Oblivion Remastered.

Once you have defeated Agronak gro-Malog in the Arena, head back out into the Imperial City, and after a short while, the yellow-haired Adoring Fan will rush up to you and ask to accompany you along your journey. If you say yes, the Adoring Fan follows you around, holds a torch in the darkness, and says some encouraging, yet annoying, catchphrases as he watches you battle enemies from the sidelines.

How to get the Mage Apprentice companion

Next up is the Mage Apprentice, which is arguably the most difficult type of companion to acquire in Oblivion Remastered. In order to recruit a Mage Apprentice, you need to hold the title of Arch-Mage in the Mages Guild.

To get this title, you need to complete every recommendation quest for the Mages Guild and be admitted to the Arcane University. This requires visiting all seven cities' Mages Guild, speaking to the guild master, and completing a quest for them.

Once you are admitted to the Arcane University, speak with Raminus Polus, who is one of your first stops upon entering the university. Polus has a series of quests you need to complete, including:

• A Mage's Staff
• Ulterior Motives
• Vahtacen's Secret
• Necromancer's Moon

After those are complete, speak to Hannibal Traven, the Arch-Mage currently stationed at the university. Traven has a new batch of quests for you to complete, including:

• Liberation or Apprehension?
• Information at a Price
• A Plot Revealed
• The Necromancer's Amulet
• The Bloodworm Helm
• Ambush
• Confront the King

Once those quests are done, you become the Arch-Mage and can now recruit Mage Apprentices, which you can find roaming the halls of the university. Simply speak to one, recruit them, and they'll begin to follow you.

How to get the Knights of the Nine companion

Finally, the last permanent follower in Oblivion Remastered is the Knights of the Nine. These are soldiers a part of a religious faction, which is currently inactive in Cyrodiil. However, you can re-establish the faction by completing a series of quests, the first of which is "Pilgrimage." This quest begins outside the church in Anvil, where there has been a murder. You can speak to the Prophet outside the church and learn about why the murder was committed. Long story short, you need to visit nine wayshrines along the "Pilgrim's Way" and pray at each one.

After you visit all nine wayshrines and complete the Pilgrimage quest, you have to complete a laundry list of quests to get the Knights of the Nine faction up and running. Those quests are:

• The Shrine of the Crusader
• Nature's Fury
• The Path of the Righteous
• Wisdom of the Ages
• Stendarr's Mercy
• Nature's Fury
• The Faithful Squire
• The Sword of the Crusader
• The Blessing of Talos
• Umaril the Unfeathered

The final quest sees you battle and defeat Umaril, the deity responsible for the murder in the church and everything else you've had to go through in this questline. After Umaril is defeated, the Knights of the Nine are re-established in Cyrodiil, and you can now recruit one of the soldiers for your party in Oblivion Remastered.

How companions work in Oblivion Remastered

Now that you know the different ways of acquiring companions and followers in Oblivion Remastered, how exactly do they work?

Well, quest partners are sort of their own entity. They fight alongside you, follow you to any location you visit, and can even go ahead of you to fight other enemies if you're lagging behind. However, you can't tell them what to do or speak to them outside of their quest dialogue. Quest partners can be knocked unconscious during a fight, but they get back up after a brief moment.

With permanent followers, though, you have a little more command over them. You can direct them to stay put in their current location, invite them to join you, or tell them to leave your party. You can also speak to them to bring up a small list of dialogue options. Unfortunately, that's about all you can do with them. Unlike other Bethesda RPGs, companions can't hold your extra loot, and you can't affect what the companion wears or wields. Companions can die, but this is unlikely, as they have a ton of health and even some healing spells. Also, if one of your Mage Apprentices or Knights of the Nine dies, you can always just go and recruit another one.

Hopefully, Oblivion Remastered sees some mods added in the future that expand upon the companion system currently in the game. Older Oblivion mods featured a plethora of follower mods that gave you in-depth companions with their own storylines, dialogue, and weapons. While those mods aren't available yet, check out our list of the best mods you can currently download in Oblivion Remastered.

Call of Duty's Season 3 Reloaded update arrives in Black Ops 6 and Warzone on May 1, bringing new multiplayer maps, a stoner-themed event with Seth Rogen, and major updates to Warzone's Verdansk map. Ranked Play also arrives for battle royale.

The Season 3 details can be found below, including a look at all the new content and the event rewards for the "Blaze of Glory" 4/20 event. While the stoner content seems oddly placed, it's worth noting Season 3 was initially delayed, and the midseason content was pushed back, making this year's 4/20 celebration later in Call of Duty.

High Art event featuring Seth Rogen

This is Call of Duty's latest XP event that features both free and premium tracks. Free event rewards include the season's new Ladra submachine gun, while the paid pass unlocks two operator skins for actor and known stoner Seth Rogen. This event will be live from May 1-15.

Blaze of Glory event

The Blaze of Glory 4/20 event runs from May 6-15. For this event, players collect Blaze Bucks dropped by eliminated enemies in Black Ops 6 and found in supply caches Warzone. These Blaze Bucks are used to unlock event rewards, including the "Highly Decorated" weapon camo.

New multiplayer maps

Season 3 Reloaded adds two new maps and a Nuketown variant.

• Haven: A brand-new 6v6 map set in a KGB safehouse
• Signal: A brand-new strike map for 2v2 and 6v6 playlists, and this takes place inside a submarine bay
• Blazetown: This is a vibrant Nuketown variant themed around weed and the recent 4/20 holiday

Joint Operations limited-time MP game mode

Joint Operations is a gauntlet that challenges players across a series of multiplayer mode variants, including Team Deathmatch, Domination, Hardpoint, Kill Order, and Kill Confirmed.

These classic CoD modes have modifiers that affect every player, including a +420 score bonus, a switch to third-person perspective, visual impairment, double health, hardcore, paranoia sounds, low gravity, double jump, and increased movement speed.

Players will compete in 6v6 matches across all five modes. These are short matches of only two minutes per mode, and they'll end when one team reaches the score or time limit of all five modes. The team with the most points accumulated wins the game.

New multiplayer perk

Season 3 Reloaded adds the Vendetta perk. This is added to slot 2 as a Recon category perk. On respawn, this perk allows players to mark their killer's last known position for a short duration. They also get a bonus score for eliminating that enemy.

Zombies Snacks limited-time Zombies mode

The Zombie Snacks limited-time mode that replaces the health bar with an energy meter, challenging players to eat snacks to stay alive while they slay the undead.

The player's health bar is replaced with an energy meter, which depletes when taking damage or moving. The energy meter does not passively recharge, so you'll constantly need to eat food to survive.

Food items can be scavenged throughout the map as well dropped randomly when killing enemies. Consuming perk drinks, Gobblegum, and health-based items in the game will also refill the energy bar. The mode adds a Refrigerator Power-Up, and when activated, all eliminated zombies will drop food items for a short period of time.

This Zombies Snacks mode can be played on all five maps in the game.

New Zombies field upgrade and augments

The Frost Blast field upgrade returns to Zombies in Black Ops 6. This field upgrade creates a blizzard that deals lethal frost damage on activation and slows enemies that enter it. Six new augments can be unlocked for Frost Blast, including three major and three minor augments.

Shattered Veil Director Mode

Director Mode arrives for Season 3's new Shattered Veil map. Director Mode walks players through the otherwise hidden steps for completing the map's story quest, making the process much easier with a maximum round cap of 15.

The train arrives to Verdansk

The moving Train POI from the original Verdansk map returns in this midseason update. This is a loot-filled train with multiple access points that loops around Verdansk. The Train Station interior also opens up as a playable area.

New features for Verdansk

New map features for Verdansk include the addition of High-Value loot zones, Warzone's Big Game Bounty contract, and the Triumph TF 250-X dirt bike.

Warzone Ranked Play

Ranked Play mode returns to Warzone with Season 3 Reloaded. This competitive mode is designed for trios in 150-player matches on Verdansk.

Players can earn seasonal rewards shown above for reaching milestones in the remainder of Season 3.

Limited-Time Warzone modes

Two limited-time modes are added for Verdansk.

High Trip Resurgence is Call of Duty's 4/20-themed mode, where players can scavenge items from supply boxes to earn various boosts, including faster reloads, super speed, and no fall damage.

Massive Resurgence is Call of Duty's respawn mode for big maps. This mode will support 120 players on Verdansk. Players simply need to stay alive to redeploy fallen squadmates.

Mods were a core part of the experience for PC players with the original Oblivion, adding thousands of community-made updates, fixes, and full-blown expansions. In Oblivion Remastered, mods are not officially supported by Bethesda, so there's no creation kit for players on consoles to download mods. However, mods for the remaster are still fully available and actively being developed by the community.

While the modding scene for Oblivion Remastered only features a few hundred mods at the time of writing, that won't be the case for too long. Modders will continue to work on new mods and even attempt to port over mods that were made for the original Oblivion. For the time being, though, we have come up with a list of the best mods you can download for Oblivion Remastered right now. These mods are in no particular order, and we've tried to cover a wide range of areas with our selections.

You can see a full walkthrough of how to download mods in Oblivion Remastered in our previous guide.

Ultimate Engine Tweaks

• Created by: VP40L0

If you're plugged into the Bethesda RPG modding scene at all, you knew this one was coming. The Ultimate Engine Tweaks mod is always one of the most popular and useful mods for any Bethesda game, and the same is true in Oblivion Remastered. This mod tweaks the game engine to remove a large majority of stutters, improve latency, and increase overall performance. All of this is accomplished without any downgrade to visual fidelity.

Carry Weight Modifier

• Created by: Erok

Next up is another classic RPG mod. The Carry Weight Modifier mod allows you to drastically reduce the weight of the items currently in your inventory. The way this mod works in Oblivion Remastered is that it makes your lockpicks weigh -150 pounds. According to the mod creator, this is done due to how the engine is set up. So, in order to make use of this mod, you'll need to always ensure you have at least one lockpick in your inventory. The more lockpicks you have, the more weight you can carry.

No Item Degradation

• Created by: Erok

Following the Carry Weight Modifier mod is another quality-of-life mod called No Item Degradation. This mod does exactly what it says it does; it makes it so that all of your weapons and armor don't degrade the more you use them. This essentially cuts out the need for blacksmiths and repair hammers in Oblivion Remastered, giving you one less thing to worry about when you're traveling across Cyrodiil. This doesn't apply to enchantment degradation, though, so you'll still need some Soul Gems to recharge your enchanted weapons.

Difficulty Slider Fixed

• Created by: IxionXVII

If you've tried to play Oblivion Remastered at some of the higher difficulty levels, you may have noticed that combat is extremely unforgiving. Enemies hit way harder than you expect them to and your damage barely seems to affect them, regardless of what weapon you're using. With the Difficulty Slider Fixed mod, you can take out the strict difficulty levels and instead use a slider system. This allows you to customize the damage taken and damage dealt multipliers to be more in line with what you expect. Now, the Master difficulty level feels much more forgiving compared to how it works by default.

Weightless Alchemy and Misc. Items

• Created by: Exalderan

This mod falls in line with the Carry Weight Modifier mod, but it offers a different experience. If you don't want to worry about your carry weight entirely but still don't want useful items clogging up your capacity, then the Weightless Alchemy and Misc. Items mod is what you want. This mod brings the carrying weight of several items down to zero. The items include arrows, alchemy items, potions, books, soul gems, and other miscellaneous loot you might pick up. Your weapons and armor still weigh their normal amount, but you no longer have to stress about picking up too many arrows or brewing too many potions.

Richer Vendors

• Created by: Erok

If you've ever gone to a merchant in Oblivion Remastered with a ton of valuable loot to sell but the vendor didn't have enough gold to cover the sale, then the Richer Vendors mod is one you should download. This mod gives all merchants across Cyrodiil the ability to hold 10x their normal gold amount. This means all merchants will have at least 1,000 gold to spend on all of the loot you want to offer them.

Horse Whistle - Summon and Follow

• Created by: PushTheWinButton

Buying a horse is a rite of passage in Oblivion Remastered. They're certainly not the cheapest thing you can purchase in Cyrodiil, but having one makes your life much easier. Unfortunately, the game doesn't offer a traditional way to summon your horse or issue it any commands. Fortunately, the Horse Whistle mod implements just that, giving you the ability to whistle for your horse. When you use the power, your horse will either teleport to you if it's farther away or slowly walk over to you. You can also make the horse follow you by using the power in conjunction with the waiting mechanic. The Horse Whistle mod only works when you're outside of a city's gates.

Less Restrictive Spells and Utility Spells

• Created by: Oblivion6871

If you're playing as a mage or simply want to use magicka from time to time in Oblivion Remastered, you'll immediately notice there are quite a few restrictions on spellcasting. The Less Restrictive Spells and Utility Spells mod aims to rectify that, allowing all magic effects to be made available when casting a spell or enchanting an item. You need to have the spell effect learned already, though. The mod also allows you to spellcast and enchant anywhere you want and increases the summon limit to 10, giving you the ability to unleash a horde of minions on enemies. Finally, the mod adds a few utility spells to the game as well, such as True Invisibility, Master Key, and more.

Oblivion Remastered High Quality Music

• Created by: DEEJMASTER 333

While the music in Oblivion Remastered is extremely well done, it can always be improved. The Oblivion Remastered High Quality Music mod replaces the current audio files in the remaster with HD MP3s from the official soundtrack, making the music sound much crisper and clearer. The audio files in use are of the "highest quality" according to the mod creator, and nearly all of the music in the game is replaced with the HD versions. If you're simply looking for a way to increase the game's fidelity, this mod is a great starting point.

Classic Oblivion Color Grading

• Created by: Wickedzz

The team behind Oblivion Remastered did an absolutely phenomenal job of updating the game's graphics to look much clearer and more modern. However, if you're still in love with the old, more vibrant color palette of the original Oblivion, you can download the Classic Oblivion Color Grading mod. This replaces all of the new landscapes, which are slightly duller in color, with the landscapes of old that feature a much brighter palette. The mod certainly brings back waves of nostalgia as you're traveling through the various roads of Cyrodiil and seeing all of the classic yellow and green colors from the original game.

A large part of your journey in Oblivion Remastered is dictated by how much gold you have. Whether you need to buy a key weapon from a vendor or some upgrades to your free castle, you'll need gold and lots of it. You'll quickly find that gold is in fairly short supply relative to how much a certain item costs when visiting a merchant. So, you need to come up with ways to make gold quickly and efficiently to fund whatever expense you have your eyes set on in Oblivion Remastered.

Below, we'll go over five of the best ways you can make gold and make it quickly in Cyrodiil. The methods are in no particular order, so feel free to use whichever one you feel is easiest for your character. If you want more general tips for Oblivion Remastered, make sure to check out our full walkthrough of the entire game.

1. Play and gamble at the Arena

The first and most well-known way to make gold in Oblivion Remastered is by paying a visit to the Arena. You can immediately fast travel to the Arena by going to your map, viewing Imperial City, and then selecting the eastern green icon that reads "Imperial City Arena." You can do this by default after the tutorial is complete. Once you're at the Arena, either speak to Hundolin, who is the first NPC you see, or Owyn, the Blademaster, who's located down one floor from where you fast travel to.

Speaking to Hundolin allows you to place bets on the Arena combatants. You can either wage on the Blue or Yellow Team, and each has a 50% chance to win. However, if you have a high Luck stat (above 50), then the team you bet on has better odds in the Arena. You can choose to bet 25, 50, or 100 gold on your team, and the bet pays out at 2:1. This means you if you bet 100 gold, you win 200 gold (100 gold profit).

On the other hand, if you talk to Owyn, you can become a combatant in the Arena and fight opponents to ascend the Arena ranks and make additional gold. This is, naturally, the more foolproof method to make money at the Arena, as you're not relying on odds to cash in. Instead, you can win as much gold as you want if you keep fighting and winning as a combatant in the Arena. While this method does take longer, there are other rewards in store for you by winning fights, so it's a worthwhile time investment.

Make and sell potions through Alchemy

The next gold-making method we have is to utilize the Alchemy skill in Oblivion Remastered. By using a Mortar and Pestle along with ingredients, you can create hundreds of potions that offer dozens of different effects. For gold-making purposes, though, you don't really care what kinds of potions you're brewing, as you eventually want to sell those potions to a merchant to turn a profit.

The best way to use this method is by looting as many fruits and plants as you can. For plants, the most ideal location to loot them is just outside of Skingrad. There's a vineyard there that has dozens of grape vines, which you can pick to add a massive amount of grapes to your inventory. As for plants, head into caves and explore the grassy areas of Cyrodiil and loot any and all ingredients you come across. While the ingredients don't weigh a ton, a large amount does start to stack up. If you're on PC, you can download a mod in Oblivion Remastered that helps with your carrying capacity.

Once you have a solid number of ingredients in large quantities, click on your Mortar and Pestle in the inventory. This brings you to the Alchemy menu, where you can combine two or more ingredients to create potions. Look for two ingredients that have the same properties (e.g., "Restore Fatigue" or "Damage Intelligence) and select them. This allows you to make a potion using those ingredients, and you can keep pressing "Create" to make as many potions as you can.

After you've made a great deal of potions, you can turn around and sell them to any merchant that takes them. General traders and Alchemy merchants, such as Sinderion the Nirnroot Plant guru, will buy the potions from you for a decent amount of gold. When you run out of potions, wait a few in-game days, go back to where you got all of your ingredients, and they will have respawned, allowing you to repeat the process over again.

Steal loot for the Thieves Guild

A time-honored method of making gold in Cyrodiil is by stealing loot and then turning around to sell it to the Thieves Guild. The Thieves Guild has a fence merchant that buys any stolen goods you bring them, and the fence generally has plenty of gold to take whatever you've stolen off your hands.

To join the Thieves Guild, you can do a few different things, but the easiest is to get thrown in jail, serve your time, and then rest at a bed. After you've rested, you'll get approached by a mysterious Dark Elf who hands you a note and tells you to go to the Garden of Dareloth in the Imperial City at midnight. From there, you can complete the steps to become a member of the Thieves Guild.

While the Thieves Guild offers you contracts to steal items for them, you also want to take every advantage you can. This means pickpocketing from unaware NPCs, stealing from chests when no one is looking, and robbing a shopowner when they have their back turned. With all of these stolen items, bring them to the fence in the Thieves Guild and sell them for a huge profit.

Sell legitimate loot to merchants

While selling stolen loot to the Thieves Guild is a nice way to turn a profit, selling loot you find out in the world of Cyrodiil is often a more efficient use of your time. After all, most of Oblivion Remastered is about exploration and picking up loot you find through exploration, so why not make some gold while playing the game as Bethesda intended?

Of course, you do want to try and target certain loot that has more value to merchants. One of the best items you can always sell is Welkynd Stones, which are only found in Ayleid Ruins in Oblivion Remastered. The easiest Ayleid Ruin to visit is Vilverin, which is right across the lake from the starting Sewer Entrances location. This is one of the locations we suggested you visit first in Oblivion Remastered since it offers a great way to make some early gold.

Any Ayleid Ruins, which are marked by yellow icons on your map, have the potential to contain upwards of two dozen Welkynd Stones inside them. These stones sell for around 20 gold with a standard Mercantile skill and only weigh one pound, meaning you can carry a ton and sell them for an enormous profit.

Another item of value to merchants that's easy to come by is Daedra Hearts. These are mainly looted by killing enemies in the Gates of Oblivion, and they sell for around 15 gold each. However, they're also an alchemy ingredient that makes Restore Health potions, so they have double uses when it comes to making gold in Oblivion Remastered.

Just about any weapon, gear, or other item you don't need can be sold to merchants, though, so make sure you're picking up everything you can carry throughout your travels. Although, we don't recommend selling Soul Gems, as those are one of the most useful items you can own.

Use console commands to cheat

Unfortunately, the final method is only available to PC players and it might not be something you want to take advantage of. However, if we're going over the best ways to add gold to your inventory, using console commands needs to be mentioned.

Any player on PC can use console commands by pressing the tilde (~) key on their keyboard. This brings up the console text box and allows you to enter a specific command. We listed all the console commands and how to use them in Oblivion Remastered in a previous guide.

If you want to solely use the console to make gold, though, use this command:

• player.additem [0000000F] [X]

Replace [X] with the amount of gold you want to add, press "Enter," and bam, that exact amount of gold is now in your inventory. Keep in mind that using console commands disables achievements, but you can use a mod in Oblivion Remastered to get around that.

What Games Are Actually Available On Nintendo Switch 2 Game Cards?

Although Nintendo Switch 2 still supports physical Game Cards, not all of them will have the entire game on the cartridge. Some physical Switch 2 titles will actually come on a Game-Key Card. Those force players to use an internet connection to download the game they bought physically so they can play it. If you're someone who likes to buy games physically because you're trying to save storage space on your console or don't want access to your game library tied to the internet, then you'll only want to pick up certain Switch 2 games physically.

With all the physical Nintendo Switch 2 games now available for pre-order at retailers, it can be tough to determine which ones are Game-Key Card releases and which ones aren't. To help, I've rounded up all of the Switch 2 games confirmed to be fully on the cartridge so far.

Mario Kart World

All of Nintendo's first-party Switch 2 games have the full game on the Game Card. That includes the $80 launch title Mario Kart World.

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Donkey Kong Bananza

The second brand new first-party Switch 2 game on the cards is Donkey Kong Bananza, which launches on July 17.

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The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition

Certain Nintendo Switch games will also get Nintendo Switch 2 Edition releases on Nintendo's new console. After some confusion, Nintendo confirmed that Nintendo Switch 2 Edition titles like the one for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild will come with the full game on the cartridge. The next string of titles fall into this game type.

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The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition

The Nintendo Switch 2 Editions of both Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom will be available on June 5 alongside the system's launch.

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Super Mario Party Jamboree - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Jamboree TV

Super Mario Party Jamboree - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Jamboree TV launches on July 24.

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Kirby and the Forgotten Land - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Star-Crossed World

Kirby and the Forgotten Land - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Star-Crossed World launches on August 28.

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Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition

While the majority of third-party Switch 2 physical releases are Game Key cards, not all of them are. CD Projekt Red was one of the first developers to come out and confirm that the entirety of its game would be on the Game Card. Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition launches alongside Nintendo Switch 2 on June 5.

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Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma

Marvelous USA has confirmed that its three announced titles for Switch 2 will "feature the full game on the cartridge." The first of these to launch will be Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma, a June 5 launch title for Switch 2.

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Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar

The next Marvelous USA game to release on Switch 2 is a remake of Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar, which launches on August 27.

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Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion

Finally, Marvelous USA's Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion will be fully on a Switch 2 Game Card when it launches on September 5.

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Switch 2 Titles That Will Be On Game-Key Cards

As you can see, the number of Switch 2 titles not on Game-Key Cards is very slim. For reference, here are many of the games that we know will receive physical Game-Key Card releases for Switch 2.

• Bravely Default: Flying Fairy HD Remaster
• EA Sports Madden NFL 26
• Hitman: World of Assassination - Signature Edition
• No Sleep for Kaname Date - From AI: The Somnium Files
• Puyo Puyo Tetris 2S
• Raidou Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army
• Sonic x Shadow Generations
• Split Fiction
• Street Fighter 6: Years 1-2 Fighters Edition
• Yakuza 0: Director's Cut

If you're interested in buying any of these, check out GameSpot's Switch 2 game and accessories preorder guide.

Big business.

2025 kicked off with the next big video game movie--A Minecraft Movie. After only a few weekends in theaters, it's made more than $700 million, cementing its position as the No. 2 highest-grossing video game movie of all time.

It was not the first video game adaptation from Hollywood and won't be the last. But where does A Minecraft Movie rank all-time against biggest video game movies? In this gallery, we're rounding up the highest-grossing video game films of all time, breaking down box office results by domestic, international, and worldwide figures.

The top 10 list is made up of massive franchises like Pokemon, Tomb Raider, Angry Birds, and Sonic, just to name a few. Looking ahead, there are a boatload of new video game films in the works.

Without further ado, here are the top 14 highest-grossing video game movies of all time. All box office figures are pulled from Amazon's BoxOfficeMojo.

1: The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023)

Following 1993's poorly received live-action Super Mario Bros. Movie starring Bob Hoskins and John Leguizamo, many wondered if Nintendo would ever again attempt to make a Mario movie. Well, 30 years later, the company partnered with Minions studio Illumination to do just that--and the movie is off to a fantastic start. Released on April 5, 2023 the movie quickly earned $377 million worldwide over its first five days and rapidly cleared more than $500 million. It's now earned more than $1.3 billion.

The movie features the voice of Chris Pratt as Mario, Anya Taylor-Joy as Peach, Charlie Day as Luigi, and Jack Black as Bowser.

• Domestic – $574,934,330
• International – $787,009,114
• Worldwide – $1,361,943,444

2. A Minecraft Movie (2025)

A Minecraft Movie was released on April 4, and it had a gigantic debut. After just three weekends in theaters, it's the No. 2 highest-grossing video game movie of all time. It's made more than $720 million so far, and every day it inches closer to $1 billion.

Keep checking back, as we will update this post as more box office numbers come in and A Minecraft Movie inevitably climbs up the charts.

• Domestic –$379,966,661
• International – $436,600,00
• Worldwide – $816,566,661

3: Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (2024)

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 released in December 2024 and became a fast success, zipping up to No. 2 all time for a video game movie. It's also just the second video game movie ever to exceed $200 million from the domestic market. Among other new additions, Keanu Reeves joined the film in the role of Shadow the Hedgehog.

• Domestic – $230,549,154
• International – $232,000,000
• Worldwide – $462,549,154

4: Pokemon Detective Pikachu (2019)

Warner Bros. 2019 video game movie Pokemon: Detective Pikachu was a hit with critics and fans alike, and it did big business at the box office to rank as the second-highest grossing video game movie of all time worldwide. It featured the voice of Ryan Reynolds as Pikachu and a heartwarming and rollercoaster story involving Pikachu teaming up with a young man, Justice Smith, to find his father. Bill Nighy also starred in the film, which featured incredible CGI pocket monsters and some epic fight scenes, including a showdown with Mewtwo.

• Domestic – $144,174,568
• International – $289,303,033
• Worldwide – $449,762,638

5: Warcraft (2016)

Legendary and Blizzard teamed up to make a Warcraft movie back in 2016, but development began much earlier and went through several changes before it was released. At one point, Spider-Man's Sam Raimi was attached to direct, but he dropped out due to the working conditions with Blizzard. Moon and Source Code director Duncan Jones, the son of David Bowie, eventually signed on to direct the fantasy film. It bombed in the US but did massive numbers internationally to pull in $439 million worldwide, putting it at the top of the charts. Jones said he had plans for a trilogy, but the poor box office performance in the US means that will likely never happen.

• Domestic – $47,365,290
• International – $391,683,624
• Worldwide – $439,048,914

6: Rampage (2018)

Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson starred in 2018's Rampage, an adaptation of the classic video game in which The Rock plays a primatologist who works with a supersized gorilla to fight other massive monsters. Director Peyton Reed and The Rock previously worked together on the movies San Andreas and Journey 2: The Mysterious Island.

• Domestic – $101,028,233
• International – $327,000,000
• Worldwide – $428,028,233

7: Uncharted (2022)

Sony's Uncharted film starring Tom Holland and Mark Wahlberg, blasted off in February 2022 to bigtime box office numbers. It had a huge $44 million opening weekend in the US, and has to date earned more than $400 million globally. That's good enough for Sony Pictures CEO Tom Rothman to call Uncharted Sony's next big franchise, suggesting a sequel may be on the way. Director Ruben Fleischer has said he's game for a sequel and has even outlined some of his ideas for a follow-up, including putting Uncharted 4's epic car chase set piece into a potential Uncharted 2.

• Domestic – $148,648,820
• International – $258,492,438
• Worldwide – $407,141,258

8: Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (2022)

Sonic the Hedgehog 2 released in April 2022 and has become a quick success. It recently surpassed the 2020 original Sonic film to become the highest-grossing video game movie of all time in the US.

Globally, it's not as high on the charts, but it's still performing well enough to become one of the highest-grossing video game movies ever. Unsurprisingly, plans are in motion for a Sonic movie cinematic universe, which will include Sonic 3 and a Knuckles TV series.

• Domestic -- $190,872,904
• International -- $214,548,614
• Worldwide -- $405,421,518

9: The Angry Birds Movie (2016)

Rovio's Angry Birds is one of the best-known mobile games of all time, so it was no surprise that it became a movie. Sony Pictures produced the animated film, which boasted an all-star voice cast that featured Jason Sudeikis, Josh Gad, Sean Penn, Danny McBride, Maya Rudolph, Bill Hader, and Peter Dinklage. The screenplay was written by The Simpsons veteran Jon Vitti, and the film was directed by Disney animation veterans Clay Kaytis and Fergal Reilly. A sequel was released in 2019, but it performed considerably worse, bringing in about $148 million.

• Domestic – $107,509,366
• International – $244,824,563
• Worldwide – $352,333,929

10: Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (2010)

Disney produced 2010's Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time, which starred Jake Gyllenhaal as Prince Dastan. The rest of the cast included Ben Kingsley, Alfred Molina, Gemma Artertron, and Toby Kebbel. The movie, which is based on Ubisoft's popular series, was directed by Mike Newell, who previously directed Four Weddings and Funeral as well as Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. Similar to Warcraft, it made the bulk of its money from foreign markets, pulling in $245.6 million, or 73% of its worldwide total ($336.4 million), from markets outside the US.

• Domestic – $90,759,676
• International – $245,606,000
• Worldwide – $336,365,676

11: Sonic the Hedgehog (2020)

After controversies surrounding its character models being… not so good, the Sonic the Hedgehog came to the big screen in 2020 and was generally well-received and made a lot of money. The film features Ben Schwartz as the voice of Sonic, with Jim Carrey playing the evil Dr. Robotnik. The success of the film led Paramount to quickly greenlight a sequel, which comes to theaters in April, featuring Knuckles and Tails, in addition to the returning cast.

• Domestic – $148,974,665
• International – $170,741,018
• Worldwide – $319,715,683

12: Resident Evil: The Final Chapter (2016)

Paul W.S. Anderson's Resident Evil movie series wrapped up with 2016's appropriately titled Resident Evil: The Final Chapter, which once again starred his partner, Mila Jovovich, in the lead role. In total, Anderson's Resident Evil films, which are inspired by Capcom's scary longrunning zombie video game series, have made more than $1 billion at the box office. Anderson and Jovovich stayed in business with Capcom after The Final Chapter, as they made the Monster Hunter movie in 2020.

• Domestic – $26,830,068
• International – $285,412,558
• Worldwide – $312,242,626

13: Resident Evil: Afterlife (2010)

The second Resident Evil movie to rank in the top 10 all-time highest-grossing video game movies, Paul W.S. Anderson's Resident Evil: Afterlife, based on Capcom's video game series, was released in 2010. Anderson returned to direct the film after stepping away from the series to direct Alien vs. Predator and work on other projects. Mila Jovovich starred as Alice, with a cast that also included Kim Coates, Wentworth Miller, and Shawn Roberts.

• Domestic – $60,128,566
• International – $240,099,518
• Worldwide – $300,228,084

14: Tomb Raider (2018)

After multiple films starring Angelina Jolie as Lara Croft, Oscar-winner Alicia Vikander took on the role of Lara Croft in the 2018 film from The Wave director Roar Uthaug. The film was partly inspired by Crystal Dynamics' 2013 reboot, telling an origin story for the character. Croft is trying to solve the mystery of her father's (Dominic West) disappearance. The film also starred Walton Goggins, Daniel Wu, and Kristin Scott Thomas. The movie made the bulk of its money ($216.4 million; 78.8%) from international markets, with just $58.25 million from the US. A sequel is now said to be in the works, but whether or not it ever gets made remains to be seen.

• Domestic – $58,250,803
• International – $216,400,000
• Worldwide – $274,650,803

Are you hoping to ace the Classroom final exam in Blue Prince? This might be one of the most arduous tasks in the game. Not only do you need to place down multiple rooms in a single run, but you also need to correctly answer dozens of questions. Fortunately, our guide here has all the tips that you need.

All correct answers for the Classroom final exam in Blue Prince - Diploma Trophy guide

To get the Diploma Trophy, you must earn a score of A or higher in the Classroom final exam. This is easier said than done because of various requirements:

• You must draft nine Classrooms in the manor in a single run.
• You must complete the final exam within the time limit.
• Any answer you choose for the exam cannot be changed.

Starting out: The Drafting Studio and the Schoolhouse

To get started with the Blue Prince Diploma Trophy, you need to ensure that you can draft nine classrooms in the mansion:

• Drafting Studio - You must unlock the Classroom as an option.
• Schoolhouse - Draft the Schoolhouse as an outer room. It causes up to eight Classrooms to appear in your manor's draft pool during that particular day only.

Nine Classrooms and nine hundred clues

Before tackling the Blue Prince final exam, you must first check out the Classrooms. Here's a quick summary:

• With the Drafting Studio unlock and the Schoolhouse, you should be able to draft nine Classrooms for that day.
• Each Classroom costs a single gem, so make sure you have enough.
• You don't need to draft all of these consecutively. However, you need to ensure that you have nine by the end of it all.

So, why exactly do you need nine Classrooms? Well, it's because each Classroom acts like a grade or level. Every grade/level has hints and lessons pertaining to the topics in the final exam:

• Color
• Art
• Science
• Geography
• History
• Math
• Algebra
• Erajan Language

As an aside, some of these rooms even have clues relating to other puzzles in the game:

• Math and Algebra tests, of course, tell you more about the Billiards/Darts Puzzle.
• Art lessons pertain to the Pairs of Paintings.
• The Geography lesson has a map of the world, with certain illustrations used in the Castle Cipher.
• The Erajan class also gives hints for the Castle Cipher, though it may lead to even bigger late-game discoveries.

Are you ready for the final exam?

The ninth Classroom that you plop down inside the manor has the final exam, the ultimate test to see if you truly understood various facets of the game.

• There are a total of 46 multiple-choice questions.
• Once you select an answer, you won't be able to change it.
• You have a 30-minute time limit to answer everything that you can.
• You're allowed to leave the area so you can check for clues in the previously placed Classrooms--i.e. the lower grades/sections.

All correct answers for the Classroom final exam

Below, you'll find all the correct answers for the Classroom final exam in Blue Prince. We've split these up per section/topic of study as well.

Color

• 1. Red
• 2. Oris
• 3. Orange
• 4. A Greenhouse in Corarica
• 5. Yellow

Math

• 6. 0
• 7. 24
• 8. 11
• 9. 4
• 10. 1
• 11. 1

Science

• 12. Carbon
• 13. Ne
• 14. LL
• 15. Silver
• 16. Radon
• 17. 2

Geography

• 18. Morning Bay
• 19. 2
• 20. Corarica
• 21. Mountain--i.e. jagged double-triangle
• 22. Fenn Aries
• 23. Mt. Holly, Reddington, Fenn Aries

Art

• 24. Hay Bale and Mug of Ale
• 25. Jungle
• 26. Realize
• 27. I

History

• 28. General Teskin
• 29. Sixth Era
• 30. Twenty Two Years
• 31. Grand City of Fenn
• 32. Nuance
• 33. Colossus Orinda

Algebra

• 34. 36
• 35. 6
• 36. 21
• 37. 4
• 38. 14
• 39. 200

Erajan

• 40. Hew
• 41. New Gate
• 42. My tree is not very old
• 43. Ulraajoram
• 44. Le
• 45. Ajinn Ett Ovtrei Issja Treivo
• 46. Answer D--This is the number "8" inside a diamond, circle, and square.

The Diploma Trophy reward

After completing the exam, end the day as you see fit. On your next run, you should see your scorecard on the desk. If you got an A--or, better yet, an A+--you'll receive the Blue Prince Diploma Trophy for your efforts.

Since we're already talking about trophies, you might want to look into the Drafting Strategy Sweepstakes and the unlockable Blue Tents/Blue Memos.

A surreal adventure filled with wonders and mysteries awaits you in Blue Prince. If ever you feel stuck or lost at any point in time in your playthrough, don't forget to check our Blue Prince guides hub.

Are you also curious about the word Rosewary in Blue Prince? This particular term found in a document might be one of the strangest tidbits in the entire game. While it does point you toward a certain location, it seems that there's nothing that you could do, at least for now. In any case, we'd like to remind you that this article contains major spoilers for the late-game stage.

What is Rosewary in Blue Prince - The Rosewary mystery guide

The clues and hints pertaining to Rosewary can be found in a couple of locations. However, you must complete several tasks before you can reach these areas:

• Numeric Cores and Still Water - The Numeric Cores from the Wine Cellar/Vault Puzzle result in a clear phrase. From this point, you have to collect Still Water so you can reveal the hidden contents of blank books.
• Atelier/Mount Holly Blueprints - Eventually, you'll enter the Atelier Maze, a discombobulating area filled with lanterns, winding passageways, and Mora Jai boxes.

Rosewary in the blank book

The first clue pertaining to Rosewary in Blue Prince comes from a blank book in the Library. When you pour Still Water on it, it reveals a letter from Baroness Auravei addressed to one of her sons. In it, Auravei says: "The end of the spiral is near! Stay vigilant and rosewary, for the thorns we discover are twice as sharp at the conclusion of each of our journeys."

Here's the kicker: Rosewary isn't an actual word. Initially, we thought this might refer to Mary/Marigold, your character's mother, but it seems like a stretch. It also doesn't translate into a clear Erajan phrase that we know of.

Rosewary in the Atelier

While mulling over the meaning of the word, we then took a long and hard look at the Atelier door--i.e. the one that had the names of several rooms placed akin to the manor's grid-like structure. Then, when we checked the letters from the painting pairs in the Atelier, we were surprised upon noticing that they formed a word: ROSEWARY.

• The Foundation: R
• Ballroom: O
• Music Room: S
• Corridor: E
• Gallery: W
• Solarium: A
• Kitchen: R
• The Pool: Y

The T-shade in the Solarium

Next, if you check the words from the Mora Jai boxes in the aforementioned rooms, you'll be able to rearrange them to form this phrase: "SEEK A SHADE TO PASS THROUGH THE A."

At a glance, it seems that this is just a means of nudging you to pass through the Atelier. However, upon looking at the room with the corresponding letter "A," we saw that it was the Solarium. It just so happens that the Solarium in the manor has a shade--i.e. dark-shaded windows in the shape of the letter "T."

Granted, we've done several tests that have proven inconclusive:

• We've tried using Shrine blessings to spawn the Solarium as an outer room at different days and times.
• We've drafted various rooms adjacent to or leading to the Solarium.
• We've brought various items, including those that belonged to Auravei in the past.
• We've even plopped down the Solarium in specific areas in the manor.

As of the time of this writing, we can't tell if the Blue Prince Rosewary term and Solarium actually lead somewhere, or if this "shade" is just a rendering issue.

Other discoveries in the Atelier: The Gallery Puzzle

The good news is that several players in the Discord server have managed to make a huge discovery. Led by Cogito Ergo Sum, users Toka, Sfayne, Swerds, and Soulflarz were able to decipher the word puzzle in the Atelier's version of the Gallery:

• The four words consist of one letter and several spaces that are left blank:
  • _ M _ _ _
  • _ O _ _ _ _
  • O _ _ _ _ _ _
  • _ _ _ _ _ _ N _
• While the words spell out "MOON," there's a deeper mystery to it. The group found the hidden words by including the letters from the rooms, which are seen when you trace the four paths through the Atelier--i.e. red, orange, purple, and blue/true path.
  • EMPTY
  • MOTHER
  • ONESELF
  • SWANSONG

We've yet to find out what these words mean. In fact, we can't confirm if the Blue Prince Rosewary lead is part of an elaborate puzzle or if it's just another red herring. That said, once you reach this part of the game, perhaps you'd like to join the hunt in the Discord channel as well.

A surreal adventure filled with wonders and mysteries awaits you in Blue Prince. If ever you feel stuck or lost at any point in time in your playthrough, don't forget to check our Blue Prince guides hub.

Are you thinking about Shrine blessings in Blue Prince? There are eight of these that you can activate, though the effects and durations might differ depending on how much gold you donate. Of course, you also need to watch out for any potential mishaps if you're feeling a bit naughty. In any case, please be reminded that this article contains minor spoilers.

All Shrine blessings in Blue Prince - Shrine room guide

The Shrine is an outer room in the game, which means you don't have access to it at the start. Instead, you must first open the Garage Door so you can unlock the West Gate Path.

From this point onward, you should be able to draft outer rooms via the shed just past the wooden bridge. However, because randomization does apply, the Shrine won't always appear as an option.

Shrine blessings: Effects and durations

To obtain Blue Prince Shrine blessings, you must interact with the stone statue and donate a certain amount of gold. The amount of gold you hand over determines the type of boon that you receive, as well as its duration. Please note that blessings can last anywhere from three to seven days.

Blessing of the Dancer

• Effect: Spend +1 gem while drafting to rotate floorplans.
• Duration:
  • 3 days: 1 gold
  • 4 days: 17 gold
  • 5 days: 33 gold
  • 6 days: 49 gold
  • 7 days: 65 gold

Blessing of the High Roller

• Effect: Gain +1 Ivory Dice whenever you draft a shop; gain +10 gold whenever you reroll using an Ivory Dice.
• Duration:
  • 3 days: 3 gold
  • 4 days: 19 gold
  • 5 days: 35 gold
  • 6 days: 51 gold
  • 7 days: 67 gold

Blessing of the Gardener

• Effect: Adds +8 Courtyards to today's draft pool.
• Duration:
  • 3 days: 5 gold
  • 4 days: 21 gold
  • 5 days: 37 gold
  • 6 days: 53 gold
  • 7 days: 69 gold

Blessing of the Chef

• Effect: Each time you trigger a type of "resource spread" effect, add an extra dish to the Dining Room.
• Duration:
  • 3 days: 7 gold
  • 4 days: 27 gold
  • 5 days: 43 gold
  • 6 days: 59 gold
  • 7 days: 75 gold

Blessing of the Red General

• Effect: After drafting a red room, if you have at least five different ranks/rows containing red rooms, you gain +5 gems.
• Duration:
  • 3 days: 9 gold
  • 4 days: 25 gold
  • 5 days: 41 gold
  • 6 days: 57 gold
  • 7 days: 73 gold

Blessing of the Tinkerer

• Effect: Trigger your current Laboratory experiment whenever you draft a mechanical/gear-type room.
• Duration:
  • 3 days: 11 gold
  • 4 days: 23 gold
  • 5 days: 39 gold
  • 6 days: 55 gold
  • 7 days: 71 gold

Blessing of the Monk

• Effect: Ending your day inside a room in the manor allows you to draw that room in the grounds the next day.
• Duration:
  • 3 days: 13 gold
  • 4 days: 30 gold
  • 5 days: 45 gold
  • 6 days: 61 gold
  • 7 days: 77 gold

Blessing of the Berry Picker

• Effect: Instead of picking a floorplan when you're drafting, you can pick a berry instead. If you pick a berry, you draft a random floorplan from your draft pool while disregarding rarity.
• Duration:
  • 3 days: 15 gold
  • 4 days: 31 gold
  • 5 days: 47 gold
  • 6 days: 63 gold
  • 7 days: 79 gold

What makes the Blessing of the Monk important?

The Blessing of the Monk in Blue Prince might be the most important boon that you can get from the Shrine. As noted earlier, you have to end the day inside a room in the manor. This causes that area to appear as a drafting option in the grounds--i.e. you can turn it into an outer room. This leads to shenanigans and secrets. Here are a few examples:

• Entrance Hall - You can break the vase that contained the Microchip from before to receive an Allowance Token.
• Lost & Found - You can quickly check if it contains rare items, without having to lose anything from your inventory if you just started a run.
• Antechamber - Has a very cryptic clue if you can open the Room 46 doorway.

There are more secrets to discover if you "monk" certain rooms. We just don't want to spoil all the details here, so feel free to check them out during your playthrough.

What happened? I got cursed!

After donating to the Shrine statue in Blue Prince, you might notice a prompt that allows you to pick up the coins again. If you steal your own donation, your character will get cursed. This debilitating affliction causes the following:

• Lose 1 step, key, gem, or gold whenever you draft a bedroom, hallway, green room, or shop, respectively.
• Lose one of each resource whenever you draft a red room.

Things get even worse once you have the Cursed Coffers from the Gift Shop:

• You can draft the Bookshop from the Library so you can purchase a book called The Curse of Black Bridge. This makes the Cursed Coffers available for purchase in the Gift Shop.
• The purchase causes a stone chest to spawn inside the Shrine. You'll receive a warning if you attempt to break open the lock using a Sledge Hammer. You'll receive yet another warning if you try to pick up the stone figurine that's inside.
• Picking up the figurine permanently unlocks "Curse Mode." This is a challenge mode that you can attempt using a different save file.
• Moreover, the figurine also afflicts you with the same curse as before, as though you stole your donation. The number of steps you have will also be decreased down to just 13.

The curse from stealing your donation and from taking the stone figurine lasts for two days. This affliction also overwrites any blessing that you may have. As such, you're going to have a tougher time during your runs.

In any case, that's everything you need to know about the Shrine blessings in Blue Prince. Pick the ones you really need for your playthrough, or just experiment with Blessing of the Monk to discover more goodies.

A surreal adventure filled with wonders and mysteries awaits you in Blue Prince. If ever you feel stuck or lost at any point in time in your playthrough, don't forget to check our Blue Prince guides hub.