Hey everyone, I’m a 31-year-old guy who just decided to jump back into PC gaming after being away for about 8-9 years. I’ve had a PS5 for a while and enjoyed games like BG3, Cyberpunk, and Hogwarts Legacy, but I wanted to dive into the PC scene again, especially with how lively Steam and emulation options like Yuzu are these days. I snagged a second-hand mini-ITX small form factor PC, but it didn’t come with a GPU, so I grabbed an RTX 5070 since it’s one of the more affordable mid-range cards around here. I’m swapping out the CPU fan because the old one seems worn and planning to add a second M.2 SSD soon. I’m thinking of selling my PS5 to help cover costs.
So, what new things should I know about PC gaming? Are there any must-play indie titles right now? Any software tips or tweaks to help improve my overall experience? Also, what are some cool keyboard-and-mouse games these days, especially if you like RTS or games like RimWorld, DayZ, PUBG? I’ve hit some frustration too, like running into the ERR GFX STATE error when trying to play RDR2. Would love some advice and recommendations. Thanks!
5 Answers
Still think Shadow of Mordor slaps hard and if you enjoyed that, Shadow of War is just as fun. Also, one tip for your PC hiccups: that ERR_GFX_STATE error in RDR2 is often linked to GPU driver issues or overheating. Make sure your drivers are up to date and your new fan setup keeps things cool. Sometimes lowering graphic settings can help too.
For someone who loves RTS games, definitely give Age of Empires IV and Age of Mythology a spin. They’re solid entries with a good mix of classic strategy and fresh mechanics. Also, if you’re into modding, a fully modded Skyrim (Nolvus mod pack is great) can breathe new life into an old favorite and mix things up.
If you’re diving back into PC gaming, definitely check out Xbox Game Pass for PC. For just a few bucks a month, you get access to a huge library of games to try out without breaking the bank. It’s a sweet way to explore new titles and figure out what catches your interest without needing to buy everything upfront.
Oh, and on a bit of a curveball note—Windows isn’t the only option anymore. Lots of gamers are switching over to Linux for gaming, which has gotten way better lately with Proton and Steam Play compatibility. Just a fun thing to consider if you’re into tinkering and want a smoother, sometimes more stable gaming experience.
On the indie front, you gotta try Cult of the Lamb if you haven’t already. It’s gotten rave reviews and has that weird, charming vibe that sticks with you. Also, Animyst might be right up your alley — it’s free and super strange in an intriguing way. Not everyone’s cup of tea, but definitely something different worth checking out.
Yeah, I’ve been eyeing Game Pass for a few days now and will probably sign up soon. Sounds like an awesome deal to explore a lot without spending much.