Video Games

The Easiest Video Games for New Players

Published

3 months ago

February 4, 2025

Olivia

For many adults and kids, video games can become a lifelong hobby of storylines, reflexes, and social engagement. Gamers who eventually play complex, frustrating titles that take real skill to complete often start with easier video games. These are the easiest video games for new players to enjoy at the beginning of their gaming hobby.

Animal Crossing

New gamers may not want to be rushed to make split-second decisions or even want to fight anything when first starting out. The Animal Crossing series is easy and moves at a relaxed pace. All it requires of players is to know how to read and use a controller. Gamers can consider Animal Crossing to be like light farming, as they’ll grow and harvest crops, collect bugs, go fishing, and do a variety of other fun activities. Yes, there is some complexity underneath when learning how to play, but the game gently coaxes players instead of sending foes to cause chaos.

Kids and adults enjoy Animal Crossing for reasons beyond simple gameplay. The stories and animations are cute. The graphics aren’t exactly cutting-edge, but they don’t need to be for players to enjoy the peaceful life of a villager who just found a new neighborhood.

For these reasons, Animal Crossing is definitely one of the easiest video games to get started with. New players will find themselves absorbed by the ambiance and cute graphics, along with the easy-to-learn movement and controls, much like picking up card games like blackjack or the slots listed on casinos.com for the first time.

Minecraft

Minecraft is one of the best-selling video games of all time, selling over 300 million copies. Of course, there is a solid reason for this – it’s a fun game, and nearly anyone can figure out how to play. Like Animal Crossing, Minecraft offers various tasks to do within the game, including making up what you’d like to do after mining for materials, playing in survival mode, building, and doing many other things.

The controls are very easy to learn, with movements stemming from simple movement keys. Gamers also don’t quite need pinpoint accuracy to play Minecraft, as most of the game doesn’t involve aiming. Navigating menus is also easy and mostly visual, with some light reading involved.

For most players, the most challenging part of Minecraft will be survival mode. This mode involves trying to build shelter and complete tasks while potentially being attacked by enemies, forcing you to use some weapons to fend off and stay alive to continue building. Still, most kids and adults will quickly learn, though many will want to start in the open-ended creative mode.

Super Mario Bros. Wonder

To be fair, nearly all recent Super Mario Bros. titles are fairly easy to play. Why? The games offer plenty of on-screen direction as well as characters, like Nabbit and Yoshi, that can’t be harmed by enemies, though they can perish if they fall. This makes these games perfect for adults and kids who would prefer a nearly frustration-free experience.

Wonder also isn’t exceedingly easy to the point where players won’t learn to deal with setbacks, as some of the puzzles within are complicated, and not every enemy is a pushover. Still, many new gamers will find Wonder’s instructions, simple graphics, and gameplay to be a great way to start learning more about controls.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

Games featuring the universally known Italian-American plumber earn two spots on this list because they offer entertainment for such a wide range of skills that nearly anyone could play. Mario Kart 8 has settings available to keep new players on the track while also offering general competitions with easy computer characters that keep a race or battle mode interesting and fun without being overwhelming. In contrast, the older SNES and Nintendo 64 versions were much less merciful to inexperienced players.

Most players will enjoy simple controls, including the ability to control their vehicle by turning the Nintendo Switch’s smaller joy-con or using a Switch Pro controller instead of using the joysticks to turn.

Nintendo Switch Sports

Lots of video games require players to mash buttons to get through menus or take actions. Nintendo Switch Sports, which stems from the very popular Nintendo Wii and Wii Fit, makes players use the motion sensors within their controllers to get up and move. With games including tennis, baseball, and bowling, players can use guided motions to play the game instead of relying on controls. Many gamers have also played Wii Fit and Nintendo Switch Sports to improve their physical fitness because getting up and moving to swing a virtual bat or throw a bowling ball encourages real muscle use and will make players sweat.

Journey

Journey is one of the older easy games without going decades back and talking about Tetris or Pac-Mac. The game, which is relatively obscure and fairly short, involves wandering through the desert to find a mountain seen on the horizon. While this sounds like most other video games involving finding something, there’s a catch. This is a multiplayer game without any voice or text communication. The only way to truly interact with others in the game is by being near them, which allows for a recharge of crucial energy to get to the end. While players can choose to make the journey alone, they may find it difficult to complete the game with no partner.

The game is fairly easy and takes most players less than three hours to complete. The controls are fairly minimal, and most adults will find it rewarding and a good introduction to gaming online.

Conclusion

Video games with straightforward controls and storylines are a great way to get into gaming. Many of the easiest games available have also been available for a long time, like Mario and Minecraft. After completing games like these, you may want to seek out additional challenges in other games with more advanced controls. Happy gaming!

Featured

Horse Racing Games For iOS

Published

1 month ago

March 21, 2025

Olivia

Horse racing is a globally spread sport with billions of fans worldwide. The thrills of the races and the excitement of the betting make horse racing quite popular among adrenaline rush seekers.

However, unlike other sports like football or basketball that you can actually try in your backyard, becoming a racehorse rider is out of reach for most people. But all hope for our fellow race lovers is not lost and the gaming world comes to the rescue.

We are talking about horse racing simulation games where you can pick or breed your own horse, participate in online racing tournaments, earn prestige, take care of your horse, and much more.

Horse racing video games are perfect when it comes to getting the bigger picture of the sport and familiarizing yourself with other aspects apart from racing, like stable management, breeding, and finance management.

On top of that, horse racing video games can help you understand how the sport works, which may help you with the next bet you make on TwinSpires.

Fortunately, there are plenty of horse racing games for iOS, and in today’s article, we will highlight some of the best that you should try.

Rival Stars Horse Racing

This is a game made by a legendary horse race video game developer called PikPok and it is without a doubt one of the best horse racing games available for iOS right now.

The graphics look incredible for a mobile game. They are quite realistic, and the horse movement and the design of the tracks also give you the feel that you are participating in a real-world race.

Rival Stars Horse Racing has quite a fast pace, where you can complete some quests and upgrade your stable, but the focus is on the races, as it should be.

When we talk about the racing part of the game, every racetrack that you unlock offers something new. You get to race at different lengths and surfaces. But let’s focus on the important part, race mechanics.

You can steer the horse, brake, and activate their sprint ability. The horse’s performance is based on multiple factors such as ground consistency, position, race length, previous races, and much more.

Rival Stars Horse Racing also has a quite good breeding, training, and managing system. On top of that, there are many different horse coat colors and breeds. Unlike other games like Zelda where you can get a gold horse, Rival Stars Horse Racing focuses on realism. All of the horses have natural coat colors and traits.

You get to collect or breed horses, transform foals to feed, and upgrade facilities to unlock more options to progress.

The only thing that is missing from the game is the audience on the races since the race courses feel a bit empty with nobody around.

Horse Racing Manager 2024

This is a game that has a rather different approach than Rival Stars Horse Racing. It is focused more on the managing part of horse racing rather than on the actual gameplay and racing. You are in control of your business operation and your goal is to succeed in the world of horse racing and earn money.

You don’t have an impact on the races, and you cannot control your horse. The races are simulated, and the outcome depends on your horse’s stats and abilities.

That’s why horse training, and breeding a champion horse play a really important role in the game.

The best thing about Horse Racing Manager 2024 is the ability to race online. There are live PVP races that occur every 5 minutes and everyone can participate in them.

This is the perfect game if you want to learn what’s happening behind the curtains of horse racing as a sport. You are in control of your breeding rights that you can sell, as well as the age and career path of your horse.

It is an interesting game, especially for those who are not afraid of data and analysis.

iHorse Racing

This is a similar game to Rival Stars Horse Racing but with worse graphics, and fewer options. This game has multiple features like horse training, stable management, horse auction, race entries, CLU-jockey hiring system, and world jockey ranking, and you can connect your Facebook profile to invite friends.

To be honest, the graphics and gameplay of the game are fun and engaging, but I’d still go for Rival Stars Horse Racing, especially if you like a more realistic horse racing game.

Pocket Stables

Let’s drop down all the realism and focus on some retro 2D gameplay. For all retro game lovers who have a passion for horse racing, Pocket Stables is just the perfect game. At first glance, this game might look simple, but it actually has many features that make it even more fun.

For starters, you can build training facilities where you can increase your horse’s stats. Additionally, not all horses are the same and your goal should be to find a horse with the right balance of speed, stamina, and intensity.

As you win races, you’ll receive prizes, that can be used to upgrade your stable and give you better ways to breed a faster horse.

It’s fun, casual, and quite cute. Plus, you get to build your horse racing community and hire people that will take care of your stable.

Video Games

Is The Elder Scrolls Online Cross Platform in 2025?

Published

1 month ago

March 15, 2025

Olivia

Key points:

ESO does not support full cross-platform play, but players can enjoy cross-generational play within the same console family.
Server differences, gameplay balance, and platform restrictions make implementing crossplay difficult.
While not confirmed, ESO may introduce crossplay in the future as gaming technology evolves.

Introduction

The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO) is a multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) with millions of players worldwide. Players have wanted to play with friends on many platforms since the game’s launch to improve their gaming experience. In 2025, however, will Elder Scrolls Online be cross-platform? Let’s find out!

A Quick Look at The Elder Scrolls Online

The Elder Scrolls Online is an MMORPG set in the world of Tamriel. It enables gamers to fight with other players, explore, and complete targets. ESO is accessible on various platforms, such as Xbox, PlayStation, and PC.

To keep players interested, the game has undergone multiple expansions throughout the years, adding new regions, narratives, and gameplay elements. It is a favorite among RPG fans because of its broad open-world gameplay and rich lore.

Understanding Cross-Platform Play in ESO

Cross-platform play allows players on various devices to connect and play together in the same game environment. This makes it possible for friends who use different gaming systems like PC, Xbox, or PlayStation to collaborate and play multiplayer games without restrictions.

Many modern games have adopted cross-platform functionality, facilitating player collaboration between devices. In 2025, however, will cross-platform gaming be supported in The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO)? Let’s analyze what’s going on.

Also Read: Solitaire Grand Harvest Free Coins (2025)

Can You Play ESO Across Different Platforms?

The Elder Scrolls Online is still not wholly cross-platform as of 2025. As a result, players on various platforms are unable to collaborate. There are a few exceptions, though:

PC and Mac players can play together.
Xbox players can only play with other Xbox users.
PlayStation players can only play with other PlayStation users.
PC players cannot play with console players.

The present ESO system restricts the possibility of forming cross-platform teams by keeping various platform players apart. Although some players get around this by making accounts on several other platforms, this isn’t the best option.

Connecting Different Console Generations

ESO permits cross-generational play within the same console family but does not support complete cross-platform play. This implies:

PS4 and PS5 players can play together.
Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S players can play together.

Although it still prevents full cross-platform play, this is a step toward a more integrated ESO experience. Many gamers had hoped that full crossplay would be available on newer systems, but technical restrictions still prevent it.

Also Read: Best and Safe ROM Sites to Download ROMs

The Challenges of Making ESO Fully Cross-Platform

Many games have adopted cross-platform play, but ESO faces several challenges that make it difficult to implement:

Server Structure and Capacity Issues

ESO maintains distinct servers for each platform. Combining all in-theme systems would require infrastructure modifications and cause serious server load problems.

Gameplay Balance Between PC and Consoles

Console gamers use controllers, whereas PC players use a keyboard and mouse. This may result in balance problems, particularly in competitive gaming. PC gamers have an advantage because some actions are simpler to complete with a mouse and keyboard.

Technical Difficulties in Syncing Data

Synchronization can be challenging because ESO patches, updates, and content releases can not always line up across platforms. Updates for consoles frequently need Microsoft and Sony’s permission, which slows them.

Sony and Microsoft Policies

Restrictions imposed by console manufacturers occasionally prohibit cross-platform play. Sony has hesitated to allow crossplay for some games, but Microsoft has been more flexible recently.

What the Developers Say About ESO Crossplay

ESO’s creators, ZeniMax Online Studios, have talked about cross-platform play. Although they acknowledge the need, they have said that implementing it is difficult. Technical constraints, balancing problems, and server management are their top concerns.

ZeniMax has not yet disclosed any intentions to incorporate full crossplay into ESO. However, they are still working to improve the game in other ways, with a priority on performance optimization and content expansion.

Also Read: How Long Does it Take to Download Fortnite on PC

What Are the Current Priorities for ESO?

Instead of focusing on cross-platform play, ZeniMax has been working on:

New Expansions and Content – ESO continues to receive major updates, including new regions, quests, and events. The game world also continues to expand, giving players more adventures to explore.
Game Performance Enhancements – The creators are improving graphics, load times, and gameplay stability to improve the player experience on all platforms.
Improving Cross-Progression Features – While full crossplay is not available, players can still access their progress across PC and Mac, reducing restrictions for some players.
Combat System Refinements – Balancing classes and abilities remains a key focus for keeping PvP and PvE gameplay fair and engaging.
Community Events and Seasonal Content – Regular events keep players engaged and provide new rewards and incentives to continue playing.

Is Cross Progression Available in ESO?

Cross-progression allows players to continue their game on another platform. Here’s how it works in ESO:

PC and Mac players can switch between these platforms easily.
Console players cannot transfer progress between Xbox and PlayStation.
PC to Console Transfers are not allowed at this time.

It cannot be enjoyable for gamers who wish to switch platforms without cross-progression. If they switch from console to PC or vice versa, they will have to start over.

Also Read: How Many GB is Valorant: Storage Guide

Why Do Players Want Cross-Platform Play?

There are many reasons why ESO players want cross-platform features:

Playing with Friends – Gamers wish to team up with their friends, even if they are on different platforms.
More Active Servers – Crossplay would increase the number of active players, reducing wait times for dungeons and PvP.
Unified ESO Community – It would remove the barriers between platforms and create a single, large ESO community.
Future-Proofing the Game – As more games move toward cross-platform play, ESO risks being left behind if it does not adopt this feature.

Potential Solutions for Cross-Platform Play

If ZeniMax decides to implement crossplay in ESO, they may take a few different approaches:

Server Merging – Instead of separate servers for each platform, they could create a unified server system.
Optional Crossplay Settings – Players can turn cross-platform play on or off.
Balanced Gameplay Features – The developers could add features that balance PC and console gameplay, such as aim assist for controllers.
Phased Rollout – ESO could introduce crossplay in phases, starting with specific game modes before full implementation.

Alternatives for Playing with Friends

If you want to play ESO with friends on different platforms, here are some options:

Use the Same Platform – Playing on the same system as your friends is the easiest solution.
Try Cloud Gaming Services – Some cloud gaming services may allow cross-platform access in the future.
Stay Updated on ESO News – Keep an eye on official announcements in case cross-platform play gets added later.
Join Platform-Specific Communities – Find friends and guilds on your platform to improve your ESO experience.

Also Read: How Big is Fortnite? System Requirements [Complete Size Guide]

Will ESO Become Cross Platform in the Future?

While ZeniMax has not confirmed cross-platform plans, there is still hope for the future. ESO might someday implement crossplay when gaming technology develops, and it becomes the norm.

However, ESO gamers must remain within their platform’s ecosystem for the time being. If Crossplay were to become available, it would revolutionize the community.

Conclusion

As of 2025, The Elder Scrolls Online is not completely cross-platform. Players from various platforms cannot join the same game, even though cross-generational play is possible. Though a highly desired feature, crossplay is challenging to implement due to technological and policy issues.

For now, ESO users who wish to play with their friends must select the same platform. However, there is always hope that ESO will eventually provide this capability as the gaming industry shifts toward more excellent cross-platform compatibility.

Do you want ESO to work on all platforms? Let us know your thoughts!

Video Games

How Big is Fortnite? System Requirements [Complete Size Guide]

Published

2 months ago

March 1, 2025

Olivia

Since its launch in 2017, Fortnite has become one of the most popular battle royale games, attracting millions of players worldwide. The game keeps changing with every new season due to its vibrant graphics, thrilling events, and constantly evolving content. However, the game’s file size is an essential factor for players. Knowing how much storage space Fortnite needs might help you make plans, whether you’re a first-time player downloading the game or an experienced player upgrading it.

We’ll explore what influences Fortnite’s storage needs, break down file sizes across platforms, and offer advice on effectively managing space here.

Current Fortnite File Size (March 2025 Update)

The file size of Fortnite changes based on the platform and the content you download as of March 2025. A summary of the most recent size estimations is provided below:

PC (Windows/Mac): 75-90 GB
PlayStation 5: 35-45 GB
PlayStation 4: 30-40 GB
Xbox Series X/S: 35-45 GB
Xbox One: 30-40 GB
Nintendo Switch: 12-18 GB
Mobile (Android): 6-10 GB
iOS: Previously 8-10 GB (no longer available on the App Store)

These sizes may change because of Fortnite’s frequent upgrades, seasonal events, and downloadable content packs (DLC). For instance, while optimization improvements may slightly decrease the file size, significant chapter modifications may cause a considerable rise.

Also Read: Fortnite: An Easy Guide on Throwing Shield and Healing Items

Fortnite Download Size vs. Installation Size

It’s essential to understand the distinction between download size and installation size when planning Fortnite.

Download Size: The compressed data you initially download. This is smaller because files are compressed to reduce download times.
Installation Size: After installation, the files are decompressed and expanded. Fortnite takes up more space on your storage device than the download size might suggest.

For example, on a PC, the download might be 35-40 GB, but after installation and updates, it can reach 75-90 GB, depending on installed extras like Save the World mode or high-resolution texture packs.

Size Breakdown by Platform

The file size of Fortnite varies greatly depending on the platform you’re using to play. Below is a thorough analysis to help you understand the storage needs of each device.

PC/Mac (Epic Games Store)

Download Size: 35-40 GB
Installation Size: 75-90 GB PC users often experience the largest installation sizes due to the availability of higher resolution textures, advanced graphics settings, and optional content packs.

PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4

PS5 Download/Install Size: 35-45 GB
PS4 Download/Install Size: 30-40 GB Sony’s new PS5 console benefits from compression technology that reduces file sizes while maintaining performance. PS5 also supports faster loading speeds through SSD integration.

Xbox Series X/S and Xbox One

Series X/S Size: 35-45 GB
Xbox One Size: 30-40 GB Xbox consoles manage storage similarly to PlayStation, with the newer Series X/S consoles offering faster load times and optimized files for better performance.

Nintendo Switch

Download/Install Size: 12-18 GB The Switch version of Fortnite is smaller due to lower resolution graphics, simplified assets, and reduced game modes to maintain performance on less powerful hardware.

Mobile Devices (Android/iOS)

Android Size: 6-10 GB
iOS Size: Previously 8-10 GB (currently unavailable). Mobile versions are optimized for devices with less storage and lower processing power. The game offers scaled-down textures and simplified environments to reduce size without compromising core gameplay.

Also Read: 4 Ways to Fix “Sorry Your Account Is Inactive And May Not Login” Fortnite Error

Factors Affecting Fortnite’s Size

Several key elements contribute to Fortnite’s overall file size, impacting how much storage space it requires on different devices. Understanding these factors can help players manage their storage more effectively.

1. Base Game Engine

Fortnite runs on Unreal Engine, known for its stunning graphics and complex physics. This base framework adds significant weight to the game files.

2. High-Resolution Textures and Assets

PC and next-gen console players can opt for ultra-high resolution textures that enhance visuals but add extra gigabytes.

3. Accumulated Seasons and Map Changes

Epic Games adds new maps, areas, quests, and assets with each new season and chapter, which stack up over time.

4. Cosmetic Items and Character Models

Fortnite’s massive array of skins, gliders, pickaxes, and emotes are all assets that increase file size, especially if you’ve purchased or unlocked many cosmetics.

5. Sound Files and Music

Licensed music, sound effects, and voice lines also contribute to Fortnite’s growing file size.

Also Read: Multithreaded Rendering in Fortnite: Everything you need to know

How Seasonal Updates Impact Size

Chapter revisions and seasonal upgrades greatly impact Fortnite’s size. Major chapter updates (such as going from Chapter 4 to Chapter 5) frequently include complete map redesigns, new game modes, and engine enhancements. These may result in large downloads—sometimes exceeding 10 GB at a time.

However, smaller seasonal updates typically introduce tiny modifications, such as limited-time modes (LTMs) or new characters, which add less data but still impact the game’s total footprint.

Occasionally, Epic Games reduces file sizes by compressing textures and other backend improvements, but adding new material usually surpasses these reductions.

Also Read: The Best Mobile Games for Online Gameplay

Storage Management Tips for Fortnite Players

Are you worried about Fortnite eating up your hard drive space? Here are some tips to help manage its size:

1. Clear Cache and Temporary Files

Clearing temporary files in the Epic Games Launcher or your OS can free up a surprising amount of space on your PC.

2. Delete Replay Files

Replay files are automatically saved after each match and can build up over time. Delete old replays regularly.

3. Remove Unused Game Modes

If you don’t play Save the World, uninstalling it can reduce the file size by several gigabytes.

4. Optimize Texture Settings

Disable high-resolution textures if you don’t need ultra graphics—beneficial for PC users with limited storage.

5. Use External Storage

Console users can install Fortnite on an external SSD or HDD, freeing up internal storage for other games.

Fortnite System Requirements (PC)

Knowing the system requirements helps ensure smooth gameplay and informs your storage needs.

Minimum System Requirements

OS: Windows 10 64-bit
Processor: Core i3-3225 3.3 GHz
Memory: 8 GB RAM
GPU: Intel HD 4000
Storage: At least 80 GB of free space

Recommended System Requirements

OS: Windows 10/11 64-bit
Processor: Core i5-7300U 3.5 GHz
Memory: 16 GB RAM
GPU: Nvidia GTX 960 / AMD R9 280
Storage: 100 GB of free space (SSD recommended)

Storage Requirements

To prevent performance issues:

Ensure at least 100 GB of free space.
Install Fortnite on an SSD for faster load times and better performance. Running Fortnite on an HDD can lead to longer load times and occasional stuttering.

How to Check Fortnite’s Storage Usage

Need to see how much space Fortnite is using? Here’s how to check on each platform:

PC (Epic Games Launcher)

Open the Epic Games Launcher.
Navigate to your Library.
Click the three dots next to Fortnite.
Select Manage to view file size and options.

PlayStation (PS4/PS5)

Go to Settings > Storage.
Select Console Storage > Games and Apps.
Locate Fortnite to view its size.

Xbox (One/Series X/S)

Press the Xbox button on your controller.
Navigate to My games & apps.
Select Manage game & add-ons for Fortnite to check its size.

Nintendo Switch

Open System Settings > Data Management.
Select Software to view storage details.

Mobile (Android)

Go to Settings > Apps.
Find and select Fortnite to view app size and storage details.

Comparison with Other Popular Games

How does Fortnite stack up against other popular multiplayer shooters regarding file size?

Game	File Size (Approx.)
Fortnite	75-90 GB (PC)
Call of Duty: Warzone	150-175 GB
Apex Legends	50-75 GB
PUBG	30-40 GB

Fortnite’s file size is larger than PUBG’s but smaller than Call of Duty: Warzone’s, making it a middle-of-the-road option for storage considerations.

Tips to Reduce Fortnite’s Storage Size

Uninstall Save the World Mode: If you only play Battle Royale or Creative, uninstalling Save the World can save up to 10-15 GB.
Delete Unused Content Packs: You can manage and delete unnecessary content packs on PC and console.
Disable High-Resolution Packs: Remove or avoid installing optional high-res textures.

Regular Maintenance: Monitor game size and transparent unnecessary files regularly. Epic Games occasionally releases optimization updates, so staying current helps, too.

Conclusion

Although Fortnite’s file size may seem daunting, you may better prepare by being aware of its size on various platforms. Understanding storage needs and following file management best practices guarantees you get the most out of your gaming experience without sacrificing device speed, whether playing on a PC, console, or mobile device.

The best option for most players is to use an SSD and have at least 100 GB of free space. Keep your game updated, manage your storage, and you’ll be prepared to drop in anytime!