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8 Reasons Why You Should Get a Chromebook for College
The new semester is fast approaching, so here are 8 reasons students should consider purchasing a Chromebook or Chromebook Plus as a learning tool for college. A Chromebook is a solid alternative to a standard PC for students completing web-based tasks like using Google Docs, browsing, video calls, and research. They also offer a long battery life, automatic updates, and excellent virus protection. However, Chromebooks may not be suitable for students who require specialized software like Adobe Creative Suite, AutoCAD, or advanced data analysis tools that need Windows to run. As such, a Chromebook can be used to replace a traditional laptop or as an additional tool for schoolwork. Students who need a laptop for their studies can check out this article detailing budget-friendly laptops.
Why are Chromebooks a good choice for students?
Chromebooks are powered by Google’s Chrome OS, integrating effortlessly with Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides so students can focus on getting their work done. Although they do not offer as many features as Windows devices, Chromebooks are still a great choice for researching, checking emails, writing assignments, and watching videos online. Chromebooks are fast, secure, and user-friendly. They run smoothly without unnecessary files and applications bogging them down, ensuring users get their work done without annoying lags. Here are some more reasons Chromebooks are a good choice for students.
1. Affordable
Chromebooks are more affordable than traditional laptops, which is perfect for those trying to afford student life on a budget. Users can enjoy the benefits of a standard Chromebook at prices starting from under USD $200, offering a significant price advantage over laptops, and helping to lighten the load for cash-conscious students.
2. Smooth everyday performance
Chromebooks are sleek and stylish, but they are also lightning fast. They boot up within 5 - 15 seconds, so students can get researching or writing papers while their ideas are still fresh. The ChromeOS, hardware, and SSDs are all highly efficient due to the stringent standards set by Chromebook Plus, and they run smoothly as applications and documents are hosted on cloud-based servers.
3. Built-in security
With built-in security and automatic updates, Chromebooks are a low-maintenance alternative to standard laptops. Moreover, the Chrome OS protects personal data from unwanted users with secure logins. Chromebooks also run regular scans for security threats with Sandboxing and Verified Boot, letting students focus on their studies while their device does the rest.
4. Excellent battery life
Chromebooks can handle intense study sessions with ease, thanks to their long battery life that lasts over 10 hours per charge. They are also well suited to back-to-back lectures without requiring access to a power outlet.
5. Seamless integration with Google Workspace tools
Google Docs, Drive, Calendar, and Gmail work natively with Chromebooks and are perfect for schoolwork and documents that require collaboration between classmates. Files are stored in the cloud, ensuring that documents and photos are always backed up, which eliminates the risk of losing them because of accidental deletion or hardware failures.
6. Strong video call capabilities
AI enhancements in Chromebook Plus models provide crystal-clear video quality that enhance clarity and lighting during online meetings or classes. Moreover, noise cancellation for calls, streams, and recordings helps filter out background noise so students can focus on distance learning and group discussions.
7. Lightweight, portable, and student-durable designs
Weighing around 3 - 5 lbs (1.36 - 2.26 kg), Chromebooks are lightweight enough for students to store in a backpack or laptop case and carry around campus. Some Chromebooks are also independently tested to MIL-STD-810H military-grade standards, making them robust enough to survive student life.
8. Support for Android and gaming apps
Although Chromebooks have limited storage and are primarily designed for cloud storage, users can still download Android apps through the Google Play Store. Moreover, it is possible to enable Linux alongside Chrome OS so that users can run applications, develop software, and write code.
For entertainment, Chromebooks also support cloud gaming platforms like NVIDIA GeForce NOW and Xbox Cloud Gaming, enabling users to play graphically intensive games without downloads. These games (over 1000 to choose from) stream directly from servers, with user inputs processed remotely and displayed in real time.
So, are Chromebooks worth it for students?
Chromebook and Chromebook Plus devices are an excellent and budget-friendly choice for students who are comfortable using the Google Workspace to save files. They offer advanced virus protection and a long battery life to support the toughest study sessions. Purchases made on the Acer store get a 10% Acer Student Discount, while students can also purchase the Acer extended warranty for added protection.
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Best Libra Deals in Elden Ring Nightreign
Before the boss fight with Libra in Elden Ring Nightreign, something strange happens. Instead of attacking you right away, Libra appears as a mysterious merchant and offers a deal. Each deal gives you a powerful bonus, but it also comes with a serious drawback. Some boost your stats, give you more flasks, or hand out special weapons. Others lower your health, drain your resources, or even make the fight harder for your entire team. Choosing the right deal can change the fight, especially in co-op, but choosing the wrong one can ruin your run.
To help you make a quick decision, we’ve put together a cheat sheet that lists every Libra deal, along with its benefit and drawback.
Look through it first if you want a simple overview. After that, we rank all 13 deals from worst to best and explain which ones are worth the risk.
All Libra Deals in Elden Ring Nightreign Ranked from Worst to Best
13. “I want to fight at utmost strength”
This is easily the worst deal Libra offers. It gives you a small buff (more attack, higher madness resistance, and a little extra HP), but the trade-off is a trap. Libra gains a defensive buff that reduces the damage it takes, which cancels out your bonus. In multiplayer, this hurts even more, because the damage resistance affects all players. It’s the only deal that actively punishes your team instead of just affecting you. You might think you're getting stronger, but in reality, you're just making the fight longer and harder for everyone. This can lead to frustration, especially if teammates didn't agree to the risk. If you're playing solo, it's still a weak trade. The gain is minor, and the drawback makes the battle more annoying than exciting. In most cases, you're better off refusing the deal entirely.
12. “I want the power of a demon”
This deal gives you a floating eye that fires projectiles at enemies during the fight. It sounds cool, but it is more trouble than it’s worth. The eye triggers madness buildup on you every time it appears, and the damage it does is very low—often less than a regular light attack. Even worse, the eye can activate before the boss is even fully active, wasting the effect and still building up madness. If you're running a build that already uses madness, this can actually work against you by stacking it too fast and causing a self-inflicted stun. In most cases, the eye is unpredictable, weak, and dangerous. It might look flashy, but it won’t help you win the fight. Unless you have a very specific strategy that can handle the madness buildup, this deal is best avoided.
11. “I want to hold death at bay”
At first, this deal sounds like a safety net. If you die, you get revived. But the problem is, it barely works. The revival doesn't save you from big hits, which means if you take too much damage at once, you still die like normal. On top of that, you lose a level every time you’re brought back. Worse still, there's an item you can buy from a late-game merchant that does the same thing without the level penalty. If you're playing solo, this is even riskier, because you have no one to save you if things go wrong. It’s a poor deal compared to what you can get with smart play and a few in-game purchases. For most players, this option offers false hope and ends up wasting both your time and your build.
10. “I wish for eventual greatness”
This deal gives you a big reward, but only after you survive a dangerous penalty. When you accept it, your max HP, FP, and Stamina are cut in half. After a short time, the full buff activates and restores your stats to higher-than-normal levels. You also gain a powerful passive that fully heals you once when your HP drops to a critical level. The upside is strong, but the risk is real. For a few minutes, you are much weaker and easier to kill. If your team cannot protect you, or if you make one mistake, you might never get to enjoy the reward. This deal is especially dangerous for squishy classes like Revenant or Recluse, though they can recover slightly better due to their unique abilities. Unless you know your build well and have good team support, this trade can be more trouble than it's worth.
9. “I wish to expand my intellect”
This deal shifts your stats to focus heavily on Intelligence, turning your character into a pure sorcerer. It might sound perfect for a caster build, but it comes with a big drawback. To raise your Intelligence, the game lowers your other stats, including Mind, which controls your FP. That means while your spells hit harder, you may not have enough FP to cast them often. If you're not already equipped with high-efficiency gear or a way to recover FP mid-fight, you could end up weaker than before. This deal can work if you already have a sorcerer setup ready, but it is risky for hybrids or support builds. It is not a total trap, but it demands good planning and careful resource management.
8. “I wish to have deep faith”
This option works the same way as the Intellect deal but focuses on Faith instead. It reshapes your stats to suit incantation-heavy builds, boosting your Faith while lowering other attributes. On paper, this could help builds like the Revenant or Recluse, but the same risks apply. You may lose too much HP or FP to safely cast your strongest spells, especially if you're not already specced for healing or support. The worst-case scenario is choosing this option only to realize you no longer have the stats to equip your current gear or cast your key spells. If your build relies on a balance of stats or has limited casting tools, this trade can hurt more than help. It’s slightly more forgiving than the Intelligence swap, but still not a safe pick for most players.
7. “I wish to be in touch with the arcane”
This deal changes your stats to favor Arcane, and it is generally more forgiving than the Intelligence or Faith swaps. Arcane builds have access to a wider variety of weapons that scale well, including strong options like Morgott’s Cursed Sword and Mohgwyn’s Sacred Spear. These weapons can deal solid damage and often apply status effects that are useful against Libra. Unlike the other stat conversion deals, this one usually leaves you with enough HP and FP to stay functional, even if you were not using Arcane before. It is still a permanent change for the rest of the expedition, so picking it without the right weapon can limit your options. But if you’re flexible with your build or already leaning toward Arcane, this can be a smart and low-risk choice. Just make sure your gear can keep up.
6. “I wish to have great strength”
This deal reshapes your stats to favor Strength, giving you the power to wield heavy weapons and deal strong physical damage. Strength builds are simple and effective, and they often have better survivability due to higher poise and armor compatibility. The risk, as always, is that this change is permanent for the expedition. If your previous build relied on magic, ranged attacks, or balanced stats, you might lose access to important gear or abilities. Still, many weapons in Night Reign scale well with Strength, and heavy-hitting moves can stagger Libra and break through its defenses. If you have a weapon that fits the new stat spread, this is a solid and reliable option.
5. “I wish to have great dexterity”
Dexterity swaps your stats to favor speed, agility, and precise weapon types like katanas, curved swords, or claws. This deal is especially strong in Night Reign, since Libra has a slight weakness to slash damage, something most Dexterity weapons deal by default. The change is permanent, but unlike caster-focused swaps, you’re less likely to run into serious FP or stamina issues. As long as you’re not heavily invested in magic or tanky gear, this deal transitions smoothly. It works well for players who want faster attacks, good dodge timing, and flexible weapons. Just double-check your gear before committing to make sure you can take full advantage of the stat shift.
4. “I desire a flask”
This deal grants you one extra flask use, which can make a big difference during tough fights. The cost is a 10 percent reduction in your maximum HP. For tank-focused builds like Raider or Guardian, that HP loss might seem painful. But for most players, especially those with good healing passives or flask recovery buffs, the trade is worth it. The bonus lasts the entire expedition and helps both in boss fights and regular encounters. If you are running a build that burns through FP or takes chip damage often, this deal gives you more breathing room. It also pairs well with team-based healing effects or accessories that restore flasks over time. The value depends on how your build works, but for many players, an extra flask is better than a small chunk of missing health.
3. “I want to gain many levels”
This deal gives you three free levels on the spot, which can provide a big boost to your stats. The downside is that every time you use a flask, you lose one level. That makes this deal risky for players who rely heavily on healing or FP recovery during fights. However, if you are using a build that avoids damage, has strong defensive skills, or includes passive healing, this deal can pay off. It works especially well for characters like the Raider, who can use abilities that reduce or avoid incoming damage. In team play, if you have a teammate who can keep you alive, the pressure to use flasks drops even further. The key to using this deal well is knowing your gear, your passives, and your team. If you are confident in your survival and discipline, this can be one of the most rewarding choices in the game.
2. “I desire a powerful weapon”
This deal gives you a random weapon from a pool of eight, and most of them are strong enough to turn the tide of battle. The selection includes three madness-based weapons and five holy ones. This matters because Libra is weak to holy damage and takes 35 percent more damage from it. If you get one of those, the fight becomes much easier. Even the madness weapons can help if your build supports them. The cost is losing two levels, but this is a fair trade for a weapon that directly targets Libra’s main weakness. The only time this deal might not work in your favor is if you receive a weapon that does not match your build or scales poorly with your stats. Still, most weapons in the pool are flexible enough to be useful. If you feel underpowered or unprepared, this is one of the safest deals to take.
1. “I want resistance to ailments”
This is the best deal Libra offers. It gives you 150 points of status resistance, which heavily reduces the impact of effects like poison, bleed, and especially madness, Libra’s most dangerous tool. The drawback is a small cut to your maximum stamina, but this is easy to manage. You can offset it with gear, passives, or stamina regeneration buffs found during your run. For frenzy-based caster builds, the resistance boost is even better. It lets you cast more safely and gives you more time to build up pressure without self-inflicting a status proc. What makes this deal stand out is that the benefit is consistent, immediate, and useful for any build. It has no setup requirement and does not depend on your stats or equipment. Whether you are playing solo or in co-op, this is the most reliable and least risky option Libra can offer.
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The Rise of Kagi: A Paid Search Engine Challenging Google
Search engines make our lives easier by letting us access a whole world of information with just a few words. Kagi is a paid search engine that provides ad-free searches without trackers. In this article, we will explore Kagi’s features compared to other well-known search engines and examine whether it is worth the fee.
What is a paid search engine?
Paid search engines are similar to regular search engines, except they require a monthly fee. While the concept of paying to search may feel unusual, paid search engines provide higher quality search results without annoying ads or data collection. In that sense, paid search engines are like a premium version of their regular counterparts, offering a more streamlined service at a cost.
Why are most search engines free?
Many of us will be familiar with search engines like Google, Yahoo, and more. But why are most search engines free? This is because they rely on advertising to make money, namely the row of paid ads we can now see alongside search results. The so-called pay-per-click system means that the search engine receives money from advertisers when users click their ads, helping Google generate a whopping USD $237.855 billion in 2023.
Another reason that most search engines are free is because we, the searchers, are the product. Search engines collect and store user data to optimize their algorithms and show us targeted ads that may pique our interest. So, while regular search engines may be free, we are actually paying with our private data.
How is Kagi different from regular search engines?
Kagi gives users the familiarity of a search engine, but with added privacy features that safeguard our data. It promises to take us back to the days when search engines gave results instead of advertisements and let users block unwanted domains. After searching, users can view their results in forums, images, videos, PDFs, podcasts, and more. The optional Privacy Pass feature uses special cryptographic tokens to log into Kagi instead of an account. This means that search details cannot be linked to a specific account, allowing users to search for information without revealing their identity.
Kagi searches are supported by AI, helping to produce more intuitive results. Known as the Assistant, this AI tool lets users search without data harvesting, ads, or tracking. Users can try out Kagi for free with a trial plan that includes 100 searches and standard AI. Paid plans range from USD $5 to USD $25, with different features like unlimited searches, Kagi Translate, and the AI Assistant. Family and team plans are also available for multiple users within the home or work environment. A comprehensive list of Kagi’s features is available here.
Kagi: Does the price justify the price tag?
Regular search engines are free from membership fees, but they are known to collect user data and use it for targeted ads. Privacy-conscious users will no doubt appreciate Kagi’s additional features and optional Privacy Pass for anonymous searches. Time will tell if paid search engines will become as popular as regular search engines. Potential Kagi users can sign up for the Starter Plan for just USD $5 a month for 300 searches, allowing them to decide whether or not a paid search engine is the way forward. The free trial version is also useful for a quick overview; however users are restricted to just 100 searches per month. Users can also consider installing the Orion web browser from Kagi for maximum privacy and anti-tracking technology.
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How Microsoft’s Kernel Changes May Impact Anti-Cheat Software
Microsoft is changing how security software works in Windows, and it could have a big impact on PC gaming. After a failed update from CrowdStrike caused millions of computers to crash, Microsoft is moving antivirus and security tools out of the Windows kernel. This matters for gamers because many anti-cheat systems also run in the kernel, which is the core part of your computer's operating system. The kernel controls memory, hardware, and other low-level functions.
If Microsoft limits access to it, games may need to find new ways to stop cheaters. In this article, we will explain what kernel-level software is, why Microsoft is making these changes, which games use kernel-level anti-cheat, and what it all means for gamers and developers.
What is kernel-level software, and why does it matter for gaming?
The kernel is the core part of your computer’s operating system. It controls how software talks to your hardware. That includes memory, storage, input devices, and graphics cards. Because it has full access to the system, software that runs at the kernel level can do powerful things. But it can also cause serious problems if it crashes or gets exploited.
Kernel-level software is often used by antivirus programs and anti-cheat tools. In games, it helps detect advanced cheating methods that try to hide from regular monitoring. By operating deep inside the system, it can catch cheats before they even reach the game.
But this power comes with risks. If something goes wrong, it can crash the entire system. It can also raise privacy concerns because kernel-level tools can see almost everything on your computer. This is why Microsoft’s new policy matters. It could change how games handle security and fairness from the ground up.
Why is Microsoft changing how the kernel works?
In 2024, a broken update from cybersecurity company CrowdStrike caused a global Windows crash. Over 8 million machines were affected. The problem came from a kernel-level driver, a small piece of software that had deep access to the system. When it failed, the result was a widespread Blue Screen of Death, with many businesses and users unable to recover their systems quickly.
This incident exposed a major flaw in how Windows allows security tools to operate. Giving third-party software full kernel access increases the chance of a serious system failure. It also makes it harder for Microsoft to ensure the overall stability and safety of Windows.
In response, Microsoft is working with security vendors like CrowdStrike, ESET, and Bitdefender to move antivirus and endpoint detection tools out of the kernel. The goal is to reduce risk, improve system recovery options, and make sure no single vendor’s mistake can crash millions of devices again.
Where do anti-cheat systems fit into the picture?
Just like antivirus tools, anti-cheat systems often run in the kernel. This gives them deep access to your computer, allowing them to detect hidden cheat software that runs outside the game itself. Games like Valorant, Call of Duty: Warzone, and Destiny 2 all use kernel-level anti-cheat to catch cheaters who try to bypass normal security checks.
The problem is that these systems carry the same risks as antivirus tools. A bug or security flaw in a kernel-level anti-cheat driver can crash your system or open the door to hackers. It also raises privacy concerns. Giving a game that much control over your computer can make some users uncomfortable, especially when the company running it has ties to foreign governments or handles large amounts of user data.
Now that Microsoft is changing how kernel access works, anti-cheat developers will need to find new ways to monitor for cheats without relying on deep system access. This could reshape how competitive multiplayer games are built and secured in the future.
What anti-cheat systems use kernel-level access? (Top 6)
These six anti-cheat solutions are widely used and run at the kernel level, offering deep system insight and cheat protection, but not without controversy.
1. Vanguard
* Used in: Valorant, League of Legends
* Made by: Riot Games
* Starts with your computer, runs in the kernel to prevent cheats early, but raises privacy and always‑on concerns.
2. Ricochet
* Used in: Call of Duty: Warzone, Modern Warfare II/III
* Made by: Activision
* Kernel‑mode driver detects cheats trying to manipulate the game from outside.
3. EA AntiCheat
* Used in: FIFA 23, Battlefield V, and other EA titles
* Made by: Electronic Arts
* Works at the kernel level to block code injection and system tampering.
4. BattlEye
* Used in: PUBG: Battlegrounds, Rainbow Six Siege, Escape from Tarkov, Arma 3
* Made by: BattlEye Innovations
* Can run in kernel mode when enabled; known for aggressive protection that can sometimes conflict with other software.
5. Easy Anti-Cheat (EAC)
* Used in: Fortnite, Apex Legends, The Finals, Dead by Daylight
* Made by: Epic Games
* Supports kernel‑level modules for advanced cheat detection, mostly in competitive games.
6. XIGNCODE3
* Used in: Black Desert Online, Phantasy Star Online 2, Dragon Nest
* Made by: Wellbia
* Kernel‑mode driver widely used in MMOs, though often criticized for performance impacts.
For a full list of anti-cheats that run on the kernel level and the games they support, check out this link.
How can this impact gamers? (The good and the bad)
Microsoft’s decision to limit kernel-level access could have a big effect on how games work and how players experience them.
The good:
* Better privacy and security
Kernel-level anti-cheat tools can see everything on your system. Moving away from this approach could lower the risk of data collection or unwanted background activity.
* Fewer crashes and bugs
When a kernel-level driver fails, it can crash your entire computer. If anti-cheat systems are moved to safer parts of the system, players may see fewer blue screens and system errors.
* More control for the user
Some kernel-level tools keep running even when the game is closed. These changes may give players more control over what runs on their PC and when.
The bad:
* Weaker cheat detection, at least for now
Kernel-level access helps anti-cheat tools catch cheats that run outside of the game. Without this access, it may be harder to stop advanced hacks until better tools are created.
* Growing pains for developers
Developers will need time to update or replace their current systems. Some anti-cheat tools may need to be rewritten, which could lead to bugs or security gaps during the process.
* Possible performance changes
Performance may improve or drop depending on how developers build the new detection systems. The results will likely vary between games.
What are game developers going to need to do?
Game developers who rely on kernel-level anti-cheat systems will need to rethink how they detect and prevent cheating. Microsoft is not banning kernel access right away, but it is making it harder to use and encouraging developers to move away from it. In the long term, more restrictions are likely.
To keep up, developers will need to start using new security APIs that Microsoft is building as alternatives to kernel access. These APIs aim to provide strong protection without giving software full control over system memory or hardware. Developers will also need to work closely with Microsoft and other partners to stay informed about the changes and help shape how the system evolves.
Many games may need to rebuild or upgrade their anti-cheat tools so they work without touching the kernel. This process will take time, testing, and possibly major code changes. Developers will also need to find the right balance between detecting cheats and respecting user privacy. Clear communication about how their anti-cheat tools work, and why they are necessary, will be important to keep player trust during the transition.
What will happen going forward?
Microsoft's shift away from kernel-level access marks a major turning point for Windows security and for PC gaming. In the short term, antivirus and endpoint protection tools will be the first to move out of the kernel. Anti-cheat systems will follow more slowly, since game developers need time to adjust and find new ways to fight cheating without deep system access.
Some games may continue using kernel-level drivers for now, but the long-term trend is clear. Microsoft wants to reduce the risks tied to kernel software and create a safer, more stable platform. That means developers will face increasing pressure to update their tools and follow the new guidelines.
For players, this could lead to fewer crashes, better privacy, and more control over what runs on their machines. But it may also mean a period of change, as developers test new methods and deal with growing pains. In time, if the new tools are built well, the end result could be a more secure and transparent gaming experience for everyone.
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Goodbye Blue Screen of Death, Hello Black Screen of Death
Alas, the dreaded blue screen of death is something that many of us PC users are familiar with. Newsflash! Going forward, when your (not-so) trusty computer crashes, prepare to see the Black Screen of Death. In today’s article we’re going to unearth the truth behind Microsoft’s decision to paint it black, while equipping you with all the info you need to know about the blue SOD, as well as the black SOD. In case you’re confused about the BSOD meaning, it's got nothing to do with turf, but means both Blue, and Black Screen of Death.
Did Microsoft retire the BSOD?
If you missed the memo, or are still using Windows 10, then the answer is yes, Microsoft went ahead and changed the infamous BSOD from blue to black. First spotted in early Windows 11 Insider preview builds, the BSOD was later made official, and is now featured in all Windows 11 24H2 devices.
If you’re seeing the BSOD in blue or black, you may feel that you’ve got more to worry about than the color of the screen. Either way, the Black Screen of Death is here to stay, as part of an aesthetic and functional update in Windows 11. More on that later, first let’s dig deeper and discover what is the Blue Screen of Death!
What is BSOD?
Since the first version of Windows (1.0) in 1985, the Blue Screen of Death has been the stop error screen that appears when Windows encounters a critical system fault that it can’t bounce back from. Also known as a system crash, kernel error, or bug check, the fatal error forces the system to shutdown to prevent any further damage to your PC. In the early days, the BSOD displayed lengthy series of text -sometimes intelligible, other times complete gobbledygook. With the release of Windows 8 back in 2012, the Blue Screen of Death became slightly more relatable, displaying a frowning face emoticon and a simple message.
What causes the BSOD?
The causes of the dreaded BSOD are many, but the most common include:
* Computer Drivers. Drivers are the essential files, mostly provided by hardware manufacturers that allow devices to communicate with your operating system. According to Microsoft, around 70% of crashes are caused by third-party driver code.
* Hardware. Malfunctioning physical components may also be to blame for PC crashes. These commonly include faulty RAM, a failing hard drive or SSD, a malfunctioning motherboard, processor, or even a problematic power supply unit.
* Software. Incompatible or poorly optimized software can lead to system conflicts and a Blue Screen of Death.
* Overheating. If your system overheats from dust buildup, bust cooling fans, or excessive hardware strain it may trigger a BSOD to protect itself from damage.
* Malware. Finally, let’s not forget that viruses or other malicious software that corrupt essential system files or processes can also take you on a trip to the Blue Screen of Death.
And what’s the BSOD for?
Never a welcome sight, the BSOD is actually there to protect your PC and data integrity, providing advanced users with error codes, memory dump info, and a QR code to help you navigate to Microsoft troubleshooting. While most of us will cross our fingers and dutifully restart our computers, advanced users or pros can use the error code to identify the failure, and attempt to fix it.
For example, if the Blue Screen of Death displays: “IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL" this tells us that a driver or system process tried to access a memory address at an inappropriate interrupt request level (IRQL). Likely the issue is caused by a faulty driver, or possibly hardware issues or other software conflict. You can see how BSOD can help IT pros to repair the BSOD by pinpointing the issues causing the crash, ideally with the help of tools such as WinDbg or BlueScreenView.
Black is the new blue?
As you may have gathered from the above paragraphs, the BSOD is now black, and no longer blue, hence the Black Screen of Death. If you’re a Windows 11 user, and your PC crashes, the BSOD will never again be blue, but black forevermore, or until there’s another update in 40 years or so. The BSOD is now a simplified black screen, and Microsoft have dropped the frowning face emoticon and QR code. More similar in appearance to the black screen displayed during a Windows update, the BSOD now lists the stop code and faulty system driver that might not have been displayed during a crash dump.
In case you haven’t yet laid eyes on the Black Screen of Death, it is officially launched this summer on Windows 11 24H2 devices, so be on the lookout! The change is part of a visual, aesthetic update, modernizing the feel and UI/UX of Windows 11. Whether you’re a fan of the old blue, or the new black, the goal behind the new BSOD is for a cohesive feel from startup to shutdown, or (potentially) crash, and the backgrounds are now black.
So why the change?
Without getting into too much detail, it seems that the intention behind the Black Screen of Death is to move away from the scary Screen of Death mentality, and transform it into a screen of recovery. According to the Microsoft Windows Experience Blog, they are "streamlining the unexpected restart experience.” This includes various other features such as quick machine recovery, intended to lessen the disruption of unexpected restarts. While they don’t touch on color choices in the blog post, the focus is on simplifying the UI, and pairing it with a shortened downtime for unexpected restarts. The ultimate goal is to improve readability and alignment with Windows 11 design principles, while still supplying the technical information advanced users require.
Out of the blue and into the black
Well that’s about all we’ve got time for today, we hope that you’re now ready to bravely face the Black Screen of Death, or a bug check, kernel error, or however else you choose to refer to it! Next time you see the “Your device ran into a problem and needs to restart” message, try to frame it as a step on the path to PC recovery, not a step into the screen of death!
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10 Best Roguelite/Roguelike Games to Play in 2025
Looking for the best roguelike and roguelite games to play in 2025? This list highlights the top titles to check out this year, with a focus on challenging gameplay, procedurally generated levels, and the thrill of starting over. These genres have grown in popularity thanks to their deep mechanics and strong replay value. Fans of all experience levels can find something exciting to try in 2025. Before we dive into the list, it’s important to explain the difference between roguelikes and roguelites.
Roguelike vs Roguelites
Roguelike games are based on a few strict rules. When you die, you usually lose everything and have to start over from scratch. These games use turn-based movement, random maps, and permanent death, which means no progress carries over between runs. The classic game Rogue from the 1980s is what gave the genre its name.
Roguelites, on the other hand, are more forgiving. While they still include random levels and challenging combat, they often let you keep some progress after each run. This can include character upgrades, new weapons, or shortcuts. Roguelites tend to feel faster and more modern, blending elements from other genres like action, platforming, or deckbuilding.
In short, roguelikes focus on pure survival with no safety net. Roguelites reward you a little each time you play, helping you slowly grow stronger.
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s take a look at some of the best roguelite and roguelike games you can play in 2025. Whether you prefer intense combat, strategic thinking, or creative builds, there’s something here for every kind of player.
10 Best Roguelite/Roguelike Games to Play in 20251. Balatro
Starting with a heavy hitter from 2024, Balatro is a roguelike deck-builder that surprised everyone with just how addictive it could be. What looks like a poker-inspired card puzzler quickly reveals itself as a deep, chaotic, and endlessly replayable strategy game. Instead of combat or traditional storytelling, Balatro focuses entirely on building and breaking card synergies. You begin each run with a basic deck, aiming to beat score thresholds by crafting powerful poker hands. How you get there is where the magic lies.
Jokers are the star of the show. These cards can completely shift the direction of a run, offering unique effects and massive score multipliers. Combined with tarot cards, planet cards, and shop upgrades, the game becomes a playground for wild combos and clever experiments. Even when you fail, Balatro makes you want to dive right back in, chasing that next high-scoring hand.
The game won Best Independent Game, Best Debut Indie Game, and Best Mobile Game at The Game Awards 2024. It was also nominated for Game of the Year. In 2025, it remains one of the most creative and replayable roguelikes you can play.
2. Garden of Witches
If you’re looking for a roguelite that blends cozy aesthetics with clever gameplay depth, Garden of Witches is worth a look. Still in early access, this action roguelite casts you as Sil, the Witch of Threads, on a mission to gather her fellow witches for an annual tea party that keeps a dream goddess asleep. It sounds lighthearted, but the gameplay is no joke.
Combat revolves around fast-paced arena battles, spell builds, and powerful synergies. You choose two spells at the start of each run and can collect randomized upgrades that alter how they work. These synergies interact in creative ways, letting you build around fire damage, summoned crows, area-of-effect spells, and more. Whether you go melee or magic-focused, the game encourages experimentation and on-the-fly adaptation.
The art style is hand-drawn and full of charm, the soundtrack ranges from jazzy to intense, and the writing is surprisingly engaging. Boss fights grow more intense with each chapter, offering a real challenge, though cooldowns and melee combat still need fine-tuning. Even so, Garden of Witches already feels like a complete experience, and the developers have confirmed more content is on the way.
It’s short, sweet, and packed with personality. Keep your eye on this one.
3. Hades II
Following up a genre-defining classic is never easy, but Hades II is already hitting all the right notes. And it’s not even out of early access yet. Set in the same mythological world as the 2020 hit (Hades), Hades II puts you in control of Melinoë, the daughter of Hades, as she battles through the Underworld and the surface above. The combat is fast, stylish, and deeply satisfying. While the core gameplay will feel familiar to fans of the first game, every system has been reworked just enough to feel new. Weapons, boons, and abilities have all been redesigned, and the addition of mana-powered Omega attacks brings a new layer of depth to each run.
What makes Hades II stand out is its incredible build variety. Every run feels meaningful, and the expanded progression systems like Arcana cards and incantations give you more long-term goals to chase. Outside of combat, you’ll find well-written characters, new side activities, and meaningful choices that shape your experience.
Even though it's still in development, Hades II already plays better than many finished games. With its full release planned for later in 2025, it is almost certain to become one of the year’s standout roguelites.
4. Elden Ring Nightreign
FromSoftware is best known for Soulslike games, but Elden Ring Nightreign marks a bold shift into roguelike territory. Instead of exploring an open world at your own pace, players drop into fast-paced co-op expeditions, racing against a closing Nightreign and tackling tough bosses before time runs out. Every run features randomized gear, changing objectives, and escalating difficulty, giving it the feel of a high-stakes dungeon run mixed with battle royale elements.
Each of the eight playable classes, called Nightfarers, offers a distinct playstyle with fixed stats and unique skills. Runs revolve around gathering relics, upgrading gear, and unlocking story chapters through a system of “Remembrances.” While the storytelling is thinner than in Elden Ring, the individual class arcs still give you a reason to come back. The combat is as satisfying as ever, with faster pacing, new class skills, and plenty of ways to experiment with iconic weapons from the main game.
Despite a heavy reuse of assets and limited progression depth, Nightreign succeeds at capturing the fun of repeated runs with friends. It may not top the original Elden Ring, but as a roguelike spinoff, it’s surprisingly engaging and worth playing with a dedicated group.
5. Soulstone Survivors
After nearly three years in early access, Soulstone Survivors finally launched its 1.0 version in June 2025. It’s one of the most polished and content-rich entries in the bullet heaven genre, blending the fast-paced chaos of a survivors-like with the long-term depth of an action RPG. You start with simple attacks and basic movement, but over time you unlock dozens of characters, hundreds of skills, and countless build combinations.
This is a roguelite in the purest sense. Each run earns you resources to invest in permanent upgrades, new weapons, and massive skill trees for every hero. The combat is mostly automated, but you control movement, dashes, and targeting, creating a fast and reactive gameplay loop. The further you push into a run, the harder it gets, with curses and boss rushes scaling the difficulty into absurd territory.
What sets Soulstone Survivors apart is how much control it gives the player. You can customize everything from UI to targeting systems, and the game is packed with endgame modes like Titan Hunts, boss arenas, and a short story campaign. If you love fine-tuning builds, chasing loot, and powering up through endless progression, this is easily one of the best roguelites to play in 2025.
6. Dave the Diver
You might not expect a laid-back fishing and sushi sim to qualify as a roguelite, but Dave the Diver blends progression-based exploration, randomized deep-sea dives, and persistent upgrades in ways that make it one of the most charming roguelites you can play. The loop is simple but addictive. You dive into the ever-changing Blue Hole by day, catch exotic fish, uncover mysterious ruins, and then run your chaotic sushi restaurant by night. The further you go, the more tools, story events, and underwater secrets you unlock. Somehow, it never stops being fun.
What really sets Dave the Diver apart is its nonstop post-launch support. The game has received several free crossover DLCs, including Dredge, Godzilla, and Like a Dragon. But the most exciting update is still on the horizon. In the Jungle, a full expansion that takes Dave out of the ocean and into a dangerous rainforest, was originally planned for 2025 but has been delayed to early 2026. In this case, that's a good sign. A delayed game is eventually good, but a rushed game is forever bad.
If you haven’t played Dave the Diver yet, now is the perfect time to dive in.
7. Risk of Rain 2
Risk of Rain 2 is one of the most replayable roguelites out there, transforming the 2D platforming of the original into a chaotic 3D co-op shooter. You pick from a roster of unique survivors, each with their own skills, and fight through waves of enemies while collecting over-the-top items that stack in ridiculous ways. The longer you survive, the harder the game gets, scaling difficulty in real time until every moment feels like a bullet hell marathon.
Since its launch, the game has received two major DLCs, with a third one on the way. Survivors of the Void brought Void-tier items and new survivors, while Seekers of the Storm added five new environments and a challenging new route. The next expansion, Alloyed Collective, is expected later this year, featuring six new stages, two survivors, and expanded drone mechanics. Gearbox has been actively patching the game, and most of the launch bugs have been smoothed out.
Whether you're playing solo or with friends, Risk of Rain 2 remains a standout roguelite in 2025. With more content on the way and a strong community behind it, this is the perfect time to revisit the storm.
8. Cult of the Lamb
Cult of the Lamb blends fast-paced roguelike combat with charmingly dark cult management. You play as a possessed lamb resurrected by a mysterious deity, tasked with spreading your own religion while battling through procedurally generated dungeons. Between runs, you return to your growing cult village to build structures, perform rituals, and manage the faith of your followers. It’s a strange but incredibly satisfying balance of action and strategy.
Since launching in 2022, the game has received multiple free updates that expand on both sides of the experience. These include the Relics of the Old Faith expansion, a post-game storyline, new relic systems, and improved combat. There have also been seasonal events, a Don’t Starve Together crossover, and even a local co-op mode in the Unholy Alliance update. Cosmetic DLC packs have also been released, though all gameplay content so far has been free.
The game has sold over 4.5 million copies and won several awards, including Best Indie Game and Game of the Year from multiple outlets. While updates have slowed in 2025, the developers have confirmed that more content is still in the works. If you enjoy your roguelites with a touch of chaos and cuteness, this is an easy recommendation.
9. Drop Duchy
Drop Duchy answers a question you didn’t know you had: what if Tetris were a roguelike, and also a medieval war game? It’s a puzzle game at its core, but adds deep layers of strategy and progression. Instead of clearing rows to remove blocks, you build resource lines by matching terrain types. Plains give food, rivers give gold, and forests supply wood. Every completed line feeds into your growing stockpile of materials for the run.
Once you’ve gathered enough resources, you can build structures like shipyards or watchtowers. These generate different unit types, which you use in turn-based battles that play out at the end of each stage. Each battle becomes a puzzle of its own, where you need to predict enemy moves and play to your army’s strengths. Along the way, you collect tech cards that act as permanent upgrades and passive buffs, drawn from three unique faction decks that favor different playstyles.
The minimalist visuals, satisfying sound design, and steadily rising challenge all come together in a package that’s easy to pick up but hard to put down. Drop Duchy might seem niche at first glance, but it’s one of the most original roguelite puzzle hybrids you can play in 2025.
10. Slay the Spire 2
Slay the Spire 2 isn’t out yet, and no public demo has been shown, but it’s already one of the most anticipated roguelikes in development. The original game helped define the deckbuilding genre, setting the standard for countless titles that followed. Now, with a new Spire awakening, players are eager to see what comes next.
The official Steam page confirms a return to strategic, run-based gameplay with new cards, relics, potions, and a mix of new and returning characters. The Spire itself is described as more twisted and dangerous than before, with ever-changing paths and layered challenges that reward careful planning and creativity.
Although many of the gameplay details are still under wraps, the game is slated to enter early access sometime in 2025. If Mega Crit can build on the foundation of the original, Slay the Spire 2 has the potential to become one of the genre’s defining titles once again.
