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How to Disable Lock Screen Widgets on Windows 11
Windows devices will display a lock screen when left unattended, requiring a password or biometric input to activate for additional security. If you want to add a personal touch to your computer, consider changing the lock screen background to a family photo or a holiday snap. Otherwise, Windows 11 devices may automatically select lock screen advertisements, including banner alerts and news updates. As the Windows 11 lock screen is fully customizable, you can also choose so-called widgets that may be of interest, such as local traffic information. Moreover, the Weather and more app shows dynamic, real-time updates on weather conditions, finance, and sports. These Windows lock screen widgets provide useful information at a glance, offering tailored content to boost the user experience.Â
Why should I disable widgets on the Windows 11 lock screen?
While Windows 11 lock screen widgets are useful for updates, they can also be annoying or distracting. Users may also be concerned about unnecessary clutter or potential battery drainage from lock screen widgets. As such, they may prefer to disable them.
How to disable or enable lock screen widgets in Windows 11
To enable widgets on the Windows 11 lock screen:
* Go to Settings
* Click Personalization
* Select Lock screen
* Click Lock screen status
* Choose an option from the dropdown box.
To disable widgets on the Windows 11 lock screen:Â
* Head to Settings
* Click PersonalizationÂ
* Select Lock screen
* Click Lock screen statusÂ
* Choose None from the dropdown box.Â
The lowdown on Windows 11 lock screen widgets
Windows 11 lock screen widgets provide helpful information about the weather, stock markets, and traffic. This adds a hint of personality to devices, especially when combined with a customized background image. However, users may wish to disable lock screen widgets if they find them distracting or unnecessary. Simply follow the instructions above to switch off lock screen widgets and enjoy a clutter-free screen.
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Why 32GB of RAM Should Be the New Standard for Gaming PCs
PC gaming has changed a lot in the last few years. Modern games demand more from your system than ever before. Developers now build larger, more detailed worlds. Ray tracing, massive open worlds, and high-resolution textures are common even in mid-tier games. Because of these changes, 32GB of RAM should now be considered the standard for any serious gaming PC.
What is RAM?
RAM, short for Random Access Memory, is a part of your computer that stores data your system needs to access quickly. Unlike a hard drive or SSD, RAM only holds data while your computer is turned on. Once you shut down, it clears out and resets.
There are several types of RAM, with DDR (Double Data Rate) being the most common. Today, most systems use either DDR4 or the newer DDR5 memory. Hereâs a basic breakdown:
* DDR4: Reliable and still widely used, but slower compared to newer options.
* DDR5: Faster speeds, higher bandwidth, and better efficiency. Ideal for gaming PCs being built or upgraded today.
Upgrading to DDR5 provides better loading times, smoother gameplay, and better performance when multitasking or running heavy applications.
Why is RAM important for your pc and gaming?
RAM plays a key role in how well your PC handles games and programs. It works by keeping important data ready for your CPU and GPU. When you are gaming, RAM loads textures, models, sounds, and other assets that the system needs fast.
Not having enough RAM can cause several problems:
* Slower load times: Games may take longer to load levels or menus.
* Performance drops: Frame rates may dip during busy scenes.
* Stuttering: Games can freeze for short periods while the system tries to grab needed files.
* System slowdowns: Background programs, like Discord and browsers, can start to drag your whole system down if RAM runs out.
RAM is the bridge that keeps your processor and graphics card working at full speed without having to pull data from slower storage drives.
What happens during a game if you don't have enough RAM?
If you are playing a demanding game and do not have enough RAM, your system struggles. Windows will try to offload data to the page file, which is part of your SSD or hard drive. But no matter how fast your storage is, it is still much slower than RAM.
Here is what you might experience:
* Frame stutter and spikes: The game struggles to load textures and assets quickly enough, leading to uneven frame pacing and sudden dips in performance.
* Longer load times: Levels and textures load more slowly, sometimes mid-game, breaking immersion.
* System slowdown: Windows moves less critical tasks into the much slower page file (stored on your SSD), causing massive performance drops when you alt-tab or try multitasking.
In heavy games like Hogwarts Legacy or The Last of Us Part I, running with just 16GB of RAM often leads to traversal stutter, asset pop-ins, and an overall less polished gaming experience.
What drove the increase in RAM use for games?
Games today use more RAM than they used to for several reasons. Game engines like Unreal Engine 5 introduce new technology that loads more detailed models and lighting. Developers are designing bigger, richer game worlds, and they expect players to have stronger systems.
Some of the key drivers include:
* Unreal Engine 5 features: Games built with Unreal Engine 5, such as Marvel Rivals, now use complex technologies like Nanite and Lumen, both of which are extremely RAM-intensive.
* Ray tracing: Advanced lighting and reflection techniques load heavy assets into memory, requiring more system resources even on medium settings.
* Higher resolution textures: 4K textures and large open-world assets need extra space.
* Background multitasking: Gamers today often stream, run Discord, and watch videos while gaming, all of which eat into available RAM.
* Less optimization: Modern games often assume players have ample resources, leading developers to set higher minimum requirements without as much optimization.
Games like Hogwarts Legacy, Marvel Rivals, and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle are clear examples where 16GB of RAM is no longer enough for a smooth experience at high settings.
Why 32gb should be the new standard
Based on testing across many modern titles, 32GB of RAM offers a big advantage without being wasteful. It prepares you for current AAA games and the next few years of new releases without breaking the bank.
Here are the reasons why 32GB makes sense:
* Headroom for today and tomorrow: While 16GB can still "technically" run many games today, itâs often barely enough, especially as titles like Star Wars Jedi: Survivor and Hogwarts Legacy eat 20GB+ when background tasks are included.
Performance gains: Testing shows that upgrading from 16GB to 32GB can yield tangible benefits. In Marvel Rivals, framerate improved by around 40% just by moving to 32GB RAM. Even older engines like Helldivers 2 showed gains.
* Affordable pricing: DDR5 memory prices have fallen sharply. A good 32GB DDR5-6000 kit can be found for just $75â90 USD, barely 25% more than 16GB kits but offering double the capacity.
* Better multitasking: If youâre running Discord, Chrome, OBS, or background apps while gaming, 32GB prevents slowdowns caused by page file swapping.
* Future-proofing: With developers pushing tech boundaries and Unreal Engine 5 becoming more common, having 32GB ensures your system won't choke on future releases.
Right now, a 16GB setup will still run many games fine, but headroom is tight. New releases will only push memory needs higher. Upgrading to 32GB ensures that your gaming experience stays smooth today and tomorrow.
Final thoughts
For anyone building or upgrading a gaming PC in 2025 and beyond, 32GB of DDR5 RAM should be seen as the standard, not an optional luxury. With modern games demanding more, and memory prices so reasonable, itâs a smart move that will keep your rig performing smoothly for years to come.
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Must use Add-ons and Extensions for Firefox Users
Welcome, web browser to our voyage into the world of add-ons and extensions for Firefox. While there are many web browsers out there, most of us tend to stick to the big dogs: Chrome, Safari, Edge, and of course, Firefox. Launched by Mozilla in 2004, Firefox is a browser thatâs famous for putting you, the user first.
Equipped with solid protection features, including easy to manage cookie settings, built-in pop-up blockers, and enhanced tracking protection, Firefox is also highly customizable. From a Firefox translator extension to Bitwarden Firefox extension, the sheer volume of extensions available for this browser are a major pull for many users: small add-ons to boost browser functionality, and build a browser that is truly yours.
If youâre a Firefox user, then youâre likely reading this article through said browser, if not, give it a try, and see how the add-ons and extensions for Firefox can revolutionize your web browsing experience. Letâs jump straight in and check out 10 of the best Firefox extensions.
1. uBlock Origin
If youâre peeved with popups, aggravated by ads, and tired of trackers, then you may need a dose of uBlock Origin. Â This wide-spectrum content blocker by Raymond Hill puts memory efficiency and CPU first. In addition to blocking ads, trackers, popups, coin miners and more, uBlock Origin, or uBO (as it's called by those in the know) can be customized by simple point-and-click to block JavaScript locally or globally. Free, open source with a public license, uBlock Origin is also surprisingly a potentially effective tech for energy conservation, as blocking ads saves electricity!
2. YouTube SponsorBlock
Another open-source, crowdsourced extension for Firefox, https://sponsor.ajay.app/ can give you the power to automatically skip annoying, time wasting sponsor messages on YouTube. Youâll never have to sit through an annoying toothpaste ad before watching your favorite YouTube content ever again, as SponsorBlock automatically checks its database for reported sponsors, then skips them. Get involved and join over 13 million users, and submit your very own sponsors that deserve to be skipped.
3. Bitwarden Password Manager
Donât get bit by forgetting or mislaying your passwords, get Bitwarden and ensure that all of your passwords are safe and sound. The Bitwarden extension for Firefox is a simple, trustworthy password manager with a free plan available for unlimited devices. Even if youâre already using another password manager, you can easily migrate your data, including passwords, credit cards, and even secrets to Bitwarden with a few simple clicks. Finally, zero-knowledge encryption ensures that you, and only you can access your information.Â
4. Proton VPN Firefox extension
Switzerland may not immediately conjure up images of VPN farms, but Proton VPN Firefox extension bills itself as a Swiss VPN that you can trust. Lightning fast, reliable, and secure as the vaults of a Swiss bank, Proton VPN keeps a strict no logs policy in accordance with Swiss law. Proton VPN enables you to bypass censorship and access âthe truthâ, or simply unblock and watch popular streaming services. Open-source, and transparent, you can easily check the code for yourself, while independent audits will let you decide if Proton VPN cuts the mustard.
5. Bypass Paywall Clean
If youâre looking to get into the festival without a ticket, then Bypass Paywall Clean can get you in for free. This open-source browser extension circumvents paywalls, allowing users to access paid-content without handing over a penny. Do beware though, that this type of extension may violate the T&Cs of the website you visit. In plainspeak it could be illegal, so if you donât want to take your chances with the long arm of the law, then try 12ft, and see if it works for you.
6. Unhook
As we navigate the wild pastures of YouTube, at times it can feel like weâre a fish, dodging hooks baited with all kinds of distractions. Unhook cuts the line, or severs the net, depending on how you use it. Simple and effective, Unhook can be used to hide related videos, suggestion walls, shorts, comments and pretty much every other potential distraction that might be lurking on the âTube. Simply toggle through the many options to make your YouTube experience less distracting.
7. Viewhance
Customize the built-in media viewer in Firefox to your heartâs content with Viewhance. Unlimited possibilities and functionality are only a few clicks away with Viewhance, without even needing to leave your browser! Featuring super-easy navigation, as well as custom playback and display, if youâre a regular user of the built-on media viewer in Firefox, Viewhance will massively enhance your media experience, from work to play. Â
8. Dark Reader
If you didnât realize that the white background of this website was straining your eyes, try Dark Reader and youâll discover that with inverted colors, you can read for hours without strain! Particularly suited to night readers, Dark Reader can be enabled for all websites or particular domains, with the choice of dark or light mode, as well as customizable brightness, contrast, and sepia options. Over 8 million users canât be wrong, and for individuals, a one-time payment of $9.99 delivers Dark Reader for life.     Â
9. Auto Tab Discard
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ityhxUPp3y8
As the name suggests, Auto Tab Discard automatically (or manually if you choose) discards inactive, idle, and forgotten tabs. This browser extension can seriously assist your battery life by disabling JavaScript code as well as DOM events on discarded tabs. Memory usage is reduced by discarding idle tabs, while a convenient list of hostnames and regular expressions can be inputted to exclude them from auto-discarding.
10. TWP
Short for Translate Web Pages, the last of our extensions today has the ability to traverse linguistic and cultural barriers. TWP allows users to choose the translation service of their choice, and translate full pages, selected text, and even PDF documents. Forget the wait, TWP translates pages in real time: this add-on can increase productivity, translating desired content in a single click, without the hassle of opening new tabs.
Add-on, add-off
We hope that youâve enjoyed discovering ten of our favorite add-ons and extensions for Firefox. As you may have noticed, there are add-ons and extensions galore available to maximize every aspect of your Firefox browsing experience. Take the plunge and try one today, see where it takes you!
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The 2025 4chan Hack: How a Simple PDF Upload Took Down the Webâs Most Infamous Anonymous Imageboard
What is 4chan?
4chan is an anonymous English-language imageboard website launched on October 1, 2003, by then-15-year-old Christopher Poole, known online as "moot." Inspired by the Japanese imageboard Futaba Channel (2chan), 4chan was initially created as a space for Western anime and manga enthusiasts. Over time, it evolved into a vast and unfiltered forum encompassing a wide array of topics, including video games, politics, technology, and more.
The platform is structured into various boards, each dedicated to specific subjects. Users typically post anonymously, fostering a culture where content is judged on its merit rather than the identity of the poster. This anonymity has been both a defining feature and a source of controversy, as it allows for free expression but also enables the spread of offensive content.â 4chan has also been instrumental in the creation and dissemination of numerous internet memes and trends.
A brief history of 4chan
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQw4w9WgXcQ
The Early Years
Christopher Poole founded 4chan in 2003, drawing inspiration from Japanese imageboards and the online community of Something Awful. The site began with a focus on anime and manga but quickly expanded to include a multitude of boards covering diverse topics. One of the most notorious boards, /b/ (Random), became known for its anything-goes policy, leading to a mix of creativity and chaos.â
Notable Incidents
Over the years, 4chan has been at the center of several high-profile incidents:â
* Rickrolling (2007): 4chan users initiated the "Rickroll" meme by tricking others into clicking links that led to Rick Astley's 1987 hit "Never Gonna Give You Up." This bait-and-switch prank became a widespread internet phenomenon.
* Steve Jobs Death Hoax (2008): A false rumor about Apple's CEO Steve Jobs suffering a heart attack originated on 4chan, leading to a significant drop in Apple's stock price before the rumor was debunked.â
* Pitbull to Alaska (2012): In response to a Walmart promotion to bring rapper Pitbull to the store with the most votes, 4chan users orchestrated a campaign to send him to the most remote location possible, Kodiak, Alaska. The campaign succeeded, and Pitbull honored the results by performing there. â
Ownership Changes
In January 2015, Poole stepped down as the site's administrator, citing the stress of managing the platform. Later that year, he sold 4chan to Hiroyuki Nishimura, the founder of 2channel, the Japanese message board that had originally inspired 4chan. Nishimura's acquisition aimed to bring experienced leadership to the site, given his background in managing large online communities.â
The recent 4chan hack: A breakdown
On April 14, 2025, the notoriously anonymous platform 4chan was hacked through a critical vulnerability involving PDF file uploads. Attackers exploited outdated and insecure software handling PDF files, allowing them to gain remote code execution and ultimately escalate privileges to obtain full administrative access to 4chanâs servers. This breach led to significant data exposure, including sensitive user and administrative information.
1. Who Did It?
Reports of a possible breach surfaced when users noticed unusual activity on 4chan, including the brief reappearance of a previously banned board. Shortly after, the site was defaced with the mocking message: âU GOT HACKED XD.â Further evidence of a breach emerged when a rival forum, Soyjak.party, began posting screenshots allegedly showing 4chanâs internal administrative systems and databases.
Soyjak.party, a splinter community formed from the remnants of 4chanâs defunct /qa/ board, later confirmed their involvement. The group, which had longstanding grievances against 4chanâs moderation team, appeared motivated by a desire to expose and embarrass site administrators.
Screenshots from the alleged hack indicated substantial access to sensitive internal information, including administrator usernames, email addresses, user IP addresses, deleted posts, and even internal documentation. The situation escalated further as Soyjak.party members shared personal details, or "doxes," of purported 4chan administrators and moderators.
2. How the Breach Occurred
Certain 4chan boardsâsuch as /gd/, /po/, /qst/, /sci/, and /tg/âallowed users to upload PDF files. However, the platform failed to verify that uploaded files were genuine PDFs. This oversight permitted attackers to upload malicious PostScript files disguised with a .pdf extension.â
These files were processed by Ghostscript, a tool used to generate thumbnails for uploaded documents. Unfortunately, 4chan was utilizing a version of Ghostscript from 2012, which contained known vulnerabilities. By exploiting these vulnerabilities, the attacker achieved remote code execution on the server.â
Subsequently, the attacker leveraged a misconfigured SUID (Set User ID upon execution) binary to escalate privileges, gaining root access to the server. This level of access allowed the attacker to exfiltrate sensitive data, including 4chan's source code, internal logs, and administrative information. â
3. Aftermath
The severity of the breach prompted an immediate and comprehensive response from 4chan administrators. The site was temporarily taken offline to mitigate further damage and thoroughly investigate the vulnerabilities. During this downtime, administrators patched identified weaknesses, removed PDF upload capabilities, updated internal systems, and reinforced security protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future.
4. Is 4chan Back Up?
As of April 27, 2025, 4chan has returned online with limited functionality and enhanced security measures. PDF uploads remain disabled permanently, and certain vulnerable or controversial boards have been removed. While the technical recovery has been successful, the breach has profoundly impacted user trust and raised ongoing concerns about the platform's security and future sustainability. Administrators continue to monitor the site closely to ensure its stability and security moving forward.
Conclusion
The recent hack on 4chan serves as a stark reminder of how even longstanding internet platforms can fall victim to neglected infrastructure and outdated security practices. By exploiting a vulnerability in the siteâs PDF upload system, attackers were able to access sensitive internal data and expose many of the administrators behind the platformâs veil of anonymity.Â
Although 4chan has since restored basic functionality and implemented new security measures, the breach has deeply shaken its user base and highlighted systemic weaknesses. It also reinforces a broader lesson: users should never place personal or sensitive information on anonymous platforms like 4chan or Reddit, where even a small lapse in security can have massive consequences.Â
Moving forward, 4chan faces the difficult task of rebuilding trust and proving that it can still operate as a platform for anonymous free expression without compromising the safety of its users and staff.
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Essential Must Install Apps for New Gaming Computers
Whether youâve just finished building your dream gaming rig or unboxed a powerful prebuilt system, installing the right software is key to getting the most out of your hardware. From monitoring temps to managing drivers and customizing lighting, these essential apps will help you optimize performance, clean up clutter, and take full control of your new gaming computer.
1. HWiNFO64 â Real-time hardware monitoring and diagnostics
HWiNFO64 is a professional-grade system information and monitoring tool used to inspect every detail of your PC hardware. When launched, it scans your system and presents a comprehensive report of every connected componentâyour CPU, GPU, motherboard, RAM, storage drives, sensors, BIOS version, fan speeds, voltage readings, and much more. It gives not just names and specs, but highly granular values such as CPU core temperatures, per-core usage percentages, memory timings, and disk throughput.
This tool is widely used by enthusiasts and professionals alike because of its unmatched detail and accuracy. It supports sensor monitoring in real-time, which means you can leave it running in the background during gameplay or stress tests to observe how your system responds under load. You can also set up alerts if certain components exceed thermal or voltage limits, helping prevent hardware damage.
HWiNFO64 also integrates with other programs, such as RivaTuner Statistics Server (RTSS) or Rainmeter, to feed sensor data into on-screen overlays or widgets. This makes it an excellent tool for identifying thermal throttling, diagnosing overheating issues, or simply optimizing your cooling setup. If you want to fully understand whatâs going on inside your PC, this is the tool to start with.
2. Revo Uninstaller â Deep software removal
Revo Uninstaller is a utility designed to uninstall programs from your PC completelyâremoving not just the programâs core files, but also the leftovers that normal uninstallers often miss. When you uninstall a program via Windows' built-in system, it often leaves behind registry entries, user files, and folders buried in hidden directories. These remnants can accumulate over time and clutter your system.
Revo solves this problem by using a two-step process. First, it runs the programâs standard uninstaller. Then, it performs an advanced scan for leftover files, folders, registry keys, and other associated data. It allows you to review and delete these leftovers manually or automatically. The end result is a much cleaner and more complete uninstall process.
It also offers a âForced Uninstallâ feature for removing programs that wonât uninstall properly or are already partially deleted. Another unique feature is "Hunter Mode," where you drag a crosshair onto a running program's window or desktop icon and it identifies and offers to remove it.
Revo is ideal for cleaning up broken software, removing bloatware from prebuilt systems, or ensuring a program is fully gone before reinstalling a fresh copy.
3. MSI Afterburner â GPU overclocking and fan control
MSI Afterburner is the most popular GPU tweaking software in the world, and it works with both NVIDIA and AMD graphics cardsânot just MSI-branded ones. Itâs primarily used for overclocking, which means increasing your GPUâs performance by adjusting core clocks, memory speeds, and voltages.
The interface allows you to raise your GPU's core and memory clocks in small increments and test stability while observing real-time changes in performance, power draw, and temperature. If done safely, overclocking can result in noticeable performance gains in games and rendering workloads.
Beyond overclocking, Afterburner also lets you customize GPU fan curves. This is critical if your GPU runs too hot under default settings or if you prefer quieter operation when idle. By creating a custom fan profile, you can make your fans ramp up only when needed or become aggressive when high temps are detected.
Afterburner also includes real-time monitoring and logging for GPU and CPU temperatures, usage percentages, framerates, and more. These metrics can be displayed on-screen while gaming using RTSS (discussed below). The program also includes a built-in benchmarking utility and even basic screen/video capture functionality.
4. RivaTuner Statistics Server (RTSS) â On-screen display and frame limiting
RTSS is a powerful companion app, often used in tandem with MSI Afterburner or HWiNFO. Its main function is to display real-time performance metrics as an on-screen display (OSD) while youâre playing games or running applications. This overlay can show framerates, GPU and CPU temps, frametimes, VRAM usage, fan speeds, and moreâhighly customizable in terms of color, position, and formatting.
In addition to its monitoring overlay, RTSS includes a framerate limiter. Capping your FPS can be useful for reducing GPU usage, power consumption, or heat in scenarios where max performance isnât needed (such as older games or when using VSync). This can also reduce screen tearing or stuttering in some cases.
Advanced users can make use of Scanline Sync, a feature that offers tear-free frame synchronization without the input lag of VSync, though it requires careful tuning.
RTSS runs silently in the background and uses minimal system resources. If youâve ever seen a streamer or YouTuber with an FPS/temp overlay on the top corner of their game, theyâre probably using RTSS in combination with Afterburner or HWiNFO.
5. Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) â GPU driver cleanup tool
Display Driver Uninstaller, better known as DDU, is a specialized utility for completely removing graphics drivers from your system. This includes drivers from NVIDIA, AMD, and Intel, as well as associated files, registry entries, cached settings, and services. Unlike standard uninstalls that leave fragments behind, DDU ensures a truly clean slate.
This tool is critical when switching between GPU brands (e.g., from AMD to NVIDIA), performing a clean reinstall after a corrupted driver update, or troubleshooting GPU-related issues such as driver crashes, black screens, or failed updates. DDU can also help fix problems with games not launching or running properly after a GPU driver update.
DDU is best used in Windows Safe Mode, which the tool itself can help you boot into. This minimizes background interference during driver removal. After cleaning, DDU will prevent Windows from auto-installing drivers until you manually install your preferred versionâensuring you stay in control of whatâs installed.
Important warning: DDU should be used responsibly. Itâs a powerful tool and not meant for routine driver updates. Use it only when necessary.
6. OpenRGB â Cross-brand RGB lighting control
OpenRGB is an open-source RGB lighting controller that aims to replace all the proprietary, bloated, and often buggy software that comes with RGB-enabled hardware. Normally, RGB devices like your RAM, motherboard, GPU, fans, or peripherals all require different brand-specific appsâAura Sync for ASUS, Mystic Light for MSI, iCUE for Corsair, etc. These apps often run in the background, consume resources, and can conflict with each other.
OpenRGB solves this by acting as a unified interface for most RGB-capable devices, regardless of brand. It lets you control lighting effects, colors, brightness, and patterns across supported components in one placeâwithout needing to install or run any of the official tools from motherboard or peripheral vendors.
You can group multiple devices together for synchronized lighting, save and switch between profiles, or even script lighting behavior. For example, you could configure RGB to change based on CPU or GPU temperature.
It's also telemetry-free and doesnât require background services, which appeals to privacy-conscious users or those who want a leaner system. That said, compatibility can vary depending on your hardware, and updates to BIOS or firmware may sometimes break support temporarily.
7. PredatorSense â Acerâs all-in-one control hub for performance, cooling, and RGB
PredatorSense is Acerâs all-in-one control hub designed specifically for its Predator and select Nitro gaming laptops and desktops. It gives users direct access to key performance and customization settings, including real-time monitoring of CPU and GPU temperatures, fan speeds, system usage, and overclocking options on supported models. With just a few clicks, you can adjust fan profiles for better cooling, apply safe GPU overclocks for extra performance, or activate pre-set modes tailored for gaming or quiet operation.
Beyond performance tuning, PredatorSense also handles system lighting customization. On RGB-enabled models, users can personalize keyboard backlighting by color, brightness, and effectâeither per zone or per key depending on the device. The software also allows game-specific profiles, letting you assign unique fan, lighting, and performance settings to launch automatically with each title. For Acer users, PredatorSense strikes a balance between powerful hardware control and ease of use, without needing to rely on third-party apps.
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Best Animal Games to Play in 2025
Looking for the best animal games in 2025? Whether you're into games where you play as an animal, or you're simply curious about the growing popularity of animals and games, this year's lineup offers something for everyone. From photorealistic wildlife simulators to heartwarming games about dogs and cats, developers are leaning into the charm and personality of our furry (or feathery) friends. If you've been searching for standout video games about dogs or quirky games about cats, you're in the right placeâweâve rounded up the top titles that let you step into paws, claws, or even hooves.
1. Stray
One of the standout games where you play as an animal is Stray (2022), developed by BlueTwelve Studio. This beautifully crafted adventure puts you in the paws of a regular housecat exploring a neon-lit cyberpunk city inhabited by sentient robots. Youâre not a magical or mutated creatureâjust a lost cat trying to find your way home. The game blends light puzzle-solving, exploration, and item collection with charming feline behaviors like meowing, scratching, and knocking things off ledges. Stray turns those small moments into something meaningful, making it one of the most memorable games about cats in recent years. The story is short but impactful, with a unique setting and a surprisingly emotional tone that sets it apart in the world of animal games.
2. Untitled Goose Game
For those who prefer their animal games with a dose of chaos and comedy, Untitled Goose Game (2019), developed by House House, is a must-play. In this offbeat stealth-puzzle title, you play as a honking, wing-flapping menace of a goose terrorizing a quiet English village. The concept is simple: you are a regular goose with a not-so-regular to-do list of mischief. From stealing keys to dropping rakes in lakes, every task is designed to let you cause as much playful mayhem as possible. It is not only one of the funniest games where you play as an animal, but also a clever take on open-ended gameplay that rewards creativity and timing. If you are looking for lighthearted video games about animals, this one stands out for all the right reasons.
3. Maneater
If youâve ever wanted to play as the oceanâs most infamous predator, Maneater (2020), developed by Tripwire Interactive, delivers exactly that. In this over-the-top animal game, you take control of a bull shark as it grows from a pup to a megashark, devouring everything from fish to unsuspecting beachgoers. The game is equal parts satire and chaos, with a ridiculous upgrade system that lets you mutate your shark with bio-electric powers and bone armor. While the combat and objectives can get repetitive, the open-world setting is filled with quirky landmarks, underwater secrets, and absurd moments that keep things fun. Itâs not your typical video game about animals, but for players looking for something wild, weird, and a little bit bloody, Maneater is a toothy thrill.
4. Goat Simulator 3
Goat Simulator 3 (2022), developed by Coffee Stain North, takes absurdity to new heights as one of the most chaotic animal games ever made. You play as a goat turned agent of destruction, let loose in a sprawling open world filled with strange secrets, bizarre missions, and unpredictable physics. From launching yourself into traffic to dragging civilians into voting booths with your tongue, the game constantly throws ridiculous scenarios at you. It also features four-player co-op, allowing friends to wreak havoc together or sabotage one another in equal measure. With tons of pop culture references, outrageous cosmetics like rocket backpacks and shark skins, and no real consequences for failure, Goat Simulator 3 is a loud, dumb, and genuinely fun entry in the world of games where you play as an animal.
5. Lost Ember
Lost Ember (2019), developed by Mooneye Studios, is one of the most tranquil and emotionally resonant games where you play as an animal. You begin as a wolf, guided by a spirit through the remnants of a lost civilization, uncovering your past life through quiet exploration and reflection. The standout feature is the ability to possess other animals, each with their own unique movement and perspective. Whether youâre soaring as a parrot, diving as a fish, or rolling around as a wombat, each transformation brings a new layer of interaction with the world. With no combat, no real danger, and a story that unfolds with a gentle emotional touch, Lost Ember offers a peaceful, almost meditative experience that celebrates nature and self-discovery.
6. Phogs!
Phogs! (2020), developed by Bit Loom Games, is a joyful puzzle adventure starring a stretchy two-headed dog navigating three surreal worlds themed around sleep, food, and play. Whether you're tethering one head to a water fountain or stretching across a chasm to reach a cookie lever, the game thrives on charming physics-based puzzles and lighthearted chaos. Each level introduces new mechanics, from freezing yourself into a bridge to heating up with chillis to melt obstacles, all while wrapped in a colorful, oversized cartoon world. Phogs! can be played solo or in co-op, though coordinating both ends of your dog can lead to hilarious frustration. With no real danger, a minimalist control scheme, and plenty of quirky surprises, itâs one of the most cheerful and imaginative animal games you can play and a perfect palate cleanser after the heavier titles on this list.
7. Grounded
No game captures the thrill of being tiny in a massive world quite like Grounded (2022), Obsidian Entertainmentâs backyard-sized survival adventure. Youâre not just battling bugs, youâre building bases among blades of grass, ziplining through jungle-sized hedges, and crafting gear from the remains of defeated insects. While the premise leans into absurdity, the systems are impressively robust, blending resource management, environmental hazards, and RPG-style progression. With each zone acting as its own unique biome, lava-like grills, toxic pesticide clouds, and a koi pond filled with lurking danger, the map feels huge despite its suburban scale. Add in a wacky sci-fi story, plenty of crafting depth, and co-op support, and Grounded turns a childhood daydream into one of the most creative and replayable survival games in years.
8. Ancestors: The Humankind Odyssey
Few games are as bold and as brutally opaque as Ancestors: The Humankind Odyssey (2019), developed by Panache Digital Games. Set ten million years ago in prehistoric Africa, you guide a lineage of early hominids through evolution by exploring, experimenting, and slowly uncovering how to survive in an unforgiving world. There are no tutorials, no clear objectives, and little mercy. You learn by doing, failing, and trying again. The game demands patience as you piece together survival mechanics, discover new tools, and cautiously expand your territory while avoiding predators. While repetition and lack of direction can wear thin, the sense of discovery is genuinely rewarding, and the animations and environments bring a tangible realism to your tribeâs journey. Itâs a game about progress through persistence, and while it can be frustrating, it offers a unique and thoughtful take on survival from an animal perspective that most games never attempt.
9. Endling - Extinction Is Forever
Endling â Extinction Is Forever (2022), developed by Herobeat Studios, offers a rare and gut-wrenching perspective in gaming: survival as the last mother fox on Earth. Set in a world devastated by human impact, youâre tasked with keeping your four cubs alive, navigating collapsing ecosystems, hostile predators, and deadly humans. Every night brings new risks, whether itâs scavenging for scarce food, dodging hunters, or tracking down the scavenger who kidnapped one of your cubs. The game strikes a powerful emotional chord, showing the harsh realities of survival while still giving you moments of beauty and tenderness. Watching your cubs grow, learn new skills, and face an increasingly dangerous world makes every decision feel personal. Itâs not always easy to play, but thatâs what makes Endling unforgettable.
10. Okami HD
Ĺkami HD (2012 re-release, originally 2006), developed by Clover Studio, is a masterpiece that blends classical action-adventure gameplay with timeless visual artistry. You play as Amaterasu, the Shinto sun goddess reborn as a white wolf, journeying through a mythic version of feudal Japan. The brushstroke-inspired art style isn't just stunning, itâs integral to gameplay, as you literally paint on the world using the Celestial Brush to solve puzzles, restore nature, and defeat evil. While it borrows elements from games like The Legend of Zelda, Ĺkami stands apart with its distinct tone, elegant storytelling, and reverence for folklore. Amaterasuâs silent, divine presence adds emotional weight without a single word, and the gameâs combination of humor, warmth, and mysticism creates a setting that feels both ancient and alive. Even with its slow pacing and hefty runtime, Ĺkami HD remains a must-play for anyone who wants to experience a game where art, narrative, and design come together in perfect harmony.
Fans of the original will be glad to know that a full sequel is officially on the way. The upcoming Ĺkami sequel is being developed in Capcomâs RE Engine, with Hideki Kamiya returning alongside talent from Machine Head Works and several ex-PlatinumGames developers. It will serve as a direct continuation of the original story, picking up where Ĺkami left off. While the game is still in early development, the team has confirmed that Amaterasu is returning and that composer Rei Kondoh, who scored much of the original, is also involved. Thereâs no release date yet, but itâs clear the developers are aiming to honor the spirit of the original while finally delivering the long-awaited continuation fans have hoped for. Keep an eye out, this oneâs worth the wait.
