I just wrapped up another hour in Albion Online, and this session was mostly focused on gathering.
I mined Copper and Tin ores, gathered Cotton and Flax, and skinned Deers and Moabirds. It was a steady and productive run, though I had to deal with a few hostile NPCs while farming.
During the stream, I also debated whether to buy an Ox for extra carrying capacity or a Horse for faster travel. Chat suggested I hold off for now — so I didn’t buy anything yet.
At one point, I was even asking for coffee during the stream. Apparently, $10 could get me a lot of coffee — which might actually be more useful than a mount right now!
Overall, it was a chill and enjoyable session filled with gathering, light combat, and fun live-stream moments.
Welcome to Next Week on Xbox! In this weekly feature we cover all the games coming soon to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Xbox on PC, and Game Pass! Get more details on these upcoming games below and click their profiles for further info (release dates subject to change). Let’s jump in!
A new era of survival horror arrives with Resident Evil Requiem, the latest and most immersive entry yet in the iconic Resident Evil series. Experience terrifying survival horror with FBI analyst Grace Ashcroft, and dive into pulse-pounding action with legendary agent Leon S. Kennedy. Both of their journeys and unique gameplay styles intertwine into a heart-stopping, emotional experience that will chill you to your core.
Towerborne is an exciting side-scrolling action RPG brawler. Rise again as an Ace, an immortal warrior reborn to defend the Belfry against the darkness beyond its walls. Journey across a crumbling world, uncover the mystery of the fallen City of Numbers, and push back the corruption threatening humanity’s survival.
Tales of Berseria Remastered Deluxe Edition Pre-Order
Engage in the ultimate quest for self-discovery, remastered for the first time. The sacred kingdom awaits the arrival of its savior, and a lone woman named Velvet is marked by traumatic deceit. Join Velvet on her journey for vengeance, along with her cast of eccentric companions, as they sail through the archipelago which comprises the kingdom of Midgand.
Bread & Fred is a challenging co-op platformer where two players must cooperate to jump and climb to the top of a snowy mountain. Play as both Bread and Fred in their exasperating and sometimes maddening climb that requires precision with every jump. Each time you land you’ll be closer to the peak and one step closer to mastering the platforming, but your fall down the mountain will be even farther.
Grab your towels because the chillest capybara in gaming is ready for a soak! In Capy Spa, you help Pipa, a relaxation-loving capybara, push herb buckets into hot springs to prepare the perfect bath. With 30 carefully crafted levels, two charming biomes (Savanna River and Forest Onsen), and a soothing soundtrack that blends with the rising steam, every stage invites calm and thoughtful moves.
Emotional Damage Incoming! The most ridiculously epic Souls-like parody ever created meets outrageous humor in this absolutely insane action-RPG! You’re no chosen one – just a blacksmith with questionable bean-eating habits who accidentally gained ancient dragon powers. Now, you’re humanity’s last hope, and it’s time to show these evil corporations what REAL power smells like!
Again you are alone against the hordes of hostile spacecrafts where you can only rely on yourself. It is the victory or the death! An automatic station deep in space has sent an alarm signal and then the connection is disrupted. Your spaceship set off there to carry out reconnaissance. But all of the sudden you encounter huge forces of an unknown enemy. Now there’s no way back – you either defeat them or die. This game is a vertical scroll-shooter with numerous enemies and a gradually increasing level of complexity.
A squad of mutant kids from the hood is humanity’s last hope in this colorful, humor-packed zombie apocalypse. Blast freaky zombies with ridiculous guns, spray wild graffiti across the city, and face a monstrous Zombie Boss at the end of every mission. Each hero in the squad offers a unique playstyle: choose yours, dig the weirdest guns out of dumpsters, and enjoy the insane headshot animations.
Journey of Johann is an action-adventure platformer with puzzle elements. Make your way through levels and a boss with different challenges and obstacles. Collect goblets and secrets and beat time trials. Use your weapons as tools such as climbing, blocking hits, and defeating enemies. The game was designed with speedrunning in mind.
Pogui – February 25 Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery / Xbox Play Anywhere
Safely guide a lovable pup through crazy platforming stages so he can get back to his naptime! Pogui is just a little dog who wants to take a nap, but crazy stuff keeps happening around him! Guide the lovable pug through dreamlike worlds and help him get to bed. Pogui is a side-scrolling precision platformer presented in retro pixel art style. Run, jump and dash your way through colorful but hazardous levels!
UFOphilia is a first-person psychological horror game where you explore areas marked by alien phenomena. Use specialized equipment to detect, identify, and photograph aliens, but do so at your own risk… They are watching you too. Equipped with advanced tools, your mission is to detect, identify, and photograph extraterrestrials, each encounter involving unique behaviors and unpredictable dangers.
A small town in the far north goes about its life: preparing for the Festival of the New Star, decorating streets, celebrating. The festival is inseparable from a cycle that repeats month after month. And Sonya stands at its center. She’s part of a story she’s still trying to understand. A kind girl with a sharp mind and countless questions, she searches for answers among snow and lights. Sonya helps friends, makes new ones, explores hidden corners, fights spirits, and solves puzzles. She acts, hoping her actions will lead to understanding.
Buy cooking equipment, prepare delicious meals, and serve hungry customers. Upgrade your setup, read customer reviews, and expand your business to become the top fast-food joint in the city.
Golfing Over It with Alva Majo is a discouraging game about climbing a surreal mountain with a golf ball, a different take on 2017’s hit Getting Over It with Bennett Foddy. Experience the challenge of climbing an unyielding mountain without infuriating controls being part of that challenge. Bennett Foddy has played this game and granted it his blessing.
Hunt the Night is a retro-style action-RPG that blends fast, skillful combat with dark fantasy lore. Play as Vesper, a member of the Stalkers, and traverse the ruined world of Medhram on a mission to save humanity from a deadly cycle of annihilation. Endure nightmarish overworlds, slash through horrific dungeons, face brutal bosses, and wield an arsenal of powers in a relentless struggle against the Night itself.
Unleash chaos, control magic, and save the village… with a flute. Manairons is a 3D action platformer game inspired by the legends of little creatures living in the Pyrenees. Help Nai face off against the landowner who has taken control of a charming village using the power of the “canut,” with magic, flute, and plenty of chaos.
Get ready for an underground adventure full of charm and strategy! In Mole Cart Mining, you guide a determined little mole riding a mine cart while rotating tracks on a hexagonal grid to create the perfect route. The goal is simple and satisfying: collect every mineral and reach the exit in style.
No Sleep For Kaname Date – From AI: THE SOMNIUM FILES
Iris has been abducted by aliens?! Finding herself on board a mysterious UFO and tasked with completing a bizarre escape game, Iris knows there’s one person who she can always count on for help: Kaname Date, Psyncer! As Date, conduct investigations, solve escape game puzzles, and Psync into the dreams of potential suspects to help Iris escape and unravel the mystery behind The Third Eye Game!
Sands of Aura is an open-world action adventure with a fantasy setting of a realm in its twilight–a world buried beneath a sea of sand. Sail across the sandseas to return life to a dying world in an unforgettable experience that is equal parts engaging story and unrelenting, souls-like combat.
A total of 300 questions with easy, normal, and hard difficulties have been included. Complete problems to unlock background effects and BGM tracks. There are 3 background effects and 3 BGM tracks. Sudoku allows you to use your brain while also being soothed by the effects and BGM.
The gods of Olympus seek a mortal champion to fight against a rising darkness. Only those who endure their trials may be chosen. In Trials of Olympus, you journey through the realms of Ares, Artemis, Hades, Poseidon, and Zeus. Each god’s domain holds three great trials — vast platforming levels filled with traps, enemies, and divine essences to recover. You cannot fight, for no weapon is yet yours. Instead, rely on agility and wit.
What if you could freely choose another life? WorldNeverland – Elnea Kingdom is a sandbox life simulation game where you can move to a fictional kingdom you’ve always dreamed of and enjoy a carefree life. Why not weave a grand story spanning generations with your own hands?
Aquamarine is a turn-based playable comic book about surviving in an alien ocean. Inspired by the psychedelic sci-fi of the ’70s & ’80s, Aquamarine combines the mystery of old-school adventure games and challenging roguelikes with elements of survival, exploration, and puzzle solving. Journey across a water world reclaimed by nature. Overcome survival and navigational challenges as you discover the planet’s lost history. Master your pod’s controls, study the ocean wildlife, and solve environmental puzzles to help you find your way home.
This game is worth every penny, and you should buy it right now, why? Firstly because the whole story was written during a livestream, which makes the story totally nonsensical! If this doesn’t convince you remember that not only do I have a gun, I also know all your secrets. This is of course a joke, I do not know your secrets, yet.
You’ve washed ashore on a mysterious island where ancient emojis have awakened — and they’re not happy to see you. This rogue-like first-person shooter throws you into wild, fast-paced combat against tiki emojis wearing carved masks and wielding primal powers. Before each run, customize your experience with crazy modifiers: make enemies bounce, wear funny hats, or unleash volcanic chaos for maximum challenge. Choose your arena — from overgrown jungles and hidden beach ruins to ancient temples filled with deadly traps — each location has its own hazards, secrets, and surprises.
Manage your mini racer car shop, sell mini cars and spare parts, and unleash your creativity with custom builds. Test drive your creations on the racetrack before putting them up for sale. Transform your shop into a haven for mini car enthusiasts and build a thriving business in the process!
Showcase your style and become a supermodel in one of the best shopping games! No matter what your fashion style may be, this shopping mall has exactly what you’re looking for! Get a fabulous new hairstyle at your favorite hair salon Chic Cuts, and dress up in the latest hot trends from our stylish shops! It’s Black Friday! The excitement is real as you race to grab the clothes you need before they vanish from the shelves! Dress up in shirts, skirts, shoes, and accessories, or get expert advice from your personal shopper!
Solar Machina is a vibrant 2D pixel art platformer where you control a robot on a colorful journey through tropical landscapes filled with traps and enemies. As you progress, your robotic suit evolves, granting new movement abilities that transform how you play. With smooth controls, distinct biomes, and a nostalgic chiptune soundtrack, Solar Machina offers a satisfying blend of challenge, rhythm, and exploration that keeps engagement from start to finish.
In a realm between life and death, a confused soul seeks redemption and freedom from a past life filled with misguided choices. Playing alone or together via co-op multiplayer, command a soul in search of the exit from this dark and desolate realm. Use the environment to your advantage and avoid treacherous traps to clear 30 challenging levels of hauntingly morose pixel art.
Welcome to the untamed frontier! In Wild West Tycoon you are tasked with transforming the rugged Wild West into a thriving economic powerhouse. This low-poly style simulation game invites you to master the art of frontier entrepreneurship where every decision counts and every enterprise takes you one step closer to building a legendary empire.
Imagine a cozy village in the British countryside, with flower gardens,
workshops, friendly neighbors, and peaceful days. That is the world of The Home County, a new village‑management game inspired by Edwardian Britain. It
mixes the fun of building a community with the simple pleasures of daily life,
and gives you plenty to do.
Here is what makes The Home County special, and why you might want to try it
out.
A Village Simulation with Heart
At its core, The Home County is a village management game. What does that
mean? It means you guide a small community, helping it grow and flourish. Each
villager has their own special skills. Maybe one is a gardener, another a
blacksmith, another an artisan. As the player, you assign tasks, build
production lines, and figure out how to use your villagers’ abilities in the
best way.
You will watch your gardener harvesting flowers, your artisan creating goods,
or your blacksmith forging tools. But that is not all. You also have to take
care of the villagers themselves. Make sure their needs are met, their morale
stays high, and the village runs smoothly. It’s a balancing act between
productivity and happiness.
Living the Countryside Life: Hobbies, Rest, and Relaxation
Unlike many “build and manage” games, The Home County also gives you freedom
to enjoy charming, relaxing activities.
Do you like painting? You can do that. Prefer fishing? Head to a river or
pond. Want to explore underground? Dive into mines, dig for treasure, and
uncover hidden history. Along the way you might get dirty and yes, there is a
tub to wash in.
Need downtime? You can:
Listen to the radio
Take a restorative nap
Just wander through your gardens
This mix of work and rest helps the game feel less like a checklist and more
like a life unfolding.
A World Rich with Stories and Secrets
One of the things many players love is that the world of The Home County is
full of characters and stories. There are 16 villagers, each with their own
personality, daily routine, and storyline. As you interact with them, you’ll
learn more about who they are and what they hope for.
A major goal in the game is to restore the Crystal Garden, which acts like the
symbolic heart of your village. As you do this, the village's beauty and
connections grow. The mines are not just tunnels either they contain history,
treasures, and adventure that help you understand more of the game’s setting.
You also get to choose how you lead. Will you become a Lord or Lady? Or will
you lead the village more equally, as one among many? Your choice affects your
relationships and how people see you.
Where The Home County Stands Now
As of September 22, 2025, The Home County is in Early Access on Steam. This
means the core game is playable now, but more features, stories, and polish
will come in future updates.
The developer is Swanworth. According to Steam listings, the price is $13.99
USD, and the game supports both full controller input and Steam Deck play.
Because it is in Early Access, players may see ongoing changes. Some future
additions are expected to include romance mechanics, more decorative options,
expanded hobby systems, and even multiplayer.
PC Requirements: What You Need to Run It
If you want to try The Home County, here are the minimum system requirements:
OS: Windows 10 64‑bit, version 1903 or later
Processor: Intel i5 or Ryzen 1700
Memory (RAM): 12 GB
Graphics: Nvidia GeForce GTX 960
DirectX: Version 10
Storage: At least 8 GB of free space
If your PC meets or exceeds these specs, you should be able to play it
smoothly.
Why You Might Love It (and What to Watch Out For)
Here are some advantages and possible challenges:
What you’ll likely enjoy:
Charming setting and slow paced gameplay
Deep village management mixed with personal stories
Freedom to explore hobbies, nature, and underground adventures
Atmosphere inspired by Edwardian Britain
Promising roadmap of new features and content
What to keep in mind:
It is still Early Access, so some features might be missing or have bugs
Learning to balance tasks, resources, and villager needs may take time
Some loops (production, chores, tasks) could feel repetitive eventually
Your leadership style choice (Lord/Lady vs equal leadership) is more
thematic—its full impact may develop over time
If you enjoy games like Stardew Valley or Animal Crossing but also like deeper
management systems and storytelling, The Home County is a strong candidate.
Its British countryside charm adds uniqueness.
Final Thoughts
The Home County is a warm, relaxing combination of village simulation and
life‑style gameplay. It gives you a rich canvas: growing your village,
exploring hobbies and adventure, connecting with characters, and restoring
beauty to a special place. Because it is in Early Access, you get to
experience it while it’s still evolving—and your feedback might help it grow.
