April, 2020 - Softonic English

Best YouTube DJ tutorials

These are the four best YouTube channels for anybody wanting to become a DJ

This week we’re continuing to look at all the fantastic opportunities that you can exploit through your PC, smartphone, or tablet even if you’re stuck in the house. This week we’re going to mix it up a little by concentrating on music and in particular, DJing and performing music. All week we’re going to be bringing you articles that will help you develop your musical talents.

If you’re a DJ, it is now possible to keep all your music on your laptop and to seamlessly mix your songs together using a DJ controller, DJ software, and programs. There’s no need to invest in expensive turntables or CDJs, and you don’t need to cart around crates of heavy vinyl records. You can, of course, still do both, however, if you want to. As well as this newly enhanced accessibility, you’re also now able to find all the training materials and guides you could ever need to master all the technical wizardry that the top DJs have at their fingertips. Today, we’re going to help you find the best of these, focusing on YouTube video tutorials and guides.

Virtual DJ Free download

DJ video tutorials

Below are the four best YouTube channels we’ve found for learning how to become a DJ. Check out any one of them for all the help you need to get started as a beginner DJ and then move on to more advanced DJ techniques.

DJ Tech Tools

The DJ Tech Tools YouTube channel likes to think of itself as a central internet hub for all digital DJs looking to make a name for themselves in the world of music. As well as the YouTube channel, which has a very handsome 310,000 subscribers and has racked up a massive 54,000,000 video views, DJ Tech Tools also publishes weekly articles and guides on all things DJ related. Today though, we’re looking at the YouTube video guides.

DJing is a massive subject with many different subjects. The DJ Tech Tools videos are short and insightful, usually coming in at between 10 – 15 minutes. They cover all the different angles you’d expect including setting up midi controllers, gear reviews and guides, and even unique tutorials into niche skills like mixing in reverse. If there’s a negative to say about this channel, it is that the videos aren’t very well organized, which means beginners might find it difficult knowing where to start. For all intermediate and above DJs, however, there is an impressive breadth of information here that will prove invaluable in the right hands.

Jon Sine

Jon Sine is an independent House DJ and music producer. That means that as well as playing other people’s tunes in his sets, he also makes his own songs to play too. In truth, with DJing being so much more accessible these days if you want to land yourself a good gig, you’re going to have to grab the promoter’s attention with your own songs. This makes Sine’s channel a fantastic resource for anybody hoping to break through as it offers guidance on both tracks of career progression.

If you’re just starting out though, and making your own beats sounds a little daunting, don’t worry as Sine has created a fantastic playlist called Everything DJing, which is well organized and will walk you through all you need to do to learn the skills required to make it behind the decks. He also brings in guests from the industry to explain their routes to success to give you more perspective. His little guides into smaller subjects such as basic transitions and even subjects like the practical considerations that come with making a living as a DJ are excellent too.

Crossfader

The Crossfader YouTube channel is an online DJ school based in the UK that is dedicated to helping the next generation of global superstar DJs find a place for themselves in the industry. Over at the Crossfader website you’ll all manner of guides and courses grouped into categories like Serato DJ, Rekordbox, Traktop, Pioneer DJ, and Performance. Many of these premium courses and resources come with a hefty price tag but over at the Crossfader YouTube channel, you can find many great video guides for free.

As well as great weekly mixes and uploads the Crossfader YouTube channel also comes with gear reviews, tips and tricks split into equipment categories, and all manner of helpful bits of advice. As well as technical guides you’ll also find simpler stuff here like how to sort your music library and which software you should use for different tasks. If you’re taking your DJing seriously, you need to check out this channel.

Digital DJ Tips

Digital DJ Tips is another online DJ and music production school. So far, the Digital DJ Tips YouTube channel has amassed almost 40,000,000 video views with each one of those helping an up and coming DJ in one way or another. This is a slick channel full of well-produced guides that include a plethora of big-name DJ guests such as the superstar DJ Laidback Luke.

What’s also interesting about Digital DJ Tips is that as well as grouping its videos into categories based on equipment manufacturers and software developers it also groups content into music genre too. This often-overlooked distinction means you’ll find different guides for aspiring Hip Hop DJs compared against the guides you’ll for House or Techno DJs. This channel is very well organized too meaning it’ll be easy for DJs of all levels to find the video they’re after whether that be about the basics of mixing or how to live stream your sets like a boss. There’s a lot of great content here and this site should not be overlooked.

Games to travel all around the world while staying home

These video games all offer you a window to the world through beautifully recreated locations from the real world.

This week we’re trying to go through all the best video games to play while you’re stuck indoors. We’ve already looked at the biggest PC games that will take the longest for you to complete and we’ll also be looking at Minecraft alternatives and the best multiplayer games that you can play with your friends who don’t even like playing video games. Yep, video games can even help you with your social life while you’re stuck in the house.

Today though, we’re concentrating on all the best video games set in real cities and countries. Today’s games will help you travel the world from your living room, exploring beautiful virtual recreations of real-world cities. With graphics being so impressive these days, prepare to be blown away by the impressive recreations of some of the best cities you’ll find in the games below. Enjoy!

Best video games set in real places

You don’t have to leave your house to see the world. You now have the opportunity to see beautifully recreated real-world locations within some of the best video games out there. Check out any of the games below to take yourself on a virtual holiday. We didn’t want to be too US-centric in this virtual tour of the world though, so for cities like Los Angeles, Boston, Seattle, and Miami you’ll have to look elsewhere.

See Manhattan, New York in Tom Clancy’s The Division

Tom Clancy’s The Division is an exhilarating First Person Shooter (FPS) that is worth playing anyway. The action is fast-paced and sees you battling against the spread of a deadly virus with, you guessed it, lots of guns. The game is so good that it quickly became developer Ubisoft’s best-selling game when it first came out back in 2013.

We’re talking about it today though, because of the painstaking detail that Ubisoft went into recreating midtown Manhattan for the setting of the game. The game is pretty much a like-for-like recreation of the famous high-rise populated island in New York City. When you look up in Tom Clancy’s The Division, you’ll see the same you would see if you were actually in New York and looked up. Even better, the game still looks fantastic now, seven years after it was first released.

Tom Clancy's The Division Download now

See Hong Kong in Sleeping Dogs

Sleeping Dogs from Square Enix is a bit of a dark horse when it comes to open-world RPG style games. The game doesn’t get nearly as many plaudits as it should because it is lots of fun to play and hardly anybody plays it. Think fast-paced triad flavored GTA and you’re halfway there. It’s not just a copy of Grand Theft Auto, however, as it offers a beefed-up fighting system and a fantastic story to get through. This game rocks.

What’s great about Sleeping Dogs though, is that the action takes in an impressively recreated Hong Kong. It’s all here, from tightly packed residential areas, bright neon-lit nightlife hotspots, bustling street food markets, and the traditional and ultra-modern port. Sure you’ll have to go there as an undercover cop trying to break into the local Triad gangs but if you’ve ever wanted to go and see Hong Kong, you could see this as your chance.

Sleeping Dogs Download now

See Paris in Assassin’s Creed: Unity

The Paris that has been so beautifully remade in Assassin’s Creed: Unity is the Paris of the French Revolution when the game is set. You’re going time traveling on this holiday as you set off for the world’s romantic capital during the bloodiest era in its history. As well as the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame Cathedral, you’ll also be seeing high levels of extreme civil unrest, regular lynchings and public acts of violence, and plenty of guillotines doing what they were invented for.

Again another Ubisoft recreation, this version of Paris gained so many plaudits due to the extreme levels of detail the team behind the game went to capture the magic of Paris. The Notre Dame Cathedral in particular marks a real achievement for the game with one developer dedicating over 80% of the work she did on the game to the single building. Furthermore, even though the Cathedral’s famous Spires weren’t actually a part of the Cathedral back then, Ubisoft added them anyway to stay true the essence of the building everybody knows and loves today.

Assassin's Creed: Unity Download now

See San Francisco in Watchdogs 2

Watch Dogs 2 is an amazing sequel to the first Watch Dogs game because it both completely reinvents the hacker based open-world adventure game while staying true to and improving upon the dynamics of the original. The game still feels fresh today and is definitely worth playing even before we consider the virtual travel option that it offers anybody who’s ever wanted to visit San Francisco.

Let’s be honest, San Francisco is an enticing prospect to any traveler with a plethora of famous landmarks and geological features. Watchdogs 2 has them all, from the famous Bay to the Golden Gate Bridge. What’s even better than going there in person, is the fact that on this virtual holiday you’ll have the skills of an expert hacker and be able to break your way into all the coolest places that you’d never get near in real life.

Watch Dogs 2 Download now

See Nepal in Far Cry 4

OK, this one requires a slight stretch of the imagination because Far Cry 4 isn’t actually set in Nepal, but a fictional country called Kryat. That being said, Kryat is most definitely a Nepali Himalaya inspired kingdom that bears more than striking resemblance to the tiny country that overlooks India. Everything you’d find in Nepal is here including misty snow-capped mountains and all manner of wildlife such as tigers and elephants. There’s also plenty of thin winding mountain paths to explore and all the Buddhist iconography you could ever hope to see.

Far Cry 4, just like all the other Far Cry games, is an absolute treat to play too. If you’re a First-Person Shooter (FPS) this is a game, you’ll absolutely love.

Top 10 naval battle games for PC

Sail the seven seas and battle scurvy dogs in these naval adventures!

Disclosure: Our team is always looking for things we think our readers will value. We can receive compensation for publishing this article.

Although naval battle games are something of a niche genre, there are plenty of awesome games out there that focus mostly or entirely on naval battles and naval action ships. Whether you have to manage your fleet of aircraft and battleships to beat your enemy, defend your base, ports, and fleet, or launch raids to cut off naval routes and invade enemy territory, there are nautical warfare games for every scenario. These games take the Battleships board game to a whole new level.

Whether you’re an aspiring modern naval tactician or looking to sail the high seas as an adventurous pirate in search of plunder, there are countless choices in the naval battle PC gaming genre. If you’re fascinated by naval military history this is your new video game wishlist.

Below are some of the best naval battle games on the PC Desktop, taking you from WWII and Modern naval combat to the 17th Century high seas, and a lot of different ship games in between.

Top Ten Naval Battle Games

1. World of Warships

Taking the incredible free-to-play formula that WarGaming.net perfected with World of Tanks and World of Warplanes, World of Warships has you take command of the bridge of a modern military warship and fight in epic sea battles. As Captain, you don’t have the same direct control over your craft as you do in other games in the series. Because of this, the action is comparatively paced as you exchange powerful barrages with other players in a strategic experience that often feels like a first-person game of Battleships. There is also a very active World of Warships Reddit should you want to mix with other dreadnought captains. Play World of Warships free.

Free

Play now for free!!!

From: Wargaming

Play for free Now

2. BattleStation: Midway

One of the classic games in the genre, BattleStation: Midway is a strategy game that takes place in the Pacific Ocean circa WWII. Using real-time tactics, you can control each individual ship or plane in your fleet, with the hope of defeating your enemy. While BattleStation: Midway may be an older game, it still has decent graphics, offers both single and multiplayer mode, and is truly a staple in the genre.

BattleStation: Midway Download now

3. BattleStations Pacific

The sequel to BattleStations: Midway, takes place in the wild, cold waters of the Pacific Ocean. BattleStations: Pacific expands on the previous title by adding new features including new weapons and ships, different kinds of combat–namely, more advanced submarine battles– and the ability to play either an United States or Japanese campaign. It also has 5 extra multiplayer modes, including Island Capture, Duel, Competitive, Siege and Escort.

Battlestations: Pacific Download now

4. Silent Hunter IV: Wolves of the Pacific

If submarine warfare is more to your taste, try Silent Hunter IV: Wolves of the Pacific, a game from Ubisoft that also takes place in the Pacific during WWII. The u-boat simulator uses really intricate graphics to literally immerse you in the depths of the Pacific Ocean, with everything from launching torpedo attacks, to using radar and sonar, to managing your crew. Different game modes make it easy for both beginners and more advanced players to master the game.

Silent Hunter: Wolves of the Pacific Download now

5. Naval War: Arctic Circle

Travel a bit further north in Naval War: Arctic Circle, a real-time naval strategy game that, unlike some of the previous games, takes place in the distant future during a fictional war. The game has everything from submarines, aircraft, and helicopters, to in-air refueling tankers and onshore airbases. It also features navies from many different countries – including the UK and Scandinavian – that can be battled in both single and multiplayer modes.

Naval War: Arctic Circle Download now

6. Dangerous Waters

As a modern-day naval game, Dangerous Waters lets you control all aspects of air, surface, and submarine warfare, simulating over 250 real-life naval units. Aside from the fact that you can work cooperatively in Multi-Station Mode to operate various crew stations as a team, one of the coolest thing about the game is the AI of the crew members, which lets you hand off tasks so that you don’t have to worry about actively managing specific aspects of the game.

7. Battle Fleet 2: World War 2 in the Pacific

A game of tactical naval combat, Battlefleet 2 puts you at the helm of Japanese or US fleets during WW2. Trying to make your way across the Pacific Ocean, you’ll get zoomed in on the action once you engage in battle. You’ll be engrossed in the game as you move from macro strategies to micro tactics, and with a great range of units, the game is perfect for any WW2 enthusiast. If you want to take gameplay on the go, you can even download a mobile version for iOS and Android.

Battle Fleet 2 Download now

8. Fighting Steel

Fighting Steel, from Strategic Simluations Inc, is a 3-D game that takes place in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans during the biggest naval battles of WWII, between 1939 and 1942. Battling against American, German, Japanese, and British warships, you’ll use real-time strategy and an in-game camera to control multiple ships at once. You can play online multiplayer with up to four people, and with a super detailed instruction manual, getting started is easy.

12 best games on PS2

Read Now ►

9. Naval Action

Giving you the helm of an 18th-century vessel, Naval Action sees you take to the open seas in a huge online environment with other players. With battles of up to 50 ships, realistic damage physics, and navigation that demands you use landmarks and the stars, this game not only doesn’t hold your hand – it cuts it off and replaces it with a hook.

Naval Action Download now

10. Windward

If you’re a fan of 17th-century ships but prefer a bit more small scale naval action, try Windward, an online open-world game from developer Tasharen. In Windward, you play in teams of four, using your ships to take over as many structures as you can on the map. It’s not as graphically advanced as some of the naval battle games on the list, but it’s still pretty impressive.

Windward Download now

The above games are all limited to naval battles, but here are a few honorable mentions of games that feature great naval warfare in some way or form.

Bonus: More War Games that Feature Naval Battles

War Thunder

War Thunder is a great option which, although not exclusively containing naval battles, definitely has some great naval content. The focus is on flight, but no air combat game is complete without naval battles. You can experience War Thunder naval warfare with aircraft carriers, warships, and naval aviation units. For a free game, it’s a great option.

War Thunder Play now

Battlefield 4 Naval Strike (expansion pack)

The Naval Strike expansion pack for Battlefield 4 brings naval warfare to the 21st century. Taking place in the South China Sea, the DLC pack brings multiplayer maps, new gadgets and weapons, and most importantly, a hovercraft. In the new Carrier Assault mode, you’ll be battling to sink the enemy’s aircraft carriers.

Battlefield 4 Download now

Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag

For a series about climbing over rooftops and stabbing Templars, Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag’s ship-to-ship combat is surprisingly complete and satisfying. Sailing across the Caribbean taking direct control of your ship – The Jackdaw – you can attack different navy vessels with your vast armory to get money and supplies for upgrades. But, if you would rather board an enemy vessel for some cutlass based action, you can capture it and add it to your fleet.

Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag Download now

Bonus: Top Mobile Naval Battle Games

The thrill and excitement of a good naval battle game should not be limited to just the PC Desktop experience. For naval battles on the go, try one of these mobile naval battle games:

Pacific Fleet Lite

Pacific Fleet Lite is the free version of a popular and detailed turn-based World War II naval battle simulation. It contains a lot of simulation data and logic-based gameplay that will appeal to a hardcore naval strategy enthusiast, but its lack of fast-paced action means arcade/action lovers will probably want to take a pass.

Pacific Fleet Lite Download now

Assassin’s Creed – Pirates

This mobile installment of the Assassin’s Creed franchise from Ubisoft features fast-paced 1 on 1 naval battles in an adventure storyline. The game was recently updated to be free-to-play (it used to be a $4.99 paid download).

Assassin's Creed Pirates Download now

Wrapping up

What’s your favorite naval battle game? What about Atlantic Fleet or Steel Fleet? Let us know in the comments section below.

Multiplayer online games that your non-gamer friend will love

These multiplayer games are all perfect for playing with your non-gamer friends

The final article we’re bringing you in this week’s look at the best games to play while you’re stuck at home is here to help you reach out to your friends even while you can’t leave the house. The truth is, not everybody is a gamer though so you can’t expect anybody and everybody to get involved in your next World of Warcraft campaign just because you haven’t seen each other in the real world for quite some time.

All is not lost, however, as there are plenty of games you can play online with friends who wouldn’t normally play video games. Some of these games are free, all of them are fun, and most of all they are all accessible to people not used to playing video games alone or with friends online. Let’s get into them then, the best multiplayer games to play with non-gamers.

The best games for non-gamers

The five games listed below all offer unique experiences that could be attractive to non-gamers and first-time gamers alike. All our perfect to play with friends when you’re stuck inside. There’s no ridiculously complicated RPGs or first-person games in this list, just the best video games with accessible gameplay, gentle learning curves, friendly co-op games, and simple gaming dynamics.

Minecraft

Minecraft is a huge open-world game that offers a massive world to explore, inhabit, and shape. The graphics are rudimentary in Minecraft, which may go both ways for new gamers either earning a scoffed rebuke or appearing unthreatening. The game dynamics and physics that lie beneath the surface, however, are deep and rich. As well as the huge physical size of the Minecraft game world, it also offers a universe’s worth of possibilities complete with a plethora of elements and materials to find, mine, and ultimately craft.

Playing Minecraft with a non-gamer friend offers a non-threatening and open-ended experience. If you start your own private server in Creative mode, you’ll be able to build whatever you like in peace. You’ll have no enemies to worry about, no battles to fight, and you’ll simply be limited by the bounds of your collective imagination. This is the perfect way to spend time with friends while you can’t actually be together. Create a world together and then build it in your own image.

Minecraft Download now ►

Castle Crashers

Castle Crashers is a ridiculously fun side-scrolling arcade-style action and adventure game. Simply put, you don’t need to be a hardcore gamer to be drawn into the fast-paced colorful action that can be played cooperatively by up to four players. What’s even better is that you don’t need to take this game too seriously. This is a party game in its purest sense.

The action sees you playing as four intrepid knights battling through a mystical, fantasy land in a bid to overthrow an evil sorcerer. There’s plenty of brightly animated, cute beasties for you to fight but don’t be fooled. These are tough little creatures and you’ll have to work hard and fast to past them all.

Castle Crashers Download now

Portal 2

The original Portal game introduced some truly revolutionary game dynamics to the world of gaming. The titular portal gun allowed players to beam themselves around each individual level, with each being built specifically to warp the brains of the player so that they can best make use of the intriguing new technology. When you add to that the dark humor that the game also leveled at players you can see why the game became a cult classic.

Portal 2 improved and built on the winning formula in every way with one such way being the introduction of new cooperative dynamics. Portal 2 has all the physics-driven puzzles and action found in the first but can also be played with your friends. Being a mind-bending puzzler too, that doesn’t have any lethal weapons makes it perfect for anybody who doesn’t normally play video games. This is one of those games that will have non-gamers realizing they’re wrong about games and never knew all that they could be.

Portal 2 Download now

Tetris 99

Even non-gamers know about Tetris and have probably played and loved it. The Gameboy classic puzzle game is another one of those video games that doesn’t feel like a traditional video game, it feels like something else. A game and puzzle in its purest sense, Tetris is simple yet perfect. Tetris 99 takes that video game ubiquity that has touched even the most ardent non-gamers and adds a manic social aspect to it that is a lot of fun once you get into it.

Tetris 99 is a Tetris Battle Royale game. Yep, you read that right. It is a game of Tetris that sees 100 players battling it out with each other in a bid to become the last man standing. It comes complete with new multiplayer elements including being able to lob bricks of all shapes and sizes at your enemies in a bid to throw them off-kilter and block up their screens. Ask your non-gamer friend if they’re ever played Tetris before and then ask them if they want to play it together against 98 other people. Then, let the fun commence.

FIFA 20

FIFA has always been one of the best social games ever. Playing a match against a friend sat next to you on the couch and beating them is a truly satisfying experience. When EA Sports added online multiplayer action the game though, everything went to the next level. You can now play against another player on the other side of the world and even play as a single player in a team of 11 against another team of 11 players. Absolutely ridiculous.

FIFA’s also great for playing with non-gamers though, as most of the time they’ll at least be football fans, so they’ll have something invested in the game before they even pick up the pad. If you then find that you’re unevenly matched to take on each other, you can simply switch to coop mode and try to win yourselves a trophy together. That way you’re in it together and everybody wins.

FIFA Mobile Soccer Play Now

Best PC games that last for hours

These long PC sandbox games offer hundreds of hours of gameplay to anybody brave enough to risk being sucked in.

There’s no reason to let being stuck inside stop you from having entertaining and fulfilling experiences. On the contrary, being stuck inside hands you a precious resource that usually evades too many of us as we deal with the pressures of modern life. That resource is time and when you’re stuck inside there’s a very good chance you’ve got lots of it, which means there’s nothing stopping you from getting into all the single-player and multiplayer video games you’re always too busy for.

Video games can too often feel like a guilty pleasure when you’re living in a busy world. Not now though. Now you’re free to sink endless days and nights into all the fantastic worlds to explore and adventures to complete. When you’re stuck indoors video games are your best friends and today, we’re going to introduce you to some of the best video games that will help you out while you’re stuck at home.

Best long PC games for PC gamers

The best games are the perfect way to while away long hours. Games now are so big and expansive that being stuck inside doesn’t mean you can’t experience vivid, realistic, and long adventures. Any of the games below are perfect for gamers stuck inside. We’ve touched on some big games in the list, but we’re avoiding the big names like Skyrim, Dark Souls, Total War, Diablo, DOTA 2, XCOM, and Final Fantasy.

Civilization V

When it comes to epic games that just keep going, the Civilization series has all others beat. Tasked with taking a fledgling society from the stone age all the way up to becoming a spacefaring civilization, there’s clearly a lot of playability here for you to get into. Civilization V really hit the sweet spot too, building on the games that came before it without adding too may fiddly new features that detract from the huge scale of the job at hand.

This game offers complete control over many different facets that create and shape the path a society and culture can take. What’s even more interesting about this massive strategy game is that you can win without even having to fight a single battle. Sure, there are scenario levels and campaigns you can play out that require some sort of military conquest, but the sandbox version of the game offers true freedom, allowing you to conquer the world through your cultural advancements or scientific discoveries. There’s a lot here to get into, and all of it is rewarding.

Civilization V Download now

Red Dead Redemption 2

Rockstar’s Grand Theft Auto was one of the first big open-world sandbox games that really caught the world’s imagination. When the 2D world turned 3D with Grand Theft Auto 3, the series quickly became the most successful video game franchise of all time and still is today. Grand Theft Auto’s Rockstar stablemate Red Dead Redemption deserves plenty of plaudits in its own right though. The Old West based outlaw sim had a fantastic storyline and well-built world to explore. The recent sequel only built on this success further.

The Old West of the Old West of the Red Dead sequel is a little less wild than that of the first game as big cities have started springing up. The RPG-like gameplay dynamics are the same though, and what’s truly amazing about Red Dead Redemption 2 is just how beautiful everything is. In many ways, it feels more like an interactive movie than a game but when you scratch below the surface you find all the entertaining dynamics that Rockstar is famous for. The world is huge, the missions are expansive, and the game just draws you in. If you start this one, you’ll find it hard to stop.

Red Dead Redemption 2 Download now

Minecraft

Minecraft is another huge game that offers endless possibilities. The premise is simple. The world is full of useful elements and resources and you can go out and collect them and then use them to craft all manner of tools, weapons, buildings, and more. Worlds are procedurally generated so no two are alike and you can even create your own personal servers, which act as your own personal worlds for you and your friends to do with as you wish.

What’s also great about Minecraft is that because it is such a long- and well-established game, you’ll be able to find plenty of resources online to help you get yourself started. We recently ran a series of introduction features ourselves, covering everything from mining and crafting to more advanced themes such as Redstone dust, which is essentially electrical cable. Yep, you have so many possibilities with Minecraft that you can even get into mechanical and electrical engineering.

Minecraft Download now ►

Planet Zoo

It might not be a platformer or an FPS with a complicated combat system but Planet Zoo is a fantastic game to play if you have a lot of time. It has an almost therapeutic nature to it. Not only is it about building and developing your wildlife exhibitions, there is an almost zen-like feeling that comes from creating what are essentially the ultimate gardens. If you’re an animal or nature lover, this truly is the game for you.

You basically start a Planet Zoo game with a huge open space and an incredible array of tools and features at your fingertips all designed to help you build the ultimate zoo. This certainly is an intimidating affair, but the game is well designed enough to walk you through it in a way that is both educational and addictive. You’re not just building your zoo for the visitors, you’re building it for the animals too, which is an incredibly satisfying feature when done properly.

Planet Zoo Download now

Space Engineers

We’ve looked at zoos, infinite procedurally generated and resource dense worlds, the old West, and the rise and fall of civilizations and our final huge sandbox PC game is concentrating on space and all the work and effort that goes into building things in zero gravity. Space Engineers is a truly impressive new game that could easily eat up solid days and weeks of your time.

If you’re a sci-fi fan, this is the ultimate sandbox game for you as it allows you to explore space, build spaceships and space stations, mine planets and asteroids, and of course, fly around in a plethora of spacecraft and battle against galactic foes.

Best Minecraft alternatives

Each of these games offers a fantastic alternative yet comparable experience to that you’ll get with Minecraft.

This week we’ve been focusing on video games that are perfect for playing when you’re stuck indoors. We’ve looked at the games with the best virtual recreations of real-world cities and also looked at the longest PC games that you can play for days. In that vein then, it makes perfect sense that we take a look at Minecraft. It makes sense because Minecraft is such a huge and open-ended game, that it can be called a world in itself. Minecraft’s endless possibilities make it the perfect game to help you keep yourself active while stuck indoors.

We had a look at Minecraft not too long ago, putting together various beginner’s guides on topics such as farming, mining, and crafting. You should check them out if you want to spend your time in the house playing Minecraft. What we’re going to look at today are some greet alternative games to Minecraft. Other infinite worlds for you to explore and inhabit while you’re stuck indoors. Let’s get started.

Alternatives to Minecraft

These games below all offer gaming experiences comparable to that you’ll find in Mojang’s Minecraft. If you’re tired of Minecraft or don’t like the graphics or simply want to play a different sandbox game that offers endless possibilities, try one of the games listed below. These are not just Minecraft clones though. These are the best games that build on the experience you’ll find in Minecraft.

Roblox

Where do you start with Roblox? Minecraft is about building, Roblox is about building games. Single-player and multiplayer games. It is like a Lego/Minecraft hybrid that only introduces players to building elements that allow them- to experiment with and build on the ideas they have, but also gives them access to a vast library of all the greatest creations that have ever been built on the platform.

Roblox’s huge catalog of user-created games includes many fan-made versions of some of the biggest gaming franchises. These include the likes of GTA, Call of Duty, and more Pokémon games than you can count. If, however, you want to build on Roblox like you can build on Minecraft, then there’s plenty here for you too. Basically, if you’re a Minecraft fan who’s not too familiar with Roblox, check it out now because you will not be disappointed.

FREE

Roblox

From: Roblox

Lego Worlds

When you look at the block-based graphics of Minecraft and the building dynamics that have captured the imaginations of people all over the world, you can see how Minecraft’s success might have irked the people over at Lego HQ. Fortunately, though, Lego has a solid track record making excellent video games as well as brick-based kids playsets and it wasn’t long before Lego Worlds was born.

Lego Worlds is a great game too that in many ways offers a much more polished experience than you’ll get with Minecraft. As well as the building dynamics you find in Minecraft and the infinite possibilities that come with them, Lego Worlds also brings with it lots of the fun gaming engines that Lego has built into its long line of big-name Lego games from Star Wars to Batman. The gameplay in Lego Words is very well developed.

Lego Worlds Download now

Starbound

Minecraft is a vast procedurally generated 3D world. That doesn’t mean, however, that 2D side-scrolling games can’t offer enticing alternatives to Minecraft and Starbound is the first of two we’ll look at today. It’s also the first of two sci-fi games we’re going to tell you about.

Starbound is a pixelated gem that sees you leading a ship that’s traveling across a galaxy as it flees its home planet. Unfortunately, however, the ship doesn’t far and crash lands on a different planet. This is the premise that sees you start your Starbound adventure. You’ll get to explore and conquer beautiful 2D realms, mine for resources, and then use them to craft bases, tools, weapons, and more. You’ll also have to battle procedurally generated monsters, but don’t worry as you can do so cooperatively with friends online.

Starbound Download now

No Man’s Sky

No Man’s Sky doesn’t look like an obvious Minecraft alternative, but it definitely is one. The game looks a lot slicker than Minecraft does and gives gamers an entire open-world universe to explore. Players can fly between planets and set up base on any of them, but there’s a lot going on beneath the surface bears similarities to Minecraft. Not least that the worlds are all procedurally generated, and you can build and craft everything you need to explore and colonize the galaxy.

This is a fantastic RPG-like alternative to Minecraft though because it offers you a fantastic opportunity to let your imagination run wild. There are no limits in No Man’s Sky, which is just like what you get with Minecraft. If you’re a Sci-Fi fan or if you’ve ever been obsessed with the infinite realm of space above us yet yearn to build and create just like you can on Minecraft, then No Man’s Sky is the game for you.

No Man's Sky Download NOW ►

Terraria

The final Minecraft alternative we’re featuring today is almost like a work of art. When you really get into Terraria, your creations take on a mind of their own and become real things of beauty. At its core, Terraria is a digging and crafting adventure game, just like Minecraft. It is another of our 2D Minecraft alternatives though and has traded Minecraft’s iconic block style for an enchanting pixelated aesthetic. That’s where all the beauty and art comes from.

Terraria is a huge game too. Armed with your trusty pickaxe, the game offers an incredibly large number of items for you to collect, refine, and then craft. There’s a lot more combat in Terraria than there is in Minecraft as well, so if you’re looking for more of an adventure, this is the game for you. It’s not simply about finding more resources to craft more out there items like lightsabers, which you can. The further you go in Terraria and the deeper you mine, the more outlandish things will start to happen. Honestly, if you’re stuck inside and looking for a Minecraft alternative that will take you places you never knew you wanted to go, Terraria is the game you’re looking for.

Terraria Download now

Best YouTube channels to train at home

These YouTube channels all have plenty of great content that will help you get fit and stay healthy.

Today we’re finishing our look at all the best apps and accounts you need in your life if you want to stay fit and healthy while stuck indoors. We’ve looked at mindfulness and meditation apps, Instagram accounts for workouts, workout apps, and now today we’re looking at the best YouTube channels you want to subscribe to for all the best workouts.

If you think about it, YouTube is the perfect place to get your workouts from. The video platform places no limitations on what your workout gurus can do. You can get massive workouts that last for hours, quick High-Intensity Interval workouts, Yoga and Pilates sessions, and even weeks or months-long courses that have specific fitness and health-based goals in mind. Let’s get into it then. These are the best workout channels on YouTube.

YouTube Go Download YouTube Go

YouTube Go is a free, official app from Google that provides a variety of features that make the YouTube more bandwidth-conscious and help avoid buffering while on the go.

Best YouTube Home workout fitness channels

Check out all the best YouTube channels to subscribe to for workouts and fitness and health routines.

Adam Rosante

Adam Rosante’s YouTube channel offers a series of very accessible workouts for fitness enthusiasts of all levels. These quick sessions last anywhere between five and twenty minutes and are extremely challenging. There’s definitely something for everyone here with routines utilizing your own body weight rather than relying on expensive equipment. There are strength training routines, however, that will incorporate a dumbbell here or there, but there’s certainly a lot here for anybody who doesn’t have any home gym equipment.

The other great thing about this YouTube channel is just how welcoming and warm Rosante is. He has a great attitude that is infectious too. This will help to keep you motivated even when he’s pushing through some pretty painful sets and reps. This channel is all about pushing yourself to your limit.

The 5 best apps to survive a zombie apocalypse

Read Now ►

Joanna Soh

Joanna Soh is a long-established personal trainer who has brought plenty of her workout routines and circuits to YouTube. Her YouTube channel is full of all sorts of different workout videos including sessions on Pilates, abs development and full-body strength, kickboxing, and more. What’s great too for anybody working out at home is that Joanna also releases great videos focusing on things like an indoor steps challenge and even performing full-body workouts while in a seated position.

As well as all of Joanna’s fitness videos she also goes the extra mile by producing videos on food, diet, and nutrition as well as looking at equipment and even clothing. Going even further, Joanna also offers tips and tricks on living a healthy lifestyle while living on a tight budget and she is also on a mission to bust all the common myths about weight loss that might be standing in your way. If you’re looking for a complete YouTube channel that gives you more than just workout videos, this is it.

The 4 best smartwatches for fitness

Read Now ►

Tone It Up

Tone it Up is another great YouTube channel that has been founded by well-known fitness gurus Karena Dawn and Katrina Scott. If you’re stuck at home, this channel will definitely have lots for you as it offers workouts that intelligently utilize many standard household items and pieces of furniture like coffee tables and office chairs.

Subscribing to this channel will get you hundreds of great videos covering all manner of different types of workouts such as HIIT workouts (High-Intensity Interval Training) as well as focused sessions that target areas like your arms, abs chest, and lower body. You’ll also find plenty of videos covering diet and nutrition too, which are just as important as the workout videos, if not more so, for anybody looking to shed a few pounds and get in better shape.

6 best fitness apps to help you break a sweat

Read Now ►

Blogilates

Blogilates has been live on YouTube for over ten years. This means there is a wealth of resources here for anybody looking to give their health and fitness a boost. What’s also great for anybody stuck at home is that all of these routines only require one piece of equipment, a Yoga mat. If you don’t have a Yoga mat, you could simply use a towel, meaning there’s nothing standing in the way of you starting a Blogilates session right now.

As you’d expect from the title there is a lot here that focuses on Pop Pilates stretches but the channel actually goes a lot further covering everything from healthy recipes to common problems and issues experienced by people trying to get in shape. There’s also plenty of great content about how to deal with your own position in the fitness world and cope with the aesthetic pressures modern society puts us under. Cassey Ho, who is behind the channel is like your supportive, funny, and knowledgeable friend, there to guide you on your fitness journey.

5 great apps for tracking your exercise

Read Now ►

BodyRock TV

BodyRock TV puts out daily fitness videos covering many different types of workout. The aim of the game here is bodyweight exercises meaning anybody can get started with these routines at home immediately, without the need to buy expensive equipment. The workouts on this channel are quite intense, however, and not for the faint-hearted. You’ll get walkthrough guides to plenty of routines as well as all sorts of twists on common exercises.

The channel also plenty of content about healthy recipes, adjusting to a nutritious diet, and keeping on top of your calorie intake. On top of all that, you’ll also find the odd video showing exercise that requires some basic equipment like dumbbells if you want to give them a try.

5 best habit tracking apps

read now ►

Wrapping up

Starting a new healthy lifestyle at home really is easy on YouTube with plenty of great channels offering you a lot of amazing health-inspired content. The video platform really is the best place to start your new journey to a healthier lifestyle and a fitter body. If you’re stuck at home, there’s nothing better you can do than subscribe to one of the channels we’ve mentioned and start working through their videos. You won’t regret it.

Is the free version of Ad Guardian Plus all you need for surfing sanity?

If you’ve ever shopped for an item online and then had an ad for that same item appear on practically any site you visit, then you’ve experienced the complicated world of online tracking. At their best, browsers that track your movements across the web can serve up ads that are relevant to your interests. But more often, ads are major annoyances – sometimes advertising the very thing you just bought.

Ad Guardian Plus is a lightweight yet powerful Windows-only solution to swatting trackers and ads off your devices. BitGuardian, the company that developed the software offers a free and several paid versions of Ad Guardian Plus. Here we’ll tell you what you need to know to choose the right version for your online lifestyle.

Ad Guardian Plus: Powerful free ad-blocking software

Download Now

The free version

While you can read our complete review of Ad Guardian Plus here, what you need to know is that the software offers free-for-life cross-browser ad blocking. Unlike plug-ins that need to be installed on each browser and device you use, Ad Guardian Plus works at the network level. You install it once on your machine, then no matter which browser you use, you’ll be protected from sites serving up ads, which can often slow down your browsing experience.

Amazingly, this function of the software is completely free. After you install the software package, Ad Guardian Plus gets to work in the background, automatically doing its job blocking ads. Installation is quick, hassle free, and simple. You can tailor which ads you’d like to block and even let the software know if there are sites on which you don’t want it to function.

Paid Versions

Stepping up to the Basic version of Ad Guardian Plus will get you Privacy Guard. This function adds an extra level of browsing protection by blocking trackers from social media sites, YouTube, and any other website you visit. This means that aggressive marketers won’t know which sites you frequent, what you’ve liked on Facebook, what videos you’ve watched, or what you’ve shopped for.

This Basic level of subscription, which costs $9.25 for a month-by-month payment plan, also adds on Safe Browsing, a function that blocks suspicious websites and protects you from malicious activities like phishing and data theft. You also get a 60-day money-back guarantee and email support.

Stepping up to a Standard Plan ($5.25/month billed in six-month intervals) adds 24/7 live support.

Going for the Premium level of subscription ($3.25/month billed as one annual payment) throws in a free copy of McAfee Internet Security, which is top-level privacy protection software.

Summary

So, which plan is right for you?

If you’re a casual internet user who’s not too concerned about tracking, and you’re careful with how you share your personal information online, the free version may be just fine for you. In fact, we can’t think of any reason why you shouldn’t add that version to your PC right now.

If you are a bit more worried about your online privacy and don’t necessarily want your browsing habits shared with marketers and corporations, moving up to the Premium plan simply makes sense. Not only is the average monthly price the lowest of all options, but the protection is top-notch, especially when you consider the inclusion of McAfee Internet Security, a $75 value.

Ad Guardian Plus: Powerful free ad-blocking software

Download Now

Perhaps the best strategy is to download the free trial version of Ad Guardian Plus, which lets you try all the features it offers free for a full week. Then you can decide exactly what you’d like to keep and what, if anything, you’re willing to do without.

Top 5 apps to help you relax

Stressed? Let these apps take the edge off.

Life can be hectic, and we all need ways to unwind. Kick your feet up, grab a snack, and check out our top 5 picks for mobile meditation apps that will help you stop, breathe & think, and relax after a long day and go to sleep feeling happier and calmer. These are the best apps to help you exert more control over your mental health.

Top 5 apps to help you relax

Calm

Calm asks you how you’d best like to let off steam, and starts with a soothing voice talking you through simple things you can do to relieve stress, like sitting up straight, breathing exercises, and meditation sessions. There are also a number of well-being tracks that you can choose from, like a recording of Bob Ross as he’s painting, nature sounds, and the impressive Sleep Stories series that include bedtime stories that promote stress relief, lower stress levels, and bring on deep sleep. You start with a 7-day free trial, and then you pay $59.99 per year for basic access. Available on iPhones, iPads and Android smartphones.

Calm Download now

Headspace

The main focus of Headspace is meditation. When you sign up, it starts by first getting to know you by asking a few questions about your experience with meditation. You’ll then choose the time of day you like to meditate the most and the app will set a reminder to begin sessions lead by different people that vary in length. Available for iOS and Android.

Headspace Download now

My Oasis

My Oasis lets you create your own floating sanctuary in the sky and inhabit it with animals and plants. Collect hearts by tapping anywhere on the screen and use those to get more animals, plants, aircraft, and decorations. My Oasis has a dreamy aesthetic that makes you feel like nothing could ever go wrong. Available for iOS and Android.

My Oasis Download now

Terrarium

Terrarium is an app where you can maintain your own greenhouse. You collect oxygen bubbles that are released by your plants, allowing you to level up and select different types of plants. The more you level up, the more oxygen bubbles you have, and not only can you get more plants, but also fertilizer and bug repellant. Double and triple the amount of bubbles you can get by watching short in-game advertisements. Available for iOS and Android.

Terrarium Download now

SelfCare

Selfcare uses everyday tasks like watering plants, reading, and putting away laundry to declutter your character’s space and organize your mind. You’ll tap different objects around the room, which take you to mini-games or display self-help phrases. This mindfulness app is available on Apple iOS devices.

SelfCare Download now

Now, take a deep breath, clear your mind, and enjoy a calmer day.

Best Instagram accounts to train at home

All these Instagram accounts will inspire you to live a healthier lifestyle that’ll have you feeling much better and looking fantastic.

This week we’re bringing you all the best apps and social media accounts that can help you live healthy, happy lives even when staying indoors for long periods of time. Yesterday we looked at all the best mindfulness and meditation apps to help you safeguard your mental health even during adverse situations. Looking after your mind, however, isn’t enough. You also need to look after your body and today, and for the rest of the week, we’re going to help you do so.

Tomorrow we’ll be looking at the best YouTube channels offering good workout sessions and we’ll also look at workout apps this week too. Today though, we’re looking at another social network that has many accounts promoting healthy living. Believe it or not, Instagram is a fantastic resource for anybody looking to start working out or generally just try to get in shape. There is plenty of fit and healthy people on Instagram who are more than happy to share all their secrets with you. Let’s look then at some of the best Instagram workout ideas, programs, and fitness accounts.

Instagram Download Instagram

Best fitness Instagram accounts

These Instagram classes will have your body in tip-top shape in no time. Follow them all to inject your Instagram feed with fitness videos and workouts, healthy lifestyle tips, and recipes that are both good for your body and good for your soul.

Megan Roup

Mega Roup’s Instagram account is impressive, inspirational, and bursting with positivity. Roup founded a very popular cardio class called The Sculp Society, which became a bit of a cult classic in NYC. The Sculp Society uses fun and active routines pulling in the likes of dance and high-rep full-body toning exercises to get your blood pumping. Roup’s classes are lots of fun and will help you with weight loss and reaching your fitness goals.

Her Instagram builds on the success of her app, showcasing fantastic behind-the-scenes videos and photos as well as more intimate shots grabbed from Roup’s personal life. The videos here are fun little blasts, usually focusing on a single move or routine. Every now and then though, you’ll stumble upon a fab little dance routine that’ll leave you feeling motivated and hungry for your next exercise.

Anna Kaiser

Anna Kaiser is one of a particular type of personal trainer. Bursting with positive energy, Kaiser sees it as her mission to have you pumped for your session. Motivation is both the biggest ally and potential enemy of any would-be workout enthusiast, which explains why Kaiser takes it so seriously. If you’re up for your workout, you’ll take so much more from it. If you’re not, well let’s just say you’ll struggle to get through your routines or complete your exercises effectively.

In this regard, Kaiser’s Instagram page is full of high-energy and High-Intensity-Interval-Training (HIIT) workouts that will vary your heart rate for maximum efficiency. You’ll also get healthy recipe ideas as well as all the exercise guidance, meaning you can get a full service from Kaiser if you follow her Instagram account. What’s also great about this account is that all the exercises can be done at home without too much fuss.

The Rock

Dwayne Johnson doesn’t too much introduction. The ex-wrestler has established himself as one of Hollywood’s hottest properties coming across as a much family-friendly version of what Arnie offered during the 80s. The Rock is huge, strong, yet also sensitive and welcoming. That is of course until you head to is his Instagram account where he shares his grueling weight-lifting workouts.

What’s really great about The Rock’s Instagram account is that you get to see exactly what it takes to have such a huge body. His workout routines can be insane at times but he’s always trying to bring you along for the ride too. On top of the workout videos and behind-the-scenes pictures, you’ll also get plenty of motivational messages from the big guy too. Cheat Day Recipes is another regular feature of the account, which sees The Rock go through some excellent cheat day recipes that won’t undo all the good work you’ve been putting through the week.

Ebenezer Samuel

If you’re stuck in the house, there aren’t much better Instagram accounts you can follow than Ebenezer Samuel. Samuel is a very well thought of personal trainer and he posts a few new workout routines every week. This means there is a vast wealth of personal training content there all ready for you to get into and you’ll never run out as he’s constantly updating his page and keeping it fresh.

The real reason Samuel’s is perfect for home workouts though is that he loves incorporating no equipment bodyweight exercises and everyday household items into his workout routines. You’ll regularly see him doing strength training reps with jugs and bottles of water, heavy bags, and very simple setups including resistance bands and basic dumbbells. The message from Samuel is clear. Just grab what you can and get at it. There’s nothing stopping you from working towards that healthier, fitter lifestyle.

Don Saladino

Don Saladino is a personal trainer to the stars. If you’ve ever seen movies with the likes of Ryan Reynolds or Blake Lively, you’ve seen just how good Saladino’s results can be. The big Don was also behind David Harbour’s impressive transformation into local super cop Jim Hopper in the Netflix smash Stranger Things.

Saladino’s Instagram account is a treasure trove of short workout videos, inspirational behind-the-scenes images, and all manner of quick tips and tricks to get you moving in the right direction. All these exercises can be done at home too with Saladino also pulling in different elements from the home such as the stairs into his routines. Beyond the odd dumbbell or kettlebell, there’s nothing major needed to get started here. Simply follow Saladino on Instagram and then follow his advice.