People have played card games for centuries. Historians think some versions of cards perhaps even date back to ancient China.

The roots of the games we play today come from early forms of whist, poker, and bridge, which gained popularity in Europe in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Competitive card play became more formalized in the mid-20th century – with the rise of bridge tournaments. Contract bridge, in particular, became a highly popular and competitive card game.

Poker also has a long history of competitive play, with the World Series of Poker (WSOP) starting in 1970 and becoming the most prestigious poker tournament in the world.

The 1990s saw the rise of a different form of cards: collectible card games. Games like Magic: The Gathering (1993) and Pokemon (1996) introduced the concept of organized play with tournaments at various levels from local stores to international championships.

And this century’s online revolution has seen the advent of digital card games like Hearthstone and Gwent. These games mix strategic card play with digital interfaces in global competitions.

Various other non-traditional card games, including Yu-Gi-Oh!, Pokémon, and Cardfight!! Vanguard, have also developed organized play structures with regional, national, and international tournaments.

Why did these tournaments grow so big?

Professional players and teams emerged in the card game scene as tournaments offered bigger and bigger prizes. This attracted sponsorships and card players could earn a living through tournament winnings, endorsements, and streaming.

At first television was very influential. Then the rise of online platforms and digital versions of card games allowed for the expansion of competitive play beyond the limits of physical locations. 

Online tournaments have become common, offering convenience, accessibility – and huge audiences.

But before all this, the wee deck of cards makes this kind of gaming very accessible. Unlike many other competitive sports, the costs of playing cards is very low with no need for special equipment. Players can start their journey to expertise very easily, and at a young age, making cards one of the worlds most accessible sports.

These are some of the world’s biggest card tournaments:

World Series of Poker 

The WSOP is the most famous poker tournament – perhaps the world’s most prestigious game of cards. It has been held annually since 1970 in Las Vegas. 

It attracts players from around the world for a wide range of events with different buy-ins and variations of poker. Some of the prizes are colossal.

Poker also has plenty of other high-profile events. These include the European Poker Tour, the World Poker Tour and the Aussie Millions events. 

In addition, the UK poker site 888poker hosts live tournament series, featuring a variety of competitive events that attract a large field of participants.

World Bridge Championships 

Bridge and whist are traditional trick-taking card games with a long history of competitive play. World championships involve thousands of players including a good number of professional players who make their living playing the game on the international stage.

The biggest are the World Bridge Teams Championships and the World Bridge Olympiad. These attract top bridge players from around the world, with different bridge nations qualifying their players through a series of multi-level championships.

You can find National Bridge Organizations listed in the Great Bridge Links Atlas here.

Magic: The Gathering (MTG) Pro Tour

Forget casino-style games for a minute, this game is all about a collectible card with a global following. Magic: The Gathering has developed a thriving competitive scene organized by an organisation called ‘Wizards of the Coast’. 

The Pro Tour involves a series of high-profile tournaments that attract professional MTG players from around the world.

Hearthstone World Championship

Similarly Hearthstone, a digital collectible card game developed by Blizzard Entertainment, has its own massive World Championship event. Players have to first compete in regional and global tournaments to qualify.

Yu-Gi-Oh! Championship Series 

The Yu-Gi-Oh! series revolves around this popular trading card game. The YCS is a series of tournaments held worldwide that attracts competitive players and fans.

Pokémon World Championships

The Pokémon Trading Card Game also has its World Championships. This event involves players competing in age divisions and includes both the Pokémon video game and trading card game.

What about other card games?

Whist, is an old classic game but doesn’t have organized tournaments to the same extent as bridge. Whist is more commonly played recreationally or in informal settings.

In contrast blackjack for a while had The World Series of Blackjack – a popular televised blackjack tournament. Today the game has a more localised profile.

Some casinos host regular blackjack tournaments and some even have ongoing blackjack leagues. 

Meanwhile the card game baccarat is particularly popular in Asian gaming markets. 

There’s no world event, but some casinos in these regions may host small baccarat tournaments. Macau, for example, has been known for hosting high-stakes baccarat games.

And in the online gambling world, some platforms offer virtual baccarat tournaments.

The future of card tournaments

Gaming experts say the competitive scenes for card games continues to evolve. The popularity of card games and the growth of organized play have led to the establishment of tournaments for a wide range of games. 

This means more competitive opportunities for players – and more entertainment for those of us who like to watch.

Developing patience in poker is crucial. Whether you’re learning how to play, engaging in more concentrated analysis, or navigating through downswings, practicing patience is a necessary skill in the world of poker. Discover effective strategies to enhance your patience in poker, allowing you to leverage this newfound skill for profitability in various poker settings, be it live events or online play.

In this article we will cover:

• The Psychology of Patience
• The Advantages of Practicing Patience
• Improved Decision-Making
• Techniques for Practicing Patience

The Psychology of Patience

Poker isn’t just the most popular card game on Earth; it is a beguiling combination of skill, luck, and strategy that is easy to get the hang of yet impossible to master. From the birth of the c-bet to the six-bet all-in, from soul reads to GTO, having patience is vital if you want to navigate the rollercoaster of emotions necessary to maintain a winning record in poker.

The etymology of the phrase ‘Patience is a virtue’ dates back to the fifth century A.D. and refers to patience as one of seven ‘heavenly’ virtues. This references an epic poem called Psychomachia, which speaks of patience as a crucial element that sets apart the great from the good. We now know that it also separates successful poker players from those who run into the red.

Patience is as important a tool at the table as the four-bet bluff or the turn value bet. It can make a difference to your game overnight if you can harness it. Mentally speaking, if you have patience in the significant moments, you’ll be able to clarify your mind and focus on whatever decision you need to make. Patience will allow you to focus on what is most important to you at any given time. Rushing decisions does the exact opposite – you can miss crucial information or the direction you need to apply yourself.

The Advantages of Practicing Patience

What are the benefits of practicing good patience at the poker table? They are many and varied. First of all, playing with patience and composure is great for your table image. Utilizing that inner peace to look clearly at the decisions in front of you will be of immense benefit to your poker game and make the entire experience a lot more enjoyable. Waiting for the right moment to pounce in poker is vital, and taking advantage of situations only comes if you are able to see clearly what edge you have and, most crucially, when you have it.

Being patient should never be confused with being passive. We mentioned this earlier, and it is really important. Exercising self-control is great; waiting for pocket aces or pocket kings is not. Patience is a virtue in many senses in poker, but don’t allow yourself to become complacent that you’ll be dealt good hands if you start level 1 being dealt premium hand after premium hand.

Patience is all about making calculated decisions at the table rather than making rash, impulsive choices when a little clear-thinking would improve your decision-making. The most crucial advantage that having patience in poker gives you is making the right choices, executing optimal plays in a calm and measured manner that allows you to grow your chip stack over time and exercise control over the table.

Improved Decision-Making

Executing patience at the poker table will allow you to make more thoughtful and strategic decisions. Waiting for the best opportunities and avoiding dangerous impulses will give you a more objective view in each hand, each level, and every session. You’ll also be able to make single decisions with a calmer, more methodical process.

Every decision you make at the poker table has a purpose and often a consequence. Making the right decisions over and over will lead to more profit, fewer mistakes, and put you in more positions where you could win a major title, a big cash game pot, or a satellite into a live event that could change your life.

Being patient at the poker table, you’ll avoid getting into marginal situations with weak holdings. Paying less attention to your emotions will free up mental headspace for analyzing your opponents, which includes understanding their strategy and ranges. That will, in turn, protect your bankroll, mitigate high-risk scenarios, and give you a psychological edge over your opponents.

Chances are, if you look at the poker players you aspire to be as successful as, you’ll see them demonstrate discipline at the table and exercise self-control on and off the felt. Even under the heat of television lighting, put to the test for a seven-figure pot in either equity or cash, the very best can still remain clear-minded. Their composure is the result of working on their patience in poker.

Techniques for Practicing Patience

There are several ways that you can become a more patient player – and as a result, a more patient person. Look into mindfulness practices and how you can improve your self-awareness. These are fundamental building blocks for patience and can allow you to be present in the moment, keeping a rational observation on your thoughts and emotions.

One great idea is to keep a mood diary, documenting difficult decisions that you’ve had to make and making notes on your improved responses to these mentally testing situations. Here are six ways you can add in patient practices that will have a positive effect on your poker game:

Practice Meditation

Develop your mindfulness side with regular meditation sessions. Put a few minutes aside each day to focus on your breathing in silence, improving your mental state and allowing you to focus on your thoughts in utter peace.

Reflect on Your Session

Breathe in and take a little time to reflect on your gameplay after every session at the table. Instead of purely focusing on the in-game decisions you made, ask yourself about the mental issues you experienced, whether it is frustration at your actions, how you dealt with your emotions, or how you would change your mental processing in the future.

Write in a Poker Journal

As well as being a good place to jot down any improvements you can make in future decisions, a journal can often provide you with the perfect motivation for self-improvement, namely being accountable to your past self.

Practice Mindfulness at the Table

We’re not telling you to get a yoga mat out and start chanting your favorite mantra. Use mindfulness mini-sessions to focus on your breathing, put any losing hands behind you, and calmly readjust to your changing stack or circumstances. Stay in the moment at all times.

Seek Support

Surround yourself with those who not only improve your poker game but also your mood. This is crucial in life as well as poker, of course, but maintain a good relationship with those closest to you. This will help your temperament and allow you to practice self-care.

Have a Sanctuary

Recognize when you need a total break in your life to allow your poker game to breathe. Never missing a major tournament, online opportunity, or just a regular Sunday session is fine, but you will need to step away sometimes. Spend time with those closest to you, exercise, rest, and enjoy hobbies outside of the game, and you’ll be more present whenever you come back.

In Conclusion

Patience is an extremely important tool in your arsenal at the poker table. Cultivating a more patient approach to the game will help you win crucial psychological battles, make more rational decisions, and put yourself in a calmer, more positive place to play poker, let alone win at the game.

Having patience grows your mental resilience, allowing you to have more emotional control and self-discipline. Make sure that you practice the methods that give you the best mindset and let your patience help you do the work for you. From game strategy to freeing up headspace to grow your skillset, patience is truly a valuable virtue in the game of poker.

Summertime is coming to an end, but we are still bringing the heat at Casino.com!

This month, we are travelling back in time and adding some Ancient themed slots to our gaming portfolio. Explore the Pyramids, thunderbolts and more as we take a closer look at a few of the new additions that will soon be hitting the game lobby.

All upcoming games have different bonuses features, varying bet ranges, and their own distinct characters. Get in your time machine and take a trip to see what is being released in September 2023.

Queen of the Pyramids Mega Cash Collect

Queen of the Pyramids Mega Cash Collect is an Ancient Egyptian themed slot game from game provider Playtech. The game features symbols such as the Cleopatra Wild, a sphinx, and a scarab which are all all set against the backdrop of a visually stunning extravagant temple that has flames surrounding the game grid.

The slot has 30 paylines, ambient traditional music, and an RTP of 95.41% with a huge bet range starting from €0.10 going all the way up to €500. One of the exciting features of the game is the Cash Collect mechanic, as well as the Free Games Bonus Round opportunity.

If you are lucky enough to trigger the additional round, a special expanded grid with locked rows above the main reels will be presented with a new colour scheme, and huge win potential.

Look out for these icons: 

• Cash Collect Symbol – Land a Cash Collect symbol to collect bonus symbols and cash prizes.
• Cash Spreader – When this bright gold and red striped symbols lands anywhere on the reels, it will spread random bonus symbols on the extra reels, adding up to 5 coins to random positions on extra reels.
• Sticky Cash –Collect prizes up to 16x your bet as this symbol will turn into a jackpot Diamond and freeze until your next spin once the jackpot has been collected.

This slot game also 4 Progressive Jackpots – Mini, Minor, Major, and Grand. These can be randomly triggered by landing a Diamond icon and a Cash Collect symbol on the reels during any spin.

Will you find your diamond at the top of the pyramid?

Amazing Link Zeus Epic 4

Next up, we travel into Greek mythology for the 4^th instalment of Amazing Link Zeus Epic. This is an electrifying slot game brought to you by Microgaming (Games Global) with 20 to 80 paylines, an RTP of 96.47%, and 4 distinct reel sets. Spin away to find symbols such as Pegasus, the harp, the vase, and the powerful Zeus Wild.

At the heart of the slot game lies the vibrant blue Amazing Symbol which can also turn gold with the right amount of force! Triggering 6 or more of these icons on a single reel, can ignite the Amazing Link feature, awarding 3 respins. With the locked symbols intact, your respins could lock more spins leading to a huge payout.

Unleash your power!

Eye of Horus Rise Of Egypt

We are going back to Ancient Egypt again, however this time we are looking straight into the Eye of Horus Rise of Egypt. This slot has been developed by Blueprint Gaming and has a standard 5-reel x 3-rows game grid with 10 paylines. There are Wild symbols, and a captivating bonus round where you can get a maximum win of 50,000x your bet.

Although this is another Ancient Egyptian game, this one is set on a backdrop reminiscent of hieroglyphic slabs giving you a completely different experience to other Egyptian style games. See if the eye can guide you on a path to riches!

Play for Real Money

To start playing Real Money bets, just simply sign in and place your bets. Whether you are keen to explore the Ancient Egypt, Zeus’ thunderbolts, or if you just want to play a fun slot game, our lobby has something for everyone.

And if you are registering for the first time and making your first deposit, you can claim your Welcome Bonus before playing on all of our new games. 

Are you a big Harry Potter fan? This article is for you! With magic, beasts, and terrifying villains, there is no shortage of fun and crazy board games that can fit into the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

In this article, we will break down 12 of the best Harry Potter games out there. So, if you are a big fan of all things Harry Potter, get your wand ready and prepare to venture through the Harry Potter world from your tabletop!

1. HARRY POTTER HOGWARTS BATTLE

QUICK FACTS

• Cost: $49.90
• Players: 2 to 4
• Objective: Secure the safety of Hogwarts by battling and defeating villains who wish to gain power over the school. 

In Harry Potter Hogwarts Battle, players work together in a cooperative setting to stop the forces of evil from taking over the school. Players will take turns resisting the Dark Arts and battling it out in hopes of pushing the dark forces back. If the heroes fail, it surely spells disaster for not only Hogwarts but the world. Hogwarts Battle is not only one of our favorite Harry Potter board games but also one of the best deck building games out there!

HOW TO PLAY

Harry Potter Hogwarts Battle is a cooperative game, where players will choose classic characters from the series to play as. They must work together to stop villains from overtaking precious locations on the board. Players will have to survive the dark arts, and villain attacks. Then play their cards, collecting resources and attacking villains. Players will also need to gain influence so that they can better the cards in their decks.

2. HOGWARTS MAGICAL MAYHEM

QUICK FACTS

• Cost: $39.99
• Players: 2 to 4
• Objective: Score the most points for your team.

Hogwarts Magical Mayhem is a fun 3D board game. This game is made of several mini-games where you can score points for your team, but watch out, doing poorly could cost you as well. From assembling the board to performing various dexterity-based actions, this game is made for everyone. 

HOW TO PLAY

To play Hogwarts Magical Mayhem players will join teams to compete as members of. There are 8 separate mini-games, some requiring different skill sets to complete. Players will compete to do their best at each mini-game which includes making potions, taming beats, finding the right pathways, beating the hydra, and more. We also can’t forget everyone’s favorite, a rousing game of quidditch. Once all the games are complete, players compare scores to see who is the champion of Hogwarts, 

3. CLUE: WIZARDING WORLD HARRY POTTER

QUICK FACTS

• Cost: $37.33
• Players: 3 to 5
• Objective: Find the Suspect by knowing the place, spell, and the person who committed the crime. 

This is a magical twist on the classic game of Clue. Players will play as various wizards at Hogwarts. One of the Students has vanished and all the characters are suspects. Players will need to explore the grounds to rule out various wizards, spells, and locations. Once they have a solid accusation they can bring it to the Headmaster.

HOW TO PLAY

Just like classic Clue, players will roll dice to move around the board. As they do so, they will find help cards to rule out various spells, locations, and suspects. Players will need to watch out because there is a possibility of running into the dark mark. If a player comes in contact, they could lose house points if they do not have the right help cards. Losing all your house points removes you from the games, so be careful. When a player is sure of their accusation, they can make their way to Dumbeldore’s office to accuse! 

4. HARRY POTTER MAGICAL BEASTS

QUICK FACTS

• Cost: $26.99
• Players: 2 to 4
• Objective: Identify the magical beast by collecting clue cards. 

In Harry Potter Magical Beasts players compete to collect clue cards to identify magical beasts. They must strategize to keep their clues safe from other wizards, and research to find what beast they are pursuing. 

HOW TO PLAY

To play Harry Potter Magical Beasts players will roll dice to move across the board. There is also a special side of the dice that causes the board to flip! Creating crazy circumstances and advantages for the wizard’s turn. Players will race, looking for clues across the board, and slowly compiling clue cards for different beasts. When a player manages to get 4 clue cards that identify a beast, they win!

5. TRIVIAL PURSUIT: WIZARDING WORLD HARRY POTTER

QUICK FACTS

• Cost: $21.99
• Players: 2+
• Objective: Answer questions correctly and collect all 6 wedges.

It is the classic game of Trivial Pursuit, but it features categories and questions all about Harry Potter! Compete with your friends to have the most extensive knowledge of the universe. Race to be the first player to win. 

HOW TO PLAY

Players will roll dice to move in Trivial Pursuit: Harry Potter. After each movement a different player will read a trivia question, matching the category the current player landed on. If the player answers correctly, they may continue, or may sometimes collect a wedge. Once a player collects all the wedges, they can climb to the middle of the board to answer one last trivia question correctly to win. 

6. CATCH THE GOLDEN SNITCH

QUICK FACTS

• Cost: $19.99
• Players: 3 to 4
• Objective: Earn more points than all other players

Catch the Golden Snitch is a fast-paced, dexterity-based board game. Players all take their turns simultaneously, making the play area chaotic. Players will compete to collect sets of cards to score, all while stealing, blocking, and always being on alert for the golden snitch. It is based on the game of Quidditch from the books.

HOW TO PLAY

Players all take their turns simultaneously in Catch the Golden Snitch. The players will receive their own decks to draw from. Players will draw cards and discard them as quickly as possible to collect sets of matching cards but never have more than 5 cards in hand. Players may get sets of items that award them points at the end of the game, pairs of seekers who only give points if they catch the snitch, and various other card types.

Some cards when collected prevent people from stealing from you. Others will allow players to throw a bludgeoner at another in an attempt to sabotage other players’ hands. Some sets allow you to steal other players’ sets. After a random amount of turns the golden snitch will be released into the air. The player who catches it first is allowed to score their seekers. The release of the golden snitch also ends the game. The player who earned the most points wins.

7. HARRY POTTER LABYRINTH

QUICK FACTS

• Cost: $36.99
• Players: 2 to 4
• Objective: Collect all of your characters and return to your starting space.

In Harry Potter Labyrinth you will compete against the other players to find and collect all of your secret characters. You will constantly be changing up the board, and moving objectives. Race to find everyone and return to your starting is to be crowned the winner. 

HOW TO PLAY

On a player’s turn, they will look, secretly, at the current character they are attempting to rescue from the Labyrinth. Players will have to strategize a way to move across the ever-changing landscape by selecting and sliding in new tiles on their turn. Once a player reaches the character, they reveal their card and start searching for the next missing characters. Once a player has found all of their assigned characters, they will then need to make their way back to their starting location to win!

8. MISCHIEF IN DIAGON ALLEY 

QUICK FACTS

• Cost: $24.99
• Players: 3 to 5
• Objective: Remove all the wrong items from your shop, while collecting all the correct items.

Mischief in Diagon Alley is a super fast-paced, real-time game. Players will be rolling their three dice and using their instruction to move around items on the board. The goal for each player is to quickly assemble all their shop’s items and remove all the wrong items from their shop. 

HOW TO PLAY

Players will simultaneously roll three dice. The dice will tell you what item you can move, what direction it can be moved from, and how many of the items can be moved. Players will roll, move the correct items to their shop, and the wrong items out. Rolling again immediately after finishing their previous roll. The first player to have all of the correct items in their shop, and no incorrect items, wins. 

9. MUNCHKIN HARRY POTTER

QUICK FACTS

• Cost: $29.99
• Players: 3 to 6
• Objective: Reach level 10 by killing monsters. 

Munchkin Harry Potter is a Harry Potter board game mashup of traditional Munchkin and the Wizarding World. Players will decide on their character, defeat monsters in combat, and avoid curses and death at all costs. Players will compete and sabotage others in an attempt to be the first to reach level 10. 

HOW TO PLAY

Players will take turns fighting monsters, searching rooms, and playing cards. The goal of the Munchkin Harry Potter is to reach level 10, but to do so and win you must defeat a monster. Players will also be able to help or harm other players, by applying curses, giving cards, or helping to fight monsters. Beware of death, because you will have to start all over. 

 This version of the game can be added to others to make an even crazier experience. 

10. CODENAMES: HARRY POTTER

QUICK FACTS

• Cost: $24.99
• Players: 2+
• Objective: Find all 15 Order of the Phoenix Members before time runs out.

In Codenames: Harry Potter players will split into two teams. Players will then take turns giving clues for the other side to correctly guess the members needed. Once all 15 of the members from both sides of the board are found, the players all win. Watch out! There are Ministry Officials and, even worse, a death eater on the loose! This fun Harry Potter game is a fun twist on classic Codenames.

HOW TO PLAY

Players will take turns giving their opposing teammates a single-word clue, followed by a number of cards this clue applies to. The opposing team will then think and discuss the clue before touching a tile to indicate a guess. If it was a Phoenix Member,  they are one step closer to winning and get to guess again. When it is a Ministry Official, they lose time and have to end the turn immediately. If it is the dreaded death eater, you have lost the game. Once finished their turn it is time for the other team to follow suit and complete their turn in the same fashion. If players manage to get all 15 members found before the end of the game, they win!

11. HARRY POTTER GUESS WHO?

QUICK FACTS

• Cost: $34.99
• Players: 2
• Objective: Be the first to correctly guess who the other player’s character is. 

Harry Potter Guess Who? is a magic-filled version of standard Guess Who? The players will compete to see who can correctly figure out who the other player’s secret character is by asking wild and entertaining questions to their opponent. This is, without a doubt, one of the best Harry Potter board games for younger players.

HOW TO PLAY

Each player will choose their character and then take turns asking questions about them. On a player’s turn, they will ask a single yes or no question to their opponent. Their opponent will then answer honestly the question. The player will then go through their remaining choices and narrow them down by flipping them closed if they do not fit with the answers to their questions. The first player to ask the opponent if their character is “so and so” and be correct wins. 

12. HEDBANZ WIZARDING WORLD HARRY POTTER

QUICK FACTS

• Cost: $18.99
• Players: 2 to 4
• Objective: Collect 5 chocolate frogs first.

In this game Hedbanz Wizarding World Harry Potter, players will compete to guess correctly what they have tucked in their headband. They have a certain amount of time to ask questions to get closer to an answer. If they successfully guess they earn a chocolate frog!

HOW TO PLAY

Players will on their turn put a card in their headband. There will be a timer to keep track of a player’s turn as well. The player may then begin to ask yes or no questions to determine what they have on their headband. If they are having trouble a player may use a potion which will have another player give clues in a different manner. If the player manages to guess correctly they gain a chocolate frog, and if there is still time they may draw a new card and begin to guess again. Once a player has earned 5 chocolate frogs, they win. 

YOUR HOGWARTS FANTASY IS WAITING!

If you or someone you know is a huge Harry Potter fan, these are some great games for you. These games range in difficulty, and mechanics meaning you’ll have many options for Wizarding World fun. This list of 12 Harry Potter games is sure to delight. We have taken all the guessing out of buying these games, and now you can decide which of these great games is perfect for you!

Looking for some more fun themed board games? Check out our list of the 11 best Disney board games!

Amber (They/Them) is an Austin writer and gaming connoisseur. A self-proclaimed gaming master with a love for dogs, plants, and D&D.

Latest posts by Amber Crook (see all)

🎰 Best No Deposit Bonus: BetMGM Casino

Read More

December is an exciting time for PC gamers! As the year comes to a close, we’re not just looking forward to the holidays but also to some amazing new games. This month is packed with some of the most anticipated games of the year, offering a variety of experiences that cater to all kinds of gamers. If you are also excited to experience new worlds, we have curated a list of the five most anticipated PC games coming out in December 2023.

5. Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising

Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising revamps the classic fighting game formula, making it more welcoming for new players while keeping it exciting for seasoned gamers. This sequel has cleverly simplified its controls, allowing beginners to jump into the action without getting bogged down by complex button combos. This change means players can enjoy the thrill of battle and strategy without worrying too much about mastering difficult moves. The game does a fantastic job of being easy for newcomers to pick up while still offering the depth and challenge that experienced fighters love. It strikes a perfect balance, offering straightforward controls that don’t take away from the game’s strategic depth.

Aside from the fighting, the game introduces a fun new party mode called Grand Bruise Legends. This mode is all about having a good time, with a range of activities like obstacle courses and survival games set in a colorful island lobby. It also has an engaging story campaign that takes players on an adventurous journey through the Granblue Fantasy world. This part of the game feels like an action RPG, where you explore, take on quests, and get to know more about the game’s world and characters.

4. Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader

Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader takes players on an epic journey through the Koronus Expanse, a dangerous and largely uncharted region in the Warhammer universe. Developed by the experienced team at Owlcat Games, this classical RPG is all about exploring the vast, open world from the deck of your personal voidship. The game’s setting is more than just a backdrop – it’s a living, breathing part of the experience, filled with hidden dangers and opportunities for both exploration and profit. As you navigate through this perilous space, the grandeur and mystery of the fringes of the Imperium unfold before you, offering a unique blend of adventure and danger.

In this game, your decisions really matter. You play as a Lord-Captain, a powerful and influential figure who must make choices that go beyond simple dialogue options. These choices affect everything from your character creation to your strategic decisions on the battlefield. Will you uphold the God-Emperor’s will, or will you venture into forbidden territories? Your actions change not just your path, but the world around you and its inhabitants. This dynamic storytelling approach ensures that each playthrough is personal and varied, as the game world reacts and evolves based on your actions.

3. House Flipper 2

House Flipper 2 brings back the fun of the original game but with even more exciting features. It’s perfect for anyone who loves giving old houses a new lease of life or even building brand new ones from scratch. In this game, you get to work in the beautiful town of Pinnacove, a place filled with charming houses, each with its own story. As you fix up each home, you’ll learn about its history and the people who lived there, thanks to your friend Tom, who knows everyone in town.

The game is really user-friendly, making it easy and enjoyable to use tools like hammers, paint rollers, and mops. If you love being creative, the new Sandbox Mode is a treat. Here, you can build any house you can imagine or even recreate famous buildings. For those who prefer following a story, Story Mode offers a series of fun renovation projects, each with its own unique twist. Overall, House Flipper 2 is all about having a good time while you renovate and decorate.

2. Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora

In Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora, players get to play as Na’vi who’s been trained by the RDA which is a human military group. After 15 years, you’re finally free and back in your homeland, but things feel different. Your mission is to rediscover your Na’vi roots and join forces with other clans to save Pandora from the RDA. The story is all about finding out who you really are and standing up for your home.

The game takes you to a new part of Pandora, the Western Frontier. It’s a beautiful but dangerous place, full of surprises and challenges. Every step you take in this alien world is both amazing and risky. The game makes sure you’re always on your toes, as you never know what’s around the corner in this stunning but treacherous land. Also, players can use classic Na’vi weapons like bows or go for more powerful human weapons. This mix of options keeps the fights exciting and lets you play in your own style.

1. The Day Before

Wrapping up our list at the top spot is The Day Before, an exciting game set in a world that’s just survived a terrible pandemic. This game takes you to the East Coast of the US, where you have to survive at all costs. It’s all about staying alive, whether that means fighting other players, escaping from scary infected people, or finding valuable items that can help you stay ahead.

The game’s world, called New Fortune City, is really detailed and fun to explore. Imagine wandering through huge, abandoned skyscrapers, shopping malls, and even stadiums. You get to drive around in awesome vehicles to see even more of the city and find cool stuff. In addition, you can trade items you find, keep your stuff safe in your own storage space, and even build your own safe house.

So, what’s your take on these games? And did we miss any game that deserves a spot on this list? Let us know on our socials here.

Summers in Las Vegas are notoriously hot. One of the best ways to cool off? Getting in the water! Pools, kayaks, lakes, and more have all become popular activities on the hottest days in Las Vegas. Whether you want to stay in the city at Las Vegas pools or are looking to take a road trip to some lakes and waterfalls, read on for your guide to making a splash in Las Vegas so you can cool down on your summer vacation to the city.

Circa Stadium Swim®

If you’re staying in the city, Stadium Swim is the spot for a stylish summer cool down. This rooftop poolscape is a stunner, boasting six pools on three different levels, all sitting in front of a massive 40-foot-tall LED screen playing the sporting events of the day. You can chill in one of the 370 chairs lined up around the pools, but for those who want to party in style with some space, there are options like lily pads, daybeds, and cabanas for reservation.

What makes this pool stand out is its unique concept, unlike anything else you’ll find in Las Vegas. It’s like a sportsbook, complete with stadium-style seating, but with the bonus of swimming pools to jump into when the heat or the game gets too intense. Stadium Swim is open every day, all year round. Even better, guests at Golden Gate Las Vegas get free access to Stadium Swim to make your summer even cooler.

In a nutshell, this spot is perfect for sports fans who want to soak in some poolside action and have a blast. It’s a lively party scene, so don’t expect to be too focused on the game all the time – just enjoy the fun vibes, great company, and stunning views of the Fremont Street Experience!

Lake Las Vegas

Located in Henderson, just 15 miles from the Las Vegas Strip, Lake Las Vegas is a hot destination for Las Vegas water sports! Embark on an elegant cruise aboard your very own private yacht, complete with a crew and two fully-stocked bars for your enjoyment. Guests also have the option to rent paddle boards or kayaks on an hourly basis. For those looking to stay dry, a selection of electric boats is available for leisurely cruises on the sparkling water.

Thrill-seekers will love the on-lake Aqua Park and pulse-pounding water jetpack experiences, a surefire way for an invigorating adventure. For those seeking a comprehensive day of entertainment, Lake Las Vegas offers various adventure packages that feature yacht cruises, delectable dining, an exhilarating helicopter tour of the Hoover Dam, and more.

Lake Mead

For an escape packed with natural beauty, head to Lake Mead, where the views are expansive and the waters are refreshing. When it comes to lakes near Las Vegas, Lake Mead is the local favorite. It’s perfect for those who like to participate in watersports like boating, water skiing, and tubing. There are tons of options for scenic hikes and nature walks around Lake Mead that will help you break up the water fun and see the beautiful landscape from a different perspective.

If you want something a little more relaxed, a cruise might be the perfect way for you to enjoy the area. You won’t be getting in the water, but you’ll still be able to enjoy being on the lake. The Lake Mead cruise is a Mississippi-style paddlewheeler that offers a climate-controlled environment, and even offers fun champagne brunch and sunset dinner cruises to make for a truly unique way to see the lake.