Fallout Takes Center Stage
PC Gamer’s latest issue is a full on celebration of Fallout, one of the most iconic RPG series in PC gaming history. If you have ever wandered the wasteland in Fallout 1, modded Fallout New Vegas to oblivion, or recently revisited Fallout 4 with its Anniversary Edition upgrade, this issue is built for you.
The cover feature dives deep into how Fallout grew from a quirky isometric role playing game into a global gaming phenomenon. PC Gamer talks directly with many of the developers who shaped the series across its different eras, as well as the stars behind the new Fallout TV show. Expect plenty of behind the scenes stories, development insights, and anecdotes that show how the series evolved over time.
The feature traces the series from its early days in the classic Fallout 1 and 2 through the shift to 3D worlds with Fallout 3 and Fallout New Vegas and right up to Fallout 4 and its Anniversary Edition upgrade. For anyone interested in how PC game design, storytelling, and technology have changed over the years, this is a great snapshot of that evolution through the lens of a single legendary franchise.
With coverage locked as a magazine exclusive until late January 2026, this is very much positioned as a must read for long time Fallout fans and newcomers arriving via the TV series who want to understand why PC gamers fell in love with this world in the first place.
Deadlock, Pathologic 3, And More New PC Games
Beyond Fallout, the issue also shines a spotlight on some of the most interesting upcoming PC titles, led by Valve’s new multiplayer project Deadlock. This game is described as a hybrid of a fast paced movement shooter and a MOBA, blending hero abilities, verticality, and team strategy. PC Gamer writers have logged hundreds of hours in early access builds, which means the coverage is not just a quick preview but a detailed breakdown of what Deadlock is trying to be.
You can expect an everything you need to know style guide that covers how matches play out, how heroes and abilities work together, and what to watch for when the game finally launches. For competitive PC players who are always hunting for the next big multiplayer phenomenon, Deadlock is a name worth keeping an eye on.
Another major preview is Pathologic 3, a dark psychological horror game that puts you in the role of a doctor with only 12 days to save a town from a mysterious plague. The focus is on tension, atmosphere, and difficult choices rather than simple jump scares. From PC Gamer’s hands on time, it sounds like a slow burning and unique experience that leans heavily on storytelling and mood, something that will appeal to players who like narrative heavy PC games.
The issue also includes a full review of Dispatch, an interactive superhero TV style game. The first season is complete, and PC Gamer finds it not just funny but surprisingly heartfelt. If you enjoy story driven experiences and superhero themes on PC, this is one to consider adding to your backlog.
Fans of classics are not left out. There is a spotlight on Painkiller RTX, a modern ray tracing mod for the cult FPS Painkiller. The mod breathes new visual life into a beloved old school shooter without losing its frantic gameplay. Another retro highlight is a reinstall feature on Command and Conquer Red Alert 2, revisiting its over the top sci fi warfare and cheesy FMV cutscenes to see how well it holds up on today’s machines. According to PC Gamer, it absolutely still delivers.
There is even a diary feature covering a very unusual Cyberpunk 2077 run. The writer plays as a no augment, tech averse character who refuses the implants that normally define Night City’s power curve. Armed mainly with a baseball bat, this playthrough explores how differently the game feels when you ignore much of its cybernetic upgrade system.
Hardware Highlights For PC Enthusiasts
For readers who care as much about their rig as the games they run, this issue also delivers some strong hardware coverage. The hardware team puts together a money no object super PC build to kick off 2026 in style. This all out rig guide walks through each component part by part, showing you exactly what goes into an extreme high end gaming machine.
Even if you are not planning to spend big, builds like this are useful because they show the current top tier of components for CPUs, GPUs, storage, cooling, and more. You can then scale those ideas down to fit your own budget while still aiming for strong performance.
There is also a group test on lightweight gaming mice, where PC Gamer’s lab puts six of the top models through their paces. They are tested for:
- Speed and sensor accuracy for competitive play
- Weight and overall feel in long sessions
- Features like extra buttons and on the fly DPI tweaks
- Customisation through software, lighting, and profiles
For competitive shooters and fast paced titles, mouse weight and shape can make a big difference in comfort and precision, so this kind of testing is especially useful if you are thinking about an upgrade.
Rounding out the issue are smaller pieces on games like Kingdom Come Deliverance 2, Arc Raiders guides, and a Now Playing section where the PC Gamer team shares what they are currently immersed in, from Minecraft to new indie curiosities.
If you want a snapshot of where PC gaming is right now, from huge franchises like Fallout and Cyberpunk to experimental indie horror, competitive shooters, and high end hardware, this issue pulls it all together in one place.
Original article and image: https://www.pcgamer.com/games/pc-gamer-magazines-new-issue-is-on-sale-now-fallout-special/
