Some weekends there is comfort, others there is chaos. This one? A little bit of both. Whether it’s revisiting an era-defining gaming icon, diving into a massively improved open-world epic, or checking out this generation’s cult classic that’s about to leave Game Pass, this range offers plenty to choose from.
1. Tomb Raider I-III Remastered
There’s something strangely magical about returning to where it all began, and Tomb Raider I-III Remastered absolutely leans into that feeling. This collection brings together the original adventures of Lara Croft with a fresh coat of paint, allowing players to switch between classic graphics and modern, remastered graphics in a snap. At its core, however, it’s still the same methodical, puzzle-heavy platforming experience that defined the late ’90s with its deliberate jumps, environmental traps, and constant feeling of isolation.
It’s not just the nostalgia that makes this game worth playing these days, but also how different it feels compared to modern action-adventure games. There is no hand holding here. The levels are expansive, secrets are truly hidden, and figuring things out feels earned. This slower, more thoughtful pace can be surprisingly refreshing when recent games have felt a little too guided or cinematic.
In addition, the remaster does an excellent job of smoothing out rough edges without losing the original charm. More importantly, the controls, while still rooted in classic grid-based movement, feel much more accessible than they used to. For now, this is a no-brainer if you’re subscribed to PlayStation Plus, where it’s newly added. Otherwise, the price is usually around $29.99 in the US.
2. Crimson Desert
Crimson Desert has been in the news and topping the Steam charts for what feels like forever, but recent updates have quietly transformed it into something far more compelling than previous previews suggested. Developed by Pearl Abyss, the game combines large-scale open-world exploration with cinematic storytelling, transporting players to a war-torn continent filled with political intrigue, brutal combat and dynamic encounters.
The core gameplay revolves around fluid hand-to-hand combat, big fight sequences, and emerging world events. But what really begins to be noticed after release is the responsiveness of the world. Recent patches have significantly improved movement and abilities, making traversal much more exciting without wasting a lot of player time. Performance has also noticeably increased. Previous complaints about stuttering and inconsistent frame pacing have largely been addressed through optimization updates, particularly on mid- to high-end PCs.
Priced at around $59.99 in the US, it’s positioned as a premium experience and while it may not be perfect, it finally feels complete. This weekend is a good time to get in, especially if initial skepticism has previously kept it off the radar.
3. Grand Theft Auto V
Few games need an introduction like Grand Theft Auto V, but this weekend there’s some urgency attached to it. The game is expected to leave Xbox Game Pass later this month, meaning this could be the perfect (and possibly last) excuse to head back to Los Santos without spending a dime. Whether it’s reimagining the story or simply causing absolute mayhem in free-roam mode, GTA V remains as easy to pick up and play as ever.
At its core, the game is about three protagonists (Michael, Franklin and Trevor) whose lives are intertwined through a series of heists, betrayals and risky missions. But let’s be honest: most players don’t come back just for the story. The real magic of GTA V lies in its sandbox. It’s one of those rare games where just existing in the world is entertaining enough. Even today, Los Santos feels alive in a way that few open-world games manage.
And if the single player mode doesn’t impress, there’s always GTA Online, which continues to evolve with new content, modes and absurdly over-the-top activities. With the usual price in the US being around $29.99 depending on the edition, access via Game Pass is currently a bargain, especially when time is of the essence.
