Top 25 FREE PC Programs For Gaming YOU NEED TO INSTALL

Summary

This video showcases 10 essential software tools for PC gamers, particularly those who enjoy retro gaming or need specialized features. It highlights programs for system diagnostics (CPU-Z), fast file searching (Everything), controller remapping (Steam), and video format compatibility (K-Lite Mega Codec Pack). For retro enthusiasts, ScummVM and RetroArch offer emulation for classic games, while 86Box provides powerful PC emulation for vintage titles. The video emphasizes the value of these tools in enhancing gaming experiences, offering efficiency, compatibility, and nostalgia for both casual and hardcore gamers.

Takeaways

• 😀 CPU-Z is a valuable tool for gathering detailed system information, such as CPU code name, cache level, and memory frequency, which is often hard to find in Windows.
• 😀 Everything is a fast and efficient file search tool for Windows, outperforming the built-in search by enabling quick searches across all drives and connected devices.
• 😀 Steam's controller remapping options are a great solution for PC gamers using controllers, offering better compatibility and functionality compared to other programs like Xpadder or JoyToKey.
• 😀 The K-Lite Mega Codec Pack is essential for running older PC games and playing videos in obscure formats, ensuring compatibility with outdated codecs.
• 😀 ScummVM is a modern engine for playing classic point-and-click adventure games from the 80s and 90s, such as 'Secret of Monkey Island' and 'Day of the Tentacle.'
• 😀 RetroArch is a powerful multi-system emulator that allows gamers to organize and play retro games, although it requires a complex setup process.
• 😀 86Box is a comprehensive PC emulator that mimics older hardware environments, perfect for running retro PC games that do not work on modern systems.
• 😀 CPU-Z provides in-depth details about hardware components, which can help with diagnosing issues or upgrading system parts.
• 😀 Everything's speed and efficiency make it an indispensable tool for tasks like modding and save file editing, where searching for specific files is time-consuming.
• 😀 RetroArch offers features like netplay and Retro Achievements, making it a complete tool for retro gaming enthusiasts seeking a streamlined gaming experience.

Q & A

What is CPU-Z and how is it useful for PC users?

CPU-Z is a tool that provides detailed information about your CPU, motherboard, chipset, memory, and more. It is particularly useful for diagnosing system issues, upgrading hardware, or gathering essential system details that are hard to obtain directly from Windows.

How does 'Everything' improve file searching on a PC?

'Everything' is a highly efficient search tool that quickly indexes and searches all files on your PC and connected devices. Unlike Windows' built-in search, which can be slow and inconsistent, 'Everything' makes file discovery fast and simple, especially useful for tasks like modding or save file editing.

Why is Steam highlighted in this video despite being a well-known gaming platform?

Steam is discussed for its controller remapping options, which help address compatibility issues with controllers in games. This feature is particularly useful for gamers who prefer using a controller but encounter problems with games not recognizing controllers or assigning incorrect functions.

What is the K-Lite Mega Codec Pack and why is it important?

The K-Lite Mega Codec Pack is a collection of codecs that ensures compatibility with a wide range of video formats, including older or obscure ones. It's essential for running retro PC games and for playing video files, like MKV, that may not work on modern systems without the proper codecs.

How does ScumVM help with old graphic adventure games?

ScumVM is an emulator designed to run classic graphic adventure games built on the SCUMM engine, like 'Monkey Island' and 'Day of the Tentacle.' It enables these older games to run on modern hardware, often with improved features like better resolution or additional customization options.

What is RetroArch and how is it beneficial for retro gaming enthusiasts?

RetroArch is an advanced emulator for playing games from older consoles, offering a customizable interface and support for netplay, achievements, and retro gaming challenges. While it can be difficult to set up, it provides an all-in-one platform for emulating a wide range of gaming systems.

What makes 86Box a powerful tool for PC emulation?

86Box is a powerful PC emulator that allows users to configure every aspect of old PC hardware, from the CPU and RAM to the sound card and storage. This makes it ideal for running old PC games that don’t function well on modern systems, providing an authentic experience similar to running them on original hardware.

What challenges might users face when using 86Box for PC emulation?

Setting up and configuring 86Box can be challenging due to its complexity. Users must understand the specific hardware configurations for the games they want to emulate, and the learning curve can be steep. However, once properly set up, it offers a unique way to experience old PC games.

What does 'Everything' do better than Windows' search feature?

'Everything' is much faster and more reliable than Windows' built-in search, especially when dealing with large files or multiple drives. It provides real-time indexing and search capabilities that allow users to locate files quickly across all connected devices.

Why is Steam's controller remapping feature superior to alternatives like Xpadder?

Steam’s controller remapping feature is superior because it is built directly into the platform and offers an easier and more consistent experience. Unlike other third-party tools like Xpadder, which can be outdated or complicated, Steam’s controller settings provide an integrated solution that works well with a variety of games.