I strongly suggest you check out these 3 essential games to play this weekend on PS5, Xbox, and PC.

      Some weekends are meant for comfort, while others are all about chaos. This particular weekend? It's a mix of both. Whether you're returning to a classic game that shaped a generation, exploring a drastically upgraded open-world title, or checking out a cult classic from this generation that’s about to leave Game Pass, the variety here is impressive.

      1. Tomb Raider I-III Remastered

      There’s something uniquely enchanting about revisiting the origins of a franchise, and Tomb Raider I-III Remastered fully embraces that sentiment. This collection features Lara Croft's original adventures, enhanced with updated visuals, allowing players to switch between the classic graphics and the modern remaster at will. However, the essence remains—this is still the same meticulous, puzzle-centric platforming that marked the late ’90s, characterized by careful jumps, environmental obstacles, and a persistent feeling of solitude.

      Aspyr / Crystal Dynamics

      What makes this collection appealing today isn’t solely the nostalgia factor, but also how distinct it feels compared to current action-adventure titles. There’s no excessive guidance here. The levels are expansive, secrets are genuinely concealed, and solving challenges feels rewarding. That slower, more deliberate pacing can be a refreshing change if recent games have seemed overly directed or cinematic.

      Additionally, the remaster excels at smoothing out some of the rougher aspects without compromising the original charm. Notably, the controls still based on grid-movement have become much more user-friendly. If you’re subscribed to PlayStation Plus, accessing this title is a no-brainer, as it’s been recently added. Otherwise, it typically retails for around $29.99 in the US.

      2. Crimson Desert

      Crimson Desert has made headlines and occupied top spots on Steam for what seems like an eternity, but recent updates have enhanced it into something much more intriguing than its initial previews hinted at. Created by Pearl Abyss, the game fuses extensive open-world exploration with cinematic storytelling, immersing players in a continent ravaged by war, filled with political tension, fierce combat, and spontaneous encounters.

      Pearl Abyss

      The gameplay centers on fluid melee combat, large-scale battles, and emergent world events. However, what's particularly noticeable post-launch is the world’s level of interactivity. Recent patches have markedly improved both movement and abilities, making exploration more engaging without wasting players' time. Performance upgrades have also been evident; earlier issues regarding stuttering and inconsistent frame rates have largely been resolved with optimization updates, particularly on mid-to-high-end PCs.

      At approximately $59.99 in the US, it’s marketed as a premium title, and while it might not be flawless, it finally feels polished. This weekend presents an excellent opportunity to dive in, especially if previous doubts kept you from trying it earlier.

      3. Grand Theft Auto V

      Few games require an introduction quite as much as Grand Theft Auto V, but this weekend, there’s an added sense of urgency. The game is set to leave Xbox Game Pass at the end of the month, making this the ideal (and possibly final) chance to revisit Los Santos for free. Whether it's reliving the story or just wreaking havoc in free roam, GTA V remains incredibly accessible.

      Rockstar Games

      At its heart, the game revolves around three protagonists (Michael, Franklin, and Trevor) whose lives converge through various heists, betrayals, and high-stakes missions. However, let’s be real; most players aren’t returning solely for the narrative. The true allure of GTA V lies in its open-world sandbox. It's one of those exceptional games where simply existing in the environment is engaging enough. Even today, Los Santos feels vibrant in a way that few other open-world games can achieve.

      And if the single-player mode doesn’t capture your interest, there’s always GTA Online, which keeps advancing with new content, modes, and wildly extravagant activities. Typically priced around $29.99 in the US, the opportunity to play through Game Pass right now is a bargain, particularly with time running out.