The summer solstice is here, providing us the most daylight hours in the year. Sounds like the perfect setting for an adventure!
The adventure genre is vast, employing so many different mechanics, art styles, and narratives. For our summer solstice gaming, we’ve found some adventures in far-flung corners of the world – both real and fictitious. So, get your gaming station ready for a marathon session!
Horizon Forbidden West
Horizon Forbidden West came to PC in March 2024, bringing Aloy’s second adventure to our gaming monitors. Explore the phenomenally beautiful post-apocalyptic Earth, plagued by fearsome machines, an unstoppable blight, and vicious storm. There is discord amongst the people and the world is hurtling towards extinction. It’s up to you, as Aloy, to forge alliances and bring back balance.
The PC port includes the Burning Shores expansion story, so you can adventure for longer, and it has been optimised for PC gaming. There is support for NVIDIA DLSS 3, Super Ultrawide 32:9 resolutions, and unlocked frame rates. With the right settings and hardware, you can enjoy Horizon Forbidden West in glorious detail!
Horizon Forbidden West Official Specifications
| Component | Minimum Specs | Recommended Specs |
|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Windows 10 64-bit | Windows 10 64-bit |
| Processor | Intel Core i3-8100 AMD Ryzen 3 1300X | Intel Core i5-8600 AMD Ryzen 5 3600 |
| Memory | 16GB RAM | 16GB RAM |
| Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 4GB AMD Radeon RX 5500XT 4GB | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 AMD Radeon RX 5700 |
| Storage | 150GB available space | 150GB available space |
| Additional Notes | SSD recommended | SSD recommended |
Like to know more about Horizon Forbidden West? Check out our deep dive!
Assassin’s Creed Mirage
Travel to ninth-century Baghdad in Assassin’s Creed Mirage. Playing as Basim, a cunning street thief, this adventure is rife with mystery, parkour, and, well, stealthy assassinations. Through the Hidden Ones, an ancient organisation, he must become a Master Assassin if he is to find answers and justice. Scale buildings, disappear into the bustling streets, and explore every inch of this detailed city.
Drawing on fifteen years of Assassin’s Creed games, Mirage offers a modern take on the iconic features that we know and love. Rounding out to be satisfying gameplay with a stunning backdrop.
Assassin’s Creed Mirage Official Specifications
| Component | Minimum | Recommended | Enthusiast | Ultra |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Windows 10 -11 | Windows 10 -11 | Windows 10 – 11 | Windows 10 -11 |
| Processor | Intel i7 4790K AMD Ryzen 5 1600 | Intel i7 8700K AMD Ryzen 5 3600 | Intel i7 9700K AMD Ryzen 7 3700X | Intel i5 11600K AMD Ryzen 5 5600X |
| Memory | 8GB | 16GB | 16GB | 16GB |
| Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 AMD Radeon RX 570 | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti AMD Radeon RX 5600 XT | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 AMD Radeon RX 6900 XT |
| DirectX | Version 12 | Version 12 | Version 12 | Version 12 |
| Storage | 40GB available space | 40GB available space | 40GB available space | 40GB available space |
We’re fans of the Assassin’s Creed franchise. We have dedicated articles for both Mirage and the upcoming Shadows. Have a peek if you’d like to know about either of these action-packed adventures.
Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree DLC
With the expansive DLC dropping literally the day before the summer solstice, we have to travel to the Lands Between and beyond with Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree. This DLC brings a whole new story set in the Land of the Shadow. Formidable foes wait in this uncharted territory, where drama and intrigue are intertwined to create a dark fantasy world. An epic quest awaits.
There are gruesome new monsters to fight, an expansive map to explore, and challenging dungeons to complete. Better yet, there is exciting new equipment to find and master, as you travel in the Erdtree’s shadow. Plus, you are free to progress the story at your own pace, storming through the compelling narrative or taking your time questing to the far corners of this land.
Please note: this is a DLC and requires the base game to play.
Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree DLC Official Specifications
| Component | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Windows 10 | Windows 10-11 |
| Processor | Intel Core i5 8400 AMD Ryzen 3 3300X | Intel Core i7 8700K AMD Ryzen 5 3600X |
| Memory | 12GB RAM | 16GB RAM |
| Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 AMD Radeon RX 580 | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 AMD Radeon RX Vega 56 |
| DirectX | Version 12 | Version 12 |
| Storage | 60GB available space | 60GB available space |
| Additional | Requires the base game to play | Requires the base game to play |
Sit Like an Elden Lord
Naturally, we can’t talk about anything Elden Ring without drawing your attention to the perfect throne: the noblechairs HERO Elden Ring Edition. Crafted with superior ergonomics, this gaming chair will boost both your comfort and aesthetics. The stunning gold accents, beautifully detailed World Tree embroidery, and plush PU leather come together to make this gaming chair a work of art. On top of that, you get adjustable lumbar support, 4D armrests, and a lockable tilt rocking mechanism. Configure your throne to meet your exact comfort needs.
Shadow of the Erdtree wasn’t the only big name DLC that dropped in June 2024.
Monster Hunter: World
What’s an adventure if it isn’t filled with giant, dangerous monsters? Monster Hunter: World is teeming with surprises, missions, and hunts. Every ten years, the elder dragons migrate across the New World in a phenomenon known as the Elder Crossing. The Guild wants to understand this event and has formed the Research Commission to investigate.
As a hunter, you must explore the various habitats, bustling with wildlife and resources. With each trip, you’ll take down various monsters and collect the materials you need to improve both your weapons and armour. There are fourteen different weapons to choose from, each with unique characteristics and attacks. Mix and match or specialise in one, whichever suits your hunting style best.
Monster Hunter: World Official Specifications
| Component | Minimum Specs | Recommended Specs |
|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Windows 10 64-bit | Windows 10 64-bit |
| Processor | Intel Core i5 4460 / i3 9100F AMD FX 6300 / Ryzen 3 3200G | Intel Core i7 3770 / i3 8350 / i3 9350F AMD Ryzen 5 1500X / 5 3400G |
| Memory | 8GB RAM | 8GB RAM |
| Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 760 / GTX 1050 AMD Radeon R7 260x / RX 560 | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 / GTX 1650 AMD Radeon RX 480 / RX 570 |
| DirectX | Version 11 | Version 11 |
| Network | Broadband Internet connection | Broadband Internet connection |
| Storage | 52GB available space | 52GB available space |
| Sound Card | DirectSound (DirectX 9.0c or later) | DirectSound (DirectX 9.0c or later) |
| Additional Notes | These specs allow for the game to be played in 1080p/30FPS with graphics settings at “Low”. 64-bit processor and operating system are required. | These specs allow for the game to be played in 1080p/30FPS with graphics settings at “High”. 64-bit processor and operating system are required. Windows 10 (Version 1809 or later) and a 4GB VRAM GPU (graphics board or video card) are required for DirectX 12 API. |
The Monster Hunter Series is full of picturesque locations to discover and behemoth beasties to defeat. Check out our round up of Monster Hunter: Rise and the Sunbreak DLC if you’re after more monster hunting mayhem.
Soulmask
Our last pick, Soulmask, burst onto the survival genre, releasing ahead of schedule into early access. This adventure sees you fleeing a sacrificial ritual and finding a mysterious mask along the way. It’s magical and holds potent knowledge that changes the way you see the world. Now it’s up to you to forge your own path, building a tribe and uncovering the many secrets this mask holds.
Soulmask offers a sandbox survival adventure, with both offline singleplayer and online multiplayer gameplay to experience. Engage in exciting combat, recruit NPCs to be your villagers, and grow your base to better your chances of survival. Where Soulmask truly shines, however, is that there is no fixed protagonist. One of the many powers the mask offers is the ability synchronise your consciousness with the tribespeople you recruit. Take over their bodies and take advantage of their unique skillsets! No NPC is off limits either. If they exist in game, you can possess them!
Please note: Soulmask is still in early access, with aspects of the game still being developed and fine-tuned.
Soulmask Official Specifications
| Component | Minimum Specs | Recommended Specs |
|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Windows 10 64-bit | Windows 10 64-bit |
| Processor | Intel Core i5-8400 AMD Ryzen 3 3300X | Intel Core i7-9700 AMD Ryzen 7 3700X |
| Memory | 16GB RAM | 24GB RAM |
| Graphics | NVIDIA GTX 970 4GB AMD RX 580 4GB | NVIDIA RTX 3060 AMD Radeon 6700XT |
| DirectX | Version 12 | Version 12 |
| Network | Broadband Internet connection | Broadband Internet connection |
| Storage | 25GB available space | 25GB available space |
| Sound Card | On board | On board |
| Additional Notes | SSD recommended | SSD recommended |
Survival adventures are a great test of your skills. Here are a few more to investigate if Soulmask isn’t vibing with your summer solstice needs.
Best PCs for Adventures
You need the right equipment when partaking in an adventure or two. Here at Overclockers UK, we have an extensive range of gaming PCs and laptops built just for that purpose. Should your summer solstice adventure pack need an upgrade, check out a few of our favourites right here! If they aren’t the right tool for the job, our full collection awaits.
Refract Gaming Celeste Pre-Built PC
- Pre-built PC – ready to plug and play!
- AMD Ryzen 7 7700X CPU with Zen 4 architecture
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 GPU
- DDR5 RAM and SSD storage
- Covered by our three years part and labour warranty
MSI Pulse 17 Gaming Laptop
- 17” QHD+ display with 240Hz refresh rate
- Intel Core Ultra 9 CPU with AI enhancements
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 GPU built on Ada Lovelace architecture
- DDR5 RAM and NVMe SSD storage
- Reshaped cooling vent with multi-directional outlet
OcUK Gaming Buzzard Configurable PC
- Configurable gaming PC – customise the PC case, cooler, cables, and more
- Choose from a 13th Gen Intel Core CPU
- Selection of AMD Radeon RX 7000 Series GPUs
- Up to 64GB DDR5 RAM
- Flexible storage solution with up to three SSDs
More Summer Solstice Fun
Fancy playing something else with the longest day of the year? We have plenty more gaming inspo for you!
Where Will Your Summer Solstice Adventures Take You?
Drop a comment below if you’ll be partaking in an adventure this summer solstice!
PC specs are subject to change.
- 9 min read
Emily Haylock
Author
Emily is a board and cosy gamer, keyboard obsessive, and content copywriter for Overclockers UK. She has been with Overclockers UK since 2020, writing about everything from noblechairs to 8Pack PCs. She writes from within her desk nest with a foster pup at her feet. (What, a desk duvet is a totally normal thing!) In her downtime, she likes to play board games, farming sims, and old-school Final Fantasy. IX to be specific. It is the best, and that is a hill she will die on.
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