Just like pretty much everything else these days, the prices of the best gaming monitors have risen significantly, especially if youre looking at displays with OLED panels, massive screens, and high refresh rates at sharp resolutions. Luckily, there is still an excellent pool of affordable monitors out there that dont sacrifice image quality and features as much as youd think. Just look at the Xiaomi G Pro 27i, with its incredible mini-LED, quantum dot screen for well under $400. It's my top pick for a reason: it competes with monitors that cost hundreds of dollars more and is an object lesson in the kind of quality that's available on a limited budget... if you know where to look.TL;DR These Are the Best Budget Gaming Monitors:Our Top PickXiaomi G Pro 27i Mini-LED Gaming MonitorSee it at AmazonBest 1080pAsus TUF Gaming VG277Q1ASee it at AmazonBest 1440pLG UltraGear 27GN800-BBest 4KKTC H27P22SSee it at AmazonBest ultrawideDell S3422DWGThe best budget gaming monitors may lack certain technology and features, but they still provide an excellent display to enjoy all the capabilities of your gaming PC. Even mid-range graphics cards and CPUs can be pushed to the extreme, as high-refresh and 4K monitors can go for relatively cheap. While there are often trade-offs, like height-adjustable stands on the low-end and value-adds like KVM switches on the high-end, by focusing on performance and your personal "must haves," you can find truly great values at every price point.Now, not all budget gaming monitors are created equal, and if something appears too good to be true, it probably is. A $100 monitor might be a great deal upfront, but chances are good itll die quickly and/or strain your eyes as you game, doing more harm than good in the end. Our picks may cost a bit more than $100, but their solid builds, excellent panels, and gaming features make for a better experience. However, just like any other gaming accessory, nicer gaming monitors are available if youre willing to spend. Additional contributions by Danielle Abraham, Matthew S. SmithLooking for deals? Check out the best gaming monitor deals right now.1. Xiaomi G Pro 27i Mini-LED Gaming Monitor Best Overall Budget Gaming Monitor Our Top PickXiaomi G Pro 27i Mini-LED Gaming MonitorIncredible picture quality at an awesome price. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsScreen Size27Aspect Ratio16:9 Resolution2,560 x 1,440Panel typeIPSBrightness1,000 cd/m2 Refresh rate180Hz Response time1msInputs2 x DisplayPort 1.4, 2 x HDMI 2.0, 1 x 3.5mm AudioPROSHigh brightness and deep contrastGreat color accuracyOutstanding picture quality and HDRRobust 1,152 local dimming zonesCONSBloom on dark grey backgroundsNo USB hubThe Xiaomi G Pro 27i is the most surprising gaming monitor I've reviewed so far in 2024. At around $330 at the time of writing, it's a high water mark for what you should expect from affordable gaming monitors. While it's not the cheapest, even for a 27-inch 1440p display, it truly offers more than the competition and offers a fantastic picture and gaming experience. Unlike most budget gaming monitors, the Xiaomi G Pro 27i uses mini-LED technology to backlight its display and has full array local dimming (FALD). This allows the display to intelligently dim dark areas of the screen for improved contrast. There are other FALD mini-LED displays out there around its price, but none of them so far hold a candle to the G Pro 27i. That's because of its incredible 1,152 local dimming zones, an amount typically only found on monitors upward of $700. This reduces blooming (glowing around bright objects) substantially and makes for a better viewing experience. Its HDR experience is fantastic, head and shoulders above any other monitor on this list. In fact, its picture is much closer to OLEDs, which typically cost double, triple, and sometimes quadruple its price, but doesn't have the risk of burn-in or have issues with text clarity.Xiaomi used a killer panel for this display. It's able to clock up to 180Hz for ultra-smooth gameplay and low motion blur. In its DCI-P3, sRGB, and Adobe RGB color modes, it offers accurate colors for content creation. It's also compatible with variable refresh rate systems with AMD FreeSync and, though the manufacturer doesn't say it, Nvidia's G-Sync also worked fine in my testing. It's no exaggeration to say that this monitor blew me away, but it's not perfect. To keep the price low, Xiaomi chose to get leave out any kind of USB hub or USB Type-C connectivity. It also only supports HDMI 2.0, but since its resolution is only 1440p, it still works well with Xbox and PlayStation consoles. There's also a dearth of gaming features. But for a monitor of this caliber at this price, those trade-offs are completely worthwhile. Simply put: this is the gaming monitor to buy right now if you want picture quality similar to an OLED without the usual drawbacks and hefty price tag. 2. Asus TUF Gaming VG277Q1ABest Budget 1080p Gaming MonitorBest 1080pAsus TUF Gaming VG277Q1AFor around $150, this monitor offers great gaming performance with few drawbacks. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsScreen Size27Aspect Ratio16:9Resolution1,920 x 1,080Panel typeVA, FreeSync Premium, G-Sync CompatibleBrightness350 cd/m2Refresh rate165Hz Response time1msInputs2x HDMI 1.4, 1x DisplayPort 1.2, 1 x Audio JackPROSGreat colors and impressive contrastELMB support for improved motion clarityVESA support for third-party standsCONSSlightly lower pixel densityNo height adjustmentThe Asus TUF Gaming VG277Q1A is a killer value that's able to run with ease on a wide range of hardware. You won't need the latest graphics card to push this display to its limits, and thanks to its VA panel, you can enjoy deeper blacks and wider dynamic range in all types of games. With a 1ms gray-to-gray response time and game-enhancing features to give you an edge in competitive shooters and esports, it offers great "bang" for the buck.In this price range, I tend to look toward VA panels. Though IPS panels are known for their colors, VA panels like the one used here are often just as good (or close to it) while offering a substantially better gaming experience due to their improved blacks. This model is also decently bright for the price at 350 nits, so colors will pop and gaming in well-lit rooms won't be an issue. It also offers some game-enhancing features designed to give you an edge in competitive matches. You can enable an on-screen reticle for games that lack one, turn on Shadow Boost to peek into the dark and easily identify enemies, and turn on an Extreme Low Motion Blur (ELMB) mode to reduce motion blur for a smoother, clearer gaming experience. There are only two big drawbacks worth knowing before pulling the trigger. First, like a lot of gaming monitors around this price, the stand isn't height adjustable. It supports VESA mounting (100 x 100mm), so you can grab your own aftermarket stand or monitor arm if you can't get its positioning to your liking, but that means spending a little extra money if it's not a perfect fit right out of the box. Second, while its spacious 27-inch screen is a Pro for immersion and taking up more of your field of view, it's a Con for total crispness, given its 1080p resolution. This monitor is as big as you can go before the screen door effect sets in, so while it looks good, it's not as sharp as a 24-inch display at this resolution.What it brings to the table is far more than what it lacks, however, and this is an upgrade I recommend if you want noticeable improvements to your gaming experience without over-spending.3. LG UltraGear 27GN800-BBest 1440p Budget Gaming MonitorBest 1440pLG UltraGear 27GN800-BGet speeds up to 144Hz in 1440p on this monitor that doesnt forget adaptive sync technology and excellent color accuracy.Product SpecificationsScreen Size27Aspect Ratio16:9 Resolution2,560 x 1,440Panel typeIPS FreeSync and G-SyncResponse time1msInputs2x HDMI, 1x DisplayPortPROSSolid HDR gamingGreat color accuracyCONSStand isnt height adjustableThe LG Ultragear 27GN800-B is a great upgrade for gamers on a budget. For under $300, you get a boost in resolution to 2,560 x 1,440, which brings a serious increase in sharpness compared to a 1080p monitor. Those crisp visuals will pop even more thanks to great color accuracy and decent factory calibration. Its 27-inch screen is spacious enough to deliver an immersive gaming experience that perfectly balances crisp details with reasonable system requirements.This 27-inch gaming monitor excels in other areas, too. It has a 144Hz refresh rate and is compatible with AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync for smooth, tear-free HDR gaming. One aspect that I place a lot of value on is that it features Low Framerate Compensation. If your system struggles to hit the 144Hz maximum, the monitor is able to insert frames and sync with the refresh rate, making games that would otherwise be choppy play more smoothly. The biggest drawback to this display is that its stand isn't height adjustable. Depending on your desk setup, you may find that it's not positioned perfectly for your height. It supports a standard 100 x 100mm VESA mount, however, so it's easy to swap the included stand with something more adjustable if height is an issue. Still, it's got the feature set and affordable price to make this a prime pick.4. KTC H27P22DBest 4K Budget Gaming MonitorBest 4KKTC H27P22SThis gaming monitor offers a fast and fantastic picture on a limited budget.See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsScreen Size27 Aspect Ratio16:9Resolution3,840 x 2,160Panel typeIPS FreeSync PRemium, G-Sync CompatibleBrightness400 cd/m2Refresh rate160HzResponse time1msInputs2 x DisplayPort 1.4, 2 x HDMI 2.1, 1 x 3.5mm AudioPROSSharp 4K screenGreat for consoles thanks to HDMI 2.1 connectivityFast refresh rateExcellent value overallCONSNo USB connectivityNot factory calibratedThe KTC H27P22D is an object lesson in how far the budget gaming monitor market has advanced. Coming in at $400, and regularly on sale for much less (as of this writing, it can be had for as low as $340) shows that you don't need to spend an arm and a leg to get a great, high refresh rate, 4K gaming experience. In truth, I find it hard to find too much to criticize about this display. It's a well-rounded package at an exceptionally reasonable price. If you have the hardware to run it, it is absolutely worth considering.In addition to its crisp 4K resolution, the H27P22D offers an impressively speedy 160Hz refresh rate. This comes with full support for AMD FreeSync Premium and compatibility with Nvidia G-Sync, so you can enjoy a smooth gaming experience even if you can't quite hit that high refresh rate. It's a stellar pick for console gaming too, thanks to its dual HDMI 2.1 ports. Just bring a headset or pair of speakers because there are none included here, though given the quality of most monitor speakers, I don't consider that a major drawback. As is common with budget gaming monitors, there's a bit of overpromising in the marketing, but its real world performance remains impressive for the price. While its 400 nits of peak brightness isn't bright enough for true high dynamic range, it's certainly bright enough to deliver a vivid SDR gaming experience. Its color coverage is also great, though, unlike more expensive 4K gaming monitors, it's not calibrated at the factory. It's fine for gaming where perfectly accuracte colors are less important, but for creative work, you'll need to invest in a colorimeter or find a downloadable ICC profile. It also lacks a USB hub (it's sole USB Type-A port is for software upgrades only), so you won't be able to connect peripherals directly.Given everything you're getting here, its shortcomings are more than forgiveable. These same features would have cost hundreds and hundreds more only a couple short years ago. The KTC H27P22D is a gift to budget-conscious gamers interested in upgrading to Ultra HD.Dell S3422DWG5. Dell S3422DWGBest Ultrawide Budget Gaming Monitor Best ultrawideDell S3422DWGImmerse yourself in the action with a cheap, ultrawide curved monitor delivering a 1440p/144Hz refresh rate.Product SpecificationsScreen Size34Aspect Ratio21:9Resolution3,440 x 1,440 Panel typeVA FreeSync Brightness400 cd/m2 Refresh rate144HzResponse time1msInputs2x HDMI, 1x DisplayPortPROSGreat contrastImmersive wide, curved displayCONSMinor ghostingAn ultrawide curved monitor is a great choice if you want an immersive gaming experience, and the Dell S3422DWG stands out as the best budget ultrawide. It has a contrast-rich VA panel with a resolution of 3,440 x 1,440 that provides a vibrant, sharp image that looks great in any genre of game. The 21:9 aspect ratio and slight curvature of the screen wrap around your field of vision, so you can focus on the action occurring in your games rather than outside distractions. When it comes to large ultrawides like this one, I always prefer the "1440p" resolution over the ultrawide equivalent of 1080p. Though it does require a bit more graphics power to run than a 16:9 1440p monitor, the higher pixel density makes for a much better image. The monitor features a solid 144Hz refresh rate and supports AMD FreeSync. This means your games should play butter-smooth. The S3422DWG can suffer motion blur behind dark objects, but motion clarity is otherwise strong.Despite its competitive price, the S3422DWG is an attractive monitor. It has a height-adjustable stand, two HDMI ports, one DisplayPort, and can even be used as a USB hub.How Much Should You Spend on a Gaming Monitor?If you're looking for a budget gaming monitor, a good sweet spot to aim for is around $200-$300. You can find plenty of gaming monitors that are cheaper than that, but then you start running into issues with quality. You're going to have to make compromises either way, but in general, a gaming monitor should last 3-5 years, and a $100 gaming monitor probably isn't going to do that. In order to find a gaming monitor that hits that price tag, you'll need to know what to look for in a gaming monitor, and figure out which areas are most important to you, so you can make the right compromise for your needs. Gamers on a tight budget dont have to make as many sacrifices as they once did, but theres still a need for some compromise. In general, you can go for a higher resolution, or you can go for a higher refresh rate, but you sadly wont be able to snag both in a budget gaming monitor.1080p remains the standard go-to resolution in budget displays. It certainly lacks the clarity of modern 4K TVs, but on the plus side, the low display resolution means you wont need high-end hardware to play new games and achieve high frame rates. 1440p resolution is a nice upgrade, and a better overall value if you can stretch your budget. A 1440p monitor with a 27-inch screen actually has a higher pixel density than a 48-inch 4K television. However, this means a 240Hz refresh rate will no longer be affordable. 4K is available on a budget but you should expect to pay closer to $400 or to make bigger sacrifices in brightness or screen size. You should also bear in mind the higher system requirements to run 4K resolution at high frame rates. In any case, this is the compromise you must make if you want to play at 4K for as little cash as possible.The refresh rate of budget gaming monitors is generally 60 to 240Hz, with most landing at 144Hz or 165Hz. A refresh rate of 144Hz is a great all-around choice that can handle most games with ease, but 240Hz is a noticeable upgrade for players who only care about competitive games. 360Hz is also now more in reach for cheaper gaming monitors than it used to be.Its important to note that a monitors maximum refresh rate may not be supported by every input. For example, many monitors that reach up to 165Hz will only support 144Hz over HDMI. DisplayPort is the best bet if you want to use a high refresh rate.A monitors display panel technology is an important and often overlooked factor. All the monitors we recommend use either an IPS or VA panel. IPS panels are prized for motion clarity, vibrance, and responsiveness, all of which makes them great for competitive gaming. VA panels have a much better contrast ratio and far superior dark scene performance, so theyre better for games with immersive, high-end graphics.Panel TypesTN (twisted nematic)IPS (in-plane switching)VA (vertical alignment)OLED (organic light-emitting diode)Screen size is less of a limitation than it used to be. Our budget gaming monitor guide focuses on 27-inch options, alongside a 34-inch ultrawide. Smaller monitors (24-inch) tend to be less expensive and are also preferred by competitive gamers, who want the entire display to be firmly within their focus. Larger monitors (32-inch and up) are more immersive, but will start to lose detail if not accompanied by a higher resolution. With that said, it is possible to buy a monitor thats too large for your desk, so make sure to measure if youre unsure. If in doubt, a 27-inch monitor with a 16:9 aspect ratio is a safe bet.Its wise to buy a monitor with Nvidia G-Sync or AMD FreeSync support, depending on whether you have an Nvidia or AMD video card. Many budget gaming monitors support both. My preferred picks all list the standards they support.Finally, a note about HDR. While HDR is marketed on many affordable monitors, it unfortunately remains unimpressive on most as they only get up to a maximum 400-nits of screen brightness. A maximum brightness of 400-nits is considered "HDR compatible" because it will technically display this content but it will lack the dynamic range required to display more than SDR.Budget Gaming Monitor FAQsWhat is the best type of panel?Budget gaming monitors typically come with either a VA or IPS panel. One of my picks is an IPS monitor with a mini-LED backlight and trumps both other panel types due to how the technology is implemented. Go with that if your budget and needs allow for it. Otherwise, the choice between VA and IPS comes down to three things: response time, colors, and contrast.For response time and color accuracy, IPS panels are the way to go, though the former is much less of a concern than it used to be. These days, 1ms panels exist for both types. IPS monitors still tend to offer the most vivid and accurate colors, however.For contrast, unless the monitor uses a mini-LED backlight like my top pick, VA has a major advantage. Because it doesn't use edge-lighting like IPS panels do, dark colors and blacks look much more rich. Because of this, VA panels can offer a better dynamic range. While there is no "best," there are certainly better choices depending on what you value most in a gaming monitor.When are gaming monitors most affordable?The best time to buy a gaming monitor for a reasonable price (or a budget gaming monitor for even cheaper than usual) is during shopping events like Amazon Prime Day and Black Friday. Gaming monitor deals can also pop up during Back to School sales, and major retailers usually lower the price on older models to make way for new releases. What size gaming monitor should I get for gaming?Its really a matter of personal preference when choosing a gaming monitor, but there are some general rules of thumb to keep in mind. The first is the most obvious: consider your available space. You don't want to get excited for your new monitor to arrive only to find that it won't fit into your gaming space. Next, consider the resolution of the monitors you're considering and how it relates to pixel density. A 24-inch monitor is more compact and is a good fit for 1080p gaming. For 1440p, 27 to 32 inches is a good fit, offering plenty of detail and a bigger-screen gaming experience. For 4K, I recommend a minimum of 27 inches to take advantage of its higher pixel count. Also beware of 1080p monitors larger than 27-inches as each pixel becomes visible at this size, leading to a screen door effect.Christopher Coke has been a regular contributor to IGN since 2019 and has been covering games and technology since 2013. He has covered tech ranging from gaming controllers to graphics cards, gaming chairs and gaming monitors, headphones, IEMs, and more for sites such as MMORPG.com, Toms Hardware, Popular Science, USA Today, and Popular Mechanics. Find Chris on X at @gamebynight.

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle begins with a nearly shot-for-shot recreation of Raiders of the Lost Arks famous opening. Why? Well, for one thing, its an incredible sequence. It also gives developer MachineGames a chance to show you the gameplay ropes via scenes that perfectly demonstrate nearly everything Indiana Jones is about.More importantly, that opening sends the clear message that The Great Circle exists to deliver the kind of Indiana Jones gaming experience weve never really gotten before. Yes, there have been good Indiana Jones games, but the kind of big-budget adventures required to recreate such an iconic sequence have been few and far between. Meanwhile, otherwise incredible gaming franchises like Uncharted and Tomb Raider have practically built their empires by offering close enough Indiana Jones campaigns.With The Great Circle, MachineGames does more than make up for lost time. They deliver the kind of Indiana Jones experience we never thought wed see again. In the process, they also help Dr. Jones stake his claim in a medium that owes him a tremendous debt.The Great Circle Offers the Best Indiana Jones Story in DecadesSet between Raiders of the Lost Ark and The Last Crusade, The Great Circle properly begins with a mysterious large man stealing one of Indiana Jones prized artifacts. While searching for that item, Jones uncovers another Nazi plot to use ancient artifacts to take over the world. This time, it seems the Nazis and their allies are following the titular Great Circle, a mythical path around the globe that they believe will lead them to a tremendous treasure.It would be a crime to tell you any more about The Great Circles narrative. MachineGames has always been an excellent storytelling studio, but theyve outdone themselves this time. Its not just the genuinely compelling twists and the ways they are perfectly placed throughout a globetrotting adventure; its the way that every inch of this games narrative and presentation so clearly demonstrate how much this team understands and loves this franchise.Yes, The Great Circle features timeline-appropriate callbacks to Raiders of the Lost Ark and Temple of Doom. However, the game rarely relies on mere easter eggs. Even the legendary Indiana Jones theme is used sparsely and with great care. MachineGames is more interested in using the considerable technological advantages of this medium to craft what is essentially a lost Indiana Jones movie that never got made during the creative prime of the series.So far as that goes, voice actor Troy Baker deserves love for essentially playing a 1980s version of Harrison Ford. Rather than settle for an SNL-like impersonation, though, Baker delivers a performance that feels close enough to being his own while still forcing you to stop and remember that is not Ford spitting out one-liners in the VO booth. Without that performance, the dream experience this game aspires to deliver would have fallen apart.Its not just Baker, though. The Great Circles cast is packed with actors who are clearly thrilled to be playing some of the best characters in any Indiana Jones story. Hearing the late Tony Todd play the mysterious Locus is an obvious highlight, though the show is often stolen by Marios Gavrilis portrayal of Emmerich Voss, a rival archeologist who finds new and surprising ways to remind us why Nazis are evergreen villains.Mind you, there are some lowlights in this area of the game. Indys main companion, reporter Gina Lombardi, is often forced to fulfill the sidekick who is mysteriously great at lockpicking role, and the plot does veer into some wild mystical territory that I think MachineGames has handled a bit better in their Wolfenstein series. The game also relies on played-out design tricks, such as hidden loading screens in crawlspaces, that occasionally undermine the brilliance of its narrative.Still, calling this the best Indiana Jones story of the last 30 years is a tragic understatement. Remarkably, that story isnt even The Great Circles best feature.The Great Circles Gameplay Lets You Make It Up as You GoWed seen very little of The Great Circles gameplay in the lead up to the games release, which is usually be a red flag. But in this instance, it turns out that MachineGames may have been trying to hide the ways The Great Circle essentially delivers a Thief-like immersive sim experience disguised as an Indiana Jones title.The Great Circles main levels are sizeable hubs filled with hidden items and side quests. For instance, the early Vatican City area allows you to participate in an underground fascist boxing ring (if you can find the right disguise, of course) or help a priest rescue his captured assistant. All the while, youre encouraged to stay on the lookout for hidden items, stat-bolstering food and fruit, cash, and other collectible goodies.These objectives are compelling and extend the game beyond the 10-12 hours it will take you to complete the main quest. However, they often also reward you with Adventure Points that can be used to learn new skills from hidden books scattered throughout the major areas. The economy of encouraging you to find those books and the points required to unlock their abilities flows beautifully, feels true to the adventurous nature of the character, and grants the game the kind of depth were just not used to seeing in other action-adventure titles.Impressively, that depth extends beyond those optional activities. The Great Circle often offers you multiple ways to overcome its various challenges or otherwise encourages you to think just a little harder than you would in similar titles. Enemy encampments can be overcome in several different ways, areas are largely free to be explored as youd like, and the games puzzles are both abundant and surprisingly challenging. They are not Myst-like mind-benders by any means (and the game offers generous hints and puzzle difficulty options), but theyre substantial enough to make you feel like youre raiding a tomb rather than inching through a pre-determined progression path.Unfortunately, the games combat and stealth arent nearly as satisfying as its puzzles and quests. Sneaking around enemies is often as simple as crouching and making sure you dont fill a guards awareness meter too quickly. Shooting is very bullet-spongy and nowhere near as good as what youll find in Wolfenstein. Most melee fights boil down to a repetitious series of simple strikes regulated by your stamina bar. In theory, its incredibly enjoyable to punch a Nazi in the face or crack a toilet plunger over their head. In practice, enemy encounters quickly become repetitive.When it comes to big set piece action moments, The Great Circle is as thrilling as anything else out there. In terms of moment-to-moment combat, though, it lacks the simple, yet satisfying, gunplay of the Uncharted franchise or the more creative blends of stealth and violence found in the recent Tomb Raider games. While I understand the decision to de-emphasize the freedom to commit violence in an Indiana Jones game, that doesnt quite explain why the individual components of the games combat are so basic given that MachineGames has offered better versions of those components in their other titles.Yet, were ultimately talking about a relatively minor shortcoming in what is clearly MachineGamess greater quest to use Indiana JonesUncharted TerritoryIndiana Jones and the Great Circle could have been an Uncharted game starring Indiana Jones, and it probably still would have ended up being the best Indiana Jones game ever made. After all, Uncharted has long been referred to as Naughty Dogs attempt to give us the Indiana Jones game wed given up on ever playing, and weve been happy to have it.With The Great Circle, though, MachineGames showcases the many flaws in that seemingly simple comparison. We tend to remember Indiana Jones as the larger-than-life center of incredible action set piece moments. The truth is that Indiana Jones is a throwback to the adventure heroes of old. He debuted before the action films of the 1980s turned action heroes into gun-toting, bar-brawling, nigh-invincible specimens who calmly walk away from the explosion they likely caused. In many ways, Nathan Drake and the Uncharted games feel like a version of Indiana Jones filtered through that era of cinematic action.The real Indiana Jones is intelligent, vulnerable, and willing to get physical only if it means making himself the barrier between evil and the integrity of humanity. Hes an explorer, not a conqueror. An academic, not an assassin. When you play MachineGames interpretation of that character, youll realize how often weve been settling for mere aspects of Indiana Jones in even the best games inspired by his legacy.More than staying true to the character they love, MachineGames has delivered the trojan horse that action-adventure games need right now. We may never get the full-throated return of immersive sims like Deus Ex, Dishonored, and Prey,Condemned and The Chronicles of Riddick. Were told that their disappointing sales just dont justify their creative brilliance.Yet, by delivering a far more accessible version of those games starring a legendary character, MachineGames argues that there is a world beyond the linear, sometimes overly-cinematic action-adventure titles designed using the Uncharted mold. I love those games, but theyve become the standard at the cost of more substantial experiences. With Uncharted: The Lost Legacy, Naughty Dog triedThe Great Circle offers at its best.Truth be told, I believe that MachineGames has an even better Indiana Jones game in them. For now, though, its more than enough that theyve delivered the most fulfilling Indiana Jones game ever while clearing the road for the return of a better kind of AAA action-adventure game. Most importantly, theyve reminded us that our love for Indiana Jones isnt rooted in nostalgia for movies gone by but rather in our appreciation of the fact that when hes treated right, there is no other hero quite like him.Indiana Jones and the Great Circle releases on Dec. 9 on Xbox Series X/S and PC. It will hit PlayStation 5 in 2025.

George R. R. Martin Begins to Accept the Inevitable About The Winds of WinterA Song of Ice and Fire author George R. R. Martin has reached an unfortunate new milestone in prognosticating The Winds of Winter's release.By Alec Bojalad | December 6, 2024 | | Photo: Amy Sussman | GA | The Hollywood Reporter via Getty ImagesFor most novelists, writing is a solitary activity. That is unfortunately no longer the case for legendary fantasy author George R. R. Martin. Ever since the creators A Song of Ice and Fire series became the epic HBO franchise Game of Thrones, his writing of the sixth book, The Winds of Winter, has become more of a group effort. While Martin is technically alone as he sits down at his ancient DOS computer to write, the specter of an impatient fanbase lingers behind his back, urging him to finish the novel that is now more than a decade past its initial due date. The world beyond that word processor is even more crowded. Every time Martin emerges from his New Mexico homestead to give an interview about one of the many upcoming adaptations of his works, he is inevitably confronted about The Winds of Winters status. After he gives the usual dissatisfactory answer that its coming along, but slowly, the internet responds with understandable outrage and the cycle of disappointment continues apace. Now, however, Martin appears to have come to a new stage in his Winds of Winter group-writing process: acceptance. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter about The Ugly Chickens, a short film Martin produced based on one of his good friend Howard Waldrops stories, reporter Lily Ford gets in the obligatory question about The Winds of Winters process. Breaking with the usual precedent of fine, but slow Martin finally acknowledges the possibility that the book will never see the light of day.Unfortunately, I am 13 years late, he told THR.Every time I say that, Im [like], How could I be 13 years late? I dont know, it happens a day at a time. But thats still a priority. A lot of people are already writing obituaries for me. [Theyre saying] Oh, hell never be finished. Maybe theyre right. I dont know. Im alive right now! I seem pretty vital! He adds that he could never retire hes not a golfer.For what its worth, this is still a relatively optimistic update from the author. Maybe theyre right [that Winds of Winter will never be finished] is a far way away from Theyre definitely right. Still, devoted Martinologists have clocked that this is the first time Martin has spoken so frankly about even the mere possibility he wont finish the novel. In doing so, the Game of Thrones creator is coming to a conclusion that his fans have already reached long ago.The reasons for Martins struggles with The Winds of Winter over the years are fairly self evident. For starters, George R. R. Martin the pop culture personality and Warner Bros. Discovery cash cow is likely a lot busier than George R.R. Martin the fantasy writer ever was. But more importantly: Martin just happened to build a fantasy world that grew so big over the span of five books that the sixth and seventh books are functionally impossible to write. Den of Geek has been on the George R. R. Martins Winds of Winter progress report beat for so long that I cant even track down the first article we discussed it in. In one of those old articles, I borrowed a paradoxical analogy about God from Sunday school that Ill invoke again here. With A Song of Ice and Fire, George R. R. Martin created a boulder so big he can no longer lift it. The politics, mythology, and lore of Westeros are so dense and the roster of characters has grown so large that there is no logically and dramaturgically satisfying way to wrap up everyones story. As he did previously with the fourth and fifth books, A Feast for Crows and A Dance with Dragons, Martin probably plugs away at The Winds of Winter until a contradiction pops up and then has to backtrack to resolve it. Thats how an update assuring hes about three-quarters of the way through can become on second thought, maybe Ill never finish it just two years later. Its a frustrating state of affairs for everyone, to be sure. But it must be particularly frustrating for the man at the center of it all. Be nice to your friendly neighborhood fantasy writer, even as you seethe at the likelihood of never getting to finish your favorite story.

SummaryFor The King II is coming to Xbox Game Pass on December 12!Adventure with a bigger party, enjoy updated combat and a ton of new mechanics.Learn some top tips to get started from IronOak Games Studio Director.Hello Adventurers! Today marks a huge milestone for our small studio, IronOak Games. We are ecstatic to let the Xbox community know that you will be able to play For the King II via Xbox Game Pass on December 12!We expect there to be hardened veterans of For the King reading this, but new recruits are joining the ranks of the Resistance, so gather round and let us tell you more about what awaits youFor The King II is the sequel to the massively popular For The King. Building on the successes of its predecessor, For The King II follows suit by bringing innovation and exciting gameplay to a much-loved RPG that blends the borders of rogue-lite elements and tabletop gameplay. Theres multiplayer, grid-based combat, fantastical adventure, and its flooded with opportunities for terrible party decisions. What more could you want? We have already been out for a year on Steam, which means Xbox users will receive the best version of the game, including the new infinite dungeon mode, skins, items, and plenty more!So, what is threatening Fahrul, you ask? The once beloved Queen Rosomon has turned against her subjects, gained immeasurable power, and partnered with nefarious forces both old and new. Gather your party in four player co-op, or adventure alone through Fahrul as you risk everything to fight the tyrannical queen and bring an end to her oppressive reign.Entering Fahrul For The First Time?Each biome has a Sanctum and a Stone Hero. Make sure to find each of them before moving into a new area. Sanctums give great buffs and a revive, while Stone Heroes are crucial to help level up quickly.The Biggest Changes Between For The King and For The King IIThe most obvious change is that weve expanded the party size. For The King II allows up to four players so you can have a bigger party, or you can play in a group of two and no one is the odd person out now that each can control two characters. Another really big change is combat. Combat now takes place on a grid, rather than a single line. Weve added a ton of new mechanics that allow for AOE spells, movement across tiles, tile buffs and debuffs, row attacks. There are a lot of ways to take on the baddies of Fahrul.Perfect Party CompositionI like to head out into Fahrul with the Hunter, Herbalist, Busker, and Blacksmith. This gives me a blend of magical and physical damage while getting a good range of flexibility across most stats. After unlocking more characters I do like to run with the Alchemist equipped with the Nimble trait.What Makes For The King II Replayable?Two areas really stick out for me with how replayable and addictive FTKII is. Multiplayer being one, its a great game to hop in and out of with different friend groups, and different playstyles; two, there are so many ways to approach each chapter, or the Dark Carnival that no two runs are ever the same.Thank you for being part of our next chapter, and we hope you enjoy For The King II!

The post Bethesda.net: Indiana Jones and the Great Circle Early Access Starts Now appeared first on Xbox Wire.

When it comes to decorating your homes exterior for the holidays, theres a lot of fanfare around the wreaths, garlands, and lights, but those porch plantersthe same ones that happily housed geraniums in the summer and mums in the falltend to go overlooked this time of year. They dont have to! Despite the colder temps, there are plenty of ways to twirl up an empty container or window box for the holiday season, from tree-shaped rosemary shrubs to boxwood orbs to lush and loose arrangements of items foraged from your surroundings. You dont even have to do any planting, necessarily. From freshly clipped tree branches and faux greenery to clusters of pinecones, you can embrace a mix of materials and textures to create an impactful and aesthetically pleasing display befitting any cottage, farmhouse, or cabin. How to Arrange Outdoor Christmas Planters Generally speaking, the classic thriller, filler, spiller rule is a good frame of reference to create any container. Start with your thriller, which is your focal plant or element (it could be a mini Christmas tree, for example). Next, layer in your filler, which is a material to round out your container. Finally, your spiller is any material that drapes or trails dramatically over the edges of the pot, such as large boughs of fir or trailing ivy. Below are 23 beautiful planters to give you inspiration. How to Care for Outdoor Christmas PlantersAs the season progresses, you can remove the more Christmas-y parts of your display, such as ribbons or ornaments, and your planter will look appropriate all winter long. Just snip out any pieces of greenery that begin to turn brown. If inserting real evergreen stems into soil in warmer climates, water the planter regularly. This will help the cuttings stay supple. In colder climates, dont worry about it: Most mixed-evergreen containers will last for months, especially if theyre not in direct sunlight.Find more inspiring seasonal dcor, flower arrangements, and holiday content:1Greenery-Filled Crock PlanterAdam Albright, styling by Kelly Ryan KegansCollect extra branches of greenery and put them upright in a stoneware crock for an easy outdoor planter. Adjust the height as desired by the length of your branches. You can even add a little water to the crock to help prolong the greenerys freshness.RELATED: 50+ DIY Christmas Wreaths to Give Your Guests the Prettiest Welcome2Woven Basket Christmas Tree PlanterDylan ChandlerIts no secret that were big proponents of a porch tree. Whether you deck it out or leave it untrimmed, a woven basket makes for the perfect skirt.RELATED: Tour the Inside of This 1830s Log Cabin That Perfects the Old-Fashioned Christmas Look.Advertisement - Continue Reading Below3Natural Topiary Christmas PlanterYuliia Blazhuk//Getty ImagesDried flowers, live vines, and evergreen garland twined around a conical topiary make a lovely display.RELATED: What Its Like to Own a Christmas Tree Farm4Pine Branches in a Stoneware JugNat Rea, styling by Matthew GleasonFor a twist on a traditional planter, place freshly clipped branches in a narrow-mouthed vessel, like a woven demijohn or stoneware jug.RELATED: Tour This Rhode Island Saltbox All Decked Out for Christmas with Fresh GreeneryAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below5Vintage Bucket PlantersNordeck Photography INC.Every farmhouse has at least one or two galvanized or enamel buckets around. So, put them to good use come Christmas as planters for small evergreen shrubs. Leave the trees bare or decorate with pine cones and even lights for extra glow. RELATED: 14 Types of Christmas Trees You Should Know About6Antique Wheelbarrow PlanterPhotography Sussie Bell, Styling Selina LakeWhether you fill it with soil and plantings or simply add a medley of containers, an old wheelbarrow is a great way to lend classically country charm to seasonal blooms.Advertisement - Continue Reading Below7Galvanized Tub PlanterPhotography Sussie Bell, Styling Selina LakeDainty hellebores and paperwhites look quite pretty when paired with worn and weathered metal containers. (Champagne buckets could work too.)8Greenery-Filled Urn PlantersRikki SnyderThe most instant-gratification way to flank a front door: Tuck fresh sprigs or big branches of greenery in large planters, such as these stone urns. The branches may not last into February, but they will at least sit pretty for your holiday party.RELATED: Tour Inside This Postcard-Perfect Farmhouse in the CatskillsAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below9Red Wagon Tree DisplayBrian WoodcockRemember how we said we love a good porch tree? Here, a smaller four-footerdecked only with a scarfsits atop a red wagon filled with presents. RELATED: Tour Inside This Charming Tennessee Cabin That is Rustic Revelry at its Finest10Wooden Crate PlanterCountry Living / Sussie BellWhether used indoors or out, a wooden crate is a useful vessel for an arrangement of amaryllis and freshly clipped greenery.RELATED: How to Care for an Amaryllis PlantAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below11Antique Watering Can PlanterPhotography Sussie Bell, Styling Selina LakeDress up a rusty old watering can with an assortment of seasonal clippings.12Potted Boxwood PlanterKaryn MilletYou can never go wrong with simple boxwoods, real or faux. For extra embellishment during the holiday season, tuck in a few bows.RELATED: Top 5 Christmas Decorating Trends for 2024, According to Designers. Yes, Bows are Still Very Much a Thing.Advertisement - Continue Reading Below13Wreaths Around Dog StatuesBecky Luigart-StaynerAs an alternative to a traditional planter, consider placing wreaths around statues that flank the front door. Here, dog statues look extra festive at a Mississippi hunting lodge designed by Richard Keith Langham.14Potted Trio PlantersDavid MeridithRound out your standard wreath-garland combo with a mini sled and assortment of potted plants and trees.RELATED: Tour the Inside of This Utah Home All Decked Out for the HolidaysAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below15Woven Basket Bevydmf87//Getty ImagesMatching wicker baskets hep unify this handsome wintry display of live trees and berried stems and grasses.16Boxwood and Birch Window BoxTammi Mild//Getty ImagesA combination of boxwood clippings and upright river birch branches make this a handsome window box arrangement. A light peppering of berries and a pretty poinsettia-themed bow add the finishing touches.Advertisement - Continue Reading Below17Lush and Lively Planterspeterspiro//Getty ImagesFilled with various types of greens and a collection of faux fruit and green stems, these eye-catching planters prove that more is more when it comes to holiday decor.RELATED: Learn All About Tudor-Style Houses18Country-Style Window BoxTammi Mild//Getty ImagesThis pretty window box is overflowing with greens, red twig dogwood sticks, and rattan balls. A plaid bow ups the country charm.RELATED: 20 DIY Window Boxes to Step Up Your Outdoor DcorAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below19Flocked Branches PlanterLaurie Rubin//Getty ImagesEnjoy a white Christmas, regardless of geography. Here, white pine is dressed up with flocking powder to simulate a snow-dusted arrangement. Branches of berries add some color and contrast. RELATED: A Step-by-Step Guide to Christmas Tree Flocking20Gold and Gilt PlanterSkyF//Getty ImagesA tall planter with simple lines is accented with gold ornaments and a gold star. Curly willow and berried branches add height and drama. Arricca Elin SanSoneContributing WriterArricca Elin SanSone is a freelance writer, editor, and digital content developer. She specializes in lifestyle and interior design content with a focus on gardening. Arricca earned dual bachelors degrees summa cum laude in English and classics from Hiram College, as well as an MBA cum laude from Georgia Southern University. Before writing full-time, Arricca studied in Rome, traveled in Europe, and taught school in Asia. With over a decade of experience, Arricca has pitched, researched, and crafted fresh story ideas and content to appeal to national audiences. She has written thousands of articles for print and digital publications such as Country Living, Good Housekeeping, Prevention, House Beautiful, and more. Shes passionate about gardening, baking, reading, and spending time with the people and dogs she loves.Janece MazeJanece Maze is Associate Editor at Country Living, where she covers DIY projects, gardening, and travel. When shes not in the kitchen creating a new recipe with farm fresh ingredients, you can find her on the road heading to a music festival or browsing a local consignment shop.

When Jennifer and Alec Litowitz first visited the scenic resort town of Big Sky, Montana, in 2019, they fell in love with a view: Nearly 9,000 feet up, at the top of Andesite Ridge in the private, gated Yellowstone Club, was a gently sloped piece of land that peered out over the breathtaking surrounding mountains. There was, however, one minor issue: Construction of a 10,000-square-foot, seven-bedroom limestone house was already underway on the site. So, the pair, who are Chicago-area private investors and philanthropists, decided to buy it. If we wanted that view, Jennifer says, this is how we were going to get it. Stephen Kent JohnsonIn the kitchen, custom walnut cabinetry is paired with honed green slate counters. Bronze stove hood by Amuneal; custom stools by Classic Design; pendant by Piet Hein Eek.Jennifer, no stranger to complex custom projectsshe oversaw the build of their Edwin Lutyensinspired home in Glencoe, Illinois, and the transformation of a former Boy Scout camp in Wisconsin into a charming family compoundmade a deal with her husband, she recalls with a laugh. She promised Alec, who founded Magnetar Capital, that she wouldnt move any walls. But she also told him, If were going to do this, I want to make it personal. She had in mind a winter vacation house, a kind of French boho ski chalet, as she puts it, for the couple and their four boys, ages 19 to 27avid skiers allthat was elegant and sophisticated yet unfussy. Its warm but very sensuous, without being slickEnter Commune, a Los Angelesbased design studio known for its California-cool style, whose projects have ranged from the Goop store in Lower Manhattan to a beach house in Santa Cruz, California. For Jennifer, a fan of textile art, ceramics, and good materials no matter the style or era, the Commune aesthetic felt right: timeless vintage pieces, the layered materiality of its interiors, artisanal furnishings and objects, and surfaces that patina over time. Its warm but very sensuous, without being slick, she says. Stephen Kent JohnsonThe dining room windows frame a view of Lone Mountain. Table by BDDW; Kaare Klint chairs; custom pendant by Paul Ferrante; candlesticks by Ted Muehling. Commune began to transform the house in motion, says principal Roman Alonso, who cofounded the studio with Steven Johanknecht in 2004. The team redid the interiors with an eye toward warming up the palette, leaving white-oak floors unstained, installing walnut cabinets in the kitchen, and switching steel fixtures to unlacquered brass and bronze. In the foyer, the split-level staircaseleading to three en suite guest bedrooms upstairs and, downstairs, a capacious game room, bunk room, and two more en suite guest roomswas originally conceived with glass railings. Instead, Alonso redesigned it entirely in white oak and oxidized bronze. The sole element retained from the original design was multiple walls of tumbled limestone native to Montana. Stephen Kent JohnsonA Hans Wegner chair and ottoman sit in a corner of the primary bedroom.The overarching aim was to avoid the ubiquitous modern mountain aesthetic, Alonso says. Part of the brief was, I dont want antlers. Jennifer wanted the house to feel like it was in Montana, but not overly so. The color scheme was derived from the local environment: earth tones; the blues of the sky, mountains, and nearby Gallatin River; and the golden hues of hay fields and foliage in fall. It comes from what you see outside the windows, Alonso says. The Litowitzes inspiration is immediately obvious: In the dining room, the colossal picture window frames the majestic Lone Mountain. The furnishings, nearly all of which were made by Commune artisans, also pay homage to the alpine character of the place, without being too on the nosemany of the rugs, for instance, were redesigned from colorful vintage Swedish patterns. Yet the American West is subtly alluded to in the materials employed (shearling, leather, wool, alpaca, horsehair) and in the small but pointed flourishes, like the whipstitching on the Adnet-esque pendant light above the dining table, or the many plaids throughouta nod to horse blankets, lumberjacks, pioneers. Stephen Kent JohnsonA guest baths walls are covered in Heath Ceramics tile. Custom walnut vanity; bath accessories by Commune for Remains Lighting; towels by Commune for Hamburg House. Downstairs hangs Richard Princes photograph of cowboys riding off into a crimson sunsetthe decors only overt reference to the American West. The Litowitzes dont have the wall space for large art in their traditional English manorstyle Chicago suburbs home, so this house offered an opportunity to showcase their impressive art collection, which focuses on artists of color and includes works by Jean-Michel Basquiat, Jacob Lawrence, Theaster Gates, Toyin Ojih Odutola, and Nick Cave. Jennifer had been waiting for a house like this, Alonso explains, because she wants to live with the art. Stephen Kent JohnsonThe mudrooms ski lockers have doors in red powder-coated and perforated metal. Bench by Summer Studio; runner by Commune for Christopher Farr. Were not designing for Instagram, Alonso says. Were designing for living.Ultimately, Jennifer says, the project was about creating space where experiences of togetherness can occur. One look at the mudroom, with its sporty red lockers next to where multiple pairs of skis rest, or the playful bunk room that comfortably sleeps four, with its denim walls and flame-red bathroom tiles (Jennifer calls the bold choice one specific place where I had to trust), and its clear that this is a house for family, for holidays, for relaxing by the firepit aprs-ski. Were not designing for Instagram, Alonso says. Were designing for living.Tour this Big Sky club overlooking Yellowstone in MontanaThis story originally appeared in the Winter 2025 issue of ELLE DECOR. SUBSCRIBE

Paint colors get a lot of attention in the interior-design world. It's one of the easiest ways to make a dramatic change in any room. Its no wonder, then, that Benjamin Moores annual Color of the Year announcementalong with the corresponding palette of trending hues itself, is always hotly anticipated. This year is no different: For 2025, the brand crowned Cinnamon Slate 2113-40, a heathered plum and velvety brown, for the top honor, supported by nine other soothing colors with rich undertones. They feel very grounded in the past, says Atlanta-based interior designer Jessica Davis. A lot of historical colors are made from natural pigments, and this whole palette has that vibe. These muted, approachable colors act as the perfect gateway shades for those ready to embrace color without straying too far from safe neutrals. Color gives a space life and personality, says Davis. When I see an interior that uses color, especially in an interesting and unusual way, the space is way more charismatic. Inspired to give your own living room a cozy makeover, or refresh your kitchen cabinets with a fresh coat? We spoke to Davis and other top designers for their suggestions on incorporating the Benjamin Moore Color Trends 2025 Palette into your homes.Benjamin MooreCinnamon Slate 2113-40, Regal Select InteriorColor-Drench ItLately, San Francisco-based interior designer Jon de la Cruz is all about color drenching, he says: Its a fresher take on applying color to a room. This is all the more true with a bolder hue like Cinnamon Slate, which he calls really calming and welcoming. To pull off the monochromatic look, de la Cruz recommends that you pick your wall color and then, staying in that color family, go a bit lighter and a bit darker with furniture and accents to create visual interest. Another key to nailing the trend: Play with textures. Add silk-trimmed curtains, a plush pile rug, nubby pillows, and the like. Let the color be the main character, and all the textures are the supporting cast to enhance it, he says.Benjamin MooreRosepine 461, Regal Select InteriorPaint Your MillworkEmily Barry, an interior designer based in the Northeast, picks Rosepine 461 as perfect for cabinetry. She recently used the medium green color herself for built-ins in a family room, in fact. We didnt want the room to feel too dark, and we also knew that we wanted a more neutral space for the family, because it was open off the kitchen, she says. The soothing yet playful green was just the right touch. To complete the room, Barry used warm wood tones, including a light oak desk and door handles, a rattan chair, and pillows with earthy brown tones.Focus on Trim and Molding There are more ways to paint a room than just doing the walls and having white trim, says Barry. Were kind of bored by that solution. Her go-to trick is to add color through the trim itself: If youre afraid to commit to a full paint job, painting the trim immediately adds character. And while Barry feels any hue from the Benjamin Moore Color Trends 2025 Palette would work well for a contrast trim, her favorite is, again, Rosepine. You could put it on your baseboard, your crown, your window trimyou could even paint your windows and doors and leave the walls white, she says. Its a really beautiful way to bring in color.Benjamin MooreLeather Saddle Brown 2100-20, Regal Select InteriorGo Bold With BrownThis shade is one of the biggest paint trends of the year, and if youre ready for a vibe shift, Barry suggests finding a way to use the velvety Leather Saddle Brown 2100-20 in your home. The designer recently presented the comforting color for a mudroom in a project shes working on. Its going to be so pretty, she says of the space, which will use the shade on partial-wall panels and on the cabinetry. The top of the wall and ceiling will be white, and to round out the space shell include a cool black slate floor, brass fixtures, and a wooden bench. I'm not scared of a brown room, says Barry. But if youre more hesitant about going full-on with the color, she has another suggestion, too: Leave the walls white and simply paint the cabinetry brown.Benjamin MooreTissue Pink 1163, Regal Select InteriorPlay With Color DuosWhy stop at one paint color when you can step up the interest level by using two to create a truly unique room. When I pair colors together in a space, I like to make sure theyre not the same value, and by that I mean not the same lightness or darkness, says Davis. One match-up she likes from the Benjamin Moore trends palette is the deep blue Stained Glass CSP-685 with the beige-y blush Tissue Pink 1163 for a pretty, feminine space. I could see doing it in a primary bedroom, with Stained Glass on the walls and the subtle pink on the ceiling, she says. Pink accents like blush bedding and curtains would be key to tying the room together, she adds. Layer Paint and PaperReigning Color of the Year Cinnamon Slate, with its easygoing plum and brown tones, can work in many different spaces and styles. While many designers are loving the idea of the versatile neutral drenched in a dining room with beautiful wood and brass accents, Barry is excited to use the color in a more unusual way: to create a showstopping laundry room. I would paint the lower half of the wall in Cinnamon Slate, and then wallpaper the top in a paper with touches of the same shade, she says. And while Benjamin Moore does crown a new Color of the Year annually, Cinnamon Slate is meant to last.

The holiday season is in full swing, and while most people are decking the halls and looking for the best home decor deals, some are instead shopping for homes. That's right, the winter is one of the most popular times to move, just after the early summer when schools let out. Families appreciate the time off from school and work during the holidays to unpack and settle into their dream spaces. And right now, some unexpected locales are experiencing a real estate boom.According to Realtor.com data, the hottest real estate markets all have something in common: low prices and high inventory. Available housing levels were up more than 30 percent year-over-year in the third quarter of 2024, and they only continue to rise. But where are people buying these homes? From Akron, Ohio, to Springfield, Massachusetts, these are the six hottest real estate markets in the country right now.Related Stories6. Springfield, MassachusettsDenisTangneyJr//Getty ImagesMedian Home Price: $393,000Just over the Northern Connecticut border, Springfield, Massachusettes is the sixth most popular real estate market at the end of 2024. Homes here are still well below the national average, despite the state's higher taxes and excellent school systems. The city is the birthplace of Dr. Seuss and is just 30 minutes away from Brimfield, home to one of the largest antique markets in the country.5. Kalamazoo-Portage, MichiganDavel5957//Getty ImagesMedian Home Price: $360,000Kalamazoo is located in Southern Michigan, just east of the eponymous Great Lake's shores. Here homes boast an average selling price of $360,000. This city has a major museum network including the Air Zoo Aerospace and Science Museum, the Kalamazoo Valley Museum, and the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts.4. Manchester-Nashua, New HampshireDenisTangneyJr//Getty ImagesMedian Home Price: $563,000Not only is the Manchester-Nashua area of New Hampshire the fourth hottest real estate market in the country, but it's also where homes sell the fastest, nationwide. Here, homes are a bit more expensive than other cities on this list, but the area boasts a wonderful community, nature access, and Northeastern way of life. Related Story3. Milwaukee-Waukesha-West Allis, WisconsinRon and Patty Thomas//Getty ImagesMedian Home Price: $390,000A beloved midwestern city, it's no wonder why the greater Milwaukee area always makes the list of hottest markets to buy a home. Located on Lake Michigan, this area offers a great balance between urban life and easy access to nature. The city is known for its many breweries and passionate sports fans.2. Akron, OhioSean Pavone//Getty ImagesMedian Home Price: $230,000Akron, Ohio, ranks number two on the most popular real estate markets right now. Here, many different styles of homes are easily affordable, including townhomes and single-family units. Here, residents enjoy a budding arts community and lively minor league sports games. 1 Canton-Masillon, OhioHenryk Sadura//Getty ImagesMedian Home Price: $259,000This quarters top market, the greater Canton area in Ohio, is affordable and in demand. Here, homes are well below the national average in price, some even boasting listing prices of $165,000 or lower. Known for the Pro Football Hall of Fame and a bustling local community, this area in Eastern Ohio is great for families and retirees alike.Follow House Beautiful on Instagram and TikTok.

German startup FibreCoat has bagged 20mn in Series B funding as it looks to bring its super-resistant materials to the burgeoning space industry.FibreCoat spunout from RWTH Aachen University in 2020. The startup has developed a patented process for coating fibres with metals and plastics during the spinning stage. This creates fibres that are lightweight and conductive, yet strong and durable at a fraction of conventional costs. These can then be spun together to form reinforced composites.So far, FibreCoat has focused on securing clients in the automotive, construction, and defence industries, where the materials are particularly useful for radiation shielding and weight reduction applications. Now the company is setting its sights on upward.Spacecraft require materials that can withstand extreme temperatures, radiation, and electromagnetic interference (EMI) without adding unnecessary weight. Space is a rapidly growing sector, and launchers and satellites increasingly need coated fibres to endure harsh conditions, said Dr. Robert Brull, CEO of FibreCoat.I WANT THE BEST DEALLuxembourg-based NewSpace Capital co-led the funding round, bringing vital expertise as the startup looks to cash in on the expanding space ecosystem, projected to reach $1.8trn by 2035.Space and terrestrial supply chains are converging, said Bogdan Gogulan, managing partner at NewSpace Capital, adding that FibreCoat has the potential to address critical challenges across a swathe of industries.FibreCoat will use the fresh funds to ramp up R&D and scale production as it looks to commercialise its fibre coating technology.The startup is far from the only spinout access story to emerge from RWTH Aachen in recent years.One of the fastest growing is Cylib. The startup is currently constructing what is set to be Europes largest EV battery recycling plant.Cylibs founders Dr Lilian Schwich, Paul Sabarny, and Dr Gideon Schwich launched the company after a decade of battery recycling research at RWTH Aachen. The partners claim their method uses 30% less energy than competitors.Another big player is Black Semiconductor, which raised 254.4mn back in June. Thats a massive raise for any startup, let alone a European one. Even more impressive is that the company is only four years old.Brothers Daniel and Sebastian Schall launched Black Semiconductor in 2020. The startup is developing a new type of chip-connecting technology using the wonder material graphene. Story by Sin Geschwindt Sin is a climate and energy reporter at TNW. From nuclear fusion to escooters, he covers the length and breadth of Europe's clean tech ecos (show all) Sin is a climate and energy reporter at TNW. From nuclear fusion to escooters, he covers the length and breadth of Europe's clean tech ecosystem. He's happiest sourcing a scoop, investigating the impact of emerging technologies, and even putting them to the test. Sin has five years journalism experience and holds a dual degree in media and environmental science from the University of Cape Town, South Africa. Get the TNW newsletterGet the most important tech news in your inbox each week.Also tagged with