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All Saros endings are listed here, including any secret endings that the game might have hidden, so you can be sure to get the full experience! Not only that, but if you’ve finished the game yourself, we also explain every ending and what it means for the story of Saros as a whole, with explanations for some of the game’s most significant questions. If you want to know more, we’ll explain everything in our full Saros endings guide below.
Warning: From now on the following guide contains major spoilers for the entirety of Saros! Read on at your own peril.
All endings in Saros
(Image credit: Housemarque / Sony)
There are two endings to Saros’ story, as laid out below:
Main Ending (aka, the bad ending)
Secret Ending (aka, the good ending)
You have to go through the main ending first no matter what, as completing Saros and getting the bad result then unlocks the steps needed to unlock the good ending.
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How to get the Main Ending in Saros
(Image credit: Housemarque / Sony)
To get the Main Ending, aka the bad ending, in Saros is pretty simple:
Progress the game to the point where you unlock the Yellow Shore biome, accessed via the Passage.
Enter the Yellow Shore and progress through until you defeat the Consort boss.
This will allow you to go even further, beginning a boss fight with the King.
Defeat the King and choose to attack them afterwards by walking up to them and pressing R1.
After beating the King to death, pass through the gap in the Yellow around the arena.
This will then trigger a final cutscene, and afterwards you’ll be returned to the Passage.
How to get the Secret Ending in Saros
(Image credit: Housemarque / Sony)
To get the Secret Ending – also called the Good Ending – in Saros, you need to do the following:
Complete the main ending as shown above, then be returned to the Passage.
Go to the Echelon 3 camp in Shattered Descent and speak to Kayla, who’s hiding behind a door in the main habitat dome.
Go to the Blighted Marsh and progress until you find a huge red tree. On reaching it, a cutscene will play.
Go to the end of the Cathedral Biome and visit Nitya’s Lab, uncovered just before entering the final boss arena by ringing the bell.
(Image credit: Housemarque / Sony)
Watch the Holocache recording in the Lab.
Go back to the Passage and speak to Kayla in a new cutscene.
Enter the Banyan Tree to see a new flashback sequence.
Go back to the Yellow Shore and battle the King again.
After victory this time, you’ll be given a choice as to whether to strike the fallen king or not. Choose to spare him and let him live.
With the King still alive, progress through the gap in the Yellow Barrier to see a new cutscene and ending to the game.
Main Ending explained
(Image credit: Housemarque / Sony)
What happens: In the main and first ending, Arjun fights his way to the Yellow Shore in pursuit of Nitya, and ultimately ends up battling the King, the distorted monster at the end of the Yellow. Arjun kills the King and, lured by Nitya’s voice, passes through the barrier beyond.
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Here Arjun ends up back at the room at the Rue Paree, the brothel that was a significant part of his past back on Earth. Looking for Nitya, instead all he finds is his reflection in the window, which grins nastily and drags him through the glass into a void beyond.
Arjun awakes with Nitya beside him, who convinces him to take the throne. In that moment, he transforms into a copy of the King in a nasty bit of body horror, before sitting on the throne and grasping Nitya’s wrist in a possessive way. Our perspective draws back, showing that this whole tableau is held inside some sort of strand of gold energy, and that there are many strands around it.
(Image credit: Housemarque / Sony)
What does it mean? This ending is ultimately Arjun being corrupted by the Yellow Shore, giving into his desires and becoming the next Yellow King. The Nitya besides him isn’t even the real one, but an illusion created by the Yellow to coax and lure him to this point. The other strands suggest that Arjun is just the next in a chain of Kings, each one murdering the previous King in turn.
Secret Ending explained
(Image credit: Housemarque / Sony)
What happens: In the Epilogue Ending and steps leading up to it, Arjun speaks with Kayla again, as well as the spirit of Kiira, who was one of the members of Echelon 1 alongside Nitya. Kiira reveals that she and Nitya fell in love during their time on Carcosa, forcing Arjun to confront the fact that Nitya did actually move on after she left him, something he had been convinced was impossible.
Returning to the Passage, Arjun then confronts the truth about his past on Earth in another flashback. It’s revealed that Sebastian Torres was a former Enforcer and friend of Arjun’s that he nonetheless murdered in a fit of rage when it seemed as though Torres was going to tell Nitya that Arjun had cheated on her, as well as potential other immoral acts. This suggests that the Torres that Arjun has been speaking to on Carcosa is a creation of the Yellow or just a symptom of his strained sanity (perhaps both).
Arjun tells Sebastian he’s sorry and that he regrets what he did, before eventually returning to the Yellow Shore to confront the King again. However, this time after beating the King, Arjun pushes past him without landing the fatal blow and choosing not to take the crown, proving that he’s not going to give in to his poisonous desire this time. Having made it to the shore, it seems as though the Yellow is going to try and transform Arjun anyway, until he rips away his sun pendant and throws it down in the water.
At this moment, the transformation stops and Arjun is finally left standing with Nitya on the beach. He apologises to her for what he did, and she comments on the possibility of tomorrow and what it will bring, as well as asking what sort of person he’ll be. Arjun stands on the beach as she walks away from him, and as she does so, we see blue and red lights flashing on his face, as if from a police car off-screen.
(Image credit: Housemarque / Sony)
What does it mean? In this ending, Arjun realises the corrupting nature of his desire and that the best thing he can do is to stop chasing Nitya, in so doing breaking the cycle of Carcosa. The two revelations of the epilogue are firstly that she found love after him in Kiira, and secondly that Arjun is a literal murderer who killed his friend Sebastian to conceal his infidelity, making a mockery of the idea that he’s a good partner to anybody at all. Nitya does not need him, and he does not deserve her.
When he throws down the sun pendant, the symbol of their relationship, it’s a way of effectively letting her go, realising that what he wants isn’t enough – it’s more important what she wants. Without that toxic need to possess Nitya in his soul, the Yellow has nothing to latch onto and can’t transform him into the new King, preventing the transformation.
Nitya’s comments on the beach are pretty straightforward – it’s best for them both to move on and look to tomorrow. Arjun’s possessive nature, and the belief that he is entitled to her no matter what he does, is what he needs to get past. If he wants redemption, he also has to finally confront his actions back on Earth: specifically, Sebastian’s murder.
What are the Yellow Shore and Yellow King?
(Image credit: Housemarque / Sony)
The Yellow Shore, sometimes just called “The Yellow”, is a cosmic entity that seeks to lure people towards it by exaggerating and corrupting their innermost desires, coercing them to chase those desires all the way to it. On reaching the Shore themselves, they then become the next Yellow King after killing the previous one. This process is referred to as “The Path to the Yellow Shore”.
A text log we find in-game suggests that the Yellow Shore’s true nature is that it is some sort of eldritch god of Desire and Want. It’s also suggested that, because of the elastic nature of time in and around Carcosa, the various Kings all exist simultaneously and forever, even despite subsequent ones deposing them.
It’s stated that Nitya built The Constant to seal off the Yellow as much as possible, effectively trying to end the constant cycle of Yellow Kings and block the Path.
(Image credit: Housemarque / Sony)
The first King we know of was Arnold Delroy, the Commander of Echelon 1, but audio logs show that his comrade Micah Wilde either successfully replaced him, or was at least planning to, so it’s possible that the King Arjun battles is either Delroy or Wilde – though in a sense it doesn’t matter which one, as the end point of the Path is the same.
All that being said, there’s also some implication that Arjun repeatedly dying and coming back to life in the Passage (not to mention the warped chronology of Carcosa) means that he might be many of these Kings, effectively murdering himself in a repeating cycle.
Who is Sebastian Torres?
(Image credit: Housemarque / Sony)
On Earth, Sebastian Torres was another Enforcer and friend of Arjun’s who planned to reveal the fact that Arjun had been cheating on Nitya, as well as other unspecified “lines crossed”. Arjun murdered Sebastian to prevent the truth from coming out, but the mental strain of what he’d done exacerbated his already excessive drinking and violent behaviour.
On Carcosa, Sebastian appears as a figure tending the giant tree in the Passage, and it’s eventually revealed that this Sebastian is a figment of Arjun’s mind (hinted by the fact that Sebastian is the only character in the game who doesn’t get a Database entry). It’s not clear if this ghost is the influence of the Yellow, or if Arjun’s guilt is just projecting a delusion to torment/reassure him, but either way the root of the problem is the same: Arjun’s unresolved guilt over killing Torres.
(Image credit: Housemarque / Sony)
One small note of interest is that Arjun is seen on Earth in a flashback drinking “Torres” brand beer. It’s left unclear whether Arjun’s fractured mind is jumbling elements together, giving the Sebastian on Carcosa a different surname he associates with the darker moments of his past, or if Arjun drinks that specific brand of beer as a way of remembering Torres and torturing himself with the reminder.
What happened to Nitya?
(Image credit: Housemarque / Sony)
Much of Nitya’s experience on Carcosa remains elusive, but we can determine some specifics. She went to Carcosa with the first Echelon 1 team to get a fresh start away from Arjun, and there fell in love with Kiira. However, the team were corrupted by the Yellow Shore, leading to Delroy becoming the new Yellow King and the others becoming mutated monsters (or in Kiira’s case, basically just a spirit).
From what we understand, Delroy tried to make Nitya into a Priestess, but she resisted and rebelled, having finally understood the horror of the Yellow Shore. She went into hiding and created two devices: the Preserver, a machine which was supposed to bring her back to life if she was killed in her mission, and the Constant, an AI computer that would also act as a barrier to cut off direct access to the Yellow Shore, stopping anybody from becoming the next King.
Somehow, Nitya eventually ended up at the Blue Precipice (more on that below), free from the power of the Yellow Shore or the King. There she remains until we finally encounter her at the conclusion of the Secret Ending.
What do the Blue and Red Lights mean?
(Image credit: Housemarque / Sony)
The blue and red lights visible on Arjun’s face in the final shot of the epilogue ending are an interesting visual, obviously reminiscent of police lights and calling back to Arjun’s crimes on Earth. There are several possible interpretations that I can see, though they all largely follow the same theme: Arjun taking responsibility for the killing of Sebastian Torres. Here are all the possible meanings that I can think of:
Arjun is now fully aware of his own crimes. He may never make it back to Earth, but he recognises his own guilt and understands the full horror of what he did. The lights aren’t real, just a symbol for him recognising what accountability means.
Arjun goes back to Earth to hand himself in. The police lights are more prophetic than symbolic: at some point Arjun will manage to escape Carcosa, and will turn himself in for what he did.
The Yellow is giving Arjun what he now wants. If the Yellow is there to provide people with corrupted versions of what they want, Arjun’s desire for punishment, penance, and accountability may mean an illusion of being arrested and held accountable. That seems unlikely though, as the beach is supposed to be free of the Yellow’s influence.
Nothing on Carcosa was real. A world of broken time run by yellow eldritch space gods? What a silly idea: the whole game has clearly been a metaphor, or a drunken dream Arjun had after Nitya left him! Even if it was a purely symbolic process, it still takes Arjun to the point of realising that he needs to acknowledge and pay for his crimes.
(Image credit: Housemarque / Sony)
What’s significant is that in one audio log from Arjun himself, he makes reference to the idea that “blue and red” and the “song” that accompanies it is all he deserves, most likely police lights and sirens. This feeds into the notion that Arjun is riddled with guilt for his actions on Earth, but is trying to suppress it, allowing his ego and desire for Nitya to overrule that guilt.
What is the Blue Precipice?
(Image credit: Housemarque / Sony)
The Blue Precipice is probably the most mysterious and enigmatic part of Saros lore, something that is alluded to occasionally but never spelt out in great detail. It could be either another god, a visited physical place, a state of mind, or something else altogether. Either way, those at the Blue Precipice seem to find themselves immune to the Yellow’s influence.
The Blue Precipice seems to be most associated with those who have freed themselves of desire and think selflessly. Text logs state that Kayla had awareness of the Blue Precipice, though even she didn’t know how, and at the last time we see her in the game, planning to do what she can to stop others from reaching the Yellow, her eyes are glowing blue.
(Image credit: Housemarque / Sony)
Kiira’s spirit also states at one point to Arjun that the Yellow Shore could not reach Nitya as “she walked the edge of the Precipice.” It’s possible that the Blue Precipice is the calm beach that she and Arjun speak on at the end of the game, but again – this is largely theory and hard to prove decisively.
Was it all a dream?
(Image credit: Housemarque / Sony)
Who can say? Yes, there are elements that seem strange or unreal, but any story about science fiction technology and eldritch gods playing with people’s sanity was always going to be weird. There’s no real way of knowing just how much of Saros is meant to be taken literally by the end (especially with that final shot of the flashing lights), but real or not, it still brings Arjun to the same realisation about himself and what he’s done. I’d say that everything prior to Nitya leaving is probably guaranteed, but as for the rest of it – that’s down to the individual.
GitHub shifts pricing for its flagship Copilot service.
Under the new AI Credit approach, if you run out of credits, you can’t use the service.
Users who expect to see far higher prices already hate the deal.
It’s been an open secret that people haven’t been paying anything like the full cost for their AI services. The bill’s finally coming due. GitHub announced that as of June 1, 2026, all GitHub Copilot plans will shift to usage-based billing.
This is a radical change from its current premium request unit (PRU) system. Going forward, users will consume monthly allotments of GitHub AI Credits based on token consumption, including input, output, and cached tokens at published API rates. In other words, GitHub is moving to a token-based pricing model.
Smart people saw this coming. A week ago, GitHub blocked users from getting a new GitHub Copilot subscription. GitHub also began restricting the models available from its individual subscription plans, while dropping access to Opus models entirely. Price increases were clearly on their way.
Why? According to GitHub, it’s no longer the same service. What was once a smart programming editor has evolved into “an agentic platform capable of running long, multi-step coding sessions, using the latest models, and iterating across entire repositories.” On top of that, “Agentic usage is becoming the default, and it brings significantly higher compute and inference demands.”
GitHub claims its current premium request model is unsustainable. After all, they stated, “a quick chat question and a multi-hour autonomous coding session can cost the user the same amount,” with GitHub absorbing escalating inference costs. The usage-based model is intended to maintain long-term service reliability.
The good news is that, for now, anyway, base subscription pricesremain unchanged. Copilot Pro is staying at $10 per month, and Pro+ is at $39 per month. However, these subscriptions will now include monthly AI Credits matching their dollar value. That is, Pro subscribers receive $10 in credits, while Pro+ users receive $39. I have no idea why GitHub felt the need to spell this out.
Code completions and Next Edit suggestions will remain included without consuming AI Credits. Users on annual plans will continue with PRU-based pricing until expiration, when they transition to Copilot Free with upgrade options, or they can convert early to monthly plans with prorated credits.
Copilot Business, $19 per user per month, and Copilot Enterprise. $39 per user per month, maintain their current pricing while adding equivalent monthly AI Credits per seat. To ease the transition, GitHub will provide promotional credits for June, July, and August 2026: Business customers receive $30 per month, and Enterprise users receive $70 per month.
However, and this is important, in the past, when you ran out of PRUs, you simply downshifted to a less capable model. With the new AI Credits approach, when you’re out of Credits, you’re out of luck. If you want to keep working, you’ll need to pay more for Credits.
Organizations can benefit from pooled usage across teams, eliminating stranded capacity from individual unused credits. Administrators will gain budget controls at the enterprise, cost center, and user levels, with options to allow additional purchases or cap spending when included pools are exhausted.
GitHub plans to launch a preview of the bills in early May. This will give you a look at your projected costs before the new June bills come due.
Many users aren’t waiting to dismiss this new pricing plan as a bad deal. As one Reddit poster put it, “I don’t see companies going to be all happy if they get a 50x larger bill. People really underestimate how many tokens they use.” Another shrugged, “They could’ve just shut down Copilot completely. Literally the only reason to stay is that you’re familiar with it and are not ready to invest 30 minutes of your life to get familiar with Claude code, Codex, or whatever.”
For all the grumbling, though, it’s not like the news is surprising. People who paid attention to AI’s growing costs — memory is more expensive than ever, and gigawatt datacenters don’t build themselves — knew this was coming.
Other companies have already started to hike their rates. For example, OpenAI increased the cost for developers using its flagship GPT-5.2 model from $1.25 per input token in the previous GPT-5.1 to $5.75. In addition, Anthropic confirmed a de facto price increase for its Claude enterprise edition on April 15 when it moved from fixed pricing to a dynamic usage-based model.
(Disclosure: Ziff Davis, ZDNET’s parent company, filed an April 2025 lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging it infringed Ziff Davis copyrights in training and operating its AI systems.)
Like it or lump it, the day of cheap AI is almost done. I expect costs to jump by 2 to 3 times by year’s end, and I won’t be surprised if prices end up far higher than that.
Sandbox fun times simulator Garry’s Mod has gobbled up pretty much every official Valve Source game into its toybox at this point, but there is land yet to conquer. Facepunch announced this week that the 20-year-old game’s next patch, planned for April 29, will finally bring Black Mesa into the fold.
“By popular demand and with approval from its developers, this update will be adding mounting support for Black Mesa in Garry’s Mod,” the blog post reads.
That’s great news if you’re one of the tens of thousands of folks still playing Garry’s Mod daily. Black Mesa, if you missed it at the time, is an official Valve-approved Source remake of Half-Life 1 made by the Crowbar Collective.
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It’s an excellent reimagining of the original that makes major improvements to Half-Life’s animations, sounds, and weapon feedback—relevant features that Garry’s Mod creators will soon be able to utilize in their own stuff.
While Garry’s Mod has no shortage of add-ons that attempt to modernize Valve’s base Source assets, there are loads of custom modes that could benefit from Crowbar Collective’s take on the Black Mesa facility. You’ll have to own Black Mesa to properly use its assets in Garry’s Mod, and to celebrate, the pair of games are on sale as a bundle for $13.
That’s the flashiest bullet point of the update, but far from the only ones. The full patch notes list over a hundred minor bug fixes and asset changes, some of which include deleting functions that served no purpose in Garry’s Mod and were a “waste of resources.” I guess that can happen when one game gets sporadically patched for 20 years.
It’s a good time to reacquaint yourself with Garry’s Mod, as its spiritual sequel S&box is right around the corner. S&box, much like Gmod, leverages a custom version of Valve’s Source 2 engine to make and modify games to your heart’s content, but it’s also going much further. Facepunch says S&box is more like a complete game engine that can be used to make entire games and even publish them as standalone releases on Steam. It’s out on April 28, the day before the Garry’s Mod patch.
Keep up to date with the most important stories and the best deals, as picked by the PC Gamer team.
In its quest to become an all-in-one app, Spotify is now breaking into the fitness app world by offering “guided workout experiences” and on-demand Peloton classes. Premium subscribers will get access to Peloton‘s library of more than 1,400 classes in the app, while both Free and Premium can browse curated playlists (they’re listed under the genre “fitness.”)
Spotify
Spotify said the classes are primarily in English, but there are some options in Spanish and German. Like music and podcasts, Spotify lets you bounce between different devices for its fitness media, so you can start a video workout on your TV and switch to an audio-only version on your phone or smart speaker. Users can even download the classes for offline use.
The fitness category may feel like a sharp turn for Spotify, but the company said that nearly 70 percent of its Premium subscribers work out monthly and that fitness and workout content was one of the top use cases for its Prompted Playlist feature. Spotify has long been expanding its offerings outside of music, with its latest efforts giving users a way to buy physical books or create group chats.
The race to secure electricity for AI models has reached new heights: Meta has signed an agreement with the startup Overview Energy that could see a thousand satellites beam infrared light to solar farms that power data centers at night.
In 2024, Meta’s data centers used more than 18,000 gigawatt-hours of electricity—roughly enough to power more than 1.7 million American homes for a year—and its need for compute power is only increasing. The company has committed to building 30 gigawatts of renewable power sources, with a focus on industrial-scale solar power plants.
Typically, data centers turning to solar power must either invest in battery storage or rely on other generation sources to operate at night.
Overview, a four-year-old, Ashburn, Virginia, outfit that emerged from stealth in December, has a different solution: The company is developing spacecraft that collect plentiful solar power in space. It then plans to convert that energy to near-infrared light and beam it at sufficiently large solar farms—on the order of hundreds of megawatts—which can convert that light to electricity.
By using a wide, infrared beam to power existing terrestrial solar infrastructure, Overview thinks it can sidestep the technological challenges and safety and regulatory issues that bedevil plans to transmit power to Earth through high-power lasers or microwave beams. CEO Marc Berte says you’ll be able to stare right into his satellite’s beam with no ill effects.
The technology would increase the return on investment from building solar farms and reduce reliance on fossil fuels — if it can be deployed at scale.
Overview says it has already demonstrated power transmission to the ground from an aircraft, and is planning to launch a satellite to low Earth orbit in January 2028 to perform its first power transmission from space.
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In today’s announcement, Meta said it signed the first capacity reservation agreement with Overview to receive up to 1 gigawatt of power from the company’s spacecraft, although it’s not clear if any money changed hands. Overview developed a new metric for this contract, megawatt photons, which is the amount of light required to generate a megawatt of electricity.
Berte expects to begin launching the satellites that would fulfill that commitment in 2030, with a goal of flying 1,000 spacecraft in geosynchronous orbit, a high orbit in which each satellite remains fixed above the same point on Earth. He expects each of the company’s spacecraft to provide power from space for more than 10 years.
Once in space, Berte says the fleet of spacecraft will be able to cover about a third of the planet, with an initial deployment that will reach from the West Coast of the United States across to Western Europe. As the Earth rotates below and customer solar farms enter evening and night, Overview’s spacecraft should boost their electrical generation with additional light from space.
Berte sees opportunity in combining both generation and transmission, with the flexibility to deliver power to solar farms wherever and whenever it is most valuable.
“There’s a big difference between being in any one energy market, and being in all of the energy markets,” Berte told TechCrunch.
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If you have a scrolling problem, you’ve probably tried every productivity app. App timers, grayscale mode, deleting the apps entirely, only to reinstall them twenty minutes later. None of it works because willpower alone is a terrible strategy.
Cat Gatekeeper has a better idea. Instead of guilt-tripping you, it sends a chubby ginger cat to physically take over your screen when you’ve spent too much time on social media, and I love it.
How does it work?
The setup is simple. Install the Chrome extension, set your usage limit, and set your break time. Once you hit your limit on social media apps like X, Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube, the cat appears and takes over your screen.
Developed by an X user, konekone2026, the concept is not novel, but the execution is. I have tried several website-blocking services, but Cat Gatekeeper has instantly become my favorite. The way the cat saunters onto the scene and simply plops down with its big fat tummy heaving with each breath is just magical.
Rachit Agarwal / Digital Trends
I like that the timer only counts down when the social media tab is actually active. Switch to another tab or app, and it pauses. This applies to both your usage and break time countdowns. It ensures that you are not unfairly punished, or able to skip the break timer by simply switching to something else.
Is it actually effective?
Honestly, it won’t stop you from scrolling, but it does provide a gentle reminder to take a break. The cat is genuinely adorable, which makes taking the break feel less like punishment and more like a reward.
You get a forced break, a cute cat, and a fresh timer ready to go when you’re done. What more could you want?
It’s free, has no ads, and according to the developer, the extension doesn’t collect any data. You can install Cat Gatekeeper from the Chrome Web Store. Give it a try and let me know if the cat actually made you take a break.
3D house rendering services can easily bridge the gap between the concept and reality; it was able to mirror the life and functionality that the creators want to convey. Property development is considered as high stakes business. This is because there are a lot of risks faced not only during the pre-construction but also up to the turnover. In every decision, from the building layout to material selection, it would have an impact on time and cost.
3D house rendering services are introduced as they can translate the technical drawings into realistic models.
To ensure the delivery of the service is of premium quality, hiring a vetted 3D artist or designer is needed. Cad Crowd connects businesses with experienced and vetted professionals who specialize in creating high-quality and photorealistic renderings. Collaborating with the right team reduces rework and overhead costs since the approach and results are carefully tailored to the project’s needs.
🚀 Table of contents
Visualizing the design: Turning blueprints into detailed reality
Even an overlooked small mistake can lead to expensive delay or rework. While the traditional blueprints are the usual and common reference to visualize the building, it sometimes fails to fully deliver and convey the functionality of the building.
In 3D rendering design services, developers will transform the blueprints into something that can show details of the building, making it easier for stakeholders to see if the outcome is aligned with their vision. From the floor layout to lighting, material finishes, and even the furniture placements, 3D rendering can give life to the drawings.
While rendering is a great help for the planning stage to visualize the project, it can also aid marketing. This serves as a tool to give investors and buyers a preview of the property. This gives confidence to the investors and prospective buyers.
With this, there’s confidence in pre-selling properties as there’s already an expected outcome. The technical precision and visual clarity enhance the project outcome and prevent further redesign.
Spotting potential risks early
One of the advantages of having a 3D render model is how it can show clashes and errors that could be a possible risk during construction. Not being able to detect this at the early stage could be costly, so it is best to be able to identify these risks during the design stage. Having virtual walkthroughs lets the stakeholders visualize the property from any angle. From this, the layout can be scrutinized. Room proportions would be judged as sufficient or cramped in real life. Some spaces in drawing seem enough, but could be awkward in reality.
Using lighting and structural checks to avoid conflicts
Lighting design services are what make the visuals look real, and this could also be crucial to the project. Having the ability to simulate natural and artificial lighting, at different times of the day, renders would be able to point out good window placement and if there’s a need for adjustment to the orientation for better comfort and for energy efficiency. One clash that can be detected in the rendering process is its structural elements. There could be discrepancies and conflicts that can be seen on the walkthrough, or that can be observed as non-compliant. Seeing all of this will make developers make the necessary adjustments for a more efficient resolution.
Facilitating team collaboration
During the rendering process, there is a strategic collaboration between architects. Engineers and contractors. These professionals would contribute to how the model is set to be in 3D, referencing the original blueprint. This prevents miscommunication. This way, there is clarity with the developing project on how it will be visualized. Since material finishes are photorealistic in 3D, it is much easier to select the most appropriate one. Designers would be able to see if the finishes are suitable, and they can be quantified at this point as well.
Supporting documentation and design iterations
In some cases, where regulatory approvals are to be provided and processed, there may be a need for visual documentation. 3D rendering can aid in that by presenting a realistic and detailed model, which can accelerate approval and prevent rejection. In 3D, designers and developers are able to explore different design variations. They can compare the same model with a different material finish or an exterior style. All these iterations can be done even without compromising the real project. This is just to weigh preferences and suitability for the project.
Saving costs before construction
Resolving issues even before the construction stage is said to result in a saving of approximately 15-20%. This includes optimization of labor hours and minimizing delays. Cost reworks are definitely avoided, and a lot of effort will not be put into waste. There are other details that can be checked, even the small ones, which can add appeal to the project. For instance, minor adjustments like altering balcony dimensions or adding moulding to the façade can either be permanently added to the model or not, as they can still be removed. This prevents having rework on the actual site.
Using 3D rendering as a risk management tool
3D rendering is a risk management tool that can help identify problem areas that would likely be a costly rework in the future for architectural design firms. This prevents disputes with the consumers or contractors. Being proactive in this stage can protect the budget and the timeline.
Clear internal communication for project success
To ensure the success of the project, there should be effective communication within the internal team. Not being able to deliver the right message would lead to misunderstandings that could impact time and costs.
3D renders transform and translate blueprints into photorealistic visuals. With this, stakeholders, with or without technical knowledge, can easily understand and visualize the model. They’d be able to cross-check different layouts, finishes, lighting, and spatial relationships. This is a great help to collaborate efficiently since they’d be able to share their ideas and input towards the project in a visual way.
Building investor confidence
Investors look at the project with its potential and return on investment. One of the ways for them to visualize the project’s worth is by seeing the realistic model. This makes them confident with the design and pushes through with the funding approval.
Empowering buyers and contractors
Buyers also benefit from having a transparent perspective of the property. It allows them to relate, feel, and experience the space and visualize what it’s like to live there. It gives them a picture of the property’s ambiance and reduces hesitation during pre-selling. Contractors can refer to renderings when undergoing construction. This gives them proper alignment of what the finishes would be like or what details are expected to be seen. This will reduce assumptions and misunderstandings of the blueprint details.
The marketing team uses 3D renders to sell out the property. It is often included in their brochures, sites, and social media. This is because buyers and investors tend to incline their decision on what they see. High-quality perspectives attract attention and pique interest even during pre-selling. Interactive 3D visualization services allow proactive thinking and benefit not only developers but also the buyers, as they bring transparency and clarity. Potential risks and issues could be avoided even before construction, and flexibility in material selection can lead to reduced costs.
The impact of material and design choices
Material and design make up the visuals and exterior build-up of the project. And these two have a great impact on the cost implications. Selecting the wrong type of material or finish could result in an even costlier correction during the construction phase.
Exploring and testing materials virtually
3D rendering allows exploration and testing of any material or finish type virtually. This is to see and compare which ones are more preferred, or how the surface or texture looks in a different lighting, without all the actual expense of materials and samples. This also prevents rework with reapplication or changing of material or finish.
Optimizing interior layout and design flexibility
Aside from the exterior, the interior layout could also be optimized. Placement of the furniture and cabinetry could be explored to ensure functional space and reduce awkward and cramped areas. This can give a pleasing visual for a walkthrough, making the viewers visualize what it is like to live there.
Giving the building luxurious or premium materials could be experimented with without spending money, as it can be optimized in the render as well. Customized cabinetry or wardrobes can be incorporated into it to check if it’s compatible, or a manufactured one can fit. It saves time from the back-and-forth trial of millwork placement.
Reducing waste and ensuring professional accuracy
Experimentation virtually limits the wastage of materials. These adjustments save a lot of time, effort, and money and help avoid unnecessary material usage. Through this, developers have the opportunity to explore different options without financial risks. In Cad Crowd, CAD freelancers are vetted to deliver accurate and photorealistic renders tailored to each project. It is ensured that the output reflects the intended and its functionality is aligned with their vision. Having a reliable professional to do the job reduces risks and rework.
Building buyer and investor confidence through visuals
Securing investment and maintaining cash flow are critical for developing a property. To ensure that this can be secured, having a photorealistic 3D render can help the developers. This serves as a helpful marketing tool to see a realistic representation of the property. It gives confidence to the buyers and investors and highlights its functionality and features.
Making a high-quality visual can be useful not only for giving a walkthrough but also for usage across marketing channels such as brochures, websites, and other social media platforms. Once buyers see these, they will engage even more and be attracted to it.
Highlighting unique selling points and immersive experiences
In doing renders, it portrays and highlights the unique selling points of the property. It could be about the exterior rendering design services, or its premium materials, the ambiance, the open spaces, scenic views, or some smart home features. Highlighting these details can aid developers in positioning the property in the competitive market.
Animated walkthroughs have a huge impact by providing a firsthand feel and experience of the property. It plays with the feelings of the buyers as they can virtually explore each room, feel the ambiance, and relate to the way of life there.
Interactive features and concept testing before construction
There are also interactive features that let clients explore the finishes, materials, and even the furniture placement. Lighting could also be adjusted to match their preferred tone. Having the freedom to control such settings builds momentum and excitement, making them want to commit early.
Renders also allow testing of concepts to provide to buyers. Options can be given with different shading or exterior style, to help determine which is more preferred or has more appeal with the buyers before construction.
Accelerating pre-sales, feedback, and investment decisions
Pre-selling can secure cash flow and investment if supported by 3D renders. There are faster reservations and buyers engaging even more. Feedback from buyers and investors could also be taken, so necessary adjustments can be made, making an overall increase in efficiency. Investors would be happy to see 3D renders as they’d have a good view of the property’s potential. It can accelerate their decision-making towards funding approval. It makes them see clearly how this property will thrive in the market.
Professional support for marketing-focused renders
Cad Crowd has a great talent pool of professionals that can deliver renders based on curated marketing needs, be it high-resolution or virtual staging for architecture services. All content needed as deliverables is reviewed and translated, aligned with the client’s intent and preferences. By adding 3D renders in the pre-selling stage as support, developers can have confidence in securing investments and maintaining cash flow. Since visuals can appeal to more target leads and engage buyers and investors.
Creating strong first impressions online
Every search for a property starts online. Finding the right property starts with exploring the best ones in the virtual marketplace. The judgment usually begins with the photos provided. Some platforms have an interactive virtual tour, which allows viewers to navigate the rooms and check out the exterior and interior layout of the building without the need to visit in person. This is a helpful feature, especially for buyers who don’t have much time or are overseas.
Interactive customization and buyer engagement
The built-in interactive tools let buyers adjust their preferred finish type and change the placement of furniture. They can customize and enhance layouts depending on their style and preferences, which makes them eager to commit. Visual appeal is important, especially to improve website management. These platforms are a lot more visited by buyers who are actively looking for properties. Ensuring that the renders provided are of high quality increases the chances of getting more inquiries and pre-sales.
Streamlining sales and gathering real-time feedback
Having sites with visuals can save a lot of time since the target market and leads will be filtered. The developers and sales team can focus on those who are serious buyers and wouldn’t have to do unnecessary site visits. The interactive models also permit receiving real-time feedback, which means there would be a proactive approach of adjusting based on buyers’ or stakeholders’ preferences.
Adding 3D renders to online platforms gives access to the public, increasing engagement and visibility. It boosts sales and helps in securing funding from investors.
A cost-effective alternative to physical show units
Physical show units or model units are costly. The construction costs would include the furnishing, labor, and even the ongoing maintenance. Although having a show unit is really appealing and helps feel the ambiance of a unit, when there’s a budget limitation, it may be a struggle. 3D rendering design experts are a practical solution and alternative. It can still allow buyers to experience the realistic walkthrough of the property, being able to see what finishes are to be expected and the furniture arrangements. It gives all the experience even without stepping into the physical model.
Flexible updates without additional construction costs
Virtual models are also easy to update, so they can be changed into other layouts and test other colors. It can add or remove some furniture or fully rearrange it. All this can be done without the cost implication of every change, and it does not waste any resources once the viewing is done. Allowing multiple options without the construction of multiple model units secures a lot of savings for the project. This flexibility reduces unnecessary expenses and could save a lot of space, time, and effort. This is also a sustainable solution, especially in urban areas with limited spaces for showrooms.
Investor accessibility and long-term value
This approach can be appealing to investors, as there would be no need for travel to see the property, especially if they’re too far from the area. Having the feel and experience virtually can make them see and visualize the potential of the property. These digital models are not put into waste as it can still be reused for future campaigns. It can also be utilized if there’s an expansion planning or a renovation. The models can be updated once more to display the new outcome, making it a good asset for long-term value.
Convenience and hybrid visualization solutions
Nowadays, buyers value convenience and comfort. Allowing a chance to explore a home without the need to travel can make them enjoy it instead of being tired from all that exploration. It makes them ease up and focus on what they want in their homes.
One other option is having a hybrid approach in which developers use augmented reality in tandem with 3D renders. This means overlaying virtual furniture and material finishes in actual rooms. In this case, you can see the actual spacing and placement with limited flexibility. This approach reduces the need for extra changes every time there’s a change in furnishings.
Enhancing buyer experience through virtual customization
Buyers enjoy the sense of control over how the homes look, and a 3D render can give them that freedom to experiment with the finish touches and furniture. This makes it easier for them to decide what they want before construction and the eventual interior design services.
With the interactive features, there is a touch of personalization, which makes buyers have an emotional connection with the property. Since they have set preferences, there is a reduced risk of dissatisfaction. It would be less likely for them to request a material change or a color change since it has already been set during the first stages.
These are all possible in Cad Crowd, as it has freelancers who can create these interactive models. Professionals from Cad Crowd make sure that the outcomes are visually appealing and are aligned with the design intent.
Reducing resource waste through 3D rendering
Now that most businesses are prioritizing sustainability, 3D rendering is an approach suitable for planning while minimizing wastage of resources. In the construction of physical and model units, a lot of resources will be used. And, if there’s a need for a change, furthermore, resources will be added. In 3D rendering, there is a huge cut in all of these, which can dramatically reduce waste.
Testing sustainability features virtually
Testing and allowing for sustainable features are also possible in 3D renders, like lighting simulations for a more optimized sunlight, or even lighting design services for indoor utility. It can also adjust energy consumption with the altering features to improve its sustainability performance. Cad Crowd allows connecting to vetted professionals who are sure to understand the technicalities of delivering a sustainable approach tailored to every project.
Spotting issues early in large-scale projects
In large-scale projects, there are multiple challenges the project can face. As this includes a great number of units, there would be numerous contractors involved. A 3D render can aid in mitigating the risks the project may face. In 3D rendering, design issues and conflicts can be seen and spotted early. The developers can alter and adjust accordingly without the need to disrupt timelines.
Supporting marketing and consistent project visualization
Investors would have confidence in the professionalism of the stakeholders if they were able to deliver the visualization of every project detail. Ensuring there is transparency can strengthen the relationship and aid in securing funding approvals.
To maintain the cash flow, marketing campaigns can make use of the 3D models to showcase the phases and the future ones as well. It helps capture the interests of the buyers and increases pre-sales. The vetted professional freelancers from Cad crowd can deliver high quality render to ensure all phases are consistent and can accurately represent the project development, aligned and curated with the intent.
The traditional way of reaching buyers and clients could be costly and time-consuming. Building show units, producing brochures, and distributing them is taxing and uses a lot of resources. CAD design services are a more cost-effective approach. It reduces cost implications and can be reused across social media platforms and email campaigns. It can reach more buyers who are actively searching.
Expanding reach and improving engagement
This alternative minimizes reliance and dependence on physical resources. Maintenance costs can be minimized as well since there is no physical unit to take care of. As it reaches more buyers and serious ones, it provides higher engagement. They give inquiries and feedback, which makes the developers update the model proactively according to the masses’ preferences. The vetted freelancers in Cad Crowd can assist marketing with digital assets that reduce cost implications, while ensuring professional-grade visuals fitted for the campaigns.
Boosting buyer satisfaction after move-in
There is more than the pre-sales benefit of utilizing 3D rendering. It goes beyond that. It builds the reputation of the developer. After moving in, there would be a greater satisfaction in finally feeling what you have visualized. There are already expectations set before construction, and having it materialized into an actual home makes it more dramatically satisfying.
Reducing complaints and strengthening developer reputation
With these, there would be less negative feedback since they already know what it looks like; they just have to compare. There would be fewer revisions or requests for changes. This now reduces the post-sale complaints. Their feedback can be spread and reach a lot more buyers, and the reputation of the developer will improve even more. It can contribute to an even higher level of pre-sale success for upcoming projects.
Showcasing innovation and customer-centric approach
Integrating 3D rendering in the project shows innovation and flexibility to adapt to the technology, while being customer-centric, ensuring project goals align with client satisfaction for architectural presentation services.
Conclusion
It is no wonder that 3D rendering services are being encouraged nowadays, as the world is adapting to an even more innovative approach. It promotes sustainability and environmental performance by drastically minimizing reliance on materials and resources.
It allows effective collaboration among stakeholders and allows buyers to practice healthy feedback and be involved. It enhances the way it can be delivered as an outcome.
3D rendering is a risk mitigation tool that aids in defining potential issues a project can face and addresses them early on. It is also a digital asset that supports marketing campaigns to boost pre-sales and secure funding approvals.
Professional freelancers on platforms like Cad Crowd offers high quality 3D rendering. The deliverable is set to be curated for each project, ensuring it is accurate, realistic, and marketing-ready.
Check out Cad Crowd now to connect with professional freelancers who can team up with you to deliver the project to success through 3D rendering, a digital asset that mitigates risks and optimizes design. Make developing efficient, strategic, and sustainable with Cad Crowd. Request a quote today.
MacKenzie Brown is the founder and CEO of Cad Crowd. With over 18 years of experience in launching and scaling platforms specializing in CAD services, product design, manufacturing, hardware, and software development, MacKenzie is a recognized authority in the engineering industry. Under his leadership, Cad Crowd serves esteemed clients like NASA, JPL, the U.S. Navy, and Fortune 500 companies, empowering innovators with access to high-quality design and engineering talent.
The halfway point of the gaming year is fast approaching, but after several months of blockbusters, don’t count on May being a chance to catch your breath just yet. Several big releases are on the horizon, from a new James Bond game to a high-speed tour of Japan in Forza Horizon 6, so buckle up and get ready for a wild ride on PC and console.
Mixed between these big releases are also several smaller games, many of which will be entering an early-access part of development. If you’re looking to plan for the month ahead, we’ve gathered up a list of the biggest games dropping in May.
In what feels like a game that was custom-made for a generation of people raised on films like Empire Records and High Fidelity, Wax Heads is a cozy-punk narrative sim about keeping the lights on at a struggling record store. It’s up to you to chat to your quirky customers, craft the perfect selection of tunes to help them get their groove back, and slack off from work whenever the opportunity presents itself. Billed as a game about community, musical mysteries, and the underdog spirit, Wax Heads also features dozens of original tracks for needle-drop moments.
Sticking to the musical theme of May, you can also grab Mixtape this month. Set to the soundtrack of a generation, Mixtape follows three friends as they embark on one final adventure, explore a mixtape of memories, and experience the greatest hits of the teenage experience.
What happens when you combine combat inspired by the Batman: Arkham games with a mixtape full of chart-topping tracks? You get Dead As Disco, a stylish beat-’em-up where you deliver the greatest hits to the faces of anyone foolish enough to stand in your way. The rhythmic action game enters early access on PC this month, and players can expect to dive into the first arc of the game as Charlie Disco, a fallen star looking to slug his way back to the top by battling through his former bandmates.
The next game from CrossCode developer Radical Fish Games, Alabaster Dawn follows Juno, the Outcast Chosen, on her quest to restore a ruined world. Full of engaging combat and challenging puzzles, Alabaster Dawn also features a vibrant art direction that looks incredible, as it mixes a unique 2.5D style with pixel-art visuals and a subtle 3D perspective. The result is a game that looks like it’d be right at home in a library of SNES JRPGs, with modern graphical touches making it stand out from the pack.
We’re still waiting for the day when Capcom finally announces Devil May Cry 6, but until then, we’ll gladly take another season of Netflix’s animated adaptation. Devil May Cry Season 2 sees Dante’s brother Vergil make his grand debut, and it looks like the series will also be putting its own spin on the franchise’s biggest villain and the most polarizing game in the franchise. If it’s anything like the first season, then we’re expecting another blast of guns, swords, and heavy metal music for Dante’s return.
Directive 8020
Release date: May 12
Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S
Supermassive is aiming for the stars in its next Dark Pictures game, as the anthology series is boldly going to the cosmos. Like previous entries in the Dark Anthology series, Directive 8020 is a cinematic horror adventure that combines choice-based gameplay with branching storylines, and John Carpenter’s The Thing heavily inspired this sci-fi-themed chapter. That allowed for a gameplay system based on trust to be implemented in the game, while the new fast-travel system will be good news for completionists.
What’s better than exploring ancient mysteries, uncovering archeological treasures, and punching Nazis? Doing all that while you’re watching the movie. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle heads to Switch 2 this month.
The third time is the charm, as 2010’s Darksiders is getting another release on PlayStation and Xbox hardware. This is the Warmastered edition of Darksiders with all of the DLC from the original release, upgraded to 4K for PS5 and Xbox Series X. If you still haven’t played it, imagine Devil May Cry meets The Legend of Zelda, and you’ll have a pretty good idea of what to expect from this game.
Forza Horizon 6
Release date: May 19
Platforms: PC, Xbox Series X|S
After a few stops in Australia, Britain, and Mexico, the Forza Horizon Festival is finally headed to the capital of car culture, Japan. Forza Horizon 6 is sticking to the usual playbook of fast cars and showcase events, but it’s also making a few changes to that formula. Players will have to work their way through several ranks if they want to get behind the wheel of the best supercars that the game has to offer, and increasing their standing will get them a gold wristband that unlocks an exclusive part of the map called Legend Island, which is home to new events and challenges.
Beyond that, developer Playground Games says that Japan is Forza Horizon’s biggest map to date, and players can even customize their very own estate when they’re not taking part in races or car meets online.
Up for a little of the ol’ breaking and entering? Then you’ll want to check out Thick as Thieves, a new burglary game that can be played in co-op or single-player modes. Featuring a curated selection of heists, the early-access version will offer two playable thieves, two “highly replayable” maps, plenty of gear, and over a dozen contracts to accept if you’re up for an additional challenge. While the game does have an underlying narrative, Thick as Thieves is all about hopping in for short and engaging missions in this spiritual successor to the legendary Thief games.
Everyone has space fever lately, thanks to the Artemis II mission and Starfield’s PS5 port, and if you still want more of the final frontier, you can check out SpaceCraft later this month. Launching in early access, the ambitious space-sim game looks massive. Developer Shiro Games is promising a seamless universe with multiple star systems where you can become a major corporate force amongst the stars–that’s right, you can finally bring capitalism to SPACE. Sorry, Soviet Premier Anatoly Cherdenko.
Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Switch 2, Switch
Forza Horizon isn’t the only video game series headed to Japan this month, as you can pop into Coffee Talk Tokyo for a fresh mug of caffeine and aheart-to-heart conversation with the people who run that fine establishment. The doors are open to both humans and yokai in this cozy narrative-driven visual novel, and it’s up to you to create a refuge for your customers by brewing drinks, making dialogue choices that influence character outcomes, and creating connections.
After a starring role in The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, everyone’s favorite little dinosaur is headlining his first new video game since 2019’s Crafted World. Yoshi and the Mysterious Book is a 2D platformer that takes place inside a storybook setting that’s anchored by an adorable hand-drawn art direction. Yoshi is going to be putting on his David Attenborough hat for this one, as he’ll be investigating mysterious creatures and documenting them throughout his new adventure.
A spiritual successor to Disco Elysium, developer ZA/UM’s new game puts you in the boots of a spy returning for a final assignment after a catastrophic failure. On the hunt for redemption, players will have to sharpen their skills in this story-rich espionage RPG and hope that luck is on their side as they rebuild a broken network of allies and untangle a web of lies, as rolling a die to tip the odds in your favor does carry some risk. Failure is a surprisingly fun part of the Zero Parades experience, and something you’ll experience often when you find yourself caught in the middle of a struggle for cultural and ideological power by various factions.
Platforms: PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Switch 2, Switch
This truly might be the strangest timeline, because not only are we getting another Bubsy game featuring the D-list ’90s video game mascot, but his game actually looks good! Bubsy might finally get that chance in the spotlight that he has been chasing for decades now, as Bubsy 4D is a solid-looking platformer with interesting gameplay mechanics, plenty of customization, and an attention-grabbing art direction. Throw in gameplay modes designed to cater to speedrun enthusiasts, and Bubsy 4D is looking like a lot of fun so far–words we never thought we’d ever utter.
Batman returns in May, and this time, fans of the Caped Crusader can look forward to a Lego game that celebrates his impact on the big screen. Legacy of the Dark Knight also looks like it’ll be inspired by Rocksteady’s Arkham games, fusing those influences with the silver-screen incarnations of Batman and the cheeky humor that developer TT Games has become known for with its other Lego games.
The name is Bond–James Bond. Britain’s greatest cultural export–if we’re ignoring Mr. Bean and Fatboy Slim–the unstoppable superspy is finally making his grand return to video games this month. Developed by Hitman studio IO Interactive, 007 First Light is an origin story for the MI6 operative and one that aims to give players a view to a thrill with action, subterfuge, and talking your way out of a fight–or when things eventually go pear-shaped, throwing hands, gadgets, and one-liners to get yourself out of trouble.
Platforms: PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Switch 2, Switch
Developer Halfbrick Studios’ take on a Bluey video game arrived late last year as an Apple exclusive, and at long last, Bluey’s Quest for the Gold Pen is coming to new platforms this month. Featuring an imaginative setting born from doodles, Quest for the Gold Pen takes place on a rainy day in the Heeler house, and it’s a great game for younger fans of the hit animated series. With a heartwarming story and fun Zelda-inspired puzzles, it’s the next best thing to catching a new episode of Bluey.
What’s a fan of social-sim games supposed to do when The Sims continues to anger up the blood, and InZoi doesn’t quite meet expectations? Grab a new game in the genre, that’s what! Paralives looks like it’ll scratch that itch for building a new virtual life, but the focus is on a smaller scope that allows for cozy gameplay full of small details and artisanal vibes. The Steam Early Access launch looks like it’ll offer plenty of content to sink your teeth into, including options to start a career, find love, and even become the richest Townie around.
Ah, Rome sweet Rome. While the fabled empire wasn’t built in a day, no one says you can’t rebuild it quickly, and that’s just the task you’re handed in Romestead. The only problem? Keeping your citizens happy and growing your civilization on the march is already a challenge, but fickle gods, zombies, and a world populated with monsters straight out of ancient legend dial up the difficulty another notch. Fortunately, Romestead gives you all the tools you need to survive and thrive in a brave new world.
Working behind a counter can be a drag, but at least you don’t have to worry about a homicidal monster looking to murder you horribly–right? That’s the gist of Shift at Midnight, an online co-op game where three players will have to keep the shelves stocked and investigate if their customers are truly human. Make one mistake, and you’ll have to prepare for the fight of your life by boarding up your shop, setting traps, and hoping that your team has steady trigger fingers.
For almost a decade, Android devices of varying functionality have supported the use of eSIM. Surprisingly, many Android users do not have an active eSIM. The ease of set-up for eSIM, cost savings compared to international roaming, and ability to operate two active lines from one physical phone is extremely helpful for both business and leisure travelers. This article provides information on what Android users in the USA need to know about eSIM in 2025.
What Is an eSIM and Why Does It Matter for Android Users
A digital SIM card known as an eSIM can be found saved onto the hardware of your phone instead of a physical card that you would insert and take out of the actual phone. With an eSIM, the profile (activation) is downloaded wirelessly to your phone after you scan a QR code or enter an activation code to get started. Once the profile has been downloaded successfully, the eSIM will work just like a physical SIM card by enabling you to place a call on the carrier network as well as have a phone number assigned to your device and also for you to manage your data plan.
For example, if you have a US phone number that you use with your physical SIM card, and also want to have a data plan while travelling internationally, using your eSIM will give you the ability to run both SIMs along with their associated line (both physical and eSIM) at the same time on your Android phone. Using dual SIMs eliminates the need to carry 2 phones or switch out SIMs, which can be frustrating for frequent international travellers. Holafly’s eSIM with unlimited data is one of the more popular options among Android users heading abroad, covering over 200 destinations and activating in minutes before departure.
Which Android Devices Support eSIM
The Android ecosystem has widely adopted eSIM technology. The following is a list of Android devices confirmed as eSIM-compatible as of 2025:
Google Pixels have supported eSIM since the Pixel 3, and all devices in the Pixel 7, 8, and 9 series support dual eSIM, allowing the use of two eSIM profiles simultaneously without a physical SIM. Samsung S-series, Z-series, and other flagship models (including the Galaxy S20 and all subsequent versions) support eSIM, while the Galaxy S23 and S24 offer dual eSIM support on select devices. Motorola Razr and Edge series devices from recent generations include eSIM capability. OnePlus 11 and newer models support eSIM in the US.
One important point: eSIM functionality in the US may depend on the mobile carrier to which a device is locked. Devices purchased directly from Google, Samsung, or other manufacturers are typically unlocked and will support eSIM with most mobile providers. Devices purchased through a US carrier may have limitations related to eSIM until they are unlocked. To confirm whether your device is unlocked, you should contact your carrier.
How to Set Up an eSIM on an Android Device
The eSIM setup process may vary slightly by manufacturer; however, the overall process is similar across Android devices.
To set up an eSIM on a Google Pixel, go to Settings, then navigate to Network & Internet, then SIMs, and select the “+” icon to add a new SIM. Select Download a SIM Instead, then scan a QR code or manually enter an activation code.
To set up an eSIM on a Samsung Galaxy device, go to Settings, then Connections, and then SIM Manager. Select Add eSIM, scan the QR code provided by your carrier, and follow the prompts to complete the setup process.
For other Android devices, check the Network, Connections, or Mobile Networks section within your settings menu. While the pathways vary by manufacturer and Android version, the QR code scanning process is generally similar across compatible devices.
Once you have activated your device with two SIM cards (eSIM and physical SIM), you can manage both through the SIM Manager or equivalent settings. You will be able to assign different functions to each SIM (e.g., one for calls/texts and one for data). You may also designate a preferred SIM for specific contacts or use both without losing service.
eSIM vs Physical SIM on Android: When to Use Each
For most Android users currently residing within Domestic US, switching from a physical SIM card to an eSIM doesn’t seem very advantageous. In general, the main reasons to utilize an eSIM rather than a physical SIM card will be while traveling outside the US and having 2 cellular lines on the same device.
The calculations of international roaming charges are pretty easy to determine as it’s commonly understood that US providers generally charge anywhere from $10-$25 a day for US customer base to roam to almost all international destinations. For example, for 14 days of travel at $15/day generates $210 that’s added to your bill before any calls are made or text messages sent. However, if you were to book a prepaid eSIM data plan for the very same amount of time (14 days), it will only cost you $20-$40 dollars for unlimited data. Therefore there are significant savings and also your eSIM experience has the ability to provide you with more seamless connectivity to the local network instead of your US providers ‘roaming network.’
In terms of having 2 phone numbers on 1 device, Google’s support of an eSIM for Android makes this possible. Allowing you to create 2 separate lines for work and personal use from 1 device, or to have a separate phone number in a different location where you frequent travels, is highly utilized by all working professionals who are often on the go.
Troubleshooting Common eSIM Issues on Android
The most common issue with eSIMs is that they download but do not connect to the network. When this happens on an Android device, it can usually be resolved by toggling airplane mode on and off, which forces the device to search for available networks. If the issue persists, go into the SIM Manager and select manual network selection instead of automatic.
There are typically two reasons why a QR code will not scan: glare on the screen or being too far away. Most carriers offer a manual activation code as an alternative, which consists of an SM-DP+ address and an activation code that can be entered manually on the same setup screen.
If you receive an error related to carrier locks, your device may still be locked to your US carrier. This is most common with Samsung devices purchased from Verizon, AT&T, or T-Mobile. You can request an unlock through your carrier’s website or customer service. In most cases, the unlock is completed within 24 hours of the request, provided the device is eligible.
Managing Multiple eSIM Profiles on Android
In terms of eSIM functionality, an edge Android has over Apple devices is that both the Google Pixel and Samsung devices have more flexible and convenient profile management capabilities. For example, Google Pixel 7 and newer devices allow multiple eSIM profiles to be stored at the same time, making it easier to switch between country-specific plans while traveling rather than deleting and re-downloading eSIM profiles each time.
Samsung does similar by allowing users to manage profiles in SIM Manager (to activate/deactivate and label profiles) allowing for easy switching between multiple destinations by clearly labeling profiles with destination names and dates of travel.
Best eSIM for Android FAQs
eSIMs and Android – Everything You Need to Know about eSIMs on Android
eSIM Capability on Android Devices – Can I use two eSIMs at once? Yes, provided your phone supports eSIM.The best Android devices to use two eSIMs simultaneously are as follows: Google Pixel 7 and later models support a dual sim eSIM with no physical sim. Many models of Samsung Galaxy S23 and S24 support dual eSIM functionality.To verify whether or not your Android device supports eSIMs, you can look up your Android model specifications.
eSIM or Physical SIM Activation – If I activate my eSIM, will I lose my physical SIM? No, your physical SIM is still active and works with your eSIM as an additional line.You can manage both eSIM and physical SIM from the SIM settings on your device with no issues.
Transferring eSIM Profiles – Can I transfer my eSIM profile to my new Android phone? Many mobile carriers allow the transfer of eSIM profiles to other devices; however, there are some restrictions regarding this process based on the carrier’s policy.Typically you will have to contact your mobile carrier to initiate the transfer of your eSIM profile. Some carriers do not allow the transfer of single use; therefore, before purchasing an eSIM profile, be sure to review the policy with your carrier.
eSIM vs. Physical SIM – which drains more battery? There has been no measurable difference noted regarding whether or not an eSIM or physical SIM drains more battery. Power consumption will be similar while using eSIM or physical SIM on your mobile device during normal usage.
eSIM Capability on Budget Devices – Are there any budget Android devices that include eSIMs? Generally the number of mid range Android phones supporting eSIMs is becoming larger; however the quantity is still significantly smaller than the flagships.
Prior to making a purchase, check your budget Android device specifications on the manufacturers supporting eSIM.
