Unlock Your Game: Discover Windows’ Innovative Gaming Advisor!

If you’ve ever found yourself “trapped” in a game, the new Microsoft Edge Game Assist for Windows presents a rather handy option to lend a hand: Simply search for a hint while you are gaming.

Microsoft introduced this new feature as a beta version during last year’s holiday season. Now, it’s integrated into Microsoft Edge itself, provided you have the latest version, Edge 132 or above. (Technically, Game Assist is still classified as a “preview.”)

For gamers who prefer a “pure” gaming environment, there’s no need for concern. Edge Game Assist doesn’t activate on its own, and it actually proves to be quite beneficial when summoned. Edge Game Assist is incorporated into Windows’ Game Bar, which has had advanced functionalities available for a remarkable five years, hasn’t it?

Here’s how it operates. Game Bar (which my previous colleague, Hayden Dingman, aptly referred to as a “game overlay”) is activated by typing Win + G. While you’re enjoying a game, Game Bar brings up several small widgets that display the current PC performance, enables you to manage captures and screenshots from games, and more.

Microsoft Edge Game Assist simply overlays a small browser window on top, pre-configured for some of the more popular games. That last aspect is crucial: Since Edge recognizes that you’re playing Baldur’s Gate 3, for instance, the default window directs you to third-party guides and hints pertaining to that game, confined to a compact window. You can also navigate to other sites if you prefer, of course.

Mark Hachman / IDG

Edge also automatically suggests videos, which play in the compact window. In this instance, the video “expands” to fill the widget window. Thankfully, you have the ability to reposition and resize the widgets — the standard layout works well for text, but any videos will likely need resizing to truly appreciate their details. (Of course, you can always opt for their creators to guide you verbally as well.)

Personally, I find Edge Game Assist most effective with slower-paced games — BG3 is absolutely suited for this, given its rich narratives and mysteries. The same applies to Indiana Jones and the Great Circle. However, Game Bar doesn’t automatically halt the game, and you may struggle to digest Edge’s text and video content during a fast-paced game like Valorant.

Although I haven’t explored Edge Game Assist in depth, one delightful aspect is that it appears to support Steam. In other words, I didn’t need to install Baldur’s Gate 3 via Xbox Game Pass for the game to function properly.

Currently, games must be explicitly supported. The list of compatible games remains somewhat limited: Baldur’s Gate 3, Diablo IV, Fortnite, Hellblade II: Senua’s Saga, League of Legends, Minecraft, Overwatch 2, Roblox, Valorant, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. II: Heart of Chernobyl, Dragon Age: The Veilguard, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, Marvel Rivals, and Metaphor: ReFantazio.

“Don’t find your preferred game on the list? Keep an eye out!” Microsoft stated in a blog entry on Tuesday. “We’ll be adding tips and guides for even more popular games throughout the preview and in the future. Meanwhile, you can still utilize Game Assist to browse your favorite guides or other websites while playing any game.”

Edge Game Assist isn’t the sole method for obtaining this information, of course — you can grab your phone or simply Alt + Tab to switch to another window. However, Game Assist is a convenient way to access the information you require without having to genuinely “exit” the game, which is beneficial.