That’s not to say people who like true crime stories are fearful, more so they enjoy the feeling of being scared and frightened by the capabilities of humans. Similar to watching a horror movie, listening to a true crime podcast can be a scary yet exhilarating experience.

People’s fascination with the true crime podcast genre has only intensified over the past decade. Some center on famous crimes or serial killers, while others dive deep into unsolved murders and recent stories that have been in the news.

As there are so many different true crime podcasts out there, we thought we’d compile a list of our favorites. If you are a true crime junkie, you will find something here to entertain. Most of these are available on your favorite podcast network, including Apple podcast, Spotify, Wonderly, and more.

We have prepared 17 of the best true crime podcasts for you to listen to involving murders, kidnappings, and strange criminal activity. Find the one that interests you the most, click on the links provided, and start binging!

5. Dr Death

The best true crime podcasts combine engaging characters, unbelievable stories, and plenty of blood and guts. Dr Death fits this to a tee. Hosted by Laura Beil, each season of Dr Death deals with a case of medical malpractice.

The first season delves into Christopher Duntsch, a Texas surgeon found guilty of injuring 31 patients and killing two during surgery. The second season is about Farid Fata, an oncologist who treated people with chemotherapy even though they didn’t have cancer. The third and most recent season explores the despicable action of thoracic surgeon Paolo Macchiarini, who performed unethical experiments on patients that lead to several deaths.

Each season will have you hooked from the get-go, partly due to the subject matter and partly due to Beil’s alluring voice and incredible research. Dr Death is extremely popular with true crim enthusiasts and was awarded the 2021 Ambies award for “Best True Crime Podcast.”

Try this episode: Three Days in Dallas

7. Southern Fried True Crime

Putting a spin on the true crime genre, Erica Kelly delves into crimes that have taken place in the deep south on Southern Fried True Crime. Unlike many podcast hosts, Kelly isn’t a professional, she’s a fan.

Wanting to share her love of true crime with others, she started the podcast as a way to shine the light on crimes that have occurred in the southern states of the United States. This helps the pod be a little more relatable than others, and it’s hard not to get caught up in Kelly’s enthusiasm.

This true crime podcast has been going for years and is a big success and will satisfy anyone who is a fan of true crime podcasts.

Try this episode: #67 The Killing of FBI Informant Susan Daniels Smith

Try this episode: All That’s Wicked: The Schutts

10. Criminal

11. True Crime Garage

If you like your true crime podcasts with a little more flair, give True Crime Garage a crack. Hosted by true crime lovers Nic and the Captain, the dup invites you to grab a beer and join them as they discuss a wide range of true crimes. While the lads provide plenty of detail about the crimes they discuss, there is also a lot of banter and even a few laughs, because let’s be honest, sometimes you need a chuckle when dealing with death and murder all the time.

Each week they tackle a different crime that occurred in the states. From well-known murders to lesser-known cases, True Crime Garage has something for everyone.

Try this episode: When a Killer Calls

Try this episode: The Day Max Died

If you are looking for guaranteed great games to play that have made an impact on gaming culture, we have compiled the 12 best-selling video games of all time for you to dive into. Take note that this list includes all consoles and devices, and is based on total copies sold across all platforms.

From action-adventure to sandbox and even arcade-style games, there is something for everyone. Check out our list down below.

12. Red Dead Redemption 2 (2018) – 38 Million Copies

Rockstar Games

Red Dead Redemption 2 is the most recent game on our list. Developed and published by Rockstar Games in 2018, this is the prequel to the popular game, Red Dead Redemption. It is set in a fictional version of the United States in 1899, where gangs and the government are in a constant fight for power and money.

You play Arthur Morgan who is part of the Van der Linde gang. Morgan is trying to help his gang avoid detection from government agents while also doing his best to escape his life of crime.

Red Dead Redemption 2 can be played from a first or third-person perspective in a beautiful open-world environment. There are dozens of side quests that you can do without having to follow the main storyline. RDR2 is famous for its world-building, musical score, and immersive storyline.

The game has sold more than 38 million copies in just three years, making it one of the most successful games of the 21st century. 

11. Pac-Man (1980) – 40.9 Million Copies

Nintendo

It is almost a surprise that this title is only at number 11 on our list. Pac-Man is easily one of the most popular games of all time. Generations of gamers have experienced at least one version of this game on some form of platform over their life.

Pac-Man was developed and released by Namco in 1980 for arcade machines worldwide. The gameplay is simple but addictive. You control the protagonist, Pac-Man, who needs to eat all the dots inside the maze while avoiding the ghosts roaming around. Touching a ghost will kill Pac-Man.

When you eat the large flashing dots, the ghosts will turn blue. This means you can eat the ghosts for bonus points, leaving you with less to avoid later. Each of the four ghosts has different personalities which will help you predict their movements going forward. Each level gradually gets more difficult as well.

Pac-Man has sold almost 41 million copies across all platforms since 1980.

10. Tetris (Nintendo, 1989) – 43 Million Copies

Nintendo

This is the first appearance of a Tetris game on our list, but not the last. While EA’s version was exclusively for mobile devices, this one by Nintendo was made for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) and Game Boy. Released in 1989, this game was included in the bundle for the Game Boy upon the console’s release.

It was also made compatible with the Game Link Cable which allowed two Game Boys to link up and play against each other. The game plays like the classic arcade version of Tetris where you have to place different blocks to form and clear lines before it hits the ceiling. The playing area is 10 blocks wide and 18 blocks high.

The further you get into the game, the harder it gets as the tiles start to fall faster, so you have to adapt quickly.

Tetris has sold more than 43 million copies worldwide since 1989.

9. Wii Fit/Plus (2007) – 43.8 Million Copies

Nintendo

Wii Fit is an exclusive title released together with the console. An enhanced version, Wii Fit Plus, was released in 2009 with 15 additional balance and aerobics games, six new strength training activities, and yoga demonstrations.

Wii Fit also comes with a Wii Balance Board that you use for most of their games and activities. Standing on the Balance Board, the Wii will track your center of balance and relay that information to the game.

There are more than 50 different activities available, so you are free to choose which fits you the best. In some cases, the game has even been used by physical rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, and health clubs for their exercise routines.

The Wii Fit and Wii Fit Plus titles have sold more than 43 million copies worldwide since 2007.

8. Mario Kart 8/Deluxe (2014) – 45.5 Million Copies

Nintendo

Another cult classic, Mario Kart 8 was developed and published by Nintendo in 2014 for the Wii U. The enhanced deluxe version was later released for the Nintendo Switch in 2017, where it quickly became the console’s best-selling game.

The game retains the classic gameplay and mechanics typical of the Mario Kart series. You need to race against the other Super Mario characters in karts, collecting items and abilities on the track. Use these to slow down or even stop your opponents so you can overtake them.

In addition, Mario Kart continues to be a popular video game to play among gaming streamers. On platforms like Twitch, streamers often play the game because it can host a lot of players and create interactions between their fellow streamers.

Mario Kart has become a very popular title over the years, with this installment having sold over 45 million copies for the Wii U and Switch consoles combined.

7. Pokémon Red/Green/Blue/Yellow (1996) – 47.5 Million Copies

Nintendo

Developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo, this generation of Pokémon games is the franchise’s most popular and best-selling. It was released in 1996 for the handheld console, Game Boy. Pokémon Yellow was released two years later as an enhanced version where you have Pikachu as the starter Pokémon and it follows you on your travels.

The Pokémon media franchise has made over $92 billion worldwide, and you could say it owes all its success to the Red, Green, Blue, and Yellow versions that started it all. Remakes of these versions were later released for the Game Boy Advance in 2004, called FireRed and LeafGreen.

You play as the main protagonist in their quest to complete the Pokedex by finding and catching all 151 Pokémon. Along the way, you will try to collect all the gym badges and eventually defeat the Elite Four to become the Pokémon Champion.

Due to there being several color variations, many diehard fans purchased all the different releases, helping make the game a smash hit and sell in excess of 47.5 million copies.

6. Super Mario Bros. (1985) – 58 Million Copies

Nintendo

This is one of the oldest and most easily recognizable titles on our list. Super Mario Bros. was first released in 1985 as a sequel to the popular Mario Bros. arcade game. Developed and published by Nintendo, it was the first installment of the Super Mario series that is still ongoing today.

You play as the iconic main character, Mario, as he runs across the Mushroom Kingdom and tries to save Princess Toadstool. The goal is to accomplish each level by surviving against the villain Bowser’s minions and collect all the coins and items along the way. In multiplayer mode, player two will play as Mario’s younger brother, Luigi.

Its gameplay and graphics were revolutionary at the time, so Super Mario Bros. quickly became the most popular game in the world. While it was originally released for arcade machines and the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), other versions have been made for several different consoles so everyone can enjoy this classic franchise.

5. PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (2017) – 70 Million Copies

PUGB Corporation

PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds took the gaming community by storm when it was first released. Developed and published by PUBG Corporation, this battle royale multiplayer was released in 2017 for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Stadia, and Xbox One. A free-to-play mobile version was also created for Android and iOS.

A hundred players are dropped into an island where they will have to fight each other until only one person or team is left standing. The playable area of the map gradually shrinks overtime to force players and teams to engage each other in battle.

Once you parachute onto the island, you need to find weapons, armor, and other items quickly before anyone kills you. There are different strategies that players employ to win a match. You can be aggressive and try to kill everyone early, or take a more cautious approach by hiding and ambushing players from a safe spot.

In only four years, PUBG has already sold more than 70 million copies across all platforms and remains an online favorite. 

4. Wii Sports (2006) – 82.9 Million Copies

Nintendo

The Nintendo Wii was the most popular console during its peak, so it’s no surprise another title released on the platform makes an appearance on this list. Released in 2006, Wii Sports is the most popular of the exclusive Wii titles.

This sports simulation video game originally featured five different sports, including tennis, baseball, bowling, boxing, and golf, before the Wii Sports Resort came later on. Being able to play these sports using motion sensors and the Wii Remote was groundbreaking at the time.

You play using real-life movements, which means you swing the remote like a tennis racket, baseball bat, or golf club just like you would in real life. You can play single player against the computer or multiplayer with and against your friends. In single-player, the more games you win, the stronger your opponent will get.

3. Tetris (EA, 2006) – 100 Million Copies

EA

This might come as a surprise to some people given the other massive titles on our list. However, you should take into account how popular Tetris has been for decades, even though this game has only been on the market since 2006.

Tetris by Electronic Arts is a mobile game that is available for Android, iOS, BlackBerry OS, and Windows Phone. There is also a version available for the PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Portable.

The game features two game modes called Marathon and Magic. Marathon is the classic version of the arcade game where you are scored for each line that you clear. It lasts for 15 levels. Magic also has 15 levels with increasing difficulty. It also features objects that you can use to help clear lines.

Tetris has sold more than 100 million copies worldwide and is one of the most popular mobile phone games ever released.

2. Grand Theft Auto V (2013) – 150 Million Copies

Rockstar Games

Grand Theft Auto V may be second to our number one title in terms of copies sold, but it is right up there at the top when it comes to cultural impact and name recognition. Following the footsteps of cult classics Grand Theft Auto: Vice City and Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, this 2013 sequel improved on everything that the GTA franchise is known for.

Set in the fictional state of San Andreas, you will play as three different main characters over the course of the game. Throughout, you will also go on heists while avoiding the authorities and other criminal organizations.

Players have taken advantage of the game’s massive multiplayer servers and modded them into roleplaying servers. In 2020, several GTA V roleplay servers dominated the video game streaming community.

GTA V has been a top-tier game since its release in 2013 and continues to gain new players year after year, so there is no surprise that it is the second best-selling video game of all time.

1. Minecraft (2011) – 238 Million Copies

Mojang Studios

It probably comes as no surprise that Minecraft is on the top of the list. This sandbox video game was developed by Mojang Studios and was released in 2011 for Windows, macOS, and Linux. An Xbox version was later released for console gamers to enjoy as well.

Minecraft puts you in a 3D world where you can go on adventures, fight other players, or simply unleash your creativity. The terrain is infinite in all directions, so you are basically free to create as big of a world as you want. Some of the most creative players have even recreated real-life structures, cities, and in some cases, entire countries.

In addition to the classic version of Minecraft, players have also created modded versions of the game featuring new items, environments, and enhanced gameplay.

The game has sold more than 238 million copies worldwide and still has more than 140 million monthly users today. Minecraft is by far the highest-selling video game of all time despite being one of the newest ones on the list.

Since hitting arcades in 1992, the franchise has spawned numerous sequels and spin-off games alongside both live-action and animated films. There have also been several TV shows, comics, novels, and even a collectible card game. Furthermore, Mortal Kombat tournaments have also been a fixture in the gaming community since the late 90s. 

A lot of us grew up on the different versions of Mortal Kombat, so it is only natural to look for similar games we can try. If you feel the same, check out our guide on the 10 must play games for fans of Mortal Kombat.

1. Street Fighter V

The Street Fighter franchise is arguably just as popular as the Mortal Kombat series. This classic series has also dominated the fighting game scene for decades now. Developed and published by Capcom, Street Fighter has created some of the most iconic video game characters in history. Most early 2000s gamers are probably familiar with Ryu, Chun-Li, and Vega.

Street Fighter V is the seventh installment in the main series and was released for Windows and PlayStation 4 in 2016. It follows the standard, side-scrolling gameplay system that Street Fighter and other classic fighting games are known for. The game also features 3D characters and background design but is set in a 2D arena.

There were originally 16 characters when Street Fighter V was first released, with four of these being new additions in the series. Each season of the game introduces six new characters for a total of 46 as of Season Five. The plot is set between the events of Street Fighter III and Street Fighter IV, starting with Charlie Nash waking up in a tomb. He then embarks on a journey to defeat M. Bison while running into others along the way.

The game was positively received by critics and players. IGN and GamesTM both gave it 8 out of 10 ratings. Street Fighter V has since sold more than 5.2 million as of 2021. 

2. Tekken 7

Tekken is yet another in a long line of successful fighting game franchises in video game history. Since the first Tekken was released in arcades and for the PlayStation in 1994, the series has gone on to become a household name. With more than 30 years of dominance in the gaming scene, it’s no surprise that its loyal fans brought a lot of hype for the release of Tekken 7.

This Bandai Namco Entertainment production is the seventh installment in the main Tekken series. The plot is set after the events of the previous game, Tekken 6, with the war between the G Corporation and Mishima Zaibatsu continuing to take its toll on the world. Jin Kazama is missing, so Nina Williams leads the Zaibatsu in his absence. As a result, the United Nations intelligence group is tasked to locate Jin.

Tekken 7 features the classic one-on-one battles in a 3D arena. Each character has their own unique movements and attacks, but with the same basic controls. New features were also added like Rage Art, which is a unique move for each character that can be used during Rage mode. It shows a cinematic sequence that ends with a lot of damage.

Power Crush and Screw hits are also new attacking mechanics. Due to its popularity, the game was the top seller in its first two weeks of release and it has already sold more than seven million copies as of March 2021.

3. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

This 2018 fighting game was developed by Bandai Namco and Sora Ltd. and was published by Nintendo for the Switch. Ultimate is the latest installment in the series and follows the classic gameplay that fans have come to love. Even the earlier games in the series like Super Smash Bros. and Super Smash Bros. Melee are still popular among fans and pros alike, a testament to how good this franchise is.

Ultimate can have up to eight players in a game. It features famous Nintendo characters as well as other popular icons from other developers like Sega, Capcom, Konami, and Mojang Studios. Additional characters were also added after its release. As of 2021, Kazuya Mishima from the Tekken series is the newest addition.

The objective in Ultimate is to knock your opponents out of the fighting arena. Each player has a percentage meter that increases as they take more damage, making them easier to defeat. There are three ways to win a match. Either you beat the enemies within a time limit, play with a set number of lives, or just knock an opponent’s health to zero. 

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate received heavily positive reviews and even won several awards. It won Best Fighting Game at the Game Critics Awards in 2018 and The Game Awards 2019. As of 2021, the game has sold more than 24.77 million copies.

4. Killer Instinct

Killer Instinct was released in 2013 for the Xbox One. This is a reboot of the classic franchise from 1994 that was published by Nintendo, Midway, and Microsoft Studios. It was developed for arcade machines, the Super NES, and Game Boy. The original game was followed by a sequel called Killer Instinct 2 for arcades. The same sequel was also released for the Nintendo 64 but was renamed Killer Instinct Gold.

The game revolves around one-on-one combat that focuses on combo-based mechanics. It is very similar to Mortal Kombat and Tekken in this aspect. There are also several variations of combos such as Openers, Linkers, Enders, and others. Enders are a particularly important element to learn because they are a sequence of attacks that can only be used to finish off your opponent.

The series storyline was also rebooted but has retained a few details. Season One included story-based campaigns for each playable character. In Season Two, a Rivals Story Mode was introduced to the game.

This is an expanded campaign that follows the Season One storyline depending on the decisions you made previously. All three seasons of Killer Instinct have received generally favorable reviews from critics so far and have gained significant patronage from the gaming community.

5. Injustice 2

Injustice 2 is the sequel to the popular DC Universe fighting video game, Injustice: Gods Among Us, that revived the world’s interest in arcade-type fighting games. This one was published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment in 2017 for the PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows, and Xbox One. The Legendary Edition was subsequently released in 2018.

The game features one-on-one combat that includes basic and special attacks, combo-moves, and special abilities with the goal of knocking out your opponent. Each character has traits that provide temporary boosts or abilities. There is also a super meter that allows special moves for your character once it fills up. The environment in the battle arena is also quite interactive as you can perform certain attacks like throwing a car.

The story begins with a flashback of an infant Kal-El and his cousin Kara Zor-El’s escape from Krypton when it was attacked by Brainiac. It then skips to the present day where Batman and Robin try to stop Superman from executing the local inmates in the Arkham Asylum.

There are 28 playable characters in the main campaign for Injustice 2. They also released 10 additional ones which are a combination of DC Universe characters and a few guest fighters from other popular media.

6. Soulcaliber IV

This is one of the older games on our list, but it still holds its own in the world of fighting games. Soulcalibur IV is the sixth installment in the series and is the first one without an arcade version.

The game features four game modes which are Story, Training, Museum, and Arcade. There are 34 fighters you can play within Arcade, with two new ones and three guest characters from the Star Wars Universe. With this addition, fans of the film franchise can now use Yoda, Darth Vader, and The Apprentice when they play.

Soulcalibur IV won the Best Xbox 360 Fighting Game award from IGN in 2008. It was also awarded Best Fighting Game by the Spike TV Video Game Awards. Since its release, the Soulcalibur series has sold more than 13 million copies worldwide.

7. King of Fighters XIV

King of Fighters XIV is the latest installment in the King of Fighters fighting video game series. The franchise started with The King of Fighters 94 that was released for arcade systems and the Neo Geo home consoles. This game is the 14th title in the long-running series and one of the most well-received. 

Unlike the 13th game that used 2D raster imagery, this latest game is rendered entirely in 3D, making for an exciting fighting game. The King of Fighters XIV has fantastic gameplay, an easy-to-use fighting system, and a great mix of interesting characters – both new and old. While the visuals are a bit of a letdown, the rest of the game lives up to expectations, making it a worthy addition to this list. 

8. Dragon Ball FigherZ

Dragon Ball is one of the most popular anime of all time, so it is no surprise that there is no shortage of video games made for it. As such, the Dragon Ball FighterZ was published by Bandai Namco Entertainment for the Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, and the Nintendo Switch.

Dragon Ball FighterZ is a 2.5D fighting video game that simulates 2D. Most of the controls are based on the Marvel versus Capcom franchise. This involves forming a team of three characters where you can only use one at a time. You can, however, switch your character at any point in a match.

There are universal moves like melee attacks and dodges that all characters use, but each of them will still have their special moves taken from the Dragon Ball anime. You can play in classic arcade mode or the campaign that follows the game’s storyline where all the characters also play their part.

The game has already sold more than six million copies throughout the world as of 2020. It is also widely known as one of the best Dragon Ball video games of all time.

9. Virtual Fighter 5

Since Sega is one of the most popular video game companies in history, fans are sure to try out every game they release. The Virtua Fighter series is one of the company’s original titles, with the first installment released in 1993 for the Sega Model 1 arcade system.

The Virtua Fighter original game is also known as the first 3D fighting game ever released, and its succeeding titles have always received positive overall reviews. In summary, no Virtua Fighter game has ever bombed in its almost 30 years of existence.

Virtua Fighter 5 was released in Japanese arcades in 2006. It was later re-released for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. It immediately became an instant classic for teens and children with home consoles. It follows the story of the fictional Fifth World Fighting Tournament with 17 of the world’s best fighters competing against each other.

10. Dead or Alive 6

The sixth installment of the Dead or Alive series was released in March of 2019 for the Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and Microsoft Windows. This is one of the more graphic games on our list, so it may not be suitable for younger audiences. 

Dead or Alive 6 has 31 playable characters with a few downloadable content characters in the works. The storyline follows the events of Dead or Alive 5, with Kasumi of the legendary Mugen Tenshin clan becoming a rogue ninja and living a solitary life in the mountains. It is also often mentioned how the tutorials are simple to follow, which makes the game more enjoyable and convenient for beginners to play.

The game received favorable reviews across the board. It was also nominated for several awards including the Best Fighting Game at the 2018 Game Critics Awards and The Game Awards 2019. The digital version of the game has sold more than two million copies within its first three months of release.

Before the Oculus Rift was discontinued in 2019, it had already sold more than 547,000 units worldwide, despite it only being compatible with an Xbox One controller. The Oculus Quest 2 is currently the only available VR headset from the company. If you’re looking to get one for yourself and want to know which games to play, check out our list of the eight best free Oculus VR games in 2021.

1. Minecraft

Minecraft has recently released a free update for Windows 10 to allow it to support Oculus Rift. This includes cross-platform play for up to eight different players across PC, Android, iOS, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and VR.

Playing Minecraft on the Oculus Rift includes all the classic features players have come to love. With a VR headset on, players will get to experience the world of Minecraft on a whole new level. Imagine the adrenaline of seeing creepers or other mobs get too close to you? Exploring caves also becomes a much more immersive experience through VR.

If you’re getting your first VR headset, Minecraft might be the best game to start with. Not only are most gamers familiar with the game, but its premise is also great for VR. Building, exploration, and fighting are all brought to life up close and personal.

You can download the free update for Windows 10 through the Oculus website. The supported consoles are the Oculus Rift and Oculus Rift S. It also supports most gamepads. Minecraft is rated as Moderate, which means it is appropriate for many but not all audiences.

2. Jurassic World: Blue

Jurassic World: Blue was exclusively developed by Felix and Paul Studios for virtual reality. This was made as a companion for the movie Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom. This is quite a short game with only two chapters, but it puts you right on the grounds of Jurassic World.

The game lets you follow the velociraptor Blue, who is one of the stars of the franchise, as she tries to survive on the island between the events of Jurassic World and Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom. You will experience Blue’s perspective as she searches for food and water, looks for other life, and battles other predators on the island.

Writer and director Colin Trevorrow has already recognized the events of the game as canon, so fans of the franchise can play the game to see what happens between the movies. Jurassic World: Blue finally provides longtime fans of the series the ability to put themselves into that world and see how well they would do.

You can download Jurassic World: Blue for free on the Oculus website. It supports the Oculus Rift, Rift S, Remote, and any gamepad. The game is classified as Comfortable, which means its content is appropriate for all audiences.

3. Epic Roller Coasters

If you are craving the thrill of theme park rides but can’t be bothered to travel all the way to one right now, Epic Roller Coasters is the perfect game to get. This game gives you a completely immersive experience of going through intense rides in virtual reality.

Epic Roller Coasters features three different modes which are Classic, Shooter, and Race mode. Classic is just your standard roller coaster ride, so this is great for the family and children. Shooter mode lets you aim and shoot at targets while riding a roller coaster at high speeds. Don’t worry though, this mode includes a slow-motion feature to make it easier. Lastly, Race mode lets you take control of the cart to compete against friends.

This is a great game for the family or group of friends playing VR together. You no longer need to spend hundreds of dollars to spend a day in a theme park. You can just get on a roller coaster with all the thrills and scares that come with it from the comfort of your own home. It is also completely free, so you have no reason not to try it out.

You can download Epic Roller Coasters on the Oculus website. The game supports Oculus Rift, Rift S, and Quest. It is classified as Intense, so it is not recommended for a lot of people, especially the ones new to virtual reality.

4. Rec Room

Rec Room is the ultimate hangout game for friends. It features a wide range of games to play such as first-person shooters, Pictionary, sports games, and other cooperative games. It also allows players to create their own rooms that others on the server can choose to visit.

The game features immersive full 3D motion where you can interact with objects like picking them up or moving them around. The main room called the Rec Center looks just like a real recreational center with doors to different kinds of rooms that contain games or user-created setups.

Rec Room boasts mostly multiplayer games, making it a great avenue to hang out with your friends and family online. If you cannot get together in person due to living in different cities or scheduling conflicts, you can choose to hang out in the Rec Room. There is so much user-generated content in the game that you will never run out of things to play.

You can download Rec Room on the Oculus website. It supports Oculus Rift, Rift S, Quest, and Touch. The game is rated Comfortable, which makes it good to play for most audiences. It is also recommended for children ages seven and up.

5. Guns’n’Stories: Preface

Guns’n’Stories: Preface is basically a lighter version of Wild West games in virtual reality. If you’re a fan of games like Red Dead Redemption or Call of Juarez, this is the perfect VR game to get into. If you’ve always wondered what it’s like to live in the Wild West, this is your chance.

The game follows your grandfather’s memories as a famous bounty hunter during his era. The catch is that he’s not exactly the most reliable narrator, loving to embellish his stories. You’ll battle everything from gunslingers to large armies. The game also incorporates steampunk elements into the world, much like Fallout: New Vegas.

This is one of the best first-person shooter VR games available right now, and it is even completely free. You can play it alone or take turns with your friends or family, competing to see who the best gunslinger is in the group. Guns’n’Stories: Preface is light, funny, and highly exciting.

You can download the game on the Oculus VR website. It supports the Oculus Rift, Rift S, Touch, and Quest. The game is classified as Comfortable, which makes it safe to play for general audiences.

6. Spider-Man: Far From Home

We have seen a plethora of superhero games in recent years, including in virtual reality. The resurgence of comic-based superhero movies has translated into companion video games. However, these games can cost quite a lot. But Spider-Man: Far From Home is completely free and is a great way to dip your toe into this genre.

This is your chance to explore New York from the perspective of your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man. You can scale buildings, swing across them, and protect the streets from different enemies. This game is a companion to the Marvel film Spider-Man: Far From Home.

Follow through the 15-minute story mode and you’ll hear Tom Holland’s voice making the experience even more exhilarating. While it’s pretty bare, the swinging is just as enjoyable as you’d imagine and definitely worth trying out with your friends and family.

You can download Spider-Man: Far From Home on the Oculus VR website. The game supports Oculus Rift, Rift S, and Touch. It is classified as Intense, which means it may not be appropriate for most people, especially players new to virtual reality. It’s recommended for children ages seven and up.

7. Vroom Kaboom

This is one of the most unique games on our list. Vroom Kaboom is a great combination of racing, tower defense, and collectible card game elements all in one exciting, action-packed environment.

Build your deck of vehicles from over 70 different units to choose from. Create your own strategy and earn new cards or scraps by winning matches. You can also unlock newer and better vehicles through battles. Use your cards to summon vehicles that you can drive and shoot from to defeat your enemies. You can also ram into them and destroy their defenses.

You’ll play for one of three possible factions which are SkullBorough, Drift City, and Soul Station. Each faction features different cards, vehicles, and environments to play in, so you’ll need to try out all three to experience all the vehicles in the game. Vroom Kaboom is similar to classic racing and shooting games but the Oculus VR’s gameplay makes it more immersive.

You can download Vroom Kaboom on the official Oculus VR website. It supports the Oculus Rift, Rift S, and Touch. It is rated Moderate, which means it is appropriate to play for many audiences but may not be for some people. It features mild violence and is recommended for children ages seven and up.

8. Blade Runner 2049: Memory Lab

Blade Runner 2049 is the sequel to the cult classic Blade Runner. While this sequel was released 35 years after the first movie, fans of the original still came in droves to see it. Blade Runner 2049 was one of the most hyped-up movies in recent years, so it is no surprise that it inspired games on different platforms.

The Blade Runner franchise is famous for its dystopian take on Los Angeles, where synthetic humans called replicants have been created to work at the space colonies. The sequel is set 30 years after the events of the original film and centers around a replicant named K working for the Los Angeles Police Department.

Blade Runner 2049: Memory Lab places you in the Wallace Corporation’s Memory Lab where a hologram is getting ready to scan your mind and see what happened in your latest retirement. The game follows as you go into your memories looking for clues and evidence about these events. This game is absolutely free and is perfect for fans to delve into the Blade Runner universe.

You can download Blade Runner 2049: Memory Lab on the official Oculus VR website for free. The game supports the Oculus Rift, Rift S, Quest, and Touch and you will need Windows 10 to play it. The game is classified as Comfortable, so it is generally appropriate for most audiences. It is, however, recommended for players ages 12 years and up.

If you are looking for water guns for your kids, students, or even adult friends, check out our list of the 10 best water guns you can find in 2021.

Throughout cinema’s history, serial killers have dominated the screen. From the alluring cannibal Hannibal Lector to real-life murder Aileen Wuornos, these nasty humans have terrified us both on and off the screen.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation lists the key motivations of serial killers as anger, thrill-seeking, financial gain, and attention-seeking; qualities often seen in killers in the movies.

As with most genres, there are dozens of incredible serial killer films and hundreds of not-so-great movies. So, to help you out, here are 10 of the best serial killer movies we recommend you to watch. Just make sure to lock your doors.

Basically, you can find almost any podcast for a specific genre or an episode for a particular topic. You don’t need to do anything but listen and be entertained while learning about a new topic. How neat is that?

You can also tune in to podcasts for tips, advice, life hacks, and other stuff you’re curious about. As we said, there’s a podcast genre and episode tailored for you. You just don’t know about it yet.

To help you narrow down your choices and pick the perfect alternative to Taylor Swift’s new album, here are the 10 best podcasts for men in 2021.

1. WTF with Marc Maron

Marc Maron, a genius in combining wit and comedy, moved into the podcast realm in 2009 to interview people from all walks of life.  As a talented stand-up comedian and actor, he became a regular guest on the Late Show with Conan O’Brien. He’s also known for his off-Broadway The Jerusalem Syndrome, whose extended version was published as a book.   

Honest and thought-provoking questions are thrown to the podcast’s guests while Maron livens up the atmosphere with comedy and his surly attitude. Who said stand-up comedy could only be appreciated by a live audience? 

This podcast has been around for over a decade, with more than 1200 episodes to date. If you want to hear how good his emphatic interviewing skills are, on top of good-positioned jokes and humor, you’ll find it in conversations with top personalities like Barack Obama, Robbie Williams, and Anthony Bourdain.

Be warned: these in-depth dialogues about the guest’s life, career, and anecdotes are more than one-hour long. If you’re not the type who multitasks, this might be a lengthy choice for you.

Must listen to episode: Barack Obama

2. Revisionist History

If you’re experiencing a creative block or need a bit of inspiration, tune in to the Revisionist History podcast. The content is educational in the historical sense, with episodes tackling icons, images, and events throughout the ages. It can be entertaining and quite challenging to view the past from a different lens or angle, but this pod does it brilliantly.

New York Times best-seller author Malcolm Gladwell is the host of this culture, history, and documentary mix of a podcast. Gladwell has exemplified his writing prowess with his books The Tipping Point, Blink, Outliers, What the Dog Saw, and David and Goliath, and does an incredible job conveying his thoughts on this podcast. 

For Gladwell, history should not remain a thing of the past because you can still gain something from it if given a second chance. This statement can be subjective, but the podcast hopes to convey an objective take on second chances. 

If you can spare 30 minutes to one hour for this podcast, you’ll gain more experience in seeing things in a new light. Open your ears and eyes in this engaging podcast.

Must listen to episode: The Basement Tapes

3. How I Built This

The topics discussed in this online audio broadcast require a more solid foundation than nails and concrete. A podcast of tales, business, and careers, the lead storyteller in How I Built This is the award-winning journalist and NPR host Guy Raz.

Raz wanted to share his learnings from his interviews with many entrepreneurs, innovators, and idealists and decided to compile them in a book. Before he was an author, Raz was a dedicated reporter who covered historical events such as the killing of Osama Bin Laden and the Newtown School Shootings. He’s also the co-creator of the TED Radio Hour and NPR’s first podcast for kids entitled Wow in the World.   

Later on, he decided to bring his work to a bigger, more expandable platform, which is how he started the How I Built This podcast. He creates a charming narration that engages both his guests and audience. 

If you’re looking for inspiration for your new project, whether big or small, we recommend giving this podcast a listen. Take notes and learn from the experiences of those builders who aspired to create and keep at it. This transformative podcast requires around 30 mins to one hour of your time. Perfect for when you’re stuck in traffic.

Must listen to episode: Wikipedia: Jimmy Wales

4. The Art Of Manliness 

Now, this podcast will not bruise your ego. The Art of Manliness podcast simply wants to give you actionable advice to become better

Coming from another medium, the Art of Manliness began life as an online publication. Created by Brett McKay while he was in law school way back in 2008, the popular online magazine reaches over 10 million people a month and has evolved to include this podcast.

You’ll be surprised about the collection of episodes. Some topics are as simple as life reflections before the new year. In contrast, others are as tough as the hidden tragedies of male loneliness. With this podcast, being a better man can be as easy as pressing the play button and putting your earphones on.

Must listen to episode: The Male Brain

5. Planet Money

Discussing money problems with friends is not always something many of us feel comfortable with. So the hosts of the Planet Monkey podcast made it a point to simulate a cozy chit-chat in a bar to help you loosen up. 

Planet Money demonstrates collaborative journalism with several reporters and correspondents discussing topics every week. Episodes are hosted interchangeably by Mary Childs, Karen Duffin, Sarah Gonzales; and co-hosted by Amanda Aronczyk, Cardiff Garcia, Jacob Goldstein, and Stacey Vanek Smith. 

Office equipment, businesses like GameStop, the social media platform TikTok, the Bitcoin bonanza, and other relevant topics are discussed in relation to the economy.  This podcast educates you on the transactions you perform, whether it involves money directly or not. It runs on the idea that everything has something to do with money, hence the podcast’s title. 

If you want to know more about the ordinary things that sneakily hurt your wallet and the economy, check out the Planet Money podcast. It only takes 15 to 30 minutes tops, just the right length to discuss money comfortably.

Must listen to episode: The Curse of the Black Lotus

6. Books On The Nightstand

If books interest you and you want to consume them in the least energy-consuming way, give Books on the Nightstand a whirl.

Michael Kindness and Ann Kingman introduce a conversational podcast about books; discussing content, reviews, and other related topics. Former sales representatives for Penguin Random House, the duo also co-created Booktopia, a community of independent bookstores across the United States. 

The two hosts started talking about the books on their nightstand in 2008 and released their final episode in 2016. Although this podcast ended, bookworms can still access every episode on the Books on the Nightstand website. If you enjoy the content, also check the GoodReads community that they’ve created. 

Must listen to episode: No Women Allowed?

7. Stuff You Should Know

No one likes a know-it-all, but it pays to know stuff others might not know. If you’re curious about what is considered common sense knowledge, check out the Stuff You Should Know podcast. This podcast also has a video series by Stuff Media. 

Josh Clark and Charles W. Bryant (also known as Chuck) are both writers for How Stuff Works. The two clicked and decided to launch a podcast discussing much of the content they write about.

It’s nice to learn about how things work and why they do. So, if you have some minutes to spare, sharpen your mind with this podcast. Topics can be as vital as surviving a shark attack or as manageable as the difference between a deodorant and an antiperspirant.  Each episode airs for 20 minutes to one hour. Don’t worry. It won’t be as monotonous as your lecture class.

Must listen to episode: How Bruce Lee Worked

8. The Daily 

Your father might like reading the newspaper in the mornings while drinking coffee, but with the internet age, this picture has been replaced with a few taps on his smartphone. The Daily is your go-to podcast for news updates, weather, and anything involving current events. Of course, it’s reliable – The Daily is from those who write for The New York Times.

Crisp and short news updates garnered the Peabody Award for Radio and Podcast to The Daily. Hosted by Michael Barbaro, this radio podcast runs for 20 to 25 mins. You can even squeeze in another podcast episode of a different genre after listening to The Daily. But, if you want the no-fuss, this-is-what-matters-today information, this podcast is enough. 

Michael Barbaro received the most prestigious award for journalism, the DuPont-Columbia University Award. So it’s fair to say he’s got a grip on the current events The Daily talks about.

We recommend this to people who like morning or evening routines. You can easily chuck it in your schedule, say while taking a bath or having breakfast. No thinking is required, just absorb the information and let it sink.

Must listen to episode: An Impeachment Manager on Trump’s Acquittal

9. Science Vs

This one has a similar tone to Stuff You Should Know, but a bit more technical. What Science Vs does is take published information are sorts out the truths and facts from rumors and miss-infomration. You’ll be hearing from Wendy Zuckerman, an Australian-American science journalist, and podcaster in this learning platform. 

Zuckerman has both a biomedical science and law degree on her achievement belt. An experienced writer, she’s also worked with the New Scientist, Cosmos, The Age, The Australian, and The Saturday Paper.

Brought to you by Gimlet Media, you can listen for five minutes to an hour, depending on the scientific controversy to be dissected.

The podcast’s writers take their time conducting research, cross-reviewing literature, and fact-checking so you won’t have to. If you’ve heard some snippets you want to research for yourself, transcripts are provided on the website to guide you. If you’re ready to nerd out, get your earphones on.

Must listen to episode: Magic Mushrooms: Trip Through Science

10. This American Life 

If you are looking for an impacting podcast that runs for an hour, tune in to This American Life. This podcast was initially a documentary series on the radio until it springboarded to fame as a national TV series.

Although this also features real-life experiences like WTF with Marc Maron, This American Life focuses on the ordinary people, not stars or the celebrities, which gives it a more relatable vibe for the audience. With episodes released weekly, this podcast has shared hundreds of stories from ordinary American’s. 

The irrepressible Ira Glass has hosted this radio-show-turned-television-show-turned-podcast for 25 years. He’s a veteran public radio personality, producer, and writer who juggles both the audio and video platforms to disseminate eye-opening events happening in a typical American home. The 2008 episode of This American Life about the economic collapse gave birth to Planet Money, which is another must listen to podcast on this list. 

Competing with other reality shows is challenging, but This American Life proved its worth by winning three Emmy awards.

Must listen to episode: 20 Acts in 60 Minutes

It is safe to say that Yeezys have revolutionized the sneaker game and opened up a whole new market. Yeezys are generally lifestyle and casual footwear. But the shoes have become so trendy that even celebrities wear them on red carpets and athletes wear them to sporting events. Their popularity only increases with every new release, making the older models more sought-after.

If you are looking to get a pair, check out our list of the 10 best Yeezy shoes of all time. 

Blisters from wearing shoes can last anywhere between a few days to a couple of weeks. The only way to avoid this is by breaking in your new footwear. Most shoes typically have to be broken in, but boots take a lot longer than most. That is simply the price of wearing something sturdy that is designed to protect you from the elements.

If you recently bought a new pair, check out our detailed guide on how to break in new boots.

Slowly and Safely

The most common way to break in your brand new boots is by taking it slow. You can wear them for a couple of hours every day until they lose most of their toughness. Make sure to remove them once your feet begin to get tired or uncomfortable. If you wear them for too long, your feet will get sore and blisters will begin to form. When you wear them to work, remember to bring an extra pair of more comfortable shoes as your backup.

A good strategy is to wear your boots every morning when going out for breakfast, coffee, or even while walking your dog. These activities typically take about an hour or so, which is just enough time for your feet to remain comfortable. After a couple of weeks, you can start wearing your boots for the whole morning at the office.

If you follow this routine consistently, your boots should be broken in comfortably after a month or two. You can even wear them while just walking around at home. Do it when you are cooking food, doing chores, or just relaxing in the living room. Another short activity you can wear your boots to is buying groceries. A trip to the supermarket generally takes less than an hour, so your feet should be able to handle that.

During the first few weeks, make sure not to wear your boots for too long or on strenuous activities. Do not go hiking, walking long distances, or running in them just yet. Also, wear thick, soft socks to protect your feet. It will also help if your feet stay warm and dry. Sweat can cause your feet to slide around more and potentially cause blisters.

Force It

​​Another way to break in your new boots is by forcing the process. You just need to replicate how the material actually moves when you are walking in them. This is the fastest but riskiest way to break in your boots. If you do it correctly, your boots should be good to go in just a couple of days. However, you may end up damaging your brand new boots if you apply too much pressure on the wrong areas.

You can start by stepping on your shoes. Try not to put your whole weight on them, but put just enough to work out the material. Stepping on your boots will bend them similarly to the angle when you walk in them. Another option is by squeezing them with your hands and slightly bending the sole.

Squeezing or crushing the boots with your hands will stretch out and soften their material. Remember to be gentle and not bend the sole too much. Only keep it to normal angles that will happen if you were actually wearing and walking in them.

If you want to take a more proactive approach, you can try exercising while wearing your new boots. This strategy might cause blisters, but it will definitely break in your boots much quicker. Do this for about 10 to 15 minutes a day so your feet won’t get sore. You can do a little jogging, jumping, and other light exercises. If you have hiking or sports socks, wear them while exercising to keep your feet comfortable.

Things to Remember

Get High-Quality Boots

The best way to prevent blisters and sore feet is by buying high-quality boots from trusted brands. Boots are an important investment, especially if you live in cold areas. If you buy cheap ones, you will end up with low-quality material that will wear out quicker and may end up hurting your feet in the long run. 

Purchasing a top-quality pair will last you several years and are usually much easier to break in much. So, if you get the best boots available, you might not even need to break them in for very long.

Get the Right Size

Finding the right size of boots is one of the most important factors to consider. By having a good fit, your feet won’t slip inside the footwear while walking, leading to blisters. You also do not want a pair that is too tight, as boots tend to have tough materials. 

Always choose boots that are just the perfect fit for you especially if you are the type to do a lot of walking and hiking. Get a pair that is not too tight, but snug enough to keep your feet in place. Always try them on before buying, as different brands have different size standards. 

Also, take note that your sneaker size will sometimes differ from your boot size because sneakers are much more forgiving in their fit. If you are unsure of your size or buying your first boots ever, ask for help from store employees. Most stores will have the right measuring devices to make sure you get the correct size.

Adjust the Laces

Boots will always be a little tighter in the beginning. To counter that, you can adjust your laces to be more comfortable. As you break the shoes in, they will gradually feel more spacious. 

Try loosening up your laces if your boots are new as this makes it easier to ease in and helps prevent you from getting blisters. Once you have broken them in, you can tighten the laces again to give you a snug fit.

Clean Your Boots Regularly

Having clean footwear is very important. If the leather in your boots gets too wet, too dry, or covered in mud, it may end up deformed. You need to make sure your boots are clean and have access to fresh air to prevent shrinkage and flaking. If you keep them in hot places, the leather will end up drying out.

If you leave them out in the cold too often, your boots will toughen up and all that breaking in will be for nothing. Room temperature is the optimal setting to keep your boots in. Even then, you should wipe them clean every week or so, to remove accumulated dust.

You can also use leather conditioners to keep your boots lubricated and maintain their natural color. Some products even make your boots water repellent so they will be protected from the elements at all times. Leather conditioner keeps your boots smooth, soft, and breathable. Make sure to only get trusted products that do not include harmful ingredients.

What Not to Do

Do Not Soak Your Boots in Water

Some guides may suggest that you soak your boots in water to soften them. You should not do this, especially with classic leather boots made from traditional materials such as cork. The water will ruin the footwear and result in them being damaged a lot sooner than expected.

This method may work better for boots that use synthetic materials such as certain types of hiking boots. A common practice is to soak the boots in warm water for about an hour before drying them off with a towel or sun-drying them.

Do Not Blow Dry Your Boots

Another method that some people have suggested is blow-drying your boots with warm air. This is quite risky as the heat can end up damaging or even melting some of the materials in your boots. If you are going to do it regardless, just make sure the air is not too hot and do not do it for extended periods.

The idea is to make the leather more malleable using heat. The problem is that leather can turn from malleable to dry in a matter of seconds. Although it is a risky method, you can use it for specific areas of your boots that hurt your feet. For instance, if a toe is rubbing on a certain area too much, the leather may be too stiff there. The same principle applies to the ankle area.

Do Not Use Shoe Stretching Sprays

There have been several products in recent years claiming to stretch your boots and shoes enough without having to break them in. These sprays will claim that they stretch the leather to mold to your feet. The problem is that most of these solutions contain alcohol, which is bad for leather.

Remember that leather is basically animal skin. Do not use anything on it that you would not use on your own skin. That includes copious amounts of rubbing alcohol and other chemicals.

If you really want to test if these shoe stretching sprays work, try them on an older pair of boots that you don’t mind damaging. You can also experiment by buying a cheap pair and seeing if the sprays end up breaking them in. Whatever the case may be, this is an expensive and risky method that is just not worth it most of the time.

Boot Stretchers Are Rarely a Good Idea

Boot stretchers will definitely stretch out the leather and other materials, but the fit will be your problem. Remember that all feet have different shapes and sizes and boot stretches cannot break in your boots to the exact size and shape of your feet.

Unless you have custom-made boot stretchers that are shaped exactly like your feet, you should not do this method. A boot stretcher functions the same as if you wear your boots for a long time. It will end up stretching the leather in areas you do not want it to while being too tough on others.

For example, it may give you a lot of room in the heel and toe area but can remain too narrow in the midfoot area, especially if you have wide feet. If you have even more irregular shapes on your feet like large ankles, extra big toes, or protruding joints, you are likely to struggle even more

Learning the right way to remove scratches from your glasses will save you a lot of money in the long run as you will no longer have to replace them every year due to wear and tear. You’ll also be able to avoid the awkward break-in period that comes with fresh new glasses.

Check out our detailed guide for different approaches on how to remove scratches from eyeglasses.

Wipe To Clean Your Glasses

Before you do anything too drastic, you should try the fastest, safest, and simplest way to clean your glasses. When you get a new pair, they usually come with a case and a piece of microfiber cloth for cleaning. Use that to wipe your glasses down without damaging the lenses.

Microfiber is a synthetic fiber that is finer than most regular cloths and is used for clothing and accessories. Its individual strands are thinner than one denier or decitex, with a diameter of under ten micrometers. By comparison, a single strand of silk is about one denier thick. Human hair, on the other hand, is five times the thickness of silk.

Microfiber cloths are perfect for wiping down surfaces like glass, plastic, and similar materials on phone screens, computer monitors, and tablet screens. You should only ever clean your glasses using microfiber as other types of cloths can damage your lenses and cause even more scratches. So if you notice that your glasses seem to have small scratches, most of the time, a simple wipe can remove them.

Use Baking Soda Solution

If wiping does not remove the scratches, you can try using a baking soda solution to clean your glasses. Start by mixing one or two teaspoons of baking soda with some water, just enough so it becomes a paste. Make sure it is not too thick or too watery. It should be just thick enough so that you can apply it to your lenses without it dripping away.

Once you have the solution, carefully spread it over your lenses using a microfiber cloth. Next, gently rub the lens with the paste using the same microfiber cloth. Remember to use minimal pressure so it does not cause more damage. Do this for about 30 seconds on each lens. After that, let the baking soda paste rest on your glasses for a minute or two.

Next, rinse the baking soda off your glasses under a soft stream of water. You can use your sink or shower but make sure the pressure is not too strong. Rinse your glasses well to get rid of all the baking soda residue. Also, be careful not to drop your glasses while washing as the baking soda paste may make them slippery to hold on to.

Once you have washed them thoroughly, you should wipe them dry and clean them by using a microfiber fabric. Inspect your lenses to see if the scratches are still there. The baking soda solution does not work for deep and permanent marks, but it will certainly clean surface scratches and make your glasses look almost brand new again. 

Use Toothpaste

If the baking soda solution does not deliver, then using toothpaste can also be a viable alternative. But just like the previous method, toothpaste does not have guaranteed results either. However, as this is one of the most common items you can find in your home, there really is no harm in trying anyway.

The toothpaste is meant to be a mild abrasive that levels out minimal scratches on your lenses. Apply a little bit of regular toothpaste on your glasses and use a microfiber cloth to spread it around gently. Make sure to cover all the areas around the scratches. If you prefer, you can also just wipe it around the entire lens to make sure any micro-scratches are also covered.

The Radioactive Dentin Abrasiveness (RDA) scale is used by toothpaste brands to determine how abrasive or how soft their product is. Try to get anything below 80 RDA so you do not risk damaging your glasses even further.

After thinly spreading the toothpaste around, you can let it rest for a few minutes on your lenses. When they have hardened a bit, rinse them all off with a soft stream of water. Make sure to remove everything thoroughly because toothpaste can harm your eyes if you wear your glasses with residue still on them. Once you have removed all the toothpaste, wipe your glasses gently with microfiber again and check for scratches.

Try Using Sunscreen

For glasses with mirror coating, the sunscreen method is slightly more reliable than baking soda or toothpaste. This is assuming the scratch is only on the mirrored layer surface of your lens. If it is deep enough to cut into the plastic or glass, this method may not be too effective.

Furthermore, this also does not work as a spot treatment. The only way for this to work is by removing the entire layer of mirror coating, which is not exactly a good idea in the first place. However, desperate times require desperate measures, so with caution, we will teach you how to do it anyway.

Use sunscreen with SPF 45 for optimal results with this method. Rub the sunscreen on your lenses using a microfiber cloth. The fine aluminum powder in the sunscreen is meant to patch up the small scratches on your glasses. Spread the sunscreen thinly and let it sit for a few minutes. After that, you can wipe or wash it all off in the sink. Do this carefully to prevent scratching your lenses further.

After you have washed your glasses, wipe them clean with a microfiber cloth again. Check for any scratches and see if the method worked well. Remember to always be careful, especially with glasses that have UV protection or dark lenses as this method may end up damaging the coating instead. If the scratches are too minor and do not really hinder you from functioning properly, we suggest that you refrain from trying this method at all.

Glass Etching

Glass etching is an effective but dangerous method in removing scratches from your glasses. This method takes off damage coating from your lenses if they are too scratched. You will need etching cream, glass cleaner, some tape, plastic gloves, and microfiber cloth.

You should only use this method on plastic or polycarbonate lenses and never on actual glass. Otherwise, it will completely ruin your glasses to a point that you may not be able to use them anymore. First, hold your glasses facing away from you while wearing plastic gloves. You can then pour a small amount of the glass etching cream on the lenses.

Rub the etching cream gently all over the lenses. Make sure not to rub any etching cream on the frames because it may damage the color or structure. Do this for about two minutes or so. After that, you can rinse away the cream under soft, warm water. Try to remove everything, especially the residue that may get stuck in between the lens and frame.

Wipe off the water from your glasses using a microfiber cloth. Check your glasses under some light to see if the scratches have been removed successfully. If there are still minor scratches remaining, you can repeat the process the next day. Do not apply the glass etching cream immediately after the first clean as it may damage your lenses permanently. 

Carefully Use Sandpaper

Sandpaper may sound like a very dangerous item to use on your precious glasses and that is because it is. This method is more likely to damage your glasses than fix them, so you should only ever do this as a last resort. If your glasses are still fairly usable, do not use sandpaper on them. Reserve this process for glasses that are full of scratches and otherwise barely usable.

This method works under the idea that the sandpaper will grind your lens down to the level of the scratch. This thins down your lenses and may damage the vision correction and UV protection features. Sandpaper is best used for cosmetic eyeglasses or sunglasses. Never do this for prescription eyeglasses.

Rub the sandpaper on your glasses for a minute or two. Once you feel like you have leveled out the scratches, stop using the sandpaper. You can then use a buffing wheel to polish and smooth out your lenses further. This will give them that brand new shine back.

After that, wipe off your glasses with a microfiber cloth again to remove all the extra glass particles. Do this thoroughly because tiny glass particles can cause a lot of damage to your eyes if they are in contact with them. In some cases, you may even need medical attention if too much gets in your eye.

Just Get New Glasses

If you have exhausted all means and your glasses are still scratched, it would be best to just buy new ones. If they are prescription glasses, go to your local optical clinic to have them replaced. This may also be good for you in case your vision correction levels have changed. That way, you can get new glasses that are better fitted for you.

In the unlikely event that you tried all the methods but your glasses are still somewhat usable, you can probably keep them as your backup pair just in case. You can use them at home or when exercising.

When purchasing a new pair of glasses, make sure they have an extra protective coating that prevents scratches in the future. While you are there, you can also ask the doctor or staff for suggestions on how to prevent scratches. They can give you some tips or even products that will help you with this.

Prevent New Scratches

Once you have purchased new glasses, your top priority should be protecting them from scratches. You do not want to go through the entire process of removing the scratches once more without any guarantee that the methods will work.

A good way to achieve this is by putting your glasses back in their case whenever you are not using them. Avoid placing your glasses on any hard surfaces like tables or chairs. Also, never wear your glasses on your head as your hair could scratch the lenses. Putting them in your shirt pocket is another way to damage your lenses accidentally. If you do not have your case nearby, avoid taking off your glasses at all.

When your glasses have been exposed to the elements for a while, clean them with a microfiber cloth. But check it first and make sure there are no coarse materials on the lenses to avoid scratching them instead.

One of the oldest and most practical pieces of advice that doctors will give you is that prevention is better than cure. You should always handle your glasses with care so you won’t have to bother trying to remove scratches from your glasses in the future.