Unlocking the World of Amazon Luna: Essential Games, Tips, and More

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Here is everything new subscribers to Amazon Luna should know about the affordable gaming streaming service.

Published on December 20, 2024 at 11:20AM PST

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The Amazon Luna cloud-streaming service is an excellent option for anyone looking to game without investing in expensive consoles or gaming PCs. If you have recently signed up for the service, we’ve compiled a guide with tips to enhance your experience, along with game recommendations to try.

Before we get started, if you’re new to Amazon Luna or need a refresher on how to sign up, be sure to check out our previous guide that explains what Amazon Luna is and how to use it effectively. Now, let’s delve into how to improve your cloud-gaming sessions and highlight some must-try titles on Amazon Luna.

Tip 1: Invest in a Luna Controller

Our top recommendation is to purchase and use an Amazon Luna controller. While you can use other controllers or your phone, the Luna Controller is tailor-made for cloud gaming thanks to its dedicated Wi-Fi connection, allowing for seamless switching between devices. It also supports Bluetooth and USB, features Amazon Alexa, and is compatible with Steam. If you’re serious about Luna gaming, this investment is worthwhile. Currently, you can grab the Amazon Luna Controller for just $45 (down from $70), or in discounted bundles that include the controller and an Amazon Fire TV Stick streaming device. Check out the deals below.

Luna controller deals at Amazon:

Amazon Luna Controller — $45 (~~$70~~)
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max and Luna Controller Bundle — $80 (~~$130~~)
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K and Luna Controller Bundle — $68 (~~$120~~)
Amazon Fire TV Stick HD and Luna Controller Bundle — $60 (~~$105~~)

Tip 2: Connect your Luna Controller to Wi-Fi

As mentioned earlier, the dedicated Wi-Fi connection on the Luna controller provides lower latency compared to Bluetooth. While the controller supports 2.4 and 5GHz Wi-Fi connections, it’s best to connect to 5GHz for optimal performance.

Tip 3: Optimize Your Amazon Luna Connection

To enjoy a smooth 1080p gaming experience, Amazon suggests a minimum internet speed of 10 Mbps, and you can enhance your connection by adjusting a few settings.

Prefer a wired Ethernet connection when possible.
Disable VPNs.
If you’re using Google Chrome, enable hardware acceleration by typing “chrome://settings/?search=hardware” in the address bar and turning the option on.
Turn off background applications while gaming on Fire tablets and macOS to avoid performance issues.
Adjust in-game resolution/graphics settings as needed. Be aware that some games may not save these settings after you exit, so you’ll need to adjust them each time you play.
If you experience buffering or lag while playing, lower the resolution to 720p, which requires only 5 Mbps. You can change this setting in the Luna app under Settings > Audio & Video Quality.

Tip 4: Use your phone as a controller

As Luna is a cloud-streaming service, you can access your games on a variety of devices almost anytime, as long as you have an internet connection. One of the most convenient options is your iOS or Android smartphone. You can pair a Luna controller or any other compatible Bluetooth controller with your phone and play that way, or you can use your phone itself as a controller thanks to Luna’s virtual on-screen controls, which provide a d-pad, thumbsticks, face buttons, and triggers directly on your phone’s display.

This means you can play and manage the action all on one screen, but you can also connect your phone to the same network as your primary Luna streaming device and use it as a controller while playing on a TV, computer, or other external display. When you log into both devices with the same Luna account, they will sync quickly and easily. Friends can also…

engage in your gameplay using their mobile devices via the Luna Controller app, making this a straightforward option for local multiplayer, although they may require your Amazon credentials.

Tip 5: Play online with friends without a Luna subscription

Speaking of multiplayer on Luna, the Luna Couch feature allows you to play with others online without them needing a Luna subscription. The only requirements are that they have an Amazon account and a compatible controller.

To do this, select Couch from the Luna interface, choose a game, and start a Luna Couch session. Share the provided code with others, who can then use the Luna Couch web portal to join your game.

Tip 6: Streaming Games to Twitch

You can stream live to Twitch directly from Luna

Thanks to Amazon’s ownership of Twitch, Luna integrates flawlessly with Twitch, making it incredibly easy to broadcast your gameplay to an audience. Here’s how it works:

Select the Broadcast button in the navigation bar of the Luna app. For Fire TV and Fire tablet: Use your mobile device to scan the QR code. Position your phone to set up your stream and broadcast audio and video.
Choose Setup broadcast to launch a new browser window.
In the broadcast setup window, configure your Twitch stream to enable or disable audio and webcam input.
Select “Start live broadcast” to begin sharing your audio and webcam on Twitch.
Return to the Luna app and start a game. A separate window will appear, allowing you to control your stream. This window includes options to enable or disable your audio and webcam feeds, as well as choices to stop or continue the broadcast at any moment. Keep this window open while you stream.

What to play On Amazon Luna

Amazon Luna has dozens of great games to play. — Amazon Luna offers a variety of fantastic games to enjoy.

Now that we’ve discussed some useful tips and exciting features, let’s move on to the most important part: what to play.

We have compiled several lists of suggestions based on different genres and popular titles in the following slides. Note that our selections are all available in the core Luna+ and/or Amazon Prime libraries accessible as part of your subscription. We have included many standout titles in each genre, but there are many more games to explore beyond what we have listed. In addition to Luna+, there are also various add-on channels and other storefronts that you can link to Luna if you wish to expand your game library. Check our Amazon Luna overview for further insights. For now, let’s explore some recommendations for what to enjoy on Luna+.

Fallout Games (Amazon Prime)

If Amazon’s Fallout Prime Video series has you curious about the games it is based on, you’re in luck, as two of the best games in the franchise can be found to play on Luna. While they look and play similarly at a glance, Fallout 3 and Fallout: New Vegas provide different takes on the open-world RPG format. Fallout 3 excels in exploring the nuclear wasteland and creating your own journey, whereas Fallout: New Vegas is filled with some of the most compelling storylines the series has ever seen. Either way, both will satisfy your appetite for post-apocalyptic exploration. Note that unlike the other titles mentioned in this post, the Fallout games require an Amazon Prime subscription to play.

More RPGs (Luna+)

Amazon Luna is packed with an array of outstanding RPGs across various styles. Those who enjoy more of a challenge will be eager to explore…

Mortal Shell is a challenging action-RPG set in a dark fantasy realm reminiscent of the cherished Dark Souls franchise. Conversely, Bug Fables and Monster Harvest present turn-based throwbacks to classic console RPGs, enhanced with modern elements.

For a more innovative experience, we strongly recommend Citizen Sleeper. This unbounded cyberpunk journey draws inspiration from tabletop RPGs, featuring dice-based choices and numerous player decisions that significantly influence how various narratives unfold. All these games are included in the main Luna+ library. Check the links below for additional recommendations.

More RPGs on Amazon Luna:

Sonic the Hedgehog Games

Sega’s iconic platforming character boasts an array of games available in the Luna+ library. Sonic Mania Plus provides a delightful throwback to the blue hedgehog’s earliest adventures, while Sonic Frontiers represents the latest 3D platforming installment in the series, immersing players in expansive environments filled with challenges, bosses to battle, and collectibles to gather. Additionally, Team Sonic Racing delights players as an arcade-style kart racer perfect for enjoying with friends.

All Sonic Games on Amazon Luna:

Puzzle

While there are numerous puzzle games available on Amazon Luna, the standout title is undoubtedly Tetris Effect Connected. This game offers the classic Tetris experience that everyone knows and combines it with stunning audio-visual effects, creating an even more engaging block-stacking adventure—and you can even connect with others for cooperative multiplayer.

Additional noteworthy puzzle games include the physics-based quirky simulator Moving Out and the first-person exploration and puzzle-solving adventure Qube 2: Ultimate Edition.

More Puzzle Games on Amazon Luna:

Horror

Luna+’s horror game lineup is unexpectedly broad. If you wish to experience a revamped classic, the outstanding Resident Evil 2 remake is an excellent choice. In addition, Alien: Isolation is among the most notable and terrifying games set within the long-running sci-fi movie franchise, featuring a canonical storyline that takes place years after the original Alien film.

If you prefer an eerie atmosphere and suspense over straightforward frights, check out Control: Ultimate Edition and Death Stranding: Director’s Cut. Both games contain unsettling narratives involving ghosts and other supernatural entities and are among the most distinctive action titles released in the past decade.

More Horror Games on Amazon Luna:

Action

You won’t find a lack of action games to enjoy on Luna+, including flashy combat games like Devil May Cry 5 and vast open-world adventures such as Middle-earth: Shadow of War. A standout among these options is Batman: Arkham Knight. This expansive adventure showcases Batman confronting Scarecrow and a mysterious new antagonist, Arkham Knight, who has allied with others to seize control of Gotham City.

More Action Games on Amazon Luna:

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Racing

Racing enthusiasts have an extensive selection of games available on Amazon Luna. If you prefer your racers to have an arcade flavor, titles like Hot Wheels Unleashed and Inertial Drift: Twilight Rivals Edition will delight you. For simulation racing fans, there’s WRC Generations: Fully Loaded Edition to explore. You can also try racing different types of vehicles, including jetskis in Riptide GP: Renegade.

Additional Racing Games on Amazon Luna:

Shooters

First-person shooters rank among the most popular game genres, and Luna+ offers an impressive variety. From immersive, narrative-driven shooters like Metro Exodus to fast-paced, retro-inspired shooters such as Amid Evil, there’s much to choose from.

More Shooters on Amazon Luna:

Platformers

If you enjoy dashing around and leaping on things, you’re in luck. The Luna+ library features a variety of notable 2D and 3D platformers across the spectrum. If you’re looking for a game to challenge your reflexes, you’ll be eager to try the 2D precision platformer Super Meat Boy, and should you…
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For enthusiasts of 2D platformers infused with a significant element of exploration and adventure, there exists a plethora of praised metroidvania-style games such as Guacamelee. Subscribers of Luna+ can also enjoy numerous titles from the beloved Shantae and SteamWorld series.

Additional Platformers on Amazon Luna:

Fighting Games & Beat-‘Em-Ups

King of Fighters '98 Ultimate Match: Final Edition — King of Fighters ’98 Ultimate Match: Final Edition

Whether you’re eager to engage in competitive brawls or team up with friends for some 2D action, Luna+ has you covered. Fans of fighting games can challenge each other in classic one-on-one matches with beloved titles like Clay Fighter, King of Fighters ’97: Global Match, and King of Fighters ’98 Ultimate Match: Final Edition.

For fans of 2D brawlers, there’s River City Girls, which revitalizes the classic grappling gameplay of the original River City Ransom series with stunning hand-drawn art and a more intricate combat system.

For something a bit different, try Windjammers 2 – an exciting arcade game that fuses elements of tennis, frisbee, and one-on-one fighting games.

More Fighting Games and Beat ‘Em Ups on Amazon Luna:

Disney Games

A selection of Disney titles is available on Amazon Luna, including…

Disney Universe allows up to four players to team up and explore diverse levels inspired by Disney classics like Aladdin, The Lion King, and many more. Additionally, there are several titles based on specific Disney and Pixar films, including Planes and Brave. Amazon Prime members also have the option to play games based on Wall-E and Cars.

All Disney Games on Amazon Luna:

Lego Games

If you’re seeking enjoyable experiences suitable for all ages, you can’t go wrong with these Lego games. Lego Star Wars: The Complete Saga is a fantastic choice, allowing you to play as Lego versions of numerous Star Wars characters and explore levels from both the original and prequel trilogies. Lego Star Wars: Episode III is also available if you want to spend even more time in the Lego-ified sci-fi universe. You can find Lego games featuring Indiana Jones, DC Comics, and Pirates of the Caribbean. Additionally, if you’re an Amazon Prime subscriber, you have the opportunity to play Lego Fortnite: Odyssey and Lego Fortnite: Brick Life.

All Lego Games on Amazon Luna:

Additional Family Games

Luna presents a plethora of fantastic titles suitable for families, younger gamers, and older players who remain youthful at heart. Many of these are excellent for enjoying with friends and family, including Overcooked and Overcooked 2, which challenge teams of up to two players in managing whimsical restaurant kitchens. For a solo-oriented experience, check out SpongeBob Squarepants: Battle For Bikini Bottom Rehydrated, where you can play as SpongeBob, Patrick Star, and Sandy, using their unique abilities to save Bikini Bottom from an army of invading robots.

Additional Family Games on Amazon Luna:

…And More

You can include even more games in your Amazon Luna library

This was just a brief overview of the more than 100 games available on Luna+. Not only are there numerous games to explore as part of your subscription, but you can also enhance the Luna+ library with even more titles like Assassin’s Creed through the Ubisoft+ Channel, enjoy Jackbox party games via the Jackbox Channel, and play Fortnite via Amazon Prime Gaming. Additionally, you have the option to purchase and play games from the Ubisoft and GOG online shops via Luna.

Brendan Hesse on Google+