After an upgrade, a player hears disturbing noises from his gaming PC. His suspicion immediately falls on the new hardware. The cause turns out to be a small oversight.
However, even with a manageable amount of work, one should proceed with caution. In the case of a player wanting to swap out the graphics card and power supply for more powerful variants, this could have avoided unnecessary excitement during the upgrade.
Start video
Manufacturer shows sleek case, gamers are thrilled: “Great design! Goes directly onto my wishlist”
Careless handling during the graphics card upgrade causes a moment of fright
What kind of upgrade did the player perform? The Reddit user ThickMemory2360 has upgraded his gaming PC with new hardware. During the upgrade, he replaced the original graphics card with an Nvidia RTX 4070TI and the old power supply with a model from be quiet! with 1000 watts.
After the gamer had swapped the old parts for the new hardware, he powered the system back on. Right after startup, he heard an unfamiliar noise that seemed to come from the gaming PC. He suspected a fan problem with the graphics card or power supply.
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Where did the noise come from? Fortunately, his first suspicion was not confirmed. The clattering sound did not come from a fan of either of the new components. In searching for the cause, ThickMemory2360 eventually found the culprit in the front area of the PC case.
The new power supply was installed with a small gap next to the fans in the front of the case. A power cable from the power supply was touching the blades of the bottom fan and led to the audible clattering during operation. The problem could thus be solved with a few adjustments.
No experience in error diagnosis and community feedback
How could the problem have been avoided? Since it remains unclear what kind of case the player possesses, it cannot be said whether the power supply could have been installed in another position. This would have allowed more space between the power supply and the fans in the front.
Why did he overlook the cable? As a self-proclaimed PC novice, he was not aware of his error. Additionally, he had not yet gained any experience in hardware error diagnosis and thought he had a serious problem. Carelessness during a PC upgrade is one of the biggest causes of subsequent errors, which may still be discovered by luck before one’s expensive hardware gets damaged.
The system is about 2 years old and was his first gaming computer at that time. Since the successful assembly, ThickMemory2360 had not touched the inside of the computer again. The planned upgrade of the graphics card and power supply was supposed to go just as smoothly.
What do other users say? The community reacts mostly positively to his story. Many admit to having had similar experiences:
I had that just a month ago! Seriously, I thought a fan blade was broken until I did what you did: I opened the case and saw a GPU fan hitting the end of the cable tie. (Major-PITA via Reddit)
This is the experience we live for in the PC community. We can shut down a perfectly functioning PC and when we come back: Boom, a blue screen or strange noises. (Successful_Copy9373 via Reddit)
SeriousSkeletor points out the lack of cable management that could have spared the player the fear for his hardware:
If you are planning to build a new gaming PC or want to swap certain hardware components for a stronger upgrade, be sure not to make the following mistakes. These can also happen to experienced pro-tinkers. Lack of care is part of it: 5 beginner mistakes to avoid when building a new gaming PC
This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
An AP item in Season 14 of League of Legends stands out particularly. MeinMMO author Fabienne Kissel shares her first impression.
The current Season 14 in League of Legends has some impressive changes, and particularly one new item stands out – Stormsurge (in English: Storm Blitz). After an evening of playing and watching some LoL matches, I want to give a little impression of the new AP item.
Storm Blitz – A True Game-Changer
What exactly can Storm Blitz do and why is it so strong? The AP item Storm Blitz is characterized by its strength for AP-based champions in League of Legends, thanks to:
High Ability Power: 100 Ability Power
Magic Penetration: The 10 magic penetration helps break through the opponent’s MR. Even if opponents do not stack MR, every champion has base magic resistance by default.
Movement Speed: With an additional movement speed of 5%, it improves the mobility of the champion.
Passive – Storm Hunter: If you deal 35% of a champion’s maximum health as damage within 3 seconds, they are marked with “Storm Blitz” and the user receives 25% movement speed for 2 seconds. 30 seconds cooldown.
Passive – Storm Blitz: After 2 seconds, a lightning bolt strikes the target dealing 120–260 (depending on level) (+40% ability power) (melee) / 90–195 (+30% ability power) (ranged) magic damage. If an opponent dies from the lightning or before it strikes, the lightning explodes immediately, dealing damage to enemy champions in a large area and granting you 30 gold.
Storm Blitz is especially effective for champions that can deal large burst damage quickly and also benefit from additional movement speed – for example on Fizz, Zoe, Viktor, Syndra, Ahri, Lux, Hwei, and also on Rumble.
The item costs 2900 gold, which is cheap for what it can do. Also, the fact that the lightning explodes immediately (if an opponent dies from the lightning or dies before it strikes) and deals AOE damage to enemy champions is pretty cool. The passive can be compared to Electrocute, only it deals more damage and also has the described AOE effect. With the additional movement speed from the passive, you can cleverly maneuver out of the fight once you unleash your burst – or chase down the opponents.
But not only Storm Blitz has caught my attention this season. I am also particularly impressed by the new passive of Shadow Flame. Magic damage and true damage critically hits enemies with less than 35% health and causes 20% increased damage (increased to 30% for damage over time and companion effects). For example, the item is strong on Syndra. Do you know the feeling when the opponent barely survives despite your burst damage and ultimate? That doesn’t happen as quickly with Shadow Flame anymore. But also on Rumble together with Storm Blitz.
Please note that this is just a first impression, and I definitely need to play some more matches to get a full picture, especially since we are still at the very beginning of the new season and there is so much new to try out. Overall, I feel that AP champions currently stand in a very good light, which makes me very happy because I enjoy playing AP mages in the mid lane in addition to support champions.
In general, I am impressed by the dynamics that these new and changed AP items bring to the current meta.
With the removal of mythical items, I feel that we are no longer on such a fixed path regarding item builds. Thus, no item is excluded anymore because you couldn’t combine two Mythic items.
Presumably, some AP items, including Storm Blitz, will be nerfed again. But for now, I definitely enjoy it.
What is your impression of the new season? Feel free to write it in the comments.
With an impressive comeback, HandOfBlood returns as President Knabe, and together with the E-Sports team Eintracht Spandau, he presents a new video on their YouTube channel. This event continues the captivating lore of the team, which has been shaped since its founding by press conference videos and rivalries with other German clubs such as BIG.
HandOfBlood is back in the role of President Knabe. The streamer Maximilian HandOfBlood Knabe has published a new video on their YouTube channel together with his E-Sports team Eintracht Spandau, in which he appears in his character as President Knabe.
The E-Sports team has built a comprehensive lore around the club since its inception, including press conference videos and rivalries with other German clubs such as BIG.
Start video
Everything you need to know about the LoL team Eintracht Spandau – in 4 minutes
HandOfBlood returns as President Knabe, new video with Eintracht Spandau continues lore
Eintracht Spandau has a comprehensive lore. Since its founding, Eintracht Spandau has distinguished itself from other e-sport teams by some remarkable features, with the distinct lore of Eintracht Spandau being a significant part of it. Initially, it was not the YouTuber Handofblood who took the leading role, but the character President Knabe, who was primarily noted for his often bad mood and shouting at employees.
Throughout the lore, we experience the ousting of President Knabe, to which the club’s fans also join in with the hashtag #Knaberaus to demand the president’s dismissal. After his ousting, the former president unexpectedly shows up at the Twitter announcement of the new mid-laner PowerofEvil and claims responsibility for the signing.
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In the latest video, we see President Knabe in his apartment, where he receives a visitor. The new investor turns out to be a disaster, and President Knabe is asked to return. Although he initially declines, he is eventually persuaded, as a friendship between fans of BIG and Eintracht Spandau is to be created. So fans of Eintracht Spandau can be pleased that President Knabe is back.
The community’s reactions are overwhelmingly positive. The response to the video is entirely positive: On one hand, many fans are generally excited about the existence of a distinct lore, while others particularly praise the performance of the YouTubers and the attention to detail in the videos. Numerous comments under the video reflect the enthusiastic reaction:
Marco_Bebop writes: The president is really Hanno’s role of his life. Also in this little room and all the decor and everything. Great compliment. The video actually turned out really great. And how the tower falls unconscious at the end. Oh my god.
OWL-hg6ix comments: I have been behind Mr. Knabe since day 1, without him, not only Eintracht but the whole e-sport world would collapse.
ARMYforLife notes: “Oh shit, this is so well acted, it’s almost creepy…”
Handofblood himself notes: #Knaberein
You can read here how the official signing of PowerofEvil to the team looked and what significance his announcement brought:
Which Pokémon are available in raids during the event? The following Pokémon may appear in raid battles during the event:
5*-Raids Habitats Bustling Promenade and Toxic Excavation Sites:
Dialga *
Palkia *
Habitats Historical Grove and Geothermal Lagoon:
Origin Dialga *
Origin Palkia *
3*-Raids
Habitats Bustling Promenade and Toxic Excavation Sites:
Chelterrar
Panferno
Impoleon
Habitats Historical Grove and Geothermal Lagoon:
Hisui-Silvarro *
Hisui-Tornupto *
Hisui-Admurai *
1*-Raids
Habitats Bustling Promenade and Toxic Excavation Sites:
Chelast *
Panflam *
Plinfa *
Habitats Historical Grove and Geothermal Lagoon:
Bauz *
Feurigel *
Ottaro *
All Pokémon marked with an * can be caught in their Shiny variant. In addition, from Friday, February 23 at 00:00 until Sunday, February 25, 2024, at 23:59, there will be no limit on remote raids.
Which Pokémon can be attracted by incense? If you activate incense during the event, you have the chance to encounter Incognitos. This applies only to regular incense and not to adventure incense. You may encounter the following Incognitos:
Habitats Bustling Promenade and Toxic Excavation Sites: Incognito in the forms H, I, N, O, and S.
Habitats Historical Grove and Geothermal Lagoon: Incognito in the forms H, I, S, and U.
All Incognitos can also appear in their Shiny form.
Which Pokémon have an increased Shiny chance? The chance to encounter one of the following Pokémon in Shiny form will be increased during the event:
Chelast
Panflam
Plinfa
Skunkapuh
Hisui-Voltoball
Hisui-Baldorfish
Pachirisu
Plaudagei
Venuflibis
In addition to these, the chance for costumed Pokémon to appear in Shiny form will also be increased, along with additional, unknown Pokémon.
Trailer for the current season Timeless Journeys.
Start video
Pokémon GO shows the new season “Timeless Travels” in the trailer
A team play challenge and another Pokémon on routes
What team play challenge will there be during the event? From Saturday, February 24 at 10:00 to Sunday, February 25, 2024, at 18:00, there will be a team play challenge. Here you will have the chance to encounter Regigigas together.
Which Pokémon can appear in the event on routes? If you are on routes during the event, you may encounter white-lined Barschuften. This cannot currently evolve in Pokémon GO.
What do you think of the event and the new information? Will you participate locally or globally? If so, what are you looking forward to the most? Feel free to write it in the comments. Until then, there are more events in January 2024 in Pokémon GO waiting for you.
This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
The legendary Nintendo PlayStation console was never released. A single prototype is worth a lot of money today. Its unique design inspired a YouTuber to build his own version of the game console.
33 years ago, Nintendo and Sony presented a joint game console. The Nintendo PlayStation was never sold and was scrapped before its release. This simultaneously marked the launch of Sony’s own game consoles.
At least one prototype of the hybrid console from that time still exists and was auctioned for a high sum in 2020. This piece of video game history was recently taken as a model by a YouTuber for his own version of this unique game console.
Start video
Check out the video of the new slim model of the PS5
YouTuber recreates a piece of video game history
What kind of game console is this? YouTuber James demonstrates the construction of his own Nintendo PlayStation console in a video. He creates a new game console step by step from parts of a PlayStation and the Super Nintendo (known as Super Famicom in Japan).
The interior consists of the electronic components from the PlayStation, while the outer appearance is shaped by the case of the SNES (Super Nintendo). Throughout the video, viewers witness several successful test runs of his creation.
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What were his first steps? Initially, James had to repair a capacitor on a PS1 circuit board to get the game console to start again. Since his unit was missing the disc drive for the game discs, he also had to use a different laser. Alternatively, he could have used the laser from a special PS1 if he had had access to one.
Once he verified that the electronics of the PS1 were functioning again, he could begin the modification. However, the YouTuber quickly realized that he could not install the mainboard and other components without significant adjustments.
What modifications were necessary? Since the dimensions of the SNES case were not large enough for Sony’s hardware, James had to make some changes to the case and the electronics. A grinder was used to modify both the case and the electronics.
After the YouTuber had trimmed some of the components to a suitable size, they had to be rearranged and resoldered. Wires, connectors (for example, for the PS controllers), and switches were also made “compatible” with each other.
What tools were used? In addition to the aforementioned grinder, a soldering iron, a pair of pliers for heavy work, and a hot glue gun were used. With the latter, he fixed all the components that he had already placed in the SNES case at that time.
After some technical issues and resulting additional work with the soldering iron, he was able to successfully test the modified hardware. James now faced the difficult task of combining the disc drive with the cartridge slot of the Nintendo games.
How did he proceed with the disc drive? The initial tests with the new laser caused scratched discs in a horizontal position. Therefore, the disc drive had to be installed vertically. The deep cartridge slot in the SNES case was perfect for this.
James secured the laser with hot glue above the cartridge slot on the top of the case. This way, a game disc would partially “disappear” into the slot when inserted. After a final use of the soldering iron, thankfully, the connected controller also worked.
Where did his idea for the hybrid console come from? At CES 1991, Sony and Nintendo introduced their joint game console. The SNES (Super Nintendo) with a cartridge slot was intended to be expanded with a CD-ROM drive. The name for the expansion was PlayStation at the time.
A legal dispute over contractual matters ended the project before its release. Nintendo then worked with Philips on a CD console. Meanwhile, Sony began developing its own PlayStation, which was now almost 30 years ago.
After the project ended, all prototypes of the Nintendo PlayStation were to be destroyed. A single unit escaped destruction and was later rediscovered by chance. In 2020, this piece of video game history changed hands in an auction for 274,000 euros. For that amount, one could also buy well over 100 PS5s, which are currently very popular among thieves.
Turtle Beach has introduced a high-end controller for PC and Xbox with the Stealth Ultra. But is the price of 200 Euros worth it for the controller? MeinMMO editorial staff member Benedikt Schlotmann has tested the controller and reveals what you get for your money.
Turtle Beach has introduced a high-priced gaming controller with the Stealth Ultra. After all, the manufacturer charges 199.99 Euros for the model. The most well-known high-end controller for PC and Xbox, the Elite Wireless 2, currently costs around 150 Euros. For the Scuf Instinct Pro, you pay 239.99 Euros.
I have taken a detailed look at the controller for you and will explain what you get for your money.
Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra in Test, Quick Overview:
I have a penchant for hardware and tech and currently own over 20 gaming mice, as well as numerous keyboards and controllers. Since 2019, I have been testing hardware for MeinMMO for our readers. In addition to PC and PS5, I also play on the Steam Deck.
Our device is a review sample provided to us by Turtle Beach for testing.
Benedikt Schlotmann Hardware Editor MeinMMO
Technical details of the Stealth Ultra:
Here you will find all important technical details of the Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra in a table:
Model
Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra
Connection
Wireless or Wired
Platform
PC, Xbox
Scope of delivery
Controller, charging station with transmitter, USB cable, 4 grip caps for the thumbsticks, transport box, manual
Special Features
Micro-switches and Hall sensors; adjustable trigger buttons and buttons on the back
Weight
253 grams
Price (RRP)
199.99
Scope of delivery, design and construction
What does the scope of delivery include? The scope of delivery of the controller includes
a charging station with transmitter
a USB cable,
4 grip caps for the thumbsticks
a transport box that is padded on the inside.
the obligatory manual.
Scope of delivery of the Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra: Everything you need is included.
How is the controller built? The Stealth Ultra adopts the typical asymmetric Xbox design and slightly modifies it. Thus, the menu buttons move slightly upwards, while the Xbox button shifts to the lower edge of the controller.
At the top of the controller, there is a small display that can show you certain information. On the back, there are a total of 4 buttons, 2 on each side. However, they are not real back paddles like on the DualSense Edge or the Elite Wireless 2. Additionally, the controller features a built-in battery, unlike the standard Xbox controller.
The controller can be used both wired and wirelessly via the transmitter. However, the controller charges fastest via the docking station. Also practical: the transmitter can be attached to the docking station, allowing you to use the docking station not only for charging but also for connecting to the PC or console.
Via Bluetooth, the controller can also connect to a smartphone or other mobile devices.
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Processing
Turtle Beach relies on components in its high-priced controller that promise high durability: On the one hand, micro-switches are located under all buttons that are not only supposed to be particularly fast but also particularly durable.
Furthermore, Hall effect sticks are used in the thumbsticks. These use magnets inside, so there is no friction from components inside. Theoretically, the sticks are immune to annoying stick drift.
In direct comparison to the “Xbox Elite Wireless” controller from Microsoft, the Stealth Ultra has to come up short: the D-pad, parts of the back, and the metal paddles just feel better than the plastic on the Stealth Ultra.
I really like the transport bag and it offers enough space for the controller as well as the additional button caps. Only the charging cable cannot be accommodated anymore. That’s a shame, but not too bad.
On the left, the Xbox Elite Wireless 2 controller and on the right, the Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra.
Software
Turtle Beach relies on software called “Control Center 2.” This can only be downloaded from the Microsoft Store.
Basically, you can change almost all controller settings via the software, reassign buttons, and also turn off the RGB lighting to save energy.
However, the software does not really convince me. It feels somewhat cluttered, quite bulky, and the color scheme (purple on black) fits the manufacturer but is hard to read. The same goes for the gray menu on a black background. Whoever designed that.
In addition, the software is rather slow and only available in English.
Cluttered and poor color combination: Turtle Beach’s Control Center 2 does not really convince.
I had no problems connecting the controller to the PC or console. You connect the transmitter to the PC or console and then hold the Xbox button for several seconds until the controller starts. And then it connects right away.
Ergonomics and Weight
Weight: The Stealth Ultra is surprisingly light compared to other high-quality controllers. I weighed all devices with a regular kitchen scale:
The Stealth Ultra weighs 253 grams.
The official controller for the Xbox Series X weighs 269 grams.
The Xbox Elite Series 2 comes in at 342 grams.
The DualSense Edge still weighs 334 grams.
Especially during longer gaming sessions, I find the Stealth Ultra significantly more comfortable to hold, as my wrists have to support almost 100 grams less than with the Elite Series 2. By the way, my partner confirms this about the weight: While the Stealth Ultra weighs similar to the official controller, the Elite Series 2 feels almost like a “brick” in comparison with its significantly higher weight.
The Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra with charging station.
Ergonomics: The Stealth Ultra is a few millimeters larger than the standard Xbox controller or the Elite model. Ergonomically, it fits excellently in my large hands. With a hand length of 19 centimeters, I have relatively large hands.
Especially the buttons on the back are easily accessible. The action buttons are exactly where my fingers normally rest and grip the controller. Thus, they are easily accessible and well within reach. Thanks to built-in micro switches, the back buttons feel excellent. The same applies to the other buttons.
The buttons on the back: While not back paddles, they are still easy to reach and click.
Gameplay: Fantastic feel thanks to micro switches
How does it play with the controller? In everyday life, I’ve tried various genres with it. For example, the very fast fighting game Brawlhalla or the more leisurely Age of Wonders 4. Both are games that offer native controller support.
Especially Brawlhalla plays impressively with the controller because I really like the micro switches: the satisfying click with each confirmation gives me not only more precision but also just feels great. The Wolverine V2 from Razer, which I was able to test for MeinMMO, clicked similarly well. The triggers can also be shortened with a button on the back, making them react faster.
Age of Wonders 4 with native controller interface. And it works really well.
The small, integrated display (Connected Command Display) is also an exciting idea that has proven to be useful in everyday use several times. Here you can make numerous settings on the controller, such as adjusting the vibration, switching profiles, adjusting the lighting, or calibrating the sticks. You can also quickly access corresponding options via the plus button on the controller without needing additional software.
Battery life: If I turn off the lighting, I get about 25 hours of battery life with the Stealth Ultra. With active lighting or fully lit display, the battery life drops, not surprisingly. However, I only see the remaining battery life in percentage when I connect the controller to the docking station and not during everyday use. The battery icon that depletes is not very practical.
At least: With the included docking station, the controller can be fully recharged within 2 hours. That’s usually enough for me in everyday life when I want to play a few rounds with friends in the evening.
The Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra from the front.
Conclusion: Great controller if you want to pay the high price
Who is the controller worth it for? First of all, 199 Euros is not a small amount of money for a gaming controller. However, you get a high-quality controller with many comfort features and theoretically very durable hardware: This is at least supported by the micro switches and the magnetic thumbsticks. Theoretically, you get a controller that will accompany you over the next few years, if the technology holds up as promised.
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Technically, the Stealth Ultra may not seem as well made, but it looks significantly more modern than the Elite 2, which has been around for 5 years now (released in 2019) and for which Microsoft has yet to issue an overhaul, but hopefully will.
From a pricing perspective, the official Xbox Elite 2 Wireless remains the alternative, as you can regularly get it for 130 Euros with accessories. The paddles still feel somewhat better than the back buttons on the Stealth Ultra. The Scuf Instinct Pro is even more expensive at 239.99 than the Elite 2 or the Stealth Ultra tested here.
Baldur’s Gate 3 is a huge hit that has even surprised the developers. Michael Douse, the Director of Publishing at Larian Studios, is now revealing one of the secrets to its success. The fundamental insight was already gained by Walt Disney 70 years ago.
How successful Baldur’s Gate 3 is:
Baldur’s Gate 3 was released in August 2023 in a rather niche genre. While classic role-playing games have a strong fan base, they rarely become true blockbusters. The developers therefore expected 100,000 players at their peak – in the first days alone, there were 700,000 on Steam. Later, it reached the millions.
This is what makes the game so good:In a longer tweet, Michael Douse shares an important insight that the development team gained during development. He says that humor is the key to success.
When Larian was working on and testing the campaign, the shared information in the game was great, but participation kept declining. During testing, it simply became boring. The solution:
[…] We focused on how funny sharing information can be, just as much as the quality of the message itself. Once we did that, engagement skyrocketed, and people began to enjoy the “ride” of the campaign. If I learned one thing during Baldur’s Gate 3, it is that you need to make people smile to create a real sense of resonance […] Humor is the engine of patience.
Douse explains that this insight was already gained in the 1950s. At that time, the “Jungle Cruise” was introduced in Disney theme parks, a sort of documentary roller coaster. Walt Disney himself heard a mother say that she would not ride it because she already knew it.
After a conversation with his colleague Marc David, he said: Of course, “it’s not funny, there’s no humor.” Once this criticism was addressed, the ride not only became better received but also significantly more realistic.
Shortly before release, Larian caused a small scandal with a clip and clarified what kind of humor you can expect from Baldur’s Gate 3:
Start video
Creators of Baldur’s Gate 3 show intimate love scene with a bear and get banned instantly
Baldur’s Gate 3 offers every kind of humor
Baldur’s Gate 3 is filled with humor that is sometimes simply funny, sometimes blunt or very dark, and sometimes even balances on the edge of being inappropriate. One of the best examples of this is the barbarian, a playable class.
When you talk to a magical mirror that seems very mystical and wants to guard its secrets, you can persuade it as a bard, discuss with it as a wizard… or throw a stone at it as a barbarian.
You will constantly be confronted with situations in which you have to laugh or at least smile. And even if it’s just when Astarion coldly says: “Of course, I am talking about sex. But not with you.”
At the latest, the narrator will make you laugh with a dry comment about your own stupidity while simultaneously informing you about what you actually need to do.
However, humor is not the only reason for the success of Baldur’s Gate 3. The game was in development for many years before the release and for a good part of the time even already playable. This is actually something that is absolutely frowned upon in the industry. However, it worked for Baldur’s Gate 3: because many fans played the game early, it became such a huge hit.
This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
Palworld is a new survival shooter on Steam that has garnered attention primarily due to its small monsters reminiscent of Pokémon. However, what Palworld truly has to offer can soon be discovered in Early Access.
What kind of game is this?
Palworld is a new survival game with an open world, shooter elements, and multiplayer on Steam.
You collect unusual monsters, called “Pals”, which not only assist you in combat but also serve as mounts or workers in your base.
In the fight for survival, you use not only your Pals but also firearms. Even the cute monsters are partially equipped with firearms or similar gear.
The open world harbors many dangers, from wild monsters to hunger, weather conditions, and poachers.
The latest trailer now announces Early Access and teases a bit more about what this “Pokémon shooter” will have to offer:
Start video
Palworld showcases the small monsters in massive action in the early access trailer
When does Early Access start? On January 19, 2024, Palworld officially launches on Steam in Early Access. According to the developers, new Pals and areas will also be added during Early Access.
What does the trailer show? The trailer gives you a good impression of what to expect from Palworld. It particularly showcases the combat gameplay and how action-packed the battles with firearms and Pals can be.
Players are excited about the “dark” Pokémon shooter
What are the reactions? As user “dalienmarrero8992” states in his comment (via YouTube), Palworld is a game he wouldn’t have expected. In his opinion, many mechanics are mixed here that he never thought would work together – but he really wants to try the game.
Especially the concept of fighting cute monsters with guns, having them work for you, or even cooking them draws interest. For instance, “Lumeonfire” writes: “This is so dark on so many levels … I love it.”
Similarly, user “barry-allenthe-flash8396” writes: “I can’t believe this exists; I’m so happy someone made ‘Pokémon with guns’, lol”.
Alongside the combat gameplay, which has already been shown in earlier trailers, the Early Access trailer also introduces a few trainers that you will encounter in Palworld. However, how the battles against these other trainers will look is not shown in the trailer yet.
Fans of One Piece should not miss this episode. In a few weeks, Monsters: 103 Mercies Dragon Damnation (original title: Monsters: Ippyakusanjo Hiryu Jigoku) will be released on Netflix. You don’t have to prepare for long binge-watching nights, as the “series” consists of only one episode.
When does the episode start? Monsters will be available exclusively on Netflix starting January 21, 2024 (via Twitter). There will only be one episode, which is supposed to be 25 minutes long.
The German Netflix account does not yet show the date, but in other countries the date is already visible on the platform. We assume that in a worldwide release, the date will also apply to Germany.
The story is based on a manga from 1994 by Eiichiro Oda, who is also the creator of One Piece. Both animes are related in terms of story. The Monsters protagonist Ryuma Shimotsuki is likely known to many fans in One Piece as the zombie general on Thriller Bark.
In a short teaser trailer, we see what monster Ryuma has to face:
Start video
Monsters shows the first teaser trailer
Monsters takes place many years before One Piece
What is Monsters about?
Eiichiro Oda published the manga in 1994 as a short story; three years later, he released One Piece.
It is about the samurai Ryuma Shimotsuki, who uncovers a criminal organization that has stolen a valuable dragon horn, which can summon the flying beings.
Throughout the story, he faces a real dragon. The dragon threatens to destroy an entire village, and Ryuma tries to prevent the powerful being from doing so.
The manga is part of the One Piece story, as Oda revealed in SBS issue 47. The protagonist has a cameo with the Straw Hat Pirates.
The animations for the episode are produced by the studio E&H production. The director will be Sunghoo Park, who has previously worked on the action-packed scenes in Jujutsu Kaisen.
Why shouldn’t fans miss the anime? Monsters is part of the official One Piece story. Protagonist Ryuma Shimotsuki is an ancestor of Lorenor Zorro, as Oda reveals in the 105th issue of SBS. Since Ryuma also appears in the One Piece anime and manga, the two stories are directly connected.
The two creators of the hit series Game of Thrones, David Benioff and D. B. Weiss, could have earned money from the spin-off “House of the Dragon.” As they recounted, however, they rejected the payment – for a very simple reason.
In this context, they mentioned that they actually could have earned from the prequel series House of the Dragon, which tells the events prior to “Game of Thrones,” but they declined the offer.
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House of the Dragon – English trailer for the prequel series to „Game of Thrones“
House of the Dragon Was Not Worth the Burden
Benioff and Weiss have a contractual right to be listed as producers in all “Game of Thrones” spin-offs. It doesn’t matter whether they are actually involved in the project or not.
This means that being credited translates to easy money for them, which they wouldn’t even have to do anything for.
Nevertheless, they declined the offer and did not want to be credited in the spin-off House of the Dragon, a project they were not involved in.
“HBO was a bit confused,” Benioff explained to The Hollywood Reporter. Even the network’s lawyer wanted them to accept the money: “I remember your lawyer saying, ‘But it’s just money, we’ll just pay you.’ “
Weiss then explained why the creators of “Game of Thrones” decided against the enticing offer:
I don’t believe that there is such a thing as money without effort.
If our name is on it, especially when we are completely detached and uninvolved, the burden that would come with this uninvolved approach – whether it leads to success or failure or anything in between – did not seem worth it to us.
Benioff and Weiss not only wanted to be omitted from the credits of the spin-off, but have also not watched House of the Dragon to this day. Weiss recently watched Game of Thrones with his family, while Benioff hasn’t seen a single episode of his series since the finale.
If you are fans of Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon, you might be interested in this list: 11 Series Like Game of Thrones
This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
Good news for zombie fans: A modern classic of the genre is likely to continue. Joining are the director and the screenwriter of the original film. Thanks to them, the undead can no longer just shuffle, but can run frighteningly fast.
Which film is it about? “28 Days Later” by British director Danny Boyle was released in 2002. It is now considered a classic of the genre. The story tells of a contagious zombie virus that spreads rapidly in London and across England. And the actual undead are also racing through the streets of London uncontrollably.
Unlike classic zombies, which usually shuffle very slowly, those in the film could run. This increased the tension – and the danger for the protagonists surrounding the main actor Cillian Murphy. Most probably know him from the “Dark Knight” trilogy, “Peaky Blinders”, or his recent role as J. Robert Oppenheimer.
Over 20 years after the release of the first part, a sequel is reportedly in development.
In one of the first zombie movies, the undead are still quite slow. Here you can see the trailer for “Night of the Living Dead” from 1968.
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The Night of the Living Dead – Trailer for the zombie movie from 1968
Director and screenwriter of the first part are back
Who is behind the sequel? While director Danny Boyle and screenwriter Alex Garland were only involved as executive producers in the official second installment of the series, “28 Weeks Later” (2007), they are now taking the creative reins again. According to ign.com, they are currently in talks with various film studios and streaming services.
Danny Boyle, who is also responsible for films like “Trainspotting” or “Sunshine”, will direct again. His writer Alex Garland has also made a name for himself as a director in recent years. The sci-fi recommendations “Ex Machina” and “Annihilation” bear his name.
The new film is set to be titled “28 Years Later”. For their renewed collaboration, Boyle and Garland drew inspiration from the successful revival of the Mad Max series.
Its director George Miller successfully brought his presumed dead action film series back to theaters in 2015. “Mad Max: Fury Road” currently ranks 198 in the IMDb Top 250 movies, and is set to receive a sequel titled “Furiosa” later this year.
The year 2024 marks a crucial turning point for Destiny 2, as the sci-fi MMO attempts to regain lost trust from its veterans and attract new players. The current monetization of the game has faced significant criticism. However, players agree that clearing this hurdle would demonstrate a genuine commitment.
This is what players criticize about Destiny 2: Last year, Bungie’s loot shooter faced not only dissatisfaction with the overall situation but also growing concerns regarding its monetization policy.
Old expansions like Forsaken, which are no longer in the game, are still offered as “legacy”. Players only pay for Exo weapons. There is no content.
These criticisms have not only led to significant discomfort within the community but also sowed doubts about the direction of the game. The current monetization policy of Destiny 2 presents a major hurdle for newcomers.
Therefore, a recent decision by the developer was met with enthusiasm, as it is seen by the Guardians as exactly what the shooter needs right now.
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Destiny 2: Lightfall – Gather all Guardians trailer
Destiny 2 needs an “all-inclusive” package
Players appreciated this: On December 13, Bungie surprised with a free offer through Epic Games. Gamers could secure the so-called “Legacy Package” of Destiny 2, which includes a total of three expansions: “The Witch Queen”, “Beyond Light”, and “Season of Shadows”.
The offer apparently resulted in a solid influx of interested players. Although the increase in players cannot be entirely attributed to the free offer, it may have contributed to it. The numbers (via SteamCharts) certainly suggest so.
In December 2023, there was an increase of 47.68%, which corresponded to 103,607 players.
In the previous month, November 2023, the peak was 94,423 players.
In October 2023, Destiny 2 had a peak of 68,148 simultaneous players.
Overall, the free campaign was met with positive feedback and support within the community. Players especially praised that this step by Bungie not only signals generosity but also shows an awareness of player concerns. And this, despite the fact that two of these expansions are regarded by the majority of players as “inferior”.
2024 will be a decisive year for Destiny 2.
Experienced players express a clear desire for an overall package that includes all previous DLCs at an attractive price or even for free. Guardian Godavari shares this view, stating:
Monetization is the biggest barrier to getting into Destiny 2, and I wish Bungie would just sell something like a single “all-inclusive” package (maybe all old expansions with the purchase of the current one) or switch to a subscription model. […] I really want all these barriers removed so that we can attract new players and keep the player base healthy.
This is what the MeinMMO Destiny editorial team says: Our author Britta is also convinced that Bungie urgently needs to clarify the offer jungle before the launch of the new DLC “The Final Form”. This would send a clear signal that the developer is willing to make the game more accessible to everyone.
Whether Bungie will embrace the community’s hopes remains to be seen. However, the path to “The Final Form” is no longer just a content-related process for the developer but also a trust-building one that will determine the future of Destiny 2.
What do you personally think about the free offer and the challenges concerning the monetization of Destiny 2? Do you also believe that an “all-inclusive” package, a permanent free package, or even a subscription model would be the right decision now? You are warmly invited to share your opinion in the comments. Or do you hope that “The Final Form” will not only mark the end of the saga but also of Destiny 2? We certainly don’t: I wanted to know how the story of Destiny 2 ends – but now that the moment is here, I no longer do.
This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
Jens “Knossi” Knossalla (37) is not only one of the biggest German Twitch streamers, but he has also released several songs. With a schlager star by his side, he now wants to achieve great success.
Who is the schlager legend? The schlager legend is none other than Mickie Krause (53). The German party singer is among the most successful musicians on the Ballermann and has already won various awards.
Among them is an award for “Most Successful German Party Schlager and Mood Singer + Most Successful Megapark Artist of All Time” at smago!.
In a video on Instagram, Mickie Krause appears alongside Knossi and Michael Roetgens, a German label operator, announcing their new song.
From the Witness Stand with Barbara Salesch to the King of Twitch – Career and Life of Knossi
Mickie Krause: “This is the way to the next gold CD!”
What will make the song so successful? The musicians do not reveal that, but it seems they are relying on their combined star power. According to his own statements, Mickie Krause already has 6 gold CDs. With Knossi’s help, the new song is supposed to bring him the 7th.
Krause says in the video: “This is the way to the next gold CD!” For Knossi, it would be, according to his own statement, the first gold CD, and thus his most successful song if the plan works out.
So far, Knossi’s most successful song is “Alge,” which landed at number 50 on the German charts and managed to stay there for 2 weeks (via Official German Charts).
What kind of song will it be? While the two do not go into the exact content of the songs, all signs point to it being a schlager song.
Mickie Krause is known for his schlager, and the video has appeared on the Instagram account of “xtremesound_cologne“.
The music label is known for schlager hits.
Furthermore, label operator Michael Rötgens is in the video, who is also known for schlager hits.
Does the song already have a name? Yes, in the video, the song is called “Schoko-Krossi.” The name refers to a popular snack. Whether the song is about sweets is still unknown.
Label operator Michael Roetgens announced that the two have founded the new “Act” Krossi. He also said: “First, we are recording the song Schoko-Krossi. […]” which suggests that several songs with the duo could be released soon.
Call of Duty Warzone makes a drastic change to the gameplay of the Battle Royale with Season 1 Reloaded, allowing you to end a match even when many teams are still alive.
What kind of change is this? With Season 1 Reloaded, Call of Duty: Warzone introduces the so-called “Covert Exfil”. This is a new feature that allows you to end an ongoing Warzone match before all other teams are dead.
You can buy a Covert Exfil during the round at a Buy Station if you have collected enough money through contracts, for example. However, the Covert Exfil is only available to 5 teams in total in a match.
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Trailer for Call of Duty MW 3 shows a lobby in real life
Covert Exfil does not guarantee a victory, but possibly the weapon case
What does the Covert Exfil bring? In addition to the Covert Exfil, a weapon case was also introduced in Battle Royale with Season 1 Reloaded, which you may already know from the DMZ mode. There is only one weapon case on the entire map during an ongoing match. The team that finishes a round with the weapon case will receive various rewards, including a free operator skin and a weapon blueprint.
The Covert Exfil allows you to extract this weapon case much more easily. Instead of fighting against all other players for victory in the Battle Royale, you can escape the map early and take the weapon case with you.
However, if you do not have the weapon case in your possession, the Covert Exfil does not offer much – unless you want to end the match prematurely for some reason without quitting or dying. A Covert Exfil does not count as a normal victory, provides no progress for the Champion’s Quest, and is recorded in a separate statistic (Raven Software via X.com).
Players hope the Covert Exfil is not in the regular Battle Royale
What does the community say about the Covert Exfil? Many players view the new feature with skepticism. Some even believe it goes against the core idea of a Battle Royale.
LoochyTV via X.com: “This completely misses the point of a Battle Royale.”
MuTex via X.com: “It’s great that you’re coming up with new ideas, but I personally think all these new ideas should only be tested on a separate LTM game list. Don’t force the players who currently love the game as it is to play with it.”
Rad_702 via X.com: “This is definitely not it! Unless it’s a separate mode, but even then it misses the point of a Battle Royale.”
However, some users are also writing on X.com that they don’t find it so bad at all. The user Driskal says, for example: “I don’t understand what’s so bad about it. It’s not game-changing. There are only a total of 5 in a round and it’s probably going to cost a lot of money. Who cares if 5 teams exfiltrate?”
One of the coolest features in Baldur’s Gate 3 are the romances you can cultivate with individual characters. However, there are 10 possible companions, of which 8 are romantic partners and several one-night stands. This raises the question: Can you have multiple romances at the same time in the game?
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With so many great companions, the question is whether you can flirt with all of them at the same time – or at least only with the specific chosen ones for the run. The answer is Yes and No:
Some companions are strictly monogamous. Others are not averse to sharing – under certain conditions.
In principle, you can at least try to gain the consent of all companions and flirt with them. However, after certain cutscenes, you will be the official boyfriend or girlfriend of one of the characters. This means you will have to end your romances with your other flirts.
But there are exceptions, which we will introduce you to here.
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Baldur’s Gate 3 is coming to PS5 – Trailer prepares for console release
Multiple romances at the same time? It works with these companions!
Halsin, the Druid
Halsin is the skeleton key among the romances in Baldur’s Gate 3. He can only join your group in a good run in Act 2. Accordingly, you need to have some patience. He is also the only character who is completely okay with your previous romantic decisions:
When Halsin reveals his feelings to you, you can respond to them. However, if you’re already in a committed relationship before, he will insist on having your partner’s consent – before you become intimate with each other. The following combinations will work.
Halsin and Astarion: The pale elf will be confused for a moment but will then give you his blessing for a hot night with Halsin. For this to work, you need to be in a committed relationship with Astarion and have as high a level of approval as possible. How to achieve this can be read in our Romance Guide for Astarion.
When you visit the brothel with the two dark elf twins in Act 3 after the potential bear sex with Halsin and the twins offer you sex, you can actually take both Halsin and Astarion with you.
Halsin and Shadowheart: The cleric will also give you her blessing for the rendezvous with Halsin. She also openly admits that she has no issues with him. However, you must also be in a committed relationship with her first before you can obtain her blessing.
Warning: Astarion and Shadowheart only agree to poly relationships with Halsin. All other companions are off-limits.
Halsin has experienced many romantic partners over 200 years. Consent is particularly important.
Minthara, the Drow
If you are on an evil run, you will not get Halsin and lose most of your other companions. Instead, you can romance Minthara.
She has no problem with poly relationships, but no other companion wants to become intimate with her. However, once you choose her, you can easily pursue possible one-night stands like with Mizora.
For the romance with the Emperor, there is even the achievement Mind Blown. In fact, your interactions with him have no impact on your other relationships. So feel free to flirt from Act 1 onwards and, if desired, give in to his temptations.
After the hot scene in the Astral Sea, a few random companions will show up and give you disgusted looks. However, no one will confront you about it, and there are currently no identifiable negative influences on your other ongoing romances.
Although they are all slightly disgusted, they won’t hold it against you in a wakeful state.
One Night Stands
If you are in poly relationships, you can also theoretically take the currently known two one-night stands. Both occur in Act 3:
Demoness Mizora, Wyll’s pact mistress, develops an interest in you. If you advance Wyll’s companion story, she may invite you for a hellishly hot night. But beware: Your companions usually react unhappily to this bed story.
You can also indulge with the incubus Harleep. He is part of the quests before the House of Hope. To meet him, you must attempt to break into Devil Raphael. In exchange for information, Harleep will first ask you to undress and then to sleep with him.
Harleep’s sex scene has far-reaching consequences: on the one hand, the incubus can later take on your form, and your character will notice it when they become intimate. On the other hand, this action lowers approval with some of your companions.
Sharing you? Never! These characters do not engage in poly relationships
Of course, there are also characters for whom a relationship with other companions is generally taboo. They also do not tolerate one-night stands. If you are wondering how to win them over, you can read about it here:
Wizard Gale is still recovering in Act 1 from his last relationship and isn’t interested in a real romance until Act 2. You can read all about it in our Gale Romance Guide. You are only in a committed relationship with him after his sex scene in Act 2.
However, if he has already taken a liking to you, i.e., his approval for you is high enough, he will immediately confront you if you get too close to another companion. My-MMO editor Sophia has experienced this firsthand.
At least in Act 1, you can still flirt with other companions. He has no issues with a rendezvous with Astarion at the Tiefling/Goblin party.
If you get serious with a companion, you will have to end your other flirts.
Karlach
Karlach’s romance also really takes off in Act 2. Before that, she is okay if you indulge with Astarion, for example. If her approval is high enough, she will even encourage you to seek other engagements.
However, as soon as her quest progresses far enough in Act 2, you will be in a monogamous relationship with her.
The Githyanki is one of the few companions whose romance can start in Act 1. Once she has taken you to bed once, she won’t let you go easily. She is absolutely opposed to poly relationships. You belong to her, and she belongs to you. That’s not up for discussion.
Wyll, the Blade of Frontiers
Wyll is probably the most sincere companion who can stand by your side. Although you can win him over in Act 1, his romance also really begins in Act 2. Once he invites you to dance, he wants to seduce you in a traditional way – as befits a hero.
Accordingly traditional is his idea of relationships: If he is in a relationship, then only with that person, and he expects the corresponding commitment to each other – and only to each other – from his partner as well.
Have you already played your desired romance? Feel free to tell us about it in the comments!
This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
League of Legends kicks off the 2024 season with a new cinematic trailer, once again proving how impressive and emotional video game trailers can be.
LoL starts the new season with an emotional trailer: Just in time for the start of the new 2024 season, fans and players can look forward to a new cinematic trailer for League of Legends.
Like every year, it showcases some popular champions in action, marking the beginning of a new season. This year, the trailer is titled “Unbroken,” which is clearly reflected in the animated scenes:
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League of Legends opens the 2024 season with an emotional trailer
Not just the fans are excited: With this trailer, the team behind the animated videos for League of Legends once again shows their skills. And they excite not only the true LoL fans, as can be seen in the comments (via YouTube).
For instance, user amnotgenjimain6027 writes: “I don’t play League, but I come back every time to watch their music videos.” Even if you don’t know much about the lore behind the characters and like this user, don’t even play the game, the cinematic trailers somehow manage to capture you.
LoL trailer touches especially with a tearful reunion
This could be primarily due to the fact that the trailers, like this one, are always very well made technically, are backed by atmospheric music or simply hit you with overwhelming emotions every time.
User user-bz5zz3kg6k simply asks if anyone else was close to tears. Especially the moment when Tryndamere looks into his wife’s eyes is a very emotional moment for many players. And that many are truly on the verge of tears due to the trailer is shown by a few more comments:
kfk4441 writes: “The way this man looks at his wife after she rescued him made me shed a tear”
franckfbf1929 writes: “I felt so many emotions in such a short time”
kennethvalle1180 writes: “To be honest, I would have the same reaction as Trynda when Ashe appears, so beautiful”
What do you think of the trailer for the new season? What are you hoping for in the 2024 season? Feel free to write in the comments. What you can expect in the new season, we have already compiled for you: LoL: The new season starts tomorrow – What’s in it?
This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
A gamer wanted to stock up on supplies and ordered new RAM. Instead, he accidentally received an entire box of 50 pieces. However, he reported the mistake to the seller. How did it end?
What kind of user is this? We recently reported on MeinMMO about the user who accidentally received a box of RAM. This caused quite a stir, as opposed to other people who might keep such items quietly, this user contacted the seller on Amazon.
The user had posted two pictures on reddit at that time. He explained that he sells starter systems in his shop and also offers practice systems for students who are building a PC system for the first time. Now he wanted to reorder RAM for that purpose. But instead of the ordered goods, he received an entire box of it.
Many users expressed their disbelief at that time as to why someone would report such a “lucky hit” to the seller. Others also stated that such honesty at least deserves respect.
User writes that he can keep the items
How did the seller react? In a later comment, someone from the community asked what had become of the whole action.
The buyer first explained that the seller had not contacted him at first. But eventually, there was a response. He explained on reddit that he could keep the excess RAM, that is, the entire box. He wrote:
Yes, they said we could basically keep it, we can incorporate it into our future starter builds.
Here, it seems that the honesty of the “finder” was rewarded. Nevertheless, this outcome is likely surprising, as it concerns goods worth several hundred euros that the seller must now write off.
Honesty deserves respect, but the action cannot really be verified
Can this be verified? No, we have to trust the user’s statement that the seller transferred the RAM to him at no extra cost. There is also no picture of the email exchange or the name of the seller.
It remains unclear whether he might have just made up the entire situation with the call to the seller. In the case of another user who also received way too much RAM, many suspected that the user might have worked in a warehouse.
Such actions, where people receive too many items, happen repeatedly, by the way. But legally, the issue is significantly more complicated. Especially if someone wants to keep the items quietly. You can find more about this in the following article on MeinMMO:
The still relatively fresh “Minecraft Legends” is halting its development. The game lasted less than a year before the lights go out.
Minecraft is one of the most successful games of all time. Over 300 million versions of Minecraft have been sold – an almost absurd success. However, attempts to make additional Minecraft spin-offs successful have repeatedly failed in recent years.
The AR game “Minecraft Earth” died back in 2021. Most recently, the development of “Minecraft Dungeons” was stopped in September 2023 – now it’s the next game’s turn.
“Minecraft Legends” will no longer receive any updates; the development has ended here as well.
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Minecraft Legends neuer Trailer von der gamescom 2022
What kind of game is this? Minecraft Legends can best be described as an “action-strategy” game. In the colorful “overworld” of Minecraft, you control the hero and unite various creatures – such as Creepers, Zombies, and Skeletons – to fight against the invading Piglin hordes. The hero serves as a pivot for several dozen troops that you send into battle while you advance with the sword.
Depending on the mission, it involves capturing enemy outposts or protecting the nearly defenseless villagers from enemy attacks.
In PvP, on the other hand, you have the opportunity to battle against other players and prove who is the better troop commander.
What do the developers say? In an official blog post from the developers, they discuss the last major update of the game. The many small innovations are highlighted, followed by a look back at what has happened in the months since the launch. Only in the second part, the “development update,” do they address it and explain:
Since the launch, we have listened to community feedback and implemented a number of changes to improve the game. Now that this is complete, we will withdraw from development. Although we will not be releasing new content for Minecraft Legends (such as updates, Lost Legends, or marketplace DLC), the fun doesn’t stop here. We will continue to have a lot of fun playing the game alongside our community, as those nasty Piglins show no signs of stopping anytime soon.
Why is development being halted? Even though the developers do not state this clearly in their blog post, there are many indications that Minecraft Legends did not achieve the success that was once hoped for from the game.
In particular, the player numbers are quite telling. Looking at the figures on Steam, only an average of 34 players were playing the game simultaneously over the last 30 days – the daily peak was 100 players (via steamcharts.com).
For comparison: At launch in April 2023, Minecraft Legends had just over 1,000 players simultaneously, peaking at 5,000.
However, the reviews are also rather mixed, standing at “mixed.” 61% of the reviews are positive, but many are also negative.
The most common criticism: The game is simply boring and cannot hold interest for long. The campaign feels monotonous and, although it is quite short, it seems rather lengthy. The PvP, on the other hand, receives more praise, which seems to appeal to a hardcore player base.
Can you still play Minecraft Legends? Yes, the servers will remain active for the time being. All in-game content, such as the campaign, PvP, or special challenges, can still be played and completed. However, there will be no new content, so the game will remain in its current state going forward.
Have you played Minecraft Legends? Or has the game completely passed you by?
In Season 30 of Diablo 3, you can farm Soul Shards of the Greater Evils and Lesser Evils. We will show you all Soul Shards along with their base bonuses and additional properties. Find out what you can do with the “Sparks of the Hellforge.”
What are these shards? The seasonal theme of Season 30 in Diablo 3 is titled “The Rulers of Hell.” This was already the case in Season 25. It’s all about the Soul Shards. Each character can carry two at the same time. They drop in their basic form and can then be upgraded by you.
In this overview, we show you all Soul Shards and their bonuses from Season 30. This way you know which ones are suitable for your class and playstyle and are worth upgrading.
Note: We have updated the article from Season 25 and adapted it for Season 30.
Season theme of Season 30 – Soul Shards and Sparks of the Hellforge
How does the theme work? You can carry two shards at the same time, one socketed in the head and one in the weapon. They work like gems but are much more powerful than any gems you’ve known before. Because they combine effects.
There are three Soul Shards of the Greater Evils that fit in your helm sockets
And four Soul Shards of the Lesser Evils that fit in your weapon sockets
You can upgrade each Soul Shard three times, using exclusive seasonal items “Sparks of the Hellforge” – these are consumables
By upgrading, you unlock the additional properties
Where can you find the Soul Shards? The new Soul Shards and the Sparks of the Hellforge can drop anywhere. The chance of obtaining Soul Shards is higher from bosses. You cannot trade the shards with other players but you can recycle them with the Blacksmith or use them in Caldesann’s Despair.
After the end of the season, you cannot take either the Soul Shards or the Sparks of the Hellforge into non-seasonal play.
All Soul Shards and their Bonuses in Season 30
Below, we show you all shards with their base bonuses and additional properties.
You unlock the additional properties gradually as you upgrade the Soul Shards with the Sparks of the Hellforge.
These are the Soul Shards from Season 25
Shard of Terror (Greater Evil)
Base bonus: Your cooldowns are increased by 25%. For each skill on cooldown, your damage taken is reduced by 12.5% and your damage dealt is increased by 12.5%.
Additional properties:
For each skill on cooldown, your attack speed and critical hit chance are increased by 5%.
Upon killing 100 enemies, you cast a Flame Ring.
If at least three skills are on cooldown, the damage of your lightning and fire skills is increased by 50%.
Shard of Hatred (Greater Evil)
Base bonus: Your damage is reduced by 15% when three or fewer enemies are within 25 meters of you. If there are more than three enemies, your damage per enemy is increased by 5% – up to a maximum of 50%.
Additional properties:
When you kill an elite enemy, all enemies within 40 meters are pulled to the death location of the elite enemy.
Increases your movement speed by 50%. For each enemy within 25 meters, your movement speed is reduced by 10% – up to a maximum of 70%.
You now deal 15% more damage per enemy instead of 5% – up to a maximum of 100%.
Fragment of Destruction (Greater Evil)
Base bonus: You can move unhindered through enemies and mark them with the Mark of Destruction for seven seconds. If an enemy bearing the mark dies, it reduces the cooldown of one of your skills by one second. If the mark expires without the enemy dying, you take damage equal to 2% of your maximum health for each marked enemy. At less than 35% health of your character, no mark is applied.
Additional properties:
There is a 25% chance that a killed enemy bearing the Mark of Destruction restores 5% of your health
For each enemy marked with the Mark of Destruction, you increase your movement speed for seven seconds by 5% – a maximum of 10 stacks is possible
You leave a trail of flames. Enemies affected by the Mark of Destruction with less than 10% health are immediately killed.
Screenshot from the PTR: How cool the souls fly around when the Soul Shards drop
Mark of Sin (Lesser Evil)
Base bonus: You deal 25% less damage. When you kill 50 enemies, you create a pool of blood that increases the damage taken by elite enemies by 150% and lasts for 15 seconds.
Additional properties:
The pool of blood now negates the affixes of elite enemies within its area of effect
When you kill a group of elite enemies, you gain an additional progress orb for portals
The pool of blood now collects the portal progress orbs for you
Sediment of Lies (Lesser Evil)
Base bonus: You deal 25% less damage yourself. Your companions and minions deal 25% less damage.
Additional properties:
When you kill an elite enemy, your active cooldowns are reduced by five seconds
If you take damage that would kill you, you summon a shadow. This prevents your death and restores 35% of your maximum health. Additionally, the shadow grants all group members +225 resistance to all damage types while the shadow is active. It lasts for 15 seconds
Your damage increases by 0.5% each time one of your minions or companions hits. This is stackable up to 100 times, granting you a maximum of 50% more damage. Once you reach 100 stacks, the stacks reset to 0 over a short period
Rudiment of Pain (Lesser Evil)
Base bonus: Your critical hit chance is reduced by 15%. However, you always critically strike incapacitated enemies.
Additional properties:
When you hit enemies with cold damage, there is a 50% chance that you freeze the enemy. Frozen targets take an additional 20% damage from cold skills
If you have more than +50% increased movement speed, you can move through enemies, pushing them back, making them stunned for two seconds
When you critically hit enemies, the attack speed of all players in your group is increased by 5% for five seconds – stackable up to ten times
Base bonus: Each time you deal damage with poison skills, your cooldown reduction and movement speed are increased by 2.5% for ten seconds, and your damage taken is increased by 5%. This is stackable up to ten times.
Additional properties:
Your poison damage can increase your movement speed and cooldown reduction up to 15 times.
If you deal poison damage to an enemy, they take 50% more poison damage from all sources for ten seconds
If you kill an enemy, the damage of the killing blow is added to all enemies within 25 meters
How do you like the bonuses of the Soul Shards from Season 30 in Diablo 3? Do you think they are strong enough, and have you perhaps already found a favorite? Let us know which shards you will incorporate into your builds and share with the community.
This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
The primal forms of Palkia and Dialga in Pokémon GO have been revealed. They will appear during the Sinnoh Tour and bring special moves that trigger bonuses.
What kind of Pokémon are they? The primal forms of Palkia and Dialga were released with the game “Legends: Arceus.” They are variants of the two well-known legendary Pokémon from the Sinnoh region. After their appearance was leaked a few months ago, they are now officially confirmed.
When do Primal Palkia and Primal Dialga appear? There are two dates for the two monsters.
They will first be released at the Sinnoh Tour Los Angeles in raids, which takes place on February 17 and 18, 2024. However, you need a ticket for this event to have a chance at the shiny versions and the new special moves. Those without a ticket can participate in the raids but have no chance of getting shiny or special moves.
Globally, they will come a week later, on February 24 and 25, during the global Sinnoh Tour. Here, you can also encounter them in various time windows in raids and obtain the special moves and shinies.
But what exactly are the special moves about?
Start video
Pokémon GO shows the new season “Timeless Travels” in the trailer
New feature: “Adventure Effect” when using special moves in Pokémon GO
This is the Adventure Effect: Primal Palkia and Primal Dialga each have their own special move:
Primal Dialga can master “Temporal Roar”
Primal Palkia’s special move is “Spatial Rend”
The special thing: Both moves can also be used outside of battles to trigger a bonus.
Temporal Roar Adventure Effect: You can activate the effect for Primal Dialga for 5,000 Stardust and five Dialga candies. If you do this, the timer for four items is paused for six minutes: Incense, Daily Adventure Incense, Lucky Eggs, and Star Pieces.
This effect can be stacked by using more Stardust and candies. Up to 24 hours are possible. But of course, you have to consider that this will require a lot of Stardust and candies.
Spatial Rend Adventure Effect: You can trigger Primal Palkia’s Adventure Effect for 5,000 Stardust and five Palkia candies. By doing this, your encounter radius with Pokémon will be increased for ten minutes. This effect can also be extended for more candies and Stardust.
Aside from that, you can also use the moves in battles.
Temporal Roar deals 150 damage in Trainer battles, 160 damage in raids
Spatial Rend deals 95 damage in Trainer battles and 160 damage in raids and gyms
Especially the effect of the two moves is interesting, as Pokémon GO introduces a completely new feature with it. What do you think? Is the bonus useful, or too expensive when you look at Stardust and candies? Tell us in the comments. And if you want to know what’s going on in the game: Here are all the events in January 2024 for Pokémon GO.
This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
