5 Tips for a Relaxed Start in Starfield

Maik Schneider Maik Schneider Reading time 4 minutes

MeinMMO author Maik Schneider is ready for Starfield, has been staring at the stars for weeks and is waiting with shining eyes for the early access on September 1st. To help you be ready too, here are 5 tips that will help you with an optimal start into the game.

It all starts on September 1st. Starfield enters early access at 2 AM, and on September 6th, all players can join in.

I have five tips for you for the start. Things you should think about before the release so that nothing stands in the way of an optimal first flight into space. For each point, I will also tell you how I have heeded the tip.

You can watch the latest Starfield trailer from gamescom 2023 here:

Start video
Gamescom ONL 2023 Trailer Starfield

Tip 1 for the start – Buy and play Starfield

Decide now which platform you want to buy Starfield on: on PC in the Xbox app, on Steam, or on Xbox Series. The versions do not differ in their content.

However, the console versions are limited to 30 FPS, as reported by the colleagues at GamePro.

  • Advantage on Steam: The standard and premium editions cost 10 euros less
  • Advantage Xbox / Xbox app: Starfield will be in the Xbox Game Pass from release, the version can be played on console and PC

If you want to play during the early access on September 1st, you can upgrade the Xbox Game Pass versions for 35 euros. Additionally, there is the first story DLC and some cosmetics included. Here you can find all the information about early access.

If you are still unsure whether you want to play Starfield, more information will be available on August 31st at 6 PM. The first reviews will go online then.

My solution: I play on PC. Hardware manufacturer AMD is a partner of Starfield, and I bought new AMD technology during the promotion period. A key for the premium edition was included. Here is the promotion via amd.com.

Tip 2 for the start – Are my files complete?

For the Xbox app on PC and for Xbox Series, the preload is already online. On August 30th, Steam players will also be able to preload. However, you should check your download one more time before the release:

  • Is it installed on the right hard drive?
  • Are the data complete?
  • Was there an update before the release?

Do not start your technology just before the release. There has already been an initial update, and there might be more before it starts.

My solution: Since I want to inform myself spoiler-free, the Starfield Subreddit is my first choice (via reddit.com). The moderators keep emphasizing that they do not want to see leaks and consistently delete leak threads.

Tip 3 for the start – Does my hardware fit?

Starfield is not particularly kind to old PCs. As a minimum requirement, you will need a GTX 1070 Ti or AMD Radeon RX 5700. Used models are available from 150 to 200 euros, but a potato PC probably won’t be able to run Starfield.

Additionally, you should look at your hard drive: Starfield requires 125 GB of free space and an SSD. It might also run with an HDD, but that would significantly increase loading times.

Starfield partner AMD has more tips for players who want to go 4K:

  • “For uncompromising 4K gamers who want the absolute best Starfield experience.”
  • Processor (CPU): AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D
  • Graphics card (GPU): AMD Radeon RX 7900 XT

My solution: I … might have gone a bit overboard. For me, there was a complete PC upgrade with the Ryzen 7 7800X3D and a Radeon RX 7900 XTX. The game was already included with the AMD technology, which is probably why the Starfield controller ended up in the shopping cart.

Tip 4 for the start – Roleplay in RPG

Starfield is a big RPG and gives you a lot of freedom. At least make a rough plan beforehand about who you want to be in Starfield. You can…

  • consider a clear role and strictly choose your background and skills accordingly
  • go full gameplay and always choose what brings the most power in combat
  • decide spontaneously which option sounds best to you

How you do it: You do it right! Role-players will always recommend that you think about a role beforehand and make decisions in the game based on that. If you have never tried this in an RPG, it might be time.

My solution: I used to always play “the good guy,” was the tank of a group, took the role that no one wanted. In recent years, I have actively opposed that, killed a complete tutorial island once, and always chose the damage dealer.

But the longer I thought about Starfield, the more I want to fall back into old patterns. I will play a good character again, a beacon of optimism, the shining one of the sector.

My role model: Captain Kathryn Janeway from the USS Voyager – strong, principled, but sometimes a bit stubborn. You can also get inspired by Baldur’s Gate 3:

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von Dariusz Müller

Tip 5 for the start – Starfield starts slowly

I am very sensitive when it comes to spoilers. However, I would still like to give you 2 small preliminary pieces of information that hardly have anything to do with gameplay.

  • Starfield takes its time

The RPG starts slowly according to leaks and first explains all mechanics to you very calmly. It does not start with a fireworks display. Be aware that Starfield only gradually picks up speed and wait with your first judgment for a few hours of gameplay.

  • Bugs

Here, there seems to be good news. I have already written a small article about this: The most important leak about Starfield does not show gameplay, but makes me smile.

My solution: Unfortunately, it’s quite depressing. Right at the release, I cannot play because I have to write a bunch of articles and guides about the game. Even before I can play for the first hour, every kind of spoiler is coming at me. Therefore, I know exactly what I’m getting into.

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These were our tips for an optimal start in Starfield. Grab some snacks, sit down with friends on Discord or alone on the couch – you will be there for quite some time.

If you have any further tips for getting started, whether serious or not, leave a comment and share with us how you want to experience the release.

For more information about Starfield, check here: All information about the release of Bethesda’s sci-fi epic – Gameplay, editions & contents

This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.

Baldur’s Gate 3: Patch 2 lets you kick players out, brings better ending

Cortyn Cortyn Reading time 3 minutes

Patch 2 for Baldur’s Gate 3 is almost here. There are a lot of improvements and exactly what many players want.

Even though Baldur’s Gate 3 has received top ratings and is a clear candidate for Game of the Year, there are still many bugs. Several hotfixes could not fix them and even the first major patch only addressed a few painful issues.

Although the first major patch of Baldur’s Gate 3 was released a few days ago, the second one seems to be almost here as well, bringing a lot of innovations and improvements aimed at making the game a more rounded and better experience.

We present to you the highlights of the next patch.

Start video
5 helpful tips for Baldur’s Gate 3

The highlights of Patch 2 in Baldur’s Gate 3

Removing Multiplayer Characters: A major issue was that multiplayer characters had to remain permanently in your group. If you started a save with a friend and both created your own character, then both characters had to stay in the group. Even if the friend was no longer playing – you always had to have his character with you.

The next patch will fix this, as you can simply “lock up” unwanted multiplayer characters in a closet at Lazarus so you can take the right companions again. The character will only come out of the closet when you are back in multiplayer mode.

More Minthara: The “evil” companion Minthara has some bugs that prevent certain dialogues from triggering, making the romance with her impossible. After the first patch did not fix this, it is now expected to be addressed in Patch 2 – the fans have already demanded “justice for Minthara” here.

Baldur's Gate 3 Minthara Sleeping
The romance with Minthara currently leads nowhere – that is supposed to be patched quickly.

Better Ending for Karlach: Karlach is a special case as a companion, because players are not satisfied with her ending. This is mainly because so far there has been no “good” ending for her. The upcoming patch is supposed to fix this and give her a slightly modified ending. Whether this will indeed be a “good” ending remains to be seen.

Better Performance: The performance of Baldur’s Gate 3 is not so good for many, especially in Act 3, the large city of Baldur’s Gate, where many experience stuttering. The next patch is supposed to significantly improve the performance of the entire game, although the biggest improvements are mainly felt in Act 3.

Bug Fixes for More Content: In addition to the usual bug fixes, the developers emphasize that there are several bugs that cause certain events in the game world not to trigger. The failure to trigger these events means that certain companion reactions do not start, thereby making some dialogues and content seem faulty or unfinished. Here, they want to ensure that everything can really be completed.

More about Baldur’s Gate 3:
Baldur’s Gate 3 Coop Guide for PS5, PC, Xbox: Tips for Multiplayer
von Benedict Grothaus
Baldur’s Gate 3: Recruiting Minthara – How to Get the Powerful Companion
von Benedict Grothaus
Astarion’s actor had so much fun with Baldur’s Gate 3 that it damaged his health, his conclusion today: “It’s stupid”
von Johanna

The exact patch notes have not yet been released, but with these highlights, you already have a good impression of what the next patch will fix.

When will Patch 2 be released? There is no release date for the second patch of Baldur’s Gate 3 yet. However, the developers say that it is “just around the corner” – so not far away. That at least sounds like it will be released this week or next, perhaps even in time for the release of the game on PlayStation 5.

This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
Source(s):
  1. store.steampowered.com

Pokémon GO: All Raid Hours and Legendary Bosses in August 2023 – Today Yveltal

Franzi Korittke Franzi Korittke Reading time 3 minutes

In Pokémon GO, many raids await you in August 2023, where you can encounter legendary bosses like Regidrago, Cresselia, Xerneas, or Yveltal. Additionally, special encounters with the proto-forms of Kyogre and Groudon, as well as the debut of Mega-Rayquaza, are coming up. We at MeinMMO will show you all the upcoming raid hours and raid bosses at a glance.

Which raids are involved? In Pokémon GO, you can find various legendary Pokémon and Mega Evolutions in raids every month. These often relate to the themed events in the game. In August 2023, you will again have the chance to secure some specimens.

We have summarized for you which will be in the Level 5 raids and Mega Raids. We’ll also show you when which raid hour takes place.

Raid hours and their raid bosses in August 2023

When do the raid hours take place? Every Wednesday, Niantic hosts a so-called raid hour in Pokémon GO, during which numerous arenas are occupied by the bosses of the Level 5 raids between 6:00 PM and 7:00 PM local time and can be challenged.

Due to the global GO Fest, which runs at the end of the month, another raid hour will take place on Thursday, August 24, 2023. The following bosses will be waiting for you in August:

DateRaid Boss
August 2Regidrago
The best counters against Regidrago in the guide
August 9Cresselia*
The best counters against Cresselia in the guide
August 16Xerneas*
The best counters against Xerneas in the guide
August 23Proto-Kyogre*
The best counters against Proto-Kyogre
August 24Proto-Groudon*
The best counters against Proto-Groudon
August 30Yveltal*
The best counters against Yveltal
Pokémon with a (*) can also be found as Shiny with a bit of luck

On August 27, 2023, you will then have one last chance to encounter the two proto-Pokémon. They will return to the raids for one more hour:

  • August 27 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM: Proto-raids with Proto-Kyogre* and Proto-Groudon*
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Pokémon GO: One of the best attackers gets its own event that you definitely should not miss
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Trainer in Pokémon GO prepares for a strong monster that may never appear
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All raid boss changes and Mega Raids in August 2023

Besides the mentioned raid hours, you can expect more interesting raid bosses throughout August. These change every day at 10:00 AM local time. However, there is an exception on August 27. On this day, there will be a first change at 11:00 AM local time and another at 6:00 PM. The following times are when the raid bosses are active:

DateRaid Boss
July 25 to August 4Regidrago* in the 5-star raids
July 25 to August 4Mega-Tyranitar* in the Mega Raids
August 4 to August 16Cresselia* in the 5-star raids
August 4 to August 16Mega-Gyarados* in the Mega Raids
August 16 to August 23Xerneas* (has move Geokontrolle) &
Yveltal* (has move Unheilschwingen)
in the 5-star raids
August 16 to August 23Mega-Dragonite* in the Mega Raids
August 23 to August 26Proto-Kyogre* & Proto-Groudon* in the Proto-Raids
August 27
(10:00 AM to 11:00 AM)		Proto-Kyogre* & Proto-Groudon* in the Proto-Raids
August 27
(11:00 AM to 6:00 PM)		Mega-Rayquaza* in the Mega Raids
August 27 to September 1Xerneas* (has move Geokontrolle) &
Yveltal* (has move Unheilschwingen)
in the 5-star raids
August 27 to September 1Mega-Dragonite* in the Mega Raids
Pokémon with a (*) can also be found as Shiny with a bit of luck

What is particularly worthwhile? The highlight of August will be the worldwide debut of Mega-Rayquaza at the global GO Fest. Unless you are at one of the live events beforehand, you will have your only chance to encounter the powerful Mega Pokémon on August 27. You should take this opportunity, as Mega-Rayquaza is among the best attackers in Pokémon GO.

In addition, both proto-raids are also worthwhile: For Proto-Kyogre and Proto-Groudon are both among the strongest attackers of their type. Take this chance to secure a strong specimen and farm some proto-energy.

Here we show you all events in August 2023 and which ones are worthwhile.

This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.

Destiny 2: Update 7.2.0.2 from 29.08. is here – All patch notes and info

Britta ♤ BeAngel Britta ♤ BeAngel Reading time 5 minutes

The developers of Destiny 2 have prepared the latest update 7.2.0.2. To carry out this update, the game will temporarily be offline, resulting in a server downtime. MeinMMO tells you when and how long you won’t be able to play.

Update history for update 7.2.0.2:

21:00: The update is now also available for Xbox and Microsoft Store players.

20:25: Bungie has just reported a problem with Xbox and Microsoft Store players unable to download today’s Destiny 2 update 7.2.0.2. Further information will be provided by Bungie via Twitter as soon as it is available.

19:48: The patch notes are now also available. You can find them further down in the article. However, background maintenance is still ongoing until 20:00. That concludes our updates. We wish you much fun exploring the new story.

19:28: The Destiny 2 servers are back online. The update is 130.5 MB on Steam.
However, after maintenance, there may still be login queues because Bungie is only gradually granting access to the servers to avoid load issues. So expect some waiting time when logging in.

19:00: The Destiny 2 servers should be coming back online soon. But Bungie has not issued any notices yet. We are staying tuned and expect only a small delay.

16:20: Bungie has just taken the Destiny 2 servers offline. Maintenance has begun. You can find the exact schedule further down in the article.

What you need to know today: According to Bungie’s official announcement, Destiny 2 will temporarily go offline today to implement update 7.2.0.2. This is important as some bugs have crept back into the game with Season 22 that need to be fixed before the start of the raid race this weekend.

Additionally, Bungie has pointed out a change regarding Steam for older Windows systems.

As of January 1, 2024, Steam will officially discontinue support for Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 8.1 operating systems. After this date, the Steam client will no longer run on these versions of Windows.

To continue using Steam and all games or other products purchased through Steam – including Destiny 2 – players must upgrade to a newer version of Windows. You can find more information in the Steam article.

This Season 22 is the one that is cursed:

Select a MMO video…

Maintenance on 29.08. – All times for server downtime

These times are important today: Bungie has informed players via Twitter about the exact times. The planned downtime today is 2 hours and 45 minutes.

Here is the exact schedule for the maintenance:

  • At 15:00, background maintenance will initially start on all platforms.
  • At around 16:15, the servers will go offline. Players will be automatically kicked from the game.
  • During the downtime, Bungie will implement the Season 22 update 7.2.0.2. It will be rolled out gradually, so that players on all platforms can download it.
  • At 19:00, everything should be back online and the new week will start.
  • The maintenance will continue until 20:00, but only in the background.
Important: While background maintenance is running, there may be recurring connection problems in the game. Also, after maintenance, there may be login queues because Bungie is gradually granting access to the servers to avoid load issues.

Also, keep in mind that third-party applications as well as the official companion app may also not be accessible correctly for a while, meaning you may not be able to use them.

What is changing with update 7.2.0.2 in Season 22

The Final Form has vibrant lava-fire for Warlocks

This is what the update 7.2.0.2 brings today: After most issues in Lightfall have been successfully resolved, Season 22, titled “Season of the Witch,” has significantly increased the workload for Bungie support.

Here is the list of currently known issues:

  • In the description for Weaving Path, it is not mentioned that Guardians must have at least one full melee charge available to use the aspect. Attempting to use Weaving Path without a full melee charge will lead to nothing.
  • The Reveal Quest cannot be completed if Guardians listen to the new lore in the Veil containment before receiving the quest from Nimbus.
  • The Veteran Flair teleport effect is missing in player accounts.
  • The artifact perk Origin trait specialization II no longer overloads the season 22 weapons when the modifiers are active.
  • The Ascend VIII card from the Deck of Whispers causes Guardians to burn unusually fast.
  • Diverse exotics cannot be acquired at the Monument to Lost Lights, even if players own the correct DLC.
  • The Unstoppable Possessed Phalanx is immune to damage from headshots.
  • Some may experience a popup with a map for an open event sticking on their screens.
  • The opening date for the Nightfall leaderboard is incorrectly stated as June 13. This is wrong; the correct date is September 12.
  • The currently visible Phosphorescent shader in collections is not an actual item, but was unintentionally added to the game. This will be removed in an upcoming update. More info from the Destiny 2 team on this.
  • Some players reported they didn’t see the cutscene of Eris’ transformation.
  • The Ghost projection “The Defiant” shows a projection from the Season of the Witch.
  • Some Guardians report that the clan banner is not displayed for them, even though they are already in a clan. Players should speak with Hawthorne in the Tower to reclaim their missing clan banner.
  • Symbols are missing on the lectern of prophecy in the H.E.L.M.
  • The Taken portal in the H.E.L.M. is missing parts of its transport technology. Guardians who do not immediately pass through the portal should slide through and not jump to ensure it works safely.
  • The badge “Causative Path” does not appear in the collections.
  • There are various issues with the new relic mode of the Crucible, such as “Relic energy charged” appearing multiple times in the feed and waypoint arrows remaining over depots after they have expired.
  • The gesture “Festival Dance” was inadvertently changed to “Samba”.
  • Some players cannot purchase Ascendant Alloy or Enhancement Prisms from Rahool’s special quests as long as they have exceeded the old limit.
  • Player name changes are not infinitely customizable via bungie.net. Several “Number Guardians” continue to wait for the option to change their player name again, instead of receiving the message “You have no name changes available”.

If you know of any other issues in the game that are not listed here, feel free to share them in our comments section.

Patch Notes for update 7.2.0.2 in Destiny 2

eris-morn-als-scharhexe
With Eris as a Taken Witch, Elsie Bray’s dark future insight has manifested in the current timeline

What’s in the patch notes? Bungie releases the list of all changes for update 7.2.0.2 in the form of patch notes. These will be published this evening and will provide an overview of all fixed issues and improvements.

As soon as they are released, we will link them in this article, as something may still change afterwards.

Read the Patch Notes for update 7.2.0.2 (English)

In the Bungie universe, there are currently many controversies and some frustrated Guardians. The developer is therefore being accessible and is once again engaging more with players. They are also actively addressing accusations:

Bungie addresses the accusations of disappointed fans: Is Destiny 2 dead and is everyone already working on new games?

This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
Source(s):
  1. Bungie Help

Destiny 2: Weekly Reset on 29.08. – The Path of Revenge of a Witch becomes legendary

Britta ♤ BeAngel Britta ♤ BeAngel Reading time 5 minutes

Destiny 2 has released the Hive Witch in Season 22 and so far this setting is well received by some players. This week, the story continues with new discoveries. MeinMMO tells you what’s new and which activities are rotating this week.

This week’s happenings: Today marks the start of the second week of the fresh Season 22, and with it, the story will continue. Players can log in today to experience the continuation of the quest “The Blade Path” and see how Eris will cope with her ever-increasing power.

  • Savathun still has all the strings firmly in her hands, as her plan seems to be going well. What else could one expect from the Goddess of Trickery?
  • Additionally, you can play “Savathun’s Pillar” at the Legendary difficulty level this week.

With an eye on the Legacy Raid race this weekend, the Guardians are preparing to end Crota once again. As Bungie revealed, this time they will pull out the “Super Bowl” mode to conduct “some experiments on how difficult a World’s First Raid Race should be.”

More on the topic
Legendary Destiny 1 Raid returns for free to Destiny 2 – All you need to know about the Worlds First race
von Britta ♤ BeAngel

Most Guardians, however, are hoping that Bungie quickly reduces the list of bugs, as they have introduced some really troublesome restrictions into the game.

This epic finale is already clear in the minds of the Guardians, even if it won’t be the end:

Start video
Destiny 2: The Final Shape – The last DLC of the first saga

The main information about activities from 29.08 to 05.09.

[toc]

Nightfall

After the Guardians had a little warm-up phase in the last Nightfall rotations of Season 20 and 21, things are getting serious now. Bungie has included all three battlegrounds in the Nightfall rotation for Season 22 and wants to see if you can do it as a master conqueror in the top-tier.

When does it start with top-tier? On September 12, Destiny 2 officially launches the PvE endgame with the top-tier Nightfalls.

This week, the Mars battleground is active, and the Guardians can play the Nightfall up to the Grandmaster difficulty level.

  • Mars battleground: Moon
    • Escalation Protocol 3.0 – that’s what the Guardians can expect in this Nightfall battleground. Along with many enemies, the close quarters at the final boss raises the challenge. So tough that some Guardians only managed this in the last Nightfall rotation using the final boss glitch.
Nightfall weapon this week: Braytech Warden, rocket launcher

Crucible – This is the rotating PvP activity

In the first week of the season, both modes, Control and Mayhem, are running in PvP.

Bonus this week

The Vagabond may not be getting as much attention anymore. But he still continues to distribute a bonus, just like this week in Gambit based on your Recklessness rank.

Endgame: Raid Challenges and Rotations

Farmable endgame in weekly rotation: In the further course of the endgame, the Legacy rotations await.

Both the rotation raid, rotation dungeon, and the exotic rotation missions are farmable. This means you can repeatedly complete the individual encounters to receive various items and complete your collection, including any exotics that are available in these contents.

  • The weekly Legacy raid is “Garden of Salvation” with the weapon exotic “Divinity”
  • In addition, there is extra top loot in the dungeon “Pillar of the Warden” and the exotic “Hierarchy of Claims”.
  • The weekly exotic mission is “Vox Obscura” with the exotic “Dead Messenger”.

Weekly Activities

s22-destiny2-seasonaktivitaet
The “Card Deck of Whispers” of Season 22

In Season 22, Guardians will find new challenges to complete.

  • Altars of Summoning: Bring offerings in the otherworldly prison of the Witch Queen to summon horrific enemies, defeat them, and gain their power.
    • Here, there are three difficulty levels that you can activate. So anyone activating Powerful, the highest difficulty, will also face a tough challenge.
  • Savathûn’s Pillar: Activate the pillar, defeat its overseers, and gain access to the Altars of Summoning.

Lightfall – Weekly campaign mission

  • “Downfall”
    • Secure the radial mast before Calus and his troops “the Veil” arrive.

Ascendant Challenge – Dreaming City

  • Petra Venj has this week’s 3rd Ascendant Challenge for you. You can find Petra and her quest offering at the location “Divalian Mists” in the Dreaming City. The City of the Awoken enters the second level of corruption.

All sources for top loot in Season 22 of Destiny 2

More power level comes automatically: The power level will also be capped at 1,810 in Season 22, which means that the hard power level limit in Destiny 2 remains unchanged at 1,810. This way, no player is forced to perform at their best every week but levels their artifact level automatically in all activities.

  • There are still tough challenges, even without an increase in power level. For instance, in Grandmaster raids, top-tier Nightfalls, Grandmaster Lost Sectors, or the Trials of Osiris. Here, a high artifact level is advantageous and necessary.
More on the topic
Destiny 2: Revelation indicates massive power level changes that you might not like
von Britta ♤ BeAngel

If you are currently not at the hard cap of 1,810, we have listed the best sources for top loot for you here.

This top loot brings your power level to 1,810:

  • Top dungeon “Spirits of the Depth” (+2)
  • Legacy raid rotation this week: “Last Wish” (+2) – farmable
  • Legacy dungeon rotation “Duality” (+2) – farmable
  • Legacy exotic mission “Omens” (+2)
  • Earn 200,000 points through completing Nightfalls (+2)
  • “Trials of Eternity”: Achieve at least 250,000 points or more (+2)
  • Complete the exotic mission //knoten.ovrd.AVALON// in the ETZ (+2)
  • Weekly Lightfall campaign mission on Legendary (+2)
  • Weekly season mission “Savathun’s Pillar” with 300,000 points
  • Weekly season mission “Ritus der Auslese” Merchant Challenge Eris Morn
  • Weekly season mission “Altars of Summoning”
  • Play on Neomuna “Subregion”
  • Complete ritual activities in Vanguard, Gambit, or Crucible
  • Hawthorne’s Clan Quest: Grant 5 Appreciation Cards to other Guardians (+2 and 7 Enhancement Cores)
  • If further sources arise, we will promptly add them here.

Glintdust Highlights in Eververse

This burning ship is available this week for Glintdust
  • Exotic emote “Gong Show”
  • Exotic sparrow “Overpacked”
  • Exotic ship “Firebird Wings”
  • Exotic ghost shell “Astrological Shell”
  • Exotic weapon ornament “Violent Exorcism” for “Arbalest”
  • Exotic weapon ornament “mara Multi-tool” for “Mida Multi-Tool”
  • Legendary emote “Star Observer”
  • Legendary emote “Film Clapper”
  • Ghost projection “Chalice Projection”
  • Shader:
    • “Erebos’ Gaze”
    • “Escaped Azure”
    • “Brick Red”
    • “Atmospheric Glimmer”
    • “Oiled Cast Bronze”
    • “Butterbark”
  • Teleport effects:
    • “Pyramid Appearance”
    • “Cannon Fodder”
    • “Capsule Gang Appearance”
    • “Vex Raid Arrival”

For those who always have too little Glintdust in Destiny 2, they should know these tips:

More on the topic
Destiny 2: How to quickly get Glimmer in 2024 – Because if you don’t want to spend real money, you have to farm
von Britta ♤ BeAngel

How do you like Season 22 so far? Is the Hive setting to your liking? And what do you think of the card deck system? Feel free to leave your opinion in the comments.

Everything you need to know about the raid race this weekend can be found here:

Legendary Destiny 1 raid returns for free in Destiny 2 – Everything you need to know about the Worlds First race

This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.

Almost half of the players on Steam fail at the first major boss of the new action RPG with combat robots

Lydia Lydia Reading time 2 minutes

In the new RPG by the Elden Ring creators, there are huge combat robots and plenty of action. However, Armored Core 6 is not for everyone, and many players on Steam are currently struggling with the tough difficulty.

What kind of game is this? Armored Core 6 is the latest game from the creators of Elden Ring, FromSoftware. The RPG features big mechs and brutal action. As is typical for this studio, however, the game is not an easy nut to crack.

Almost half of the players on Steam are currently getting stuck on a boss.

Start video
FromSoftware shows Armored Core VI Fires of Rubicon in the overview trailer
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“I’ve had enough, I’m waiting for a patch”

What kind of boss is this? Balteus is the final boss in the first act of Armored Core and probably the first really tough boss. Equipped with rockets and a flamethrower that can turn your mech into a lump of metal, Balteus presents quite the challenge.

Most players will probably have to die at least a few times before they develop a feel for the opponent and can find the right strategy. Currently, four days after release, 58.7% of players on Steam have the “Contact” achievement, which is awarded for defeating Balteus (as of August 29, 19:25).

On Reddit, numerous gamers are discussing how difficult they find the boss. The creator of a thread from August 27 wrote, for example: “Balteus is IMPOSSIBLE. […] I’ve beaten every FromSoft game about 50 times, so I’m used to the difficulty, but oh my god, this is a whole different level.”

In an edit, the player, however, joyfully announced that they had finally defeated the boss. Others, however, are experiencing something similar:

  • Stock-Shake-7259: “I’ve been stuck for 5 hours, I’ve had enough, I’m waiting for a patch. I can’t waste any more time on a boss that isn’t fun.”
  • hermees: “I love difficult games, but I don’t like a fight that feels like you have to rely on luck.”
  • Fragdilicious: “I’ve been on this boss for two days, I’ve watched every video with strategies and builds I could find, and I’m about to give up the damn game.”

Other players offer well-meaning advice and tips on how to take the boss down. However, some can only smile wearily. They say: “Welcome to Armored Core. Git gud.”

Current on MeinMMO:
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Among the players who are currently struggling with Armored Core is none other than the well-known MMORPG streamer Asmongold. As an experienced player, one might expect practice in dealing with nasty bosses and a certain tolerance for frustration, but far from it:

Twitch streamer Asmongold is getting so badly beaten by the new action game from the Elden Ring creators that he ends the stream

This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
Source(s):
  1. Dotesports
  2. Bild (Collage) Hintergrund via Unsplash

The boss allows graphics experts to talk about Starfield: “A completely different level than Skyrim or Fallout 4”

Maik Schneider Maik Schneider Reading time 2 minutes

The tech experts at Digital Foundry are already playing Starfield and have seen the presentation at gamescom 2023. Actually, they are not supposed to talk about their impressions of the preview version yet, but Bethesda CEO Todd Howard has personally given them the green light.

What is Digital Foundry? It is an association of gaming experts who specialize in the technical aspects of games. Their YouTube channel has over 1.3 million subscribers (via youtube.com).

The think tank evaluates software beyond gameplay mechanics and focuses more on aspects like graphics or performance. However, hardware is also on the agenda or top lists of games with the best graphics.

With the personal permission of Starfield and Bethesda CEO Todd Howard, the members of Digital Foundry are already allowed to talk about some impressions of the preview version – the embargo actually lifts just a few hours before the early access on September 1st.

What they have to say will delight every eagerly waiting fan. Some of the gameplay highlights can be admired in the video:

Start video
7 gameplay highlights from Starfield that you should know about

Digital Foundry: Material from trailers does not do Starfield justice

What do the experts have to say? Actually, only positive things are said about Starfield. In their video on the subject, Digital Foundry even says that Starfield looks better when playing than in the trailer.

The choppy gameplay scenes shown during Starfield Direct or in the trailers are addressed. These stutters do not exist in the game – this applies to the review versions of Digital Foundry and also during the live presentation at gamescom, Starfield ran significantly better.

Two members of the Foundry played the mission shown during the presentation and both can confirm: nothing was reworked, the performance of Starfield is top.

Then the three tech enthusiasts briefly drift off about how such choppy footage for the trailers could have come about.

After that, Digital Foundry goes a bit further into the graphics and it comes to a comparison with the spiritual predecessors: ‘A completely different level than Skyrim or Fallout 4.’

Right from the start, the many objects, the high geometric quality, and great lighting become apparent. But also the shadows that can be seen on faces when illuminated.

The animations, weapon models, and generally the combat have also impressed Digital Foundry. It is not the ‘Skyrim mess’, even though Fallout 4 has already made some progress in that regard.

You can watch the complete English video with Digital Foundry’s assessment here:

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von Karsten Scholz

Not much longer until the full release of Starfield, with early access already in sight. A bit of skepticism before the launch of a major Bethesda game is certainly warranted, but at the moment everything really looks good.

If you want to read more about Starfield, then check out our big info article: All information about the release of Bethesda’s sci-fi epic – gameplay, editions & content

This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.

Twitch streamer allegedly goes live from prison

Lydia Lydia Reading time 2 minutes

On Twitter, a Twitch streamer attracted attention by allegedly streaming from his prison cell. You can find out what it’s all about on MeinMMO.

What kind of streamer is this? John “ChoseN” Rinella is an American Overwatch player who has been playing as a supporter for Boise State University since 2021 (via liquipedia). On his Twitch channel, he also shows almost exclusively Overwatch 2 via (sullygnome).

However, he did not attract attention with his gaming skills, but rather with his living circumstances.

What is the streamer’s version? On August 26, a clip from the Twitch channel chosen_ow went viral on Twitter. The footage shows him in a small, rather sparsely furnished room, which is supposed to be a prison cell. Particularly amusing for viewers: The content creator seems to care more about his hairstyle than about his situation.

The streamer himself informed his viewers via a chat command that he is currently incarcerated in the “Idaho State Rehabilitation Prison” for auto theft related to gang crime. Streaming was permitted to him as an “enrichment” activity (via Twitter). The US Navy does something similar with sea lions.

But what’s the truth behind the story?

Twitch streamers often come up with crazy actions to entertain their viewers:

Start video
Largest Twitch streamer of CoD Warzone wants to win with every weapon – plays shotgun in rat costume

Prison streamer looks more like a poor student

What’s the truth behind the story? As amusing as the idea of a state-funded program for incarcerated Twitch streamers is, there are some gaps in ChoseN’s story. There is no trace online of the prison where the streamer is allegedly serving time.

Also, the “PrisonToPartner” program from Twitch, which ChoseN supposedly streams from prison, seems not to exist.

The “prison cell” that the streamer shows in a video on Twitter looks more like a sparsely furnished student room, and the “rat” he shares his cell with bears a suspicious resemblance to a cat upon closer inspection.

Everything suggests that ChoseN has pulled a prank.

What has the action brought him? The original Twitter post was viewed more than 4.3 million times and shared over 2,500 times (as of August 28, 2023). However, the streamer himself received only a small share of this attention.

On his Twitch channel, he saw a small push: he gained 174 new followers and reached a peak of 284 viewers, while otherwise, only a maximum of 20–35 people usually watch him. However, by August 28, most of these new viewers seemed to have evaporated again (via sullygnome).

So, ChoseN hasn’t had his big breakthrough with this action yet, but the story of a Twitch streamer who streams from prison could still linger in social media for quite a while.

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As an aspiring Twitch streamer, it is not so easy to be discovered by your potential audience. Going viral on another platform can give you the necessary boost. But then, viewers also have to be kept entertained.

CoD Warzone 2: Millions celebrate a Twitch streamer who pretends to be a 10-year-old on TikTok – “Must get to bed soon”

This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
Source(s):
  1. Bild (Collage): Hintergrund via Pixabay

EA Sports FC 24 Ratings: When will they finally arrive? Our prediction

Julian Schröder Julian Schröder Reading time 2 minutes

FIFA successor EA Sports FC 24 is about to be released and the community is still waiting for the official ratings of the players. We will tell you when the ratings could finally be published.

Is there an FC 24 ratings release date? Currently, it is still unknown when we can expect the ratings for the players in EA Sports FC 24. As soon as there is new information, we will keep you updated here at MeinMMO. 

Looking back into the past shows: It can’t be long before the new player values are revealed. FIFA 23 was released on September 30, 2022, and EA published the ratings 12 days earlier, on September 18, which was 3 days before early access began.

The ratings could come on this date: The release of EA Sports FC 24 is on September 29, 2023, and early access starts already on September 22. A few days earlier it should therefore be available at the latest.

Therefore, plausible sounds to us the 17th of September 2023, which is, as in the previous year, a Sunday and is exactly 12 days before the game’s release date.

Start video
5 important improvements in the career mode of EA Sports FC 24

You can see how far apart the release and announcement of the ratings have been in the past:

  • FIFA 14: Release on 23.09.2013 – Ratings announcement on Thursday, 05.09.2013
  • FIFA 15: Release on 23.09.2014 – Ratings announcement on Sunday, 07.09.2014
  • FIFA 16: Release on 22.09.2015 – Ratings announcement on Friday, 04.09.2015
  • FIFA 17: Release on 27.09.2016 – Ratings announcement on Monday, 29.08.2016
  • FIFA 18: Release on 29.09.2017 – Ratings announcement on Monday, 11.09.2017
  • FIFA 19: Release on 28.09.2018 – Ratings announcement on Wednesday, 12.09.2018
  • FIFA 20: Release on 27.09.2019 – Ratings announcement on Monday, 09.09.2019
  • FIFA 21: Release on 09.10.2020 – Ratings announcement on Thursday, 10.09.2020
  • FIFA 22: Release on 01.10.2021 – Ratings announcement on Friday, 17.09.2021
  • FIFA 23: Release on 30.09.2022 – Ratings announcement on Sunday, 18.09.2022

Everything you need to know about the FIFA successor EA Sports FC 24 can be found here:

EA Sports FC 24 – Everything we know about release, leagues, logo, price, and content

FUT Heroes already receive first official ratings

These are the ratings: Among the first ratings that EA has announced are the FUT Heroes. These are special cards intended for fan favorites and great players from the past. What hero cards will be available in EA Sports FC Ultimate Team, you can see here.

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These are the ratings of the hero cards:

  • Wesley Sneijder (91) – Serie A
  • Gianluca Vialli (91) – Serie A
  • Bixente Lizarazu (90) – Bundesliga
  • Carlos Tevez (90) – Premier League
  • Alex Scott (88) – England WSL
  • Nadine Keßler (90) – Women’s Bundesliga
  • Tomáš Rosický (88) – Bundesliga
  • Ludovic Giuly (88) – La Liga
  • John Arne Riise (87) – Premier League
  • Nwankwo Kanu (87) – Eredivisie
  • Dimitar Berbatov (88) – Bundesliga
  • Sonia Bompastor (89) – France Division 1F
  • Jari Litmanen (89) – Eredivisie
  • Rui Costa (89) – Serie A
  • Paulo Futre (89) – Liga Portugal 
  • Vincent Kompany (89) – Premier League
  • Ramires (87) – Premier League
  • Steve McManaman (89) – La Liga
  • DaMarcus Beasley (86) – Eredivisie

If you want to know who the 10 best players in FC 24 Ultimate Team could be, then take a look at our predictions:

EA Sports FC 24 Ratings: Our prediction for the 10 best players in Ultimate Team

This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
Source(s):
  1. fifauteam

LoL changes a controversial system after 3 years, removes annoying items from the game, aims for more build variation

Niko Hernes Niko Hernes Reading time 2 minutes

The Mythic system was introduced 3 years ago in League of Legends. It was meant to allow a new type of item builds while limiting strong items. It did not work satisfactorily, and now Riot announced that they will completely kick the system in the future.

What was announced? Riot has introduced some changes for the next preseason. In addition to changes to the terrain and objectives like the dragon, Riot also announced that they will completely remove Mythic Items from the game. The idea behind the system has not worked out, as Riot announced on Twitter.

What are Mythic Items?

  • They are supposed to be stronger than other legendary items
  • You can only buy one Mythic Item
  • Mythic Items give you stats based on the number of legendary items
  • They partly provide effects like a gap closer or CC

But apparently the system does not seem to work as planned, and even Riot itself was not happy with it:

LoL: The most important innovation in items of the last 3 years was a mistake, and Riot knows it

Start video
Song of Nunu brings a fan favorite from League of Legends into the game

The Mythic system does not work for every champ

Why is the Mythic system being removed? Riot says on Twitter that while many champs would work with the items, others really couldn’t use any of them, and the strength of the items would restrict variation.

While they want to remove the Mythic system, various Mythic Items should remain and be adjusted to be playable in different builds. They have already tried something similar in the last mid-season update with some items.

Overall, the removal should ensure that builds are no longer built around the Mythic Items, but that more variation arises. What exactly will change about the items, Riot will reveal in the near future. You can find the statement about it here:

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That the Mythic Items were too dominant became evident during the course of the release. In January 2021, the meta was dominated by support items that were simply used everywhere. But items like Goredrinker were also temporarily too dominant. With the change, not every champ has to force themselves to buy a Mythic Item.

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When will the change come to LoL? The preseason for Season 14 is set to arrive with patch 14.1 on January 9, 2024. Item changes are also expected during this time. The current ranked split will be extended and will run until January 3, 2024.

Whether the build variations will really improve or simply legendary items will assert themselves as absolute top dogs, next year’s preseason will show. However, a Riot developer doubts whether players will always understand the patch notes:

LoL: Developer calls players incapable of understanding patch notes

This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
Source(s):
  1. Sportskeeda
  2. Twitter
  3. Sportskeeda

Pokémon GO: Feliospa is the next Pokémon for the new season – Here is what you need to know about the monster

Max Handwerk Max Handwerk Reading time 2 minutes

In Pokémon GO the next season is approaching. More teasers for the upcoming Pokémon are being released – now with Feliospa.

What is happening in Pokémon GO? In Pokémon GO, a season change is imminent: The current season, Hidden Gems, is making way for the next one.

On September 1st, it will be time: Under the motto Adventures Abound, the next season continues.

Details about the season are still largely unknown, but it is clear that the Paldea Pokémon will make their first appearance in the game.

Just recently, a teaser for the water starter of the region was released, before the next one appeared.

We are embedding the corresponding post here for you:

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This time, the only somewhat hidden star: Feliospa, the evolution of plant starter Felori.

What kind of Pokémon is Feliospa?

This is Feliospa: Feliospa evolves from Felori and is therefore one of the starter Pokémon of the Paldea region.

As usual, at the beginning of the games Karmesin and Purpur, you can choose a monster of type plant, fire or water. Felori’s last evolution is called Maskagato.

Feliospa in Karmesin & Purpur (via pokemon.com)

Feliospa itself is still largely inconspicuous in terms of type distribution – it is a classic plant Pokémon.

Maskagato, on the other hand, receives the dark type as its final evolution, which is an unusual combination.

How strong the monster ultimately becomes in the game remains to be seen and depends among other things on the attacks it receives.

An early analysis by PvP expert Teban54 described Maskagato as a potentially strong plant starter Pokémon that can deal high damage, but it may lack endurance (via reddit).

Start video
Pokémon from the Paldea region will soon appear in Pokémon GO!

How exactly to obtain the monster remains to be seen. But given that there was already a video indicating that the Paldea monsters are supposed to appear in September, as well as the current teasers, it shouldn’t be long until Felori and its evolutions appear in Pokémon GO.

The Hyperbonus from the GO Fest is also coming up in September and will bring new Pokémon.

This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.

With a trick, you can play Starfield for free at release, but you need the right friends

Benedikt Schlotmann Benedikt Schlotmann Reading time 2 minutes

With the Game Pass, you can Starfield play without paying extra. However, Microsoft is now removing a particularly good offer. Nevertheless, there is a trick with which you can try Starfield for free.

What was that with the Euro? For 1 Euro, you could subscribe to the Game Pass for one month. Sort of as a trial offer to properly subscribe to the Game Pass afterwards. For many gamers, this was a chance to test new releases very cheaply. Microsoft is now removing this option.

So, anyone who hoped to test Starfield for 1 Euro and now wants to use the preload for Starfield is now out of luck.

But there is another option for how you can play Starfield very cheaply. All you need is a friend who has an active ‘Game Pass’ subscription.

Start video
Starfield – Official Gameplay Trailer

Play Starfield for free if you have friends with Game Pass

How can you still play Starfield for free? The Xbox Game Pass offers a program to refer friends. And that’s exactly what you can use if you want to let friends try Starfield for free.

The same goes for the opposite: If you have friends who have subscribed to Game Pass, they can also ‘gift’ you access.

How exactly does it work? Each subscriber of the ‘Game Pass’ can gift up to 5 trial subscriptions per year. You gift 2 weeks of free Game Pass. During this time, you can play all games from the Game Pass without restrictions – including the new Starfield, which will be released on September 6, 2023.

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von Karsten Scholz

What is the limitation? One downside is: You can only ‘gift’ friends who have never been a member before or have an Xbox account that has never subscribed to Game Pass. If you’ve ever been a subscriber, you cannot use the free trial phase anymore.

So think carefully about whether you want to use this trial phase for Starfield now, or in 5 years for The Elder Scrolls VI.

Save with Game Pass: How you can get the Game Pass significantly cheaper with a long subscription can be read here:

Caution, don’t just pay 10 € for the Xbox Game Pass – I almost made the mistake

This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.

A large Free2Play MMO on Steam makes a small change, turns players against itself: 91% negative reviews

Alexander Leitsch Alexander Leitsch Reading time 3 minutes

In the last 14 days, there has been significant review bombing on Steam for World of Warships. Players are complaining about a change to the summer event made by the developers. While Wargaming is somewhat backtracking in their latest announcement, negative reviews are still coming in, also because players are frustrated about some general changes.

What is making players so angry? On August 10, the developers announced their event for the 8th anniversary. This is a highlight because you can quickly earn many interesting rewards. However, this year, changes were announced that many players were not happy with:

  • Previously, the event revolved around players having Tier X ships in their port. For this, there was a reward of one supercontainer per ship. The ships in the lower tiers did not play such a significant role.
  • However, the rewards were changed and simultaneously reduced this year. Instead of directly receiving containers, there are now festival tokens.
  • While you get a hefty 200 tokens for a Tier X ship, only the first 30 supercontainers cost exactly that much. For all thereafter, you pay 400 tokens, which is double.

This change tipped the scales for many. Since 2021, there have been constant small adjustments that made World of Warships less appealing to players.

Additionally, the Discord server for World of Warships has been heavily criticized. Players are complaining that criticism regarding the summer event was simply deleted. Therefore, many resorted to Steam reviews to make their voices heard.

How are players showing their discontent? On Steam, World of Warships received 5,121 reviews in the last 14 days. A hefty 4,671 (or 91.2%) were negative. Previously, the game had a total of 83% positive ratings.

Wargaming has since made some adjustments to the summer event. However, this is currently not slowing down the negative reviews.

Start video
3 of the best new MMORPGs released on Steam since 2020

Wargaming is backtracking, but much of the criticism remains

What has Wargaming changed now? In a new blog post, the developers announced that each player can now purchase 110 supercontainers. Additionally, the bundle with the 400 tokens has been removed, and further tokens for “performance bonuses” have been introduced.

The post also explained why the change was announced this way. The current system addresses an issue in the economy of the game:

We want to make it transparent that we need to reconcile a generous anniversary system with the economic health of the game. Over the past 8 years, the selection of ships in the game has grown to over 600 […].

This means that with the growing fleet, the number of anniversary rewards that players can collect each year has also increased. Last year, a player with all ships received rewards worth more than 180,000 doubloons. This ongoing trend puts a strain on the economic balance of the game, and we regularly take measures to optimize our systems.

How are players reacting? On Reddit, this is being celebrated as a victory for the players. They have stood up against the “evil Wargaming” and even left a bit of praise for the developers.

However, essentially, a criticism point shared by many has now been addressed.

With over 11,000 concurrent players on August 28 and over 411,000 at peak, World of Warships is among the largest MMOs on Steam (via SteamDB).

Focus on monetization, not on the players

What are the Steam reviews criticizing still? The reviews complain about several things, such as general monetization with doubloons and tokens to obscure real money expenses, the shutdown of the official forums in July, and generally fewer in-game rewards while simultaneously focusing more on the shop.

One player comments: “At the moment, we have an unbelievable 7 sales events, plus loot boxes, plus a premium account, and of course, there’s also a battle pass. Have I mentioned premium ships? So, for those who like to spend a lot, they can easily sink their monthly rent here.”

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However, the statement about the economy is causing concern among some players. Especially new and casual players seem to have trouble keeping up with the larger accounts.

The general sentiment is: The developers are focusing too much on the shop and too little on the players.

What do you say about World of Warships? Do you play it actively yourself or have you stopped for exactly these reasons?

Lastly, we recently conducted an interview with the metal band Megadeth, who are also active in the game: The singer of one of the most famous metal bands explains why his music and gaming fit so well together.

This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
Source(s):
  1. Wargaming

The MMORPG Throne and Liberty has revised its combat system, is it good now? I played for 30 minutes

Alexander Leitsch Alexander Leitsch Reading time 4 minutes

Throne and Liberty has received quite a bit of criticism in recent months, for instance regarding the combat system or autoplay in the beta. MeinMMO editor Alexander Leitsch was able to try out the first 30 minutes himself at gamescom 2023. The version there already included some changes compared to the beta that we would like to present to you.

Throne and Liberty has already conducted several tests in Korea that I could not attend. However, the shown gameplay always had one aspect that put me off quite a bit: the combat system.

Players selected a target, ran towards it as melee fighters, and followed with auto-attacks and individual abilities with sometimes very long animations during which they could not move. Even in the endgame, it looked not much better.

Several videos highlighted where the problems of the combat system lay:

  • In one video, the YouTuber Logen gets stunned in GvG, but the opponent is just a millimeter too far away and wastes the entire combo. Subsequently, Logen then killed his enemy (via YouTube).
  • Furthermore, there was substantial criticism regarding the autoplay in which the character fights automatically and completes quests. The YouTuber Neeko2lo emphasized this, calling TL the “Worst MMO I have ever played” (via YouTube).

The good news is that NCSoft itself is responding and has announced changes to the combat system. Furthermore, Amazon is planning to deactivate autoplay in the upcoming tests and somewhat restrict open PvP. But is that enough?

Start video
Throne and Liberty – Official GeForce RTX Gameplay Reveal Trailer

The combat system is significantly more dynamic

The good news first: the battles no longer felt as rigid as in the initial beta tests. At the start, I directly have three abilities to choose from, none of which for the great sword had a cast bar. All could be used while moving.

Relatively quickly in the tutorial, you receive a chest that contains all weapon sets. So I was able to freely experiment. The dual crossbows, for example, had an ability that allowed me to actively dodge, which really benefits the dynamism, while the staff has a spell for which I have to remain standing still for a casting time of 2 seconds. However, I found that completely acceptable in this case.

I was able to play roughly the same content as the YouTuber Steparu. If I compare my experience with that from this video, almost every moment felt more dynamic. For instance, you can see how the YouTuber interrupts the auto-attacks with ranged weapons through a movement or they don’t happen at all. It was different in my test.

In general, the animations and transitions between abilities also felt smoother.

By the way, NCSoft and Amazon have slightly adjusted the ability bars. The right part with the auto-attack on “E” and blocking was revised and is now stacked on top of each other instead of side by side.

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However, the auto-attack still felt somewhat strange to me. When I target an enemy, my character automatically attacks it when in range. As a melee fighter, I have to manually walk towards it. However, once I am in range, the auto-attack occurs completely without my intervention; I don’t have to use any buttons on the mouse or keyboard.

In Final Fantasy XIV or Guild Wars 2, I at least have to target the enemy with a right-click or use the 1 key.

It’s not dramatic, as the attacks do not restrict the use of my other abilities. For someone used to the action combat of New World and Black Desert, this automatic attack without any intervention feels a bit unusual.

I cannot say how the combat system plays in the endgame with all unlocked abilities since I was only able to try out the intro.

I also cannot comment on autoplay as it was fortunately already deactivated. It is simply bad game design when the MMORPG can complete tasks itself if they are too boring and too easy for me.

Pretty graphics and incredibly fun transformations

What initially distracted me a bit from the combat system was the pretty graphics. They are not at the level of Red Dead Redemption 2, but they are definitely above what most MMORPGs offer.

Especially the masonry and the overall environment look beautiful. However, the grass and trees could be more detailed.

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My big highlight in this short play event were definitely the transformations. Early in the tutorial, you learn to transform into a wolf. To do this, you only have to press W+Shift at the same time. Then you run faster and attacks cannot stop you. However, you revert back if you remain still for a short period of time.

You also get to “fly” as an eagle for the first time in the tutorial. However, the function resembles more of a glide. You continuously sink down and can land faster on the ground in a dive. However, it does not feel as good as in Guild Wars 2.

Not an action MMORPG, but I’m keeping an eye on it

Throne and Liberty is still not an action MMORPG even after the (first?) adjustments to the combat system. You target enemies with the Tab key, and your character performs the normal attack completely automatically; you don’t even have to press a button initially. However, the animations are smoother, and much can now be used while moving.

Overall, my interest has massively increased due to the changes to the combat system and the autoplay. While the game previously sounded more like fan service for the Lineage 2 community, it may now appeal to a broader audience. And that is precisely what NCSoft and Amazon want, especially considering the console release. The rigid combat system from the beta would not have gone over well there.

I cannot say whether the changes are sufficient overall after such a short time. Much can still change before the release in 2024.

Alexander Leitsch

MMORPG expert at MeinMMO

This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.

Award-winning gaming studio from Munich gives up after 3 strong games on Steam – Too high personal burden

Benedikt Schlotmann Benedikt Schlotmann Reading time 3 minutes

The German studio Mimimi Games is closing. After three great games, it is now over in Munich. However, the latest game, Shadow Gambit, will continue to receive support.

Mimimi Games is considered a favorite among stealth strategy fans. With their games, they have gained a community. But now the team announced that they no longer want to develop new games. The latest game Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew is the last game from Mimimi Games.

Behind the decision are too much stress, an uncertain financial situation, and no options for a new genre.

Start video
Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew shows cursed pirates in the announcement trailer

Three great games that never achieved great financial success

What do the developers say? The developers themselves write on their website:

With a heavy heart, we must announce today that Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew will be the last game from Mimimi.

(…)

At the same time, the work on ever more ambitious games over the last one and a half decades has taken a heavy personal toll on us and our families. After the release of Shadow Gambit, we decided that it was time to prioritize our well-being and pull the emergency brake rather than engage in another multi-year production cycle.

It has been fun to develop great games, but they have also pushed us to our limits. Because after every completed project, the battle for financing the next project would start again. So we decided to close the studio and make “Shadow Gambit” the last game.

Which games did Mimimi Games develop? Especially with three great titles, Mimimi Games captured the hearts of its fans and created a community:

  • Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun and the stand-alone expansion Aiko’s Choice.
  • Desperados III
  • Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew

All three games were well received by players and also received much praise from testers: Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun gets 96% positive reviews on Steam (27,000 users). Desperados III (96%, 8,000 reviews) and Shadow Gambit (94%, 1,000 reviews) also perform very well.

What is the problem with the games? All three games were so-called stealth strategy games: You sneak your way across the map and complete various missions with much strategy. With sheer brute force, you rarely got very far.

But stealth games are a niche that appeals to significantly fewer users than other genres. Similar games, such as the popular Robin Hood: The Legend of Sherwood or the well-known Commandos series, are known to many players who enjoy such stealth games. This is also reflected in the sales figures: The games may be great, but that doesn’t mean they sell well.

For Mimimi Games, it seems that the stress and the high pressure are no longer worth it. While they want to deliver excellent games, it is a considerable effort. And the return for that is simply too low, and the financial pressure is too high.

The statistics on Steam also show this: All games have been able to build a loyal fan base, but no game reached at least tens of thousands of simultaneous players. Shadow Gambit currently has about 1,500 active players, with the highest peak being around 4,000 (via steamdb.info).

And the option to switch to a new genre and leave the niche would not have been there, the developers explain. Because that would again be associated with great stress, which they do not want to impose on their colleagues:

Working in a new genre would further increase the risks and stress level for the entire team. It is already hard enough to develop great stealth strategy games, and we simply lack the experience from working in other genres.

What happens next? Mimimi Games will be significantly downsized and will continue to take care of the latest and last game, Shadow Gambit. A new patch is already in the works. However, no new games will be developed.

If you now want to see a detailed review of Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew, you will find it at our colleagues from GameStar:

GameStar: Review: Shadow Gambit is a strategy treasure waiting to be discovered by you

A shocking message for many loyal players

I love the games from Mimimi Games, Desperados III alone kept me fascinated for hours. And I also have many acquaintances who rave about the games. All three games were excellent and offered depth and relied on tactical approaches. Unfortunately, it is no longer enough these days to be only excellent.

The end of Mimimi Games leaves me somewhat speechless, especially since all the games were really good. Desperados III was genuinely brilliant and could heal all the wounds that the failed Desperados 2 from Spellbound had opened for me. For me, a dream came true when Desperados III landed with the stealth experts from Mimimi Games.

For me and many other players, the team revived a long-lost genre with its games, and it makes me sad that it should end like this now. However, I can understand the decision if the time of Mimimi Games is now coming to an end.

asks meinmmo benedikt

Benedikt Schlotmann
Hardware editor MeinMMO

This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.

Steven Spielberg raved about the cinema visit of a famous sci-fi movie

Marie Friske Marie Friske Reading time 2 minutes

Steven Spielberg spoke together with James Cameron about the sci-fi classic ‘2001: A Space Odyssey’ and how excited they and other moviegoers were about the film.

In the first episode of the AMC series James Cameron’s Story of Science Fiction (via IndieWire), the two world-famous directors Steven Spielberg (Jaws, Jurassic Park) and James Cameron (Avatar, Titanic) talked about a highly acclaimed sci-fi film that is considered an absolute classic of the genre: 2001: A Space Odyssey.

Here you can see a trailer for the sci-fi film from 1968:

Start video
Trailer for the Sci-Fi classic 2001 – A Space Odyssey

2001: A Space Odyssey as a great inspiration for Spielberg

Steven Spielberg revealed during the AMC show that Kubrick’s film had a great influence on him.

When he saw the sci-fi classic in theaters back then, it felt like a spiritual experience:

2001 had a profound impact on my life and my everyday life. It was the first time I went to a movie and really felt like I was having a religious experience.

Steven Spielberg via IndieWire

But James Cameron is also a huge fan of the sci-fi film. The director shared that he watched it a total of 18 times in the years following its release in various theaters.

But not only the director but also another moviegoer was extremely excited about the film, seeming to have a religious experience similar to Steven Spielberg’s.

“And I remember that at an event a man ran down the aisle shouting: ‘It’s God! It’s God!’ And at that moment, he meant it,” James Cameron reported.

If you want to have an extraordinary experience like Steven Spielberg does on your next trip to the cinema, you can find a list of 10 film classics you must see on the big screen here with our colleagues from Moviepilot.

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Then Steven Spielberg also recounted a curious anecdote about how a visitor in the cinema created a stir during 2001: A Space Odyssey:

“And there was a guy who really ran to the screen and ran through with outstretched arms. People went crazy because that person disappeared into the screen, right in [the star gate sequence].”

The director of 2001: A Space Odyssey, Stanley Kubrick († March 7, 1999), is one of the most famous names in film history. He was considered an absolute perfectionist, where every scene had to fit down to the smallest detail.

He even shot one scene so many times that it made it into the Guinness Book of Records:

One single scene in a famous horror film was shot 148 times

This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
Source(s):
  1. Moviepilot
  2. www.allocine.fr

Anyone wishing for more action in the battles of Genshin Impact should definitely check out the new game from the developers

Marie Friske Marie Friske Reading time 4 minutes

MeinMMO editor Marie Friske played the new action game “Zenless Zone Zero” from HoYoverse during gamescom 2023. She particularly enjoyed the spectacular battles.

What is Zenless Zone Zero? After Honkai Star Rail, Zenless Zone Zero will be the new game from HoYoverse, which is also behind the successful action role-playing game Genshin Impact.

Zenless Zone Zero will be another action RPG set in a futuristic fantasy city called New Eridu. It is the last metropolis left after an apocalyptic catastrophe.

Because “Hollows”, dimensional portals, open up in mid-air and consume everything they touch. Through them, the valuable but dangerous resource “Ether” can be harvested. However, the Hollows also host nasty monsters called “Ethereals”.

When will Zenless Zone Zero be released? Zenless Zone Zero does not yet have a release date and is expected to be released on PS4, PS5, iOS, Android, and PC. However, a beta test for the game has already been conducted.

As I am already a huge fan of Genshin Impact and Honkai: Star Rail, I was very eager to learn more about HoYoverse’s new game during gamescom 2023 and take a closer look at the world of New Eridu.

Keep in mind that this is not the final version of the game, but rather a current beta version. Therefore, certain details may still change before Zenless Zone Zero is released.

Here you can see a trailer for Zenless Zone Zero:

Start video
The makers of Genshin Impact show their new action RPG Zenless Zone Zero in the trailer

Colorful characters are ready as fighters

I was able to take a closer look at three different game modes of Zenless Zone Zero: Story, City Exploration, and Challenge.

In Story mode, I play through the tutorial, while in City Exploration, I get to know the surroundings and the residents of New Eridu better.

However, I had the most fun during my short gaming session with the Challenge mode of Zenless Zone Zero.

At the beginning, I assemble a team. I have access to all 12 characters for the test, which are already presented on the official website and each have different melee and ranged weapons.

In addition to a cyborg who wildly shoots with pistols, there is also a cool fox lady with a flying spirit companion, as well as a bear with a rocket launcher – I like the selection of some quirky characters that emphasize “coolness” even more than the previous games.

Here you can see characters in their various factions; via zenless.hoyoverse.com

Unlike Genshin Impact and Honkai Star Rail, I have only three characters in my team instead of four, between which I can quickly switch during battles.

After I have chosen my fighters from the colorful roster, I am already facing an Ethereal.

Devastating special attacks and good timing

In Genshin Impact, the focus in battles is primarily on exploiting the weaknesses of enemies using the various elements and triggering certain elemental reactions to deal significant damage.

In Zenless Zone Zero, this is different. The focus is more on action-packed gameplay, where you execute your attacks and combos quickly until the buttons smoke.

In doing so, I try to fill the stagger bar of the opponent until he is “stunned”, meaning temporarily incapacitated, allowing me to deal even greater damage.

Battle in Zenless Zone Zero
via YouTube

In addition, timing is everything in battles. You need to dodge at the right moment when the opponent is about to deliver a heavy blow with his massive axe to then start a counter-attack.

Furthermore, by correctly timing the switching of characters, you perform a so-called “Switch Attack”, where you switch between team members based on a prompt to execute a devastating combo.

If you want to see combat gameplay, check out the trailer here and jump to 3:40. You will get a glimpse.

Start video
New Gameplay Showcase by Zenless Zone Zero – gamescom 2023

Similar to the characters in Genshin Impact, the characters in Zenless Zone Zero have a special and an ultimate attack, with the latter, as usual, presented in a cool animation.

During the battle, you will see the so-called “Decibel Rating” on the left side of the screen, which evaluates the combat skills live and summarizes them into a final result at the end. This motivates me to surpass my own record next time.

Once you understand how the combat mechanics work, every successful dodge-counter and switch attack feels immensely rewarding, and you get into a fun flow where you stylishly take down the enemy.

While the difficulty is challenging enough not to bore old action veterans, it is also easy enough that newcomers do not get completely frustrated and can quickly get into the game.

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Zenless Zone Zero as a cool action alternative to Genshin Impact

In addition to the action, Zenless Zone Zero also offers an exciting new world with various activities such as mini-games and quests, just waiting to be explored and fulfilled by me.

I haven’t seen much of the story yet, but the little I experienced during gameplay was enough to pique my interest.

Above all, the combat system has convinced me that Zenless Zone Zero will be a new game from HoYoverse that offers plenty of action for both newcomers and fans of the genre.

So if you want to think less about which elements combine well and are more excited about quickly hitting the keys and rewarding combos, you should definitely keep an eye on Zenless Zone Zero.

If you are a Genshin Impact fan considering starting with Honkai: Star Rail, you can find a detailed opinion article about the game here:

Honkai: Star Rail takes itself less seriously than Genshin Impact – but is just as endearing

This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.

Baldur’s Gate 3: The ending is an absolute joke, but unfortunately not a good one

Cortyn Cortyn Reading time 8 minutes

MeinMMO-Tiefling Cortyn is dissatisfied with the end of Baldur’s Gate 3. Because there, the game forgets everything it did so well before.

Before I start with the criticism, I want to emphasize once again how much fun Baldur’s Gate 3 gave me for most of the game. Especially the first two acts were absolutely outstanding and among the best I have seen in gaming so far. These are beautiful, exciting stories and moments that I won’t forget anytime soon.

Nevertheless, I have to talk about the last two hours of the game here. Because Baldur’s Gate 3 not only deviates from its previously established core principles, but in many cases also becomes ruthlessly illogical and ignores its own backstory. And I’m not even talking about the fact that the biggest decision in the game is a lie.

Spoiler Warning: This article discusses several possible endings of Baldur’s Gate 3 and contains significant spoilers. You have been warned.

Baldurs Gate 3 The Power
My Tiefling at the peak of her power.

As I have already reported, I played my main save together with a friend, who constantly forced me into good decisions. With clearly over 120 hours of pure gameplay, we spent a long time in Baldur’s Gate 3 and experienced a lot. But in the last hours of play, we were both appalled.

Unlike the rest of the game, the ending is determined by the person who “owns” the save. Previously, the co-player could also make decisions actively when approaching an NPC first. In the end, this was no longer the case.

Therefore, we decided to play the ending twice: once with my decisions and once with my co-player’s decisions.

The Evil Ending – 15-Second Scene with Fade to Black

At the end of the game, you need a mind flayer. This is a serious decision – because the transformation is permanent. Since I had generally made “evil” choices, I thought to myself: Okay, now I will go through with it and try my master plan. I make Karlach turn into a mind flayer. She is even extremely happy because she believes that she can live longer because her hell machine will no longer affect her so strongly as a mind flayer.

In doing so, Karlach completely ignores that the transformation erases her soul – but more on that later.

The big moment has come. Karlach is ready to destroy the Absolute, and the narrator presents me with a final choice: Do I let Karlach destroy the Absolute? Or do I betray Karlach at the last moment and take the power of a godlike being for myself?

Baldurs Gate 3 Final Betrayal Option
The last choice in the game.

5 seconds later, Karlach has a dagger first in her back and then multiple times in her stomach.

I had to grin sardonically. After 120 hours of gameplay, the “evil” ending is now coming. My Tiefling takes control and orders the Absolute to spread its control over all beings. A quick cut. My Cortyn sits on a throne, looks grimly into the camera, and says “In my name.”

End.

This entire scene, including the murder of Karlach, took less than 30 seconds.

The spectacular, evil ending that I had hoped for so long is literally just my character sitting on a throne and looking evil into the camera before the screen turns black.

Baldurs Gate 3 Tiefling Throne
A seat for eternity – which unfortunately only lasts 15 seconds.

As the credits roll, we sit in silence on Discord for a while. After a few minutes, I then hear doubtfully from my co-player: “That was a bit tight, wasn’t it?”

There is no “after credits” scene. The game returns to the main menu.

I felt empty. I know “unsatisfying endings” all too well since Mass Effect 3, but this was on a whole other level. The short scene felt as if someone had quickly snuck it into the game two hours before the release just to have an evil version.

The “good ending” is also ridiculous

As agreed earlier, we then played the last 2 hours with the “good decisions”. And honestly, this is even more ridiculous than the bad ending, because suddenly all characters act as if they just escaped from kindergarten.

We tell the Emperor that none of us wants to become a mind flayer. Instead, we want to free the imprisoned Orpheus and fight against the Absolute with him.

The Emperor, who has supported us for over 120 hours and whose only goal so far has been to stand against the Absolute, acts like a petulant child as if someone had just taken away his sandcastle mold. He runs away and joins the Absolute – just like that. After the Absolute had been the all-encompassing, evil enemy throughout the entire game, he suddenly turns on a dime. It gets even crazier when you find out in the story that the Emperor was Balduran – the founder of Baldur’s Gate.

Okay, that was already “wild.” But it got even worse.

Baldurs Gate 3 Emperor Wants to follow

The prince Orpheus is freed and he also starts complaining: Yes, actually he wouldn’t even talk to infected people like us. Such scum as mind flayers or people with tadpoles in their heads shouldn’t even come close to him. We are the most disgusting thing in the world, absolute vermin.

We also tell Orpheus that none of us wants to turn into a mind flayer.

And since Orpheus also seems to be a cosmic being of principles – he simply transforms himself into a mind flayer.

This was one of the few moments when I had to say “Lol” loudly in Discord because I wanted to laugh, but I just couldn’t.

After Orpheus first insulted us, he transforms himself into a mind flayer without batting an eye – without even explaining whether he himself is infected with a tadpole (which, to be honest, would make very little sense). He just does it – because plot.

Again the final battle. This time we let Orpheus do his thing as a mind flayer – the Absolute is killed.

Baldurs Gate 3 Karlach Death
There is no good ending for Karlach. Exists in the game data, but was cut.

Instead of the 30-second sequence like in the “evil ending”, here there is a whole lot more. All companions appear again and have something to say. Gale wants to go look for an artifact to become a god himself, Shadowheart says some shadowy things, and Karlach bursts into flames and turns to ashes because her “good ending” is not included in the game (which is a scandal for another article).

However, a lot of things are wrong. Because all companions talk to me as if I had turned into a mind flayer. They talk about how my tentacles suit me and that it wouldn’t be so bad. Meanwhile, my Tiefling hasn’t turned into a mind flayer in this ending, and even her “half transformation” from the end of Act 2 has inexplicably disappeared.

Baldurs Gate 3 Mindflayer Wrong Choice
My companions think I’m a mind flayer. I didn’t make my Cortyn that ugly.

The entire scene lasts about 10 minutes. After the credits, there is a final scene with Lazarus.

Two endings, but only one is “correct”

I want to be gracious. That my companions address me as a mind flayer at the end is probably a bug that will be fixed soon. I can overlook that.

But not other things.

The “good” ending is well-developed. It has different variables, such as what we did with our companions throughout the story. Here there are numerous different scenes with small differences, and even if I have only seen a few, I must say: At least the ending sequence is overall quite consistent.

But to just dismiss the “evil ending” with a 15-second sequence is an outrage.

For a large part of the game, Baldur’s Gate 3 gives me the freedom in my choices. I can be “good” and save as many as possible, or I can be “evil”, scheming and reaching for absolute power (or the power of the Absolute – however you want to see it).

But at the very end, the game clearly tells me: If you act evil, you won’t get a “correct” ending. If you want the “correct” ending, then you have to be “good”.

And that’s really unfortunate.

Baldur’s Gate 3 ignores its own story

What is perhaps the worst criticism for me is the fact that Baldur’s Gate 3 simply throws its own established story out of the window at the end. Because one of the most important aspects of Baldur’s Gate 3 is that mind flayers have no souls. When a mortal being is infected with a tadpole and then transforms into a mind flayer, the soul is completely extinguished. Because mind flayers have no soul, this is emphasized and reiterated several times in the game.

In both examples, neither Karlach nor Orpheus (and through the address bug also my character) is really “themselves” – they have become mind flayers, their souls have been erased. What still exists is merely a soulless mind flayer who possesses the memories of the former host.

Baldurs Gate 3 Karlach Mindflayer
Karlach – without a soul. But everyone seems to have forgotten that.

However, this is completely ignored by the companions. It’s as if they forgot that the soul is extinguished during the transformation. It’s as if they simply overlooked this important, critical story point.

That this is not an “oversight” and that the disappearance of the soul was intended until the end is also shown in the scene after the credits. There, we see Lazarus before an image of the Dead Three, asking if they really thought that this “massive disappearance of souls” would escape the notice of other gods.

More about Baldur’s Gate 3:
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Baldur’s Gate 3: Recruiting Minthara – How to Get the Powerful Companion
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Astarion’s actor had so much fun with Baldur’s Gate 3 that it damaged his health, his conclusion today: “It’s stupid”
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Baldur’s Gate 3 messes up a lot with the ending

I could go on for a long time about the ending. About missing quests that prevent a “good ending” from companions. About the last 2 hours of gameplay, in which Baldur’s Gate 3 has hardly any freedom left, but strictly steers everything towards the same result. About how the bugs have become even worse at the end.

But I actually don’t want to, because I’m just one thing: sad.

Baldur’s Gate 3 has entertained me so well for over 120 hours that I will keep it in memory forever. But the last 2 hours and the ending are a total disappointment. Here, the developers need to fix numerous errors and also refine the logic of the story being told.

My hope is that in 2 years there will be a “Definitive Edition” that will bring a functional, well-thought-out ending.

Because even if I want to start Baldur’s Gate 3 again in “Tactician” mode in the next few days – I don’t want to play the ending again anytime soon. That just hurt too much.

This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.

Surprise hit Dark and Darker makes the biggest nightmare of all MMORPG fans come true and it’s the fault of unfair players

Dariusz Müller Dariusz Müller Reading time 2 minutes

It’s always frustrating when players cheat in online games, but in the surprise hit Dark and Darker, everyone is losing their progress because of this.

What kind of game is this? Dark and Darker (PC) is a dungeon crawler with a PvP focus, developed by the Korean indie studio Ironmace, and set in a medieval fantasy setting.

  • The gameplay of Dark and Darker resembles extraction shooters like Escape from Tarkov – only without the shooting. Within a match, you fight in teams of three for loot. If you die in a running round, you lose your spoils.
  • In addition to magic and sorcery, you can use swords and shields as well as ranged weapons like a crossbow to gain the upper hand in the battle for your loot.

Meanwhile, the dungeon crawler is playable again and launched on August 7, 2023, in Early Access – but still not on Steam. Now the popular title resets the progress of all players for the first time.

If you want a clearer idea of Dark and Darker, we are embedding the gameplay teaser here:

Start video
Dark and Darker: Gameplay Teaser

Dark and Darker erases progress due to unfair players

What is the biggest nightmare for MMORPG fans? Dark and Darker resets the entire progress of all players.

As Ironmace revealed on the official Discord server of Dark and Darker, the popular dungeon crawler has struggled with cheaters (“exploiters”) in recent weeks, prompting the developers to carry out the first so-called “wipe” of the game.

During the wipe, the entire progress of all players was reset – all character levels, items, collected gold, and skills.

All character levels, items, gold, and skills were reset. This first wipe occurred much earlier than expected, as we faced challenges from exploiters. We learned from this experience and updated the game and our services to be more robust against these attackers. We hope to have more time between early access wipes in the future and to better inform you.

Ironmace via Discord

However, there is not only bad news for “Dark and Darker” fans: with the wipe, voice chat (VoIP/ Voice-over-IP) is also returning to the game.

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Why is this a nightmare for MMORPG fans? For MMORPG players, a rollback is pretty much the worst that can happen. They lose all the progress, the hard-earned loot, and the levels they worked hard for. Many hours of gameplay are gone, and everyone has to start over.

For players of the extraction shooter Escape from Tarkov, with which Dark and Darker shares some gameplay similarities, the regularly occurring wipe is, on the other hand, a moment of joy. For them, the wipe is an occasion to return to the game. It brings back the interest and motivates them to grind again.

Players of the hardcore shooter Escape from Tarkov are happy that they finally get to lose all their progress

This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
Source(s):
  1. PCGamer
  2. darkanddarker.com

WoW Classic is now really tough, lures a legendary player from the past back, who streams daily on Twitch

Benedict Grothaus Benedict Grothaus Reading time 2 minutes

Especially the veterans among you might remember the name Kungen. The Swede is the most well-known player from “back in the day.” Now, with the new hardcore servers of WoW Classic, the experienced warrior is playing WoW again and is live on Twitch.

Who is the player?

  • Thomas Bengtsson “Kungen” (translated: “the king”) Amèdèo was considered the best warrior in the world during Vanilla and The Burning Crusade. Blizzard even brought a card to the collectible card game in his honor.
  • With his guild Nihilum, Kungen achieved the World First Kills on bosses like Kel’thuzad and C’Thun. Nihilum needed 113 days just for C’Thun.
  • In 2016, both Nihilum and Kungen disappeared from the scene. Occasionally, Kungen was seen in WildStar, which also did not last long.
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This is how active Kungen is now: With the start of the hardcore servers for WoW Classic on August 24, Kungen has become active again. On his Twitch channel, he is live daily and streams exclusively WoW for several thousand viewers on average (via sullygnome).

Currently (as of August 29), Kungen is playing his Tauren warrior at level 37 – almost like back then. However, how long he will remain active is uncertain. Already with the launch of WotLK Classic, Kungen wanted to return, but he disappeared again a few days later.

It is stated on his channel that he currently has no other source of income than Twitch. This suggests that he might be taking it more seriously this time. However, Kungen has previously talked about serious health issues that could interfere with a “stable life and stream”.

However, it is possible that the challenge of the hardcore servers is exactly what Kungen needs. Because these are significantly harder than the already somewhat tedious WoW Classic.

Start video
WoW Classic: The Hardcore Servers Are Here!

Hardcore servers excite fans, offer a unique challenge

If your character dies on a hardcore server, you can no longer resurrect them. They are permanently dead, so you only have a single life.

This challenge has been self-imposed by many fans before. Meanwhile, the servers are officially set up for this. There are even real duels to the death, rooted in the lore as Mak’gora.

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Since every mistake can cost the character, players are correspondingly more cautious. Achieving the maximum level of 60 is therefore an even greater achievement. The first player to reach level 60 took many risks for it.

The thrill of hardcore characters has already been immensely popular in action RPGs like Diablo and is now finding its way as part of WoW. The developers even want to take it a step further and introduce a mode that makes hardcore even harder:

WoW is bringing a new game mode, removing the “MMO” from MMORPG

This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.