The 21-year-old Dane Rasmus “Caps” Winther is considered the best LoL player in Europe. However, his successful team G2 is in a crisis in the League of Legends. Caps took drastic measures and used scissors: The new bald Caps only wins now.
This is the situation:
The 21-year-old mid-laner Caps is probably the best player in Europe, unless his evil twin brother Craps shows up. When Caps plays well, he can decide games on his own, just like at Worlds 2019, when he led his team, G2, to the finals and could only be defeated by Super-Carry Doinb.
However, G2 is in a form crisis in 2021: In the Spring Split, they surprisingly did not become champions, and now in the Summer Season, they have already suffered 5 defeats. Recently, they lost 4 games in a row. This is akin to a royal insult.
Caps said: “Something has to change” and shaved his head. Since then, G2 only wins.
4 games lost in a row drive Caps to drastic measures
How has it been for G2 so far? The Spring Split has not gone well for G2 so far: They started the season well, only suffering a shameful defeat against Schalke, but they were looking quite good with a 4-1 record after two weeks.
But then a crisis began: They lost 4 games in a row and G2 fell to a negative record of 4-5. This is quite unusual for the serial champions.
However, in the last 2 games against Astralis and the strong opponent Rogue, G2 was suddenly able to win. Meanwhile, mid-laner Caps presented himself with a new look, sporting a shaved head.
This is how Caps (right) usually looks. Here with Doinb.
This is what Caps says about his shaved head: After the game against Astralis, Caps said:
“We lost a lot of games. I felt like: Something has to change. So this time it was my hair.”
Caps
Caps says he cut his hair himself with scissors, which put him in the mood to play the new champion Gwen. She has scissors, and he felt more comfortable with that.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j6k5hCGb2qc&t=23s
Overall, he has decided for the new season to play both new champions Gwen and Viego because new champions are simply fun. Furthermore, both are quite strong, so he plays them endlessly in solo queue.
Another important player at G2 is the top laner Wunder. He also tried to make a big symbolic gesture: He deleted WoW. However, that did not go so well.
In Valorant there are new premium skins for your weapons. The so-called “Ruination Skins” are stylish and look cool, but according to Twitch streamer shroud, they are actually “Pay2Lose”.
What are these weapon skins? Once again, there is a premium skin bundle for the weapons in Riot’s team shooter Valorant. The Ruination Bundle does not bring any crazy dragons as weapons, but the weapons have stylish animations and sound effects. The bundle includes skins for the following weapons in the game:
Ghost
Phantom
Guardian
Spectre
Additionally, there are spray logos, cards, a weapon charm, and a sword as a skin for the melee knife. All together, it is available for 8,700 Valorant Points (the premium currency in Valorant). That is around 90 euros, depending on the exchange rate!
Are the skins a good idea?
That’s why shroud calls them “Pay2Lose”: The pro gamer and Twitch streamer shroud has looked at the new skins and reflected on them. In a video, he states clearly: “If you use these skins, then that’s definitely Pay2Lose”.
The reason for this bold statement is that the skins with their additional effects are very conspicuous and distract from the gameplay. In addition, they have different sound effects and are therefore louder and audible for longer than the vanilla version or other skins of the same weapon.
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Since it is important in Valorant to play tactically and be as quiet and inconspicuous as possible, such flashy skins actually contradict the philosophy of the game.
These skins are cool, but you don’t gain any advantage. All you get is a skin that looks really cool, but you have a disadvantage when they are so loud and annoying that they jump right in your face with the effects and all the stuff.
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That’s why he buys them anyway: Nonetheless, vanity prevails for shroud, and he ultimately spends the 8,700 Valorant Points on the bundle and gets the skins. His reasoning: “They look so damn cool, so I’m just gonna buy them damn it.”
The relatively high cost for the bundle should not be a problem for successful streamers like shroud. He has also paid over $13,000 for a private jet just because he had to quickly get to a raid in WoW Classic.
This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
With Yveltal, a legendary boss has appeared in Pokémon GO. Here you will find the right counters against Yveltal that you should use in the raid.
Update, July 12, 2021 – When is Yveltal coming to Pokémon GO? Yveltal is returning like the other legendary bosses on July 18, 2021, for one day in the raids. At the Pokémon GO Fest 2021, it is one of the monsters you can encounter in raids.
During the event, Yveltal will appear in some level 5 raids of Pokémon GO. To succeed, you need really good attackers that are effective against the legendary boss. The following overview shows which ones are worth it.
Yveltal counters, moveset, and all info about the raid boss
Yveltal is the new legendary boss
These counters are worth it: Yveltal is vulnerable to monsters of the types Electric, Fairy, Ice, and Rock. Therefore, you should equip your raid teams mainly with monsters of these types.
Yveltal is a raid boss of the Dark and Flying type, which is boosted in foggy and windy weather.
Pokémon
Moveset
Zekrom
Charge Beam + Thunder Shock
Mega Ampharos
Charge Beam + Thunder Shock
(Crypto-) Raikou
Thunder Shock + Thunder Punch
(Crypto-) Zapdos
Thunder Shock + Thunderbolt
Landorus (Therian Forme)
Volt Switch + Thunderbolt
(Crypto-) Electivire
Thunder Shock + Thunder Shock
(Crypto-) Magnezone
Spark + Thunder Shock
(Crypto-) Mamoswine
Powder Snow + Avalanche
Rhyperior
Catapult + Rock Throw
(Crypto-) Tyranitar
Catapult + Stone Edge
Rampardos
Catapult + Rock Slide
(Crypto-) Gardevoir
Charm + Dazzling Gleam
(Crypto-) Snorunt
Icy Wind + Avalanche
Mega Ampharos
Volt Switch + Thunder Cannon
What attacks can Yveltal learn? Yveltal can learn as a fast attack the moves Snarl (Dark), Foul Play (Dark), and Air Slash (Flying).
In the charged attacks, it can carry the moves Dark Pulse (Dark), Hurricane (Flying), Focus Blast (Fighting), Hyper Beam (Normal), and Psychic (Psychic).
You can equip Yveltal either as a flying attacker with Air Slash and Hurricane or go with Snarl and Dark Pulse for the Dark type.
Mega Evolutions: Since Yveltal is vulnerable to Electric attacks, it is worthwhile to bring an electric Mega Evolution into battle. With Mega Ampharos and Mega Ampharos, you can also further reinforce other electric counters. Alternatively, Mega Abomasnow is also worth it as a direct Ice attacker.
How many trainers are needed? If you use the right counters, a group of 4 trainers should be able to defeat the Yveltal raid.
More exciting articles about Pokémon GO on MeinMMO:
That’s good: Basically, it is a new legendary Pokémon from the sixth generation. Anyone who wants to fill their Pokédex should grab it.
It is also an interesting option in PvP. In gym and raid battles, it can deal a decent amount of damage as a Dark or Flying attacker.
That’s bad: With its current moveset, Yveltal is more useful than, for example, Xerneas and can be effectively used in battles, but it will not become an absolute top attacker in the Dark or Flying categories.
A new promo code is available in July 2021 for Pokémon GO. It can give your avatar some new outfits in the game.
This is the new promo code: The new code comes from Samsung but can be redeemed by all players in Pokémon GO – both on Android and iOS devices.
The code is:
KUAXZBJUTP3B7
What does the new promo code provide? With the new code, you can unlock new clothing for your game avatars. Included are a new cap and a shirt with the text ‘Awesome’. Once you have redeemed the code, you will find the new cosmetics directly in your wardrobe overview. You can select them via the ‘Customize’ tab in the trainer menu.
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Here’s how you can use the code: If you are using Android devices, entering the promo code is quite simple. You can just open the in-game shop and scroll down. There you will find the field where you can enter the code.
On Android, entering is very easy
On iOS, you have to take a small detour. There is no simple input field in the shop. Instead, you need to head to a special Niantic website to redeem bonuses. Just click on the following link: Redeem promo code (via Niantic).
On the page, you need to log in with your credentials. After that, the page will show an input field where you can enter the code. If everything worked, the game will notify you the next time you open it that you have unlocked a bonus. Then you should be able to retrieve the items.
The bonus will also be marked as redeemed in the journal. So if you miss the notification, you can also check there to see if everything went as planned.
What’s happening in Pokémon GO? This week the GO Fest 2021 is happening in the game. There you will encounter the mysterious Pokémon Meloetta, and it will revolve a lot around music. In addition, there will be many legendary raids. You can find all about it here:
So if you still need one or two legendary Pokémon for your collection or want to secure some special spawns, don’t miss the upcoming weekend in Pokémon GO!
Are you looking forward to the event? And how are you preparing for it? Tell us in the comments and discuss with other trainers here on MeinMMO!
This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
A round of balance changes is coming to World of Warcraft. We reveal which classes are getting buffs and which are facing nerfs.
Players are preparing for the big “World First” race in World of Warcraft, but before that happens, Blizzard is making some adjustments to the classes. A few specializations need improvements, while the Shadow Priest is receiving a slight nerf.
What is changing? Generally, there are changes to four different classes, with most adjustments being clear improvements and significant buffs. Only the Shadow Priests seem to have been considered a bit too strong, which is why they are enduring minor nerfs. The details of the changes are:
Hunter
Beast Mastery
The damage of Kill Command has been increased by 15%.
The damage of Cobra Shot has been increased by 15%.
The damage of Puncture Shot has been increased by 15%.
The damage of Multishot has been increased by 15%.
The damage of Deadly Shot has been increased by 15%.
Marksmanship
The damage of Aimed Shot has been increased by 10%.
The damage of Arcane Shot has been increased by 10%.
The damage of Multishot has been increased by 10%.
The damage of Rapid Fire has been increased by 10%.
The damage of Deadly Shot has been increased by 15%.
Survival
The damage of Serpent Sting has been increased by 10%.
The damage of Fire Bomb has been increased by 10%.
The damage of Raptor Strike has been increased by 10%.
The damage of Mongoose Bite has been increased by 10%.
The damage of Flanking Strike has been increased by 10%.
The damage of Deadly Shot has been increased by 10%.
Fire Mages receive significant buffs for their main spells.
Mage
Fire
The damage of Fireball has been increased by 20%.
The damage of Fire Blast has been increased by 15%.
The damage of Pyroblast has been increased by 5%.
Warlock
Affliction
The damage of all spells has been increased by 5%.
Priest
Shadow
Devouring Plague now deals 8% less damage.
Void Bolt is now amplified 5% less by the Medium Dissonant Echoes.
When will the changes go live? The changes will go live with the maintenance from Tuesday to Wednesday (July 14, 2021). Appropriately, at the start of the new WoW week, the adjustments will be implemented, and you can benefit from the improvements – or be sad that the Shadow Priest has been nerfed.
Are you playing one of the affected classes? What do you think about the changes? Urgently needed or are these adjustments too significant?
This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
Zapdos is the member of the legendary bird trio that can be caught in Pokémon GO. In this guide, we will show you how to counter Zapdos to then get the chance to catch the bird. With the right counter Pokémon, you will achieve a quick victory against Zapdos as a raid boss.
If you defeat Zapdos as a raid boss, you then have the chance to catch it. We will show you which monsters give you a good chance of victory.
Zapdos Max CP (CP) and Weaknesses
Just like with the other legendary birds, Articuno and Moltres, the fight against Zapdos will not be “doable” alone. You should find a group of trainers and take on this raid boss together.
Zapdos is of the TypeElectric and Flying and has many strong counter Pokémon. It has a maximum of 2015 CP after capture. In rain and wind, it receives a weather bonus and can have up to 2519 CP. If you catch a Zapdos with such a value, it has an IV of 100%.
Zapdos Raid Counter – How to Defeat It
Many trainers dream of owning the complete collection of all Pokémon. An important part of that is the legendary bird trio. The Electric bird has many counter options. Zapdos takes heavy damage from Rock and Ice attacks. According to Pokebattler, these are the best attackers against Zapdos (via pokebattler.com):
Rhydon with Rock Smash and Stone Edge
Walrein with Powder Snow and Avalanche
Rampardos with Rock Smash and Rock Slide
Terrakion with Rock Smash and Rock Slide
Galarian Darmanitan with Ice Fang and Avalanche
Tyranitar with Rock Smash and Stone Edge
Other Zapdos Counters:
Glaceon with Ice Shard and Avalanche
Snorunt with Ice Shard and Avalanche
Mewtwo with Psycho Cut and Ice Beam
Landorus with Rock Throw and Rock Slide
Catching Zapdos – Chances are Low
Anyone who has managed to fight a legendary Pokémon must face the next task: catching the Pokémon. This task may sound easy in theory but causes many trainers trouble in practice.
Legendary Pokémon have a base catch rate of only about 3% – We therefore recommend using berries to increase your chances. The buddy distance for legendary Pokémon is 20 kilometers for one candy.
Another sought-after legendary Pokémon is Mewtwo. We will show you what kind of Pokémon it is and where you can get Mewtwo.
This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
FIFA 22 for PS5 and Xbox Series X was introduced today with a trailer. The next installment in the series aims to impress with new technology – and showcased this prominently in the trailer.
This is the new trailer: At 5:30 PM, EA Sports revealed the details: The new trailer for FIFA 22 went online and provided a first glimpse of what players can expect from the new installment this year. You can watch the new trailer here:
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The star of the trailer was once again Kylian Mbappé, who will also grace the cover of FIFA 22 this year. The French forward star was shown in action, along with some of his teammates.
Additionally, new features of the new game were presented.
FIFA 22 shows release date – FIFA 22 is now available for pre-order
Release date of FIFA 22: FIFA 22 will be released on October 1st, 2021. It is available for pre-order for PlayStation, Xbox, PC, and Stadia, as can be seen on the official website.
Those who pre-order the Ultimate Edition can look forward to some bonuses. This time it offers:
New technology “Hypermotion” changes gameplay on the pitch
What is HyperMotion? The new technology “HyperMotion” is set to be the next big thing for FIFA 22 – at least on PS5 and Xbox Series X | S. HyperMotion feeds the game with new motion-capturing data and machine learning to enhance gameplay in FIFA 22 matches.
EA Sports equipped 22 professional soccer players with so-called Xsens suits to capture every single movement. These movements and movement patterns are now intended to be reflected on the virtual pitch in FIFA 22. The result: The biggest animation overhaul in FIFA history, with over 4000 new animations.
With the help of these animations, the game is supposed to come even closer to real football than before. In addition, FIFA 22 utilizes a new machine-learning algorithm that aims to provide smoother movements and new animations in real-time.
Even more new features: Additional features are included that are intended to further improve the game. For example, the new consoles will feature a new “Tactical A.I.” that will span all 22 players on the field and provide each player with new tactical realism. This should make attacking players more aware of their surroundings, quicker to react to situations, and move smarter during play buildup. Meanwhile, the defense will focus more on collectively defending against attackers.
In addition to the features mentioned so far, aerial duels between players are expected to become more dynamic and ball control will be improved. Moreover, players will behave more human-like off the ball, showcasing more interactions or communicating with each other. Additionally, the goalkeepers have been revamped.
FUT Heroes – New type of cards featuring Mario Gomez
Here are the heroes: In Ultimate Team, heroes from past times will make a return – not only in the form of icons but also as so-called “FUT Heroes”. These are former players who have distinguished themselves in the past and will receive a card in their respective league. This includes players like Diego Milito, Robbie Keane, or Mario Gomez.
Players like Gomez, Cahill, and Milito are included
These cards will not build chemistry with all players like the “normal” icons but will be assigned based on their previous clubs to a league. They will then receive connections to players from the same league and nationality.
What do you think of the news about FIFA 22? Are you looking forward to the new installment? And what do you wish for in the new part of the series? Tell us here on MeinMMO in the comments and exchange views with other players about FIFA 22!
This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
In November, Final Fantasy XIV: Endwalker will be released. The official benchmark tool has now been presented, which allows you to test how well Endwalker will run on your PC. Find all the information here.
What is this about? Final Fantasy XIV developer Square Enix has released a benchmark program today that allows players to find out how well the upcoming expansion Endwalker will perform on their PCs. There are various options that can be pre-set.
Besides the pure hardware assessment, the tool is very interesting for players for two other reasons. On one hand, you can see a lot of new scenes, characters, and monsters that will play a role in Endwalker. You can see the new areas of Garlemald or the densely populated city of “Old Sharlayan,” which will serve as a city hub for players in Endwalker.
You can also experience the two new jobs “Sage” and “Reaper” in action in the benchmark. This allows you to gain a deeper impression of their combat styles. The events are accompanied by a fitting soundtrack, so make sure to turn on the sound.
1. The benchmark tool is for everyone
What do I need if I want to try the benchmark? The good news is that every player and even non-players can try and use the tool. In particular, those who have not yet been convinced to buy can find out whether the game will run on their system.
How do I get the program? You can easily download the program from Square Enix’s official benchmark page. The download is a zip file. Simply unzip it to your preferred location. After that, you can execute the benchmark file. You will enter a menu where you can make graphic pre-settings, create or select a character for the test, and start the test.
How does the benchmark proceed? In the benchmark, you don’t play yourself but accompany the Warrior of Light through 5 different scenes. Some of these show you battles, while others focus on the game world. During the scenes, a score will be calculated for you. At the end of the several minutes long benchmark, your score will be evaluated and a recommendation for your graphics settings will be given.
If you don’t want to download the tool but still want to see the scenes, you can do so in this YouTube video:
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2. A first glimpse into the creation of the new male Viera
What else does the benchmark offer? As reported, the benchmark provides the ability to create your own character for the test. For the first time, you can create a male Viera, who will be playable as an extension of the previously solely female rabbit race in Endwalker.
Male Viera exist in the two subgroups of Rava and Veena.
With a height of 172.2 cm to 186.5 cm (without ears), they are generally smaller than female Viera. Compared to other races, they are about as tall as humans.
In the benchmark tool, there are 17 hairstyles and 4 faces to choose from.
Male Viera can have a beard.
A Viera of the Veena
A Viera of the Rava.
Male Viera can wear beards.
3. Users of the benchmark can win prizes
Is that all? No, coinciding with the release of the benchmark program, Square Enix announced a screenshot competition. There you’ll find all the information. If you want to participate, you only need to submit a picture of your benchmark score or a picture of a male Viera you created.
The competition runs until July 26 at 14:59. You can win various in-game items, from which you can choose one. Included are the hairstyle of character Strife, several clothing pieces, and a saddle for your Chocobo mount.
In his benchmark, our author Matthis Dillmann achieved a score of 17898, with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 at maximum details. How did you do? Did you run the benchmark tool and achieve a good score? Or are you more focused on creating a male Viera character?
Finally, Final Fantasy XIV has also succeeded in breaking its own record for the largest number of concurrent players on Steam. You can read more about it here.
This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
There are many innovations in the shooter Hunt: Showdown (PC, PS4, Xbox One) from Crytek. Why right now is a good time to start with the now three-year-old game, whether on Steam, PlayStation 4 or Xbox One, is explained to you by MeinMMO author Mark Sellner.
What is Hunt Showdown? Hunt Showdown is broadly a shooter where it often makes sense not to shoot. Sounds crazy? It is. The game takes you into a western-fantasy scenario in the year 1895 and makes you what you have always wanted to be: a monster-hunting cowboy with shotgun-axe.
Hunt Showdown is a so-called PvPvE (Player vs. Player vs. Environment) shooter. So, you play against the environment and against other players at the same time. The basic framework of a match consists of searching for clues about where a monster is hiding. Then you must find this monster, kill it, send it back to hell, and reach one of the three extraction points with the loot. There you must survive for 30 seconds and then you win.
While you do this, up to 10 other players are trying to achieve the same thing. You play in teams of two or three players. In a round, there are a maximum of 12 players trying to take down the monster.
To add an extra dose of tension, Hunt Showdown features a permadeath system. Once you have exceeded bloodline level 10, you lose your hunter and everything he had when you die. There is no way to respawn.
Who is speaking here? Mark Sellner is primarily an MMORPG author, but when it comes to shooters, it has to be Hunt. Having started back in the alpha of the game, he has now clocked over 600 hours on the PC version, has a 2:1 KD which he is absurdly proud of, and has eliminated almost 1800 enemy hunters.
Why is it worth it right now? The developers are already providing their game with a lot of new content in 2021. Hunt: Showdown is friendlier to newcomers now than it ever was before, and with the big update 1.6, a new map and a large live event are around the corner. On a new map, players start equally: they have no prior knowledge.
It is also quite possible that it will be on sale again, although this has not yet been confirmed. For the last major event, you could grab the game for 20 €, instead of the usual 40 € it costs. You only need the base game – the countless DLCs are all cosmetic in nature.
What are the differences between platforms? Hunt Showdown is available for Steam, PS4, and Xbox One. Crossplay, that is, playing with or against each other on different platforms, is not possible. Other than that, the differences are minimal. All platforms are well populated, and unless it’s 4 am on a Thursday, you won’t wait longer than two minutes for a match in any version.
The one point that annoys some console players is the updates. Players on PC automatically have the option to play on test servers and try out new updates earlier, which you cannot do on consoles. Even when the updates go live, PC players usually receive them a few days earlier.
Death on Silent Feet
How important are sounds? Hunt Showdown relies heavily on sounds and the environment. There are no visual clues in the game about how many players are still alive, or even where they might be. However, the world is filled with things that make noise. Above all, the rifles and pistols themselves.
Of course, there are weapons with silencers, but even these can be heard a good 100 meters away. The biggest gun, the Nitro Express, can be heard across the entire map with a single shot. Here, the circle closes back to the first sentence of the article – you never want to shoot for no reason. There are various reasons for this.
With a shot, you not only reveal that you’re there, but also your relatively exact position. Furthermore, ammunition in the game is very limited and each weapon sounds unique. Let’s stick with the Nitro Express as an example: The weapon only has 6 shots and requires the hard-to-find special ammunition. If a skilled player hears you shooting with the Nitro multiple times, they will know where you are, that you have little ammunition, and if they listen closely, that you’re currently reloading.
These ravens are particularly nasty because they fly away from you and visually reveal your location.
What else makes noise? Not just shooting makes noise. Glass shards on the ground, ducks on the pond, branches breaking when you walk over them, and of course, your own footprints. While it is possible to move quietly in Hunt Showdown, it is never silent. Everything you do makes a noise. A player who listens closely can even hear when you look through your scope, as your character will then breathe loudly.
You are completely silent only when you stand still and do nothing, which you usually want to avoid in a shooter.
What happens outside of matches
How does progress work? Just because your hunter dies in a match and you lose them does not mean that you do not still make progress. Outside of matches, you gain experience for your bloodline. As your bloodline level increases, you unlock new abilities, new weapons, and new equipment to outfit your hunter with.
Additionally, you earn money for successfully extracted loot. This money must be used to purchase the items you want to take into battle with your hunter. There are cheap guns like the Winfield, which is available for about 40 dollars, up to the aforementioned Nitro Express, which costs just over 1000 dollars.
However, this does not mean that everyone plays the Nitro and you have no chance with a cheap gun. Every weapon in Hunt Showdown has its pros and cons. A headshot is deadly from any weapon. Even I have lost thousands of dollars more than once because a Winfield got me unexpectedly.
How does my hunter get better? With each round your hunter survives, they level up to 50 levels. For each level, they receive an improvement point that can be invested in passive abilities. So if you play particularly cautiously and focus on keeping your hunter alive, they will become significantly stronger.
Tip: You don’t always have to die or win. The extraction points are always open. If a situation gets too hot for you, you can leave the game early at the points at any time to save your hunter.
Passive abilities include things like faster shooting, moving more quietly, being able to sprint longer, or having more stamina. But equipment is also important, as the antidote syringe makes you immune for a match to the annoying visual effect when you get poisoned.
This is why Hunt Showdown is worth it for you now
What is the game doing to become more beginner-friendly? In recent years, there have been updates that have made the game more beginner-friendly. You now have beginner protection and do not lose your hunter until you exceed bloodline level ten. Additionally, there is now a tutorial that rewards you with enough dollars to spare you from financial worries for a longer time. You can therefore experiment a lot at the beginning to see what suits you best.
Hunt Showdown also gives you a selection of new hunters you can recruit after each match. The one on the far left is always free, ensuring that you can never be left completely without a hunter, as was sometimes the case at the beginning of the game.
Hunt gives you four hunters to choose from after every game. The left one is always free.
In addition to the main game mode, there is also the “Quick Play” mode, where you can enter a game alone and without risk, where you get a free hunter, and whoever survives last can take him out and then use him in the normal mode. There are also now various small challenges that also give you a task without risk. This allows you to better familiarize yourself with the weapons and maps.
Since the last update 1.5, there is also a skill-based matchmaking system that matches you only with people who are approximately at your skill level. This system is supposed to be expanded with update 1.6.
How does it play? A successful round of Hunt Showdown typically goes like this:
Before the start of the match, you select a hunter, equip them with your desired gear, weapons, and some passive abilities.
Then you start either in pairs or in trios on a randomly selected map.
With the so-called shadow vision, which you can activate, you discover the approximate position of the next clue.
Upon reaching the first clue, the map shrinks for you, narrowing the position of the monster.
In the distance, you hear flying ravens that reveal to you that an opposing team is nearby. Since the ravens fly away from the players, you also know that the team is moving in a different direction than you.
Upon reaching the second clue, you notice that there are hardly any more opponents here.
A clue in Hunt Showdown
Another team is at the same location as you. A tactical shootout follows, which you can decide in your favor. Three opponents dead – leaving six other players.
After collecting all three necessary clues, the precise position of the monster is marked on the map.
You hear ongoing gunfire in the area. So you run, as the remaining two teams seem to be busy with each other.
You find the monster, manage to kill it and start the banishment process. Now you must wait about three minutes.
The location of the monster is now shown on the map for everyone.
If you carry the loot, your position is marked for everyone on the map and updated every five seconds.
Along the way, shots are fired at you. You take cover and can also decide this firefight in your favor. From the gunfire you heard earlier, you can infer that the third team must have also been eliminated.
The tension eases and you no longer have to be quiet. Now just get to the extraction point, wait 30 seconds, and escape with the loot. You have won.
You made it out and are given an overview of your achievements.
Why should you start right now? With the big update 1.6, which is expected to be released in a few weeks, the new third map is coming to the game. This is good for beginners, as you have no direct disadvantage against veterans, since the map is new for everyone. Everyone starts “from the beginning”. In addition to the new map, there will be a corresponding live event like the one that occurred for the new monster earlier this year.
So if you’re looking for a new shooter, now is the perfect time to check out Hunt Showdown. The game is more beginner-friendly than ever, you can expect a cool event, a nice community, and a completely new map that every player will experience equally and anew.
The developers are very actively expanding their game with new content, this year alone there have already been a new monster, new ammunition types, new weapons, and new skins, so it is worth starting the game again more than ever for returnees.
Are you playing Hunt Showdown? Have you played it before? Are you looking forward to the new map as much as I am? Leave us a comment!
Streamer Kaitlyn “Amouranth” Siragusa (27) is controversial: While she is currently the most successful streamer on Twitch, she faces criticism. She is said to be using Twitch to promote sexually suggestive content on other platforms. Amouranth won’t do this forever; she is preparing for the next phase of her life. But until then, she is going “All in E-Girl”.
This is the situation:
Streamer Amouranth is by far the biggest streamer on Twitch, but she also has many critics who accuse her of creating content for “Simps”, deliberately using her sexuality to attract money and attention from men who are drawn to her.
In a discussion, Amouranth now explains that she is already planning the next phase of her life, which is supposed to be dedicated to a good cause. For now, however, she is playing the E-Girl role with dedication. Because that is the “hand dealt to her by fate”.
However, the streamer is worried that her transition to the next phase of life may not be so easy.
Social Media in Lingerie, Streams in Bikinis
What causes so much controversy for Amouranth? The accusation against Amouranth is that she earns money with sexually suggestive content and uses Twitch, Twitter, and Instagram as advertising platforms to promote “harder, paid content” on OnlyFans. After a temporary ban on Twitch, she stated that her revenue on OnlyFans has skyrocketed:
On Twitter and Instagram, Amouranth regularly shares pictures of herself in lingerie
This is what a normal tweet from Amouranth looks like.
“Don’t expect a caterpillar to grow wings before it transforms”
This is what Amouranth says: At regular intervals, Amouranth posts detailed messages on her private Twitter account that contradict the typical image she projects in public:
Her large Twitter account, which consists of images of her in lingerie, has 1.4 million followers
Her private account has about 290,000 followers: Here, she also posts pictures of herself in lingerie, but also longer messages in which she shares her thoughts
In these tweets, she presents herself as a reflective person who plays the role of an “E-Girl” on Twitch.
She has announced that she will eventually end the “shameless E-Girl” phase of her life and start a project focusing on the welfare of abandoned animals.
“When I am ready, I will dive headfirst into the next phase of my life. There are no half measures, no reason to rush. Don’t expect the caterpillar to grow wings before it transforms into a butterfly.”
Amouranth
With this announcement, she also dismisses all criticism of her current content. She states: Until that time comes and she transitions into the next phase of her life, she is “All in E-Girl”: That is simply the “hand dealt to her by fate.”
Other streamers like Pokimane are better “role models” than she is, says Amouranth.
This is what she says to critics: In a long post, she explains to critics that their criticism of her is “futile”.
This has now led to her “living rent-free in their heads”. People are only hindering themselves with the criticism of Amouranth and further fueling the hype around her.
The haters are “working harder for her” than her actual employees.
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However, Amouranth is worried that critics may continue to follow her after her Twitch career ends to harass her or to swat her. Therefore, she is now working particularly hard to become financially independent to finance her animal welfare project.
This situation has also led to her decision to go “all in E-Girl”.
Haters Prevent Amouranth from Doing Good Already
Why isn’t she charitable already? She dismisses calls to do charitable work now: If she were to work for an animal shelter now, her haters would punish that shelter with negative reviews or sic the police on her.
This would only create a “new front where people can attack her”.
Therefore, she will wait and make the hard switch at some point so she can defend herself more easily and be less vulnerable.
What’s behind this: This is a self-contained system that Amouranth outlines, one that explains itself and makes itself untouchable.
Thus, people can donate money to her and feel good about having done something “kind”.
Whether all this is really so selfless and whether Amouranth can step back from the money and attention to lead a completely different life can only be answered by her.
The question arises: If animal rescue is truly her plan, why doesn’t she already donate a large part of her income to a good cause, rather than postponing it to “the next phase of my life”?
A streamer often mentioned in the same breath as Amouranth is Indiefoxx. She has since been banned from Twitch but finds innovative ways to still make money with Twitch clips:
In the Battle Royale Fortnite , gold bars are suddenly disappearing from players’ inventories. Developer Epic Games wants to address the issue.
What are gold bars? Gold bars are an important in-game currency in Fortnite. You need the bars for many tasks. You can purchase or acquire various items from different NPCs on the map. You can:
Buy exotic weapons
Pay for various services
Buy information to see where the next storm zone will be
You can collect gold bars in each match and keep them, regardless of whether you win or lose the game. You can use gold bars throughout the entire ongoing season.
What happened? Now some players have reported on Twitter that their hard-earned gold bars have suddenly all disappeared. A big zero is displayed on their accounts, and many players are upset about this. Because without gold bars, they cannot pay for many services in the game.
Many of them have spoken out on Twitter because they hope that Epic Games will address the issue so they can continue playing undisturbed.
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Meanwhile, Epic Games has also commented on the problem, and there is said to be a solution for it. MeinMMO explains what you can do.
Epic will address the issue, gold bars are set to return
Epic has already commented on Twitter about the issues and stated that it wants to address the problem. They are currently monitoring the issue and trying to figure out what went wrong:
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How to solve the problem: Epic has posted another statement saying that the issue is supposed to be resolved. However, some players are still complaining that their gold bars are still missing. But there is also said to be a workaround if you are still experiencing the problem:
Log into your game. If you see 0 gold bars displayed, there is no reason to worry yet.
Then start a normal match or a “Team Rumble” game.
Once you are in the game and have landed, your gold should have returned.
How to collect more gold bars: Do you regularly play Fortnite but always find yourself with too few gold bars in your account? Here we present you the best tips on how to collect gold bars particularly quickly. This includes completing tasks from NPCs as well as eliminating opponents.
This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
Halo Infinite and Battlefield 2042 are probably the two biggest shooters coming this year. But which of the two games will take the title of best shooter 2021? Tarek Zehrer, a freelance author at MeinMMO, believes that Halo Infinite will win the battle.
This year, there’s finally some real competition in the shooter space. With Halo Infinite and Battlefield 2042, two heavyweights are coming. However, while Battlefield is generating a lot of hype, Halo Infinite has also been making its mark.
At E3 2021, there was new information about both shooters, and quite a bit of it. After looking at pretty much everything and writing extensive overviews about Halo Infinite and Battlefield 2042, I now believe: Halo Infinite could be the best shooter this year, even ahead of Battlefield.
Why the comparison? I am aware that both are completely different shooter franchises. However, regardless of that, both are competing against each other due to their release timelines. Both will be released at the end of 2021.
Halo 4 and Battlefield 3 are also among my absolute favorite shooters and were the last multiplayer shooters I actively played over several years. The release of Halo 4 was now a good 9 years ago, and Battlefield 3 even 10.
Of course, all of this also depends on personal preferences. However, there are some things that Halo has over Battlefield for me as a lover of both franchises.
Halo is suitable for every type of player
Here’s why Halo is interesting for various players: Halo is the type of shooter that is easy to learn but hard to master. You can learn the basics relatively quickly and play some fun matches whenever you want.
However, those looking for greater challenges will find them as well. Halo can be played both casually and in ranked modes against tougher opponents. The various modes also offer something for every taste.
There is a game mode called Big Team Battle that takes place with larger groups on larger maps.
There are various arena modes that confront you with your opponents in tighter spaces.
SWAT requires your precise handling of weapons.
The Forge is for those who enjoy creating their own maps.
For newcomers, Halo Infinite now has an extensive Academy mode that introduces you to the mechanics of the game.
In Battlefield, the expectations for new players are already considerably higher. Here, coordination with the team on large maps, clear role distribution, and other strategic factors are more important. This may have been more crucial in older titles than today.
As it stands now, the game modes will be less varied than in Halo. That may not be a bad thing if one enjoys the Battlefield principle. However, for those who want outlandish game modes, the Halo multiplayer is likely to serve them better.
This is already due to the setting: Halo is a sci-fi shooter while Battlefield has a more realistic approach and doesn’t venture far into the future. Thus, Halo has significantly more freedom while the competitor is predominantly bound by physical laws and the current technological state.
Halo traditionally offers more varied modes than Battlefield.
Halo Infinite offers crossplay and the same content on old and new Xbox consoles
What does that mean? Halo Infinite will be released on both the Xbox Series X|S and the Xbox One, meaning it will be available on both the new and old Xbox consoles. Aside from graphics and FPS, there will be no differences in content.
Additionally, there will be crossplay between all platforms on which Halo Infinite will be released, i.e., between PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox Cloud.
While Battlefield will also be available on older consoles, it will also have significant differences. Instead of 64vs64 player matches, there will be a maximum of 32vs32 players. Additionally, the maps will be significantly smaller.
A tradition in Halo is the splitscreen mode for four players, which allowed for couch co-op and multiplayer matches. This was sorely missed in Halo 5: Guardians, but the popular mode is returning in Halo Infinite. While there is no splitscreen on PC, you can still play your matches locally in LAN parties.
Battlefield 2042 traditionally does not offer splitscreen; as of now, local multiplayer is not included in the game. Whether there will be crossplay is still unknown. If a crossplay feature makes it into the game, it will likely only work between Xbox Series X|S, PS5, and PC.
What Halo does differently than Battlefield: The multiplayer part of Halo Infinite will be completely free to play; only the campaign costs the usual full price. If you are interested in the story, you can either buy it separately or download it through Xbox Game Pass.
Thus, anyone who wants to dive into the multiplayer battles can simply get started. This is new for shooters of this magnitude; only CoD Warzone has pioneered this approach. And that focuses on battle royale, while the typical CoD multiplayer is only included in CoD Cold War – a full-price title.
Halo Infinite, on the other hand, will make its entire extensive multiplayer offering freely accessible to everyone. This, of course, includes numerous maps and many game modes, just as Halo veterans already know.
On Xbox Series X|S and One, this also likely means that not even a Gold membership will be required. Because just in April 2021, Microsoft made over 50 free-to-play titles such as Fortnite available even for non-subscribers.
This is how Battlefield 2042 does it: As usual, you will have to purchase the latest installment of the Battlefield series at full price. This was expected in advance, but now stands in competition with a free-to-play Halo and the also free CoD Warzone.
Clearly, the scope of Battlefield may theoretically justify this, and those who cannot connect with the other two shooters will naturally turn to Battlefield. However, particularly new players will first check out the free alternatives before committing to a full-price game.
This leads me directly to the next point: post-launch content.
Halo Infinite follows a smarter model post-release
Here’s the plan for Halo Infinite post-release: Halo Infinite will offer a season model with new content and battle passes. A battle pass has both a free and a paid path.
This is already known from other games like CoD Warzone or Fortnite, but there is one big difference:
If you purchase a season’s battle pass, it does not automatically disappear once it expires.
They remain permanent, and you can complete the challenges of these battle passes anytime you like.
The content is purely cosmetic; no boosts or other items will be available for purchase.
It is currently unknown how much a battle pass will cost.
This is how Battlefield 2042 does it: Despite the full-price model, Battlefield 2042 also relies on seasons and battle passes. So far, four have been announced, and the price per battle pass is not known.
There will be a free and a paid path here as well. All maps that come after release will be free.
This could probably not immediately be deemed unfair since we simply know too little about the content that will come after the release of both games. It is also common practice in games like Call Of Duty: Black Ops Cold War.
Still, based on what we currently know, it is a drawback: While the Halo multiplayer is free, you will have to pay full price for Battlefield, plus the purchase price for the battle passes.
Battle passes bring new cosmetic items for your Spartan in Halo.
Battlefield 2042 is falling behind in recent years’ developments
This is why Halo Infinite pursues a smarter strategy: It seems that Halo developer 343 has been closely watching the shooter market for the past six years since Halo 5 and has established a corresponding strategy.
In times when free-to-play games like Fortnite and CoD Warzone are incredibly successful, it seems a bit outdated to release a multiplayer shooter at full price. In contrast to Battlefield 2042, Halo Infinite could at least have used the story campaign as an argument – still, they decided to separate multiplayer and campaign.
A very clever move, as it allows for better organization of resources. Moreover, with the F2P model, which also offers crossplay on PC, Cloud, and Xbox consoles, they are likely to attract significantly more players to Halo Infinite than has ever been the case with any Halo before.
Those who don’t want to bother with the campaign and only want to play multiplayer will no longer have to spend money on the package. Conversely, those who want to play both won’t have to pay double and may already have the Game Pass, thus being able to access the campaign anyway.
This whole model, combined with fair battle passes and the promising seasons, seems well thought out and promising.
The latter may seem rather positive for many players, as the last campaign was not received so well. Still, the question remains: Will Battlefield 2042 hold its ground against competing shooters like Warzone or Halo Infinite?
With the pricing model, new players will likely think twice about which shooter to try out. Regardless of the quality of both games and how much the shooters differ, I believe that Halo Infinite could seize the shooter throne with its strategy in 2021.
This is why it’s not that important: I personally am glad that there is finally some movement on the big multiplayer shooter front. In the end, it doesn’t matter so much whether Halo or Battlefield becomes the best shooter this year. What I find more important is that there is finally variety beyond battle royale and Call Of Duty.
Halo still holds a special place among my favorite shooters with its gunplay, setting, arena battles, sandbox gameplay in Big Team Battle, and the weapons and gadgets scattered across the maps.
The feeling of controlling a Spartan, a super-soldier; pulling off daring maneuvers; taking down an opponent from a crazy angle with a plasma grenade — I’m really looking forward to finally getting back into the action! And all of this for free! So far, what 343 Industries has shown me is definitely making me excited for more.
Battlefield caters to a different direction, representing material battles, destruction, and huge maps where I can also have fun/struggle with the helicopter or jet controls. And of course, I’m also looking forward to dueling with enemy snipers from about 1 km away, or crashing tanks into buildings.
Both shooter franchises have not been so strong lately but could potentially return to their former glory. Therefore, I already look forward to both titles as soon as they are released.
When do the two shooters actually release? Battlefield 2042 has a specific release date of October 22.
So far, we only know that Halo Infinite should be released in “Holiday 2021”, meaning at the end of the year. A further delay is unlikely according to 343, and the targeted release window is expected to be secure.
What do you think? Are you excited for Halo and Battlefield? Or do both shooter franchises leave you cold? Discuss with us in the comments!
This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
Ubisoft has announced that the map “Favela” is returning to the ranked and unranked modes of Rainbow Six: Siege. However, this isn’t exactly generating excitement among players, as “Favela” is one of the least popular maps in the first-person shooter. That is exactly why Ubisoft has revamped it.
Ubisoft announced in June 2021 that they wanted to completely overhaul Rainbow Six: Siege. A significant change affects the map “Favela”, which returns to the tactical shooter after being revamped.
On Twitter, Ubisoft has now stated that “Favela” will be back in Year 6 Season 2:
The excitement over the announcement is limited, as the Brazilian slums are not popular. Especially defenders had little joy with the map. However, Ubisoft has made some changes to the map to make it less frustrating.
Players are not very enthusiastic about the announcement
Under the official Twitter post by Ubisoft, many players express disappointment and anger that Ubisoft is bringing this particular map back into the game. Because the map is not really popular.
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Why is the map so unpopular? Defenders, in particular, faced significant challenges on the map. For opponents, it was much too easy to create a path to the objective through the destructible walls. This makes the map one of the least favorite alongside “Tower” in Rainbow Six: Siege.
However, there are also voices saying that Ubisoft has done a sensible job here and that “Favela” might not be so bad after all. Some people even say that the changes to Favela “make it a really good map” (via twitter.com).
Because the changes are said to primarily address the issues that had been criticized by many players before. You can see the changes to the map live with YouTuber “GamersPrey”. We have embedded his English video here for you:
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This is how Ubisoft wants to save the unpopular map
What will be changed? Ubisoft has thoroughly revamped the map and aims to address the reasons why the map was so unpopular.
The original map relied on strongly angled corridors and many destructible walls. This made it difficult for defenders to hold the position and allowed attackers to achieve easy kills quickly.
With the revamp, most outer walls are now made of solid concrete and can no longer be destroyed. Additionally, it is now a night map. Ubisoft itself explains the changes:
The small size of the map, the irregular exterior, and the verticality remain. The rest of the map, including the overall structure of the main building, has been completely redesigned, so players will practically experience a new location that maintains the same theme as the original Favela.
Those who have played the map before will still recognize some aspects: The setting still focuses on the Brazilian favelas, and the stairwells are still in their old positions.
What do you think? Will you try the revamped version of “Favela” or will you continue to steer clear of the Brazilian slum?
To be well prepared for the legendary raid boss Moltres in Pokémon GO, we provide you here important information about this Pokémon and show you the best counters.
What kind of Pokémon is this? Moltres is a legendary Pokémon from the first generation and belongs to the Fire and Flying type. It is thus weak against Rock, Electric, and Water attacks.
Is there a Shiny Moltres?: Moltres can be caught as a shiny specimen in the game with some luck.
What is a Moltres with 100% IV? Moltres can have a maximum of 1980 CP from the raid. In windy or sunny weather, it can even reach 2475 CP. These are then Moltres with 100% IV.
Cooler Master has introduced a gaming chair designed to let you feel games and movies. However, at 1700 Euros, the chair is not exactly cheap. MeinMMO presents the new gaming chair.
Cooler Master is a hardware manufacturer from Taiwan, primarily producing accessories for computers. This includes computer cases, power supplies, coolers, and gaming chairs.
The manufacturer has now introduced its latest project. It is called “Motion 1”. This is a gaming chair developed by Cooler Master in collaboration with manufacturer D-Box. D-Box specializes in haptic motion technology.
The minimum price for the “Motion 1” is at least 2000 US dollars (equivalent to about 1700 Euros) and goes up to 2300 US dollars. MeinMMO shows you what you can buy for that much money and what the chair is supposed to offer.
Gaming chair aims to make games feel tangible
What does the chair aim to provide? Imagine you are currently playing your favorite game or watching your favorite movie, and at the same time, your chair begins to vibrate beneath you, mimicking certain movements of your game or film.
What sounds quite crazy, Cooler Master wants to implement in collaboration with D-Box. The specialist in motion technologies integrates its technology into Cooler Master’s gaming chair.
Cooler Master’s CEO, Jimmy Sha, says about it:
We envisioned a truly immersive entertainment experience for all desk setups at home, and gaming chairs are the best medium to deliver this by combining everyday functionality and comfort with on-demand haptic sensations during gameplay or movie enjoyment.
How many games and movies will be supported? D-Box itself has commented on the cooperation with Cooler Master:
This chair fits perfectly into our constantly expanding library of almost 200 video games and over 2,000 movies and series available in the D-BOX haptic format.
Sébastien Mailhot, President and CEO of D-BOX
And some of you who enjoy going to the cinema probably already know the technology that D-Box wants to incorporate into the gaming chair: In Germany, cinema chains such as Kinopolis, Cineplex, and Traumpalast rely on D-Box technology. This way, a visit to the cinema should feel even more real than just sitting in a regular cinema seat.
When will the gaming chair be released? Cooler Master aims to release the chair in the fourth quarter of 2021. When exactly and where we can buy the chair is not yet known.
What should the chair cost? In principle, it sounds exciting to want to offer haptic motion technology to all users, but the price of at least 2000 US dollars may be a hurdle that many gamers do not want to overcome.
In general, however, 1700 Euros for a gaming chair can be quite reasonable if the ergonomics are right, as many people spend most of their time gaming or at the office. For instance, MeinMMO tested a gaming chair for 1500 Euros and found that the investment can be worth it.
Other manufacturers are also increasingly relying on haptic technology
Other manufacturers also want to make you feel games and movies tangibly. The most well-known example is the new PS5 DualSense controller, which aims to offer you haptic features on the PS5.
The manufacturer Razer is also relying on haptic technology in its latest gaming chair. The integrated technology is supposed to make it feel as if everything around you is shaking as if the chair is shaken by heavy explosions. However, Razer’s gaming chair is currently only an exciting concept; you can read more about it in our article on MeinMMO:
Defeating and catching Articuno is one of the main goals of many Pokémon GO trainers. In this guide, we will show you how to counter, defeat, and catch Articuno. Although the catch rate is not particularly high, with the right counter Pokémon, you will have a better chance to defeat Articuno.
In this guide, we want to prepare you for the battle against Articuno and show you its weaknesses and counters.
Articuno maximum CP and weaknesses
The ice part of the legendary bird trio is called Articuno and can now be battled and caught by you in Pokémon GO. The bird is one of the legendary raid bosses and is of flying and ice type.
Its maximum combat points are 1743 CP after being caught. In windy weather and snow, Articuno receives a weather boost, resulting in a maximum of 2179 CP. If you catch an Articuno with such a value, it has a 100% IV.
Articuno raid counters – With these Pokémon, you will win
Across the arenas around the world, Articuno can appear as a raid boss and be challenged by you. With the best counters, you can already defeat Articuno with two players, but we recommend playing with at least three trainers. To win, there are many possible counter Pokémon that are very effective against the bird.
As reported by Pokebattler, the ice bird has many counter options that make a battle against it easier (via pokebattler.com). Articuno is particularly vulnerable to rock-type attacks, which are very effective. Fire, electric, and steel attacks also severely impact the bird and deal significant damage.
The best Pokémon against Articuno is Rampardos with a Rock Throw and Rock Slide moveset. Here are more top counters for Articuno:
Rhydon with Rock Throw and Stone Edge
Terrakion with Rock Throw and Rock Slide
(Shadow) Tyranitar with Rock Throw and Stone Edge
Gigalith with Rock Throw and Rock Slide
(Shadow) Aggron with Rock Throw and Rock Slide
Incineroar with Fire Fang and Rock Slide
Alola Golem with Rock Throw and Stone Edge
Excadrill with Metal Claw and Rock Slide
Reshiram with Fire Fang and Stone Edge
More Articuno counters:
If you don’t have any of the attackers mentioned above in your collection, the following Pokémon can also help you in the battle against the ice bird:
(Shadow) Aerodactyl with Rock Throw and Rock Slide
(Shadow) Electivire with Thunder Shock and Wild Charge
Steelix with Rock Throw and Stone Edge
Catching Articuno – Low catch rate
Whoever has managed to defeat a legendary Pokémon must face the next challenge: catching the Pokémon. Although this task sounds easy in theory, many trainers find it difficult in practice.
Legendary Pokémon have a catch rate of only about 2-3% – therefore, we strongly recommend using berries to increase your chances. The buddy distance for legendary Pokémon is 20 kilometers for one candy.
The FIFA 22 release is getting closer. Time to look ahead: Which players could receive the highest ratings in FIFA 22?
What kind of list is this? In the following list, you will find 10 players who, based on their performances from the last season, deserve a spot in the top 10 of FIFA 22. This is not the official top 10 in FIFA 22, but rather an assessment of which players could receive the highest ratings.
The list was created taking into account the players’ performances in real football, as well as their previous FIFA history. Only field players were considered for this list – goalkeepers, who could certainly be among the top 10, are not included here for now. Icons were also left out for the time being.
And now let’s take a look at the possibly 10 best players in FIFA 22.
Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi is now 34 years old but still creates magical moments on the soccer field. The Argentine has been called the best football player in the world for years and has won awards and titles endlessly.
And he just doesn’t stop: In the past season 20/21, Messi was the top scorer in LaLiga with 30 goals, additionally providing eleven assists. However, this time, the championship was secured not by FC Barcelona but by Atlético Madrid. Messi also impressed in the Copa América with goals and assists, and celebrated the title with Argentina.
In FIFA 21, Messi held the top position in the top 10 with a rating of 93. Given his age, an increase in the rating seems unlikely. However, he should remain at 93 – and thus likely also retain the top position in FIFA 22.
Cristiano Ronaldo
The eternal rival of Lionel Messi for the top spot in world football had to settle for second place in the FIFA ratings last year, receiving a 92. Similar should be the situation in FIFA 22.
Ronaldo impressed in Serie A once again with a plethora of goals and secured the top scorer title in the Italian league with 29 goals ahead of Romelu Lukaku. However, his team, like FC Barcelona, only made it to third place in the championship.
In the European Championship, Ronaldo’s Portugal was eliminated in the round of 16 against Belgium after progressing from the group stage.
Considering that Ronaldo is now 36 years old, his rating is likely to remain at 92, securing him second place… unless another competitor overtakes him.
Robert Lewandowski
Last year, Lewandowski received a rating of 91 points – will it go even higher this time? Based on his last season, the Bayern Munich striker certainly has a good argument to make.
In the 20/21 season, the Polish striker made Bundesliga history. Not only did he lead Bayern Munich to the championship with his goals, but he also broke a record that was thought to be everlasting.
Lewandowski scored 41 goals, one more than Gerd Müller collected in the 1971/72 season. The legendary 40-goals-in-a-season mark has thus fallen – and Lewandowski is the new record scorer of the Bundesliga. It is very likely that this will influence an upward rating adjustment, giving Lewandowski another rating point.
With everything Kylian Mbappé has already achieved, it is easy to forget how young the Frenchman still is. This leads to the fact that the 22-year-old, despite his already high rating, will probably still be counted among the greatest talents in FIFA 22.
But is he already ready for the best player? Messi, Ronaldo, and Lewandowski still likely have the edge over Mbappé. However, it is certain that Mbappé will move again in the upper part of the top 10 – especially now that he has been confirmed as the new cover star for FIFA 22.
In the league, Mbappé scored almost at will, netting 27 goals in 31 matches and providing 7 more assists. In the Champions League, he scored 8 goals and provided 3 assists. This should lead to an increase in rating from 90 to 91.
Neymar
The Brazilian had a rather difficult year. He missed several Ligue 1 matches due to various injuries and ailments, finishing the season with only 18 appearances in the league. Additionally, he played nine matches in the Champions League.
However, the numbers still speak for the dribbler. 9 goals and 6 assists in the league, 6 goals and 3 assists in European competitions are strong figures given the limited number of appearances. Like Messi, Neymar also reached the final of the Copa America, even if he ultimately had to give in.
An increase in rating beyond 91 currently seems rather unlikely. However, even this rating would likely secure Neymar a place in the top 10.
Kevin De Bruyne
The Belgian is among the best midfielders in the world and once again impressed with strong performances last season. Especially in the first half of the season, he delivered goals and assists before an injury in winter sidelined him for a while. Throughout the second half of the season, he had to watch several matches, but returned to the pitch in the last game of the season and contributed one goal and one assist.
At the end of the season, his team Manchester City should have the championship – and almost the big victory in the Champions League. However, in the final, ManCity, with De Bruyne as captain, lost to Chelsea. In the European Championship, De Bruyne’s national team Belgium was eliminated against Italy in the quarter-finals.
But these defeats should not have too much impact on De Bruyne’s rating. He will probably not lose the 91 – and there may even be an additional point after the championship.
Joshua Kimmich
In FIFA 21, there was much surprise about the ratings of FC Bayern, which many found to be too weak. One of the players who received a rating upgrade was midfielder Kimmich – and this year another one is expected.
Kimmich has become an absolute leader and is now regarded as a world-class player in midfield – who can also help out defensively on the right side. Kimmich is strong defensively but can also create danger offensively. In the Bundesliga, he provided 10 assists and scored four goals.
The 26-year-old national player has now established himself as a top player. This may be honored with another rating jump of 2 points to 90.
Kimmich received a rating jump to 88. Will he get the next one in FIFA 22?
N’golo Kanté
Both in FIFA and in real football, Kanté is known as an outstanding midfielder. The Frenchman is everywhere and ensures that the opponent stays nicely at a distance from his own goal.
Especially in the Champions League, Kanté impressed with strong performances that greatly helped Chelsea reach the final – and ultimately win it.
As a result, Kanté has already been linked with winning the Ballon D’Or, that is, the award for the best player of the year. Whether it will come to that is open – but a rating jump to 90 and into the top 10 of FIFA 22 should be within reach.
Harry Kane
For Tottenham Hotspur, this time in the league resulted only in a 7th place finish. It can’t be blamed on Harry Kane: he secured the top scorer title in the English league with 23 goals and 14 assists last season.
In the European Championship, he also led his English team to the final, which is set to take place on Sunday evening (July 11). Overall, Kane generally plays at an extremely high level – and is also likely to be rewarded with a rating increase. However, as he is already at 88, another rating boost could see him bridge into the top 10.
Mohamed Salah
Right behind Kane in the Premier League scoring list is another member of last year’s top 10: Mo Salah scored 22 goals and provided 5 assists.
The Egyptian is among the best players the Premier League has to offer – as reflected in his rating in FIFA 21. He had a rating of 90, which he is likely to retain in FIFA 22. This should ensure that the popular forward remains in the top 10 in the new installment.
Who else could be in consideration?
Of course, the race for the top spots in FIFA 22 is tight, and several players are close to the top ratings. For example, players like Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes or Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema could also shoot into the top 10 of the new ratings thanks to strong performances.
The MMORPG EVE Online is suffering from a severe decline in players: The player count is at its lowest since 2006. Players attribute a variety of problems to this – but the developers reassure: The numbers look worse than they are. It seems that the summer slump of 2021, post-pandemic, is just deeper than usual.
What are the player numbers like? EVE Online is transparent about its player numbers. A status monitor constantly shows how many people are playing on “Tranquility”, the main server (via eve-offline).
The most exciting statistic for most players is the number of “PCU” – the “Peak Concurrent Users”, which indicates how many people were online at maximum in a day. This number has been decreasing for weeks, making players anxious. They are already referring to EVE Online as a “dying MMORPG”.
Recently the number fell to 22,645. As Kotaku notes, this was the lowest peak user count since 2006, so in 15 years.
The decline in numbers began in May 2021.
One could say now: “Well, with such an old MMORPG, that’s normal,” but in May 2020, EVE still experienced a comeback and was then as strong as it hadn’t been in 4 years. Something must have changed.
Since May 2021, the player numbers have dropped significantly.
Players identify the economy in EVE Online as a problem
This is what players say is the cause: In a complex MMORPG like EVE Online, there are always a variety of complaints: There are always problems that plague players at any given time.
One of the current issues is a “ship scarcity” in the game. As Kotaku details, an extremely powerful mining ship, the Rorqual, was introduced to EVE Online in winter 2016. The introduction of this ship boosted EVE Online’s industry so much that there was a flood of new ships, including the mighty Titans.
But since 2019, CCP has swung back and made it harder to produce ships. They speak of the “Age of Scarcity.” A major war, probably one of the largest in the history of EVE, has significantly reduced the existing number of ships because so many were destroyed.
The complaint now is:
All those who farmed like crazy between 2016 and 2019 are now uncatchable in the lead
All those who have to produce under the “now applicable, more difficult conditions” are at a disadvantage
Kotaku refers to a “burnout among industrial players, who are already plagued by tax burdens.”
In addition, there is a controversial monetization action from CCP: For €5, CCP offers new players to return their ship if they lost it in a fight with another player.
This is what the developers say: In a statement to Kotaku, it is said that the numbers look worse than they actually are.
While the “peak player count” has declined, the number of daily active players is decreasing significantly less drastically.
At CCP, they apparently believe that players are currently still connected to EVE but simply play less than before.
CCP does not view the “promotion” as being as severe as portrayed in the outraged comments from fans. This offer is likely presented to only 1% of the affected ships. One must also specifically search for this offer; it does not jump out at you.
Summer slump following Covid-19 even deeper than usual?
Here’s what it’s about: We have seen an overall decline in active users in gaming since May 2021. There have been some horror reports of declining player numbers from some games, like the constantly burning CS:GO:
Also on Steam, the player count rose steadily from August 2020 to April 2021. But then in May 2021, it suddenly fell.
On Twitch, the average viewer count dropped from 3.1 million (April 2021) to 2.6 million (July 2021), after months of significant growth.
So, the summer slump is surely also responsible for the decrease in player numbers in EVE, which comes every year with gaming and EVE Online.
In short: With better weather, people are more outside and less indoors; they simply play less. Because the gaming industry knows this and has adapted, new game releases are rarer in the summer than in the autumn.
The summer slump in gaming in 2021 is particularly deep due to the aftereffects of the Corona pandemic. Players were partly in lockdown for 16 months and had plenty of time for EVE Online: Now, as the restrictions ease, even the hardest gamers are likely to focus more on real life again.
A hardcore game like EVE Online, where some suffer from oversaturation or burnout, could be hit even harder by the “post-Corona summer slump” than a “normal game.” Also because EVE is so transparent about its player numbers, the drop in player numbers is particularly noticeable.
Whereas for most games and platforms, the number of users does not fall as dramatically as in EVE Online: That seems to be a special case.
EVE Online is a fascinating game that threatens to consume anyone who dives deep into it. The dimensions of EVE Online are huge:
The most successful PS4 game was actually Cyberpunk 2077 in June 2021. However, it seems to have fallen out of grace. Sony did little advertising for the delayed release and seems to want to sweep the game under the rug. Yet, this sci-fi epic is now the most downloaded PS4 game in June 2021 in their own PS Store.
Although the game still has technical issues on the PS4 version, it is now the “most downloaded PS4 game in June 2021 in Europe and the USA”. The game returned to the PS Store on June 21, having only a few days to conquer the charts.
Sony has not heavily promoted the return of Cyberpunk 2077 either; even in the shop, the PS Store, the game is only found in very cheap spots.
“Better than at launch – far from perfect”
What’s happening with the return of Cyberpunk 2077? Sony has put Cyberpunk 2077 back in the shop, but the game still doesn’t run well on the standard PlayStation 4.
According to Forbes, the game is “better than back then, but far from perfect.” While some quest bugs have disappeared, Cyberpunk 2077 still does not run well on the PlayStation 4.
Sony mentions Cyberpunk 2077 as little as possible.
A complete review of Cyberpunk 2077 can be found on GameStar (via GameStar).
Cyberpunk dominates the list of most downloaded games in June 2021.
Is it embarrassing for Sony? Well, normally you would expect Sony to promote “the biggest game of 2020 is finally coming to PS4” more, but Sony has been very quiet about the return of Cyberpunk 2077 to the PS Store:
There is no major reference to the game on the store page. The news articles completely omit the return.
Even as a lead for the “most downloads article,” they prefer the successful PS5 game Ratchet & Clank instead of Cyberpunk 2077, which is only mentioned in passing.
In the list of “most downloaded games,” Sony currently places the game at rank 13, still behind Star Wars: Jedi Fallen Order and FIFA 21.
The announcement that Cyberpunk 2077 would return to the shop was not properly made by Sony; rather, journalists discovered hints, inquired at Sony, and then received confirmation that Cyberpunk 2077 was coming back.
Overall, it seems that Sony wants to keep as much distance as possible between Cyberpunk 2077 and itself.
They don’t seem to be proud of their biggest hit in June 2021.
Currently, the game is found in the 3rd row.
What’s going on with the advertising? In recent days, there has been excitement over a leaked commercial for Cyberpunk 2077: CD Projekt Red is apparently planning a marketing campaign that boasts about the “largest update so far”.
This confused people because no major update has been released recently. They were hoping for a big new update. However, CD Projekt Red means with this campaign the update 1.2, which was released in March 2021 and fixed many bugs.
Cortyn likes the current story of World of Warcraft, but apparently, he stands quite alone with that. Why is everyone so angry?
Patch 9.1 Chains of Domination brought many innovations to World of Warcraft. However, especially the course of the story has been heatedly discussed in recent days. Whether in the subreddit, in the official forums, or on various Discord servers – it is being talked about everywhere. Some people are even so disappointed with the storyline that they are sending death threats to the authors and apparently forgetting all manners.
But aside from such crazies, I found the story really good and can only partially understand the criticism.
I want to address a large part of the criticism.
Spoiler Warning: This article discusses the current story of World of Warcraft, including the cinematics at the end of the raid “Sanctum of Domination”. You’ve been warned.
Ardenweald Cinematic spawned many memes
The discussions did not only start with the Sanctum of Domination, but already a week before: There was the new cinematic during the covenant campaign in Ardenweald. A decisive battle occurs between Sylvanas Windrunner and Tyrande Whisperwind, the Night Warrior. Especially one scene is particularly criticized: Tyrande grabs Sylvanas by the neck and tries to either choke her, break her neck, or simply tear off her head.
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In numerous memes, this scene has been parodied and repeatedly described as “cringe.” After all, it is quite silly to want to choke an undead. That would simply be stupid, and an old night elf like Tyrande should know that.
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This viewpoint can be held if you only look at that single scene and not the context in which it takes place – because that gets somehow forgotten in most discussions.
Sylvanas has been conducting the fight rather “playfully” up to that point. She was clearly superior to Tyrande and was only buying time while the Jailer’s troops, along with Anduin, pursued their goal elsewhere.
When Tyrande realizes this, Sylvanas has already switched to her “mixed form” of banshee and elf and is on the run. To stop her escape, Tyrande asks Elune for her favor and follows her. She also shoots into the sky and grabs Sylvanas in a place where she can exert control – the neck.
Could there have been a better way to pull Sylvanas down from the sky and pin her to the ground? Probably. But did Tyrande have time to figure out the perfect approach? No. She had to choose a way within seconds and achieved what she wanted – Sylvanas was temporarily prevented from escaping.
Tyrande tries to “choke” Sylvanas – many found that ridiculous.
Putting logic aside, the scene was also visually well-executed because it illustrates the shift in power dynamics. Tyrande, who assumes the dominant role in that moment, ready to annihilate her victim while it crouches subserviently beneath her. However, as Elune’s power wanes, Sylvanas almost playfully frees herself from the chokehold, simply pushing the hands back.
In my opinion, that could hardly be represented better and also raises further intriguing questions for the future, such as why Elune does not want Tyrande to eliminate Sylvanas.
The raid finale sparked a lot of anger
Much worse than the first video was the finale of the raid “Sanctum of Domination”. Around 70% negative ratings of the video clearly show that many players do not like what they see. To explain what I mean, here again is the video:
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The first major point of criticism is that Sylvanas undergoes a sudden change of heart and turns against Zovaal, the Jailer. Many perceive that she suddenly has doubts at the last moment and basically switches sides spontaneously as “badly written.” But is that really the case? Is it spontaneous and without prior indication?
I do not think so. If you watch all the preceding cinematics, then this possibility has been evident for a long time. Even in the conversations with Anduin in Torghast and later, when the Jailer simply subjugates Anduin to his will, you can see the doubts brewing in Sylvanas. When Tyrande then revealed to her in Ardenweald that Nathanos was dead and that the Jailer had apparently kept that from her, you briefly see disbelief in Sylvanas’ expression. At the latest there, the thought springs up that the Jailer is also deceiving her.
The final trigger for Sylvanas’ change of heart is that Zovaal alters the grand plan. There was actually an agreement to dissolve reality as it is to create complete freedom – without a rigid corset that already determines what kind of life one leads and in which realm of the Shadowlands one spends eternity. The conviction that Zovaal would uphold his end and do what he promised was what made this alliance between him and Sylvanas possible in the first place.
However, Zovaal changes his plan and announces that he will create a reality where everyone serves him.
“But why was Sylvanas so stupid to believe Zovaal?”, I can already hear some asking. The exact answer to that can only be provided by Blizzard, but I believe that the signs are clear. On the one hand, Sylvanas and Zovaal have many parallels, and thus, it was probably easy to feel some form of “sympathy.” Zovaal as a prisoner in the Maw and Sylvanas once as a prisoner of the Lich King’s will – even though he was created by Zovaal. The common goal of destroying this reality to create a new one where everyone is truly free is interesting for Sylvanas.
But the second point is much more important to me: The missing part of Sylvanas’ soul. The fragment that Frostmourne likely tore from her, alternatively the Saronite spikes under Icecrown during her suicide attempt. That could be precisely the part of her soul that is responsible for remaining faithful to one’s own virtues, acting logically and rationally. Exactly that fragment that the Jailer returns to Sylvanas in the end.
Why do I suspect this? Because it was the same with Uther. In the Cinematic “Afterlife: Bastion”, we see Uther, who also commits an act that is completely out of character for his righteous, compassionate nature. He hurled Arthas’s soul into the Maw, even though it is neither his position to decide that nor the correct place for Arthas, who would probably be much better off in Revendreth.
Uther’s soul was shattered – apparently, this also happened to Sylvanas.
If the missing fragment of a soul causes even a paragon of light to act against his own principles – why should it not work exactly the same way with an undead ranger?
The last major point that keeps coming up: Why does Zovaal let us all live and just walk away? He could have killed us!
Yes, he could have. But that’s not what he wants, and he makes that quite clear. His goal is not to annihilate everyone – but to subjugate all. Moreover, Zovaal considers himself so powerful that he sees no problems with “us” and the great characters like Jaina, Thrall, and Bolvar. Why should he? With a single wave of his hand, he could imprison everyone and subjugate them to his will.
And of course, from a story perspective, it is “practical” that we are spared because it fits the motivation of the villain. But what is the alternative? The Jailer cackles wickedly, kills everyone, and then a big “The End” appears on the screen and WoW is over?
Of course, there must be a way for the story to continue. This is in the nature of things that we are playing a game that certainly should not simply end now. With a villain at the height of his power, there must be an element that ensures that the protagonists continue to exist.
Moreover, Zovaal’s character has also been explored a bit more in other works. In the book “Folks & Fairytales of Azeroth” (which I highly recommend to everyone), there is a story about the Maw and a bit about the Jailer. He believes that every soul seeks revenge and is always pleased when he sees that this is indeed true. For this reason, he also apparently leaves Sylvanas the missing part of her soul – so she has to bear the last hours of her life with the guilt she has accumulated before the heroes take their revenge on her.
Ultimately, he simply does not care what happens. He has his path to the “Sepulcher”, he has the power in his hands – and the rest is simply no longer relevant to him.
Zovaal at the height of his power.
A little distance can do good
Even if one does not agree with all my arguments and sees it completely differently – which is completely legitimate – then take a little distance. I find it quite alarming when people want to tell someone how a story should be told. Suddenly, everyone sees themselves as the great story gods who know exactly how a good story should look.
Sure, one does not have to like the story. But demanding that all story writers at Blizzard be fired because they do not tell the story the way one would like it is pretty far-fetched.
At the end of the day, it is still their story. While I certainly agree that player input should be considered regarding gameplay and mechanics – I see it differently with the story. I want to experience the story that the authors want to show me and no other.
More news around World of Warcraft can be found here:
And if you really come to the conclusion that everything has been terrible for years and the story was only great until [the addon I still liked] and then went downhill with [the addon I didn’t like] – then maybe it’s time to just gain a little distance from the game. Because it would be each person’s responsibility to spend years on something in their free time that they do not like.
But now you are welcome to discuss this. How do you see it? Did you like the course of the story? Or do you also find everything rubbish that has happened in Warcraft lately?
This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
