A part of Generation Z is forced to decline jobs for one reason: they cannot afford the costs of uniforms and travel

The cost of living has been rising sharply for many months. The Generation Z is also affected. For many, this goes so far that even job offers are rejected because they don’t feel financially stable enough to take the upfront costs of a new job.

In the United Kingdom (UK), YouGov conducted the annual “The Prince’s Trust Natwest Youth Index”. Here, young people are surveyed annually on various aspects of their lives and work. A total of 2,000 individuals aged 16 to 25 participated.

In particular, many young people feel more financially insecure than ever. In some cases, this goes so far that not only are meals skipped, but jobs are also refused because the necessary equipment cannot be afforded.

Start video
Students spy on passersby with hidden cameras and AI, find name and address in seconds

10% of Generation Z declines a job offer because they cannot afford the startup costs

Among young people who are unemployed, about 5% of the participants state that they have rejected a job because they cannot afford the costs of starting work. These include costs for rent, commuting, or a mandatory uniform.

The rejection rates for such job offers rise even more depending on the group: 9% of individuals from poorer backgrounds decline job offers due to high costs, and among those classified as “NEET”, it is even 10%.

NEET is an acronym for “Not in Education, Employment or Training”: It refers to young adults who are not attending school, are not working, and are not in vocational training.

The rising cost of living triggers a feeling of anxiety about the future among young people while simultaneously limiting their career prospects. Their overall financial worries are even greater. In the YouGov survey, they say:

  • 49% of respondents believe that rising living costs affect their well-being more than the Corona pandemic.
  • More than half (53%) believe they will never be financially secure because everything is becoming more expensive.
  • Due to the cost of living, one-third of young people (34%) report that financial worries are worsening their mental health. Among the so-called NEET, it is even 44% who have this concern.

Many young people fear for their financial future. Many do not feel like adults at the age of 18 because they lack financial security. For many young people, this also means that they are already starting to save for their retirement in 30 or 40 years. And this is an exciting development: While Baby Boomers according to a survey about adulthood only started saving at 34, respondents of Gen Z say they would start at 22.

Generation Z, aside from criticism, faces two major problems. On one hand, rents are becoming increasingly expensive, and on the other hand, they don’t want to accept any job just to earn money. And this is not well-received by older generations, who refer to their own life paths: Gen Z is currently facing two major problems, one of which they cannot solve without help

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

„A Disaster“ – Player finds the one friend with whom you never want to play Baldur’s Gate 3 in Co-Op

The Co-Op in Baldur’s Gate 3 allows players to experience the title from start to finish together with friends. This can foster a strong team spirit, wild experiences, and funny moments. However, one player had to realize that the joint run with a friend was not the best idea for their friendship.

What is he upset about? The player Ancient_Elk532 reports on Reddit about a rather sobering gaming experience he had with a friend in Baldur’s Gate 3: “Playing Baldur’s Gate 3 with a competitive amateur friend is a DISASTER.”

What initially sounds like a jab at his friend’s skills is completely turned around with each line of his experience report. The player (abbreviated as “Elk” in this article) describes that he started the game for the fifth time, while it was his friend’s first time. Elk explained to him that it was a story-oriented RPG, where you don’t have to min-max everything to finish. However, his friend apparently had a different idea of fun in gaming.

Here you see the trailer for Baldur’s Gate 3:

Start video
Baldur’s Gate 3 is coming to PS5 – Trailer prepares for console release

The min-max craze nearly ruined the friendship

What ruined the friends’ co-op experience? Elk reports that his friend, who played a ranger himself, constantly complained about his wizard, stating that the class was “useless” and generally a “shit class”. He should have chosen a barbarian or fighter instead.

When Elk’s wizard became significantly stronger in the second act of the game, his friend calmed down a bit, but as soon as something went wrong, Elk was the problem. Elk reminded him that it was a PvE game and that there was no reason to act that way, but the behavior persisted until the third act of the game, where they ultimately had to quit the run.

How did the player handle his friend’s behavior? “It wasn’t even about min-maxing or playstyle, but that he seemed to desperately need to prove something,” Elk explains in his post, “He unfairly berated me and acted as if he, as a newbie, knew the game better than I, the experienced player.”

Elk was shocked by the sudden change in his friend’s behavior, who is otherwise a really nice guy in real life. He doesn’t know if his friend’s selfish attitude has deeper reasons, but he cannot tolerate such toxic gaming behavior.

“Of course, no one is perfect,” Elk adds, “but that almost made me question his ‘character.'”

How is the community reacting to this experience? Other players expressed their own opinions under the post:

  • joe-re says: “You can still be friends, you can still have fun together, but don’t do anything together where you both have different ideas of fun. And don’t think too much about it.”
  • WakeoftheStorm comments: “I can’t play Monopoly with my wife. But that doesn’t stop us from being married. Playing Monopoly, however, does.”
  • The_Derpy_Rogue has a potential explanation for this experience: “Sounds like you’re playing with Minthara…” – Elk compares his friend more to Wulbren Bongle.

The group of a MeinMMO author plays Baldur’s Gate 3 as co-op in Honor mode, and so far without disputes or (too) bad decisions. They have also made it to the third act of the game, but an initially inconspicuous opponent caused a lot of stress: A cursed imp punished my greed in Baldur’s Gate 3

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

A new fantasy movie is already more successful than some of the biggest movies of recent years and could be among the top 7 of all time.

China is a revenue-rich country for cinema, regularly producing hits that many have not even heard of or that only land on streamers. Since January 29, 2025, a fantasy animated film has been running in China, which has even surpassed the movie about Super Mario and Barbie, even though it has not yet been released worldwide.

Which film is it? Ne Zha 2 is the sequel to a Chinese animated film from 2019. The films are loosely based on Chinese mythology and Investiture of the Gods. It is about the friends Ne Zha and Ao Bing, who grow up as mystical counterparts.

The film is such a huge success in China that it can compete with international hits in terms of numbers. It even broke the record for the highest earnings in a single country. According to koimoi.com, the film has already grossed over 1.55 billion US dollars after 18 days, making it one of the highest-grossing films of all time, even though it has only had a limited release in other countries besides China.

Image rights of Avatar belong to James Cameron, Disney, and 20th Century Fox

You can find a trailer for Ne Zha 2 here:

Start video
Ne Zha 2 – Trailer for the Chinese animated film

Ne Zha 2 would have been the highest-grossing film of 2023, continuing to rise

How successful is over 1.55 billion US dollars? For comparison, one can look at the year 2023, during which hits like Barbie, The Super Mario Bros Movie, or Oppenheimer were released. Barbie was the highest-grossing film of 2023, with over 1.4 billion US dollars.

With these numbers, Ne Zha 2 is currently the third-highest-grossing animated film of all time, surpassed only by The Lion King (2019) and Inside Out 2. The latter currently tops the list with nearly 1.7 billion US dollars (via Box Office Mojo).

The run of Ne Zha 2 is not over yet. It’s quite likely that the film will also surpass Inside Out 2. The film has only had a limited release in the USA so far, and other countries are likely to follow. Sites like Collider or KoiMoi even see a chance that the film will break the legendary 2 billion mark. Only 6 films have achieved that so far:

  • Avatar (2.9 billion US dollars)
  • Avatar: The Way of Water (2.3 billion US dollars)
  • Titanic (2.2 billion US dollars)
  • Avengers: Infinity War (2 billion US dollars)
  • Avengers: Endgame (2.7 billion US dollars)
  • Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2 billion US dollars)

How likely is that? As CNN reports, Ne Zha 2 is currently a big phenomenon in China. Due to the current situation, fewer films from other countries are coming to China, and Ne Zha 2 benefits from that. The release timing around the Chinese New Year holiday was also a good start for the film.

Internationally, the film, especially if it remains a limited release, is unlikely to be as successful, yet the film could still increase its earnings significantly. Especially in China, the film seems to be performing well. Nevertheless, it will likely be challenging to break the 2 billion mark.

Even if Na Zha 2 does not reach the next milestone, the film shows what a strong and important market China is for the film industry. China invests heavily and regularly releases big films. Among them was the sci-fi hit The Wandering Earth: On Netflix, you can watch a massive sci-fi film about humanity fleeing from the sun

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

In the new Game of Thrones game, you fight powerful monsters – even the deadliest dragon of the series

Game of Thrones: Kingsroad is set to be released in 2025. Now there is a new insight into the game, showing powerful enemies.

What kind of game is this? Kingsroad is supposed to be an open-world RPG for mobile platforms developed by Netmarble. You will take on your own character who must navigate through Westeros.

Apparently, we will encounter the White Walkers and must defend ourselves against them. But many other familiar faces from the series will also be represented in the game.

A further insight has now been released, showcasing battles against various boss opponents. It almost has a Monster Hunter feel to it, as you will encounter one creature or another in Westeros that wants to take you down. You can see what these battles look like here in the video:

Start video
Game of Thrones Kingsroad shows powerful monsters in the video

Drogon and other monsters from the world of Westeros

The video shows a group of fighters taking on the various monsters. In direct duels, it seems to be all about skillful dodging and timely strikes – as you want to avoid the dangerous attacks of the monsters.

The most prominent opponent in the video is the dragon Drogon. We know him from the series, as he is the largest dragon of Daenerys Targaryen. In the game, it seems he will not be on your side, as he appears as a field boss that must be fought.

Additionally, there are other monsters that also originate from the world of George R.R. Martin, but have not been seen until now.

  • The ice spider, for instance, has been described in the series and the book as a mount for the White Walkers. However, to this day, they are rather attributed to the realm of legends, as they have not appeared in either the book or the series.
  • The “Red Cockatrice” is seen in the video, a kind of mix between a dragon and a rooster. Such a creature is also depicted on the sigil of House Gargalen from the books.
  • We see a unicorn, which in Westeros is not a horse, but a type of goat with a huge horn.
  • A griffin is also seen, which are likewise legendary figures in the world of Game of Thrones.

In the game, you will now have the opportunity to face them for the first time.

When does the story of Kingsroad take place? According to the current status, the game starts in the middle of the series. King Baratheon is dead, the Lannisters are on the throne, Stannis is gathering his troops, and a threat is brewing behind the Wall that humanity is not ready for.

This is where the game begins – accordingly, you will have the opportunity to encounter many characters from the series and the books. Thus, some of the best swordsmen in Game of Thrones will certainly appear. The game is set to be released in 2025, but there is no exact release window yet.

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

MontanaBlack explains why Twitch streamer Tanzverbot is still waiting for the €1,000 from the bet he urgently needs

The Twitch streamer Marcel “MontanaBlack” Eris and Kilian “Tanzverbot” Heinrich made a bet in 2024, which Tanzverbot was able to win. Now it’s about settling the bet debts. This is allegedly failing because Tanzverbot has not been online for quite some time.

Why does Tanzverbot need the 1,000 euros? At the end of 2023, Tanzverbot desperately reached out to his community: He is broke, had thoughtlessly spent most of his money, and now has debts with the tax office.

Then MontanaBlack indirectly offered him his help. He made a bet with the 28-year-old that if he would stream a total of 14 times live on Twitch in September 2024, he would give him 1,000 euros.

Of course, 1,000 euros will not cover all of the Twitch streamer’s debts, but it would at least be a start in the right direction. Additionally, the bet serves as a great motivation for Tanzverbot to stream more often and to gradually pay off his debts with more money.

That Tanzverbot actually managed to stream 14 times in September 2024 is remarkable. Initially, it was still critical whether he would really succeed.

In the video, Tanzverbot talks about his difficult past:

Start video
Twitch streamer Tanzverbot talks about his difficult past, still regrets his lack of education

MontanaBlack has no way to hand over the money

Why hasn’t the debt been settled yet? In a stream, from which a clip was uploaded on YouTube, MontanaBlack commented on the current situation of the betting debts. He says that he would have liked to gift Tanzverbot the 1,000 euros either in subs on Twitch or hand them over in cash at his winter event. Unfortunately, Tanzverbot has neither been online in recent months, nor was he a guest at the event.

According to MontanaBlack, he has not had the opportunity to publicly hand over the money until now.

Reacting to an “excuse” from the chat, MontanaBlack responds sarcastically: “Yeah, sure, it’s an excuse. I’m trying to scam my homie out of 1,000 euros because I’m not doing so well. The 1,000 euros are extremely important to me; I want to keep them for myself.”

What is the current status of Tanzverbot? Tanzverbot has not been seen in public for several months. He last briefly reached out at the beginning of February and made it clear that he is not doing well: The 28-year-old wanted to get out of debt with Twitch – Says after 4 months of pause: “I have nothing left in life”

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

A new MMORPG with stunning graphics launches this week, reveals the starting classes

The MMORPG Legend of Ymir will launch in a few days in South Korea. Along with this, the 4 classes for the game’s launch have now been presented.

What kind of game is this? Legend of Ymir is an MMORPG being developed by the South Korean studio WeMade for PC and Mobile. The game aims to shine not only through its setting in Norse mythology but also through its graphics, utilizing Unreal Engine 5.

In the past, great PvP battles and siege fights have also been announced for the game, as well as a rich story and various activities such as jump & run puzzles and fishing.

The release of the South Korean version is set for February 20, 2025. In line with this, the developer has now introduced the 4 classes with which the game will launch.

Start video
Legend of Ymir 5 Minutes Gameplay Trailer

Typical classes of an MMORPG

What classes are there in the game? The first of the 4 classes that players can start with in the game is the Berserker. He is the classic tank, armed with sword and shield, and is primarily meant to absorb damage and hold aggro.

The second class, the Skald, is a typical support class. With the help of her harp, with which she plays songs and recites poems, she can perform healing and revivals as well as provide her group with buffs.

Völva is the third presented class. This is a mage who is meant to deal damage. She draws on elemental powers such as fire and ice.

The last presented class is the Warlord, who deals damage in close combat. He uses 2 spears, one in each hand. He is also supposed to have a few abilities that allow him to deal damage from a distance.

A video has been uploaded for each of the 4 classes, where you can see the classes in action briefly. You can find these on the developer’s YouTube channel.

Is the game only being released in South Korea? In addition to the South Korean version of the game, a global version has also been announced. Originally, the South Korean version was supposed to be released in 2024, and the global version in 2025.

When exactly the global version of the game will be released is not officially known yet.

While Legend of Ymir is set to be released in just a few days, there are also other MMORPGs that have been on the market for many years and still enjoy players today. Among the most well-known representatives of the genre, there is a mechanic that players do not accept as well anymore: Once celebrated in WoW, now the community considers it trash.

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

Path of Exile 2 finally brings the feature everyone has been waiting for since week 1

The developers of Path of Exile 2 have introduced a new feature that will greatly ease the storage spaces for the community.

What kind of feature is this? Since the first players reached the endgame of Path of Exile 2 in week 1, their inventories have been filled with maps. The Waystones, as the maps are called in the ARPG, are an important part of the game, but they have also blocked players’ storage spaces and taken up a lot of room.

There was no way to simply sort the Waystones into a tab, as was still possible in the predecessor. With the new patch 0.1.1D, this has changed. From now on, there is also a storage tab for maps in Path of Exile 2, but it is not free.

Here you can see how the bosses in the ARPG are created:

Start video
Path of Exile 2: The new trailer reveals how the bosses of the action RPG come into being

Such convenience doesn’t come free

Why is the storage tab so important? The map storage tab sorts your collected Waystones from the inventory directly into a tab of the respective tier with just one click. Additionally, each tier can have sub-tabs that you can set up and sort as you wish. With the new storage tab, you can store a total of 576 Waystones.

In an example video on X.com, the developers have created a tab where the rare maps are sorted and offered directly for sale. You can also sell directly from the new map storage.

How much does the new feature cost? Like all other special storage tabs in Path of Exile 2, the new map tab is not free. In the shop on PathofExile.com, the upgrade regularly costs 150 points, which corresponds to about 15 €. However, there is currently an offer where you can get the tab for about 12 €.

However, all gamers who purchased the unlock in the predecessor are lucky. The unlock applies to the entire account and both games, so the feature is free for many veterans.

Many players have wondered from the beginning why the developers did not include this feature at release. The fact that it is coming now in Season 1 has pleased players in the comments on X.com and Reddit.

However, there is also criticism regarding the lack of slots for the tablets that are used to enhance other maps in specific locations on the endgame map of PoE2. The developers have not commented on the absence of these slots. On the battlefield, another player is struggling with a space issue: Player summons 46 minions, which must make Path of Exile 2 look really bad

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

Monster Hunter Wilds 2. Open Beta: All Important Information on Time, Multiplayer and Content

Fans have been eagerly waiting since the first beta of Monster Hunter Wilds for a new way to play the highly anticipated new title once again in advance. Finally, a second open beta has been announced that you can join soon.

When does the beta take place? The second open beta will occur in two phases:

  • The first phase took place from February 7, 2025, 4:00 AM to February 10, 3:59 AM
  • The second phase starts on February 14, 4:00 AM and ends due to an extension on February 18, 3:59 AM

Due to a PSN server outage, players on PlayStation were unable to participate in the beta on February 8. Therefore, Capcom decided to extend the period by 24 hours (via x.com).

Thus, the second beta phase now ends on February 18 at 3:59 AM instead of February 17. The extension applies to all platforms.

Update from February 17, 2025: The article has been structurally adjusted and updated to the latest beta phase.
Start video
Monster Hunter Wilds: Daisy Ridley explains the lore

All information about platforms, crossplay, and participation requirements

On which platforms does the beta take place? You can participate on all available platforms, including PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.

Do I need a PlayStation Plus or Game Pass subscription? Particularly this time, players without an existing PlayStation Plus or Game Pass subscription can also participate. However, this applies only to these two beta phases. If you want to continue playing online afterward, you will need to subscribe.

Is there a preload? Yes, the preload has been available since February 6, 2025, and is 23.66 GB in size (via x.com). You can download the beta in advance and start directly on February 7. If you have already downloaded the beta for the first phase, you can seamlessly use it for the next phase.

Can I play multiplayer with other players? Yes, in the beta you will also be able to play multiplayer.

Will there be crossplay? Crossplay will be possible, allowing you to play with friends on other platforms.

Can I create private lobbies? Yes, it will be possible to create private lobbies. You can invite up to 16 hunters by joining through a lobby ID search.

Can you play without a lobby? Yes, there will be a single-player mode. In this mode, you do not have to join a lobby and can pause the game. If you need help with a quest, you can still send out a distress signal.

These contents and bonuses await you in the beta

What can you play in the beta? The beta will include all the content that you already experienced in the first beta in November 2024. This content can also be seamlessly continued.

Are there new contents? Yes, in addition, you can face the monster Gypceros, known from previous titles, and the new flagship monster Arkveld.

A high-difficulty quest has been added for Arkveld, which will be available specifically for the beta. After completing the quest once, however, it will only appear very rarely. You can start it with Alma after you have completed the Doshaguma hunt.

Additionally, there will be a training area where you can test and practice various weapons in single-player mode. Also, the quantity of consumables in your possession will not decrease there. Note: The planned improvements and changes for the release are not part of the beta.

Which monsters can I hunt in the beta? You can face the following large monsters:

All monsters in Monster Hunter Wilds can be found in our comprehensive overview: Monster Hunter Wilds: All monsters in the list currently known

Can I also upgrade and forge my equipment in the beta? No, in the beta version you can only choose from some ready-made sets and assemble them. There is also only one version of each weapon type.

What participation bonuses are there? You can also secure the participation bonuses for the full game. These consist of a decorative in-game pendant with a cute Palico and a new item bonus package with the following contents:

  • Raw meat x10
  • Shock trap x3
  • Pitfall trap x3
  • Stun bomb x10
  • Large barrel bomb x3
  • Armor sphere x5
  • Lightning capsule x10
  • Large dung capsule x10

Note that you can only receive these bonuses once. So if you participate in both phases, you will receive the item bonus package only once. If you already participated in the first beta in November 2024, you can claim this item package in addition to the one you have already secured. Additionally, you must play the beta on the same platform you own the full version on.

Data transfer to the full version

Can I use my save file at release? Yes and no, you can only carry over your character creation data. This way, you can start directly with your finished hunter and Palico at release. Progress and items will not be transferred.

What could go wrong? There is a bug that occurred in the first beta. It made it impossible to load your character onto the server after revising it and closing the game without selecting the saved data.

It is also possible that some design elements in the finished game may not look 100% the same as in the beta version.

Can I revise my character again? Yes, you can revise your characters again. You should then make sure to start the game again with your “new” character so that it can be successfully transferred before closing the game.

Do I have to participate in the second beta if I have already transferred my data in the first? If you participated in the first beta and the mentioned bug occurred for you, you should participate in the second beta so that your character can be transferred smoothly.

The first beta was a huge success. However, you might have missed out on some things. We have compiled 10 hidden things for you to keep an eye out for in the upcoming beta: Monster Hunter Wilds: 10 hidden features that you might easily miss in the beta

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

The 10 strongest opponents in Dungeons & Dragons in the Power Ranking

In the multiverse of Dungeons & Dragons, a variety of creatures can make life very hard for adventurers and heroes. MeinMMO has selected 10 of the strongest physical beings that you can incorporate into your next session.

How were the opponents ranked? For our ranking, we focused on those opponents that are literally the strongest. So this mainly concerns their strength score (STR) and their challenge rating (CR). Additionally, we made sure that there is something for different CR calibers.

[toc]

We referred to the 5th Edition rulebooks of Dungeons & Dragons, considering the new Monster Manual, which is set to be released on February 18, 2025. We limited ourselves to the following books:

  • Core Rulebook (2014)
  • Monster Manual (2014)
  • Monster Manual (2024)

What does the challenge rating (CR) mean? The CR value indicates what level a group of 4 well-equipped and rested characters should have to reasonably confront the respective creature without deaths. It is meant to provide a rough estimate of how difficult the challenge is for the group of players that a game master oversees.

In the movie Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves, the heroes also face some strong opponents:

Start video
Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves – Second Official Trailer for the Movie

10th place: Abominable Yeti

Image rights belong to Wizards of the Coast
  • Strength score: 24
  • CR: 9
  • Alignment: Chaotic evil
  • Type: Huge monstrosity
  • English name: Abominable Yeti
  • Found in: Monster Manual (2014 & 2024)

The abominable yeti is a larger and more brutal version of the normal yeti. It is always hunting for prey to devour and is constantly indulging in its bloodlust. Abominable yetis live in icy ruins or in the abandoned caves of other monsters and can track their prey for days before finishing them off with heavy ice blocks.

While normal yetis have a strength score of 18, the abominable yeti has a score of 24, giving it a modifier of +7 on skill and saving throws that are based on this attribute.

With a CR of 9, it is a good option for many campaigns to provide a suitable challenge at mid-level and bring players into threatening situations with raw power.

This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
Source(s):
  1. DnD Beyond
  2. The Gamer

In the past, the system was celebrated in WoW, now the community considers it trash

Heirlooms in World of Warcraft used to be all the rage. Now they are outdated and the whole system is no longer usable.

There are plenty of systems in World of Warcraft that have become a bit dusty over the years. One of them is definitely the heirloom system. It used to be popular, and the items were used regularly. Nowadays, the community agrees: it is not only unnecessarily complicated, but also a waste of time and gold.

Start video
3 absurde Bugs, die in WoW passiert sind

What kind of equipment is this? Heirloom equipment has a long tradition in World of Warcraft. These are items that you store in your collection and can then use with every new character. The interesting part: the items scale with the character’s level. So if you are leveling a twink, they will, in theory, always have appropriate gear and won’t need to change it until just before reaching the maximum level.

Back then, there were additional bonuses on the items, such as a hefty XP buff that accelerated leveling. This was replaced over the years by other bonuses that provide only a small advantage in combat or extend the rest bonus.

What is the problem with heirlooms? Heirlooms have not only lost most of their utility in recent years, but have also become increasingly expensive. Specifically, the changes are as follows:

  • Heirlooms no longer grant a bonus on received XP. This was removed when the leveling speed in the game was increased anyway.
  • Heirlooms needed to be upgraded after each expansion. They initially only scale up to level 30 – for every additional 10 levels, an upgrade is required, which can cost several thousand gold.
  • Heirlooms are now often significantly worse than gear from other sources – such as quests or dungeons.

Those who want a complete set of heirlooms have to pay several tens of thousands of gold and probably spend a long time dealing with the upgrade system to manually bring the items to the desired level piece by piece.

This is what the community thinks: The topic is actively discussed in the WoW Subreddit. Many mourn the heirlooms in their old form:

  • “Heirlooms were so great back then, now they are just useless.” – susejesus
  • “This is just a waste of gold now. Barely helps with leveling anymore.” – gaz8600
  • “Since the XP bonus was removed, they are useless.” – dahid
  • “I only use them so I can keep my transmog and don’t have to reapply it after every dungeon.” – undoingneptune94

How could this be fixed? There are a few ideas in the comments on how to make heirlooms more attractive again. Some of the summarized suggestions include:

  • The base price for heirlooms should be higher, but the upgrades should be removed. The heirlooms scale on their own up to the current expansion.
  • Heirlooms need to be equal in value to dungeon loot during leveling again.

Generally, there seems to be a consensus that heirlooms in their current state no longer serve a real purpose. They are an old system that is slowly being forgotten by many – which is a shame because many have spent hundreds of thousands of gold pieces on their collection.
While heirlooms have become weaker, tanks have become more powerful – and soon even stronger!

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

Dead by Daylight: The 10 Best Perks for Survivors

To survive safely in Dead by Daylight, we present to you the best perks for survivors. With these, you are equipped against any killer!

Those new to Dead by Daylight may be overwhelmed by the sheer variety of possible perks. To give you a good overview of which perks are particularly rewarding and helpful in many situations, we present our list of the top 10 perks in Dead by Daylight for survivors.

Update: This article was updated on February 17, 2025, and reflects the changes in Dead by Daylight 8.5.2.

Start video
Dead by Daylight: Dungeons & Dragons brings the wicked lich Vecna

How to unlock perks: To unlock perks, you need to invest blood points into the blood web of a character and thereby unlock new levels in the web and consequently new perks. Keep in mind that every survivor has three “unique” perks. For these perks to appear for other survivors, you must first unlock them on the original owner. This is done through the prestige system.

At prestige levels 1, 2, and 3, you unlock all of the character’s perks for everyone else at levels 1, 2, and 3, respectively. You reach a prestige level once you have fully developed a character’s blood web up to level 50.

Check the Shrine of Secrets: Alternatively, it’s also worth regularly looking into the “Shrine of Secrets.” There, you can buy four randomly selected perks for blood shards each week. This skips the unlocking of the teachable perk (for instance, if you don’t own a survivor).

[toc]

The Top 10 Perks for Survivors in Dead by Daylight

We evaluate the following perks at their highest level (3). At lower levels, many perks significantly lose their value and should only be used out of lack of alternatives. The list is current as of Patch 7.6.2.

Are you more of a killer player? Here are the 10 best perks for killers!

1. Windows of Opportunity

Learnable by: Kate Denson

Windows of Opportunity is sometimes dismissed by certain players as a noob perk, but its usefulness is unquestionable. The effect is simple yet extremely valuable:

Within 32 meters, the player sees all breakable walls, pallets, windows, and other climbing opportunities displayed as an aura.

This gives you a perfect overview of where the next opportunity is to escape the killer for a little longer. A small but fine side effect is that the position of the killer can occasionally be determined. For instance, if a pallet disappears from the aura view, you can be sure that the killer just destroyed it.

However, keep in mind that the perk has a certain dark side. If you become too accustomed to using this perk, you will become blind to the normal positions of pallets that most players simply remember over time.

2. Kindred

Learnable by: Standard

Kindred was massively overhauled some time ago and now demonstrates its usefulness in more situations. Therefore, it is one of the top perks for information gathering for survivors.

Kindred ensures that all other survivors can see the aura of all survivors when your character is on the hook. Additionally, the killer’s aura is shown to all survivors when he is within 16 meters of the hook.

Since the overhaul, Kindred also functions for the user when another survivor has been hooked. In that case, only you see the aura of all other survivors and the killer (within 16 meters). This allows you to make smart decisions and quickly determine whether you should rescue the other survivors or whether someone else is already on their way.

3. Déjà Vu

Learnable by: Standard

The auras of the 3 generators that are closest to each other are permanently displayed to you. You repair 6% faster as long as you are working on one of the three revealed generators.

This perk is simple yet highly effective. Survivors frequently find themselves in a 3-gen situation where the killer finds it particularly easy to protect generators that are close to each other. With this perk, you can prevent that and always know which generators are particularly close together.

Especially cool: You always repair the last generator with the 6% bonus.

Dead by daylight Jane Romero Cannibal titel title 1280x720

4. Lithe

Learnable by: Feng Min

Lithe ensures that after a hasty jump through a window or over a pallet, you enter a sprint for 3 seconds that increases your movement speed to 150%. After that, exhaustion is triggered for 40 seconds. As long as exhaustion is active, you cannot benefit from Lithe.

Windows and pallets are already a promising way to gain some distance from the killer. Together with Lithe, however, the distance gained is often so great that you can frequently escape completely from the killer’s line of sight before he is even capable of climbing through the window.

Note that Lithe causes exhaustion and can therefore conflict with other perks of this kind.

5. Resilience

Learnable by: Standard

Resilience increases your action speeds for various actions as long as you are injured. In that case, your speed for repairing, healing, sabotaging, unhooking, vaulting, blessing, and opening is increased by 9%.

The effect ends once you are fully healed and begins again when you suffer another injury.

Experienced players who don’t mind being injured can make perfect use of this perk to significantly repair faster and finish the match quickly.

6. Iron Will

Learnable by: Jake Park

Iron Will is simple and clear: When you are injured, you do not groan in pain and therefore do not draw attention to yourself.

Typically, it is much easier for a killer to track a survivor who is already injured. The groans of pain give a relatively precise indication of where the survivor is and make it easy to catch them.

Iron Will completely suppresses this. At least as long as you are not using a perk that causes exhaustion. Because as long as exhaustion is active, this perk is suppressed, even though it does not trigger exhaustion itself.

7. Bond

Learnable by: Dwight Fairfield

A simple but strong aura-reading ability. As long as other survivors are within a radius of 36 meters around you, you can see the aura of these survivors.

This is extremely useful, as you can not only see the locations of your allies but often also guess what they are currently doing. If someone is crouching by a generator, you know where that generator is and can help (or search for another generator). However, if someone is running around in a panic, they are probably being chased by the killer and should perhaps be avoided. And if someone is limping, they urgently need healing and you should come closer.

8. Flashbang

Learnable by: Leon S. Kennedy

This perk is especially suitable for experienced players who are also familiar with flashlights. After you have repaired a generator for several seconds, you can climb into a locker and create a flashbang (as long as you don’t have an item in hand). You can then detonate the grenade to throw it to the ground and create a bright flash of light that blinds all players in line of sight. Killers will drop survivors they are carrying, similar to being blinded by a flashlight.

9. Off the Record

Learnable by: Zarina

Whenever you are rescued from the hook (or free yourself), this perk activates for a whopping 80 seconds and causes several effects:

  • Your aura is suppressed and not shown to the killer.
  • Pain sounds caused by injuries are completely suppressed (they are 100% quieter).
  • You gain the “Condition” status and therefore do not go down on the next hit.

The effects of the perk end prematurely if the exit gates have already been powered – in that case, the match is pretty much over anyway, and the escape is as good as secured.

10. We’ll Make It

Learnable by: Standard

Every time you free another survivor from a meat hook, this perk activates for a solid 90 seconds and increases the speed at which you perform altruistic actions by 100%.

This means you can heal other survivors in half the time. This is particularly valuable when multiple allies are injured. That way, you need only a few moments to get the whole team back on their feet. Especially in a team setting, it is worth coordinating a bit about who should rescue others to maximize the benefits of this perk.

Many perks help you escape much longer.

Additional Useful Perks for Survivors

Even though the following perks do not belong to the top 10, they are still useful and can help in many situations. If you have not unlocked the previously mentioned perks yet, these can also serve you well:

Balanced Landing

Learnable by: Nea Karlson

When falling from a great height, this is often a moment when the killer catches up and is sure to hit. However, with the perk Balanced Landing, that’s not the case. You recover 75% faster from the landing and even enter a sprint for several seconds afterward. Even better: You do not make any noise while falling.

Note that every landing triggers exhaustion, and the sprint will not activate if you are already affected by exhaustion.

Resurgence

Learnable by: Jill Valentine

This perk is simple but will often save your life. Whenever you are rescued from the hook (or free yourself), you already receive 70% of the necessary healing. This allows your rescuer to complete the final healing within seconds, and you can make your escape before the killer even has the chance to get back near the hook.

This perk is of course useful only if you do get caught – but it serves as a solid life insurance.

Lightweight

Learnable by: Standard

If you’re already good at shaking off the killer, Lightweight makes it even easier. This perk ensures that the scratch marks visible only to the killer appear over a much larger radius. This makes it harder for the killer to accurately determine where you ran off to. As if that weren’t annoying enough, the perk also drastically reduces the duration for which your scratch marks are shown.

Deliverance

Learnable by: Adam Francis

Especially as a solo player, it can sometimes be difficult to rely on team members. It often happens that the potential rescuer is being chased by the killer, leaving you to rot on the hook. With Deliverance, you can avoid this and free yourself from the hook once. You will then suffer for 60 seconds from a condition that makes healing impossible – but that’s a good deal if you would have already reached the next victim phase instead.


Of course, there are many perks outside of those presented that are useful in various situations. There is no “one right” playstyle in Dead by Daylight. But at least with the perks mentioned above, you can hardly go wrong. They form a solid basic selection to evade most killers for at least a while.

Which perks do you always play as a survivor? Are you more of an “action” or “stealth” player? If you need more blood points, it might be worth checking out the codes to redeem in Dead by Daylight.

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

Pokémon GO: Xerneas Counters – The 20 Best Attackers for the Legendary Boss

The 20 best counters for Xerneas in Pokémon GO summarized with the best movesets. This will allow you to defeat the legendary boss. The counters are up to date as of August 2024.

When does Xerneas come back? From February 17, 2025, you will find Xerneas again in Pokémon GO. It will remain until September 24.

We will show you the best counters against Xerneas and what types it is weak to (type effectiveness).

Xerneas Counters in Raid – Use these attackers

The best counters: Xerneas itself is a Fairy type and is boosted in cloudy weather. This means for you that attackers with Steel or Poison attacks will be effective. In the following overview, we will show you the best counter Pokémon and the moves they should ideally have.

  1. Necrozma – Dusk Mane with Metal Claw and Steel Beam
  2. Shadow Metagross with Bullet Punch and Meteor Mash
  3. Mega Gengar with Lick and Sludge Bomb
  4. Metagross with Bullet Punch and Meteor Mash
  5. Shadow Excadrill with Metal Claw and Iron Head
  6. Mega Rayquaza with Air Slash and Hurricane
  7. Necrozma – Dawn Wings with Metal Claw and Shadow Ball
  8. Anego with Poison Jab and Sludge Bomb
  9. Mega Beedrill with Poison Jab and Sludge Bomb
  10. Shadow Gengar with Lick and Sludge Bomb
  11. Dialga with Metal Claw and Iron Head
  12. Dialga (Origin Form) with Metal Claw and Iron Head
  13. Melmetal with Thunder Shock and Armor-Fist
  14. Mega Aggron with Iron Tail and Heavy Slam
  15. Mega Scizor with Bullet Punch and Iron Head
  16. Genesect with Metal Claw and Magnet Bomb
  17. Agoyon with Poison Jab and Sludge Bomb
  18. Excadrill with Metal Claw and Iron Head
  19. Shadow Ho-Oh with Steel Wing and Brave Bird
  20. Jirachi with Charge Beam and Wish

What moves does Xerneas have? As a fast move, Xerneas can learn Tackle (Normal) or Zen Headbutt (Psychic). With an Elite TM, it can also learn Geokinesis.

As a charge move, it can learn Hyper Beam (Normal), Moonblast (Fairy), Bug Buzz (Bug), Close Combat (Fighting), or Thunder (Electric).

Can you catch Shiny Xerneas? Yes, you can catch the shiny version of Xerneas in Pokémon GO. In the following graphic, we will show you what it looks like:

Pokémon-GO-Xerneas-Shiny

How many trainers are needed? If you attack with a group of 3 trainers and your teams consist of the counters mentioned above, you should not have any problems in the fight against Xerneas. If you have the optimal counters and they are at a high level, you can even defeat the monster with just 2 trainers.

Before the battle, you should ensure that you are using your best Pokémon. To avoid having to do this preparation multiple times, you can preorganize your raid teams and also save time in each individual raid lobby.

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

Fortnite: Be sure to enable a setting to find your opponents more easily

Keeping track in Fortnite can sometimes be damn difficult. But a very simple setting in the game’s audio options can give you an advantage.

Update, February 17, 2025: The article has been reviewed and is up to date.

You surely know this if you regularly play Fortnite or other battle royale titles: You are sneaking around a house and suddenly hear the sound of a chest hidden somewhere in the house. Or you are wandering through open terrain and suddenly notice a shot in the distance, approaching enemies or vehicles whizzing by on some nearby road.

But where exactly are they: One doesn’t always realize this just by listening.

In fact, there is a setting in Fortnite that can really help you. The “Sound Visualization” was introduced years ago, but if you haven’t looked closely at the game’s settings, it may well have gone unnoticed by you until now.

We will show you how to activate it and how it can help you.

Start video
Fortnite: Chapter 6 – Season 1 showcases its new skins and Godzilla in the gameplay trailer

How to use audio visualization in Fortnite

Here’s where you can find the setting: Just go to the general settings menu of Fortnite and there into the “Sound” tab. Scroll down a bit in the “Sound” section until you find the option “Visualize Sound Effects”. Simply switch the toggle there – and you’re done.

This is what it looks like in the menu:

Fortnite setting audio

Things to keep in mind: If you use audio visualization, you will lose a lot of the spatial sound in Fortnite. You can still hear everything, but especially if you use a headset, you will notice a difference. If this bothers you a lot, visualization may not be for you.

What does the setting do? Once you have activated the function, various sound sources in the match will be displayed in a small circle around your character.

An example: If you are in a house and there is a chest nearby, you will see a small chest icon in the corresponding direction. This way, you quickly find out where the chest is hidden. The closer you get to the chest, the clearer the icon becomes.

Here are a few examples of what that might look like:

Fortnite audio visualization

What sound sources are displayed? There are numerous different icons and representations for various sounds. Among others, you will see:

  • Enemies running nearby
  • Swimming enemies
  • Flying enemies
  • Players healing themselves
  • Approaching cars or boats
  • Icons for various animals, like frogs or wolves
  • Loot Llamas
  • Chests
  • Coolers
  • Shots nearby
  • A restart bus activation
  • Players using Spider-Man web shooters or similar grappling hooks
  • And more – there are representations for all possible sounds

What is the advantage? Of course, you can also just use normal sound to get an impression of your surroundings. But audio visualization not only gives you the hint that something is nearby, but also a good indication of where it is located.

It also presents certain things faster than you would grasp them by just listening. Particularly, the restart bus is displayed over very long distances while a team tries to activate it.

Finally, it gives you a quick, simple overview of things that you might not notice easily otherwise. For example, when the “players healing nearby” symbol is displayed, you can use it to launch a quick ambush or take cover when you see someone approaching. This gives you an advantage, especially in the new Chapter 6, Season 2 in Fortnite.

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

A new sci-fi shooter for Steam and PS5 looks like Doom in a cyberpunk universe, coming this May

In its first trailer, Metal Eden looks like Doom Eternal, but with cyberpunk instead of demons. The shooter is set to be released in May for Steam and PS5.

What kind of game is this? The Polish developer Reikon Games describes Metal Eden as an adrenaline-fueled sci-fi style first-person shooter. The first trailer already shows what that means and is strongly reminiscent of id Software’s Doom Eternal.

You can watch the reveal trailer for Metal Eden here:

Start video
Metal Eden: The first trailer for the new sci-fi shooter on Steam and PS5

What is the game about? Not much is known about the main story yet, but it seems to be a dark sci-fi tale with cyberpunk elements. You take on the role of Aska – a woman whose consciousness has been uploaded into a Hyper Unit. 

These Hyper Units are combat androids powered by something called a Phantom Core. Your task is to save the cores of the citizens of Moebius – an orbital city that has become a death trap.

A machine as nimble and deadly as the Doom Slayer

Why the comparison to Doom? Hyper Units are not only efficient killing machines – they are also very agile. In the trailer for Metal Eden, the protagonist is similarly bloody but even more agile than the Doom Slayer was in Doom Eternal. 

Aska can deftly dodge attacks and run along walls. She also has a grappling hook with which she can pull herself up on edges, and a jetpack. This allows her to master any parkour moves and quickly close the gap between herself and her enemies.

One ability allows Aska to rip the cores from robotic enemies. These can then be used as grenades, which gives you additional ammunition. This also resembles Doom Eternal, where enemies drop healing or ammunition depending on the finisher.

When is the game coming out? Metal Eden is set to be released on May 6, 2025, for PC on Steam as well as for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. With a release in early May, the game will launch just a few days before Doom: The Dark Ages, which is likely to be the biggest competition for the shooter. 

If you are primarily a fan of the fast gameplay in Doom Eternal, you might be better off with Metal Eden. The new Doom is said to feel very different in terms of pace, say the developers. You can read more about it here: In Doom Eternal, your Slayer was fast and nimble like a fighter jet – In the new Doom, you are as massive as a tank

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

Developers of Monster Hunter Wilds Explain Why There Is No New Weapon Type

In Monster Hunter Wilds, the proven weapon types are back. As with every new installment of the series, the question arises again whether there will ever be a new weapon type. Now the developers have commented on why this is not so easy.

What weapon types are there in Monster Hunter Wilds? In Monster Hunter Wilds, there are the tried-and-tested 14 weapon types that have accompanied the monster hunters for many years. This includes a wide range from brutal hammers to fast dual blades to bow guns, offering many types of players a suitable hunting tool. You can find a full overview of the weapons here: Monster Hunter Wilds: All 14 weapons at a glance

As with every new title in the series, the question again arises with the release of Monster Hunter Wilds whether there will ever be a new weapon type that takes a place alongside the 14 mainstays. However, there will also be no new weapon in this new installment. In an interview with PCGamesN, the developers explain why that is.

Start video
Monster Hunter Wilds Shows What It Has to Offer in Launch Trailer

“It’s a very difficult thing”

What reasons do the developers have? In the interview with PCGamesN, Game Director Yuya Tokuda and Producer Ryozo Tsujimoto are asked whether there will ever be a 15th weapon to choose from. While there was once an attempt in the MMORPG Monster Hunter Frontier to introduce new weapons with tonfas and magnet spikes, they have not appeared in any subsequent game since then (via monsterhunter.fandom.com).

In response to the interviewer’s question of whether there is no new weapon because Capcom is satisfied with the lineup or because other areas of development took priority, Game Director Tokuda replied:

When we start developing games like World and recently Wilds, we always consider whether it’s time to add another weapon type. It’s not off the table for any reason; it’s just that we never really decided that we wanted to do that for the last titles.

It’s a very difficult thing. With each title, we adjust all weapon types and maybe introduce new concepts for them and their relationships with each other, so they feel fresh. Additionally, we bring new depth to the game with new combos and moves. The resources and time needed for that have been utilized better since the last weapon to improve the entire lineup rather than just adding a new weapon.

Game Director of Monster Hunter Wilds Yuya Tokuda (Source: PCGamesN)

He continues by stating that when developing a game, they always focus on the overall concept and, above all, on the gameplay feel of each individual weapon. Therefore, the focus is mainly on providing players with an enhanced gameplay feel, which is why it is not so easy to design a weapon that would fit with the existing ones in this installment.

Nevertheless, the plan for the future is not completely off the table. Tokuda confirms that it would indeed be conceivable to introduce a new weapon if it really fits.

With 14 weapons, Monster Hunter already offers a wide range for players to enjoy. In the past, we asked you which weapon type is actually your favorite. And the results show a very clear trend that you like to make your hunters into anime heroes: We asked you about your favorite weapon in Monster Hunter Wilds and found out: You like to be anime heroes

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

„During this time, one could earn a doctorate“: Player builds a map in Minecraft for 13 years

In the time that other people are getting their doctorate, a Reddit user built his very own kingdom in Minecraft.

Who is this player? dancsa222, as he goes by on Reddit, presents in a post on r/gaming his Minecraft world: The Kingdom of Galekin. He started working on it on February 12, 2012, almost exactly 13 years ago.

Since then, he has continuously expanded the map with new details, complete areas, and cities. The community is celebrating his achievement.

Start video
Fan-made Minecraft trailer excites the audience!

While he works on his map, others have gotten married twice

The community on Reddit is thrilled. ToyMasamune writes in recognition of this achievement: “It’s amazing! I will compensate for these 13 years of dedication now: Have my upvote.”

kulero_conor reminds that dancsa222 could have spent his time far worse: “In this time, one could get a doctorate, but this is cooler.” A discussion develops about whether this achievement could actually help him in job hunting.

Other Reddit users know of cases where people have used their experience in EVE Online or World of Warcraft to get a job.

  • Strange Bedfellows: “EVE has been used to get jobs, I have seen it mentioned on EPRs [another user explains that this might refer to Enlisted Performance Reports].”
  • Sevrdhed: “In an interview, someone used the improvement of his WoW DPS as an example of how he solved problems. He got the job and proved to be a fantastic colleague, and we are still friends today.”

While dancsa 222 worked on this project, much has changed in the life of another Reddit user. 

  • polo1boss writes: “13 years? Bro, during this time I got married, got divorced, remarried, and learned how to fold a fitted sheet. But hey, your Minecraft kingdom looks dope!”

Do you want to see more of the world? dancsa222 also has a YouTube channel under the name Linard. There he shows his world in a video in even greater detail. He also makes it clear that he is far from done with this world.

Recommended editorial content

At this point you will find external content from YouTube that complements the article.

I consent to external content being displayed to me. Personal data can be transmitted to third party platforms. Read more about our privacy policy.
Link to the YouTube content

If you want to visit the Kingdom of Galekin yourself, you can even do so – for a small fee. Just check the description of the YouTube video.

For a short time, “Minecraft 2” was actually on the table. However, just a few days later, the developer rowed back. Why there will be no sequel is explained in this article: No, you’re not getting Minecraft 2 – Notch prefers to do something else

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

I outsmarted the competitive housing market in my favorite MMO with logic and math

The housing market in Final Fantasy XIV has been one of the most controversial in all currently playable MMORPGs for years. MyMMO author Sophia Weiß is a proud owner of a home in one of the most desirable neighborhoods there. How did she acquire it? With intelligence and math!

Unfortunately, if you want to own a house in Final Fantasy XIV, you need much more than just enough in-game currency. On the one hand, most plots are already in firm hands. On the other hand, new residential land is only sparingly unlocked. 

However, I have managed not only to secure one or even two, but a total of four houses for my Final Fantasy friends and me. And you can do that too. However, you need to understand how the system works. 

Start video
Final Fantasy XIV: Trailer for the big ‘Crossroads’ update

Bureaucracy comes before fun

To even qualify for a house purchase in Final Fantasy XIV, you must meet certain prerequisites in addition to possessing the required purchase price. Depending on whether you want a house for your free company aka guild or just for yourself, they differ. 

For company houses, you need to meet the following points:

  • The guild must have over 4 members and at least guild rank 6
  • Your character must have the authorization to purchase a plot; however, you must not have a guild house that is to be kept
  • Your character must have been in the free company for at least 30 days

Private houses are primarily intended for decorating and also a bit for showing off. For this, you need to meet the following prerequisites: 

  • Your character must be level 50 or higher
  • You must be at least a second storm lieutenant/snake priest/legion ensign in your state company
  • Your character must not own another plot that is to be kept

You can buy houses via a First Come, First Serve principle or via lottery. In the first case, it’s simply about being the first on site. In the second case, you need to proceed with a bit more system to have the best possible chances in the lottery. 

You can read how the purchasing process works on the official guide page of Square Enix. How do you choose the right house and secure it? This is how I did it.

Buying a house made easier

I organized the first house upon release of Shirogane, the Japanese-inspired district from the Stormblood expansion. Afterwards, I worked with my guild to devise a sprint for our dream house in one of the A-Realm-Reborn districts. For both houses, the rule back then was still that the first to come had the right to buy.  So our timing was the big challenge.

The crowning achievement is the two houses standing side by side in the sky city, the residential area in my favorite city Ishgard. Players unlocked these with the last endgame content for crafters and gatherers, by the way. 

These are the four little houses I’ve secured. You can enlarge the pictures by clicking:

For the first two houses, there was a simple strategy:

  • Choose desired house
  • Find the fastest running route
  • Strategically place character before the server downtime
  • Log in right at the server go live after the patch
  • Run the selected route as quickly as possible
  • Buy the house

The current lottery system takes the stress out of having to be online during the patch go live. Unfortunately, this almost always falls on a Tuesday morning, which is not a regular gaming time for workers and students in Germany. You don’t have to sprint to the plot anymore, either.

More on the topic
Final Fantasy XIV changes the housing and disappoints players – “My dream of having my own house is bursting”
von Tarek Zehrer

However, the lottery system requires system and effort in other respects:

Armed with a large notepad and pencil, I walked through the districts in the new sky city just a few hours before the lottery deadline and noted how many people had registered in which instance for my desired plot. 

Since two friends suggested securing a neighboring house, I looked for one for them as well. 

After about two hours, we could identify three districts where no one had applied for our almost houses so far. We agreed on one and threw our hats into the respective rings.  By this point, my head was already buzzing.

Only a few hours later, there was the result: We were happy owners of digital plots.

But why is the living space so limited and contested?

Intensified housing shortage where it shouldn’t be

You might think that there should be enough space in a video game for everyone to have their own home. If a game offers instanced housing, it is also quite simple. However, in Final Fantasy XIV, you don’t live alone, but in large neighborhoods. Everyone can decorate their own house with skins and decorate the garden.

However, this also means that during the loading of one of the many housing districts, not just one, but all houses must be loaded – including all decorations and individual changes.  This creates increased server load.

The number of available houses per server is thus limited to avoid overloading the servers. Although Square Enix continues to implement new districts, it will probably never be enough for one house per player or even character. Thus, a persistent intensified housing shortage prevails in one of the largest MMORPGs in the world. 

All current rules, such as the 45-day demolition timer, the limit of one house per character, and the lottery are measures to distribute living space among more, and above all, active players. 

Those who want, get – special requests unfortunately have to wait

My strategy requires a lot of time from a player. Naturally, not everyone is keen on that. Moreover, it works best when new districts have just been released. Then demand spreads over several hundred plots rather than concentrating on a few that have become available.

Anyone who wants a house in Final Fantasy XIV can get one. However, the personal dream house in a certain size in a great location will likely only be possible with newly released districts.

Would it be better if houses were more readily available? Of course. At the same time, the beautiful neighborhoods are indispensable to me.

This should in no way downplay the housing shortage in the game. It would be a dream if every player could have their own house. The developers of WoW are probably currently trying hard not to repeat the mistakes of Final Fantasy XIV to avoid ending up in a similar situation.

More on the topic
Blizzard promises to be better at housing in WoW than other MMORPGs
von Sophia Weiss

However, there is hope that Square Enix will revamp the housing system again. With the relatively freely available apartments, the team has already made a step in the right direction years ago. Perhaps they are also observing what the Blizzard team is currently doing and are looking at what can be adapted for a potential Refurbished Housing System

Whether that happens is currently uncertain. What is certain are the first new features that will come with Patch 7.2 at the end of March. In addition to a new endgame for collectors and crafters, there will of course also be a new main story in the wings. However, the star of the patch will probably be the new field expedition. You can read all currently known information here: Final Fantasy XIV will finally bring back the popular MMO content that everyone has been waiting for after a long content drought

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

In the new RPG of a lead from Witcher 3, you can ruin the whole game if you don’t watch your thirst for blood

Fans of Witcher 3 can look forward not only to a sequel but also to a new game from a lead quest designer of the celebrated role-playing game. This time, however, you are a vampire in an open world. In an interview, the former lead explains that they want to take a step further than in Witcher 3.

What game is it? The Blood of Dawnwalker is an action RPG with an open world and a dark vampire setting. For fans of The Witcher 3, it could be an exciting title, as the former game director of Witcher 3, Konrad Tomaszkiewicz, is working with his new studio, Rebel Wolves.

He is not the only former employee of CD Projekt Red. His brother, Mateusz Tomaszkiewicz, was the lead quest designer for Witcher 3. In a recent interview, he talks about the freedoms they want to enable and promises to go even further in one aspect than the popular role-playing game.

You can find a trailer for the game here:

Start video
The Blood of Dawnwalker: Cinematischer Trailer für das neue Action-RPG mit Vampiren

The game is supposed to be a narrative sandbox.

What does Mateusz Tomaszkiewicz say about Blood of Dawnwalker? In an interview with Games Radar, he spoke about the many possibilities they want to offer. He says they want to maximize the options for choices. This should not only focus on gameplay but also on storytelling. He says that this is their strength.

While there would be no endless possibilities because you play a fixed character, they want to develop a narrative sandbox that can lead quests in different directions and twists. As an example, he states that they allow players to kill many NPCs, including really important ones.

However, it is not clear whether this is limited to the story or if you can simply eliminate an important figure in the story at will.

Sometimes this can lead to alternative outcomes or even interrupt certain quest lines. And that is, of course, related to our other systems […] If you are a Dawnwalker, it means that during the night you have this blood hunger, which can cause these NPCs to die if you’re not careful.

Mateusz Tomaszkiewicz on Blood of Dawnwalker (Source: Games Radar)

Here he suggests that due to their nature as a vampire, you can also find yourself in difficult situations, and that you might do things that you regret after the night.

When is The Blood of Dawnwalker supposed to be released? So far, there is no known release date or timeframe. However, with the first trailer, they announced that the first gameplay reveal will take place in the summer of 2025. Fans will also have to wait a bit longer for The Witcher 4: Witcher 4 is proud of how it has redefined monsters – ‘A cunning bastard’

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

Sony releases remaster of 6-year-old zombie game, but players are asking: “Where are the differences?”

Sony likes to release remasters of their prestige titles for the current console. They have done this with several titles already. Initially, it seems irrelevant how old a game really is. In the latest State of Play, a new remaster was announced, but players are criticizing it.

Which game is it about? On February 12, 2025, Sony presented several games during a State of Play that will be released this year for the PS5. In addition to new franchises like the action game Tides of Annihilation, a new remaster was also showcased. This time it’s the zombie game Days Gone, which originally came out in 2019.

In the past, such instances have drawn criticism, as some players feel that games just a few years old do not need a remaster. This criticism seems to be flaring up again with Days Gone, especially since some comments argue that no difference can be seen.

The Last of Us Part 1 was also released by Sony as a remaster:

Start video
The Last of Us Part 1 Launch Trailer PS5

Players criticize that hardly any differences can be seen

What is being criticized? User Cycu1 has released a YouTube video comparing the first images of the remaster of Days Gone with the 2021 PC version. He shows various scenes and images for this.

In the comments, the differences are criticized, as many users say that hardly any can be seen:

  • @evgenyyurichev even finds the original better: Strange, I think the original looks much sharper.
  • @proxyon155 asks: Where are the differences?
  • @KalElKent821 is one of the few positive voices and is even looking forward to the remaster: Tbf Days Gone was already perfect. It’s hard to improve on that. Hopefully it’s now native 4K60. I’m glad to get haptics, even though I want to feel my bike!

Regarding the video, it must be noted that he is comparing it to the already upgraded version for PC and not the PS4 version released in 2019. Besides graphical changes like native 4K output and a 60 FPS mode, new content is also added:

  • Dualsense support
  • A new arcade survival mode
  • Permadeath mode
  • Speedrun mode

Additionally, players who own the original on PS4 only have to pay €10 for the new version, which comes out on April 25. However, if you have a physical disc and only the digital PS5, you cannot perform the upgrade.

Former Sony president believes remasters are reasonable

Sony remasters regularly face criticism. The remasters of The Last of Us 2, Until Dawn, and Horizon Forbidden West have also been criticized by some players. Often, players prefer new games over remasters. However, former Sony president Shūhei Yoshida has commented on this before.

He stated in January 2025 (via The Gamer) that he is sure that remasters are not developed instead of new games. He believes that nothing is sacrificed because other teams, in his view, are involved in these versions.

According to him, remasters help earn additional money, which balances out the large and expensive single-player games. Days Gone is among the brands that were also referenced in Astro Bot. However, the creative director of Days Gone was not pleased: Character from one of the best games for PS and Steam advertises a cute robot, but the developer hates that

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

10 Things that Monster Hunter Wilds Does Differently than Monster Hunter World 

Monster Hunter Wilds is based on its successful predecessor Monster Hunter World in many aspects. The developers have utilized the best features and made some improvements. MeinMMO presents the 10 biggest differences between the two titles.

Why does Monster Hunter Wilds follow the concept of World? Since Monster Hunter World was very well received by many players, they wanted to build on this success with Wilds. World made the series accessible to a wider range of different player types than many previous installments.

However, there are notable differences that distinguish Monster Hunter Wilds from its giant predecessor. MeinMMO has compiled the 10 largest differences for you.

[toc]

Start video
Monster Hunter Wilds: Gameplay Preview – Rompopolo

“Open World” with Camps vs. Central Hub with Maps

The biggest difference lies in the concept of the game world in Monster Hunter Wilds. In Monster Hunter World, there were two so-called hubs, places where you always returned. From them, you could accept and start quests or explorations, gather your group, prepare, and manage your room.

In Monster Hunter Wilds, there is no longer a single hub but several areas that you can freely and seamlessly explore and travel between. Each area has a base camp and several field camps that you can set up. You can also fast travel between these camps. If you are knocked out in battle, you will be returned to the base camp of the respective area.

The base camps essentially serve as your new hubs. There, you have a forge, a supply depot, your tent, and much more. The field camps act as your tent on the go, and they can be set up at designated locations. You can gather there, stock up on supplies, and possibly change your gear. You can also customize and personalize your field camps visually.

Dynamic Weather System

In Monster Hunter World, the areas had fixed weather conditions, which had little to no influence on the hunts. In Monster Hunter Wilds, a dynamic weather system is introduced for the first time.

Each area has 3 different weather conditions that ensure different monsters appear. The weather also affects the strengths and weaknesses of the monsters, so it is important to keep an eye on the current situation when going out into the wild.

The Loyal Mount Saikrii

While in Monster Hunter World you had to traverse the vast maps on foot, in Monster Hunter Wilds you have a loyal mount by your side: your Saikrii. This fast and agile monster not only makes your travels much more pleasant but also brings many other benefits.

Your companion offers a saddlebag that fills with useful supplies over time, which you can stock up on during hunts. Additionally, the Saikrii has a very keen nose and can detect the scents of various monsters and plants, allowing it to take you to your desired target on “autopilot”.

This way, you can sharpen your weapon, take potions, or use items at your leisure without having to focus on the path.

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