A famous professional footballer has spent thousands of hours playing Counter-Strike 2, and he is still active.
Who is it about? Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior (33), commonly known as Neymar, is a Brazilian professional footballer who has been playing for Santos FC since January – the club where his career began.
Throughout his career, Neymar also played for the top European clubs FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain before moving to the Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal.
The club paid 222 million euros for his move to PSG, the highest transfer fee ever paid for a footballer (via Transfermarkt).
He has won various titles, including the Champions League with Barcelona in 2015.
Additionally, he finished third in the FIFA World Player of the Year voting in 2015 and 2017.
Neymar is considered one of the most talented active footballers, especially known for his dribbling skills. However, he has also faced a lot of criticism from the public for theatrically rolling on the ground after minor fouls.
However, Neymar is not just a professional footballer; he is also a passionate gamer who even occasionally streams on Twitch. And there is one shooter that particularly captivates him.
Start video
Counter-Strike 2: Valve once again impresses with the launch trailer
11,000 hours in Counter-Strike
Which shooter is the footballer playing? A screenshot shared on Reddit shows that Neymar is primarily playing a popular shooter, Counter-Strike 2, alongside the football simulation EA FC 25. The Brazilian has spent a total of 11,353 hours in Valve’s successful title, which adds up to over 15 months (about 1.3 years).
How can a professional footballer play so much? As a professional athlete, it is important to maintain the required physical fitness – especially when playing for some of the best clubs in the world like Neymar does in pursuit of the most coveted titles.
So how is it possible that Neymar has been able to play for so many hours?
On the one hand, professional athletes also have some free time each day. They can also dedicate a few hours to hobbies like gaming. Additionally, Valve combines the playtime of Counter-Strike: Global Offensive and Counter-Strike 2. Therefore, he has not only accumulated these hours since the release of CS2 in September 2023, but had several years to accumulate them.
Moreover, Neymar has suffered numerous injuries in his career, which have kept him out of the game for a total of 1,391 days. In 2023, he suffered an ACL tear and returned only 340 days later (via transfermark.de).
With such severe injuries as an ACL tear, training is off-limits for a long time. What better way to pass the time than gaming?
What do gamers say about Neymar’s playtime? The screenshot of Neymar’s playtime in CS2 was shared in the subreddit of the shooter. There, one player jokingly commented: “Neymar should touch some grass.”
Another user, considering the athlete’s injury history, understands why he spent so much time gaming: “It feels like he has been injured half of his career, lol. There are worse ways to spend time in bed than with CS.”
Another user commented: “I have a friend who was a professional footballer (not a big name or anything), and it’s amazing how many of them are degenerate gamers. Many of them go to training and then play video games all day.”
The difference between generations is really an interesting phenomenon. Some statements are completely normal for some and cause severe head shaking for others. We will tell you 5 things that only Boomers say.
The title image is a symbolic image
What are Boomers? “Boomers” refers to people born during the baby boom period, roughly in the late 1950s to early 1960s. Many Boomers are now grandparents.
What is Gen Z? Generation Z or Gen Z is the term for the generation born approximately between 1995 and 2010. Members of this generation are now between 14 and 30 years old.
How was this list created? MeinMMO editor Dariusz has compiled a list of 5 statements that, in his personal experience, are mainly said by Boomers. So if you use at least 3 of these expressions, you are officially a Boomer – at least in spirit.
Pokkemon, instead of Pokémon
Pokémon is one of the largest and most popular franchises in the world. Many children and also today’s adults grew up with the pocket monsters. The video games, the anime, and the trading card game are known to all young people. And even parts of Gen Z, who cannot relate to the little monsters, know: It is called Pokémon. Boomers like to pronounce the franchise or the popular creatures as “Pokkemon.”
“Oh, I just have a slight cold. I won’t call in sick for that”
Gen Z is often accused of lacking a strong work ethic. However, older generations are often said to overemphasize this work ethic – which many are so proud of. You have certainly heard your parents/grandparents or Boomer colleagues saying during a bad cold: “It’s just a cold, I won’t call in sick for that.” In doing so, they are not doing any favors to employees who could potentially get infected, or to their own health.
Start video
What does the N symbol on your phone mean?
Animes are only for children
Animes are animated films and series from Japan. This type of entertainment has established itself in recent years outside of Japan and has become a popular medium – not just for children. There are many animes that are explicitly aimed at adults, whether due to violent depictions or complex storylines. Nevertheless, you have probably heard a Boomer say that animes are only for children.
Shooting games
Gaming is a popular hobby, especially among young people. Although some older people have also become gamers, the medium still seems strange to many Boomers. For example, when we gamers refer to Call of Duty or Counter-Strike as “shooters”, some Boomers still call those titles shooting games.
“I need to iron my shirt before I can leave the house”
Millennials and Generation Z have successfully eliminated ironing clothes. Many young people don’t even own an iron anymore or only use it on rare occasions. However, Boomers often insist on ironed clothing and do not understand how young people can wear such wrinkled shirts.
Although the release of Fortnite: Chapter 6 Season 2 is still a while away, the developers have now revealed the upcoming Battle Pass. You can find out which skins to expect here in the overview.
What skins can I expect in Chapter 6 Season 2? In the new teasers for Chapter 6 Season 2, hints regarding the new contents are being continuously revealed.
The season will be called “Lawless” and indicates an outlaw season, with criminals and rogues. Accordingly, the lineup for the upcoming Battle Pass has already been introduced. While there are no names yet, you can at least see what the new skins will look like. You will immediately recognize some faces:
These are the upcoming skins from Chapter 6 Season 2 (via x.com)
A female skin with a traffic cone as a hat
The old costume of Sub-Zero from Mortal Kombat
A female skin with braided hair
A new skin of Midas
A fencer with white hair
A gangster cucumber
A female skin with a devilish mask in purple color
A white wolf with a coat around its shoulders
What other skins might appear? According to leakers (via x.com), Scorpion from Mortal Kombat is also expected to appear.
However, it is not entirely clear which other skins Epic Games has in store. The developers are currently engaging in many collaborations with other gaming as well as film brands. It is therefore very likely that you will see additional skins that you recognize.
On Twitch, content creator Imane “Pokimane” Anys was one of the biggest. Now she spoke in a podcast about the amounts of money she has to spend for her own safety.
Why does Pokimane need so much security? Fame on the internet comes with some downsides, even for Twitch streamer Pokimane. She talked about this in a podcast episode with YouTubers Colin and Samir (via YouTube).
On the streaming platform Twitch, she has more than 9 million followers (via sullygnome), and on YouTube she has over 6 million subscribers. With such a large following, it’s no surprise that not every fan wishes her well.
Deepfakes of her are being created, there are regular attempts to find out her address, or they try to misuse her name and brand in some other way, including commercially.
According to her, all these are “problems that didn’t exist five years ago.” Accordingly, she needs measures to ensure that her brand and herself are not harmed by abusive use.
In the German Twitch scene, you should know these three female streamers:
Start video
3 German Twitch streamers you should know
Pokimane Takes Action
What does Pokimane do for her safety? Pokimane’s permanent team includes several companies that ensure her safety online. They are tasked by the Twitch streamer to delete all pictures of her new apartment on the internet or to have her address deleted if it has been discovered by someone.
She pays a high five-figure amount for this every month, sometimes even more, she says.
Pokimane says she would even completely renovate her new apartment every time so that it no longer resembles the previously existing images online.
She continues to say that she must always live in a house with security measures or a guarded entrance door, simply because it wouldn’t work any other way.
Regarding all these measures, she says: “I wish this wasn’t necessary.”
What bothers Pokimane the most? While having to pay so much is a problem, there is something else that bothers Pokimane much more. She dislikes the discrepancy between the high costs she has to bear for her safety and the significantly lower expenses of her male streaming colleagues.
Female content creators are often more likely to be the target of deepfakes or attacks on their privacy compared to their male counterparts.
Here you can watch the entire episode with Pokimane:
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The new MMORPG Ashes of Creation is still in the alpha development phase. Nevertheless, a content creator has already played it for over 1,000 hours and explains who it is worth buying for.
Who is it about? The YouTuber FLANKER focuses almost exclusively on the new MMORPG Ashes of Creation (short: AoC) on his YouTube channel. For his viewers, he creates guides, tests new features of the game, and discusses the topics that concern the community.
He has now spent his thousandth hour in the MMORPG and clarified in a video for whom the game is really worth it and which gamers should think twice about it.
The caravans are already available in the MMORPG:
Start video
Ashes of Creation – Caravan Gameplay
Ashes of Creation is currently just a test
For whom is Ashes of Creation worth it? In his conclusion about the MMORPG on YouTube, he talks about the most important gameplay systems and what is still missing in the game – and in his opinion that’s still a lot. For him, AoC is currently just a test of an MMO and not a real MMORPG.
He recommends all players to consider the following four points before purchasing:
Alpha-2 access costs about $100 (approximately €95): For those for whom this amount is a lot of money, they should think carefully about the purchase.
The game is still in the testing phase: There are technical problems, missing content, and regular wipes.
Anyone who has never played an MMO that relies on risk and reward or generally has little experience in this area should rather wait.
Is it worth buying an Alpha-2 access or is there perhaps more fun in other titles on Steam for less money?
Anyone who still wants to buy the early access should know that you really test more here than just playing. The content of the MMORPG would run out for players after 1–2 months, depending on how much time you put in.
What construction sites are still there? Currently, there are only 8 nodes in Ashes of Creation, and there are supposed to be 100 in the future. These nodes are special areas in the game world that are expected to change due to player influence. However, the corresponding system has not yet been sufficiently implemented.
When collecting, there are currently many placeholder solutions that work but do not reflect what is planned for the MMORPG later.
The complete instantiated content of the game is also still missing, which is why players are focusing on open-world dungeons. In these, however, enemies respawn, making the dungeons a repetitive experience rather than an instanced experience like in other MMORPGs. This also adversely affects team play because the classic, optimized challenge is missing.
Overall, YouTuber FLANKER is satisfied with the development and appreciates the regular updates and good communication from the developers. He himself has had a lot of fun so far, even though he perceives it more as a test and not as a real MMORPG. There are also other, more critical voices regarding AoC: A new MMORPG is under criticism, but help comes from an unusual direction
This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
The Avengers are the glorious hero team in the Marvel universe that fights against threatening supervillains. But throughout the entire comic history, there have also been members who were not as epic or heroic as Captain America or Thor, and who probably won’t make it into the movies from Marvel.
How was this list created? We looked at which Avengers members have existed in the history of the hero team. We do not only evaluate pure strength; otherwise, Hawkeye and Black Widow would be on this list, but also the values and backgrounds of the members.
Every hero on this list has not yet made an appearance in a film, which is why we can only refer to the story from the comics. The list is not a ranking but rather a listing of absurd characters.
If you have a good suggestion for this list, please feel free to write it in the comments.
Image rights belong to Disney
[toc]
Start video
Deutscher Trailer zu „Marvel’s The Avengers“
1. Triathlon (3-D Man)
First appearance: Avengers (Vol. 3) No. 8 (July 1998)
Who is Triathlon? Delroy Garrett is a former Olympic athlete who lost everything due to steroid use. He then sank into the religious group Triune Understanding, where he gained incredible powers. He is 3 times better in all human abilities than the best athletes.
Over time, his paths crossed with the Avengers; he even became a member and was an important figure in the event Secret Wars. However, due to his religious group, he also quarreled with the Avengers when the cult leader tried to frame the Avengers as intolerant. Later, he recognized the true intentions and separated from the Triune Understanding (via Marvel.com)
What abilities does Triathlon have?
He can do everything 3 times better than the best athletes
Superhuman strength
Superhuman speed
Superhuman endurance
Superhuman reflexes
Self-healing
He can recognize Skrulls disguising as other beings (via Marvel Database)
2. D-Man (Demolition Man)
First appearance:Thing No. 28 (June 1985)
Who is D-Man? Dennis Dunphy has nothing to do with the Demolition Man of Sylvester Stallone. He was originally a wrestler who enhanced his physical abilities through an organization. One day he met Captain America, who was investigating the organization that enhanced people using illegal means and made them controllable puppets.
He helped Captain America and made a costume that looks like a mix of Daredevil and Wolverine. One day he was also a member of the Avengers, but less as a hero, more as a pilot waiting in the jet. Due to an accident, he developed delusions. Later, he was controlled by Hydra and regularly fought on different sides in conflicts (via Marvel Database).
What abilities does D-Man have?
He is a skilled wrestler
He is a trained martial artist
Later he became a vampire and adapted the strengths and weaknesses of such (via Marvel Database)
This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
Thanos is the great supervillain that many viewers think of when discussing the best times of the MCU. In the comics, he is also such a villain, but much more sinister than what one might believe from the movies. This can especially be reported by a regular guy who is visited by him every year.
Who is it about? Thanos is an important villain in the Marvel films, portrayed primarily as someone with convictions. He wants to “save” the universe according to his view. However, in the comics, he is portrayed in many stories as somewhat simpler. He was even defeated by a silly hero.
This is something a normal guy named David has to endure, who gets a visit from Thanos every year simply because he wants to make his birthday the worst day of David’s life.
All image rights of the Avengers films belong to Marvel and Disney
Start video
German trailer for Avengers 3: Infinity War
Thanos tortures an absolutely normal guy, for no reason
What is David’s story? In the comic Thanos Annual Vol.1(2016 to 2018), the Cosmic Ghost Rider tells various wicked stories about Thanos. Instead of events that decide the fate of the universe, it’s about more banal things that Thanos did for fun.
The probably meanest thing he does every year is to David, an ordinary person. Right at the beginning of his first birthday, Thanos took a blanket away from David, and it quickly becomes clear that Thanos simply wants to torture David. He wants to make his birthday the worst day of the year.
This also leads to David not wanting to have birthday parties anymore because Thanos is always there to ruin his day. These include the following things:
For his 5th birthday, Thanos caused David’s father to have an accident
On his 16th birthday, Thanos wrote mean things to David’s girlfriend so that she would break up with him
On his 21st birthday, he ensured that David would be the only one not allowed to drink at a party
On his 27th birthday, he caused David to get fired and his cat to die
However, on his 30th birthday, Thanos does not show up anymore; he has been saved by the Avengers. Overjoyed, David celebrates his 31st birthday, only for Thanos to appear and apologize for being absent the previous year.
At 45 years old, he then asks Thanos why he does all this, and Thanos explains no real reason; he just wants to see David grow more and more desperate. David says he won’t give up, and Thanos leaves, promising to return every year.
The story shows that Thanos is not always a villain with grand motives. He is often presented as a scoundrel who does things simply because his wicked nature fits. Of course, Thanos is not the only villain known for his villainous nature. You can find more villains from Marvel here: 7 Marvel villains who could take on Thanos
This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
There are currently significant discounts on the entire Mortal Kombat series on Steam. For the best part, you don’t even have to spend much money.
Which is the best Mortal Kombat? According to the reviews on Steam, this title goes to Mortal Kombat 11. The game was released in 2019 and has over 77,000 reviews on Steam, of which 88% are positive.
The standard edition of Mortal Kombat 11 on Steam currently costs only €4.99. If you add a fiver, you also get two Kombat Packs with additional fighters and the “Aftermath” expansion. The sale lasts until February 17, after which the price will rise back to €49.99/€59.99.
You can watch a trailer for Mortal Kombat 11 here:
Start video
Mortal Kombat 11: The Launch Trailer for the Fighting Game
The best features of the series in one game
What makes Mortal Kombat 11 the best part of the series? According to the reviews on Steam, MK11 combines (almost) all of the best features of the series with a story praised by many players and the Krypt – a game mode where you unlock secrets and cosmetics.
Longtime fans may be wondering: “Wait, what about Mortal Kombat X?” The game is in a neck-and-neck race with MK11 regarding Steam reviews and is also very loved by many fans.
However, with 87%, MKX is rated slightly lower than MK11 and the graphics from 2015 have also aged worse. Nevertheless, MKX is still worth recommending for enthusiasts. The game costs only €4.99 on Steam, while the XL edition is €7.99.
What about Mortal Kombat 1? The latest installment of the MK series has been criticized by many fans due to expensive DLCs, the new Kameo feature, and the removal of the Krypt. However, those looking for a modern MK will be happy with MK11 as well – just keep in mind that you only get the fighters that already exist.
If you want to play MK11 online, this is possible due to the approximately 2,800 active players on Steam (via steamdb.info). However, many players report annoying desyncs – so check whether this is an issue for you. If it is, you can return the game on Steam within the first 2 hours.
The former Blizzard employee and developer of WoW Chris Kaleiki has released his new game on Steam. He originally wanted to learn from the mistakes of the MMORPG, but now he is making a typical mistake on Steam.
Who is it about? The former WoW developer Chris Kaleiki worked at Blizzard from 2007 to 2020 (via kaleiki.com). During this time, he specifically focused on class skills and designed the monk class among others. More than two dozen of the class abilities come from him. After leaving Blizzard, he founded his own development studio, Notorious Studios, where he wanted to do many things better.
On February 12, his game Legacy: Steel & Sorcery launched on Steam in Early Access. However, the PvPvE mini MMORPG is not well received by the player base. Of over 350 reviews submitted, only just over half are positive. The main problem: The Early Access does not meet the players’ expectations.
You can check out the gameplay here:
Start video
Former WoW developers showcase their new fantasy role-playing game on Steam
Bad reviews after the release
What bothers the gamers? Players complain about the state of the game. Legacy: Steel & Sorcery is seen as far too unfinished, underdeveloped, and filled with bugs, crashes, and performance issues.
Although the community finds the concept inspired by Dark & Darker solid, the positive aspects are overshadowed by the numerous flaws of the early version. Here, the former WoW developer and his team are making a typical mistake. They have a different understanding of Early Access as developers than their players, and they are bearing the consequences for it.
What do players expect from Early Access? Early Access on Steam has changed over the years. Many players today expect a well-playable product from Early Access, although it may still lack content, which can then be gradually added.
Technical issues, on the other hand, are also not well received by players in Early Access and quickly become a reason for negative reviews for many. This is also reflected in community reviews.
Maze writes on Steam: “I have a powerful computer, and yet I crashed while starting, extracting, and switching between screens. […] In the six matches I’ve played, I’ve encountered an audio loop bug in four of them. […]”
EDGY also has technical difficulties on Steam: “Poor optimization with frustratingly slow rendering in-game (even on SSD). Animations are fuzzy, if not outright buggy. I also encountered bugs like getting stuck infinitely in the matchmaking UI in the menu, as well as audio crackling that lasted throughout the first 30 minutes. Cool game concept, but it should be free to play.”
The superhero seriesInvincible features an impressive cast as an animation project. Many legendary actors lend their voices to the heroes and villains. However, there is a particular actor from Breaking Bad that seems to be unattainable, despite regular attempts.
Which actor is it? The voice cast in the original version of Invincible is truly remarkable and ensures that the series is so popular and well-received. Many talented actors have voiced the beloved characters since the series started in 2021, including:
J. K. Simmons as Omni-Man
Seth Rogen as Allen the Alien
Steven Yeun as Invincible
Mark Hamill as Art Rosenbaum
However, there is a desired actor from Breaking Bad that the creators of the series have not been able to secure thus far, despite their claims of trying each season: They are eager to have Bryan Cranston.
Image rights for the title image belong to Sony Pictures and AMC
Start video
Invincible Official Trailer
It has become our tradition
They do not want to give up, even though Bryan Cranston constantly declines. In an exclusive interview with DiscussingFilm, Robert Kirkman, the creator of the comic series Invincible, spoke about Bryan Cranston and how they regularly attempt to get him on board:
Regarding the dream cast, we probably offer Bryan Cranston a role every season. It has become our tradition, and his tradition is to reject us. But we will come back to you, Bryan, and we will see what happens next time. Fingers crossed! Bryan Cranston is literally the only actor who has turned us down.
Considering that Robert Kirkman wants at least 8 seasons of the series (via wintersiscoming-net), the creators of the series still have plenty of opportunities to offer Bryan Cranston roles.
However, a few Breaking Bad colleagues have agreed to join the series. Aaron Paul, who plays Jesse Pinkman in Breaking Bad, will play the new villain Powerplex in the currently running 3rd season of the series. Jonathan Banks, who plays Mike in Breaking Bad, will take on an undisclosed role.
In Helldivers 2 players can unlock many stratagems through requisition certificates to upgrade their equipment. We show you the best tactical equipment in the tier list along with their codes and reveal which ones you should take with you in combat and which you should avoid.
Update, 05. March 2026: The tier list is up to date and has been supplemented with new codes.
Which equipment can be found in the tier list? These are the stratagems that you can unlock in ship management. From weapons, orbital strikes, to tech equipment, turrets, or attacks from the eagle – we will list all options to fight enemies so you know which stratagems are the best.
You can find the trailer for the new war bond here:
Select a MMO video…
Helldivers 2: The best stratagems and their codes
For a quick overview, we have listed all the names of the equipment and categorized them from S to C tier.
S-Tier
Stratagem (Offensive)
Stratagem Code (Controller)
Stratagem Code (PC)
Orbital Railgun Strike
➡︎⬆︎⬇︎⬇︎➡︎
DWSSD
Eagle – Cluster Bomb
⬆︎➡︎⬇︎⬇︎➡︎
WDSSD
Orbital Laser
➡︎⬇︎⬆︎➡︎⬇︎
DSWDS
Eagle – Air Strike
⬆︎➡︎⬇︎➡︎
WDSD
Orbital Napalm Barrage
➡︎➡︎⬇︎⬅︎➡︎⬆︎
DDSADW
Offensive
Stratagem (Supply)
Stratagem Code (Controller)
Stratagem Code (PC)
MLS-4x Commando
⬇︎⬅︎⬆︎⬇︎➡︎
SAWSD
AC-8 Automatic Cannon
⬇︎⬅︎⬇︎⬆︎⬆︎➡︎
SASWWD
SH-32 Shield Generator Backpack
⬇︎⬆︎⬅︎➡︎⬅︎➡︎
SWADAD
ARC-3 Bow Launcher
⬇︎➡︎⬇︎⬆︎⬅︎⬅︎
SDSWAA
LIFT-850 Jump Pack
⬇︎⬆︎⬆︎⬇︎⬆︎
SWWSW
LAS-99 Quasar Cannon
⬇︎⬇︎⬆︎⬅︎➡︎
SSWAD
EAT-17 One-Time Anti-Tank
⬇︎⬇︎⬅︎⬆︎➡︎
SSAWD
StA-X3 W.A.S.P. Launcher
⬇︎⬇︎⬆︎⬇︎➡︎
SSWSD
CQC-20 Breaching Hammer
⬇︎⬅︎➡︎⬅︎⬆︎
SADAW
EAT-411 Leveller
⬇︎⬇︎⬅︎⬆︎⬇︎
SSAWS
GL-28 Belt-Fed Grenade Launcher
⬇︎⬅︎⬆︎⬅︎⬆︎⬆︎
SAWAWW
AX/ARC-3 K-9
⬇︎⬆︎⬅︎⬆︎➡︎⬅︎
SWAWDA
TD-220 Bastion MK XVI
⬅︎⬇︎➡︎⬇︎⬅︎⬇︎⬆︎⬇︎⬆︎
ASDSASWSW
Supply
Stratagem (Defensive)
Stratagem Code (Controller)
Stratagem Code (PC)
A/M-23 EMS Mortar Gun
⬇︎⬆︎➡︎⬇︎➡︎
SWDSD
A/ARC-3 Tesla Turret
⬇︎⬆︎➡︎⬆︎⬅︎➡︎
SWDWAD
A/AC-8 Automatic Gun
⬇︎⬆︎➡︎⬆︎⬅︎⬆︎
SWDWAW
Defensive
A-Tier
Stratagem (Offensive)
Stratagem Code (Controller)
Stratagem Code (PC)
Eagle – 500 KG Bomb
⬆︎➡︎⬇︎⬇︎⬇︎
WDSSS
Gatling Orbital Suppression
➡︎⬇︎⬅︎⬆︎⬆︎
DSAWW
380 MM HE Orbital Suppression
➡︎⬇︎⬆︎⬆︎⬅︎⬇︎⬇︎
DSWWASS
120 MM HE Orbital Suppression
➡︎➡︎⬇︎⬅︎➡︎⬇︎
DDSADS
Eagle – 110 MM Rocket Pods
⬆︎➡︎⬆︎⬅︎
WDWA
Orbital Gas Attack
➡︎➡︎⬇︎➡︎
DDSD
Linear Orbital Suppression
➡︎⬇︎➡︎⬇︎➡︎⬇︎
DSDSDS
Offensive
Stratagem (Supply)
Stratagem Code (Controller)
Stratagem Code (PC)
EXO-45 Patriot Exosuit
⬅︎⬇︎➡︎⬆︎⬅︎⬇︎⬇︎
ASDWASS
EXO-49 Emancipator Exosuit
⬅︎⬇︎➡︎⬆︎⬅︎⬇︎⬆︎
ASDWASW
FLAM-40 Flamethrower
⬇︎⬅︎⬆︎⬇︎⬆︎
SAWSW
FAF-14 Spear
⬇︎⬇︎⬆︎⬇︎⬇︎
SSWSS
GL-21 Grenade Launcher
⬇︎⬅︎⬆︎⬅︎⬇︎
SAWAS
AX/LAS-5 “Guard Dog” Rover
⬇︎⬆︎⬅︎⬆︎➡︎➡︎
SWAWDD
GR-8 Recoiless Rifle
⬇︎⬅︎➡︎➡︎⬅︎
SADDA
M-105 Stalwart
⬇︎⬅︎⬇︎⬆︎⬆︎⬅︎
SASWWA
MG-206 Heavy Machine Gun
⬇︎⬅︎⬆︎⬇︎⬇︎
SAWSS
RS-422 Railgun
⬇︎➡︎⬇︎⬆︎⬅︎➡︎
SDSWAD
RL-77 Air Detonation Rocket Launcher
⬇︎⬆︎⬆︎⬅︎➡︎
SWWAD
LAS-98 Laser Cannon
⬇︎⬅︎⬇︎⬆︎⬅︎
SASWA
TX-41 Sterilizer
⬇︎⬅︎⬆︎⬇︎⬅︎
SAWSA
AX/TX-13 “Guard Dog” Dog Breath
⬇︎⬆︎⬅︎⬆︎➡︎⬆︎
SWAWDW
Backpack Hell Bomb
⬇︎➡︎⬆︎⬆︎⬆︎
SDWWW
M-102 Fast Recon Vehicle
⬇︎➡︎
ASDSDSW
PLAS-45 Epoch
⬇︎⬅︎⬆︎⬅︎➡︎
SAWAD
EAT-700 Expendable Napalm
⬇︎⬇︎⬅︎⬆︎⬅︎
SSAWA
M-1000 Maxigun
⬇︎⬅︎➡︎⬇︎⬆︎⬆︎
SADSWW
B/MD C4 Pack
⬇︎➡︎⬆︎⬆︎➡︎⬆︎
SDWWDW
B-100 Portable Hellbomb
⬇︎➡︎⬆︎⬆︎⬆︎
SDWWW
LIFT-860 Hover Pack
⬇︎⬆︎⬆︎⬇︎⬅︎➡︎
SWWSAD
LIFT-182 Warp Pack
⬇︎⬅︎➡︎⬇︎⬅︎➡︎
SADSAD
Supply
Stratagem (Defensive)
Stratagem Code (Controller)
Stratagem Code (PC)
FX-12 Shield Generator Relay
⬇︎⬇︎⬅︎➡︎⬅︎➡︎
SSADAD
A/MLS-4X Rocket Gun
⬇︎⬆︎➡︎➡︎⬅︎
SWDDA
A/G-16 Gatling Gun
⬇︎⬆︎➡︎⬅︎
SWDA
A/M-12 Mortar Gun
⬇︎⬆︎➡︎➡︎⬇︎
SWDDS
Flame Gun
⬇︎⬆︎➡︎⬇︎⬆︎⬆︎
SWDSWW
Anti-Tank Position
⬇︎⬆︎⬅︎➡︎➡︎➡︎
SWADDD
Defensive
B-Tier
Stratagem (Offensive)
Stratagem Code (Controller)
Stratagem Code (PC)
Orbital EMS Fire
➡︎➡︎⬅︎⬇︎
DDAS
Orbital Air Assault
➡︎➡︎➡︎
DDD
Orbital Precision Strike
➡︎➡︎⬆︎
DDW
Eagle – Dive Bomber Attack
⬆︎➡︎➡︎
WDD
Eagle Napalm Air Strike
⬆︎➡︎⬇︎⬆︎
WDSW
Offensive
Stratagem (Supply)
Stratagem Code (Controller)
Stratagem Code (PC)
B-1 Supply Package
⬇︎⬅︎⬇︎⬆︎⬆︎⬇︎
SASWWS
APW-1 Anti-Matter Rifle
⬇︎⬅︎➡︎⬆︎⬇︎
SADWS
MG-43 Machine Gun
⬇︎⬅︎⬇︎⬆︎➡︎
SASWD
S-11 Speargun
⬇︎➡︎⬇︎⬅︎⬆︎➡︎
SDSAWD
GL-52 De-Escalator
⬇︎➡︎⬆︎⬅︎➡︎
SDWAD
MS-11 Solo Silo
⬇︎⬆︎➡︎⬇︎⬇︎
SWDSS
SH-51 Directional Shield
⬅︎⬇︎➡︎
SWADWW
AX/FLAM-75 Hot Dog
⬇︎⬆︎⬅︎⬆︎⬅︎⬅︎
SWAWAA
M-102 Fast Recon Vehicle
⬅︎⬇︎➡︎⬇︎➡︎⬇︎⬆︎
ASDSDSW
Supply
Stratagem (Defensive)
Stratagem Code (Controller)
Stratagem Code (PC)
Anti-Tank Mines
⬇︎⬅︎⬆︎⬆︎
SAWW
MD-6 Anti-Personnel Minefield
⬇︎⬅︎⬆︎➡︎
SAWD
A/MG-43 MG Gun
⬇︎⬆︎➡︎➡︎⬆︎
SWDDW
MD-I4 Incendiary Mines
⬇︎⬅︎⬅︎⬇︎
SAAS
E/GL-21 Grenadier Battlement
⬇︎➡︎⬇︎⬅︎➡︎
SDSAD
Defensive
C-Tier
Stratagem (Offensive)
Stratagem Code (Controller)
Stratagem Code (PC)
Eagle – Smoke Barrage
⬆︎➡︎⬆︎⬇︎
WDWS
Orbital Smoke Barrage
➡︎➡︎⬇︎⬆︎
DDSW
Offensive
Stratagem (Supply)
Stratagem Code (Controller)
Stratagem Code (PC)
AX/AR-23 “Guard Dog”
⬇︎⬆︎⬅︎⬆︎➡︎⬇︎
SWAWDS
SH-20 “Ballistic Shield” Backpack
⬇︎⬅︎⬇︎⬇︎⬆︎⬅︎
SASSWA
CQC-9 Defoliation Tool
⬇︎⬅︎➡︎➡︎⬇︎
SADDS
CQC-1 One True Flag
⬇︎⬅︎➡︎➡︎⬆︎
SADDW
AX/TX-13 Dog Breath
⬇︎⬆︎⬅︎⬆︎➡︎⬆︎
SWAWDW
Supply
Stratagem (Defensive)
Stratagem Code (Controller)
Stratagem Code (PC)
E/MG-101 Heavy MG Position
⬇︎⬆︎⬅︎➡︎➡︎⬅︎
SWADDA
MD-8 Gas Mines
⬇︎⬅︎⬅︎➡︎
SAAD
A/LAS-98 Laser Sentry
⬇︎⬆︎➡︎⬇︎⬆︎➡︎
SWDSWD
A/FLAM-40 Flame Sentry
⬇︎⬆︎➡︎⬇︎⬆︎⬆︎
SWDSWW
Defensive
How Stratagem Codes Work
Stratagems must be called on the battlefield and to do this, you need to enter their codes. These are displayed to you when you activate your data pad on your arm. To do this, you need to hold “L1” on the PS5 and “Ctrl” on the PC and enter the code of the stratagem you want to call using the arrow keys. The code appears in the top left corner of your screen.
Once you have called a stratagem, it usually gets a cooldown so you can’t call it too often in a row. While some equipment can be called indefinitely, there are others that are limited to a certain number. These become empty and will only be recharged in the next mission.
The best weapons are also listed in our tier list:
Which are the best stratagems? It is difficult to say for sure despite the tier list, as you should take different equipment depending on the operation you choose.
Regarding offensive equipment, the orbital railgun strike is especially worthwhile against hulks, tanks, stormers or titans – so against large and heavily armored enemies. The eagle’s cluster bomb and the laser are used to keep the smaller units in check and to decimate them.
With supply equipment, you have a larger selection and can freely choose depending on which weapon or support item you prefer. The SH-32 shield generator backpack or the jump pack significantly increase your chances of survival if you can handle them. When it comes to weapons, you can decide based on the situation:
Flamethrower against small and large terminates
Railgun against heavily armored enemies like hulks or titans
Bow launcher against smaller ground troops from any faction
Stalwart against smaller ground troops from any faction
The automatic cannon or the recoiless rifle are also strong against nests and larger enemies, but they take up your backpack space for ammunition and are therefore rather semi-optimal.
Defensive equipment is usually taken when embarking on missions where you need to defend or eliminate something. Here, the Tesla turret and the automatic gun are especially worthwhile. Both are strong against enemies, but with the Tesla turret, you must be careful not to get zapped.
The EMS mortar gun is often underestimated, but it is especially worthwhile in defense missions, as the mortar gun immobilizes your enemies in a large radius, making it easier for you to eliminate them.
What you should still consider: This list serves as a guide only. Depending on which mission you undertake and what your team members bring, your priorities in equipment selection also change. However, if you enjoy using equipment like the orbital gas attack or smoke barrage, you can definitely take them along – as long as you don’t destroy other helldivers with them.
MeinMMO editor Nikolas Hernes is a big fan of zombie and horror games. He is particularly fond of a part of the Resident Evil series on PS5 and PS4. This is mainly because it is worth replaying the game multiple times.
I love Resident Evil. Be it the old ones with fixed camera perspectives, the 3rd-person titles, or the first-person games. This mix of horror and slightly trashy action-film is just the perfect combination for me.
What really hooked me since the release is mainly Resident Evil Village and its later released DLC. My big highlight is the wonderful replayability.
Start video
Resident Evil Village – Launch trailer for the latest installment of the cult series
Resident Evil at its best
What is Resident Evil Village about? Ethan Winters lives a quiet life with his wife and newborn after the horrific events in Resident Evil 7. However, they are kidnapped, and he must now face a new cult and dangerous opponents in a gothic horror-inspired town.
Typically Resident Evil, the story, to be honest, is very amusing nonsense. Gameplay-wise, the game is based on the first-person view from Resident Evil 7, but a bit faster and more action-packed. This also influences the gameplay, which requires significantly more firepower from you.
And that alone is already a lot of fun. The weapons feel good, and the gothic horror enemies like werewolves or vampires are a refreshing change from the classic zombie foes.
Coupled with good level design, the gameplay is already one of the most important aspects for replayability, as you always learn something new. How do different enemies behave, how can I solve the area faster, and what are the best weapons for various bosses? You learn such things, and with each playthrough, you become faster and more efficient.
If you also enjoy time challenges, there is even the Mercenaries mode you can take on.
However, my biggest motivation while playing was always the bonus shop, which requires replaying the game several times.
The bonus shop is one of the best sources of motivation in video games
What makes the bonus shop so good? Throughout the game, you collect points through achievements and challenges that you complete. You can redeem these points in the bonus shop. In addition to characters and concept art, you can also unlock weapons or bonuses for weapons that shake up a new playthrough.
After my first playthrough, for example, I did a run using only a grenade launcher with infinite ammo. Sure, the game becomes significantly easier, but it also creates a completely different experience and atmosphere.
This can also go the other way. For a trophy on the PS5, for example, you need to complete the game using only a knife. Even there, a unlockable knife helps you in the bonus shop.
This aspect is present in most Resident Evil games, but it worked best for me in Resident Evil Village. The many different areas and enemies feel so different that I never experienced a sense of monotony.
Even horror fans can enjoy the game, especially the DLC
What about the horror? Resident Evil 7 was a genuine horror game, and Village is much more action-oriented, yet there are still some nice horror sequences. The dollhouse brings quite a bit of fright, especially with a body horror monster.
I have a particularly fond memory of the game’s DLC, The Winters Expansion. As Ethan’s daughter, you have a significantly smaller arsenal for self-defense, and in one sequence of the game, I was so startled that I had to pause and laughed at myself for several minutes.
Resident Evil Village is the perfect mix for my taste. It has gothic horror, Resident Evil gameplay, and a trashy action story that I enjoy experiencing over and over again. I love the game so much that I started another run right after my first playthrough, and then another run after that.
Currently, you can even grab the game, along with the DLC, on sale. For €19.99, you can get the Gold Edition of Resident Evil Village on PS4 and PS5. The offer is valid until February 27, 2025.
In Path of Exile, the big event league is coming soon, bringing 19 new subclasses and a changed endgame. For the first time, there is a trailer featuring all classes and details about the exact dates.
What kind of event is this? In Path of Exile, a major update is coming soon that introduces the event league “The Legacy of Phrecia”. This is a limited-time event where the usual 19 Ascendant classes will be replaced by new, crazier subclasses.
The developers want to implement ideas in this event that they had previously dismissed as “too crazy”. In the trailer for the new season, you can catch your first glimpse of all 19 new expansion classes.
Here you can see the new trailer:
Start video
Path of Exile showcases all 19 new subclasses in the fresh trailer for the new event Legacy of Phrecia
Little Time to Try Out
How long does the event last? The event league “The Legacy of Phrecia” is limited to one month. This means players only have about 1.6 days per subclass if they want to try each of them.
The event starts on Thursday, February 20, 2025, at 9:00 PM and ends again on March 23, 2025, at 9:00 PM. Due to the shorter month of February, you only have 31 days for all 19 classes.
Also new in the event league is an altered endgame map system. Instead of the usual Atlas tree, players now find idols that they can use in a new menu to upgrade their maps.
If you don’t have time for all 19 new classes, our overview will help you make your choice:
Are there new skins as well? Those who play so far into the endgame will also receive all the rewards that the developers have designed for the event. For all 20 character levels up to level 80, there is a piece of equipment from the “Autumn Knight Armour” set, which you also find on the title image.
The Autumn Knight Armor will be available in the sequel after unlocking in PoE1. For those who prefer watching others play, there is an additional cloak you can get that fits well with the armor set during the event on Twitch. To get it, you must watch any Twitch stream with activated drops for 2 hours during the first week of the event league.
How did the event league come about? The fact that Path of Exile is now receiving a significant content expansion so soon is thanks to the protest of the community. The developers had previously announced that they would not divert resources from Path of Exile 1 for its successor, but they did so anyway, leading to no one working on new content for PoE1.
This triggered a backlash among players who had significantly supported the development of Path of Exile 2 through the purchase of supporter packs and were looking forward to a double dose of ARPG. In the end, the developers caved in and promised new content, which is now coming into the game with “The Legacy of Phrecia”. You can learn more about the background here: Path of Exile breaks promises, backtracks after loud protests, now plans a major update
This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
Don’t want to tackle raid bosses in World of Warcraft with a group? In Patch 11.1 you won’t have to – you can also defeat the boss solo.
If you want to experience the entire story in World of Warcraft, you usually can’t avoid looking for a raid group to defeat the current end boss of the respective patch and then watch the cinematic upon their demise.
However, for many, that’s too much social pressure, even in the LFR variant. Therefore, World of Warcraft has started to release a solo version of the current raids – and that will also be the case in Patch 11.1 Lorenhalt. There you can defeat Gallywix solo or with as many friends as you want.
Start video
For the 20th Birthday, Blizzard Speaks About ‘WoW 2’ and What We Think About It
Which boss can be defeated solo? We are talking about Jastor Gallywix, who will be named “Chromking Gallywix” in Patch 11.1. After his escape in Battle for Azeroth, he apparently fled to Lorenhall and has demanded many favors to regain his power. In doing so, he is now also pacting with Xal’atath, who demands a very special repair from him.
How this pact ultimately ends, and whether Xal’atath will let Gallywix fall just like she did with Queen Ansurek, you will be able to experience for yourself in a few weeks – regardless of whether you set out alone or as a group.
Why is this possible? With Patch 11.0, Blizzard already experimented with a “Story Mode” for the raids of The War Within. Here, after a bit of a longer waiting time, you could also defeat the end boss “Queen Ansurek” in Story Mode.
When will this be possible? Unlike Queen Ansurek, you can already defeat Gallywix quite early. The “Story Mode” for the liberation of Lorenhall will be unlocked starting March 12, 2025. That is just a week after the raid opens on normal, heroic, and mythic difficulty – and even 2 weeks before you can defeat Gallywix in the LFR variant, which starts on March 26.
As usual, there will be no raid loot in the story version of the raid. This means you cannot farm the most powerful items in the game. However, it is likely that completing the raid quest will reward you with a nice item that can then be used for crafting, for example.
The mechanics of the boss fight will also be significantly easier, making it hardly more difficult than an average quest.
Therefore, World of Warcraft continues to rely on keeping the MMORPG interesting for solo fans, allowing them to experience the story firsthand without needing a group or social interactions. This trend continues, which Blizzard started with the beginning of The War Within and the introduction of the warband.
This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
In March, the new expansion for the trading card game Pokémon will be released. MeinMMO is allowed to exclusively reveal 2 of the new cards and shows you the preview cards.
What kind of expansion is this? The new expansion “Scarlet & Violet – Partners” will be released on March 28, 2025. The highlight of the expansion is the so-called Trainer Pokémon, where monsters are shown in connection with their iconic trainers.
The four trainer cards will be Hops Zacian-ex, Enigmaras Wampitz-ex, Ns Zoroark-ex, and Lillys Piepi-ex. However, there are many other cards that will be introduced.
This also includes two new cards for the legendary Ice Bird Pokémon Articuno from the first generation. And we will introduce them to you here.
Articuno’s new cards in Scarlet & Violet – Partners
This is the new Articuno card: Articuno comes into play as a Water-type card. It has 110 HP, is resistant to Fighting attacks (30 damage less), but vulnerable to Electric attacks (double damage). Its retreat cost is only one energy.
This is what the two new cards look like:
Articuno comes in 2 new designs.
Articuno has two attacks in tow: Frosty Flap and Ice Blaster.
Frosty Flap does not deal damage, but allows you to search your deck for two Water energies, which you then attach to Articuno. The cost is one colorless energy.
Ice Blaster costs one colorless and 2 Water energies but deals 110 damage.
With Frosty Flap, Articuno quickly gets the energies it needs for Ice Blaster. This way, you can unleash a powerful attack after just two rounds that hits your opponent hard. Since Articuno is a Basic Pokémon, you do not need any evolutions.
When will the new cards be available? The two Articuno cards will be released along with the expansion “Scarlet & Violet – Partners” on March 28, 2025.
More about the trading card game: The Pokémon trading card game has been very popular among players and collectors for many years. Especially in recent years, there has been a resurgence that brought the game back into focus. This attention often leads to nice, but sometimes unfortunate experiences.
A positive experience was just had by a boy who received an entire collection of rare cards as a gift. Read more about it here. On the other hand, there are also stories where the hype around Pokémon cards caused trouble. For example, there was an incident where a museum distributed a rare promo card – but greedy collectors ruined the event and the museum had to stop it.
Overall, trading cards are primarily meant to provide fun – whether collecting, trading, or playing. What experiences have you had with the card game? Do you know them from the past, do you still collect them today? Share your stories in the comments! And if you want to play the card game on your phone: Pokémon TCG Pocket is an option to get a first impression of the game and collect the cards digitally.
This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
The developers of Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles are now stepping in because their players no longer have access to content they paid for. Their solution: The game is being shut down.
What kind of game is this? Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles is an action role-playing game that was originally released in 2003 for the Nintendo GameCube and re-released in 2020 as a Remastered Edition for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, iOS, and Android.
The Remastered Edition allows you to traverse different dungeons, fight monsters, and solve puzzles. Also new is the online multiplayer mode, where you can play together with up to three other players.
While Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles is free to play, the game is funded through in-app purchases and DLCs that expand the game. However, players on iOS have not had access to these purchases since January, despite having paid for them. Now the developers are making a consequential decision: The game will be removed from sale.
In this video, you will learn why loot always has the same colors:
Start video
Why is the loot always white, green, blue, purple, and gold?
Square Enix pulls the plug
What issues have arisen recently? Since January 24, 2025, the developers at Square Enix have received complaints about their game from users who play on iOS. They apparently do not gain access to the purchased items and DLCs after making an in-app purchase in Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles.
As Square Enix clarifies (via finalfantasy.com), this also affects the paid version of the game, which is supposed to grant users access to all dungeons in the game.
How are the developers solving the problem? According to their statements, the bug causing these issues cannot be fully fixed. “The problem is due to changes in the in-app purchase model,” the developers write in their statement on finalfantasy.com. Therefore, the developers have decided to end support for Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles on iOS and remove the role-playing game from the App Store.
Will the players get their money back? Yes, all purchases made by players from January 2024 can be refunded. However, users must contact Apple Support themselves to request a refund. If there are any issues, support at Square-Enix.com can also help.
Elden Ring: Nightreign should be playable today at a network test, but before players could try it out, the servers crashed.
What was supposed to start today? Today, on February 14 at 12:00 PM, the first network test of Elden Ring: Nightreign was supposed to start. However, this is not an open test. Players had to register for access weeks before the start to have a chance to participate. Now that the day has come, the rush is so enormous that the servers cannot handle it. There are issues.
Elden Ring Nightreign: In the new multiplayer mode, you must summon comrades!
Network test hits its limits
What are players struggling with? The start of the test went smoothly at first, even for us. We were able to log in briefly on the PS5, test individual characters, and inspect our equipment.
But every time we wanted to log in for a round, the server kicked us out – and we were not alone. Countless streamers on Twitch – especially those on PS5 – are currently unable to log in (via Twitch). Instead, they are facing the start screen and seeing messages about the current state of the servers.
As for the players on Xbox, they report flawless servers without any issues. It seems that there are currently only problems with the PS5. FromSoftware is currently working to resolve the issue (via x.com).
Can I resolve the issue myself? According to the post from FromSoftware, the servers have been restarted to resolve the issues. They suggest that players restart their game to log in again.
Gladiator is one of the most legendary historical films of all time. This is also due to the acting performance delivered by many actors. Tragically, an important actor passed away during the filming. Instead of recasting his role, filmmakers used tricks to still present the character.
Which actor is it about? Oliver Reed plays the former fighter Proximo in Gladiator, who manages the gladiator school where Maximus also ends up, training future attractions for the Colosseum.
Before the end of filming, Oliver Reed tragically passed away from a heart attack. Instead of simply recasting or replacing the character, filmmakers used cinematic tricks to honor his performance.
The title picture comes from the trailer of the 4K version of Gladiator (via YouTube)
Start video
English trailer for Gladiator starring Russell Crowe
Cuts, CGI, and old footage
How was Proximo shown despite the missing scenes in the film? As CinemaStrix describes in a video (via YouTube), the character had to die in the film, yet Proximo’s role had to remain in the film.
A mix of different cinematic tricks was used to depict the character along with footage of Reed in the film. To kill him off in the film, a double was used, shown only from behind.
For other scenes, CGI was utilized in combination with unused footage. This was combined with additional double scenes, creating a coherent story with the character.
The most important aspect here is the cuts. Cuts tell the progression of a conversation or action. Old scenes that were not used are combined with new shots, creating a dialogue or sequence that was not originally planned but still works. An important point is that all cuts match the continuity of the scene.
All of this was innovative at the time. CGI was not yet widely used, especially not in combination with other techniques.
You can see what this looks like in this section of a video from CinemaStrix:
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Other films and series also use CGI to have deceased actors in the film
In which films and series is something similar done? As Screen Rant reports, actors who have passed away also participated in other series and films.
In The Sopranos, actress Nancy Marchand died before the 3rd season. She plays Tony’s mother. To give them a final scene, old footage and doubles were also used.
Philip Seymour Hoffman died before he could shoot his scenes in The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2. Here, too, the mentioned tricks were used.
In Star Wars: Episode 9, old dialogues and scenes from Carrie Fisher were used to give her character an appearance in the final part of the trilogy.
During the filming of Fast & Furious 7, Paul Walker died in a car accident. His brother took over for the remainder of the film.
This topic is indeed controversial. The question often arises whether deceased individuals should be utilized with CGI for films at all. Nowadays, this is not only done for actors who passed away during filming. For Star Wars: Rogue One, actor Peter Cushing was used to show Moff Tarkin again. However, Cushing passed away in 1994, which is why CGI was entirely relied upon. A war film by Clint Eastwood is praised by historians because it takes a step that is uncommon in Hollywood
This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
Anyone who owns a PS4 often knows the problem that the console can become very loud. We present some tips on how to reduce the volume.
A loud PS4 can be very distracting while playing. The reasons for the noise can be diverse. Many MeinMMO readers also complain that the PlayStation 4 can be way too loud in the long run.
MeinMMO has looked into the causes of a loud console and what you can do about it. In our article, we address the following points:
Attention: All presented tips are done at your own risk! We accept no liability for damage caused to your console due to carelessness.
We also cannot give you an absolute guarantee that the tips will definitely help.
Version notes of the article (Updates):
Update: This article was first published in April 2022. We updated the article on February 14, 2025, to the latest state, replaced links and products, and slightly adjusted the structure. We also added a note about the PS5 Pro.
The PlayStation 4 can become very loud. This can have various causes.
There are several reasons why the PlayStation 4 can become very loud:
Fan gets loud while playing: The fans usually carry the heat of the system (console, processor, motherboard) outside. With poor cooling, the console overheats, becomes loud, and eventually turns off automatically as a self-protection measure.
Hard drive: The internal hard drive is one of the main reasons for a loud PS4. The hard drive has to write data and this causes noise. The older the drive becomes, the more noticeable this is.
Console: The console makes noise if parts are loose or if it is on an unstable surface. Then components vibrate and this vibration causes noise.
Position: A vertical position can cause the console to become louder.
Age: Every electronic device suffers from wear and tear. The PlayStation 4 is also aging and wears out with continuous use. This can lead to increased noise levels.
Once you have figured out why your PS4 is so loud, you can try to solve the problem. We present 6 tips and tricks that could help you.
1. Check the console’s position
Even a vertical position of the console can be responsible for a high noise level and heat generation.
Required: No special items needed | Time required: 15 – 30 minutes | Cost: none | Difficulty: Easy
The simplest way is to check the position of the console. A simple adjustment can help reduce the noise.
First check if the console is blocked by anything. For the console to operate correctly and quietly, it should ideally stand freely. Place the PS4 in a spot where there is enough “room to breathe” so that air exchange can occur quickly and easily.
Do not place anything on the console, such as books, cloths, or other items.
It is best not to place the console in any TV cabinet to ensure “airflow” is guaranteed. Sometimes the console barely fits into a cabinet and then there is too little space on the sides.
2. Check and update PS4 firmware
Required: No special items needed | Time required: 2 – 3 hours | Cost: none | Difficulty: Easy
If the system files are corrupted, this significantly increases the CPU load. Here it helps to rewrite the system data to relieve the CPU. The effort itself is low, but you need to back up your data and after the full “initialization”, you will need to re-download your games:
Open the “Settings” and then select “Initialization”.
Here, either select “Restore Default Settings” or “Initialize PS4”.
We recommend “Initialize PS4” because the first option only resets personal data, so user accounts and settings are deleted. Games remain installed, so select “Initialize”.
Then you can choose between “Quick” and “Full”. We recommend you choose “Full”.
“Full” may take several hours, but the system files will be rebuilt. Corrupted or damaged data will be removed. The console does this automatically.
Note: “Full” will delete all data on the PS4, including games and save data. Either back this up with an external storage medium or via the cloud – but you need PSPlus for that.
3. Clean and quiet the PS4 fan
Required: T8 Torx security screwdriver/repair kit, compressed air | Time required: 60 minutes | Cost: approximately 15 Euros | Difficulty: Medium
To remove dust from the ventilation, you basically only need to remove the cover of the console (here the PS4 Pro model). Image source: Fixit.com
If the first tips haven’t helped, you can open the console and do quite a bit inside to reduce the noise.
Key combination for the PS4 to clean the fan? With the PS3, you could run the fans at high speed to get rid of dirt. This is no longer possible with the PS4 and PS4 Pro.
Clean PS4 Pro without losing warranty
Be careful not to destroy the warranty seal of the console! The original PS4 model cannot be opened without destroying the seal, which voids the warranty. With the PS4 Slim and Pro versions, you can open the console without damaging the seal or voiding the warranty.
How often should you clean the fan? Regularly cleaning your fan means less work in the long run, and noise levels will remain manageable.
Have the right tools on hand: For the PS4 Slim and Pro, you need a T8 Torx security screwdriver and ideally compressed air in a can. You cannot open the console with a standard T8 screwdriver.
Toolset: If you have the wrong tools, there is a risk of damaging the console. Repair kits that cost around 10 Euros are recommended here.
Compressed air spray: We generally advise against using a vacuum cleaner or similar for cleaning the console. There is a risk of damaging sensitive components. A compressed air spray is recommended for this purpose. This allows you to remove dust and dirt selectively.
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It is important that you hold the compressed air spray upright while cleaning, as moisture can leak from the spray otherwise.
Cleaning the PS4 fan: Inside the console, the first thing you should do is remove the dust from the ventilation.
For the PS4 Slim and PS4 Pro, it is sufficient to lift off the cover of the console. For this, you need a T8 screwdriver to remove the security screws.
You can then blow the fan out with compressed air to remove dust and dirt.
After cleaning, the ventilation can work again, preventing the console from overheating and making it significantly quieter again.
How much does it cost to have the PS4 cleaned? A professional cleaning usually costs between 40 and 100 Euros and is therefore more expensive than doing it yourself.
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Sony releases the official reveal trailer for the PS5 Pro
4. Replace the thermal paste of the PS4
Required: T8 Torx security screwdriver/repair kit, thermal paste | Time required: 2 hours | Cost: approximately 20 Euros | Difficulty: Medium to Hard
If you are technically savvy, you can also replace the thermal paste of the processor. The thermal paste ensures that heat from the processor and the graphics unit (GPU) is quickly dissipated, preventing overheating of the components.
Recommended thermal paste for the PS4: Standard thermal paste is usually sufficient. The Arctic MX-6 has 4.7 stars with over 3,000 reviews and is generally very reliable:
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What should you consider? Replacing the thermal paste is not so straightforward, as you need to disassemble the entire console to do so. It is not enough to just lift off the cover.
This video on YouTube shows the individual steps to take if you want to replace the thermal paste:
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This can lead to a significant improvement in noise levels in the long run.
The PS4 is still loud despite new thermal paste: Check our other tips: Where is your console positioned, does it have enough space, and is there enough airflow to the PlayStation 4? The system can also be “initialized” again after replacing the thermal paste, which may also help.
5. Loud and slow – Replace the PS4 (Pro and Slim) hard drive with an SSD
Required: T8 Torx security screwdriver, thermal paste, hard drive (HDD or SSD) | Time required: 2 – 3 hours | Cost: approximately 120 – 150 Euros | Difficulty: Easy to Medium
The model number is helpful when installing a new hard drive (via playstation.com).
Anyone who uses their PlayStation 4 extensively and intensively writes a lot of data to the hard drive. This long-term use can stress the drive, causing it to become loud and slow. The upgrade to an SSD could be worth it. By the way, the process is a bit different with the PlayStation 5. Here, there is a quite simple method if the PS5 storage gets full.
Backup data before replacing the SSD: Before replacing the PS4 hard drive, you should definitely back up the data from the drive:
First, connect a USB stick or an external hard drive to your PS4.
Then select “Settings” in the PS4 system.
Here select “Application Saved Data Management” and then select “Saved Data in System Storage” and then “Copy to USB Storage Device”.
Finally, mark the files you want to back up with X and then press “copy”.
The PS4 normally supports hard drives with a maximum height of 9.5 mm – up to 2 TB of storage is supported.
Which SSD is recommended? In principle, any SSDs that are not larger than 2.5 inches will fit in your PS5. You can find the best SSDs for your PS4 listed on MeinMMO. Recommended models include those from the MX500 series by Crucial. For 1 TB, you typically pay between 50 and 70 Euros:
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Replace PS4 hard drive with SSD – Consider this when installing: Before removing the hard drive, the PS4 should be completely turned off. If an orange light is blinking, the console is only in standby mode. Properly shut down the console and unplug it. The hard drive you install should be formatted to FAT or exFAT.
The installation varies from version to version. You can identify which console you have by the version number, which is usually located on the back or bottom of the console.
Sony explains on its help page exactly how to remove the hard drive based on the version number.
Install PS4 firmware on new hard drive: After replacing the hard drive, you need to update the system to use the drive:
First, download the PS4 firmware from the official site.
Then create a folder named PS4 on the USB stick and within it a folder named UPDATE. Copy the downloaded file (PS4Update.pup) into this folder.
Insert the USB stick into the PS4 and now start the console. Hold the power button for 7 seconds until a second signal is heard. The safe mode now starts.
Select “Initialize PS4” and “Reinstall System Software”. The system will do the rest automatically.
6. Buying Tips against loud PS4 – Combat causes of noise
PS4Dust Protection: For around 10 Euros, you can dust-proof all openings of the console by using a dust protection kit. This will reduce the dirt and you will have to clean the console significantly less often. This kit allows you to specifically cover all openings:
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PS4 Cover: With a dust and waterproof cover, you can also protect your console from external influences. These covers usually cost around 10 to 15 Euros and protect the PS4. When you turn on the console, you should definitely remove the cover, as the console may overheat otherwise.
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PS5 or Xbox: If you are considering putting your old PS4 away and getting a new console, check out the following article on MeinMMO. Here we explain the pros and cons of the PS5 and Xbox Series X and which console might be worth it for you:
A Reddit user shares their experience with the customer support of a cooler manufacturer because they wanted to use their tried-and-true cooler on their new processor. For this, they requested the appropriate mounting kit. The manufacturer responded promptly and surprised the user with their reaction.
On Reddit, the user 1corn shared their experience with the customer support of Noctua. Noctua is an Austrian manufacturer of PC components that specializes in cooling solutions. Their fans are characterized by a brown-beige color. The user reported that they wanted to install their 12-year-old fan with their new hardware. However, the old cooler was not compatible with the new processor socket.
This was the user’s problem: Until then, the cooler had been mounted on an Intel Core i7-4790K. Now, the cooler needed to be installed on an AMD Ryzen 5 7600X3D, which has different mounting point requirements and brackets. Therefore, the existing mounting set did not fit, making a special mounting kit necessary to adapt the old cooler to the new AMD socket.
How did the support react? To mount the fan on their new processor socket, the user contacted Noctua’s customer support and requested the appropriate mounting kit. Within less than three hours, they had already received a tracking number. To their surprise, the kit was not only sent immediately but also for free. Now, the user is looking forward to finally assembling everything together over the weekend.
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Check out the brilliant Collector’s Edition of the NVIDIA TITAN Xp in Star Wars style in the video
The community stands behind the action
It is rare for a manufacturer to provide a free component in today’s time. Positive experiences like this are remembered and can ensure long-term customer loyalty to a manufacturer. Particularly in a highly competitive market like PC hardware, good service can be a decisive factor. It is no wonder that in the Reddit comments, numerous users praise the manufacturer for their service.
Here are other users’ experiences: The Reddit user probotzor commented that he runs a small YouTube channel and has already received free coolers from Noctua for testing. Another user shared a curious experience: He had ordered three Noctua fans with a specified delivery time of over two weeks. However, after just one week, he received the shipment – along with a note from Noctua apologizing for the long wait. His comment on this: “Guys, you are a whole week early – I hadn’t even received my other PC parts yet!”
Cases like these show how important long-term customer satisfaction is in the hardware industry. Especially as the market continues to evolve. The Ryzen 7 9800X3D is currently setting new standards in gaming performance, while Intel is struggling with issues in its new Arrow Lake processors. A manager from AMD explained that they were surprised by the demand for the processors.
This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
