After the hacker attack on Path of Exile 2, users initially experienced unauthorized withdrawals and then their accounts were locked as well, but support seemed inactive.
What kind of hacker attack was this? An admin account of Path of Exile 2 was hacked in December 2024. The attacker managed to convince Steam support that the account belonged to the hacker and gained access to many players’ data. This included:
Email address: If an email address is associated with the account.
Steam ID: If a Steam ID is associated with the account.
IP addresses: A list of IP addresses that were previously used with the account.
Shipping address: If physical goods were delivered to the account, the corresponding shipping address.
Current unlock code: The code needed to unlock an account that was locked due to logins from another region.
Although the hacker could not view passwords, using the gathered data allowed the attackers to compromise some accounts before the developers could warn their player base.
Here you can see the cinematic intro of Path of Exile 2:
Start video
Path of Exile 2: The Cinematic Intro of the Greatest Diablo Competitor
Players feel abandoned
How are the players doing? For many players, like DenseCrumpM on Reddit, the hack unfolded like this:
One morning, players find an unauthorized withdrawal of about €115 on their PayPal account
They notice the withdrawal and suspect a hack
Many contact PayPal directly and report the payment as unauthorized
Others notice that it wasn’t their PayPal account but their Path of Exile 2 account that was hacked and contact support
Support requests some information via email – but then nothing happens for a long time
After waiting for a long time, even the last players decide to report the payments to PayPal as unauthorized
PayPal seems to be handling users’ concerns well and refunds the money to the accounts. However, in Path of Exile, failed payments can lead to an account ban.
Even though the hackers took over the players’ accounts and often spent €115 for 4 product keys of Path of Exile 2 without their knowledge, in the end, it was the players’ accounts that were banned because they didn’t want to pay for the hackers’ keys.
The affected individuals reached out to support again, after all, they were not responsible for the misuse of their accounts. But they must wait a long time for a response from support.
How does support respond? In several posts in the official Path of Exile forum (via PathofExile.com), users who were victims of the hacker attack complain that they still haven’t heard anything from support about 7 weeks later. Their accounts are still banned.
But for DenseCrumpM, enough is enough. He and some others feel abandoned by support. DenseCrumpM wants to get back his account, which he created in 2018 and equipped with various in-game purchases. He posted on Reddit in hopes of drawing attention to his issue.
What happened next? DenseCrumpM finds like-minded individuals on Reddit and gains attention for his problem, even from the developers. They have apparently worked through all the requests and have restored the first accounts of affected individuals.
In Monster Hunter Wilds, the characters around your hunter play a greater role in the story than ever before. MeinMMO introduces you to the most important ones.
Why are the characters important? Unlike previous adventures in Monster Hunter, your story as a hunter is closely intertwined with the characters of Monster Hunter Wilds. They accompany you on your journey through the Forbidden Land and do not stay at a specific location that you always return to. Each brings their own special quirks.
The story in Monster Hunter Wilds is fully voiced, and for the first time, your hunter also gets their own voice, speaking complete sentences. The narrative is told in a much more cinematic way than in other installments, giving the characters accompanying you increased importance.
To let you know who you are dealing with, we will introduce you to the key figures in the story.
In Monster Hunter Wilds, you are sent on an expedition by the Hunter Guild after a mysterious boy appears at the guild and reports a monster that has destroyed his village. This expedition is divided into smaller units, each assigned different tasks.
You are part of the main character’s story in the Avis Unit and are tasked with protecting the mysterious boy and searching for the monster referred to as the “White Spirit.” Along with you, the following characters are part of this unit:
Palico
Palico
This cute, cat-like creature stands by your side as a loyal partner. Not only is it entertaining, but it also helps you out of tough situations by healing you or drawing a monster’s attention.
You can customize it just like your own hunter in the editor and equip it with gear. In Monster Hunter Wilds, the Palicos can also speak human language for the first time, so they can participate fully voiced in conversations. However, only if you want them to. You can also let them continue speaking “cat-like.”
Alma
Alma
Alma acts as your hunter’s field expert and accompanies you on your explorations and hunts. She has some tips for you – it’s worth listening to her even during battles.
She manages your quests, hunting contracts, and permits, making her your first point of contact when you’re looking for tasks. She enjoys researching and has a particular interest in ancient artifacts and archaeology.
Gemma
Gemma
Gemma is the blacksmith of your unit. With her eager and lively disposition, she keeps everyone on their toes. She is interested in everything related to fire and never hesitates to ask other experts for their advice.
If you collect monster parts or other materials, feel free to approach her. She will craft weapons and equipment from them or upgrade your existing parts.
Nata
The mysterious boy whose village was attacked by the White Spirit. He accompanies you on your journey, trying to find his people, who call themselves the “Guardians.”
He wears a pendant around his neck, made of material that raises several questions to answer. Your unit is tasked with helping him in his search and protecting him.
Characters of the Astrum Unit
Another unit belonging to the expedition is the Astrum Unit. They mainly handle logistics and the exploration of the Forbidden Land. They frequently accompany your hunter during explorations and the search for new campsites.
Olivia
Olivia
Olivia is the hunter of the Astrum Unit and primarily uses her hammer to take on monsters. With her strong protective instincts and resolute nature, she previously handled special missions for the Hunter Guild and is now the leader of the Astrum Unit.
She is often seen in a pair with Erik, whom she always watches over closely while he excitedly explores the environment. She also assists you as a helper hunter if you cannot find fellow players or prefer to play with AI.
Erik
Erik
Erik is Olivia’s field expert and the biologist of the Astrum Unit. He is responsible for researching ecosystems and monsters and is not afraid to test poisons or unknown liquids on himself.
His knowledge is highly regarded, but his thirst for knowledge often leads him into tricky situations that he then needs to be rescued from by you or Olivia.
Werner
Werner
Werner is the blacksmith of the Astrum Unit and is sometimes a bit grumpy. He is an excellent physicist and researcher in weapon technology and engineering, making him a kind of role model for Gemma.
Athos
Athos
Athos is Olivia’s Palico and always by her side. He belongs to the elite Palicos and has significant battle experience. Nevertheless, he remains friendly and motivated, standing by Olivia as she supports you in battle.
Other Important Characters
Fabius
Fabius
Fabius is one of the leaders of the Hunter Guild and was once a hunter himself. He coordinates the expedition and its units, making him your boss.
He is also the person who assigns you the task of leading the Avis Unit and protecting Nata.
The Village of Kunafa
The village of the whistling wind, Kunafa
At the start of the story, you rescue the siblings Y’sai and Nona (the two characters on the right in the image). Y’sai is one of the Saikrii riders and gifts you your own mount as a thank you for your help. The village is known for the Saikriis and livestock, making incredibly delicious cheese.
Zotah (in the middle of the image) leads the Saikrii riders and watches the village warily towards outsiders while the Elder manages the settlement.
The Wudwuds
The Wudwuds
The Wudwuds are a people native to the Crimson Forest. They live in harmony with the forest, which is sacred to them. They dominate the human language but have a very funny and lovable manner of speaking. They also engage in one-sided trade with the surrounding peoples.
Rokko
Wudwud Rokko
Rokko is a Wudwud, but he is different from the other Wudwuds. He roams the wilderness in search of adventure and meets you along the way.
The Village of Azuz
The village of Azuz, home of the blacksmiths
At the center of the village of Azuz is a huge forge, around which the settlement has gradually formed over the years. It is inhabited by peoples of skilled craftsmen who have access to rare materials and ancient knowledge.
Besides the characters, it is primarily the monsters that play the most crucial role in Monster Hunter Wilds. If you want to get an overview, you can check out our extensive monster list: Monster Hunter Wilds: All currently known monsters in the list
This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
The original plan for Diablo 4 was to bring out a new expansion every year. However, this plan must be postponed already with the second expansion. Diablo chief Rod Fergusson explains the reason at the DICE Summit in Las Vegas.
This statement was already retracted by Rod Fergusson in 2024 with the release of the first expansion Vessel of Hatred. He said: “I don’t think I ever officially said that.” (via Dexerto).
Now Fergusson explains: The next expansion will not come until 2026. This information was shared by journalist Jason Schreier on bluesky. In return, players can look forward to a roadmap showcasing upcoming content for 2025.
Why is the expansion coming later? Rod Fergusson spoke at the DICE Summit in Las Vegas about the future of Diablo 4. It was mentioned that the next expansion is not coming until 2026 because the team has devoted more resources to improving quality (via IGN).
The team is working one to two seasons ahead, but because they respond to player feedback, they have to divert resources from developing new content.
Vessel of Hatred already came too late, with 18 months instead of 12 months after release. This delay has now also postponed the entire subsequent development. Nevertheless, the approach seems to have paid off.
After initial criticism of Diablo 4, especially regarding missing features and lack of endgame, the tone in the community has changed significantly for the better. One of the biggest points of praise, as well as the one that certainly consumed the most development time: The completely overhauled and improved loot.
The current Season 7 has introduced the new feature of the armory where you can save builds – a highly requested feature. Here’s the trailer for the season:
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Gameplay trailer for Season 7 in Diablo 4, the Season of Witch Power
Fergusson promises roadmap likely within the next 2 months
The Diablo chief further explains that they want to orient themselves towards the teams of Diablo Immortal and World of Warcraft regarding communication. This includes that a roadmap will be released.
They aim to release this before Season 8. If there are no delays, Season 8 should start around mid-April.
What exactly Season 8 or the next expansion will hold, we do not yet know. However, we firmly expect a new class for the next DLC. The Crusader would make sense both in terms of gameplay style and story – or a completely different class. However, there are a few hints: I have completed Vessel of Hatred and I am sure I now know one of Blizzard’s big secrets
This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
With the new season in League of Legends, several changes have been made. Among them, a popular free method to obtain skins has been removed. However, the community found a creative solution.
What is this feature? The Hextech chests were available both through the shop for Riot points and by simply playing until the start of the new season. However, the free method has been removed, and players reacted critically to the changes.
A Reddit user took the matter into their own hands and presented their own version to the community.
What has the Reddit user built? The user AcceptableMountain11 posted on Reddit their “Hextech Opening Website”. On this website, you can open Hextech chests for free and obtain skins. Unfortunately, you can’t get these skins in the official game, but the chance to open a chest has pleased many players.
The comments provided great feedback, including many suggestions to improve the mini-game.
Shortly thereafter, there was an update to the website, and a new mechanic was introduced. With mouse clicks, you get gemstones and occasionally you can obtain a key for the chests. The developer revealed that the gemstones will be useful later, but for what exact purpose is still unclear.
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Welcome to Noxus – Opening Video for the First LoL Season 2025
The community is excited about the idea
The Reddit user TacoMonday_ (via Reddit) refers to the website as one of the best ideas and has suggested the gemstone mechanic. Some other Reddit users describe the mini-game as very realistic.
This is what the comments say:
“I love it, I traded 3 skins for an ugly Shyvana skin, just like in the client!”, writes Prickled-fruit (via Reddit)
“I stopped playing League due to the new changes after playing since Season 1. Thank you for creating a new main game for me”, writes ZediaReddit (via Reddit)
“I only get garbage skins, very realistic”, writes -stud (via Reddit)
Of course, these comments are exaggerated. In the Hextech chests, you can get almost every rarity of skins, from common to ultimate skins, anything is possible.
What is the current status regarding the Hextech chests? On February 7, 2025, Riot released an update video on several topics. They also addressed the issue of the Hextech chests and believe this step was necessary, as players spend too little money.
Few works are as loved as The Lord of the Rings. This is also due to the movies, which have presented the fantasy world immersively and vividly. A major focus is on the heroes’ battles against evil. But how realistic are the weapons and armor of various characters?
In a new video, several experts on the topic of the Middle Ages evaluate the films of The Lord of the Rings. There is a special focus on the weapons and armor.
Image rights for the films of The Lord of the Rings are owned by Warner Bros.
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German trailer for The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers
Sauron is highly praised
What does the expert say about the weapons in The Lord of the Rings? In the video, Toby Capwell analyzes the weapons in The Lord of the Rings. He is a curator for weapons and armor at the Wallace Collection art museum in London.
First, he evaluates the opening sequence from the films, in which we see the battle against Sauron. He rates Sauron’s armor highly because it looks like real metal. He also talks about the decorations, which must have been etched with acid. Capwell mentions that it is difficult to represent a metal armor in film with other materials, because metal behaves differently.
In the case of the Elves’ armors, one would see that they are not entirely made of metal.
He explains that the filmmakers took the most inspiration for Sauron from the style of German armors from the 15th century. Sauron’s mace is also a modified version of a real weapon. However, his weapon is larger compared to his size than it would have been in history. Real maces from the 15th century would be significantly smaller.
However, he explains that the representation in the film fits the character and highlights his threat. He gives Sauron’s armor and weapon a 10 out of 10.
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Next, Capwell looks at the Witch King of Angmar, who fights with a large flail. He likes the aesthetic of the Witch King. He explains that the flail was originally a tool for farmers to thresh wheat. It is a weapon that was more commonly used by farmers and low-ranking soldiers. Knights typically wouldn’t have used it.
According to Capwell, this weapon is quite popular in works about the Middle Ages, because they are somehow creepy and have an inherent mechanical fascination.
The flail of the Witch King is larger and the chain longer than it would ever have been in the Middle Ages, but for him, the representation works in the context of the film. He believes there is no better weapon that could have the visual and story impact as this flail. He again gives a 10 out of 10.
The helmets of the Good are not entirely convincing
Throughout the video, he also analyzes the armors of other factions. For one, he looks at the helmet of the Rohirrim from Rohan. According to him, the Rohirrim are inspired by the Anglo-Saxons. However, they probably never fought on horseback in history as the Rohirrim do in the films.
Éomer’s helmet, played by Karl Urban, is according to the expert too high on his head. The upper edge should be directly above the eyebrows to protect the front of the skull.
Regarding the decorations on Gimli’s helmet, he generally states that armors were more embellished in real history than one might think. The dwarf helmets are supposed to have an architectural look that highlights their profession as blacksmiths.
However, he believes that Gimli’s helmet looks too much like polyurethanes (plastics or resins). It lacks the sturdiness and weight that metal armors have. Despite the criticism, he still gives both armors an 8 out of 10.
In the further course of the video, experts on war tactics and smithing techniques are also presented. This likely represents well how much attention to detail and how many ideas are invested in The Lord of the Rings. Other fantasy works have also been analyzed by experts: An expert on sword fighting explains how well Henry Cavill fights as the Witcher
This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
A couple from Star Wars almost experienced a tragic end. It would have made one of the two characters in the movies much more exciting. However, George Lucas ultimately decided against it.
Attention Spoiler: We reveal the ending of Star Wars Episode III.
Which couple are we talking about? Anakin and Padmé are the main couple in the Star Wars prequels. They meet as children and fall in love as young adults.
During the big finale on the lava planet Mustafar, Padmé tries to talk to Anakin and appeal to the good in him. However, he does not believe her and even tries to punish her for her supposed betrayal. Even a Jedi could have stopped Anakin.
In the end, the story has a sad outcome. Anakin becomes Darth Vader and Padmé dies during the birth of their children Luke and Leia.
Originally, the confrontation on Mustafar was supposed to proceed differently. The alternative ending would have given the character even more significance.
The image rights of Star Wars: Episode 3 are held by the Walt Disney Company.
Start video
Star Wars: Episode 3 – The Revenge of the Sith Trailer (English)
A knife could have made the difference
What did the alternative ending look like? Iain McCaig was a concept artist for Episode 3 and told at a lecture in 2016 how George Lucas wanted to change the character Padmé (via digitalspy.com).
According to him, she would not have been so blinded by her love. Padmé would have realized that she needed to take matters into her own hands and stop Anakin. Simple words would not have been enough, and instead, she would have set out to Mustafar with a knife in her pocket.
Her plan was to kill Anakin on the spot and thereby thwart his and Palpatine’s plans. Specifically, Padmé wanted to hug her beloved and then stab him. This way, Darth Vader would never have existed, and the events of the later episodes would have unfolded quite differently.
All good in the Galactic Republic then? No, because George Lucas knew, of course, that he could not have Anakin killed. That would have rendered the already existing episodes 4 to 6 meaningless in retrospect.
Therefore, he comes up with a twist: before Padmé strikes, all the happy moments of the two would appear before her mind’s eye at the very last moment. She would not have been able to bring herself to kill Anakin.
Thus, the actual outcome of the story would not have changed. However, the fact remains that Padmé would have had the power to change Star Wars sustainably. That is an interesting thought and adds even more substance to the character.
Compared to the final ending in the film, Padmé appears bolder and more combative in the alternative version – whether she would have struck or not. Why George Lucas decided against showing this facet of the character is written among the stars in a galaxy far, far away. Padmé’s actress had a hard time after the shoot: Natalie Portman talks about how it was to receive the anger of “Star Wars” fans as an 18-year-old
This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
MeinMMO author Caro has already played Nightreign for 8 hours, the spin-off of Elden Ring, which will be released on May 30, 2025. During this time, she realized what distinguishes the game from Elden Ring, where their similarities lie, and that she would have loved to play Nightreign all night long.
Since the announcement at the Game Awards 2024, the question for me, as well as for many other Elden Ring fans, has been how Nightreign will differ from the main game and who might be suited for the new game. Despite the different approach of the spin-off, Nightreign is a new form of Soulslike that now makes the environment and especially time a formidable opponent alongside dangerous creatures and bosses.
Players who celebrate the world of Elden Ring will also find enjoyment in Nightreign, but one must be able to embrace a new playstyle of a beloved game.
At a playtest event from Bandai Namco, I tested a pre-release version of the session-based RPG for 8 hours.
In groups of three, we could test 4 of the 8 so-called Nightfarers in two run scenarios with different night bosses and the three-headed hellhound Gladius as one of the 8 possible Nightlords. We explored the map, collected runes and loot, defeated all enemies in all sizes and shapes, and ran for our lives.
Here you see the trailer for Nightreign:
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Gameplay trailer for Elden Ring Nightreign shows a boss from Dark Souls 3
Nightreign still has the soul of a Soulslike
The probably most obvious difference between Nightreign and Elden Ring is the use of 3 Nightfarers that can be played together in co-op. The Nightfarers are the playable heroes in Nightreign, as unlike in the main game, you no longer create your own characters. This not only changes the number of players but also the approach within the game.
Large bosses seem less intimidating, collecting runes goes faster, and three pairs of eyes see more than one. But does this hinder the challenge of a typical Soulslike? Absolutely not.
The difficulty is simply redistributed. Unpleasant surprises and numerous deaths remain a central part. Since we played with 2 different scenarios during the event, we could develop strategies together, but when faced with any random boss at release, one must be adaptable.
Even though large bosses may initially seem less threatening due to the shared teamwork, the changing environment combined with constant time pressure offers little security.
It may happen that you find yourself in a fight with a dragon, the fire ring approaching at (notably swift) speed, a teammate has been taken down, and… suddenly Margit, The Fell Omen appears to ruin your day? Yes, that happened, and yes, we were indeed stressed. A crucial lesson for me and for you is therefore that a heroic retreat can sometimes be the best strategy.
An equally heroic new feature in Nightreign, which you will encounter early and often, is crawling after being downed instead of dying outright. I crawled a lot – very, very much. It’s humiliating, it’s pathetic, and it’s great. Especially since teammates can revive you with hits, which perfectly rounds off the experience in my view.
Therefore, despite the support from my teammates, I never felt too safe, overpowered, or underchallenged, which had previously been one of my concerns.
At night, you must face a random boss and survive
When you survive the night, the fire recedes and the next day begins
Roles like in an MMORPG
Besides the charming way of reviving, collaboration also offers many advantages in combat. You can develop strategies together, time attacks, build on each other’s abilities, and assign roles within the groups that take care of distracting, dealing damage or supporting.
Each of the 4 Nightfarers feels different but very enriching. They each have 2 specific abilities that charge over time and can be used for damage, healing, or crowd control. Different group combinations thus always provided new approaches, allowing us to shape each run differently. And this, even though we could only select 4 of the 8 possible heroes so far.
I quickly noticed that Nightreign rewards player cooperation.
Even if you can split up to explore more, we quickly found that it’s smarter to stay within reach of each other. This way, you can defeat larger foes, which is clearly more lucrative than farming small enemies – and revive if necessary.
If you die permanently before being revived by a teammate, you can respawn again. However, you lose a level, which is already a significant disadvantage due to the lower number of possible levels. And nobody wants to be the dead weight of the group.
Nightreign rushed me through day and night and provided plenty of adrenaline
Compared to Elden Ring, where I could choose my own pace, Nightreign not only offers faster gameplay but practically demands it. A run lasts around 30 to 40 minutes depending on how successful you are, which flew by during the playtest.
Leveling your character is now significantly faster and simpler, as you increase the entire character level rather than individual aspects. This can be accomplished even in the rush by repeatedly spamming the button at a Site of Grace within seconds.
Another innovation for a quick traversal of the map is the expanded freedom of movement in the form of parkour. You can overcome ledges, climb some rocks, and due to the lack of fall damage, leap from great heights.
At some places on the map, there are also so-called Spirit Stream Jumps, which catapult the player into the air similar to Torrents Spirit Spring in Elden Ring. Another option for quick travel is the Spectral Hawk, which you could already see in the trailer and which drops players onto the map at the start of the run.
However, it’s not just about running away from the death zone, but also about quick decision-making, which provides a significant dose of adrenaline. You have to decide quickly when delaying a potential plan makes success harder with each passing second.
With a little risk-taking, you can dart back into the danger zone to quickly seek a Site of Grace just before the night boss to become 2 levels stronger and regenerate your healing potions. But the longer you delay such maneuvers, the more dangerous their execution becomes.
In the distance, you can see the edge of the deadly zoneThe map serves for communication and overviewThe fire of the deadly zone is getting closerLeveling up is significantly faster and simplerThe portal to the Nightlord is beautifully atmosphericGuardian is preparing for the Spirit Stream JumpIn the churches of Marika, you can extend your healing potion capacity
Nightreign is a whole new experience, but dangerously good
Here I want to highlight that my group and I had a lot of fun with the game! Already after the second run, I noticed: “Oh oh… here I could spend many, many hours.”
In my experience, Nightreign not only feels like new, expanded content, but above all, other content for Elden Ring. Therefore, it is less to be considered as a DLC like Shadow of the Erdtree that expands the original, but rather as a new gaming experience, as challenges are approached completely differently than in the Elden Ring main game.
The runs felt quite brief due to the very fast-paced gameplay and the constant urge to prove oneself. You learn quickly and want to put your new skills into action and improve as often as possible. However, the contrast of the fast pacing compared to Elden Ring might feel overwhelming and stifling for many. The tempo is present and rarely lets up.
The question remains whether it will make sense to play solo. While it is certainly possible, you really are completely on your own, which takes away many advantages of cooperation.
However, this aspect could become an exciting challenge – and we know just how much Soulslike fans love a challenge.
I am looking forward to the release on May 30, 2025, as I definitely want to meet the other 4 Nightfarers and Nightlords and still have a score to settle with Margit. Still, I continue to have respect for the random bosses that might be thrown at my feet in the nightly challenges. As long as I don’t have to deal with a certain boss who literally drove me crazy in Elden Ring, I am satisfied: The hardest boss in Elden Ring according to the community has no health bar
This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
The year 2025 has begun, and we already know that several exciting shooters await us in the coming 12 months. We have summarized the most interesting titles of the genre here.
What kind of shooters are these? We have looked at which shooters will be released in 2025 and listed the most interesting games in an overview. The selection is a personal assessment by the author.
The listed titles were not limited to a specific subgenre but consist of the complete pool of shooters being released in 2025. Accordingly, you will find both PvE or co-op shooters as well as PvP and tactical shooters in this list. Single-player games are also included.
On the last page, you will also find some shooters that did not make it into the big presentation of our top 10, but we still wanted to share with you.
[toc]
FragPunk
Developer: Bad Guitar Studio |Release: March 6, 2025 |Model: Free-to-play | Platforms: PC, Xbox Series X|S, PS5 |Players: 5v5 |Subgenre: Tactical Shooter |Mode: PvP |Perspective: First-Person
What is FragPunk? FragPunk is a hero shooter where you can choose up to 3 game cards at the beginning of a round. These game cards have different effects. For example, they can change the weather, give your opponents larger heads, or block opponents’ healing. The playable heroes also have different abilities, including a sonar scan, a smoke wall, or healing mushrooms.
You play in a classic 5v5 mode, as known from various tactical shooters: the attacking team must plant a kind of “bomb” at one of 2 spots (A or B). The defenders must prevent this. There is no respawn. In case of a tie, the teams face off in 1v1 duels.
Developer: Tripwire Interactive |Release: March 25, 2025 |Model: Buy-to-play |Platforms: PC, Xbox Series X|S, PS5 |Players: 6-player co-op |Subgenre: Horde Shooter |Mode: PvE |Perspective: First-Person
What is Killing Floor 3? Killing Floor 3 is a horror shooter that you can play cooperatively with up to 5 friends. It is the successor to the 2016-released Killing Floor 2, which boasts over 88% positive reviews on Steam.
The third part of the “Killing Floor” series has you fighting against the so-called Zeds again. These are genetically modified monsters that swarm you in zombie-like hordes and seek to take your life. However, you are heavily armed and are slaughtering through the enemy waves with your friends.
Killing Floor 3 is especially interesting for fans of co-op shooters. If you enjoyed Helldivers 2 or Space Marine 2 in 2024, you might also like Killing Floor.
Warning: Killing Floor is very brutal and is rated 18+. There is a lot of blood and dismemberment may occur – so expect the same from Killing Floor 3. The game is not suitable for children!
Start video
Killing Floor 3 Gamescom
ALARA Prime
Developer: Fall Damage | Release: 2025 |Model: Free-to-play |Platforms: PC, Xbox Series X|S |Players: 4v4v4 multiplayer | Subgenre: Tactical Shooter |Mode: PvP |Perspective: First-Person
What is ALARA Prime? ALARA Prime will be a competitive tactical shooter featuring 4v4v4 gameplay. This distinguishes the title from other tactical shooters like CS2 or Valorant, which mainly focus on 5v5 matches. Instead of two 5-player teams, three 4-player teams compete against each other.
Gameplay-wise, the title features a first-person perspective and allows you to choose a class as well as use various gadgets in combat against other teams. The teams must particularly defend or capture a specific area.
Moreover, the movement and gunplay of ALARA Prime in the first gameplay trailer seem more reminiscent of shooters like CoD or Battlefield. This means that gunplay mostly occurs within your sights, and you can move while shooting – so keep pressing “a” and “d”.
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ALARA Prime Pre-Alpha shows a short gameplay trailer
The shooters 4 to 7 can be found on page 2
This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
A post on Reddit is causing a stir as a user shows her boyfriend’s PC. The picture reveals a chaotic setup with suspiciously installed hardware. The Reddit community reacts with a mix of horror and humor.
In the subreddit pcmasterrace, the user skylovesutoo posts a picture that shows her boyfriend’s open PC. What may seem like a typical setup at first glance quickly reveals itself to be a collection of interesting choices in PC building. The condition of the PC suggests it must be struggling with some issues. However, the user does not comment on whether or how her boyfriend’s PC is running.
This is how the inside of the PC looks
The graphics card and its appendage: First, one probably notices the loose power supply in the case, whose “installation” can cause mechanical damage. It puts pressure on the graphics card, causing GPU sag. GPU sag refers to the bending or sagging of a graphics card, often caused by the weight of the card itself or other influences. This deformation can occur especially with larger and heavier graphics cards, which can damage the PCIe slot or the card itself in the long run.
Additionally, a red “card” is placed directly on the graphics card. This is presumably an ASUS Wi-Fi adapter.
The CPU is upside down: The CPU cooler is misaligned, which means it distributes warm air instead of directing it out of the case. This orientation leads to poor temperature regulation, causing the CPU to overheat unnecessarily, which can throttle performance and shorten its lifespan.
The cable management and ventilation: The cables are hanging messily in the case and are partially bent sharply, which can lead to problems. The PC case has only one fan, which worsens the cooling of the system. The incorrect CPU orientation and the loose power supply further add to the thermal burden on the system.
The opening in the side panel could also serve as a measure to counter overheating problems. Without sufficient airflow, heat is not effectively expelled from the case.
The RAM order: The RAM modules are seemingly installed in the wrong slots. Normally, DIMM slots should be filled in the order of 1-3-2-4, so that pairs 1-2 and 3-4 can optimally utilize dual-channel mode. If this order is not followed, dual-channel mode cannot be activated correctly, leading to reduced system speed and efficiency. However, this presumes that the memory supports dual-channel at all.
Upon closer inspection, dust can also be seen on the components and inside the case itself. Although the amount is still manageable, it is important to regularly clean the PC of dust. Excessive dust accumulation can block airflow pathways. Here we have some tips on how to keep your PC cool.
Start video
Battlemage: Check out Intel’s new graphics cards in the video
These are the reactions from the community: The comments under the post wonder how someone can create such a PC. It resembles a “Where’s Waldo” search to see who can find the most mistakes. But some see a kind of workaround in the situation: “I could almost bet he did that because the CPU power cable is very short and he couldn’t route it around the graphics card or even around the back of the case; I’ve seen that a few times with cheap power supplies.” Said the user haztech99.
Alongside some assistance or ideas on how to rearrange the components, most enjoy the sight and joke about the craftsmanship. “Remarkable, what courage, what ingenuity. In the face of great adversity, this hero faced the challenge and overcame it. A true inspiration for us all,” commented a user sarcastically.
But not everyone is knowledgeable enough about hardware, so building one’s own PC can be a real challenge. There is an overwhelming variety of ideas and templates available online when it comes to designing a PC and its components. We have 7 tips for you that you should know before building a PC to make your next build easier.
This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
Many bosses in Baldur’s Gate 3 have a powerful and imposing aura that indicates their status as formidable opponents. However, in the first act of the game, there is a creature that seems absolutely harmless but may be stronger than the actual boss of the area.
Which opponent is being referred to? This is about the confused frog in the swamp area of the first act, hopping around near the house of the hag. It is not directly a hostile creature but suffers from a curse that causes it constant pain. This confuses the little swamp dweller so much that it attacks you if left alone.
However, it is best to think twice about whether you want to engage with this unassuming little fellow. According to other players’ experiences, the frog has destroyed entire teams and ruined honor runs.
Here you can see the trailer for Baldur’s Gate 3:
Start video
Baldur’s Gate 3 is coming to PS5 – Trailer prepares for console release
A small body with a lot of power
What can the confused frog do? Even though it only has 12 HP, the frog has an armor class of 31 due to several bonuses and the spell “Mirror Image”, making it not so easy to hit.
It possesses the ability “Reflective Slime”, which causes the first projectile that flies toward it to be reflected back at the attacker. After an attack, the slime disappears, but it regenerates each round.
Additionally, it hurls a poisonous substance at multiple opponents, dealing not only 3D8 + 5 poison damage but also poisoning all targets.
Especially an underleveled team looking to explore the swamp and engage in a nice conversation with a pink, “harmless” frog can find itself in trouble. Many players report in the comments of a YouTube video that this frog cost them their honor run.
How should one deal with the frog? Those who can speak with animals can learn about the frog’s pains. The hag of the swamp area is responsible for it. If you initially leave the frog alone and return after defeating the hag, it will be very grateful and even lead you to a small hidden treasure.
However, if you are not a friend of the frog at all or are planning revenge against it, you can also attack it. With its 12 HP, it does not hold up well, so it’s best to take it out with a surprise attack before it strengthens itself with its mirror images.
How does the community feel about the frog? The comments below the above-linked YouTube video about the confused frog speak for themselves:
“I laughed my ass off when that thing destroyed my party” (@Gilhadriel)
“Yes, this frog ended my honor run. I thought I would kill it for XP, but that one frog destroyed my whole damn party” (@JohnnyJetpack)
“I hate this frog with the furious passion of a million white suns” (@christianbarrera2489)
Larian itself also noted the community’s opinion towards the little jumper and dedicated an animated short film on YouTube in collaboration with Mashed, where the heroes of the game once again face this powerful opponent.
The group looks visibly intimidated by the little frog (Image Source: YouTube, Larian Studios)
In addition to the confused frog, there are other opponents and moments that can turn deadly. While one can simply try again from the last save point in a casual playthrough, some unfortunate moments, a bad roll, or a cheeky remark can sometimes be the end of a multi-hour honor run: 5 decisions in Baldur’s Gate 3 that can kill you instantly
This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
The new MMORPG Stars Reach on Steam is being created by a legendary developer. Now he has revealed what inspiration he is using.
What kind of game is this? The Galaxy Sandbox MMORPG Stars Reach aims to provide a parallel world where players can dive deep. The game is intended to function as a sandbox, not as a theme park MMORPG, and players are meant to explore the “deeply simulated lifeworlds in a shardless galaxy”.
In contrast to many genre competitors, there is supposed to be a “fully player-driven economy” here, filled with “peaceful gameplay opportunities.” So, those who are not interested in fighting will still be happy in the MMORPG.
Here you can watch the first trailer for the sandbox MMORPG:
Start video
First trailer shows the new Star Reach
MMORPG by a Mastermind
Who is behind the MMORPG? Industry veteran Raph Koster was the lead designer of Ultima Online, which was released in 1997. He was also the Creative Director of Star Wars Galaxies from 2003. He is also behind the new MMORPG Stars Reach.
In an interview with Gamesradar, the developer spoke about his inspiration for the MMORPG. He mentioned Sword Art Online as the first example. An anime in which the protagonists’ bodies are connected to their characters from an MMO and only become free when they win the game. If they die in the virtual world, it also happens in the real world of the anime.
About Sword Art Online, he says: “It’s a fantasy, of an immersive parallel world, and players yearn for it, we believe […] Just look at all the isekai anime, the Sword Art Onlines and all that. The games shown there are not theme park games. They are immersive, alternative realities, right?”
Is there already an example from the gaming industry? For Raph Koster, his MMORPG is to be a sandbox where players can leave their everyday life behind. He knows exactly how this can work in a video game.
He cites the cozy game Animal Crossing as an example: “If you look at the rise of all these other sandbox game forms on a smaller scale, it’s pretty clear, isn’t it? I think the way Animal Crossing went viral during COVID is a sign of that. So, yes, when you put these things back in context, we believe there is a huge, huge appetite for it.”
Raph Koster has a clear vision of his MMORPG and knows exactly how it should be. Before the game becomes a reality, funding needs to be secured. For this, the developers are relying on a Kickstarter campaign that is set to launch soon. You can learn more about it here: Legendary developer has been making a new MMORPG for 5 years, now he wants your money
This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
If you have no desire for happy couples in Animes on Valentine’s Day and otherwise, we have the perfect suggestions for you. MeinMMO presents 5 Animes where there are no perfect relationships or cheesy romance stories.
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and many couples are drawn to fancy restaurants with romantic evenings. If you are single, not into clichés, or simply a big anime fan without a penchant for romance, we can recommend 5 Animes where you will definitely not encounter overly happy relationships.
In the Animes, romances often appear, but there is usually a crazy twist, which means that it is not a happy relationship. Our last anime, on the other hand, is intended for all singles who want to get tips on how to escape their loneliness.
This list is based on subjective feelings and is in no way related to how they were rated on various platforms. If you have further suggestions for this list, feel free to mention them in the comments!
[toc]
Mirai Nikki
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Mirai Nikki: The German Trailer for the Drama Anime
Where can I stream the anime? Currently, there is no streaming service provider, you are left with the DVD and Blu-ray.
What is it about? Yukiteru Amano keeps a diary on his phone. He is shy and has an imaginary friend: Deus Ex Machina, the god of space and time. One day, however, Yukiteru realizes that many events are displayed on his phone in advance, allowing him to see into the future.
He, along with 10 other participants, is drawn into a survival game, all of whom keep a special diary. The winner of this game gets to become the successor of Deus Ex Machina. During the games, he teams up with classmate Yuno Gasai.
Why are you spared from happy couples? Although Yuno and Yukiteru seem like a couple, their relationship is anything but healthy. Yuno is obsessed with Yukiteru, stalks him, and wants to kill any girl who could compete with her.
There are only a few romantic scenes between the two. Yukiteru is aware that Yuno is not mentally stable. On the other hand, who wouldn’t want a girlfriend who does everything for them? So, really, everything.
This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
Two Twitch streamers talked in a livestream about how being a content creator is not as easy as many imagine. The job includes not only the livestreaming itself but also many other tasks and risks.
Who is it about? One of them is the Twitch streamer Aster “AsterPewPew”. He has been part of the Twitch scene since December 7, 2014, and can attract over 800 viewers per stream (via sullygnome). In his streams, GTA V is played or he chats in Just Chatting.
We show you in the video Twitch streamers you should know:
Start video
3 German Twitch streamers you should know
Streaming is not the only job of a Twitch streamer
AsterPewPew spoke with Twitch streamer JenNyan in one of her recent streams. Previously, she mentioned that she had a total of 160 streaming hours last month and that her current streams last 10-12 hours. However, this is too much for JenNyan, and she would like to take more breaks.
JenNyan started her Twitch channel on August 15, 2015, and averages over 1,700 viewers (via sullygnome). She mostly streams in the Just Chatting category or plays GTA V. In 2024, she was nominated for a streaming award, but she felt embarrassed by the nomination afterwards.
What do Twitch streamers have to accomplish? Twitch colleague AsterPewPew replied that people do not realize that JenNyan’s job is not just about livestreaming itself. He listed various things that are part of being a Twitch streamer:
Calls and meetings
Reels need to be filmed
Placements need to be prepared
Some collaborations require traveling, which can mean being away from home for several days
You are constantly confronted with your job
Additionally, there are risks such as harassment or hate messages in the inbox. Moreover, one does not know how long they can continue with this profession.
Your whole life, and I can say this because I know you, consists of what you do. I can’t listen to it anymore because they are so unreflective that they only believe that the stream is the only thing that comes with this job.
He further elaborated that there are also differences among Twitch streamers. It is, of course, less work to just sit in the stream and react to YouTube videos. Content creators vary, and so do the contents they produce.
He concluded his monologue with: “To say that this is not a real job or something is utter nonsense.”
Whether the profession of a Twitch streamer or influencer is a “real” or indeed a demanding job is a question and discussion that has long existed on the internet. Of course, this profession is not as physically demanding as working in nursing, but one should not underestimate the consequences.
It is probably more mentally demanding to constantly be in the public eye, to constantly come up with new ideas for an exciting stream, or to manage the many placements. It is no coincidence that many influencers report that they are heading toward burnout. Recently, Twitch streamer LetsHugo probably withdrew from public life for this reason: “My last sign of life. For now” – Twitch streamer withdraws from public life
This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
Long before the adventures of Frodo and the Fellowship, there were many mysterious figures and creatures in the universe of The Lord of the Rings that we could never see in the movies. One such being is Ungoliant, whose descendants nearly finished off Frodo.
Image rights of The Lord of the Rings are owned by Warner Bros. Pictures
Where does Ungoliant come from? The true origin of Ungoliant is unknown. Some Elves believed that Ungoliant was once an Ainur. The Ainur were created by Eru Ilúvatar before the beginning of the world.
It is believed that Melkor, an Ainur who later became a malevolent dark lord, corrupted Ungoliant. However, Ungoliant was not loyal to Melkor. She acted according to her insatiable urge to consume everything that could satisfy her own emptiness. For this purpose, she then also collaborated with Melkor.
Start video
Epic Trailer for The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship
An Insatiable Hunger
Ungoliant wants to satisfy her own emptiness. To satiate her insatiable hunger and flee from the Valar who were hunting her, Ungoliant went to Avathar, a place on the continent Aman, which is west of Middle-earth. There, the creature took the form of a gigantic spider. She consumed more and more light and spun dark webs in a mountain that served as her hideout.
However, it happened that Ungoliant had drained all the light and she began to hunger again. Later, she encountered Melkor once more, who was plotting his revenge against the Valar. He promised Ungoliant to do everything to satisfy her hunger if she helped him.
To this end, they together destroyed the two trees of Valinor, which produced the light of the world. Ungoliant masked the two with her dark webs. Ungoliant drained the trees and the source of Varda and extracted their light. Ungoliant grew, and even Melkor developed fear.
They then fled from Aman to Middle-earth, but Ungoliant realized that Melkor would probably not keep his promise, which is why she captured him. The situation escalated, and Ungoliant attempted to kill Melkor. In a moment of desperation, he screamed and thereby attracted his Balrogs.
There, Ungoliant mated with other spider beings and gave birth to several descendants, making Nan Dungotheb a terrible place, full of creatures that only killed out of malice and hunger. Only two known individuals survived the place and managed to come out alive.
Her descendant Shelob is known from the films as the great spider who almost devoured Frodo in Cirith Ungol and was fought by Sam.
Not much is known about the end of Ungoliant, only that the creature left Nan Dungortheb. In some stories, it is speculated that Ungoliant devoured herself in her insatiable hunger.
Actor Luke Dale embodies the nobleman Hans Capon in the role-playing hit Kingdom Come: Deliverance as well as in the newly released sequel. However, something went wrong during his playthrough on Twitch.
Who is the actor? Luke Dale is an actor and voice actor, best known for his role as Hans Capon in the English version of the role-playing hit Kingdom Come: Deliverance. For the freshly released sequel, he once again portrayed the Bohemian nobleman.
On February 11, 2025, the actor played the role-playing game on Twitch. The atmosphere was lively: Dale had dressed up appropriately, was drinking a beer, with his face on the bottle, and cheered when he heard his voice in the game. The fact that he hadn’t installed the Day-1 patch wasn’t that big of a deal… or was it?
Start video
Kingdom Come Deliverance 2: Details, die das Spiel perfekt machen
Actor calls for help on Twitch stream
What went wrong? Dale dismissed the missing patch at the beginning of his playthrough. The download took too long; he would just play a sort of review version. However, it quickly became clear that there was a bit more to the patch than the actor had assumed.
It became clear that something was completely off with the graphics, textures were flickering and glitching everywhere. As it turned out, the version of Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 that Dale was showing to over 1,000 viewers on Twitch was more than a year old.
During the stream, the actor called one of the developers, who explained to him that the patch was so large precisely because it fixed so many bugs. He was playing a version “from God knows when,” where the graphics were “totally messed up.”
The short version can be seen here:
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On X, the actor shared a message the next day that he apparently received from a developer at Warhorse. The post was seen by over 50,000 people, who humorously commented on the mishap.
“But asking for help in the stream was priceless. You were like: ‘Why should I take suggestions from the common people? I will call a nobleman.'”
“If only the PS5 had shouted at you…” [Note from the editor: It did.]
Many viewers also agree that this blunder fits Hans Capon perfectly – maybe Luke Dale is just a particularly committed method actor.
After all, fans of the role-playing game have now gained insight into the earlier stages of development and could admire how much has changed since then.
What was the outcome? After about an hour and a half, Dale gave up – he didn’t want to show such an old version of the game; that would be terrible. On February 12, 2025, the second first stream of Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 with the real Hans Capon – and with patch – followed.
The strategy game Crusader Kings III allows you to experience the Middle Ages as a noble ruler like no other game before. Now the title expands to the east and lets you feel the diverse region.
According to the developers, 2025 is set to be the biggest year yet for Crusader Kings III (via Steam). Although the game already has 16 DLCs that bring various new features, traits, and rulers, one of the largest changes yet is on the way.
Here you can watch the trailer for Crusader Kings III:
Start video
Crusader Kings 3: Trailer
Expansion to the East
What new feature is coming next? As the developers state in a developer diary on Steam, they are currently working on expanding their game to the east. Specifically, the upcoming DLC will focus on the nomadic peoples of the steppe.
The gameplay for these peoples will differ significantly from previous mechanics. Instead of expanding your lands through machinations, sieges, or affairs, the new DLC is about herds and hordes. Your gameplay as a nomad will develop very differently from the typical flow of a ruler of a growing empire in Europe.
The nomads do not have a permanent settlement but move with their herds. Herd is also the new currency that these peoples use for various mechanics. For example, they recruit their military from their herd.
The intrigues also work differently. Instead of sending as many children as possible to the noble houses of Europe, the focus for the nomads is all about dominance and obedience. The more powerful a ruler is perceived to be, the more vassals and domains they can have. However, all vassals have an obedience value that determines whether they will fight for your cause or act against you.
How do the lands work? The nomads are known for their mobility. They travel through the lands of the steppe and are always chasing after the most fertile piece of land. In CK3, this means you and your horde will strip your own lands of fertility and then move on once the place becomes barren.
This migration, as the developers call it, leads to frequent conflicts between the nomadic peoples. All peoples want to graze the best piece of earth, but only the strong will prevail.
Abandoned lands are restored by shepherds. They regenerate the fertility of the land so that you can repopulate it later. Fertility is also influenced by the seasons. In winter, all peoples tend to retreat to warm places, where conflicts may arise again.
The different peoples can form alliances, for example, to stop a powerful Gurkhan. The Gurkhan is the most powerful ruler of the steppe and is the character in the game who has reached the highest level of dominance.
Alongside a completely different gameplay system, new characters, decisions, and events inspired by nomadic life await you, such as stories about the famous Genghis Khan. However, it will still take a while before the DLC is released. In the meantime, you can find out how strategy expert Schuhmann managed to create 12,300 descendants with a lonely Viking: Steam: I started as a lonely Viking – 400 years later I have half of Europe, 12,300 descendants, and a problem
This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
Criminal activities in Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 can be very rewarding. However, if you don’t act cautiously in the shadows, you can quickly run into trouble with the law. This can lead to a secret scene that has a lot to offer.
What crimes can be committed? You can play the protagonist Heinrich in Kingdom Come 2 as an honorable knight, a persuasive diplomat, or a shady criminal.
As such, you break into houses, pick locks, and empty the pockets of wealthy citizens. On MeinMMO you will find a comprehensive guide for thieves. Stealing is worth it in Kingdom Come 2 because the valuable goods can be resold, quickly increasing your bank balance.
Start video
Kingdom Come Deliverance 2: The Most Important Tip for a Successful Playthrough
In addition to classic thefts, you can also kill your opponents from behind to get their items. In any case, you should be on your guard: The inhabitants of the extensive game world are always suspicious. If they see you committing an offense, they will quickly call the guards.
They will then impose a penalty on you, which varies depending on the crime. The maximum penalty only comes into play after repeated criminal behavior – and is associated with a pretty emotional scene.
What is the maximum penalty? Heinrich and his companions live in tough times. The maximum penalty for criminal behavior adapts to that. It is: Death by hanging.
In Kingdom Come Deliverance 2, you will be sentenced if you are repeatedly caught by the guards. At first, you only pay a fine or spend a few days in the stocks.
Later, you will be branded, so that NPCs view you with more skepticism. Finally, there is the death sentence. It follows a scene that lasts about two minutes. It shows Heinrich sitting in a dungeon. Afterwards, he is led before a gathered crowd to the gallows and executed.
Here you can see the scene in its entirety – it begins at minute 3:30:
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The scene is emotionally staged and shows Heinrich regretting his actions. You will actually only see it if you get caught multiple times.
Since Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 currently does not have a hardcore mode with permadeath, there are no really severe consequences. You simply have to reload after dying. From there, you can decide whether to attempt the same misdeed again or choose not to.
Operation: Harsh Doorstop is a free tactical shooter on Steam, positioned as a competitor to first-person shooters with a certain claim to realism like Battlefield. However, the creator’s demands on influencers seem rather unrealistic to many users.
What kind of game is this? Operation: Harsh Doorstop is a free tactical shooter that entered Early Access on Steam on February 15, 2023. The idea behind the game is to offer a kind of free alternative to games like Arma, while heavily relying on the community and placing a strong focus on mods.
The largest update to date is scheduled for February 28, 2025, bringing numerous features such as vehicles, building, and reviving into the game. In advance, however, the game’s creator, known as Bluedrake42, has garnered attention with a warning to content creators who discuss the game.
Start video
Launch Trailer for the Early Access of the Free Tactics Shooter Operation: Harsh Doorstop
In response to a user’s question about which games he considers his competition, Bluedrake42 answers: “Squad, Delta Force, Battlefield, Arma. Any realistic/semi-realistic FPS.”
The developer also clarifies that he is happy to accept criticism, just not from people who, in his assessment, have a financial interest in seeing it fail.
How should content creators behave? In a video from February 11, 2025, Bluedrake42 explains that he is particularly concerned about content creators comparing his game to another without mentioning that they have a deal with that other game. He therefore suggests phrases like:
“Hey, I recently signed a $40,000 deal with that other game, so I might be biased. But here are my honest first impressions.” (via X)
If the developer’s goal was to avoid biased reviews of his game, the action has likely had the opposite effect so far. On Steam, the reviews for Operation: Harsh Doorstep show a significant downward trend: of the 44 reviews submitted on February 12, only 2 were positive.
The year 2025 is not marked by major MMORPG releases, and with Aion 2, the most important title has now been lost.
Which release has been cancelled? The MMORPG Aion 2 was probably the big title that all fans of the genre were looking forward to. The reasons for this can already be found in the development:
With NCSoft as the publisher and developer, experienced MMORPG developers are working on Aion 2
The MMORPG is supposed to be developed with the beautiful and gamer-favored Unreal Engine 5
Over 300 employees are supposed to work on the project to ensure everything goes smoothly by the release
The MMORPG itself also sounds interesting. Aion 2 is the successor to the popular Aion and takes place 900 years before it. It has no class restrictions and was originally intended to focus more on an international audience. The emphasis was on story and PvE, while PvP was intended to be present, it was always meant as an addition.
Now, the release of Aion 2 in the West has been cancelled for this year, and Throne and Liberty is partly to blame.
Here you can watch the trailer for Aion 2:
Start video
AION 2 shows the gameplay of the MMORPG in the trailer
No release in the West for now
What has changed in the development? So far, NCSoft has always communicated the second half of 2025 as the start date for Aion 2. Now, the developers publicly discussed the ongoing projects in their conference call with the company’s investors.
They also talked about Aion 2: “As promised, the MMORPG Aion 2 is supposed to initially be released this year in Korea and Taiwan.” Thus, the MMORPG will only initially be released in Korea and Taiwan, and not globally as previously assumed.
When it will be available in the West is only roughly known: “The global service of the game will be implemented shortly based on the business experiences of Throne and Liberty.”
What does this mean? If NCSoft wants to follow the same path with Aion 2 as with the MMORPG Throne and Liberty from the same company, the MMORPG will first run for a while in Asia before it comes to the West. For Throne and Liberty, there was about a 9-month gap between the release in Asia and the rest of the world (via NCSoft.com).
For the Western release, many game mechanics would also be adjusted to make the MMORPG less time-consuming, and it would ensure that there are fewer mechanisms perceived as unfair than in the original version from Asia. The monetization of the F2P MMORPG might also differ.
In Korea and Taiwan, the marketing for Aion 2 is set to start in the second quarter. Here, we will be able to see for the first time what the MMORPG is all about. Of the 6 MMOs that MeinMMO editor Karsten Scholz was looking forward to, only 5 are left. You can find out which ones here: Which MMOs will rock 2025? I’m particularly excited about 6 games
This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
When ARK: Survival Ascended was released in October 2023, the game received a lot of criticism. Now there is a discount for the survival game, but is it worth the price?
What kind of game is it? On October 26, 2023, ARK: Survival Ascended (short: ASA) was released. This is a remaster of the popular survival game “ARK: Survival Evolved,” in which you can tame or breed various dinosaurs and mystical creatures to build an impressive base, defeat powerful bosses, or show other players their limits in PvP.
ARK: Survival Ascended aimed to present the old, familiar maps and creatures from the original game in a more visually appealing way – with the help of Unreal Engine 5. Additionally, the remaster introduced mod support for the console versions of the game and new content, including dinosaurs, Mad Max cars, and various structure designs.
Here you can see a trailer for the latest update of ARK: Survival Ascended:
Start video
ARK Survival Ascended showcases Extinction and ‘Mad Max’ vehicles in the trailer
What kind of discount is it? ARK: Survival Ascended is discounted by 45% on Steam until February 24, 2025, costing only 24.74 euros instead of 44.99 euros. This is the lowest price the survival game has ever been on Steam, as the database SteamDB reveals.
You can also purchase ARK: Survival Ascended at a discount in the PlayStation Store right now. There, the dino adventure costs 29.24 euros and 24.74 euros for PS Plus subscribers as well.
Whether it’s worth it also depends on your hardware
What you should know about performance: The survival game is still not well optimized. If you don’t have a relatively powerful PC, you will struggle with low FPS and stuttering. Even though the game looks quite nice thanks to Unreal Engine 5, you won’t enjoy it much if the FPS drops from 45 to 20 with every tiny movement.
These requirements are basically the first hurdle. If you don’t meet them, you might not have much fun. Whether the game is worth it also primarily depends on your hardware. Overall, ARK: Survival Ascended runs better now than it did at launch, and if you meet the recommended requirements, you might achieve over 60 FPS depending on settings.
Warning: MeinMMO editor Dariusz has encountered crashes in ARK: Survival Ascended despite having sufficient hardware. However, not every player experiences this issue. You’ll need to check whether it occurs for you or consider forgoing the purchase as a precaution.
ASA has changed significantly in 15 months
This is how ASA feels in 2025: ARK: Survival Ascended has received several updates by now – including free ones. For example, you can now play the maps Scorched Earth, Aberration, and Extinction without spending a cent. You had to purchase these maps with DLCs in ARK: Survival Evolved.
If you are missing maps like Extinction and Aberration in the original game, you might consider purchasing ARK: Survival Ascended instead of the DLCs to experience the maps directly in UE5 graphics. At launch, ASA felt like a blatant way to quickly monetize old content – especially since many features were lacking that ARK: Survival Evolved had. However, there are now some of the old maps in ARK: Survival Ascended, and they are free. This even offers some players the opportunity to save money.
In addition to the maps that the game has received in the past months, there are now also new dinosaurs. Furthermore, the paid add-on “Bob’s Tall Tales” includes various additional contents that follow specific themes. The latest update brought Mad Max-style content, while a previous one focused on steampunk. The Wild West is also represented.
Moreover, many talented modders from the ARK community have moved on and are now developing their works for ARK: Survival Ascended instead of ARK: Survival Evolved. You can mainly find new mod maps, dinosaurs, or structures in the remaster, including popular works by the German modder “Nekatus”.
It’s worth it, but the most important argument might not matter to you
Is ASA worth it in 2025? You should think carefully about whether you really want to purchase ARK: Survival Ascended.
The biggest pro-argument for buying ARK: Survival Ascended is likely irrelevant to most PC players: With ARK: Survival Ascended, consoles finally gained the ability to play with mods. This was already possible on PC with ARK: Survival Evolved. For console players, however, this is an important innovation, as mods greatly enhance the game.
The biggest counterarguments are performance and the original game. Anyone who has played ARK: Survival Evolved, owns most or even all DLCs, and has installed the key mods can easily forego the remaster. This way, you won’t have to deal with low FPS or crashes.
ARK: Survival Ascended is worth it for you if:
your PC meets the technical requirements and you want to experience ARK in a more beautiful look
you are interested in the latest mods from the community
you find the new content in steampunk, Wild West, and Mad Max style cool
some of the old maps from ARK: Survival Evolved are missing for you
you have no problem paying for a graphics/engine update
you have never played ARK but are interested in the game mechanics
ARK: Survival Ascended is NOT worth it for you if:
your PC does not meet the recommended requirements
you own ARK: Survival Evolved including all DLCs and expect much more than a graphics/engine update
mods do not matter to you
you do not want to spend money on “Bob’s Tall Tales”
Is ASA worth the price? Yes and no. While this largely depends on you, 49.99 euros is definitely too high given the technical issues of the game. In contrast, the discounted price of 24.74 euros is much more appropriate. If you meet 3-4 of the requirements for a worthwhile purchase, then this is a price that is reasonable.
If you purchase ARK: Survival Ascended on Steam and then find within 2 hours that the remaster is not for you, that your PC does not meet the technical requirements, or that the game crashes permanently, you can return the survival game. You can read how to do this and what conditions must be met for the return on MeinMMO: Steam: Returning a game – it’s that easy
This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
