In a new, free game for PS5, you have to wage wars with fashion instead of violence

The Opening Night Live of the gamescom 2024 has some new trailers in store for video game fans. Among them was Infinity Nikki, which looks like a cozy dream come true. But behind the fashion game lies a dark story.

What is Infinity Nikki? Infinity Nikki is the 5th installment in the Nikki series. The game’s team promotes the title as the “coziest open-world game”. Both the trailer and the description in the PS Store for the game itself confirm this:

  • Players collect “breathtaking” outfits during their journey through the “fairytale-like” Miraland, which grant them special powers. Some allow Nikki to float, while others summon a giant flower.
  • We can “experience sunrises and sunsets,” fish, and catch bugs. Additionally, the creators recommend “walking through flower meadows and pastures” and “hiking along mountain rivers”.
  • Along the way, we solve puzzles and complete jump and run sections. And this happens in different regions of Miraland, populated by “wonderful creatures”.

Both the description and the appearance of the trailer scream that this is an extremely cozy game. Fans of cozy games will likely be especially delighted. Everyone else might find their suitable game in our FYNG show. However, if we look at the lore of all the Nikki games, it becomes clear that the colorful facade is misleading.

The Nations of Miraland are at War

What lies behind the sugary facade? Nikki originally comes from Earth and is summoned to Miraland. The land consists of 7 nations:

  • North Kingdom
  • Cloud Empire
  • Apple Federation
  • Lilith Kingdom
  • Republic of Wastekabd
  • Pigeon Kingdom
  • Ruin Island

All inhabitants of the seven nations are born with a blood curse. Due to the curse, these individuals suffer unbearable pain when they use violence. Therefore, the nations have formed alliances to protect peace.

In the event of war, however, no armed force is used. Instead, conflicts are to be resolved through fashion battles. In the game Love Nikki, there was an incident where Nidhogg, the former Prime Minister of Lilith, instigated a war.

It was up to Nikki to restore peace. Not only did she have access to adorable outfits, but also the “Iron Rose Stylist Legion.” Unfortunately, we do not know whether Infinity Nikki takes place before or after these events. There is an entire lore to the franchise that spans several millennia (via Love Nikki Wiki).

You can watch the trailer for Infinity Nikki here:

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Infinity Nikki – The gamescom trailer for the fashion game

What is the status of Infinity Nikki? Currently, pre-registration for Infinity Nikki for Android and iOS is ongoing. The more players pre-register, the more rewards there will at launch. The Resonite Crystals suggest that there could be microtransactions and gacha elements in the game.

Additionally, players can now apply to participate in a closed beta on PC and mobile. There is not yet a specific release date.

Infinity Nikki has the potential to improve your mood. The community of MeinMMO, GameStar, and GamePro has recommended several games that can also lift your spirits: Mental Health: These games help you when you aren’t feeling well

Webedia Gaming (GameStar, GamePro, MeinMMO) is accompanying the major gaming event as the official media partner of Gamescom 2024.

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

WoW: The early access of The War Within starts today – Here’s how to prepare

Are you ready for the early access of World of Warcraft: The War Within? We have summarized all the important information for you.

The wait is over. Tonight, the new expansion “The War Within” for World of Warcraft launches – at least if you want to participate in early access and start playing 4 days before everyone else. To prepare you for this “soft launch,” we have summarized all the important information for you here.

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WoW: The War Within – Shadows Beneath the Surface

What do you need to play during early access? In order to participate in the early access of The War Within, you must purchase the Epic Edition of the expansion. This is quite expensive at €90, but offers several bonuses in addition to early access, such as 30 days of game time, mounts, pets, and transmog rewards.

When does early access start? The early access launch is on August 23rd at 00:00 – that’s tonight, from Thursday to Friday.

What needs to be done before early access? To dive directly into the new content at midnight, you should have completed the current questline related to Xal’atath. This includes the battle for Telogrus (the “home” of the Void Elves) and then the journey to Silithus to speak with Magni Bronzebeard in the Heart Chamber of Azeroth.

It is currently not entirely clear whether this questline is mandatory. However, since it is already marked as “The War Within,” you should err on the side of caution so that it doesn’t block you later.

How to start in early access? At midnight, if you meet all the requirements, you should receive a new quest. This seamlessly leads into the intro experience of The War Within, at the end of which you’ll find yourself in the new area and can start playing the campaign of The War Within.

Note that it may take a few minutes after midnight for the quest to become available. If in doubt, check with Khadgar in Dalaran and be patient for a moment.

Tips and Tricks for the Start

To ensure the start goes smoothly without frustration, we have a few tips for you to get off to a carefree start.

Clean up your Inventory

You have a few hours left. Use this time to tidy up your inventory. Sell old equipment, get rid of long-unused resources, and make sure you have at least 2 (preferably 3) completely empty bags and that your resource bag is also empty. There’s nothing more annoying than an inventory that needs sorting or emptying after every second quest.

Declutter your Quest Log

While we’re at it: Check your quest log and get rid of missions you accepted weeks or months ago and will never complete. Even though the campaign of The War Within is somewhat shorter, you can pick up numerous side quests that will keep you occupied for many hours – at least if your quest log isn’t already bursting at the seams.

Unlock Warbands Bank

A new feature of The War Within is the Warbands Bank. It has been active since patch 11.0. You can activate it at any bank counter in Azeroth and unlock additional inventory slots. Additionally, you have a quest that leads you to Gadgetzan (Tanaris). This short quest line unlocks a spell for your entire account at the end, allowing you to access your Warbands Bank from anywhere in the world. Complete this to quickly move items across your entire account in The War Within.

Such a bank is not necessary – clean up!

Take Your Time

It’s tempting to want to “sprint off” as quickly as possible and be the first to reach level 80. However, many endgame features may not be available during early access. So you can take your time, read the quests carefully, and enjoy the story of the expansion. It will take several weeks before the first season starts anyway. Rushing now will likely only hurt yourself.

Although today is just the early access, it seems that for most fans the starting gun has already been fired. In our survey, more than two-thirds of players indicated that they would start during early access – Blizzard’s plan is thus fully effective.

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

Find Your Next Game: Indie Award – Your Voice Matters! Vote for the Best Indie Game of the Year

This year, MeinMMO, GameStar, and GamePro once again present the FYNG Indie Award. Five indie games are available for you to vote on to determine the winner.

As part of gamescom, MeinMMO, GameStar, and GamePro are also awarding the Find Your Next Game Indie Award this year. You determine the winner by voting for your favorite in our poll among the nominated games. More details about the nominees and their trailers can be found right below the voting section.

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FYNG gamescom 2024: What to expect at the exclusive show by GameStar, GamePro, and MeinMMO
von Cedric Holmeier

FYNG Indie Award – The Nominations

Drova – Forsaken Kin

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Trailer shows darker gameplay of Drova – Forsaken Kin

This is an action RPG set in a dark world shaped by decay and magic. The story revolves around the journey of a lost warrior who finds himself in an environment marked by war and destruction and must fight against dark forces.

The release is still planned for this year, 2024. The title is set to be released for PC and the consoles PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch.

EcoGnomix

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EcoGnomix presents a different kind of building game with its trailer

Ecognomix is a building game of a different sort. You have to navigate a complex network of computers and artificial intelligence by solving puzzles and making strategic decisions.

The game will be released on September 30, 2024, for PC.

Morriton Manor Stories: Nordic Whispers

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The trailer for Morriton Manor Stories: Nordic Whisper showcases a new mystery detective game

In this game, you explore the mysterious Morriton Manor, which is steeped in Nordic mythology and dark secrets. As a point-and-click adventure, the focus is on exploration and puzzle-solving, while the story unfolds in an atmospheric setting inspired by Scandinavian legends, where a dice roll determines the success of your actions.

The release date is yet to be announced. The title will initially be released for PC.

PVKK: Planet Defense Cannon Commander

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Trailer shows first gameplay of PVKK: Planet Defense Cannon Commander

PVKK: Planet Defense Cannon Commander is a strategy game where you take control of defense installations on various planets. The task is to defend the planets against enemy attacks by strategically placing and managing various cannons and defense systems.

A release date for the game is not yet known. It will be released for PC.

Tavern Keeper

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In Tavern Keeper, you face the challenges of a tavern full of ogres, elves, and skeletons

In Tavern Keeper, you take on the role of an innkeeper in a fantasy world. The game focuses on managing and expanding your own tavern, where you serve drinks, entertain guests, and build your economy as you work through various challenges and quests.

The release is planned for the fourth quarter of 2024. The game will be released for PC.

What do the winners receive? The developers of the games that are crowned winners by your votes will receive the FYNG Indie Award. In addition, the winning game will be featured in an extensive presentation.

When will the winners be announced? The award ceremony will take place on Sunday, August 25, at 5 PM, concluding gamescom and our FYNG program.

Webedia Gaming (GameStar, GamePro, MeinMMO) is accompanying the major gaming event as the official media partner of Gamescom 2024. It will be an exciting week for everyone making their way to gamescom. But also on-screen, as there will be additional streams – for example, the FYNG show by GameStar, GamePro, and MeinMMO.

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

Blizzard announced an event for more gold and XP in Diablo 4 – it’s still to come

In Diablo 4, the “Blessing of the Mother” event is set to start on August 20, 2024, where you can farm XP and gold. However, that is still a while away.

What kind of event is this? In Sanctuary, the “Blessing of the Mother” event is set to start on August 20, 2024, granting you bonuses for XP and gold. The following bonuses will be available to all players in the eternal realm, in the seasonal realms, and at all world tiers:

  • 35% more XP
  • 50% more gold

Patch 1.5.1 was also announced for that day and was set to bring not only bug fixes into the game but also gifts for all players. The patch only went live late in the evening, and your gift is located in the game – however, the event is still on hold.

Update, August 22: The “Blessing of the Mother” event is live. Due to the delay, the event will be extended by one day and will run – according to in-game information – until August 28 at 7 PM.
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Diablo 4: The gameplay trailer for Season 5, the season of the hell hordes

Missing bonuses, “hidden” gift

Where is the event? If you currently start Diablo 4, no XP bonus is activated, as it should be. The “Blessing of the Mother” event is delayed. In a post on X, Community Manager Adam Fletcher writes about this:

The team is investigating the “Blessing of the Mother” items. It will most likely require a hotfix, and we are working on the timing for that.

Regardless, we are considering whether to extend this event for some time or to extend a future event as compensation for the lost time.

The team will provide the community with further updates soon, Fletcher notes. We will update the article accordingly.

What else was unclear? Patches in Diablo 4 often go live around 7 PM German time. However, this was not the case on August 20, and the patch only arrived late in the evening. The promised gift also caused confusion in the community.

After Patch 1.5.0, there was the bug that the chest with “guaranteed GA items” in Hell’s hordes did not drop any GA items. Thus, all players were supposed to receive a chest with legendaries that guaranteed “Great Affixes” (GA). However, various users on X and Reddit wondered where their chest went after the patch – including “tonitz4493” in his Reddit post.

Blizzard added an explanation in the patch notes. The chest “hides” in the fame system “The Gift of the Mother.” There you can pick up your chest – however, the “chest” consists of a GA item:

Characters who have completed and redeemed the reward at Level 20 from the “Gift of the Mother” can pick up their item with great affixes at the next repeatable reward. Please note that the item is distributed separately from the repeatable chest and not within it.

For characters who are receiving the “Gift of the Mother” rewards for the first time, the item with the great affixes will be included in the [chest at level 20]. We apologize for the initial inconvenience and thank you all for your patience.

Currently, Blizzard is regularly releasing hotfixes that fix bugs in Diablo 4 or nerf skills. A strong build of the Sorceress caused issues and overloaded the servers. With a hotfix on August 15, Blizzard is making adjustments for Diablo 4. You can read more about it here: Diablo 4: Blizzard pulls the emergency brake and weakens the strongest build of the Sorceress – It killed opponents and servers

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

The head of Borderlands 4 predicted the downfall of Steam, now faces backlash

Randy Pitchford is the head of Gearbox Software. The development studio is currently working on Borderlands 4. However, the studio boss is struggling with another problem. A statement from 5 years ago about Steam is now attracting many users who are mocking him.

What has Randy Pitchford done? The CEO of Gearbox is currently under criticism for trying to downplay the failed Borderlands movie. Additionally, there is now a tweet from him that he posted 5 years ago.

Pitchford believed back then that the Epic Games Store would drive the competitor Steam out of the market. He predicted in 2019 that Steam would be an extinct store in 5 or 10 years.

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The reason for that: Epic Games would invest more in technology. Moreover, the quality of service would be better.

Currently, however, it does not seem that Steam will disappear anytime soon. Last year, a record-breaking 13,971 games were published on the platform. The total revenue from game sales on Steam has even doubled from 2019 to 2023. Thus, the mocking responses from fans did not take long to appear.

Currently, Gearbox is working on Borderlands 4. The game was announced at ONL 2024:

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Teaser trailer announces Borderlands 4

Borderlands 4 coming to Epic Games Store and Steam

How is the reaction from fans? Gearbox previously released their hit Borderlands 3 exclusively on the Epic Games Store. However, Borderlands 4, which was newly announced at Opening Night Live 2024, will now be available for both Epic Games and Steam.

Accordingly, many users are currently gathering under Pitchford’s 5-year-old tweet, mocking his statement. Many have dug up Randy Pitchford’s comments and are confronting him with the fact that the Epic Games Store is a minority compared to Steam (via X).

Many amused fans are also active in the Reddit forum. Here are some funny comments we’ve compiled:

  • Doge-Ghost: “Randy ‘Nostradamus’ Pitchford.”
  • Asamitsu: “The only reason to log into the Epic Games Store is for the free games, which I usually won’t play anyway.”
  • JonathanStryker: “I think he prefers the term ‘magician’. He will make all your hopes and dreams disappear, lol.”

One of the commenters mentioned the free games that Epic Games regularly distributes to its users. For the CEO of Epic Games, this is a good strategy in the battle against Steam.

MeinMMO has also analyzed which gaming platform is the best in 2024. The Epic Games Store and Steam scored better than all other platforms. In our ultimate comparison, we show you why this is the case: Steam, Epic, and Co in the ranking: Which gaming platform is the best in 2024?

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

Black Myth Wukong: With a secret item, the difficult final boss of chapter 1 becomes significantly easier

In Black Myth Wukong, you will surely encounter the Black Bear Guai. This fiery bear ignites everything in flames, including your monkey fur. However, with a secret item, you can temporarily ignore the bear’s flaming danger. We will show you where to find the item.

Who is the final boss of chapter 1? The final boss of chapter 1 is the Black Bear Guai, a giant black bear that wields the power of fire. He has not only set the arena ablaze but can also engulf you in flames with his paws. With his abilities, he is extremely dangerous, but with a secret item, you can simplify the fight.

What secret item is referred to? This is the Fireproof Cloak – a vessel that you can use in battle. As the name suggests, it is fireproof and grants you temporary immunity against burns. With this item, you cannot suffer fire damage or receive the status effect “burn”.

Black-Myth-Wukong-Feuerfester-Umhang
The Fireproof Cloak is a useful vessel

With the item, you have the perfect opportunity to counter the bear’s biggest source of damage, allowing you to move more freely through the arena and inflict damage on him. However, the cloak is tied to a secret.

A good armor can also absorb a lot of damage for you. To craft this, you need silk:

More on the topic
Black Myth Wukong: How to find and farm silk to build your armor
von Christoph Waldboth

Where can I find the item? To find the Fireproof Cloak, you need to ring three large bells in the Black Wind Mountain, which are spread across the map. All bells are guarded by bosses or are located near them. You should visit the following places:

  • First bell: You will find it in the arena of the boss “Guangzhi” at the location “Outside the Forest” in the Wolf Forest.
  • Second bell: You will find it in the arena of the boss “Guangmou” at the location “Snake Path” in the Bamboo Grove.
  • Third bell: You will find it near the boss “White Robed Noble” at the location “Swamp of the White Mist” in the Bamboo Grove – stay in the arena on the left side until you spot a pack of wolves. There you will find the last bell.

After ringing the last bell, you will be teleported to the location “Old Guanyin Temple”. Defeat the secret boss there to teleport back. You can now interact with the hanging corpse in the area of the third bell. It will give you the Fireproof Cloak. You can find a detailed description of the route to the bells in our other guide: Black Myth Wukong: Chapter 1 has a secret boss – Here’s how to find him

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

One Piece: Finally, we know who will play Dr. Kuleha and Doc Bader in the series on Netflix

By now, we almost know all the new actors joining Season 2 of the Netflix series of One Piece. The production team has now revealed two more actors that we will see on Drumm.

Which two roles have been cast? On the official X account of the live-action adaptation, the team revealed the two actors for Dr. Kuleha and Doc Bader. The two are doctors on Drumm and the mentors of Chopper. Dr. Kuleha shows in the anime with small details, how much she supports Chopper.

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  • Dr. Kuleha will be played by Katey Sagal. Many might know the actress as Peggy Bundy from Married… with Children. But she also appeared in Sons of Anarchy and The Big Bang Theory.
  • Mark Harelik takes on the role of Doc Bader. In The Big Bang Theory, he met his colleague Katey Sagal as Dr. Eric Gablehauser. Otherwise, he mostly had brief appearances in series like Grey’s Anatomy and The Rookie.

We will probably only see Doc Bader in a flashback. However, one of the most emotional scenes was created with him, which will hopefully be implemented in a similar form in the Netflix series. Dr. Kuleha, on the other hand, will welcome the Straw Hat crew on Drumm. She is currently teaching Chopper her knowledge about medicine.

With the following trailer, you will get an impression of the live-action adaptation of One Piece:

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One Piece – German Trailer for the First Season of the Live-Action Series by Netflix

One Piece: These actors are joining Season 2 of the Netflix series

Who is all involved now? Just a few hours earlier, the X account posted an overview of all the actors who have been confirmed for Season 2 of One Piece. Among them are familiar faces like Clive Russel:

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So far, however, we still do not know who will be cast in the main roles. Vivi, Chopper, and presumably Nico Robin are still missing. Eiichiro Oda revealed that Season 2 will only cover the Drumm arc.

The Alabasta arc, in which Ace will appear, will probably be pushed to Season 3. It could also be that we won’t see Nico Robin yet. She only briefly appears on the Going Merry when the Straw Hat crew sets sail from Whiskey Peak.

In the next two days, more actors will be revealed for the Netflix series. Presumably, we will then learn who will play the most important roles.

In addition to the live-action adaptation, a remake of the anime is in the works. Wit Studio is working on a new edition that condenses the story to the essentials: A new remake of One Piece for Netflix shows first pictures and reveals how long the series is supposed to run

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Black Myth Wukong: Chapter 1 has a secret boss – Here’s how to find him

In Chapter 1 of Black Myth: Wukong, you start in the Black Wind Mountain, and although the area is large, there is a secret location where you can find a boss. However, this one is well hidden. We will show you how to find and challenge the Elder Jinchi here.

Are there secret bosses in Black Myth Wukong? Yes, there are. So far, we have been able to discover one, but it is quite possible that there are other bosses hidden in the further chapters. These bosses must be unlocked with a special mechanic in order to challenge them.

How do I find the secret boss from Chapter 1? To find the boss “Elder Jinchi” (see title image), you need to ring three bells in the Black Wind Mountain. They are well spread out and are also guarded by smaller bosses. We will continuously show you all the locations of the individual bells. With our directory, you can quickly get to each location.

[toc]

Start video
Black Myth: Wukong: The final trailer for the action RPG from China

Location of the first bell

Where do I find the first bell? You can find the first bell near the altar “Outside the Forest”. Once you get there, walk straight ahead, passing by the two wolves, until you reach a bridge guarded by another wolf with an axe.

Cross the bridge and keep left at the fork. At the large tree trunk, turn right and walk to where the flame pots are.

Walk past the flame pots until you see a large gate in the distance. Walk towards the gate. You will know you are right when you see a large stone face behind the gate. Walk through the gate and defeat the optional boss “Guangzhi” – he guards the bell. After the fight, you can ring it.

Location of the second bell

Where do I find the second bell? The second bell can be found near the altar “Snake Path” in the bamboo grove. When you arrive there, keep right and go up the stairs past the old wise man who gives you guidance.

Now go to the bridge and then jump down halfway from the right side of the bridge. This way you can ignore many enemies. Continue following the path down until you reach the bamboo grove.

In the bamboo grove, you will see a large stone face. Go there and look straight ahead into the distance; you will find a flame pot. Walk to the last flame pot and pass by the statues to the mandatory boss “Guangmou” – defeat him.

After defeating Guangmou, walk straight until you discover the stone stairs. Follow the stairs up to the second bell.

Location of the third bell

Where do I find the third bell? The third bell can be found near the altar “Swamp of the White Mist” in the bamboo grove. You will reach the place after the battle against Guangmou. Once there, follow the path straight past the altar to the gate in front of you.

Black-Myth-Wukong-Glocke-3-Weg-1
Straight past the altar to the gate

Pass the gate and continue down the path. If you cross the path for the first time, you will hear the merchant Shen-Monkey shouting for help. Defeat the enemy and help your friend. He will then open a shop nearby. After a short chat, you should continue down the path.

Once you reach the bottom, you will see a swamp, and there another boss is waiting for you. The White-Robed Noble challenges you to a fight. Defeat him and follow the path to the left into a large rock crevice. You will now see a large group of wolf warriors, a hanged wolf, and in the distance the last bell. Defeat the enemies and ring the last bell to be teleported to the secret area.

After ringing the bell, a small cutscene will play in which you are teleported to the area “Old Guanyin Temple”. There, continue along the path into the temple until you find the secret boss.

Can I miss the secret boss? No. If you have completed Chapter 1 and are already in Chapter 2, you can fast travel back to the Black Wind Mountain to complete the puzzle of the bells. So don’t worry.

Now we come to important information about the boss, as well as his loot and what you should pay attention to.

Secret Boss from Chapter 1 – Rewards and Tactics

Who is the boss? The secret boss of the old Guanyin Temple is the Elder Jinchi. This greedy scoundrel only cares about himself and will challenge you immediately after a cutscene when he recognizes you.

Black-Myth-Wukong-Elder-Jinchi
The secret boss “Elder Jinchi”

How do I defeat the secret boss? The best way to defeat Jinchi is to keep moving. Just like the Wandering Shadow, he is vulnerable to heavy hits, as they can throw him off balance.

So hit him in quick succession until he falls to the ground. Now you have it easy and can drain his life with multiple hits. If you have lost a lot of life, you can destroy the golden zombies he summons to regenerate health.

Otherwise, it’s advisable to also keep your distance, as he has an attack that causes a large area-wide earthquake. Also, use the transformation “Red Tide” from Guangzhi as Jinchi is vulnerable to fire.

What rewards are there?

  • Item: Fireproof Cloak
  • Spirit Essence: 2000
  • Additionally, there is a chest in the area where you can find the gauntlets “Guanyin’s Prayer Beads”

That was all the important information you should know about the bells and the secret boss and area of Chapter 1. Silk is an important material alongside other resources for crafting new armor. We will show you where you can find silk effectively.

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

Pokémon GO: All Raid Hours and Legendary Bosses in August 2024 – Today Xerneas

What raids and raid hours does Pokémon GO bring in August? In the list, you will find all the dates and raid bosses.

Which raids are being talked about? August in Pokémon GO has arrived, and with it, new bosses are returning to the raids. The most challenging but also the most exciting are the 5-star raids and Mega-raids. Because they bring you Pokémon that often belong to the best attackers in Pokémon GO.

You can find both categories here in our overview.

Additionally, you will first find an overview of all raid hours in August 2024. These occur every Wednesday at 6:00 PM and offer you a chance to encounter the current level 5 boss at nearly all gyms for one hour.

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Heavenly teamwork in Pokémon GO – a new season begins

All Raid Hours in August 2024 of Pokémon GO

When does the raid hour take place? Every Wednesday at 6:00 PM. From then, you have 60 minutes to challenge the legendary Pokémon at the gyms.

However, you should prepare well because the level 5 bosses are difficult and often not beatable alone. Possible shinies are marked with an asterisk*. However, you need luck to encounter the shiny variants.

DateRaid Boss
August 7Zapdos*
Counter Guide for Zapdos
August 14Thundurus*
August 21Xerneas*
Best counters against Xerneas
August 28Xerneas*

All Raid Boss Changes and Mega-Raids in August 2024

In this table, you will find the change dates for the current raid bosses in August. Additionally, you will find the counter guides to prepare for the raids.

DatesRaid Boss
August 3Replacement Event: Mega-Raids with Mega-Rayquaza*
Best counters against Mega-Rayquaza
August 3 – 12Zapdos* in Raids
Best counters against Zapdos
August 3 – 12Mega-Aerodactyl* in Raids
Best counters against Mega-Aerodactyl
August 10 – 11Crypto-Raid Weekend with Crypto-Lugia
August 12 – 21Raids with Thundurus Incarnation Form*
Best counters against Thundurus
August 12 – 21Mega-Raids with Mega-Kangaskhan*
Best counters against Mega-Kangaskhan
August 21 – September 3Raids with Xerneas*
Best counters against Xerneas
August 21 – September 3Mega-Raids with Mega-Salamence*
Best counters against Mega-Salamence

Which raids are particularly worth it? Mega-Salamence is one of the best dragons you can get in the game. You should keep that in mind towards the end of the month. But the replacement event at the beginning of the month is actually a must, as it brings you Mega-Rayquaza, one of the best Pokémon you can catch in the game. And: This time, the replacement event is even better than the original.

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

Diablo 4 finally brings with Vessel of Hatred the feature that everyone is asking for the endgame content

As part of the gamescom 2024, Blizzard announced additional features for Vessel of Hatred, the first expansion for Diablo 4. And with that, a feature is being introduced that has been particularly requested by fans of group activities.

In a press release, Blizzard announced new features for Vessel of Hatred. The expansion begins on October 8, 2024, and brings new content for the endgame in Diablo 4, as well as changes to the base game. Additionally, a new area and a new class – the Spiritborn will be added to Sanctuary.

What feature for endgame content is coming to Diablo 4? Fans of group activities will likely be particularly pleased with the new feature for party searching. Since the release of Diablo 4, there has been continuous questioning about new group features in various livestreams from Blizzard and on social media.

In a post on Reddit, discussing the new co-op activity “Dark Citadel”, users write: Diablo 4 needs some kind of party finder. And with Vessel of Hatred, it seems according to the press release, a feature will be introduced that allows you to both search for and create a party.

In a new video, Blizzard introduces the new features and the area from “Vessel of Hatred”:

Start video
Diablo 4: Vessel of Hatred shows the new features and the new region Nahantu in the video

Party Finder for Endgame Activities

What is the feature for? According to Blizzard, the party finder allows you to create a party and find a suitable party for yourself. An image from the press release also shows various activities identified by their symbols that the party finder includes:

In a YouTube livestream, the developers noted on August 21, 2024, that the feature will be permanently integrated into Diablo 4. A screenshot also shows that you can use the party finder feature for bosses and for the new endgame co-op activity, “Dark Citadel”.

More on the topic
FYNG gamescom 2024: What to expect at the exclusive show by GameStar, GamePro, and MeinMMO
von Cedric Holmeier

The party finder can be accessed in various ways:

  • through the map
  • through the game menu
  • through a preset action in the emote menu

You can also refine your search. In the example, it is shown that a party uses tags such as “Farming”, “Voice Chat Preferred”, and “Competitive”. This way, you can specifically find or create a group that matches your preferences – depending on whether you prefer to farm leisurely or grind competitively.

New Co-Op Activity and Mercenaries with Their Own Skill Trees

What other features are coming with Vessel of Hatred? At the “Opening Night Live” show of gamescom 2024, Blizzard presented a new trailer showcasing the mercenaries you can hire in Diablo 4 once the expansion launches. A press release provided further details on the features that will be coming to Diablo 4 in October.

Each of the four mercenaries is unique and has its own skill tree. You can customize your companions to take on a supportive or combat-oriented role – or both. The mercenaries gain “rapport” while accompanying you. Rapport allows you to trade with the mercenaries and obtain powerful loot.

There will be a new co-op activity called “Dark Citadel”. In it, you will solve cooperative puzzles in groups of two to four players and fight against bosses and other dungeon enemies. You can also earn weekly rewards that consist of cosmetics and loot.

Additionally, you can look forward to a new “Time Attack Dungeon” called “Under City of Kurast”, featuring multiple phases and new bosses, where you can level up and loot. The type and quality of loot will be influenced by special keys called “Spirit Attributes”.

Moreover, the progression system for your player characters will be updated, which represents a permanent change to the base game. In a livestream on August 29, players will learn more about the upcoming features in Vessel of Hatred and Season 6.

With Vessel of Hatred, the first new class will come into play – the Spiritborn. In a large event, Blizzard invited various experts for Diablo 4 from around the world to their home in July 2024. MeinMMO editor Benedict Grothaus was also able to test the Spiritborn from Vessel of Hatred for the first time before the official reveal. You can read more about it here: Diablo 4: I was at Blizzard and tried out the new class from Vessel of Hatred – This is what the Spiritborn can do

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

Russell Crowe trained intensively for a role, even fought against real opponents – Still feels pain almost 20 years later

There are many sports movies, and actors often have to dedicate themselves to intense training for these. Russell Crowe also had to do this for the film Cinderella Man from 2005. For the film, he not only trained intensively, but he also got injured. However, he significantly shortened the healing process for the film. He still feels that 20 years later.

What kind of film is Cinderella Man? In Germany, the film is titled The Comeback, and it is based on a true story. During the Great Depression in the 1930s, the boxer Jim Braddock, played by Russell Crowe, loses quite a bit. His boxing license was revoked due to his behavior, and his family is struggling to make ends meet.

One day, however, he fills in for another boxer and unexpectedly wins. He then commits himself to training, and a great comeback begins. For the film, Russell Crowe had to train incredibly hard and even fight. In a recent interview, he reveals how intense everything was.

Sylvester Stallone also wanted to really fight for a film: Sylvester Stallone challenged his co-star to punch him hard – ended up in the emergency room

Start video
Cinderella Man – Trailer for the boxer film with Russell Crowe

To this day, he has lasting effects from Cinderella Man

How hard did Russell Crowe train for the film? In a recent interview with Joe Rogan (via YouTube), the actor also talked about the film Cinderella Man and how hard he had trained for it. For 6 months, he spent his days mainly training.

  • In the mornings, he went running
  • Then there was yoga for stretching
  • Before lunch, there was boxing training
  • Then another boxing training, followed by weightlifting
  • After the 2nd boxing training, he had a 90-minute break
  • After dinner, he had to go running again

The training paid off. He was in top shape. According to his own statements, he weighed at the beginning of the film as much as he did in high school, even though he was already 40 at that time. He is said to have also prepared with real fights, claiming that a real fight can even be seen in the film when he fights against Troy.

However, he overdid it in one fight. He trained with a Canadian Olympic boxer. This boxer caught him on the elbow and caused a subluxation, a partial dislocation of his shoulder. At that time, Crowe was allegedly training so hard that his shoulder popped out and back in, but he broke a bone in the process.

He had surgery and was supposed to take 3.5 months off for rehabilitation. However, he returned after only 3 weeks because he wanted to shoot the film. This caused problems that still exist today. The doctor warned him of severe arthritis in later age, which Crowe confirms today.

Why is the film called Cinderella Man? In the interview, it is explained that almost every athlete’s story is a Cinderella story. These films show how an underdog works its way up to something greater despite all odds.

Just like in Rocky or indeed in Cinderella Man. And as you can see from Russell Crowe, the actors behind the film also work hard on their roles. The king of preparation is probably Christian Bale: “My own mortality stares me in the face” – Batman actor repeatedly gains or loses 40 kg for roles, can’t do it anymore

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

Techland is already giving away an unannounced game to its biggest fans

One of the bigger surprises from the Opening Night Live of gamescom 2024 was the announcement of Dying Light: The Beast. This reveal is only topped by the information that the game will be completely free for some players.

What game are we talking about? Dying Light: The Beast is an open-world shooter from the Polish development studio Techland. The game is set in a post-apocalyptic world overrun by zombies and can be experienced cooperatively with up to four players. 

Players will once again take on the role of Kyle Crane, the protagonist from the first part of the series. He has escaped after years of imprisonment, during which his tormentors conducted experiments on him, and is now seeking revenge.

On which platforms will the game be released? Dying Light: The Beast will be available on Steam and in the Epic Games Store as well as for PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S. The developers have not yet announced a release timeframe.

You can watch the trailer from the ONL here:

Start video
Dying Light: The Beast – The gamescom trailer for the open-world shooter with zombies

What do we know about the game? MyMMO expert Benedict Grothaus learned more about the new installment live at gamescom. Dying Light: The Beast will not only be an expansion for Dying Light 2 but will also be available as a standalone adventure. According to the developers, the offered content is supposed to provide over 18 hours of gameplay fun.

Those who purchased the Ultimate Edition of Dying Light 2: Stay Human will receive the expansion for free. This normally costs €89.99 on Steam but is currently available for a reduced price of €62.99 until September 1. The separate price for the expansion has not yet been announced.

New Location, New Enemy Types, and Vehicles

What’s new? Dying Light: The Beast takes us to a rural area, specifically Castor Woods. There, the exploration of a new virus strain has led to the emergence of new types of zombies, including a large Behemoth. Our colleague has already faced this in a boss fight.

The gameplay structure remains similar to Dying Light 2, but a so-called “Beastmode” will be added. This allows players to throw concrete blocks at enemies, perform powerful ground slams, and even tear the heads off some bosses with bare hands. The Beastmode will also include its own skill tree.

An x-ray view, new firearms, and vehicles will also be included. However, the game will not become a shooting gallery, as ammunition is expected to be limited. Vehicles will also need to be repaired and refueled.

According to Benedict Grothaus, the gameplay is expected to be highly stealth-oriented; it almost reminds him of earlier Assassin’s Creed games: avoiding fights is often the better decision. Players can also hide in tall grass, among other things.

The studio Techland made fans of Dying Light 2: Stay Human unhappy about a year ago with an update that introduced a new in-game currency. You can learn more about it here: Dying Light 2 brings a major update to Steam, but players complain: “Techland sold its soul to the devil”

Source: jeuxvideo.com

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

How often should you upgrade your graphics card if you want to play all the top titles on Steam?

You are considering upgrading your computer and acquiring a new graphics card? But how often should you replace your hardware to game smoothly?

The graphics card is one of the most important components in your gaming PC, alongside the processor. Because in addition to the CPU, it handles most of the calculations while you are gaming.

But how often do you need to upgrade your graphics card if you want to play current games? We will give you three points to consider.

You can find the best graphics cards in our buying guide on MeinMMO:

More on the topic
The Best Graphics Cards in Gaming for Any Budget 2025 in Ranking
von Benedikt Schlotmann

Generally, an upgrade every 3 to 5 years is sufficient

When should I upgrade my graphics card? Experts recommend upgrading your graphics card roughly every 3 to 5 years. This is usually how long it takes for manufacturers to introduce new technologies or for the performance leap of the next generation to be significant enough to justify an upgrade.

When a generation of graphics cards is released, the following year often brings only an updated version that is only slightly faster. The biggest performance leaps usually happen every three years. If you want to stay up-to-date, you can generally upgrade every three years, provided you have the necessary finances.

For the best price-performance ratio, upgrading every five years is sufficient. This way, you usually get a graphics card from the previous generation at a significantly lower price than if you buy it right at release. However, you may not be able to play all games on maximum settings.

What else should I consider before an upgrade? In general, the timing of an upgrade also depends on which games you enjoy playing the most. If you mostly play farming games and occasionally a round of Counter-Strike, then you don’t need a powerful GPU and can upgrade much less frequently.

If you instead want to play the latest titles, such as Black Myth Wukong, or use your graphics card for other compute-intensive tasks, then you will need to upgrade your graphics card more regularly if you want to keep up.

In the end, it really depends on your individual needs:

  • How much performance and power you need.
  • What resolution you want to play at.
  • How many FPS you want to play with.

However, if you notice that your graphics card can no longer handle the latest games, that is a good sign that you will need a new graphics card sooner or later. In some cases, techniques like DLSS and FSR can help extend your graphics card’s life a bit longer.

When upgrading your CPU, consider your graphics card

Upgrading other components: If you are considering upgrading your processor, also think about upgrading your graphics card. This is because the graphics card and CPU work closely together, and a lightning-fast CPU will be wasted if paired with an outdated graphics card. In technical terms, this is called a bottleneck: your graphics card is running at 100%, but your CPU is just idling at 6%.

Moreover, if the technical gap between the processor and graphics card is too large, certain technologies will generally no longer be supported. For example, Smart Access Memory on AMD hardware.

Avoid the following upgrades: If you want to upgrade your gaming PC, you should definitely avoid the following components. You will not be doing yourself any favors if you try to upgrade your system with them: 7 upgrades for your gaming PC that you should not buy at any cost

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

Two highlights of gamescom 2024 are released on the same day – And present a problem for a Twitch streamer

The Opening Night Live of the gamescom 2024 made some big announcements and showed exciting trailers. The Twitch streamer Maximilian “HandofBlood” Knabe is particularly excited about two release dates.

What are the release dates? The releases of the games Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 and Civilization VII have been pushed to the same day. Both are coming on February 11, 2025.

The release of Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 was originally planned for this year, but had to be postponed. Civilization VII actually doesn’t have an official release date yet, but leaks have revealed that it is expected to be on February 11, 2025.

As part of the gamescom, a new trailer for Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 was released:

Start video
Trailer for Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 shows gameplay

“What kind of world do we live in?”

How did HandofBlood react to the news? HandofBlood posted on X his opinion about it: “WHAT KIND OF WORLD DO WE LIVE IN, THAT [sic!] CIV 7 AND KINGDOM COME DELIVERANCE RELEASE ON THE SAME DAY”. The streamer’s sentiment can be interpreted as either positive or negative.

Why this reaction? The simultaneous release shouldn’t be a big problem for most gamers; however, it is for HandofBlood. He is a passionate fan of both series and has played the respective predecessors himself.

As a fan, you naturally want to dive into the game as soon as it is released and ideally play for hours – which, in this case, isn’t really possible.

But from a professional standpoint, the decision could also be difficult. For Twitch streamers, the launch time of a game is crucial: a streamer who starts a week later may have bad luck – as fans of the game might have already found another streamer or seen the content.

This is what happened to a German Twitch streamer who had to wait out the launch of a highly anticipated title in the wild.

No wonder then that a user commented on his post on X, “You know you have to work a double shift, right?” Maybe the streamer’s reaction is more of a stress response due to the extra work ahead of him.

Whether HandOfBlood decides on one of the two games or embarks on an extra-long streaming marathon to showcase both games at launch remains to be seen.

The YouTuber and Twitch streamer is certainly well-versed in video games. His opinions on certain games are certainly sought after, and his fans listen to his recommendations. Recently, he raved on Twitch about a secret game that isn’t even available on Steam.

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

The hero of my childhood is back with a new game on Steam – but his idea flopped 7 years ago as Fortnite

Peter Molyneux is back. MeinMMO author Schuhmann says: He developed some of the most important games of my childhood with Populous, Powermonger, and Dungeon Keeper. But the new concept for Master of Albion (Steam), which he presented at gamescom 2024, sounds like the Fortnite that flopped so badly in 2017.

What relationship do I have with Peter Molyneux?

  • As a child and teenager, I loved the games of Peter Molyneux without knowing they were his. Back then, only names like “Bullfrog” and later “Lionhead” were on the games.
  • I grew up with the God games Populous (1989) and Powermonger (1990) – back then on the Sega Mega Drive. But I especially loved Dungeon Keeper (1997). I remember Black & White 1 and 2 (2001/2005) as innovative and fun games that had so much potential for more. I spent way too many hours on “The Movies” (2005).
  • It was only later that I realized that all the games I liked came from one man: Peter Molyneux, and that he excited and disappointed a generation of players and journalists at the same time because he spoke so enthusiastically about his already good games that promises were made that could never be fulfilled.
Start video
Trailer for Masters of Albion offers insight into the gameplay

Hasn’t anyone told Peter Molyneux that his idea flopped 7 years ago?

This is now his new game: Yesterday at gamescom, Peter Molyneux presented his new game “Masters of Albion”.

And my first thought was: “Hasn’t anyone told Peter Molyneux that his idea is 7 years old and was one of the biggest flops of the last – well – 7 years?”

In Molyneux’s new game, one is supposed to build during the day and defend the village against various enemies at night.

This is exactly the premise of “Fortnite – Save the World”, which was released in July 2017 for PC, PS4, and Xbox One.

Fortnite-Save-the-world
“Save the World” was the original Fortnite.

MeinMMO is an official media partner at gamescom 2024. More highlights from the event can be found in our exclusive FYNG show on site.

Fortnite was supposed to be Epic’s big flagship in 2017 – It almost failed immediately

How was Fortnite back then? Epic had been working on Fortnite for years; it was supposed to be their new flagship and promote the Unreal Engine. However, in the same summer of 2017, only a few months after the Early Access release, Fortnite – Save the World was virtually dead. It was ultimately overshadowed by Fortnite: Battle Royale and later replaced.

Okay, Molyneux wants to use his own ideas from Dungeon Keeper and Black and White; with a “god hand,” one will be able to intervene directly, and it will be possible to take control of individual creatures.

But everything around it is supposed to be immense: one should be able to combine, expand, and level up everything.

All of this was also present in the original Fortnite. The problem: Fortnite – Save the World felt like an Asian mobile game. With numerous rewards and interwoven systems, it was a constant grind, and one had to play for hours to get the items they wanted, and often they were the wrong ones:

  • In Fortnite, one could select heroes, equip them with various weapons and items, build a fort, and set traps – all items and characters had different levels and quality tiers. One fought against monsters that attacked at night.
  • “Masters of Albion” is also supposed to offer all of that and even much more – in the game trailer, it was even possible to assemble the exact sandwich, layer by layer, that a hero eats.

What is the problem? Given Peter Molyneux’s past and his strange NFT/mobile endeavors in recent years, I have a bad feeling about the “Build by Day / Fight by Night” game. Because even Fortnite – Save the World failed due to excessive microtransactions and the endless grind, where the actual gameplay took a backseat and quickly became boring.

Fortnite: Battle Royale eliminated all levels and quality tiers from the game, focused on gameplay, and reduced the grind. This Fortnite quickly achieved the success that Epic Games had hoped for from their “Build by Day / Fight at Night” game.

It’s somewhat an unfortunate mix:

  • I like Peter Molyneux
  • I love Dungeon Keeper, which clearly serves as an important model
  • And I liked and played the original Fortnite – Save the World way more than I probably should have

But the combination of these three things that I actually like has only a vanishingly small chance of turning out well, rationally speaking. However, I’ve never hoped more to be wrong than with Peter Molyneux’s new game: Legendary developer promises not to hype his new game – then hypes his new game

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

Dune: Awakening aims to combine MMO and survival, impresses with new gameplay: The next big thing in the genre

Just in time for the ONL, Funcom released a new gameplay trailer for Dune: Awakening. It showcases the early game, but also for the first time teasers for endgame and spice activities. Additionally, there is now a release window.

What kind of trailer is this? The new trailer provides 5 minutes of almost exclusive gameplay insights. From character creation to the tutorial and even seemingly the endgame, everything is included – featuring a huge sandworm.

A release period is now known as well: Dune: Awakening is set to launch in Early 2025 for PC – so in spring 2025. A release for PlayStation and Xbox will be announced later.

Here you can check out the trailer for yourself. Further down, we have summarized everything for you, and MeinMMO survival expert Benedict Grothaus sends his impressions directly from the ONL location.

Start video
Dune Trailer Shows Gameplay – From Survivor to Spice Hunter

Spice Blows, Base Building, and Inventory Management

What can be seen in the trailer? The new gameplay trailer offers quite a bit to see – seemingly even almost chronologically in the order it’s experienced in the game. Here are a few highlights:

  • Character creation
  • The tutorial where players flee from a sandworm on rocky ground
  • An initial encounter with other players
  • Climbing
  • Team take-downs of enemy bases
  • Base building
  • Ornithopter flights
  • Harko Village, one of the player hubs
  • The hunt for spice
  • Political cutscenes

There are also insights into the game’s menu, including a look at the inventory: a character can carry ten different pieces of gear or clothing and has a total of eight slots for the loadout. The latter can be selected using the number keys.

New are also the insights into the hunt for spice aka the spice. Player groups with various equipment levels fight over a single source. The losers are threatened by rocket launchers and tanks. In the end, they give up and call a sandworm that devours everything, including their opponents.

More about the gameplay of Dune: Awakening can be read in our hub for the game.

One of the best sci-fi universes of all time

What does the MeinMMO expert say? MeinMMO editor Benedict Grothaus was able to witness the trailer live and in color on-site. From the hall where the ONL is taking place, he sends his impressions of Dune: Awakening and even finds that the game could be the next big sci-fi thing after Star Wars: The Old Republic.

Dune: Awakening has captivated me since the first announcement. I have been waiting for years for a game that combines MMO and survival, and Funcom has promised exactly that. With Conan Exiles, they show that they are on the right track.

The new Dune may not reach the graphical level of the large, modern MMOs, but it doesn’t have to – because it brings sandbox elements that are not found in the genre so far. Just the enormous base building, the ornithopters, and the light survival aspects are features that set Dune: Awakening apart from other MMOs.

Additionally, there is the franchise itself. Dune is one of the best sci-fi universes of all time and conveys a dystopian world as well as only Fallout does. Even if you are not a fan of the sandbox elements, you will not find anything close to Dune in terms of science fiction in the near future.

The last MMO with a major franchise backing it and so much hype was Star Wars: The Old Republic from 2011. If Funcom can also manage the multiplayer aspect well, Dune will be the next big thing in the genre.

Benedict Grothaus in Cologne, 20.08.2024

What about you: Are you excited for Dune: Awakening? Feel free to share your thoughts on the game in the comments. You can find more from gamescom and especially the ONL in our overview of the trailers: Opening Night Live: All announcements and trailers from gamescom 2024 in overview.

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

Pokémon GO reveals the Pokémon of the Community Days in September in a video

In Pokémon GO, the monster for the Community Day in September 2024 has been announced. And it will even be available here in 2 forms.

What event is it? The Community Day is a recurring monthly event. During this event, there is a monster that appears in enormous numbers for several hours, along with some bonuses, such as an increased Shiny chance.

While the Pokémon for the Community Day in August 2024 is already confirmed, the monster for the C-Day in September 2024 has now been teased in a video.

It is Ponita, which will appear on the Community Day in both its regular form and in the Galar variant. You can find the teaser video on Facebook.

When does the event take place? The Community Day with Ponita is currently scheduled for Saturday, September 14, 2024, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

Start video
Pokémon GO: New teaser shows something ‘big’

All bonuses for the Community Day with Ponita

The following bonuses will be active from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM:

  • Increased spawn and shiny rate of Ponita
  • 3x stardust when catching Pokémon
  • Incense and lures last for 3 hours when activated during the event (does not apply to the daily adventure incense)
  • 2x candy when catching Pokémon
  • 2x chance to receive XL candies when catching Pokémon

In addition, there will be the following bonuses active from 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM:

  • An additional special trade
  • Trading costs 50% less stardust
  • If you evolve Ponita or Galar-Ponita, the evolved Rapidash will learn the electric-type charge attack Thunderbolt

Additional content for the Community Days: During the event, there will also be themed PokéStop showcases that you can participate in.

If you take snapshots during the event, there is a chance that a Ponita will sneak into the picture in one of its two forms.

Additionally, there will be the chance during this Community Day to challenge Ponita in 4*-raids for up to 3 hours after the event. If you successfully complete such a raid, more Ponita will appear around the gym for 30 minutes. These raids can only be completed locally and not remotely.

As is customary for these events, you can also complete event-related field research and purchase a ticket for the Community Day for $1 (approximately 1 €). The contents of the ticket have not yet been revealed.

What do you think about the Community Day? Are you looking forward to Ponita? Feel free to share your opinion in the comments and discuss with other trainers here. If you want to know which events await you in August 2024 in Pokémon GO, we have the right overview for you.

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

Is there any new game like The Division or Destiny at gamescom 2024?

The “looter-shooter” genre has been popular in recent years and has dominated discussions in the gaming market at times. Games like Destiny or The Division established the genre in 2014 and 2016. Many fans of the games are looking for new content in 2024, as The Division 2 has effectively run its course and Destiny 2 is no longer releasing expansions: MeinMMO takes a look around at gamescom: Are there games in this direction?

What’s going on with new looter-shooters like Destiny or The Division?

  • Looter-shooters like Destiny or The Division have fallen out of favor with publishers in recent years and are hardly being developed anymore. Apparently, development is too expensive and complex because players are constantly asking for new weapons, missions, and raids. The last attempts were games like Outriders or Borderlands 3. It’s better to keep silent about Anthem or the games in the “Ghost Recon” series.
  • Meanwhile, the genre is extremely successful: “The First Descendant” is considered a major surprise hit in 2024 on Steam.
  • To be clear: No new game like The Division or Destiny was shown at gamescom. There are only a few alternatives to replicate parts of the game concept. But instead of “looter-shooters,” Extraction shooters like Escape from Tarkov or Hero shooters like Valorant and Overwatch are primarily being developed today. Bungie’s new game, Marathon, sounds like a mix of both.
Start video
ARC Raiders – The trailer for the PvPvE shooter

The best alternatives to The Division play after the fall of mankind

Which new games come close to The Division? The closest current game is probably “Arc Raiders”. This is a cooperative third-person shooter with PvE and PvP elements. The Extraction shooter is set to be released for PC, PS5, and Xbox in 2025.

Players scour the land in a sort of post-apocalypse for supplies and must defend their loot against machines and opponents. They can build trust with merchants.

The game has elements from the Dark Zone of The Division: Do you help players who are being chased, or do you let them go and take the loot?

A bit further from The Division is the Survival-MMO Dune Awakening. This also takes place in a hostile environment, and you have to fight for loot. It’s expected to release in 2025.

No new alternatives to Destiny

Which new games come closest to Destiny? Here it looks even gloomier. We know from the past that many Destiny players have enjoyed Monster Hunter World – which offered a completely different gameplay but also put the focus on hunting monsters and loot.

With Monster Hunter Wilds, the sequel is on the way. It is expected to be released in 2025.

Otherwise, Destiny fans are left with Borderlands 4, which is still early in development.

Currently, “The First Descendant” is likely still the best option. The offerings for players of Destiny and The Division have become weaker over the years rather than better. We also haven’t heard much from The Division 3 for some time: Ubisoft has announced “The Division 3”, finally what everyone wanted to hear.

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

Player leaves her fiancé because of Baldur’s Gate 3: “I deserve someone better”

Baldur’s Gate 3 has a lasting impact on the lives of some people. One player took the step to finally leave her partner thanks to the story.

Baldur’s Gate 3 was praised last year for pretty much every aspect. Whether it’s the gameplay, the staging, the story, or the high level of detail in the developed characters. However, for some people, Baldur’s Gate 3 also has a strong influence on “real life” – as one player was able to liberate herself from her toxic relationship.

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

What happened? In the Baldur’s Gate 3 subreddit, Swmitabyss shares her story. She was trapped in a terrible relationship and had already come to terms with it. But Baldur’s Gate 3 helped her finally take the important step of separating. The story is quite dark, but at least it has a happy ending. She reports:

I haven’t fully admitted this to myself due to, for lack of a better word, “cringe”, but Baldur’s Gate 3 was the silent killer of my relationship that lasted over 3 ½ years – in a good way. […]

I was already aware that I was in a toxic relationship, but I spent the last year getting used to the physical violence, the belittlement, and the manipulation, because, to be honest, that was all I knew. I didn’t have the energy to leave again. Every time I mustered the courage to stand up for myself, the night ended with things scattered or broken in the house and bruises on my skin. All I could think about after work was escaping into that warm embrace of my fictional companions and my vicarious life through Tav. I would even say I felt loved by someone after being numb for so long.

It was precisely the relationships that were possible in the game and the interactions with the individual companions that allowed her to better assess and reflect on her own condition in real life:

Allow me to say that I understand the line between fantasy and reality, but it felt real enough to give me a sense of intimacy and connection that I was missing in my life. Real enough to make me realize that I deserve someone who looks at me with nothing but love and compassion. Real enough to show me that I’m worthy of someone who is kind and loving. Six weeks ago, something inside me said that it was enough, and I left and haven’t looked back.

How the community reacts: In the Baldur’s Gate 3 community, this story is received extremely positively. The Reddit post has received over 19,000 upvotes, which is very high for this subreddit. Many congratulate the author on her step or share how significant the influence of Baldur’s Gate 3 and the companions has been on their lives:

  • “I am so damn proud of you, dear. Well done getting out. Always remember: You are not alone. None of us are.” – Earis
  • “Congratulations on escaping that. You can be proud of yourself for having taken such a difficult step.
    I’m sure that all the people who worked at Larian on the game would be thrilled to hear that their art had such a positive impact.”
    – Faolair
  • “It’s really wild how well the game is written and this is a good example of that. They really managed to capture the essence of so many human experiences.
    My own story is that I grew up in a cult and ultimately left. The deconstruction story of Shadowheart is basically my own experience of leaving. They really hit the nail on the head with this game at every turn.”
    – MuzzledScreaming

Even though games are primarily a medium of entertainment, they increasingly provide complex, engaging, and relatable characters, enabling more people to draw lessons for their lives. And in the case of this story, it’s nice that it turned out so well and that there was a happy ending. The evil endings are better left for the game world.

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

Black Myth Wukong: How to find guidance to absorb spirits

In Black Myth Wukong, there are shimmering spirits everywhere, but you can’t absorb them without guidance. We will show you where to find your guidance so you can collect boss souls.

Where can I find guidance? To obtain guidance and finally absorb nameless souls, you need to travel to the place “Bamboo Grove” at the altar “Snake Path” in Chapter 1 in the Black Wind Mountain. You will reach this location after defeating Lingxuzi – the great white werewolf.

Upon reaching the Snake Path, go up the stairs to the right from the altar. Once at the top, do not walk along the bridge, but keep to the right along the path. There, you will discover an old man with a large drinking gourd on his back.

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The old man with his powerful magic

Approach him and watch the cutscene. He will magically take your small gourd and enchant it so that you can start absorbing souls from bosses and the surroundings.

Everything important about guidance and missed spirits

Why do I need guidance? The wise man enchants your gourd so that you can now absorb green soul fragments in the air, as well as blue spirits after defeating some bosses. If you do not have guidance, you will receive a message that you cannot absorb spirits without guidance.

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Without guidance, no spirits

It’s worth activating guidance because, in addition to strong spirits that can complement your attacks, you will also collect more spirit essences through the green fragments. You can also collect green spirit essences without guidance, but then you will only receive a fraction of the full amount.

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Have I lost the soul of the Wandering Shadow? In Chapter 1, you will find the optional boss “Wandering Shadow” at the location “Outside the Forest”. The Wandering Wight can be defeated even without guidance, but if you try to collect his spirit, it will disappear, and you will receive a message that you cannot absorb it.

When you respawn, the soul will be gone, but don’t worry – it is not lost. Go to the old man who grants you guidance and then to an altar.

You can now secure your lost soul under a new menu item and equip it immediately to benefit from it. This way, you expand your build and can use a strong headbutt attack that can stagger even large bosses. You can find more about Black Myth Wukong here: Black Myth Wukong: Everything about release, playtime, benchmark tool, and editions

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