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  • The best Modern Warfare 3 guns to use in Season 2

    The best Modern Warfare 3 guns to use in Season 2

    The meta for the best guns in Modern Warfare 3 has developed considerably since launch, and has evolved significantly since the Feb. 7 rollout of Season 2.

    From the get-go, there were a plethora of guns to choose from in the latest Call of Duty because every gun from Modern Warfare 2 was also made available, alongside a host of new weapons. We’re not including those as there are far too many to choose from, and for the most part, the new MW3 guns are stronger anyway.

    So if you’re looking to dominate MW3 multiplayer in Season 2, look no further than these 10 guns.

    Modern Warfare 3 best guns to use in Season 2

    The best weapons in Modern Warfare 3 are as follows:

    1. MCW (assault rifle)
    2. Rival-9 (SMG)
    3. WSP Swarm (SMG)
    4. RAM-7 (assault rifle)
    5. BAS-B (battle rifle)
    6. RAM-9 (SMG)
    7. HRM-9 (SMG)
    8. Holger 556 (assault rifle)
    9. XRK Stalker (sniper rifle)
    10. SVA 545 (assault rifle)

    Believe it or not, the MCW is still the best gun in Modern Warfare 3 and has been since launch. It’s the most jack-of-all-trades gun you’ll find, as you can kit it out for long-range engagements — which our suggested attachments below are apt for — or to deal with enemies in close quarters if needed.

    However, the list has been shaken up a little with the introduction of some new guns and balance changes through Season 1 and Season 2, skyrocketing the Rival-9 (the best SMG in Modern Warfare 3) into second place. The WSP Swarm isn’t far behind it, though, and the RAM-7 is still a solid assault rifle despite its significant recoil.

    The BAS-B is by far the best battle rifle and the optimal choice if you want to engage in much longer distance firefights, while the RAM-9 and HRM-9 were seasonal additions that have quickly found their place in the meta. The Holger 556 is still very strong, the XRK Stalker sniper rifle is the best choice for any marksmen or quick-scopers, and the SVA 545 excels thanks to its ability to shoot the first two bullets almost simultaneously.

    (As an aside, for anyone returning to this list from Season 1, the AMR9 and Riveter have both been dropped in favor of the Rival-9 and RAM-9, and the HRM-9 has been added to round the list out to a solid 10 entries.)

    Let’s go through our updated selections for the best guns in Modern Warfare 3 one-by-one.

    1. MCW (assault rifle)

    Image: Activision via Polygon

    Kicking things off is the MCW, which is unlocked at rank 44. Modern Warfare 3 doesn’t have real weapon names, so the MCW is best known as the ACR from previous installments. Which is all to day, the MCW is a very reliable assault rifle that is fully automatic, with consistent range, recoil, and damage.

    Essentially, with the right attachments, the MCW becomes a laser beam. Any of the heavy barrels do the job — we’d recommend the 16.5” MCW Cyclone Long Barrel — along with any vertical grip, though we found the Bruen Pivot to be the best (which requires leveling the SVA 545 to level 12 first). As for the rest of the attachments, an optic is always a good shout for enhanced visibility, alongside any combination of muzzle/stock/rear grip that assist with recoil control and bullet velocity.

    For more on how to kit out this weapon, see our dedicated MCW loadout page.

    2. Rival-9 (SMG)

    The Rival 9 SMG rests over a black background in key art for the best guns in MW3 as of season 2.

    Image: Sledgehammer Games/Activision via Polygon

    The Rival-9 wasn’t considered to be one of the best guns in MW3 on launch, but it has quickly risen to the top thanks to its fast fire rate. It packs a huge punch when you get up close and personal. As the meta has developed, running and gunning has solidified itself as a very strong style of play, particularly in Season 2.

    Bearing that in mind — that you won’t often be engaging with enemies beyond a few meters away — you want to manage the recoil to an extent while also maintaining the weapon handling and mobility. We recommend the Rival Vice Assault Grip in the rear grip attachment slot, along with the Rival IGS-800 Barrel to deal with most of the recoil issues. Make sure you also stick the 9mm High Velocity ammunition on to deal the most damage.

    3. WSP Swarm (SMG)

    A menu for the WSP Swarm shows attachments for one of the best guns in MW3.

    Image: Sledgehammer Games/Activision via Polygon

    Next up we have the WSP Swarm, the second SMG on our list of the best guns in Modern Warfare 3. This gun is seriously powerful, but as you’d expect given its machine pistol form, it has a boatload of recoil. This means it suits a very aggressive style of play, and while the Akimbo attachment may be tempting to dual-wield hip-fire these bad boys, we’re going for something a little more reliable.

    Your entire aim should be to reduce the recoil while also not hindering the mobility too much, so look for muzzle and/or barrel attachments that strive toward that goal. Much like the RAM-7 below, the WSP Swarm has a very fast rate of fire, so you can’t go wrong with an extended magazine either. You definitely don’t need an optic though, as the iron sights are absolutely fine and, to be honest, you’ll often find yourself hip-firing — if you can reduce the hip fire spread with any attachments, even better.

    4. RAM-7 (assault rifle)

    A menu shows the best attachments and loadout for the RAM 7 in MW3.

    Image: Sledgehammer Games/Activision via Polygon

    The RAM-7 was introduced in Season 1 and quickly found itself as a mainstay in the meta. It kicks like a mule but deals some serious damage. As such, you don’t want to kit it out for extremely long range, but it is one of the best choices at short to mid range for an assault rifle. A barrel or muzzle attachment that ideally silences the gun and helps with damage at range is key.

    Alongside this, we recommend putting on an extended magazine thanks to how quickly the gun fires, then aiming to strike a balance between mobility, handling, and damage for the rest.

    Tweak the attachments until you find the exact fit that works for you, or check out our guide to the best RAM-7 loadout in MW3.

    5. BAS-B (battle rifle)

    The BAS-B in Modern Warfare 3

    Image: Activision via Polygon

    All the weapons in this list are fairly similar: fully automatic guns that are best at varying ranges. The BAS-B is no different. The first and only battle rifle on the list, this is the gun you want to switch to if our MCW build above still doesn’t have enough range for you. It doesn’t fire quite as quickly as the MCW, but each bullet packs way more of a punch, and once you have some recoil-managing attachments on there, you can put a longer-range optic on it, such as one of the 2.5x options.

    When you’re in the opening levels of using the BAS-B though, we have just a few recommended attachments. The Bruen Venom Long Barrel is a no-brainer thanks to the range it adds, and the 30-round mag — or the 45-round once you unlock it — ensures you can mow down multiple enemies without needing to reload. We’d also recommend the Ravage-20 Heavy Stock, which you unlock once the BAS-B has reached level seven.

    For more on how to kit out this weapon, see our dedicated BAS-B loadout page.

    6. RAM-9 (SMG)

    The RAM-9 rests over a black background in key art for the best MW3 guns in season 2.

    Image: Sledgehammer Games/Activision via Polygon

    The RAM-9 was introduced at the start of Season 2, and is the newest weapon on this list of the best guns in Modern Warfare 3. It’s another SMG with a rapid fire rate, but the recoil can be managed a little better than the Rival-9 above, so this is better suited for slightly longer engagements. The must-use attachments are the ZEHMN35 Compensated Flash Hider muzzle attachment and the HVS 3.4 Pad stock thanks to how they assist with recoil.

    Make sure you equip an underbarrel grip of some description too — our recommendation is the SL Skeletal Vertical Grip — and we found a rear grip also does the job, ideally the Retort 90 Grip Tape. The iron sights are usable here, but if you’d rather equip an optical sight for better visibility, any red dot sight will work.

    For more explanation on these attachment choices and details on the best class to use with this SMG, check out our dedicated RAM-9 loadout guide.

    7. HRM-9 (SMG)

    The HRM-9 rests over a black background in key art for the best MW3 guns in season 2.

    Image: Sledgehammer Games/Activision via Polygon

    The final SMG on the list, the HRM-9 with our build is actually very strong at a slightly further distance than you’d expect most SMGs to be effective. With that in mind, the Sonic Suppressor S muzzle attachment is a godsend as it buffs the bullet velocity, damage range, and it makes you undetectable by radar when firing.

    It does mean the recoil control takes a minor hit though, so you want to use other attachments that help bring that back up. Any underbarrel grip geared towards that will do the job — our choice is the VX Pineapple — along with a rear grip and stock attachment. We’d recommend an optical sight here too, though a basic one like the Slimline Pro or Slate Reflector is good enough.

    Our full HRM-9 loadout guide has more details on how to best utilize this SMG and the attachments to kit it out with.

    8. Holger 556 (assault rifle)

    A menu for MW3 shows attachments for the Holger 556, one of the best guns in MW3.

    Image: Sledgehammer Games/Activision via Polygon

    Next up, we have the Holger 556, which is unlocked at level 37. Now, to be frank, there’s not a whole lot special about the Holger; it’s a reliable, fully automatic assault rifle that isn’t quite as good as the MCW or RAM-7. However, if you remember (and loved) the G36C from Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, this is very reminiscent of that.

    As always, you’ll want to focus on recoil management and damage output when kitting out the Holger. Find barrel, muzzle, and underbarrel attachments that assist with that, then stick your optic of choice on and you’ll be good to go. It has a higher base damage but slower fire rate than both the MCW and SVA, so bear that in mind when finding the best attachments.

    9. XRK Stalker (sniper rifle)

    A menu for the XRK Stalker shows attachments on one of the best guns in MW3.

    Image: Sledgehammer Games/Activision via Polygon

    With its introduction in Season 1, the XRK Stalker took the crown from the Katt-AMR to be the best sniper rifle in Modern Warfare 3, and that’s thanks to its impressive damage and mobility, making it the prime choice for those quick-scopers among you. This is a position it’s held through the launch of Season 2.

    Your goal needs to be to improve the ADS speed, re-chambering speed, and sprint to fire speed so you can pull up your gun and one-shot enemies with ease. To this end, we’d recommend having the No Stock stock attachment, alongside the Light Bolt and FT Match Grip. You should also equip an optic that isn’t quite so zoomed in as the default, as you’re unlikely to be sniping at range.

    For more on how to spec this gun, check out our guide to the best XRK Stalker loadout in MW3.

    10. SVA 545 (assault rifle)

    The SVA 545 in Modern Warfare 3.

    Image: Activision via Polygon

    The SVA 545 is the first assault rifle you’ll unlock in the game, so while you’re grinding for the MCW and AMR9, it’s the one you want to be using. As soon as you unlock create-a-class you can equip it, and it comes with one very interesting perk: the first shot fires two bullets, almost simultaneously. This isn’t just the first shot of the magazine though; if you tap fire, you can ensure every shot is a twofer. It’s not overpowered or anything, but it is a nifty trick if you can get the hang of it.

    As is always the case with assault rifles, you’ll want to manage the recoil on this, so we recommend an underbarrel grip such as the VX Pineapple, a barrel attachment that can improve the range and damage, and other attachments that support recoil management. It’s one of the only guns in the game with decent iron sights though, so you don’t need to stick an optic on it.

    Check out our best SVA 545 loadout with our dedicated guide.

    Ford James

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  • FF7 Rebirth, Xbox Drama, And More Of This Week’s Hottest Takes

    FF7 Rebirth, Xbox Drama, And More Of This Week’s Hottest Takes


    Image: Kotaku / Xbox / Thomas Mucha / Lukasz Pawel Szczepanski (Shutterstock)

    Over the February 3 weekend, reports from different outlets and insiders claimed that a number of big, Xbox exclusives—like Starfield and Gears of War—could possibly end up on PlayStation 5 in the near future. Once the news spread around the internet, the most Xbox-pilled users and creators began theorizing, denying, mourning, and ranting to those within their Church Of Xbox circle and beyond. Then, Xbox boss Phil Spencer posted a vague statement, seemingly confirming something was happening but the faithful would have to wait until next week to hear what. Perhaps he thought this would calm the masses. It didn’t. Instead, for some devoted Xbox fans, it was confirmation that the brand they worshiped was leaving them behind. And they aren’t taking it well (though some remain pretty chill about the prospect of Starfield coming to PS5). – Zack Zwiezen Read More



    Kotaku Staff

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  • 10 Xbox Exclusives We’d Love To See On PlayStation

    10 Xbox Exclusives We’d Love To See On PlayStation


    In a twist no one saw coming, it is heavily rumored that Xbox might put some of their games onto PlayStation platforms. It’s a move that could see a huge shift in the entire hierarchy of the video game industry. While the stand-out titles we hope will appear on PlayStation are Halo and Gears of War, all the speculation got us thinking about the other Xbox exclusives we would love to see on PlayStation.

    Sunset Overdrive

    Imager Source: Xbox Game Studios

    Insomniac Games is best known for making PlayStation franchises like Ratchet and Clank and Marvel’s Spider-Man now, however back in 2014 they released the Xbox One exclusive Sunset Overdrive. Colorful and kinetic, of all the games on this list Sunset Overdrive is the game I’d most like to see on PlayStation.

    The open world of Sunset City is a parkour playground where players zip across the city on grind rails and bounce from building to building. Jet Set Radio meets Ratchet and Clank as the player character tries to save the world from an evil energy drink that is turning people into hordes of orange mutants.

    Ryse: Son of Rome

    Image Source: Xbox Game Studios

    Ryse: Son of Rome was an Xbox One launch title back in 2013. A third-person hack and slash, it was developed by German studio Crytek and recounts the life of fictional Roman general Marius Titus. Marius is deployed to Britain and plays an important role in the historic Roman invasion of the island, even capturing the legendary tribal leader Boudica, before fending off a barbarian horde alongside Emporer Nero.

    The game received mixed reviews at launch but with graphics that still hold up today, an interesting premise, and a unique setting, it would be cool to see Ryse: Son of Rome move over to PlayStation.

    Quantum Break

    A scene from Quantum Break.
    Image Source: Remedy Entertainment

    Remedy Entertainment’s Quantum Break was the studio’s biggest experiment in multi-media storytelling yet when it was released in 2016. The time travel narrative was told both in-game and via live-action television episodes interspersed between levels. Quantum Break starred Shawn Ashmore (The Dark Pictures: Man of Medan), as a man caught in the middle of a time travel experiment gone wrong.

    The game is a third-person shooter with the player combining firearms and time-bending superpowers to manipulate the environment and enemies around them. The cast list also included Aiden Gillen (Game of Thrones), Dominic Monaghan (The Lord of the Rings), and the late Lance Reddick (John Wick).

    Hi-Fi Rush

    Chai
    Image Source: Tango Gameworks

    Shadow-dropped onto Xbox Series X|S in January 2023, Hi-Fi Rush is a vivid, cell-shaded rhythm-action game from experienced horror developers Tango Gameworks and published by Bethesda. In the game, players control Chai, an aspiring rockstar who accidentally gets a music player fused to his heart.

    The world moves in rhythm and matching the beats during combat increases Chai’s combo score. The game was a sleeper hit on release with critics complimenting Hi-Fi Rush’s style and soundtrack as it reached 2 million players in just four months.

    Sea of Thieves

    Is Sea of Thieves Down? How to Check Server Status
    Image Source: Rare

    Developed by Rare, Sea of Thieves got off to a rough start when it was first released in 2018, but in the years since has turned itself around and is now one of the most popular multiplayer games around. In this sea-faring adventure, ghost ships, reanimated skeletons, and Krakens stand in the way of you and your crew’s quest for fame and treasure.

    Centered on ship combat, Sea of Thieves has a chaotic open world, a healthy player base, and still receives regular updates. With a new adventure almost every month, including a free cross-over with The Legend of Monkey Island series, there is a lot for players to dive into.

    Grounded

    Grounded gameplay
    Image Source: Obsidian Entertainment

    What if Honey I Shrunk The Kids was a survival game? That’s the basic premise of Grounded, a co-op title developed by Obsidian Entertainment. After they are accidentally shrunken to a minuscule size, a group of teenagers have to survive the terrors found in the grass and soil of their backyard.

    The game features the usual genre tropes of scavenging resources, gathering supplies, and building bases, but places them in a unique environment full of giant (in comparison to your player character at least) insects and some of the scariest spiders to ever appear in video games. Luckily for players with arachnophobia, Obsidian implemented a feature that allows them to make the frankly terrifying Wolf Spiders a little more palatable.

    Ori Duology

    ori and the will of the wisps
    Image Source: Xbox Game Studios

    2015’s Ori and The Blind Forest and its 2020 sequel Ori and The Will of the Wisps are a pair of beautiful Metroidvanias from Austrian developer Moon Studios. In the platformers, players control two spirits, Ori and Sein as they traverse the mysterious Forest of Nibel and set out to bring light back to the forest.

    The sequel meanwhile gave the characters 3D models, new abilities, and a larger world to explore. Both games received widespread praise for their art design and presentation.

    Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice

    Image Source: Xbox Game Studios

    A fascinating examination of psychosis and grief, Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice follows titular Pict warrior Senua as she travels to Helheim to rescue her partner’s soul from the goddess Hela. Exploring both Norse mythology and Celtic culture, Hellblade features a mix of puzzles and combat encounters.

    Hellblade has some really interesting sound design as the voices in Senua’s head (called Furies) help guide her on her journey, so playing with headphones is a must. Developed by Ninja Theory, a sequel, Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2, is scheduled to release in 2024.

    Killer Instinct (2013)

    Riptor from Killer Instinct
    Image Source: Xbox Game Studios

    Allow me to rattle off just a few of the characters on the roster of 2013’s Killer Instinct: an alien with ice powers, a The Ring-style spirit trained in the ways of the samurai, a Battletoad, the Arbiter from Halo, and a fire-breathing velociraptor. If that doesn’t pique your interest in Iron Galaxy’s fighting game I don’t know what will!

    Fighting games are as popular as ever and Iron Galaxy has worked hard to keep Killer Instinct online for nearly a decade. The core game went free-to-play in November 2023 (with a paid Anniversary edition available) and cross-platform tests with PC players began in February 2024. The game is still alive and kicking (pun intended) and it would be cool to play as a fire-breathing raptor on Sony’s platforms.

    Dead Rising 3

    Nick Ramos with crossbow in Dead Rising 3
    Image Source: Capcom

    Dead Rising 3 is the third installment in Capcom’s zombie-slaying franchise. It features a new protagonist, mechanic Nick Ramos, and transfers the action into an even bigger playground. Rather than a mall, Dead Rising 3 is set across a whole city. The story, which begins three days into the latest zombie outbreak, has Nick looking for a way to escape the city of Los Peridos.

    As is tradition, Dead Rising 3’s campaign puts players on a timed deadline and equips them with a bunch of crazy improvised weapons. This time around the franchise’s trademark Psychopaths are based on the Seven Deadly Sins and, while it probably doesn’t reach the heights of Dead Rising 1 and Dead Rising 2, it’s the only game in the series not on PlayStation and that’s a shame.

    What do you think of the current state of Xbox and their potential plans? Let us know in the comments below.

    About the author

    Alex Johnson

    Alex has been writing about games for over four years and if there is one thing he fears in life it is writing a bio. He studied film at the University of Lincoln, has a small obsession with Fortnite and hopes to actually finish a FromSoftware game one day.



    Alex Johnson

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  • How to make money in GTA Online

    How to make money in GTA Online


    GTA Online runs on money. That’s why there are no cheats for it in the game. (There are, however, cheats in GTA V proper.)

    Everything you want to do in GTA Online costs money — basically, everything from a high-end car to the real estate you need to start a new type of event is going to cost you just shy of GTA$2,000,000.

    Our guide on how to make money in GTA Online will tell you everything you need to know to get rich quick in Los Santos. Well, quick-ish.

    Be patient

    The answer to the question “how do you make money in GTA Online?” is slowly. What you do to earn cash is really a question of how much time and effort you want to put in. More time and effort means more money.

    Image: Rockstar Games

    Very few things you can do are going to earn you millions of GTA$ per hour (or even day) — especially if you’re playing solo. Saving up enough for that new car, submarine, or business is going to be a big time investment.

    How to make a little money fast in GTA Online

    These activities aren’t going to change your life, but they’ll be enough to refill your ammo or buy some health-replenishing snacks.

    • Steal a car and sell it at a Los Santos Customs. You’ll only make a few thousand GTA$ and you can only do it a few times a day, but it’s a quick and easy way to make a little cash.
    • Participate in events around Los Santos. Things like races will earn you up to about GTA$5,000 each for 10 minutes of effort.
    • Rob a store. Head into any store and point a gun at the cashier, and you’ll walk away with a couple thousand GTA$ (and a wanted level or two).

    Watch for weekly 2x and 3x events

    Each week, certain events and activities pay out double or even triple GTA$. You can check our weekly guide to see what this week’s are. Depending on the week, you might even get free money just for logging in — like this week’s GTA$188,888 for Lunar New Year.

    How to make money in GTA Online every day

    GTA Online player at the Lucky Wheel in the Diamond Casino

    Image: Rockstar Games

    Beyond the big things (below), you can also get yourself a steady income just by doing certain things every day. Things like:

    • Spin the wheel at the Diamond Casino. You’ve got about a 20% chance of winning between GTA$20,000 and 50,000. You’ve also got a chance to win a car that changes weekly.
    • Empty the safes of your legitimate businesses. Your businesses like the bar in your motorcycle club clubhouse or salvage yard will earn some cash every day and store it in the safe. You’ll have to visit each one to pick it up, though.
    • Find G’s cache. Gerald will drop a package that will earn you roughly GTA$20,000 in cache cash each day. The location changes, though, so you’ll have to do some driving to find it.
    • Clear stash houses. Each day, you’ll also find one stash house somewhere in Los Santos that you can clear of enemies for Gerard. Once you find the combination and open the safe, you just have to flee the scene. You’ll be rewarded with a little GTA$ and, just as importantly, you’ll get supplies for one of your businesses.

    Buy businesses and facilities to unlock new ways to make money

    Most activities that make you money in GTA Online require you to own a specific kind of business or facility and the cost of entry to just about all of them is between GTA$1,000,000 and 2,000,000.

    GTA Online art for agency Security Contracts

    Image: Rockstar Games

    But, just remember, each time you buy a new piece of real estate or new business, you unlock another way to make money. And keep an eye on the weekly updates — each week a property (or type of property) goes on sale for 30% off.

    • Agencies unlock Security Contracts and Payphone Hits
    • Your apartment gets you access to heists (which is where you’ll make the most money)
    • Auto shops unlock Auto Shop Services, Contracts, and Exotic Exports
    • Bunkers (or facilities) unlock the Gunrunning business
    • Clubhouses unlock MC Contracts and MC Work (and a bar)
    • Hangars unlock the Air Freight Cargo business
    • Nightclubs allow you to store additional good from other businesses and make money on their own
    • Offices unlock Special Cargo, Vehicle Cargo, Special Vehicle missions
    • Salvage yards unlock Salvage Yard Robberies and the Tow Truck Service

    The best activities for a lot of money in GTA Online

    With the right properties and a good crew (or a lucky roll of the rando pool), you can make a lot of money pretty quickly in GTA Online by focusing on the best paying events.

    • Heists are multi-step events that will take you about an hour to complete, give or take. They’re also the best payout you’ll get in the game, with rewards ranging from GTA$100,000 to 4,000,000.
    • Salvage Yard Roberies work a lot like heists, but they’re doable with only one person. They’ll earn you GTA$200,000 to 300,000 for about an hour of work.



    Jeffrey Parkin

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  • Rumor Mill: Microsoft May Bring XBOX Exclusives Like ‘Gears Of War’ To Sony’s Playstation Platform

    Rumor Mill: Microsoft May Bring XBOX Exclusives Like ‘Gears Of War’ To Sony’s Playstation Platform


    Xbox & Playstation Source: Future Publishing / Getty

    After decades of console wars, Xbox will allegedly concede and bring its exclusives to Sony’s Playstation 5 platform.

    For decades we’ve been entertained by the console wars mainly between Sony and Microsoft. In the early days of Xbox 360, it seemed Microsoft couldn’t be touched. However, after the successful launches of the PlayStation 3, 4, and 5 Sony reigned supreme while Xbox tried to keep up. When the PlayStation 5 launched it was clear to everyone paying attention it was the superior console. According to Forbes, Microsoft will allegedly begin letting their once coveted exclusive release on Sony’s PlayStation platform.

    While this has yet to be officially announced an announcement could come as early as next week reports The Verge.

    This would mark the waving of the white flag by Microsoft unless Playstation gives over their exclusives which isn’t likely. When Microsoft purchased gaming company Activision Blizzard for $68.7 billion they promised they would play nice with Sony as it pertained to Call of Duty. This update would certainly make good on that promise. Furthermore, speculation has pointed to Hi-Fi Rush, Starfield, and others coming to Playstation and Switch soon. As gaming and streaming continue to grow this will undoubtedly provide a significant boost to all the titles released on other platforms for the first time.

    All eyes will be on Microsoft’s announcements next week as gamers pray Halo is included in the titles coming to PS5.





    Noah Williams

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  • Persona 3 Reload guide: Classroom answers and questions

    Persona 3 Reload guide: Classroom answers and questions


    Classroom questions and answers are a staple of Persona games, and that remains true with Persona 3 Reload.

    While Reload is a remake of the beloved Persona 3 from the early 2000s, it features a completely new slate of classroom questions from the original game. Answering questions correctly in Persona 3 Reload will increase your Charm Social Stat as you impress your fellow classmates with your knowledge.

    In this in-progress Persona 3 Reload guide, we’ll walk you through classroom questions and answers for each month.

    Note: This guide features all classroom and exam answers through June 1 in Persona 3 Reload — about 15 hours into the game, depending on how you spend your time. We’ll add additional months of questions and exams soon.

    April classroom answers in Persona 3 Reload

    There are three classroom questions for you to answer in April. There are no exams in April.

    4/8

    Image: Atlus/Sega via Polygon

    Q: Among these phrases, “a rain of flowers,” “mystical mirage,” and “vivid carp streamers,” which one symbolizes summer?

    A: Vivid Carp Streamers

    4/18

    The Persona 3 Reload protagonist answers a classroom question

    Image: Atlus/Sega via Polygon

    Q: The places where people dumped their waste in the Jomon period — what are they called nowadays?

    A: Middens

    4/27

    The Persona 3 Reload protagonist answers a classroom question

    Image: Atlus/Sega via Polygon

    Q: Leader [protagonist], do you know which one’s not an algebraic spiral or whatever?

    A: A

    May classroom answers in Persona 3 Reload

    There are three classroom questions for you to answer in May. May also holds the first big exams — Midterms — which run May 18 to 23. Make sure to increase your Academics score to two before the 18th.

    5/6

    The Persona 3 Reload protagonist answers a classroom question

    Image: Atlus/Sega via Polygon

    Q: What do you call the device that helps generate electric power for the train?

    A: A pantograph

    5/13

    The Persona 3 Reload protagonist answers a classroom question

    Image: Atlus/Sega via Polygon

    Q: Do you know Leon Foucault? He’s a French physicist who performed experiments regarding the rotation of the Earth. Which tool did he use in his experiments?

    A: The pendulum

    5/15

    The Persona 3 Reload protagonist answers a classroom question

    Image: Atlus/Sega via Polygon

    Q: What’s the other name for “May sickness” — the more casual one?

    A: May Blues

    May Midterms

    The Persona 3 Reload protagonist takes an exam

    Image: Atlus/Sega via Polygon

    Midterms start on Monday, May 18, and run for six full days of school, ending on Saturday the 24th. Once your exams start, you’ll have no free time after school or in the evenings. You’ll answer questions and the game will automatically skip to the next day.

    You don’t have to actively answer questions on May 18 or May 23; how your character performs on those days seems to be based entirely on your Academics stat. If you have an Academics stat of at least two and answer all the below questions correctly, you’ll finish your midterm in the top 10 of your class and get some bonus Charm points, plus stat boost cards for your Personas as a reward.

    All of the below questions are reframed versions of questions you’ve already answered in April and May. Nonetheless, we’ve listed them all out here for your convenience — and because the rewordings can be a little tricky.

    The Persona 3 Reload protagonist takes an exam

    Image: Atlus/Sega via Polygon

    5/19 Q: What is the other common expression used to describe “May sickness?”

    5/19 A: May Blues

    The Persona 3 Reload protagonist takes an exam

    Image: Atlus/Sega via Polygon

    5/20 Q: Which of the following did Leon Foucault use in his experiment on the rotation of the Earth?

    5/20 A: A pendulum

    The Persona 3 Reload protagonist takes an exam

    Image: Atlus/Sega via Polygon

    5/21 Q: Which of the following is generated by a pantograph?

    5/21 A: Electricity

    The Persona 3 Reload protagonist takes an exam

    Image: Atlus/Sega via Polygon

    5/22 Q: During which historical period were middens most commonly used?

    5/22 A: Jomon

    More classroom answers for Persona 3 Reload are on their way!

    And if you’re looking for classroom answers in other Persona games, check out our lists of all classroom answers for Persona 3 Portable, Persona 4 Golden, Persona 5, and Persona 5 Royal.



    Ryan Gilliam

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  • 14 great games to try if you loved Baldur’s Gate 3

    14 great games to try if you loved Baldur’s Gate 3


    Baldur’s Gate 3 is an incredible role-playing game experience, a gift for RPG fans and a wonderful introduction to the genre for newcomers. It’s got everything a good RPG needs: memorable characters, exciting, strategic battles, and a textured world to get lost in as your party goes questing across the map. It’s a showcase for just how good RPGs are when they really connect, and fortunately for us, there’s plenty more where that came from.

    So, in the event that Baldur’s Gate 3 has inspired you to explore the genre further, here’s a list of games that similarly nail the RPG experience in ways that will leave you itching to get back to the character you’ve created — provided, of course, you didn’t immediately roll a new one to take into Baldur’s Gate 3 all over again.

    Fire Emblem: Three Houses

    Image: Intelligent Systems, Koei Tecmo Games/Nintendo

    Where to play: Nintendo Switch

    If your favorite parts of Baldur’s Gate 3 were the turn-based combat, the character interactions, and the branching narratives, then Fire Emblem: Three Houses might scratch that itch. The actual gameplay itself doesn’t have a lot of story-defining choices, since you pick a set path in the first moments of the game. But that choice does grant three completely different ways the game can play out (and a fourth secret one), as well as variations in which characters come along with you and survive till the end. There’s also a lot of options for character interaction built into the game mechanics. Not only do you, the player, build a rapport with the characters, it’s literally part of the game to pair characters off in different interactions so they can build their bonds outside the battlefield and support each other while in combat. And yes, that means romances. So. Many. Romances. —Petrana Radulovic

    Divinity: Original Sin 2

    Divinity Original Sin 2 key art

    Image: Larian Studios

    Where to play: Windows PC, Mac, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch

    Larian Studios’ previous game is a natural next step for Baldur’s Gate 3 fans, as it’s about as close as you can possibly get to “more of the same” without waiting for a sequel. There’ll be some adjustment — as it’s not a D&D adaptation, the rules are different and combat here has a different set of quirks you’ll have to learn to navigate — but the transition is surprisingly seamless. Most importantly, Original Sin 2 has what Baldur’s Gate 3 nails in spades: a rock-solid focus on character and permissive design that encourages you to come up with oddball solutions and surrounds you with a cast of characters you’ll think of fondly. Shoutout to the homie, The Red Prince. —Joshua Rivera

    Pillars of Eternity

    digital artwork from Pillars of Eternity of warriors fighting zombie types.

    Image: Obsidian Entertainment/Paradox Interactive

    Where to play: Windows, Mac, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch

    One of the first big attempts at a throwback to the Baldur’s Gate franchise is still one of the best. Pillars of Eternity tells a sprawling tale with a great hook — children are suddenly being born without souls — as a mystery meant to draw you into its strange fantasy world and characters. A little more old-school in its design, but with the option to crank down the difficulty if story is why you’re here, Pillars of Eternity’s biggest strength is in its elegant narrative, in which the answer posed by every quest intersects with at least two other equally interesting quests. It’s easy to lose an evening navigating the game’s tangled web of short stories, but what a tremendously satisfying way to get lost. —JR

    Pillars of Eternity 2: Deadfire

    Pillars of Eternity 2 key art, depicting a party of fantasy heroes on a boat fighting off a kraken.

    Image: Obsidian Entertainment/Versus Evil

    Where to play: Windows, Mac, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One

    If there’s one thing I enjoy more than Pillars of Eternity, it’s Pillars of Eternity 2: Deadfire. Whereas the first game took place in an atmospheric if derivative take on a classic fantasy continent, Deadfire puts you in control of a customizable ship on the high seas. Along with The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, Spiritfarer, and the recent Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew, Deadfire is proof that archipelagos make for perfect video game worlds: As you build your party of travelers, you’ll encounter vastly different factions, cultures, and ways of life, both linked and separated by the waves between them. Exploring the world of Deadfire feels at once like a singular journey and a collection of potent short stories, all connected by vivid writing and myriad chances to role-play. —Mike Mahardy

    Wasteland 3

    An isometric view of a wintry compound with trucks leaving it in the video game Wasteland 3

    Image: inXile Entertainment

    Where to play: Windows, Mac, PlayStation 4, Xbox One

    If you can stomach the hyper-goofiness of its post-apocalyptic storytelling, Wasteland 3 stands among the best that the CRPG genre has to offer. Its script and character writing leave a lot to be desired, but in terms of structure, Wasteland 3 is as open as they come: You pursue three major quest lines across a ruined Colorado, all the while building up your headquarters and recruiting a massive party of survivors. If inventory management and improving your team composition are your favorite aspects of CRPGs, Wasteland 3 is a dream. And while there are compelling story beats strewn throughout, it’s the mechanics and systems that make inXile’s 2020 release sing. —Mike Mahardy

    Marvel’s Midnight Suns

    Spider-Man, Blade, Ghost Rider, Magik, and other Marvel heroes pose on a street at nighttime in a cinematic still from Marvel’s Midnight Suns.

    Image: Firaxis/2K Games

    Where to play: Windows, Mac, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One

    After a dozen or so hours investing in your party in Baldur’s Gate 3, they start to feel like superheroes. Battles hinge on incredible (and very fun) stunts that can excite the storyteller in you narrating the whole fight. Marvel’s Midnight Suns is entirely built around that feeling, a strategy game where winning a battle largely depends on you figuring out the most dramatic move possible every turn. It’s also got a character creator for your original protagonist and lots of fun RPG-style conversations between said fights too, so the social butterflies among us won’t feel left out. Just don’t come looking for romance, which unfortunately is not part of the experience. —JR

    Planescape: Torment

    Cover art from Planescape: Torment shows a blue dude with gold-clasped locs.

    Image: Black Isle Studios/Interplay Productions

    Where to play: Windows, Mac, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, iOS, Android

    Going back to the original Baldur’s Gate games is a very different experience from Baldur’s Gate 3, as they come from an entirely different era in game design that may or may not speak to you in the same way. In spite of its similarity to those older games, Planescape: Torment, a sister title to the OG Baldur’s Gate games, is worth giving a shot. In it you play The Nameless One, a man with no memories in search of his identity and the reason he can’t seem to die. Taking place in Dungeons & Dragons’ Planescape setting — a sort of interdimensional halfway point in the multiverse, where anything could be a door to Someplace Else — Planescape: Torment is among the most bizarre, existential, and contemplative RPGs ever made. It’s a game where combat barely matters (seriously, just play on easy and put all your stats in Wisdom and Charisma), but deciding who The Nameless One becomes as he learns more about himself is everything. —JR

    Torment: Tides of Numenera

    Torment: Tides of Numenera screenshot with party members standing in front of a glowing stargate type portal

    Image: InXile Entertainment

    Where to play: Windows, Mac, PlayStation 4, Xbox One

    Maybe you tried Planescape: Torment and found it too clunky. Or maybe you loved it and want more. In the way that Pillars of Eternity was a spiritual successor to the original Baldur’s Gate games, Torment: Tides of Numenera is a new attempt to recapture the magic of Planescape: Torment with more modern sensibilities. In this game, you play as the Last Castoff, a sort of rejected avatar for a being known as the Changing God, who has achieved immortality by hopscotching across bodies like yours. What’s up with that? What else has this Changing God done, and who else have they left in their wake? Tides of Numenera retains the focus of its inspiration, emphasizing role-play over combat, using the mystery of an immortal being and an indelible science fantasy setting to probe at troubled characters and ask big, sweeping questions about fate and existence. —JR

    Dragon Age (all of ’em)

    Dragon Age: Inquisition - green storm in sky

    Image: BioWare/Electronic Arts

    Where to play: Windows, Mac (for earlier entries), PlayStation 4 (Dragon Age: Inquisition), PlayStation 3, Xbox One (Dragon Age: Inquisition), Xbox 360

    For over a decade, the RPG void left between Baldur’s Gate 2 and Baldur’s Gate 3 was filled by Dragon Age. Beginning with 2009’s Dragon Age: Origins, the Dragon Age games mixed dark fantasy with bright, snappy characters to create one of the most beloved fantasy RPGs in recent memory. Each game has a slightly different flavor — Origins is the closest to the “classic” RPG feel, where combat strategy is just as important as role-playing through an epic plot, while Dragon Age 2 focuses more on straightforward action and smaller character drama, and Dragon Age: Inquisition splits the difference with the most modern design of the three. Play all or one, in any order you choose. Each has its strengths, and all of them have at least one character destined to become your favorite. —JR

    Disco Elysium

    Harrier Du Bois and Kim Kitsuragi stand side by side in key art for Disco Elysium

    Image: ZA/UM

    Where to play: Windows, Mac, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S

    If you appreciate how a game will throw your best-laid plans out the window with one failed dice roll, then Disco Elysium is the obvious follow-up to Baldur’s Gate 3. Not only do your choices have the same level of impact, but both games embrace creative problem solving in the way only a good role-playing game can. Disco Elysium lets you talk your way out of (but usually into) trouble in some mind-bending ways. Although it’s a more modern setting than Baldur’s Gate 3, both games relish their moments of bleakness. Paladin-type role-players may struggle with the inner demons of Disco Elysium’s amnesiac main character, but he’s the hero for those who revel in messy choices. —Chelsea Stark

    Shadowrun: Dragonfall

    shadowrun returns hero

    Image: Harebrained Schemes

    Where to play: Windows, Mac, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, iOS, Android

    Yeah, fantasy is cool and all, but what if you want a Baldur’s Gate 3-style adventure in a sick Blade Runner-ass setting? Shadowrun: Dragonfall is your answer. A relatively short and self-contained RPG set in Shadowrun’s totally rad, magic-but-also-cyberpunk universe, you play as a shadowrunner (a mercenary, but cooler) hired to join a crew for one big score. It goes sideways of course, and once you escape the chaos, there’s only one question on your mind: Who set you up and why? Perfect for anyone who wants to trade swords and spells for guns and cyberdecks (and also spells). What’s more, if you love it, there are two more games widely available (and optimized for consoles): Shadowrun Returns and Shadowrun: Hong Kong. —JR

    Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic

    Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic - Darth Malak artwork

    Image: BioWare/LucasArts

    Where to play: Windows, Mac, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Nintendo Switch, iOS, Android

    Another big appeal of RPGs is getting the chance to traipse around a very familiar setting and seeing what trouble you can get into. In Baldur’s Gate 3, that’s the Forgotten Realms of Dungeons & Dragons. But let’s say you wanted to do that in Star Wars — lucky for you, there’s Knights of the Old Republic. Made by BioWare, the folks behind Dragon Age, KOTOR (that’s what the cool kids call it) is set thousands of years before the prequel trilogy, at a time when both the Jedi and Sith were numerous and at war. This setting gives KOTOR a flavor that’s impossible to find in modern Star Wars, as one of the premier RPG developers was given free reign to define its own corner of the universe and infuse it with all the charm of its acclaimed role-playing games — and a killer mystery to boot. —JR



    Joshua Rivera

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  • Finally, Palworld lets me catch ’em all

    Finally, Palworld lets me catch ’em all


    Catching Pokémon can be exhausting these days. At time of publication, there are more than 1,000 different species of the fictional monsters. Pokémon Scarlet and Violet don’t contain the full National Pokédex, but the base game has 400 Pokémon and hundreds more when you count additional monsters added in the DLC. Even when trying to complete the reduced Pokédex, the process of collecting creatures can be a slog. Now, playing Palworld, I can breathe a sigh of relief. For the first time in a long time, it feels I can finally “catch ’em all,” with under 150 Pals in the game.

    Palworld is a hit game from Japanese indie studio Pocketpair. Before it came out, many described it as “Pokémon with guns.” Now that the developer has released it in early access, it’s clear that the game goes well beyond just Pokémon influences. It has climbing and exploration reminiscent of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and mechanics common to survival games. However, one way that it is like Pokémon is its incorporation of creatures called Pals. As you explore its world, you can catch the cartoony monsters and register them to a digital encyclopedia called a Paldeck, similar to the Pokédex.

    My Paldeck contains 111 Pals (although there are alternate forms and might be more). Just from a numerical standpoint, that’s way fewer than Pokémon. There’s no need to robotically cycle through hundreds of battles to fill up the Pokédex like in a modern Pokémon game. On top of that, there are no “version exclusives” in Palworld. Every copy of the game contains every Pal, so it’s actually possible to find and catch every single monster without needing another player or setting up trades outside the game.

    If you do have friends who are playing, well, that’s helpful to the collecting process, too. While Pokémon does have multiplayer functionality, the online co-op in Palworld better supports playing the entirely of the game with friends from start to finish. Features like guilds allow you to group up with friends and share Pals easily on your settlement. These Pals won’t be registered as “caught” in your Paldeck, but it allows you to see more Pals and get an idea of which Pals you need to catch.

    Image: Pocketpair

    Catching all the Pokémon obviously isn’t impossible — loads of people do it — and I get why it appeals to certain players. The repetitive nature of catching Pokémon after Pokémon can almost be relaxing, but it’s a massive time commitment. You have to fight and catch each and every one of them, and some require unique rituals to evolve them. For others, you might need to trade to get version exclusives and train Pokémon to prepare for challenging fights to catch stronger monsters. In the recent Scarlet and Violet DLC, you even have to grind in-game points to unlock the appearances of certain Pokémon in the wild.

    Don’t get me wrong — Palworld still contains its fair share of monster-catching grind. Depending on how common each creature is, you might catch up to 10 copies of each just to grind out the needed experience points to unlock items. You likely won’t just speed through collecting the Paldeck in a sitting or two. Barriers to exploration like your level or what kinds of Pal spheres you use will guide your overall journey. But so far, I have enjoyed the slow, meandering process of gradually exploring and discovering the Pals one by one to fill up my Paldeck in its entirety. At this rate, I might just catch ’em all.



    Ana Diaz

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  • Palworld list of Pals, types, and base skills

    Palworld list of Pals, types, and base skills

    Image: Pocketpair

    Our in-progress list of Pals, along with their types and base skills

    Continue reading…

    Julia Lee

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  • What time does Diablo 4 season 3 start?

    What time does Diablo 4 season 3 start?

    Diablo 4 season 3 is going from medieval horror to medieval… machinery? The latest season for Diablo 4 adds robots called constructs, vaults to plunder, and a little buddy that follows you around as a companion.

    Here’s when Diablo 4 season 3 starts in your time zone, and details on what to expect from Diablo 4 season 3.

    What time does Diablo 4 season 3 start?

    Diablo 4 season 3 starts at 10 a.m. PT on Tuesday, Jan. 23, according to a Blizzard blog post. Here’s when that is in your time zone:

    • 10 a.m. PT for the West Coast of North America
    • 1 p.m. ET for the East Coast of North America
    • 6 p.m. GMT for the U.K.
    • 7 p.m. CET for Western Europe/Paris
    • 3 a.m. JST on Jan. 24 for Tokyo

    Note, however, that Diablo 4 season 2 was delayed by a few hours due to a problem with the update. Blizzard quickly fixed the issue and launched Season of Blood that same afternoon. If Diablo 4 season 3 is similarly delayed, we’ll update this post with the season’s new release window.

    What’s new in Diablo 4 season 3?

    Much like the seasons before it, Season of the Construct is all about adding new items, activities, and temporary features to Diablo 4. And while this isn’t a full expansion (that’s not coming until later this year, so don’t expect a new region or class just yet), it looks like there’s still plenty of stuff to tuck into with Diablo 4’s first robo-season:

    • Zoltun Kulle — that jerk from Diablo 3 and one of the first Horadrim — and his infernal machines will be the focus of a new questline
    • Season of the Construct adds Diablo 4’s first ever companion: a customizable little robot pal called the Seneschal
    • Vaults are a new activity where you can dive in and attempt to avoid traps for a chance at some bonus loot
    • Take on new construct enemies in a new outdoor activity: Arcane Tremors
    • Helltides are now always available, with only a short, five minute break between runs — one of many quality of life changes this season
    • Leaderboards and the new, weekly Gauntlet dungeon come to Diablo 4 in February.
    • The Seasonal Realm will once again feature both a free and paid version of the battle pass, each granting various cosmetics.

    Ryan Gilliam

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  • Palworld sells 1 million copies in 8 hours, devs say

    Palworld sells 1 million copies in 8 hours, devs say

    Palworld, the game that looks like, “Pokémon, but with guns,” was released Friday and is already one of the biggest releases of the year.

    According to its developer, Pocketpair, the game has sold over one million copies within “about” eight hours of its release. Pocketpair shared the impressive sales number via X, but did not add any further clarification as to what that sales number included. Palworld launched to both Steam and Xbox Games Pass, so it’s unclear if that number includes copies of the game that Xbox Game Pass subscribers download as part of the service.

    Polygon reached out to a representative of Pocketpair and asked the team to clarify what the sales number included. We will update the article as we hear back.

    Regardless if the sales number counts the Xbox Game Pass downloads or not, Palworld has had an absolutely massive release day. According to Steam Charts, the game has over 340,000 concurrent players on Steam on Friday afternoon, beating out other popular titles like PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds and Baldur’s Gate 3.

    Palworld has been drumming up buzz for a long time now. Basically it stuck out for the contrast between its cute creatures and brutal conditions — previous trailers have shown its adorable monsters fighting with military-grade machinery and creatures toiling away in factories. It basically looks like a militarized Pokémon game, but with additional survival elements as well.

    Ana Diaz

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  • How to watch the Xbox Developer Direct 2024

    How to watch the Xbox Developer Direct 2024

    On Jan. 18, Microsoft will broadcast an Xbox Developer Direct, the company announced last week. MachineGames’ upcoming Indiana Jones game is expected to be highlighted, alongside Obsidian’s Avowed, Oxide Games’ Ara: History Untold, and Ninja Theory’s Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2. No Activision Blizzard titles are expected on the broadcast.

    When is the Xbox Developer Direct?

    The Xbox Developer Direct will be broadcast at 12 p.m. PST / 3 p.m. EST / 9 p.m. CET on Xbox’s YouTube and Twitch channels. You can watch the livestream, via YouTube, in the embedded video above. After the direct airs, ZeniMax Online Studios will broadcast The Elder Scrolls Online 2024 Global Reveal at 1 p.m. PST / 4 p.m. EST / 10 pm CET.

    What games are in the Xbox Developer Direct?

    Here’s the slate, straight from Microsoft:

    Indiana Jones game: MachineGames, the award-winning studio behind the recent Wolfenstein series, will reveal their upcoming Indiana Jones game, an action-adventure that puts players in the leather jacket of the legendary archaeologist. Developer_Direct will showcase more than 10 minutes of game and developer insights, including details about the game’s setting and story, how fans will actually play as Indy, additional details from his next globe-trotting adventure, and the premiere of the first gameplay trailer.

    Avowed: The team at Obsidian will share the first deep dive into the gameplay experience fans can expect in Avowed, their upcoming fantasy action RPG, set in the fantastical, vibrant Living Lands. Learn more about how Obsidian’s expertise in building worlds with deep themes, dynamic gameplay, and thoughtful reactivity come to life in Avowed where players will have agency to make choices to shape every step of their adventure.

    Ara: History Untold: Hear from the leads at Oxide Games – a studio founded by veterans of the strategy genre and the creators behind classic strategy titles including Civilization V – as they unveil exclusive new gameplay and share more details about the inspiration, key features, and road ahead for their upcoming historical grand strategy game.

    Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II: Ninja Theory take us behind the scenes at their studio in Cambridge to give us some insight on how they are crafting Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II. The team will speak to the ambition and meticulous care involved in creating Senua’s journey of survival.

    It’s unclear whether Microsoft will show off other games during the Developer Direct, beyond the planned The Elder Scrolls Online broadcast that will follow the main event.

    Several Microsoft rumors have been swirling of late, like Sea of Thieves — an Xbox console exclusive — potentially coming to PlayStation 5, according to Game Files’ Stephen Totilo. Giant Bomb’s Jeff Grubb also said he’s heard of Sea of Thieves coming to PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch, alongside other Xbox exclusives. However, it seems unlikely that those reported releases would be announced during the Jan. 18 Developer Direct.

    Nicole Carpenter

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  • All Video Game Delays of 2024 So Far

    All Video Game Delays of 2024 So Far

    It seems like the new year has only just begun, but 2024 has already seen its fair share of video game delays. From highly-anticipated titles to indie gems, the gaming community is currently navigating an uncertain landscape as far as release dates go.

    Explore the gaming industry’s many unexpected twists and turns as we dive into all the video game delays of 2024, including many 2023 titles that were pushed back into the new year!

    Destiny 2: The Final Shape

    Image Source: Bungie via IGDB

    Destiny 2 aficionados are gearing up for the impending release of The Final Shape, the eighth major expansion for the extremely popular first-person shooter. This expansion marks the seventh year of ongoing content for Destiny 2, promising a wealth of new experiences for players.

    Destiny 2: The Final Shape was supposed to be released in February 2024, but its release date was unfortunately pushed back by its developers until June of the same year. Four months really isn’t a massive delay, but it still comes as a major disappointment to many eagerly-awaiting fans.

    Homeworld 3

    Spaceships in Homeworld 3
    Image Source: Blackbird Interactive via IGDB

    Homeworld 3 emerges as a standalone masterpiece within the Homeworld series, picking up generations after the events of Homeworld 2. The campaign of Homeworld 3 takes place in a peaceful galaxy that has enjoyed many years of uninterrupted abundance, all thanks to the Hyperspace Gate Network. But when this galaxy’s new “age of peace” becomes threatened by forces beyond its residents’ control, it’s up to you to find the key to its future!

    Similar to Destiny 2: The Final Shape, Homeworld 3 was supposed to be released in February 2024 (in fact, it had already been delayed from 2023), but its release date was pushed back until March 2024 instead. This delay is honestly pretty minuscule in the grand scheme of things, but since it’s already been delayed twice now, who’s to say that it won’t be delayed yet again?

    Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League

    Main Four Characters in Suicide Squad Kill the Justice League
    Image Source: Rocksteady Studios via IGDB

    From the masterminds behind the iconic Batman: Arkham series comes the highly anticipated action-adventure shooter, Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League. The most notorious and deadly villains in the DC Universe have been forced to unite for a mission that defies all odds: eliminating the Justice League. Immerse yourself in the chaos of Metropolis, where you become the driving force as an official member of the Suicide Squad!

    Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League is easily one of Rocksteady Studios’ most highly anticipated games, so it’s a shame that it’s been delayed for so long. Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League was originally going to come out in 2023, but it was delayed until January 2024, and then it was delayed again until February 2024. At this point, no one really knows for sure when this game is going to come out, but hopefully, it’ll be worth the wait.

    Avowed

    Pointing a Dagger at a Bear Creature in Avowed
    Image Source: Obsidian Entertainment via IGDB

    Avowed is an upcoming action RPG that will take place in the same universe as Obsidian Entertainment’s previous title, Pillars of Eternity. Avowed thrusts players into the mysterious world of Eora, a mysterious land “filled with adventure and danger”; to not watch your back in these lands means instant death, so make sure you’re always keeping on your toes in the lands of Avowed!

    Avowed wasn’t technically delayed in 2024 (yet), but its developers did somewhat mislead fans into believing that it would be released sooner rather than later. The trailer for Avowed was released by Obsidian Entertainment back in the Summer of 2023, followed by an announcement that it would be released soon in 2024. Many fans took this to mean that it would be released very early on in the new year, but unfortunately, it now looks as though that’s not the case; we likely won’t be seeing Avowed in our e-shops anytime soon, as it’s now expected to release in either late Fall or Winter of 2024.

    Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden

    Banishing a Ghost in Banishers Ghosts of New Eden
    Image Source: DON’T NOD via IGDB

    Embark on a supernatural journey in Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden, an immersive RPG where players are thrust into a captivating narrative as two unforgettable characters. Players must navigate a world where their decisions wield dramatic consequences on the storyline, all while hunting ghosts and solving haunting cases.

    Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden promises to be one of the best RPGs of 2024, which is why it’s such a bummer that it’s been delayed from November 2023 to February 2024. Thankfully, however, it seems like this will be the only delay that the game suffers from prior to its release.

    Last Time I Saw You

    Shrine in The Last Time I Saw You
    Image Source: Maboroshi Artworks via IGDB

    Last Time I Saw You is a heartwarming coming-of-age tale that explores themes of love, self-acceptance, and otherworldly supernatural forces. This unique indie title promises to be one for the emotional ages; as players traverse this game’s intricately designed world, they’ll uncover the emotional depth and nuances of a narrative that captures the essence of personal growth and human connection.

    According to the game’s developer, Maboroshi Artworks, Last Time I Saw You was originally supposed to be released in the Summer of 2024, though it has since been delayed to the Fall of the same year. Fans of the game are hoping that it won’t be delayed any further, but even so, there hasn’t been an official release date announced for Last Time I Saw You yet.

    Alone in the Dark

    Shooting a Creature in Alone in the Dark
    Image Source: Pieces Interactive via IGDB

    Embark on a chilling journey back to Derceto Manor in the 2024 remake of Alone in the Dark, a haunting reimagination of the cult classic horror game of 1992. Prepare for an immersive experience that breathes new life into the eerie corridors and mysterious atmosphere of the original, capturing the essence of fear and suspense for a whole new generation of horror enthusiasts!

    As far as horror games go, it doesn’t get much scarier than Alone in the Dark. Thankfully, its delay wasn’t really all that terrible; instead of being released in January 2024, Alone in the Dark is being released a couple of months later in March.

    Skull and Bones

    Pirate Ships in Skull and Bones
    Image Source: Ubisoft Singapore via IGDB

    Dive into the golden age of piracy with Skull and Bones! Players can take command as an unyielding pirate captain, navigating rich merchant trade routes and engaging in fierce battles for supremacy in the Indian Ocean. Whether sailing solo or with a crew of up to 5 players, forge your legacy as the most feared pirate in this thrilling maritime saga!

    With the release of Netflix’s One Piece still fresh on everyone’s minds and the high seas becoming more popular than ever, there’s never been a better time to release a pirate game! Despite Skull and Bones being delayed multiple times in 2023 and being pushed back all the way to February 2024, it’s clear that this game will be more than worth the wait.

    Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn

    Combat in Flintlock The Siege of Dawn
    Image Source: A44 via IGDB

    Prepare for a collision of gods, guns, and glory in Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn, a brand-new open-world RPG! This game allows you to take command and lead humanity’s last stand against the relentless tide of the undead. With a blend of intense combat, mystical forces, and a lot of gunpowder, Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn thrusts players into an immersive experience that defines the pinnacle of mankind’s struggle in this apocalyptic siege.

    Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn is so much more than just another zombie game, anyone who gets their hands on this potential masterpiece definitely won’t be satisfied with just one playthrough. Unfortunately, fans will just have to wait a little bit longer for its release, since it was delayed from early 2023 to late 2024.

    Hollow Knight: Silksong

    Artwork for Hollow Knight Silksong
    Image Source: Team Cherry via IGDB

    Jump headfirst into a mesmerizing, miniature journey in Hollow Knight: Silksong, the highly anticipated sequel to the award-winning action-adventure game Hollow Knight. As the formidable hunter Hornet, players must navigate a vast and haunting kingdom, discovering ancient secrets and engaging in lethal acrobatic combat against hordes of beastly bugs.

    Hollow Knight: Silksong has been a priority in the gaming community for a while, and many fans are starting to lose hope regarding its release. Its impending release was first teased several years ago, and although it was initially set to release in 2023, it has been delayed numerous times and is now expected to hit the market at some point in 2024. Hopefully, this will be the year that we finally get our Silksong!

    Pragmata

    Astronaut and Android on the Moon in Pragmata
    Image Source: Capcom via IGDB

    Dive into an extraordinary sci-fi journey with Pragmata, an action-adventure title unveiling a dystopian lunar world through a profoundly captivating story. Capcom, the developer behind the game, intends to establish Pragmata as one of its core franchises by utilizing next-generation features and platforms; this means that Pragmata has the potential to easily become one of the greatest releases of 2024!

    Likely because of the game’s massive size and incredibly modern gameplay design, Pragmata’s release date was pushed back from 2022 to 2023, and now to 2024. Thousands of dedicated fans are eagerly awaiting this game’s arrival, so hopefully, it won’t be delayed too much longer!

    Ark 2

    T-Rex in Ark 2
    Image Source: Studio Wildcard via IGDB

    Awaken on a mysterious primal world teeming with dinosaurs and humans vying for supremacy in ARK 2. In order to survive, you must unravel the mystery of your arrival, forge alliances with legendary heroes, and face formidable dark forces bent on controlling the destiny of all life. Saddle up for the ultimate next-generation survival adventure as you navigate the thrilling landscapes that define the merciless world of ARK 2!

    Similar to Pragmata, Ark 2 was originally supposed to be released in 2022 but got delayed to 2023, when it was delayed again to 2024. There’s still no word from Studio Wildcard on exactly when we can expect to see this sequel hit the shelves, but with any luck, it’ll be at some point soon this year!

    S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl

    Mutant Creature in S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 Heart of Chornobyl
    Image Source: GSC Game World via IGDB

    Step into the chilling abyss of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl, a unique fusion of FPS, immersive simulation, and heart-stopping horror, all enveloped in an intensely terrifying experience that’ll have you wishing you never played it to begin with. Brace for a spine-tingling adventure that not only challenges your survival instincts, but also delves deep into the unsettling realms of horror within the heart of the Chornobyl disaster.

    S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl is widely considered to be one of the most highly anticipated video games of 2024, which, of course, also makes it one of the most disappointing video game delays of 2024. S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl was originally going to be released in December 2023, but it was pushed back to early 2024 instead; thankfully, we shouldn’t have to wait too much longer to see this FPS game hit the shelves!

    And that’s it for our list of all of the current video game delays of 2024, including many 2023 titles that were pushed back into the new year. If you need more game recommendations to get your mind off of these impending releases, then feel free to check out Twinfinite’s lists of the “Best Nintendo Switch Games of All Time” and “Anime Games To Have on Your Radar in 2024“!

    About the author

    Allysen Pierce

    Allysen Pierce is a freelance writer with a passion for anime and gaming who has been a part of the Twinfinite team since December 2023. Most of her favorite games fall under the horror genre, but she’s also been known to play literally any RPG or dating sim that she can get her hands on. When she’s not playing games or watching anime, she can be found reading (usually manga or anything written by Stephen King), baking, or playing with her cat.

    Allysen Pierce

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  • Smite 2 is coming, won’t replace the original Smite

    Smite 2 is coming, won’t replace the original Smite

    Hi Rez Studios and Titan Forge Games will release a sequel to Smite, the third-person MOBA that was first released in 2014 and has drawn 40 million players since, the companies announced Friday. Smite 2 will bring with it an Unreal Engine 5-powered upgrade, and promises full cross-play and cross-progression.

    Smite 2’s developers say that the move from Smite’s Unreal Engine 3 to Epic Games’ newest game engine will give the sequel more “godlike impact” — meaning graphical upgrades and more dazzling effects. But Titan Forge and Hi Rez are also promising gameplay improvements, including an updated user interface and better matchmaking. Developers also say that Smite 2 will be built with multiple control schemes in mind from the start: keyboard and mouse, controller, and even SteamDeck.

    The original Smite isn’t going away. Titan Forge and Hi Rez say they plan to keep the original running as a stand-alone title, and the game “will continue to receive regular updates and servers will remain available for the foreseeable future.” But not all cosmetics from Smite will carry over to Smite 2, given the undertaking of bringing 10 years of content to the sequel.

    “There are currently over 1,600 skins in Smite, excluding Mastery skins,” Titan Forge and Hi Rez said in an FAQ on the Smite 2 website. “To just port every skin to Smite 2 would take about 246 person-years of work. And we couldn’t both do that, and make Smite 2 as amazing as we knew it could be if we focused on starting anew.”

    An alpha playtest of Smite 2 is planned for the spring. Smite fans interested in giving the sequel a go can register to take part at the game’s official website.

    Smite 2 will be playable on PlayStation 5, SteamDeck, Windows PC, and Xbox Series X. Like the original Smite, it will be free to play.

    The original Smite launched on PC in 2014, and has since been ported to Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One. That game has more than 130 playable gods from more than a dozen pantheons, but the playable roster also included guest appearances from painter Bob Ross, metal band Slipknot, and characters from Avatar: The Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra.

    Michael McWhertor

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  • Age of Empires 2 is more vital than ever in 2024

    Age of Empires 2 is more vital than ever in 2024

    I spent the better part of my holiday break leaping from one real-time strategy game to another: a They Are Billions failed run here, a Command & Conquer: Red Alert skirmish there. I even dug up my physical copies of The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth and its sequel from my parents’ basement. The liminal space between 2023’s late releases and 2024’s January rush provided the perfect opportunity to zoom out (literally and figuratively) and enjoy the act of telling tiny little people where to go and what to do.

    At a certain point, my nostalgia morphed into curiosity. Age of Empires 2: Definitive Edition’s Steam news feed has been more active than those of many newer releases, and I finally decided to take a closer look. It turns out, developer Forgotten Empires and Xbox Game Studios have been releasing new DLC, updates, patches, challenges, and seasonal aesthetics on an almost weekly basis since the remaster’s 2019 release. This cadence, coupled with the fact that 26,000 people were playing the nearly 25-year-old RTS on Steam, convinced me to take a detour. (I played on Steam, but it’s also available via Game Pass.) And not only is Age of Empires 2 still pretty damn good — like many, I consider it one of the best RTS games of all time — it feels more vital than ever in 2024.

    To start, there are now 37 total campaigns. This count ignores the dozen discrete historical battles, the tutorial missions revolving around William Wallace, and the eight remastered campaigns from the previous game. (Did I mention Forgotten Empires also remastered much of the first Age of Empires and released it as an expansion for the sequel?) If, like me, you prefer narrative campaigns and skirmishes against the AI in RTS games, then Age of Empires 2 is tantamount to a single-player gold mine.

    Image: Forgotten Empires/Xbox Game Studios

    While I always hesitate to consider a breadth of content a quality in and of itself, it’s both surreal and encouraging to see this many new missions, cutscenes, and unique units in Age of Empires 2 this long after its initial release. Forgotten Empires’ remaster plays like a dream, with a bevy of quality-of-life improvements (I’m looking at you, farm queues) and enemy AI that actually knows how to exploit your weaknesses and bait you into vulnerable situations. Sure, pathfinding is still an albatross around Age of Empires 2’s neck — chasing one scout halfway across the map with an entire battalion of cavalry will never be fun — but it’s a much smaller albatross these days. I can actually maneuver an entire army across a river ford without half of it doubling back to find another crossing.

    When it comes to a game that feels this good to play, I’ll take all of the missions I can get. I kicked off this particular stint with one Vlad Dracula (aka Vlad the Impaler) and his campaign to lead the Turks, Magyars, and Slavs against the Ottoman Empire. Each of the five missions in his storyline involve vastly different scenarios. The third, titled “The Breath of the Dragon,” is as challenging as it is thrilling, tasking me with capturing the central Wallachian city of Giurgiu before defending it from attack in every direction. Its placement on the banks of the Danube necessitates building up a naval presence and sailing to numerous small settlements working to supply the main Ottoman citadel of Darstor. When my Slavic forces finally entered Darstor, destroyed its fortifications, and demolished its castle, I almost had to step away to catch my breath.

    A small army of cavalry approaches the castle at the center of a base in Age of Empires 2: Definitive Edition’s Mountain Royals expansion

    Image: Forgotten Empires/Xbox Game Studios

    My return to the 1999 classic begs the question: What about Age of Empires 4, the most recent entry in the series? I’ve been a fan of Relic Entertainment’s sequel since its 2021 release. That appreciation has only grown as the team refines and builds upon an already impressive foundation; I especially appreciate 4’s asymmetrical faction design, which makes playing the nomadic Mongols, for instance, feel vastly different than managing the complex dynasty system of China. Age of Empires 2’s civilizations, by comparison, feel much more uniform outside of their unique units.

    But in its slick mechanics, its stunning art style, its wealth of creative missions, and its strong content cadence, Age of Empires 2 remains atop the pedestal it climbed almost 25 years ago. I haven’t even touched “The Mountain Royals” or “Return of Rome,” its newest expansions, as of this writing — but I absolutely plan to soon. The game’s ongoing health is proof that, given proper time and funding, a team can revitalize a classic in a medium known for its ephemeral works. I booted up Age of Empires 2: Definitive Edition on the doorstep of 2024 in order to replay an enduring classic; I also found a vibrant modern game.

    Mike Mahardy

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  • Rise of the Tomb Raider is still peak Lara Croft

    Rise of the Tomb Raider is still peak Lara Croft

    It’s been more than a decade since Crystal Dynamics, the developer best known for the Tomb Raider series, first introduced players to its reimagined take on Lara Croft. 2013’s Tomb Raider painted Lara as someone capable of adapting and overcoming nearly any situation while maintaining a level of emotional depth and self-awareness, a quality the game’s sequels would go on to further explore.

    The original was an excellent game that I’ve completed on no fewer than three occasions, and while her most recent outing, 2018’s Shadow of the Tomb Raider, has its merits, I still stand by 2015’s Rise of the Tomb Raider as the most engaging and interesting version of Lara Croft for how it emphasizes her vulnerability. The result is a story that combines all the hallmarks of what you’d expect from a great Tomb Raider game: suspenseful supernatural elements and a thrilling and romantic notion of archaeology, all tied together with an intriguing and surprisingly emotional story.

    Image: Crystal Dynamics/Square Enix

    Following the events of the first game, Lara is still traumatized by her trial by fire on the island of Yamatai and her father’s recent disappearance. Her quest to find her father and restore her family’s legacy leads her to the frigid peaks of Siberia and into the path of Trinity, a “Knights Templar meets military contractor” organization with a pseudo-religious goal of world domination. Unfortunately, this places Lara alone in the unique position to foil their plot, by saddling her with a truth that no one else will believe.

    Lara fully understands the gravity of the situation, but never lets this inflate her ego. Instead, she’s more preoccupied with the specter of death that inevitably follows her attempts to do the right thing. Lara can never fully atone for how her choices led to the deaths of so many close to her in the past, regardless how well equipped or tough she is. This theme is so pervasive, it even echoes in Rise’s gameplay by presenting us with a Lara who needs to be more resourceful and cunning to overcome her environment.

    Lara Croft in a red winter jacket walking up the snowy steps of a temple in Rise of the Tomb Raider.

    Image: Crystal Dynamics/Square Enix

    Rise of the Tomb Raider doesn’t quite elevate Lara to the level of apex predator we get in Shadow of the Tomb Raider, but she’s clearly far more capable than she was in her first adventure. The result is a character in the midst of becoming the Lara Croft known to players around the world, a more confident and prepared protagonist who can still be humbled. This version of Lara shines when she’s on the back foot, and Rise of the Tomb Raider does everything it can to keep her off balance with a more capable foe and a relentlessly adversarial environment.

    I’ll admit that on its standard difficulty, Rise of the Tomb Raider doesn’t present much of a challenge. Because of that, I consider Survivor Mode, the hardest difficulty, to be the definitive Tomb Raider experience. While you won’t succumb to starvation or dehydration, at this difficulty, the player’s health doesn’t regenerate, checkpoints are disabled, and foes are far more deadly. As if that wasn’t enough, by default, the game also will not highlight interactable items in the environment. While you can turn on the “Survival Instincts” at any time during your playthrough, dialing down the difficulty isn’t an option, which further reinforces that there’s no going back once the journey starts.

    Lara Croft perched on a tree branch overlooking an enemy camp in Rise of the Tomb Raider.

    Image: Crystal Dynamics/Square Enix

    This dialed-up difficulty has the benefit of making the game more immersive and forcing you to carefully consider and prepare for every encounter. A handful of bad guys normally wouldn’t be an issue, but when just a couple of bullets can put Lara in the ground, things get a little more tense. For an added challenge, I like to rely almost exclusively on stealth kills and Lara’s trusty bow during combat, resorting to firearms only when absolutely necessary.

    Rise of the Tomb Raider still keeps some of the Metroidvania elements of its predecessor to guide you along its critical path, while the world feels more open and encourages exploration of its various regions. This is further reinforced by a more robust crafting system, which forces you to scrounge and hunt for many of the materials you need to upgrade your gear. The tomb puzzles hidden throughout the world aren’t quite as challenging as those found in Shadow of the Tomb Raider, but still do a great job at shaking things up between scavenging and combat encounters.

    2013’s Tomb Raider did a fantastic job of establishing Lara as a character, and Shadow of the Tomb Raider makes for a fitting capstone to the latest trilogy. But for me, Rise of the Tomb Raider was the peak of Crystal Dynamic’s trilogy. Beyond its challenging gameplay, Rise offers a robust and complex narrative that shows us that the personality archetype of badass archeologist doesn’t have to constantly revolve around snappy one-liners.

    Rise of the Tomb Raider is available on Xbox Game Pass.

    Alice Jovanée

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  • Persona 3, GTA 5, And More Of The Week's Essential Gaming Tips

    Persona 3, GTA 5, And More Of The Week's Essential Gaming Tips

    Image: Ubisoft, Atlus, Rockstar Games, Mundfish / Shedworks / Nintendo / Claire Jackson / Kotaku, Screenshot: Remedy Games / Kotaku

    If you’re stuck on a tricky boss fight or a challenging puzzle, or just want to make the most of your time with a new release, we’ve got you covered. Here are some of the tips we found most helpful this week.

    The Best Resident Evil Goes VR And More New Releases | The Week In Games

    Everything We Know About Star Wars Outlaws

    Kay and ND-5 speak in a bar.

    Image: Ubisoft

    Massive Entertainment’s upcoming open-world Star Wars game, Outlaws, is coming to PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S sometime in 2024. The game doesn’t follow Jedi and deal with The Force, but instead will give us a look into the seedier side of life in the Star Wars universe as it follows the exploits of a smuggler and scoundrel in an open-world format encompassing multiple planets. Let’s take a look at everything we know about the next trek to a galaxy far, far away. – Kenneth Shepard Read More

    You Need To Play Persona 3 Before It Leaves Xbox Game Pass

    The cast of Persona 3 stands against a white background.

    Image: Atlus

    Persona 3 Reload, the from-the-ground-up remake of Atlus’ beloved PlayStation 2 role-playing game, is coming out on February 2. But while the 2006 classic is getting a modern retouching very soon, it won’t include everything added to the original in the updated Persona 3 Portable and Persona 3 FES editions, the former of which is on Game Pass right now for Xbox and PC. So if you want to play one of the best additions to the base game, you still have a chance before Persona 3 Portable leaves Game Pass on January 14. – Kenneth Shepard Read More

    GTA V Is Leaving Game Pass, But These Great Games Will Remain

    A white man aims an assault rifle just off camera.

    Image: Rockstar Games

    If you’ve been playing Grand Theft Auto V or GTA Online via Game Pass lately, you might need to pony up and buy a copy to sustain your criminal enterprise. Rockstar’s crime saga is expected to leave Xbox Game Pass in about two weeks. – Claire Jackson Read More

    Kotaku’s Weekend Guide: Four Great Games To Kick Off The New Year

    Images from Atomic Heart, Sable, and Zelda are arranged in a collage.

    Image: Mundfish / Shedworks / Nintendo / Claire Jackson / Kotaku

    Happy new year! This week the Kotaku weekend guide returns with a brisk list of games for your consideration. Maybe some of these you hadn’t considered playing before, or perhaps others have been sitting on your backlog. In that case, consider this your reminder to get working on that stubborn list of yours. – Claire Jackson Read More

    The Whole Alan Wake ‘Remedyverse’ Is On Sale Right Now On PC

    Alan Wake looks off screen with a disturbed look on his face.

    Screenshot: Remedy Games / Kotaku

    If you’ve been eyeing (or playing) Alan Wake II lately but haven’t yet played any of the other titles in Remedy Games’ growing “Remedyverse” of connected stories, then you might want to take a look at the Epic Games Store right now. During its “Developer Spotlight” sale, Alan Wake Remastered, Alan Wake American Nightmare, Control, and both the standard and deluxe versions of Alan Wake II are all available for some pretty generous discounts. – Claire Jackson Read More

    Kotaku Staff

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  • 10 Reasons Why Destiny 2 is Worth Playing in 2024

    10 Reasons Why Destiny 2 is Worth Playing in 2024

    Destiny 2 has been around since 2017 and it has seen many changes and additions since then. So, if you find yourself as someone who was a fan of D2 for one reason or another, here are 10 reasons why Destiny 2 is worth playing in 2024.

    Better Crucible Matchmaking

    Image Source: Bungie via Twinfinite

    If you’re the kind of Destiny 2 player that found themselves playing Crucible the most, then Bungie’s matchmaking changes over 2023 may interest you. Over the past year in the Crucible, Bungie has better separated skill-based matchmaking and connection-based matchmaking. This is a simplification, but essentially, if you’re a fan of Ranked or Trials of Osiris then that’s where you will experience SBMM. However, if you want a more casual experience, then the Control/Quickplay playlist will focus more on connection-based matchmaking first before trying to find those of similar skill.

    Additionally, Bungie have combined and refined the way solo players and groups queue into a playlist. They’ve done this by having an algorithm smartly find solos to play against if you’re alone, or groups if you’re in a group—most of the time.

    Checkmate Control Crucible Mode

    Destiny 2's Season 23's new Crucible load lineup
    Image Source: Bungie

    But what’s better matchmaking without something new and fresh to really invest your time and strategy into? Enter Checkmate Control. Previously a Crucible Labs mode being tested, Checkmate Control has graduated to sit amongst the usual options like Quickplay, Ranked 3’s, and so on. What makes Checkmate control something worth at least trying is the way the mode changes the PvP sandbox.

    On top of a general increase to the time-to-kill, passive grenade, melee, and class ability regeneration is reduced across the board by 50%. Meanwhile, passive Super generation is reduced by a similar 40%, making the mode itself much more about gunplay than before. Likewise, you don’t start with Special ammo either, that has to be earned through killing opponents.

    New Crucible Maps

    The Disjunction Crucible map in Destiny 2 from the Witch Queen expansion
    Image Source by Twinfinite

    If you haven’t played a lot of Crucible over the last year or two, you may now find a couple of new maps in the various mode’s rotations. That said, one new map a year hasn’t been something most have been happy with.

    Thankfully, 2024 will see Bungie infusing the Crucible with a brand-new map pack of three to four new maps of varying sizes! Which, if they can do every year would be a great start to reinvigorating the PvP scene in Destiny 2.

    In-Game Fireteam Finder

    One of the latest additions to Destiny 2 as of late was the inclusion of an in-game LFG system. What’s great about a system like this is how it helps solo players find like-minded people to explore the game’s various modes with. No longer do you need to find fellow Guardians through Discord or another online LFG finder.

    What’s great is the Fireteam Finder’s flexibility in the kind of people you’re looking for. Don’t want to be judged for not knowing a raid? You can set options for that. Only want to play with people who have mics? Not an issue!

    Season of the Wish Coil Activity

    Destiny 2 Seasonal Activity
    Image Source: Bungie.net

    Season of the Wish is the final season before the launch of The Final Shape expansion. Unfortunately, said expansion is delayed until June. Thankfully, Season of the Wish brought with it quite the fun new seasonal mode. The Coil is that new mode and while it’s not a horde mode, or endless in nature, it does have roguelite elements which are quite refreshing.

    You and a team of two other Guardians run through a few different mission types that are separated by pathways. Each path has a different boss, and as your team progresses you can buy semi-randomized Dragon’s Gift buffs. While at the same time enemies will scale up in power by +5 up to a maximum of +20. The mode ultimately takes around 45 minutes to complete and the four chests at the end for hitting a certain score are worth the difficulty.

    New Craftable Exotic Weapons

    With Season of the Wish comes a new Exotic weapon that can be altered with multiple Exotic catalysts. Much like the Revision Zero, The Wish-Keeper bow is a powerful Exotic weapon that is craftable, while gaining strength through using and leveling the weapon itself. What makes the Wish Keeper exciting as a bow is the fact that it’s a Strand weapon.

    Additionally, Wish-Keeper’s Exotic perks let you create a Snareweaver arrow that suspends enemies. All followed by the weapon dealing bonus damage to suspended targets and faster draw time for a short duration afterwards. New weapons like this go a long way toward keeping Destiny 2 fresh as the months pass.

    New Warlord’s Ruin Dungeon

    Destiny 2 Warlord's ruin dungeon
    Image Source: Bungie

    Dungeons are some of Destiny 2’s best content since they are more accessible with slightly easier mechanics and difficulties compared to raids. This is even more true when you consider dungeons only have three Guardians compared to raids’ six. Enter Destiny 2’s latest dungeon, Warlord’s Ruin, a dungeon located in the snowy mountains within the EDZ. The dungeon will take you and your friends through a dark age castle full of bosses, puzzles, with the odd jumping and navigational challenges.

    If you haven’t played Bungie’s latest dungeon then you owe it to yourself to try it sometime as you wait for The Final Shape expansion.

    The Gunplay is Still Excellent

    4 characters shooting at each other in Destiny 2
    Image Source: Bungie

    Destiny 2’s gunplay in 2024 is still one of its best aspects. You can say what you want about the story, characters, lore, systems, locations, and modes not getting the love they deserve. However, you have to admit how great it still feels to fire every single shot from your weapons that have those really good rolls. Even Destiny 2’s non-gun type weapons like the swords and glaives do a great job feeling unique and useful in certain situations.

    Season of the Wish’s weapons in 2024 may be worth grinding out too since you’ll have the extra time to do it. Beyond that, The Final Shape’s new weapons and Exotics will undoubtedly be just as compelling to use for the 1st as they will be the 1,000th time.

    The Final Shape Expansion

    destiny 2 the final shape
    Image Credit: Bungie

    Bungie’s next big yearly expansion that was delayed several months because it simply didn’t live up to what they wanted to deliver. The extra months The Final Shape will have in the oven should surely improve upon the expansion’s total offerings. It isn’t be too far out of the realms of possibility to assume that instead of just one new Super for each class, that, instead, each class gets its third new darkness subclass.

    Okay, maybe that is a bit much to hope for, but those extra few months Bungie is giving themselves to build on The Final Shape could mean that many more Exotic armors and weapons for players to enjoy. It could mean a complete Gambit refresh, or maybe a whole new core mode. At least, that’s what I’m hoping for. Ultimately, traveling inside of the Traveler will be an exciting experience from both a story and gameplay perspective and Bungie now has all the time in the world to make it perfect.

    The Start of Episodes in 2024

    2024 is the start of Bungie’s new content delivery system dubbed Episodes. It’s been many years now that Bungie has gotten into the grove of delivering Seasons. But after hearing backlash from the fans and seeing revenue drop over time, the developers saw the writing on the wall and knew they had to deliver bigger, more impactful chunks of content that aren’t so formulaic. Players have simply grown tired of the weekly stories, with the quests that have you engaging with years-old content at this point.

    Episodes are Bungie’s way of finally changing that status quo in 2024. Personally, I hope to see a huge influx of new Exotic weapons and armors with every Episode, instead of the 1-2 armors and 1-2 weapons we’ve been getting. Regardless, Bungie has a lot planned for 2024 with Episodes. So, it seems safe to raise your expectations just a bit here and hopping on the Destiny 2 train now in preparation for The Final Shape is far from a bad idea.

    About the author

    Ali Taha

    Whether its new releases, or a new Destiny 2 season, Ali will flex his gaming and freelancer skills to cover them extensively. He started off writing features for Game Rant but found a better home here on Twinfinite. While Ali waits for the next Monster Hunter title, he enjoys publishing his progression fantasy novels as an indie author.

    Ali Taha

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  • Unpacking’s secret messy mode just got a big viral boost

    Unpacking’s secret messy mode just got a big viral boost

    Even small games can reveal delightful surprises years later. Now, roughly two years after its release, Unpacking fans are suddenly discovering a previously revealed secret mode after a TikTok video brought it back into the public eye. The mode is called Dark Star, and it basically forces players to beat the game by tossing objects on the floor instead of neatly putting them away like in the main mode.

    In Unpacking’s standard mode, players complete levels by pulling objects out of a box and finding an appropriate spot to store them. If, for instance, you put toilet paper in the kitchen sink, the game will highlight the item with a red line and won’t let you complete the level. However, once you beat the game the regular way, you can enter Dark Star mode, where you beat each level by making sure every single item is placed incorrectly and highlighted in red. Once a player misplaces every single item, the game will award them with a darkened star and let them progress to the next level.

    Developer Witch Beam teased Dark Star as a secret mode prior to the official reveal, then shared a video documenting it as part of an April Fools’ Day post in 2022. “So many people thought it was a fake feature for April Fools’ until they tried it for themselves,” Tim Dawson, a co-founder of Witch Beam and technical director of Unpacking, told Polygon via email.

    Since that official reveal, some content creators have even streamed their Dark Star runs. Still, it’s clear that many fans didn’t know about the mode. After Dec. 22 Witch Beam TikTok went viral, fans shared reactions like, “THERE’S A DARK STAR MODE?!?!” and “I have 100% this game and I DIDNT KNOW THIS!? WHAAAAAT!?” Another wrote, “dude I beat this game like 10 times and i am just hearing abt this?!”

    Dawson told Polygon that the secret mode lets players find new ways to experience the game’s puzzles. In the comments, several fans commented on how difficult Dark Star mode can actually be.

    “I think what makes Dark Star so interesting is initially it feels like a gag,” Dawson said. “But after a few levels, it sets in how much work it is, and continuing can feel absurd, transgressive, or cathartic. But in the end, it’s just another way to think about items and how they relate to our lives and the spaces we live in, which is what the game is all about.”

    Dawson also says that while the mode “started as a joke,” the developers now appreciate it as an extension of the game. “Because we decided not to extend Unpacking with DLC or a sequel, we often mention Dark Star mode when fans contact us asking if we’ll make more levels,” he said. “In many cases, it gives them another way to experience the game.”

    Personally, I think Dark Star mode speaks to the ways our own media diets and specific bubbles of the internet can sometimes preserve a sense of surprise in a game. For Dawson, this kind of surprise can lend a sense of character to a game.

    “I think secrets help give games their personality,” he said. “They’re the twinkle in the eye that suggests that these virtual worlds we spend time in might just be a bit bigger than you think. I love that we were able to come up with a good one for Unpacking.”

    Ana Diaz

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  • All 10 Jackbox Party Packs, Ranked From Party Foul to Rager

    All 10 Jackbox Party Packs, Ranked From Party Foul to Rager

    Throughout the years, Jackbox Games has continued to reinvent the typical house-party games with a variety of fun challenges. Each pack has featured unique rounds of gameplay, including titles like Fibbage, Drawful, and Quiplash. So, now that a new installment has made its debut, we’ve ranked the ten best Jackbox Party Pack games.

    10. The Jackbox Party Pack 5

    Source: Jackbox Games

    The Jackbox Party Pack 5 has a couple of games worth trying out, but its replayability rate is relatively low compared to the rest of the entries. First, we have Zeeple Dome, which is Jackbox Games’ attempt to branch out into the classic beat-em-up video games we know and love. Nevertheless, since these types of titles have already been done before, it isn’t worthwhile to play this version on Jackbox Party Pack 5.

    The same can be said for other games, as Split the Room is basically another rendition of “Would You Rather?” and You Don’t Know Jack: Full Stream. On the other hand, this pack does have a few interesting selections, like Patently Stupid and Mad Verse City, that are entertaining enough to play with a big party. In particular, Patently Stupid tests your creative abilities by developing invention ideas that can help with bizarre problems.

    9. The Jackbox Party Pack 1

    The First Jackbox Party Pack
    Source: Jackbox Games

    The first Jackbox Party Pack is the reason why this franchise took off, especially with Fibbage XL and Drawful. Although these two games may be similar (they both require you to trick other players), they are still enjoyable to play with your friends and family. Unfortunately, the rest of the pack isn’t quite up to par, including Word Spud and Lie Swatter, which haven’t been discussed much within the community.

    The original installment is still an excellent beginner pack, but you can also play the Jackbox Party Starter to explore the most popular games. It’s a great alternative as a cheaper version, and it occasionally goes on sale for an even more reduced price.

    8. The Jackbox Party Pack 9

    Jackbox Party Pack 9 games
    Source: Jackbox Games

    The more recent Jackbox Party Pack 9 introduces some new games to the collection, from Quixort to Junktopia. Roomerang remains the stand-out in the bunch, permitting you to roleplay as a reality TV star. Junktopia can also be incredibly fun to play, where you can auction off weird objects, similar to Bidiots.

    Fibbage 4 joins this list as a longtime fan-favorite Jackbox entry, yet it does fall flat compared to its predecessor. Most of the others on the pack can be skippable and offer little to no replay value. Some players consider it to be one of the weaker entries, given that there isn’t anything too memorable in regard to gameplay.

    7. The Jackbox Party Pack 2

    The Second Jackbox Party Pack
    Source: Jackbox Games

    In the Jackbox Party Pack 2, you’ll get to play an expansion of beloved games, such as Quiplash XL and Fibbage 2. Quiplash has become one of the most beloved entries in the franchise because of its fun dynamics and quick-paced rounds. It unleashes some of the wildest answers for prompts like “The worst thing to hear during a massage.” Moreover, Bidiots is a unique spin on auctions that displays your artwork and allows players to bid on each one.

    Next, we have Bomb Corp., a work scenario that requires the group to defuse a bomb by communicating with each other. Even though it may take a while (and you may end up yelling at everyone), completing the mission as a team is definitely satisfying. As for Earwax, this game has mixed reviews and isn’t as entertaining as the rest of this pack.

    6. The Jackbox Party Pack 8

    The Eighth Jackbox Party Pack
    Source: Jackbox Games

    The Jackbox Party Pack 8 takes the gameplay up a notch with various exciting games, including Poll Mine and Drawful Animate. In the Poll Mine, players will participate in a Dungeons and Dragon style match, beginning with a survey that determines the rest of the round. The goal of this challenge is to choose the same answers as the group to escape the enchanted cavern, resulting in an amusing experience for everyone in the party.

    Like Earwax, Weapons Drawn and the Wheel of Enormous Proportions has received mixed reviews, yet many fans believe these installments are one of the best.

    5. The Jackbox Party Pack 10

    Jackbox Party Pack 10 Artwork
    Source: Jackbox Games

    When it comes to the Jackbox Party Pack 10, reviews have varied based on the specific type of player. An excellent example of this would be Fixy Text, a text-based game that brings the entire team’s vocabulary together. While some found its wordiness rather boring, others enjoyed the chaos that ensues with the more hysterical terms.

    Dodo Re Mi is another entry that can be a hit or miss, taking you on a musical journey where the right notes can save your life. If you are a fan of Tee K.O., you’ll be happy to see its comeback with a sequel featuring new tools and clothing styles. Overall, Jackbox Party Pack 10 paves a new wave of creative installments, and it may help set the path for the next game.

    4. The Jackbox Party Pack 6

    The Sixth Jackbox Party Pack
    Source: Jackbox Games

    With the Jackbox Party Pack 6, you can see how much these games have changed over the years as the franchise expands into different territories. First, there’s Trivia Murder Party 2, a deadly challenge that tests your overall knowledge, where your character can be murdered if you get a question wrong. However, this game can last a considerable amount of time, despite the killing of other players, and everyone will fight to the death in the final round of complex questions.

    Push The Button is a highly entertaining game since it’s Jackbox Games’ version of Among Us, in which the party will have to go through a series of tests to see who is an alien. The rest of the pack, including Joke Boat, Role Models, and Dictionarium, are classic games you can play a few times; it just depends on the group.

    3. The Jackbox Party Pack 4

    The Fourth Jackbox Party Pack
    Source: Jackbox Games

    The Jackbox Party Pack 4 has a ton of crowd-pleasers that are sure to keep the party going with games such as Fibbage: Enough About You, Survive the Internet, and Monster Seeking Monster. For example, in Fibbage: Enough About You, players will answer prompts about each other that make the experience more personal. Furthermore, if you have friends and family who spend a lot of time online, then Survive the Internet is a great choice, as it challenges their knowledge about the subject.

    Those with a large party can check out Bracketeering, which has a maximum of 16 players and acts as another version of Quiplash. Lastly, players can try out their artistic skills with Civic Doodle, an imaginative game that allows everyone to create murals.

    2. The Jackbox Party Pack 3

    The Third Jackbox Party Pack
    Source: Jackbox Games

    The Jackbox Party Pack 3 is one of the most beloved games of the franchise because it has a variety of fantastic challenges that everyone can play. This pack was the initial introduction of the Trivia Murder Party, which has been highly regarded throughout the community. But, of course, Quiplash 2 takes the cake with all of its outrageous prompts and scenarios.

    Besides these games, the pack includes Tee K.O., a hilarious competition requiring players to design shirts and come up with witty slogans. Or, the group can dive into Guesspionage and Fakin’ It to battle against each other. Considering all these elements, the Jackbox Party Pack 3 is a game you don’t want to miss.

    1. The Jackbox Party Pack 7

    The Seventh Jackbox Party Pack
    Source: Jackbox Games

    Finally, we have the Jackbox Party Pack 7, an installment with various games and a high replayability rate. This pack includes many fan-favorite matches, such as Champ’d Up, The Devils and the Details, and Quiplash 3. For instance, in Champ’d Up, players can design Champions and Challengers to become the victors of this drawing tournament. As a result, you’ll be able to gain a whimsical title, like the Champion of Cowards or the Champion of Clogging Toilets.

    The Devils and the Details is another excellent choice for larger groups, where players must work together to perform everyday tasks as devils in a suburban neighborhood. Even more so, the Jackbox Party Pack 7 is perfect for sociable individuals, especially with Blather ‘Round and Talking Points.

    With so many options to play in the Jackbox Party Pack 7, your group will undoubtedly have some fun for numerous amount of hours.

    About the author

    Kristina Ebanez

    Kristina is a Staff Writer and has been with Twinfinite for more than a year. She typically covers Minecraft, The Sims 4, Disney Dreamlight Valley, anime, Call of Duty, and newly released games. She loves the Metal Gear Solid series (Snake Eater especially), Rockstar’s Bully, the Horizon franchise, What Remains of Edith Finch, and many more. Her dog is also an avid video game watcher, primarily when there’s a horse or a cat. She has a Bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo and grew up gaming on the islands.

    Kristina Ebanez

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