The last few months have seen some pretty great releases. Along with last year's Indiana Jones and the Great Circle and the recent Avowed, Rebellion's new survival first-person shooter, Atomfall, also looks like one to watch.

Taking place in 1957 in an alternative timeline, you'll get to explore, fight, craft, and scavenge your way through the British countryside. With the game officially coming out on March 27, we're just a couple of days away from setting our sights on the Sniper Elite studio's take on Northern England.

Of course, it is possible to play it early if you don't mind forking over a bit more cash. For you see, Atomfall comes in two flavors: Standard Edition and Deluxe Edition. Can you guess which one affords you the privilege of early access?

What's in the Deluxe Edition of Atomfall?

Of course, two days to wait is nothing, but if you simply can't wait to jump into things, you can opt for the more expensive version of the game. According to the Atomfall website, the Deluxe Edition will get you the following:

• The game itself (natch).
• A basic supply bundle, which comes with an exclusive melee weapon and a loot cache.
• An enhanced bundle supply, which nets you a pistol variant, a skill manual, and a new skin for your metal detector.
• The option to play the game three days early (so, now, basically).
• Access to the story expansion Wicked Isle, though that's not yet available.

Obviously, this will set you back a bit more than the vanilla version. On my end (being from the UK and everything), I see the Deluxe Edition is currently going for £64.99 (about $84). You can still get the basic supply bundle with the Standard Edition, but that’s only if you pre-order it.

Those who have paid the extra to play the game a couple of days early seem to be having a good time so far. The Steam page is currently showing a review score of "Very Positive." Of course, we can't make hasty judgments just yet. The game's not properly out yet. Oh, and if you have an Xbox, Atomfall is coming to Game Pass on day one. Only the Standard Edition, though.

The post Atomfall: the difference between the Standard and Deluxe Edition appeared first on Destructoid.

The ability to fire Chaser Rounds is a new mechanic added for Light Bowguns in Monster Hunter Wilds, and they pack a punch. If you're not sure how to use them, here's what you need to know.

How to fire Chaser Shots in Monster Hunter Wilds

Chaser Rounds is a mechanic that allows you to fire off an additional salvo of ammo following any other method of firing your Light Bowgun. Chaser Shots deal considerably more damage to the target at the cost of being a 'finalizing' move in your shooting combo. This does not mean you can't use them after every shot, however.

Sometimes, raw damage is more important than DPS (Damage Per Second), and it is in these times, you'd want to consider using a Chaser Round after every shot, instead of at the end of your ammo capacity.

Every offensive ammo type can utilize a follow-up Chaser Round after firing. This is done by simply pressing the Interact/Speak/Gather/Carve button on your respective control scheme. If done fast enough, you'll perform a Chaser Shot. If you're too slow, you'll accidentally switch between firing modes. In this case, you'll need to fire off another round to attempt to perform it again.

In most cases, you'll perform Chaser Shots with Normal, Piercing, and/or Spread ammo, thanks to these types being unlimited. Each one does something slightly different when using a Chaser Round when in Standard Mode and Rapid Fire modes of your Light Bowgun

Standard Mode Chaser Rounds

As a norm, firing off Chaser Rounds in Standard Mode is slower than simply firing off a second salvo in Monster Hunter Wilds. However, the damage increase makes the slow fire rate worthwhile. Firing off Chaser Rounds in Standard Mode is always faster than firing them off in Rapid Fire Mode.

• Normal Ammo - Fires off two additional Normal rounds that deal much more damage.
• Piercing Ammo - Fires off two additional Piercing rounds that bore through the monster, dealing increasing damage the longer they pierce. This is considerably more damage than a normal piercing Round. Recovery time from firing is also slower than normal.
• Spread Ammo - Fires two additional Spread rounds that do massively more damage at the cost of an extremely slow recovery time following it. Positioning is very important when using these Chasers.

Rapid Fire Mode Chaser Rounds

Firing off Chaser Rounds in Rapid Fire is considerably slower than firing them off in Standard or simply firing another salvo. The equal exchange is that Rapid Fire Chaser Shots offer up some of the highest damage you can deal with a single salvo, regardless of ammo type.

• Normal Ammo - Fires off five additional Normal rounds that deal lower damage than normal, but the final shot does massively more damage.
• Piercing Ammo - Fires off two additional Piercing rounds that deal massively more damage than normal. Recovery Time is quite poor, so careful positioning is required for safe usage.
• Spread Ammo - Fires off three additional Spread rounds that deal considerably more damage than normal. However, recovery time is the slowest out of all ammo types, and it requires extreme care to be used safely against aggressive monsters.

The post How to use Chaser Rounds in Monster Hunter Wilds appeared first on Destructoid.

From blowing up mako reactors to saving Disney princesses from the heartless, the Japanese RPG genre has a lot in store for anyone who decides to dive into it. 2025 Japanese RPGs include creating your very own weaponry with alchemy in the Atelier series and marrying your favorite villager in Rune Factory.

Here is a look at the diverse lineup in store for fans of the genre in 2025 and perhaps beyond, including remasters of long-beloved treasures. As more games get announced this year, we will update the list.

Atelier Yumia: The Alchemist of Memories & The Envisioned Land

• Publisher: Koei Tecmo
• Release Date: March 21
• Platforms: PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Switch, PC (via Steam)

Atelier Yumia: The Alchemist of Memories & The Envisioned Land, from developer Gust and publisher Koei Tecmo, explores a stunning anime-inspired world that sees alchemy as an omen rather than a blessing. As Yumia, you'll likely change the minds of many of this land as she tries to figure out what happened to a fallen society that saw its downfall due to alchemy. This RPG revolves around the alchemy mechanic, letting you create bases, battle items, and exploration equipment. For those who don't like the turn-based mechanics in past entries, this takes more of a real-time element to its combat. Atelier Yumia is one of the most anticipated March 2025 releases.

Lunar Remastered Collection

• Publisher: GungHo Online Entertainment America
• Release Date: April 18
• Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, Switch, PC (via Steam)

Two beloved JRPG classics are finally coming back to modern consoles and PC on April 18 with the Lunar Remastered Collection. It includes the first game, Silver Star Story, and the sequel, Eternal Blue. Similar to Square Enix's Final Fantasy Pixel Remasters, the Lunar Remastered Collection improves the visuals and audio, in addition to quality-of-life improvements.

According to a PlayStation Blog interview with the game's producer, Matthias Pergams, the new collection includes an adjustable Battle Speed-Up option and a toggleable option for a unified inventory system in the first Lunar game. You can also customize each character's AI during battle. These improvements should help modernize the classic JRPG. The game also supports both English and Japanese voice acting to suit your preference.

Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time - May 21

• Publisher: Level-5
• Release Date: May 21
• Platforms: PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Switch, PC (via Steam)

Famed developer Level-5 is back with a new entry in the Fantasy Life series, The Girl Who Steals Time. This game takes a more relaxing approach to the JRPG genre, as you fish, cook, and shape your island to how you see fit. It's like Animal Crossing and an RPG had a baby. You'll be able to switch between 14 different jobs as you play through this game. If you want to experience this action RPG with friends, you can certainly do that through online multiplayer with up to four people. Get ready, as you'll be exploring an open world teeming with monsters.

Fuga: Melodies of Steel 3

• Publisher: CyberConnect2
• Release Date: May 29
• Platforms: PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC (via Steam)

CyberConnect2 is delivering the final chapter in the Fuga: Melodies of Steel trilogy on May 29. The children are on a journey to save their friend Malt as they board a tank called the Taranis that was once thought to be lost. The developer says on the game's Steam page that the battle system has "undergone substantial changes." You can now exploit enemy weaknesses and "deal escalating damage with every hit" when you utilize a weakness combo. You can also utilize assist attacks on your quest for victory.

Those new to the series might be able to try the third entry without playing the last two. The Steam page says, "It's not necessary to play Fuga: Melodies of Steel or Fuga: Melodies of Steel 2 to enjoy Fuga: Melodies of Steel 3." Hopefully, that is true.

Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma

• Publisher: XSEED Games, Marvelous, and Marvelous Europe
• Release Date: May 30
• Platforms: Nintendo Switch and PC (via Steam).

On the very next day, you'll be able to play the 2025 Japanese RPG Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma on Nintendo Switch and PC. In this entry, you'll be exploring a new Japanese-inspired country called Azuma. You'll be practicing Earth Dancer powers and taking down evil throughout the land to hopefully bring back hope to its residents. In what the publishers XSEED Games and Marvelous call a reimagined experience on the game's Steam page, we'll be rebuilding an entire village and farm to our hearts' content in between action-RPG battles outside.

As you fight monsters and start up a new society, you'll be able to romance the various characters that reside in your village. You may even marry one of them. The Steam page says the scenes between these characters and your protagonist will be voiced. They can also go to battle with you.

Digimon Story Time Stranger

• Publisher: Bandai Namco
• Release Date: 2025
• Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC (via Steam)

After almost a decade, a new entry of the Digimon Story is nearly upon us, as it currently has a vague 2025 release date. Like past entries of the series, you'll be battling other Digimon in the turn-based affair as you try to collect all of the digital monsters. The game takes place between the Digital World and the real world as you try to figure out the reason behind the planet's collapse.

An even wackier twist is that we'll be venturing through time and parallel worlds in an effort to change fate itself. The Steam page says there will be "an incredible variety of Digimon" and "deep customization options" that "provide limitless ways to approach the challenges of battle."

Atelier Resleriana: The Red Alchemist & the White Guardian

• Publisher: Koei Tecmo
• Release Date: 2025
• Platforms: PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch, PC (via Steam)

Not much is known about the secondary Atelier adventure coming out in 2025. The trailer showcases an open world with multiple biomes, like a cave of diamonds and an open field. It has all new protagonists and features a narrative set in the canon of Atelier Resleriana: Forgotten Alchemy and the Polar Night Liberator. Damn, what is with these long names, Koei Tecmo!? Regardless, unlike Forgotten Alchemy and the Polar Night Liberator, this entry will be an offline title.

Edge of Memories could be considered a 2025 Japanese RPG

• Publisher: Nacon
• Release Date: Q4 2025
• Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC (via Steam)

While this game is technically from a French developer called Midgar Studio, we're still counting Edge of Memories as a JRPG as it has hired some significant talent from Japan. It includes the likes of character designer Raita Kazama (Xenoblade Chronicles X), writer Swako Natori (NieR), and Mitsuru Yokoyama, the combat designer of Final Fantasy XV. The majority of the soundtrack is from Cédric Menendez. However, the final theme is by Yasunori Mitsuda, who has been a composer on JRPG classics like Chrono Trigger and Xenoblade Chronicles.

Edge of Memories is an action RPG that has you stringing fast-paced combos and customizing your companions to "inflict more damage at crucial moments" by "[using] their skills wisely." There is also a rage system involved in the combat. Additionally, Edge of Memories supports Unreal Engine 5 anime-inspired visuals.

The post All notable upcoming Japanese RPGs (JRPGs) in 2025 appeared first on Destructoid.

A niche game on Steam seems to have figured out exactly how to do early access right, and players are loving it.

In an era when many games linger in early access for years, often using it as an excuse to slowly add features or deliver constant updates, it's refreshing to see a game spend only a short time there, handle player feedback well, and nearly double its player count upon full release.

Realistic snowmobile simulator Sledders released after 15 months in early access

Sledders is a realistic snowmobile simulator game, about as niche as it gets. It first released on December 5, 2023 in early access on Steam and is now a full game as of March 20.

Players get to experience what I'll believe to be authentic snowmobile driving—I'll probably never know for sure—complete with realistic physics and actual snowmobile sounds.

Despite its very specific theme, Sledders hit over 1,800 peak players on Steam after its release on March 20—almost double its early access peak—and earned an impressive average of 91% positive reviews in the last 30 days, with 97% positive reviews on launch day. It even became SteamDB's best-rated release this week.

Even though snowmobiles aren't exactly common worldwide—many countries don’t even have snow, let alone people who ride snowmobiles—Sledders might have found the same sweet spot as Eurotruck Simulator. Just as Euro Truck Simulator attracts many players who aren't truck drivers in real life, Sledders could appeal to enthusiasts who enjoy realistic experiences.

Early reviews suggest the game is a bit hard to start but fun to play, which is the sweet spot for simulators. If it's too easy, it doesn't feel real. If it's too hard, it becomes frustrating.

Snowmobile enthusiasts helped make Sledders

A developer shared on the snowmobiling Reddit community why Sledders has connected so well with players. It turns out one of the developers is a real snowmobile expert who previously ran a snowmobile shop and even recorded real engine sounds to ensure maximum realism.

Sledders is also available on Xbox and PS5 for $34.99.

The post Steam’s highest-rated new game does early access right, launches with 97% positive reviews appeared first on Destructoid.

2024 is already looking to be an interesting year for gaming, with several remakes and remasters arriving in early January and brand-new releases making the waves later on. 2023 was an exciting time, gaming in 2024 was slightly underwhelming, and it's only a matter of time before we learn what 2025 entails.

It is very easy to forget the sheer volume of games that launch throughout an entire year. One month alone can have dozens of releases, let alone the rest as game development teams announce their plans.

If you’re looking to plan ahead or tell others about an upcoming release, we have an ongoing list of games confirmed to launch in 2025. We’ll also continue updating this list as we learn about new releases and delays.

Updated March 20, 2025: Updated with new titles, both within the indie and AAA space, announced throughout March.

January 2025 game releases

• Beyond Citadel (PC) - January 2
• Wuthering Waves (PS5) - January 2
• Click Mage (PC) - January 6
• Chocolate Factory Simulator (PC) - January 7
• Desktop Mate (PC) - January 7
• Sea Fantasy (PC) - January 7
• Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana (PC4, PS5, Switch) - January 7
• My Summer Car (PC) - January 8
• The Last Flame (PC) - January 9
• Freedom Wars Remastered (PC, PS4, PS5, Switch) - January 10
• Airborne Empire (PC, Early Access) - January 13
• Dreaming Isles (PC) - January 13
• Heroes of Hammerwatch II (PC) January 14
• Hyper Light Breaker (PC) - January 14
• Turnip Boy Robs a Bank (iOS, Android) - January 14
• Aloft (PC) - January 15
• Age of Darkness: Final Stand (PC) - January 15
• The Roottrees are Dead (PC) - January 15
• Age of Water (PC) - January 16
• Assetto Corsa EVO (PC, Early Access) - January 16
• Blade Chimera (PC, Switch) - January 16
• Donkey Kong Country Returns HD (Switch) - January 16
• DreadOut Remastered Collection (PC, PS4, Switch) - January 16
• Dynasty Warriors: Origins (PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S) - January 16
• Football Coach: College Dynasty (PC) - January 16
• Morkull Ragast's Rage (PC, Xbox Series X/S) - January 16
• Cyclopean: The Great Abyss (PC, Early Access) - January 17
• Skystead Ranch (PC) - January 17
• Tales of Graces f Remastered (PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Switch) - January 17
• Helskate (PC) - January 20
• Into the Emberlands (PC) - January 20
• Needy Streamer Overload (PS4, PS5) - January 21
• Ender Magnolia: Bloom in the Mist (PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch) - January 22
• Gravelord (PC, Early Access) - January 22
• Final Fantasy VII Rebirth (PC) - January 23
• Guilty Gear Strive (Switch) - January 23
• Ninja Gaiden 2 Black (PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S) - January 23
• Star Wars Episode I: Jedi Power Battles (PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S) - January 23
• Synduality: Echo of Ada (PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S) - January 23
• Space Engineers 2 (PC, Early Access) - January 27
• Cuisineer (PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch) - January 28
• Eternal Strands (PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S) - January 28
• Neptunia Riders VS Dogoos (PS4, PS5, Switch) - January 28
• Tails of Iron II: Whiskers of Winter (PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Switch) - January 28
• The Stone of Madness (PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch) - January 28
• Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. (PC) - January 28
• Warside (PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Switch) - January 28
• Ropuka's Idle Island (PC) - January 29
• Cardfight!! Vanguard Dear Days 2 (PC, Switch) - January 30
• Hello Kitty Island Adventure (PC, Switch) - January 30
• Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero (PC, PS4, PS5, Switch) - January 30
• Sniper Elite: Resistance (PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S) - January 30
• Marvel's Spider-Man 2 (PC) - January 30
• The Headliners (PC) - January 30
• Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector (PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch) - January 31
• FlyKnight (PC) - January 31
• Foundation 1.0 (PC) - January 31
• The Sims Legacy Collection (PC) - January 31

February 2025 game releases

• Kingdom Come: Deliverance II (PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S) - February 4
• Rift of the NecroDancer (PC) - February 5
• While Waiting (PC, Switch) - February 5
• Border Pioneer (PC) - February 6
• Keep Driving (PC) - February 6
• Stray Path (PC) - February 6
• Momodora: Moonlit Farewell (PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch) - February 6
• A Game About Digging a Hole (PC) - February 7
• Astral Throne (PC) - February 7
• Civilization VII (PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Switch) - February 11
• Mind Over Magic (PC) - February 12
• Urban Myth Dissolution Center (PC, PS5, Switch) - February 12
• Warriors: Abyss (PC, PS4, PS5) - February 12
• Amber Isle (Switch) - February 13
• Hyperdevotion Noire: Goddess Black Heart (Switch) - February 13
• Warriors: Abyss (Switch) - February 13
• Tomb Raider IV–VI Remastered (PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Switch) - February 14
• The Legend of Heroes: Trails Through Daybreak II (PC, Switch) - February 14
• Avowed (PC, Xbox Series X/S) - February 18
• Lost Records: Bloom & Rage - Tape one (PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S) - February 18
• Stories from Sol: The Gun-Dog (PC, PS4, PS5, Switch) - February 20
• Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii (PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S) - February 21
• R.E.P.O. (PC) - February 26
• Crystar (PS5) - February 27
• Yu-Gi-Oh! Early Days Collection (PC, Switch) - February 27
• Monster Hunter Wilds (PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S) - February 28

March 2025 game releases

• Age of Mythology: Retold (PS5) - March 4
• Everhood 2 (PC, Switch) - March 4
• Grimoire Groves (PC) - March 4
• Two Point Museum (PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S) - March 4
• Bao Bao's Cozy Laundromat (PC) - March 6
• Desktop Cat Cafe (PC) - March 6
• Dragonkin: The Banished (PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S) - March 6
• Fragpunk (PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S) - March 6
• Grimoire Groves (PC) - March 6
• Sorry We're Closed (PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Switch) - March 6
• Split Fiction (PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S) - March 6
• Suikoden I&II HD Remaster Gate Rune and Dunan Unification Wars (PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch) - March 6
• The Sims 4: Businesses and Hobbies (PC, PS4, Xbox One) - March 6
• Rogue: Genesia (PC) - March 7
• Sugardew Island (PC) - March 7
• Rise of the Ronin (PC) - March 10
• MeMic (PC) - March 11
• Wanderstop (PC, PS5) - March 11
• Metal Bringer (PC, PS5) - March 12
• Beyond the Ice Palace 2 (PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Switch) - March 13
• Bionic Bay (PC, PS5) - March 13
• Dungeons of Hinterberg (PS4, PS5) - March 13
• Matcho (PC, PS5) - March 13
• Midnight Murder Club (PC, PS5, Early Access) - March 13
• On Your Tail (Switch) - March 13
• WWE 2K25 (PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S) - March 14
• MLB The Show 25 (PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch) - March 18
• Assassin's Creed Shadows (PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S) - March 20
• Rendering Ranger: R² [Rewind] (PC, PS4, PS5, Switch) - March 20
• Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition (Switch) - March 20
• Atelier Yumia: The Alchemist of Memories & the Envisioned Land (PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Switch) - March 21
• BLEACH Rebirth of Souls (PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X/S) - March 21
• Breakout Beyond (PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Switch) - March 25
• Steel Paws (Android, iOS) - March 25
• JDM: Japanese Drift Master (PC) - March 26
• Spilled! (PC) - March 26
• AI Limit (PC, PS5) - March 27
• Atomfall (PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S) - March 27
• Bubble Ghost Remake (PC, Switch) - March 27
• The First Berserker: Khazan (PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S) - March 27
• inZOI (PC) - March 28
• PolyPine (PC) - March 31
• Post Trauma (PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S) - March 31
• Psycho Patrol R (PC, Early Access) - March 31
• The Chef's Shift (PC) - March 31
• TinyCraft Town (PC) - March

April 2025 game releases

• Koira (PC, PS5) - April 1
• The Last of Us Part II (PC) - April 3
• South of Midnight (PC, Xbox Series X/S) - April 8
• Tiny Garden (PC) - April 8
• Commandos: Origins (PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S) - April 9
• Descenders Next (PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S) - April 9
• Gedonia 2 (PC) - April 9
• Blue Prince (PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S) - April 10
• All in Abyss: Judge the Fake (PC, PS5, Switch) - April 10
• Crashlands 2 (PC, Android, iOS) - April 10
• Star Overdrive (Switch) - April 10
• The Talos Principle: Reawakened (PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S)- April 10
• Lost Records: Bloom & Rage - Tape two (PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S) - April 15
• Bionic Bay (PC, PS5) - April 17
• Koira (PC, PS5) - April 17
• Mandragora (PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch) - April 17
• Phantom Breaker: Battle Grounds Ultimate (PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Switch) - April 17
• Rusty Rabbit (PC, PS5, Switch) - April 17
• Bokura (PS4, PS5) - April 18
• Lunar Remastered Collection (PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch) - April 18
• Yasha: Legends of the Demon Blade (PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch) - April 23
• Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 (PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S) - April 24
• FATAL FURY: City of the Wolves (PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X/S) - April 24
• Super Technos World: River City & Arcade Classics (PC, PS5, Switch) - April 24
• Tempest Rising (PC) - April 24
• The Hundred Line -Last Defense Academy- (PC, Switch) - April 24
• Days Gone Remastered (PS5) - April 25
• Forza Horizon 5 (PS5) - April 29
• Faun Town (PC) - April 30
• Dave the Diver: Ichiban's Holiday (PC, PS4, PS5, Switch) - April
• Haunted House Renovator (PC) - April
• Magic Inn (PC) - April
• Ratatan (PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Switch) - April
• Super Mini Mart (PC) - April

May 2025 game releases

• Freeride (PC, Switch) - May 1
• Captain Blood (PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Switch) - May 6
• Metal Eden (PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S) - May 6
• Revenge of the Savage Planet (PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X/S) - May 8
• The Midnight Walk (PC, PS5) - May 8
• Doom: The Dark Ages (PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S) - May 15
• Capcom Fighting Collection 2 (PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch) - May 16
• Dune: Awakening (PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S) - May 20
• Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time (Switch) - May 21
• Blades of Fire (PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S) - May 22
• Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Tactical Takedown (PC) - May 22
• Onimusha 2: Samurai's Destiny (PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch) - May 23
• to a T (PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S) - May 28
• Fuga: Melodies of Steel 3 (PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Switch) - May 29
• Elden Ring: Nightreign (PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S) - May 30
• Lost Soul Aside (PC, PS5) - May 30
• Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma (PC, Switch) - May 30

June 2025 game releases

• Five Nights at Freddy's: Secret of the Mimic (PC, PS5) - June 13
• Tron: Catalyst (PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch) - June 17
• Death Stranding 2: On the Beach (PS5) - June 26
• Date Everything! (PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch) - June
• Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road (PC, PS4, PS5, iOS, Android, Switch) - June
• Stellar Blade (PC) - June

July 2025 game releases

• Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 + 4 (PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Switch) - July 11
• Stronghold Crusader: Definitive Edition (PC) - July 15
• HUNTER×HUNTER NEN×IMPACT (PC, PS5, Switch) - July 17
• Tales of the Shire: A Lord of the Rings Game (PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Switch) - July 29
• Last Spartan: Glory Over Madness (PC) - July

August 2025 game releases

• Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater (PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S) - August 28
• Shinobi: Art of Vengeance (PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Switch) - August 29

September 2025 game releases

• Hell Is Us (PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S) - September 4
• Borderlands 4 (PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S) - September 23

October 2025 game releases

• Directive 8020 (PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S) - October 2
• Double Dragon Revive (PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S) - October 23

Games with unknown release dates (2025)

• Absolum
• A.I.L.A
• Another Farm Roguelike: Rebirth
• ARC Raiders
• Astrobotanica
• Big Walk
• Biped 2
• Bits & Bops
• Bugtopia
• Candy Shop Simulator
• Cauldron
• Coffee Talk Tokyo
• Crimson Desert
• Crown Gambit
• Darwin's Paradox
• Dave the Diver: In the Jungle
• Demonschool
• Discounty
• Digimon Story Time Stranger
• Dispatch
• Doom (SNES)
• Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake (PC)
• Dreams of Another
• Duck Detective: The Ghost of Glamping
• Dying Light: The Beast
• EDENS ZERO
• Fantastic Haven
• FBC: Firebreak
• Flappy Bird
• Floatopia
• Game of Thrones: Kingsroad
• Goblin Cleanup
• Grand Theft Auto 6
• Grimshire
• Hello Kitty Island Adventure (PS, PS5)
• Herdling
• Heroes of Might & Magic: Olden Era
• Hotel Barcelona
• inZOI (PS5, Xbox Series X/S)
• Jump Ship
• Killing Floor 3
• Lies of P: Overture
• Little Nightmares 3
• Mafia: The Old Country
• Mecha Break
• Metroid Prime 4: Beyond
• MindsEye
• Mio: Memories in Orbit
• Mistfall Hunter
• Monaco 2
• Morsels
• Moth Kubit
• MOUSE: P.I. For Hire
• Nanuka: Secret of the Shattering Mood
• Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound
• Ninja Gaiden 4
• Nivalis
• One Move Away
• Paralives
• Perfect Dark
• Pixelshire
• Pokémon Champions
• Pokémon Legends: Z-A
• PowerWash Simulator 2
• Recettear: An Item Shop’s Tale HD Edition
• Rematch
• Ritual of Raven
• Rooster
• Sea of Stars: Throes of the Watchmaker
• Shadow Labyrinth (Pac-Man)
• Shovel Knight: Shovel of Hope DX
• Showa American Story
• Slay the Spire II (Early Access)
• Solasta II (Early Access)
• Sonic Racing CrossWorlds
• Sonic Rumble
• Splitgate 2
• Stalcraft: X Operations
• Sleight of Hand
• Solarpunk
• SOPA - Tale of the Stolen Potato
• Star Overdrive (PC, PS5)
• StarRupture
• State of Decay 3
• Stick it to the Stickman
• Streets of Rogue 2
• Subnautica 2 (Early Access)
• Squeakross: Home Squeak Home
• Terminator: Survivors
• Tinkerlands
• Tiny Bookshop
• Townseek
• Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter
• Trident’s Tale
• The Legend of Baboo
• The Mound: Omen of Cthulhu
• The Outer Worlds 2
• Time Flies
• Vampires: Bloodlord Rising
• Wheel World
• World's Worst Handyman
• Wuchang: Fallen Feathers
• Youtubers Life 3: Stream Together

Games with unknown release dates (2026)

• Blackfrost the Long Dark 2 (Early Access)
• Cthulhu: The Cosmic Abyss
• Fable
• Rootbound
• Onimusha: Way of the Sword
• Saros
• Screamer
• The Witcher 4
• Tides of Annihilation

The post 2025 Video Game release date calendar appeared first on Destructoid.

Something big is on the way to ARK: Survival Ascended. As revealed at this week’s Game Developers Conference, ARK: Lost Colony is set to launch as a “major canonical expansion” this November.

Studio Wildcard is throwing a lot at the wall with this one, so it should be fun to see what sticks. The reveal of what is being referred to as Survival Ascended’s first all-original expansion pack came in the form of a two-minute anime-style trailer. The folks behind it are none other than MAPPA, the revered (and busy!) anime studio behind the likes of JUJUTSU KAISEN, Chainsaw Man, Attack on Titan Final Season, and more.

You can hear Michelle Yeoh (Magnificent Warriors, Everything Everywhere All at Once) as legendary survivor Mei Yin in the full video below. They say it’s her, at least. It’s hard to tell because she exclusively grunts for the entirety of the trailer.

Other actors featured in the expansion include Madeleine Madden (Wheel of Time) as Helena Walker and Auli'i Cravalho (Moana) as Meeka. There is dialogue outside of those iconic Yeoh combat groans! 

Wildcard first kicked off the survival action-adventure with ARK: Survival Evolved in 2017. Lost Colony aims to connect the stories of the Extinction and Genesis expansions while setting up the events of ARK 2. Exactly how it connects and what makes this more substantial remains to be seen. You can start planning your tactics against the demons hanging out in Arat Prime for now, and look for pre-orders with exclusive preview content to go live this June for $29.99.

The post ARK: Lost Colony is a ‘major canonical expansion’ that launches this November appeared first on Destructoid.

WWE 2K25 is the "Ultimate Warrior" of wrestling video games with an expansive suite of modes and characters to choose from. Unfortunately, one of its most promising additions for this year, The Island, feels a bit like a money grab.

That's because there's a low amount of currency being offered for playing the game and completing missions/objectives. But you can always buy some currency, right? Despite this, it's still a great game, and here's my review.

Can you smell what 2K is cooking?

WWE 2K25 offers so many modes that it may feel overwhelming, and for a yearly product, it's pretty impressive. There's the Showcase that represents the Samoan dynasty throughout multiple generations from The Rock's grandfather Peter Maivia to this current era's Naomi and Roman Reigns.

Paul Heyman alongside members of the current Bloodline like Roman Reigns gives a great description of each wrestler featured in the showcase. You get to know these wrestlers' history, the impact they've made on the industry, and knowledge of the growing hype for each match featured in the Showcase.

Each match seems to be more streamlined with fewer objectives, and the in-battle cutscenes are all seamless. There's no jarring transition between live-action and battle anymore, which is a huge plus. Except for the intro, we finally won't see the referees' faces or WWF logo getting blurred out during live-action sequences in the matches themselves.

WWE 2K25 does a great job of explaining each objective in the Showcase mode, but something I find annoying is the limited-time challenges. If you don't complete them, you'll miss out on the majority of the unlockables like Rikishi as a playable character. At points, it feels like you're not given enough time, especially if your enemy is able to counter your strikes or you get stuck in a punching animation (more on that later).

The Island is marred with microtransactions

The Island is WWE 2K25's biggest new offering. The overall concept is sound. You're exploring a well-designed theme park-like area, in which you challenge foes to be the very best and get yourself a WWE contract from Roman Reigns.

It makes you want a WWE theme park to explore in real life. You'll get all manner of quests to complete, such as defeating Gunther in a badass mech suit (I'm not kidding). These can be fun scenarios to finish as your custom character, even though the storytelling is made through a cheap PowerPoint-like production with static images and text.

Unfortunately, the in-game microtransaction system will leave your wallet just as empty as going to Disneyland or Universal Studios. The currency VC is given to players slowly and is required to upgrade custom wrestlers in the Training menu. You'll get 150 VC per match you win and 75 VC if you lose. Each stat point increase varies around 80-200, depending on the level. Despite this game being multiplayer-focused, you can pay-to-win as you can purchase VC for $99.99 which gets you 400,000 VC, and can drastically change your character, while $9.99 gets you 32,500 VC.

As you explore The Island, there are many cosmetics to purchase in various shops. In Becky & Seth's Driporium, you can get Rollins' ridiculous gnome-like red boots for 18,000 VC. To get this from in-game progression only, you'll need to complete 120 matches. That's a bit rough, and encourages players to purchase VC in my humble opinion. You can get VC from leveling up your rank, finishing challenges, and completing quests, but it's still a slow affair.

Free players will just have to ignore the cosmetics for now. Upgrading your wrestler is arguably more important than looking cool.

The Island is a genuinely fun mode, but the microtransactions do get to me a bit. Additionally, it isn't available offline, which is a shame. Another annoying factor is that you can't play The Island on PC, PS4, or Xbox One systems; it's only available for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S players.

MyRise is fantastic

My two favorite modes MyRise and MyGM return in WWE 2K25 and show significant improvements. The storyline with MyRise is gripping as it tells the narrative of current and former NXT stars trying to take over WWE and end Raw and Smackdown. This time, you get assigned male and female superstars to represent the two main shows.

It does a great job of encouraging multiple playthroughs as the personality type you choose for your character (brash and bold or comedic) offers different story missions. The relationship between the male and female characters also changes depending on your choice, and it's constantly referenced.

The cool thing about MyRise (which makes it better than The Island) is that everyone is voiced. You'll be led by CM Punk during the beginning of the campaign and run into Jade Cargill if you choose that your character comes from a rival promotion. The voice acting from the wrestlers themselves is actually not that bad, and you'll get pulled into the backstage drama of WWE. There are some unexpected moments within MyRise, and it's entertaining to see a new story that differentiates from the Bloodline-obsessed WWE creative team of the last four or five years.

An improved MyGM

Next, MyGM has received some major improvements. First, you can play this mode with your friends online for the first time. However, it comes with some caveats. You can't use Custom GMs or rosters, in addition to losing the ability to play and spectate matches.

Second, MyGM now lets you use up to $4 million for the drafting process. The number of wrestlers you can pick up has greatly increased, letting you pick the superstars you want on your roster more easily. Third, the AI has been improved, especially during the draft. For example, if the AI picks Angelo Dawkins, it is more likely to complete the team by selecting Montez Ford, his teammate, next.

Fourth, MyGM has an expanded list of GMs from last year, increasing the number to 19. They each have their own perks at your disposal. Nick Aldis can add 10 weeks to a contract's duration, and Ava can prevent your superstars from getting injured during two separate shows. The mode's really been expanded. Lastly, there's an all-new approach to PLEs. Your wrestlers are fighting stars from other brands to get special perks for your brand. While it would have been nice to have the option to have normal PLEs like the last few years, it's a neat addition. You'll resolve rivalries on Week 4 and Week 5 now as you have one slot for a match on PLEs.

Despite missing the option to have regular PLEs, which should be added by the way, there are far more options for MyGM players. Likely inspired by YouTubers such as partsFUNknown, you can now place a timer on each player in-game. If someone goes over the time limit, they'll lose fans. Additionally, you can choose between the Hall of Fame trophies and the number of fans as the pre-requisite to win, adding more freedom to the player.

MyFACTION and Universe additions

MyFACTION and Universe have also returned in WWE 2K25. I have less experience with these mods as I usually touched Showcase, MyGM, and MyRISE in previous years. MyFACTION seems to be a fun experience as you collect cards and complete quests in the World Tour to proceed. It is annoying, however, that the game forces you to pick weaker cards in your line-up rather than giving you the freedom to pick the cards you unlock via VC or in-game progression from the get-go. The microtransaction system seems to be just as wild as The Island as you can use VC to get new card packs. There's a reason why I avoid MyFACTION like the Plague.

Universe has been improved in multiple ways. While the WWE superstars aren't talking during these segments, you can finally have them work on a promo in front of the crowd. The announcers weirdly explain what your wrestler is saying to their rival. It's certainly an improvement, however, as it gives you more customization on your booking experience. Plus, you'll be able to customize where each battle takes place. You can have a multi-day PLE, change the dates of specific shows, or simulate the Monday Night Wars once again and have two brands slugging it out on the same day.

WWE 2K25 plays well for the most part

But after all this, how does WWE 2K25 play? It's a mostly thrilling experience. Each move feels powerful and you'll likely wince at the punches, kicks, and suplexes these men and women dish out on each other. It's fantastic that you can finally have intergender matches and have a man and woman like Drew McEntire and Bianca Belair fight in the ring against each other. This is so long overdue.

Most attacks register perfectly in the game, but some eccentricities need to be worked out. Some attacks, when you feel like they're about to land, somehow miss the enemy, especially if there's an object blocking their path. The hitbox of some attacks is also quite strange as some wrestlers zoom from one side of the squared circle to the other in a flash. Sometimes strikes from a weapon that should hit your foe don't register, leading to an awkward few seconds of animation. Most of the time, it's fine, but you may be scratching your head at times.

Mostly stellar production value

The graphics of WWE 2K25 are stellar. You can really tell if a battle is getting to your rival. The blood and the sweat mix together in a natural way and look impressive on each model. You can see the scars on their body, showing the damage you've dealt to each other in the ring. Lighting seems to be improved across the board, and some of the facial animations when opponents get struck look impressive. The likenesses of most of the WWE superstars are spot on as well, and their entrances are simulated perfectly.

However, it has been said that Jey Uso's entrance from within the crowd is regrettable as members of the public do the YEET motion in the most robotic, unnatural way. Speaking of the crowd, they can be genuinely creepy to look at with their blank faces. You'll also notice your ringside managers performing actions at exactly the same time, taking you out of the game. It's genuinely creepy at points. There was also one point when my custom character's face was blackened and had a weird white shine during an entrance as well.

Something else of note is the sheer amount of commentary added to the game for different scenarios over multiple different modes. It's impressive.

WWE 2K25 improves upon the formula

WWE 2K25 is one of the biggest leaps in the series so far. While the Island is disappointing, the sheer amount of content in this game is unmatched. You have over 300 wrestlers with more DLC on the way, plenty of fun modes like the highly improved MyGM and the story-focused MyRise, and gameplay that still feels satisfying to pull off, even if the animations can be weird at points. It's just the microtransactions that really pull this game down.

The post Review: WWE 2K25 appeared first on Destructoid.

Since Ubisoft released the original Assassin's Creed, there has been a plethora of special editions of every entry. As a fan who adores the franchise, I find it pretty expensive to pick up all the editions, and Assassin's Creed Shadows is no exception.

When Ubisoft revealed Assassin's Creed Shadows, it was ready to go with the game's special editions. Within minutes, you could find every digital edition and start seeking out the physical ones if you knew where to look. Unfortunately, Ubisoft has a habit of making exclusive deals with specific retailers, meaning you need to buy a few copies of the game to collect every edition.

All Assassin's Creed Shadows editions and preorder bonuses

Below is a complete, updated list of every Assassin's Creed Shadows edition, including preorder bonuses and where to get them. Note that all editions are available for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S, except the Collector's Edition, which has no Xbox version.

Assassin's Creed Shadows Standard Edition (physical and digital)

The Standard Edition of Assassin's Creed Shadows is the base game and nothing more. Below is its complete list of features, including preorder bonuses:

• Assassin's Creed Shadows base game
• Claws of Awaji expansion pack (releases late 2025)
• Thrown to the Dogs bonus quest

While Assassin's Creed Shadows' preorder bonuses were originally unknown, they've since surfaced upon the game officially landing on digital storefronts. Purchasing its Standard Edition will give you the base game, the Claws of Awaji expansion once it releases, and the Thrown to the Dogs bonus quest.

This is the edition to get if you're indifferent toward extra cosmetics or don't want extra mastery points. The issue is that you'll be spending as much on this version of the game as on one that comes with a free steelbook. However, if you have a digital-only console, it's the cheapest version available at $69.99/£69.99 on all digital storefronts.

Assassin's Creed Shadows Standard Edition with Free Steelbook (physical-only)

One of the best physical editions of Assassin's Creed Shadows' Standard Edition is available with a free steelbook case. It costs about the same as the digital-only Standard Edition once you take shipping into account, but you get a shiny steelbook to add to your collection. Normally, you'd only be able to get this with Collector's Edition, but this is a solid exception.

This isn't something I'd usually check out because of the steelbook, despite it being a retailer exclusive. If you're interested in getting something you'd normally get with Collector's Edition but don't want to spend too much extra, it will cost you £56.95 from The Game Collection in the UK. If you're in the US, you can use storefronts like Target and Walmart to get it for $69.99.

Assassin's Creed Shadows Special Edition (physical-only)

The Special Edition of Assassin's Creed Shadows is the same price as the Standard Edition if you exclude shipping costs. However, unlike Standard Edition, you'll receive a physical boxed copy alongside its preorder bonus quest, Thrown to the Dogs, and the Yasuke Sekiryu Character Pack. This pack contains an exclusive gear set, mount, trinket, and weapon.

This edition is exclusive to GAME in the UK and costs £64.99. If you're in the US, you've got Walmart to help you out. You can also get these bonuses in the Ultimate and Collector's Editions.

Assassin's Creed Shadows Limited Edition (physical-only)

The Limited Edition of Assassin's Creed Shadows is Amazon's exclusive version of the game. It contains everything the Special Edition does, except its Sekiryu Character Pack is for Naoe, not Yasuke. As with the Special Edition, this character pack is also available in the Ultimate and Collector's Editions.

The Limited Edition costs $69.99/£64.99 and is widely available on your regional version of Amazon. It is probably the best value-for-money pick on the list.

Assassin's Creed Shadows Gold Edition (physical and digital)

The Gold Edition of Assassin's Creed Shadows is where things start to get interesting. It packs in the base game, the preorder bonus quest, three days of early access, and the game's season pass. That season pass entitles you to two upcoming expansions and another exclusive mission.

It isn't available on any storefronts anymore, however. While it was originally exclusive to digital storefronts like Amazon, you'll have a hard time finding it now. This unavailability originated from a series of delays Assassin's Creed Shadows experienced, causing Ubisoft to tweak some of these editions, their pricing, and features. If you previously preordered Assassin's Creed Shadows' Gold Edition, Ubisoft cancelled the order, letting you choose another version instead.

Assassin's Creed Shadows Deluxe Edition (digital-only)

Next up is Assassin's Creed Shadows' Digital Deluxe Edition, available for $89.99 or $19.99 a month through a Ubisoft+ subscription. Below is every item included in Assassin's Creed Shadows' Ultimate Edition:

• Assassin's Creed Shadows base game
• Claws of Awaji expansion pack (releases late 2025)
• Thrown to the Dogs bonus quest
• Sekiryu Dual Pack and Sekiryu Hideout Pack
• Mastery points

Previously, the closest thing to Assassin's Creed Shadows' Digital Deluxe Edition was Ultimate Edition, a slightly more expensive version containing a season pass, three days of early access, and a few of the features listed above. However, it has since changed to Digital Deluxe, reducing its price and replacing these features with guaranteed expansion pack access, the Sekiryu packs, and some mastery points.

Assassin's Creed Shadows Collector's Edition (physical-only)

The Collector's Edition of Assassin's Creed Shadows is a thing of beauty. It includes everything in the Digital Deluxe Edition and more. It's also the only way to get a boxed version of that edition and a host of physical goodies. These are as follows.

• Everything included in Assassin's Creed Shadows' Digital Deluxe Edition
• Assassin's Creed Shadows Ultimate Edition physical case
• Collector's Edition steelbook case
• Collector's art book
• Naoe's Katana Tsuba
• Collector's World Map
• Creed Wall Scroll
• Two Sumi Lithographs
• Naoe & Yasuke Statue

This edition is the most expensive, costing £239.99 from UK retailer GAME and $229.99 from GameStop in the US. You can also view it in more detail through Ubisoft's storefront for more information.

The post All Assassin’s Creed Shadows editions and preorder bonuses appeared first on Destructoid.

The content for Genshin Impact’s next major update has been announced, and it’s so much more than we were expecting. Here’s a rundown of everything that was revealed during Genshin’s 5.5 special program, including those juicy Primogem codes.

Genshin Impact Version 5.5, titled Day of the Flame’s Return, is scheduled for release on March 26, 2025.

Genshin Impact 5.5 Trailer

5.5 special program Primogem codes

GI55Teteocan
GoGoVaresa0326
CoachIansan0326

Each code gets you 100 Primogems and some assorted level-up materials. Redeem them on Genshin Impact’s official redemption website or enter them in-game. They will expire within a couple of days of the special program premiere, so act fast!

Genshin Impact 5.5 Banners

Banners are confirmed to feature Varesa (5-star Electro Catalyst) and Xianyun (5-star Anemo Catalyst) in the first half. They will be accompanied by Iansan (4-star Electro Polearm). The weapon banner should contain Vivid Notions – Varesa’s 5-star signature weapon – as well as Crane’s Echoing Call.

The second half’s banners will feature reruns of Xilonen (5-star Geo Sword) and Venti (5-star Anemo Bow). The weapon banner will consist of their respective signatures: Peak Patrol Song and Elegy for the End.

No Chronicled Wish banner has been announced for 5.5, and the 4-stars for each banner are yet to be determined.

New characters: Varesa and Iansan

Two new characters make their debut in Genshin Impact as playable characters. Varesa is a 5-star Electro Catalyst user who excels as an on-field Plunging Attack DPS. Her playstyle consists of spamming short dashes, jumps, and Plunging Attacks for a fast-paced, hyper-mobile experience. Her sweet, cutesy appearance belies a monstrous strength and appetite. 

Iansan is a 4-star Electro Polearm user who fills an off-field support role. Like Bennett, Iansan is an ATK buffer, making her useful in a variety of teams. Unlike Bennett, Iansan’s buff isn’t limited to a circle, offering a way out of Circle Impact. In fact, Iansan’s buffs increase with how far your active character moves. Iansan also has the benefit of being a Natlan character, giving her access to the Cinder City artifact set. As Varesa’s personal trainer, it looks like Iansan will be a great support for Varesa and other mobile carries like Mavuika, Mualani, Kinich, and Xiao.

Both characters have a dashing ability that can be used outside of combat for speedy exploration and puzzle-solving. They can traverse long distances in an instant or use their momentum to smash through obstacles. I expect this ability to come in handy for certain puzzles in Natlan.

New area: The Collective of Plenty

With the 5.5 update, we can now visit Natlan’s sixth and final tribe: The Collective of Plenty. This tribe lives at the base of an active volcano – a fitting location for a tribe of thrill-seekers. You’ve probably seen the volcano erupt a few times while exploring Natlan, and now, you can go there to get in on the action! Not only can you scale the volcano’s exterior, but you can also explore the floating islands above it and the sacred city of Tollan hidden inside.

The volcano is also where your little Tepetlisaurus buddy needs to go as part of his questline, so we can expect to see the final chapter of his quest, too. Completing this quest, as well as other exploration objectives, will net you up to 400 Primogems.

With the new tribe comes a new species of Saurian: the Tatankasaurus. Large, bulky, and powerful, these beasts look like something between a Triceratops and a rhinoceros. Their signature ability is a high-speed dash that they can use to break through or push objects in their path. 

The new zone will also have a new artifact domain featuring two new artifact sets: Long Night’s Oath and Finale of the Deep Galleries. Though artifact effect details are still under wraps, lore enthusiasts can look forward to new information about the history of Nod-Krai.

New boss: Lava Dragon Statue

A new world boss will offer Varesa’s Ascension materials. The Lava Dragon Statue is a larger version of the Avatars of Lava found around Natlan. Like its smaller counterparts, it looks like the strategy to beat it will be to fight fire with fire. Bring a Pyro character to counteract this boss’ mechanics and make it change form.

Events

Genshin Impact Version 5.5’s flagship event is called the Tournament of Glory in Bloom. There’s a capture-the-flag mode as well as a Saurian-themed puzzle game. Rewards include Primogems, level-up materials, and a free 4-star character, Ororon.

Other casual events include Quirky Quaking Arena, which reminds me of Mario Kart minigames. Use your character’s unique traversal mechanics to gather as many coins as possible while blocking other players. There’s also Rhythm Ball Meztli, which is another version of the Breakout-style minigame.

Unlimited Fighting Championship is a high-difficulty combat event to deal as much damage to a boss as possible. Stack as many buffs as you can and fight bosses with massively inflated health bars. Combat enthusiasts can use this event to test their builds and flex their strongest characters.

Toward the end of the patch, Overflowing Favor will provide a week-long period with double artifact drops. Up to three domain challenges per day will yield twice the normal number of artifacts. A great time to grind for your favorite characters.

As for updates to existing systems, Dehya and Venti will receive Envisaged Echo effects. Dehya’s looks like red chains, while Venti’s has a cute feather trail. Genius Invokation TCG and the built-in rhythm game will also receive new cards and tracks, respectively. There are lots of other quality-of-life updates, too, which we covered separately.

Once again, there's a lot to look forward to in the upcoming version of Genshin Impact. I'm excited to explore the new area, and I wish everyone good luck with their Varesa pulls!

The post Genshin Impact 5.5 livestream summary: New characters, codes, events, and more appeared first on Destructoid.

Genshin Impact’s new limited-time event tests your video editing skills by asking you to create advertisements. Luckily, the footage is pre-recorded, so all you need to do is string the clips together in the correct order. Here are the solutions for each stage to efficiently claim your Primogems.

First, start the event by talking to Xavier outside the Café Lutece in the Court of Fontaine. After a few lines of dialogue, you can access the event activity through the events menu. Drag and drop the clips into the timeline at the top in the order you want them to play. The numbers in the images below correspond to the order of each clip in the timeline.

Stage 1: A Vital Choice

Start with Sucrose and Noelle discussing the purple potion when a hilichurl suddenly appears. Noelle fails to defeat the hilichurl. Timaeus then speaks to the camera with a greyed-out background. Finish with Sucrose and Noelle trying the orange potion, then the one where Noelle successfully defeats the hilichurl.

Stage 2: Wanmin: Where Life Tastes Better!

Start with Guoba waving, then the three scenes with Chef Mao. Follow up with the three scenes with Shenhe, then another three featuring Xiangling. Finish with the group shot in front of the restaurant, Guoba eating at the table, then getting scolded by Xiangling.

Stage 3: Invoke the Path to Victory

Start with the three Arataki Gang members, who receive their allowance from Itto. They individually muse on how to spend their allowance before Itto gets annoyed. After they seemingly settle on how to spend their money, Itto gets angrier, and the members finally notice. Itto reminds them that their allowance is for spending on Genius Invokation TCG cards and proclaims himself a champion. Kuki Shinobu then reminds them who the real champion is.

Stage 4: Focus on Your Future

Start with Faruzan sitting at her desk when an Akademiya colleague arrives with letters for her. She reads two letters and then comments on the word "focus" before reading Collei's letter. She gets irritated that everyone has rejected her, but in a wide shot, she accepts that it's good for students to have a focus at all. The ad ends with Cyno making his classic puns.

Stage 5: Boundless Adventure, Unbound Joy

Start with the wider shot of the group at a table. Then, Navia points at a Fontaine NPC, and a crab enemy appears. After gesturing towards the crab, a Cryo Regisvine appears. Navia stands in front of the Regisvine, but Furina interrupts her. There's another shot of the group at the table, and then Navia unearths the treasure chest. Lyney recites a slogan to the camera, followed by a group shot including Lynette.

Those are the solutions for every stage of the Reel Ad-Venture event in Genshin Impact 5.4. Whether you just needed a hint or breezed through for the rewards, I hope this guide was helpful. If you haven't done the Invasive Fish Wrangler event yet, check out our guide for that, too!

The post Genshin Impact Reel Ad-Venture event solutions appeared first on Destructoid.

Genshin Impact is introducing another round of system updates, and this time, they include an improvement to the custom artifact crafting system. Here’s a detailed look at the many changes coming to Genshin in Version 5.5.

Better enhancement of crafted artifacts

The most exciting change in the list comes to the artifact crafting system. Starting in Version 5.5, after creating and leveling up a custom artifact using Sanctifying Elixirs, you are guaranteed at least two rolls across your selected substats. It’s unclear if this means each selected substat will receive at least one roll or if it’s possible for both guaranteed rolls to go to the same substat.

Custom artifacts created with Sanctifying Elixirs will also be marked in your inventory. This way, you can filter for that type of artifact and be extra disappointed when they still roll terribly.

Controller support for Android

Finally, Genshin Impact is adding controller support for Android devices. Both PlayStation and Xbox wireless controllers will be supported, though you’ll need to double-check your device’s version of Android OS.

Map improvements

You may have noticed that if you’re in a separate map like the Serenitea Pot, you need to teleport to the main map of Teyvat to start tracking quests. Soon, you’ll be able to track quest locations from anywhere, no matter what map they’re on. A small change, but appreciated nonetheless.

In addition, if you haven’t unlocked a particular world boss, the Adventurer’s Handbook will guide you to the boss’s nearest teleporter. This is useful for underground bosses like the Hydro Tulpa or Millennium Pearl Seahorse with underground lairs. Not all bosses will have this function in 5.5, but more will be added in coming patches.

Serenitea Pot shopping cart

When purchasing from Tubby’s Realm Depot, you can now add multiple items to a shopping cart and check out all at once. Useful for teapot mains who are looking to redecorate an area.

Gift mail search box

When you receive birthday mail from Genshin characters, their letters get stored in a separate gift mail box. This box will now be searchable for specific senders or title keywords. You can now search for every birthday letter you’ve gotten from Xiao if you want to take a trip down memory lane.

Those are all the system updates that have been announced so far. The 5.5 special program is coming up later this week, though, so we might learn more during the livestream. We can expect a lot more information on new characters, events, and more, so stay tuned!

The post Better artifact crafting and other quality of life updates coming to Genshin Impact 5.5, explained appeared first on Destructoid.

Split Fiction has bested Capcom's mighty Monster Hunter Wilds as it takes the top spot in the physical UK sales charts. Astonishingly, 89% of those sales are for the PS5, despite it also launching for the Xbox Series X|S.

After Monster Hunter Wilds conquered the UK sales charts seven or so days ago, Split Fiction has rained on its parade as it takes number one in the week ending March 8 (via Push Square). Suikoden I&II HD Remaster: Gate Rune and Dunan Unification Wars and Two Point Museum debut in fourth and ninth place respectively. The list includes the following:

1. Split Fiction
2. Monster Hunter Wilds
3. The Sims 4: Businesses & Hobbies
4. Suikoden I & II HD Remaster: Gate Rune and Dunan Unification Wars
5. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
6. Minecraft (Switch)
7. PGA Tour 2K25
8. Call of Duty: Black Ops 6
9. Two Point Museum
10. Super Mario Party Jamboree

It's no wonder that Split Fiction sales seem to be strong as the developer behind it, Hazelight Studios, also created Game of the Year winner It Takes Two. It's fairly easy for people to get into the co-op experience because if one person buys the game, their friend can play it for free. The game also has a unique concept as it blends fantasy and sci-fi elements into the narrative and gameplay.

Split Fiction has received critical acclaim across the board due to its inspiring level design and innovative co-op gameplay, with a 90 OpenCritic score. "I wish I could go on about each level and its intricacies since I could easily ramble on numerous incredible moments," said our 9.5/10 review. "This is one of those games that thrives on surprising you at every corner, and hearing my friend’s reactions was just as fulfilling as experiencing my own."

There seem to be three certainties we can rely on in the gaming industry. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe selling gangbusters after many years, Minecraft still hitting the Top 10 best sellers list, and the "F the Oscars" guy Josef Fares' developer killing it with each release.

The post Split Fiction slays Monster Hunter Wilds for top spot in UK sales charts appeared first on Destructoid.

The Nightflower Pollen farm was a lifeline for Monster Hunter Wilds' grueling endgame grind, giving players a better shot at Gold Relic Ticket trades for Decorations and Relics. It made the grind a little less tedious — until the latest patch wiped out this once-reliable exploit.

Ever since the Hotfix Patch Ver.1.000.05.00 went out, players have noticed that the Nightflower Pollens aren't showing up as much despite using missions with the Full Moon requirement. I tried it out myself with quests like the Balahara's 'A Leviathan's Rage,' and the Nightflower Pollen never showed up.

Although the new update's patch notes don't explicitly indicate a pollen farm nerf, one fix may hint at its implementation. In the addressed issues section, you'll see the statement: "Some items/rewards can be obtained repeatedly under certain conditions," indicating that the team got rid of this exploit.

Gathering Nightflower Pollen during its elusive Full Moon phase just got a whole lot tougher. While some players mourn the farm's loss on Twitter/X, others argue it's a blessing in disguise. After all, it'll restore the endgame to its true nature — a brutal, relentless grind. However, there may still be a way to access the Nightflower Pollen exploit, including with the SOS Flare Quest's The Desert Knows Not the Sea. Things can be a bit finicky, though, so it still may not work for some.

Other than the pollen farm nerf, Monster Hunter Wilds' March 10th patch addresses different issues, from a Chapter 5-2 progression solution to an unlock for Azuz and Sild Meal Invitations. There are also a few more updates on the way for known problems with side missions, Palicos, and Hunter Profiles.

We still await the two primary fixes regarding the game's performance and corrupted saves. Hopefully, it'll come before Title Update 1, which is set for an early April release. Maybe by then, there will be another exploit for the Nightflower Pollen farming unless it, of course, gets patched again.

The post Latest Monster Hunter Wilds patch seemingly nerfs reliable Nightflower Pollen farm, raising the endgame stakes appeared first on Destructoid.

All characters are not created equal in any game, and balance is rarely as good as we want it to be. The playable characters in Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap are no exception to this rule.

There are six characters to start with and an easily unlockable seventh character. It's technically a spoiler, though it might be the least surprising one ever. Consider yourself warned now.

We'll rank them from best to worst, though keep in mind that this is very subjective. We take a lot of factors into consideration, like solo play vs. groups. The traps and upgrades each character comes with can also cause them to shine more or less than others in specific situations.

Harlow - About the worst thing you can say about Harlow is that her Wind Blast isn't very good. It doesn't do damage, though the strong wind shot can force enemies over ledges or back through traps. Her secondary attack, Pretty Lights, puts down a zone of damage for a period of time.

Combined with her primary Blunderbuss, she excels at dealing damage. And that's not even counting her sidekick, Henry. The furry little dragon passively fires at nearby enemies. It has the neat side effect of alerting you to foes off-camera, too.

Henry's Treat Time is her Overdrive skill, and it causes the little guy to go big and burn enemies in an area for a while. Her Boom Barrel traps might be one use per wave, but they're also incredibly powerful.

Maximilian - The original orc-hunting War Mage can be unlocked by finding five pieces of a mirror floating around the home base. Once you do, you'll have a very strong War Mage at your disposal.

He's great alone or in a group with solid damage and abilities. If you've played any of the previous Orcs Must Die! games, his kit will feel familiar. His main weapon is a crossbow that spreads in a wider arc as you fire it repeatedly. You can keep a steady pace of accurate shots, or unload as enemies get closer.

His Stun Bolt secondary stuns enemies, Nade Spam does great damage, and his Bladestaff overdrive can make quick work of large enemies. He also has a double jump, which is great for navigating stages quickly. His Friendly Flip trap is okay for helping allies get to high places, but otherwise don't have much use.

Wren - She might not be everyone's cup of tea at first, but if you take the time to micromanage her abilities, she can put out a ton of damage. Her Wand has high-damaging shots that are incredibly accurate.

She can use a Time Crystal trap to reduce the reload time of adjacent traps, as well as a Trap Blast that immediately triggers all traps in an area of effect. Her Proximity Orb special ability is especially useful, as it will deal heavy damage to enemies who get too close to her. It's great for dealing with Gnolls.

Her Perfect Reload is a unique mechanic straight out of Gears of War. Time a button press when reloading to get extra ammo for your next "clip." All of these abilities are enhanced by her Overdrive, Mirror Images. Clones of Wren come out to copy your moves, dealing especially devastating amounts of damage when used.

Vaan - The nice thing about Vaan is that he's a solid solo character. His Overdrive, trap, and passive trait all help protect the Rift. It's especially useful when you can't always send a team member to guard it during highly stressful scenarios.

His Charge Beam can leave you vulnerable, but it does a lot of damage to enemies caught in it. His Crossbow is a solid weapon, and his Rift Orb can enhance the damage of nearby traps. He's not incredibly powerful, but his ability to protect the Rift is second to none.

Kalos - To be clear, Kalos is a great character. He's entirely melee-based as he swings a massive hammer around to cleave enemies. However, he has nothing to respond to ranged threats well. You may struggle in solo play, but he shines as a second or third character in a group.

He can lay down a Calling Stone to taunt enemies into a conveniently smashable pile. His survivability is insane with his Nature's Protection passive ability. It effectively gives him a second health bar that recharges over time like shields in Mass Effect. His Rage Ward overdrive can help the entire team power up, which is another reason he's better for group play.

Healing Berries are useful for anyone who needs some health quickly, especially if you've been cursed to a round without healing drops. His Slam Jump is incredibly fun but takes a lot of time to get the hang of its finicky nature.

Mac - Like Kalos, this is a character who works better in group play. He's basically a sniper, which you might not guess from his Wrench Staff weapon. He right-clicks to zoom in, increasing the damage and reducing the spread of his primary attack. His Head Count trait gives him a damage multiplier for each successful headshot in a magazine.

The damage can build up fast. However, all that single target, ranged focus can cause you to get jumped by groups you're not paying attention to. Hence his improved role as a secondary team member. His Gravity Lift trap isn't particularly useful, but his Gravity Blast throws bombs that hold enemies up for a short period.

His overdrive skill is Scan Weak Points. It allows him to do a debuff to enemies, making headshots especially potent.

Sophie - The chronically misanthropic Sophie is a fun character, but has a few unfortunate flaws. She's great in a team with someone like Kalos who can keep enemies distracted. She's another melee-focused character with fast-slashing daggers.

Her right-click allows her to throw a knife at an enemy. Her Shadow Form turns her into a shadow that darts around the screen without taking damage for a short period. When she leaves that form, it damages all the enemies she runs past. This is a great escape tactic, as well as an offensive move. To help make up for her lack of health and general need to be in melee range, she has a lot of health regain on critical attacks.

Her passive gives her health whenever she lands a crit, and her Vampiric Jaws trap applies Rend to an enemy. Rend causes all damage done to the target to be critical. Her biggest help is her overdrive, Bartholomew. He's a powerful, snarky skeleton warrior who will fight with her until his own health is depleted.

The post Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap Character Tier List appeared first on Destructoid.

Grand Escunites are rare nautilus-like creatures in Monster Hunter Wilds. Whether you’re filling out your field guide or completing a side quest, here’s where to find this elusive cephalopod.

Grand Escunite location in Monster Hunter Wilds

The best place to find a Grand Escunite in Monster Hunter Wilds is near the Underground Lake Pop-up Camp in Area 8 of the Scarlet Forest region. If you don’t have this campsite yet, it’s at the north end of Area 8 behind a waterfall.

Once you’re at the camp, rest until evening in the Season of Plenty. You can do this by entering your tent and tabbing over to the BBQ menu. Grand Escunites only spawn during the evening, nighttime, and morning. The Season of Plenty increases the number of fish in general, increasing your chances of seeing a rare Grand Escunite.

After setting your season and time of day, step out of the tent, and there should be several fish in the pool directly in front of you. Look for a nautilus-like creature with a pale blue sheen. The Grand Escunites have a pale blue color, while regular Escunites are a duller tan color. If in doubt, just catch them all.

There’s a second fishing spot toward the back of the cave, too. From the campsite, drop down into the shallow water in front of it and walk forward until you see a prompt to dive in. Dive and swim to the rocky islet ahead. There should be a few fish in the water below.

If you don’t see a Grand Escunite right away, return to your tent and rest until evening, nighttime, or morning in the Season of Plenty. This resets the environment and refreshes the fish in the lake. Keep resting until you find what you want, though it shouldn’t take too many resets.

As a side note, this location is also a great place for farming zenny. Keep resting until any time of day in the Season of Plenty, and the pools should be full of Goldenfish and Platinumfish. Catch them with a rod or net, then sell their scales for profit. It costs some guild points to rest each time, but you should be able to make them back just by catching fish.

Catching a Grand Escunite for the Razzle Dazzle side quest

If you’re catching Grand Escunites for the Razzle Dazzle side quest, use the fishing rod and not the net. Only fish caught with the fishing rod count toward side quest completion. Use the Tentacle Jig to lure Grand Escunites to your hook.

The Razzle Dazzle quest isn’t required for Escunites to spawn, but it’s the only objective in Monster Hunter Wilds that specifically asks for one. You can start this side quest by visiting Kanya toward the back of the Scarlet Forest Base Camp. She gives you bait and a series of fishing side quests, with Razzle Dazzle being the fourth and final quest.

The post Where to find Grand Escunite in Monster Hunter Wilds appeared first on Destructoid.

Marvel Rivals is on a home-run streak in the alternate costume department, and it just dropped some badass new costumes for Cloak, Dagger, and Venom: Twilight Duo and Lingering Imprint. Here's how to get the Twilight Duo and Lingering Imprint costumes on Marvel Rivals.

How to get Cloak & Dagger's Twilight Duo costume in Marvel Rivals

Cloak and Dagger have never been short on style, but the Twilight Duo costume may be their best. The cosmetic adorns the duo in the trimmings of classic mobsters, complete with snazzy vests and dapper hats. As is tradition with costumes in Marvel Rivals, Twilight Duo comes with a bundle that includes a unique emote, nameplate, and Spray that match the costume's aesthetic.

Here's everything you get when you purchase the Twilight Duo bundle.

• Twilight Duo MVP animation: Mafia Attack
• Twilight Duo Emote: Knife and Rose
• Twilight Duo Nameplate
• Twilight Duo Spray

Right now you can buy the Twilight Duo costume from Marvel Rivals' in-game store for 1600 Units. You can rack up Unites by pouring time into competitive play, but you're probably better off trading in Lattice for the Units you need. You need to spend real money to get Lattice, so try to be frugal and only buy what you need to purchase the costume.

How to get Venom's Lingering Imprint costume in Marvel Rivals

Venom's wardrobe is home to some of the best cosmetics Marvel Rivals has to offer, and Lingering Imprint is another fine addition to the symbiote sentinel's collection. This sick costume converts the Venom symbiote into a set of imposing combat fatigues that would make any sane enemy combatant turn tail and join the nearest anti-war protest.

Interestingly, the Lingering Imprint costume isn't a Marvel Rivals original; it's from the comics. Specifically, it's from Venom #8, an issue that forces Eddie Brock to face his grief over the passing of Flash Thompson, Spider-Man's childhood bully-turned-college friend and another wearer of the Venom symbiote.

When the Maker (an evil version of Mister Fantastic from an alternate universe) tried to desecrate Flash's corpse, Eddie molded his Symbiote into the armor that inspired Lingering Imprint and pummeled the villainous scientist into a pile of putty. Don't worry; Flash didn't stay dead. He's a comic book character, after all.

Here's everything you get when you buy the Lingering Imprint costume.

• Lingering Imprint MVP animation: Take a Ride
• Lingering Imprint Emote: Deafening Noise
• Lingering Imprint Nameplate
• Lingering Imprint Spray

You can buy the Lingering Imprint costume from Marvel Rivals' in-game store for 1600 Units. However, it (and the Twilight duo costume) might not be that cheap for long. Both costumes are on sale, and they'll normally cost 2400 Units. If you want either of these edgy outfits, it's best to get them soon.

The post How to unlock the Twilight Duo and Lingering Imprint costumes in Marvel Rivals appeared first on Destructoid.

With so many traps available to you, and many more to unlock, it can be overwhelming to figure out what you like. It can be even more complicated trying to figure out what's good. Fortunately, we've put tons of time into the game to help figure out what traps are the best.

There's a lot of features to consider, including cost and synergy. We'll call out special cases like that whenever there's a need. In general, these rankings are based on overall performance, considering upgrades and all characters. This is by no means super scientific, but it should help you find some solid strategies quickly.

S Rank Traps

These are the best of the best, and should probably be in every game. They're just too good to pass up!

• Auto Crossbow - One of the biggest problems in any Orcs Must Die! is accounting for the flying enemies. The Auto Crossbow takes care of that for you- as long as you can find a place to put it. Some stages make it difficult to target flyers that emerge from every door, so keep that in mind. These are best served with Threads that target flyers only, and do additional damage. Otherwise, they're perfectly useful, like the default turret in any Tower Defense type of game. They target everything and can dish out heavy damage.
• Magic Orb - It might take a couple of ideas to really maximize the use of a Magic Orb. As long as you give it nice hallways or switchbacks to work with, it'll do great. It has a piercing effect that lets it keep bouncing between enemies in narrow corridors, obliterating them. Threads that increase the bounces are the best to power this up.
• Briar Patch - These take a bit of study to get used to. The nature of the Briar Patch is to get enemies to take damage from it, eventually hitting a threshold that causes the patch to multiply. It's best used at spawn doors and in carefully crafted choke points that all, or most, enemies will run through. Anything that slows enemies and forces them to be on the Briar Patch longer is a big help. If you're playing as Kalos, his taunting totem is perfect for this. Once you learn the tricks of manipulating enemies to spread the patch, you'll see how much damage it can do.
• Rift Barricade - Added shortly after the game's launch, the Rift Barricade could have been a way for players to have additional Barricades. Most people would have been fine with that. But instead, they also empower adjacent traps, be they floor or wall. They're costly, starting at 4,000 coins each to place. They'll quickly earn their place as surefire equipment when you pepper them along your paths to empower specific traps. We especially love using them with an initial Briar Patch to help it do more damage and spread quicker.

A Rank Traps

These traps are very solid but tend to rely more on being part of a larger synergy. They're still great, and the more players you have in your team, the more of them you should take.

• Acid Geyser - Most damage types have two traps associated with them, which is useful to consider when creating setups that give you high combo points. The two Acid traps are both in the A Rank, but consider taking only one of them in your build. In essence, they do the same thing, which is coat your enemies in weakening acid. As the names imply, the Geyser erupts from the ground and the Shower is from the ceiling. Either one is a great pick. It's more situational about what other tools you're using.
• Acid Shower - The Acid Geyser is probably better for most setups, considering how useful the Shock Zapper and Molten Gold are. Those are both also ceiling traps, and you don't want too many of the same trap types. Remember what else you're using and what stage layouts give you extra room for ceiling traps.
• Ice Vent - This one started off much lower, but the more we played with it, the more value we saw. Ice is one of the elemental types that stacks your combo points. Having one Ice trap is recommended if you're trying to maximize combo potential, and the other ice trap is not good. The Ice Vent is best used at the end of a "car wash" lane. Douse enemies in acid, gold, fire, poison, and electricity before freezing them and taking them down.
• Cursed Ground - Cursed Ground has a lot of similarities in use to the Briar Patch. It's a floor trap that damages enemies and gets stronger the more you damage enemies with it. In the case of the Cursed Ground, it's a wider area, but it doesn't expand. Although, there is a Thread that allows it to expand as if it were Bramble. It would honestly be an S Rank with Bramble, but getting that thread is a roll of the dice. Not being able to count on that holds it back a bit. However, it's still a very strong floor trap for busy paths.
• Bomb Dispenser - One of the things that really makes this trap stand out is how useful it is from higher up. Most wall traps only attack horizontally, meaning they're useless if you put them higher than the floor. Bomb Dispensers, however, make a great addition over a wall of scorchers or Magic Orbs. The decorative lion heads will spit bombs down onto the floor and bring havoc to your enemies. It's an exceptional second wall trap in any build.
• Shock Zapper - This is a powerful ceiling trap. It has a huge range, which is useful for higher ceilings that still let you apply traps. It's also great for targeting flyers. Plus, electricity is one of the few damage types that works well on heavily armored enemies, so it's useful for that as well.
• Molten Gold - This trap might be more personal preference, but the value it puts out can be extremely strong. You won't want a lot of them in your setup, but a few at the start of a trap-laden hallway is a great start. They apply Shiny, which is a unique damage type that adds to your combo. It also makes enemies that die under the effect capable of dropping extra rune coins during your run. The extra cash can help you make even bigger and better trap setups, only requiring a hefty upfront fee to install.
• Tar Trap - Tar Trap is a classic Orcs Must Die! tool, slowing all enemies who walk over it. It also has a lot of versatile threads that can cause further slowing, or cause enemies to take extra damage from fire. It's great for placing in front of Briar Patches, except that it prevents those patches from extending forward. That's still useful for most places, but sometimes you want that stuff to really spread.
• Poison Gas Emitter - There are two poison traps, and it was hard to really give one a higher score than the other. However, the Poison Gas Emtiter has a huge area of influence when it attacks. This can catch a lot of enemies at a time, with great combo potential and a lot of damage. If you don't think you can fit it into your ceilings with other traps you're using, that's totally understandable. The Poison Flower is a good alternative.
• Wall Scorcher - There's nothing much to say other than this does exceptional fire damage. You'll burn your enemies down and stock up on combos. Just don't put this around Briar Patches. It doesn't hurt them, but it causes enemies to speed up when they're on fire. That gets them off the briar faster, which makes them slightly less useful.

B Rank Traps

These traps are usually great when you have a gap somewhere, like if you need another wall or ceiling trap. They're also great for covering damage types. They're not bad by any means, but they don't quite pack the same punch as A rank traps. You might still find a favorite in here, though!

• Wall Charger - If your ceilings are too busy for the Shock Zapper, the Wall Charger is not a bad backup. The biggest flaw here is the reduction in range. It's still useful, and a bit cheaper, so don't be afraid to check it out.
• Rip Saw - This trap feels more fun than it is useful. Setting up a corridor with floor saws feels great, and their long range is very handy. However, Briar Patch is too useful to ignore. Rip Saw gets in the way at a certain point.
• Arrow Wall - This one hurts, it's a personal favorite from the original game. However, the reality is that it's just not very strong. It's versatile, it's solid, but it's not anything super special.
• Brimstone - Brimstone is great as a combo-focused floor trap. Throw in an acid shower and a Wall Charger, and you've got a great score building. Like the Rip Saw, it gets in the way of the Briar Patch. Because of that, and its more limited ability to do damage, the Wall Scorcher is kind of better in every way.
• Ceiling Laser - While this was easily a top-tier trap in Orcs Must Die! 3, it feels like it took a bit of a nerf for Deathtrap. It doesn't have the damage potential it used to, and armored enemies aren't nearly as prevalent. It's not terrible, but it also takes up a lot of ceiling space that could be dedicated to better traps.
• Morningstar Shooter - This trap has a similar use case to the Bomb Dispenser. Put it above your other wall traps and let it drop destructive morningstars onto your enemies. That said, it doesn't seem to be as powerful. Of course, it's smaller, so it fits into tighter nooks and crannies. If you don't have room for the Bomb Dispenser, switch up to the Morningstar Shooter for sure.
• Saw Blade Launcher - This trap looks fun, and it is! Sawblades bouncing all around is great to watch. They can also be set up in certain places for some really spectacular damage. Unfortunately, they're not as versatile. A lot of wide paths keep them from hitting their potential.
• Spike Trap - This is another classic Orcs Must Die! staple. And it's not bad, especially for the coin price. It doesn't quite manage to reach the potential of other traps, and doesn't do much for your Combo potential.
• Poison Flowers - As we mentioned earlier, this is not a bad replacement for the Poison Gas Emitter. It's great because it can fire at a range, and there's a thread that lets you place it on walls for more versatility. But it doesn't seem to poison as many enemies as the Emitter, so there are not as many use cases for it.
• Wall Blades - It's fun to dice up your enemies. And it's a rare narrow trap that can be placed in a lot of fun places. However, it's lack of Combo potential and range make it a hard recommend over several other wall traps.

C Rank Traps

These aren't terrible traps, but they have a lot more drawbacks. Primarily, these are all physics-based traps that are fun to watch. They all require a lot of space and coin, or don't contribute enough to your Combo total to be worth it.

• Steam Vent - A lot of players have gone to bat for the Steam Vent, but we don't see it. It's fun to use, and it's not bad for slowing enemies, but it doesn't have enough versatility for the cost.
• Push Trap - This one is so situational, and it rarely has a good space for itself. This is better as a stalling tactic than something that will clear out chunks of the oncoming hordes.
• Haymaker - A fun trap, to be sure. Unfortunately, it doesn't do enough. It doesn't effect bigger enemies without threads, it has a fairly long cooldown, and the damage output isn't there.
• Grinder - Another fun trap and a useful combo with the Push Trap. However, on its own, there are very few use cases for the Grinder.
• Hookshot - Another fun tool, but it's not fast or powerful enough. It is entertaining to watch it spear an orc and drag them over water or a ledge and then release them. We once had it hold them over an acid geyser for a time, which honestly felt more cruel than we were hoping for. Poor little orcs!
• Minecart Dispenser and Tracks - This is actually two trap slots. One for the Dispenser, and another slot for the Tracks. You can create some super useful halls with devastating minecart crashes, but it requires too much to utilize. Two slots, a lot of money to get up and running, and then it's not very effective. It is super fun to watch, though, which is the only reason it's not a D rank trap.
• Ceiling Pounder - It's a bit basic for our tastes, but it can be handy now and again. The biggest problem is that many ceilings simply aren't low enough for this to be effective.
• Swinging Mace - While this is easily the best version of the Swinging Mace in the entire series, it still remains difficult to spend space on. One swinging mace could be three different Molten Gold dispensers that will earn you a lot more Rune Coins and Combo Points.

D Rank Traps

These traps aren't great right now. There's little to no reason to use them.

• Ice Lance - This is just too expensive and too slow. The ice effect seems to be very situationally useful. Even then, there's really no reason not to have few Auto Crossbows instead and rely on the Ice Vents to freeze enemies.
• Flip Trap - Catapulting your enemies has never felt so useless in this series, and it's a shame. It really comes down to a lack of situations where you can sling your enemies into other traps or an abyss.
• Spike Wall - It's big, it's expensive, and it's too slow. There's not a lot of damage or stopping power here for the resources.

The post Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap: All traps, ranked appeared first on Destructoid.

Split Fiction, Hazelight Studios' latest game, puts players in control of two up-and-coming authors trapped in the pages of their own interweaving stories. The game's yet another fine addition to the rapidly expanding "cozy couch co-op" scene, but I bet some players will want to tackle this literary odyssey solo.

Does Split Fiction have a single-player mode?

I'm afraid I have bad news for gamers who like to play solo: Split Fiction does not have a single-player mode. Following the pattern set by Hazelight Studios' previous titles, A Way Out and It Takes Two, Split Fiction puts all its chips on the cooperative experience. This isn't a game where co-op is a fun side feature; it's an integral part of the experience, one you won't be able to enjoy alone.

Going through games single-player isn't a matter of preference for some players. Trust me, I know; sometimes, it's hard to find someone willing to sit down and play a game with you, even if you have a perfectly comfortable couch to play them on. Luckily, Hazelight Studios has given players an easy way to play Split Fiction with friends through online multiplayer.

How to use the Friend Pass in Split Fiction

Split Fiction is available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S, and every version comes with a Friend's Pass you can download for free. With this add-on, you and a friend can play through Split Fiction over the Internet. Here's how to play with another player online with the Split Fiction Friend Pass.

• Purchase a copy of Split Fiction on any platform.
• Ask your friend to download the Split Fiction Friend’s Pass on their platform of choice.
• Load up Split Fiction
• Send an invitation for your session to the friend

Once you've got your friend to join your session, you can play through Split Fiction from start to finish. Split Fiction supports cross-platform play, so you can run the game on PC while your partner joins in through PS5.

The post Can you play Split Fiction single-player? appeared first on Destructoid.

Tony Hawk's Pro Skater series was a childhood staple for 1999-2000s kids. Fans relived the nostalgia with the 1 + 2 remaster, and now, Pro Skater 3 + 4 is set to bring it back once again.

Cancel your summer plans—Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 drops on July 11, 2025. Everything you know and love about this skating world has been completely revamped with the new-gen consoles, modernizing its classic graphics from the PlayStation 2, GameCube, Game Boy Advance, and Xbox days.

Out of all the expected features, I'm sincerely hoping the original soundtrack returns. My music taste first took shape the minute I stepped into Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3's universe. I just remember repeatedly playing "If You Must Song" by Del the Funky Homosapien, and I still find myself listening to it to this day. The rest of the soundtrack is golden, with hits like "Blitzkrieg Bop" by The Ramones and "Alien Ant Farm" by Wish. Although the Reveal Trailer mentions a 'New and Legendary Soundtrack,' it seems as if the original will be a part of it. It even uses Tony Hawk's Pro Skater's 3's "Ace of Spades" by Motörhead as the lead song.

Hopefully, Tony Hawk Pro Skater's 4's soundtrack will also remain relatively the same, which is another classic gem that expanded my musical horizons. Though, I'm intrigued to see what other songs will enter the picture, especially since Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2 remaster mixed in the old with the new.

In addition to the killer soundtrack, get ready for fresh maps, new characters, and mind-blowing tricks that will take your skating experience to a whole new level. Classic maps, such as Alcatraz, College, and Foundry, are also included in the remaster. You can test out the latest HAWK mode, a new competitive game that allows you to go against fellow players.

Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 + 4 will be available on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PS4, PS5, PC, and Nintendo Switch. Pre-purchase to score three days of early access before the July 11th launch. Plus, acquiring the Deluxe Edition will unlock the Doom Slayer and Revenant as playable characters. So, grab your board, crank up the music, and get ready to shred like never before.

The post Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 release date revealed, and I’m hoping the original soundtrack makes a comeback appeared first on Destructoid.

Dragon Ball FighterZ was critically and commercially successful, introducing countless players to fighting games and the community surrounding the genre. Currently, gamers are acquiring the Arc System Works title for free through what appears to be an unintentional loophole.

The loophole that they're using to acquire the game is quite simple. For active Xbox Game Pass users, the Xbox One version of Dragon Ball FighterZ is free to download through Xbox's free play days promotion. After launching the game app, players meet with a menu featuring the option to upgrade to the game's Xbox Series X|S version. Selecting to upgrade adds both versions of DBFZ to the player's owned games library.

Twitter user @Wario64, whose account focuses on advertising deals for cheap games, discovered the workaround. His post met with skepticism towards its validity in the comments, and some gamers claimed the loophole didn't work for them.

The workaround is still possible presently, and neither Microsoft nor DBFZ developer Arc System Works has yet to acknowledge the exploit. Although it's feasible that both entities are unaware of what's going on, that scenario seems unlikely.

It's currently unclear if there are plans to fix the loophole or if players who acquired the game in this manner will ultimately lose access. Definitive answers will have to wait until Dragon Ball FighterZ Free Play Days access ends March 2 at 11:59 pm PST.

The post A strange loophole lets Xbox Game Pass users get Dragon Ball FighterZ for free appeared first on Destructoid.

Genshin Impact has a new combat event in Version 5.4 that challenges even the most hardened veterans. And this time, there’s an exclusive event namecard on the line. Here’s an overview of all stages in the Realm of Tempered Valor event so you can snag that namecard for yourself!

Realm of Tempered Valor rules explained

First, a brief overview of the event overall. There are a total of five combat stages. Each stage consists of a gauntlet of 25 floors. Starting on floor 1, your goal is to fight your way up the floors as far as you can. The higher you go, the tankier the enemies. 

There’s a 30-second time limit for each floor. Failing to clear a floor in 30 seconds ends your challenge right there. On the other hand, clearing a floor with time to spare lets you skip a few floors ahead, streamlining your progress. You'll need to reach floor 20 to earn the platinum medal and all event rewards.

You will earn some buffs during your challenge. If someone on your friend list has cleared floor 20 of a stage, you will obtain an ATK buff. Just walk through the red orb before you start your challenge. At certain floor milestones, you will also see a green orb and a blue orb. The green and blue buffs are single-use only. The green buff restores some of your team’s HP, while the blue buff restores some Energy or Fighting Spirit. Use them wisely; they’ll disappear once you pick them up.

Food buffs are also allowed. Try cooking up some Adeptus' Temptations (+ATK/CRIT Rate), Gilded Tajine (+Max HP), and some potions. You can stack the effects of one offensive buff, one defensive buff, and one potion.

You can also cast certain character abilities before actually starting the challenge. Once you're in the arena, set up support skills like Bennett's buff and Xiangling's Pyronado before you interact with the key to summon the enemies. This shaves off a precious few seconds of setup so you can start dealing damage the moment your enemies load in.

Stage 1: Nightsoul Blessing

The first stage demands on-field DPS characters from Natlan. If your character deals damage while in the Nightsoul Blessing state, they will gain a massive DMG buff and deal a bit of additional Pyro damage. Some team suggestions include:

• Mavuika - Citlali/Kazuha - Xilonen - Bennett
• Mualani - Xilonen - Bennett - Xiangling
• Chasca - Furina - Ororon/Fischl - Bennett
• Kinich - Emilie - Bennett - Zhongli

The Mavuika team in particular is incredibly effective. The fastest clears for this stage all feature Mavuika as an on-field DPS. If you don’t have Mavuika, bring any other on-field DPS with Nightsoul mechanics. Brute-forcing this stage without using the Nightsoul buffs will be extremely difficult.

Another tip – when facing the Avatars of Lava (ball-shaped rock/lava monsters), focus on applying as much Pyro as possible. When the red circle by their health bar fills up, they will be instantly defeated. C6 Bennett is great for this since his Burst infuses melee attacks with Pyro. Kazuha is recommended, too, since his Burst can absorb Pyro for some additional application.

Stage 2: Melt, Vaporize, Frozen

The second stage encourages Melt or Vaporize teams. Melt and Vaporize reactions deal increased damage, and triggering Melt, Vaporize, or Frozen grants an ATK buff. My suggested team is:

• Arlecchino/Mavuika - Citlali - Xilonen - Bennett

This is the only team I see represented in my leaderboards. If you don’t have Citlali, try Furina instead. Otherwise, bring your most powerful Pyro DPS and hope for the best. Hydro DPS will not work, since some enemies are immune to Hydro. 

Stage 3: Swirl

The third stage encourages the use of Swirl, but it’s better to use your strongest DPS character rather than focus on Swirl damage. Consider the Swirl buffs a nice bonus. Some suggested teams include:

• Mavuika - Xilonen - Bennett - Kazuha
• Neuvillette - Xilonen - Furina - Kazuha
• Arlecchino - Kazuha/Xilonen - Citlali - Bennett/Furina
• Wanderer - Faruzan - Furina - Bennett

If you don’t have either Mavuika or Neuvillette, just bring your strongest team. None of the enemies are immune to any particular element, so this stage really is just a DPS check.

Stage 4: Healing

The fourth stage grants players an ATK buff when they receive healing. This is another stage where it's best to use your strongest team, as long as there's a healer in there somewhere. Some teams that I've seen do well include:

• Mavuika - Xilonen - Citlali/Furina - Bennett/Venti
• Arlecchino - Kazuha/Xilonen - Citlali - Bennett/Furina

It's worth noting that HP-scaling DPS units like Mualani and Neuvillette don't benefit from this stage's buffs. You need both healing and an ATK-scaling main DPS.

Stage 5: Nightsoul Burst

The fifth stage is another Nightsoul stage. This time, though, you can also use off-field Natlan characters to trigger the buff. This lets you run a non-Natlan on-field DPS together with Xilonen or Ororon. Team suggestions include:

• Neuvillette - Xilonen - Furina - Kazuha
• Arlecchino - Xilonen/Kazuha - Citlali - Bennett/Furina
• Mavuika - Xilonen - Citlali/Furina - Bennett
• Mualani - Xilonen/Kazuha - Bennett - Xiangling

There's more flexibility for this stage than the others. As long as you have a Natlan character of any element in your party, you'll be able to take advantage of the buff. Bring the strongest team you have — or you can just bring Mavuika like every other stage.

How to get the namecard in Realm of Tempered Valor

For the first time since 2022, you can earn a free event namecard through the Realm of Tempered Valor event. It’s called Celebration: Scorch, and it depicts a little Tepetlisaurus punching an Abyss Mage in the face. Adorable.

To earn the Realm of Tempered Valor namecard, you need to clear a total of 100 floors across all stages of the event. This means shooting for at least 20 floors on each stage. If you can’t quite make it to 20 on certain stages, you can try to make it up on other stages. You might have a strong team that’s better suited for the latter stages, so don’t worry if you fall a bit short early on.

The post Genshin Impact: Realm of Tempered Valor event platinum guide appeared first on Destructoid.

The March 2025 games lineup is going to feel like a Pheonix Down for RPG lovers with standout games like Atelier Yumia and The First Berserker: Khazan to look forward to. There's also a collection of remasters for beloved RPGs from Konami that may finally see the light of day on modern platforms.

Missed out on releases from last month? Check them out here.

Assassin's Creed Shadows (PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, iOS)

Publisher: Ubisoft
Developer: Ubisoft Quebec and others
Price: $69.99
Release Date: March 20
Trailer

To start us off, the epic open-world RPG Assassin's Creed Shadows takes us to feudal Japan on March 20. Many have requested this location in the series for decades and they're finally getting it. We'll explore gorgeous scenery and enjoy a dynamic world along the way as Ubisoft says that there will be "unpredictable weather, changing seasons, and reactive environments" on the Steam page.

There are two main protagonists in the game, including the more aggressive up-front warrior Yasuke and the more tactical, stealthy Naoe. Both may provide entertainment for those who want one or the other in the Assassin's Creed series. The storyline seems to matter as well. "Something I noticed throughout my preview that I wholeheartedly didn’t expect, is that your choices seem to actually matter, even if Assassin’s Creed Shadows doesn’t immediately highlight that," said our preview, which explains more.

Atelier Yumia: The Alchemist of Memories & the Envisioned Land (PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Switch, PC)

Publisher: Koei Tecmo
Developer: Gust
Price: $69.99
Release Date: March 21
Trailer

Despite the overly long name, Atelier Yumia: The Alchemist of Memories & the Envisioned Land features an exciting open-world RPG to explore on March 21. You'll craft items to help you on your journey through alchemy, breaking down objects in the environment to proceed, and fighting enemies in turn-based action. An interesting mechanic thrown into the mix is that your synthesized items can be turned into different shapes like swords and spears that can give you the upper hand in battle. Atelier Yumia is a big deal for Xbox fans as this will be the first game in the series to arrive on Microsoft's platform.

The First Berserker: Khazan (PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC)

Publisher: NEXON
Developer: Neople
Price: $59.99
Release Date: March 27
Trailer

The First Berserker: Khazan is another RPG in March, which seems to be catering towards the Souls-like crowd with vicious combat, difficult bosses, and a neat cel-shaded art style. This also seems to be for Dungeon Fighter Online fans as this game takes place 800 years before that particular game. You'll have all manner of weapons at your character's disposal as you carry on through the difficult action title, such as dual-wield swords, spears, and greatswords, which all seem engaging to use. There's currently a demo on Steam you can play to get a sneak peek of what's in store.

Split Fiction (PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC)

Publisher: EA
Developer: Hazelight Studios
Price: $49.99
Release Date: March 6
Trailer

It Takes Two and Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons developer Hazelight Studios is back at it with its co-op formula in Split Fiction and this time, it will be crossplay between all platforms. That means if someone buys the PS5 version, their pal can then try out the game as a partner for free on Xbox Series X|S, PC, or another PS5. InSplit Fiction, Hazelight Studios is treating us to a platformer filled with levels inspired by a mix of sci-fi and fantasy-themed worlds.

Two writers get stuck in a virtual reality universe created by their narratives and must find a way to escape. While strangers at first, the two grow a friendship that will likely be tested. Hopefully, the game lives up to its predecessor and The Game Awards GOTY winner, It Takes Two. Maybe this is one of the March 2025 games that will be nominated for Game of the Year this winter.

Suikoden I & II HD Remaster Gate Rune and Dunan Unification Wars (PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Switch, PC)

Publisher: Konami
Developer: Konami
Price: $49.99
Release Date: March 6
Trailer

After many years of waiting and paying extortionate prices for the original games to resellers, Suikoden fans and those interested in trying this series can finally pick up these two classics on modern hardware. Despite being decades old, the second game's story sounds current to this day. "Its characters pursue their causes — often fighting for their homeland in an extension of a war that’s touched generations — with vigor and grim nobility," said a prior Destructoid article by Ray Porreca in 2018. "More than any other role-playing game of its era, Suikoden II acknowledges and builds upon the underlying humanity of its cast."

These classic RPGs will gain a bunch of modern enhancements to improve your experience. It will have HD background illustrations, updated effects that "breathe new life into the pixel art animation," according to the Steam listing, and new environmental sound effects. There's also an auto-save feature and battle fast forward functionality. It's probably the highlight out of the many March 2025 games for those who like retro.

Honorable Mentions

An indie game that should be everyone's radars is Wanderstop. It is a "cosy" game by the creator of The Stanley Parable, that comes with a twist. You play a warfighter who finds work at a tea shop, creating cool drinks by obtaining resources around the area. However, she doesn't want to be there, and the story seems to grow from that premise.

Also, those birds in the screenshot above look quite angry, wouldn't you say?

Other March 2025 games you should look into include:

• Two Point Museum (PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC) - March 4
• Carmen Sandiego (PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Switch, PC) - March 4
• Everhood 2 (Switch, PC) - March 4
• Sugardew Island (PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Switch, PC) - March 7
• Wanderstop (PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC) - March 11
• WWE 2K25 (PS4, Xbox One, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC) - March 14
• MLB The Show 25 (PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Switch) - March 18
• Bleach Rebirth of Souls (PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC) - March 21
• Killing Floor 3 (PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC) - March 25
• Atomfall (Xbox Series X|S, Xbox Onne, PC) - March 27

The post March 2025 is a joyous month for RPG lovers, here’s why appeared first on Destructoid.

Skeleton warriors and swashbucklers, that's pretty much all you need for a good pirate adventure, right? Well, it looks like there's more than just that on the horizon for Trident's Tale, a newly-revealed single-player outing from Italian studio 3DClouds.

While the announcement trailer below is mostly focused on cinematics, you'll get a quick peek at how it plays near the end. There's naval combat — for which you can customize and upgrade your ship — with cannon duels and sea monster battles, as well as island exploration. As you traverse land and sea, you'll be able to recruit various characters to further expand your pirate crew and boost your odds of survival in a rough world. 

This isn't 3DClouds' first crack at high seas adventure. Under publisher Team17, the developer released King of Seas in 2021, ultimately ending up with mixed reviews on Steam. 3DClouds has dabbled in a bunch of licensed work over the years, too, including Blaze and the Monster Machines: Axle City Racers, Fast & Furious: Spy Racers Rise of SH1FT3R, TRANSFORMERS: Galactic Trials, and other similarly-styled arcade racers. They also brought send the pups on another mission to stop Mayor Humdinger in 2023's PAW Patrol World.

With Trident's Tale, they're really putting an emphasis on its distinction as a single-player action-adventure. The announcement describes it as a game with "no live service nonsense or multiplayer," touting a "tight 10-15 hour campaign." We'll find out how that campaign plays out when it hits PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and PC this May. 

The post Trident’s Tale revealed as new seafaring pirate adventure for consoles and PC appeared first on Destructoid.

The Baked Carp is a simple two-star dish in Disney Dreamlight Valley that will keep your character going throughout the day when consumed. However, you can also sell it for quite a few Star Coins and get some Dreamlight tasks completed while doing so.

Where to find Baked Carp Disney Dreamlight Valley ingredients

To create Baked Carp in Disney Dreamlight Valley, you'll need to collect the following ingredients:

• Carp
• Butter

Both are relatively easy to find within the original valley of the game. Thankfully, you won't need any DLC like The Storybook Vale to access them. Carp can be fished from the waters of the Forest of Valor and Sunlit Plateau. It may take a while to find this fish as Salmon (which can be used to make Apple Cider Glazed Salmon) and Perch end up on the other side of the line more often than not. You'll need to fish within white water ripples in these biomes.

Make sure to take a friend with you who has the fishing specialty. It was only natural for Goofy to be great at fishing due to his summer trip with his son Max in The Goofy Movie. With this fishing specialty, you have a chance to double your catch, and it increases your friendship level with valley residents.

Butter can be easily bought from Remy at his restaurant Chez Remy. From behind the stove, you can purchase the ingredient for 190 Star Coins on a stand.

How much does Baked Carp sell for?

Once you have both ingredients, head to any cooking station at your house or Chez Remy, for example, and throw them into the pot. You'll magically have Baked Carp ready to serve. You can sell it for 767 Star Coins or eat it for 1,894 Energy.

The post How to make Baked Carp in Disney Dreamlight Valley appeared first on Destructoid.

Sibling rivalries aren't usually settled with ordnance, but most siblings aren't world-renowned assassins.

Anna Williams is officially returning to the franchise in Tekken 8, and Bandai Namco heralded her re-entry with a new gameplay trailer.

Anna retains her Chaos Judgement stance and mixups out of crouch from previous games and sports new wrinkles. Along with Tekken 8's universal heat mechanics, she has new moves centered around the rocket launcher she carries into battle.

Anna uses the RPG judiciously in her moveset for its projectiles and as a melee weapon. She even has a new stance using the firearm that can be cancelled into Chaos Judgement, creating some nasty mixup opportunities and combo routes. Hitting an opponent with an RPG move leaves a purple aura on them, which could be a debuff or damage over time mechanic. However, the rocket launcher isn't just a tool for combat, and Anna holds it so dearly it has a name: Lovely Tom. This name stems from Anna's love for the slapstick comedy cartoon Tom and Jerry.

Anna continues her 30-year-long rivalry with her sister, Nina, and forms a new one with season 1 DLC character Lidia Sobieska. Anna's rivalry with Lidia is due to their mutual interest in fine dining, which might threaten the assassin's standing as the best chef in Tekken or allow her to cement it.

A mid-March Tekken Talk will go over Anna's movelist and mechanics in greater detail before she is available for early access on March 31 and fully released on April 3.

The post Anna Williams Brought a Rocket Launcher to a Fist Fight appeared first on Destructoid.

We've grown accustomed to the idea of a Photo Mode to play around with in gaming. They're standard in many titles nowadays. But it's always a bonus feature. With the upcoming Lushfoil Photography Sim, photo mode is the game.

At a recent showcase, publisher Annapurna Interactive made a few announcements, such as Sayonara Wild Hearts coming to PS5 and a new game from Katamari Damacy creator, Keita Takahashi, called To a T. But the one that stuck out for me was the aforementioned photography simulator.

For a chance to tap into your inner David Bailey, Lushfoil Photography Sim will offer the chance to "explore diverse landscapes, play with camera settings, and capture the perfect shot." Having just recently played Firewatch for the first time – which does give your player a camera to take a few pictures here and there – it feels like this is taking things to the next level.

Coming this April

Developed by keen shutterbug Matt Newell, Lushfoil Photography Sim is described on Steam thus:

Experience detailed, true-to-life recreations of beautiful and diverse locations around the world. Trek through and explore environments to capture stunning vistas and landscapes with your fully-featured in-game camera. Each environment is filled with objectives to reward players that have a good eye for angles and perspectives, and hidden secrets for those who are patient and observant.

It is, as you can glean from this, a walking simulator, but with an emphasis on capturing the surrounding beauty. Walking sims have been around for several years now and although not always popular due to their stripping away of typical gameplay elements, they're often noteworthy for their storytelling capabilities.

It's hard to know how to define LPS (as I've taken to call it, just now) outside it being an opportunity to take digital photos of digital – albeit beautifully crafted – worlds. Personally, I think it will offer something of a much-needed break from some of the more fast-paced and stress-inducing games out there.

If you want to check it out, Lushfoil Photography Sim is scheduled to release on April 15 (according to the PlayStation blog post above) and will be available on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S.

The post Lushfoil Photography Sim takes Photo Modes/Walking Simulators to their logical conclusion appeared first on Destructoid.

Of all the remarkable titles in Capcom's impressive portfolio, the Monster Hunter franchise stands out, with Monster Hunter: World at the forefront, boasting millions of copies sold. The next chapter in the saga has come with Wilds, an epic RPG that promises to be the series' most extraordinary adventure yet.

Although I joined the Monster Hunter series a bit late, having only played World in recent years, I was pleasantly surprised by how easy it was to start as a relative newcomer. Jumping into a long-running series like this can sometimes be overwhelming, but fortunately, that wasn't the case with Wilds. There's no lore dumping to throw you for a loop, nor do the mechanics veer into overly complex territory. Everything is easy to understand, even for someone like me who isn’t the best at RPGs.

Monster Hunter Wilds (PC, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5 [reviewed])
Developer: Capcom
Publisher: Capcom
Released: February 28, 2025
MSRP: $69.99

The monster-slaying journey begins with the captivating story of Nata, a young boy in need of rescue after fleeing from a fearsome beast. You'll find him at the borders of the Forbidden Lands, a place once thought to be uninhabited, yet this child claims to have lived there. As a member of the Hunter's Guild, you're tasked with helping Nata find his way back to his lost village and uncover the secrets behind the enigmatic monster that has been tormenting him. Joining alongside you is Alma, your personal Handler who keeps you on track with quests, and Gemma, the smithy extraordinaire who takes care of weapons and armor.

You'll then dive into the one aspect every RPG player has lost themselves in for countless hours: character customization. It's pretty amazing how detailed the Monster Hunter Wilds avatar system is, covering almost every aspect of coloring down to the hue, saturation, and brightness. Sizing is also thrown in there, letting you determine different parts of the body both horizontally and vertically.

Veteran players will encounter classic armor sets, including Leather, Chainmail, and the newly introduced Hope gear. While I am impressed by the realistic designs of the game's characters, the feline companion, Palico, is the real seller. They captured my heart in World, and now they've done so again in Wilds, bringing an adorable charm to its monstrous world. I'm a sucker for cats; what can I say?

Once the avatar customization is taken care of, you'll jump straight into the action as you control the new mount, the Bird Wyvern Seikret. You'll use it to guide you to a tremendous monster showdown, giving you the power to wield one of the 14 weapon types. It's almost impossible for you not to find a weapon designed for your playstyle, from the high-damaging Long Sword to the ranged Heavy Bowgun.

I went with the Dual Blades, one of the best tools any mobile enthusiast could ask for. Wielding it made me feel unstoppable, effortlessly darting across the battlefield and unleashing a flurry of devastating strikes. The moveset to inflict a monster's wound, in particular, is a marvel to watch as you perform a spinning attack across a beast's body. It almost reminds me of the legendary takedowns in Attack on Titan.

Whenever I defeated one of the many creatures in the game, I was ready to tackle the next one immediately. The combat is not only captivating but also incredibly addictive, leaving me craving more after each fight. Initially, I thought the concept of repeatedly defeating monsters might become tedious. However, in all my hours in Monster Hunter Wilds, it never got old. One of the biggest reasons for this is the fact that each monster is different from the last. They all have their own weakness, combat strategies, and a unique environment to switch up the pace every single time.

One moment, I’m locked in a brutal showdown with the octopus-like Black Flame amidst the blistering heat of Oilwell Basin, and the next, I’m soaring through the electrified chaos of Windward Plains, facing off against the fearsome Flying Wyvern, Rey Dau. The battlefield is relentless and ever-changing—like I’m Gandalf, standing tall against the Balrog in The Lord of the Rings.

You can bet that each battle becomes more challenging than the last, especially when the monsters are capable of one-hit kills. Luckily, you can rely on support from the multiplayer system or the Palico, who has the makings of one of the best companions I've had in a video game. They always come in clutch with healing and find ways to knock the enemy off their feet with a trap. Plus, you can use the environment to your advantage, from bringing down a pile of rocks onto enemies to using an elemental bug to counter a weakness.

It all becomes even more worth it when it's time to carve up some new gear with the monster pieces you've acquired. I love the anticipation of seeing what new outfit I would unlock with every fight, including a furry armor from the Doshaguma and the reptilian gear of Chatacabra. However, I will admit that the clothing can be unusual, especially with the Palico's K-Pop idol-like outfit. But, hey, a little weirdness never hurt anybody.

When you’re not caught up in the chaos of battle, you’ll find some well-deserved downtime at the Base Camp, where you can explore the vast, sprawling regions. The map is quite massive, offering unique locations like the molten forge of Azuz Village, the secretive Wudwud Hideout nestled deep in Scarlet Forest, and the winter wonderland of Iceshard Cliffs. Each area is teeming with hidden treasures, whether it’s a perfect fishing spot or the thrilling discovery of a new monster. I particularly loved scavenging ingredients and unlocking fresh recipes that added new flavors to my cooking adventures.

The Seikret mount turns travel into a seamless experience, particularly with its handy auto-run feature. Whenever I didn’t need to take in the sights, I’d just mark my waypoint, kick back with some videos on my phone, and let the Seikret do all the heavy lifting. Look, sometimes my attention span can wander during those long treks, so having a feature like this is a lifesaver.

It’s not that the world of Monster Hunter Wilds isn’t breathtaking—it absolutely is. I love how every region shifts and evolves with each biome, adding a variety of colors that blend together quite nicely. The cast of characters also breathes some life into each destination, where there's always a story to uncover at every corner. It's been a treat getting to know the residents across the Forbidden Lands and seeing how each approaches this monster lifestyle differently.

So, whether you’re eager to dive into the Monster Hunter universe for the first time or you’re a long-time fan seeking a new adventure, Monster Hunter Wilds offers everything you need for an unforgettable experience. Capcom has truly outdone itself with yet another exceptional game that you won't want to miss. I enjoyed every minute of my playthrough from start to finish, and there's even more stuff to discover with its fun-filled end-game content.

The year 2025 is shaping up to be a remarkable time for RPGs, with hits like Avowed and Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2. Monster Hunter Wilds will likely seal the deal, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see it take the top spot in Capcom's collection.

The post Review: Monster Hunter Wilds appeared first on Destructoid.

At the end of October, after PC fans had been enjoying the game for several years, Phasmophobia finally came to console. Now, you could get your ghost-hunting fright on via Xbox Series X|S or PS5, but there was one vital piece of the puzzle missing: voice recognition.

Part of the game's immersive appeal is being able to elicit a ghost response by talking to it over a microphone directly or through the Spirit Box item. This was not the case if you were playing on console. Fortunately, developer Kinetic Games has finally added voice recognition to the PlayStation and Xbox ports of Phasmophobia.

As noted in the most recent patch notes, v.0.11.1.2 implements the much-needed VOSK system on console. It also adds it to the PS VR2 version of the game. Now, you'll be able to do the following:

• Utilize the Spirit Box by speaking phrases such as "Are you friendly?" and "Give us a sign" to communicate with the ghost.
• Use Curse Possessions such as the Ouija Board to interact with the ghost and the Monkey Paw.
• Say the ghost’s name or other recognizable phrases near the ghost to be provided with a chance to increase the ghost’s activity for a short time.

More on the way

The update says a multitude of languages are now supported on PS5 and Xbox Series (with more on the way), including:

• English
• French
• Italian
• German
• Spanish
• Brazilian Portuguese
• Japanese

While we're at it, Kinetic also recently revealed the update roadmap for Phasmophobia. Long-time fans have been looking forward to new content and the developer's ongoing commitment to the game.

There are a bunch of exciting things coming our way, such as a complete rework of the Bleasdale and Grafton farmhouse locations, an overhaul of the playable characters, new ways to capture and gain bonuses for evidence in the upcoming Chronicle update, and a brand-new map.

That last one is particularly noteworthy, seeing as Phasmo recently had a new map in the form of the Point Hope lighthouse. Typical, isn't it? We wait all this time for new levels, and then two come along at once.

The post Phasmophobia update enables voice recognition on Xbox and PS5 appeared first on Destructoid.

It's almost clobbering time in Marvel Rivals. The Thing of the Fantastic Four is set to join the hero shooter's roster in the Season 1.5 update. He's also about to crumple the Vanguard meta like a greasy hoagie wrapper with a seismic set of skills.

The Thing is Marvel Rivals' first un-stunnable Vanguard

I don't think anyone was shocked when it was "revealed" that The Thing was a Vanguard. Ben Grimm was always a bruiser, even before he was blasted with cosmic radiation and grew a second skin of stone. However, many of us were surprised when we discovered the character is built around demolition and allied buffs.

Here's a more in-depth look at The Thing's abilities in Marvel Rivals.

The Thing is with one of Marvel Rivals' most character-appropriate toolsets. The Fantastic Four's resident rock-head has always been the supportive bedrock that holds Marvel's First Family together. He can reduce a city block to rubble in seconds, but his top priority in combat is putting himself between his surrogate family and anything and anyone stupid enough to threaten them.

Like Captain America, The Thing is all about charging into the swamp of battle, using his bulk to withstand hits and knock enemy combatants out of key positions. However, The Thing's disruption option is miles better than the First Avengers. With proper positioning and timing, Yancy Street Charge can shut down agile Duelists like Spider-Man and Star-Lord, leaving them wide open for a Stone Haymaker that could send them rag-dolling to the other side of the map.

Let's be honest, though; everyone's eyes are on that passive. Besides sniping them from a distance, one of the best ways to deal with Vanguards is to disrupt them with launch-up or knock-back and close in for the kill. Unyielding Will makes The Thing utterly immune to one of the primary ways of downing his class, and it's sure to make him a nightmare for Iron Fist mains.

The Thing is coming to Marvel Rivals on February 21, 2025, rounding out the Fantastic Four alongside the Human Torch. If I had to guess, it won't take long for players to learn why so many Marvel fans love The Thing.

The post Marvel Rivals: The Thing’s Move Set and Tips appeared first on Destructoid.

Things are about to boil over in Marvel Rivals. Johnny Blaze, aka The Human Torch of the Fantastic Four, is making his long-awaited debut in the game's big Season 1.5 update. And he's got skills that will, pun intended, set the game's competitive meta ablaze over the coming weeks.

The Human Torch is already Marvel Rivals' best Zoner

To the complete and utter shock of absolutely no one, the Human Torch is a Duelist. Like many of the best Duelists in Marvel Rivals, Johnny's mobility and ranged options are his major draw. Sue Storm's loud-mouthed younger brother is a flyer on par with Iron Man, Star-Lord, and Storm, and his dominant form of offense is flinging fireballs at the opposing team from a distance.

Here's a more in-depth breakdown of Johhny Storm's abilities in Marvel Rivals.

I wasn't all that wowed when I heard rumors that the First Family's youngest member was coming to Marvel Rivals. Don't get me wrong; I love Johhny Storm as a character, but I wasn't sure how or if the team at NetEase could make him stand out in Marvel Rivals' busy Duelist scene. Luckily, I don't think that anymore.

One thing that The Human Torch's gameplay trailer made clear is that Johnny's all about zoning. Outside of being some delightful fan service, The Human Torch's Pyro-Prison could be a red-hot pain in the neck for the opposing team. Many of Marvel Rivals' heaviest hitters' best attacks are area-of-effect bombardments, so having the ability to corral the enemy team into one easily combo-able herd gives the Human Torch some major support potential.

The Human Torch's Team-Up attacks are also worth talking about. The top comment from the gameplay trailer sums up Omega Fire's insane damage-per-second potential pretty nicely, "Healer mains are watching that Storm team-up in absolute horror." We haven't seen United Siblings yet, but it look like players are about to have yet another reason to play Mister Fantastic and Invisible Woman.

The Human Torch is coming to Marvel Rivals on February 21. 2025. This update is also going to add Johnny's rocky-skinned surrogate brother, The Thing, to the roster and give players a new map to try them both out in.

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