Nvidia's new 50-series graphics cards just aren't as good at running certain older games as previous hardware generations were, some PC gamers have discovered. With its latest generation of GPUs, Nvidia has quietly removed support for PhysX, a physics simulation technology that was used in a number of popular titles in the early 2010s.
In a Reddit post, as spotted by The Verge, one user questioned why PhysX was suddenly turned off by default, or when turned on was forced to run on the CPU--causing major performance issues in games designed for GPU-enhanced PhysX. Responding to a post on the Nvidia forums, the company confirmed that PhysX has effectively been discontinued, due to Nvidia ending support for 32-bit CUDA applications for 50-series graphics cards and future generations. While the end of support for 32-bit CUDA was noted in a brief support article, Nvidia never explicitly mentioned the impact to PhysX, or noted which games might be impacted with the sunsetting of this technology.
PhysX's GPU-accelerated physics tech was acquired by Nvidia in 2008, and its realistic simulation of moving cloth, liquids, smoke and fog, and shatter particle effects was implemented in a number of popular AAA games of the time--including Borderlands 2, Assassin's Creed Black Flag, the Batman: Arkham trilogy, and the first two Metro games.
A couple of years ago, the idea of PlayStation-exclusive games being ported to PC would have seemed highly unlikely, but times have changed. Insomniac's Spider-Man games, Housemarque's Returnal, and the Horizon series are just a few of the big PlayStation properties that have recently made their way to PC since 2020, and former PlayStation boss Shuhei Yoshida recently spoke about how doing so was almost like having a license to print money.
"Releasing on PC does many things: it reaches a new audience who do not own consoles--especially in regions where consoles are not as popular," Yoshida said in an interview with Sacred Symbols+ (via Push Square). "The idea is that those people may become fans of a particular franchise, and when a new game in that series comes out, they may be convinced to purchase a PlayStation. It also adds additional income, because porting to PC is way cheaper than creating an original title. So, it's almost like printing money. And that helps us to invest in new titles now that the cost of games has increased."
The benefit to Sony's push into PC gaming is that it has also allowed it to reach very lucrative markets like China, where PCs are far more popular than consoles. "China is a growing but very small console market. In order to reach the audience in countries like China then it's crucial to release on PC. So, I believe PC versions really reach a new audience," Yoshida added.
Author George R.R. Martin, who was involved in coming up with some of the lore of From Software's Elden Ring, has commented on the possibility of the game becoming a movie.
Speaking to IGN, Martin said he "can't say too much about it," but did indeed confirm that there is "some talk about about making a movie out of Elden Ring."
In Hollywood, nothing is certain, so no one should get their hopes up to see an Elden Ring movie soon, or ever. Martin acknowledged this, saying "we'll see" if the movie "comes to pass." Even if an Elden Ring movie does materialize, Martin said he's not sure what the extent of his involvement could be. "I don't know," he said, before going on to acknowledge that he's "a few years behind" on his long-awaited Winds of Winter. "So that limits the amount of things that I can do," he said.
Feeling nostalgic? Then check out one of the many retro game collections at Best Buy. Each one features numerous classic games in a single package, giving you a chance to relive everything from timeless RPGs like Final Fantasy, classic Capcom arcade fighting games, and more. Yu-Gi-Oh fans will also want to check out the newly released Early Days Collection that's packed with over a dozen Game Boy and Game Boy Advance games and includes an exclusive Yu-Gi-Oh trading card. If you need help sifting through the massive catalog, we’ve compiled a list of several notable retro game collections available at Best Buy.
Atari 50: The Anniversary Celebration Expanded Edition
$32 ($40)
This collection pulls together over 90 games across a variety of Atari platforms. This includes:
Asteroids
Breakout
Centipede
Cloak & Dagger
Crystal Castles
Missile Command
Pong
And more.
You’ll also get various commentaries about many of the games, giving you a chance to learn more about the history behind these iconic creations. Other notable features include archival footage, new interviews with former Atari employees, and a handful of new games inspired by the classics.
There are three versions available. The standard edition is available for $20 on Switch and includes all the above game and bonus content. There's also an Expanded Edition that includes 39 more Atari games and additional bonus content available for $32 on Switch and $34 on PS5. There is also a $50 steelbook Switch version that adds physical collectibles like art cards and mini marquee signs.
This upcoming collection of classic Capcom fighting games includes:
Capcom vs SNK
Capcom vs SNK 2
Capcom Fighting Evolution
Street Fighter Alpha 3 Upper
Power Stone
Power Stone 2
Project Justice
Plasma Sword: Nightmare of Bilstein
Each game features online connectivity so you can jump online for multiplayer brawls. There’s also a bunch of quality-of-life updates (like mid-match save states), plus a variety of art and museum galleries giving you a chance to explore the history of Capcom’s fighting games when you’re not button-mashing. Preorders are available for the Switch and PlayStation version.
Disney made some brutally difficult games back in the day, and now you can relive three of them with this collection that includes:
The Lion King
The Jungle Book
Aladdin
This collection gives you a chance to play both console and handheld versions of all three games. There are also both 16-bit versions of Aladdin and 1080p support for all games--making these retro hits a great match for modern TVs. The collection is rounded out with a soundtrack, behind-the-scenes features, and enhancements like a “rewind” feature.
Final Fantasy I-VI Collection: Anniversary Edition
$55 ($75)
This collection pulls together all-new pixel remasters of the first six Final Fantasy games:
Final Fantasy
Final Fantasy II
Final Fantasy III
Final Fantasy IV
Final Fantasy V
Final Fantasy VI
Physical versions are available on Switch and PS4. Along with updated 2D graphics, the collection features an upgraded UI, an art gallery, and a music player. There’s also a comprehensive bestiary filled with info about the many creatures inhabiting the world of Final Fantasy.
Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy - Definitive Edition
$60
We’re still waiting for GTA VI, but you can bide some time with this trilogy collection. It includes:
Grand Theft Auto 3
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
All three have been modernized with a new remapped control scheme based on GTAV, plus upgraded lighting, high-resolution textures, and improved draw distances.
Check out seven retro games with this modernized Jurassic Park Collection. The games included are:
Jurassic Park 8-bit
Jurassic Park Portable
Jurassic Park 16-bit
Jurassic Park Genesis
Jurassic Park Part 2: The Chaos Continues 16-bit
Jurassic Park Part 2: The Chaos Continues Portable
Jurassic Park: Rampage Edition Genesis
All entries in this collection benefit from modern updates. You’ll now have access to a new save system, in-game maps, and various other quality-of-life enhancements. With Jurassic Park Rebirth heading to theaters later this year, now is a great time to check out these classics.
The cult-classic action-adventure series Legacy of Kain finally returned last year with a remastered collection of two of the best games in the series, Soul Reaver and Soul Reaver 2. The collection originally launched as a digital-only title, but physical PS5 and Switch versions are launching on June 13, and are available to preorder.
The remastered versions include the option to play with enhanced graphics or the original PS1 and PS2 visuals, which can be swapped between at the press of a button. There are also helpful tweaks like a new compass and world map for easier navigation. You also get a bunch of behind-the-scenes content like concept art galleries, fan art, and even clips of voice over recording sessions.
The standard edition is available for $30, and there's a $50 Deluxe Edition that includes a Steelbook case, artbook, soundtrack CD, and collector's box.
Preorder Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1&2 Remastered at Best Buy
Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics
$40 ($50)
This nostalgic bundle includes numerous Marvel-themed arcade fighting games made by Capcom, each of which features modernized tweaks and bonus content. The seven games in the Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection are:
Marvel vs. Capcom Clash of Super Heroes
Marvel vs. Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes
Marvel Super Heroes
Marvel Super Heroes vs. Street Fighter
The Punisher
X-Men Children of the Atom
X-Men vs. Street Fighter
On all seven titles, newcomers can enjoy enhanced training modes, and veterans can jump online for multiplayer brawls. The collection also features a gallery of over 500 pieces of art from each game's development, including some never-before-seen illustrations and concept pieces.
This collection includes the first three Metal Gear Solid titles, plus two of the earlier Metal Gear games and a host of extras. Here's a look at the games inlcuded:
Metal Gear
Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake
Metal Gear Solid
Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty
Metal Gera Solid 3: Snake Eater
You’re getting more than just three games, as the collection includes a screenplay book featuring in-game text for each title, a Master Book with character and story details, and more.
If you gotta go fast, then you gotta check out this impressive Sonic collection that features four iconic Sonic games from the Sega Genesis and Sega CD, plus 12 Sonic titles from the Sega Game Gear handheld. The main four games include:
Sonic the Hedgehog (16-bit)
Sonic the Hedgehog CD
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (16-bit)
Sonic 3 & Knuckles
It comes with plenty of enhancements, too, such as HD support, new playable characters, and a variety of challenge modes. There’s also a museum section filled with various behind-the-scenes content, plus a 20-page art book and reversible case cover.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Cowabunga Collection
$25
Check out 13 classic TMNT games with this enhanced retro collection. Along with a bunch of quality-of-life updates, you’ll have access to the following games:
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (Arcade)
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Turtles in Time
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (NES)
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Arcade Game
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III: The Manhattan Project
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Tournament Fighters
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles IV: Turtles in Time
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Tournament Fighters
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Hyperstone Heist
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Tournament Fighters
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Fall of The Foot Clan
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: Back From The Sewers
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III: Radical Rescue
Select games in the bundle feature online play and local coop, making this a great bundle if you’re seeking a retro multiplayer experience. There are also new button mapping options and a wealth of sketches and artwork if you’d like to learn more about the games’ development.
Tomb Raider I-III Remastered lets you relive the original three games in the long-running action-adventure series. Enhanced versions of all three games are included, alongside bonus chapters for each. Here's what's included:
Tomb Raider I + Unfinished Business
Tomb Raider II + Golden Mask
Tomb Raider III + The Lost Artifact
All three games let you swap between enhanced high-resolution graphics and the original lo-fi visuals with the press of a button. If you’re a longtime fan, check out the Deluxe Edition for $50 to get a collector’s box, steelbook, exploration map, digital soundtrack, and greatest hits CD.
It's also worth mentioning that a second collection, Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered, recently launched and is available if you want to continue Lara Croft's adventures.
Check out three quirky platformers in one with this Ty the Tasmanian Tiger bundle. It gets you:
Ty the Tasmanian Tiger 2: Bush Rescue HD
Ty the Tasmanian Tiger 4: Bush Rescue Returns
Ty the Tasmanian Tiger HD
Though Ty never quite found the same success as Mario or Sonic, the mascot still starred in several great video games. Along with updated graphics and controls, you can explore a new Hardcore Mode that’s a perfect fit for longtime fans. Other game modes include Time Attack, Turkey Chase, and Danger Arena, giving you plenty of ways to enjoy its platforming chaos when not working through Adventure Mode. There’s also a Deluxe Edition that comes with a soundtrack voucher for all three games plus a softcover artbook.
Relive the early days of Yu-Gi-Oh with this upcoming bundle featuring 14 Game Boy and Game Boy Advance titles. Here’s a look at what’s included:
Yu-Gi-Oh: Duel Monsters
Yu-Gi-Oh: Duel Monsters 2
Yu-Gi-Oh: Mosnter Capsule
Yu-Gi-Oh: Dark Duel Stories
Yu-Gi-Oh: Duel Monsters 4
Yu-Gi-Oh: Dungeon Dice Monsters
Yu-Gi-Oh: The Eternal Duelist Soul
Yu-Gi-Oh: Duel Monsters 6
Yu-Gi-Oh: The Sacred Cards
Yu-Gi-Oh: Reshef of Destruction
Yu-Gi-Oh: Stairway to the Destined Duel
Yu-Gi-Oh: World Championship Tournament 2004
Yu-Gi-Oh: Destiny Board Travleer
Yu-Gi-Oh: Trials to Glory
Enhancements for this bundle include rewind and fast-forward functions, the ability to save your game anywhere, and a digital gallery with box art and game manuals for all 14 titles. As a bonus, you’ll get one of two Quarter Century Secret Rare Harpie’s Feather Duster TCG cards.
Looking for something else? A bunch of remasters and remakes of classic games are also available at Best Buy, offering new ways to experience a nostalgic adventure, like Resident Evil 4, System Shock, and the upcoming Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater. Check the list below for even more.
A water elevator might not be one of the first base upgrades you make in Minecraft, but it's incredibly useful once you understand how to design one. What it does is allow you to vertically travel quickly over vast distances. The primary use for a water elevator is to get up and down a mine shaft from your base or go somewhere else underground. However, the elevators can also be used to ascend to high locations above ground.
Whatever your use case for a water elevator, you can see a step-by-step guide for how to make one in Minecraft below.
Gathering the right resources
Before you start construction on your water elevator, you need to gather all the necessary materials to build it. You can find a list of everything you need for the water elevator below:
Glass blocks (the number depends on how high you want the elevator)
Any kind of sign (you need at least two, more if you want both an up and down elevator)
Bucket of water (two for both elevators)
Kelp (bring the same number of Kelp as the height of your elevator in blocks)
Gravel (two for both elevators)
Soul Sand (for an up elevator)
Magma Block (for a down elevator)
The two most difficult resources you'll need are Soul Sand and a Magma Block. Both can be found in the Nether but the Magma Block can also be mined in the overworld as well. Aside from those blocks, gathering the Kelp for a high elevator can be challenging. If you want a particularly high elevator or both and up and down elevator, you'll need quite a lot of it.
Building the foundation
Once you have the resources required to build a water elevator, it's time to get started building one. For demonstration purposes, we've made our water elevator out in the open, but the steps can be applied for a mine shift or anywhere else as well.
If you're planning to make both an up and down water elevator, then follow the steps below to set it up:
Place Glass blocks down as high as you want the elevator.
From where your Glass blocks are, skip a block and put the same number down to the right or left. Repeat this step again, giving you three columns of Glass blocks.
Put the same number of Glass blocks down behind each of the three columns.
Now, place Glass blocks down behind the further back columns. However, you don't want to put them directly behind the columns. Instead, place them behind the columns to the right or left, making a shaft for the water to go down.
You should now have the basic structure of an elevator.
With all that done, head to the top of the elevator. Place Glass blocks all the way down the empty columns in the middle but stop placing them two blocks away from the ground. This prevents the water from escaping the sides of the elevator.
Finally, use four signs and place them on the inner side of the Glass blocks in the columns. This fully prevents water from leaking out.
If you only want to build one water elevator, which can only go up or down, then simply ignore one of the outer columns.
Running the water down the elevator
With your water elevator now looking like ours in the screenshot above, it's time to run the water down. Using your water bucket(s), empty the water down the shaft(s). The water will run free until all the way to the bottom, being fully stopped by the signs and Glass blocks.
If your water is leaking out, you either didn't place the Glass blocks correctly or your signs aren't in the right spots. The water should be flowing freely from the top to the bottom.
Placing Kelp in the elevator
If your water is running down the elevator, it's time to get out your Kelp and Gravel. To start, replace the bottom block of either water elevator column with Gravel. Once that's done, place Kelp down on it and flow up the elevator, continually putting Kelp down on top of the last one. Repeat this process until you're all the way at the top of the elevator. Repeat this process again for the other elevator if needed.
Swim through the water in your elevator to ensure all the Kelp is placed and accounted for before moving on to the next step.
Adding Magma and Soul Sand
With the Kelp placed in the elevator, head back to the Gravel and get rid of it. This will cause the Kelp to disappear as well. In the Gravel's place, put a Magma Block and/or Soul Sand. A Magma Block creates a down elevator while Soul Sand creates an up elevator.
Once the Gravel has been replaced with either of those blocks, you should start to see bubbles form in each elevator. This means the process worked and the elevator has been completed. If you enter the elevator, you should be able to go up if you use Soul Sand. By going to the top of the Magma Block elevator and jumping down, you'll swiftly head down to the bottom of the elevator.
Congratulations, you've successfully installed a water elevator in Minecraft, which is one of the most efficient ways to get around.
With each new season, the Fortnite weapons and loot are greatly overhauled. This, of course, is the most exciting part of the game for many players--learning which guns are the best alone, best to group in their inventories, and where they might find the rarest items. Fortnite weapons in Chapter 6 Season 2 are no different in that way.
There's a ton of new ones to suit the season's action-movie heist theme. It's a little bit GTA, a little bit Fast and Furious, and a whole lot of new weapons to show for it. Here's a rundown of the loot pool in Chapter 6 Season 2, from vault-exploding thermite to the armored truck-halting, dirt-digging rocket drill.
New Fortnite weapons in Chapter 6 Season 2
The list of new toys is a long one this season. Thermite can be used to crack a vault--and in fact is the only tool for doing so, though the Plasma Burst Laser can help speed up that process by removing some of its weaker points before the thermite is applied.
The new Pump & Dump dual-wielding shotties (arriving in a few weeks with the first major patch of the season) feature a crypto-scam-inspired name. Thus, they perfectly embody this season's GTA-like vibes.
There's a new mobster-themed melee weapon called The Kneecapper, and it helps you move around faster, longer, and jump higher, much like last season's katana.
A Rocket Drill is coming in that first big patch, too, and it sounds like you'll be able to get around quickly with it, perhaps making it this season's new favorite traversal item.
For sharpshooters, the new Falcon Eye Sniper will likely be favored, while those seeking something more all-purpose may instead opt for the Collateral Damage Assault Rifle and the Outlaw Shotgun, the latter of which arrives in that aforementioned patch in a couple of weeks.
Tying in with the Fortnite Chapter 6 Season 2 battle pass character, Sub-Zero from Mortal Kombat, you can also find Sub-Zero's Kombat Kit, granting you an icy slide ability and frosty fists--for post-Reboot-Van revenge best-served cold, I imagine.
Epic has not yet revealed which weapons from past seasons--if any--are sticking around. Lately, it seems like the team opts to launch with mostly new loot, then unvault some favorites as the season progresses. For example, you can clearly see a grenade launcher in the debut trailer for the season, but there's no mention of it just yet.
New utility items
It's not just about the guns you carry, but the gadgets, too. This season reimagines some classics and introduces some brand-new toys.
The Pulse Scanner will help you ping enemies--personally, I will carry this or past items like it every time I find them--while Port-A-Cover will give players in both build mode and Zero Build a quick defensive answer to an offensive enemy, team, or NPC.
For healing items, a never-before-seen Med-Mist Grenade lets you chuck stuff at your teammates to their benefit. Just no aiming for the face. You can even find Gold Splash, which grants nearby players the Gold Rush ability (and 20 healing) as detailed in our Chapter 6 Season 2 overview.
Lots more in Fortnite Chapter 6 Season 2
Fortnite Chapter 6 Season 2 is just arriving, so you know even all these changes aren't all the season has in store for players. A lot more can be expected as the season unfolds between now and when it ends on May 2. For now, however, be sure you've seen it all and done it all with our Fortnite Chapter 6 Season 2 map changes guide.
Keep scrolling for more images of the new Fortnite weapons and loot.
The new Fortnite map is here, giving the island a GTA-like makeover with several tightly-packed city elements, Black Markets to shop at, and new vehicles driving around with lots of loot up for grabs.
In this guide, we'll show you the new map, its places of interest (POI) you've not seen before, and show you which parts of last season's island are coming back mostly intact. First, let's take a look at those new POIs.
Fortnite Chapter 6 Season 2 map and new named locations
This season, the new named locations are centered around the west coast of the island, mostly situated in the center portion of that coast. From north to south, the new POIs are:
Lonewolf Lair
Shiny Shafts
Outlaw Oasis
Crime City
Crime City will give the season a vibe akin to past cityscape POIs seen both last season, with the returning Seaport City, as well as the fan-favorite Mega City from Chapter 4.
Shiny Shafts are likely where players will locate many of the gold veins, which can be struck with a pickaxe to collect the Gold Rush effect, as explained in our Chapter 6 Season 2 overview.
Lonewolf Lair, meanwhile, sounds like it's the lavish home to this season's Big Bad--who just so happens to literally be a big, bad wolf, Fletcher Kane. You can see him and other characters in our Fortnite Chapter 6 Season 2 battle pass gallery.
Outlaw Oasis sounds like it'll be the hub for the anti-heroic heist crew that rounds out most of the battle pass lineup. The good guys need their haven too, after all.
Returning locations in Chapter 6 Season 2
With these four new spots taking up real estate, that gorgeous purple forest of last season is gone, but many other dazzling locales remain. Here are the returning spots from northwest down to southeast:
Whiffy Wharf
Flooded Frogs
Magic Mosses
Pumped Power
Demon's Dojo
Brutal Boxcars
Foxy Floodgate
Seaport City
Shining Span
Shogun's Solitude
Canyon Crossing
Masked Meadows
Hopeful Heights
Kappa Kappa Factory
Like other recent chapters that have maintained a distinct overarching inspiration, it seems Chapter 6 will cling to its Japanese inspirations even as each season tends to bring seismic shifts one region at a time.
New sights and sounds of Fortnite Chapter 6 Season 2
As always, it's not just about the new places to go on the Fortnite island, but also the new things to see and do there. This season's Fast and Furious-like ambitions bring a lot of high-stakes action to the island.
Armored Transport convoys can be seen moving high-value loot from A to B in each round, and it's up to you and your fellow crooks to decide if or when to yank it from the unsuspecting drivers. You can even hijack the armored trucks themselves, which should provide a nice buffer between you and the dozens of other players on the island.
Even the train has been outfitted with armor, giving the past train loot stashes more of a neo-western aesthetic now. You'll need some of the new Fortnite weapons in Chapter 6 Season 2 to pull off these major loot hauls, not to mention a disciplined team by your side.
For a better look at some of this season's new locales and sights to see, keep scrolling.
Fortnite is offline right now, but fortunately it's not because anything is wrong. Quite the opposite, in fact--Fortnite is down because of routine scheduled maintenance that Epic does with every update. In this case, the update is a big one: the launch of Fortnite battle royale Chapter 6 Season 2, featuring major changes to the island, piles of new weapons and gadgets, and the arrival of Sub-Zero from Mortal Kombat.
Chapter 6 got off to quite a bang during Season 1, as Fortnite introduced the permanent OG mode with its own separate battle pass, and also the Counter-Strike-esque Ballistic mode. In January, the season ramped up once more with the addition of the player-controlled Godzilla boss and the arrival of Hatsune Miku in Festival. But all things must come to an end--we had our fun with the ridiculous Typhoon Blade, but now it's time to move on to less civilized weapons, like the big drill weapon we saw in the trailer.
Fortnite Chapter 6 Season 2 start time
When the servers come back up, it'll be Lawless season, which is all about committing armed robbery. That's right, it's Fortnite's fourth heist-themed season. But where the past seasons like this had more of a classy bent, Lawless season is going to be more in the vein of Grand Theft Auto--mayhem is the name of the game here.
Commanders are essential to your empire's growth and survival in Civilization VII. Without them, you'll have to control dozens of military units one by one, which can cause dysfunction and confusion if you're heading into war. By using your Commanders properly, you'll be able to earn XP for them by defeating enemy units. This in turn allows you to unlock new Promotions for your Commanders, which give them specific skills and abilities.
Every Commander has five dedicated skill trees with five to six abilities in each of the trees. While you'll eventually be able to unlock all Promotions for your Commanders, there are some you should target before others. Below, we'll go over three Promotions you should unlock first for both the Army Commander and the Fleet Commander in Civilization VII.
Army Commander - Initiative
The first Promotion Point you want to spend for the Army Commander is Initiative, which is located under the red "Assault" category. Initiative allows your units to move after they are deployed from the Commander. This is a huge bonus, as sometimes it takes time for your Commander to get to a combat situation and if you have to take multiple turns to unpack your units and then have them attack, they could take massive damage as a result.
With Initiative, your Commander can arrive, unpack the units, and then you can attack with all of them on the same turn. Not only does this protect your units from more damage, but it allows them to attack before an enemy can.
Fleet Commander - Weather Gage
Weather Gage is located under the green "Engagement" category of the Fleet Commander's Promotion Points. It does the same exact thing as the Initiative Promotion for the Army Commander. After unpacking your naval vessels from the Fleet Commander, they can move and attack on the same turn. This is especially useful for naval ships, as you often need to arrange them strategically in the water to attack a fortified district on land or other units in the water.
Army Commander - Mobility
The next Promotion Point you want to spend for the Army Commander is Mobility, which is the first skill in the orange "Manuever" category. Mobility is a skill designed for Commanders that you plan to send all over the map, going from encounter to encounter. The skill gives your Commander another movement tile every turn while on land. It also ignores any movement restrictions from terrain when your units are packed with the Commander. So if you come across a river or mountain range, your Commander can still move freely and farther with the Mobility skill equipped.
Mobility is not a skill you want to unlock for Commanders that you plan on keeping stationary at a settlement. For those Commanders, I recommend unlocking Zeal, the first skill in the blue "Leadership" category. Zeal increases all of a settlement's production yields by 5% when a Commander is stationed there.
Fleet Commander - Naval Artillery
It's time to venture into the red category, which is all about increasing your combat strength for a Commander's units. Specifically for the Fleet Commander, the best early Promotion Point to spend is on Naval Artillery. This skill gives your naval units a +5 to Combat Strength when they are within the Commander's movement radius and attacking a fortified district. Fortified districts refer to most enemy capitals in a settlement.
Going for Naval Artilley allows your naval units to deal more damage to these capitals, which can in turn help your land units claim the capital and the settlement for your empire.
Army Commander - Rout
Similar to the Naval Artilley, the Rout skill is under the red "Assault" category for an Army Commander and is centered around improving your unit's combat strength. Rout gives your infantry units a +2 to Combat Strength when in the Commander's radius and attacking. Infantry units refer to units containing soldiers that fight with their hands instead of at range. Any unit that wields a sword or can only attack when in the adjacent tile counts as an infantry unit. You can read the description of a unit if you need to know for sure that it's infantry.
Rout allows your infantry units to deal more damage when they attack an enemy while being near a Commander. Why that's important is fairly self-explanatory, but this could turn a stalemate into a major victory during a combat engagement.
Fleet Commander - Warships
Warships is the final Fleet Commander Promotion we recommend you target first. This skill is located under the yellow "Logistics" category and gives you a 15% increase in the production of naval units when your Fleet Commander is stationed in a city. Naval units, especially ones during the Modern Age, can take forever to produce, sometimes exceeding 10 turns. With the Warships skill, you can cut down on that time significantly, allowing you to produce more ships at any one of your coastal cities.
It's important that you station your Fleet Commander with the Warships skill at a coastal city and not a town. If you station the Fleet Commander in a town, you can only purchase naval units, not produce them. The Warships skill specifies an increase in production, not a reduction in price. So by stationing your Fleet Commander with the Warships skill in a coastal city, you can then produce naval units much faster in that specific city.
The option to romance NPC characters in RPGs has been around for a long time, and even recent titles like Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 offer that feature to players. However, Avowed is bucking that trend by almost completely removing players' ability to court their companions. According to Avowed director Carrie Patel, she made the decision to downplay romance because she felt it takes away from the experience of playing the game.
While appearing on IGN's Unlocked podcast, Patel revealed that she believes the romantic options in RPGs "undermine that core experience" and practically invite players to focus more on the romance than on the story or even the characters themselves. Instead, Patel favored a more natural form of bonding with the player's companions that doesn't end with two characters in bed.
"My hope with players and their companion relationships in Avowed is that they would feel natural, and players would get out of them exactly what they want and exactly as much as they put in," said Patel. She added that it was supposed to be like "you're getting to know some new friends."
The Season 2 Reloaded update is live in Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and Warzone, bringing a crossover event with the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. This collaboration includes special TMNT-themed modes, bundles, and event rewards. You also can't have the turtles without their signature weapons, so the midseason update adds all their unique melee weapons. Below, we walk you through how to unlock them all.
Leonardo, Donatello, Raphael, and Michelangelo's operator bundles are live in Call of Duty's in-game shop. Each turtle's pack is a 10-item bundle priced at 2,400 CoD Points ($20) each.
The full TMNT crossover event with the reward tracks and limited-time game modes goes live on February 27. This event includes paid and free reward tracks, adding more TMNT skins to the game. Buying all of Call of Duty's paid TMNT skins will cost $90, but two Foot Clan soldiers are earned free in tiers.
In the meantime, here's how you can score all the turtles' weapons for yourself. You'll have a few options between Call of Duty's base versions of the melee weapons and the TMNT-themed blueprints. You can only have one of these base weapon challenges active at once, so it will take some time to grind enough XP to unlock them all.
Leo's dual katanas
Base weapon
The base version of the dual katanas can be unlocked via an Armory challenge unlock. You'll need to head to the game's Armory and manually select the Katana unlock challenge to get started. This is an XP-based challenge, and it takes 250,000 XP to unlock this weapon.
TMNT variant
Leonardo's TMNT-themed weapon blueprint for the dual katanas is part of his specific shop bundle. In addition to Leo's operator skin, his bundle includes two gun variants with blue tracers, an ooze-themed "Containment" weapon charm, the "Stoic Leo" emblem, an emote, and more.
Donnie's bo staff
Base weapon
The base version of the bo staff can be unlocked via an Armory challenge unlock. You'll need to head to the game's Armory and manually select the bo staff unlock challenge to get started. This is an XP-based challenge, and it takes 250,000 XP to unlock this weapon.
TMNT variants
Once the full event goes live, an additional TMNT-themed weapon blueprint can be unlocked in the $10 premium (paid) event track. This turns the bo staff into a cosmetic cane variant for Splinter.
Donatello's bundle features his special variant of the bo staff melee weapon, and two gun blueprints with purple tracers. The Bo-Staff Boogie finishing move, Half-shell weapon sticker, and "Donatello Rizz" animated emblem are some of the additional items included in the bundle.
Mikey's nunchucks
Base weapon
The base version of the Nunchaku melee weapon can be unlocked via an Armory challenge unlock. You'll need to head to the game's Armory and manually select the Nunchaku unlock challenge to get started. This is an XP-based challenge, and it takes 250,000 XP to unlock this weapon.
TMNT variant
Michelangelo's signature nunchucks are bundled with his operator skin. Two gun blueprints are included with orange tracers to match. The bundle also includes the "Nunchuk Chop" finishing move, a spray, emote, animated calling card, and more.
Raphael's sais
Base weapon
The base version of the sais can be unlocked via an Armory challenge unlock. You'll need to head to the game's Armory and manually select the Sai unlock challenge to get started. This is an XP-based challenge, and it takes 250,000 XP to unlock this weapon.
TMNT variant
Raphael's sais are bundled with his operator skin. Two gun blueprints are included with red tracers to match the turtle. Additional items include Raphael's "Quick Skills" finishing move, the "Kickin' It" emote, custom reticle, frag skin, calling card, and emblem.
Skateboard melee weapon
Whether in the city streets or down in the sewers, the Ninja Turtles love to skate, so Season 2 Reloaded also adds a skateboard melee weapon.
Both versions of the skateboard are available to unlock during the TMNT event. The base version is unlocked in the free pass, and the "Sewer Surfer" variant of the skateboard is a reward in the paid pass.
A new version of the Dungeons & Dragons Monster Manual, one of the seminal tabletop RPG's most important source books, was released earlier this week. This is the first new version of the book in a decade and is the third new entry in the D&D 2024 Edition Core Collection along with the new 2024 Player's Handbook and 2024 Dungeon Master's Guide that launched last year--and just like those other releases, the new Monster Manual is compatible with D&D 5E books and supplemental materials. You can pick up the 2024 Monster Manual for $49.47 at Amazon.
The hardcover Dungeons & Dragons 2024 Monster Manual includes stats blocks, lore, and other information for over 500 unique monsters for your D&D campaigns, including 75 all-new creatures. The book also offers guidance on creating unique combat encounters and boss monsters, as well as blueprints for crafting humanoid NPCs. All that gameplay information is supplemented with over 300 pieces of art.
As mentioned above, Dungeons & Dragons 2024 Monster Manual is part of the new D&D 2024 Edition Core Collection. This updated version of the game--also known as 5.5E--is designed as an enhanced and streamlined version of D&D 5E. While the new 2024 editions of the Player's Handbook, Dungeon Master's Guide, and now Monster Manual all introduce new gameplay elements and tweaked rules, they are also backward compatible with 5E materials, including all rulebooks, adventure modules, expansions, and third-party 5E supplements. That also means you can use your existing 5E characters with the new 5.5E rulebooks.
If you're new to D&D or are considering updating all your books to the new versions, you'll find the other Dungeons & Dragons 2024 Edition releases at Amazon, including the new Player's Handbook and updated accessories like official character sheets and DM screen. The only book currently not available at Amazon is the 2024 Dungeon Master's Guide, but we expect it will be restocked in the near future. You can also purchase digital versions of the new 2024 Edition rulebooks via D&D Beyond.
Nintendo has released a new Switch OLED bundle featuring one of the console's best exclusive games: Super Mario Bros. Wonder. The bundle costs $350--the same price as the Switch OLED on its own--so you're essentially getting a digital copy of Nintendo's superb side-scrolling platformer for free. Mario Wonder still regularly sells for its full $60 MSRP. As an added bonus, the bundle also comes with a 3-month Switch Online individual membership ($8 value).
Nintendo typically only releases new Switch console variants or bundles during the holidays and alongside big game launches--such as the Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom-themed Switch Lite that launched last year. But with the Switch 2 slated to launch later this year, it makes sense that Nintendo would bundle the Switch with Mario Wonder to help move existing units.
The recent announcement that NetEase was laying off some of its US-based Marvel Rivals developers, including one of the game's directors, prompted concern and questions given that the hero shooter is performing well in the market with 40 million players. Now, a clearer picture of what's going on and the context behind the shocking decision is coming into focus.
Niko Partners analyst Daniel Ahmad published a report in which he offered his take. Ahmad said there is "some truth" to how various Chinese game companies are downsizing their US operations due in part to "geopolitical risks" under the new Trump administration. However, there may be more to the story. Ahmad said the "full picture is more nuanced" and might also reflect NetEase performing a "recalibration of its global strategy."
In addition to the layoffs at the Marvel Rivals team at NetEase is Seattle--under a dozen people were reportedly affected--NetEase made a number of other significant drawbacks to its global games business. Ahmad pointed out how NetEase either closed or scaled down funding for Ouka Studio in Japan, Worlds Untold in Canada, and Jar of Sparks in the US. More recently, Just Cause creator Christopher Sundberg's new studio Liquid Swords announced cuts, as did Halo Infinite co-developer SkyBox Labs in Canada. Both teams were funded in part by NetEase.
Microsoft has a long history of supporting gaming, Nadella pointed out, referencing how Microsoft Flight Simulator was a Microsoft product before the company even made the first version of Windows.
"So, gaming has got a long history at the company, and we want to be in gaming for gaming's sake. I always start by saying I hate to be in businesses where they're means to some other end. They have to be ends unto themselves," he said.
Nearly two decades ago, Valve expanded Steam to include third-party titles on its way to becoming the dominant marketplace for PC games. That attracted the attention of Amazon, which had previously used its online reach to become the No. 1 book seller. But when Amazon tried to use Prime Gaming to overtake Steam, it came up far short of that goal. Now, former Prime Gaming VP Ethan Evans has offered his perspective about why Amazon couldn't dislodge Steam from its perch.
Via PC Gamer, Evans shared a lengthy post on his LinkedIn account about Amazon's multiple attempts to supplant Steam over the years. He noted that Amazon's attempt to scale up its smaller online PC game store--Reflexive Entertainment--went nowhere; and buying Twitch couldn't convince players to make Prime Gaming their preferred PC games marketplace. Even Prime Gaming's game-streaming service, Luna, didn't make much headway despite allowing users to play games without a high-end PC. In the end, Evans concluded that Amazon underestimated Valve and didn't understand why players gravitated to Steam.
"[Steam] was a store, a social network, a library, and a trophy case all in one. And it worked well," wrote Evans. "At Amazon, we assumed that size and visibility would be enough to attract customers, but we underestimated the power of existing user habits. We never validated our core assumptions before investing heavily in solutions. The truth is that gamers already had the solution to their problems, and they weren't going to switch platforms just because a new one was available. We needed to build something dramatically better, but we failed to do so. And we needed to validate our assumptions about our customers before starting to build. But we never really did that either. Just because you are big enough to build something doesn't mean people will use it."
Are you enjoying Avowed? Are you also a fan of growing kits? What about fungus? Well, you're in luck, because Obsidian Entertainment and North Spore have revealed that they're collaborating on a limited-edition Avowed-themed growing kit. It's set to ship out sometime later this month.
The Organic "Spray & Grow" Avowed Mushroom Growing Kit is modeled after the Dreamthrall Elder Bear, an early-game boss in Avowed. In the game, the Dreamscourge disease has infected the Living Lands, and the bear has succumbed to its primal, savage urges. The infection causes organisms to sprout all over organisms, so a growing kit is certainly a thematically fitting collaboration.
The kit costs $30 and comes with one of three different mushrooms: blue oyster, pink oyster, or golden oyster--it's a surprise which one you'll get. According to the kit's specifications, it weighs four pounds and takes two weeks to grow. It lasts for six months and while the blue and golden oyster mushrooms can be refrigerated, the pink ones cannot be.
A new Pokemon Presents livestream has been confirmed for February 27 at 6 AM PT / 9 AM ET, and pocket monster fans can expect updates on new in-development projects related to the franchise. The Pokemon Company hasn't revealed any details on what will be shown exactly, but fans are expecting to see an update on the next big tentpole game in the franchise, Pokemon Legends Z-A, as well as sneak peeks at other spin-offs in the pipeline.
The Pokemon Presents livestream has become an annual tradition--these have been held every February since 2021--with additional Pokemon Presents being broadcast closer to big Pokemon game releases. Pokemon Legends Z-A is expected to be the main event, as it's currently scheduled for release on Switch.
We still have some burning questions for the second entry in the Pokemon Legends series, as so far, we've only seen a brief teaser trailer that heavily hinted at a return to the Kalos region that was introduced in Pokemon X and Y.
Marvel Rivals has been popular since it launched on PC and consoles in December 2024, partly thanks to its imaginative redesigns of familiar superheroes and supervillains. Naturally, Funko Pop is releasing its own versions of the characters, and the first batch is now available to preorder through Amazon and Entertainment Earth. There are four figures in Funko Pop's first wave of Marvel Rivals collectibles, including Iron Man, Magento, and Doctor Doom that are all available now for $12, plus a $25 special edition version of Galacta. All four release in May.
Like other Funko Pop figures, these feature a combination of the standard Funko design mixed with details from the Marvel Rivals character models. They're colorful and big-headed replicas, but there's a nice amount of detail on each one and a very vibrant selection of colors.
Conectar
