General News

MapleStory Classic World introduces a brand-new crafting system, allowing players to craft profession-specific gear without having to visit specific NPCs for every item. There is also a much wider variety of items to craft than before.

There are currently six crafting professions available to every player. You can craft your own gear, but it is best to understand how the system works before getting started.

How to Unlock Crafting?

Each crafting profession becomes available when your character reaches level 10, and you must complete the corresponding introductory quest to unlock it. Here is where to find each quest giver:

• In Perion, Silas Irons offers Smithing quest.
• Also in Perion, Mr. Thunder offers Weaponcrafting quest.
• In Ellinia, Francois offers Tailoring quest.
• In Henesys Market, Vicious offers Woodcrafting quest.
• In Kerning City, JM From tha Streetz offers Leatherworking quest.
• In Sleepywood, Chrishrama introduces Arcforge profession.

Weaponcrafting is a special case. You must first complete the apprentice quest given by Silas Irons, Smithing instructor. Only then will Mr. Thunder accept you and offer the introductory Weaponcrafting quest.

Meanwhile, Chrishrama, Arcforge instructor, is the only one located outside the four major job advancement towns. You must travel to Sleepywood to unlock this profession. However, it is best not to rush there at level 10, as you could get stranded in Sleepywood without enough mesos to make your way back.

Once you complete an introductory quest, you unlock Crafting Tier 1 for that profession. Every crafting action grants a certain amount of crafting EXP. Earn enough EXP to increase your crafting level and unlock recipes for better equipment and scrolls.

Starting at Crafting level 2, you must meet character level requirements in addition to earning crafting EXP. Your character level must be at least five times the target crafting level.

For example, unlocking Crafting level 5 requires your character to reach level 25. When crafting repeatedly, always make sure your character meets the level requirement. Otherwise, your crafting EXP will be capped at 100%, preventing you from leveling up and wasting any additional EXP earned.

Crafting Professions

Smithing

Smithing converts raw ores into ingots and allows you to craft a wide range of Warrior equipment, including gloves, helmets, shoes, and shields. It also offers three random recipes for level 30 Mage helmets.

You can convert five ores into one ingot. Unlocking all ingot recipes requires Smithing level 5 and character level 25, and every ingot you craft consumes mesos.

A good approach is to gradually turn any ores you collect into ingots to accumulate Smithing EXP. When you have enough materials and meet the crafting level requirements, crafting your own equipment can also save mesos compared with getting it from NPC shops while granting additional Smithing EXP. Aside from converting ores into ingots and crafting the equipment you need, there is little reason to deliberately push Smithing to a much higher level.

Weaponcrafting

Weaponcrafting converts ingots into screws and allows you to craft weapons for Warriors and Thieves. Some excellent mid-game weapons become available at Weaponcrafting levels 9 and 10.

One option for gaining EXP quickly in the early game is the level 1 Steel Pipe. It requires just one Iron Ingot and 1,500 mesos to craft. Selling it back to an NPC yields 1,500 mesos, so the actual cost is mainly the materials and the 100-meso crafting fee.

Weapons worth watching include level 40 claws available at Tiers 8 and 9, as well as level 50 claws and pole arms available at Tier 10. These weapons do not currently drop from any known monsters on Victoria Island, which means they could be in extremely high demand.

Players who reach higher Weaponcrafting levels early can craft these weapons and sell them for a substantial amount. However, reaching level 10 is extremely costly, with rough estimates suggesting that it could require around 500,000 mesos, depending on the ore market. You can also wait until you reach level 50 and then buy MSCW mesos to fund large-scale crafting.

Tailoring

Tailoring processes drops from specific monsters into processed cloth, which is primarily used to craft Mage shoes and gloves. It can also produce general equipment, including Work Gloves and Sand Blasted Jeans.

At Tailoring level 9, you can use 10 tablecloths dropped by Junior Ratz to craft one piece of processed cloth, but this is not a practical option in the early game. It is better to level up gradually using surplus materials while crafting equipment suitable for early-game Mages.

Woodcrafting

Woodcrafting primarily focuses on arrows and bows, but it also offers a small selection of beginner wands, staves, and wooden baseball bats. You can also craft your own arrows instead of relying on NPC shops.

Arrows and crossbow arrows can be converted into each other at a 2:1 ratio, helping you avoid wasting the type you do not need. However, converting arrows does not grant Woodcrafting EXP, so you cannot use this method to level up the profession.

The most worthwhile recipes are bows and crossbows requiring level 40 or higher, which become available from Woodcrafting Level 8 onward. Archers may want to level up Woodcrafting, although doing so is not easy.

Leatherworking

Leatherworking processes raw leather into processed leather, which is primarily used to craft gloves and shoes for Archers and Thieves.

Since crafting costs are high and leveling up is difficult in the early game, it is best to progress gradually using the materials you already have. Although some armor pieces available after level 30 cannot be obtained from NPC shops, they are not essential, so rushing to level up Leatherworking is generally not worthwhile.

Arcforge

Arcforge is arguably the most interesting profession because higher crafting tiers unlock scroll recipes. It also crafts the staves and wands needed by Mages and is currently the only way to obtain the best available staves.

One of its main functions is converting non-metal ores, such as Garnet Ore and Diamond Ore, into their corresponding gemstones at a 1:1 ratio.

Unlocking all ore-processing recipes requires Arcforge level 6. Converting large quantities of ore at once costs a considerable amount of gold, but it is also an effective way to earn Arcforge EXP. At level 2, you can craft one piece of processed parchment using three pieces of leather, which is required for subsequent scroll crafting.

By default, scroll recipes produce 100% scrolls. However, using a Scroll Crafting Catalyst gives you a chance to craft 60%, 10%, and 10% Chaos variants. Currently, Scroll Crafting Catalysts can only be obtained from Zombie Mushrooms.

Overall, it is recommended that all players raise Smithing to level 5 and Arcforge to level 6 in MS Classic World, while leaving the other professions at level 1 or 2. Deliberately leveling up specific crafting professions is generally not worthwhile, as the stat improvements are limited and the process wastes a considerable amount of mesos.

The first major update for Modern Warfare 4 is approaching, and it will be the launch of Season 1. This will be the earliest Season 1 launch in Call of Duty history. One reason for the accelerated schedule is reportedly to avoid overlapping with the release window of GTA 6.

The update will cover Multiplayer, DMZ, and Warzone, and it is expected to be substantial. We may see the official Season 1 announcement or promotional materials as early as Friday, October 30.

Season 1 Release Date

Season 1 is confirmed to launch on Friday, November 6, 2026, exactly two weeks after the base game releases on October 23.

Based on recent marketing activity and Battle Pass information, the expected launch times are approximately as follows:

• Pacific Time: November 6 at 9:00 AM
• Central Time: November 6 at 11:00 AM
• Eastern Time: November 6 at 12:00 PM
• United Kingdom: November 6 at 5:00 PM
• Central European Time: November 6 at 6:00 PM
• Japan/South Korea: November 7 at 2:00 AM

This is the first time a new Call of Duty season has launched on a Friday, as previous seasons typically debuted on Wednesdays or Thursdays. The official team may want players to jump straight into the new season after work or school and enjoy the content over the weekend.

Official roadmaps are usually revealed 6 to 7 days before a season begins, so the announcement may arrive after October 30 or Halloween, although it could also come earlier.

Battle Pass System

The Season 1 Battle Pass will undergo a major overhaul. The focus of rewards will shift away from regularly completing challenges and toward limited-time in-game events. You can buy MW4 Bot Lobbies to complete challenges quickly and avoid missing out on rewards.

Players will simply need to participate in these events to earn rewards, including Apex Attachments, weapon camos, and Operator skins.

Season 1 will also introduce a shared seasonal progression system across multiple games. This means that XP earned by playing MW4 Multiplayer, DMZ, or Warzone will contribute to the same Battle Pass progression, eliminating the need to grind levels separately in different modes.

Battle Pass will retain its free and paid tiers, with BlackCell serving as the highest-tier paid option and offering several instant unlocks.

Multiplayer Updates

In Multiplayer, Season 1 will follow the usual Call of Duty seasonal formula by introducing new maps and modes.

One previously leaked map is Shoot House, which appears likely to return in Season 1. As a smaller map with a fast pace, it is also well suited to grinding weapon camos and leveling up weapons.

Before Season 1 begins, the official team will also release some maps and modes to maintain player interest. These additions are not part of Season 1 itself:

• October 27: The classic map Shipment returns.
• October 29: The new Possession mode arrives.
• October 30: Infected returns in time for Halloween.

There is little information about Ranked Play so far. It may not arrive at the beginning of Modern Warfare 4 Season 1 and could instead launch with Season 1 Reloaded midseason update, potentially during the first week of December, approximately one month after Season 1 begins.

DMZ

DMZ is expected to receive a substantial content expansion, potentially including new DMZ Orders, new story missions, Dynamic Ops that can spawn at different locations, and upgrades and expansions to FOB.

What is confirmed is that the first new deployment map, X01, will arrive during Season 1. However, the official team has not clarified whether it will be available at launch or introduced with Season 1 Reloaded midseason update, which could arrive sometime in December.

The developers previously stated that X01 is essentially the equivalent of Building 21 in MW4 DMZ. During DMZ testing phase, Building 21 was a very small map known for its chaotic, fast-paced encounters.

X01 is expected to follow a similar design philosophy, contrasting with Hajin, a much larger map that will expand further in Season 2 through Russia expansion. Beyond the new map, the core DMZ gameplay loop is also expected to receive improvements.

Warzone

One of the most important parts of Season 1 will be the full integration of Warzone. Modern Warfare 4 content, including weapons and Operators, will be added to Warzone.

At the same time, the official team will introduce legacy updates for content from MW2, MW3, BO6, and BO7.

Gunsmith systems for these older weapons will be locked. Players will only be able to use preset five-attachment configurations or the corresponding blueprints, rather than freely customizing these legacy weapons.

Battle Royale

Hajin will arrive as a new Battle Royale map, set in a fictional region near the border between Korean Peninsula and Russia. It will also serve as a DMZ map in MW4, featuring areas with dense vegetation and dynamic weather to create more varied combat encounters.

The classic map Verdansk will also return and remain in the rotation alongside Hajin, giving players who prefer familiar terrain another option.

Resurgence

For Resurgence, the brand-new map Zodiac will launch in Season 1. The official team has specifically optimized visibility on this map by adjusting indoor lighting and reducing visual clutter.

The classic map Rebirth Island will also return and remain in the rotation, just like Verdansk. Another classic Resurgence map, Vondel, will not be available at the start of Season 1. The official team plans to bring it back in Season 2.

Warzone will also introduce a skin filter that players can enable to display only MW4 skins by default. This will help them avoid seeing crossover skins featuring characters such as Ninja Turtles and Teletubbies, along with some of the more exaggerated collaboration skins from previous Call of Duty games.

Overall, CoD Modern Warfare 4 Season 1 is shaping up to be a major update focused on delivering a broad range of content. More specific details for each mode will need to wait until the official roadmap is revealed. The official team is also expected to roll out extensive updates, bug fixes, and balance adjustments across all modes.

Following the full launch of Ultimate Scream event last week, FC 27 has rolled out Title Update v1.1 on October 27th to further optimize the overall gaming experience and ensure the event proceeds smoothly.

In addition to fixing major bugs that have recently surfaced, this update includes various optimizations across the game's three core modes, as well as improvements to fundamental gameplay mechanics.

To help you quickly adapt to the changes introduced in Update 1.1, we've outlined the key updates below.

Career Mode

Regarding user experience, Update v1.1 features a visual overhaul of the team management interface, improving navigation and the readability of on-screen information.

New settings have also been added for specific gameplay elements, such as unexpected events, giving you greater control and autonomy over your Career Mode experience.

In terms of gameplay, Rivalry Objectives section has been added to Player Career mode, featuring two distinct types of objectives that encourage you to engage with the game in new ways.

For Manager Career mode, the focus has been placed on transfers and negotiations: the feedback provided during negotiations has been clarified, and the logic governing contracts and player wage structures has been refined.

Finally, the development team noted that one issue remains under investigation: some players may still request a transfer due to a lack of playing time, even when they have already met their expected appearance targets. This is expected to be addressed in a future update.

Ultimate Team

Compared to Career Mode, the optimizations for Ultimate Team in Update 1.1 focus primarily on bug fixes, a necessary step, given that many aspects of this mode involve online matchmaking, where the likelihood of encountering bugs is higher.

Beyond that, the update introduces a change long-requested by players since the closed beta phase: the duration of the reveal animations for many high-OVR player cards has been shortened.

While pulling such a player is certainly a cause for celebration, there's no need for the reveal animation to be overly long. Beyond flashy appearances, you likely care more about whether new players can deliver tangible benefits to your squad.

Another piece of good news: following the release of Update 1.1, your filter settings will now persist as you switch between different SBCs. These settings will remain active throughout your entire gaming session unless you close the game.

It's worth noting that a steady stream of SBCs is being released during the current Ultimate Scream event, making this a highly effective improvement for your overall event experience.

Ultimately, however, your ability to complete a specific SBC depends on whether the players in your club meet the requirements.

To avoid running into last-minute hurdles, it's best to buy FC 27 coins in advance, allowing you to acquire the specific types of players you're missing from the transfer market.

The Grounds

Updates to The Grounds mode in Update 1.1 fall into two main categories: bug fixes and the introduction of new content.

Unfortunately, the new features are still in development and will be rolled out in future updates; Title Update v1.1 does not provide further details on what these might entail.

As for bug fixes, they address a range of issues, from visual glitches and display errors to stuttering during matchmaking. Given the diverse gameplay elements within The Grounds, the optimization process is naturally more complex.

Gameplay

In line with standard practice for FUT 27 title updates, version 1.1 does not include any adjustments to gameplay balance or player stats. Instead, the focus remains on optimizing the experience and resolving technical issues that could disrupt your matches.

Other highlights for this week

In addition to Update 1.1 (arriving on the 27th), a new free Evolution event, Rise From the Grave, launched this past Monday, the 26th. It is scheduled to run for 17 days.

Free means you don't need to invest any coins or points to significantly boost OVR and specific attributes of eligible RM/RW players.

Perhaps the most anticipated addition this week is Ultimate Scream Team 2, expected to arrive on Friday, October 30th. This marks the arrival of new player cards and signals the end of Team 1 release.

We therefore recommend acting quickly to collect any Team 1 players you've had your eye on, especially highly sought-after cards like Cristiano Ronaldo. Even if your squad doesn't currently lack a player of this type, his long-term potential value remains immense.

Beyond the new squad, the second week of FIFA 27 Ultimate Scream event will feature the launch of Ghoul Fest. Meanwhile, the collection and redemption of Scream tokens will continue, be sure to plan your gaming schedule wisely to maximize your rewards.

As is customary, Team of the Week 7 (TOTW 7) is expected to arrive this Wednesday, October 28th. If your supply of coins or other resources is limited, it may be better to save them for the release of Ultimate Scream Team 2.

Additionally, in the pitch notes section of Update 1.1 gameplay overview, the development team indicated that further developer notes, detailing upcoming gameplay adjustments, will be released later this week.

While the exact date remains unconfirmed, it's shaping up to be a very busy week for FC 27 players; we highly recommend putting together a clear plan for the week ahead!

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 is giving returning players a reason to reconsider the franchise. Following its October 2026 launch, the latest entry has earned a Very Positive rating on Steam, with approximately 80% of 4,387 English-language reviews positive in the store snapshot checked on October 27. Its appeal centers on a narrative-driven campaign about a North Korean invasion of the Korean Peninsula, 20 multiplayer maps or configurations at launch, and DMZ, an extraction mode built around objectives, loot, and persistent progression.

Yet the positive reception comes with a familiar frustration: Call of Duty HQ. The centralized launcher remains a reported usability concern, reminding players that a game's overall experience depends on more than its campaign missions and multiplayer gunfights.

The early review trend is encouraging, but the bigger question is whether Modern Warfare 4 can sustain that momentum across its different modes. Its campaign has attracted early praise, multiplayer offers several distinct formats, and DMZ introduces a separate progression system for players who enjoy collecting resources and improving their equipment. How those elements hold up over time will matter more than any single launch-week score.

Modern Warfare 4 Steam Reviews: From Early Excitement to a Broader Verdict

Modern Warfare 4's early campaign reception was particularly strong. Contemporary coverage reported a positive Steam review share of approximately 94% during the early-access period. By October 27, the English-language Steam listing showed 80% positive reviews from 4,387 reviewers, retaining its Very Positive classification.

The two figures describe different snapshots rather than a controlled comparison of individual game modes. Digital pre-order customers gained campaign early access on October 16, DMZ early access began on October 20, and the worldwide launch followed on October 23. The audience therefore expanded in stages, with different players evaluating different parts of the package.

Steam review snapshot comparison

The rating change does not establish that multiplayer, DMZ, or technical issues caused the decline. Reviews can reflect different expectations, experiences, and priorities, and the available snapshots do not isolate the effect of any one factor.

Steam reviews are also not a representative survey of every player. They reflect people who chose to submit a review, not the entire audience. A Very Positive score is useful evidence of favorable reception, but it cannot independently prove sales performance, player retention, or a permanent reversal in the franchise's fortunes.

For prospective buyers, the conclusion is still encouraging: the game moved from an exceptionally strong early response to a broader launch-period rating that remains positive.

Why the Korean Peninsula Campaign Is Winning Attention

Modern Warfare 4's campaign centers on a North Korean invasion of the Korean Peninsula that threatens to destabilize the wider world. Players follow a young South Korean soldier, Private Park, fighting alongside his squad, while Captain Price pursues a separate operation beyond the conventional military chain of command.

The dual perspective gives the narrative two complementary dimensions. Park's experience places players close to the immediate consequences of the invasion, while Price's operation connects the battlefield conflict to a broader international crisis. The campaign also features locations beyond Korea, including New York, Paris, and Mumbai.

This structure gives the story a recognizable identity: a military thriller built around escalating stakes, multiple perspectives, and operations that contribute to a larger conflict.

For players who value single-player shooters, the appeal is different from that of competitive multiplayer. Campaign missions provide authored encounters, controlled pacing, and a narrative that advances regardless of matchmaking results. Players can focus on the story without coordinating with strangers or worrying about competitive performance.

Campaign details at a glance

The campaign's premise and principal characters are established in the official game description. More specific claims about completion time, dialogue-choice systems, or whether this is the series' definitive creative high point require separate evidence and should not be inferred from the review score alone.

For returning fans, the campaign is a substantial reason to consider the game. Its lasting reputation, however, will depend on how players evaluate the full story and mission design over time.

Twenty Multiplayer Maps Give Players More Ways to Fight

Modern Warfare 4 launched with 20 multiplayer maps or configurations distributed across several formats. The official launch announcement identifies 12 Core 6v6 maps, four Gunfight maps, three Ground War maps, and the Kill Block modular training facility.

Modern Warfare 4 launch map breakdown

The categories matter because a total map count does not mean every map appears in every playlist. Players who prefer conventional 6v6 matches should focus on the Core pool, while Gunfight and Ground War offer different team sizes and combat rhythms.

The launch lineup includes locations such as Munition, Reactor U92, Mumbai, and Rooftops. These settings support different engagement scenarios, although the quality of a multiplayer map ultimately depends on its layout, sightlines, objective placement, and how well it supports the available modes.

Activision also scheduled Shipment for October 27 as a post-launch addition. That distinction matters when comparing the original launch roster with the expanded map rotation after launch.

What the map count means for players

A broad map offering gives players several ways to engage with the game, but quantity alone does not guarantee long-term variety. The more meaningful test is whether the maps remain enjoyable across repeated matches and whether individual playlists receive appropriate support.

For players who alternate between campaign and multiplayer, the range of formats also creates a reason to keep playing after finishing the story.

Call of Duty HQ Is Still a Source of Friction

A strong game can be undermined by the process required to launch it. Call of Duty HQ remains a reported usability concern surrounding Modern Warfare 4, with criticism focused on the friction involved in accessing the franchise's different experiences.

The intended player journey is simple: open the game, select a mode, and begin playing. A centralized hub can help organize multiple releases and content packages, but it also creates another layer between the player and the selected experience.

The distinction between usability criticism and a technical failure is important. Complaints about Call of Duty HQ do not automatically prove that every player experiences crashes, repeated restarts, long loading times, or identical installation problems. Those claims require specific technical evidence.

Where the launcher experience can create friction

These are general usability concerns, not a claim that every listed problem occurs for every player.

For a game with campaign, multiplayer, and DMZ, clear navigation matters. Players may have different installation requirements and progression goals, so the launcher should make it obvious which content is installed and how to access it.

The practical opportunity for Activision is to reduce unnecessary steps, clarify content management, and make individual modes easier to reach. Until a specific fix or redesign is officially announced, claims about an imminent improvement should remain unconfirmed.

The launcher issue does not erase the game's positive reviews. It does, however, show why a game's overall user experience depends on both the content and the software used to access it.

Modern Warfare 4 DMZ Items: What Players Need to Know

DMZ is an extraction-focused mode in which players deploy into Hajin, complete objectives, collect resources, and attempt to extract with their rewards. Unlike a conventional multiplayer round, each deployment can contribute to longer-term equipment and progression goals.

Players may enter Hajin to complete Story Missions, pursue Dynamic Operations, search for useful resources, improve their Operators, or unlock additional FOB capabilities. Choosing when to extract is part of the challenge: continuing to explore can produce more rewards, but it also exposes players to further threats.

The official DMZ guides describe a persistent progression system centered on the Forward Operating Base, or FOB. This hub connects deployment preparation, Operators, stashes, crafting, weapon acquisition, and station upgrades.

DMZ progression systems and item functions

The practical priority is not to collect everything indiscriminately. Players should consider which resources support their next objective, which recipes they have unlocked, and whether their current equipment is sufficient for the risk of another deployment.

Weapon Manuals and the DMZ Gunsmith

Weapon Manuals are important to players who want to expand their available weapon choices. The official DMZ guide explains that players need to find and extract Weapon Manuals to increase the weapons they can build through the Gunsmith.

The Gunsmith also uses DMZ Cash for eligible weapon and attachment purchases. Available attachments depend on weapon level and the shared attachments unlocked for the relevant weapon.

This makes Weapon Manuals progression items rather than merely ordinary loot. Their value comes from expanding future weapon options, not simply from being collected during a single run.

Players should distinguish between finding a manual and having access to the supporting Gunsmith station. Before planning a weapon build, check the current station unlocks, available attachments, and relevant progression requirements.

3D Printer, materials, and crafting recipes

The 3D Printer uses resources and ingredients to produce equipment and support FOB station upgrades. Its capabilities expand as players unlock additional recipes and printer upgrades.

The official guide describes crafting options that include gear such as plate carriers and backpacks, subject to unlocked recipes and sufficient ingredients. The printer can also be used to upgrade certain FOB stations.

The real value of DMZ items lies in how they support long-term progression. By learning which resources to collect, which recipes to unlock, and which equipment upgrades matter most, players can turn individual deployments into meaningful progress. A focused approach to loot management can also help players prepare more effectively for future runs, making successful extractions feel more rewarding.

Understanding Modern Warfare 4 DMZ items can make each deployment more rewarding. Weapon Manuals help expand available Gunsmith options, while crafting materials and recipes give players practical goals to pursue during exploration. Knowing which items support equipment upgrades, which resources are needed for crafting, and when to extract can help players make smarter decisions and build more consistent progression over multiple runs. For players who enjoy collecting valuable loot and improving their loadouts, learning the DMZ item system adds another layer of strategy to every deployment.

Modern Warfare 4 Bot Lobbies: Practice Before Competitive Matches

For players looking to build confidence before jumping into competitive matches, CoD MW4 Bot Lobbies are a popular search topic for a reason: players want more opportunities to practice movement, learn map layouts, and test weapon setups without the pressure of every match feeling highly competitive. A more comfortable practice environment can help players develop better aim, improve positioning, and become more familiar with different loadouts. Players should check the game's officially supported practice and private-match options rather than assume that third-party services can guarantee specific matchmaking results.

Players should first check the game's officially supported training, private-match, and practice options. These are more reliable starting points than assuming a third-party service can guarantee a particular matchmaking outcome.

A search term such as "bot lobbies" does not prove that an official bot-lobby feature exists in every multiplayer mode. Nor does it establish that matchmaking uses a specific set of skill factors. Claims about Modern Warfare 4's matchmaking algorithm require evidence from official documentation or reliable technical reporting.

Bot lobby searches versus supported practice

For most players, learning map layouts and weapon handling through supported features provides a more dependable foundation than relying on claims of guaranteed bot lobbies.

Is Modern Warfare 4 Worth Playing?

Modern Warfare 4 has several distinct selling points. Its campaign offers a clear geopolitical conflict and multiple perspectives; multiplayer launches with a broad range of maps and formats; and DMZ gives extraction-focused players a separate progression track with crafting, Weapon Manuals, and FOB upgrades.

Which mode fits your play style?

The Steam rating provides encouraging evidence of favorable early reception, while the official launch materials confirm a substantial range of content. Neither guarantees that every mode will appeal to every player.

Campaign-focused players should judge the story on its own merits. Competitive players should watch how map variety, weapon balance, and matchmaking develop. Extraction fans should focus on DMZ's risk-reward loop, progression requirements, and crafting economy.

Call of Duty HQ remains a reported usability concern, but it is separate from the quality of the missions, maps, and extraction mechanics themselves.

The bottom line: Modern Warfare 4 is off to a promising start, with a favorable Steam rating, a narrative-driven campaign, and 20 multiplayer maps or configurations at launch. Its longer-term success will depend on how well the campaign, multiplayer, and DMZ support their respective audiences—and whether the launcher experience becomes less of an obstacle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. In the October 27, 2026, snapshot used for this article, 80% of 4,387 English-language Steam reviews were positive, placing the game in the Very Positive category. The rating can change as more reviews arrive.

How many multiplayer maps did Modern Warfare 4 launch with?

The official launch announcement lists 20 maps or configurations: 12 Core 6v6 maps, four Gunfight maps, three Ground War maps, and Kill Block, a modular battleground.

What do Weapon Manuals do in Modern Warfare 4 DMZ?

Weapon Manuals expand the weapons players can build through the DMZ Gunsmith. Players must find and extract manuals to increase the available weapon options.

Does DMZ have its own progression system?

Yes. DMZ has a separate 70-level progression track. DMZ XP unlocks mode-specific rewards, gear, stations, upgrades, and 3D Printer recipes. DMZ XP also contributes to overall player progression, but multiplayer XP does not advance the DMZ level.

What is the 3D Printer used for in DMZ?

The 3D Printer crafts equipment from available resources and ingredients using unlocked recipes. It can also support eligible FOB station upgrades as players progress.

Are Modern Warfare 4 Bot Lobbies an official feature?

Players should check the game's current training, private-match, and practice options rather than assume third-party services offering guaranteed bot lobbies are official. Specific matchmaking features and algorithm details should be verified against current game documentation.

Why do players complain about Call of Duty HQ?

The reported concern is usability: a centralized hub can add friction when players want to access individual modes or manage content. That criticism should not be confused with proof that all players experience crashes or other specific technical failures.

Is Grinding Gear Games preparing to reveal more character content for Path of Exile 2 before its full release? A reported preview invitation circulating on Reddit has sparked speculation after mentioning hands-on access to Act 5, “new classes,” and an interview with game director Jonathan Rogers.

The timing is interesting. Path of Exile 2 is scheduled to leave Early Access on December 11, 2026, and ExileCon 2026 is coming up on November 7–8 in Auckland, New Zealand. GGG has already confirmed that the Duelist will arrive with version 1.0, but the class’s Ascendancies remain a major point of interest for players.

There is one important distinction, though: the invitation shared by the community has not been independently authenticated. Its wording is not proof that another base class is coming, nor does it confirm a new announcement schedule.

Here is what the reported invitation says, what GGG has already confirmed, and why the distinction between new classes and Ascendancies matters.

What Does the Reported PoE 2 Preview Invitation Say?

The invitation shared on Reddit describes a preview of the full release, including a presentation about version 1.0, an opportunity to play Act 5, access to “new classes,” and a 20-minute interview with Jonathan Rogers. It also mentions covered flights and accommodation.

If genuine, the invitation could offer selected attendees an early look at content planned for the full release. However, the publicly shared wording does not identify the event's date or location, name any additional class, or explain exactly what “new classes” means.

The key details are:

• Full-release presentation: A session focused on the planned version 1.0 release.

• Act 5 hands-on access: A potential opportunity to experience more of the campaign.

• “New classes”: The wording driving speculation, without any specific class names.

• Jonathan Rogers interview: A reported 20-minute interview with the game director.

The most interesting part is not simply that a preview may be happening. It is the combination of campaign content and character-related wording shortly before the full release.

Still, the invitation should be treated as a community-reported lead until its origin and details can be verified. It does not establish that GGG has officially announced a preview tour or confirmed an additional playable class.

Does “New Classes” Mean More Playable Classes in PoE 2?

Not necessarily. The wording leaves room for several interpretations, and players should distinguish between a new base class and a new Ascendancy before drawing conclusions.

GGG officially revealed the Duelist at Gamescom in August 2026. The class is scheduled to become playable when Path of Exile 2 reaches version 1.0 on December 11. It also introduces swords, a weapon type players have been waiting to see in the game.

That makes the Duelist the confirmed new base class for the full release. It does not mean that another base class has been announced.

There is a more immediate reason for players to watch for character-related news: the Duelist's Ascendancies have yet to be fully revealed. GGG has indicated that more information about the class's Ascendancies will be shown at ExileCon 2026.

This is where the invitation's wording becomes difficult to interpret. Some players may read “new classes” as a reference to additional base classes, while others may wonder whether it refers to Ascendancy options or other character content.

Those possibilities are not equivalent.

A base class determines a character's starting position on the passive skill tree and the Ascendancy options available to that character. An Ascendancy provides a more specialized progression path, allowing a character to develop around particular mechanics, damage approaches, or defensive strengths.

For build planning, the distinction matters. A new base class could introduce a new starting archetype, while a new Ascendancy could substantially change how an existing class is played.

At present, the reported invitation does not tell us which interpretation is correct. The confirmed Duelist reveal and the upcoming ExileCon presentation provide useful context, but neither should be used to turn an ambiguous phrase into a confirmed announcement.

Why Act 5 Is Worth Watching Before the Full Release

The invitation's reference to Act 5 is also relevant because GGG has confirmed that version 1.0 will complete more of the campaign.

For players currently working through Early Access, additional Acts mean more than new areas and enemies. The campaign determines how characters progress, acquire equipment, unlock skills, and prepare for endgame content. Changes to the later stages can also affect how players approach their first character after launch.

A hands-on preview could answer practical questions that a short trailer cannot. How does the additional campaign content fit into the existing progression? What kinds of encounters will players face? How does character development feel as the campaign moves toward its conclusion?

Those are useful questions for players preparing to start a new character in December.

However, the invitation does not provide verified details about Act 5's bosses, quests, rewards, difficulty, or specific mechanics. It would be premature to describe any of those as newly revealed features without reliable gameplay footage or reporting from someone who has actually played the preview build.

The confirmed takeaway is narrower: the full release is planned to include the remaining campaign content, and Act 5 is specifically mentioned in the reported invitation.

PoE 2 1.0 Release Date: What Is Already Confirmed?

GGG has officially announced that Path of Exile 2 will leave Early Access on December 11, 2026, Pacific time, and launch as a free-to-play action RPG. The Duelist is confirmed for that release.

ExileCon 2026 is scheduled for November 7–8 in Auckland, New Zealand. With the convention taking place about a month before launch, it is an important date for players hoping to learn more about the final version of the game.

These milestones are confirmed independently of the Reddit invitation.

For players following the class discussion, ExileCon is particularly relevant because GGG has indicated that it will show more about the Duelist's Ascendancies there.

That gives the community a concrete upcoming milestone to watch without needing to assume that the reported preview will reveal another class.

What Could the Duelist Reveal Mean for Build Planning?

The Duelist's arrival is significant because swords add another weapon option to the game's combat and build possibilities. But the weapon itself is only part of the picture.

Players will need to understand the class's skills, stance mechanics, support-gem interactions, and Ascendancy options before deciding how it compares with existing character choices. The strongest build will also depend on balance changes and how the full-release version plays in practice.

This is why Ascendancy information could be more useful than an unconfirmed class name. Knowing a class exists tells players relatively little about how it will perform. Understanding its specialization options provides a better foundation for evaluating damage potential, survivability, skill combinations, and equipment priorities.

The same caution applies to the in-game economy. Players may want to prepare their equipment or Path of Exile 2 Currency for a new character, but the reported invitation provides no evidence of specific currency changes, item-price movements, or a new economic meta.

Until GGG shares more details about the class and the final balance changes, build forecasts should remain provisional. Players can follow the confirmed release schedule and wait for the actual mechanics before making major decisions based on speculation.

What Should Players Look for at ExileCon 2026?

For anyone following the new-classes discussion, three questions are worth keeping in mind.

Will GGG reveal the Duelist's Ascendancies?

This is the most concrete character-related question on the calendar. GGG has indicated that the Ascendancies will be shown at ExileCon, making the event a more reliable source of information than an ambiguous phrase in an unverified invitation.

Will another base class be announced for version 1.0?

The Duelist is the confirmed new base class for launch. The reported invitation does not establish that another one is coming. Any additional class announcement needs direct confirmation from GGG.

What will the final campaign and balance changes look like?

The full release is planned to include the remaining campaign Acts and a broader set of launch changes. More details about campaign progression, class balance, and endgame systems would help players make informed decisions about their first post-Early Access characters.

These are distinct questions, and the answers may arrive through different announcements. Treating them separately makes it easier to distinguish a genuine reveal from community speculation.

The Bottom Line

A reported Path of Exile 2 preview invitation has prompted questions about Act 5, new classes, and a possible interview with Jonathan Rogers. Its timing is notable, with ExileCon scheduled for November and the full release set for December 11, 2026.

But the invitation's wording does not confirm another base class. GGG has confirmed the Duelist for version 1.0 and indicated that more information about its Ascendancies will be shown at ExileCon. That is the clearest confirmed lead for players interested in upcoming character options.

Until the invitation is authenticated and GGG provides more details, the safest conclusion is that additional class news remains possible, not confirmed. Players looking for reliable answers should prioritize official announcements and verified preview coverage as the 1.0 launch approaches.

With the release of VAMPIR drawing ever closer, what steps should you take at the start to get ahead of other players? Foremost, you cannot overlook the importance of prioritizing various quests - and there are several key points to keep in mind as you level up.

Where should you start?

If you want to accelerate your progress in VAMPIR and unlock its mechanics, make sure to prioritize the yellow main story quests as soon as you start the game.

Some tasks require you to defeat a large number of monsters; attempting this solo can be slow and risky, so you can choose to Create a Party and invite friends to join you in completing them.

Other Mission Types

Side Missions

Once you have unlocked side missions, be sure not to leave them sitting idle for too long.

These side missions (marked in blue) are often located in the same areas as your main objectives. You can easily complete them while progressing through the main storyline, then seamlessly return to your primary tasks.

Green Missions

Green missions should also be a priority. They provide essential early-game resources - such as materials for enchanting and weapon upgrades - along with experience points.

By interspersing green missions while working on your main objectives, you can minimize the time and energy wasted on backtracking across the map.

Daily Missions

To obtain core resources like Artifacts and Trinity as quickly as possible, be sure to complete your daily missions every day; doing so also gives you a chance to earn chests that can contain epic-quality items.

Memory Missions

Once you unlock memory missions at certain stages, be sure to prioritize completing them, as they help unlock exclusive chapters and essential features.

You can think of both Memory Missions and Daily Missions as routine tasks that should be completed regularly - this will help you build a solid resource foundation for the early stages of VAMPIR.

Upgrade Gear with Caution

In the early stages of VAMPIR, players have limited resources; therefore, you should avoid wasting them on upgrading unnecessary equipment.

Focus on upgrading gear that is explicitly required by quests, as well as rare items worth keeping. Since common (white-tier) gear is replaced very quickly, investing resources into such items too early will probably result in a waste of resources.

Just like gear enhancement, your daily resource acquisitions require careful planning. You don't need to be stingy with your Gold at Gold Shop early on; the upgrade materials, Class Portrait Kit Chests, and other items available there are highly beneficial for your start, so exchange for them whenever they appear.

Notably, the chests containing portraits can also boost your base stats; this is a detail that players in VAMPIR often overlook, leading to a loss of long-term gains.

Leveling Drives Progression

Players are likely aware of how important character level is in VAMPIR - it determines both the rewards you can earn and the unlocking of various game systems.

Given this, you should focus your efforts on steadily progressing through main quests, side quests, and daily tasks to level up as efficiently as possible.

Achievements offer rewards such as rare mounts, avatars, and pets - some of which can even be of legendary quality - making them highly valuable resources for you.

Staying ahead in levels during the early stages of VAMPIR will grant you greater growth potential compared to other players.

Balancing Collection and Black Market

During the initial phase of VAMPIR's launch, the choice between Collection and Black Market is also quite important.

Prioritizing Collection is essential; within codex, you should focus first on stats such as Evasion, Precision, Basic Defense, Skill Damage, Basic Attack, Flat Attack, and various types of damage resistances.

However, before registering a piece of gear into your Collection, consider its potential value in Black Market. Some items can be exchanged for Black Market coins - though keep in mind that there is a server-wide limit on such exchanges.

This is important because Black Market coins can be used to acquire summoning resources, Evolution Stone Pouches, potions, or even Epic-tier gear - all of which are especially valuable for free-to-play players.

By considering both Collection and Black Market in tandem, you can ensure that your pursuit of codex progress doesn't come at the expense of essential character-growth resources needed during the early stages of VAMPIR.

Notes on Discipline System

Although you can unlock Discipline system in the game after reaching level 31, you must be very careful when re-rolling attributes.

Since you cannot lock all slots simultaneously when re-rolling, rashly attempting to re-roll stats could easily cause you to lose excellent existing affixes - a situation made even worse if your currency reserves are already limited.

When resources run low, you can buy VAMPIR diamonds to give yourself the confidence to re-roll multiple times, allowing you to gradually fine-tune your stats until they're exactly what you want.

Content Beyond Level 32

The final milestone I'd like to point out is level 32, as the pace of the game accelerates significantly from that point on.

You can start running dungeons, but you should incorporate them into your routine alongside the main story quests and daily quests mentioned earlier.

By effectively managing these priorities and navigating these transitional phases, you will be able to accumulate resources and level up more efficiently, allowing you to progress through the game faster than others during the initial launch of VAMPIR.

The release of VAMPIR is just around the corner - get ready!

With WoW Forever nearing its official launch, the development team is making another round of adjustments to racial abilities and passive traits based on player feedback.

Some players felt that the new racial traits were too generic, while others worried that certain races would be objectively stronger than others. The official response has focused primarily on adjusting numerical values. A total of five races have received changes.

Design Principles

The developers want to prioritize racial identity in the final round of adjustments in WoW Classic+. This means certain races will naturally excel in particular combat roles, while others will have clear advantages in specific situations, such as gathering or crafting.

The developers also stated that some class-specific racial traits that were previously replaced with generic effects would be restored. However, weapon specialization is an exception.

For example, Humans might gain an additional advantage when using swords, while Orcs might perform better with axes.

If the strongest melee weapon in a particular version happens to be a sword, Humans could become the preferred race for melee DPS simply because of their sword specialization.

This change is intended to prevent racial choices from affecting gear distribution in raids and dungeons, or even making certain races the optimal choice.

Specific Changes

Human

• Ruthless: Critical strike chance reduced from 2% to 1%.
• Human Spirit: Spirit bonus increased from 5% to 10%.

A flat 2% critical strike chance for Humans was undeniably too powerful, so reducing it to 1% is a fair adjustment. Critical strike chance now affects both spells and weapon attacks or abilities, whereas spell critical strikes and regular critical strikes were treated separately in the past.

Meanwhile, increasing Human Spirit from 5% to 10% is a substantial buff. Spirit primarily affects mana regeneration and health regeneration.

A 5% Spirit bonus is not particularly attractive to many classes, but 10% Spirit is valuable for leveling and for any class with a mana pool.

Dwarf

• Earth Fury: Removed the 2% bonus to critical strike damage and healing.
• Artisan's Precision: Added a new trait that increases spell and attack hit chance by 1%.

The original 2% bonus to critical strike damage and healing was fairly underwhelming. It only added a small amount of damage when a critical strike occurred, often amounting to just a few extra points of damage on many abilities. Its removal is therefore not surprising.

The new 1% hit chance bonus is much better. It is useful for both leveling and raids, and hit rating has a high stat weight. This bonus could allow you to replace a piece of hit gear with equipment offering more critical strike chance, spell power, or Strength.

Even so, this change does little to address the overall weakness of Dwarf racial traits. Although Find Treasure can help you discover treasure chests, it does not necessarily help you earn more WoW Forever gold, since other players may have already opened them. A gathering or crafting bonus would be a more useful alternative.

Tauren

• Plains Running: Each stack now grants 2% movement speed, up from 1%, and the maximum total bonus has increased from 30% to 60%. However, it no longer increases mounted movement speed.
• Endurance: In addition to the 5% health bonus, it no longer provides any other modifiers. The hit chance and critical strike damage modifiers have been removed.

This is a remarkable change. A 60% increase in ground movement speed is extremely powerful, effectively giving Tauren a mount from level 1. In world PvP, a Tauren with maximum stacks can easily catch up to almost any target.

However, reaching the full 60% bonus requires 2.5 minutes of uninterrupted movement. Taking any damage immediately removes all stacks, making this racial trait virtually nonexistent during combat.

During beta testing, the 1% hit chance bonus was precisely what made Tauren's racial traits most valuable at max level, as it helped ease the pressure on gear to reach the hit cap. The critical strike damage bonus was not particularly large, but it still provided an offensive benefit.

Both bonuses have now been removed, leaving Tauren with only a purely defensive 5% health increase for max-level PvE. For a race that already lacks offensive racial traits, this further weakens its competitiveness in raids.

Orc

• Savage: Removed the 1% critical strike chance bonus.
• Command: Restored, increasing pet damage by 5% for Warlocks and Hunters.

Pets belonging to Orc Warlocks and Hunters now deal 5% more damage. This directly strengthens one of Hunter's major sources of damage, while Warlock pets, which were already powerful, become even stronger.

However, Orcs playing other classes will feel the loss of 1% critical strike chance. Overall, this is great news for Orc Hunters and Warlocks, but a clear nerf for other Orc classes.

Skyborn

• Wind Bless: Haste bonus reduced from 3% to 2%.
• Skysight: Movement speed bonus increased from 10% to 15% for 15 seconds.
• Ley Line: Mana and health regeneration reduced from 100% to 50% for 15 seconds. It can no longer be used while Innervate is active, and it will be replaced by a more powerful Innervate effect.
• Using Ley Line at a ley line grants Attuned effect for 1 hour. While Attuned, Ley Line's regeneration effect increases to 100%, and the effect persists through death.

Skyborn is a dual-faction race and an elven race, and it has received several racial trait adjustments in this round. Its racial abilities also differ slightly between Alliance and Horde.

Using Skysight at an Elemental Convergence grants the Charged effect for 1 hour. While Charged, Skysight provides a 30% movement speed bonus, and the effect persists through death.

Ley Line is a regeneration ability that can be used whenever needed. Using it directly in a dungeon provides 50% mana and health regeneration. Although this is not as powerful as Innervate, its cooldown is relatively short, making it a useful emergency option for restoring mana.

Using Ley Line at a ley line location visible only to Skyborn grants Attuned for 1 hour, increasing regeneration to 100%. The effect also persists through death. This is a welcome quality-of-life improvement and a solid buff.

Skysight normally grants 15% movement speed. Using it at an Elemental Convergence instead grants Charged for 1 hour, providing 30% movement speed that persists through death.

If Skyborn players can find an Elemental Convergence every hour, they can maintain high movement speed almost continuously, making the bonus comparable to Tauren's racial advantage. After all, Tauren lose their movement speed stacks when taking damage, while Skyborn's Charged effect lasts much longer.

This round of changes makes racial traits a little more distinctive and interesting, and it is intended to be the final adjustment before launch. Hopefully, the developers will remain willing to strengthen or weaken racial abilities in response to community feedback. There is no need to worry too much about racial balance. Play the class, race, and character you enjoy, and choose the playstyle that resonates with you most.

Aion 2 features a well-structured and content-rich dungeon system, which serves as your primary source for various types of loot. Notably, two dungeons have recently received new hard modes, leading many players to wonder whether they are worth the challenge.

These two dungeons, Krao Cave (accessible at level 20) and Draupnir (accessible at level 45), are part of Expedition Dungeons category. Below, we analyze the value of tackling their hard modes, focusing on loot drops and difficulty.

Loot drop comparison

In terms of drops, the most significant addition in Aion 2's new Hard-mode dungeons is the introduction of Paintings, an item type that appears to be exclusive to the global server. These paintings can be used to boost various character attributes.

As for Unique-grade gear and crafting materials, the drop rates remain identical to those found in the standard difficulty of these dungeons.

The only notable change in loot drop rates in Hard-mode dungeons concerns Kina, the game's core currency. A single clear on Hard difficulty yields approximately 1 million Aion 2 Kinah, compared to about 800,000 Kinah on Normal difficulty.

However, if you are capable of handling Hard-mode dungeons, earning Kinah is likely not your primary concern; you are probably more interested in Ariel Fragments and Philosopher's Stones.

While these items remain extremely rare even in Hard-mode dungeons, and running them a few times certainly won't provide enough materials to craft a full set of gear, there is a new mechanic for Ariel Fragments.

Upon clearing a dungeon, you are guaranteed to receive 60-90 Ariel Fragments. Collecting 100 of these allows you to exchange them for a stat point that boosts PvE damage.

This system is designed entirely for PvE; it helps increase your dungeon-clearing speed, which will prove highly beneficial when taking on the latest challenge, Abyssal Forge Ludra.

Furthermore, Aion 2 introduces new encounters in the hard difficulty of Kraos Cave and Draupnir. Completing these dungeons on Hard difficulty grants you unique cosmetic skins for your accessories or weapons.

These cosmetic items serve as more than just a display of your status and skill; adding them to your collection also provides a minor boost to your damage output.

Combat mechanics comparison

Regarding combat, the primary difference between Normal and Hard difficulty dungeons in Aion 2, aside from significantly higher damage output from mini-bosses, is a much lower margin for error. You will need to activate defensive skills at specific, critical moments.

Kraos Cave

For instance, in Kraos Cave, one boss features a phase where it pulls your entire party toward itself. You must immediately activate defensive skills; otherwise, the party will take massive damage, potentially resulting in the instant death of players in ranged classes.

Aside from this, the encounter remains largely the same as in normal mode: simply focus on dodging AoE damage and beam attacks, and try to prevent too many minions from clustering around the boss.

Another significant detail is that bosses in hard mode dungeons almost never trigger parry mechanics.

This means your critical hit rate and the effectiveness of your powerful hits remain unhindered, allowing you to maintain a consistent DPS output against the boss.

However, because the bosses possess higher attack power and larger health pools, the overall difficulty is undeniably greater.

As for the final boss, nearly all of its attacks are capable of one-shotting your character. You must remain hyper-vigilant at all times, especially when the boss initiates its spinning melee attack.

A key mechanical change occurs when the boss moves to the center of the arena: while normal mode provides four pillars for protection, hard mode offers only one.

You do not need to hide directly behind the pillar; simply entering the surrounding green zone will cause your character to glow with a yellow light, the same effect seen on the pillar, indicating that you have gained a buff that protects you from the boss's attacks.

By timing your movements correctly, you can return to the boss and resume the fight more quickly. Keep in mind, however, that the duration of this buff is very short, so timing is crucial.

Draupnir

With the overall increase in HP and attack power, the first boss of this Aion 2 dungeon, Predator Saraswati, remains the most troublesome, especially for melee players.

Every time the boss leaps toward you, it leaves an electrified zone at the landing spot, making it difficult to get close. To counter this, you must kite the boss to shift its position and utilize the stagger mechanic to keep it under control.

In contrast, the second boss, Phantasmal Lakshmi, is actually much easier to handle here than in normal mode; the damage reflected by its shield remains the same as it is in the standard difficulty.

However, if the boss summons adds, you must eliminate them immediately, as they will disrupt your ranged teammates. Once the adds are cleared, simply return your full focus to damaging the boss.

As for the final boss, the only significant difference compared to normal mode is the massive increase in damage output, getting hit even once is almost certainly fatal.

The stagger mechanic functions exactly as it does in normal mode, with one key difference: tornadoes typically begin to appear starting from the first stagger phase. Consequently, your team must reach the boss's location as quickly as possible.

Summary

Based on the two Aion 2 hard mode dungeons currently available, the difficulty has increased, but the mechanics haven't become significantly more complex.

As long as you and your teammates actively work to improve your damage output and defensive capabilities, you should be able to handle them.

While the loot might not be as abundant as you'd expect, these dungeons offer better farming value than the normal difficulty. If you are capable of managing the bosses, they are definitely worth running.

As you progress further into the game, Aion 2 will likely introduce hard modes for additional dungeons. To ensure you don't miss out on experiencing new content, we highly recommend clearing the existing hard mode dungeons as soon as you can!

Diablo 4 Season 16 3.3.0 PTR is set to launch soon. While this season may not feature as much brand-new playable content as Season 15, it introduces some noteworthy adjustments to existing mechanics.

Perhaps the most compelling addition is the introduction of Horadric Items. Their mechanics effectively render Mythic Seal redundant, signaling a major overhaul for the entire Horadric & Mythic item system.

In this guide, we will explain how these mechanics function and explore the best strategies for utilizing them in Season 16.

New bonuses introduced by Horadric Items

Currently, known Horadric Items in Diablo 4 include jewelry, armor, and weapons, all of which offer interconnected bonuses.

Specifically, Horadric jewelry provides a +1 bonus to your Talisman set. This means that equipping just one such piece grants you the equivalent of a 2-piece set bonus.

Horadric armor and weapons provide additional benefits, such as increased damage or enhanced defensive capabilities, but these effects only activate once you have already secured at least a 2-piece set bonus.

While the effects on Horadric armor and weapons serve as supplementary bonuses, Horadric jewelry mechanic is particularly powerful: with just two rings and one amulet, you can gain a +3 bonus toward your set.

This allows you to trigger a full set bonus using only two charms instead of five, freeing up valuable slots for further experimentation with different gear combinations.

While the exact method for obtaining these Horadric Items remains unclear, it is likely tied to new seasonal quests and gameplay activities. Alternatively, if you are more focused on reaching the endgame, you can also acquire them through Diablo 4 items for sale.

Speculation on new charm bonus effects

Let's begin by looking at Paladin class as an example. To obtain the 5-piece set bonus now, you only need to equip two pieces from Cathan's Dauntless Faith set, along with two rings and an amulet.

By doing this, you not only gain a 200% damage bonus, but you also benefit from an additional 3x multiplier to the 25% damage bonus, a result of the set itself having been empowered. Furthermore, you still have four open slots available for standard Horadric Seals.

In these slots, you could add a Diablo 4 unique charm that provides further damage bonuses, or incorporate another set, activating its 3-piece bonus, to gain both damage reduction and increased damage output.

Alternatively, you could activate two other sets simultaneously: for instance, using Cathan's Iron Conviction set to boost aura effectiveness, combined with Righteous Will set to apply persistent fear and immobilize effects.

If you were to apply this strategy to a Warlock, you could start by utilizing Flesh of Abbadon set, which leverages demonic power to empower your Hellfire skill.

Moreover, even without any Mythic Seals, you can still trigger the 5-piece set bonus by equipping Blood Mat Idol amulet, pieces from Ritual of the Nameless set, and two rings.

It is worth noting that although Diablo 4 has patched the exploit where Hellfire Torch allowed three unique charms to be active at once, if Hellfire Torch remains in the game during Season 16, you could pair it with Seal of the Golden Epiphany to equip three unique charms simultaneously.

Even then, you would still have one slot left to customize, for example, by swapping out one of the unique charms for a piece from another set, you could activate a 2-piece set bonus from that second set while still maintaining your original 5-piece set bonus!

Horadric Cube and gear customization

Beyond the two Diablo 4 class examples mentioned above, if you are playing as a Sorcerer and utilizing Breath of Frozen Sea set, it is possible for every single piece of gear to carry a set bonus.

The real challenge, however, lies in finding the right gear. For instance, suppose you need a pair of gloves; they must not only feature a Greater Affix for vulnerable damage but also include the cooldown reduction stat required for your chosen set.

While it remains uncertain whether Season 16 will introduce a mechanism to reset these bonuses, you can always use Horadric Cube to modify your gear.

If you happen to find a pair of gloves that are otherwise useless, but serve as a suitable base item, you can place them into Horadric Cube to perform Chaotic Reroll.

If possible, it is also advisable to include an Aggressive Tuning Prism, which converts defensive stats on the gear into offensive ones.

By further incorporating Protector's Tuning Prism, you might even be able to transform that stat into Attack Speed.

That said, the most noteworthy items are the rings that increase your set count, as these have the potential to fundamentally transform your gameplay.

In Diablo 4 3.3.0 PTR, Horadric Items are defined as a category of Legendary items whose primary value lies in establishing a direct link between your equipped gear and your talisman set. Notably, however, the descriptions make no mention of Unique items.

Theoretically, this suggests that any class that does not rely on a specific Unique ring could become a strong contender in Diablo 4 Season 16, as they would have the opportunity to unlock additional bonuses via a triple set bonus.

All in all, Horadric Items appear to be a new category of gear with significant potential. We look forward to seeing them deliver a truly satisfying experience in the upcoming PTR and the new season!

In MapleStory Classic World, there are 208 types of scrolls divided into 52 scroll families, with four tiers in each family. However, only a small portion of them are truly useful.

Scrolls primarily enhance equipment by consuming its Upgrade Slots and permanently adding stats such as weapon attack, primary stats, accuracy, and critical rate. You can use them to strengthen your character or sell them to earn mesos.

Scroll System

Scrolls come in four tiers, each serving a different purpose. Their value is largely determined by the market, and every tier has its uses. Furthermore, there is no guarantee that an enhancement attempt will succeed.

If an enhancement fails, the scroll is consumed and the equipment loses one Upgrade Slot. However, failing with a Chaos Scroll destroys the equipment outright.

How to Obtain Scrolls

Scroll Merchants

The most straightforward source is the scroll merchants scattered throughout the world. For example, NPC El Moth is located at The Tree That Grew III on Victoria Island, near Ellinia.

El Moth sells 14 types of Lesser Scrolls for weapon or magic attack. Scrolls for two-handed weapons cost 50,000 mesos each, while those for one-handed weapons cost 25,000 mesos each.

In addition, the new Citizenship system introduces two scroll shops. Most of their stock and purchase requirements are the same, but there are a few important differences:

Henesys citizens can obtain Lesser Earring Crit. Damage Scrolls, Overall DEX Scrolls, and Overall STR Scrolls.

Kerning City citizens can obtain Earring Evasion Scrolls, Overall LUK Scrolls, and Overall INT Scrolls. As a result, Henesys offers a slightly better selection of scrolls.

Arcforge Crafting

Besides purchasing scrolls from merchants, you can craft your own through the Arcforge crafting skill. The most important options are Earring Stat Scrolls, Glove Crit Rate Scrolls, and Cape Stat Scrolls, which unlock when Arcforge reaches levels 8 to 10.

Quest Rewards

Many quests also reward useful enhancement scrolls, particularly Intermediate and Greater Scrolls. Some quests let players choose the scroll they need, while others provide a random reward.

Weapons

The level 20 quest Jane and the Mushroom randomly rewards one of 14 possible Intermediate Weapon Scrolls, giving you a 1 in 14 chance, or approximately 7.14%, of obtaining a specific scroll.

In addition, the level 48 quests Building a New House For Blackbull and Taking Out the Alligators 1 allow players to choose a Greater Weapon Scroll suited to their class. Some sources also list the level 39 quest Welcome to the Hollow as a source of Greater Weapon Scrolls, although its official release status remains disputed.

Gloves

The level 36 quest Collecting 150 Cursed Dolls randomly rewards either an Intermediate Glove Attack Scroll or an Intermediate Glove Magic Attack Scroll. The level 44 quest Jane's Final Challenge also rewards a glove scroll, which can be either Intermediate or Greater.

Capes

The level 42 quest Pia's Gift randomly rewards a Greater Cape Stat Scroll that increases STR, DEX, INT, or LUK. The level 48 quest Taking Out the Alligators 2 lets players choose one of four Intermediate Cape Stat Scrolls.

Earrings

The level 21 quest Proof of Companionship randomly rewards an Intermediate Earring Stat Scroll. The level 27 quest Regained Vitality also provides an Intermediate Earring Scroll and lets players choose the type they need. The level 43 quest The Road Back Home randomly rewards a Greater Earring Stat Scroll.

Which Scrolls Should Each Class Use?

Thief

Thieves should prioritize scrolls that improve their DPS, especially for key equipment slots such as weapons and gloves.

For weapons, You can trade Lesser Claw and Dagger Scrolls from Merchants directly as long as you have enough mesos. Of course, you can also buy MS Classic World mesos as you lack them.

For overalls, you can choose between LUK and DEX scrolls. Kerning City citizens can obtain Lesser LUK Scrolls after reaching Citizenship Level 7, while Henesys citizens can obtain DEX Scrolls under the same requirement.

One important consideration is that Sauna Robe is the only overall available to male thieves. Since it is a one-time quest reward, it can be quite costly. Female thieves can use level 35 overalls, so they do not face the same problem.

Archer

Archers can follow the same weapon enhancement strategy as thieves. Purchase Lesser Bow and Crossbow Scrolls from the merchant in Ellinia and use them on a weapon you intend to keep for a while. Save better weapon scrolls for your endgame weapon.

For overalls, you can use DEX or STR Scrolls from the same Citizenship shops. Unlike thieves, archers have access to level 50 overalls, so male archers do not have to rely on Sauna Robe.

Warrior

Warriors can purchase Lesser Scrolls suited to their weapon type and use them on a weapon they plan to keep for a while. Better scrolls should be reserved for their endgame weapon.

For overalls, warriors can choose between STR and DEX Scrolls. Both types have Lesser versions available from Henesys Citizenship shop, following the same approach as archers.

Magician

Magicians should start by enhancing their Wands or Staffs with Lesser Scrolls from the same merchant, saving better scrolls for later.

For gloves, both Citizenship shops sell Lesser Magic Attack Scrolls. Critical rate is not usually a magician's first priority, much like it is not for warriors, but either option can be viable.

For earrings, you can craft INT Scrolls or opt for critical damage scrolls. INT is the recommended choice for overalls, with Lesser Scrolls available from Kerning City Citizenship shop. INT is also recommended for capes, which can be crafted.

Overall, the scroll system in MapleStory Classic World is relatively straightforward. However, due to the random nature of enhancement, creating perfect gear is almost impossible. For now, it is best to focus primarily on Lesser or Intermediate Scrolls.