General News

ARC Raiders could be heading toward a major gameplay expansion, with Embark Studios considering whether to bring back a permanent PvE mode. Following a limited-time matchmaking experiment that generated more than 30 million PvE rounds, the developer is now evaluating what players want from a dedicated experience without human-versus-human combat.

In a recent interview, executive producer Aleksander Grøndal discussed three possible directions: a relaxed PvE side mode, a more challenging experience centered on fighting ARC machines, or a complete PvE-only version of the game.

However, none of these options has been confirmed. Embark still needs to examine the test results, understand player preferences, and determine how another gameplay mode would affect the identity and long-term development of ARC Raiders.

For players who enjoy exploring, completing quests, collecting equipment, and fighting mechanical enemies without constantly worrying about hostile Raiders, the possibility is particularly interesting. But introducing permanent PvE could also bring significant changes to the game's economy, matchmaking, and content development.

Is ARC Raiders Getting a Permanent PvE Mode?

A permanent PvE mode has not been confirmed, but Embark Studios is actively evaluating the possibility.

The discussion follows a one-week PvE matchmaking test that ran from October 13 to October 20, 2026. During the experiment, players could switch between the traditional PvPvE experience and a PvE alternative that removed player-to-player damage.

Embark reported that players completed more than 30 million PvE rounds during the test. This gave the development team a substantial amount of gameplay data and feedback to examine before making its next decision.

The studio has also acknowledged that the test was polarizing. That distinction matters: high participation demonstrates considerable engagement with the experimental mode, but it does not automatically establish that every player wants PvE to become a permanent feature.

In its post-test communication, Embark said its next steps would prioritize the overall health and enjoyability of the game. The studio also indicated that it expected to provide further information in November 2026.

The current situation can be summarized as follows:

The important takeaway is that ARC Raiders is not officially transitioning into a PvE game. Instead, Embark is investigating whether a dedicated PvE experience can coexist with the extraction-based PvPvE gameplay that defines the current title.

Three Permanent PvE Mode Options Embark Is Considering

Grøndal's comments reveal that Embark is not simply deciding whether to restore the previous matchmaking toggle. The studio is also considering what kind of PvE experience would provide the most value to players.

He outlined three possible directions during interview.

These are development possibilities rather than announced features. Each option would require a different approach to balancing, progression, and future content.

1. A Relaxed PvE Mode Between Regular Raids

The first possibility is arguably the most straightforward: a more relaxed PvE option that players can enjoy between intense PvPvE sessions.

ARC Raiders combines environmental threats with the unpredictability of encounters against other players. This creates tension during exploration and extraction, but it also means that even routine activities can become dangerous when another Raider decides to attack.

A relaxed PvE mode would provide an alternative for players who enjoy the game's exploration, scavenging, and cooperative elements but do not always want the pressure of PvP encounters.

For example, players could spend one session completing objectives, collecting crafting materials, or exploring an area with friends before returning to traditional raids when they want a more competitive experience.

This approach could broaden ARC Raiders' appeal without necessarily replacing its original gameplay identity.

However, Embark would still need to determine how much of the standard progression system should carry over. If PvE provides exactly the same rewards with considerably less risk, it could become the preferred farming option for many players.

That would create a balancing problem even if the relaxed mode itself remained relatively simple.

2. A Challenging PvE Mode Focused on ARC Enemies

The second possibility takes a different direction. Rather than removing difficulty, Embark could build a PvE experience that makes ARC enemies the primary source of challenge.

This option could be particularly appealing to players who enjoy the game's mechanical enemies and want more opportunities to test their combat skills without worrying about other Raiders interrupting encounters.

A dedicated challenge mode would also give Embark more room to explore PvE-focused encounter design.

For instance, future content could potentially emphasize demanding ARC encounters, cooperative combat, and more deliberate preparation before entering dangerous areas. These are possible design directions, not confirmed upcoming features.

The distinction between this option and a relaxed mode is important.

A relaxed mode would primarily reduce the pressure associated with PvP encounters. A challenge mode would instead make environmental combat the main attraction.

This could also help preserve the sense of danger that makes extraction gameplay engaging. Removing hostile players does not necessarily mean removing meaningful risks.

From a development perspective, however, a more demanding PvE experience would require careful enemy balancing and encounter design. Simply allowing players to fight existing ARC enemies without PvP might not be enough to create a distinct long-term mode.

3. A Complete PvE-Only Experience

The third possibility is the most ambitious: a full PvE-only version of ARC Raiders.

Rather than treating PvE as an alternative matchmaking option, Embark could potentially develop it into a substantial gameplay experience with its own progression priorities and content structure.

This direction would appeal to players who enjoy cooperative extraction gameplay but do not want human opponents to be part of their regular sessions.

It could also provide a clearer identity for PvE players. Instead of occasionally switching between two matchmaking experiences, they could focus on a dedicated environment built around fighting ARC enemies and working with other Raiders.

However, this would introduce the biggest development challenge.

A full PvE experience would need enough meaningful content to remain engaging over time. Embark would have to consider how quests, equipment progression, enemy encounters, rewards, and future updates should work across two different gameplay experiences.

Grøndal specifically acknowledged that the three possibilities would have different implications for how the studio builds future updates.

That suggests the decision is not simply about adding another option to the matchmaking menu. It could influence the game's longer-term development priorities.

Why Embark Studios Is Hesitant about Permanent PvE?

Although the test attracted significant participation, Embark has reasons to approach a permanent PvE mode carefully.

One important consideration is the original development direction of ARC Raiders.

The game initially started as a cooperative PvE looter, with players working together against mechanical enemies. However, Embark eventually changed its direction and developed PvPvE extraction shooter that players know today.

This history helps explain why the studio is cautious about returning to a PvE-focused structure.

According to Grøndal, Embark was initially skeptical about introducing PvE because of the earlier development experience. The studio now needs to understand whether the test revealed an opportunity to support additional player types or whether a separate mode could undermine the existing gameplay experience.

There are three particularly important considerations.

Maintaining the Identity of PvPvE Gameplay

The tension between cooperative and hostile encounters is a defining part of ARC Raiders.

Players must decide whether to cooperate with strangers, avoid potential threats, or defend themselves when another Raider becomes aggressive. These unpredictable interactions create much of the excitement associated with extraction gameplay.

A permanent PvE mode could change how players experience the original mode, particularly if a large portion of the player base moves toward safer matchmaking.

Embark therefore needs to find a way to accommodate players who prefer PvE without making the traditional PvPvE experience less engaging.

Balancing Loot and the In-Game Economy

The game's economy is another important consideration.

Players enter raids to collect resources, obtain valuable equipment, and make progress. If a permanent PvE mode offers the same rewards with substantially fewer risks, it could change the value of different activities.

The limited-time test already demonstrated why reward balancing matters. Embark adjusted loot value to account for the safer environment, rather than simply making PvE an identical alternative with no economic differences.

A permanent version would require further consideration of resource availability, equipment progression, and the relationship between the two matchmaking experiences.

This is also relevant to players interested in acquiring specific ARC Raiders items. Any future changes to loot availability or progression could influence how players approach resource collection and equipment preparation.

For now, there is no confirmed announcement that Embark will introduce separate item economies or change existing trading arrangements. Those decisions would depend on the final design.

Supporting Two Different Content Pipelines

Perhaps the biggest long-term challenge is maintaining sufficient content for both experiences.

A relaxed PvE mode might reuse much of the existing gameplay structure, while a dedicated challenge mode or complete PvE experience could require more specialized content.

Embark would need to decide whether future quests, encounters, rewards, and gameplay updates should be shared between modes or developed separately.

If the studio spreads its development resources across two substantially different experiences, maintaining a consistent update schedule could become more complicated.

This is why Grøndal emphasized that Embark first needs to understand what players actually want before discussing the content requirements of a potential permanent mode.

What PvE Test Means for ARC Raiders Players?

The 30 million-plus PvE rounds provide a significant data point for Embark, but the number needs to be interpreted carefully.

It represents rounds played, not 30 million individual players. It also does not reveal how many participants would continue playing PvE regularly if the option became permanent.

Nevertheless, the experiment gave the studio an opportunity to observe how players interacted with an alternative matchmaking experience.

For different types of ARC Raiders players, the potential benefits could vary considerably.

The biggest potential advantage is flexibility. Players would not necessarily have to choose between enjoying ARC Raiders' world and accepting every aspect of its PvPvE gameplay.

However, the success of this approach would depend on how Embark implements the different modes.

A permanent PvE experience needs to offer meaningful gameplay rather than simply becoming a safer version of existing raids. Similarly, traditional PvPvE sessions must retain their appeal and sense of risk.

How Could a Permanent PvE Mode Affect Future Updates?

If Embark eventually approves a permanent PvE mode, the decision could influence more than matchmaking.

The three proposed directions suggest different development requirements.

A relaxed side mode might be relatively straightforward to integrate if it shares most existing systems. A dedicated challenge mode could require more attention to enemy encounters and difficulty balancing. A full PvE experience would potentially demand a much broader content strategy.

For players, the most important question is whether both experiences would receive enough attention.

A PvE mode that receives regular content updates could become a meaningful part of ARC Raiders' long-term appeal. However, if resources are stretched too thin, neither experience may receive the level of support players expect.

This is also worth considering when managing equipment and progression. Players who currently spend time collecting resources, upgrading gear, and preparing for difficult raids should avoid assuming that a future PvE mode will offer identical progression or rewards.

For anyone looking to buy ARC Raiders items, it is equally important to distinguish between currently available game systems and possible future changes. The announcement of a potential PvE mode does not establish any new item availability, trading rules, or reward advantages.

Until Embark confirms the final design, existing gameplay and progression systems remain the appropriate basis for player decisions.

When Will Embark Announce Its Permanent PvE Decision?

Currently, Embark has not announced a confirmed release date for a permanent PvE mode.

The studio previously indicated that it expected to share more information in November after reviewing the test data and player feedback.

This means players should watch for a follow-up announcement rather than assume that the temporary matchmaking option will automatically return.

The next communication will ideally clarify whether Embark intends to:

• Restore the original PvE matchmaking toggle.
• Develop a separate relaxed PvE experience.
• Introduce a more challenging PvE mode.
• Explore a complete PvE-only experience.
• Continue supporting PvPvE exclusively.

It is also possible that Embark could decide not to make PvE permanent if the results suggest that doing so would negatively affect the overall game.

The studio has not committed to any of these outcomes.

Final Thoughts: Could PvE Make ARC Raiders Even Better?

The possibility of a permanent PvE mode represents an interesting opportunity for ARC Raiders.

More than 30 million PvE rounds during a seven-day test show that the experimental experience generated substantial engagement. More importantly, the discussions surrounding the test have given Embark an opportunity to reconsider how different types of players want to experience the game.

A relaxed side mode could make ARC Raiders more accessible. A dedicated challenge mode could give PvE-focused players more demanding combat encounters. A complete PvE experience could potentially expand the game's identity beyond its existing extraction-shooter structure.

However, adding another mode is not automatically an improvement. Embark still needs to consider matchmaking quality, reward balancing, content development, and the long-term health of its original PvPvE experience.

For now, the most reasonable expectation is to wait for the developer's November follow-up. Whether ARC Raiders eventually receives a permanent PvE option will depend on what the test data reveals and which direction Embark believes offers the best long-term experience.

Phantom Blade Zero, a third-person action RPG powered by Unreal Engine 5, blends Chinese martial arts with steampunk, creating a unique style known as Kungfupunk.

Players will take on the role of Soul, a swordsman with a severely damaged heart and only 66 days to live, embarking on an adventure in a dark martial arts world filled with intrigue and danger to uncover the truth behind his master's murder.

The game centers on highly challenging boss battles, while a unique Sha-Chi resource system and a dual main weapon instant-switching mechanism seamlessly integrate attack, defense, counterattack, and combo attacks, encouraging players to constantly adjust their strategies during combat.

For players new to Weeping Creek Valley, the following core tips will directly determine whether you suffer repeatedly in every boss fight or truly find your own rhythm in the martial arts world.

Prioritize Obtaining Reflex Device

This collection path reflects the exploration design philosophy: some key equipment that significantly impacts the combat experience doesn't appear directly in the main storyline.

Many action game players focus entirely on damage numbers at the beginning, but in PBZ, the first exploration objective that should be taken seriously is an accessory called Reflex Device.

Its effect is very direct: it expands the hitbox for Parry and Perfect Dodge by 15%. Considering the game's combat system heavily relies on the connection between blocking, dodging, and counter-attacking, this increase in margin for error is often more valuable than attack power bonuses in the early game.

Obtaining the Reflex Device requires completing an easily overlooked exploration process.

First, defeat the Weeping Creek Valley area boss and pick up its dropped axe. Next, use the grappling hook to return to the top of Sha-Chi Tower and obtain the camp key. After obtaining the key, return to the entrance to the Weeping Creek Valley plains and unlock the previously blocked area.

Finally, enter the tower, find the corresponding mechanism near the bell, and install the crank to obtain the Reflex Device.

Dual weapons are a combat mechanic, not an option

Phantom Blade Zero allows you to equip two primary weapons simultaneously and switch between them instantly during combat by pressing the left arrow key. Switching weapons fully restores Sha-Chi, making the dual-weapon system far more than just an extra move.

Sha-Chi is both a resource for unleashing powerful combos and a buffer against pressure during defense; once depleted, the next enemy attack may directly break through your defense. Therefore, switching weapons is essentially a resource management action, not a random, on-the-spot change of tactics.

To fully utilize this mechanic, the key is to assign different combat roles to the two weapons.

Taking the Jagged Steel and Outlaw Warblade, obtainable early in the game, as examples, the former allows you to accumulate bleed damage through light attacks and further stack it with heavy attacks; the latter possesses a life steal effect, restoring health during sustained attacks and providing additional survivability.

In actual combat, you can establish a rotation based on the characteristics of each weapon: First, use the Jagged Steel to find opportunities to deal damage through light attacks and parry, continuously applying bleed damage and suppressing the enemy.

When the enemy enters guard break mode, seize the window to launch a heavy attack. Then switch to the Outlaw Warblade, using life steal to maintain survival and continue applying offensive pressure.

When Sha-Chi is depleted, switch back to the other weapon to recover, preparing for the next combo and defense.

Medicine and Shop Management: Allocate supplies wisely to avoid wasting dust

PBZ provides players with two quick-access medicine slots, one linked to the up and one to the down arrow keys, for convenient use of supplies during combat.

The number of available healing items replenishes after resting at the bell, so players don't need to wait until their health is critically low to use them; instead, they should prepare in advance based on enemy attack patterns and the current combat needs.

The initial healing item, Healing Gourd, restores approximately 40% of health, making it a relatively stable option for sustain in the early game. However, as exploration progresses, players will acquire other items with special effects, including reducing damage taken for a certain period, continuously restoring health, or reducing Sha-Chi consumption.

These effects have varying values ​​in different combat scenarios. For example, against bosses with high attack frequency and high damage, damage reduction items can increase survivability; if combat relies more on continuous skill usage, resource-reducing items may offer greater benefits.

The shop system is linked to the bell exploration mechanic. After reaching the outpost in Weeping Creek Valley, players can unlock weapons and Phantom Edge upgrade materials through the relevant shops.

However, Remnant Dust is relatively limited in the early game, requiring careful weighing of investment and returns when exchanging upgrade materials. After all, Remnant Dust is also a crucial resource for ability tree progression, with some key nodes requiring tens of thousands of remnant dust.

If you've hit a resource allocation bottleneck, especially if your weapon is just a few key materials away from its next major upgrade but you need to conserve remnant dust to unlock nodes, you can choose to buy Phantom Blade Zero items to supplement the resources needed for character progression, reducing the pressure on upgrade planning.

Dread Axe: Balancing Shield Break, Guard Break, and Area Exploration

Of all 25 Phantom Edges in PBZ, Dread Axe is a priority item to acquire during the early game.

Its most prominent combat advantage lies in its shield-breaking ability. Against shielded enemies, normal attacks are often easily blocked, but Dread Axe can directly break the enemy's shield, creating space for subsequent attacks.

Upgraded, it can also unleash a fully charged attack by quickly double-tapping RT, playing a vital role in suppressing enemies and reducing the guard break value of bosses.

Dread Axe's value extends beyond combat. During exploration, some passages and hidden areas will be blocked by chains that cannot be destroyed with ordinary weapons; Dread Axe is required to open these paths.

This means that acquiring Phantom Edge early not only improves the early combat experience but also helps players unlock previously inaccessible areas, discovering more hidden content and collectibles.

In Phantom Blade Zero, what truly matters isn't just dealing higher damage, but finding a suitable offensive and defensive rhythm. Properly utilizing weapon characteristics, Sha-Chi recovery mechanism, and key equipment obtained during exploration will give Soul a greater chance of victory against increasingly powerful enemies.

Just when it seemed like GTA 6 had entered its intense final development phase, leaving little room for promotional activities, the game made an unexpected appearance in a new episode of South Park.

If that served as a mere appetizer, the subsequent release of brand-new gameplay footage unveiled even more previously undisclosed details about GTA VI.

Below, we've compiled this new information to highlight key gameplay details you'll want to know ahead of the game's release.

Crossover with South Park

In South Park Season 29 episode Beef Battle, which aired this past Wednesday, October 28, GTA 6 protagonists Jason and Lucia appeared on a television screen in the background, in footage that had not been previously released by the developers.

In the clip, Jason picks up dog waste left behind by a pet owner and throws it back at them.

Given the absurd, humorous nature of the scene, which fits perfectly with South Park style, many initially assumed it was just a gag created by the show. However, the episode's end credits reveal that the footage was provided by the developers of GTA 6.

In other words, it's possible that in the final game, you'll be able to control GTA VI characters and perform actions like throwing dog feces, or other objects, at people.

While it may seem bizarre at first glance, it actually serves as an intriguing demonstration of the level of freedom in GTA VI's gameplay. It's also said that your character will react accordingly when a dog leaves waste indoors or in other locations.

Staggering scale

Building on the already massive map of Leonida, which consists of six distinct regions, it has been further confirmed that the total landmass in Grand Theft Auto 6 exceeds that of several highly successful predecessors.

Beyond the overall scale, the developers have also invested significant effort into the game's finer details. According to rumors and analysis of the trailer, there could be nearly 700 accessible indoor spaces throughout GTA 6.

More importantly, each space is not merely a product of arbitrary modeling; rather, it undergoes meticulous, detailed design to ensure it conveys the intended texture and atmosphere.

We surmise that access to certain specific locations may be contingent upon completing designated tasks or using money. If you prefer not to invest extra time in quests or farming, you could opt to buy GTA 6 cash online.

Vivid and detailed character design

Beyond the environments that serve as the backdrop for the narrative, the realism of GTA VI is also reflected in the lifelike details of its characters.

For instance, should you break into an NPC's home, you will encounter clear signs of daily life, such as an unattended pet leaving the room in a state of disarray, to which the protagonist will respond in a realistic, reactive manner.

Regarding street environments and the depiction of crowds, GTA 6 does not rely solely on procedural generation; instead, a dedicated professional team has been tasked with their design.

This means that even within the same setting, NPCs will react based on their individual personality traits, rather than performing uniform, repetitive actions.

A realistic weather system

While incorporating weather systems into games is no longer a novelty, GTA VI goes further by recreating intricate details, many perhaps previously unimagined, resulting in a far more dynamic range of environmental interactions.

For example, if you pilot an aircraft through an intense storm, the vehicle will be buffeted violently by air currents, which in turn affects other elements within the surrounding environment.

Furthermore, GTA 6 features an independent movement mechanism for cloud formations, allowing them to shift in appearance based on prevailing climatic conditions and the specific time of day.

Crucially, the weather system is not a static, monolithic template; it is entirely dynamic. If you are in a sunny area but spot a storm brewing in the distance, traveling toward that location will trigger a corresponding shift in the weather.

Beyond the weather itself, precipitation, such as rain or snow, leaves surfaces damp, with the degree of moisture varying depending on the specific material of the ground or pavement.

Extended day-night cycle

Building upon its predecessors, Grand Theft Auto VI significantly extends the duration of its day-night cycle. Sunsets are now much longer, and the nighttime hours have been expanded, fitting, given that the true allure of Vice City often reveals itself only after dark.

When you consider the various other detailed additions in GTA 6, it becomes clear that a longer in-game day is essential for players to fully appreciate these nuances.

The development team initially experimented with the time-scaling used in previous entries, but found that it caused changes to happen too rapidly; players were forced to constantly push the game's progression forward, making it difficult to truly immerse themselves in the atmosphere.

Smarter NPC behavior

True to the series' tradition, protagonists Jason and Lucia are no law-abiding citizens, they are criminals, always ready to draw a weapon.

However, if you display dangerous tendencies, not every NPC around you will react with fear. Depending on their individual personality traits, some might choose to steer clear, while others might even attempt to provoke you.

Furthermore, minor infractions do not immediately trigger a wanted level. Instead, GTA 6 employs a threshold-based system.

If no NPCs witness your actions, or if you manage to rectify the situation in time, you can avoid any troublesome consequences.

New heat system

In previous GTA titles, once you had amassed enough wealth and firepower, the police would largely stop bothering you. In GTA 6, however, a new heat system tracks and reflects your status in real-time.

If you wish to evade police pursuit, you must take specific actions to gradually shed these identifying markers, making it increasingly difficult for the authorities to track you down.

Moreover, the police in GTA VI utilize more sophisticated and engaging pursuit tactics, such as deploying K-9 units or setting up roadblocks. You may even encounter random NPCs who inadvertently hinder your escape.

That covers everything for this overview. With the official launch still ahead, GTA 6 may well have more surprises in store, let's look forward to them!

Following some adjustments, Anvil Splitter Amplification has now replaced the original Anvil Splitter in ARC Raiders. Many players have been asking: is Amplified Anvil actually worth using? The answer depends on two factors: the distance at which you are engaging, and the specific type of ARC enemy you are facing.

Amplified Anvil

Amplified Anvil has relatively low acquisition requirements and doesn't require any prior research, with the main cost being 3 Turbine Compressors.

These ARC Raiders items are already quite easy to accumulate now, making it fairly easy to craft several Amplified Anvils.

Amplified Anvil features improvements to its base spread, ADS (aim-down-sights) spread, and spread recovery. When you manage to land all four projectiles at close range, it delivers approximately 20% more damage.

However, this damage bonus is highly dependent on your accuracy - if the projectiles spread out, the actual benefit diminishes rapidly.

Therefore, it is not an unconditional upgrade over the standard Anvil; it places specific demands on your loadout and combat rhythm.

Performance in PvE

In PvE, Amplified Anvil does not perform exceptionally well against every type of enemy.

Because each individual projectile has relatively low damage, the weapon struggles with armor penetration when targeting heavily armored areas.

Against enemies like Fireball, it fails to replicate the standard Anvil's ability to pierce the outer shell and strike the core in a single shot.

Furthermore, when facing heavily armored targets - such as Surveyor or the side armor of a Bastion - Amplified Anvil may actually deal less damage than the standard version.

As the engagement distance increases, it becomes harder to land all projectiles, leading to a significant drop in damage output.

When dealing with heavily armored enemies like Queen or Matriarch, do not expect Amplified Anvil to outperform the standard Anvil; the latter remains more reliable for consistently breaking through armor.

Ultimately, Amplified Anvil is best suited for close-range encounters against lightly armored enemies or when targeting specific weak points.

When facing a Shredder, Amplified Anvil requires one fewer shot to eliminate the enemy compared to the standard version.

Against a Wasp, it consistently secures a kill in three shots, with improved spread making hits more reliable.

Furthermore, when targeting lightly armored areas - such as the top of a Bastion - landing all shots at close range yields a damage bonus of approximately 20%.

Consequently, in ARC Raiders, Amplified Anvil is quite effective when engaging enemies you can get close to, such as Bastions or Bombardiers.

However, if you cannot maintain close-quarters engagement, or if your target is highly mobile, this advantage diminishes.

In such cases, it is best to keep the standard Anvil on hand as an alternative for long-range encounters or engagements against heavily armored targets.

Performance in PvP

In PvP, Amplified Anvil also offers a ~20% damage advantage when all shots land at close range, with the tighter spread further aiding accuracy.

That said, the standard version is already quite powerful; in actual ARC Raiders gameplay, this 20% bonus is not particularly noticeable.

It primarily serves to provide a slight edge when finishing off an enemy alongside teammates or during close-quarters duels.

At long range, it remains suboptimal, as projectile spread significantly reduces effective damage.

If the game eventually allows players to toggle between amplified and standard configurations on the fly, it would offer much greater flexibility.

Currently, the choice is locked to your loadout; you should opt for the standard Anvil when anticipating long-range combat or encounters with heavily armored foes.

Additionally, in PvP, your accuracy and the distance at which you engage are often more critical than theoretical damage figures.

You must land all four projectiles to approach that ideal damage output; at medium to long ranges, the effectiveness drops off sharply.

The amplified version is best suited for players who prefer aggressive, close-range playstyles - flanking enemies or quickly finishing off weakened targets.

If you are accustomed to engaging from a medium range in PvP, the standard Anvil will probably provide more consistent performance.

When coordinating fire with a team, the amplified version can make your damage contribution slightly more impactful, but it does not represent a game-changing weapon - don't expect it to single-handedly turn the tide of a match.

Usage Recommendations

Overall, ARC Raiders Amplified Anvil represents a meaningful adjustment, though it cannot simply replace the standard Anvil.

Its utility is somewhat niche; it is best suited for finishing off opponents in close-quarters PvP, or for targeting the weak points and less-armored sections of ground-based enemies in PvE.

When putting together your loadout, treat it as a specialized close-range weapon - don't expect it to function as an all-purpose primary.

Whether you should bring it into a match depends on the map's suitability for close-quarters combat and how your team has divided its roles.

If your primary objective involves dealing with heavily armored ARC units or engaging in long-range combat, stick with the standard Anvil.

If you have a spare Turbine Compressor, you might consider incorporating Amplified Anvil into your close-range loadout - just keep in mind that it won't necessarily perform well in every scenario.

Try taking Amplified Anvil out for a few matches in ARC Raiders to see if it fits your personal combat rhythm!

Apple's October 28, 2026, announcement of its new MacBook Pro with PROLED XDR Display has renewed an interesting question among ARPG fans: Can Path of Exile 2 finally deliver a satisfying gaming experience on a Mac?

Featuring the new M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, a tandem OLED display, a 120Hz refresh rate, and up to 128GB of unified memory, Apple's latest professional laptop offers impressive hardware specifications. Its performance capabilities make it an attractive option for demanding applications, creative workflows, and potentially more intensive gaming experiences.

However, there is an important distinction between having powerful hardware and having official game compatibility.

Path of Exile 2 does not currently offer a native macOS version. Mac users can explore third-party compatibility solutions to run the Windows version on Apple Silicon hardware, but these methods introduce additional requirements and potential performance limitations.

So, does the new MacBook Pro make PoE 2 a worthwhile Mac gaming experience? And should players spend thousands of dollars on Apple's latest hardware just to explore Wraeclast? Here's what you need to know.

Does Path of Exile 2 Officially Support Mac?

No. Path of Exile 2 does not currently provide an official native macOS client.

Grinding Gear Games originally confirmed in its November 2024 Early Access FAQ that the game would not support macOS at the beginning of Early Access, although the developer expressed interest in adding support in the future.

That distinction remains important when evaluating Mac compatibility in October 2026. Steam's current Path of Exile 2 system requirements list Windows rather than macOS, and the available installation options do not establish an official Mac release.

For comparison, here is the current platform situation:

This means purchasing a new MacBook Pro does not automatically give players access to a native version of PoE 2.

Nevertheless, the absence of native support does not mean Mac owners have no way to play. Several compatibility solutions are worth examining.

How to Play Path of Exile 2 on Mac in 2026

Although Grinding Gear Games has not provided a native macOS client, third-party solutions have made running Windows games on Apple Silicon Macs increasingly accessible.

There are two main approaches worth considering: running the game locally through a compatibility environment or streaming it through a cloud gaming service.

1. Run PoE 2 Locally Through Compatibility Software

Tools such as CrossOver and newer Mac gaming compatibility applications can help users run Windows games without installing a traditional Windows operating system.

One relevant example is GameToMac, which published an updated Path of Exile 2 Mac installation guide on September 22, 2026.

Its documented setup uses an Apple Silicon Mac, macOS 26.5 or later, and a Steam account with access to Path of Exile 2. The guide recommends budgeting approximately 150GB of storage for the tested installation and additional update space.

This is not an official GGG solution, but it demonstrates that Mac users have alternatives to waiting for a native release.

The main requirements of this particular setup are:

Another option is CrossOver, which uses compatibility technology to run Windows applications on macOS.

MacResearch previously reported testing Path of Exile 2 through CrossOver on an M4 Max Mac, achieving approximately 88 FPS at 2560 × 1440 resolution under its tested configuration.

That result provides useful historical context, but it should not be interpreted as a guaranteed benchmark for the new M5 Pro or M5 Max models. Different game versions, compatibility layers, graphics settings, and hardware configurations can produce different results.

2. Use Cloud Gaming Instead

Cloud gaming offers another way to access Path of Exile 2 without relying on MacBook's local GPU to render the game.

Services such as GeForce NOW and Boosteroid have been discussed in Mac gaming guides as potential solutions for Windows-only games.

Instead of processing the entire game locally, a remote gaming server handles rendering and streams the resulting image to Mac.

This approach has several practical advantages:

• Players do not need to depend on local Windows game compatibility.
• MacBook's internal GPU does not need to handle the full rendering workload.
• Players can potentially use older or less powerful Macs.
• Local storage requirements may be lower because the game runs remotely.

However, cloud gaming introduces its own limitations. A stable internet connection is essential, and network latency can affect responsiveness.

For an action RPG like PoE 2, where dodging attacks, positioning, and reacting to dangerous encounters matter, input delay can be particularly noticeable.

For players who already own a capable Apple Silicon Mac, local compatibility software may be worth exploring. Those who prioritize convenience may prefer cloud gaming, provided the service supports their region and game account.

What Does the New M5 MacBook Pro Bring to PoE 2?

Apple announced its new MacBook Pro lineup on October 28, 2026, introducing PROLED XDR Display technology alongside M5 Pro and M5 Max processors.

The new hardware is particularly interesting for gamers because it combines powerful processing capabilities with a high-quality display.

However, not every improvement directly translates into a better PoE 2 experience.

PROLED XDR Display: Better Visuals for Wraeclast?

The new display is one of Apple's biggest selling points.

According to Apple's announcement, PROLED XDR uses tandem OLED technology and offers:

• Up to 2,000 nits peak HDR and SDR brightness.
• A 10,000,000:1 contrast ratio.
• A variable refresh rate of up to 120Hz.
• P3 and Adobe RGB color gamut support.
• An optional nano-texture finish.

For a dark fantasy ARPG like Path of Exile 2, improved contrast and color reproduction could make environments, spell effects, and visual details more appealing.

The 120Hz refresh rate is also attractive because smoother image presentation can improve the overall feeling of movement and combat.

However, a 120Hz screen does not guarantee 120 FPS gameplay.

The game must actually render frames at a sufficiently high rate, and compatibility software can introduce additional limitations. Players should also distinguish between the display's HDR capabilities and whether the Windows game running through a compatibility layer properly supports the complete display experience.

M5 Pro vs. M5 Max: Which Is More Suitable for PoE 2?

Apple positions M5 Pro and M5 Max for demanding professional workloads, but the distinction also matters when evaluating gaming hardware.

M5 Max configuration offers greater graphics-oriented hardware capacity and supports higher unified memory configurations.

For a demanding game such as PoE 2, this could provide more room for high-resolution rendering and complex visual workloads.

Nevertheless, there are currently no independently verified, directly comparable Path of Exile 2 benchmarks for every new MacBook Pro configuration that establish a reliable FPS advantage.

The following comparison focuses on Apple's announced hardware and its potential relevance to gaming rather than presenting unverified game performance figures.

For most players, M5 Pro should be the more sensible starting point if they are already considering a MacBook Pro for work and entertainment.

M5 Max makes more sense for users who also need its additional graphics and memory capabilities for professional applications.

Buying M5 Max specifically to overcome PoE 2 compatibility limitations, however, is difficult to justify without reliable comparative game testing.

How Much Does the New MacBook Pro Cost?

Price is another important consideration.

Apple's October 28 announcement places the new MacBook Pro firmly in the premium laptop category.

The starting US prices are:

These are starting prices, not necessarily the final prices of upgraded configurations.

For a player whose primary goal is running Path of Exile 2, this creates an obvious value question.

A Windows gaming PC can offer dedicated graphics hardware, established DirectX 12 support, and a more straightforward installation process without requiring additional compatibility software.

The new MacBook Pro's display, portability, battery life, and professional capabilities may justify its price for certain users. But those benefits should be evaluated as a complete laptop purchase rather than as a way to obtain better PoE 2 performance.

Does Better Hardware Improve Currency Farming?

There is another consideration for players who spend hundreds of hours in Path of Exile 2: progression and the in-game economy.

A more powerful computer can improve the visual experience, reduce hardware-related performance bottlenecks, and make extended gameplay more comfortable when the game and compatibility environment work properly.

However, it does not automatically make farming more efficient.

Currency acquisition still depends on gameplay, build efficiency, encounter selection, item drops, and player time investment. A higher-end MacBook Pro cannot directly improve drop rates or change the game's economic mechanics.

For players balancing work, limited gaming time, and character progression, efficient resource management remains important. Understanding the value of different currency items and deciding which activities are worth pursuing can make progression more manageable.

Players researching POE 2 currency should therefore evaluate their in-game needs separately from their hardware investment. Better hardware may make playing more comfortable, but it should not be confused with a direct economic advantage.

This distinction is especially important when considering a $3,000–$5,000 laptop purchase. Hardware spending and in-game resource spending serve completely different purposes.

Is the New MacBook Pro Worth Buying for Path of Exile 2?

The answer depends on why you want the MacBook Pro in the first place.

For someone who needs a professional laptop for video editing, software development, graphic design, or other demanding workflows, the new M5 lineup offers compelling hardware specifications. Being able to play Path of Exile 2 through a compatibility solution could be an additional benefit.

For someone purchasing a laptop primarily for gaming, however, the situation is different.

Here is how different player profiles should approach the decision:

The most important consideration is that Path of Exile 2's compatibility problem is not simply a hardware performance problem.

Even if M5 Max has enough processing and graphics capacity to run the game comfortably, players still depend on a third-party compatibility environment or cloud gaming service.

That means spending more money on the laptop does not eliminate every potential technical issue.

What About the New MacBook Pro's Touch Display?

Apple also introduced Touch functionality on the MacBook Pro for the first time.

This is an interesting development for gaming, particularly because touchscreen interactions could theoretically provide additional control options in compatible games.

However, players should not assume that Path of Exile 2 will automatically support a dedicated touchscreen interface.

Apple explains that macOS can translate touch interactions into clicks for existing applications, while developers can implement more specific touch interactions through updated system APIs.

That does not mean GGG has developed a touchscreen control scheme for PoE 2.

For an ARPG that relies heavily on skill selection, movement, targeting, and quick reactions, a keyboard-and-mouse setup remains the more practical choice unless dedicated touch controls are introduced and properly implemented.

The new Touch display is therefore an interesting laptop feature, but it should not be treated as a confirmed PoE 2 gameplay advantage.

Path of Exile 2 Mac Support: Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Is Path of Exile 2 available natively on Mac in October 2026?

A: No. Path of Exile 2 does not currently offer an official native macOS client. Mac users need third-party compatibility software or a supported cloud gaming service to explore alternative ways of playing.

Q2: Can M5 Max MacBook Pro run Path of Exile 2?

A: M5 Max provides powerful Apple Silicon hardware, but there is no official native Mac client. Players can investigate Windows compatibility solutions, although performance and stability depend on the specific software configuration. There is not yet sufficient standardized testing to promise a particular frame rate.

Q3: Can I play Path of Exile 2 on an M1 Mac?

A: Some third-party compatibility solutions support Apple Silicon Macs starting with M1. For example, GameToMac's September 2026 guide lists M1 or later and macOS 26.5 or later as its requirements. This is third-party support, not an official GGG specification.

Q4: Is CrossOver a good option for playing PoE 2 on Mac?

A: CrossOver is one possible local compatibility solution. MacResearch previously reported successful Path of Exile 2 testing on an M4 Max using CrossOver. However, compatibility and performance can change with game updates and software versions, so individual results should not be treated as universal benchmarks.

Q5: Does the new MacBook Pro's 120Hz display guarantee 120 FPS in PoE 2?

A: No. The 120Hz specification describes the display's refresh capability. Actual frame rates depend on hardware performance, game settings, rendering technology, and the compatibility environment.

Q6: Should I buy an M5 Max MacBook Pro just for PoE 2?

A: Generally, no. Without native Mac support and standardized M5 Max game benchmarks, the purchase is difficult to justify solely for this game. A Windows gaming PC is a more straightforward choice for players whose main priority is running PoE 2.

Final Verdict: Powerful Mac Hardware Cannot Replace Native Game Support

Apple's new MacBook Pro with PROLED XDR Display is an impressive hardware announcement. The combination of tandem OLED technology, a 120Hz refresh rate, M5 Pro and M5 Max processors, and expanded unified memory makes it an attractive professional laptop.

It also highlights how much Apple Silicon Mac gaming has evolved.

Nevertheless, Path of Exile 2 Mac support remains the deciding factor, not simply the power of M5 chip. Third-party compatibility solutions offer Mac owners ways to access the Windows version, but they are not equivalent to a native macOS release.

For existing Apple Silicon users, trying CrossOver or another compatible gaming environment may be a reasonable way to explore Wraeclast without purchasing additional hardware.

For professionals who already need an M5 MacBook Pro, PoE 2 compatibility could be a welcome bonus.

But for dedicated ARPG players choosing a computer primarily for Path of Exile 2, a Windows gaming system remains the more practical investment.

Ultimately, the new MacBook Pro makes Mac gaming more interesting, but it does not remove the need for developers to provide proper platform support.

Even before the launch of FC 27, some players speculated that the game's popularity might be impacted by GTA 6, especially since the latter appears to feature gameplay elements akin to street soccer.

While that initial wave of concern subsided, the approaching release date of GTA 6, coupled with a growing, widespread belief among the player base that the drop rates for rare rewards in FC 27 have been quietly nerfed, has reignited a wave of cynicism and mockery toward the game.

So, is there any truth to the claims regarding issues with FUT 27 rewards? And what steps can the development team take to mitigate the potential impact of GTA 6? We'll break it all down for you.

A disconnect between player effort and reward

In the game, liquid rewards, primarily in the form of coins and tradable player cards, and FC 27 coins also serve a primary purpose: helping you acquire more cards or packs, thereby strengthening your squad.

On the surface, FUT 27 offers no shortage of reward sources: Division Rivals, Champions, SBCs, and various new events provide a steady stream of resources.

However, for those committed to Ultimate Team mode in the long term, the real question isn't how many packs you can collect each day, but whether those rewards actually help you build a more competitive team.

You might consume hours grinding through weekly objectives, only to open your hard-earned packs and find a collection of players who have no place in your starting lineup, a phenomenon often described as having low pack weight.

To make matters worse, the inherent randomness of pack openings means that even if you do pull a high-OVR player, they might not fit your current squad, nor might they hold significant market value.

This creates a clear psychological gap: you've fulfilled the game's requirements, yet you haven't achieved any meaningful progress.

Unfortunately, many FUT 27 players have recently reported an increasingly frequent decline in pack weight, finding it difficult to pull truly valuable players, whether from packs unlocked in the store or those earned through gameplay.

While these are individual player experiences, and there is currently no concrete data proving that the developers have lowered the drop rates for rare cards, it is unlikely that players are simply fabricating these claims, especially given how widespread this sentiment has become.

Considerations regarding the devaluation of cards

From the development team's perspective, whether the decline in pack weight is intentional or merely a result of randomness, it serves a useful purpose: it helps prevent the devaluation and overabundance of rare FIFA 27 cards.

If every player could easily pack the players they desire, the transfer market would soon be flooded with rare cards. This would destabilize the game's economy, forcing the developers to constantly churn out new cards just to keep the system afloat.

In this sense, lowering the drop rates for high-OVR cards is a viable strategy. The challenge lies in striking the right balance, maintaining economic stability without making the player experience feel overly frustrating.

Earlier adjustments to reward mechanisms

While the development team has yet to address the recent drop in pack weights, they did outline several changes to the reward system in a Launch Update released before the official launch of FUT 27.

These changes included increasing the proportion of tradeable cards, boosting overall coin rewards, and introducing more Season Points. The core objective was to provide players with more options for trading and gameplay by increasing the number of tradeable rewards.

However, simply increasing the volume of rewards, or making the reward system more flexible, does not necessarily mean the rewards themselves are more attractive.

For instance, while higher coin earnings might make it easier to acquire desired players, the reduced pack weights could keep top-tier players scarce on the transfer market, ultimately requiring players to invest even more to upgrade their squads.

Furthermore, FIFA 27 has adopted a new strategy regarding the progression of special player cards: by being more cautious with the scheduling of Evolution events, the developers are attempting to curb the runaway inflation of special card values.

Yet, from the perspective of a player's short-term experience, a reduction in the number of special cards and evolution opportunities could make certain events feel less compelling.

External pressures: The impact of GTA 6

If poorly implemented reward mechanisms create internal friction within FIFA 27, the upcoming release of GTA 6, slated for about three weeks from now, represents a significant external factor that could influence whether players continue to engage with the game.

Although FC and GTA are entirely different game franchises, there is a degree of overlap in their player bases. Furthermore, FC 27 has received a rather lukewarm reception, while GTA VI is rumored to include in-game sports activities, such as street soccer.

Consequently, if you are already planning to play GTA 6, and aren't someone who demands a highly competitive virtual soccer experience, you might well prefer to stick with GTA 6 rather than returning to an FUT 27 plagued by various issues.

FC 27 needs to take new measures

While not every FIFA 27 player will necessarily jump ship to GTA 6 after November 19, the current problem of reduced pack weights could drive players away out of sheer frustration, especially given how crowded the gaming market becomes in November and December.

In this regard, the first step for FUT 27 should be to provide a transparent explanation for the drop in pack weights. If it's a bug, it needs to be fixed; if it was an intentional change, then the reward structure should be adjusted to restore the actual value of the items players receive.

At the same time, the game should cut back on meaningless, repetitive tasks. It could introduce more distinctive Live Events, similar to the recent FC Heritage Circuit World Class Event and associated tournaments.

Ultimately, whether FC 27 can withstand the challenge posed by GTA 6 depends on the game itself: the only real path forward is to promptly adjust the reward system to retain the existing player base.

In Torchlight: Infinite SS14 farming ecosystem, Gods Chest remains a strategy that balances low cost, high map clearing efficiency, and volatile rewards.

For players seeking fast map clearing, aiming to reduce time spent on individual maps and increase rewards per unit of time, Gods Chest speed farming centered around Mystery Treasure Gods Compass remains a worthwhile option to try in SS14.

Core Mechanism: Three-Layer Divine Rite Stacking

Compared to gameplay relying on powerful builds, this farming strategy focuses on completing map cycles in a short time, triggering Gods Chest to centrally acquire Torchlight Infinite Flame Elementium, tradable compasses, and seasonal materials.

The generation logic for Gods Chest is not complex, but it has specific requirements regarding the number of Divine Rite levels.

After placing Mystery Treasure Gods Compass into Netherrealm Compass slot, enter Netherrealm map. When Divine Rite reaches level 3, the system will generate an additional Gods Chest in the boss area.

Divine Rite is not accumulated through a single gameplay mode, but rather through four different trials that provide levels. Each completed trial grants one level:

• Trial: God of War: Reach level 5
• Trial: God of Might: Reach level 7
• Trial: Goddess of Hunting: Complete this trial
• Trial: God of Machines: Complete attack round 2

Completing any three of the four conditions will accumulate Divine Rite to level 3, triggering the extra chest.

This means players have some route options: if your build's survivability isn't sufficient to support high levels of God of Might, you can abandon this route and choose a more stable combination of God of War, Hunting, and Machines.

Speed ​​Run Flow: A One-Minute Single-Map Cycle

The core competitiveness of Gods Chest strategy in TLI lies in the compression of single-map time. With practice, a complete cycle of a map can be controlled in about one to one and a half minutes. The specific execution path is as follows:

Step 1: Activate Statue of War and Stack Layers

Immediately start the conquest mode upon entering the map, clearing monsters along the way to increase the level of God of War. Since the layer requirement is only 5, under normal map clearing rhythm, it's usually possible to reach the target without deliberately taking detours.

Step 2: Deal with God of Machines

Find and activate the trial entrance to God of Machines, ensuring at least the first round of attack is completed before entering the second round. The second round doesn't require killing all enemies; simply activating it is sufficient.

Even if the tower is destroyed, the Machines level in Divine Rite will still be completed. This step is crucial for saving time in the entire process.

Step 3: Complete Hunting and Defeat the Boss

After activating Goddess of Hunting, head straight to the boss area. Defeating the boss will generate an additional Gods Chest, which can be opened to obtain rewards.

In practice, pay attention to Divine Rite level icon in the upper left corner of the screen to confirm that the first two conditions have been successfully met before completing  Hunting.

If no additional chest appears after defeating the boss, prioritize checking whether the previous trials truly met the requirements, rather than blindly continuing to the next map.

Talent and Compass Configuration

The talent configuration for Gods Chest speed runs revolves around two main directions:

First, reducing the time required for God of Machines mechanics to quickly complete the stacking conditions;

Second, enhancing boss duplication and extra chest rewards in Goddess of Hunting, allowing each map to provide additional rewards beyond Gods Chest.

In God of Machines-related talents, prioritize nodes that reduce attack intervals to minimize the spawn interval between waves of monsters. It's recommended to keep the Machines talent investment around 8 points, specifically for quickly initiating the second round and retreating.

For Goddess of Hunting, focus on nodes that increase rewards. Prioritize talents that can duplicate bosses, increase the spawn rate of Plane's Watcher Chest and Traveler's Chest, while also supplementing with bonuses to the drop rate of the Safari boss and the final stage boss.

Regarding compass configuration, Mystery Treasure Gods Compass is the core consumable for this strategy. In addition, at least one Mechanical Compass is required to trigger God of Machines gameplay.

If using God of Might instead, the corresponding Might Compass should be used instead. Finally, it is recommended to invest points in the compass talent branch to increase the number of compasses dropped and the chance of obtaining high-value compasses.

Pactspirit Selection: Doro-Doro Dorothy to Amplify Compass Benefits

In terms of Pactspirit configuration, Doro-Doro Dorothy is a highly recommended choice for Gods Chest speedrun system. Since this strategy itself generates compasses frequently, the special effect of Doro-Doro Dorothy can further amplify compass-related benefits.

Especially during continuous map runs, the more abundant the compass output, the better it is for increasing the overall benefit ceiling and recovering the cost of using the Mystery Treasure Gods Compass.

However, Doro-Doro Dorothy is not a necessary condition for implementing this strategy. Even without additional drops, you can still obtain good benefits from Gods Chest and other map drops. Therefore, it's more like a boost to the potential earnings ceiling than a threshold determining whether the strategy can function.

Earnings Structure and Cost Control

The earnings from Gods Chest speed runs primarily come from high-frequency map clearing and occasional high-value drops. The direct output per map is not excessive under normal circumstances, averaging around 1,200 FE/h when consistently executed.

If Doro-Doro Dorothy triggers a high-value compass drop or God's Chest yields a high-value compass, this route can reach peak earnings of 1,800 FE/h or even higher. Furthermore, the price of Mystery Treasure Gods Compass itself also affects net profit.

Overall, Gods Chest in Torchlight: Infinite SS14 is not a consistently high-yield route, but rather a map-clearing strategy that relies on rapid cycles, low-cost investment, and market fluctuations to generate profits.

By reasonably controlling costs and adjusting compass and pactspirit configurations according to market conditions, its earnings potential can be maximized.

Following the announcement of WoW Forever, a top question on many players' minds is: should I rush to level 60 as soon as the servers go live? The development team recently shared details - via various interviews - regarding the content release cadence for Forever, as well as several new mechanics.

Based on these revelations, let's take a fresh look at what lies ahead before the game's official launch on November 4th - perhaps you'll find a few pleasant surprises.

Update Cadence

The developers have indicated a patch cycle of approximately every four months - a significantly slower pace than the 8-to-10-week update schedule seen in WoW Classic Season of Discovery.

Following the opening of raids on December 9th, the next wave of major raids (akin to Molten Core) won't arrive until at least mid-April.

However, the interim period will be filled with smaller content patches and an event calendar, allowing players to unlock new features gradually rather than relying solely on large-scale raids to drive progression.

This pace is much more forgiving for players with limited time to dedicate to WoW Classic+, while those looking for a long-term commitment will still have a steady stream of goals and events to keep them engaged.

New Content During the Leveling Journey

The developers have made it clear that they don't want players to view reaching level 60 as their sole objective.

Legacy Points system - which launches with a cap of 16 points - is designed to encourage players to create new characters and revisit the leveling experience.

For instance, a newly added level 30 zone or a level 40 dungeon is best experienced with a fresh character; tackling such content with a level 60 character would significantly diminish the fun.

In other words, if you find yourself around level 40 four months into WoW Forever, there's no need to worry - new dungeons and content are integrated seamlessly into the leveling journey.

While max-level players are encouraged to roll new alts, the system is designed so that you won't truly fall behind if you don't hit level 60 immediately.

Skyborne and Potential for More Races

Additionally, the development team recently addressed questions regarding Skyborne - a new race that has piqued player interest.

Why was Skyborne chosen as the new race? This is because elven races have always been highly popular throughout the history of World of Warcraft.

Many players prefer not to play as races like Orcs, Trolls, or Undead - which have monstrous appearances - and instead favor characters with a more aesthetically pleasing look.

As for why Blood Elves weren't included, the development team explained that since content in WoW retail version has recently focused on Silvermoon, they wanted to avoid thematic overlap in the near term.

However, they did hint that Blood Elves could still appear in the game in the future; this would simply be considered once the current storyline in the retail version has reached its conclusion.

Paths After Reaching Max Level

It's worth noting that even if you reach the level cap quickly in WoW Classic Plus, raiding is not the only path available to you afterward.

Under the game's new systems, players can grow stronger by collecting various pieces of gear, trinkets, and armor - items that often perform best in specific zones, against certain bosses, or when facing particular enemy types.

For example, Frozen Heart of the Mountain provides 29 points of Frost and Shadow spell damage in standard environments, but this bonus increases to 58 points when in snowy regions.

Everlook Delivery Bot deals 467 points of Fire damage after 6 to 8 spells or attacks, but in snowy regions, this threshold is reduced to just 3 to 4 actions.

Then there's Mirage Mirror: when used in a desert region, it grants a 25% movement speed boost for 10 seconds, along with an invisibility effect.

Furthermore, some items require a specific reputation level to unlock their full potential.

These items can be obtained naturally through quests, reputation gains, and exploration - meaning players don't need to worry about spending excessive amounts of WoW Forever gold to acquire them, making the system quite accessible for casual players.

PvP Progression

PvP will also follow a seasonal structure, with each season lasting four months. Players can progress through ranks 1 to 14, earning rewards such as tabards, rank 11 mounts, and epic-quality PvP gear.

The development team also revealed that they plan to introduce a quest system for PvP - similar to a battle pass - where players can earn Legacy Points by completing objectives, such as defeating bosses in Stormwind City or participating in a set number of battlegrounds.

These points are retroactive; even if you complete the requirements a year and a half later, you can still claim them - and once accumulated, they can be used to boost your rank.

However, this doesn't mean you can automatically catch up: if you take a month off while your character is still in the leveling phase, you'll have quite a bit of ground to make up if you want to acquire the best PvP gear later on.

The direction currently announced for WoW Forever places greater emphasis on the player's own pace - with a four-month update cycle, you have plenty of time to level up and develop your character at a more relaxed speed!

Diablo 4 Season 15's new Meat or Treat event is now live. It essentially combines two types of gameplay that have appeared in previous events. One focuses on Treasure Goblins, while the other introduces Butcher-related content.

The event also features a Treasure Goblin Reputation Board located in Kyovashad, near the left side of the waypoint. Players can progress through its reputation ranks by hunting Treasure Goblins and participating in related activities.

Event Rewards

The main rewards available from Reputation Board include a Spark, an Emblem, a Mount Cosmetic, and several additional Runes.

The official team has also introduced free daily login rewards, with one cosmetic becoming available each day:

• October 29: The Recluse's Host Mount
• October 30: Ichorflame Torch Mount Trophy
• October 31: Recluse's Flask Mount Trophy
• November 1: Reclusive Trappings Mount Armor

Overall, these rewards are not particularly impressive. However, getting an extra Spark is still worthwhile for players in the later stages of the season.

If you are preparing to level an alt, the materials dropped by Treasure Goblins can also come in handy. However, there is no need to treat this event as a top priority or grind it relentlessly. You can buy Diablo 4 items, which is a more efficient approach.

What Are the Best Ways to Complete the Event Quickly?

Infernal Hordes

If your main goal is to complete the event as quickly as possible and claim the Spark, Infernal Hordes is worth trying. Prioritize options that increase the number of Chaos Waves, then hope that the random modifiers introduce Treasure Goblin-related mechanics.

If you get a Treasure Goblin spawn mechanic, you may be able to complete almost the entire event in a single Infernal Hordes run. However, this depends on RNG and is far from consistent. It is worth trying if you only want to complete the event once and collect Spark. For more reliable Treasure Goblin and material farming, there are other, more versatile routes.

Helltide

In terms of overall rewards, Helltide remains a recommended farming activity in Diablo 4 Season 15. It can spawn additional bosses while also allowing you to progress through Seasonal Mechanic Reputation Board. Helltide also tends to attract plenty of players, making its additional boss encounters and reputation rewards more worthwhile.

How to Farm Treasure Goblins?

Tips

When farming Treasure Goblins, consider disabling Crossplay. This prevents other players from rushing in and killing Goblins near you before you can reach them.

It is also highly recommended that you bring Subo. He has an extremely useful passive ability called Seeker, which marks special enemies such as Treasure Goblins on your map.

Another trick is to open your map and then close it again. This can help you spot Treasure Goblins located farther away than your normal field of view would allow.

Avoid farming the same area for too long. Instead, rotate between several popular locations. The game receives frequent updates, so previously efficient farming spots may have been adjusted. Shrines can also trigger events involving bosses, Treasure Goblins, or Butcher, so do not ignore them.

Recommended Locations

Start in Celestia, Skovos, and farm around Aarat's Bulwark. During testing, this area had the highest Treasure Goblin density, with multiple Goblins frequently appearing at the same time.

If you own the Vessel of Hatred expansion, you can start from Samuk, head south through Five Hills, and then travel east into Restless Canopy.

If you do not own the expansion, the northern coast of Scosglen remains one of the best farming locations in the base game thanks to its high monster density. Generally speaking, the more monsters an area has, the more opportunities you will have to encounter Treasure Goblins.

Nightmare Dungeons and War Plans Nodes

Treasure Goblins are not limited to the open world. Nightmare Dungeons also offer good opportunities to hunt them.

Through War Plans system, players can unlock several nodes that increase Treasure Goblin spawn opportunities and provide additional loot. The following three nodes are particularly worth prioritizing:

Goblinfall

Treasure Goblins have a chance to drop Nightmare Dungeon Sigils with the Treasure Breach affix. Using one of these Sigils allows you to enter a special dungeon filled with Treasure Goblins.

Altar of Avarice

Use this node in combination with Horadric Hunter. After killing 20 Elite monsters, Horadric Hunter will reveal a Horadric Altar. Once activated, Altar will always summon Treasure Goblins under the effects of Altar of Avarice.

Greed is Good

Killing Treasure Goblins has a chance to open a portal leading to Goblin's Retreat. Entering this area allows you to encounter even more Goblins and collect additional loot.

Butcher Event

Butcher portion of the event mainly revolves around Shrines. Clicking on a Shrine has a relatively high chance of spawning Butcher.

The official team mentioned on Twitter that players have a chance to receive Sweet Treats. These are likely to involve groups of Treasure Goblins or Burning Butcher. Defeating Burning Butcher can reward players with Legendary and Unique items, with an extremely rare chance of obtaining Mythic Uniques. Boss summoning materials and Runes are also possible rewards.

A more controlled approach is to check your Nightmare Dungeon Keys for Channeling Shrines affix. Enter the corresponding dungeon, locate a Channeling Shrine, and activate it to potentially trigger a Treasure Goblin or Butcher encounter.

Diablo 4 Meat or Treat event is not something you need to grind immediately. Instead, treat it as additional rewards along the way during your regular gameplay. Progressing through Reputation Board while farming Helltides, activating Shrines, and running Nightmare Dungeons should be enough to claim all the available rewards.

Regardless of the game mode you're playing in Modern Warfare 4, a decisive factor in securing a win is whether every shot you fire is truly on target. Any deviation not only affects the outcome but also increases the likelihood of your opponent successfully counter-attacking.

If you believe that aiming simply means keeping the enemy somewhere within your crosshairs, your understanding of MW4's mechanics is quite limited; there are many other critical factors to consider.

Based on current gameplay, we've outlined a few common aiming misconceptions in MW4. Avoid these, and you're bound to see an improvement in your kill rate!

Excessive movement

Whether you're using erratic camera movements to confuse your opponents or simply prefer a flashy playstyle, making overly large or frequent movements is something we strongly advise against.

While these maneuvers might look cool, they are more likely to cause you to lose a gunfight than to confuse your enemy, especially if you have Blood Rush perk active or are using Tactical Sprint.

To start, we recommend disabling the sprint assist feature in your controller and movement settings, as it has a direct impact on your aiming performance.

Enabling Sprint Assist or Tactical Sprint Assist can actually put you at a disadvantage by keeping you in a sprinting state when you shouldn't be.

A key characteristic of Modern Warfare is its extremely fast TTK, which requires you to keep your weapon pointed forward while moving naturally.

There is a noticeable delay when transitioning from a sprint to a state where you can actually fire your weapon. That split-second delay is often all it takes for you to get killed.

Furthermore, performing actions like sliding or jumping significantly increases crosshair sway, a problem that becomes even more pronounced during long-range engagements. Be extra cautious when deciding to use these maneuvers.

This doesn't mean you should stop moving entirely; however, if you rely too heavily on these types of movements, to the point where they cost you gunfights or matches, it might be time to re-evaluate your movement habits.

Overlooking frequent strafing

Compared to some flashier shooting maneuvers, strafing in CoD MW4 actually provides an indirect boost to your aim, yet, surprisingly, many players overlook this.

When you strafe during a firefight, you trigger rotational aim assist, which makes it significantly easier to lock onto your target.

Furthermore, when engaging enemies positioned behind head glitches, relying solely on the right analog stick to manage recoil while simultaneously tracking their lateral movement becomes extremely difficult.

In such scenarios, rather than trying to track the target using only the right stick, you should lean more on the left stick to account for the enemy's horizontal movement. This leverages rotational aim assist, keeping your crosshair aligned with the enemy's path.

In fact, if you stand perfectly still while firing, you will find that controlling your crosshair using only the right stick is far more challenging than using both sticks in tandem.

As soon as you spot an enemy, you should immediately push the left stick fully to the left or right to reach your maximum strafing speed as quickly as possible.

However, you don't have to commit to a single direction throughout an entire engagement. By toggling the left stick back and forth, you can repeatedly trigger rotational aim assist, ensuring you benefit from this assistance regardless of whether you are moving left or right.

If you aren't yet familiar with this technique, you can choose CoD MW4 bot lobbies for sale, practice it against bots to hone your skills before applying them in live multiplayer matches.

Neglecting to adjust red dot sight position

In Modern Warfare 4, the settings for red dot sights are easily overlooked; you might not even be aware they exist.

Adjusting the position of your red dot sight can actually help reduce perceived visual recoil. Here is how you can make these adjustments:

1. Navigate to the settings menu for your red dot sight and look for the rail position option on the right side of the screen.
2. Use L1/R1 buttons to shift the sight further away from or closer to your character's perspective.
3. Once you have adjusted the sight to the position closest to you, press Square button to save and apply the setting.

Beyond significantly reducing visual recoil during gameplay, moving a red-dot sight closer makes enemies appear sharper and allows you to better discern details in the combat environment at a distance.

Improper sensitivity settings

In Modern Warfare 4, sensitivity settings govern how quickly your view rotates when using a mouse or controller. In simple terms, it determines the speed at which your in-game perspective shifts in response to moving your mouse or pushing your analog stick.

Faster isn't necessarily better; the key is finding a speed that is both quick enough for your needs and aligned with your personal playstyle. Jumping into a match with arbitrary settings can negatively impact your overall experience.

If you aren't sure where to start, try setting it to around 1.3, then test and fine-tune it in a private match against bots.

If you find that your crosshair consistently lags behind your target, head into the settings and increase the sensitivity until the crosshair's response feels sufficiently snappy.

Conversely, if your sensitivity is set too high, you may find that your crosshair frequently overshoots the target. In this case, you should lower the sensitivity.

Improper deadzone settings

This MW4 setting controls the input threshold for your controller's analog sticks. A lower deadzone makes the sticks more responsive, while a higher value requires a greater range of motion before any in-game movement occurs.

Specifically, you should pay close attention to the maximum value for the left stick and the minimum value for the right stick. Setting the left stick's maximum to 70 allows for faster lateral movement, while setting the right stick's minimum to 1 is a common, recommended configuration.

As you can see, having the right settings is crucial for landing precise shots on enemies in MW4. So, before you start playing, don't forget to check your settings menu!