General News

To provide players with more cost-effective gaming products and services, IGGM platform has officially launched a brand-new points system, designed to let you enjoy a superior shopping experience while spending less!

Below, we break down everything you need to know: how to earn points efficiently, use them for discounts or to redeem exciting rewards, and stack VIP benefits to maximize your savings.

Before Using the Points System - Registration Required

Please note that IGGM's new points system is available only to registered and logged-in users. If you haven't registered or logged in yet, you will need to do so to access Check-in and Points pages.

How to Earn Points?

Accumulating points at IGGM is simple and straightforward, primarily through two channels: daily check-ins and order rewards.

1. Daily Check-in

Simply click the "Check In Today" button on the IGGM Check-in Center page to complete your check-in; once the button changes to "️Checked In (Come back tomorrow)," your points have been successfully credited! Alternatively, you can also check in by clicking the current date on the calendar.

Please note that your check-in time is based on the time zone used when you registered your IGGM account. For example, if you registered your account in PDT (UTC-08:00) time zone, you can only complete the check-in within that time zone on the day in question.

You can view your account registration date on My Profile or Check-in page to ensure you don't miss a check-in!

One-tap check-in (Easter egg)

There's a little Easter egg here! If you forget to check in for the day and land straight on the coupon redemption page, just tap the "little rocket" emoji at the bottom of the list to check in instantly - no need to navigate back to the Check-in Center. You'll still get those incremental rewards for consecutive check-ins.

Please note the visual differences between PC and mobile versions! For PC users, the small rocket only begins to shake and emit flames when you hover your cursor over it; a single click launches the rocket and credits your check-in points. For mobile users, the rocket icon shakes continuously—simply tap it to check in and earn your points instantly!

Other Check-in Entry

In addition, IGGM provides the following access points for quick and convenient daily check-ins:

1. Click "Go Now" on the coupon redemption page to visit the check-in center.

2. Click the coupon section at the bottom of the homepage to access the check-in center.

3. Click the banner at the bottom of any product page on IGGM to access the check-in center.

4. Quickly access the Check-in Center via the My Account → My Orders page.

Incremental Rewards for Consecutive Check-ins

IGGM's check-in system rewards consistency. If you check in without interruption, your daily points will increase over time: 5 points on the first day, 6 points on the second, and 8 points on the third. From the fourth day onwards, as long as you maintain your streak, you will consistently receive the maximum reward of 10 points per day.

Notes: If you check in via the check-in banner on the product page during your shopping journey, you can return to your original page via Back Shopping at the bottom after completing the check-in and triggering the points accumulation. You don't have to worry about your shopping progress being affected!

Reset Upon Interruption

If you miss a day or break your streak for any reason, your progress will reset to zero. Your next check-in will start back at the Day 1 rate of 5 points. Please note that the daily check-in reset is based on the server's time zone; be sure to check in on time to avoid losing progress due to network issues or other interruptions.

2. Points for Orders

Additionally, whenever you make an order on the IGGM platform, the system will award you points based on your subtotal amount.

Point Accrual Rate: $1 = 1 Point

Under standard conditions, every $1 of your actual spending converts directly into 1 point. To simplify calculations for order amounts involving decimals, IGGM rounds to the nearest whole number when determining the points earned. For example, if you pay $17.35, you receive 17 points; if you pay $34.86, you receive 35 points.

To ensure system efficiency for small transactions, the subtotal amount paid for an order must be at least $1 to trigger point accrual; orders under $1 do not generate any points.

Furthermore, points for all orders will be automatically credited to your account by the system only after the order status has officially changed to "Completed"; the number of points corresponds to the amount of the qualifying purchase.

Please note that orders completed without logging into your IGGM account will not be awarded points. Therefore, if you want to earn points to redeem for more offers, register and log into your account now!

New User Perk: 10x Point Rewards

IGGM has a welcome gift for new users! Your first paid order on IGGM automatically qualifies for a generous 10x points reward.

However, if your first order's subtotal is less than $1, you will not receive any points, and your first-order privilege as a new user will be used up. Therefore, IGGM recommends buying higher-value items you need during your first order to make the most of the 10x point reward.

Due to the significant value of this offer, points for the first order will be credited after the order is successfully delivered and passes a security review, provided no refund occurs within 24 hours.

You can view the specific points added upon completion in the My Account → My Orders section of IGGM.com. If you have just completed a payment but do not see the points immediately, please do not worry - simply wait a short while.

Point Value and Validity

Understanding the value of your points helps you make the best use of them. In the IGGM point system, 100 points = $1 (meaning each point is worth approximately $0.01).

Please note that points are not valid indefinitely; each point expires 90 days from the date it was earned. IGGM employs a user-friendly rolling expiration policy: points earned on Day 1 will expire at the end of Day 91. The specific calculation time for rolling expiration depends on the time zone of your account's IP address.

You can check for notifications regarding points nearing expiration on the "My Points" page of your account at any time to ensure you don't miss out on benefits.

Multiple Ways to Use Points: Direct Cash Deduction and Coupon Exchange

When buying items on IGGM, you can choose to use your accumulated points to directly offset the cash cost of your order or exchange them for significant discounts at IGGM Coupon Redemption Center. The choice is entirely yours!

Option A: Direct Cash Deduction at Checkout

On the checkout page, you can use the points in your account balance to reduce the cost of your current order. The proportion of the order total that can be offset by points is directly linked to your order subtotal.

Please refer to the table below for specific deduction ratios based on order subtotal ranges:

Important notes on using points for cash deductions:

1. Points are awarded only for successfully completed orders; orders that are voluntarily cancelled, flagged for suspected fraud, or fully refunded are not eligible for points;
2. Points for your first order are not credited immediately; they will be issued within 24 hours after successful delivery, provided no refund has occurred;
3. If an order involving points undergoes a partial refund, the system will deduct the corresponding points (rounded based on the refund amount) and return any points that were consumed. Returned Consumed Points = Consumed Points × (Refund Amount / Subtotal Amount);
4. Points can be used in conjunction with VIP discounts;
5. Cannot be used in conjunction with discount codes or cash coupons;
6. Cannot be exchanged for cash;
7. Cannot be withdrawn as cash;
8. Cannot be transferred between accounts;
9. IGGM.com reserves the right of final interpretation for all points-related policies.

Option B: Redeem Discount Codes or Cash Coupons

You can also visit the points redemption page to exchange points (in tiers ranging from 100 to 500 points) for discount codes (various rates) or cash coupons (subject to minimum order requirements). For example, the $10 cash coupon can only be used if your order's subtotal amount is $95 or more. If your subtotal is less than $95, the coupon will not automatically appear at checkout.

By the way, if you forget to check in for the day, the little rocket emoji on this coupon page is your quick way to do so! With a simple tap, a shake of the little rocket, and your points are in the bag!

All discount codes and cash coupons are limited to 30 per week, first come, first served! All redeemable rewards reset every Friday at 4:00 PM (UTC+8)/1:00 AM PDT.

Different colors clearly indicate the current stock status: green for 21-30 remaining, orange for 11-20, and red for 1-10. When stock reaches zero, it will display "Out of stock." But don't worry, all redeemable prize inventory resets every Friday at 4:00 PM (UTC+8). Let's do it earlier next time!

While coupons are great, please keep in mind that all discount codes or cash coupons are valid for only 3 days. Redeem them carefully and ensure the items you wish to buy are in stock to avoid wasting your points.

Additionally, please note that all redeemed and used discount codes, cash coupons, and free orders are non-refundable, non-exchangeable, and non-restoreable. Therefore, please carefully check the items you wish to buy before using your coupons to avoid losing them due to subsequent refunds or other changes!

You can view your coupons and their current expiration status on the My Account → My Coupons page.

Note: You can now quickly access the coupon redemption page not only through REDEEM button in the product page navigation bar, but also through "Coupon Center" at the bottom of IGGM homepage. We recommend bookmarking this page for convenient future check-ins and redemptions - saving you time and effort.

Notes on Points Redemption Coupons:

1. Only registered IGGM users are eligible to participate in points redemption.
2. Each reward is limited to the first 30 users per week on a first-come, first-served basis.
3. All discount codes, cash coupons and special items are subject to verification upon redemption.
4. Redeemed discount codes/cash coupons are valid for 3 days from the time of claim.
5. Only one discount code/cash coupon can be used per order. They cannot be combined with VIP discounts or points deductions.
6. Discount codes/cash coupons are not valid for gift cards and top-up services.
7. Redeemed discount codes, cash coupons, and free orders cannot be returned, exchanged, or restored once claimed or used.
8. Each account is limited to one redemption per special item per day.
9. Points required for special items are subject to change based on market price fluctuations.
10. IGGM.com reserves the right of final interpretation.

Option C: Direct Exchange for In-Game Currency/Items

In addition to coupons, IGGM will also add special points redemption options to the redemption page from time to time, allowing you to directly redeem specific in-game items with points, such as Monopoly GO cards, Diablo 4 materials, or POE 1/2 currency.

However, please note that each special item is limited to one redemption per account per day. Please choose carefully.

Note: Due to varying demand for special items and market price fluctuations, the number of points required to redeem these items may also change. Please monitor IGGM regularly to take advantage of low-point redemption opportunities.

Once you meet the points requirements and click to redeem, a pop-up window will prompt you to enter the necessary delivery details for the game. After accurately filling in the information and completing the verification, the system will automatically generate a free order and display it in Coupon Order list; you just need to wait for it to be delivered safely. More point redemption features and options are coming soon - stay tuned!

If you encounter errors during the redemption verification process, please check your network connection and try again using a reliable VPN.

Furthermore, given the nature of virtual items, returns or exchanges are not possible once an order begins processing; however, if delivery fails due to issues on the IGGM platform, the points used will be fully refunded.

VIP Ranks & Benefits

For VIP members, IGGM offers tiered discounts to all users based on accumulated spending. Once your cumulative spending hits a specific threshold, you automatically unlock a permanent VIP discount:

VIP 1: Your Spending (<$1,000), Get a 1% discount.

VIP 2: Your Spending (≥ $1,000 and < $3,000) , Get a 2% discount.

VIP 3: Your Spending (≥ $3,000 and < $6,000), Get a 3% discount.

VIP 4: Your Spending (≥ $6,000 and < $10,000), Get a 4% discount.

VIP 5: Your Spending (≥$10,000), Get a 5% discount.

Discount Stacking Rules:

• VIP Discounts CAN be combined with Points Deductions.
• VIP Discounts CANNOT be stacked with Discount Codes or Cash Coupons.

At checkout, you may apply either:

• Option A: Discount Code or Cash Coupon (Alone)
• Option B: VIP Discount + Points Deduction (Note: Discount Codes and Cash Coupons are not valid for Gift Cards or Top-up services.)

Stacking Discounts and Maximizing Savings

How can you get the most savings when checking out? IGGM has designed a smart checkout system based on our VIP ranks and point-redemption rules.

At IGGM, VIP discounts stack perfectly with direct point deductions. However, please note that redeemed discount codes or cash coupons cannot be combined with VIP discounts or point deductions. Additionally, only one coupons may be used per order.

At checkout, the system automatically compares the final costs of "Option 1 (VIP Benefits + Direct Point Deduction)" and "Option 2 (Single Discount Codes or Cash Coupons)" to select the most cost-effective choice for you, saving you the trouble of manual calculations. Which option offers the best deal will be displayed next to that option (Best Value). Of course, if you have your own preferences regarding coupon and point usage, you are free to select your preferred discount method.

Refunds and Point Returns

IGGM's refund policy allows you to request a refund at any time prior to the completion of delivery. However, we have specific rules regarding the refund and rebate of your points in this situation:

Situation 1: Full Refund

If you cancel your order for personal reasons, orders suspected of fraud or requiring a full refund will not be awarded points; furthermore, points already used in such orders will not be refunded.

However, if a full refund is issued due to reasons attributable to IGGM, the points consumed for the order will be fully refunded to your account.

Situation 2: Partial Refund

If an order involving awarded points undergoes a partial refund due to special circumstances, the system will refund a portion of the consumed points on a pro-rata basis relative to the refund amount. Naturally, the points rebate you would have originally received upon order completion will also be adjusted; the corresponding points will be deducted based on the refund amount, with the figure rounded to the nearest whole number.

Here is the formula for calculating point returns during a refund:

• Returned Consumed Points = Consumed Points × (Refund Amount / Subtotal Amount)
• Deducted Earned Points = Subtotal Amount - Refund Amount (rounded to the nearest whole number)

The all-new IGGM member point system is designed to offer you more viable discount options for your long-term gaming purchases. Every point accumulated is a sincere token of our appreciation for your support.

Log in to your IGGM account now, visit the Check-in Center to start accumulating points, and experience a smarter, more rewarding checkout process like never before!

Frequently Asked Questions about IGGM Points System

Q1: Can I transfer my VIP 5 perks from my old account to a newly created account and start accumulating check-in points there?

A: No. To ensure account security and platform fairness, VIP tiers and points are treated as exclusive assets of an individual account. According to our system security rules, transferring, merging, or gifting perks across different accounts is strictly unsupported.

Q2: My account currently has 277 points. If I buy items worth $34.68 and use up all my points to get a $2.77 deduction, but later receive a partial refund of $15.44 due to certain factors, how many points will I end up with?

A: Your original $34.68 order generates 35 points based on rounding. Due to the partial refund of $15.44, the system will proportionately deduct 15 points (rounded to the nearest whole number). Therefore, the net points earned from this purchase will be: 35 - 15 = 20 points. Additionally, the system will return the points you consumed. Based on the calculation formula: Consumed Points × (Refund Amount / Total Purchase Amount), you will get back 123 points. As a result, your final account balance will be 123 + 20 = 143 points.

Q3: Can I create unlimited new IGGM accounts and place small orders to exploit the 10x points newcomer reward?

A: No. IGGM strictly prohibits the malicious registration of multiple accounts, utilizing technical exploits, or engaging in order manipulation to farm newcomer benefits. Our system is equipped with rigorous anti-fraud and risk control mechanisms: the 10x points multiplier for the first order will only be credited after the order is successfully delivered and passes a 24-hour anti-abuse system review. If the risk control system detects multi-account farming linked by the same IP, same device, same payment method, or malicious account associations, the platform reserves the right to permanently ban the related accounts and clear all accrued benefits.

Q4: I just registered an account and my first order was a small item for $0.9. Because it was under $1, the system didn't give me any points. Then, my second order was for $100. Why didn't my second order get the 10x points? My first order didn't receive any points anyway, shouldn't this second order count as my actual "valid first order"?

A: No. The system strictly identifies the "New User First Order" based on the very first paid order under your account, regardless of the transaction amount. The threshold ruling out points for subtotals under $1 is a foundational platform policy. Therefore, we highly recommend that new users consolidate their shopping carts on their first purchase and bundle higher-value items into the first order to fully maximize the value of the 10x points perk.

Q5: If a website error prevents me from checking in for the day, causing my check-in streak to break, what measures will IGGM take to compensate for my points loss?

A: We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused. The daily check-in resets based on a specific time matching the server's time zone. If the streak is broken due to network latency or missing the refresh window, the system will strictly execute the automatic reset policy. We recommend completing your check-in as early as possible each day and ensuring a stable network environment. If the interruption is conclusively caused by a large-scale server outage on the platform, an official site-wide points compensation announcement will be issued once resolved. Please note that support agents do not have the authorization to manually alter individual check-in histories. Thank you for your understanding.

Q6: I spent 300 points to redeem a $5 cash coupon, but the game items I wanted have been out of stock on the platform for the past few days. As a result, the coupon expired within 3 days without being used. The stockout is the platform's issue, so why should my 300 points be deducted for nothing?

A: We apologize, but once a reward is redeemed at the Rewards Center, the corresponding points will be deducted and cannot be refunded. Because each reward is strictly limited to the first 30 users per week on a first-come, first-served basis, and the cash coupons are valid for 3 days, we highly recommend verifying current product stock and your purchase intent before making a redemption to avoid accidental cash coupon expiration.

Q7: Can I still request a refund if my order status is "Completed"? Can the points be refunded?

A: If IGGM has successfully completed the delivery and you have confirmed the order's completion, we unfortunately cannot honor refund requests. The points spent will not be returned. However, if IGGM fails to complete the service due to our own issues (for example, if Tycoon Racers carry service fails to help you achieve Rank #1), we will refund the points you spent according to the refund ratio.

Q8: Why do I keep encountering errors when trying to redeem a coupon?

A: Coupon redemption errors typically occur due to network instability or system security protocols. Your IP address might be flagged as originating from a high-risk region. We recommend adjusting your VPN settings or connecting to a different network, then trying again. If the issue persists, please reach out to our 24/7 Customer Support team for further assistance.

Q9: Can I use a script or plug-in to claim the weekly limited 30 discount codes/cash coupons available each week?

A: To ensure fairness for all players, we have implemented strict security measures. Redeeming any discount codes or cash coupons requires passing verification, rendering any script-based simulated clicks ineffective. IGGM reserves the right to void coupons and impose account restrictions on any account found using irregular methods (such as multi-instance farming, emulators, or third-party software) to forcibly claim coupons.

Q10: If I use points to offset the cost but later receive a refund due to special circumstances, will the validity period of the returned points be extended?

A: No. Returned points retain their original acquisition date and continue to follow the 90-day expiration rule; the IGGM platform will not reset or extend the expiration date due to a refund. Please use the returned points as soon as possible to avoid expiration!

Q11: Will the points required to redeem specific special items on IGGM change?

A: Yes. Considering that the prices of specific items in the game may fluctuate with game updates and changes in market demand, the points required for redeeming special items offered by IGGM will also be adjusted accordingly. However, rest assured that even with these adjustments, the points cost for redeeming items on IGGM remains far below the market price.

Also Read: The Ultimate IGGM Savings Guide: How to Min-Max Points, Coupons & VIP Perks?

In the fight to defend Super Earth in Helldivers 2, a powerful loadout is essential for survival and victory. The main way to obtain powerful weapons, armor, and Stratagems is through the game's Warbonds.

The following 5 Warbonds not only provide enough firepower to handle all three enemy factions, but also support almost any combat style. New players after Update 7.0 should prioritize unlocking them, while veteran players who do not have them are also highly recommended to complete their collection.

Here are 5 best Warbonds: 

• Democratic Detonation
• Entrenched Division
• Chemical Agents
• Urban Legends
• Castellan's Creed Legendary Warbond

Democratic Detonation

Almost every item in Democratic Detonation is at least close to S-tier in terms of strength, and virtually everything has a practical use. The 1,000 Helldivers 2 Super Credits required for this Warbond are put to excellent use.

This Warbond provides three armor sets, with FS-55 Devastator armor standing out the most. This heavy armor comes with a passive that provides 50% resistance to explosive damage while also reducing recoil. That makes it exceptionally effective against Automatons, allowing players to withstand the devastating firepower of units such as Devastators.

G-123 Thermite is one of the most powerful grenades in the game. It can eliminate most medium and large enemies with a single grenade, while massive targets such as Bile Titans and Factory Striders require additional damage.

R-36 Eruptor is one of the strongest primary weapons in the game, offering heavy armor penetration and extremely high damage per shot. It can deal effective damage to large targets.

Its main drawbacks are its slow reload speed and vulnerability at close range, which make it somewhat cumbersome when roaming alone. In coordinated team play, however, it can unleash devastating firepower.

CB-9 Exploding Crossbow may be the most versatile primary weapon in the game. It has very few weaknesses and can effectively deal with all three factions. Its explosive bolts deal area damage and can also destroy enemy structures.

The main exception is when facing the extremely fast Predator Strain Terminids, where its explosive projectiles can easily cause self-damage. In this situation, pairing it with a kinetic secondary weapon is recommended.

GP-31 Grenade Pistol is an excellent tactical utility weapon. Rather than being primarily used for clearing groups of enemies, it is designed to destroy Terminid nests, dropships, and enemy factories from a distance.

It makes up for a lack of explosive utility in the primary weapon or throwable slot. Every loadout should have access to some form of explosive utility, and this pistol is one of the most flexible options available.

Entrenched Division

Some equipment in Entrenched Division, such as Gas Mortar Sentry and Stoker SMG, may deliver only average performance, but its other equipment is top-tier.

CPG-48 Sapper armor set comes with Grenadier passive, which provides 50% resistance to explosive damage and increases grenade capacity by two. This makes it extremely powerful against Automaton faction.

G-48 Giga Grenade is currently the strongest grenade available. It combines the high single-target damage of a Thermite grenade with a massive area of effect. A single grenade can easily take out multiple large targets. Combined with Sapper armor or a Supply Pack, you can essentially become a walking turret.

B/FLAM-80 Cremator is one of the most versatile support weapons in the game. It offers extremely high sustained DPS and remarkable ammunition efficiency, making it very difficult to run out of fuel.

Chemical Agents

Chemical Agents is a highly distinctive Premium Warbond. Instead of focusing on traditional firearms, its core gameplay revolves around gas, area control, and supporting teammates.

G-4 Gas Grenade is an absolute powerhouse against lightly armored Chaff. It can quickly eliminate large groups of enemies, making it particularly effective for blocking chokepoints or escape routes.

Its damage to players is relatively low, but when it detonates beneath enemies, it can rapidly clear groups of targets such as Voteless.

AX/TX-13 Dog Breath is one of the strongest backpacks in the game. It acts as a passive crowd-control device that continuously sprays toxic gas at nearby enemies, throwing them into confusion and preventing them from attacking. This creates valuable breathing room and opportunities to deal damage.

The armor included in Warbond provides gas resistance, making it highly situational.  TX-41 Sterilizer support weapon is widely regarded as one of the weakest support weapons in the game due to its poor efficiency.

P-11 Stim Pistol, meanwhile, is a team-oriented utility tool that requires a high degree of coordination to reach its full potential, making it unsuitable for solo players.

Urban Legends

Urban Legends Premium Warbond launched on December 13, 2024, with a theme centered around Illuminate invading colonies, urban streets, and close-quarters combat.

SR-24 Street Scout's passive increases ammunition capacity for all weapons, including support weapons, by 20% and improves primary weapon reload speed by 30%.

This not only significantly improves sustained DPS, but also greatly enhances the experience of using weapons that consume ammunition rapidly.

Anti-Tank Emplacement is one of the best Stratagems for fighting Automaton faction. Deploy it on high ground, and it can easily destroy enemy outposts from an extremely long distance. More importantly, a single anti-tank emplacement can destroy an entire group of five Factory Striders, demonstrating just how terrifying its firepower can be.

The other equipment has more limited applications. CQC-19 Stun Lance, for example, is mainly designed to provide a more entertaining combat experience rather than exceptional power.

Castellan's Creed Legendary Warbond

As the newest Warbond, its strength alone is enough to attract attention, even if Warhammer 40,000 or Astra Militarum is not of particular interest.

As one of the iconic weapons of Warhammer 40,000, P/40-K Bolt Pistol can be considered the centerpiece of this Warbond. It boasts up to 500 damage and heavy armor penetration, allowing it to effectively take on almost every enemy.

TG-122 Demo-Trooper's True Grit passive improves the handling of all weapons and increases support weapon reload speed by 30%. This is a major upgrade for support weapons that require players to remain stationary while reloading.

40-K Meltagun offers some of the highest single-target burst damage in Helldivers 2, but its main drawback is its extremely short range, forcing players to take considerable risks by moving close to their targets.

These are the 5 most valuable Warbonds in Helldivers 2 after Update 7.0. If your firepower feels insufficient while spreading managed democracy, these Warbonds can give you the tools needed to destroy the enemies of Super Earth.

In NBA 2K26, while layups were already fun, they were somewhat monotonous - you press the layup button, the system plays an animation, and success depended mainly on numerical clashes.

But in NBA 2K27, things changed completely. The game introduced a new system called Dynamic Layup Engine, coupled with the return of Advanced Layup mechanic, transforming layups from a simple numerical operation into one that requires repeated practice.

How does this new system work? How do you perform it? I will explain in detail below.

Dynamic Layup Engine

Let's start with the most crucial component, Dynamic Layup Engine.

According to official information released by NBA 2K27, this engine uses machine learning technology to allow players to adjust their arm and wrist movements in real-time during the jump, based on the defender's position, to complete a clean and efficient layup.

Simply put, the system no longer plays a fixed animation; instead, it calculates the most suitable finishing move for the current situation.

For a concrete example: Your player drives from the right, intending to shoot a layup with their right hand, but a help defender rushes in from the right.

In previous games, this help defense might have disrupted your shot, distorting your movement or even resulting in a block.

However, in NBA 2K27, Dynamic Layup Engine calculates the presence of this help defense the instant you jump, then instructs your player to switch from right to left hand in mid-air, using a left-handed layup to avoid the block.

Furthermore, another intelligent aspect of this engine is its ability to calculate and compare the strengths of both players, adjusting the finishing move accordingly.

For instance, if you're playing a top-tier penetrator like Anthony Edwards, but you're being guarded by Dillon Brooks - who is clearly at a disadvantage - once you've established position and gained an advantageous position, the engine will determine that the shot is likely to go in and provide a suitable finishing move.

Conversely, if you're facing a defensively dominant player like Amen Thompson, even the most intelligent engine will struggle to get the ball in.

Therefore, the essence of this Engine is to amplify your strengths and compensate for reasonable weaknesses, rather than ensuring every layup is successful.

Physical Finisher Badges

In previous NBA 2K games, the success of a layup mainly depended on a player's Layup Rating and Driving stats. However, in NBA 2K27, Strength attribute has become more important than ever before.

Why? Because this game features a crucial Badge called Physical Finisher, which enhances a player's ability to complete layups under physical contact. The core condition for triggering this is a sufficiently high Strength attribute.

In actual gameplay, players with high Strength will exhibit pushing or pushing away defenders during layups. For example, Giannis Antetokounmpo can start from the three-point line, push past the defender to the basket, and then score - this is the effect of Strength combined with Physical Finisher.

If your player's Strength is low, even with a high Layup Rating, their movement will become distorted and their shooting percentage will plummet when facing a close interior defender.

Therefore, if you want to make layups a regular weapon in NBA 2K27, you must prioritize Strength attribute when creating a character or selecting a player.

You can improve a player's Strength by training them, but a better method is to directly acquire players with high Strength attributes from Auction House using your main character.

In the early game, when all players lack MTs, you can buy NBA 2K27 MT from IGGM.com. We offer the cheapest prices and 24-hour service to help you quickly acquire powerful players.

Advanced Layup

Besides Dynamic Layup Engine system and Physical Finisher Badges, another important system in NBA 2K27's layup gameplay is Advanced Layup.

Specifically, in previous games, once you performed a Euro Step, the subsequent finishing move was basically fixed.

In NBA 2K27, the starting motion and finishing motion have been separated into two independent parts, meaning you can combine them freely:

For example, you can use a Euro Step to shake off the first defender, then, after jumping and facing a help defender, decide on the fly to finish with a Floater or a Scoop Layup.

There are many other possible combinations, listed below:

1. Euro Step with Scoop Layup: First, use Euro Step to create lateral movement, then before the defender is fully caught, use a Scoop Layup to pass the ball over their head;
2. Euro Step with De-Cel and Floater: First, use Euro Step to start, then press De-Cel to throw the defender off balance, and finally finish with a quick Floater like Devin Booker;
3. Slow Step with De-Cel and Dunk: This combination is especially effective against players like Giannis Antetokounmpo. Slow Step creates contact, De-Cel shakes off defender, and finally, you can pull up for a dunk.

Finally, there's a very interesting combination: using Zion Williamson's Euro Step as a starting move, combined with Devin Booker's Floater.

His Euro Step has a wide range of motion and strong impact, effectively creating space; simultaneously, his Floater has a high release point and high speed. Combining these two creates an unstoppable combo: first, using the body to drive in, then using finesse to tip the ball in.

The above is a detailed introduction to the layup system in NBA 2K27. In general, layups in this game will become like in a fighting game - player movements will change constantly, and players can have their own unique combos.

However, this also means that players will need to spend time practicing and researching how to design combinations of starting and finishing moves to improve their layup success rate.

Although the dust from Cyberleek incident hasn't fully settled, the 27-minute Extended Look for GTA 6, released on Netflix on the afternoon of August 27 PDT, has clearly captured the lion's share of attention.

Clocking in at a length comparable to a short film, the video showcases extensive authentic gameplay footage of GTA 6 running on PS5, including real-time demonstrations of mechanics like car chases and shootouts. It is a stunning visual experience, even without any voiceover narration.

Based on the content shown in this Extended Look, we have summarized the key new gameplay mechanics and narrative details of GTA VI that you should know.

Upgraded interaction systems

Interactions with various objects, environmental elements, and NPCs are a crucial part of the immersive experience offered by Grand Theft Auto series. GTA 6 brings significant upgrades to this aspect.

For console players, the target-locking interaction system (using L2 button) has been retained and expanded. You can use this method not only for multi-option conversations with NPCs but also for deep interactions with animals in the environment.

Regarding the management of your own inventory, GTA 6 introduces a radial menu system. Additionally, HUD clearly distinguishes between bank deposits and GTA 6 money you are currently carrying, making management easier.

From a broader perspective, GTA VI achieves seamless transitions between the third-person over-the-shoulder view and cutscenes.

For instance, the indoor shootout demonstration showcases real-time collision and destruction effects while retaining mechanics for using cover and picking up items in real-time.

Richer characters live and stylistic shifts

As you know, one of the major highlights distinguishing Grand Theft Auto 6 from its predecessors is the introduction of a dual-protagonist system featuring a couple: Jason and Lucia.

This implies a significant shift in how the main narrative unfolds and how the characters' daily lives are portrayed.

First, to accommodate the preferences and choices of different players, the two protagonists share an apartment, but you are free to decide whether to pursue a romantic relationship once in the game.

Choosing to deepen their romantic bond unlocks additional dating activities and exclusive side missions; if you opt not to pursue the romance, the pair remains strictly partners in crime.

Building on this, the extended look reveals more authentic two-person interactions, much like those between real-life friends or couples, creating a highly immersive experience. Examples include Jason holding the door for Lucia or the pair providing covering fire for one another.

Beyond the relationship between the two protagonists, GTA VI enriches the game world with a wealth of lifelike details, striving to create the most realistic version of Vice City possible.

For instance, players can toggle lights on and off inside apartments, change TV channels, and watch programs.

Out in the open world, when not engaged in high-stakes criminal activities, you can participate in various side activities and mini-games, such as street basketball, underwater exploration, and more.

Perhaps the most interesting addition is the in-game app, Snapmatic. Modeled after the real-world Snapchat, it allows you to socialize with others in GTA VI, and your exploits might even be uploaded for others to see.

When GTA V launched in 2013, online social networking was nowhere near as ubiquitous or popular as it is today; the inclusion of Snapmatic demonstrates GTA VI development team's commitment to keeping the game current and reflective of real-world trends.

Gameplay enhancements

Shootouts and car chases are core gameplay elements of Grand Theft Auto series. Regarding vehicles, GTA VI introduces two methods for stealing cars, lock-picking and smashing windows, and adds nitrous boost mechanics for street racing.

In terms of combat, GTA VI features highly precise shooting mechanics. Skilled players can pull off feats like headshots or knocking weapons out of enemies' hands. Combat is further enhanced by visceral close-ups and slow-motion kill cams.

Building on this, the game assigns distinct combat traits to each protagonist based on their backgrounds: Lucia excels at hand-to-hand combat and handling shotguns one-handed, while Jason shines in mobile firefights and high-speed vehicle chases.

Even more intriguing is the dynamic, logically robust system governing police pursuits.

For starters, the police will track and pursue you based on specific details, such as your character's facial features, clothing, and the vehicle you are driving.

You must quickly drive the vehicle to a secluded area and torch it, then switch to a new car to shake off any vehicle tracking markers.

This causes the police to lose the trail of the original vehicle and lowers your pursuit priority, allowing you to escape the situation more easily.

Additionally, if you and your partner rob a store, NPC reactions are highly realistic and adapt to your actions; for instance, someone might secretly call the police while you aren't looking.

Upgraded visuals and details

As a flagship title in the industry, comprehensive upgrades to both technology and art are integral to the development of GTA 6.

Beyond basic improvements in visual clarity and detail, GTA 6 features a massive expansion in map scale, nearly doubling the size of the previous game's map.

Building on this, the density of crowds and traffic across various regions offers unprecedented realism, featuring everything from street traffic and active construction sites to NPCs moving freely along the beaches.

Conclusion

As the latest installment in the series after a nearly decade-long hiatus, GTA 6 not only showcases cutting-edge graphics technology but also represents a culmination of the developer's accumulated top-tier design expertise.

Consequently, despite recent leaks, the game's appeal and the level of player anticipation remain undiminished. We may even see more updates before the final release in November, stay tuned!

In Path of Exile 3.29, Rogue Exiles have become a highly valuable farming target. By properly combining Trarthan Scarab, Rogue Exiles can generate a large number of Mercenaries, increasing their gear, currency, and Scarab drops, and even offering a chance to obtain Mageblood.

This strategy is particularly suitable for Luminary. Luminary allied mercenaries deal double damage to Rogue Exiles and mercenaries spawned by their mechanics, making them exceptionally efficient at clearing high densities of Rogue Exiles and Mercenaries. This allows for rapid map progression while maintaining overall loot.

Trarthan Scarab Configuration

This strategy requires three Trarthan Scarabs, all of which are essential:

Trarthan Scarab of Infamy

This ensures all Mercenaries on the map are Infamous versions, and the main mercenary carries two additional Wild Mercenaries. Infamous Mercenaries offer better Rucksack loot and are the sole source of Infamous modifier items.

Trarthan Scarab of Renown

This Scarab is crucial for farming high-value gear - it guarantees a chance to drop unique items upon each mercenary's death, including high-value belts like Mageblood and Headhunter.

Trarthan Scarab of Surprising Alliances ×2

It gives Wild Rogue Exiles in PoE maps a 50% chance to carry a Wild Mercenary. Combined with the Anarchy Scarab, which increases the number of Rogue Exiles, this results in an average of about 5 additional Wild Mercenaries per map.

The three Scarabs work together to form a complete farming chain:

Increase Rogue Exiles → Generate more Mercenaries → Equip Mercenaries with unique gear → Kill for high-value loot

Map Strategy: Boss Speedruns and Altar Replication

Map Selection

The core of this strategy is efficient map traversal; therefore, maps with simple structures, short routes, and easy-to-kill bosses should be prioritized. In the Path of Exile 3.29 speedrun gameplay, the map itself doesn't need to provide special benefits; the most important thing is to complete a map quickly, thereby increasing the number of Rogue Exiles and Mercenaries encountered per unit of time.

• Mesa: A top choice. The map structure is very simple, with the boss mostly located near the center. Short routes and high clearing efficiency make it ideal for strategies requiring repeated map runs.
• City Square: Its biggest advantage is the presence of three bosses, allowing for quick kills and rewards. The map's overall layout is also relatively compact, suitable for speed runs.

Dunes, Strand, Tropical Island, and Beach are also good options. If you are very familiar with a particular map and can consistently complete it quickly, then prioritize that map.

Note that Jungle Valley is not well-suited for this strategy. Using Templar Astrolabe requires killing the map boss to complete the objective, and the boss in Jungle Valley is far from the entrance, requiring extra time for map traversal.

Altar Selection: Prioritize Duplication

Searing Exarch altar is a significant profit amplifier for this strategy; prioritize duplication of loot.

• Uniques Duplication: Highest value; duplicating high-value equipment like Mageblood doubles the reward.
• Scarab Duplication: Consistently amplifies the rewards from high-value Scarabs.
• Currency Duplication: Rogue Exiles and Mercenaries drop a significant amount of raw Divine; duplication further increases rewards.

Mercenary Management

When encountering a Mercenary, first check their Rucksack for high-value items. If valuable, kill them to obtain their dropped equipment and PoE currency; otherwise, recruit them as temporary allies to assist in clearing the map.

Aim to complete each map within 2 minutes to maximize overall rewards through high map clearing efficiency.

Map Rolling and Difficulty Selection

The key to this playstyle is map modifiers. In Path of Exile, certain map modifiers directly enhance Rogue Exiles and Mercenaries, making them tankier, dealing more damage, and even capable of one-shotting characters.

Therefore, don't force yourself to challenge high-difficulty modifiers in pursuit of higher map rewards. Clearing maps quickly and safely is more important than maximizing rewards per map.

High-Risk Modifiers

• More Monster Life: Directly increases the health of Rogue Exiles and Mercenaries, making them extremely difficult to kill. Especially when multiple Life modifiers are stacked, clearing speed will significantly decrease.
• Critical Strike Chance / Critical Strike Damage: Extremely dangerous for characters with weak survivability. Mercenaries and Rogue Exiles already deal significant damage; stacking Critical Strike Chance modifiers can easily result in sudden, one-shot kills.
• Unique Monster Damage and Life: Also extremely dangerous, as Rogue Exiles and Mercenaries are unique monsters, these modifiers directly enhance both their health and damage.

If your character isn't tanky enough, when you see these modifiers, it's better to reroll the map than to force a challenge for a little more benefit.

Three Map Difficulties

Scour and Go

The safest option - roll the map to a clean slate, don't pursue extra affixes, and quickly clear the map. While the number and rarity of maps are relatively low, the core benefits of this strategy come from Mercenaries and Rogue Exiles. Some of the rewards they provide don't entirely depend on map rarity, so even plain maps still offer decent base rewards.

Alch and Go

A recommended compromise - use the Orb of Alchemy to unlock yellow map and start farming immediately, without spending a lot of time selecting affixes. The rewards are higher than plain maps, and the difficulty is usually acceptable, suitable for most established builds.

8-Mod Maps

A high-difficulty approach - 8-mod maps further increase map rewards, but also significantly increase monster strength. It's only worth using if your character can consistently handle high-damage, high-health Mercenaries and Rogue Exiles.

In general, this playstyle is characterized by a high skill ceiling and high volatility. Its true value lies in constantly finding rare and high-value mercenaries and equipment. Early on, some maps may have less than ideal rewards, but as you farm more maps, the chances of encountering top-tier mercenaries or rare drops will increase.

MLB The Show 26 7th Inning and Weekend Classic have started, and Weekend Classic is not only a test of player skill, but also offers rewards that should not be missed.

Good players can affect your performance just like a gunslinger depends on a reliable weapon. So, if the goal is to win, let's take a look at which players are the most reliable at each position in Weekend Classic 6.

SP

LHP: 99 OVR Tarik Skubal New Threads

This card is stronger than his Summer 1 version. The official team increased Break on his sinker, while his Sinker Rating has reached 98.

Tarik Skubal's Circle Change has also been improved. In the current environment, where Circle Changes can shrink PCI, Tarik has one of the best Circle Changes in the game.

RHP: 99 OVR Dustin May New Threads

This card is currently valued at more than 70,000 stubs, but it is absolutely worth having. He has excellent H/9 attributes, a very popular pitch mix, an extremely deceptive pitching motion, and high Break ratings across all of his pitches.

Dustin May also has a quality Circle Change, which makes the card extremely difficult to read. He can undoubtedly be considered one of the most well-rounded pitchers in the current game.

RP

RHP: 99 OVR Trevor Hoffman Hall of Fame

Trevor Hoffman's Circle Change is one of the strongest pitches in MLB The Show 26, and it can significantly shrink PCI for any hitter. Whether facing a right-handed or left-handed batter, throwing Circle Change toward the outside corner is highly effective.

He also has a cutter to prevent runners from reaching base. Without Circle Change, few players would use this card, but that pitch is exactly what makes him one of the elite pitchers in the game.

LHP: 98 OVR Brooks Raley

Brooks Raley is an affordable and powerful RP. He is valued at around 12,000 MLB The Show 26 stubs, yet he has excellent per-nine-inning attributes, with his H/9 against both right-handed and left-handed hitters reaching the maximum.

His velocity is relatively low, which can disrupt a hitter's timing, especially when he follows a fireball pitcher. His Circle Change has 99 Break, so he should be an excellent addition to any bullpen.

Catcher

C: 99 OVR Victor Martinez Awards

Victor Martinez is technically not a catcher, and players usually place him at first base.

In MLB The Show 26, it is extremely difficult to catch runners stealing, even when pitchers use pickoff attempts or slides. Stealing bases is simply too easy.

Victor Martinez is one of the strongest hitters in MLB The Show 26, so using him for offense provides more value than relying on him defensively.

Baseman

1B: 99 OVR Albert Pujols Signature

Victor Martinez is undoubtedly one of the strongest first basemen in the game as well, but to avoid repetition, he will not be mentioned again here.

Albert Pujols is also an outstanding option. Although he lacks speed, his Contact, Power, and Vision attributes are all very high, which provides a smooth and reliable swing. He is an extremely consistent right-handed hitter.

His Quirks are also very useful, especially for players who like to attack the first pitch and handle breaking balls aggressively.

2B: 99 OVR Ray Durham Signature

Ray Durham is a switch-hitting second baseman valued at around 50,000 stubs. He excels in almost every area, with strong defense, excellent speed, and good Contact. Although his Power is not particularly strong, he can consistently produce hits and is highly effective on the basepaths.

If you acquire him after Weekend Classic begins, his value could drop to around 30,000 to 40,000 stubs, allowing you to add one of the strongest second basemen in the game for a very low amount of stubs.

3B: 99 OVR Adrian Beltre Awards

Adrian Beltre's swing animation was updated in MLB The Show 26. He now stands more upright and swings faster, which means he is less likely to get jammed by inside sinkers or fastballs like before.

He is one of the best defensive third basemen in the game, with strong Contact against both sides and enough Power to remain dangerous. The only issue is that he is valued at around 140,000 stubs, which may be out of reach for many players.

Fielder

CF: 99 OVR Willie McGee Awards

This card is valued at around 300,000 stubs. He has excellent Contact against both sides, strong defense, and 99 Speed. His main weakness is a lack of Power.

Once he reaches first base, it is almost like having a guaranteed triple. He is extremely likely to reach third, and it is very difficult for opponents to throw him out. That provides a massive advantage on the basepaths.

OF: 99 OVR Mike Trout 2026 All-Star

Mike Trout could easily be included among the center field options. The problem is that his defense is not strong enough to handle center field reliably. A defensive boost could solve that issue, but he would also need a Contact boost to compensate for his 72 Vision.

Mike Trout's swing can overcome Vision disadvantage to some extent, but he remains an excellent choice as a corner outfielder.

SS: 99 OVR Troy Tulowitzki Milestone

Troy Tulowitzki remains one of the strongest shortstops in the game and has performed exceptionally well throughout the year. His hitting is well-rounded, while his defense is nearly flawless. If you do not have him, Jesús Made can be used as an alternative.

Weekend Classic 6 is a highly competitive Weekend Classic, and the overall player population has clearly decreased. Most of those still playing MLB The Show 26 are dedicated and highly experienced players. When the difference in mechanical skill is not significant, using strong enough players is essential to gaining an advantage and securing wins.

The period spanning late August and early September seems to be a peak time for game updates. If you play ARC Raiders but also juggle other titles, you might overlook key milestones, such as the end date for Phantom Targets Part 2!

Admittedly, recent ARC Raiders news might not have grabbed your attention immediately. However, with the launch window for Expedition 5 fast approaching, it is wise to start gathering resources now to complete the associated missions.

Phantom Targets event consists of two parts, with three steps in each. Part 2 concludes on September 6, meaning you have just one week left to complete it.

Below, we outline the mission requirements for each of the three steps and the rewards you will earn upon completion.

Step 1: Bring In Glitched Wasp Parts for Testing

Regardless of the elaborate backstory surrounding Phantom Targets event, your main priority is simply understanding the requirements for each step and completing them on time.

Part 2, Step 1 requires you to collect ten of each of four specific ARC Raiders items. The first three were introduced with Update 1.42.0 and may be removed once Phantom Targets ends:

• Glitched ARC Power Converter
• Glitched ARC Transmitter
• Glitched ARC Phased Array
• Advanced ARC Powercell

Upon collecting and submitting these items, you will receive the following rewards:

• 1x Canto III
• 1x Stable Stock III
• 1x Extended Medium Mag III
• 1x Silencer III

How to farm the three Glitched items?

The three Glitched items mentioned above are obtained by eliminating a special enemy type known as Erratic Wasp. While Glitched ARC Power Converter can occasionally drop from ARC Raiders Hornets or Pops, focusing on Erratic Wasps is clearly more efficient.

Like Glitched items themselves, Erratic Wasp, also known as Glitched Wasp, was introduced to the game specifically for Phantom Targets event.

It is a variant of the standard Wasp ARC you are likely familiar with; while their appearance and combat mechanics are largely identical, Erratic Wasp displays signs of malfunction, its lights flicker chaotically, and its audio sounds off, as if it is in need of repair.

If encountered naturally on the map, its movement is erratic and unsteady due to its malfunction, and it moves more slowly than a standard Wasp. Consequently, if you have some gameplay experience, shooting it down shouldn't be difficult.

Upon spotting you, Erratic Wasp will target you with a red laser before firing continuously. During this engagement, you should constantly seek cover while looking for opportunities to target and destroy the enemy's thrusters.

Each Erratic Wasp has four thrusters, and fortunately, they are fully exposed. Once the thrusters are destroyed, Erratic Wasp loses control and may even crash outright.

To farm more efficiently and ensure your safety, it is best to use a Lure Grenade before opening fire.

When thrown, this item attaches to a surface and draws Erratic Wasp's attention, causing it to shift its focus; this allows you to eliminate the group of enemies more easily and with concentrated fire.

How to farm Advanced ARC Powercells?

This ARC Raiders item is classified as Rare, so most destroyed ARCs will drop it. If you have spare Assessor Matrices, you can also obtain additional Advanced ARC Powercells by recycling or salvaging them.

Step 2: Perform Final Tests on Glitched Wasp Parts

The requirements for Step 2 are essentially the same as Step 1, though the materials needed have changed (you still need ten of each):

• Glitched ARC Light Ring
• Glitched ARC Circuitry
• ARC Thermo Lining
• ARC Circuitry

There is no need to re-explain how to obtain the two Glitched items; ARC Thermo Lining can be found by scavenging during raids or by defeating most common PvE enemies.

In contrast, the enemy types that drop ARC Circuitry are more limited and consist mostly of large ARCs, such as Bastion, Matriarch, Queen, and others.

If you are concerned about facing these specific ARCs, you can prioritize scavenging ARC Probes instead. It cannot attack you directly; you simply need to retreat before the enemies it attracts arrive. Alternatively, you can craft ARC Circuitry at Refiner 2 workshop by consuming 8x ARC Alloy.

Rewards for completing this step include:

• Fireworks Box Blueprint
• Vulcano III
• Extended Shotgun Mag III
• Shotgun Silencer

Step 3: Conduct One Final Explosive Test

The only requirement for this step is to deal 100 points of damage to any flying ARCs using fireworks, specifically, the fireworks obtained as a reward in Step 2.

More precisely, you need to use the blueprint to craft a Fireworks Box, place it in an area where flying enemies frequently spawn, lure them nearby (using traps or other methods), and then trigger the fireworks remotely.

If you use a Fireworks Box but fail to reach the target damage, don't worry; the item can also be obtained through scavenging or by trading with Shani.

As for Fireworks Box blueprint recipe, you need to unlock Explosives Station 2 and gather at least 1x Explosive Compound and 3x Pop Trigger.

Rewards for Step 3 include:

• 1x Computer Mouse Backpack Charm
• 1x Crash Mat Blueprint
• 1x Anvil IV
• 1x Anvil Splitter

Crash Mat is particularly noteworthy. It is essentially a special grenade that deploys an inflatable pad upon impact with the ground; landing on it reduces fall damage. Crafting requirements include 1x Electrical Components, 1x Durable Cloth, and Utility Station 1.

Completing all the above marks the end of ARC Raiders Phantom Targets event, meaning you can start preparing to unlock the permanent rewards for Expedition 5!

Camera Gadget is coming in October!

Gamescom 2026, the biggest offline gaming event of the second half of the year, is currently in full swing, and ARC Raiders is participating.

While the team hasn't revealed new details about core gameplay yet, they announced the launch of Camera Gadget feature for October and released a dedicated short video for it.

This means you'll be able to use the in-game camera to capture and preserve fun moments during your raids. We might see previews of more new features before Gamescom 2026 concludes.

That covers everything for now. Also, this week's trials are ending soon, so be sure to manage your time wisely to avoid missing out on any rewards!

While a significant amount of content for Diablo 4 Season 15 has been revealed, player discussions after PTR haven't focused solely on class strength and new gear.

Rebirth allows Eternal Characters to re-enter the season for the first time, and the official has explicitly said that PTR didn't showcase everything coming with Season 15; some aspects will be revealed at BlizzCon.

These two things together have prompted players to rethink some rules that once seemed fixed: 

How characters can start over, whether the boundary between Eternal and Seasonal gameplay can continue to shift, and even whether the current class roster could still change, with Demon Hunter speculation starting to heat up again ahead of BlizzCon.

Rebirth

With Season 15, players will be able to bring their existing Eternal Characters directly into the season. Class, name, appearance, and whether they are in Normal or Hardcore will be retained. Players need to remove all Diablo 4 items and clear their personal inventory before restarting their seasonal progression through Rebirth.

On the surface, this simply eliminates the step of creating a new character, but it allows an existing Eternal Character to re-enter the seasonal cycle.

However, Rebirth addresses how an Eternal Character restarts in a new season, not how an account restarts. If a player simply creates a level 1 character mid-season, existing gold, materials, Paragon progress, and stash in the account remain. The character returns to the starting point, but the underlying account does not.

Eternal Fresh Start

Rebirth also raises another important question: since the character itself can restart, could account-level inheritance also become more flexible?

Recently, some players have suggested adding a true Fresh Start option to Eternal Realms.

This wouldn't start a new season, but allow players to opt out of inheritance when creating an Eternal Character. There would be no shared gold, materials, or inventory, nor would existing Paragon progress be inherited, allowing the character to truly start from scratch.

Theoretically, players could now simulate this experience through self-restriction, such as avoiding old inventory and not spending existing gold and materials.

However, the problem is that more and more progression in Diablo 4 is shared at Realm or account level. Paragon, currency, materials, and some unlocks will automatically affect new characters, so "not using it yourself" and true system isolation are ultimately not the same thing.

In fact, the official team has already made similar attempts. Solo Self-Found (SSF), introduced in Season 14, separates SSF characters' stash, currency, Paragon, and other progression from regular Seasonal characters.

Of course, SSF is currently only a seasonal feature, but it at least shows that Blizzard is already willing to separate progression between different character types.

Therefore, Eternal Fresh Start is currently just a player suggestion, but placed after SSF and Rebirth, it no longer seems like an idea completely detached from the existing system.

Since the official team has begun to break down the previously fixed relationship between character identity, Realm, and shared progress, players will naturally continue to ask: since Eternal Characters can re-enter the season, can they also choose not to inherit anything and truly start over?

Demon Hunter Speculation

However, what makes players continue to speculate about Season 15 isn't just Rebirth. The official statement indicates that some Season 15 content has been reserved for BlizzCon. That timing has also revived speculation about Demon Hunter's return.

The most direct clue came from Hand Crossbow. Players discovered that Diablo 4 loot filter included a weapon category called Hand Crossbow, but currently no class in the game actually uses it.

In Diablo 3, dual-wielding Hand Crossbows was one of Demon Hunter's most recognizable trademarks.

While this category alone doesn't prove much, when it appeared alongside the news that Season 15 still had unannounced content, the community naturally connected the two.

However, the real problem is that Rogue already occupies much of the gameplay space a Demon Hunter would normally fill.

Rogue already covers bows, crossbows, traps, high mobility, Poison, and Shadow Abilities. When the official introduction to this class was given in the past, it was explicitly mentioned that Assassin and Demon Hunter players would see some familiar elements.

Therefore, if Demon Hunter is to be added, it can't just feel like a more Diablo 3-flavored version of Rogue.

Hand Crossbows could be one way to give the class a clearer identity. Dual-wielding Hand Crossbows and a stronger focus on sustained firepower, Sentries, and other deployable devices could help separate Demon Hunter from the current Rogue style.

Of course, this is still just speculation based on a weapon category. Hand Crossbow could also be discarded data, a future Rogue weapon, a unique item, or an internal category that ultimately wasn't implemented.

Breaking Old Expectations

The fact that these discussions are heating up again at this point indicates that players are beginning to re-evaluate things in Diablo 4 that seemed unlikely to change in the past.

In the past, many rules had formed relatively stable expectations. Eternal characters remained on eternal servers, seasonal characters restarted with each new season; different characters shared more and more account progress; new classes were usually seen as part of larger updates.

But in recent seasons, the developers have been gradually breaking down these fixed impressions. Individually, each change isn't particularly radical. Once these elements are put together, players will naturally start discussing issues they previously wouldn't have seriously considered.

Could Eternal Realm eventually get a true Fresh Start option? Can character progression continue to be split? With so much of its traditional gameplay space already occupied by Rogue, is there still room for Demon Hunter to re-enter Diablo 4?

These questions remain unanswered. But Season 15 is at least changing one expectation: Diablo 4's existing character rules, progression structure, and class roster are not necessarily finalized.

Fresh Start remains a community suggestion for now, and there's no confirmation for Demon Hunter. What is truly certain is that Season 15 has shifted players' attention from what this update added to what Diablo 4 is planning to change next.

With the arrival of WoW TBC Classic Anniversary Phase 3, player anxiety about the future of Mage class is growing. Open any forum or community, and you'll easily find pronouncements like "Mage is about to decline" and "Switch to Warlock now."

However, a closer look at the actual combat data from Phase 3 reveals that these pessimistic expectations about Mage are unfounded.

What is Mage's true standing in TBC Phase 3 and beyond?

Single-Target Boss Encounters

In the damage rankings for single-target boss encounters, which are of great interest to most players, Arcane Mage hasn't fallen from its pedestal as rumored.

Taking representative Phase 3 bosses like Supremus and Mother Shahraz as examples, Arcane Mage consistently ranks among the top in damage output.

And in iconic fights like Illidan Stormrage, Arcane Mage also has the potential to contend for the top spot.

Even in some prolonged battles, some physical DPS classes (like Warriors and Rogues) may gradually catch up or even surpass Mage, but the key factor behind this is often not because Mage itself is weaker, but because top physical DPS players have acquired The Twin Blades of Azzinoth.

The burst damage boost this weapon provides is unparalleled in TBC.

Given the extremely low drop rate of The Twin Blades of Azzinoth, unless your entire raid group is perfectly geared, Mage will still have the strength to compete for a top-two position in the vast majority of battles.

As for the online claim that swapping to Fire solves Mana problem, actual testing shows that in pure single-target DPS, Arcane Mage consistently outperforms Fire throughout BCC.

The only tactical value of Fire lies in maintaining Improved Scorch debuff if your raid is heavily reliant on Warlocks. Otherwise, feel free to choose Arcane Mage, especially if you're prioritizing individual stats and parrying.

Clearing Other Mobs

Focusing solely on single-target boss encounters severely underestimates the true value of Arcane Mage, as boss encounters only account for about 10% of the total raid time; the remaining 90% is spent clearing mobs.

In this area, Arcane Mage remains the undisputed king.

While Warlocks are waiting for Seed of Corruption to detonate or carefully controlling Threats, a Mage with Spell Haste and proper trinket rotation, leveraging high Haste for rapid Arcane Explosions, possesses an overwhelming advantage.

Before most mobs can even launch their attack, Mage has already reduced them to ashes in BCC.

This is why Mage is the core role that truly determines the raid's clear speed - a skilled Mage can allow the entire raid to complete the raid within an hour, instead of dragging it out to two hours.

Looking at the total damage output throughout the raid, a well-played Arcane Mage consistently ranks at the top.

Therefore, if you don't necessarily need to reach the top in every boss encounter, you'll find that Mage's contribution to the team in WoW TBC Classic Anniversary Phase 3 will make your teammates overlook the specific damage numbers in the fight.

Combat Characteristics

Many players have a stereotype of Arcane Mage as mindlessly spamming Arcane Blast, but the reality is far more complex.

Phase 3 boss encounters are longer, so you can't spam Arcane Blast until you've exhausted your mana. You need to precisely plan the timing of your mana gem usage, coordinate burst abilities like Icy Veins and Arcane Power, and adjust the timing of your trinket activation based on the team's kill speed.

In other words, if you want to play Mage well, you need to focus on mana management, constantly thinking, anticipating, and adapting, rather than simply standing still and spamming Shadow Bolt in most fights like in Destruction Warlock.

Of course, we can't deny that Warlocks might deal more damage in these combat scenarios, but every Mage fight is full of strategy and choices - if you can defeat a Warlock with clever maneuvering in actual combat using a Mage, the satisfaction is unmatched by any other class.

Gear Strategy

A significant advantage of Mage in BCC Phase 3, often overlooked by players, is its extremely smooth gear acquisition path.

Because your two-piece or four-piece Tier 5 set bonus (from Serpentshrine Cavern and Tempest Keep) will remain competitive for a long time, you don't need to fight tooth and nail for Tier 6 set pieces like physical classes or Warlocks.

You can prioritize giving the highly sought-after Tier 6 tokens to Warlocks in your raid group, helping them level up quickly, while you focus on acquiring Haste items - high-Haste rings, amulet, cloaks, and weapons will provide a significant boost to your damage.

Of course, high-Haste items are often expensive. If you're short on resources, TBC Classic Anniversary gold for sale can help you quickly acquire the best gear for your Mage.

This approach not only enhances Mage's abilities but also avoids gear disputes within the raid, naturally winning over the raid leader.

More Potential

We should also consider that, according to the latest adjustments to Titan Reforged realm, Sunwell Plateau has received significant nerfs. This will greatly shorten boss encounter times, which benefits burst-dependent specs like Mages, making them more competitive than before the changes.

And if you're in it for the long haul, Mages remain one of the top-tier classes in subsequent raid releases as well, so your investment won't go to waste.

Those who advise you to switch classes often don't understand the current state of Mage. Hopefully, you'll enjoy playing Mage to your heart's content in TBC Classic Anniversary Phase 3 and beyond!

Path of Exile 2 Patch 0.5.5 will remain in place until the arrival of the full 1.0 release, meaning it will be available for around three and a half months.

Patch 0.5.5 will introduce a brand-new economy, with everyone starting from scratch and the currency market being reshuffled. However, Runes of Aldur League will not end. Instead, it will run alongside the new league until it eventually ends with the arrival of PoE 2 1.0. This has raised several questions.

Forbidden Rites Event League

After the release of PoE 2 Patch 0.5.5, the core modes will include Standard Core, Runes of Aldur League, and the separate Forbidden Rites event. All three will remain independent from one another, with their economies completely separated.

The Difference Between Forbidden Rites and Runes of Aldur

To understand why some players are unhappy, it is first necessary to understand the differences between Forbidden Rites event and Runes of Aldur League.

Runes of Aldur

Runes of Aldur League is the league currently in progress. Its main difference from Standard Core is its unique league mechanic.

Most league mechanics are not added to the standard league after a league ends, and some exclusive items and mechanics from Runes of Aldur will also be removed.

Forbidden Rites

Forbidden Rites event league is not technically a normal league, although it will function much like a new league. It will also reset the economy while introducing its own core mechanic.

Forbidden Rites mechanic is relatively straightforward. Players will encounter Ritual Encounters in every area of the campaign.

After defeating the enemies at a Ritual site, players can activate the statue, causing them to be resurrected through dark magic and fight again.

Once the resurrected monsters are defeated, their blood flows into the altar as Tribute. After the encounter ends, Tribute can be used to exchange for rewards.

These Rituals differ from their endgame version because they will not simply reward items. Instead, they will provide a range of items that can help with leveling, including basic PoE 2 currency and various pieces of equipment.

Previously, only the player who created the area could use Tribute at the end, while other party members could only watch. In 0.5.5, every party member will receive their own Tribute and can use it to claim their own rewards. To prevent parties from obtaining too many rewards, party members will not be able to Reroll the shop, and fewer options will be available.

Expedition in Forbidden Rites Event League

During Forbidden Rites league, Runes of Aldur content will not appear in individual areas. However, Expedition will become available starting in Act 4, while Expedition Tablets will be added to the endgame.

Expedition will be added as core content with some reductions, similar to other league mechanics. In addition, after Patch 0.5.5 launches, Expedition will also be added to Standard Core.

Endgame Changes

PoE 2 Patch 0.5.5 will also introduce several endgame changes, including changes to Abyss, Fortress, and Trial of Chaos.

These changes will apply to both Standard Core and Forbidden Rites event. However, according to information shared during the official Q&A livestream, these changes may not appear in Runes of Aldur League.

Why Are Players Unhappy?

The official team initially said in PoE 2 Patch 0.5.4 video that Patch 0.5.5 would introduce a temporary league lasting one month, similar to Legacy of Phrecia. However, the reality is that Forbidden Rites event will continue until December 11.

This point was not clearly explained during the official livestream. The information came from the official community manager Natalia_GGG, who responded to a discussion thread on Reddit.

Even if the inconsistency between the earlier and later decisions is ignored, Forbidden Rites event will clearly have a major impact on Runes of Aldur League.

Forbidden Rites event will begin in almost exactly the same way as a standard league launch. The only difference is that Runes of Aldur League will remain open. Even so, it will be difficult for the league to continue operating normally.

The Impact of Forbidden Rites Event

Runes of Aldur League has already been running for around three months, and most players have completed all of its league challenges. Many have moved on to PoE 3.29 or Diablo 4, while players who are still active in the league account for only around 5% of the total player base.

Once players leave, however, the economy of Runes of Aldur League will be truly devastated. Even if you have a large amount of PoE 2 currency, there is little that can be done if no players remain to farm Tablets, currency, and equipment. Even those who stay in the league will have difficulty continuing to farm and progress, leaving the experience feeling almost like playing in a self-sufficient mode.

How Can This Problem Be Solved?

Some players may continue playing Runes of Aldur League, but they are unlikely to represent the majority. In particular, during the month following the release of Patch 0.5.5 on September 4, Runes of Aldur League may be largely overlooked.

The official team should give Runes of Aldur League players the option to migrate their characters to Standard Core. At the very least, this would prevent the time they have invested over the past few months from becoming completely wasted, while also giving them the opportunity to experience Forbidden Rites event.

This is not a perfect solution, but it would still be better than remaining in a league that effectively has no meaningful future.

The official team may have introduced Forbidden Rites event to test how the economy behaves when two leagues are active at the same time. However, this comes at the expense of players who have continued playing Runes of Aldur League, which will inevitably leave them feeling dissatisfied.