General News

The full scope of Diablo 4 Season of Reckoning and Lord of Hatred expansion has finally been revealed following an official livestream. It brings a wave of transformative changes: the developers have introduced a Tempering mechanic for Mythic and Unique items, and The Pit has been completely reworked.

The team shared a wealth of new details never before disclosed - a revamped item system, an overhauled difficulty structure, and QoL improvements - all of which have players more excited than ever. Let's dive into the specifics.

Global Launch Times

The detailed release schedule for Season 13 was announced during the livestream, and the good news is that it's arriving earlier than many of us expected. Players in Americas can even start their new journey on April 27. If you want to jump in the moment servers go live, the 3.0.0 patch is already available for pre-load.

Detailed launch times:

• US Pacific (PDT): 4:00 PM
• US Mountain (MDT): 5:00 PM
• US Central (CDT): 6:00 PM
• US Eastern (EDT): 7:00 PM
• United Kingdom (BST): 12:00 AM (April 28)
• Germany (CEST): 1:00 AM (April 28)
• Istanbul (TRT): 2:00 AM (April 28)
• Beijing (CST): 7:00 AM (April 28)
• Japan (JST): 8:00 AM (April 28)
• Australia Eastern (AEST): 9:00 AM (April 28)

Item System

Horadric Cube

The item system as a whole is also getting a massive overhaul. Even at the highest difficulty, you will still see Rare and Magic items drop. These lower-quality items can now roll Greater Affixes and reach maximum Item Power. To support this, a Loot Filter will be provided to prevent too much junk from cluttering your screen.

Combined with Horadric Cube's multiple functions - such as Upgrade to Legendary and Imprint Aspect - you now have a real chance to find an exceptional Magic item and, through crafting, turn it into a Legendary with top-tier affixes.

Using Horadric Cube, you can do something even crazier with Unique items: break one down to craft a Unique Charm. This frees up a slot so you can equip another Unique item.

Unique Items

Unique items are seeing a massive change. Their inherent unique powers remain, but now the affixes on Unique items will roll completely randomly. You might end up with bonuses like Cold Damage, Life on Kill, or Critical Strike Damage.

You might think this makes it harder to land a Best-in-Slot piece, but the good news is that Unique and Mythic items can now be Tempered. This means that even if you don't find a piece with perfect Affixes, you can at least use Tempering to add the affix you need.

Inventory and Rune

Improvements In terms of inventory space, all items can now stack up to 1,000 each. You'll never again see your stash overflow with boss summoning materials. Runes have also been streamlined - useless runes have been completely removed, leaving only the good ones, and they can now fit neatly into your inventory.

On top of that, Horadric Cube gains new Rune Crafting recipes. You can throw in several Legendary, Magic, or other quality items to precisely craft that one rune you've been missing.

Map Quality of Life

This update also introduces a Map Overlay and a Pathfinder feature. You can customize Map Overlay's opacity, color, and more.

You can also activate Pathfinder in the settings. Once you place a pin on the map, the game generates a dotted path beneath your character leading to that point, so you won't have to constantly reopen the map.

The Pit Rework

The Pit's tier system remains unchanged, still ranging from 1 to 150; what's changing is its internal layout. Right now, when you enter The Pit, you encounter the first and second floors, and sometimes you run into dead ends - which is incredibly annoying. Going forward, The Pit will have five floors, and the developers say dead ends should be a thing of the past.

The boss arena has also been removed. Now you'll have to fight your way through The Pit, and once the progress bar is full, the boss will spawn right where you stand. The boss is randomly drawn from the boss pool of The Tower, and some frustrating boss mechanics have been removed.

Even better, death penalties are gone - dying and resurrecting no longer deduct time or penalize your upgrade progress. The Pit rework isn't huge, but the quality-of-life improvements are fantastic.

Season of Reckoning Season Rank

Season of Reckoning doesn't introduce a traditional seasonal mechanic; instead, it offers 100 Season Rank objectives - 100 in total. These objectives can all be completed naturally through regular gameplay.

Season Rank track will award up to Skill Points, Paragon Points, and Resplendent Sparks, plus a mountain of rewards like pets, mount trophies, crests, titles, a special title laurel, and masterworking materials. With so much to chase, this might explain why there isn't a standalone new activity this season.

Torment Difficulty

Expansion The next update also adds 8 new Torment Tiers, bringing the total to 12. Torment Tier 12 is equivalent to roughly Pit tier 100 in difficulty, so you'll need a very powerful character. The tiers below correspond to Pit 60, 70, and so on, letting you progress step by step.

As difficulty increases, your rewards become more generous, including more Ancestral Unique items. As for Torment Tier 12, don't worry about the challenge - the expansion brings many new items that provide massive damage increases, and your character's power will receive a genuine, substantial boost.

Druid and Necromancer Changes

Druid and Necromancer players are also in for some great news. Druids can now actively choose which form a skill uses directly in the skill tree. When you use a skill, you can decide whether to cast it as a Bear, a Human, or a Werewolf. You no longer need specific gear to make Earth skills become Bear skills - that setting now lives right in the skill tree.

And Necromancers finally get a Command Skill. You can now order your Skeletal Warriors to attack a specific target. Once you drag them onto your skill bar, they will be automatically summoned. You can actively command them, and choose which type of skeletal warrior you want through the skill tree. Their functionality has also been refined, making the play experience feel very different from before.

The content coming with Lord of Hatred goes far beyond what players expected. While it's a bit of a shame that Season of Reckoning doesn't come with a full-fledged theme mechanic, given all the skill tree reworks and systemic changes, we players certainly have plenty to keep us busy. Now let's wait for the expansion to go live.

Recently, the most intriguing development in ARC Raiders has likely been the changes to Expedition mechanics, specifically, the revised method for unlocking permanent skill point rewards.

While the key factor determining your character's strength is often their gear, skills serve as the foundational framework for character building; in fact, crafting certain items requires the prior unlocking of specific skills.

Consequently, beyond simply acquiring more skill points, optimizing your skill tree is an essential step toward enhancing your overall ARC Raiders experience. But the critical question remains: Is the current skill tree system adequate as it stands?

Interestingly, one of ARC Raiders producers recently addressed this very issue during a blog interview. We will summarize the key points of that interview and explore what changes the skill tree might undergo in the future.

ARC Raiders skill tree overview

In ARC Raiders, each character's skill tree system is divided into three distinct branches: Conditioning, Mobility, and Survival. These branches are color-coded green, yellow, and red, respectively.

As their names suggest, each branch governs a specific aspect of your character's capabilities. The game does not strictly mandate that you invest in any particular branch, though a common strategy is to focus more heavily on one specific path.

For every level your character gains in-game, you earn one skill point to unlock abilities, up to a maximum of 76 points.

However, these points are reset at the conclusion of an expedition. The only points that remain unaffected, persisting across Expeditions, are the permanent skill points earned through Expedition-specific rewards.

Nevertheless, regardless of your current stage of progression, if you are dissatisfied with your current skill tree configuration, you can reset it by using 2,000 coins.

Currently, there is no option to reset just a single branch; therefore, you should exercise caution and forethought when making your initial skill choices.

Why should the skill tree be optimized?

As you are aware, ARC Raiders is a PvPvE game. Put it more simply: during a single raid session, you must simultaneously contend with hostile ARC enemies and other rival players.

Due to the inherent differences in mechanics, the tactical requirements for PvP and PvE combat differ slightly.

In certain MMORPGs that feature both elements, yet keep them functionally distinct, you might be able to swap between specialized builds as needed; however, the very nature of ARC Raiders makes such on-the-fly switching extremely difficult.

Furthermore, skill progression in ARC Raiders is linear and incremental, rather than allowing for jump-ahead unlocking.

If a specific skill you desire is located at the very end of a particular branch, you are required to unlock all the prerequisite skills leading up to it before you can finally acquire it.

Additionally, the distribution of skills within the tree is not categorized based on a PvP vs. PvE distinction; instead, placement is primarily determined by a skill's overall potency, with the most powerful abilities typically situated closer to the end of the branch.

Some skills are better suited for PvP players, while others cater more to PvE players. Consequently, this sometimes creates a situation where, in order to unlock a specific node you truly desire, you are forced to acquire prerequisite skills that are currently irrelevant to your actual gameplay experience.

In summary, ARC Raiders' current skill tree is not well-aligned with the game's inherent PvPvE nature; it exists in a somewhat disjointed state and fails to adequately meet the needs of players who choose to specialize in a single area.

How should it change?

In a blog interview, the producers stated that while the game's skills initially functioned according to their intended design, their actual performance during player gameplay did not unfold exactly as the development team had originally envisioned.

Therefore, to optimize the system, the first step should be to conduct a theoretical re-evaluation based on how players actually interact with the game, and subsequently make informed decisions regarding adjustments to specific systems or progression loops.

More specifically, the mechanics of the skill tree require clearer differentiation, moving beyond mere skill designs that involve only minor numerical tweaks, though such designs certainly have their own merits.

In contrast, skill tree modifications that grant entirely new abilities, or enable players to execute maneuvers that were previously impossible, are far more critical and urgently needed.

However, it must be acknowledged that this presents a genuinely thorny challenge for ARC Raiders development team, as the difficulties and requirements involved in balancing PvE and PvP modes differ significantly.

Given this context, the simplest and most viable approach, one that draws upon established industry practices, is to adopt a dual-standard operational model: establishing two distinct skill tree systems that apply separately to PvE and PvP.

This approach would provide players specializing in different modes with much greater flexibility and scope when customizing their skill trees. Conversely, if you prefer a hybrid playstyle, you could simply build and utilize a single, integrated skill tree.

Ultimately, the core function of ARC Raiders skill tree in the future should be to facilitate the enhancement of your character's various capabilities, allowing you to define your own unique combat style while effectively accommodating the distinct demands of both game modes.

Taking this a step further, the skill tree should also form more effective synergies with specific gear, such as mods, guns, or grenades, rather than existing merely as an isolated, foundational system.

Other potential strategy

The points outlined above reflect the views and opinions shared by the producers during the interview; however, we also have a few ideas of our own regarding potential solutions for optimizing the skill tree.

Assuming no major overhaul is made to the existing layout of skill nodes within the branches, we propose a system where, based on skill point requirements and combined with other new unlock conditions, players are permitted to progress through the skill tree in a non-linear, jump-ahead fashion.

For players who prefer PvE gameplay and tend to avoid PvP encounters, the game could introduce specific alternative unlock requirements for certain high-tier skills.

This would enable them to unlock these advanced abilities efficiently, thereby empowering them to defeat more ARC units during raids.

For instance, a player could bypass prerequisite skills and unlock a specific ability directly by expending the necessary skill points in addition to fulfilling a specific PvE objective, such as eliminating a designated type or quantity of enemies within a particular map or event.

For even higher-tier skills, the system could require players to meet additional specific criteria while also expending a greater number of skill points.

However, the total point needs should not exceed the cumulative requirements previously needed to unlock all the prerequisite skills in the standard progression path.

Of course, this remains merely a conceptual proposal on our part. Whether such a system is feasible, and what the final optimized implementation might look like, ultimately depends on the official response and final decisions made by the developers.

We hope you found the content of this discussion interesting. Thank you for reading.

Beyond these still-uncertain potential changes to the skill tree, what matters most to you right now is the upcoming Riven Tides update and Expedition 3 window, both arriving in just four days.

To ensure you can level up your character and secure your rewards as quickly as possible when the update drops, the safest and most reliable strategy is to buy ARC Raiders blueprints from IGGM right now!

We offer a wide range of fast and convenient blueprint trading options, allowing you to craft all the gear you need to take on your enemies and achieve victory with greater ease!

In the current Monopoly Go Ever After Album, we find ourselves immersed in a whimsical fairytale world filled with childlike wonder. Each fairytale narrative captivates Tycoons among us. Fittingly, this season's Tycoon Express adopts a Fairytale theme as well, whisking players away toward a trove of generous rewards.

Building upon the foundation of Tycoon Express, Fairytale Express introduces players to a brand-new ranking system and a unique method for earning rewards. Typically, the rewards you receive are determined by Class (or level) of your train car. In other words, the higher your car's Class, the more bountiful your rewards will be.

Now, let's take a closer look at exactly how Fairytale Express works!

How ​​Fairytale Express Works?

Just like the previous Pawprint Express event, Fairytale Express requires you to participate in in-game tournaments to earn Express Coins. This is because Fairytale Express exclusively accepts this specific currency. To ensure you accumulate enough Express Coins to facilitate your progress through the event, it is highly advisable to aim for the highest possible rankings in your tournaments.

If you don't earn enough Express Coins in a single day to upgrade your Cabin, don't worry - your progress accumulates! You can simply wait until the next day to earn the remaining balance needed. As long as your ranking on the leaderboard remains above the designated threshold displayed on the interface, you will be eligible for an upgrade.

By the way, while ranking is certainly important, finishing within the top 10 is generally considered an excellent result. Once you've reached that tier, you might want to conserve your Dice rolls and save them for future gameplay opportunities.

As you gradually upgrade your Cabin within Fairytale Express, the event will bestow upon you an increasing array of rewards. These typically include Emojis, Shields, Tokens, and Dice rolls. Furthermore, and this is a key point - your Cabin upgrades will also have a direct impact on the rewards you receive from standard tournaments. This means that your tournament prizes will become even more enticing!

Additionally, players should take note that even if you achieved an outstanding performance in the previous Car event, that progress will not carry over. 

Carriage Classes

Your train consists of a total of ten distinct carriage classes. Rest assured: once you have successfully upgraded to a higher Class, you cannot be demoted back to a lower one during the current season. Your journey of progression through the ranks should therefore be relatively stress free. As mentioned earlier, the higher your Class, the more attractive and valuable the rewards you receive will be. Let's take a look at the specific tiers and requirements:

• Tycoon Class: 5 Express Coins
• Premier Class: 20 Express Coins
• Deluxe Class: 40 Express Coins
• Elite Class: 65 Express Coins
• Supreme Class: 100 Express Coins
• Monopoly Class I: 140 Express Coins
• Monopoly Class II: 180 Express Coins
• Monopoly Class III: 220 Express Coins
• Monopoly Class IV: 260 Express Coins
• Monopoly Class V: 310 Express Coins

Set Monopoly Class V as your ultimate goal! With generous rewards on offer, believe in yourself - it's not as difficult to achieve as you might think.

How do you earn Express Coins?

If your Net Worth level in Monopoly GO meets the threshold required to participate in Fairytale Express event, you can start earning plenty of Express Coins.

Tournaments

Participating in tournaments is not only the best way to earn Express Coins, but it is also the only way. Don't worry that having just one method to earn Express Coins might mean you won't get enough. First, each tournament typically lasts 1 to 2 days; given their continuous nature, you can earn rewards through tournaments every single day. Second, as your tournament ranking improves - and since Express Coins accumulate over time - your total Express Coin count will only continue to grow.

Of course, if you want to achieve an ideal ranking, you'll need to employ some more efficient strategies.

Bank Heists

Bank Heists should be your primary choice for earning points. A single Successful Bank Heist can net you as many as 8 points. And what about at a 1000x multiplier? That's 8,000 points! This can help you effortlessly rocket to the top of the leaderboard. You can save this strategy for a final sprint during the closing stages of the event.

Other actions also yield substantial points. A Successful Shutdown earns you 4 points, a Blocked Shutdown earns 2 points, while landing on Bankrupt or a Failed Heist spot can still earn you 6 points.

Getting Placed in Easier Groups

To avoid running into players with vastly superior strength during tournaments, we can leverage the game's grouping logic to try and get placed into a relatively easier competitive group.

You can delay your entry into the tournament by intentionally waiting about 8 hours before rolling the dice. Once you do join, immediately check the leaderboard to see where you stand. If the top-ranked player in your group has a score of no more than 4,000 points, it means you've landed in the right bracket. Save up your dice and unleash them in a massive roll-off during the final moments of the competition - go all in for the win. This strategy is often enough to secure victory.

Maximizing Dice Efficiency

First and foremost, there is an optimal timing - based on probability - for rolling your dice. You should set your multiplier to its maximum level when you are positioned close to a Railroad space. Generally speaking, the ideal distance is 6, 7, or 8 spaces away.

Seasonal Resets

Fairytale Express journey will come to an end alongside the conclusion of the current album. Each time the event returns, it will feature an entirely new track layout. Furthermore, since each of us invests a different amount of effort and dedication, the final destination where we disembark will vary from player to player. This particular Fairytale theme adds an even more whimsical and magical flair to this core game mechanic.

So, cherish your journey aboard Fairytale Express; you still have ample time to upgrade your Cabin. We are also looking forward to seeing Monopoly GO introduce more cars and themes in the future, allowing players to unlock new Monopoly GO stickers and experience a wider variety of unique journeys.

Good luck during Fairytale Express!

Have you been holding off on stepping into the batter's box for MLB The Show 26 because the near seventy-dollar commitment feels a bit steep? If you're a Switch owner, there's some welcome news headed your way.

MLB The Show 26 is currently available at a reduced rate on Switch platform and, more importantly, is hosting a roughly week-long free trial period. Every ounce of progress you make during this trial is carried over to the full experience. So how does it actually hold up on Nintendo's hardware, and is it worth clearing space on your microSD card to give it a swing?

Free Trial Dates

The digital version of MLB The Show 26 is featured in a limited-time promotion. Those who secure the game for their library right now will benefit from a 25% reduction off the standard listing. If you happen to be a Nintendo Switch Online member, you can take the diamond for a test run before deciding whether to commit.

The free trial will run from 10:00 AM PT on April 23 to 11:59 PM PT on April 29 (1:00 PM ET on April 23 to 2:59 AM ET on April 30). Note that the promotion will end before the free trial closes, so please don't miss it.

Storage Footprint

The store listing for MLB The Show 26 suggests you'll need 28 GB of free space. However, once the base installation is complete and the latest update is applied, the actual footprint on your system settles in at a leaner 24.7 GB. That figure is even a hair smaller than last year's MLB The Show 25 (which took up 25.5 GB).

Core Modes

World Baseball Classic

Plenty of players have reported feeling a bit lost trying to locate World Baseball Classic mode on the main menu. Take note: it doesn't have its own standalone tile. You'll find it tucked away inside Diamond Dynasty.

Here's the path:

• Enter Diamond Dynasty.
• Complete the setup of your custom squad, uniform creation, and initial player card collection.
• Navigate to Play menu.
• Look under Single Player modes for Mini Seasons. That is where WBC experience lives.

One important quirk to keep in mind: When you opt into WBC tournament, the game will slot your created team into one of the real-world groups (A, B, C, or D). This effectively replaces one of the actual national teams in that pool. Make sure you're comfortable with this arrangement so you don't accidentally overwrite a club you'd rather keep in the mix.

March to October

The dedicated March to October mode has been retired in MLB 26. The development team has folded its signature key moment mechanics directly into Franchise mode instead. While managing your ballclub over a full season, you aren't just limited to playing complete nine-inning contests. You can now use Custom Entry feature to set the leverage of the situation and which inning you want to jump into.

The simulation engine will intelligently bypass the dull blowouts and drop you right into the high-stakes pressure cooker - runners in scoring position, late-game ties, you name it. Of course, if you'd rather manage every pitch of every frame, Full Game option remains readily available.

Daily Lineup

Daily Lineup feature syncs directly with the actual, real-world MLB starting rosters and schedule for that day. If you want to run a simulation or take the sticks with the exact arms and bats taking the field that afternoon, you can jump right into today's authentic matchup.

New Additions to the Toolbox

Challenge Calls

The real-world MLB Challenge Calls system makes its debut. You can contest a call on a ball/strike or a close play on the bases. Crucial Strategy Note: You only get two challenges per contest. Blow them early on ticky-tack pitches and you'll be kicking yourself in the ninth inning when a blown call at the plate costs you the game.

Pitcher Pressure Mechanic

In high-leverage moments (bases loaded, final outs of a tight game), your hurler will enter a state of heightened tension. When this kicks in, you can activate a slow-motion targeting aid to help you paint the corners more precisely. This isn't a bottomless resource; it must be built up through strong performance.

Pitching Control Wheel

Tapping a designated button while on the mound now brings up a new Wheel Menu, granting quick access to:

• Batter Analyst
• Substitution
• Bullpen: Manage warm-up pitches without diving through clunky submenus.
• Mound Visits
• Player Card: Check current batter-pitcher matchup stats on the fly.

PitchCom Audio Cues

The game integrates the actual PitchCom system used in the big leagues, where the catcher relays signs electronically. If you prefer silence or find the audio cues distracting, you can disable the catcher's voice by navigating to: Settings > User Settings > Audio > Pitching Delivery Audio (PitchCom) Toggle this to Visual Only or Off.

Performance on Switch

MLB The Show 26 runs on both the original Switch hardware and Switch 2. It's worth noting there isn't a bespoke, native version crafted exclusively for the newer console; Switch 2 runs the title via backward compatibility. The gap between the two experiences isn't night and day, though Switch 2 does pull ahead thanks to its extra horsepower.

MLB 26 targets 720p resolution on Switch. Compared to the experience on Switch 2, loading speeds are slightly slower on the older model, but still within acceptable limits. Regardless of the model, the core mechanics of hitting and throwing remain smooth and don't affect the core gameplay experience.

The most obvious shortcoming on the launch-model Switch is a visible frame rate dip during transitional animations - cutscenes of a batter walking to the box or a celebration after a big strikeout. This is an ongoing limitation tied to the original hardware's memory bandwidth and is par for the course with this series on the aging platform.

If you're playing on Switch 2, the game benefits from increased memory headroom and can run at 1080p when docked. More importantly, those pesky frame drops during cutscenes smooth out significantly.

When stacked up against MLB The Show 25, there isn't a massive graphical leap on the older Switch hardware. The differences you'll notice are rooted almost entirely in the new gameplay mechanics and updated rulebook rather than a visual makeover.

Should You Step In on an Older Switch?

MLB The Show 26 provides series fans with the core gameplay and rich modes they've been waiting for. The subtle adjustments haven't disrupted the game's smooth feel, and the new content brings a fresh experience. However, it's undeniable that the game's visuals have stagnated since its 2022 release on Switch.

While Switch 2 offers a smoother frame rate experience, it doesn't mask the disappointment of not having a native version developed for the new console. If you're only looking to update the player roster and experience the new Black League storyline, don't miss this discount.

Every one to two months, FC 26 launches a new season, introducing a fresh batch of objectives, Evolutions, a Season Ladder, and a Premium Pass.

With this in mind, Season 7 is just around the corner. Its launch signals that FIFA 26 cycle has reached its halfway point; consequently, your squad and club inventory may no longer be lacking in personnel or in need of significant upgrades.

As a result, you might be hesitating to dive deep into everything this season has to offer, a decision that ultimately depends on whether the new content provides sufficient value. Below, we'll walk you through exactly what to expect.

Season 7 schedule and theme

Almost every FIFA title establishes an overarching theme when planning its seasonal roadmap; in FC 26, that theme is World Tour Through History.

More specifically, each season selects a historic tournament dating back to 1966 to serve as its central theme, with all playable content and unlockable rewards revolving around that specific event.

Season 7 is expected to kick off on the evening of April 23rd at 6:00 PM. Its theme is Spirit of Africa, a nod to 2010 World Cup hosted in South Africa.

All Season 7 content

Beyond the standard updates, this season is, most importantly, deeply intertwined with Team of the Season (TOTS) campaign; virtually all TOTS squad reveals are scheduled to take place during Season 7. We'll give you a full rundown of everything included.

World Tour Silver Superstars

As the champions of 2010 World Cup, Spanish national team and its associated players will undoubtedly be a major focal point of this season.

During this period, FUT 26 will introduce Silver-themed versions of these players as part of a new wave of World Tour Silver Superstars cards.

Confirmed players currently expected to be included are Iker Casillas, Andrés Iniesta, and others. Once the season goes live, you can buy FC 26 coins on IGGM to directly unlock your favorite players, either by opening packs or via the transfer market.

World Tour Silver Superstars League

To encourage you to acquire and utilize these World Tour Silver Superstars cards, Season 7 will also launch a dedicated league of the same name on May 22nd!

When the time comes, you will need to assemble a complete squad consisting of at least five World Tour Silver Superstars with OVR below 74; by competing against other players, you can unlock themed rewards.

Therefore, while acquiring new cards is important, the significance of the other players in your squad should not be overlooked, especially if you are only meeting the minimum requirements, in which case more than half of your team will consist of non-event cards.

Consequently, if you do not intend to unlock additional World Tour Silver Superstars, it is advisable to immediately begin upgrading the top-tier players currently in your club to help you gain a competitive edge in the new leagues.

Spirit of Africa League and Tournament

Beyond just the champions, numerous African teams are also worthy of attention. With this in mind, FC 26 Season 7 will introduce additional new leagues and tournaments centered around Spirit of Africa theme, allowing you to earn rewards by completing weekly missions and objectives.

How to upgrade World Tour Silver Superstars?

To ensure that these new themed cards can continue to improve and remain effective assets in your squad, the game will not only include evolution consumables within the rewards for these new leagues and tournaments but will also introduce brand-new Evolution events!

Once these events go live, provided your World Tour Silver Superstar cards meet the specific Evolution requirements, you will be able to upgrade them through Silver Icon Evolution.

New Season Ladder and Premium Pass

In every season, FC 26 introduces both a free progression system and a Premium Pass to ensure that as many players as possible can consistently earn rewards.

Among the currently announced rewards for Season 7 Ladder, the most valuable items are the player cards: World Tour Justin Kluivert and Festival of Football Captain ICON Xabi Alonso.

As for Premium Pass, unlocking it requires an additional expenditure of 500,000 coins or 1,000 FC Points. Once unlocked, you will earn rewards, including player cards, cosmetic items, and more, as you progress through the season.

TOTS schedule

Team of the Season promo is held to honor players who demonstrated exceptional performance during the previous real-world football season. It allows you to vote for your favorite players, helping them secure a spot in the squad and earn exclusive new in-game items.

The roster for the first week of TOTS selections was officially unveiled on April 17th, with additional selections scheduled to be announced over the following five Fridays. If you haven't cast your vote yet, be sure to do so immediately!

It is worth noting that the voting and announcement period for Team of the Season will conclude on May 22nd, a date that coincides perfectly with the launch of World Tour Silver Superstars content. This will help you stay fully focused on the matches when the time comes.

Other arrangements for the upcoming week

In addition to the launch of Season 7, on April 23, FUT 26 will also introduce a week-long series of new Challengers Objectives and Marquee Matchups W32.

Furthermore, additional new Objectives and SBCs may be released on any given day throughout the next week. We recommend actively participating whenever you have the time to accumulate more coins and player cards, ensuring you make the most of Season 7!

Exiles, have you seen the new trailer for Path of Exile 2 0.5.0 update? Although it's only about 30 seconds long, it contains a lot of information and visual hints. More importantly, with the release of this first trailer, it's finally confirmed that patch 0.5.0 will be released on May 29th for PC and consoles. Additionally, an official livestream will be held on May 7th at 1 PM Pacific Time to reveal more information.

It's still early, and before everything is finalized, all we can focus on for now is this trailer! By the way, the 0.5.0 update is called Return of the Ancients; perhaps the name itself is already hinting at something! Let's take a look.

Trailer Analysis

New Endgame Content

First, the title of POE 2 0.5.0 Return of the Ancients clearly hints that the game's story will revolve around the ancient, forgotten powers or civilizations of the continent of Wraeclast.

The Ancients in the title may refer not only to the gods in the story but also to a completely new endgame gameplay system. Considering that POE 1's endgame underwent changes such as Shaper, Elder, and Zana, POE 2 may officially introduce its core endgame challenge framework after 0.5.0.

Titan-Level Boss Battles

At the beginning of the trailer, they showcase a massive human head statue embedded in a mountainside. As the earth trembles, the statue's eyes emit golden light, accompanied by the crumbling of rocks, the entire massive humanoid structure seemingly awakening or emerging from the ground.

The mountain-level statue also leads to speculation that POE 2 may introduce ultra-large-scale boss battles, where players will need to move across or destroy parts of the massive enemy in stages, rather than just engaging in traditional ground combat. Perhaps our fighting style will be completely rewritten as a result.

Then, a massive black castle or fortress appears on screen, its architectural style unlike any known Path of Exile open-world civilization, exuding a more solemn and somber aura. This could be the major city or core dungeon location of the new Challenge League.

If true, such colossal boss battles will undoubtedly place even greater demands on character survivability and damage output. If traditional ground combat already leaves you struggling, you'll likely need top-tier unique gear when facing these ancient titans. Considering the low drop rate of high-tier currency in the early stages of the league, you can directly buy POE 2 currency from IGGM to unlock core buffs or crafting materials, which will help you destroy these behemoths more easily and avoid frequent deaths.

A connection to Vaal civilization?

While the entirely new architectural style leaves us puzzled, the complex golden energy flow, disc-shaped mechanical/magical structures, and overall art style appearing at the end of the video inevitably evoke memories of the original Vaal civilization.

Perhaps patch 0.5.0 will delve deeper into the truth behind the fall of Vaal civilization, or perhaps these ancient gods were actually objects of Vaal worship, now returning for some reason. Players might need to activate these ancient ruins or machines scattered throughout the world to obtain rewards or challenge powerful monsters. Of course, this is just speculation.

Why was patch 0.5.0 delayed?

You might also be wondering about this. Originally scheduled for a 4-month update cycle, the release of Path of Exile 2 on December 12, 2025, is quite late even in late April. Unexpectedly, the confirmed update date is May 29th, clearly delayed by at least a month compared to the original plan.

Perhaps to appease player dissatisfaction, the development team unusually prepared to start a livestream more than 20 days before the official release.

However, this delay also allows Path of Exile 2 to successfully avoid direct conflict with Diablo 4: Lord of Hatred, released on April 28th; this is a strategic move aimed at providing players with a better gaming experience.

Of course, this isn't the only reason. As is well known, the core of the 0.5.0 update lies in a complete overhaul of the endgame map system, which was the main focus of community criticism during the previous 0.4.0 update. This massive overhaul encompasses structural adjustments to Atlas, a complete revamp of Waystone system, and new mission content, requiring more development time to ensure last quality.

Because 0.4.0 was designed to be released earlier to coincide with the year-end holiday season, it was considered by outsiders to have been developed too hastily. Therefore, we speculate that the studio has intentionally allocated extra time this time to avoid releasing another poorly polished update; they understand that this update is crucial to maintaining players' long-term confidence.

Get ready!

In any case, now that the release date is confirmed, it's time to prepare for Path of Exile 2 0.5.0 update, welcoming the major endgame content rework, the new league mechanics, and the potential introduction of new classes.

Furthermore, since this update will bring significant changes to map efficiency, boss battles, and the trading system, players should focus on accumulating resources and optimizing their existing characters. By cleaning up your inventory and optimizing your survivability and character build, you can maximize your potential after Return of the Ancients update goes live.

In short, this POE 2 0.5.0 trailer primarily serves to set the tone, announcing that late May is a crucial timeframe, possibly the closest we've come to a live release testing phase so far. The livestream on May 7th will be the key moment to reveal the true nature of these Ancients, don't miss it!

Torchlight Infinite SS12 Lunaria also offers a login reward selectable Pactspirit chest like other seasons. Simply log in for a total of seven days during the season to claim it, and inside you'll find some of legendary Pactspirits from previous seasons.

Each Pactspirit is tied to a specific gameplay loop, and they all look appealing at first glance, which can make the choice daunting for newer players. This guide rates these Pactspirits based on their gameplay returns to help you decide.

Tier C

Alice 1

Alice hails from Clockwork Ballet season. The companion herself is quite strong, but she finds herself in an awkward spot. The rewards from Clockwork Ballet were nerfed at one point, causing the mechanic to fall out of favor until the later introduction of Doro-Doro Dorothy - a companion that massively amplifies compass yields.

Alice 1 truly shines only when paired with Doro-Doro Dorothy, and since Dorothy is not available from this season's chest, Alice 1 on her own sits in Tier C. If you're thinking long-term, she might still be worth keeping an eye on.

Mistville Orphan

Mistville Orphan's one-star effect - a chance to skip combat entirely and triple your loot - is incredibly tempting, and Activation Mediums that drop from this mechanic are essential for nearly every build. That said, the mechanic isn't the friendliest for newcomers.

Mistville's systems are notoriously complex, and even veteran players can find them tricky. That said, if you give it a try and find yourself hooked, it can become an extremely rewarding pursuit.

Tier B

Prof. SOURCE

Prof. SOURCE is linked to Outlaw mechanic. This one has had a rollercoaster run over recent seasons. It was wildly popular when first introduced, at times overshadowing newer mechanics in subsequent seasons, before being reined in by a series of nerfs.

These days, it's more of an endgame-oriented activity. It excels when you're speed-clearing maps in Deep Space or working through bounty orders. Its potential is still massive, but for a newer player, it might not be the most practical pick right away.

Key of Overrealm

Key of Overrealm comes from Overrealm season. Its effect grants a chance to duplicate items dropped within its mechanic. You can get a steady stream of powerful gear from it, but like Prof. SOURCE, it leans heavily toward the late game. Its overall rating sits in a similar spot.

Monument Knight

Monument Knight is in a slightly odd position at the moment. The reward structure of Candelabrum gameplay saw major adjustments, and the developers even allowed players to exchange this companion for a different one at one point. While theoretically, fewer players choosing this mechanic might create niche opportunities, the current reward feedback suggests it doesn't quite reach the level of abundance people hoped for.

On the plus side, Monument Knight performs well even at lower levels. Each fight you complete in Candelabrum has a chance to add extra reward tiles to the map. Still, the ceiling on this mechanic isn't terribly high.

Tier A

Heart-binding Rose

Heart-binding Rose originates from Cube season, and she provides a chance to double the loot from endgame chests. If you enjoy the slot-machine thrill of popping cubes for random rewards, this Pactspirit is a strong contender.

It's also well worth developing further. As she levels up, both the doubling chance and the multiplier increase. From the opening days of a season all the way to the end, running Cubes with her can generate a steady flow of Torchlight Infinite Flame Elementium. She's a powerful companion you'll want to keep invested in.

Shepherd

Shepherd is tied to Nightmare mechanic. In recent seasons, the rewards from Nightmare content have taken a hit as the loot from bubbles has fallen off, otherwise this would easily be a Tier S candidate.

One of Nightmare's quirks is that its separate sub-map doesn't benefit from most of the modifiers on your main map. However, when a Dream boss spawns directly on your main map, its drops are affected by map drop quantity bonuses - a nuance you can work into your farming approach.

Rainbowpaint Owl

Rainbowpaint Owl comes from Frozen Canvas season. Right out of the gate, its one-star effect creates tiles on the map that grant doubled rewards without requiring combat. This mechanic is the primary source for acquiring various Special Support gems.

While Owl undergoes significant leaps in power at ranks three and five, even at one star it hands you easy, doubled loot on a regular basis. Another major upside is that the mechanic is straightforward to learn and incredibly smooth to run.

Jestress

Jestress revolves around Fateful Contest. She's another companion that performs admirably at just one star. When you open a Chest of Destiny from Arcana mechanic, she has a chance to appear and summon two additional chests, essentially doubling the outcome.

Arcana yields solid returns across all difficult stages. You'll pick up Minor Fates and Kismets, and unidentified Undetermined Fates that roll excellent modifiers can be worth as much as a Mirror. While the absolute peak rewards come later, even at Time Mark 8 difficulty, she's well worth running.

Moonshadow Guide

Moonshadow Guide stems from Sandlord mechanic. Her ability gives a chance to duplicate an order when you dispatch a raid, trade, or settlement mission.

This Pactspirit feels fantastic once upgraded. When her upgraded effect triggers, all resources committed to the trade are refunded while the rewards are granted instantly. Even grabbing her at one star with the long-term plan of pushing her to rank two later is a very sound strategy.

Tier S

Starfish Chanter

Starfish Chanter is the ideal first Pactspirit for new players, provided you enjoy running Black Sailing mechanic. At the end of a run, she grants reward tiles a 20% chance to be doubled - meaning more rarity, more Scraps, more everything.

What makes Starfish Chanter so exceptional is that she barely needs leveling. The difference between the 20% chance at rank one and the 27% chance at rank six isn't drastic. You can confidently leave her at rank one and funnel future resources elsewhere.

The above are merely recommendations. You should choose the gameplay loop you genuinely enjoy. Even if a mechanic you love trails slightly behind in raw returns or efficiency, immersing yourself in it and playing consistently will almost always yield more Flame Elementium over time than forcing yourself to run content that doesn't click with you.

The anticipation surrounding Grand Theft Auto VI's release has been relentless, dominating social media and everyday discussions, even attracting the attention of non-gamers. This level of anticipation is virtually unparalleled in entertainment history, far surpassing any previous TV series or game. The birth of GTA 6 is far more than just a node on the game release calendar.

Record-Breaking Anticipation

In fact, not only GTA 6, but every installment in GTA series has built anticipation, but GTA 6 has reached unprecedented heights.

Even on the day of Red Dead Redemption 2's release, players were already imagining what GTA 6 would look like. In the years that followed, countless wildly imaginative speculations emerged in the community, such as the famous 27 Theory and Moon Theory. Every leak, whether true or false, even a blurry screenshot, was analyzed frame by frame and over-interpreted.

This collective frenzy is unprecedented in entertainment history. The first trailer's views on YouTube shocked the industry, and with each new trailer released, we can foresee each release igniting a new wave of global discussion.

Rockstar's Art of Silence

Unlike most game companies, Rockstar almost never reveals information in advance, frequently tweets, or announces development progress. They can remain silent, even reluctant to communicate.

This unconventional marketing strategy isn't arrogance, but a carefully crafted creation of mystery. The more players anticipate, the stronger the final impact.

At the same time, silence is also a form of protection. They don't want to show content that might be adjusted later, thus avoiding over-promising. More importantly, Rockstar wants players to have the purest and most complete exploration experience when they first enter the game.

Imagine if Rockstar had released materials continuously to commemorate the past; the initial shock would have been diluted. Looking at the entire industry, almost no other company dares to be as restrained as Rockstar. And that's precisely their magic.

A Revolutionary Upgrade in World Building

GTA 6's map won't be a standard open world, nor will it be a high-definition remaster of GTA 5; it will be a reactive, evolving, and realistic world.

Compared to the hundreds of NPC with independent behaviors in Red Dead Redemption 2, the number of NPC in GTA 6 may jump to thousands. Moreover, they will not only interact with you but also communicate with each other, exhibiting spontaneous group behavior. This technological leap will leave players speechless.

Rockstar never does repetitive work. Dan Houser once stated during an award ceremony that doing what has already been done is meaningless.

Therefore, GTA 6's open world will redefine people's understanding of immersion. Every detail, every corner, will make you feel that this is not an amusement park, but a real city.

Narrative Focus Shifts to Emotional Levels

While previous GTA games were known for their pure sandbox gameplay, we predict that GTA 6 will push narrative to new heights.

The core will focus on the relationship between the protagonists Jason and Lucia, which will become the emotional engine driving the entire game. Referring to the profound emotional impact Arthur Morgan left on countless players in Red Dead Redemption 2 - that spiritual connection that transcended the game character - GTA 6 will similarly allow the characters to truly resonate with the player. 

Even with some changes in the writing team, we remain confident in the quality of GTA 6. Rockstar could have chosen to continue operating GTA Online without releasing a new title, but their decision to launch GTA 6 must stem from finding a new direction that can fundamentally revolutionize narrative.

We speculate that GTA 6 will achieve a more nuanced balance between realism and entertainment, with a narrative style closer to Hollywood blockbusters while retaining GTA's signature freedom and madness.

Profound Impact on the Industry

Today, any newly released open-world game is inevitably compared to 2018's Red Dead Redemption 2. This is because Red Dead Redemption 2 sets an unparalleled benchmark in terms of graphics, detail, and immersion.

We believe that once Grand Theft Auto VI is released, this benchmark will be updated, and the standard will be raised to unprecedented heights. It's foreseeable that for the next 10, 15, or even 20 years, developers will repeatedly use screenshots and clips from GTA 6 as benchmarks for their own work.

More importantly, this could change the entire industry. Teams accustomed to formulaic open-world games will face a collective awakening from players. How can players, whose aesthetic sensibilities have been elevated by GTA 6, tolerate other mediocre designs?

GTA 6, like GTA 5 and Red Dead Redemption 2, will become the blueprint for the next generation of game development.

While the hype of ordinary games often lasts only a few weeks, GTA 6 will become a continuously evolving cultural phenomenon. It's not just about playing a game; it's about investing in a long-term experience. From waiting and speculation to the launch day frenzy, and then to encounters and sharing in the online community.

GTA 6 will not only redefine what GTA is, but it will redefine what a game is.

For those eagerly awaiting players, IGGM GTA 6 Store provides a platform to help you prepare.

Look forward to the day Grand Theft Auto VI shocks players worldwide!

Attention, Helldivers - new reinforcements are inbound. A fresh trailer for Exo Experts Warbond has just dropped, and come April 28, Super Earth armory will be welcoming a shipment of heavy-hitting new gear.

This update for Helldivers 2 is absolutely packed, featuring two brand-new Exo Suits, a submachine gun, a secondary weapon, and a wide assortment of cosmetic items. Let's break down what this Warbond brings to the front lines.

Exo Experts Warbond Contents

Page 1

• 100 Super Credits (Currency)
• SMG-203 Gallant (Submachine Gun)
• O-3 Free Spirit (Helmet)
• O-3 Free Spirit (Light Armor)
• Free Spirited Spangles (Cape)
• Free Spirited Spangles (Player Card)
• Mobile White Hellpod (Pattern)

Page 2

• 100 Super Credits (Currency)
• EXO-51 Lumberer Exosuit (Vehicle)
• P-33 Missile Pistol (Special Secondary)
• O-2 Heavy Operator (Helmet)
• O-2 Heavy Operator (Heavy Armor)
• Watchful Compatriot (Cape)
• Watchful Compatriot (Player Card)
• Mobile White Shuttle (Pattern)

Page 3

• 100 Super Credits (Currency)
• Exosuit Certified (Title)
• EXO-55 Breakthrough Exosuit (Vehicle)
• MGX-42 Bullet Storm (Support Weapon)
• Thumb of Approval (Emote)
• Mobile White Exosuit (Pattern)
• Mobile White Vehicle (Pattern)

In terms of raw quality, this Warbond is genuinely top-tier - the weapons and Stratagems look exceptionally potent. It requires 1,000 Helldivers 2 Super Credits to unlock through the in-game store.

That said, not everything hits the mark. This Bond includes a batch of Mobile White skins and patterns that, in practice, read more as a muted grey. Compared to the bold, thematically rich designs found in previous Warbonds, the color choices here feel uninspired, even a little half-hearted.

Stratagems

Let's start with the headliners of this Warbond: 2 Exosuit Stratagems.

EXO-51 Lumberer Exosuit

EXO-51 Lumberer is a classic design carried over directly from the first Galactic War. This metal beast is armed with a formidable anti-tank cannon and a flamethrower - a combination that becomes especially lethal with the latest patches.

Thanks to a recent balance update, all flame weapons now trigger a panic state when they deal sustained burning damage to enemies. That means a Helldiver can hose down a Charger with fire, force it into an uncontrollable frenzy, and then deliver the killing blow with the anti-tank cannon.

On the suit's rear left, two sizable fuel canisters feed the flamethrower. Their profile closely resembles the tanks found on B/FLAM-80 Cremator, so we can reasonably assume a similar ammunition capacity. As for how many rounds the right-arm cannon holds, that remains a mystery for now. The flamethrower's reach also appears comparable to Cremator - possibly even longer - though its exact performance will need to be tested in the field.

EXO-55 Breakthrough Exosuit

EXO-55 Breakthrough is billed as the ultimate close-assault Exosuit. Its most eye-catching feature is an enormous shield. When the melee button is pressed, the suit no longer simply stomps; instead, it thrusts the massive ballistic shield forward and slams it directly into an enemy's face.

The right arm mounts what looks to be a heavy-armor-penetrating cannon. Developer logs describe it as a flak-based weapon, though finer details are still under wraps. If the shield could eventually be planted into the ground to provide cover for the entire squad, this machine's tactical value would improve even further.

MGX-42 Bullet Storm

Like Lumberer Exosuit, MGX-42 Bullet Storm is a returning classic from Helldivers 1. This is a disposable support weapon - once the ammo runs dry, you simply toss it aside like dead weight and move on.

It fires caseless ammunition via an electronic ignition system cycling through multiple barrels, which means it contains almost no moving mechanical parts and is remarkably simple to produce. According to Helldivers 1 data, MGX-42 carries 300 rounds, more than enough to lay down a ferocious wall of lead.

Weapons

The individual armaments offered in this Warbond are also impressively potent, with a clear focus on dealing with elite enemy units.

SMG-203 Gallant

MG-203 Gallant shares some DNA with MP-98 Knight SMG, sacrificing a portion of its magazine capacity in exchange for increased armor penetration. Since Knight is a light-penetration weapon with a 50-round magazine, Gallant likely bumps that up to medium armor penetration while trimming the magazine to roughly 30 rounds to keep things balanced.

It's worth noting that this is a two-handed SMG - meaning it cannot be paired with a ballistic shield, and handling secondary objective items will be more restrictive. The weapon comes equipped with a standard flashlight, a laser sight, and a reflex optic.

P-33 Missile Pistol

P-33 Missile Pistol fires miniature guided rockets and features lock-on tracking similar to Guard Dog Rover drone. It doesn't emit a shrill whistle, but it does deliver a devastating punch. The as-yet-undisclosed ammunition count is likely the only thing keeping this secondary in check.

Armor

This Warbond also introduces a brand-new armor passive, along with matching cosmetic options. Both O-2 Heavy Operator and O-3 Free Spirit armor sets come equipped with Oxygenator Armor Passive. It allows the wearer to walk, run, and slide at a modestly increased speed, though the exact boost percentage hasn't been shared yet.

Why the Controversy?

While Exo Experts Warbond brings undeniably powerful new tools to the fight, it has also sparked genuine concern among the community. For all practical purposes, this Bond signals the end of Major Order rewards as we once knew them.

It has been quite some time since players last saw a free Stratagem obtained simply by completing Major Orders. In stark contrast, the store first began featuring secondary weapons locked behind premium Warbonds, then expanded to primary weapons, and now - for the first time - even vehicle-class Exosuits are being placed behind a premium progression track.

Data mined from the game files already reveals two variant models of Fast Recon Vehicle: one armed with a flamethrower and another configured as a resupply pack carrier. If the current trend continues, it seems highly probable that these vehicle variants will also be bundled into future premium Warbonds.

While the quality of the new gear in Exo Experts is commendable, placing Exosuits behind a premium wall strikes at the heart of the community's concerns over fairness and how new content is made available to the player base. Compared to the previously released Patriot and Emancipator Exosuit, which were given away for free, this may spark some discussion within the community.

The endgame shifts arriving with Diablo 4 Lord of Hatred expansion rank among the most anticipated topics for players. War Plan system will influence endgame activities much like Atlas tree does, though Diablo IV‘s endgame loop isn't nearly as sprawling or bloated as Path of Exile‘s, so War Plan functions remain relatively straightforward.

Even so, there are still elements worth a close look - chief among them a brand-new endgame skill tree built around Lair Boss encounters. This system doesn't just reshape boss-drop incentives; by introducing Nemesis challenges, it essentially adds super-charged multi-boss showdowns to the game. Let's break down exactly what it changes for endgame boss fights.

Enhanced Drop Branch

The leftmost branch of the skill tree focuses on raising the baseline potency and loot efficiency of Lair Bosses. Investing in these nodes early delivers exceptional value.

Lair of Runes

This node grants Lair Bosses +1 Monster Power and a higher chance of dropping specific runes.

As the very first node on the left, Lair of Runes gives you a solid return with almost no friction. Monster Power is a new system introduced in the expansion, scaling up enemy health, damage, experience, and reward quality proportionally. Paired with this node, it's likely each tier of boss will feature its own curated high-drop-rate Rune pool, functioning similarly to how Unique item assignments currently work.

Lair of Plenty

This node grants Lair Bosses +1 Monster Power. Defeating the boss also grants an additional Horde Chest.

Lord of Hatred standardizes boss summoning materials across the board, replacing them with generic Lair Boss Keys used to unlock endgame caches. This node means multiple chests will appear after a kill. You'll still need the corresponding keys to open them, but it dramatically improves boss-farming efficiency - same time invested, twice the haul.

Green Nodes

Sprinkled throughout the tree, green nodes weave Lair Bosses into other endgame activities. The official preview only revealed a portion of them; if you're hungry for more details, the developer livestream scheduled for April 23rd at 11 a.m. Pacific Time will likely offer a much deeper dive into War Plan system.

Varshan's Vengeance

During Chaos Waves in Infernal Hordes, Varshan and his minions will spawn. Defeating them allows the endgame Spoils of Greater Equipment chest to drop Unique items normally exclusive to Varshan's own loot table.

Blood of Bartuc

Fell Council in Infernal Hordes gains +1 Monster Power. Upon defeat, loot may include exclusive Unique gear tied to Bartuc.

If you're tired of running the same boss chamber on repeat, investing in the green branch turns Varshan, Bartuc, and others into surprise cameos inside Nightmare Dungeons or Helltides. As long as your build can handle the extra heat, it's nothing but upside.

The Central Path

The straight, vertical line running down the heart of Lair Boss War Plan tree is the one that deserves the most attention. Through a chain of escalating nodes, it constructs a continuous gauntlet system akin to Uber-boss progression.

Two By Two

After opening a Horde Chest, there's a small chance a portal to a Nemesis Lair Boss encounter will appear. Inside, you'll face two Initiate Lair Bosses simultaneously. Defeating both yields substantial bonus rewards.

Greater Nemesis

After clearing a Nemesis-tier challenge, there's a chance for a portal to Greater Nemesis Lair Bosses to open. Here you'll confront Greater Lair Bosses.

Greater Lair Bosses likely refers to Duriel- and Andariel-caliber tier. That means players will have to juggle the complex mechanics of both bosses at once, driving the fight's difficulty through the roof.

Ultimate Nemesis

After vanquishing every boss in Greater Nemesis tier, a Call of Evil altar materializes. Consume 5 Betrayer's Husks to open a portal to Ultimate Nemesis Lair Bosses. Inside, all enemies are buffed with a staggering +5 Monster Power.

Defeating the boss encounter here directly yields loot equivalent to 10 Horde Chests, with no additional boss keys required.

The node text doesn't explicitly name the final boss, but the material Betrayer's Husk strongly hints at a connection to Baal or an entity of similar stature. The entire sequence, however, is gated behind layers of RNG - first triggering the low-chance Two By Two portal, then Greater Nemesis portal, and finally cashing in materials for the guaranteed Ultimate Nemesis run. Pull it off, and you'll be showered with a screen full of high-value loot.

Uncharted Nodes

Beyond the ones clearly showcased, several other nodes exist whose effects we know but whose placement remains a mystery. These are just as relevant for Diablo 4 items acquisition.

Golden Hoard

All gear dropped from Horde Chests is converted into gold, with the exception of Unique and Mythic Unique items. This suggests Lair Bosses in the expansion may cough up more lower-rarity equipment, giving players who just want raw gold an efficient conversion path.

Exotic Armory

Exotic Armory causes Horde Chests to drop one additional Unique item, though it may be for any class.

The class is random, but since it increases the absolute number of Uniques dropping, this node is a no-brainer for practically every player. Combine it with the 10x Horde Chest reward from Ultimate Nemesis, and a single ultimate clear could yield 10 extra cross-class Uniques - an absolutely staggering return.

For players chasing both the ultimate challenge and the ultimate haul, mastering War Plan tree's synergies will be central to the expansion's endgame loop. Keep in mind, however, that this is a feature exclusive to Lord of Hatred expansion. Players who own only the base game or Vessel of Hatred will not have access to it.