Steam

The beauty around ARC Raiders is all about the different builds that you can try, but it's best to go with the meta if you actively engage in PvP. The meta around PvP has slightly changed from what it used to be. First, some of the skills have changed from how they used to work. Secondly, it's possible to apply 80 skill points if you maxed out your stash value to 5 million before the Expedition project began. Let's look at an extremely strong build that you can potentially use to dominate the PvP scene. Best PvP build in ARC Raiders Before deep diving into the build, let's look at how the points are distributed across the three branches. MobilitySurvivalConditioningNimble Climber 5/5Looter's Instincts 5/5Used to the Weight 5/5Youthful Lungs 5/5Agile Croucher 5/5Blast-Born 1/5Marathon Runner 5/5 Silent Scavenger 5/5Gentle Pressure 1/5Slip and Slide 1/5Suffer in Silence 1/1Fight or Flight 5/5Sturdy Ankles 2/5Broad Shoulders 5/5Proficient Pryer 5/5Calming Stroll 1/1Looter's Luck 2/5Unburdened Roll 1/1Carry the Momentum 1/1A Little Extra 1/1Crawl Before You Walk 5/5Effortless Swing 1/5Vigorous Vaulter 1/1Effortless Roll 5/5Heroic Leap 5/5Vault Spring 1/1Vaults on Vaults on Vaults 1/1 The build is heavily biased towards Mobility since this is primarily to be used for PvP. You'll want quickness in your movement, and also be able to use the environment to your advantage. Thanks to Vault Spring and Vaults on Vaults on Vaults, you can do that. Image via Metaforge. Remix by Destructoid Both Survival and Conditioning have an even investment of points just to aid your ability to stay alive while getting decent loot in the process. I went for Effortless Swing since there could be some situations when you might require melee. This build is heavily influenced by TaxiDLegend, who also shared the efficient routes when you're levelling up. I have made slight changes to the already-great build based on how I play. The post Best ARC Raiders PvP build in Season 2 appeared first on Destructoid. View the full article

Almost no one asked for it, but curiosity won out. We're taking a close look at Intel's Core Ultra 5 225F – a locked, budget-focused CPU that's been quietly sitting on shelves for nearly a year. Read Entire Article View the full article

A magnetic cloak works by diverting external magnetic fields so that, to an external observer, the object appears to be absent or invisible. Although this idea has been studied for years, most implementations have been limited to simple geometric forms, such as cylinders or spheres. The Leicester study marks the... Read Entire Article View the full article

When we put together our top 20 games of last year, we specifically called out Civilization 7, Avowed, Doom: The Dark Ages, and Grand Theft Auto 6 as big franchise games we were already looking forward to for 2025. While one of those games has been delayed into 2026, the three others made this year's list of Ars' favorite games as expected. They join a handful of other highly anticipated sequels, ranging from big-budget blockbusters to long-gestating indies, on the "expected" side of this year's list. But the games that really stood out for me in 2025 were the ones that seemed to come out of nowhere. Those range from hard-to-categorize roguelike puzzle games to a gonzo, punishing mountainous walking simulation, the best Geometry Wars clone in years, and a touching look at the difficulties of adolescence through the surprisingly effective lens of mini-games. As we look toward 2026, there are plenty of other big-budget projects that the industry is busy preparing for (the delayed Grand Theft Auto VI chief among them). If next year is anything like this year, though, we can look forward to plenty more games that no one saw coming suddenly vaulting into view as new classics. Read full article Comments View the full article

Just when I thought I could not possibly make room in my life for another vibrantly coloured, current-generation wireless controller, the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 Wireless Controller for PC and Android proved otherwise. It is yet another example of how the Shenzhen, China-based gaming accessory company continues to win me over with its charmingly designed gamepads. I already own the 8BitDo Arcade Stick and the Ultimate Wired Controller for Xbox. My only complaint about either product, aside from the Xbox controller being wired only, is that both were released exclusively in ****** and white, rather than the wide range of colours for which 8BitDo is typically known. As its name suggests, the Ultimate 2 Wireless is not an officially licensed Xbox controller. Despite the close similarities between its button layout and form factor and those of Microsoft’s standard gamepads, 8BitDo’s so-called Ultimate Flagship Upgrade does not work with Xbox consoles. As a result, Xbox owners hoping for a... Read more View the full article

Arc Raiders has been a breakout smash in 2025, but there's much to learn in the wilderness above SperanzaView the full article

At any point, I can reliably go on Steam and find something unique I want to try, and it inevitably ends up in my backlog. This time around, though, I think I'm going to make an exception. View the full article

The game's story also reaches its climactic battle in the newwly added stage. View the full article

Boxing Day sales are usually loud, bloated, and full of discounts of the "quotation mark kind" that look better than they feel, so I went in deliberately picky this time. I've ignored the filler, skipped the eternal backlog traps, and pulled out the handful of deals that genuinely deserve attention across consoles and PC. These are the games I would recommend to mates with little to no caveat, because the price is right and the experience still absolutely holds up. Contents RetroNintendoXboxPlayStationPCPC GearLEGOThis Day in Gaming In retro news, I'm celebrating the 26th anniversary of Turok: Rage Wars, pretty much the only birthday worth talking about today. I've got to be perfectly honest by saying that it didn't personally blow my mind like a shot from Turok 2's cerebral bore gun. I guess I just wasn't interested in a plotless MP-focused entry in the series at the time (and GoldenEye was still the undisputed king of 4P split-screen anyway). That said, I still played many a round of FFA, CTF, and a goofy Frag Tag where somebody randomly became a monkey. Rage Wars also continued, and indeed expanded upon, the franchise's stable of creative and chaotic weaponry. Case in points: the "Inflator" that used needles of compressed air to violently explode people and the Aliens-tastic "Chest Burster" rifle. Pretty straightforward, that last one. Aussie birthdays for notable games. - Turok: Rage Wars (N64) 1999. eBay Nice Savings for Nintendo Switch Pokemon Violet (-25%) A$60 An open-world shake-up for the series with co-op exploration, uneven performance, and some of the most genuinely interesting new creatures Game Freak has designed in years.Skyrim Ann. (-60%) A$36 Bethesda's forever RPG bundled with Creation Club content, fishing included, and somehow still capable of stealing entire weekends a decade later.Prince of Persia: TLC (-60%) A$19.90 A slick, combat-heavy Metroidvania with time powers, smart difficulty options, and a level of polish Ubisoft rarely gets enough credit for.No Man's Sky (-60%) A$32 Once infamous, now quietly miraculous, this space sim has been rebuilt through years of free updates and still feels impossible on Switch hardware.BioShock: The Col. (-80%) A$18 Three landmark shooters, unforgettable twists, and one of gaming's most analysed openings, all in a single absurdly cheap package.Kingdom Come Deliverance: Royal Ed. (-90%) A$8 A brutally realistic medieval RPG that refuses to hold your hand and is better for it, jank and all.Alan Wake Rem. (-85%) A$6.70 Remedy's cult thriller remastered, complete with meta storytelling that hits differently once you've played Control.****** Team Racing Nitro-Fueled (-29%) A$49.90 Still one of the hardest kart racers around, with rubber-banding that absolutely does not care about your feelings.The Stanley Parable: Ultra Del. (-60%) A$14 A fourth-wall demolition exercise that actively mocks your expectations, including the expectation that this description will behave normally.Trine: Ult. Col. (-80%) A$18 A gorgeous physics-based puzzle platformer bundle that shines brightest in couch co-op. Or gift a Nintendo eShop Card. Switch Console Prices How much to Switch it up? [/url] Back to top Exciting Bargains for Xbox Persona 3 Reload (-34%) A$65.70 A full remake that modernises mechanics without losing the melancholic tone that made this entry so beloved.Assassin's Creed The Ezio Col. (-70%) A$21 Three games, one iconic assassin, and a reminder of when Ubisoft narratives took genuine risks.A Way Out (-90%) A$4 A bold, co-op-only experiment where split-screen is a design philosophy, not a feature.Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove (-53%) A$27 Pixel-perfect platforming with years of free expansions baked in.Epic Mickey: Rebrushed (-70%) A$29 A cult classic reimagined, complete with forgotten Disney characters and morality mechanics.Neverwinter Nights: Enhanced Ed. (-51%) A$37 A D and D cornerstone with community modules that outlived entire console generations.Wild Hearts (-83%) A$18.50 Monster hunting with building mechanics that feel quietly revolutionary. Xbox One Castle Crashers Rem. (-50%) A$9.90 Chaotic couch co-op that has survived purely on how funny it still is.Super Monkey Ball: Banana Blitz HD (-48%) A$25.80 Twitchy arcade platforming that punishes hesitation.LEGO Marvel Super Heroes 2 (-90%) A$11 One of LEGO's biggest open hubs, stuffed with deep-cut Marvel references.Grim Fandango Rem. (-85%) A$2.90 A timeless adventure with writing that still outclasses most modern scripts.DOOM Eternal (-75%) A$13.70 A combat puzzle masquerading as a shooter, tuned to perfection.Mass Effect Leg. Ed. (-90%) A$10 Three RPGs, one galaxy, and choices people still argue about online. Or just invest in an Xbox Card. Xbox Console Prices How many bucks for a 'Box? [/url] Back to top Pure Scores for PlayStation Hollow Knight: Silksong (-20%) A$23.90 Precision platforming and combat that fans have been waiting years to revisit.The Outer Worlds 2 (-50%) A$59.90 Obsidian doubles down on satire, choice, and sharp writing.S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl (-25%) A$64 A haunting open world shaped by systemic storytelling.Back 4 Blood (-63%) A$36.60 A modern co-op shooter that riffs heavily on Left 4 Dead.INSIDE (-90%) A$2.90 Minimalist horror with imagery that lingers far longer than its runtime.Marvel's Spider-Man 2 (-50%) A$62.40 Seamless hero switching and blockbuster pacing done right.Dragon's Dogma 2 (-60%) A$43.10 Unpredictable systems-driven fantasy that thrives on chaos. PS4 ****** Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy (-60%) A$28 Platforming history rebuilt with brutal faithfulness.South Park: The Fractured But Whole (-80%) A$8 Surprisingly deep RPG systems under a layer of pure filth.XCOM 2 Col. (-90%) A$13 Tactical heartbreak bundled with its best expansion.Streets of Rage 4 (-65%) A$13.20 A pitch-perfect revival with hand-drawn flair.Alan Wake Rem. (-85%) A$6.70 Twin Peaks energy with a torch and a gun.Inscryption (-60%) A$12 A genre-melting card game that refuses to stay put. Or purchase a PS Store Card. What you'll pay to 'Station. [/url] Back to top Purchase Cheap for PC Dragon's Dogma 2 (-58%) A$44.40 Emergent fantasy at its most unhinged.Monument Valley (-100%) A$0 A perfect little puzzle box built on impossible architecture.Monument Valley 2 (-100%) A$0 More emotional storytelling layered onto minimalist design.Halo: The Master Chief Col. (-75%) A$14.90 Shooter history preserved and refined.Unpacking (-60%) A$11.50 Environmental storytelling through cardboard boxes.Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart (-64%) A$34.10 A technical showcase that still feels like a Saturday morning cartoon.Spyro Reignited Trilogy (-65%) A$22.30 Joyful platforming comfort food.Silent Hill F (-53%) A$54.90 A bold new direction for a legendary horror series.Uncharted: LoT Col. (-71%) A$22.10 Blockbuster adventuring at its slickest.Rise Of The Ronin (-40%) A$43.70 Open-world samurai drama with historical remixing.Sackboy: A Big Adventure (-71%) A$28 Pure platforming joy with 4P co-op chaos.Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 (-60%) A$35.90 Brutal, weighty action that finally does the armour justice. Or just get a Steam Wallet Card PC Hardware Prices Slay your pile of shame. [/url] Legit LEGO Deals Horizon Shell-Walker & Sawtooth (-40%) A$41.90 A surprisingly intricate crossover build.LOTR Balrog Book Nook (-37%) A$126.70 A display piece that goes harder than it needs to.Custom Police Car Garage (-47%) A$42 Solid brick value with plenty of play options.Hogwarts Herbology Class (-45%) A$44.20 A cosy build loaded with Harry Potter detail.Minecraft Creeper (-37%) A$44.20 A perfect desk menace.Super Mario Castle Bowser (-35%) A$96.70 A chunky, satisfying centrepiece for Nintendo fans. Back to top Adam Mathew is a passionate connoisseur, a lifelong game critic, and an Aussie deals wrangler who genuinely wants to hook you up with stuff that's worth playing (but also cheap). He plays practically everything, sometimes on YouTube. View the full article

Call of Duty HQ is currently ranked as the second most popular game on both PlayStation and Xbox consoles in weekly U.S. player engagement, whereas Battlefield 6 is on a slight decline across both platforms going by the same metric. Although this trend suggests Battlefield 6 may be losing momentum faster than its main rival, the comparison is complicated by the fact that multiple Call of Duty titles contribute to COD HQ's performance, with no reliable way to isolate their individual engagement figures. View the full article

The Winter 2025 Event is live and thriving in Escape from Tarkov, and one of the most important tasks is to find the Christmas Trees on different maps. The Christmas Trees will provide you with different loot that you can add to your inventory. You can also find various Christmas Ornaments from the trees, and then use them in your hideout. If you're confused about where to find these trees, this guide will fix your problems. Table of contentsAll Escape from Tarkov Christmas Tree locationsCustomsInterchangeReserveShorelineWoodsLighthouseAll Escape from Tarkov Christmas Tree locations You can find a total of six Christmas Trees. All six are on different maps, so that's something to keep in mind. I have marked the locations for all six to help you find them easily. Customs Image via Tarkov.dev. Remix by Destructoid You can find the Christmas Tree between the two-storey and the three-storey dorms. Not only is this spot dangerous, but you'll find a ******* tree right beside the correct one. However, the Christmas Tree will have decor on it. The easiest spawn point to reach this location is near the Smuggler's Boat. Interchange Image via Tarkov.dev. Remix by Destructoid You'll have to visit the old Scav Camp extraction point. This area has had a few design changes since update 1.0. You can find the new position near the railtracks, and there should be plenty of enemies at his location. The tree is behind a wired fence near a train bogey. Reserve Image via Tarkov.dev. Remix by Destructoid Go near the Knight Building, where the train extraction point is located. It's near the small bunkers, and the area is quite open (so be careful of enemy fire). You'll find several trees in this location, so look for the one that has decor on it. Some of the loot is scattered around, so look carefully along the ground to pick up everything. Shoreline Image via Tarkov.dev. Remix by Destructoid This one is relatively easy to spot as it's in the middle of the Resort. Look for it in front of the Admin building. However, I got taken down multiple times in this area, so keep that in mind. The Christmas Tree at this location will be brightly lit up with decor, so it's hard to miss. You'll find all the loot at the base of the tree. Woods Image via Tarkov.dev. Remix by Destructoid You'll find the Christmas tree by the shore near the Sawmill. The tree will be on the piece of land that extends into the lake, and there are no other similar landmarks to confuse you. This location is a repeat of last year if you played Escape from Tarkov in 2024. The loot here is scattered around the tree, so make sure to look into the planks, the corpse, the boat, and the generator. Lighthouse Image via Tarkov.dev. Remix by Destructoid Go to the bright by the sunken house that takes you to Lightkeeper. You'll find it by the shore, and you'll also have to keep enemies that can spawn at this location. The post All Christmas Tree Locations in Escape from Tarkov Winter 2025 Event appeared first on Destructoid. View the full article

The last week of December in Escape from Tarkov has become an active time for players to grind, as they can use various recipes at a Christmas Tree to get different items. This Christmas Tree can be found inside your own hideout. There are six Christmas Trees spread across different maps. You'll find Christmas Ornaments from these trees that you can bring back in your inventory. Using them at your hideout will allow you to get different rewards, and this guide will provide you with all available recipes. All Christmas Tree recipes in Escape from Tarkov The table below has information on every item that you can craft with Christmas Ornaments. The Ornaments come in different colors, which decides what you can produce with them. RecipeRequired IngredientsAS Val Mod 41 Tangerine 3 Christmas Ornament (Purple)AK 3083 Christmas Ornament (Red)Ballistic Plate Case13 Christmas Ornament (Purple) 20 Christmas Ornament (White) 2 Shyshka 2 TangerineETG-change Regenerative Stimulant2 Christmas Ornament (White) 3 Christmas Ornament (Red)Gas Analyzer1 Christmas Ornament (Red) 1 Christmas Ornament (White) 1 Christmas Ornament (Purple)Grizzly Medical Kit4 Christmas Ornament (White)LedX30 Christmas Ornament (White) 2 Christmas Ornament (Purple) 1 Shyshka 3 TangerineMarlin MXLR1 Christmas Ornament (Purple)NL5452 Christmas Ornament (Red) 4 Christmas Ornament (White)Mule Stimulant3 Christmas Ornament (Red)Trimadol Stimulant1 Christmas Ornament (Purple) 3 Christmas Ornament (Red)TKPD1 Christmas Ornament (Red) 1 Christmas Ornament (White) 1 Christmas Ornament (Purple) 1 TangerineTerraframe Backpack5 Christmas Ornament (White)Tangerine1 Christmas Ornament (Red) 1 Christmas Ornament (White) 1 Christmas Ornament (Purple)SJ6 Stimulant1 Christmas Ornament (Purple) 2 Christmas Ornament (White)Stich Profi Defense mod.2 Plate Carrier8 Christmas Ornament (White)********2 Christmas Ornament (Purple) For starters, you'll have to find the Christmas Trees to get the Ornaments. You'll also need to find plenty if you're looking to maximize this event. There are some exciting recipes to try out. Tangerine is one such option that is required for more advanced recipes. You can also find Tangerine from Christmas Trees, but the odds appear to be low. If you're approaching the endgame stage and close to level 35, crafting the LedX will be immensely helpful. Stimulants are also a great choice, and there are different ones available based on your needs. You can craft them for your own requirements, or store them to sell later at a profit. Ultimately, the choice depends on your needs and how many resources you can manage to find. The post Every Christmas Tree Hideout crafting recipes in Escape from Tarkov Winter 2025 Event appeared first on Destructoid. View the full article

Although Final Fantasy 14 released a hotfix update on Christmas Day to squash some bugs and address some issues, players still experienced disconnections from the game's North American servers. However, some Final Fantasy 14 players have since discovered a few workarounds to keep players connected while the problems persist. View the full article

Marvel Rivals earned a Game Awards nomination for Best Ongoing title, which is a testament to how well-supported the live-service game was throughout its first year of life. As it turns out, though, this first year has just been a “warm-up” in the eyes of Marvel Rivals developer NetEase, as 2026 has been hyped up by the studio. View the full article

One developer who successfully activated the feature in Windows 11 (version 25H2) claims it works "pretty good" on his computer. He provided a step-by-step guide on how to activate the feature on Windows 11 devices. Read Entire Article View the full article

Epic Games is currently running a hell of a campaign. Each day, a mysterious game is revealed to the world and given out for free in true Christmas fashion. Some of them have been bangers, others not so much. But today, on Christmas, one of the best cRPGs has been put up for free. And the game in question is Disco Elysium, the incredible title from ZA/UM. Set in a fictional, politically ravaged landscape, Disco Elysium puts you in the shoes of a nameless detective meandering through the streets, trying to solve a strange case alongside his sharper, more focused partner. The detective is a reflection of your (assumed or actual) complex political reality and can take on the role of anything you want him to, with each action carrying significant consequences, thus altering the outcome of each playthrough. The game is as beautiful and stylish as it is well-written, and is a masterclass in video game narrative design in just about every way imaginable. Image via ZA/UM So unless you have a major hatred of Epic Games and oppose engaging with the platform in any capacity, you'd do well for yourself to pick the game up. It'll be free throughout Dec. 25, before being replaced by another mystery game. This promotion from Epic is set to last throughout these last few days of 2025, closing off with Dec. 31. Of course, there's also a holiday ***** going on, which will continue into 2026, ending in early January. There hasn't been a better time to buy and get new games, so make sure you don't miss out on these amazing promotions, especially when a platform is giving out 10/10 masterpieces for literally zero dollars. The post One of the best cRPGs is free to keep forever, but only for today appeared first on Destructoid. View the full article

Square Enix releases samples of the Chrono Trigger Orchestral Arrangement songs alongside a new trailer. View the full article

ARC Raiders' Cold Snap update is here, bringing the winter along with it. The topside world has now fully embraced the festive spirit, that is if we can count ARCs shooting people down at every corner festive. Anyhow, a lot came with Cold Snap, but one aspect that was promised in the roadmap together with this massive update is the second Raider Deck, i.e., battle pass, which is yet to arrive. So, here's everything we know about it. ARC Raiders Raider Deck 2 — Everything we know The new Deck will be hockey-themed. Image via Embark Studios ARC Raiders' second Raider Deck or battle pass will come out on Dec. 26, or a day after this article had been published. It's called The Goalie, and is themed after hockey, which tracks with the Cold Snap update being winter-themed. Of course, much like the previous Raider Deck, this new one will be entirely free of charge and available to all players, forever with no expiration date. The first Raider Deck will also remain active for anyone who wants to complete it, but there are no restrictions on starting from the second if you're new to the game or haven't yet cleared all the rewards from the first one. The Raider Deck 2 will, like its predecessor, feature various rewards that are unlocked with Cred, a special in-game currency that is earned simply by playing the game or completing quests. No purchases or real money are needed for the Deck. What's more, it'll probably give you some free premium currency which you can hoard and collect from each of the decks, eventually purchasing actual cosmetics at no real cost. Anyhow, it's just around the corner, and will be the cherry on top of the already amazing Cold Snap update. The post When does Raider Deck 2 come out in ARC Raiders? Release date, content, and more appeared first on Destructoid. View the full article

For Honor is on ***** for about a dollar on Steam at the moment, leading many players to hop into the game for the first time. Released in 2017, it's one of Ubisoft's best multiplayer titles, and certainly among its most beautiful, serving to remind all of us what the company used to make. I, for one, played For Honor back when it initially released almost a decade ago. It was as cool then as it is now. It had this innovative combat that was really one-of-a-kind during its time, combining elements of fighting games with a third-person perspective, adding a unique stance and blocking mechanic on top. All of these blended perfectly well with each other, allowing you to duel others head-to-head or participate in group skirmishes, with pure skill making or breaking any given match. The combat is as unique now as it was way back in 2017. Image via Ubisoft Of course, with time, Ubisoft introduced a lot of sketchy updates to the game, including heroes that border on pay-to-win. But outcomes are, more often than not, still determined by raw player prowess, as no hero comes with inherent advantages that can make up for it. Over the years, I came back to the game a couple of times, but made a huge break from it for at least the past three or four. Now, along the Steam Winter *****, a friend of mine hopped in after I spent an hour shilling the game to him, leading us to become completely addicted to the simple yet immensely fun gameplay loop. We're primarily rocking a Raider and an Orochi, but we've both lately pivoted into the Lawbringer, a class we both initially hated because Knights in this game and every game with a medieval aesthetic are completely overpowered (and the most popular, naturally). Each match, simple and same-y though they are, is a load of fun, rage, and sweat, with every player giving it their all for whatever reason. I'd wager it's because most of the less hardcore people have been filtered out since 2017, leaving only those that actually care for the outcome. To say this game is beautiful would be a major understatement. Image via Ubisoft This genuinely produces a better environment, as you'll seldom come across people who troll, dodge, or leave mid-match. There are also no cheaters, a miracle for an older live-service game. Everything sort of serves to highlight the greatness of an old Ubisoft, a company that used to deliver year after year, innovating on its own formulas, implementing mechanics from different genres, and experimenting with what gaming can achieve. An Ubisoft that made (and still does, though to a lesser extent) the most beautiful games on the market, using all the power of the Anvil engine to produce levels and areas of utmost quality. Even now, For Honor's maps are some of the most stunning and breathtaking I have ever come across. Each time we load into any match, both me and my friend exclaim: “Man, this game looks good,” completely in awe at what Ubisoft had achieved for a relative side-project, popular though it was in its heyday. The company continues to support the title, releases seasonal passes and new heroes every now and again, and has done so for nearly a decade, but I reckon it'll never recreate what made For Honor so good and beautiful. It did try to venture into the live-service sphere again with the fabled Skull and Bones, failing in all those areas where For Honor thrived, despite the almost invulnerable ****** Flag foundation it was built upon. It's a true, crying shame, but at least we can still go back and play this incredible title. That is, until Ubisoft takes it offline, though the player count is currently helping keep it afloat. The post Revisiting For Honor reminds me of how great Ubisoft used to be appeared first on Destructoid. View the full article

NBA 2K26 players are in for some treats during Christmas, as 2K has been handing out regular codes. These codes are significantly better than what we get from locker codes. All the rewards revealed until now feature special cards, and the same trend should continue later in the day. This guide will help you get all the rewards so that you can improve your collection in MyTeam. Table of contentsAll NBA 2K26 Christmas Day codes and rewardsHow to redeem Christmas Day codes in NBA 2K26All NBA 2K26 Christmas Day codes and rewards So far, NBA 2K has revealed three rewards. All three codes guarantee you special cards, so here they are. HAPPY-HOLIDAYS-FROM-MyTEAM: Drops a *** Ball that features Pink Diamond De'Aaron Fox, LaMarcus Aldridge, Michael Redd, Pascal Siakam, and Rudy Gobert.MT-MITHCELL-BRUNSON: Drops two 90-rated Amethyst Donovan Mitchell and Jalen Brunson cards.FOX-AND-SGA-IN-MT: Drops two 90-rated Amethyst De'Aaron Fox and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander cards. More codes are expected as 2K will be releasing them based on the Christmas matchups. Your task is to redeem the codes before they expire so you don't miss out on the cool rewards. [Hidden Content] to redeem Christmas Day codes in NBA 2K26 The process to redeem the codes is the same as that you apply for Locker codes. Go to the Market tab after loading MyTeam.Open the Locker Codes section.Enter the code after copying it from this guide (or manually input it).Click Done to claim all the rewards. You can find the packs in the Pack Market section. If you're a beginner, these codes will be invaluable to get you started. You can expect to find agendas based on these cards to win more rewards. The post All NBA 2K26 Christmas Day code rewards and how to get them appeared first on Destructoid. View the full article

Updated on December 25, 2025: I'll keep updating the tier list as I test more weapons and skills in the new patch. Kagunes are a bit weaker now than Quinques since Kakujas are disabled as they get reworked while CCG has Arata Proto/Joker V2s. Will also add notes for the new race Quinx if there's interest. The best Kagune and Quinques depend on whether you're looking for one for PVP or PVE. I'm mostly going to be focusing on PVP power but I'll mention if a particular weapon is great for PVE specifically though you can assume most S-Tiers are. Here's my GHOUL://RE Kagune and Quinque tier list and guide. Table of contentsGHOUL://RE Kagune Tier ListS-Tier KaguneA-Tier KaguneB-Tier KaguneC-Tier KaguneD-Tier KaguneGHOUL://RE Quinque Tier ListS-Tier QuinqueA-Tier QuinqueB-Tier QuinqueC-Tier QuinqueD-Tier Quinque GHOUL://RE Kagune Tier List Image by Destructoid I've rated Kagune in Ghoul://RE with V1 and V2 versions separate from one another since sometimes a V2 is better than V1 but sometimes it's the opposite. With Kagune I've also considered Half Kakuja and Full Kakuja modes so some Kagune will be higher since they have a Kakuja mode. Let's dive into all the individual Kagune below and discuss their ranking reasons. Kakuja: I commented on the Half and Full Kakujas in the V2 sections of the Kagunes. That said note that they're disabled for now so my comments are based on the pre-release versions. S-Tier KaguneS-Tier KaguneRanking Explained Eto V2Legendary Eto V1Legendary• Eto is a top 3 Kagune and arguably the best in the game • Mainly because it deals a ton of damage with the Frenzy meter and the Full Kakuja is really powerful • Also you have strong and versatile Crits • I personally prefer the V1 since the V2 is easy to parry but V2 dashes have hyperarmor and noobstomping moves if they're not used to fighting Eto • The Kakuja is also strong with insta grips on M1, full hyperarmor and high damage, AOE and range for teamfights Takizawa V2Legendary Takizawa V1Legendary• Putting these together since they're quite similar in how good they are • Takizawa is one of the best Kagune in the game with a high skill ceiling for both 1v1 and teamfights • You need to learn to combo the moves well • V1 is so fast with great mobility, 1v1 comboes and great hitboxes • V2 is a bit slower but much more versatile and better for teamfights • The Half Kakuja is also one of the best in the game • You can bait parries with the Crit Faint • Plus it has ranged options, a counter and Z for high damage and ragdoll which are all amazing Beaked V2Common• Ignore the Common rarity, Beaked V2 is a really strong 1v1 moveset • Best M2 variants in the game for combo extending • Z+M2 that launches you is incredible utility and hard to deal with • Generally requires more practice and skill than Taki and Eto but once you master it it's so dominant in PVP Nishio V2Common• Excellent defensive moveset that's skill-based and requires practice • The best move here is C with great hyperarmor to get out of any combo • Follow up with X to take over aggression • Amazing mix of offense and defenseA-Tier KaguneA-Tier KaguneRanking Explained Ken V1Legendary• Better than V2 IMO • Ken V1 is actually underrated since it combos well with Dexterity for 1v1s • It's low range but you can get mobility with Dexterity • Then you guardbreak and ragdoll with the base kit • That said you do need to practice the combos but it's worth it Yomo V1Legendary• A solid moveset with lots of mobility due to Z and the cloak • There's plenty of mixups with the doges and grabs dealing good damage • The double crit is strong for mixups • Run 40 Dex Triple Step into X for amazing 1v1s Yamori V1Rare• Yamori is extremely skill-based but potentially really powerful • It's got one of the best hyperarmor moves in the game and decent range • Z is good into uppercut • Abuse turning sideways during the second part of X for more range and a guaranteed Crit after • It's a niche pick but is actually quite powerful when you master it • Yamori's Kakuja moves are a bit difficult to land so I wouldn't use them as often Bin V1Rare• Bin didn't get powercrept as much • It's still strong with a mix of Strength and Dexterity • Great combo potential Ken V2Legendary• This is a great moveset if you use the air variant in combos while running Dexterity • The moves deal good damage, the grabs are easy to hit and you have access to Half Kakuja • That said you have to rely more on Dexterity moves since the base moves are a bit easy to dodge or parry against experienced players • Overall the base Ken V2 is IMO a bit worse than V1 but with Dexterity it becomes miles better • The Half Kakuja has a decent counter and mobility but I would say the base V2 is stronger with Dex moves Tsukiyama V1Common• Tsukiyama's ranking depends on how well you learn the combos • It's a combo master with amazing guardbreaks and a good hyperarmor move • I run 33 Mastery, rest in Strength for moves and combo off of some of the best guardbreaks in the game • It's not overwhelmingly powerful by itself but is fast and has pokes landing it in A Tatara V2Legendary• Very skill-dependent since it's powerful if you know how to movestack with Strength/Dexterity moves • Otherwise it's slow and clunky and you won't be able to land moves reliably • That said the Full Kakuja makes Tatara V2 much more reliable since it's really good • Tatara Kakuja X and C are really good for stunlocking because if you get hit by the first one you're getting hit by the entire thingB-Tier KaguneB-Tier KaguneRanking Explained Mayu V1Mythical• Haven't played Mayu much but it was decent from what I've seen, not terribly powerful though • The M2 variants are weaker than Beaked V2 so I'm putting it B for now • That said they're still really good for 1v1 combos • I'll play more in the re-release and re-rank this if need be because I'm interested in why they made it Mythical Yomo V2Legendary• IMO slightly worse than V1 • The range moves are easy to parry • The Crit is really good since it's a two-part strike forcing a double parry check but it's not all that impressive • You do have a nice damage boost with the cloak and the C+C variant is a bit hard to land but it stuns which is great for teamfights Wing V2Common• Similar case to Wing V1 where the ranged moves are really good • You can zone well and the Crit comboes well with everything • It also suffered from nerfs making it not as good as it used to be but it's still a decent playstyle Noro V2Legendary• Noticeably higher damage than Noro • That said the moves are still slow and awkward to land and combo • There's also the endlag problem • It can work if you land your crits two times in a row but against experienced players that's hard to do • The Hunger Bar mechanic is annoying to deal with though so it's decent Hinami V1Rare• Hinami desperately needs a V2 like a lot of rares • It got power crept by a lot of Common V2s • It's still decent since you have wide hitboxes and good range for when you're getting ganked • It's best for alt account PVE farming though so that you can eat your alt with your main account for progressionC-Tier KaguneC-Tier KaguneRanking Explained Beaked V1Common• The guardbreak Counter is what carries V1 • Also the M1s are fast • But the other moves aren't the best and you just want it for the V2 which is S-Tier Wing V1Common• The ranged moves here are pretty decent for zoning • That said, Wing V1 was nerfed so much it's no longer that good Tatara V1Legendary• Slow moves • That said if you can guard break and can movestack it's much better • It mainly suffers from slow wind-ups with no hyperarmor but the V2 is better Noro V1Legendary• Clunky and slow moves but you do have hyper armor on almost all of them • I personally don't like to use it but it can be good in certain scenariosD-Tier KaguneD-Tier KaguneRanking Explained Shachi V1Rare• Slow start-ups on some moves that are easy to parry • A bit buggy and overall not the best to use Nishio V1Common• Underpowered moveset • Needs V2 to be goodGHOUL://RE Quinque Tier List Image by Destructoid GHOUL://RE CCG Quinques are a bit harder to rank since most of them are strong and you can access Arata regardless of Quinque. With that said, keep in mind that some rated lower are actually on average better than Kagunes of a similar tier. I won't be including the 3 base versions since they're just Crit modifiers. Let's dive into each Quinque individually. Proto vs Joker: In terms of Aratas, Proto is a Defense-oriented mode while Joker is for boosting DPS. Both are really good so you should pick what you're lacking based on your playstyle. If you feel like you're taking too much damage go with Proto and if you're good at parrying/dodging pick Joker. The Arata V2 versions are so powerful on Release. S-Tier QuinqueS-Tier QinqueRanking Explained Solace V1Mythical• One of the best Quinques in the game • Deals a ton of damage with good range • The moves can be difficult to parry like C's initial is fine but then the M2 kick follow-up hits you • Really strong and fun to play in both PVP and PVE 13's Jason V2Legendary• Very similar to V1 but just straight up better • More damage and more move variations • Dominates in teamfights • That said it's got some moves that are more difficult to land like the Z hold SSS Owl V2Mythical• SSS Owl V2 deals massive damage and is a huge upgrade for PVP over the V1 version • The C is easy to dodge but the rest of the moves are really strong • It's best for teamfights where you can hit multiple enemies since it's got a ton of AOE Serrate V2Rare• Serrate V1 and V2 are both really good and are all about combos • You can combo someone for a lot of damage with uplift • It's similar to Hakuda in Type Soul where you need to learn all the mix ups for it to work • That's why it's very skill-based but potentially really strong Yukimura V2Common• One of the best Quinques • Fast, has great hitboxes and amazing guardbreaks • X is so strong with multihits that guardbreak • Just a straight up better version of V1A-Tier QuinqueA-Tier QinqueRanking Explained Scorpion V2Common• V1 is just a worse version of V2 in this case so rush V2 if you wanna use it • Really strong for 1v1 PVP if you learn the moves • The dash has a massive hitboxes which you can use to combo into the double hits • That said a lot of the moves here have a slow start-up so it takes some getting used to Nutcracker V2Rare• High A-Tier • The V2 is really strong and is almost like Ground Hakuda in Type Soul in terms of combos • Has a really strong counter • The crit isn't that good though due to low reach • That said the C combos well with the Crit AUS V1Legendary• Very versatile since you have a ton of combo options and ways to pull fleeing enemies to you • Aus also has a lot of lingering hitboxes, especially on the crit that make its moves easy to land • X boomerage is a nice combo extender • Also has decent damage, good guardbreaks and an autoparry for defense Ginkui V1Mythical• Ginkui is weird because it largely depends on who you're playing against • The high damage moves will stomp players who don't know how to fight against it • That said, if someone has faced Ginkui before and knows how to multi-hit parry it you won't do much • It's A or B based on who you're facing 13's Jason V1Legendary• Excellent for fighting crowds • Tons of great AOE moves • Decent for 1V1s as well since the damage is good • Overall a great Quinque IXA V1Legendary• IXA used to be OP but now it's much more balanced • It's still good due to the various combos you can pull off • You have a lot of pressure in melee and ranged and even defense with the autoparry • That said it's not as good as it used to be Yukimura V1Common• Same notes as V2 but a bit weaker • Great for PVPB-Tier QuinqueB-Tier QinqueRanking Explained SSS Owl V1Mythical• The V1 version is honestly not that good for PVP and is more of a PVE pick since the moves do great damage but are difficult to land • The Z is the only good one for 1v1s • The rest of the moves are easy to dodge or parry • It can be good for PVE but it's underpowered for PVP • V2 is miles better Chi She V1Rare• Not the best for PVP due to clunky moves but not the worst either • That said it's got high M1 damage so it's good for PVE boss raids Kura V1Mythical• Kura deals a ton of damage but the moves are hard to land • Most of the moves are slow and easy to parry or have long wind-ups • It can be worth it for PVE but for PVP is quite awkward to use • Even the gimmick mode moves are janky and can be dodged out of easily Narukami V1Legendary• While the moves don't combo that well together Narukami can be decent • It's because it deals high damage and is versatile with different variations • The X burst in ranged mode is a really strong move because you can hit it easily • That said some of the other moves have start-up lag so it's very situational Kuai V1Legendary• Not the best for PVE but it's pretty decent for PVP • It's basically a slightly worse version of Serrate • It's good pretty good damage and you have to play aggressive for combos • But if you get used to it even the C can be parried easily mid-move • It's very skill-based but at that point just use Serrate Serrate V1Rare• A worse version of V2 but still really good for PVP • Similar notes as V2 but the moves are a bit weaker on average Scorpion V1Common• A worse version of the V2 but still good • The knife throw is hard to land but the other moves are really good • Especially the dashC-Tier QuinqueC-Tier QinqueRanking Explained Bokusatsu V1Rare• Very slow and clunky for PVP • Much better for PVE Kajiri V1Common• Kajiri deals high damage but the moves are just not synergistic with each other • It's fun to play and pretty safe for PVE and PVP since you're firing from range • That said players will just dodge you and then combo you when you land Doujima V2Common• Not the best for PVP • Great M1 damage so it's really good for PVE boss raids • Still better than V1D-Tier QuinqueD-Tier QinqueRanking Explained Doujima V1Common• Great M1 damage so it's good for PVE boss raids • That said it's slow for PVP ****** Yamada V1Rare• Got power crept so hard by all the latest Quinques • Extremely slow with wind-ups • The Rending Cleave is good but you have to hit previous moves to do it which is almost impossible against skilled players That's it for my GHOUL://RE Kagune and Quinque tier list and guide. Check out the latest GHOUL://RE Codes for free goodies. The post GHOUL://RE Kagune And Quinque Tier List [RELEASE] appeared first on Destructoid. View the full article

ARC Raiders is chock-full of all sorts of items, many of which are necessary for progression. Lately, a new form of loot was added, Exodus loot, available only in a limited number of areas. The most important of these are of course the Exodus Modules, and the Ion Sputter is just one of many ways of obtaining them. So, here's where you can find this valuable item. How to get Ion Sputter in ARC Raiders The Assembly is located on the lower level of the Stella Montis map. Screenshot and remix by Destructoid Ion Sputters, which for some players are also necessary to complete Expeditions, are a rare Exodus item, meaning it can only be found in set areas. Since Exodus items are generally tied to the Stella Montis map, your best bet would be the Assembly area on that level, given that it spawns the greatest amount of Exodus loot, including Ion Sputters. Simply navigate to the area and open every drawer and container you come across. The spawn rates for Exodus items in this zone are tremendous, meaning you'll most likely leave the map with at least one of them in tow. Of course, this means there are good odds of simply looting other Exodus items (like the Geiger Counter) and not Ion Sputters per se, but it still remains your best bet. Ion Sputters can be dismantled into Exodus Modules, another super valuable and useful item, which you'll also have a chance to find in the Assembly zone. The post Where to find the Ion Sputter in ARC Raiders appeared first on Destructoid. View the full article

It is currently unknown whether the English localized releases in North America and Europe will also be affected or not. View the full article

The Snow Shadow Evolution is now live in FC 26, and you can use the upgrades to improve a midfielder from your team. The latest evolution costs 30,000 coins to unlock, but offers some impressive upgrades in return. This includes stat boosts, new playstyles, roles, and more. Let's look at the best candidates for the evolution based on the requirements and the upgrades. Table of contentsFC 26 Snow Shadow Evolution requirementsFC 26 Snow Shadow Evolution upgradesBest players to use in Snow Shadow EvolutionFC 26 Snow Shadow Evolution requirements Here are the requirements of Snow Shadow Evolution in FC 26. Overall: Max 86Total Positions: Max 3PlayStyle: Max 10PlayStyle+: Max 1Not Rarity: World Tour Silver StarsPosition: CDM or CMFC 26 Snow Shadow Evolution upgrades The evolution has five levels of upgrades, each with certain conditions to fulfill. Level 1 upgrades Overall: +12|88Pace: +20|88Stand Tackle: +25|85Positions: CDMPlayStyles: Bruiser|7 Level 2 upgrades Def. Aware: +25|85Short Passing: +20|84Slide Tackle: +20|84Positions: CMPlayStyles+: Bruiser|1 Level 3 upgrades Dribbling: +20|78Aggression: +20|85Stamina: +20|82PlayStyles: Intercept|7 Level 4 upgrades Long Passing: +20|78PlayStyles: Tiki Taka|7Roles: Holding++ Level 5 upgrades Heading Acc.: +20|80Interceptions: +25|85Vision: +15|82PlayStyles: Jockey|7Roles: Centre Half++ Level 1 upgrade requirements Play 1 match in Squad Battles on min Semi-Pro difficulty (or Rush/Rivals/Champions/Live Events) using your active EVO player in game. Level 2 upgrade requirements Play 2 matches in Squad Battles on min. Semi-Pro difficulty (or Rush/Rivals/Champions/Live Events) using your active EVO Player in game. Level 3 upgrade requirements Play 1 match in Squad Battles on min Semi-Pro difficulty (or Rush/Rivals/Champions/Live Events) using your active EVO player in game. Level 4 upgrade requirements Play 1 match in Squad Battles on min. Semi-Pro difficulty (or Rush/Rivals/Champions/Live Events) using your active EVO Player in game. Level 5 upgrade requirements Play 1 match in Squad Battles on min. Semi-Pro difficulty (or Rush/Rivals/Champions/Live Events) using your active EVO Player in game.Best players to use in Snow Shadow Evolution Here are some of my best recommendations for inclusion in the evolution. Paul Pogba Ultimate ScreamNmecha **********Tchouameni CaptainsFlint Winter WildcardsZakaria ThunderstruckHojberg CaptainsHenderson CaptainsGoretzka FlashbackPaqueta Joga BonitoPobega TOTW While the upgrades are significant, you will be able to include these cards in future evolutions to create a chain and evolve their stats further. The post Best players for FC 26 Snow Shadow Evolution appeared first on Destructoid. View the full article

I like a good isolated gaming experience as much as anybody, but sometimes, the real joy is the friends you make along the way. That's where multiplayer games come in, and in 2025, there were plenty of awesome ones across the gamut of genres available. Whether you like co-op or competitive, FPS or third-person shooters, or maybe climbing a mountain with friends, there was a lot to choose from. Here's what we think were some of the best multiplayer games in 2025. Table of contentsBest multiplayer games from 2025ARC RaidersMonster Hunter WildsBattlefield 6Split FictionCall of Duty: ****** Ops 7Elden Ring: NightreignPEAKBest multiplayer games from 2025ARC Raiders Image via Embark Studios We may look back on this as the game that really ignited the extraction shooter genre. There have been plenty of similar titles before it, but ARC Raiders' ability to capture a wide berth of players, both hardcore and casual, is an achievement by Embark Studios. Now, the game begins its live-service schedule with updates coming to add more content and keep players engaged. Each match is an adventure. Do I go solo? Do I group up with others? Do I betray them? Do I try to fight the massive spider robot? Do I leave once I completed a task? Do I stay and try to get more loot? It's all part of the excitement that is ARC Raiders. Monster Hunter Wilds Image via Capcom Monster Hunter is simply one of the best co-op experiences out there. Grouping up with buddies to hack, hammer, and slash away at giant creatures so you can chunk away their body parts to build new gear sounds morbid, but it's always a blast. Battlefield 6 Image via EA The Battlefield series' triumphant return offers some incredible multiplayer gaming experiences, and the free-to-play REDSEC battle royale component only extended that just a few weeks after launch. Tons of vehicles, big maps, and large squad counts create a hectic experience that is the series' expertise in the FPS genre. Split Fiction Image via EA Josef Fares' Hazelight Studios has perfected the two-player co-op experience in Split Fiction with wild setpieces and varied gameplay sequences, and the Friends Pass that allows you to enjoy it with someone who doesn't have to buy the game themselves. The concept is amazing, and the execution was even better. Call of Duty: ****** Ops 7 Image via Activision Whether it's the campaign, new Endgame mode, Nuketown pub-stomping, or new Zombies maps, the entirety of ****** Ops 7 is multiplayer-enabled and chock full of content for players to enjoy. Elden Ring: Nightreign Image via From Software What do you get when you combine From Software's iconic Soulslike gameplay, friends, and a battle royale-like experience? A good amount of fun. Nightreign is far from perfect, but still a very enjoyable game and a likely indication of where the studio's direction is heading. And it already got its first of presumably multiple expansions to continue the journey. PEAK Image via Aggro Crab One of 2025's biggest surprise successes, PEAK is the peak of the "friendslop" genre that's popped up over the past few years. Whether you want to work together or just troll your pals, it's always a good time. And it's just $8 on Steam, which is wild. The post The best multiplayer games in 2025 appeared first on Destructoid. View the full article