It looks like all the rumors are true about even more Xbox games coming to PlayStation, as Playground Games has announced that Forza Horizon 5 is coming to the PS5 this year!
That’s not the only Forza Horizon 5 news, as the studio also announced an upcoming update that will have new features.
With Microsoft's Xbox division now a bonafide third-party publisher on other platforms, some might be wondering why would gamers want to buy an Xbox console in the first place, if they can play the company's games on competing platforms.
Forza Horizon 5 Acceraltes Onto PlayStation 5 This Springs
Playground Games shared an official blog post announcing that Forza Horizon 5 will be available on the PlayStation 5 later this spring. Panic Button Games, in partnership with original developers, Turn 10 Studios and Playground Games, are spearheading the port. The announcement included a short statement about the team’s excitement and the game’s availability on the PlayStation Store wishlist.
“We are excited to see the Forza Horizon 5 community grow with new players on PS5, and we can’t wait to see the creativity and skill these new creators, builders, and racers will bring to our vibrant community.”
In the same blog post, Playground Games also confirmed that Forza Horizon 5 would be receiving a new content update.
“In addition to bringing Forza Horizon 5 to PS5, we’re working on a special new free content update for all platforms, Horizon Realms. Realms will give players the chance to explore a curated collection of some of the community’s favorite previously released Evolving Worlds, alongside some other surprises. Stay tuned to our channels for more details soon.”
No specific window was given, though we suspect it will likely launch around the time the PS5 version does.
Back in November, Xbox’s head, Phil Spencer, said that there was no “red tape” when it came to what games went to other platforms. Though in the past year, we’ve seen several titles make the jump to PlayStation, the Forza Horizon series would be the first major franchise to make the jump to PlayStation for the very first time.
With this rumor finally coming true, we can probably safely assume that the Halo franchise will make its way to PlayStation a lot sooner than expected.
With a new year comes new hardware from major console developers, and recently, Xbox has been seemingly working on some new and interesting products for its consumers.
A gamer at heart, James has been working for MP1st for the last decade to do exactly what he loves, writing about video games and having fun doing it. Growing up in the 90's gaming has been in his DNA since the days of NES. One day he hopes to develop his own game.
As promised by Warner Bros. mod support for Hogwarts Legacy is available today via a free update on PC. In addition to mod support, the Hogwarts Legacy new update for January 30 also slots in a good chunk of bug fixes as well.
Check out everything adjusted in today’s patch and more info on mods and creation kit in the official patch notes below.
Hogwarts Legacy Mods Released in New Update Explained
Developer notes – This patch adds new Ray Tracing features and enhancements, DLSS4 support, Bug Fixes, and MODs support to the PC version of the game.
Ray Tracing now has more toggles exposed for users to customize their experience. Previously, users could just turn RT features on and off, with a global RT Quality setting. We now expose quality settings for each feature, excluding RTAO, and an additional RT geometry quality.
In addition to the following:
All Raytraced Reflections are now rendered at a higher fidelity, resulting in crisper, more detailed visuals.
Raytraced Reflections have been enabled on bodies of water, including the Black Lake.
Additional settings have been exposed for the Raytracing feature on Hogwarts Legacy, allowing users to customize the visual experience to best suit their hardware. Previously Raytracing was simply enabled or disabled via a global quality setting. In the latest patch, we now expose quality settings for each feature (excluding Raytraced Ambient Occlusion).
Raytracing Geometry settings have also been exposed; this allows users to adjust the render distance and realism of both Raytracing Shadows & Reflections. This affects the level of detail that the game renders raytraced geometry.
Support for Nvidia’s DLSS4 has been added to the game.
Support for Nvidia’s Ray Reconstruction technology has been added to the game.
RTX 50 series GPU owners can utilize Nvidia’s Multi-Frame Generation technology.
Another new addition is now Hogwarts Legacy’s MOD support on the PC. You now have the ability to play with Community MODs that have been added to our PC version of the game, adding MOD browsing and installation in our PC Client. We have also modified our game editor and made it available to the modding community on Epic Game Store, integrated with CurseForge MOD system, and spent some time improving the character, quests, and dungeon systems to make them more user friendly in the editor. This system will open the creativity of our community for our Hogwarts Legacy community.\
Playing with MODs:
By linking a WB account, players can now install mods from the new MODs menu
Players can browse and discover new mods from the new mod browser, click “Play MODs”
Players are able to create new saves and copy existing vanilla saves in order to play with MODs while keeping your vanilla save files safe. Create, Access, and Play MODs on the Enable MODs screen in “Play MODs”
Players are able to assign a different mod configuration to different saves to allow mod experimentation
Reminder that you need to be online for the MODs system to work properly
MODs Creator Kit with Curseforge Integration Best Practices & Do’s and Don’ts
Do use some form of source control to back up the contents of any mods that you are working on. When the Creator Kit is updated from the Epic Game Store, sometimes files that are not part of the official installation (such as a user’s mods) will be removed. Backing up your mod source in some form of source control will help you prevent lost work such as this.
Don’t attempt to open the Creator Kit uproject directly (e.g. by double-clicking on it) – users should always launch from the Epic Game Store.
Don’t change the activation state of any of the Creator Kit project’s plugins – it tends to break things.
Don’t use non-alphanumeric characters in the names of assets (this includes whitespace characters) or database fields. This will likely cause problems and may prevent things from working as intended. In place of whitespace characters in names, use an underscore _ instead if needed.
Don’t attempt to change the enabled / disabled state of any existing plugins in the Creator Kit. That will break things.
Don’t attempt to add / remove any plugins from the Creator Kit. That will break things.
Don’t force-delete Blueprints / other assets that are referenced by any mods you might be working on in the Creator Kit. Force-deleting in-use assets can lead to instability / crashes.
Don’t attempt to create a new character from within the Creator Kit multiple times. Specifically, entering the avatar creator portion of the Root Level more than once per program run in the Creator Kit can cause the Creator Kit to get stuck, requiring the user to restart the Creator Kit.
Due to changes to both data serialization and upgrades to our Raytracing features in the Hogwarts Legacy engine, level code changes were made that will break all 3rd Party MODs that use skeletal mesh assets made before the upcoming MODs patch.
Just last year, Warner Bros, and Avalanche Studios surprised gamers and Harry Potter fans around the world with Hogwarts Legacy, as it wasn't just a meaningless cash-grab, but an actual action-adventure game that was well worth playing, which players did as it amassed over 22 million copies sold and was the top-selling game of 2023.
Hogwarts Legacy New Update for January 30 Fixes a Lot of Issues
Audio
Resolved wrong voice lines being triggered for Avatar when equipped with Azkaban Prisoner outfit
Resolved no SFX being player when purchasing a haircut from Madam Snelling’s Trees Emporium
Characters
Resolved several clipping issues with various gear and outfits
Resolved specific preset Avatar eyes protruding from eyelids
Resolved transition popping between presets in the character creator
UI
Resolved wrong UI icons appearing incorrectly
Resolved debug text being visible for the name of Stalk – Honey Brown want when receiving it
Resolved “Message of the Day” section on Main screen disappearing after being clicked
Resolved incorrect subtitle test being displayed when Fig cast spells against the Guardian statues
Resolved no transition and overlay effect occurring when switching between main menu and save game slots
Resolved not being able to to change submenu in character creator when using a controller left and right bumpers
Resolved issue with the end user agreement appearing twice
Resolved an outdated legal disclaimer when launching game
Environments
Resolved visual seam issues throughout the Hogwarts castle, Hogsmeade, etc
Resolved missing collision issue with Avatar able to walk through doors in the Greenhouse
Resolved an atmospheric saturation effect looking unnatural when walking by the graveyard
Resolved lighting leaking through walls throughout various locations
Resolved player being able to see out of the world
Resolved missing textures in the Underground Harbour
Resolved self-shadow popping near or in Manor Cape
Resolved Ravenclaw house chest clipping through a chair
Resolved waterfalls streaming out while flying on the broom
Gameplay
Resolved Avatar getting teleported out of world after being attacked and accessing the pause menu
Resolved player being unable to collect Wiggenweld Potion
Resolved an issue with fast traveling after learning Incedio spell before a quest is complete breaking the mission flow
Resolved player not being locked from certain actions during missions
Resolved Avatar holding two wands after completing Levioso mini game
Resolved Avatar getting thrown in the air when opening the field guide after being hit during a mission
Resolved beasts getting thrown in the air when Avatar opens a menu during the Levioso or Accio spell effect
Resolved an issue with Amit not being nearby when launching or tracking a quest
Resolved Accio spell not appearing in the correct spell slot when trying to play Summoner’s court
Resolved “Out of Bound” interior volumes teleporting player out of the world when on a broom
Resolved mountains streaming out of view when flying the broom
Resolved level of detail oddities based off the players proximity near the meat cart
Resolved the abandon quest prompt appearing after leaving the cellar in the “Venomous Revenge’ mission
Resolved a wireframe outline appearing when using Lumos after a swift dodge during a Merlin Trial
Resolved Ranrok dragon remaining visible with no animations during transition phase after being defeated while Crucio burn is active
Resolved when casting Glacius while a spider is burrowing causing it to get stuck
Cinematics
Resolved irregular visual cuts occurring causing missing actions and dialogues during the Intro vault cinematic
Raytracing
Resolved blocky reflections appearing on the island in the middle of the Black Lake
Resolved reflections flickering when payer is flying on a mount
Resolved framerate issues when turning Raytracing on
Resolved bright screen flashes occurring during the game
Resolved odd eye reflection in the mirror
Resolved over brightness in interior spaces
Resolved lower level of details flickering in Overland
We knew it was coming, but today is the last day you’ll see those classic PlayStation themes bootups on the PS5. A sad day, as the themes introduced a feature that PlayStation has been severely lacking since the PS3 days, that being system menu themes and such.
However, there’s some good news, as PlayStation has offered some hope, confirming that they’re working to bring them back in the future.
We're just a few short days from February, which means a new wave of PlayStation Plus games! That's right—the PlayStation Plus lineup for February 2025 has been revealed, bringing three new titles to the service that PlayStation Plus subscribers can enjoy for free.
PlayStation Plans On Bringing Back All Four Themes In the Future
The PlayStation 30th Anniversary themes, which included unique bootup and menu sounds for every generation of PlayStation, will no longer be available starting tomorrow. PlayStation confirmed this on X, though they also confirmed it won’t be forever as they’re working behind the scenes to bring them back.
“Thank you for the fantastic response to the classic PlayStation, PS2, PS3, and PS4 limited-time console themes, which will be leaving tomorrow. Due to the positive response on these 4 themes, we’re doing some work behind the scenes to bring these special designs back in the months ahead.”
Themes have been one of the most requested console features ever since PlayStation first introduced them in the PS3. The PS4 was the last console to support themes until last December when the company surprised PS5 owners with themes to celebrate PlayStation’s 30th anniversary. The themes saw a custom bootup screen that would play the original PlayStation 1 boot-up with sound and all, along with some of the system menus and sound matching other generations of PlayStation consoles.
Fans instantly fell in love with the themes, but they were quickly saddened to learn they would only be available for a limited time. That news quickly spread, prompting many online to request that PlayStation allow the themes to remain forever.
While they leave tomorrow, it’s great to hear that the publisher heard the feedback and plans to bring them back down the road. Hopefully, the wait won’t be long, and fingers crossed, we’ll get more of these types of themes in the future.
A gamer at heart, James has been working for MP1st for the last decade to do exactly what he loves, writing about video games and having fun doing it. Growing up in the 90's gaming has been in his DNA since the days of NES. One day he hopes to develop his own game.
Even before the success of Alan Wake 2, Remedy Entertainment was already a beloved studio among gamers.
Alan Wake Remastered Is Free on Some Windows Storefronts, But it Might Be a Bug
As spotted by deal profissao Wario64 on X, Xbox gamers can claim Alan Wake Remastered for free. Now, there are some steps to do so, and it doesn’t look like it’s available across every region. We tested it ourselves (based out of North America) and can confirm this works. It won’t hurt to try it, as it only requires you to have a Microsoft account.
Here’s what you need to do, and in this exact order:
That’s it; Alan Wake Remastered will now be in your library and playable on Xbox consoles. Now, we reckon this is likely a bug of sorts, as purchasing Alan Wake 2 during Xbox’s Lunar New Year sale will give you the remaster for free. Seeing that claiming the trail appears to make the storefront think you purchased the game, therefore giving you Alan Wake Remastered for free, it’s probably a bug.
So, don’t be surprised if Microsoft eventually revokes the purchase, as they have with other games and products. Still, on the off chance that they don’t, it would be better to hurry up and claim it before they fix it! Oh, and after you beat it, be sure to check out Alan Wake 2, one of the best games we’ve ever reviewed.
Remedy launched the acclaimed Alan Wake 2 in October 2023, but it seems the project’s total costs still haven’t been fully recouped, despite being in the running for Game of the Year.
A gamer at heart, James has been working for MP1st for the last decade to do exactly what he loves, writing about video games and having fun doing it. Growing up in the 90's gaming has been in his DNA since the days of NES. One day he hopes to develop his own game.
Developer Passtech Games has pushed out the first major content drop for Ravenswatch this January 30! Players should see this as Ravenswatch download version 1.005, and this delivers the Nightmare Unleashed content.
Ravenswatch version 1.1.0 will be what PC players will see with this update, as it brings Master Nightmare alternate patterns, a new mini-boss, a slew of new activities and more.
Ravenswatch Nightmare Unleashed Delivers a Batch of New Content to Players
Summary:
NIGHTMARES ARE UNLEASHED
Master Nightmare alternate patterns
Abu Al Jaan (new mini-boss)
Melion (new mini-boss)
Cultist Summoner (new enemy)
Blood Rituals (new activity)
The Refugees (new activity)
Sacrificial Idols (new activity)
Astral Shrines (new activity)
Locked chests (new activity)
Improved Keys system
Reworked Tumors
New achievements
New cosmetic DLC
Patch Notes (1.1)
Note: Due to major content changes, any existing run in progress has been discarded. Your overall progress has not been affected. Finish your run before updating the game if you don’t want to lose it! Thank you for your understanding.
New content and features
New Master Nightmare alternate patterns:
The Tentacle Master Nightmare (Dark Hills) now has 3 new patterns
The Faceless Master Nightmare (Storm Island) now has 4 new patterns
The Claws Master Nightmare (Avalon) now has 5 new patterns
Master Nightmares can now use different patterns, selected at random
New Mini-bosses:
Abu Al Jaan, the ancestor of all the Jinns (Storm Island)
Melion, the servant knight of King Arthur transformed into a Werewolf (Avalon)
New enemy: Summoner Cultist
Summoner Cultists are the Elite enemy of the Cultist family
They fight by summoning parts and adds of Master Nightmares
Summoner Cultists are mostly found in the Blood Ritual activity, but can also spawn anywhere on the map and during Tumor fights
New Activities and Map Events:
Blood Rituals:
Blood Rituals are triggered fights against 2 waves of enemies
Falling at Death’s Door during the activity will fail the challenge. It is possible to start it again
Succeeding the challenge will grant you 2 Keys
Only one Blood Ritual can spawn per Chapter. No Blood Rituals can also spawn.
Sacrificial Idols:
Sacrifice part of your Health points (HP) to gain flat Damage (DMG)
Multiple Sacrificial Idols can spawn per Chapter
Astral Shrines
Astral Shrines offer three choices:
Vision of Fate (gain Stars of Fate / Rerolls)
Vision of Renewal (relearn all of your Talents except starting one with chances of higher quality)
Vision of Enlightment (upgrade X randomly chosen Talent(s))
Only one Astral Shrine can spawn per Chapter. No Astral Shrines can also spawn.
Locked Chests
A new type of chest can now appear during your runs: locked chests!
Locked chests are open with a Key and grant twice an item.
Two Stars of Fate are needed to reroll the Locked Chests
Only one Locked Chest can spawn per Chapter. No Locked Chests can also spawn.
The Refugees
The Refugees are a small group of people asking for your help in Reverie
Once you’ve engaged in a conversation with them, you must choose one of the proposed choices
They are located in a protected camp, but can still die from enemies
Cadavers of Refugees can also be found on the map and can be looted (won’t appear if a Refugee camp is in the Chapter)
Achievements / Trophies
3 new Achievements/Trophies have been added on Steam, Xbox and PlayStation
Open sesame!: Collect 5 or more keys in a single run
Socialization: Interact with 6 or more Refugees in a single run
The Thirst of Power: Use 6 or more Sacrificial Idols in a single run
The Cleansing of Reverie: now is “Complete 3 or more tumors in a single run” as it is no longer possible to complete 4 tumors or more (see changes on Tumors below)
News: a news section is now available on PlayStation and Xbox in the ‘Social’ tab
Red Dead Redemption 2 is enjoying an influx of new players, as the title has received a steep 75%-80% off on Steam, almost hitting its all-time low for pricing while hitting an all-time concurrent player count.
General improvements and balancing
balancing
🐦 Keys
Vision Towers can now reveal keys on the mini-map
Keys reveal themselves on the mini-map if players walk close by
Keys are now a shared resource between players (similar to feathers)
There are always enough keys on the map for the number of locks available
🐦 Nightmare Tumors
Nightmare Tumors have been reduced to 1 per map
Tumors now reduce 30% of the Boss health (from 20%)
Waves have been updated to add any type of enemy into them
Heroes
Beowulf:
Ultimate 2 now grants INTANGIBLE for the whole duration
Ultimate 2 base damage increased by 60%
Ultimate 2 now displays damage in description
Fixed ‘Volcanic Rage’, now properly using Ultimate damage scaling
Carmilla:
🐦 Increased blood generated from a full ATTACK combo to 12 (from 8)
🐦 Power cooldown set to 8 second (from 10)
🐦 Set Health draining when consuming blood without actual blood in store to 15% per second (from 20%)
Map generation
The map generation has been updated to welcome the new content of the update
It creates a truly random generation with activities that are not necessarily present at every new run
Leprechaun Coin: now reads ‘Gain X Dream Shards for each Star of Fate spent’ Design Note: We’ve adjusted the Leprechaun Coin effect to balance the item without fundamentally changing it. Free rerolls gained from the collection effect no longer also provide a Dream Shard gain, as this is now only triggered when a reroll is actually spent.
🐦 Unlocking content: a message now displays that Modifiers won’t unlock Difficulties and Outfits
Sandman:
‘Sand of Oblivion’ has been removed from the Sandman’s shop as it is now part of the ‘Astral Shrine’ activity.
🐦 You cannot duplicate items depending on rarity if you don’t have one of the same rarity anymore (avoid mistakes)
Cursed: Only one Ability can be cursed at a time (previously no restriction)
Just days after the news about the cancellation of the God of War live-service project by Bluepoint, a new rumor has surfaced about the future of the popula Santa Monica series, bringing excitement to fans.
Fixed bugs
Baba Yaga:
🐦 Fixed a crash that occurred upon the Power ability becoming cursed by Baba Yaga (or the Broom Witch enemy)
🐦Fixed an issue where INTANGIBLE was ignored by Poison and Fire puddles from the House, and Baba Yaga fights
🐦 Fixed an issue where the Skulls from Baba Yaga could fall under the platform and would block her in phase one of the fight
Fixed a camera issue during the Ending cinematic if players used Spectator Mode
Heroes:
Snow Queen: fixed an issue with ‘Ice Clone’ explosion not applying Chilled
🐦 Sun Wukong: fixed an issue with ‘Transfiguration’ duplicating Heroe’s portraits in the HUD
🐦 Sun Wukong: fixed an issue on ‘Transfiguration’ not applying the victory stamp on Talents if Baba Yaga is defeated while transfigured
Sun Wukong: fixed an issue on ‘Thundercloud’s lightening effect ignoring enemies’ Resistance (Shield on enemies’ health bars)
Magical Objects:
🐦 Golden Egg: fixed an issue where the expected damage wasn’t displayed
Tamatebako: fixed an issue where the ‘Reroll’ button was difficult to interact with
Thunderstone: fixed an issue where Thunderstone’s super effect was ignoring enemies’ Resistance (similar to Sun Wukong’s ‘Thundercloud’ talent)
Consumables: Fixed some inconsistencies between font coloring in some consumables’ descriptions
General:
🐦 Mini-boss barriers: fixed an issue where Mini-bosses barriers were not coming down after clearing the zone
🐦 Achievement: fixed an issue where the “Giant Slayer” Achievement didn’t unlock
Map: fixed a visual issue where text displayed on the Map could blink
Score: fixed an issue where the score modifier was not properly displayed for Challenges and Modifiers (but was correctly applied)
Localization: various localization fixes
Passtech Games also released a new cosmetics bundle, which you can check out here if you’re interested in buying it.
Santa Monica Studio has pushed out God of War Ragnarok update 6.002 on consoles and PC! This isn’t your standard bug fix patch, as it updates the transmog system, and even dishes out the Black Bear set to everyone.
Those on PS4, this should appear as God of War Ragnarok download version 6.02. For those on PC, you’ll be glad to hear that this patch also removes the mandatory PSN account logins in order to play the game.
Sony has pushed out a new PlayStation Store sale called the "Critics' Choice" promotion, and this houses a ton of AAA titles.
God of War Ragnarok’s New Update for January 30 via Patch 6.002 Brings Quality-of-Life Additions
Update to Edit Appearance Feature (AKA Transmog System)
For all PlayStation and PC players, the Edit Appearance feature (AKA the Transmog system), will no longer require gear to be fully upgraded to level 9 and will instead be available from the beginning of the game.
Armor of the Black Bear Set
Updated PS4 & PS5 Access to the Armor of the Black Bear Set
After this update, PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 players will also get access to the Armor of the Black Bear set (no NG+ save required) via the first available Lost Items chest in new and in-progress saves.
PlayStation Network Sign-in Bonus on PC
When signed into an account for the PlayStation Network when playing God of War Ragnarök on PC, you will gain access to the Armor of the Black Bear set for Kratos at the first Lost Items chest in the Realm Between Realms (previously only accessible in a New Game+ run) and a resource bundle.
This set includes:
Cloak of the Black Bear (Chest)
Wraps of the Black Bear (Wrist)
Belt of the Black Bear (Waist)
The resource bundle includes:
500 Hacksilver
250 XP
For in-progress save states, you’ll be able to access the armor set and resource bundle in the Lost items chest after the update is applied to your game.
Players who don’t want to login to an account for PlayStation Network while playing Ragnarok on PC, you will still be able to access the Armor of the Black Bear set in a New Game+ run (just like how it was before). No word yet if Santa Monica Studio implemented bug fixes or gameplay adjustments, but if we know more, we’ll update the article.
In other God of War news, a new rumor has surfaced claiming that a new game in the franchise is in development, and it’s set in Egyptian mythology.
Funcom has released the next major update for Conan Exiles and it's live now on all platforms! Called "Age of Heroes," those on consoles will see this as Conan Exiles update 2.
Conan Exiles’s New Update for January 30 via Patch 2.10 Is the First One of 2025
Load times for getting in-game significantly shortened.
Fixed various crash bugs (such as at the end of the intro cinematic, continuing a single-player session from the Main Menu, killing unassigned rescued thralls, and more).
Fixed various erroneous undermesh kill zones in Exiled Lands and the Isle of Siptah.
Unconscious enemy thralls no longer disappear when assigning one to be converted in a wheel of pain.
Artisan Tables will now recognize Carpenter Thrall bonuses.
Chairs used by thralls can now also be used by players after the thrall leaves.
If a player logs out while resting in a bed or sarcophagus, getting out will no longer break the player’s functionality.
All three platforms share the same changelog, though there might be a slight delay before Xbox gamers get it. That’s about it. Once we know more about the next content drop, we’ll be sure to let our readers know, so stay tuned.
Red Dead Redemption 2 is enjoying an influx of new players, as the title has received a steep 75%-80% off on Steam, almost hitting its all-time low for pricing while hitting an all-time concurrent player count.
Despite entering its seventh year on the market, the game is still selling insanely well.
In December of 2023, Rockstar Games unveiled our first look at Grand Theft Auto 6, which quickly amassed millions of views.
Steam Slashes 75% Off Red Dead Redemption 2, a Near Historic Low
Red Dead Redemption 2 went on sale last week on Steam, bringing the price down from $59.99 to $14.99 for the standard edition, while the Ultimate Edition saw a more significant discount of 80%, dropping from $99.99 to $19.99. It’s not a bad deal, considering it’s a game from Rockstar Games, which tends to stay at full price given its popularity.
Unsurprisingly, the sale has brought in a wave of new players, and the title broke its own concurrent player record on Steam this past week. On January 20, an estimated 86,717 players played Red Dead Redemption 2 on Steam alone. According to SteamDB, the previous record of over 77,000 was achieved back in November 2023. Since then, the title has seen an active player base normally above the 40,000 mark on average, and it finally broke its all-time record this past week.
Sure, it may not seem impressive, considering other recent games charting higher, but for a nearly seven-year-old game, that’s not bad at all.
If you haven’t taken advantage of the discounted price, you may want to do so soon, as the deal expires on February 6. If you’re hoping for the price to go lower, well, that might be a bit of a wait, considering its historical low of 1around $13 at a third-party key shop (per GGDeals) over a year ago.
The Grand Theft Auto 5 train keeps on chugging! Six months ago, Rockstar Games parent company Take-Two Interactive announced that GTA 5 sales have hit a staggering 195 million units.
A gamer at heart, James has been working for MP1st for the last decade to do exactly what he loves, writing about video games and having fun doing it. Growing up in the 90's gaming has been in his DNA since the days of NES. One day he hopes to develop his own game.
More information on Destiny 2 Episode: Heresy Exotics Act 1 was finally shown during the developer’s latest livestream, and we finally have more details on the revamped Dreadnaught.
There are new weapons and more incoming when Heresy Act 1 launches on February 4, 2025 on all platforms.
Destiny 2 Heresy Act 1 to Bring New Weapons, and More on Feb. 4
Here’s the breakdown of all the new content shown on stream for Destiny 2 Heresy Act I.
Adept “Heretical” versions will be available. (presumably with double perks like is shown on Adamantite)
‘Tome of Want’ can be used to specifically target new weapons, “I have a goal of getting this loot, now I’m going to go play the game and get what I’m looking for”.
Ep3 weapons will have new fragile mods that increase the weapons versatility, that last until the end of Episode 3.
Power of Resolve fragile mod – Rapid hits create Taken seekers “really good against Champions”.
There will be a couple fragile mods at launch & more will be added with Act 2 & 3.
Arc Warlock – Ionic Sentry – Defeat targets with Kinetic or Arc weapons or Arc abilities to charge up an Arc turret that periodically chains lightning between nearby targets, granting a stack of Bolt Charge with each hit. [keybind] to deploy the lonic Sentry, blinding nearby targets on initial impact.
Arc Titan – Storm’s Keep – Cast your class ability to grant a moderate amount of Bolt Charge stacks to you and nearby allies. While behind your Barricade, you and allies gain stacks of Bolt Charge over time and your weapons can discharge max stacks of Bolt Charge.
Void Hunter – On the Prowl – Entering invisibility marks a nearby combatant as a priority target for you and your team. Defeating priority targets creates a weakening cloud of smoke that makes you and allies invisible when passing through it. When priority targets are defeated, you and nearby allies gain increased weapon reload speed and stability for a short duration and are granted grenade, melee, and class ability energy.
Artifact Perks:
Unstoppable – Linear Fusion Rifle, Fusion Rifle & Glaive.
Anti-Barrier – Sidearm & Sniper Rifle.
Overload – Machine Gun.
Void Flux – Defeating weakened targets with a Void weapon applies Volatile to nearby targets. Powerful targets increase the radius of the explosion.
Maligned Harvest – Rapilly applying Volatile causes your next instance of Void weapon damage to create a weakening burst. BOOST: Applying Weaken provides a small Void over shield.
Horde Shuttle – Damaging unraveled targets with a weapon occasionally spawns a Threadling. BOOST: Threadlings sever targets that they damage.
Flashover – When you gain maximum Bolt Charge, you also become amplified. Lightning bolts deal more damage.
Particle Reconstruction – Dealing sustained damage with Fusion Rifles or Linear Fusion Rifles partially refills the magazine from reserves and grants them bonus damage for a short duration against that target.
Defibrillating Blast – Stunning a Champion grants maximum stacks of Bolt Charge. Triggers an Arc bolt that heals you and jolts combatants that it damages.
No bell – Rapid Glaive melee final blows grant Special ammo Glaives additional ammo. Blocking damage with Glaives increases their melee damage to targets.
In case you didn't know, The Last of Us Part 2 originally had a multiplayer component being developed at Naughty Dog that was set to be released sometime after the game's release.
Dreadnaught, The Nether:
‘The Nether’ is a 3player activity within the Dreadnaught patrol zones, with activity inspiration from the Shattered Realm & The Coil.
Patrol zones and encounters are both randomised & varied, with different events and objectives, making starts different every time.
Inside The Nether players do not regenerate health, but have +300 health and +75 shields at base. Ammo drops are also limited & revive tokens are active. All are a valuable resource and a way of making the Nether a roguelight experience.
Destination chests, materials and urns/pots will be hidden to find & collect/break throughout the Dreadnaught, that can explode into a rain of Health/Ammo/sometimes Boons/sometimes Revive tokens.
Boons are also buffs that will increase your power overtime in the Nether.
For types of modes of the Nether, there are 3 types available. The Nether: Exploration, up to 3 players, and more of the patrol-esque experience to enjoy at your own pace. Exploration mode is still the Nether with the 3 bubbles and with escalating difficulty but with a much larger pool of revives and less difficulty.
There’s also the matchmade version of the Nether at baseline advanced level difficulty, and then an Expert mode.
(A lot of the abilities/weapons etc that can heal players have been tuned so they’re not extremely overpowered.)
The Nether, Boons:
There are 3 types of Boons, minor/major/corrupted.
Minor boons are stat increases, that can incrementally stack up to 10 (increased light/dark damage/movement speed/health etc).
Major boons are larger gameplay modifiers that effect abilities/actions etc. Similar to traveler’s blessings in the Pale Heart, giving new abilities like blazing/stasis slide ability.
Corrupted boons give a great bonus to a specific thing, at the cost of a major negative. For example “Glass Cannon: increases all damage massively, also increasing all the damage you take.”
Only 5-6 Major/Corrupted Boons will be available per run of the Nether. Boons are granted once randomly at one of the 3 encounters inside each of the 3 Dreadnaught area bubbles, then again at the end of a Dreadnaught area bubble after completion.
Finishing Strand – Finishers grant a Strand Grenade which detonates into many Unraveling projectiles.
Paracausal Siphon – Buff: Increases elemental damage dealt. Corruption: Drains grenade and class abilities.
Impossible Grenade – Finisher final blows converts your next thrown grenade into a bonus Fragmentation Grenade.
Overcharged Abilities – Buff: Increases class and ability energy regeneration. Corruption: Reduces Super energy regeneration.
Blazing Slide – Creates a Solar wave on slide. (Stasis slide also exists)
Bolt Charge – While sprinting, gain stacks of Bolt Charge. Release the charge by damaging a target with your melee abilities.
Paracausal Health – Increase the chance for a Healing Orb to spawn. Stack Size: 0/10
Paracausal Payload – Buff: Increases Kinetic damage dealt. Corruption: Defeating combatants with Kinetic damage drains Super energy.
Apostate’s Ward – Reduces damage per piece of Episodic armor worn (up to 4 pieces).
Finishing Ward – Finishers grant a Void Grenade which makes targets Volatile.
A lot more content, like the Dungeon jacket and a collab with Star Wars, is coming in the latest update and was also shared during the livestream.
Expect these to be available on February 4 with a new title update.
Following the recent announcement by Bungie that they're laying off 220 employees, some might be shifting the blame at parent company Sony who acquired Bungie back in 2022.
As expected, given yesterday’s massive Worlds Part 2 patch for No Man’s Sky, Hello Games has released the first client patch to roll in fixes. The patch itself is called version 5.51, but for now, it’s only available on PS5 as No Man’s Sky update 5.051.
Hello Games said that other platforms should be getting the patch as soon as possible, and it should house the same set of fixes released today.
Xbox Series S continues to spark debates among gamers and developers, with some developers often pointing out the limits of the entry-level hardware from Microsoft.
No Man’s Sky Worlds Part 2 Gets a Patch for Fix via Version 5.051
Per Hello Games, here’s the confirmed list of fixes in today’s patch:
Bug Fixes
Fixed an issue that prevented some new materials from being harvested by planetary extractors.
Fixed an issue that prevented some flora and mineral discoveries from appearing in the discoveries list after scanning.
Fixed a rare graphical glitch that caused some creature models to explode.
Fixed an issue resulting in hangs on PS5.
Fixed a crash related to networking.
Fixed a crash that could occur when donating items to a guild envoy.
That’s about it. Given the scope of the content drop, expect a lot more follow-up patches to be released in the coming days and weeks.
After last week’s patch for College Football 25 introduced a few new uniforms and whatnot, it also caused an issue to Custom Teams. That should be resolved today with College Football 25 update 1.022 that’s out now on all platforms.
The patch is now available for download, and was released during server downtime that was initiated today, January 30, 2025. Players will be removed from online games at 6 am ET/3 am PT, and this should last for at least 2-4 hours if past maintenance downtimes are anything to go by.
Nintendo recently filed a lawsuit against a small store in San Ramon, Costa Rica, called Super Mario, attempting to force a name change.
EA Sports College Football 25’s Custom Team Issues From Team Builder Resolved With January 30 Patch
According to EA, “The team has identified a fix for an issue that players are encountering when attempting to use custom teams from Team Builder.” The devs added that a Title Update will be targeted for tomorrow morning that should fix this issue, which is this patch.
Of course, if EA just made Team Builder available offline, this wouldn’t be an issue, though there’s a fat chance of that happening.
No word yet if this patch also fixes other issues, though I wouldn’t hold my breath. Some of the other known issues plaguing the football sim include:
XP issues wherein players are not getting the correct XP for completing objectives.
Error message problem when players simulate a week in the off-season transfer portal in Dynasty mode.
Error showing up for offline dynasties
And I’m sure there are other gameplay bugs that needs sorting out. If EA releases a full changelog of what got fixed today, we’ll update the article with the info. That said, don’t expect it given the way the dev team has communicated title updates so far.
Just days after the news about the cancellation of the God of War live-service project by Bluepoint, a new rumor has surfaced about the future of the popula Santa Monica series, bringing excitement to fans.
Nintendo recently filed a lawsuit against a small store in San Ramon, Costa Rica, called Super Mario, attempting to force a name change. However, the store won the legal battle and will be able to keep its name.
Despite submitting hundreds of documents to support its case, Nintendo was unsuccessful. The National Registry of Costa Rica rejected the request, ruling that Nintendo’s Super Mario trademark lacks a classification in Costa Rica. Because of this, the grocery store, which has used the name for decades, was not required to change it.
If you ever wondered how the "Nintendo Ninjas" do their work at finding hackers, modders, and pirates, well, wonder no more, as Nintendo has revealed in a recent court case how they managed to find someone who was not only selling mod chips to circumvent Nintendo Switch's hardware to play pirated games but also selling copies of those pirated games directly to customers.
Nintendo Loses Lawsuit Against Store Named “Super Mario”
On a nice wholesome story: Nintendo has lost a legal battle against a small Costa Rican business over the "Super Mario" trademark
A local grocery store called "Super Mario" in San Ramón, Costa Rica was threatened by Nintendo that they could not keep using that name, even though… pic.twitter.com/JSHnAJJZbT
In an interesting twist, a check of the intellectual property registry in Costa Rica revealed that the store itself now owns the trademark related to its yellow-and-black Super Mario logo.
Meanwhile, in Kyoto, a similar case has surfaced. A restaurant called “Mario Ramen” was reportedly set to open near Nintendo’s museum. However, some users on X (formerly Twitter) have reported that the shop’s logo has suddenly disappeared, suggesting that the business may have shut down before even opening its doors. Given Nintendo’s history of aggressively protecting its intellectual property, legal action may have caused this to happen.
A relatively small update has been released today for Farming Simulator 25 that fixes the game on all platforms. This is patch 1.5.0.1 or 1.090 for current-gen consoles, and this fixes the game from crashing on PC and improves the PS5 buttons with Logitech wheels.
Check out the full patch notes below for more details.
Even if it's an aging console, Sony isn't done pushing out firmware system patches for the PlayStation 4.
Farming Simulator 25 Update 1.090 Fixes Crashes and Buttons
Patch 1.5.0.1
Bugfixes & Changes
Fixed PC version crashing during shader compilation with render resolutions above 4k
Fixed PS5 buttons with Logitech wheels
Fixed Xbox registering duplicate navigation button inputs with Remote Play
Info
As with all major updates to Farming Simulator, you may experience stuttering on the first game launch after the update when using mods or custom graphics settings due to shaders being recompiled.
When a newer Farming Simulator 25 patch is out, we will let our readers know about it.
While Square Enix released a pretty big update for Final Fantasy 14 earlier this month, today is a small hotfix for the previously mentioned patch 7.16. Players should see this as Final Fantasy 14 update 10.91 (PS5 version 1.000.292) and this fixes an issue in the game where a specific boss stopped moving.
Read on to see the full details of the hotfix down below.
While Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth just launched on PC, it seems to have already established a new record and is already faring better than its predecessor, Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade.
Final Fantasy 14 Update 10.91 Fixes a Certain Boss Fight
■The following issue has been addressed:
・An issue which caused the boss in AAC Light-heavyweight M1 (Savage) to stop moving under certain conditions.
■The following issue has been addressed:
・After completion of the role quest “Enforcing Freedom,” depending on where were are in the progress of the next role quest “Bar the Passage,” Japanese text may appear when speaking to the NPC Rral Majun in Tuliyollal and selecting the option, “How are things?” (English version only)
*As announced, this HotFixes only addresses the issue with the English version
Once another patch for Final Fantasy 14 is released, we’ll let our readers know.
Naoki Hamaguchi, the director of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, had previously requested PC players to avoid creating offensive and inappropriate mods for the game.
Even if it’s an aging console, Sony isn’t done pushing out firmware system patches for the PlayStation 4. Today, console owners should see PS4 update 12.02 live, though it’s another one meant to security and doesn’t add any new features.
Clocking in at just 503MB, this is another minor system update that helps Sony more than anything else.
Sony has pushed out a new PlayStation Store sale called the "Critics' Choice" promotion, and this houses a ton of AAA titles.
PS4’s Latest System Update Released This January 30, 2025 Implements Security Fixes
The only change included in this new system update is:
We’ve made some security fixes to the system software
While most PS4 console owners won’t notice anything, these patches are usually meant to addresses various backend exploits. Patches like these are released more to take out exploits to prevent piracy and other security risks.
Given the console’s lifecycle, don’t expect any new features for the device.
In other news related to the PS4, Sony recently announced that given most gamers have moved on to the PS5, do not expect PS4 games as part of the free PlayStation Plus monthly free games.
“we shift to PS5, PS4 games will no longer be a key benefit and will only be occasionally offered for PlayStation Plus Monthly Games and Game Catalog starting January 2026. We may still provide titles that can be playable on both PS4 and PS5 consoles after this date,” Sony notes.
Polyphony Digital has released the first content drop for Gran Turismo 7 this 2025 bringing new vehicles, implements Sophy on new tracks and more. Those on PS4 will see this as GT7 download version 1.55, while those on PS5 will see it as Gran Turimos 7 update 1.550. Both versions have the same changelog, which is available below.
Alongside the new content, there are a whole lot of improvements regarding the physics, World Circuits and a lot more.
Sony has pushed out a new PlayStation Store sale called the "Critics' Choice" promotion, and this houses a ton of AAA titles.
Gran Turismo 7 January 30’s Update Adds New Content via Patch 1.550
Main Features
1. Cars
– The following four cars have been added:
・Gran Turismo F3500-A
・Honda Civic Si Extra (EF) ’87 (Sold at the ‘Used Cars’ dealership)
・Hyundai IONIQ 5 N ’24
・Toyota C-HR S ’18
2. Gran Turismo Sophy - Gran Turismo Sophy has been implemented for the following tracks:
・Autódromo de Interlagos
・Mount Panorama
Please note that the Gran Turismo Sophy mode is available only on the PS5 version of Gran Turismo 7.
3. World Circuits
– The following new events are now part of World Circuits: ・Autódromo de Interlagos
– World Touring Car 600
・Sardegna – Road Track
– Japanese FF Challenge 450
・Kyoto Driving Park
– Sunday Cup
4. Café
– The following Extra Menu has been added:
・ Extra Menu No.43: Collection: Group C (Collector Level 48)
5. Brand Central - These Museum entries were added for the following brands:
・AMG
・MINI
6. GT Auto
– Car Maintenance & Service
Engine Swaps are now available for the following cars (unlocked at Collector Level 50):
・Alpine A110 1600S ’72
・Citroën DS 21 Pallas ’70
・Honda Civic Si Extra (EF) ’87
・Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII MR GSR ’04
・Porsche 356 A/1500 GS GT Carrera Speedster ’56
・ Porsche 911 GT3 RS (992) ’22
・Renault R5 Turbo ’80
・ Renault R8 Gordini ’66
・Subaru Impreza Sedan WRX STi ’04
7. Scapes
– “Chromatic Drive” is now a featured Curation in Scapes.
Other Improvements and Adjustments
1. Physics Simulation Model
– The behavioral model for suspension systems has been adjusted.
・Reduced sudden changes in behavior when driving over bumps or uneven surfaces.
– The tire physics simulation model has been adjusted.
・Adjustments have been made on load dependency while cornering.
・Grip loss on racing lines on wet surfaces has been reduced.
・The impact of dirty tires from off-track excursions has been reduced, with faster recovery of grip when returning to the track.
– Performance for the following cars has been adjusted:
・Toyota Aqua S ’11
・Toyota Prius G ’09
– Updates have been made to the handling of some cars.
・Adjustments have been made to default aerodynamic settings for Gr.1 cars and some race cars.
・Adjustments have been made to the default suspension and differential settings for some road cars.
– Performance Points (PP) for some cars have been updated.
– The wireless controller steering algorithm has been updated.
・The steering algorithm when using the analogue sticks or the directional pad has been improved, resulting in better handling.
– Updates have been made to the controller behavior for steering wheels.
・The steering geometry calculation have improved, resulting in better force feedback feeling.
・The torque settings for formula cars have been adjusted.
– The effects of the following driving assists have been updated:
・The Traction Control (TCS) assist intervention has been optimized.
・Corner braking control for ABS (anti-lock brakes) has been optimized.
2. World Circuits – We have adjusted the difficulty level of the following race events:
・ Red Bull Ring
– Championship World Touring Car 600
・ Suzuka Circuit
– Championship World Touring Car 600
・ Dragon Trail Seaside
– Championship World Touring Car 600
– The target times for all Circuit Experience events have been adjusted, and we have updated all demonstration replays. Also, all rankings boards have been reset.
3. License Centre - We have adjusted the target times for all License events, as well as updated all demonstration replays. Also, all rankings boards have been reset.
4. Missions - All rankings boards have been reset.
5. Sport
– The maximum value of the Driver Rating (DR) has been increased.
6. Cars - Changed the lineup of tire stickers for the following cars:
・Dallara SF23 Super Formula / Honda ’23
・Dallara SF23 Super Formula / Toyota ’23
7. Localization
– We have fixed various localization issues.
8. Others
– Various other issues have been addressed.
Expect the next update to be released near the end of February, and once Polyphony releases more info, we’ll be sure to let our readers know.
We're just a few short days from February, which means a new wave of PlayStation Plus games! That's right—the PlayStation Plus lineup for February 2025 has been revealed, bringing three new titles to the service that PlayStation Plus subscribers can enjoy for free.
We’re just a few short days from February, which means a new wave of PlayStation Plus games! That’s right—the PlayStation Plus lineup for February 2025 has been revealed, bringing three new titles to the service that PlayStation Plus subscribers can enjoy for free.
Here’s a list of upcoming games and a list of games leaving PlayStation Plus next month.
Sony has pushed out a new PlayStation Store sale called the "Critics' Choice" promotion, and this houses a ton of AAA titles.
PS+ for February Will Have You Robbing Banks, While High On Life and Munching on Ghosts
Below you’ll find a complete list of all the games, along with a description and trailer, coming to PlayStation Plus on February 4.
Payday 3 | PS5
Revel in the thrill of a perfectly planned and executed heist in this high-octane, co-op FPS experience for up to four players online. Step out of retirement back into the life of crime in the shoes of the Payday Gang, the envy of their peers and the nightmare of law-enforcement wherever they go. Several years after the crew’s reign of terror over Washington DC has ended, they assemble once again to deal with the threat that roused them out of early retirement.
High on Life | PS4, PS5
Fresh out of high school with no job and no ambition, you’ve really got nothing going for you until an alien cartel that wants to get high off humanity invades Earth. Now, you and a team of charismatic talking guns must answer the hero’s call and become the deadliest intergalactic bounty hunter the cosmos has ever seen. Travel to a variety of biomes and locations across the cosmos, go up against the nefarious Garmantuous and his gang of goons, collect loot, meet unique characters, and more, in the latest comedy adventure from Squanch Games.
Pac-Man World Re-Pac | PS4, PS5
In this 2004 remake of the original PlayStation platformer, with improved UI, fine-tuned mechanics and updated visuals, Pac-Man arrives home on his birthday to find the Ghosts have kidnapped Pac-Man’s family & friends and ruined his party. Off to the rescue, Pac-Man sets out to Ghost Island. Dodge Ghosts, solve environmental puzzles, rescue the Pac-Fam, and more in this platforming adventure. Play a collection of 3D mazes in Maze mode, clear Quest mode to unlock the original Pac-Man game in Original mode.
As a reminder, the PS+ titles for January 2025, Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, Need for Speed Hot Pursuit Remastered, and The Stanley Parable: Ultra Deluxe, are still available to add to your account until February 3. So get them if you haven’t!
A gamer at heart, James has been working for MP1st for the last decade to do exactly what he loves, writing about video games and having fun doing it. Growing up in the 90's gaming has been in his DNA since the days of NES. One day he hopes to develop his own game.
Sony has pushed out a new PlayStation Store sale called the “Critics’ Choice” promotion, and this houses a ton of AAA titles. Same as in every PSN sales post here on MP1st, we have the full list and our recommendations down below.
Are you the type of PlayStation 5 gamer that puts the console in Rest mode when logging out? Or do you completely shut the console down after playing games? Which side do you think most gamers fall on?
As it turns out, it's about even.
Sony Launches Critics’ Choice Sale and It Houses Over 1,400 Items
AEW Fight Forever (-50%, $19,99) – First wrestling game based on the AEW brand by Yuke’s
Alan Wake 2 Deluxe Edition (-50%, $39.99) – My personal GOTY of last year. Horror game made with an artistic vibe and feels like a film. Definitely worth checking out even if you haven’t played the first one.
Aliens Dark Descent (-50%, $19.99) – Alien license applied to a strategy game where your characters can die. This is mind numbingly hard, so bear that in mind before picking it up.
Alien Isolation The Collection (-75%, $9.99) – Contains DLCs. Horror but set in the Alien universe. Don’t expect to be a space marine here, as you’ll be hiding more often than not.
Atlas Fallen (50%. $24.99) – Got a major overhaul this year that changed a ton of things. Not a bad game just not AAA
Astro Bot (-17%, $49.79) – GOTY winner, cute platformer and fun for everyone in the family. No mention whether we’ll see more content drop in 2025, but I really doubt Team Asobi is done with the game.
Atomic Heart (-60%, $27.99) – It’s like BioShock but with less polish and less interesting story. Final DLC was just released.
Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora (-67%, $23.09) – Ubisoft open-world but with Avatar’s license. Better than expected and still getting DLC and support.
Back 4 Blood (-90%, $5.99) – Co-op zombie game. Support has ended but servers are still up. Sequel said to be in development. It’s fun and at that price, get your friends to pick it up for co-op
Battlefield 1 (-95%, $.099) – ONE dollar. It’s definitely worth it for that price just to see if you’ll like it or not. Probably the last great Battlefield game before the franchise’s decline. Insane levolution elements. Nice gunplay and that headshot ping sound!
Battlefield V (-95%, $2.49) – Not one of the better BF games, but after patches, serviceable. Not sure on the playerbase.
Battlefield 2042 (-85%, $8.99) – People love to crap on BF2042, but it is in a better place now. No more seasonal content but still lots of events, patches etc. At that price and with all the updates implemented? Worth a shot for sure. Go ham on Redacted and enjoy it.
Balatro – (-20%, $11.99) – Not AAA but feels like it. Solid voice acting, has a crazy good story. Lots of side quests and content. Only issue is the combat might be a bit too simplistic for some. I really liked this even if we most likely aren’t getting a sequel, I’d still say this is a must-play.
Banishers Ghosts of New Eden (-50%, $29.99) – Not AAA but feels like it. Solid voice acting, has a crazy good story. Lots of side quests and content. Only issue is the combat might be a bit too simplistic for some. I really liked this even if we most likely aren’t getting a sequel, I’d still say this is a must-play.
Beyond Good & Evil: 20th Anniversary Edition (-30%, $13.99) – Have not played this, but it has upgraded visuals. You can play this and wonder why everyone is looking forward to the vaporware sequel.
BioShock The Collection (-80%, $9.99) – Another value-for-money bundle. BioShock 1 has one of the most memorable stories I’ve ever played.
Bloodborne (-50%, $9.99) – Rarely goes on sale, and might be FromSoftware’s finest work. We’re never getting a remaster or even a patch for improvements, so get this.
Borderlands 3 (-90%, $5.99) – Just got a few updates when the movie came out. Solid looter shooter that you can play with friends that do not need to rely on seasonal content.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 (-30%, $48.99) – The latest COD. Omnimoovement not as big as Treyarch claims it to be. Loads of bugs, but gunplay is solid when it works as intended. Heavy with SBMM, so bear that in mind.
Crime Boss Rockay City (-50%, $9.99) – Still getting updates, not sure how this plays. Maybe Temu GTA?
Cyberpunk 2077 -(-50%,$ 24.99) – CDPR’s ambitious RPG that now has managed to be in a state where expectations are met after numerous updates. DLC is also on sale. Well worth buying now on PS5.
Dark Souls Remastered (-50%, $19.99) – FromSoftware’s first Dark Souls game now remastered. Rarely goes on sale
Dark Souls 3 (-50%, $29.99) – Rarely goes on sale, and the last part of FromSofttware’s Souls trilogy
Dead Island 2 (-50%, $24.99) – Still getting consistent support, and one of the only few games Embracer released that seems actually to have made money.
Dead Rising Remaster (-20%, $39.99) – Zombie game where you can use literally everything. Not sure how the remaster plays, but the original was definitely a solid zombie
Dead Space (-75%, $17.49) – One of the best remakes ever. It’s a travesty that we still haven’t gotten confirmation of a remake of Dead Space 2. This improves the original in every way, and I can’t stress enough how awesome this game is. The vibe and atmosphere Motive has made when you walk corridors and see shadows? Yeah, awesome creepy stuff.
Demon Souls (-58%, $29.30) – FromSoftware’s critically acclaimed Souls game before Bloobdorne, and remade with better visuals and various improvements.
DOOM Eternal Deluxe Edition (-75%, $17.49) – The sequel to the 2016 DOOM reboot. Reviewed well.
Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 (-50%, $9.99) – Lots of people dig this, and I think it’s still getting supported even after all this time.
Dragon Ball Z Kakarot Legendary Edition (-70%, $35.99) – Dragon Ball but as an RPG! Still getting occasional support and expansions. If you’re tired of the fighting games based on the franchise, this might be a good title to consider.
Diablo 4 (-45%, $27.49) – Blizzard’s dungeon-crawler that is getting heavy support. Expect that to be the case until we get Diablo V in the next few years.
Dying Light 2 (-67%, $19.79) – Zombie game from Techland and getting a ton of support. You can be sure this won’t get abandoned anytime soon, as Techland is known for supporting their games for years
EA Sports FC 25 (-60%, $27.99) – FIFA but without the FIFA license. If you dig EA’s annual footie sim, then this should be a no-brainer.
EA Sports MVP Bundle: Madden 25 + College Football 25 (-60%, $59.99) – Two football games at a discounted price. If you can’t get enough pigskin action, this is a good deal I gather.
EA Sports College Football (-60%, $27.99) – First NCAA football game in a long, long time. Reviewed very well, and gets a lot more support than Madden.
Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes – (-50%, $24.99) – Old school RPG and a surprise hit. Still getting support. Reviewed quite well. If you need another JRPG fix, this might be it.
Evil West (-70%, $17.99) – Vampire-themed third-person action game. It’s not bad, but just expect jank and a lot less polish
Fallout 76 (-75%, $9.99) – Still getting a ton of support from Bethesda, and about to get a huge content drop soon.
Far Cry 6 (-75%, $14.99) – The one which stars Giancarlo Esposito as the villain. They say his portrayal in the game is quite good.
F1 24 (-85%, $10.49) – Made by the racing geniuses at Codemasters. Still getting seasonal support, and even got a PS5 Pro patch.
Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD Remaster (-60%, $9.99) – Have not played the remaster, but did finish and like the original when it was released. More lighthearted protagonist and the combat system wasn’t bad either.
Final Fantasy 16 (-25%, $37.49) – I find that people either like this or hate it. Personally, I dig it since the combat is fluid and combo-heavy, boss fights are a spectacle, and it will remind you of past Final Fantasy games. Worth the price of admission.
Five Nights at Freddy’s Help Wanted (-67%, $9.89) – Houses loads of Five Night at Freddy’s mini games. If you’re a fan of the series, check this out.
Forspoken Digital Deluxe (-70%, $28.49) – Includes the DLC Doesn’t really go down hard in price.
Granblue Fantasy ReLink (-55%, $26.99) – Surprise hit and got a slew of DLCs. My friend who doesn’t typically likes JRPGs told me how good this is.
Grounded (-40%, $23.99) – Obisidian’s smaller projects, Grounded is a survival-action where you’ve been shrunk in size and must battle various bugs and insects. This game surprisingly still gets regular updates from the devs.
God of War Digital Deluxe (-50%, $14.99) – Start of Kratos’ Norse adventure. Prepare for “BOY.” Includes some in-game items.
God of War Ragnarok Digital Deluxe (-50%, $39.99) – The Adventures of Boy Part 2. Awesome title, though you will want to play the first one to get the full effect. Fantastic combat and even got a solid post-release content drop.
Gotham Knights (-80%, $13.99) – Arkahm meets Bat Family. No support for this, but might be worth a play for Batman fans just to see the various combos and moves for each character.
GTA 5 (-50%, $19.99) – This is the lowest it will ever be on PSN. It’s been on sale before, and this is the lowest it’s ever been. If you’re one of the two people that still do not own this, then this is your chance.
GTA The Trilogy The Definitive Edition (-60%, $23.99) – Just got a patch recently. Not sure how performance is now, but three GTA games for that price? You’ll be playing this one well into 2025.
Hellblade Senua’s Sacrifice (-70%, $8.99) – First game of the series by Ninja Theory before being acquired by MS. Sequel reportedly headed to PS5 as well.
Helldivers 2 (-20%. $31.99) – Still getting massive support, and there’s a lot of people playing online, so regardless if you have a squad or not, worth a pick up. Just be prepared to be overwhelmed and die a lot. Very satisfying to call in stratagems on huge enemies and see them get decimated. Just got free Killzone crossover content items too
Hogwarts Legacy (-70%, $20.99) – This is a fun open world game based on the Harry Potter universe. I’ve said this before, but saying it again: your body count here would make Lucious Malfoy blush.
Insurgency Sandstorm (-60%, $15.99) – Not COD and a different kind of military FPS
It Takes Two (-75%, $9.99) – Hazelight’s award-winning co-op game. This can’t be played without a partner, and might be a good title to play with your significant other.
LA Noire (-50%, $19.99) – Rockstar’s detective game. Slower paced than your usual action game, so don’te expect moment-to-moment gunfights. More deliberate but offers something new. Not getting a remaster or remake soon, so worth a shot for now.
LEGO Star Wars the Skywalker Saga (-80%, $11.99) – Perfect game to play with kids. Star Wars meets LEGO = fun
Lies of P (-40%, $35.99) – Possibly one of the most beloved Souls-like games not made by FromSoftware. Have not played this but friends have nothing but good stuff to say about it.
Little Nightmares 1 + 2 (-70%, $14.99) – Hugely uinderrated platformer with horror elements. Good story, pertfect game to play with your partner or kids. Cannot recommend this enough.
Madden NFL 25 (-70%, $20.99) – The only NFL sim available, so if you want some virtual pigskin action on, this is the game. Gets seasonal content.
Mafia Trilogy (-75%, $14.99) – With the new one coming up, worth a shot and you’ll definitely get your money’s worth.
Marvel’s Midnight Suns Legendary Edition (-80%, $19.99) – Base version also on sale but this includes DLCs. Strategy meets Marvel. Harder than it looks, but if you want something different that has solid length.
Marvel’s Spider-Man Miles Morales (-60%, $19.99) – Spinoff featuring Miles. Bridges the first game and then second one (sorta).
Mass Effect Legendary Edition (-90% $5.99) – This is the lowest I’ve seen on PSN. The best value for money in the entire sale, hands down. Three epic RPGs that will take you anywhere from 30-40 hours to finish each! Commander Shepard’s adventure needs to be played by everyone.
Metal Gear Solid Master Collection Vo. 1 (-30% $41.99) – Houses MGS, MGS2, MGS3. Classic graphics but the gameplay should still hold uip
Metal Gear Solid V The Definitive Experience (-40% $11.99) – Houses Ground Zeroes and The Phantom Pain, Metal Gear Online and bunch of DLC itens. Still looks gorgeous up to this day.
Monster Hunter World Iceborne (-60% $15.99) – WIlds is about to be released, but if you don’t need to play the latest, this should do the trick. Dozens if not hundreds of hours of content. Insanely fun co-op game.
Mortal Kombat 1 Khaos Reigns Kollection (-60% $35.99) – Includes base game + Khaos Reigns DLC
Nier Automata Game of the YoRHa Edition (-60% $15.99) – Don’t see this on sale often. RPG developed by PlatinumGames and said to be quite good.
NHL 25 (-60% $27.99) – For hockey fans, this is your only choice
Nobody Wants to Die (-40% $14.99) – a detective game not an action title. Reminds me of Minority Report minus Tom Cruise (is that good or bad?).
No Man’s Sky (-60% $23.99) – Doesn’t go on sale often. Just got a big content drop today.
Ravenswatch (-30% $20.99) – Roguelike action game that reviewed quite well.
Red Dead Redemption 2 (-67% $19.79) -Arguably Rockstar’s best open-world game to date. Loads of Easter eggs, fantastic story, and just packed with stuff. Highly recommend this even if you don’t like westerns. This is the lowest it’ll ever get on PSN, so if you’re on the fence about that, here’s your answer.
Resident Evil 2 (-75% $9.99) – My favorite RE remake. You have Leon and Claire’s stories, all with re-imagined graphics, enemies and more. Awesome game that deserves more credit.
Resident Evil 3 (-75% $9.99) – The weakest of the RE remakes. Main issue here is how short it is, given you can literally finish this one on sitting. Around 4-7 hours, I think.
Resident Evil 7 biohazard (-60% $7.99) – The scariest Resident Evil game I have ever played. Well worth it just to experience the hillbilly terror.
Resident Evil Village (-60% $15.99) – Closes the chapter on Ethan Winters’ story. Very fun even if it’s in first-person. Doesn’t overstay its welcome and has that classic Resident Evil gameplay.
Returnal Deluxe (-50% $39.99) -Housemarque’s first AAA game. Loads of people love this but I recommend checking gameplay first since the loop might not be to your liking.
RoboCop Rogue City (-67% $19.79) – Better than expected. Brings familiar RoboCop visuals and violence. I’m actually surprised this turned out as well as it did.
Silent Hill 2 (-20% $55.99) -It’s right up there with the Resident Evil remakes as some of the best remakes we’ve seen. Packed with new Easter eggs, new combat sections and just an amazing experience. Should have been a contender for GOTY or at least won a few awards.
Sea of Thieves Deluxe Edition (-50% $24.99) – Rare’s former Xbox exclusive. Pirate game that has a healthy player base, and gets live service support.
Sniper Elite 5 (-70% $17.99) – Latest Sniper game from Rebellion. We are getting a new spinoff next year. Solid shooter if you a decent campaign.
Sonic Frontiers (-65% $24.49) – Integrates traditional Sonic elements into an open-world. Did it work? Depends on whom you ask.
South Park: Snow Day (-30% $20.99) – Honestly not sure if worth the price but if you’re a South Park fan, this is the latest game from the license.
Star Wars Battlefront 2 (-70% $5.99) – Someone here said the player base is still healthy. If so, then this is a good multiplayer game to buy. Underrated visuals and sound work from DICE. It got a lot of flack for the MTX stuff, but it is a solid Star Wars experience.
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order (-85% $5.99) -Jedi meets Souls. Loads of backtracking, but at the price of a meal? This is an auto pick up. Deep combat, and proves Respawn can make single-player games with high quality..
Star Wars Jedl Survivor (-75% $17.49) – This is the lowest the game has been on PSN. The sequel to Fallen Order, and better in almost every way. Cal’s second adventure and this time, the Force taught him how to run properly without looking like he has crap down his pants.
Star Wars Outlaws (-40% $41.99) -Ubisoft’s Star Wars open world game. That has received countless updates that should have made this way better than its state at launch. Just don’t expect epic boss fights and the like, since it’s not that type of game.
Star Wars Squadrons (-90% $3.99) – Star Wars dogfighting made by Motive. Solid game, though unsure about the playerbase now.
Street Fighter 6 (-50% $29.99) – Latest Street Fighter game. Has a dedicated player base, though a bit harder to get into than Tekken given said player base will kick your ass over and over until you learn the important mechanics.
Streets of Rage 4 (-60% $9.99) – Fun beat-’em-up and a worthy successor to the 2D brawler. Got a few content updates and it’s fun to play with friends and family.
System Shock (-50% $19.99) – SHODAN! The remake is alive and at a discounted price. Reviewed quite well.
Tactics Ogre Reborn (-50% $24.99) – Remake of the 1995 original. Tactics-like RPG, which is more fun than it looks
Tales of Kenzera ZAU (-55% $8.99) – Metroidvania published by EA and won a few awwards too.
The Arkane Collection (-75% $37.49) – First time I’ve seen this bundle. Houses: DEATHLOOP Deluxe Edition, Prey, + DLCs, Dishonred, Dishonred 2, Dishonored Death of an Outsider
Tekken 8 (-50% $34.99) – This might underwhelm fight fans compared to Tekken 7, but it’s still a solid fighter. Loads of support and recently got Clive Rosfield from FF16 as a new fighter!
Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crow Silver Streets Edition (-40% $47.99) -Live service racing game. Still getting support. No idea how it plays though.
The Callisto Protocol (-80% $13.99) – This got PS5 Pro patch. Dead Space but not as good. Lowest it’s been on PSN, and worth a shot to try now after the updates.
The Crew Motorfest (-70% $17.99) – Ubisoft’s online-only racing game and the latest entry in the franchise. Not sure how big the player base is today, but this does get seasonal updates from Ivory Tower.
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (-67% $16.49) – Bethesda’s acclaimed RPG. If you haven’t tried this yet, give this a go, but was on sale for a tad lower price before.
The Evil Within Digital Bundle (-75% $7.49) – Includes the DLCs. This is Mikami’s first horror game after leaving Capcom. Way harder than Resident Evil.
The Witcher 3 Complete Edition (-80% $9.99) – If The Witcher 4 trailer got you hyped, go jump in. Even if you’re not familiar with the first two games, it’s fine. One of the best games of all-time. Has fantastic side quests, loads of weapons and armor to scavenge for. Includes the two massive expansions too. If you haven’t played this yet, I cannot recommend this enough. With The Witcher 4 announced, this is the perfect time to dive into Geralt’s world.
TopSpin 2K25 (-67% $19.79) – 2K’s tennis game, and still getting support
UFC 5 (-50% $34.99) – The only new MMA game on consoles, and thankfully, this one gets loads of support with free fighter updates.
Uncharted 4 + Uncharted The Lost Legacy Bundle (-70% $11.99) – Final chapter of Nathan Drake’s Uncharted journey, and the DLC starring Chloe.
Unknown 9 (-50% $24.99) – Bandai Namco’s action game that failed to turn heads when it was released earlier this year. Not sure how it plays, but worth noting it’s on sale.
V Rising (-25% $29.99) – YouTube V Rising before picking it up since it’s not your typical Diablo game even if it looks it.
Warhammer 40K Space Marine 2 (-25% $52.49) – Probably Saber’s most ambitious work to date. Campaign, multi are loads of fun, and you can co-op this all the way through. How can smashing bugs with a pal NOT be fun, right?
Which games are worth getting? Leave a comment below and let us know.
Wrestling fans patiently awaiting the next iteration of WWE 2K wait no longer, as WWE 2K25 has officially been announced! Set to arrive this March, WWE 2K25 is bringing a whole bunch of new content and features, along with a showcase centered around perhaps one of the sport's biggest stars, Roman Reigns.
Well, webheads, it’s been a long wait, but tomorrow will finally be the day we can get our hands on the PC version of Marvel’s Spider-Man 2. But before you do any swinging, you’ll want to ensure your PC is all ready to go.
Thankfully, Insomniac Games has finally released Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 PC requirements, along with giving us details of what improvements will be coming along with exclusive PC features.
Discussing the greatest superheroes of all time might be a difficult conversation to have, but one consensus nominee should be Spider-Man.
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 PC Requirements Have Arrived, Just In Time For Release
As you can see from the trailer, the PC version of Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 features many new features and improvements. The most obvious ones are upscaling and frame generation support, but beyond that, we’ll be getting ultra-wide screen support along with improved visuals and ray tracing features in the PC release.
Now you might be wondering, what kind of machine will you need to run this game? Well, assuming you want 60 FPS minimum, you’ll need a rig equipped with at least an RTX 3060 or RX 5700 GPU and either an Intel i5-8400 or a Ryzen 5 3600. Granted, it’s at medium and at 1080P, but at least the frame performance is within reason. Of course, if you want to push the visuals even further, you’ll have to check out the chart below to see exactly what you’ll need.
Minimum
Recommended
High
High Ray Tracing
Very High Ray Tracing
Ultimate Ray Tracing
Avg. Performance
720P @ 30 FPS
1080P @ 60 FPS
1440P @ 60 FPS
1440p @ 60 FPS
1440p @ 60 FPS
4K @ 60 FPS
Graphics Presets
Very Low
Medium
High
High Ray Tracing High
High Ray Tracing Very High
Very High Ray Tracing Ultimate
GPU
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 AMD Radeon RX 5500 XT
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 AMD Radeon RX 5700
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 AMD Radeon RX 6800
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 AMD Radeon RX 7900 XT
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090
CPU
Intel Core i3-8100 AMD Ryzen 3 3100
Intel Core i5-8400 AMD Ryzen 5 3600
Intel Core i5-11400 AMD Ryzen 5 5600
Intel Core i5-11600K AMD Ryzen 5 5600X
Intel Core i7-12700K AMD Ryzen 9 5900X
Intel Core i9-12900K AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D
RAM
16 GB
16 GB
16 GB
16 GB
16 GB
32 GB
OS
Windows 10/11 64-bit (version 1909 or higher)
Windows 10/11 64-bit (version 1909 or higher)
Windows 10/11 64-bit (version 1909 or higher)
Windows 10/11 64-bit (version 1909 or higher)
Windows 10/11 64-bit (version 1909 or higher)
Windows 10/11 64-bit (version 1909 or higher)
SSD Storage
140 GB
140 GB
140 GB
140 GB
140 GB
140 GB
You’ll need a pretty demanding system if you plan on playing on any of the ray tracing presets, with the “ultimate ray tracing” recommending an RTX 4090 with no AMD equivalent. We’d assume those planning on buying an RTX 5090 later this week will be just fine running this game.
While Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth just launched on PC, it seems to have already established a new record and is already faring better than its predecessor, Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade.
A gamer at heart, James has been working for MP1st for the last decade to do exactly what he loves, writing about video games and having fun doing it. Growing up in the 90's gaming has been in his DNA since the days of NES. One day he hopes to develop his own game.
Hello Games has surprised dropped the latest content update for No Man’s Sky today! Titled “World’s Part 2,” this brings new star systems, the terrain generation feature and more into the game, and all for free! Those on consoles will see this as No Man’s Sky update 5.50 on last-gen, and version 5.050 on PS5/XSX.
As you can see, this brings the game to version state 5.5, which signifies the massive content drop. For a list of everything new added today, head on below.
Insomniac Games has remained silent on Marvel's Spider-Man 2 PC version, last mentioning it 10 days ago.
Hello Games Drops the First Content Update of No Man’s Sky With Version 5.50
NEW STAR SYSTEMS
A new class of stellar body has been added to the universe.
These purple-class systems are additional stars, allowing the universe to expand with increased diversity without regenerating existing planets or resetting the exploration and construction efforts of the community.
TERRAIN GENERATION
The terrain generation algorithm has been evolved and refined to generate more diverse planetary shapes, with mountains, deep valleys, and sprawling plains.
Specific improvements have been made to reduce repeating patterns on individual planets, increasing the range of different shapes and terrain styles seen on a single world.
Other improvements include the ability to generate significantly deeper oceans.
These new terrain settings have been applied to all planets found within purple star systems. Terrain in existing systems has not been regenerated, and bases have not been reset.
On all planets in all systems, large resource deposits can now appear underwater.
NEW WORLDS
Planets found in purple-class star systems feature a significant range of new environments and planetary characteristics.
Find gas giant planets, with their hostile planet-wide storms and challenging conditions. These titans dominate the collection of moons found in their orbit, warping the effects of gravity.
Other planets are totally dominated by water, with seas that dwarf even their highest mountains. Specialist aquatic landing technology will be required to land upon such a waterworld. These worlds feature exceptionally deep oceans, stretching down kilometres.
Find rare non-gas giants, colossal worlds on a scale never before seen.
Non-waterworld planets in purple-class star systems may also feature extremely deep water alongside their conventional terrestrial features.
Moons in purple-class star systems can now feature water.
Gas giants and waterworlds have their own unique and valuable terrain deposit materials, as well as new atmospheric gases to harvest.
All planets in purple-class star systems feature deposits of Quartzite, a new stellar mineral.
New refining crafting recipes have been added to take advantage of these new materials.
WATER RENDERING
Surface water rendering has been significantly improved, with a large increase in fidelity.
Clouds, nebulae, and other planets are now correctly reflected in the water surface.
Terrain reflections have been improved with accurate lighting and fogging effects.
Subsurface scattering has been enhanced, creating spectacular glows when the sun’s light grazes the crest of a wave.
Wave foam rendering has been enhanced.
Wave foam now benefits from a greater range of colours.
In rare circumstances, wave foam now pulsates with strange and alien effects.
Underwater rendering has been entirely reworked to feature accurate light scattering and transmittance, creating realistic and atmospheric deep water environments.
Support has been added for underwater crepuscular rays as light shimmers through the surface.
Water caustic effects have been significantly improved.
In rare circumstances, water can now settle into absolutely tranquility, creating a perfectly still surface.
Rain will now generate tiny ripples in the water surface.
Other objects – such as creatures, starships, vehicles, Travellers, and weapon systems – will also generate dynamic water effects as they move through the surface.
WATER VARIETY
Significant new levels of environmental diversity have been added to the seas of all planets, including those in non-purple systems.
The water environment has been enriched with a range of new effects, coming to life with bubbles, algae blooms, bioluminescent organisms, strange floating flora, and much more.
Additional levels of environmental diversity are to be found in the deepest oceans…
DEEP WATER GAMEPLAY
Swimming into deep water now has additional hazard effects, including an increased rate of oxygen consumption, increased strain on life support systems, and magnified planetary hazards.
A new technology has been added, the Pressure Membrane, which can be installed to offset some of the harmful effects of deep water.
The baseline amount of time a player can breathe underwater has been increased.
The bonuses provided by water breathing upgrades have been increased.
A valuable new item, Seaglass, has been added to ultra-deep water.
Find ultra-rich terrain deposits in the deepest waters, material seams with exceptionally high yields.
The European Union is considering a ban on the sale of video game controllers and consoles to Russia amid concerns that they are being used for military purposes.
SWIMMING AND BUOYANCY
The player now responds accurately to the waves, gently bobbing in the water or being thrown around in a storm.
The swimming camera has been significantly improved, responding to the water state as well as player actions.
Fixed a number of popping and jerkiness issues with the swimming camera.
Fixed a number of visual glitches with player swimming animations.
Improved the responsiveness of player movement while swimming.
The camera now allows a much greater range of movement while underwater.
The depth of the sea floor beneath the player’s position is now displayed on the HUD.
Jetpacking straight up to ascend to the surface of the water now uses less jetpack fuel than boosting horizontal speed.
The jetpack’s water ascent speed has been increased.
When underwater, the player torch now behaves as a volumetric light.
The player torch is now more stable and consistent in its position, avoiding casting a bright light on the back or arm as you run.
Fixed an issue that could cause the player to drop to the bottom of the ocean if a popup appeared while they were swimming.
Fixed an issue that could cause the normal jetpack effects to play while underwater.
LIGHTING
The lighting and material rendering system has been totally overhauled, increasing the precision of light sources.
The engine’s material model has been completely reworked, and the ambient occlusion shader (GTAO) has been rewritten from the ground up. Slice sampling is now stochastic, the shader has been extended to compute screen space bent normals, and many new heuristics have been added to the shader to make up for common issues inherent to screen space ambient occlusion techniques.
Light is now more accurately reflected and absorbed, adding richness and detail to all surfaces.
Specular highlights are now more pronounced and dramatic, particularly on distant terrain and metallic objects.
Indirect lighting is now more localised and representative of the environment around the player.
The brightness and colour of lighting in enclosed spaces such as bases, space stations and planetary buildings is more precisely localised.
External lighting conditions are more accurately occluded by opaque surfaces, creating cosier interior atmospheres.
Lights placed in planetary bases now more accurately illuminate their surroundings.
Lighting within caves is now more accurate and properly matches the expected darkness of the deep underground…
Shadow rendering has been totally reworked for a richer and more detailed experience.
The ambient occlusion system has been dramatically reworked, adding rich microshadow detail and increased contrast to everything in the universe – from lifeforms to ships to potted plants.
MISSIONS
A significant new chain of story-driven missions have been added, “In Stellar Multitudes”.
Work with the Autophage to uncover stories of the Atlas and Atlantid, and weave together time and space on an epic adventure to recover that which was lost…
A new multiplayer fishing mission has been added to the Nexus.
A new procedurally generated fishing mission has been added to the Space Station mission listings.
Fixed an issue that could prevent the Atlas Path from being displayed within the Collected Knowledge catalogue on very old saves.
Fixed a number of issues that could lead to a blocker in the Space Anomaly mission when players have no discoveries to present to Helios.
Fixed a rare issue that could lead to two copies of the Atlas Eternal mission running at the same time.
Fixed a number of issues that could lead to two copies of the Space Anomaly mission running after completing an expedition.
Just days after the news about the cancellation of the God of War live-service project by Bluepoint, a new rumor has surfaced about the future of the popula Santa Monica series, bringing excitement to fans.
PLANETARY VARIETY
Planetary variety and diversity has been increased all across the universe.
Dense jungle worlds can now be found all across the universe.
New desolate desert worlds can now be found all across the universe.
Rare and strange ruined relic worlds can now be found all across the universe.
These new worlds have been added to both existing systems and the new purple-class star systems, but in such a way as to minimise change to existing worlds.
The diversity and variety of hazardous flora on all worlds has been increased.
On top of this, significant additional planetary diversity can be found in purple-class star systems.
A large number of new procedurally generated varieties of scorched, frozen, toxic and barren worlds have been introduced, as well as additional variety for worlds featuring floating islands.
A new resource, polished stone, has been added to relic planets.
Players who search the ruins of relic planets may uncover plans to construct replica ruins of their own.
Planetary weather hazards such as lightning and tornadoes have been reworked for additional visual impact.
Additional localised planetary hazards have been where appropriate, providing both visual diversity and additional exploration challenge.
Hazards included localised clouds of toxic spores; small-scale radioactive fallout; electromagnetic anomalies; volcanic eruptions; geothermal geysers; and localised gravity inversion zones.
QUALITY OF LIFE
When landing at a space station, the starship will now attempt to land at the closest free landing pad to the main terminals.
A “Favourites” tab has been added to the teleporter interface, allowing easy marking and retrieval of commonly used destinations.
Buttons have been added to the inventory to consolidate and sort items according to various criteria, including name, value, type, and colour.
East and west markers have been added to the compass.
Technologies and products in the Catalogue can now be visualised as a crafting tree, allowing players to see a full map of all construction steps.
The third person camera has been improved when in tight interior spaces.
Brood Mothers now drop a token of your victory, which can be donated to the Mercenaries Guild.
The Quicksilver Synthesis Companion has been made easier to interact with.
A number of smoothing improvements have been made to player locomotion.
When piloting in first person, the throttle and stick within the starship cockpit now respond accurately to player inputs.
UI
Improved the visual presentation of inventory and other popup headers.
When picking up an inventory item, the cursor is now slightly offset to allow a more clear view of the slots.
Inventory slots are now slightly highlighted on hover, improving feedback as to which slot is selected.
Fixed a large number of issues on the title and banner customisation screen.
Fixed an issue that prevented the components bar from displaying as 100% complete when a technology component is fully repaired or installed.
The responsiveness of interaction and target labels has been improved.
Preview holograms when summoning Exocraft, the Exo-Skiff and the Trade Rocket now behave more consistently.
Starship images in the summoning Quick Menu are now more correctly aligned.
Each type of Exocraft now has its own specific HUD and compass icon.
When copying a starship between an expedition and a main save, improved the clarity of messaging if the copy is an exchange that will replace the current primary ship.
Fixed a number of issues that caused starship alert messages to stay around on screen when no longer relevant.
Fixed a number of consistency issues when determining if gameplay-critical plants count as discoveries.
The mousewheel now scrolls the list of creature/plant/mineral discoveries correctly.
Fixed an issue that prevented some UI sounds from playing in the refiner UI.
Fixed an issue that caused the options menu to repeat the names of each button as a header next to the button.
When choosing to speak an alien word, the translated options now use the appropriate highlight colour for that language.
Fixed an issue that could truncate text when choosing words in an alien language.
Fixed an issue that prevented passing ships from having their distance displayed on the starship HUD.
Targeted starships now display their name in the ship HUD.
Pirate starships now have their own procedurally generated name.
The Chinese-developed action RPG Phantom Blade Zero has unveiled new details about its gameplay and story length.
COOKING
Cronus now maintains a market aboard the Space Anomaly. Each day, they will seek a different range of edible items. Travellers may donate large amounts of these items at a time, in exchange for nanites and esteem.
When presenting food to Cronus for judging, the options available will always include your highest-quality food.
Cronus’ station aboard the Space Anomaly now has a functional grill available.
The Exo-Skiff now has a functioning grill for mid-sea cookery.
The recipe catalogue has been overhauled. The catalogue is now sorted by output item, and variant recipes can be viewed by expanding the main recipe.
Recipe names are now presented more clearly in the catalogue.
The recipe catalogue now allows access to a crafting-tree style view of any recipe, allowing intermediate steps to be seen more clearly.
As well as in the catalogue, these recipe details are also available while using the Nutrient Processor.
Filter options have been added to sort ingredients by quality while browsing ingredients to place into the Nutrient Processor.
The Nutrient Processor’s ingredient storage can now be accessed at any time while nearby.
Procedurally generated tasting notes have been added to the descriptions of edible products.
A new Exosuit technology has been added, the Nutrient Ingestor. Once installed in the Exosuit, the Ingestor allows players to input large amounts of edible items, which will be consumed one at a time as necessary, providing powerful and long-lasting benefits.
TITAN EXPEDITION
Expedition Seventeen, Titan, will begin shortly after the conclusion of the redux edition of the Cursed Expedition and will run for approximately six weeks.
This expedition invites players to explore the beauty and the danger of the new planets and stars added in Worlds Part II.
Rewards include new posters; a dazzling new starship customisation material; an explorer’s cape; the Pillar of Titan staff; and the Wraith starship, a unique living fighter.
TWITCH DROPS
A new package of Twitch drops will begin shortly. Sign up and connect your platform accounts on the Twitch Drops page, then tune in to Twitch to earn exotic base parts, high-tech starships, fireworks, appearance modifications, and more.
OPTIMISATION AND FILE SYSTEM
The filesystem has been reworked to take advantage of cutting-edge compression technology, allowing for larger content updates without increasing download size, and making all future patches smaller.
Load times are up to 4x faster, and improved data caching reduces hitches during transitions, such as when flying from planetary atmosphere into space.
Introduced a memory and performance optimisation related to object physics.
Introduced a performance optimisation for planetary props.
Introduced a performance optimisation related to shaders.
Introduced a performance optimisation for many UI elements.
Introduced a number of significant memory usage optimisations.
Introduced a performance optimisation for the particle system.
Introduced a performance optimisation to the wind system.
Introduced a performance optimisation related to culling drawn objects.
Introduced a performance optimisation for cloud rendering.
Introduced a performance optimisation for terrain generation.
RENDERING AND VISUAL EFFECTS
120Hz display output and variable refresh rate (VRR) is now available on PlayStation 5 for supported displays, enabling ultra-smooth visuals, reduced latency, and higher framerates without introducing stuttering.
The particle system has been reworked to take advantage of 3D mesh particles.
Moving objects now interact more consistently and smoothly with foliage and grass.
The atmosphere entry effect has been overhauled.
New varieties of space storm have been introduced to purple-class star systems.
Fixed an issue that prevented clouds from rendering properly while near very tall mountains.
EXOCRAFT
The Colossus has been made easier to interact with.
Fixed an issue that caused the player to be placed underneath or inside the Colossus when disembarking.
Added the Mineral Processing Rig, an advanced refining unit that can be installed within the Colossus.
Added the Mounted Flamethrower, a new short-range weapon for all Exocraft.
Fixed a number of issues that caused technology to be categorised incorrectly when installing items in Exocraft.
Exocraft handling in first person, particularly when controlled with a pad, has been significantly improved.
The seating position within each Exocraft has been adjusted to improve visibility in first person.
When driving in first person, the steering wheel and throttle within the Exocraft cockpit now respond accurately to player inputs.
The Exocraft speed display now outputs in kilometres per hour rather than meters per second.
Specific “dive” and “surface” control options have been added to the Nautilon submarine.
The base speed and manoeuverability of the Nautilon submarine has been increased. The upper limit of the strongest Humboldt Drive upgrades has been tweaked slightly to compensate.
Fixed an issue that caused the Nautilon to slowly rise or sink by itself.
A Dredging Laser has been added for the Nautilon Submarine, allowing underwater terrain excavation.
The Nautilon can now activate a short boost to reach higher speeds, similar to other Exocraft. No technology upgrade is required to access boost in the Nautilon.
An alternative Floating Nautilon Platform has been added, allowing construction of a Nautilon chamber on the surface of the water.
CREATURES
New types of procedurally-generated fish have been added and may appear in any seas.
New types of procedurally-generated squid have been added and may appear in any seas.
New types of procedurally-generated hermit crabs have been added and may appear in any seas.
New types of procedurally-generated manta rays have been added and may appear in any seas.
New types of procedurally-generated seahorses have been added and may appear in any seas.
New types of procedurally-generated prawns have been added and may appear in any seas.
Particularly large versions of sea creatures can be found in the deepest oceans.
New types of strange and exotic creatures have been added and can be found on planets in purple-class star systems.
New types of bioluminescent creatures have been added and can be found on planets in purple-class star systems.
Creature navigation systems have been improved, allowing creatures to better select and reach destinations such as food or water sources.
Ragdoll and death effects for underwater creatures have been improved.
ABANDONED MODE
A new option has been added to the difficulty settings that allows players to remove all advanced alien life from the universe.
This option is only available when starting a new custom game, and cannot be changed once a save is in progress.
This option drastically changes the play experience and will disable the story and tutorial.
While Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth just launched on PC, it seems to have already established a new record and is already faring better than its predecessor, Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade.
STARSHIP AND MULTI-TOOL ARCHIVING
Players with a capital ship can now make use of long-term storage for their starships.
Find the starship archive at the fleet management terminal on the bridge of your freighter.
Archive up to 18 starships, in addition to your active fleet.
Archiving a ship removes it from your list of available starships, freeing up space to acquire new ships.
Archived ships can be reactivated from cold storage at any time, as long as there is space in your active fleet.
Archived ships retain their installed technology but will be purged of all loose cargo.
The buildable Weapon Rack base part now serves as a point of access for Multi-Tool archiving.
Archive up to 18 Multi-Tools, in addition to your carried equipment.
Archiving a Multi-Tool removes it from your list of available equipment, freeing up space to acquire new Multi-Tools.
Archived Multi-Tools retain all installed technology and can be reactivated at any time, as long as you have space to carry them.
FISHING
A new array of fish have been added to waterworlds and gas giants.
Players may now fish in the moonpool of their underwater base.
Players may now occasionally catch a Child of Aquarius. Release this strange creature to attract the attention of a Deepwater Guardian…
New titles have been added for players who reach significant fishing milestones.
A collection of unusual customisation options have been added for players who reach significant fishing milestones. Apply these cranium/aquarium interchanges at an Appearance Modifier.
The float used in your fishing rig can now be customised. Apply these options from the Bait menu.
The colour of your fishing line can now be customised.
BUGFIXES
Fixed a crash related to NPC networking.
Fixed a rare crash related to texture rendering.
Fixed a number of rare crashes related to core maths functions.
Fixed a number of rare crashes related to starship and exocraft piloting.
Fixed a number of rare crashes related to creatures.
Fixed a number of rare crashes related to memory management.
Fixed a number of rare crashes related to marker rendering.
Fixed a rare crash related to homing projectiles.
Fixed a Nintendo Switch crash that could occur when playing in docked mode.
Fixed a rare infinite load on PlayStation 4.
Fixed an issue that could prevent recipes from being pinned while a mission to locate a salvaged interceptor was in progress.
Fixed an issue that made it difficult for Sentinel forces to target player Exocraft.
Fixed an issue that caused other player’s companions to move erratically while aboard the Space Anomaly.
Fixed an issue that caused the camera to get the wrong side of the player in combat while using left-handed mode.
Fixed a number of rare issues that could occur when finishing an expedition and converting the data back into the main save.
Fixed an issue that caused ships being redeemed from an expedition to fail to set up their inventory as expected.
Fixed an issue that could cause various quicksilver unlocks and other related items from correctly transferring when using cross-save.
Fixed a number of rare issues that could cause starships to reset themselves to an incorrect state.
Fixed a number of visual glitches when using the Ironclad ship material option on dropships.
Fixed an issue that caused the Mod Warning screen to flicker.
Fixed a number of visual glitches related to creature networking.
Fixed a number of visual issues related to NPC networking.
Fixed a visual issue with some leaves found on trees on lush worlds.
Fixed a rare issue that could allow the player starship to become stuck within a floating island.
Fixed an issue that could cause item highlighting to fail to detect living ship technology.
Fixed a rare issue that could cause settlement charts to be consumed despite not finding a settlement.
Fixed a number of issues that prevented discoveries with custom names from using that name in mission or dialogue text.
Fixed a rare issue that caused incorrect introduction voiceover to be used if starting an expedition aboard a freighter, then returning to the main menu to start a new game.
Fixed a number of animation glitches affecting the various gestures that involved posing with a hologram.
Fixed a number of visual issues affecting starship trails when viewed underwater.
Fixed a number of cases where storm warnings / storm passing alerts were displayed when not appropriate.
Fixed a number of cases where planetary hazard HUD would flash red when not appropriate.
Fixed an issue that could cause the “item is in a different inventory” message to be displayed when inappropriate.
Fixed an issue that prevented the audio of passing stars from working correctly in the starfield load.
Now that’s one spicy update! Given its scope, we are expecting multiple fixes to be rolled out in the coming days to fix any issues this update might have caused. If Hello Games releases anything, we’ll let our readers konw.
Microsoft recently held its Xbox Developer Direct event, revealing exciting games like DOOM: The Dark Ages and Ninja Gaiden 4, set to release this year.
