General News

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

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

Tier C

Alice 1

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

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

Mistville Orphan

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

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

Tier B

Prof. SOURCE

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

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

Key of Overrealm

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

Monument Knight

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

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

Tier A

Heart-binding Rose

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

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

Shepherd

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

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

Rainbowpaint Owl

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

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

Jestress

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

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

Moonshadow Guide

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

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

Tier S

Starfish Chanter

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

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

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

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

Record-Breaking Anticipation

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

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

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

Rockstar's Art of Silence

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

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

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

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

A Revolutionary Upgrade in World Building

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

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

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

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

Narrative Focus Shifts to Emotional Levels

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

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

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

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

Profound Impact on the Industry

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Exo Experts Warbond Contents

Page 1

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

Page 2

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

Page 3

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

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

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

Stratagems

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

EXO-51 Lumberer Exosuit

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

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

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

EXO-55 Breakthrough Exosuit

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

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

MGX-42 Bullet Storm

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

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

Weapons

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

SMG-203 Gallant

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

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

P-33 Missile Pistol

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

Armor

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

Why the Controversy?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Enhanced Drop Branch

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

Lair of Runes

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

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

Lair of Plenty

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

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

Green Nodes

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

Varshan's Vengeance

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

Blood of Bartuc

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

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

The Central Path

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

Two By Two

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

Greater Nemesis

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

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

Ultimate Nemesis

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

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

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

Uncharted Nodes

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

Golden Hoard

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

Exotic Armory

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

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

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

The launch window for ARC Raiders Expedition 3 is about to open. What makes this operation particularly special is not only the introduction of a new reset but also the fact that the development team has implemented several fundamental changes based on it.

The objective of these changes is to ensure that Expedition system remains a valuable feature, allowing you to derive greater enjoyment and a stronger sense of accomplishment from the gameplay experience.

However, one specific issue regarding Expedition mechanics has long remained unresolved: is there any possibility that players might be allowed to retain a portion of their Blueprints after a reset concludes?

As one of the most critical resources in the game, most blueprints are relatively difficult to acquire. Yet, no matter how many rare Blueprints you manage to accumulate during the early stages, everything is wiped clean with a single click once Expedition comes to an end!

In this discussion, drawing upon some recent rumors and speculation, we will explore the feasibility and likelihood of allowing players to retain their blueprints after an Expedition concludes.

Blueprint acquisition and usage

Most gear in ARC Raiders can be acquired through various methods, including trading with vendors, scavenging, and crafting at the workshop. The latter method, crafting, often requires the consumption of ARC Raiders blueprints, particularly for high-tier items.

Each act of crafting consumes one blueprint. Furthermore, every item or weapon, even after undergoing repairs, possesses limited durability and must be replaced frequently; consequently, you are compelled to stockpile Blueprints for your most commonly used weapons.

Blueprints themselves can only be obtained by venturing out on Raids. However, you can significantly boost your chances of finding blueprints by looting high-value rooms or containers, participating in major map events, and eliminating high-tier ARC units.

The combination of low drop rates and high consumption rates makes Blueprints an extremely sought-after resource in ARC Raiders, which explains why players are so reluctant to lose them whenever an Expedition concludes.

What are expeditions?

In extraction-based shooters like ARC Raiders, periodic resets are essential to ensure that players have opportunities for progression and fresh experiences; expedition system was designed specifically to serve this purpose.

More specifically, each expedition is divided into two phases: a preparation phase and a window phase. The former requires you to collect and submit specific materials in stages to unlock eligibility for participation, while the latter requires you to complete designated objectives to earn permanent rewards.

The closing of the window phase signifies the conclusion of the current expedition cycle. With the exception of permanent rewards, such as skill points, everything else you possess is wiped clean, including your blueprints.

The profound impact of expeditions on blueprints

As the primary factor determining your ability to contend with enemies, the wiping of your blueprints at the end of an expedition, even if you have experienced it multiple times, can still feel like a bitter pill to swallow.

In fact, the impact extends beyond just blueprints: while all your workshops are retained after an Expedition concludes, they are reset back to Level 1. Since crafting many items requires higher workshop levels, this presents a significant hurdle.

This means that even if you are lucky enough to acquire a desirable blueprint right at the start, you may not be able to craft it immediately; instead, you must first gather materials to upgrade your workshops.

Some argue that this is an indispensable part of the complete reset experience, but the majority of players feel that upgrading workshops offers no meaningful gameplay value and that doing so repeatedly is merely a waste of time.

Pros & cons of retaining blueprints

If future updates were to allow you to retain your blueprints after an Expedition, you could undoubtedly focus immediately on gathering other materials, allowing you to craft your preferred weapons and jump straight into combat as soon as your workshops were upgraded.

However, while this would grant you a distinct combat advantage, it would also create an imbalance, as not all players possess the means to acquire and retain high-tier blueprints by the end of a given season.

Consequently, this could easily lead to scenarios in the early stages of a new Expedition where players wielding top-tier weaponry prey upon unarmed casual players or newcomers, an outcome that neither the players nor the developers would wish to see.

The awkward reality, however, is that for disadvantaged players, under the current game mechanics, if you do not have ample time to dedicate to continuous farming, you are effectively already at a disadvantage.

Blueprint acquisition relies heavily on RNG; this means you must maintain a consistent play schedule, loot resources efficiently, and have a healthy dose of luck on your side just to build up a substantial blueprint collection.

Therefore, although the developers' original intent behind the reset system was to foster a fair competitive environment it feels more like a punishment for those players who simply cannot spare the time to invest heavily in the game.

It is precisely for this reason that the resets triggered by Expeditions exacerbate the sense of frustration felt by casual players. Thus, regardless of whether blueprint resets are eventually abolished or not, Expedition system itself remains plagued by an inherent internal contradiction.

Will blueprint retention is possible in the future?

Although not all players wish to see the blueprint wipe removed, a vocal segment of the community has persistently pressed ARC Raiders development team on this issue; recently, the game director offered a preliminary response regarding the matter.

His stance can be summarized simply: retaining blueprints after an expedition concludes is not an option that has been entirely ruled out, but implementing such a change would require time.

Typically, a game's developers strive to address their players' most fervent requests. However, the issue of blueprint resets has remained without a definitive resolution precisely because the underlying technical and design challenges are particularly thorny.

To explain in greater depth: modifying this specific mechanism would inevitably have far-reaching repercussions across every facet of the game's overall system. It presents significant difficulties and demands a considerable investment of time.

As we noted when discussing the pros and cons, whether considering the blueprints themselves or the potential removal of the reset mechanic, several factors must be carefully weighed, including progression continuity, player experience, and the unique value of RNG-based rewards.

In short, while the possibility of retaining blueprints after an expedition is not out of the question for the future, achieving this involves a lengthy development process and requires identifying the most appropriate solution.

Plausible mechanistic hypotheses

Although the developers have not yet announced any concrete plans, based on the game's current state, we have formulated several hypotheses on how to avoid a complete blueprint reset without compromising the game's overall experience or balance.

For instance, instead of directly altering the blueprints themselves, the focus could shift to modifying the workshop reset mechanism. If a player successfully completes the objectives within the departure window, their rewards could include the retention of a selection of high-tier workshops for the start of the subsequent expedition.

This approach would allow players to craft items more rapidly right from the start, even if they begin without any blueprints, rather than being forced to repeat the entire workshop upgrade process from scratch.

Alternatively, Expedition rewards could incorporate a tiered system for retaining specific blueprints, items of moderate rarity that are designated for use exclusively during the preparation phase of the next expedition.

This would ensure that players of varying skill levels have an opportunity to acquire these blueprints, while simultaneously preventing the long-term, permanent retention of items from leading to future issues regarding blueprint devaluation or redundancy.

Of course, the suggestions outlined above are merely speculative concepts based on the game's current mechanics; ultimately, the final decision rests with ARC Raiders development team.

Fortunately, despite any existing shortcomings, recent updates to Expedition system demonstrate that ARC Raiders team remains steadfast in its commitment to listening to and satisfying its player base. We're confident that a suitable solution to the blueprint reset issue will be found in the future!

As May 8 draws closer, the game is set to receive its first major roster refresh. This update isn't just about shifting player ratings - it's a prime opportunity for the market to reset and for savvy players to generate a substantial influx of stubs.

Following this initial wave, updates are expected to accelerate to roughly once every three to five weeks. Positioning your collection strategically ahead of the refresh can help shield your roster from value erosion and may even allow your Stub reserves to expand.

May 8th Update

Newcomers might wonder why May 8th update carries such weight. First, understand that in MLB 26, Live Series player ratings and attributes are not fixed. The developers adjust them to mirror real-world performance, and May 8th marks a significant recalibration of player data across the board.

With that in mind, your investment strategy should center on securing Gold and Diamond cards poised for a ratings boost. For certain breakout candidates, employing an over-holding strategy could yield even greater returns.

While Diamond cards often steal the spotlight, don't overlook the potential of Silver cards. When handled correctly, Silver cards can produce six-figure Stub profits with minimal initial outlay. Let's examine where these opportunities may originate.

Diamond Cards

Several Diamond cards currently rated 87 overall run the risk of dipping to their Quick Sell floor. Paradoxically, this scenario can create an attractive entry point for those looking to accumulate inventory. Some are eyeing 88 OVR Yordan Alvarez, wondering if a surge past the 90 overall threshold might increase his scarcity in packs. This particular move carries elevated risk, so you may consider waiting until his valuation softens further before committing.

86 OVR Tyler Glasnow

Tyler Glasnow stands out as one of the most compelling Diamond arms on the radar. Internal projections suggest Glasnow's rating could see an increase approaching +3. A conservative estimate places him at an 88 overall post-update, pushing his Quick Sell return to 5,500 stubs. With the current market spread hovering around 1,700 stubs, holding 20 units could translate to roughly 40,000 stubs in net gain. Stockpiling in advance appears to be a near-certain path to a healthy profit.

90 OVR Corbin Carroll

Despite maintaining a .300 average and swatting three home runs, Corbin Carroll's bat has cooled recently. With roughly two weeks remaining until the roster lock, he'll need to rediscover his rhythm in short order. The projected adjustment ranges from +1 to +2, though the community largely expects the safer +1 floor. If you're considering adding him to your portfolio, you'll want to monitor his upcoming at-bats closely.

85 OVR Max Fried

The jury remains out on Max Fried, whose results have been steady but not spectacular, leaning slightly toward the positive. Given his current basement valuation and the expectation of two more starts in pinstripes before the cutoff, adding him to your holdings carries virtually no downside. He profiles as a stable, low-maintenance flip among pitchers.

Gold Cards

Gold cards are the primary workhorses for accumulating MLB The Show 26 stubs during this refresh cycle. If your Stub balance is robust, directing resources toward high-upside Golds is a prudent move.

High-Potential List

84 OVR Cristopher Sánchez

Cristopher Sánchez has allowed his share of hits, but his elite strikeout ability sets him apart. The recent outings present a mixed bag, yet a strikeout tally of 39 is the kind of metric that often leads to a promotion. Even if the jump doesn't materialize immediately, holding him long-term retains strong appeal. Acquiring beyond the usual limit is recommended.

84 OVR Joe Ryan

Joe Ryan finds himself in a similar boat to Sánchez. The underlying metrics aren't discouraging, but he hasn't quite hit the threshold for Diamond status just yet. Continuing to add shares or maintaining existing positions while awaiting a dominant outing in his next start is a sound approach.

83 OVR William Contreras

His batting average sits at a sturdy .300, and the timing of his recent uptick is favorable. The lone red flag is the low home run count (just two), which caps his odds of vaulting to Diamond at roughly 2%. Expectation points to a modest +1 boost. Holding steady is advised.

82 OVR Matt Olson

Matt Olson has caught fire, launching six home runs and lifting his average to .280. His upgrade trajectory could stretch to +2, meaning his post-adjustment value is likely to climb meaningfully. Maintaining a minimum of 20 units is a wise target.

82 OVR Andy Pages

Andy Pages boasts a scorching .382 average alongside five home runs - numbers that already scream Diamond caliber. His valuation previously spiked before retracing, so the ideal zone for re-entry hovers around the 1,200 Stub mark. Patience during market fluctuations will be key here.

81 OVR Elly De La Cruz

While he may have cooled slightly from his blistering pace, his average and six-homer output remain exceptional by his own baseline. A ratings bump to an 84 overall appears likely. Currently trading near its historical floor, this card presents a strong case for accumulation.

80 OVR Drew Rasmussen

Rasmussen's most recent start was unsteady, and the sample size is limited, yet a +2 to +3 overall boost remains within reason. The magnitude of his jump will hinge on how he performs over his next couple of appearances. Collecting now, in modest volume, seems prudent.

80 OVR Kevin Gausman

Kevin Gausman appears destined to rebound to an 84 overall. The current market asking is a mere 400 stubs. Acquiring a stack of 20 could effortlessly generate a 30,000 Stub windfall. This is a high-confidence, low-stakes recommendation.

Proceed with Caution List

83 OVR Jackson Merrill

Jackson Merrill's average has plummeted to .221, and the overall profile looks shaky. While the system currently suggests he's safe from a downgrade, tying up significant liquidity in a stagnant asset is rarely ideal. Considering a gradual reduction of exposure may be wise.

80 OVR Oscar Hernandez

Oscar Hernandez's real-world production and in-game attributes both register as pedestrian. The community outlook is tepid at best. Reallocating elsewhere before the update appears to be the logical course of action.

80 OVR Ceddanne Rafaela

Ceddanne Rafaela is mired in a deep freeze at the plate. Oddly enough, because his baseline was already quite low, this poor stretch might not derail a potential +1 or even +2 boost. Nonetheless, the situation carries inherent volatility and shouldn't be a top priority over more stable alternatives.

The players above represent the most actionable names on the board. If you prefer to unearth your own targets, focus on upgrade candidates hovering near their Quick Sell floor. And remember: players currently on the Injured List generally won't see their ratings adjusted upward; exercise restraint when evaluating those names.

To continuously strengthen yourself in an open-world RPG like Crimson Desert, enabling you to face dangerous endgame enemies and secure more valuable loot, Abyss Artifact is an absolutely indispensable asset!

Judging by its name, Abyss Artifact might seem like a mysterious piece of gear; however, its actual function is closer to that of a material required for upgrading your equipment.

Below, we will introduce the specific functions of this item, as well as the strategies and tips you need to master in order to farm it effectively within Crimson Desert.

What is Abyss Artifact?

As with most RPGs, in Crimson Desert, you rely primarily on skills to attack or defend against enemies. Each playable character possesses a unique skill system, composed of three distinct skill trees that govern different aspects of gameplay.

These three skill trees determine your Stamina, Spirit, and Health, respectively, and are represented by the corresponding colors: blue, green, and red.

Within this system, Abyss Artifacts function essentially as skill points: you must consume these artifacts to unlock additional skills.

Of course, there is a limit to how many skills can be unlocked. Once you reach that limit, and as you progress into the endgame, you will acquire high-tier Crimson Desert items.

At this stage, the role of Abyss Artifact shifts to refining these items, thereby enhancing their capabilities.

Methods for farming Abyss Artifacts

Given the critical importance of Abyss Artifact, there are currently multiple ways to acquire it within the game.

These methods primarily include searching for them in the open world, receiving them as rewards for completing quests, trading with other players, and utilizing various other special methods.

It is worth noting that most of these acquisition methods, including those where artifacts drop as loot, have a specific cap or limit on the number of Abyss Artifacts you can obtain.

Generally speaking, it is advisable to prioritize utilizing these limited methods first; once those sources are exhausted, you can then focus on farming through other available channels, thereby avoiding the need to juggle multiple farming strategies simultaneously.

Utilizing the special progress bar

Although Crimson Desert does not feature a traditional character leveling system, whenever you are in combat, you will notice an inconspicuous yellow curved progress bar located just to the left of the mini-map in the bottom-left corner of the screen.

During combat, this bar fills up based on the efficiency with which you defeat enemies. Once the bar is completely filled, you will be rewarded with one Abyss Artifact; the bar will then reset and begin tracking progress anew.

Notably, if you combine one piece of normal gear with one piece of special gear to create and equip Aptitude Abyss gear, it will significantly accelerate the rate at which this yellow progress bar fills up.

Although this farming method involves combat, unlike standard drop mechanics, there is no cap on the number of Abyss Artifacts you can acquire; you can earn rewards at any time.

Combat drops

This method primarily refers to the loot obtained after defeating a boss. While completing quests also involves combat, Abyss Artifacts in that context serve as final quest rewards rather than standard drops.

It is worth noting that you can utilize specific techniques to repeatedly farm certain bosses, allowing you to acquire their dropped Abyss Artifacts multiple times.

For instance, after defeating a boss, locate the river situated south of Hernand starting region on the map. On the southern bank of this river lies a mountain, atop which sits a fast-travel waypoint.

From this location, you can directly collect an Abyss Artifact, then immediately glide down the river channel to find the Icewalker boss.

If you manually collect the boss's core and store it in your Kuku Iron Pot, that boss will not respawn.

However, if you immediately use the fast-travel function to return to the aforementioned waypoint, the boss will respawn the next time you visit that area.

Quest completion

Upon completing certain main and side quests, the system will reward you with Abyss Artifacts, for example, the main quests Chapter 2: Flames of Greed and Chapter 4: Gate to the Otherworld.

To accelerate your character's progression, we recommend prioritizing the completion of quests that offer Abyss Artifacts as rewards, particularly the main storyline quests.

Completing Sealed Abyss Artifact Challenges

The open world of Crimson Desert is known as the continent of Pywel. Scattered across the continent are a total of 141 Abyss Artifacts, also referred to as Sealed Abyss Artifacts.

Once you activate Blinding Flash skill, you will see Sealed Abyss Artifacts emit a glow, making them easier to spot. However, keep in mind that glowing objects could also be Abyss Nexus fast-travel points or Abyss Cresset puzzles.

To acquire a Sealed Abyss Artifact, you must not only locate its specific site but also complete the corresponding challenge. Some challenges require the use of specific weapons or skills; in such cases, remember to switch to the appropriate character.

The following is a breakdown of the number of Abyss Artifacts contained within each specific region:

• Central Hernand: 18
• South Hernand: 14
• Northern Hernand: 12
• Southern Pailune: 8
• Northern Pailune: 7
• Central Demeniss: 19
• Southern Demeniss: 7
• Northern Demeniss: 4
• Northern Delesyia: 8
• Southern Delesyia: 17
• Southern Crimson Desert: 15
• Northern Crimson Desert: 12

In addition to these challenges, some Abyss Artifacts are hidden in special locations; these can be obtained directly without the need for combat.

Solving puzzles

Aside from Abyss Nexus, you can also use Abyss Cressets for teleportation; however, the stone pillars associated with these cressets also allow you to retrieve Abyss Artifacts. Note that some of these pillars will require you to solve a puzzle first.

Beyond Abyss Cresset puzzles, every island within the floating archipelago known as Abyss serves as a dedicated puzzle zone, each containing multiple specific puzzles to solve.

For every puzzle you solve on an island, the totem located there will be activated, and you will be rewarded with an Abyss Artifact.

Trading with vendors

The continent of Pywel is home to various Witch vendors, as well as a special merchant known as Patrigio the Wandering Merchant; all of these vendors offer Abyss Artifacts for sale.

Therefore, to ensure that you can immediately acquire Abyss Artifacts through trade, even when other acquisition methods are temporarily unavailable, don't forget to save up your currency during your daily gameplay!

We hope this guide on farming Abyss Artifacts helps you make faster progress in the game! Best of luck on your journey!

Diablo 2 Resurrected PTR 3.2 introduces sweeping balance adjustments to Warlock class. Echoing Strike archetype stood so far ahead of the curve that it virtually monopolized Warlock build diversity. This tuning pass aims to bring its damage back in line with intended thresholds while breathing new life into alternative playstyles.

Warlock currently fields four core builds: Apocalypse, Abyss, Blood Boil, and Echoing Strike. Let's examine their PTR performance and assign updated ratings.

Echoing Strike Warlock

• Rating Shift: Drops from top of S-tier to bottom of S-tier or A+.

Echoing Strike build had become synonymous with Warlock itself, operating at such an overtuned level that it rendered every other build an afterthought. The swift adjustments in this patch are meant to free other playstyles from its overwhelming shadow.

The provided test character wields an Ethereal Arioc's Needle socketed with a Zod rune for indestructibility. A Colossal Jewel base with tangible stats serves as a close alternative, with minimal difference in output.

Other gear includes Enigma Runeword chest armor, a two-socket Superior Spirit Coil Circlet fitted with Ber runes, alongside a crafted amulet, dual-leech ring, and top-tier unique charms - a standard endgame loadout.

Ten skill points are allocated to Demonic Mastery, though a current PTR bug allows three demons to be summoned with this investment. The core philosophy remains maximizing synergy bonuses for Echoing Strike.

On PTR, Echoing Strike displays roughly 15,000 damage; on live servers, that number sits near 96,000 - a dramatic reduction.

Despite the substantial damage trim, the build's survivability mechanics remain untouched. It continues to handle high-threat encounters with remarkable composure, maintaining rock-steady life totals.

If you enjoy the visceral rhythm of this playstyle, it still packs more than enough punch. Compared to the absurd “delete-everything-instantly” output of its former self, Echoing Strike now occupies a more reasonable place among strong endgame contenders.

Abyss Warlock

• Rating Shift: Promoted from A-tier to S-tier.

Abyss Warlock receives notable quality-of-life improvements in this PTR cycle, and its overall power ceiling has climbed accordingly.

The test build utilizes a Perfect Void base with matching Diablo 2 Resurrected runes, also paired with Abyssal Dagger, Enigma, Harlequin Crest (Shako), Mara's Kaleidoscope, and components from Trang-Oul's set. This configuration is relatively accessible, relying heavily on uniques and set items.

Abyss-related skills are maxed, and 20 points are invested in Demonic Mastery to summon Defilers. Consume mechanic is employed to sacrifice one demon for amplified magic damage, while the remaining two autonomously blanket the area with persistent area damage.

Abyss Warlock can now cast Miasma Chain consecutively, dealing roughly 10,000 damage per second. Occasional hiccups occur when terrain obstructs casting line-of-sight, but the innate crowd-gathering and control effects of Abyss skills keep monsters locked in hit recovery animations almost indefinitely. Defiler auto-attacks seamlessly cover any gaps where Miasma Chain misses.

This build is exceptionally well-suited for ladder starters or relaxed farming, with virtually no mana sustainability issues. Its lone weakness is slightly sluggish single-target elimination speed. Relative to its previous standing, Abyss Warlock now firmly deserves an S-tier placement.

Apocalypse Warlock (Fire Warlock)

• Rating Shift: Remains S-tier.

Apocalypse Warlock absorbed a few targeted trims but retains its S-tier status overall. The damage remains explosive, though players who dread staring at mana globes and hotkeyed potions may find the experience fatiguing.

The test character wields Mang Song's Lesson and dons a Flickering Flame Runeword helm, Enigma, and Magefist.

This build maxes Apocalypse synergies and invests points into Demonic Mastery plus Consume to bolster Defiler support damage and personal sustain.

The nerf to Ring of Fire's damage is negligible; its primary role has shifted toward knockback-based crowd control, buying precious moments for Apocalypse meteors to crash down.

However, the loss of reliable mana regeneration from a Conviction-aura demon means this build now guzzles mana potions at an alarming rate. You'll find yourself constantly hunting for and chugging Super Mana Potions, which can disrupt the flow of combat considerably.

Blood Boil Warlock

• Rating Shift: Jumps from B-tier to S-tier.

This is the dark horse of PTR adjustments - a formerly neglected fringe build that now rivals the highest damage ceilings in the game. It may well possess the strongest single-target burst among the four major Warlock archetypes.

Defiler minion damage has received an enormous buff; even while you're simply repositioning, your summons shred through enemies. Blood Boil itself, now usable consecutively, delivers terrifying numerical output.

That said, this is a chaotic and high-stakes playstyle. Minion health constantly drains, demanding frequent monitoring and healing. Moreover, lacking a durable frontline tank, the hireling folds quickly under pressure, leaving your character exposed.

If you chase peak damage metrics above all else, Blood Boil Warlock will be the premier burst option next season. Just be prepared to adapt to a comparatively fragile and frenetic gameplay rhythm.

Overall, PTR changes to Warlock are positive and constructive. Echoing Strike's dial-back opens ecological space for Abyss, Blood Boil, and others to shine. Warlock skill allocation now rewards strategic planning more than ever - every point feels meaningful on the journey to full power.

Beyond the fundamental choice between Alliance and Horde, as you adventure through the various zones of WoW TBC Classic Anniversary, you will encounter numerous minor factions. Increasing your reputation with these groups unlocks the ability to trade for new items.

In addition to existing factions, such as Aldor, Scryers, and others. Besides, Phase 2, launching on May 14th, will introduce Ogri'la and Sha'tari Skyguard as new options!

To help you begin farming reputation points immediately upon the launch of Phase 2, we are providing detailed information on these two new factions. This guide will help you prepare effectively and stay one step ahead of the competition!

How to unlock Ogri'la?

This faction consists of Ogres and is stationed in the western part of Blade's Edge Mountains, situated precisely between two Forge Camps. There are two ways to reach this location: by flying there yourself, or by being summoned by another player already present in the area.

Generally, we recommend flying there, as the ability to fly is a prerequisite for completing the various reputation quests you will undertake later.

If you wish to begin earning reputation points immediately upon reaching the faction's base, be sure to complete the prerequisite questline in advance.

To do so, you must first locate V'eru in Shattrath City at coordinates (/way 56.8 48.2). Speak with him to initiate and complete the following specific quests in the exact order listed:

• Speak with the Ogre
• Mog'dorg the Wizened
• Grulloc Has Two Skulls
• Maggoc's Treasure Chest
• Even Gronn Have Standards
• Grim (oire) Business
• Into the Soulgrinder
• Speak with Mog'dorg

How to farm reputation points?

Initially, your reputation level with Ogri'la will be Unfriendly. Only after completing the aforementioned questline can you begin to raise your standing by unlocking and completing the daily quests offered by Ogri'la faction.

There are four reputation tiers available to unlock with this faction. From lowest to highest, they are: Neutral, Friendly, Honored, and Exalted.

This means you will need to progress through four distinct stages of reputation farming to reach the highest rank. You need to locate Mog'dorg the Wizened (/way 55.4 44.8), interact with him, and then complete the following quests to reach Neutral reputation level:

• Ogre Heaven
• The Crystals
• An Apexis Relic
• The Relic's Emanation
• Our Boy Wants To Be A Skyguard Ranger
• A Father's Duty
• A Fel Whip For Gahk
• Guardian of the Monument
• The Skyguard Outpost
• Bombing Run
• Bomb Them Again!
• Assault on Bash'ir Landing!
• Wrangle Some Aether Rays!
• Wrangle More Aether Rays!
• To Rule The Skies

Some of the quests listed above are repeatable daily quests; continue farming them to gradually progress through Friendly and Honored reputation levels.

Upon unlocking these two tiers, you will also become eligible to undertake additional quests or events that grant reputation points:

Friendly:

• A Special Thank You (Grants an additional Ogri'la Care Package reward)

Honored:

• Banish the Demons (Grants an additional Darkrune reward)
• Banish More Demons (Grants an additional Kronk's Grab Bag reward)
• Legion Ring Events (Grants an additional consumable item reward)

It is worth noting that there is a prerequisite for unlocking Legion Ring events. After obtaining a Darkrune, interact with Gahk to accept and complete the quest A Crystalforged Darkrune.

By combining the new reputation sources unlocked at Honored level with the daily quests, you will eventually be able to reach Exalted reputation level with Ogri'la faction.

While most of the quests are not particularly difficult, the additional ones unlocked at higher tiers can be more dangerous. If you wish to complete them safely and efficiently, it is advisable to buy WoW TBC Classic Anniversary gold at IGGM in advance, allowing you to readily acquire consumables or upgrade your gear whenever necessary.

What are the reputation rewards?

As your reputation level increases, Jho'nass - Ogri'la Quartermaster (/way 28.0 58.6), he will make a wider selection of items available for trade. You can exchange Apexis Shards or Apexis Crystals dropped during quests and events to acquire these items.

Additionally, if you obtain Depleted items while defeating quest-specific enemies, you can consume Apexis Crystals to transform them into the equipable Infused items.

How to unlock Sha'tari Skyguard?

This faction's base of operations is located in Terokkar Forest. Accessing it is similar to how you reach Ogri'la; the only difference is that your starting reputation level with Sha'tari Skyguard is Neutral.

How to farm reputation points?

Farming reputation points for Sha'tari Skyguard requires no prerequisite quests; you simply need to travel to three designated locations and complete the quests available within those areas.

Blackwind Landing - NPC Yuula in Shattrath City:

• Threat from Above
• To Skettis!
• Fires Over Skettis
• Escape from Skettis
• Hungry Nether Rays
• World of Shadows
• More Shadow Dust
• Secrets of the Talonpriests
• Ishaal's Almanac
• An Ally in Lower City
• Countdown to Doom
• Hazzik's Bargain
• A Shabby Disguise
• Adversarial Blood
• Terokk's Downfall

Skyguard Outpost in Blade's Edge Mountains:

• The Skyguard Outpost
• Bombing Run
• Bomb Them Again!
• Assault on Bash'ir Landing!
• Wrangle Some Aether Rays!
• Wrangle More Aether Rays!
• To Rule The Skies

Once your Ogri'la reputation level reaches Honored:

• Guardian of the Monument
• Banish the Demons

In addition to quests, killing specific types of mobs within Terokkar Forest also grants Sha'tari Skyguard reputation points. The rarer the creature, the more reputation points it provides:

• 5 Points: Skettis Kaliri
• 10 Points: All Arakkoa in Skettis, Monstrous Kaliri
• 30 Points: Talonsworn Forest-Rager
• 100 Points: Darkscreecher Akkarai, Gezzarak the Huntress, Vakkiz the Windrager, Karrog
• 500 Points: Terokk

What rewards can you obtain?

Quartermaster for this faction is Grella, located at Blackwind Landing (/way 64.4 66.2). Just like with Ogri'la, Sha'tari Skyguard reputation rewards grant you access to vendor items; however, the currency required for these trades is gold.

Unlike other factions, Ogri'la and Sha'tari Skyguard do not impose any requirements based on your initial faction affiliation; therefore, it is highly recommended that you join both simultaneously to maximize your rewards.

We hope this reputation farming guide helps you make faster progress once Phase 2 goes live! Thank you for reading.

Dear players, the arrival of Torchlight Infinite SS12 has not only excited veteran players but also attracted a large number of new players. However, for newcomers, mastering farming strategies right from the start might be a bit difficult. Now, let's explore the mainstream endgame farming mechanics in Torchlight Infinite SS12 together.

Each strategy will be evaluated from four aspects: difficulty, early-game benefits, late-game benefits, and pet dependence.

Cube: Early-Game Money Machine

Cube, beloved by many players, is arguably the best source of income in the early game. The gameplay is as follows: defeat Desire Incarnations on the map to obtain Desire Crystals, and at the end, use Cube to draw loot. You can choose Greed, gambling a 50% chance of doubling your winnings or losing everything.

We will have a chance to obtain Divinity Packs, which produce Divinity Slates, and Divinity Stones, which can be exchanged for rare legendary items.

This strategy is extremely strong during the early game and is almost universally used. However, late-game competitiveness relies heavily on legendary and epic pets; without pets, the game becomes somewhat weak.

Overrealm: Profit Ceiling

That's right, Overrealm is your best choice for high returns.

A portal can be found on the map, allowing players to enter Overrealm. Once inside, there's a timed monster-killing challenge, up to four consecutive floors; the higher the floor, the richer the rewards.

Here, you can obtain a large amount of Torchlight Infinite Flame Elementium.

However, while Overrealm's income ceiling is extremely high, it's also extremely volatile and heavily reliant on pets, making it unsuitable for players with a fragile mentality.

Sandlord: Passive Income

Sandlord is perfect for players who enjoy mission-table style content.

You need to collect coins on the map and bring them back to the oasis to send followers on missions. It's somewhat similar to follower quests in World of Warcraft.

Your main reward is incense. Incense is extremely valuable at the beginning of the season, even worth thousands of Flame Elementium.

This is pure passive income, requiring zero investment, and pets are irrelevant. Recommended to do this as a side activity for any playstyle; it's a guaranteed profit.

Outlaw: Abundant Rare Monsters

Outlaw is a very interesting mechanic. Players can spawn numerous monsters on the map, boasting extremely high rarity and quantity bonuses.

In Outlaw, you can obtain mods for dropping sequencing weapons, a large amount of Flame Elementium, Outlaw exclusive loots, and even rare Memories.

You need to clear the map quickly to efficiently complete Outlaw. Pets are more useful in the late game, but can also be tried in the early game, though you need to reach Timemark 8 as soon as possible.

Dream: A Beginner's Choice

If the previous options are a bit difficult for you, then Dream, introduced here, should be your first choice.

Click on Lotus on the map to enter Dream, kill monsters, select the reward affixes you want, and finally enter Nightmare to claim your rewards.

Here we can produce Dream Talking, unique to Dream, especially Trinket Dream Talking, which is in high demand throughout the season and extremely valuable.

Dream is also one of the strongest strategies available to players during the early game, simple and stable. The legendary pet Shepherd is recommended to be obtained through free pet selectors, but it's not mandatory. Its late-game benefit ceiling is lower than other strategies, often used as a supplement.

Four God Mechanics

In Torchlight Infinite, each map will randomly spawn god mechanics:

• God of War: Interacting with God of War grants stats such as Movement Speed ​​and AoE.
• God of Machines: You need to protect the altar. This is a powerful tool for farming Fluorescent Memories in the late game, but requires extremely high DPS.
• Goddess of Hunting: Challenge the map boss; the difficulty increases, but the rewards also slightly increase.
• God of Might: Survive within a circle of fire; rewards Ember, but survival is extremely difficult.

Clockwork Ballet: High Output for Compass Acquisition

In Clockwork Ballet, players need to talk to Alice, open gears to farm monsters, and obtain vouchers to exchange for Compass.

This is the strongest source of Compass in the game, with extremely high potential returns in the late game.

However, this mechanism requires high damage output and two specific pets to be efficient.

Gods Chest: Reliable Compass Acquisition

After completing three God events, you can obtain Gods Chest using nodes on Profound Talent Constellation.

The chests offer many rewards, including a large amount of Compasses, Flame Elementium, and Divinity Emblems. You can even obtain Golden Cage Astrolabe, worth hundreds of Flame Elementium.

This strategy is more suitable for beginners to acquire Compass than Clockwork Ballet, and it's not the most difficult. It's an excellent transition strategy for advancing to Timemark 8.

Dark Surge: Pay-to-Win Exclusive

In this mechanism, players will find many purple-marked enemies on the map. You need to summon additional monsters at the end of the map to obtain kill rewards.

Our rewards are a large amount of Flame Elementium and legendary equipment.

However, free-to-play or low-spending players can ignore this, as this mechanic requires extremely high in-game and out-of-game investment and is not recommended for beginners.

Boss Rushing: The Top Choice for Zero-Pets Early Game

This is the strongest farming strategy in the early game. Only farm the map, repeatedly doing Plane Watchers.

You can obtain a large number of Netherrealm residents and Plane Watcher-exclusive drops from this strategy.

If you don't have any pets, then this strategy is the most sincere advice. Do it mindlessly on the first day of early game, and the rewards will be explosive.

So, the above is just an overview; each mechanic has in-depth gameplay. Beginners can try some simpler strategies first, accumulate resources, and then move on to their preferred complex mechanics. Good luck!