General News

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

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

Before Using the Points System - Registration Required

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

How to Earn Points?

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

1. Daily Check-in

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

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

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

One-tap check-in (Easter egg)

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

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

Other Check-in Entry

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

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

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

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

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

Incremental Rewards for Consecutive Check-ins

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

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

Reset Upon Interruption

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

2. Points for Orders

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

Point Accrual Rate: $1 = 1 Point

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

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

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

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

New User Perk: 10x Point Rewards

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

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

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

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

Point Value and Validity

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

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

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

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

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

Option A: Direct Cash Deduction at Checkout

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

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

Important notes on using points for cash deductions:

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

Option B: Redeem Discount Codes or Cash Coupons

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Notes on Points Redemption Coupons:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

VIP Ranks & Benefits

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

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

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

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

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

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

Discount Stacking Rules:

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

At checkout, you may apply either:

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

Stacking Discounts and Maximizing Savings

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

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

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

Refunds and Point Returns

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

Situation 1: Full Refund

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

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

Situation 2: Partial Refund

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

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

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

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions about IGGM Points System

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Path of Exile 2 0.5.5 patch notes have finally been officially released. It's important to note beforehand that this patch does not include any class balance adjustments. However, this doesn't mean 0.5.5 is devoid of noteworthy content. On the contrary, this update brings several changes worth exploring in terms of gameplay mechanics, endgame farming strategies, and the overall game experience.

Ritual Changes

Ritual Tablet Changes

According to the official patch notes, using more than one Ritual Tablet will now add an extra Ritual Altar to the map and increase the number of Azmeri Wisps collected in Viridian Wildwood.

Azmeri Wisps are one of the core mechanics introduced in this Forbidden Rites season. In Wildwood, players can collect three types of Wisps within a limited time by following trails:

1. Primal Wisps: Upgrade normal monsters to magic monsters.
2. Vivid Wisps: Add extra affixes to rare monsters.
3. Wild Wisps: Increase the rarity of monster drops.

These Wisps will enhance the monsters in the main map area after players complete Wildwood encounters, making them more challenging and providing better rewards.

It's worth noting that Ritual Tablet's mechanism for increasing Wisps collection may give rise to entirely new farming metas. If Wisps bonus from multiple Ritual Tablets is substantial enough, then Ritual Tablets could become a highly competitive option.

For players looking to quickly catch up with this farming pace in the new league with its economy reset, they can buy PoE 2 currency to help gear up faster, allowing them to focus more on exploring the new gameplay and efficient farming.

New Ritual Atlas Passive Tree Node

This update also adds a Royal Lenience Notable Ritual Atlas passive skill. This node allows players to use Tributes already offered to the king to acquire items.

The value of this change lies in the fact that previously, players rarely offered Tributes to the king, as they preferred to use them to roll for items in shops or directly exchange them. Now, with this node, if you encounter an expensive item that you can't afford during a reroll, you can use this mechanism to lock it, avoiding missing out due to insufficient Tributes.

Trial of Chaos Optimization

A Less-than-ideal Burden Reduction Solution

The changes to Trial of Chaos are the most controversial part of this update. According to the patch notes, escort missions and soul core missions have not been removed, only their frequency of occurrence has been reduced.

This change is only so-so. It was initially thought that the developers would completely remove these generally disliked mission types, but it turns out they only reduced their appearance rate. The official announcement didn't specify the exact reduction in frequency; if it's only from two-thirds to one-third, the improvement in experience is quite limited.

Survival Encounters Optimization

The good news is that survival encounters have received substantial optimization. Now, after one wave of monsters is completely wiped out, the next wave will spawn faster; and killing rare monsters will reduce the time required to complete an encounter.

This mechanism is similar to Hourglass mechanism in Trial of the Sekhemas and is a very popular change. It transforms survival encounters from passively waiting to actively accelerating them, allowing players to shorten the overall completion time by strategically clearing monsters.

Other Trial of Chaos Improvements

In addition to the changes mentioned above, Trial of Chaos has been optimized in the following aspects:

• Players can pause and resume at any time, eliminating the need to complete all rooms at once.
• Elevators and room doors are more responsive.
• More rooms focus on killing enemies, reducing the proportion of mission-based encounters.
• Introducing the high-risk, high-reward Wager Modifier.
• Completion rewards now only include currency and Soul Cores, no longer rewarding Corrupted items.

Expedition Becomes Permanent Content

In this update, Expedition will officially become a core mechanic in Atlas. Players can now continue to find Expedition encounters in Path of Exile 2 starting from Act 4.

Expedition Tablet

At the same time, Expedition Tablets have officially been added to the endgame. These Tablets cannot be obtained in Runes of Aldur, but can be found in the Standard and Forbidden Rites leagues. The official announcement also revealed the map bonuses from using multiple Expedition Tablets:

• 1 Tablet: Adds one Kalguuran Expedition to the map
• 2 Tablets: Adds one Verisium Remnant to the map, and increases Kalguuran Expedition density by 35%
• 3 Tablets: Adds one additional Kalguuran Expedition to the map
• 4 Tablets: Adds one additional Verisium Remnant to the map, and increases Kalguuran Expedition density by an additional 35%

A Shift in Farming Strategies

Previously in Runes of Aldur, players primarily used Irradiated Tablets to increase the efficiency and rarity of Expeditions. Now, with Expedition Tablets available, it's expected that most players will switch to using them.

The reason is that Expedition Tablets provide more Remnants, and more Remnants mean a higher chance of obtaining high-quality rewards. Of course, the Item Level 16 bonus provided by the Irradiated Tablet still has its value, but for most farming strategies, Expedition Tablet offers a more stable overall benefit.

Endgame Experience Optimization

Improvements to Corrupted Nexus Map

This is a very friendly change for PoE2 softcore players: now, after dying in Corrupted Nexus map, you can retry and still convert the area into a cleansed area. Previously, once you died in this map, the area would remain permanently corrupted; this pain point has finally been resolved.

Pinnacle Boss Resistance Adjustments

The elemental resistances of several pinnacle bosses have changed:

• Arbiter of Ash: Now has fire resistance and frost vulnerability.
• Arbiter of Divinity: Now has lightning resistance and fire vulnerability.
• Omniphobia, Fear Manifest, and Raven Trickster: All elemental resistances have been removed.

These changes are a buff for most characters, but for players using Rakiata's Flow support, it's actually a nerf, as the support's mechanics convert enemy resistances into damage amplification.

Breach Changes

Unstable Breach now spawns 5 rare monsters at a time, instead of all at once. This change is good for characters with less gear - they don't have to face a large number of rare monsters simultaneously, reducing survival pressure. However, for well-geared characters, this is purely an inefficient change - where they could clear the screen in one click, they now have to wait for the monsters to spawn in batches.

While Path of Exile 2 0.5.5 didn't bring major changes to class balance, the adjustments to Ritual, Expedition, Trial of Chaos, and the endgame mechanics will still significantly impact farming strategies in the new league.

In particular, the addition of Expedition Tablet may force players to re-evaluate their existing Atlas strategies. For players preparing to enter Forbidden Rites, understanding these mechanic changes and adjusting their farming approaches beforehand is highly recommended.

Raven 2 received a positive response after launching its ZERO servers in May. The initial 6 ZERO servers were even filled to capacity at one point, prompting the official team to launch another 6 ZERO servers.

Using ZERO servers from May as a reference, the official team will launch a global Fresh Start Server ZERO on September 15. The new server further reduces the burden on players compared with the original ZERO servers, allowing everyone to start over on equal footing.

What is ZERO Server?

As part of the 1.5 Anniversary update, Raven2 launched its brand-new ZERO servers on May 27, 2026.

The core goal of these servers is to reduce the pressure of character progression, monetization, and unrestricted PvP competition, allowing players to focus more on the fun of hunting monsters and obtaining loot in the open world.

The launch of ZERO servers also introduced the new War Crow class, along with a series of 1.5 Anniversary celebration events.

Players who pre-registered also received [ZERO] Special Starter Package, which included the following rewards:

• Heroic Holy Garment Summon Scroll ×1
• Heroic Familiar Summon Scroll ×1
• Elite Spec. C Member's Accessory Selection Chest ×1
• +2 Dazzling Relic Chest ×4 Types
• Spec. C Enhancement Stone Chest ×200
• 5,000,000 Gold

Fresh Start Server ZERO Changes

The official team has made major adjustments to the game's balance. They have explicitly announced the removal of Mythic Summons and Awakening systems. These two mechanics had previously been criticized by many players as major factors behind the widening Combat Power gap between whale players and free players.

The goal of this change is to significantly narrow Combat Power gap between players and create a fairer game environment. Without the restrictions created by Mythic Summons, free players can also reach higher Combat Power more easily without being blocked by a high monetization barrier.

Of course, this does not mean that all progression systems have been removed. You will still need to unlock characters, pets, and other elements through different methods to activate Collection Effects, but the overall progression burden has been significantly reduced.

Higher Event and Daily Rewards

In addition to the system changes, the frequency of in-game events and the amount of rewards have also been significantly increased. Equipment and material drop rates from hunting and dungeons have been improved.

ZERO servers also provide a Hunting EXP Boost to accelerate leveling. The amount of basic resources such as farmer crystals has also been increased.

These adjustments are especially beneficial for players who enjoy PvE content, allowing them to accumulate resources more smoothly while enjoying the process of hunting monsters and obtaining loot.

Optimized PvP Environment

For players who are worried about being repeatedly attacked by high-level players in PvP, this update also provides a solution. Unrestricted PvP is no longer allowed in the open world, so players do not have to constantly worry about being ambushed by others.

Therefore, although ZERO reduces unrestricted PvP, it does not completely remove the competitive nature of Raven2. Field Bosses have been changed to become more Guild-focused, while Abyss will also be redesigned so that more players can participate.

ZERO Fresh Start Server Perks

Free Summons

Even more surprisingly, the official team will also provide up to 550 free Legendary summons, which can be used to summon Holy Garments, Familiars, Stella, Equipment, and other content.

Players who participate in the events can also obtain a Legendary Holy Garment and a Legendary Familiar.

Although Mythic Summons have been removed, the large number of free Legendary summons should be enough to fill that gap, allowing free players to build strong lineups. At least during the early period after the server launches, the gap between most players should not be too significant.

Leveling Events

Raven 2 Fresh Start Server ZERO will also feature Special Corps Member Growth and Level Milestone Event.

During the leveling process, you can earn rewards such as Raven 2 crystals, gold, and skill books. Special Corps Member Growth can also provide Top-tier equipment, something that was previously available almost exclusively to whale players.

Who Is Fresh Start Server ZERO For?

Fresh Start Server ZERO is clearly more suitable for new players and returning players who have been away from the game for a long time. These players will not have to deal with the huge Combat Power gap created by established servers that have been running for an extended period. Starting over on ZERO Fresh Start should be a much smoother experience than entering an older server directly.

For high Combat Power players who have already invested a great deal of time and resources into existing servers, the value of ZERO is not as significant. In addition, existing servers will also receive celebration events during ZERO launch period.

The currently announced rewards for existing servers include up to 330 summons, along with rewards such as a Legendary Holy Garment and Legendary Familiar.

If you were previously interested in Raven 2, the September 15 launch of Fresh Start Server ZERO is clearly an ideal time to jump in. For MMORPG fans, or players who previously left because of progression and monetization pressure, it may be worth coming back to see how much the game has changed.

GTA VI Extended Look released last week offered a glimpse into the game's mechanics, with vehicle-based racing gameplay standing out as one of the most thrilling and engaging aspects.

Regardless of how the narrative evolves or technology advances, third-person driving has always been the heart of GTA series. Here, we explore how this experience is being presented in GTA VI.

Balancing realism and handling

While the racing experience in GTA V was responsive and accessible, the vehicles often felt somewhat light, or, to put it more simply, they moved like sheets of paper, creating a sensation of floating rather than being grounded.

Building on the strengths of its predecessor, Grand Theft Auto VI incorporates input from professional race car drivers during the development of its vehicle and racing systems, refining details through a new physics model.

Dynamic adjustments to elements such as transmission, tire grip, and suspension travel accentuate the handling differences between FWD, RWD, and AWD configurations, delivering a more realistic driving experience tailored to specific maneuvers.

Furthermore, vehicle performance varies significantly across different terrains and lane types, largely determined by the interplay between the drivetrain and tire composition.

If these technical terms seem a bit complex, the key takeaway is that the vehicle handling system has been completely rebuilt; by emphasizing the sense of vehicle weight, the game delivers a much more grounded and substantial driving feel.

More realistic driving environment

While speeding down an empty road during a police chase is exhilarating, real-world driving rarely offers such conditions; encountering other vehicles and obstacles is inevitable.

To create a more authentic driving environment, GTA 6 adjusts road layouts to better reflect reality, such as narrowing certain lanes based on the specific characteristics of different open-world zones.

Additionally, the roads are populated by more than just standard traffic; you may encounter dynamically generated buses, broken-down vehicles, and random roadside incidents.

Another change that enhances realism is the removal of the ability to speed recklessly at will; accelerating effectively now requires precise throttle control and anticipation of road conditions, otherwise, you risk a catastrophic crash.

More immersive and lifelike interactions

To deepen your immersion as the protagonist in GTA 6, the game incorporates a wealth of lifelike interactive details across the board. In terms of racing gameplay, this is exemplified by dynamic fuel levels.

Vehicles in GTA 6 feature realistic fuel mechanics; you must periodically pull into gas stations, exit your vehicle, and walk over to the pump to initiate refueling.

The development team has clarified that this mechanic won't constantly interrupt your exploration; instead, it triggers at reasonable intervals, serving as an unexpected event that adds variety to your high-stakes getaways.

Beyond standard gas station stops, you may sometimes need to commandeer a civilian's vehicle to refuel while being pursued. In these moments, the target vehicle's remaining fuel becomes a critical factor determining your survival, fail to top up in time, and the police could easily catch you.

Another realistic touch is that different vehicle types offer varying storage capacities to aid in specific missions. For instance, motorcycles are limited to carrying personal weapons, whereas pickup trucks and vans boast spacious cargo areas ideal for major heists.

Expanded vehicle customization and styling

Even criminals want their rides to be faster and flashier. Moving away from the one-stop-shop model of previous titles, you can consume GTA VI money across various specialized shops to access different modification services.

Some shops might offer specific interior styling options, while others provide reliable performance upgrades; certain unique accessories and high-performance parts must be unlocked at exclusive specialty stores.

As revealed in Extended Look, there is a vast array of customizable, visible vehicle elements, such as wraps, paint jobs, headlights, rims, and more.

You can even take your customized ride to car shows or join Cars and Coffee style enthusiast meetups to admire the modifications created by NPCs or other players.

Expanded car theft mechanics

Stealing cars to get out of a tight spot is second nature to characters i n GTA series. However, in GTA 6, car theft is no longer as simple as hopping in and driving off; the development team has built a comprehensive criminal system around it.

First, the difficulty of the theft depends on the value of the vehicle. For older or low-end models, you can start the engine by hotwiring it after smashing a window or using a portable lockpick tool.

In contrast, newer or high-end sports cars come equipped with anti-theft systems and trackers. To steal them, you must either unlock a specific key cloner beforehand or successfully complete a special mini-game while driving at high speeds; otherwise, the car will broadcast an alarm signal, triggering a high-level wanted status.

If you hijack a car currently being driven by an NPC, the driver won't be easily yanked out; they will fight back, and passengers inside may attempt to subdue or stop you.

Adding a touch of realism, stolen vehicles do not legally belong to you. You cannot simply park them in a standard garage; instead, you must pay a registration fee through underground channels to officially register the stolen vehicle in your name.

In the meantime, you can disable the tracker on a stolen vehicle and store it in a small, private garage (which requires a separate unlock) until you are ready to deal with it.

To help you view and manage your stolen vehicles, GTA VI introduces an in-game mobile app. You can open it to access detailed information about your car.

Note that if you leave a stolen car near the scene of the crime, the police may recognize it and cordon off the area; leaving it there too long could result in the vehicle being impounded. You can then either redeem the vehicle legally or sneak into the police impound lot to steal it back.

It is clear that GTA VI has made extensive improvements to the vehicle and racing experience alone, promising an overall game experience that will be truly extraordinary. Look forward to its arrival in November!

In MLB The Show 26 Franchise mode, a group of players have chosen a completely different path. They don't aim to assemble a super-star All-Star roster, nor do they exploit bugs in the trade system; instead, they strive to simulate the situation of a real team general manager.

To maintain this realism, they've set rules for themselves: no signing top players, no bargain trades, always keeping total salaries within budget, and patiently waiting for their rookies to develop.

This approach is indeed very realistic and unique, but it presupposes that you can accept your team's eventual mediocrity and ignore the numerous flaws inherent in MLB 26 itself!

Terrible AI

The problem is, even if players strictly adhere to these rules, other teams in the game won't follow suit.

As MLB The Show 26 progresses, AI-managed teams often make many laughable decisions.

A few seasons later, the league's trade logic becomes utterly absurd. High-potential young stars might be traded cheaply for a few promising rookies, or even top shooters dumped to weaker teams for negligible assets.

Meanwhile, powerhouse teams might sign a plethora of high-caliber players, creating rosters so luxurious they seem surreal, with total salaries easily exceeding $200 million.

Even more unrealistic is that the most talented star players often demand significantly lower prices when negotiating contract extensions than in the real world.

Players can easily retain players with a simple offer, completely escaping the pain of having to let go of core players because of budget constraints.

As a result, the sense of realism that players strive to maintain within their teams is quickly overshadowed by this chaotic and absurd operation, rendering their carefully cultivated small-market team strategy utterly meaningless in the face of these insane AI maneuvers.

Many believe that the developers' long-term neglect of MLB 26 Franchise mode is largely because of their focus on the more profitable Diamond Dynasty mode.

In contrast, Diamond Dynasty releases a large number of new card packs and player cards unlocked using MLB The Show stubs every year, making the difference in attention between the two modes obvious.

Player Divergence

This contradiction has led players to seek alternatives.

For players who enjoy the experience of team building from a general manager's perspective, MLB The Show 26 Franchise mode often leaves them feeling powerless. Even with their best efforts, they can't change the league's unhealthy ecosystem.

Many have turned to Out of the Park Baseball, a game focused on baseball management simulation, arguing that it far surpasses MLB in terms of trading logic, data, and realism, and has low system requirements, running smoothly even on older laptops.

However, many players still insist on playing MLB 26 Franchise mode for a simple reason: they value the experience of directly controlling players in games and don't see Franchise as a serious general manager simulator.

For these players, as long as they can swing and pitch, the shortcomings in the management aspects are tolerable.

Feature Deficiencies

When discussing specific operational aspects, one pain point is always unavoidable: the lack of contract negotiation functionality.

The game doesn't even offer Player Options for players, which are among the most basic contract terms in real-world general manager work.

Even more perplexing is that some experienced players point out that in previous versions, such as MLB 22, certain negotiation-related functions existed with more comprehensive clause options.

Now, these functions have been reduced rather than increased, raising doubts about whether the development team truly understands the actual needs of a general manager's job.

In addition to the above, the lack of international free agency and the insufficient depth of the scouting system make Franchise mode, while seemingly rich in content, lack many supporting details, significantly diminishing the enjoyment of long-term management.

Even when players try to increase variation by mixing simulation and manual operation, the instability of the AI's pitching and hitting difficulty often affects the game.

An Imperfect Mode

In general, the core issue in the discussion about MLB The Show 26 Franchise mode is actually quite simple: in a management simulation game, we must actively ignore system bugs, avoid unreasonable trading opportunities, and tolerate the AI's chaotic operations to barely feel a sense of realism.

But how much fun is left in this kind of baseball management experience?

We not only have to manage our own salary budget and roster planning, but also ignore the various bargains offered by the AI, while watching other teams slowly become ridiculously luxurious.

It's no wonder that the community has such mixed feelings about Franchise mode - it's not that it has no highlights, but rather that playing it properly is just too difficult; we have to put in extra effort to make up for the shortcomings of the development team.

Especially when people discover that the old game was actually more refined, no one dares to give a definite answer as to whether Franchise mode will improve in the future.

So what can we do in MLB 26 Franchise now? If you still want to continue loving it, the only way is to stick to the rules and maintain genuine commitment to managing the team!

WoW TBC Classic Anniversary Phase 3 kicked off before BlizzCon 2026, which may suggest that the official team does not have any major announcements planned for it.

Even so, the future of WoW TBC Classic Anniversary is still worth watching closely. The Burning Crusade progression has now reached its halfway point, so what will the official team do after it ends? That remains an important question.

BlizzCon 2026 Schedule

According to the officially announced location and schedule, BlizzCon 2026 is returning to a more traditional format, somewhat reminiscent of the 2019 event. This time, the event will be much larger, while both official announcements and community leaks suggest that some major developments may be in preparation.

The official team currently has many games either being operated or developed, including Overwatch, StarCraft, Diablo, and World of Warcraft.

However, World of Warcraft will undoubtedly be one of the main focuses of the event, as two World of Warcraft: What's Next panels are scheduled for September 12.

One of them is clearly aimed at WoW Midnight, or the retail version, while the other should involve news regarding WoW TBC Anniversary and WoW MoP Classic.

It is also worth noting that there will be another panel on Sunday, September 13, titled World of Warcraft Hardcore: What's Next? It is scheduled to last around 45 minutes.

Hardcore mode could be heading toward a new stage of development, such as the introduction of a standalone client or other updates. Previous panels may have hinted at the future direction of Hardcore mode, while this session could provide more detailed information.

The Different Versions of WoW

At this point, almost every WoW player can find a version of the game that suits them. Specifically, the currently active versions include:

• WoW Burning Crusade Classic Anniversary
• WoW Classic Hardcore
• WoW Classic Era
• WoW Classic Season of Discovery
• WoW Mists of Pandaria Classic
• WoW Midnight

These servers will not run forever. WoW Mists of Pandaria Classic, for example, has already entered its final stage. BlizzCon 2026 could potentially reveal further plans for each version.

WoW Classic Hardcore is a special case that exists independently from every other version. It has its own unique and dedicated player community, while its gameplay philosophy is fundamentally different from the other versions. It is unlikely to be shut down, but the official team should have plenty of challenges and new content planned for it.

As an expansion for the retail version of World of Warcraft, WoW Midnight represents the official team's primary source of revenue and has a massive player base. The retail version will never be replaced or canceled, and it will continue to operate as an independent product line.

WoW Classic Season of Discovery is a seasonal server that is still being maintained, although it has not received a major update for quite some time. The official team may announce its future at BlizzCon.

As for MoP Classic, there are two possibilities. One is that it continues into Warlords of Draenor, while the other is that it comes to a direct conclusion. However, the official team has never announced anything regarding WoD, so MoP Classic could simply end after its current progression.

The Future of WoW TBC Classic Anniversary

Players have already experienced a two-year journey through WoW Anniversary, progressing from Classic Era to The Burning Crusade. Phase 3 is also arguably the most interesting part of the journey, so it will probably continue running until around 2027.

The Impact of WoW Classic+

All signs suggest that the official team may announce WoW Classic+ at BlizzCon 2026. According to leaked information, the story of Classic Plus will revolve around Arthas, with the timeline set during the period of the human kingdoms before Warcraft III. By that point, Kel'Thuzad may have already transformed from a human into an undead.

Although it is too early to discuss its final stage, if WoW Classic+ is announced with a release date in September or October, BCC Anniversary could be hit extremely hard. In the worst-case scenario, its servers could become nearly empty.

The vast majority of players would move to WoW Classic+, making it difficult for those who remain in TBC Anniversary to find enough players for raids. The number of items available on Auction House would also drop significantly. Even if you have a lot of WoW TBC Anniversary gold, it's difficult to get the materials or equipment you want.

The ideal scenario would be for WoW Classic+ to launch only after all WoW TBC phases have been completed. However, that would also require TBC progression to be accelerated, because players are unlikely to wait too long.

WoW TBC Classic Anniversary

WoW TBC Classic Anniversary is expected to end around early 2027, perhaps in March. The official team will most likely announce its plans for what comes next at BlizzCon 2026. An Anniversary version of Wrath of the Lich King could potentially be introduced at the appropriate time. If that happens, Anniversary project would fully cover all three expansions in the trilogy.

Once this trilogy is completed, Anniversary servers could enter a cyclical format, restarting roughly every one to three years from Classic Era and once again progressing through TBC and WLK.

Although WoW Classic+ is the content most players are looking forward to, it would also represent a bold experiment by the official team. If some of its changes prove too radical and make certain players uncomfortable, there would still be the option to return to WoW TBC Anniversary.

In the recently concluded closed meta, the developers collected a lot of feedback and released the first gameplay update pitch notes for EA FC 27. This update, based on player feedback, covers almost every aspect of the game - from defense and physical confrontations to passing and player movement.

Next, I will combine the official pitch notes and community feedback to break down the core gameplay changes one by one, helping you understand the direction of the new meta in advance.

Early Update Strategy

Before introducing the specific changes, the developers reassured us that they will adopt a cautious strategy and not make major game balance adjustments in early game updates. The reason is that in the first few weeks after the game's release, players need time to learn new mechanics, explore different playstyles, and build teams. They don't want to make drastic changes immediately upon seeing early trends, as they have done in previous years.

However, the official statement also added that bugs and issues severely impacting gameplay will still be addressed. Some fixes may indirectly affect balance, but they will strive for precision.

Bruiser & Shoulder Challenge

Bruiser PlayStyle has been almost a universal defensive tool in the past two games - players could easily knock opponents away from behind or from any angle simply by repeatedly pressing Shoulder Challenge button. FIFA 27's changes are clear: physical contact remains an effective defensive method, but it can no longer be abused.

Specifically, the conditions for Shoulder Challenge to activate are stricter. The most effective time is when the defender and the ball carrier are side-by-side; chasing from behind and pressing the button will no longer work. Furthermore, continuous use of Shoulder Challenge will now be penalized; your defender will extend an arm and lose speed, making it even harder to catch up with the opponent in front. The Bruiser+ bonus has also been slightly weakened.

In other words, physical defense will now rely more on timing and positioning, demanding higher levels of player skill.

Team Press & Defensive Depth

Team Press is another defensive mechanic that has long been abused by players. In the past, many players would activate Team Press near their own penalty area, letting AI teammates automatically press the ball carrier, requiring almost no manual defense from themselves.

The official solution is very straightforward: Team Press will completely disable once the ball enters your own defensive third. This means that once the opponent advances to the vicinity of the penalty area, you must personally defend.

At the same time, the studio has also adjusted defensive depth. Now, a lower defensive depth is more clearly reflected in actual gameplay; the defensive line will be noticeably deeper, eliminating situations where a low depth setting results in the defensive line still inexplicably pushing too high.

Overall, both adjustments limit players' over-reliance on AI-automated defense and low-risk pressing mechanisms. Future defense will require more manual operation, positioning judgment, and timing of pressing.

AcceleRATE

AcceleRATE system categorizes players into three acceleration types: Explosive, Controlled, and Lengthy. Previously, Lengthy players, with their exceptionally long sprints, were the absolute meta, especially tall and strong wingers who were virtually unstoppable.

The official changes are as follows:

• The overall impact of AcceleRATE on running performance has been slightly reduced, narrowing the gap between the three types.
• Triggered runs now have distance limits - players won't run indefinitely and need to trigger the run again to continue.
• The height requirement for female players to enter Lengthy category has been increased to 172cm.

With the reduced impact of AcceleRATE on running performance, the importance of the fundamental attributes of acceleration and sprint speed will increase accordingly. In other words, a player's raw speed data becomes important again, rather than being determined by the AcceleRATE type.

This also means the game's meta may shift towards more diverse options - Explosive players may have an advantage in short-range bursts and one-on-one dribbling, while the long-range advantage of Lengthy players has been weakened, making players with truly excellent speed and acceleration attributes more valuable.

This also means future lineup building may offer more choices. For players who need to rebuild their lineups, the strategy for using FUT 27 coins will become more important - instead of blindly chasing the previous generation's meta players, it's better to wait until the new gameplay stabilizes and then decide which players are truly worth acquiring based on their actual performance.

Player Lock

Player Lock is an essential advanced technique for advanced players in FC series in recent years - locking onto an off-the-ball player and manually controlling their movement, while the ball is controlled by AI to continue dribbling. The problem is that this mechanism is too low risk and too high reward: the AI ​​dribbling player will automatically avoid defenders, and you only need to focus on controlling the running player.

Now, in Player Lock mode, the AI-controlled dribbling player no longer automatically dribbles around defenders but continues to move in the original direction, and their passing error rate has also increased. These two changes mean Player Lock is no longer a free offensive weapon. Using this method now increases the risk of losing possession - players with the ball won't automatically protect it, and passes can easily go wrong. Defenders can apply pressure as soon as they recognize an opponent using Player Lock.

However, some players point out that Player Lock became necessary because the game's offensive AI isn't smart enough - players don't make reasonable runs on their own, forcing players to manually control the game. If the developers could truly improve the offensive AI and player identification, Player Lock shouldn't be necessary.

Overall, this first gameplay update for EA FC 27, based on closed beta feedback, isn't a large-scale mechanics overhaul, but rather a way to cool down some overly powerful and easily abused gameplay elements from the previous generation. Whether it's Bruiser, Team Press, Lengthy, or Player Lock, the core direction is very clear: reduce the intensity of low-risk, high-reward gameplay, making manual operation, timing, and player attributes more important again.

The full schedule for BlizzCon 2026 has been released. This annual gaming extravaganza will be held in California, USA, from September 12th to 13th. For Diablo 4 players, this weekend will likely be a time to put aside other commitments - Diablo series will be featured in two main stage presentations, with Sunday's event, Diablo 4: What's Next, being particularly anticipated due to previous hints from the official.

Two Main Stage Presentations

According to the official schedule, Saturday's main stage presentation will be Diablo: Developer Update, from 22:45 to 23:30 CEST. Notably, this presentation's title does not include the IV designation, suggesting it may cover the latest developments across the entire Diablo series.

Sunday's main stage presentation is even clearer - Diablo 4: What's Next is scheduled for 20:00-20:45 CEST. This 45-minute presentation, scheduled during prime time on a weekend, clearly carries a much greater weight than a regular update.

In addition, a panel discussion, The Art of Darkness: Behind Diablo 4's Cinematics, was also scheduled for Saturday at 1:15 AM CEST on the legends stage. This session focused on the creative process behind the D4 cutscenes, suitable for players interested in the game's audiovisual art.

S15 Hidden Content Remains the Biggest Suspense

For Diablo 4 players, the most anticipated content at this year's BlizzCon was S15. Even before 3.2.0 PTR went live, the studio stated that this PTR only included a portion of the features, as the development team had more content to share at BlizzCon 2026 and did not want the full season content to be revealed prematurely.

This means that Soul Splinters, Legacy Uniques, Rebirth, and Challenge Dungeons that players have already tested are just the surface; the true core content of the season remains hidden behind the veil of BlizzCon.

We've already seen why this content is important. Soul Splinters proved to be one of the most promising designs on the PTR, and Rebirth finally frees players from having to recreate their characters every season. Challenge Dungeons test also featured a skirmish design they claim will differ from the final content of Season 15.

We've learned a lot about the new mechanics, but it's still unclear what the developers intend to build with them. Will they ultimately point to a completely new endgame challenge? Or will they further alter Diablo 4's character progression and deck building? This deliberate attempt to maintain suspense makes What's Next announcement all the more anticipated.

Why is What's Next worth paying special attention to?

The title Diablo 4: What's Next itself hints at its significance. It may not just be a supplementary sharing of Season 15, but rather a discussion of the game's overall direction for the foreseeable future.

This press conference may cover the following: First, the core mechanics hidden in Season 15 will be revealed, perhaps a brand new event type or a long-term progression system; second, the official team may use this opportunity to announce the roadmap for the next few seasons, including new areas, new bosses, or the general direction of class balance.

More importantly, the official team's deliberate withholding of content indicates that these hidden elements are significant enough to warrant unveiling them on BlizzCon stage. There has been much speculation in the community, ranging from a brand new roguelike dungeon mode to an advanced crafting system based on Soul Splinters, and even a seasonal narrative deeply intertwined with the storyline.

But whatever the answer, the 45-minute What's Next presentation on September 13th is destined to make the future of Sanctuary much clearer.

The Witcher 3 Crossover Collaboration

Another major highlight is the crossover collaboration with The Witcher 3. The official team and CD Projekt Red announced their partnership at Gamescom Opening Night, with their first result being a Geralt-themed skin in Diablo 4. Both parties have clearly stated that Geralt's appearance in D4 is just the beginning of a broader collaboration and promised to reveal more information at BlizzCon 2026.

The 30 Years of Battle.net with Special Guest CD Projekt Red panel discussion on Sunday is the most likely venue for releasing further collaboration information. At that time, players will learn which class this skin is suitable for, its visual details, and whether more The Witcher elements will be incorporated into Sanctuary in the future.

Watching Rewards

For players unable to attend in person, the official team has prepared watching rewards. From September 12th to 15th, watching BlizzCon livestream on Twitch and YouTube will grant you three free Diablo 4 items:

• 2 hours of viewing: Serrated Skean dagger
• 4 hours of viewing: Corroded Cleaver axe
• 6 hours of viewing: Tintinnabulation mace

Viewing time is accumulated over four days. Players only need to link their Twitch or YouTube account to their Battle.net account in advance to automatically unlock the rewards. Attendees simply need to link their BlizzCon tickets to their Battle.net accounts before September 18th to receive all rewards.

In short, BlizzCon 2026 is undoubtedly a weekend to watch for Diablo 4 players. Whether it's the core content yet to be revealed in S15, the potential future direction of the game hinted at by What's Next, or further collaborations with The Witcher 3, this year's BlizzCon has prepared plenty of suspense. The answers will soon be revealed, and the next chapter of Sanctuary will become clearer after this grand event.

To ensure a packed schedule for ExileCon 2026 this November, Path of Exile is planning to host race finals for both the original game and Path of Exile 2 at the event. Naturally, the competitors will be selected through a series of recent qualifiers.

The final qualifier for Path of Exile 2 kicked off on August 27 and concluded this week. If you missed out or didn't secure first place, don't worry, Path of Exile 1 qualifiers have already begun!

We are providing a detailed overview here to help you maximize your chances of winning Path of Exile 1 qualifiers, provided you have the interest and skill to compete.

Path of Exile 1 qualifier schedule

Just like Path of Exile 2 events, there are four Path of Exile 1 qualifiers planned, with each round lasting one week. The first round has already started; the specific schedule is as follows (all times in PDT):

• Qualifier 1: Sep 03, 2026 2:00 PM
• Qualifier 2: Sep 10, 2026 2:00 PM
• Qualifier 3: Sep 17, 2026 2:00 PM
• Qualifier 4: Sep 24, 2026 2:00 PM

To avoid missing out, we recommend converting these start times to your local time zone in advance.

Qualifier requirements and rules

First, there are no entry barriers for Path of Exile 1 qualifiers; anyone can participate. However, the device requirements match those of the finals: participation is limited to PC (unlike Path of Exile 2 qualifiers, which allowed both console and PC).

Additionally, you must have a Twitch account linked to your game account; you can do this via the official Path of Exile website. This is required because the competition must be streamed live to prevent cheating.

Once you meet these requirements, you can log in to the game and join the current round of qualifiers. A Join option for the qualifier will appear on the character selection screen; simply click it and follow the prompts to create your character and begin competing.

Path of Exile 1 qualifiers are based on Standard mode difficulty but incorporate SSF and fixed-seed mechanics.

In other words, you must earn the gear and PoE currency needed for progression solely through your own farming efforts; furthermore, the layouts of available zones and maps are fixed.

Under these rules, all players must use their qualifier characters to progress through the campaign from scratch, aiming to defeat Act 5 boss Kitava. The player with the fastest completion time at the end of the qualifier wins.

Note that any death during the run will immobilize your character for one minute, directly impacting your final time.

What are the qualifier rewards?

The four qualifiers leading up to ExileCon 2026 race finals will each produce one winner, the player with the fastest time, resulting in a total of four finalists.

If you are among the winners, in addition to qualifying for the finals, you will receive a Super VIP ticket to ExileCon 2026, with the organizers covering your flights, accommodation, and meals for the event!

To showcase your status as a winner in-game, you may also choose one of the following four body armors:

• Thunderstruck Body Armour
• Engineer's Body Armour
• Crystallised Body Armour
• Demonic Stygian Armor

To avoid any issues that could cause you to lose your hard-earned rewards, please keep the following tips in mind alongside the rules mentioned earlier:

• Stream the entire run.
• Ensure your game interface remains unobstructed during the stream.
• The stream VOD must be made public.

If you win a qualifier but cannot travel to ExileCon 2026 in November due to scheduling conflicts, the relevant portion of the prize will be awarded to the runner-up of that qualifier.

Strategies to increase your chances of winning

Given the time penalty for dying, the key to maximizing your speed is to avoid unnecessary, dangerous combat during Acts 1–5 and focus strictly on farming resources.

Additionally, if you do not consider yourself an elite-level player, you might choose to wait and participate in one of the later three qualifiers, or join Qualifier 1 after it is already underway.

This is because the map layout remains fixed during the qualifiers; you can watch live streams of other players to figure out a highly efficient route for Acts 1 through 5 and then adopt it for your own run.

Of course, the most crucial factor is having a solid understanding of the final boss, Kitava, the Insatiable, so you can defeat him quickly without dying.

The fight against Kitava in Act 5 unfolds in multiple phases; you must alternate between attacking the boss himself and his heart until the kill is secured.

It is worth noting that attacking the boss's heart triggers the appearance of additional minor bosses, Champion of the Feast and Shaman of the Feast, which deal extra physical or elemental damage.

During the battle, Kitava deals physical damage using abilities like Slam, Swipe, and Throw Debris; furthermore, his special skill, Devouring Darkness, converts 50% of his physical damage output into fire damage.

Therefore, in addition to mastering strategies to counter his attacks, you must ensure you are equipped with high-value armor and a variety of flasks to maximize your resistances before the fight begins.

Don't miss out on Twitch Drops!

Even if you don't plan to participate in any PoE 1 qualifiers, we recommend watching a participating stream for at least 30 minutes within the first 24 hours of the event to earn Wild Footprints Effect Twitch Drop.

That covers everything regarding Path of Exile Race Qualifiers for ExileCon 2026. We hope this information helps those of you planning to compete!

How to Fish is an indie game developed by just two people. Although its visuals are rough around the edges, it has won the affection of many players.

Simply put, you and your friends are drinking on a boat when disaster strikes and you are shipwrecked on a deserted island. To make money and eventually escape the island and return home, you must embark on a no-holds-barred fishing career.

Initial Objectives

After entering the game, the beach will be your main area of activity. Your Health Bar and Food Bar are displayed in the bottom-left corner of the screen, and you need to keep eating to survive.

During the early stages, there is no need to rush into fishing. It is recommended to collect clams along the beach first.

You can sell the clams to the nearby NPC. He will eat the clams and give you gold in return. Each clam is worth $1.

Your first priority is to save enough money for a Crab-fishing Rod, which is essential for catching crabs. It is also recommended to get higher-level Bait, as better bait makes it easier to attract more valuable fish.

Combat and Resource

Pulling a fish out of the water with a fishing rod is only the first step. Once hooked, the fish does not go straight into your inventory. Instead, it flops around on the ground.

This is when your real "fishing equipment" comes into play. You can pull out your fists, a knife, brass knuckles, a pistol, an SMG, a sniper rifle, or even explosives to smash the fish apart in midair or on the ground. The more elaborate your method of killing a fish, the more valuable it becomes.

During the early game, you have to fight fish with your fists. Some fish have high health, so be careful with your positioning during combat. You can press F to check the current value of an item.

You need to catch fish or collect resources, then sell them to NPCs in exchange for money. That money can be used to obtain better equipment and supplies. Of course, you also need to keep an eye on your Food Bar.

Boss Battles

Your first major thing is saving enough How to Fish gold for a Knife. The Knife can significantly improve your combat efficiency and is essential for defeating later bosses. Once obtained, it can be equipped in your hotbar.

Regular Bait cannot catch bosses, so you need to use special items obtained through quests. For example, the first boss, Spider Crab, can be summoned with an empty beer can, while Pufferfish Boss requires a carrot as bait.

You first need to obtain beer and hand it over to the NPC, who will give you an empty can. Use this empty can to summon the island boss, Spider Crab.

This is not just an ordinary island creature. You should treat it like a boss straight out of DOOM. The correct strategy is to bait the boss into attacking, then deal damage during the brief opening after its attack misses.

Pay attention to the white timer bar below the boss's Health Bar. Once the timer reaches zero, the boss will escape, and you will need to collect the bait again and make another attempt.

After defeating the boss, make sure to pick up its unique quest item. For example, Spider Crab drops a shell that can be exchanged for the Ship Key. You can then take control of the repaired boat and travel to the next island.

Second Island

Each island can unlock an additional inventory slot, making this one of the most important upgrades to prioritize.

On the second island, you can start using a better Fishing Rod. The mechanics are similar, but it allows you to cast farther.

Caught fish can either be sold directly or put into Reel of Fortune. This can reward you with item Skins and other prizes.

There is a quest NPC on the second island who asks you to deliver Leeches. Leeches can be found all over the ground. After delivering enough of them, you will receive the special Leech Bait used to summon the boss in this area.

At this stage, Crab-fishing Rod and Knife from earlier are no longer very useful, so you can discard them. To fight the boss in this area, you should obtain a Shotgun and upgrade it as much as possible.

How to Get Rich?

In the mid-to-late game, the most effective way to accumulate wealth quickly is to use Dynamite. Hold Q to charge the throw, and each explosion can kill around five fish, making it far more efficient than ordinary fishing. You can also use multi-jumps to move across the surface of the water and collect the fish killed by the explosions.

If your boat gets Stuck in shallow water or against an obstacle, you can punch the hull to knock it back into the water.

When facing bosses, an even more efficient strategy is to stockpile a large amount of Dynamite in advance and use it to kill them instantly.

After defeating Blue Shark, give its body to the NPC responsible for grilling. He will give you a Lighter that can be used to ignite the grill. From then on, always Grill your fish before selling them, as this can significantly increase their selling value. Press F to check the increased value.

You can obtain upgrade parts from merchants to add oars and a motor to your boat, increasing its travel speed.

The game also features a gambling mechanic, but it is best avoided because there is a very high chance of losing all your gold.

How to Fish is not meant to be a serious game. Its fun comes from fishing, fighting, and stealing fish from your friends while stranded on a deserted island. Go after the biggest fish you can find.