Apr 22, 08:00


PCGamesN Friday, April 22, 2022 7:58 AM
     Free Steam keys and more – win Lila's Sky Ark or Super Mega Zero!

Everybody loves getting things for free, and we at PCGamesN are the last people to fly in the face of that tradition. Which is why we regularly give away free Steam keys, Epic Games Store keys, codes for all manner of other storefronts and launchers, and in-game goodies, as well as gadgets, hardware, swag, and a whole host of assorted stuff.

Check back here regularly to find our latest giveaways - including full games, exclusive preview access, physical special editions, and even event tickets. You can enter once, or multiple times using the various options in each competition. If you happen to be the forgetful type, why not sign up to the PCGamesN newsletter? We'll email you once a week with our latest offerings, plus all the biggest news and deals across PC games and hardware.

If you're gaming on a budget then you might also want to have a look at our list of the best free PC games, and possibly the best free Steam games, too, if you just can't tear yourself away from Valve's fair platform.


PCGamesN Friday, April 22, 2022 7:19 AM
     AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D gaming CPU stock sells out at launch

The reign of the AM4 platform may be drawing to a close, but that hasn't stopped the AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D from flying off store shelves. In fact, it appears that demand for the processor armed with team red's 3D V-Cache Technology was so high that stock was sold out across the United States on launch day.

According to TechEpiphany, the AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D was "mostly sold out" come the close of its release date, with the caveat that "supply was rather small", but it remains unclear how many units were available at launch. This success didn't go unnoticed by AMD either, as global gaming marketing director Sasa Marinkovic celebrated the processor selling out on the company's website as well as making Amazon's Best Sellers list.

Looking at Amazon today, demand seems to have somewhat calmed and the AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D is still available at its MSRP of $449 USD. However, other sites like Newegg have team red's best gaming CPU listed at the much higher price point of $575 and it's only available from third party sellers.

RELATED LINKS: Zen 4 CPUs - everything we know, RDNA 3 GPUs - everything we know, Best gaming CPU

PCGamesN Friday, April 22, 2022 6:20 AM
     Elden Ring multiplayer will be even better with this co-op mod

A new Elden Ring multiplayer mod is in the works, and it could iron out some of the quirks tied to FromSoftware's online gameplay. Created by YouTuber LukeYui, the mod's take on jolly cooperation fells some of the RPG's collaboration caveats by removing "all multiplayer boundaries and allows for connections to persist after death."

In a lengthy YouTube demonstration, LukeYui shows off the Elden Ring multiplayer mod by exploring the Weeping Peninsula with a Tarnished friend tagging along for the ride. If you're familiar with FromSoftware's traditional online structure, you'll know that player two takes the form of a volatile spirit, one that is dragged back to their homeworld if the main player bites the dust. The "Elden Ring Seamless Co-op" project combats this by letting companions physically exist within another player's world, meaning they'll be permanent residents within your Lands Between.

LukeYui's co-op mod removes a lot of Elden Ring's multiplayer faff, like having to use Furled Fingers to summon friends to your realm. Yet, this project also comes with subtle touches that change the game's vibe, like being able to chill at a site of grace with your buddy and clop across the land using Torrent. Little things like this might help Elden Ring feel more like a classic DnD adventure, something that could entice traditional RPG fans.

RELATED LINKS: Best Elden Ring settings, Elden Ring bosses guide, The best Elden Ring classes

PCGamesN Friday, April 22, 2022 5:46 AM
     The best Minecraft texture packs

Looking for the best Minecraft texture packs for the Java Edition? Minecraft's low-fi charms were predictably the first thing modders took to 'fixing'. The ruddy textures, while distinctive, are an obvious target for an upgrade if you stare at them long enough. While Mojang has been gradually revamping the aesthetic appeal of Minecraft, particularly with the introduction of Minecraft Ray Tracing, if you're chasing a specific look then texture packs are your best bet.

We've included our favourite Minecraft texture packs in one handy location. There's nothing too crazy in here, as massive visual overhauls tend to be part of larger Minecraft mods that fundamentally change the game, but that's another article entirely.

One thing to note is that this list of the best Minecraft texture packs is directed at the Java Edition of Minecraft, so if you're using the newer Bedrock Edition you're likely to run into some issues as they're very different versions of the game. It's also worth mentioning these Minecraft texture packs will work on the PC Game Pass version - just make sure you select the Java Edition in the new PC launcherWhat we have below is a fantastic selection of texture packs that give Minecraft altered visual styles, from the ultra-realistic to the cartoonish, to far out sci-fi and subtle makeovers.

RELATED LINKS: Minecraft console commands, Minecraft skins, Minecraft mods

PCGamesN Friday, April 22, 2022 5:47 AM
     League of Legends patch 12.8 notes – Swain update, Eclipse skins

League of Legends patch 12.8 notes are already offering plenty to eyeball, despite the new update only just hitting the PBE. While LoL patch 12.7 has just touched down on the live servers, Riot Games is wasting no time getting more content ready for the MOBA game as MSI draws near.

Patch 12.7 introduces Arcana skins for champions Ahri, Xayah, Rakan, Ryze, and Hecarim. If some flashy new duds aren't your thing, you'll want to check out the champion changes. While Riot has tweaked a few familiar faces, the most significant change comes to Zeri, who has got a total rework.

As for patch 12.8, though, things are already shaping up for a big update. You've got Solar Eclipse skins for Kayle, Sejuani, and Sivir; Lunar Eclipse skins for Aatrox and Senna; and other unique skins for Gangplank and Yasuo. We've also got our first peep at mid-scope tweaks for Olaf and Swain. It's still early doors for the patch, though, so keep checking back for more changes to eyeball.

RELATED LINKS: Best LoL Champions , League of Legends patch 12.8 notes, LoL tier list

PCGamesN Friday, April 22, 2022 6:24 AM
     Genshin Impact new characters in the 2.7 update and beyond

Want to know about new Genshin Impact characters? Since its release in 2020, the addictive anime game has seen plenty of regular updates expanding on the game's content - and adding several new characters by way of limited time banners.

New Genshin Impact characters - according to Hoyoverse's Genshin Impact roadmap - should release with every major update. If past experience is anything to go by, during each new patch there will be at least one Genshin Impact banner with a new five-star character, and possibly new four-star characters included as well. That said, several new Genshin Impact characters have been added outside of this schedule, like Genshin Impact's Klee - so we could see new characters arrive unexpectedly, too.

Ayato is the most recent new character to arrive in the Genshin Impact 2.6 update, and we know that Yelan and Kuki Shinobu are coming, possibly in the 2.7 update. There are also a few leaks and some datamined information concerning new faces that may appear in future Genshin Impact updates. However, until they're officially announced, these characters are not final and may be subject to changes.

RELATED LINKS: Play Genshin Impact for free, Genshin Impact character tier list, Genshin Impact leveling guide

Rock Paper Shotgun Latest Articles Feed Friday, April 22, 2022 6:53 AM
    

It wouldn't be a Dungeons & Dragons event without an update on Baldur's Gate 3 from Larian Studios, and last night's D&D Direct finally confirmed that the game will burst forth from the skull of its early access form in 2023.

Larian's CEO Swen Vincke didn't make his usual armoured appearance for the announcement, unless you count his legs poking out from behind a desk. Get well soon, Swen. Larian have styled the release date announcement as a look back at Baldur's Gate 3's "journey so far" while it's been in early access. It's a bit daft, but neatly summarises how the game has evolved over the past two years.

Read more


Rock Paper Shotgun Latest Articles Feed Friday, April 22, 2022 1:06 AM
    

We're still putting the finishing touches to our big PAX East show floor tour video, but while we wait, I thought I'd give you a sneak peek at some of the best (and worst) things we saw on our travels round the Boston convention centre. In the latter category, first prize definitely goes to the trio of highly cursed doll babies scattered around the stand for Chernobylite, the post-apocalyptic survival horror roguelite that came out last year. They were also accompanied by two gas masks, casually strewn across the corners of TV screens, but nothing compared to the truly haunted look of these semi-melted plastic husks.

Read more


Rock Paper Shotgun Latest Articles Feed Friday, April 22, 2022 12:58 AM
    

PAX East 2022 opened its doors for the first time in two years today, welcoming the masked and vaccinated masses to the Boston convention centre. As mentioned earlier in the week, Liam and I are out there in person, and we're making exclusive behind the scenes videos for RPS supporters. To kick things off, we've put together our first daily round-up video, where we tell what we got up to today, along with the biggest news from the show floor. Come and join us for our first daily rundown of PAX East.

Read more


Twinfinite Friday, April 22, 2022 12:45 AM
     When it comes to the Nintendo Switch Online service, one might feel that the vast library of older Nintendo games will be more than enough to keep players busy, such as the recent Mario Golf addition. However, the presence of the Expansion Pack membership plan means players can get their hands on Sega Genesis games […]

Siliconera Friday, April 22, 2022 7:30 AM
    

Chrono Cross Square Enix Cafe Collaboration

Square Enix announced that it will be holding a Chrono Cross: The Radical Dreamers Edition collaboration event. The event will be held at its Tokyo location. However, what sets this particular collaboration apart from others is that it will feature two mini-lives with composer Yasunori Mitsuda. The collaboration will be held from May 7 to June 10, 2022. Consumers can make reservations starting on April 22, 2022. The Chrono Cross: The Radical Dreamers Edition Yasunori Mitsuda mini-lives at the Square Enix Cafe will be held on June 4 and June 5, 2022. Tickets for the mini-lives will cost 5,000 yen ($38), and reservations will begin on April 28, 2022. [Thanks, Gamer!]

Only 30 people will be able to purchase tickets for each mini-live. Additionally, attendees will not be able to record videos or take photos. The Chrono Cross: The Radical Dreamers Edition Yasunori Mitsuda mini-live performances at the Square Enix Cafe will last roughly 45 minutes. Ticket purchases will include a coaster and placemat set. More information about the menu will be available in the future.

Square Enix Cafe collaborations include the distribution of unique, collectible merchandise. In the past, Square Enix has held collaborations with Final Fantasy XIV and Kingdom Hearts. During them, consumers could eat game-inspired menu items and obtain coasters, placemats, and other merchandise.

Chrono Cross: The Radical Dreamers Edition is available for the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC.

The post Chrono Cross Square Enix Cafe to Have Performance by Yasunori Mitsuda appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Friday, April 22, 2022 7:00 AM
    

Final Fantasy XIV Housing Suspension

Final Fantasy XIV Producer Naoki Yoshida released a statement concerning the issues surrounding the housing lottery system. He assures players that the Final Fantasy XIV development team has identified the errors. They are currently in the process of testing these bug fixes. Yoshida states that this could take several days more than originally planned, as the team is checking everything extremely thoroughly. However, he reveals that due to the issue with the lottery system, housing purchases in Final Fantasy XIV will temporarily be suspended with Patch 6.11. The fixes will be implemented at a later date and will be done through separate maintenance. Once these issues have been resolved, players will be able to purchase houses or relocate their already acquired homes.

Yoshida also states that players should finalize their Final Fantasy XIV housing purchases before the system is temporarily suspended on April 26, 2022. This is when Final Fantasy XIV Patch 6.11 will roll out. The issue the development team is currently in the process of fixing concerns a bug that has prevented players from obtaining houses through the newly implemented lottery system. The housing wards temporarily went under maintenance in an attempt to resolve the issue.

Final Fantasy XIV is immediately available for PC, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5.

The post Final Fantasy XIV to Temporarily Suspend Housing Purchases appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Friday, April 22, 2022 6:30 AM
    

Bandai Namco Entertainment Festival Tales of Arise

Bandai Namco has announced that it will be holding a second Bandai Namco Entertainment Festival. The Bandai Namco Entertainment Festival will feature live performances of music from titles like Tales of Arise, Gundam Build Fighters, and The Idolm@aster. The festival will be held at the ZOZO Marine Stadium in Chiba, Japan. It will be held from May 14 to May 15, 2022. Ticket sales will begin on April 30, 2022. It will be on a first-come-first-serve basis. [Thanks, Gamer!]

Performances at the Bandai Namco Entertainment Festival will be spread out over the course of two days. On the first day, there will be a total of 10 performances of music from Bandai Namco IPs and properties. The second day of the Bandai Namco Entertainment Festival will feature performances including Kankaku Pierrot, who created the opening for Tales of Arise. The official website includes a list of each artist that is performing on each day, and what series each performance will be attached to.

On May 14, 2022, the following artists will perform:

    • The Idolm@ster Cinderella Girls
    • The Idolm@ster Million Live!
    • The Idolm@ster Starlit Season
  • misono - Tales of Symphonia, Tales of Symphonia: Dawn of the New World, Tales of the Tempest
  • BACK-ON - Tales of the World Radiant Mythology 2
  • DENONBU
  • Aikatsu!
  • BACK-ON - Gundam Build Fighters, Gundam Build Fighters Try
  • Nijigasaki Gakuen School Idol Club - Love Live!
  • Love Live! Super Star!! - Love Live!

On May 15,  2022, the following artists will perform:

  • The Idolm@ster 765PRO ALLSTARS
  • The Idolm@ster SideM
  • The Idolm@ster Shiny Colors
  • The Idolm@ster Five Stars!!!
  • DEEN - Tales of Destiny, Tales of Hearts R, Tales of the Rays Fairy's Requiem
  • Kankaku Pierrot - Tales of Arise
  • T.M. Revolution - Mobile Suit Gundam SEED, Mobile Suit Gundam SEED DESTINY
  • Love Live! Sunshine!! - Love Live!
  • Nijigasaki Gakuen School Idol Club - Love Live!

The Bandai Namco Entertainment Festival will be held from May 14 to May 15, 2022. Tickets go on sale on April 30, 2022.

The post Bandai Namco Entertainment Festival to Have Music from Tales of Arise appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Friday, April 22, 2022 6:00 AM
    

Good Smile Company has decided that the world is in need of the Avatar, with a Nendoroid of Aang available for pre-order. Aang is the titular Avatar and protagonist from Nickelodeon's Avatar: The Last Airbender, which originally ran from 2005 until 2008. It will cost ¥6,600 or $59.99. Pre-orders will close on June 1, 2022. The Aang Nendoroid has a release window of November 2022 for Japan and January 2023 for North America. 

Like most Nendoroids, Aang will come with three face plates. You can give him a smiling face, an Avatar State face, and a standard face. He will also come with his staff, Air Scooter, and Momo. The box will also include a clear sheet of Appa for you to pose with Aang if you so wish. For the Air Scooter, you can pose him like he is shooting it out, or you can have him sit on it.

[gallery columns="5" ids="924841,924840,924839,924838,924837" link="file"]

Avatar: The Last Airbender is an animated television series from Nickelodeon, and it aired for three seasons. Avatar takes place in an Asia-inspired world comprised of four nations, each with its own bending element and unique culture. The Avatar is the only one who can bend all four elements. But before he can save the world from the Fire Lord, he must first learn how to be a proper Avatar.

The Aang Nendoroid is available for pre-order until June 1, 2022. It will launch in November 2022 for Japan and January 2023 for North America.

The post Avatar Aang Nendoroid is Ready to Save the World appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Friday, April 22, 2022 5:30 AM
    

nier anniversary

In commemoration of the 12th anniversary of the NieR series, the official NieR Reincarnation Twitter account posted a piece of celebratory artwork. The art features the three main characters from NieR, NieR Automata, and NieR Reincarnation, who are Nier, 2B, and the Girl of Light.

The three protagonists appear to be jumping in the air while the Cage is underneath them. Nier as he appears in the picture is Brother Nier, who was the protagonist of the remake version of the game, as well as NieR Replicant. When it originally released, Japan had NieR Replicant and North America had NieR Gestalt. Gestalt Nier was Yonah's father and was an older man, whereas Replicant Nier is Yonah's brother and a young man.

There is other news that the Japanese NieR Reincarnation account is celebrating outside of the 12th anniversary. A new story chapter, "Sun and the Moon," launched, and players logging in will be able to obtain prizes such as gems and tickets. "Sun and the Moon" follows Hina Akagi and Yuzuki Kurezome on their journey through the Cage. Kouki Uchiyama (Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn) voices Kurezome, and Kana Ichinose (Tsukihime) voices Hina.

NieR Reincarnation is available worldwide on iOS and Android devices.

The post NieR 12th Anniversary Art Shows All Three Protagonists appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Friday, April 22, 2022 5:00 AM
    

Quintessential Quintuplets Capcom Cafe

Capcom Cafe is collaborating with the anime series The Quintessential Quintuplets. The collaboration will start on May 20, 2022, the same day as the release of the upcoming movie. The collaboration will end on July 8, 2022. Further information about menus and merchandise will release at a later date. [Thanks, Dengeki!]

The Quintessential Quintuplets follows Futaro Uesugi, a high school student hired to tutor the quintuplet Nakano sisters. At the beginning of the story, it's revealed that Uesugi will eventually marry one of the five sisters. The series originally began serialization in 2017 and ended in 2020. It later received an anime adaptation in 2019, with the second season airing in 2021. Initially planned as the anime's third season, the upcoming feature film will follow the events of the anime series.

https://twitter.com/Capcom_Cafe/status/1516958648676794370?s=20&t=3sdIcKAZYBQpReZxnAUMig

Participating Capcom Cafe stores include the Ikebukuro cafe and Aeon Laketown cafe locations. The announcement website features a key visual of all five Nakano sisters. Additionally, the collaboration website provides a link to reserve a seat at both locations. As with other Capcom Cafe collaborations, it will feature special collaboration menu items as well as merchandise.

This isn't the first time Capcom and The Quintessential Quintuplets have collaborated. Back in February 2022, the Ikebukuro cafe hosted a collaboration featuring the five sisters in maid outfits. Other past collaborations include series such as Sengoku Basara and Evangelion.

The Quintessential Quintuplets Capcom Cafe collaboration will run from May 20 to July 8, 2022. Reservations for the Ikebukuro and Aeon Laketown locations are currently open. The Quintessential Quintuplets movie will also debut on May 20, 2022.

The post The Quintessential Quintuplets Capcom Cafe Collaboration Announced appeared first on Siliconera.


Destructoid Friday, April 22, 2022 7:00 AM
    

Rabbity Cat Dog Thing returns Bandai Namco has announced that Klonoa Phantasy Reverie Series — a duet of the forgotten...

The post Klonoa remaster double-pack hits PC and consoles this July appeared first on Destructoid.


Destructoid Friday, April 22, 2022 5:30 AM
    

Logan en route to PlayStation Plus Premium The Ultimate Spoiler: The Game Rating and Administration Committee of Korea is at...

The post Classic Syphon Filter titles re-rated by Korea Ratings Board appeared first on Destructoid.


Player Assist | Game Guides & Walkthroughs Friday, April 22, 2022 4:55 AM
     A lot of Star Wars fans were disappointed back in 2019 when it was announced that Visceral Games' Project Ragtag had been cancelled, but a few days ago, it was reported that Amy Hennig—who was the creative director of Ragtag—has been tapped by Lucasfilm Games to actually continue work on the cancelled project. Now thanks […]

Player Assist | Game Guides & Walkthroughs Friday, April 22, 2022 4:35 AM
     We got the reveal for Xenoblade Chronicles 3 a few months ago, but even by then we didn't have a solid release date. Some speculated that we could get the game by September, but it's been announced that we'll actually be getting the next title a lot earlier. Xenoblade Chronicles 3 is now set to […]

Player Assist | Game Guides & Walkthroughs Friday, April 22, 2022 4:07 AM
     Last month we got a look at an upcoming Ghostbusters game called Spirits Unleashed, but Sony has another Ghostbusters interactive adventure down the line—but this time with VR. Get a first look at Ghostbusters VR for Meta Quest 2: Here's the official description: Who they gonna call? You!  Strap on your proton pack and Meta […]

Pivotal Gamers Friday, April 22, 2022 4:45 AM
     Hello fellow gamers. Giveaway Of The Day is giving everyone the opportunity to win on Real Drift. This is what they say. Real Drift is available as a Giveaway of the day!You have limited time to download, install and register it. A few words about Real Drift RealDrift is the ultimate drift racing game that you always wanted to play! This immersive, epic car game.  If you love street racing an...

Gaming on PC Friday, April 22, 2022 4:02 AM
     Want to have a long and successful career in the games industry? Here's some tips to help you achieve your goal. Full article after the jump.