Mar 08, 00:00


GamersHeroes Friday, March 7, 2025 5:19 PM
    

Celebrating the release of The Sims 4 Businesses & Hobbies Expansion Pack, The Sims has revealed three new custom Tattoo stamp designs inspired by Doja Cat.

The post Doja Cat-Inspired Tattoos Now Available in The Sims 4 appeared first on GamersHeroes.


Siliconera Friday, March 7, 2025 8:00 PM
    

Final Fantasy Chocobo Plush

Consumers will be able to get their hands on two Chocobo plush toys inspired by Jobs from the Final Fantasy series. This includes the White Mage and Knight Jobs are seen in the Chocobo Mystery Dungeon games. The plushes will cost 3,850 yen or roughly $26, with the items expected to ship on August 9, 2025.

You can take a look at each of the Final Fantasy Chocobo plush toys, featuring the White Mage and Knight Jobs, below:

The hood of the White Mage plush can be removed, as shown in the image above. This series of plush toys are part of a line that feature the iconic Final Fantasy mascot character donning various Jobs. Other plushes include a Red Mage, which is no longer available to purchase. It is unclear if these items will be available to purchase through the North American and European Square Enix online storefronts.

Square Enix has released more than a handful of merchandise, and physical editions for it's games consumers can purchase. This has included a re-print of the Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster collection. For a limited time consumers could purchase physical editions of the PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch versions of the game.

The Final Fantasy Chocobo Job plush toys are available to pre-order and will ship on August 9, 2025.

The post Final Fantasy Chocobos Get Jobs Again With Returning Plush appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Friday, March 7, 2025 7:00 PM
    

promo image for the Delicious in Dungeon X Arknights event

Hypergryph announced Arknights will feature a brand new collaboration event on March 10, 2025, and it will tie in with Ryoko Kui's manga and anime series Delicious in Dungeon. This will involve Senshi being added as free unit, new limited operators, and a story centering the Delicious in Dungeon party.

Hypergryph posted details about the event on the official site. It also released a short teaser trailer that centered on Ceobe and the Doctor attempting to try to cook the Originium creatures from Terra.

You can watch that video below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T36wBPCrG68

The Arknights Delicious in Dungeon event will be broken up into two stages. Monster Gourmand opens on March 10, 2025. The second stage is called Culinary Venture on Terra, and it will open a week later on March 17, 2025. Both stages will be accessible to anyone who cleared the campaign stage Chapter 1-10. The event ends March 31, 2025.

The free operator Senshi will be doled out after someone completes the side story stages. He will be a five-star Operator who functions as a healing defender. He will cook meals to heal and buff other units close-by. Completing the challenges in the event will allow players to further upgrade Senshi's abilities in-game.

In addition, there will be a special gacha banner for the other limited, crossover units during the event. The two five-star Operators are Chilchuck and Laios, and the six-star Operator is Marcille. Chilchuck is a Vanguard, Laios is a Guard, and Marcille will function as a Caster.

This is not the only crossover we've seen in Arknights. There was one with new outfits released for characters that were based on Sanrio characters.

Arknights is available now on Android and Apple iOS devices. The Delicious in Dungeon event Side Story: Delicious on Terra will appear in the global version from March 10-31, 2025.

The post Arknights Delicious in Dungeon Event Includes Senshi appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Friday, March 7, 2025 6:00 PM
    

Monster Hunter Wilds Vista of the Windswept Plains

Hefty fixes for problems plaguing some hunters in Monster Hunter Wilds will be arriving in a new patch set to release on March 10, 2025. Capcom shared a post on the official Monster Hunter Status social media account, which handles updates about the server status and game issues that confirmed the launch date for the update and list of the intended fixes.

Once applied, this patch will bring the game up to Ver.1.000.05.00. One of the major changes will be a fix that prevents the progression bug in Chapter Five. You also won't experience issues with Meal Invitations in Azuz and Sild after it arrives. Another problem involved breaking parts off a monster and not getting the correct items, so drops will appear as intended. The equipment loadouts will save Decoration gems too after it launches., fixes to certain skills activating in ways that are not intended and resolving an issue where the game could shut down if loaded back into after a force quit.

A number of our hunters' skills will be fixed after the update too. The list Capcom shared on the site does not specify which ones will be targeted in this patch.

Capcom also mentioned it is aware of other issues, but those won't be fixed until future updates. Two involve online elements, like SOS flare network errors and Hunter Profile editing issues. Another problem being addressed eventually involves blunt-type Palico Weapons not inflicting stun damage.

Capcom recently sent out a player survey to gauge the community's reaction to the game, with a second feedback survey set to arrive in May 2025. Players who fill out the survey can mention any issues that might have emerged.

Monster Hunter Wilds is available now on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and PC. The first major Title Update, featuring Mizutsune, will arrive in Spring 2025.

The post Next Monster Hunter Wilds Patch Launches Next Week appeared first on Siliconera.


Destructoid Friday, March 7, 2025 8:20 PM
    

Kinsects in MH Wilds

If you've used Gemma's Smithy station, you've likely noticed the peculiar Kinsect section. This feature is reserved for Insect Glaive wielders, providing more buffs for this class. We're here to show the best Kinsects to use with this Monster Hunter Wilds tier list.

MH Wilds Kinsect tier list

Any time you bust out the Insect Glaives, the Kinsects are there to power you through your Monster Hunter Wilds journey. You can upgrade them by buying or raising Kinsects at the Smithy, exchanging resources for an enhancement. We'll break down each Kinsect, starting with the elite S Tier and ending with the adequate C rank.

S Tier

Whispervesp in MH Wilds
Screenshot by Destructoid

  • Bullshroud
  • Fiddlebrix
  • Arkmaiden
  • Monarch Alucanid
  • Whispervesp

The S Tier Kinsects are one of the best allies you can ask for in Monster Hunter Wilds. While the Bullshroud prolongs your survivability with its recovery skills, the Fiddlebrix fast charges its buffs to increase your strength. Overall, the S class boasts the highest levels with a particular stat, from the Whispervesp's enhanced speed to the Monarch Alucanid's Power.

A Tier

Rigiprayne in MH Wilds
Screenshot by Destructoid

  • Carnage
  • Grancathar
  • Cancadaman
  • Pseudocath
  • Ladypavise
  • Foebeetle
  • Windchopper
  • Rigiprayne
  • Ladytarge
  • Alucanid

Kinsects in the A Tier have a lot of potential but have slightly lower stats than the S. Despite their setbacks, they are still pretty good, offering exceptional Kinsect Bonuses. For instance, Ladypavis boasts Stamina Recovery and Element Combo Boosts to give you the edge you need in battle.

B Tier

Empresswing in MH Wilds
Screenshot by Destructoid

  • Gullshad
  • Empresswing
  • Bonnetfille

As for the B Tier Kinsects, their stats can be hit or miss. The Bonnetfille is the perfect example of this, given that it has one of the lowest stats in speed. Considering how quick the Insect Glaive is, this bug just doesn't move as fast. But, it still has value in other areas, such as its brute power.

C Tier

Mauldrone in MH Wilds
Screenshot by Destructoid

  • Mauldrone
  • Culldrone

Lastly, we have the C Tier Kinsects of Monster Hunter Wilds. Since the Mauldrone and Culldrone are the starting Kinsects, they naturally take the bottom spot on the list. Essentially, they're just stepping stones to help you unlock more powerful Kinsects, so there's little reason to stick with them for long.

MH Wilds Kinsect Trees, explained

The Kinsects utilize the tree system in a way that is similar to weapons. As mentioned earlier, you'll start with Mauldrone and Culldrone, splitting the critters into two separate trees. Here's a deep dive into what each one features:

  • Mauldrone:

    • Foebeetle:

      • Carnage Beetle
      • Bonnetfille

    • Gullshad:

      • Whispervesp
      • Bullshroud

    • Ladytarge:

      • Ladypavise
      • Arkmaiden

  • Culldrone:

    • Alucanid:

      • Empresswing
      • Monarch Alucanid

    • Rigiprayne:

      • Fiddlebrix
      • Cancadaman

    • Windchopper:

      • Pseudocath
      • Grancathar

You'll need 100 Zenny to buy the Mauldrone or Culldrone. You must then upgrade them with resources, typically using ore or Monster Fluid. Sometimes, the Kinsects require Low-Rank materials, which won't appear as often during High Rank. You can check out our guide on changing maps back to Low Rank to get more of these materials.

The post Monster Hunter Wilds Kinsect tier list: Best Kinsects, ranked appeared first on Destructoid.


Destructoid Friday, March 7, 2025 6:37 PM
    

How to get FragPunk beta items

For players who participated in the FragPunk beta playtest, you are entitled to a special beta test skin and a few other items for your involvement. Here is how to get the beta test skin and items in FragPunk now that it has officially launched.

How to get FragPunk beta playtest skins and items
Screenshot by Destructoid

How to get FragPunk beta playtest skins and items

In order to get your FragPunk beta playtest items and special skin, you need to log in to the release version of FragPunk and complete the tutorial that will automatically start upon logging in. Unfortunately, this tutorial must be completed, and there is no way to skip it.

Once you complete the tutorial you will be returned to the Main Menu of FragPunk. Look for the letter/mail icon in the bottom right corner of the main menu, as indicated in the screenshot above. After clicking on this icon you will have a message titled 'Claim Your Exclusive Rewards!'. Click this message and then the Claim button in the bottom right and you will acquire all your earned rewards from the FragPunk beta playtest.

Most of the items acquired from participating in the beta test will be accessible via the Arsenal, so head there to equip the skins or weapons you have unlocked from the playtest.

You will also notice you have a message titled 'Rewards for Wishlisted Players!'. These are other rewards that the community as unlocked by wishlisting FragPunk ahead of its release, so be sure to claim those as well to have even more options in your Arsenal.

Keep in mind you should not at any point reset your FragPunk account. Doing so will start you back at Level 1 and with nothing unlocked, and any rewards you earned from the beta playtest will be gone and no longer acquireable on any account.

The post How to get the beta test skin and items in FragPunk appeared first on Destructoid.


Destructoid Friday, March 7, 2025 6:33 PM
    

Season 3 Yellowjackets artwork

Since Hilary Swank was introduced in the Yellowjackets Season 3 trailer, fans have theorized which character she could be. There are many ways it could turn out, and we're here to shine a light on the best speculations.

Note that there will be major spoilers for Yellowjackets Season 3 below.

Yellowjackets Hilary Swank's character, explained

The Yellowjackets Season 3 First Look shows Hilary Swank's mysterious character as she runs away from an unknown force. The Official Trailer continues with this theme, where she is once again in danger. Although she has yet to show up in Season 3, we're getting more and more clues on who she could be.

Adult Melissa theory

Young Melissa and Hilary Swank
Image by Destructoid

Out of all the Hilary Swank character speculations, her being Adult Melissa is at the top of the list. Young Melissa's been getting much more screen time than in past seasons, possibly hinting at her critical role in the Adult timeline.

Redditors have also noted that Hilary Swank and Jenna Burgess (Young Melissa) have some facial similarities. Sure, they may have different colored eyes, but they could totally rock some lenses, just like Sophie Nélisse does to bring Shauna's character to life.

Yellowjacket Sibling theory

Young Yellowjackets in Season 3
Image by Destructoid

If it's not Adult Melissa, how about Hilary Swank playing the sibling of a fallen Yellowjacket? We've barely scratched the surface when it comes to the families of those who died (apart from Jackie's family), so bringing Swank in could be the perfect way to finally shed light on that. One Redditor even mentions how she could be Melissa's sister, which would explain the facial similarities.

A sibling revenge story wouldn't be too far-fetched, especially with how Season 3 is going. There's definitely someone out there hunting down the surviving Yellowjackets—just look at how Shauna's been targeted, and now Lottie's been pulled into it, too.

Kevyn Tan's ex theory

Kevyn Tan in Yellowjackets
Image via Showtime

My personal favorite theory has to be the one that suggests Hilary Swank is actually Kevyn Tan's ex. It seemed odd to me that his death was just swept under the rug after playing a pretty crucial role in the Adult storyline. Maybe she's using Kevyn's law enforcement resources to get back at the Yellowjackets as she tries to find the reason behind his sudden death.

If Swank's character turns out to be the person messing with the Yellowjackets, it will give us an understanding of why Shauna and Lottie are the first targets. Shauna was one of the last people Kevyn was investigating before his demise, giving his ex more than enough reason to hunt her down. Kevyn was also last seen at Camp Green Pine, the "community" Lottie ran, which could explain why she's another target.

Whatever the case, it seems like we'll get an answer soon, especially since we're already on the fifth episode. I'll keep you updated on any news regarding Hilary Swank's Yellowjackets character, whether with teasers or a new episode. While you wait, check out our feature on how Other Tai may have taken over in Season 3.

The post Who does Hilary Swank play in Yellowjackets? (Theories Explained) appeared first on Destructoid.


Destructoid Friday, March 7, 2025 5:40 PM
    

Spiral Abyss enemies

The alleged Spiral Abyss enemy lineup for the Genshin Impact 5.5 update has been leaked. The number of enemies across all the chambers on Floor 12 is not much, but it is expected to feature at least four world bosses, and it will be a good challenge for everyone.

Potential Spiral Abyss Floor 12 enemies in Genshin Impact 5.5

HomDGCat is a reliable source, and they have shared the complete Spiral Abyss Floor 12 enemy lineup for the Genshin Impact 5.5 update. This formation is for the April 16 to May 15 cycle.

Floor 12 Chamber 1

Enemies in Spiral Abyss floor 12 chamber 1.
Image via HoYoverse

Listed below are all the enemies that you can expect in the first chamber of Floor 12:

First half - level 95

  • Wave 1: Hydro Tulpa x1 - 3,747,865 HP

Second half - level 95

  • Wave 1: Abyss Lector Violet Lightning x1 - 832,465 HP
  • Wave 2: Millennial Pearl Seahorse x1 - 1,873,932 HP

Both halves of the first chamber have one world boss, but they are pretty easy to beat.

Floor 12 Chamber 2

Enemies in Spiral Abyss floor 12 chamber 2.
Image via HoYoverse

Here are the enemies that will be in the second chamber:

First half - level 98

  • Wave 1: Secret Source Automaton Configuration Device x1 - 5,021,308 HP

Second half - level 98

  • Wave 1: Fluid Avatar of Lava x1 - 1467767 HP
  • Wave 2: Thundering Wayob Manifestation x1 - 1,351,891 HP

The second chamber has only one boss in the first half, the Secret Source Automaton Configuration Device. However, it also has the highest HP out of all the enemies on Floor 12, so bring a strong ST DPS unit.

Floor 12 Chamber 3

Enemies in Spiral Abyss floor 12 chamber 3.
Image via HoYoverse

The third chamber of the Spiral Abyss Floor 12 will feature the following enemies:

First half - level 100

  • Wave 1: Hydro Mimic Boar (Enhanced) x2 - 468,755 HP
  • Wave 2: Vivianne of the Lake x1 - 2,711,995 HP
  • Wave 2: Ninianne of the Lake x1 - 3,036,436 HP

Second half - level 100

  • Wave 1: Solitary Suanni x1 - 3,452,386 HP

Once again, there's only one world boss, but to make the challenge more interesting, you will face two tanky local legends from Fontaine.

The Floor 12 enemies for the version 5.5 reset are easy to beat, but they have very high HP, and defeating them within the time limit will be challenging. Additionally, a good proportion of the opponents are immune to Hydro, so Pyro and Cryo DPS units will be effective here, while characters like Neuvillette won't be reliable.

That's all for the Spiral Abyss leaks. We will update the enemy lineup if there's any change in the future.

The post Genshin Impact 5.5 Spiral Abyss enemies lineup leaked appeared first on Destructoid.


Destructoid Friday, March 7, 2025 5:24 PM
    

an image of a weapon in Fragpunk

FragPunk, the brand-new free-to-play 5v5 hero-based FPS, is finally out. To celebrate its launch, Bad Guitar Studio has some sweet drops in store that you can get by watching livestreams on Twitch.

At the time of writing, FragPunk is only available on the PC as the devs have delayed its console release at the last minute. So, if you want to play and enjoy all the rewards from Twitch, PC is the only platform you have to play on. It's available via Steam and the Epic Games Store.

All FragPunk Twitch rewards

an image of Fragpunk twitch drops
Screenshot by Destructoid

Here are all the rewards you can earn from Twitch by watching FragPunk livestreams:

  • Watch for 30 minutes to get the Mini TV sticker.
  • Watch for 1 hour to get the Fox Mask sticker.
  • Watch for 2 hours to get the Retro Television charm.
  • Watch for 4 hours to get the Accelerated Passion skin for Discipline Assault Rifle.

How to claim FragPunk rewards from Twitch

To claim all the rewards in-game, follow these steps:

  1. Once you're eligible to claim a reward, head over to your Twitch profile's inventory page.
  2. Click on the Claim Now button on the reward you want to claim.
  3. Once that's done, head over to FragPunk's Twitch drops page.
  4. Log in to your account and then connect your Twitch profile.
  5. Then, claim all the rewards in-game.

You only have until March 19 to claim all the rewards. These items are limited-time drops, so make sure to claim them before the clock runs out.

The post FragPunk Twitch drops: Rewards, end date, more appeared first on Destructoid.


Destructoid Friday, March 7, 2025 5:16 PM
    

A hunter watches a Grand Escunite in Monster Hunter Wilds

Grand Escunites are rare nautilus-like creatures in Monster Hunter Wilds. Whether you're filling out your field guide or completing a side quest, here's where to find this elusive cephalopod.

Grand Escunite location in Monster Hunter Wilds

The best place to find a Grand Escunite in Monster Hunter Wilds is near the Underground Lake Pop-up Camp in Area 8 of the Scarlet Forest region. If you don't have this campsite yet, it's at the north end of Area 8 behind a waterfall.

Map of the Scarlet Forest region in Monster Hunter Wilds
Screenshot by Destructoid

Once you're at the camp, rest until evening in the Season of Plenty. You can do this by entering your tent and tabbing over to the BBQ menu. Grand Escunites only spawn during the evening, nighttime, and morning. The Season of Plenty increases the number of fish in general, increasing your chances of seeing a rare Grand Escunite.

After setting your season and time of day, step out of the tent, and there should be several fish in the pool directly in front of you. Look for a nautilus-like creature with a pale blue sheen. The Grand Escunites have a pale blue color, while regular Escunites are a duller tan color. If in doubt, just catch them all.

There's a second fishing spot toward the back of the cave, too. From the campsite, drop down into the shallow water in front of it and walk forward until you see a prompt to dive in. Dive and swim to the rocky islet ahead. There should be a few fish in the water below.

If you don't see a Grand Escunite right away, return to your tent and rest until evening, nighttime, or morning in the Season of Plenty. This resets the environment and refreshes the fish in the lake. Keep resting until you find what you want, though it shouldn't take too many resets.

Catching a Grand Escunite in Monster Hunter Wilds
Screenshot by Destructoid

As a side note, this location is also a great place for farming zenny. Keep resting until any time of day in the Season of Plenty, and the pools should be full of Goldenfish and Platinumfish. Catch them with a rod or net, then sell their scales for profit. It costs some guild points to rest each time, but you should be able to make them back just by catching fish.

Catching a Grand Escunite for the Razzle Dazzle side quest

If you're catching Grand Escunites for the Razzle Dazzle side quest, use the fishing rod and not the net. Only fish caught with the fishing rod count toward side quest completion. Use the Tentacle Jig to lure Grand Escunites to your hook.

The Razzle Dazzle quest isn't required for Escunites to spawn, but it's the only objective in Monster Hunter Wilds that specifically asks for one. You can start this side quest by visiting Kanya toward the back of the Scarlet Forest Base Camp. She gives you bait and a series of fishing side quests, with Razzle Dazzle being the fourth and final quest.

The post Where to find Grand Escunite in Monster Hunter Wilds appeared first on Destructoid.


Destructoid Friday, March 7, 2025 5:03 PM
    

Hunter posing in Photo Mode

When reaching the postgame stages of Monster Hunter Wilds, you'll encounter an issue that locks you out of Low-Rank content. Fortunately, there is a way to restore these items to the map, and we're here to show you how.

How to get back Low Rank environments in MH Wilds

You can change maps to Low-Rank level by participating in Alma's 1 to 3 Blue Star Optional Quests. Begin any of these missions, and the environment will return to the early levels, allowing you to farm basic monster materials. However, this method doesn't permanently change the environment to Low Rank, as it will only be available while the quest is active.

Low Rank quests in MH Wilds
Screenshot by Destructoid

First, you must decide which map to change to a lower level. For instance, those who wish to farm Low-Rank materials at Scarlet Forest can participate in the Forest Outlaw quests (located at the bottom of Optional Quests). Here's a list of all the 1 to 3 Blue Star quests and their compatible destinations:

  • Buggin' in the Desert: Windward Plains
  • The Desert is Demanding: Winward Plains
  • Buggin' in the Scarlet Forest: Scarlet Forest
  • A Sharp Shot: Scarlet Forest
  • Beware the Chatacabra: Windward Plains
  • Fire Starter: Windward Plains
  • Every Rose: Scarlet Forest
  • Tussle in Pink: Scarlet Forest
  • Sand Sea Surges: Windward Plains
  • Forest Outlaw: Scarlet Forest
  • March of the Kranodath: Oilwell Basin
  • Buggin' in the Cliffs: Icechard Cliffs
  • Veiled by the Tide: Scarlet Forest
  • Oilwell Basin Blast: Oilwell Basin
  • Sultan of the Sand: Windward Plains
  • Dance of Shadows: Iceshard Cliffs
  • Fleet Flight: Iceshard Cliffs
  • Scorching Simian: Oilwell Basin
  • Sultan of the Sand: Windward Plains
  • Spread Those Wings: Wyveria
  • Creeping Flames: Oilwell Basin
  • Pallid Beast's Lament: Wyveria
  • His Eternal Reign: Wyveria
  • Red Eyes in the Night: Wyveria
  • Consumer of Void: Wyveria

Although you'll receive a task to eliminate a particular monster, you can ignore it and explore the area for the materials. You don't even have to defeat the quest's target, considering that all materials will transfer to your inventory regardless. Just speak to Alma when ready, and she will conclude the mission. I used this method to farm Wingdrake Hides from Harpios, and it guaranteed a Low-Rank drop every time. But, if I were to do it in standard free-roam (aka High Rank), it would only give out Wingdrake Hides+.

The Optional Quests work wonders for those looking for Kinsect upgrades, which often use early-game resources. Plenty of other recipes utilize lower-grade materials, so when in doubt, switch the map over to the quests. Additionally, you can use Lucky Vouchers from daily logins to double your rewards, increasing your Zenny and resource intakes for the quest. While it's not required, you can also eliminate the Low-Rank mission's target to gather even more goods.

The post How to change map back to Low Rank in Monster Hunter Wilds appeared first on Destructoid.


Gaming Instincts – Next-Generation of Video Game Journalism Friday, March 7, 2025 7:24 PM

Gaming Instincts – Next-Generation of Video Game Journalism Friday, March 7, 2025 7:07 PM

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Gaming Instincts – Next-Generation of Video Game Journalism Friday, March 7, 2025 6:24 PM