Jul 06, 20:00


PCGamesN Sunday, July 6, 2025 1:31 PM
    

July 6, 2025: More new Flashpoint Worlds Collide codes have arrived to make the game's full release.

What are the new Flashpoint Worlds Collide codes? Whether you're low on cash, need more Ignition, or want to boost yourself to new heights with loads of easy XP, keeping an eye on the ever-growing list of Roblox FWC codes below is the best way to get loads of freebies at the speed of light.

Can't get enough of free in-game goodies? Roblox is full of them. Get started in some of the biggest titles around with the help of Grow a Garden codes, Blox Fruits codes, and Mugen codes, to name a few. They're all massively different experiences compared to this.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best Roblox games, Roblox promo codes, Roblox music codes

PCGamesN Sunday, July 6, 2025 1:11 PM
    

Battlestate Games says the upcoming Escape From Tarkov hardcore wipe will be "wave-like," as it continues to detail exactly what we can expect when it launches soon. This version of an EFT wipe is filled with extra restrictions, making it an even more challenging reset than what we're used to. So however you plan to keep having successful raids, you'll want to hear what BSG is saying.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Escape from Tarkov system requirements, Escape From Tarkov Steam, Best FPS games

PCGamesN Sunday, July 6, 2025 1:24 PM
    

July 6, 2025: Four new Basketball Zero codes just dropped for the Fetch and Ace rework update.

What are the new Basketball Zero codes? Stemming from a collaboration with the original owner of smash-hit Roblox sports game Blue Lock Rivals, the legendary developer is now letting you shoot hoops with anime icons big and small.

If Roblox is your main source of play, do consider checking out our Blue Lock Rivals codes, Volleyball Legends codes, or Anime Rangers X codes guides. We check more than 100 of the most popular Roblox games for new codes constantly, helping to ensure there's always a steady stream of freebies to grab while you wait for your favorite titles to update.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best Roblox games, Roblox promo codes, Roblox music codes

PCGamesN Sunday, July 6, 2025 12:49 PM
    

I'm continually impressed by the ability of people to come up with new ways to use dice. Dicey Dungeons remains an all-time classic, Dice and Fold uses the eponymous chance cubes to play out a distinctive dungeon crawler, and Lost in Random builds a whole fantasy adventure from them. Right now, however, my brain is filled with Die in the Dungeon, weaving a web of interconnected rolls to bring down my foes. The early-access roguelike has its hooks under my skin, holds a 91% Steam review score, and its new update is a great excuse to give it a try.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best roguelikes, Best strategy games, Best indie games

PCGamesN Sunday, July 6, 2025 1:18 PM
    

Games Done Quick is easily one of my favorite events on the calendar. I can kick back after a long day of work and watch some incredibly talented speedrunners show off their skills, all while they help raise millions for charity. It's always been a truly heartwarming showcase of what we can do as a community, and I'm sure this year is going to be no different. Summer Games Done Quick (SGDQ) 2025 is finally here, with runs in everything from Blue Prince to Monster Hunter Wilds. So it's time to get watching.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Monster Hunter Wilds armor, Monster Hunter Wilds weapons, Monster Hunter Wilds review

PCGamesN Sunday, July 6, 2025 1:24 PM
    

All the way back in 1999, Minh 'Gooseman' Le co-created the Half-Life mod Counter-Strike. A quarter of a century later, the multiplayer shooter has become one of the biggest games in the world, and continually pulls in well over one million concurrent players every single day. Now under the control of Valve, there's simply no stopping it. Even after all this time, though, Le isn't done with the FPS genre. That's why they launched Alpha Response last year, and with a brand-new sale, now's the time to give the tactical shooter a go. If you're a fan of old-school Rainbow Six, Ready or Not, and SWAT, it's perfect for you.

MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best indie games, New PC games, Best PC games

Siliconera Sunday, July 6, 2025 3:00 PM
    

Gachiakuta Anime 1

One of the most-hyped new anime series on Crunchyroll for the Summer 2025 season is the Gachiakuta adaptation. The series is a pretty well established one, as it's been running in Japan since February 2022. It's also one of those sorts of underdog stories about a young man who gains the ability to face overwhelming monsters, fight back against fate, and get revenge for being framed for murder. Basically, it checks all the shonen series boxes, and the manga looks gorgeous (and often gory) while doing it. Now that I've seen the first episodes, I feel like that fanfare might be deserved, and this adaptation maintains the series' dark and gritty nature.

Gachiakuta starts by establishing the nature of the series. There's what appears to be a modern city, and talk of how items treated well develop souls. It then asks what happens to trash treated poorly and abandoned. After a child's toy breaks, a mother tosses it out. Narration explains that not only are items treated poorly and abandoned as trash, but people are too. This sets up a situation in which items are tossed away. It's then we see a Trash Raider watched the latest dismissals of trash into chutes in the city below. A young man is going through it when armed personnel find and shoot at him.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yeRvDchyo44

It's a powerful type of message to begin with, accompanied by frantic music and interesting set pieces that establishes how there's a goal to be clean. People talk down about trash raids and the "tribefolk" who also inhabit this home. Said folks live beyond the wall in a cramped, packed, slum district, and rumor is those people's descendants were criminals who were cast out. It's then that we see Rudo is a young man who lives beyond the wall and is a member of the "tribefolk." He's fixed the plush the woman and girl abandoned and is chastised by his friend Chiwa for causing trouble, as well as warned about the consequences. Rudo explains it's a means of earning money, in addition to preserving things that may need a second chance. Even here though, he's criticized by people around him.

It really sets up Rudo not only as an underdog, but a good person. He cares about Chiwa and the items he finds. He picked up one of these for her, rather than sell it. He wants to help repay his foster father Regto, who took him in and raised him. He's smart and skilled, capable of executing the trash raids. There's the suggestion that he's smart and talented enough to do more. There's also a sense of mystery surrounding him, since his injured hands bear unusual black marks and are painful when he doesn't wear his gloves.

The first episode is really fantastic at setting up who he is before the other shoe drops. Once Rudo is framed for murder, the worst happens. He's dropped into the Pit, then immediately faced with a monster made of trash. (The design of these Trash Beasts are incredible!) Yet because of being as skilled as he was above, he manages to hold his own until another individual with unexpected abilities steps in to assist. Enjin explains he's a Cleaner. What follows is what seems to be a possibility for Rudo to accomplish his goals and find truth. However, it's also at that point that things get incredibly dark, so it's important to know there will be blood and gore going into it.

Bones makes a strong first impression with the Gachiakuta anime adaptation. Much of the style seems to be preserved. It hints at Rudo's mystery, strength, and circumstances in a short amount of time. It doesn't hold back, just as the original series doesn't. Also, based on the initial imagery of the first trash beasts and city and Pit set pieces, it seems the ambiance and critical design elements will be maintained as well. It could prove to be the major shonen series of the Summer 2025 anime season on Crunchyroll.

The Gachiakuta anime is streaming on Crunchyroll, and a new episode appears every Sunday going forward. The manga is handled by Kodansha outside Japan.

The post The Gachiakuta Anime Seems Worth the Hype appeared first on Siliconera.


Destructoid Sunday, July 6, 2025 5:06 PM
    

A black-and-red background with the words ROMERO GAMES written on it.

Just a day before Microsoft laid down the axe on 9,000 of its employees, the company met with John Romero's studio, Romero Games, and never notified it of the planned cuts. Microsoft does not own Romero Games, but did provide significant funding, which has now been pulled.

After Microsoft cut its funding, John and Brenda Romero's studio is officially shutting down, per a report by TheJournal, (via PC Gamer). Over 100 people are now out of a job, the report claims. This comes as a result of Microsoft's recent layoffs that affected some 9,000 people across the company, which we reported was done seemingly to open up funds for more AI investment, which amounts to around $80 billion total.

Photo of John Romero in front of a building.
John Romero is one of the most influential game designers out there, known best as the creator of Doom and other idSoftware titles. Image via Bethesda.

Brenda Romero told TheJournal that the studio did not deserve this fate and that Microsoft's move "isn't a reflection of our team's work, performance, or the quality of the project itself, "adding that the studio hit every deadline and milestone "on time, every time." The decision was also made at a corporate level, "well above our visibility and control," Romero stated.

The decision to close the studio was a "sudden" one, employees claimed, one that happened just a day after the studio had met with Microsoft. "There was no mention of it," they said.

John Romero and his wife Brenda have run the Ireland-based studio since 2015, publishing a few games and two expansions for the original Doom title, SIGIL 1 and 2, which were loved by fans of the title.

However, Romero Games never really managed to put out a major, financially successful title, which could explain why Microsoft seemingly did not consider it a worthwhile investment. TheJournal, however, reports it had "strong financial performance" and million-euro profits, which muddies the waters a bit.

Romero Games was also supposed to develop two first-person shooters, one of them being Blackroom. Blackroom was cancelled in 2023, whereas the second FPS will probably never see the light of day given these new circumstances.

The Romeros are now "focusing on helping affected employees find new opportunities." Whether or not they'll succeed in finding new funding is anyone's guess, and it'd be a sad, sad day for gaming if the legendary John Romero stopped being part of it.

The post Doom creator John Romero's studio was closed just a day after meeting Microsoft appeared first on Destructoid.


Destructoid Sunday, July 6, 2025 4:09 PM
    

Games in College Football 26 where a RB is trying to receive the ball while getting tackled

The maiden Twitch Drops campaign for College Football 26 is now live, and you earn some valuable Campus Tokens to kickstart your journey on July 7 (or July 10 if you own the Standard Edition).

EA Sports has planned a special Run Down Stream that will be live at 8pm ET/6pm CT on July 6. However, this certainly won't be the only occasion when we can earn valuable rewards by watching the gameplay on Twitch. Let's take a look at what's on offer as part of the maiden campaign, how the Campus Super Tokens work, and how to earn the rewards in the first place.

All College Football 26 Campus Token Twitch Drops Rewards

The first set of Twitch Drops might be short, but it could be pretty valuable in the long run, as the Campus Tokens you get have different uses in College Football 26.

  • 15 mins watched: One Campus Token
  • 30 mins watched: One Campus Token
  • 60 mins watched: One Campus Super Token

You can earn up to 12 tokens as part of this program by watching the stream on this channel. Here's how you can then use them.

  • One Campus Token: Twitch Drop BND Pack
  • Four Campus Tokens: Twitch Drop Pack
  • Five Campus Tokens: Twitch Drop BND Fantasy Pack
  • Twelve Campus Tokens: Twitch Drops Better BND Pack

If you want better rewards but don't mind waiting, there's an exchange program. You can exchange 10 Campus Tokens to get one Super Token, which can be used to open better rewards.

  • Two Campus Super Tokens: Twitch Drop Fantasy Pack
  • Three Campus Super Tokens: Twitch Drops Superior BND Pack
  • Seven Campus Super Tokens: Twitch Drops BND Champion Pack
  • Ten Campus Super Tokens: Twitch Drops Hero Pack
  • Eighteen Campus Super Tokens: Twitch Drops Champion Pack
  • Twenty Campus Super Tokens: 99 OVR Token Exclusive Player Item Michael Crabtree.

We will likely be able to get more Campus Tokens in the future that will allow you to get rewards like the 99-rated Michael Crabtree item.

https://twitter.com/EASPORTS_CUT/status/1941648332608110968

How to get Twitch Drops in College Football 26?

The first job is to link your EA Sports account with Twitch. Go to your EA account and sign in.

  • Open account settings.
  • Go to Account Management.
  • Select Connected Accounts.
  • Scroll down, and you'll find the option for Twitch. This enables drops for your account.
  • Just watch the streams for the required amount, and the Campus Tokens will be available in your inventory.
  • From there, claim the rewards to send them to your CUT inventory.

That's pretty much all you have to do for receiving Twitch Drops in College Football 26.

The post How to get Campus Token Twitch Drops in College Football 26? appeared first on Destructoid.


Destructoid Sunday, July 6, 2025 4:01 PM
    

Wittle Defender challenge featuring three units against a boss

Wittle Defender offers a large list of toons for you to choose from, and it's always advisable to use ones that suit a role well.

Not every unit inside the game is equally effective, and you'll have to make a combination out of the best five options you have. This tier list will help you separate the best defenders from those who are ordinary at best.

Wittle Defender tier list explained

I have used four different grades to classify all the available characters.

  • S-tier characters are the best units to use in your squads. They do a lot of AoE damage, and some of them can be improved further with the help of different upgrades.
  • A-tier characters are decent shouts if you have to fill a spot where you can't use an S-tier unit. These characters might not be as compelling as units on the tier above, but they're still quite good in most situations.
  • B-tier characters are either ordinary to use or are required in niche situations.
  • C-tier characters are extremely ordinary at best, and you should replace them as early as possible.

Wittle Defender tier list of all units
Remix by Destructoid via Tiermaker

S-tier units

  • Demon Spawn: This unit scales up nicely once you level it up. His Hell Slash ability can deal with mob waves quickly, and he's also potent against single-strike enemies (aka bosses).
  • God Ruler: Does the highest amount of damage with few upgrades, and he's ideally suited in levels where you face a lot of mob waves.
  • Sword Saint: Does a lot of damage even without being fully upgraded. She also has one of the best targeting systems of all characters in Wittle Defender.
  • Swordmaster: While he is perfect against mobs, Swordmaster's damage potential falls off against bosses. However, he's still a great character to use, and the low cooldowns make him pretty beginner-friendly.
  • Robot: Not only does he do a lot of damage to mobs and bosses alike, but Robot can also play the role of a tank well after a few upgrades.

A-tier units

  • Blazing Archer: Really fun character to have as he can spawn units to do more damage, but his base potential is limited.
  • Fire Witch: While she can deal decent damage against mobs and clear waves quite quickly, Fire Witch will require a lot of investment to reduce her cooldowns and make her viable.
  • High Priest: Deals decent AoE damage and also unlocks the ability to paralyze opponents with upgrades, but they're reliant on RNG factors.
  • Ice Demon: Summons units that can do damage to enemy units, but Ice Demon's general effectiveness largely depends on its DPS counterparts.
  • Ice Witch: She requires a lot of investment to take her to S-tier, but her base version is good at dishing out damage while locking down enemies with freeze.
  • Fire Mage: While he is mediocre against mob waves, Fire Mage is a must-have against bosses. He is, in fact, one of the best units if we consider contests against bosses.

B-tier

  • Cat Assassin: Decent DPS unit with good attack speed, but not much to talk about.
  • Night Baron: Reaches almost S-tier if you can link him with Swordmaster and Sword Saint, but not much to write about otherwise.
  • Thunder Pharao: Like Night Baron, you'll have to pair him with Robot to make Thunder Pharao perform according to his true potential.
  • Ice Mage: This is a pretty ordinary character unless you can manage to put her on the same team as Ice Witch. Doing so raises her AoE damage and ability to clear waves quickly.
  • Demon Hunter: While Scattershot is a good ability in certain situations, she has very ordinary damage potential, even with upgrades.

C-tier

There's not much to say about these units. Their damage potential is limited despite all the updates, so it's better not to waste your resources on them.

  • Frankenstein
  • Ice Wolf Pup
  • Unyielding Lancer
  • Rogue
  • Fire Mage
  • Frost Archer
  • Wolf Ranger
  • Fire Apprentice

The post Wittle Defender tier list appeared first on Destructoid.


Destructoid Sunday, July 6, 2025 3:30 PM
    

Promo art for the Women's Euro PTG promo in EA FC 25

The women's EURO Sprint League objective is an interesting cup for EA FC 25 players to participate in and win different rewards.

EA Sports has made slight adjustments to the format of this cup. There are two separate sets of rewards. One set is available for next week, while the other is live for only the next 24 hours. This guide will provide you with all the required information if you plan to complete the entire objective.

EA FC 25 Women's EURO Sprint League Completionist objective, explained

The Women's EURO Sprint League Completionist objective is the biggest set of quests to complete. You have the next five days to finish all the tasks and unlock every reward available on the milestones.

Task How to Complete Rewards
Play 4 Play 4 matches in the Live Ultimate Team Friendly: UEFA Women's EURO Sprint League I 86+ x2 Rare Gold Players Pack
Win 3 Win 3 matches in the Live Ultimate Team Friendly: UEFA Women's EURO Sprint League II. 86+ x2 Rare Gold Players Pack
Score 6 Score 6 goals in the Live Ultimate Team Friendly: UEFA Women's EURO Sprint League III. 86+ x2 Rare Gold Players Pack
Play 6 Play 4 matches in the Live Ultimate Team Friendly: UEFA Women's EURO Sprint League IV. 86+ x2 Rare Gold Players Pack
Win 3 Win 3 matches in the Live Ultimate Team Friendly: UEFA Women's EURO Sprint League V. 86+ x2 Rare Gold Players Pack

Completing the full objective set requires you to finish any two of the five tasks mentioned in the table above. Doing so will get you a bonus Exclusive Evolution that allows you to upgrade a 94-rated card in EA FC 25 to get Quick Step+ and Pinged Pass+ (up to four playstyle+).

EA FC 25 Women's EURO Sprint League 1 Objective

The first Sprint League is now live, and here are its tasks along with the offered rewards.

Task How to Complete Rewards
Play 2 Play 2 matches in the Live Ultimate Team Friendly: UEFA Women's EURO Sprint League I. 84+ x3 Rare Gold Players Pack
Win 2 Win 2 matches in the Live Ultimate Team Friendly: UEFA Women's EURO Sprint League I. Earn Incisive Pass+, POS CAM and CAM Shadow Striker++ EVO Consumables applicable to a Player Item with max 94 OVR and max 4 PS+. Evo Unlock
Score 4 Score 4 goals in the Live Ultimate Team Friendly: UEFA Women's EURO Sprint League I. 85+Rare Gold Players Pack

Completing the three tasks earns you an 88+ x2 Rare Gold Players Pack and brings you one step closer to completing the Women's Euro Sprint League Completionist objective. We will add more rewards once we get more objectives in Ultimate Team in the future.

The post All EA FC 25 EURO Sprint League objective rewards and how to earn them appeared first on Destructoid.


Destructoid Sunday, July 6, 2025 3:29 PM
    

A nurse floating above a hospital bed in Dead by Daylight.

As Dead by Daylight continues to collaborate with almost every horror franchise, it's slowly pushing itself into a corner. Once the horror mascots dry up, DBD might have to switch to series from other genres. We've compiled a list of killers from such franchises that we'd love to see in the game.

Non-horror Killers that'd be great to see in DBD

While making this list, I tried to keep as close to "horror" as I could. The characters featured here come from traditionally non-horror franchises, from DC Comics to Star Wars, but give out strong horror vibes, whether by their design or story themes.

DBD has already collaborated with non-horror entities before, adding actual people like Nicolas Cage or, most recently, DnD's Vecna, which could imply potential other non-horror collaborations, so long as they are adjacent to the genre at the very least.

So, now for the list.

Batman Who Laughs - DC Comics

The Batman Who Laughs character laughing under a red sky during a thunderstorm.
The Batman Who Laughs is one of my favorite DC characters, especially in terms of design. Image via DC

The Batman Who Laughs is one of my favorite iterations of Bruce Wayne, not least because of its design. He looks incredible, to say the least, and would be a perfect fit for Dead by Daylight's grim and dark universe.

He wields all sorts of weapons in the comics and has the power of precognition, which give Behaviour more than enough to create an ability kit that instills dread into any Survivors who would come across him.

Big Daddy - Bioshock

Big Daddy, a titanic character wearing an old-fashioned diving suit, attacking the player in Bioshock.
Big Daddy would be an awesome addition to the Killer roster. Image via 2K

Depending on whom you ask, Bioshock could be considered a horror game. However, it is overtly cinematic, has a ton of action and combat, and is more of an action game in general than a horror one. That isn't to say that Big Daddy doesn't give off all the vibes of a horror villain, which would make him perfect for the role of a DBD Killer.

The way in which Big Daddies behave in Bioshock is haunting, to say the least, from their echoing wailing sounds to their heavy movement and dominant size. If he's coming your way, you'll hear him, which would be a dreadful mechanic in DBD. I already get startled a ton once my Survivor's heart starts racing as the Killer grows near, so I could only imagine the fear of that combined with deep thumping footsteps and whale calls.

Psycho Mantis - Metal Gear Solid

A man with a gas mask floats above the ground with outstretched arms while snow falls around him in Metal Gear Solid 5: Ground Zeroes.
Psycho Mantis is an iconic psychic character perfectly suited for DBD. Image via Konami

One of the best characters ever designed in gaming, Psycho Mantis would be the ultimate Killer to toy with players' minds during matches. His ability to read the thoughts of others would also be a fantastic ability in the game. He could say out loud what the last game you've played was, read out your profile's description, and so on, much like he does in the original Metal Gear Solid title.

Of course, this needn't be his only ability, but given his design and overall psychosis-inducing powers, Behaviour would have a goldmine to play with and create the ultimate DBD Killer. Kojima's games, in general, feature a ton of horror-adjacent characters even if his games aren't precisely in the genre, so some others, like Vamp, Skull Face, and similar, would also work well.

Jacket - Hotline Miami

A man wearing a chicken mask and a jacket staring menacingly at the camera in Payday 3.
Jacket appears in both Payday 2 and 3, meaning his creators are more than willing to collab and add him to other stuff. Image via Deep Silver

Though we rarely see much of him from ground level, Jacket is nevertheless a terrifying character originating from the Hotline Miami series of shooters. He is a merciless and psychotic maniac, cutting down and shooting just about anyone he comes across. He has already featured in other games, such as Payday 2, where he is represented precisely as I have described him here—insane and brutal.

Being so, he'd make the perfect Killer in DBD. Though we are used to seeing him wield a gun, he also enjoys the company of his trusty fire axe and hammer, which would make him awesome as a bog-standard slasher Killer with a pronounced 80s synth vibe.

The Caretaker - The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

A faceless man with a hood on watching at the camera amid a graveyard in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt.
The Caretaker is a minor character in Hearts of Stone but leaves a major impression when you meet him. Image via CDPR

Technically, Hearts of Stone is a horror expansion to the otherwise dark fantasy game The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. However, its actual horror elements are contained within only a few parts of the expansion, the Caretaker being one of them. Solemnly watching over the von Everec Estate, the Caretaker's faceless visage and iconic shovel are incredible designs that'd feel right at home in The Fog.

T-800 - The Terminator

Arnold Schwarzenegger wearing sunglasses and a leather jacket while menacingly staring beyond the camera in Terminator 2: Judgement Day.
Arnold's iconic character just has to be included in DBD. Image via Tri-Star Pictures

The T-800, portrayed iconically by Arnold Schwarzenegger, is one of the most iconic antagonists and villains in the history of cinema, and it'd be a crying shame not to see the character as part of the DBD roster. Some could even argue that the first film is a slasher horror, giving Behaviour an additional reason to pursue this collaboration.

If ranged weaponry is the problem, make him bare-fisted. After all, the T-800 kills more than a few people with his bare hands, using that mechanical strength of his to rip them to shreds. Why wouldn't he be able to do the same to a handful of measly Survivors?

Darth Vader - Star Wars

Darth Vader standing in a dark area with his red lightsaber gleaming.
Just look at him. Pure aura. Image via Disney

Darth Vader is probably the one I'd love to see the most in DBD. While explicitly non-horror, he is the quintessential evil villain, his redemption arc be damned. The music that follows him everywhere he goes, the breathing, the red lightsaber gleaming in the dark, everything about him is just perfect.

And what'd be even better is for him to be hunting down all sorts of Survivors across one of many of the Star Wars universe's haunted planets, derelict ships, or other dark and grim and interesting areas. I'm certain Behaviour would be able to come up with some awesome ideas here, and I'm certainly holding my breath for whatever collab with Star Wars that might come up down the line.

What about you, Destructoid? Which non-horror killers would you love to see in DBD? Let us know below.

The post These are the most exciting non-horror Killers we'd like to see in Dead by Daylight appeared first on Destructoid.


Destructoid Sunday, July 6, 2025 2:45 PM
    

Helldivers 2 matchmaking and stability patch

Helldivers 2 was 2024's crown jewel, attracting millions of players across PC and PlayStation. However, one group of gamers was left out, those on the Xbox, so the question is: will Helldivers 2 ever make it to Mircosoft's platform?

Here's everything we know.

Can Xbox players play Helldivers 2?

Helldivers 2 is not currently on Xbox consoles, including Xbox Series X, Series S, and Xbox One—but it soon will be. PlayStation has recently announced its unprecedented decision to move one of its first-party games onto the Xbox. This historical move brings us one step closer to ending the fuming console wars and connecting gamers across all platforms and consoles.

When is Helldivers 2 coming to Xbox?

Everything in Helldivers 2 Borderline Justice Warbond
Helldivers 2 is coming to Xbox soon. Image via Arrowhead Game Studios

Helldivers 2 will launch on the Xbox on Aug. 26 this year. Unfortunately for old heads, this new release will only grace the Series S and X consoles, whereas Xbox One and its variants are being left out. Helldivers 2, much like other new games, is an exceptionally demanding title whose graphical fidelity cannot be sustained by last-generation consoles.

The game's two editions, Standard and Super Citizen, will cost $39.99 and $59.99, respectively, meaning that there will be no price increase over the original release.

Is Helldivers 2 coming to Game Pass?

Usually, when games move to the Xbox platform, Microsoft eyes them for a potential Game Pass release. After all, the service depends on the size of its game library, so that's completely understandable. Unfortunately, Helldivers 2 will not be added to Game Pass, probably ever. The reason here is simple: this is a first-party Sony title, and it would be playing directly into Microsoft's hands by expanding its service's roster.

Sony has its own interests to keep, and it's Microsoft's biggest rival, meaning that the company will probably never bring any of its games over to Game Pass. This decision not to come to Game Pass was also confirmed by Arrowhead (Helldivers 2's developer), as reported by Videogamer.

Is Helldivers 2 crossplay?

Helldivers 2 not coming to Xbox

Yes, Helldivers 2 is crossplay between PC and PS5 consoles, with Xbox soon to join them. Players who own the game on any platform can play together. It is possible to toggle off crossplay in the settings if you don't want to enter matchmaking with the other platform for whatever reason.

To disable crossplay, follow these steps:

  • Open the pause menu and click on 'Options'.
  • Select 'Gameplay'.
  • Locate 'Crossplay'.
  • Select 'Off'.
  • Save your settings.

Crossplay is activated by default, so you'll have to find it and turn it off if you don't want to use the feature. However, it's great for Helldivers 2 players with friends playing on the other platform or wanting to participate in as wide a Galactic struggle as possible, which adds to the epic and cinematic nature of the game.

The post Is Helldivers 2 on Xbox? appeared first on Destructoid.


Destructoid Sunday, July 6, 2025 2:00 PM
    

Kika Nazareth Fantasy FC as one of the best cards to use in EA FC 25 La Reina Evolution

The La Reina Evolution is now live in EA FC 25, and you can complete it to upgrade a lower-rated card from your Ultimate Team squad.

To unlock the evolution, you'll need to spend 75,000 coins. Incidentally, this is the second evolution that allows your selected card to get a bonus fourth playstyle+. There are stat boosts, new roles, and an overall rating rise on offer as well.

EA FC 25 La Reina Evolution requirements

Here are the requirements of the La Reina Evolution in EA FC 25.

  • Max Pos. 3
  • Overall Max. 93
  • Position CAM
  • Max PS 10
  • Max PS+ 4
  • Shooting Max. 98

EA FC 25 La Reina Evolution upgrades

There are five levels of upgrades, and here are the requirements.

Level 1 upgrades

  • Rarity In-Progress Evolution
  • New Pos. CM
  • Role++ CM Playmaker++
  • PlayStyle+ Tiki Taka (^4)
  • PlayStyle Incisive Pass (^8)
  • Overall +12 (^96)
  • Pace +10 (^91)

Level 2 upgrades

  • PlayStyle+ Pinged Pass (^4)
  • PlayStyle Long Ball Pass (^8)
  • Shooting +15 (^92)
  • Agility +15 (^94)
  • Balance +15 (^95)
  • Jumping +20 (^90)

Level 3 upgrades

  • PlayStyle+ Finesse Shot (^4)
  • PlayStyle First Touch (^8)
  • Reactions +15 (^94)
  • Ball Control +15 (^94)
  • Passing +20 (^96)
  • Stamina +20 (^91)

Level 4 upgrades

  • WF +3 ★
  • Role++ CM Half-Winger++
  • Role++ CAM Shadow Striker++
  • PlayStyle Flair (^8)
  • Defending +15 (^82)
  • Dribbling (attr.) +15 (^94)

Level 5 upgrades

  • Rarity Shapeshifters Evolution
  • SM +4 ★
  • PlayStyle+ Press Proven (^4)
  • Aggression +10 (^77)
  • Composure +15 (^93)
  • Strength +15 (^86)

Level 1 upgrade conditions

  • Play one match in Rush, Rivals, Champions, or Squad Battles on Min. Semi-Pro using your active EVO player in game.

Level 2 upgrade conditions

  • Play two matches in Rush, Rivals, Champions, or Squad Battles on Min. Semi-Pro using your active EVO player in game.

Level 3 upgrade conditions

  • Win one match in Rush, Rivals, Champions, or Squad Battles on Min. Semi-Pro using your active EVO player in game.

Level 4 upgrade conditions

  • Win two matches in Rush, Rivals, Champions, or Squad Battles on Min. Semi-Pro using your active EVO player in game.

Level 5 upgrade conditions

  • Play one match in Rush, Rivals, Champions, or Squad Battles on Min. Semi-Pro using your active EVO player in game.

Best players to use in La Reina Evolution

Here are some of the best players to use in this evolution.

  • Grace Geyoro Fantasy FC
  • Kika Nazareth Fantasy FC
  • Youri Tielemans TOTS HM
  • Iker Muniain Flashback
  • Yaya Toure FUT Birthday Hero
  • Alessandro Del Piero Immortals Icon
  • Jonathan David TOTS
  • Jobe Bellingham TOTS
  • Tijani Reijnders Thunderstruck
  • Dani Olmo RTTF

Your club's evo chain candidates can provide unique solutions exclusive to your Ultimate Team squad.

The post Best players to use in the EA FC 25 La Reina Evolution appeared first on Destructoid.


Destructoid Sunday, July 6, 2025 1:44 PM
    

Hat ceremony in College Football 26

College Football 26 has three days of advanced access for passionate fans who aren't willing to wait, and EA Play subscribers can also take part in it.

The advanced access is ideal for hardcore players, especially those who want to invest plenty of hours in the CUT mode. The Ultimate Team mode has benefits for starting early, as you'll get a head start over those who are starting late. Usually, starting early will require you to get the Deluxe Edition, but there's a better method of enjoying the early game without having to pay extra (in fact, you won't even need to purchase the game).

How to play College Football 26 using EA Play trial?

Just like last year, EA Play members are entitled to up to ten hours of extra gameplay for College Football 26. The trial goes live at the same time as the early access launches on July 7 for those who own the Digital Deluxe version of the game.

EA Play Trial offer for College Football 26
Screenshot by Destructoid

The first thing you'll need is an active EA Play membership. If you're an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscriber, you don't need a separate subscription. EA Play membership is available on a monthly and yearly basis. Once you have an active membership, you'll be able to download and install the trial without needing to purchase College Football 26.

If you go to the store page on either your Xbox/PlayStation console right now, you won't find a College Football 26 trial as it will only be available after the early access period goes live. Once the trial is available, you can download and enjoy up to 10 hours of gameplay. All game modes will be available, and you will be able to retain all your progress if you decide to convert it to a full purchase later.

If you have opted for the Standard Edition, you can also use the trial to get ten hours of advanced access. This is a cheaper alternative if you don't want to wait but don't want to spend $20 more. Ten hours is a pretty hefty amount of gameplay, and you get it for a nominal amount. Moreover, you will get a 10% discount on your purchase.

Whatever extra you'll pay for the trial will be compensated when you buy the game, which makes the trial a chill offer to explore.

The post How to play College Football 26 early without buying? (EA Play Trial explained) appeared first on Destructoid.


Destructoid Sunday, July 6, 2025 1:30 PM
    

Broken controller logo of the Stop Killing Games Initiative

The Stop Killing Games EU Citizen's Initiative has managed to scrape up over one million signatures. Not long after it crossed that mark, however, a gaming publishing lobbying group came out with a statement staunchly opposing the initiative and misrepresenting what it stands for.

Thank you for your comment, I guess?

Video Games Europe, an EU lobbying group comprised of gaming publishers, reacted sharply to the growing Stop Killing Games Initiative, which is on the path to being actually considered by the European Union. Though that will take some time to officially be processed, we can already assess that gamers want changes and wish to see the products they've paid for accessible and usable. Video Games Europe, on the other hand, sharply rejects that notion.

"The decision to discontinue online services is multi-faceted, never taken lightly and must be an option for companies when an online experience is no longer commercially viable," the group said in its statement, adding that though it is disappointing, players are duly notified of any such decisions. It's good not to be kept in the dark, for sure, but players still want to use the products they've paid for.

The group went the extra mile in its statement to completely misrepresent what the initiative is actually about.

"Many titles are designed from the ground-up to be online-only; in effect, these proposals would curtail developer choice by making these video games prohibitively expensive to create," the group stated, as if the Initiative, or anyone else for that matter, was asking that games are kept online officially in perpetuity.

All it takes is for developers to institute a proper end-of-life for their products, allowing players to do with these games whatever they desire, which is precisely what the initiative is going for.

cars driving in the crew
The Crew started this whole mess. The game already had an offline single-player mode that is now inaccessible after its servers were killed. Image via Ubisoft

We have heard this before

This stance reflects the same argument perpetuated by content creator PirateSoftware, who, as a developer, actively opposed the initiative from the get-go. Many accused him of killing the campaign in the crib, or at least slowing down its progress, misrepresenting what it's actually about. He, like the group, seemed to have thought that the initiative was asking for perpetual official online server maintenance for live-service games, which is not the case.

On the other hand, Video Games Europe also believes that games that are allowed to continue after servers are dead somehow leave rights holders liable, as the developers cannot moderate self-hosted, dedicated, private, and other types of servers.

"Private servers are not always a viable alternative option for players as the protections we put in place to secure players' data, remove illegal content, and combat unsafe community content would not exist and would leave rights holders liable," the statement reads.

This would be true perhaps in some other universe, where games like Counter-Strike (basically all of them), old Call of Duty titles, and MMOs, alive and dead, do not exist. All of these, and many more, have had countless private servers, self-hosted and dedicated communities long after official support had ceased, and at no point endangered rights holders because they are not liable for others' actions.

This sharp reaction and misrepresentation of the initiative, alongside these nonsensical and illogical reasons, almost proves the merit of Stop Killing Games by itself. Even if it fails to elicit a change in law, it managed to prove the level of dedication and desire for change in the gaming community, which is sure to lead to better consumer rights and protections that will turn games into actual products and not mere licenses to be taken away at a whim.

The post If gaming publishing lobbyists are rallying against Stop Killing Games, then it must be doing something right appeared first on Destructoid.


Gaming Instincts – Next-Generation of Video Game Journalism Sunday, July 6, 2025 5:25 PM

Gaming Instincts – Next-Generation of Video Game Journalism Sunday, July 6, 2025 4:52 PM
    

Shows more narrative details.

The post Silent Hill f Opening Revealed appeared first on Gaming Instincts - Next-Generation of Video Game Journalism.


Gaming Instincts – Next-Generation of Video Game Journalism Sunday, July 6, 2025 4:20 PM

MonsterVine Sunday, July 6, 2025 3:00 PM
     HoYoverse is turning up the heat with Zenless Zone Zero's latest update, "The Impending Crash of Waves," arriving July 16 across all platforms. The Version 2.1 update introduces two new summer-themed regions, fresh Agents from the quirky Spook Shack faction, stylish seasonal outfits, and a full slate of beachside activities for players looking to vibe—or […]

MonsterVine Sunday, July 6, 2025 2:00 PM
     A rare and ethereal phenomenon arrives in Infinity Nikki as Version 1.7, titled Blue Tears Season, launches from July 8 to July 29. This evocative new chapter transports players to the glowing meadows of Breezy Meadow, where a tide of mysterious light stirs long-buried memories and tragic tales. According to local folklore, the Blue Tears—waves […]