ARC Raiders has sold more than 17 million units worldwide, according to Nexon's November 10, 2026 financial results. The milestone marks another major commercial achievement for Embark Studios' multiplayer extraction shooter, with Nexon specifically crediting the October 8 Frozen Trail update for bringing lapsed players back and generating additional sales. The announcement also offers a useful look at the game's business outlook: despite continued unit sales, Nexon expects fourth-quarter revenue to remain broadly flat compared with the previous quarter.

The distinction matters. More copies sold do not automatically translate into proportionally higher quarterly revenue, particularly when discounts and the timing of digital-content revenue recognition are involved. Nexon's latest report provides both a sales milestone and a clearer explanation of what may shape ARC Raiders' performance heading into the end of 2026.

ARC Raiders Sales Growth: From 4 Million to More Than 17 Million

Since launching on October 30, 2025, ARC Raiders has built a substantial global audience across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC through Steam and the Epic Games Store. Nexon's latest report puts cumulative sales above 17 million units, up from the four-million milestone announced shortly after launch.

The earlier milestones show how quickly the game expanded during its first year. Its sales growth was especially rapid in the months following release, before the pace became more gradual as the game moved further beyond its launch window.

These figures come from Nexon's public announcements and financial disclosures. The January figure is worth noting: Nexon's January 13 announcement specified more than 12.4 million units, rather than exactly 12 million. Its August financial update later reported 16.3 million cumulative sales during Q2, adding useful context to the earlier 16-million milestone.

The latest figure represents more than a strong launch followed by a short sales spike. ARC Raiders continued adding buyers months after release, and Nexon's October update announcement indicates that new content remains an important part of that commercial momentum.

Frozen Trail Helped Bring Lapsed Players Back

Nexon directly linked the latest sales performance to Frozen Trail, which Embark released on October 8, 2026. The publisher describes it as the largest update since the game's 2025 launch and says it successfully re-engaged lapsed players while driving additional unit sales.

The update gives returning players several substantial reasons to revisit the Rust Belt. Its headline addition is Pendola Pass, a new map that expands the playable environment beyond the areas players already knew. Frozen Trail also adds new ARC threats, weapons, gadgets, map conditions, and progression features.

Among the additions are the Bantam and Stiletto weapons, the Grappling Hook, new tether-based gadgets, and the Outpost system. The update also introduces changes to the skill tree and new ways to develop a Raider over time. These features matter commercially because they provide more than a temporary login incentive: a new location, equipment options, and progression goals can give both returning and active players reasons to spend more time in the game.

For players looking into ARC Raiders items, the update also expands the range of equipment and gadgets worth exploring. New weapons and utility tools can change how Raiders approach traversal, combat, and looting, although the sales milestone itself does not reveal which individual additions had the greatest effect on purchases.

The timing is significant. Frozen Trail arrived just over a year after launch, showing how a major content release can support a premium game's sales beyond its initial release period. However, Nexon's report does not provide a precise breakdown of how many of the additional units were directly attributable to the update.

Why 17 Million Sales Do Not Mean Revenue Will Keep Rising

Alongside the sales announcement, Nexon outlined a more measured revenue forecast. ARC Raiders' third-quarter revenue came within the company's expectations. For the fourth quarter of 2026, Nexon expects revenue to be broadly flat sequentially, while declining year over year against the game's launch quarter in 2025.

Nexon identified several factors behind that outlook:

• Promotional discounts: Lower selling prices reduce average revenue per unit, even when more copies are sold.
• Revenue recognition timing: Nexon expects less revenue to be recognized from earlier deferrals and more revenue to be deferred into future periods.
• Additional unit sales: Continued purchases are expected to support the quarter.
• Premium content: The Premium Reward Pass and Collector Set DLC package are also expected to contribute.

This explains why unit sales and quarterly revenue should not be treated as interchangeable performance indicators. A game can sell more copies while generating less revenue per unit because of discounts. In addition, the timing of when revenue is recognized can affect the reported results for a particular quarter, even when players have already made purchases.

The Premium Reward Pass is part of Frozen Trail's updated progression structure. Embark describes Reward Passes as a system in which players complete Feats to unlock rewards, including outfits, cosmetics, gadgets, weapons, items, and Raider Tokens. The Collector Set DLC also provides access to the Frozen Trail Premium Reward Pass, alongside its own cosmetic and bonus content.

For players, these details indicate that Embark's post-launch strategy combines major free gameplay updates with optional premium content. Nexon's outlook suggests that both continued game sales and purchases tied to Frozen Trail will remain relevant to the game's financial performance.

What the Milestone Means for ARC Raiders' Future

The 17-million sales milestone strengthens ARC Raiders' position as one of Nexon's most successful recent releases. It also demonstrates the importance of post-launch support for an extraction shooter, where new maps, enemies, equipment, and progression systems can help maintain interest after the initial launch audience has already purchased the game.

Nexon has not suggested that sales will continue accelerating at the same pace seen during the first months after release. In fact, its fourth-quarter outlook points to a more normalized performance following Frozen Trail's strong October reception. During the November 10 earnings presentation, Nexon also indicated that it sees value in delivering major updates regularly to sustain the core audience and attract additional buyers.

For ARC Raiders players, the immediate takeaway is that Frozen Trail has become an important part of the game's first-year story. The update brought a new map, fresh threats, equipment, and progression options, while Nexon says it helped turn renewed interest into additional sales. Whether future updates can maintain that momentum will depend on the quality and consistency of Embark's ongoing support.

For now, ARC Raiders has crossed 17 million sales, and its next challenge is turning that large audience into a durable player community beyond its first year.

The Cronen Osprey is one of the fastest-firing assault rifles in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4, making it a strong option for players who want to win mid-range gunfights with a high volume of fire. However, its rapid fire rate also makes recoil management important, particularly when engaging targets at longer distances. The best Cronen Osprey loadout for MW4 Multiplayer focuses on improving damage range, bullet velocity, and aiming stability without making the rifle feel unnecessarily slow.

The recommended build uses the FSS IS300 muzzle, IO-556 TAC 18-inch barrel, and FSS TAC90 Grip, supported by attachments that help maintain responsive aiming. Below is the complete setup, including perks, equipment, and Killstreaks.

Best Cronen Osprey Loadout in MW4 Multiplayer

The Cronen Osprey is a Season 1 assault rifle available through the Battle Pass. Activision lists it as a 5.56mm weapon with an 882 RPM fire rate, a 30-round magazine, and 90 reserve rounds. Its high rate of fire gives it strong damage potential, but players need to manage its upward and rightward recoil to maintain accuracy during sustained shooting.

For Multiplayer, this build prioritizes range and consistency while retaining enough handling speed to respond to enemies during objective fights.

This combination follows the Multiplayer setup recommended by Dot Esports.

Why These Attachments Work

The FSS IS300 and IO-556 TAC 18-inch barrel are the foundation of the build. Both support longer-range engagements by improving bullet velocity and damage range. Faster bullets reduce the amount of travel time players need to account for when tracking moving opponents, while the range bonuses help the rifle remain effective beyond close quarters.

The FSS TAC90 Grip has a different purpose. Its listed benefits focus on ADS idle sway and gun bob rather than directly increasing every recoil-control stat. That distinction matters: a weapon can feel less stable while aiming even when its conventional recoil pattern is manageable. Reducing unwanted movement can make it easier to keep the sight aligned with a target, especially when repositioning or holding an angle.

The final two attachments help offset the handling cost of a range-focused build. The SA LAZ-500 improves ADS speed, while the Cronen Shear-56 supports faster aiming and sprint-to-fire transitions. These additions matter in standard Multiplayer, where players often need to react quickly after moving between lanes or entering an objective area.

This is a balanced setup rather than a pure recoil build. If you prefer holding long sightlines, you may value stability more than quick handling. For aggressive objective play, keeping the laser and rear grip is useful because they help the rifle remain responsive.

Best Cronen Osprey Class Setup in MW4

Attachments are only part of a Multiplayer loadout. The right perks and equipment can help the Cronen Osprey perform more consistently across different maps and match types.

Ghost and Ninja are useful for players who prefer rotating around the map without drawing unnecessary attention. This complements a rifle that can handle mid-range engagements, letting you reposition before challenging opponents rather than repeatedly taking the same predictable angle.

Scavenger is particularly relevant to the Cronen Osprey's high fire rate. A fast-firing weapon can consume ammunition quickly during extended fights, especially when players fire multiple bursts at distant targets. Scavenger helps replenish ammunition from defeated enemies, reducing the need to rely entirely on reserve ammo.

The Concussion Grenade and Semtex provide two different ways to create an opening. Use the Concussion Grenade to disrupt an opponent before pushing, while Semtex can pressure enemies using cover or contesting an objective. Portable Radar adds information around your position, making it useful when holding a location or anticipating an incoming attack.

Recommended Killstreaks

• UAV: Helps reveal enemy positions and gives your team information before a push.
• Counter-UAV: Disrupts enemy radar and can make coordinated movement more difficult for the opposing team.
• Attack Helicopter: Adds sustained aerial pressure and can punish opponents who remain exposed.

This combination balances information gathering, disruption, and offensive pressure. If you regularly play objective modes, the UAV information can be especially useful when deciding whether to hold a lane or rotate toward another objective.

Practice the Cronen Osprey Before Competitive Matches

Getting comfortable with the Cronen Osprey takes more than choosing the right attachments. Its high fire rate can make sustained fire difficult to control, especially when engaging enemies at longer distances. Spend some time practicing recoil patterns, target tracking, and burst firing before taking the weapon into more competitive matches.

Players looking for a lower-pressure practice environment may also come across searches for CoD MW4 bot lobbies. Regardless of the practice mode, focus on learning how the weapon behaves at different ranges and adjusting your aim to compensate for its upward and rightward recoil.

How to Unlock the Cronen Osprey in Modern Warfare 4

The Cronen Osprey is part of the Modern Warfare 4 Season 1 Battle Pass. Activision lists the base weapon as a Tier 16 reward, while a separate blueprint is available at Tier 87. The rifle has 70 weapon levels, giving players additional progression after unlocking it.

The base weapon is the important unlock for this guide. You do not need the Tier 87 blueprint to use the recommended attachments, although some attachments require weapon progression before they become available. If you have only just unlocked the rifle, start with the attachments already accessible and work toward the full build as you level it.

Activision also identifies the Cronen Osprey as one of Season 1's fastest-firing assault rifles. Its official weapon description highlights the upward and rightward recoil, and specifically recommends burst firing and attachments that improve vertical recoil control. It also suggests considering a larger magazine if the standard ammunition capacity feels restrictive.

That advice is worth keeping in mind when adapting the recommended setup. The five-attachment build above emphasizes range and handling, but it does not include an extended magazine. Players who frequently take on multiple opponents may prefer to exchange one handling attachment for a larger magazine, depending on the available Gunsmith options and their unlocked weapon levels.

Is the Cronen Osprey Better for Mid-Range or Long-Range Fights?

The Cronen Osprey's high fire rate makes it appealing in mid-range engagements, where players can take advantage of its rapid damage output without needing to control recoil across extreme distances. The recommended attachments extend its practical reach, but they do not eliminate the need to manage its recoil.

For longer sightlines, avoid treating the rifle like a precision weapon. Shorter bursts can help keep shots on target, particularly when engaging opponents near the edge of its effective range. This approach also reflects Activision's own guidance for the weapon.

There is no single attachment combination that will suit every map. Close-quarters layouts reward faster aiming and sprint-to-fire speed, while open maps make bullet velocity and damage range more valuable. Treat the recommended build as a starting point, then adjust one attachment at a time based on where you are losing gunfights.

Final Verdict: A Balanced Cronen Osprey Build for Multiplayer

The best Cronen Osprey loadout in MW4 Multiplayer is built around making the rifle more dependable at mid-to-long range without sacrificing too much handling speed. The FSS IS300, IO-556 TAC 18-inch barrel, and FSS TAC90 Grip form the core of the setup, while the SA LAZ-500 and Cronen Shear-56 help maintain responsiveness.

The weapon's 882 RPM fire rate is a major strength, but it also makes ammunition management and recoil control important. Use controlled bursts at longer distances, consider a larger magazine if you regularly fight multiple enemies, and adjust the setup to match the map.

For players who have recently unlocked the Season 1 Battle Pass rifle, this build offers a practical starting point for Multiplayer. It takes advantage of the Cronen Osprey's fast firing speed while addressing the stability and range challenges that can make sustained fire less reliable.

Path of Exile 3.30: Covens of Umbra is set to change how players prepare maps, select league mechanics, and approach endgame currency farming. Grinding Gear Games is removing Scarabs and replacing them with Threads of Creation, while rebuilding the Atlas passive tree and adjusting several existing league mechanics. For players who rely on efficient mapping to generate PoE currency, the biggest change is a shift away from the familiar Scarab-based setup toward a system that combines targeted mechanic selection with greater investment in map difficulty.

The expansion launches on November 13, 2026 (PST), across available platforms. Although GGG has confirmed the main direction of the endgame rework, some detailed numbers and interactions remain subject to the full 3.30 patch notes, which the developer has scheduled for November 11 (NZT).

Scarabs Are Out, and Threads of Creation Take Their Place

The removal of Scarabs is the most immediate change for experienced map farmers. In previous leagues, players used Scarabs to add encounters, increase rewards, or specialize maps around particular mechanics. Path of Exile 3.30 replaces that system with Threads of Creation, which are placed directly into the Map Device.

GGG has confirmed that Threads apply a chosen league mechanic to an area while increasing the rarity and difficulty of its monsters. Spending additional Threads also improves the chance of powerful random effects augmenting that mechanic. This means map investment is becoming more directly tied to the content players choose to run and the additional difficulty they are willing to accept.

For currency farmers, this changes the preparation process. Instead of simply comparing Scarab combinations and their market costs, players will need to evaluate which mechanics deserve their Threads and whether the additional difficulty is justified by the expected rewards.

The exact profitability of each setup cannot be established before players have access to the new system and reliable drop data. However, the design clearly gives players a more direct way to invest in selected encounters.

The Redesigned Atlas Tree Changes Long-Term Farming Plans

The Atlas passive tree is also receiving a complete layout overhaul. GGG says the refreshed tree includes dozens of new wheels, stats, and effects, including features that were previously available through Scarabs.

This is important because the removal of Scarabs does not simply eliminate an item-based mapping system. Some of their former functions are moving into Atlas progression, changing how players build specialized farming strategies.

A player who wants to focus on one league mechanic may need to approach Atlas progression differently from someone who prefers flexible mapping. The value of individual passive clusters will depend on how their effects interact with Threads and the available map content.

It also means older Atlas farming guides should not automatically be treated as reliable 3.30 recommendations. Even when a familiar mechanic remains available, its investment requirements and relationship with other systems may have changed.

Shaped Regions Offer an Alternative to Thread Investment

Another important change is the introduction of shaped regions on the Atlas. These regions guarantee a specific league mechanic in maps within the relevant area without requiring players to spend a Thread.

GGG's FAQ also clarifies that players cannot run a map in a shaped region while avoiding its guaranteed mechanic. However, after running that map, the mechanic's influence retreats from that map, allowing players to move away from an unwanted encounter over time.

This creates two different approaches to mechanic selection: use Threads to choose and strengthen content, or take advantage of shaped regions for guaranteed encounters without spending those resources.

For players managing their mapping budgets, that distinction could become an important part of early-league progression.

Existing League Mechanics Are Being Reworked

The Atlas changes are not limited to Scarabs and passive nodes. GGG has also confirmed adjustments to several established endgame mechanics.

These changes matter because a farming strategy is only as useful as the encounters it can consistently support. A mechanic that previously required a separate setup may now interact with the new Atlas structure in a different way.

However, players should avoid assuming that every old farming combination will remain equally profitable. The announcement confirms broad mechanic changes, but it does not provide enough information to calculate reliable currency-per-hour comparisons yet.

Loot Changes Could Reshape Currency Farming Priorities

GGG has described the 3.30 loot update as a fundamental change to how items drop in Path of Exile. That makes it another major factor for players planning their early-league economy.

One particularly important clarification concerns Item Rarity on player gear. In its official Covens of Umbra FAQ, GGG states that rarity from player equipment will not affect currency items dropped by enemies. Instead, rarity from non-player-gear sources, such as map modifiers and monster modifiers, can affect those drops.

This distinction matters for players deciding whether to sacrifice combat performance for additional Item Rarity. If the primary goal is currency farming, stacking rarity on equipment should not be treated as a way to increase currency drops.

The new Threads system also connects encounter investment with monster difficulty and rarity. Combined with the wider loot rework, this suggests that players will need to evaluate both map modifiers and the mechanics they choose to empower.

Still, there is not enough confirmed information to establish a new best currency strategy. Claims about exact Divine Orb increases, guaranteed returns, or specific currency-per-map results should wait for official patch details and actual league data.

What Players Should Prepare Before Covens of Umbra

The safest preparation is to understand the new system rather than commit to an unverified farming build.

• Review your Atlas plans: The passive tree is being rebuilt, so existing 3.29 strategies may no longer translate directly.
• Learn the Threads system: Map preparation will revolve around selecting mechanics and deciding how much difficulty to add.
• Compare shaped regions and Threads: Guaranteed regional encounters may help preserve resources during early progression.
• Avoid relying on old rarity assumptions: Player gear Item Rarity does not increase currency drops, according to GGG's clarification.
• Wait for updated farming data: The most profitable combinations will need to be evaluated after the expansion launches.

For players focused on PoE currency farming, the central question in 3.30 will no longer be simply which Scarabs provide the best value. It will be how to combine Atlas progression, Threads of Creation, and map difficulty into a sustainable strategy.

Covens of Umbra introduces a different framework for endgame mapping, but the most efficient approach will only become clear once the full patch notes and real league results are available.

Winning objective-based matches in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 requires more than a powerful weapon. Hardpoint rewards aggressive players who can clear contested areas and hold rotating objectives, while Domination demands a balance of map control, defensive positioning, and quick rotations.

Choosing the right weapon setup can make a noticeable difference in both modes. SMGs are valuable when fighting inside crowded objectives, while assault rifles offer more flexibility when controlling longer sightlines. Some weapons also benefit from specific attachment combinations that improve ADS speed, recoil control, or magazine capacity.

Here are four CoD MW4 loadouts worth considering for Hardpoint and Domination, including setups for the ISO Nightshade, Axion, M4, and Hyeon Burst.

Best Hardpoint Loadouts in CoD MW4

Hardpoint matches often revolve around close-range engagements. Players need to enter contested areas, eliminate defenders, and stay alive long enough to secure objective time.

An SMG is a natural choice for this role, but an assault rifle can be equally useful when the Hardpoint is positioned in an area with longer firing lanes.

1. ISO Nightshade – Best SMG for Aggressive Hardpoint Play

The ISO Nightshade is a strong choice for players who prefer aggressive Hardpoint rotations. Its mobility and close-range handling make it suitable for pushing into contested objectives, clearing rooms, and challenging enemies around corners.

Recommended ISO Nightshade Loadout

This setup focuses on faster aiming and responsive close-range handling. No Stock supports a more mobile playstyle, while the 40 Round Mag provides additional ammunition when multiple opponents are defending the same objective.

The ISO Nightshade also received improvements in the Season 1 weapon update. Its maximum damage range increased from 10.54m to 11.68m, while its minimum damage increased from 13 to 14. These adjustments give the weapon a little more flexibility beyond extremely close engagements.

For equipment and perks, consider:

• Field Upgrade: Trophy System
• Perks: Quick Fix and Battle Hardened
• Additional Perk Option: Ninja

A Trophy System can help protect a contested Hardpoint from incoming projectiles. Quick Fix supports sustained objective fights, while Ninja is useful when approaching an enemy-held position without drawing as much attention.

2. Axion – Best Assault Rifle for Hardpoint

The Axion is a practical alternative for players who want to support their team from medium range rather than constantly entering close-quarters fights.

Its Season 1 adjustments improved its medium damage range from 34.8m to 38.61m. Muzzle velocity also increased from 415m/s to 470m/s, making it a more appealing option for controlling longer lanes around objective areas.

Recommended Axion Loadout

The main goal of this build is to improve aiming speed without sacrificing too much control. Players who frequently fight at medium range can prioritize recoil management, while those who prefer faster engagements can focus on ADS speed.

An optic is also worth considering if you regularly challenge enemies across open lanes. If most of your fights happen near the Hardpoint, keeping the iron sights can leave more room for mobility-focused attachments.

Recommended perks include Quick Fix and Battle Hardened. Blood Rush or Fast Hands can provide additional utility depending on your preferred pace.

Best Domination Loadouts in CoD MW4

Domination is less focused on a single rotating objective. Teams must capture and defend multiple flags while preventing opponents from controlling important routes across the map.

A flexible assault rifle is particularly useful here because players often move between close-range flag fights and medium-range defensive positions.

1. M4 – Best All-Rounder for Domination

The M4 is a reliable option for players who want one weapon that can handle different situations. It offers a balanced approach to attacking flags, defending captured positions, and fighting opponents around common routes.

Recommended M4 Loadout

This configuration focuses on keeping the M4 versatile. The FTAC Dominion and FSS Fireline Grip support weapon control, while the ZLR attachments help shape its handling.

For players who frequently encounter several enemies near a flag or choke point, the 45 Round Mag is a useful option. If you prefer clearer target acquisition at medium range, an optic may be a better choice.

The M4 can also be configured around its Apex attachment for a more SMG-oriented approach. Keep in mind that weapon conversions can introduce attachment restrictions, so check the Gunsmith compatibility before finalizing the build.

For perks, Quick Fix and Battle Hardened remain useful choices. Blood Rush and Fast Hands are worth considering if you frequently rotate between objectives or need to react quickly after engagements.

2. Hyeon Burst – A Precision Option for Domination

The Hyeon Burst is better suited to players who are comfortable controlling burst-fire weapons. It can be effective when defending flags or challenging enemies across medium-range sightlines, but it requires more deliberate aiming than a conventional automatic rifle.

Recommended Hyeon Burst Loadout

The Hyeon Hyperburst Apex Attachment changes the weapon's firing behavior, giving players a rapid opening burst before transitioning into automatic fire. This can make it more flexible in certain engagements, although it still requires good target tracking and positioning.

Players who struggle with recoil can replace the X-Vector 799 Grip with the FSS Fireline Grip. This sacrifices some handling preference in exchange for a setup that may feel easier to control.

Season 1 also changed the Hyeon Burst's damage profile. Its standard medium damage increased from 24 to 25, while the Hyperburst Apex configuration received a more substantial adjustment: maximum damage decreased from 30 to 23, but maximum damage range increased from 24.64m to 30.99m. Its minimum damage also dropped from 25 to 20.

This makes weapon selection and engagement distance especially important. Avoid relying on the Hyeon Burst in every close-range situation, particularly when facing opponents using faster-firing SMGs.

Hardpoint vs. Domination: Which Loadout Should You Use?

The best weapon depends on how you approach each objective. Hardpoint generally favors mobility and close-range pressure, while Domination benefits from weapons that can cover multiple engagement distances.

If you prefer to lead pushes and clear enemies from contested areas, start with the ISO Nightshade. Players who want to hold positions and support teammates from a distance may find the Axion more comfortable.

For Domination, the M4 is the most flexible starting point. The Hyeon Burst is a more specialized option for players who are confident with burst-fire weapons.

CoD MW4 Bot Lobbies: Practicing Your Loadouts

Players searching for CoD MW4 bot lobbies may be looking for a lower-pressure environment to practice weapon handling, test attachment combinations, or improve their aim before entering competitive multiplayer matches.

Private matches can provide a way to experiment with different setups and become familiar with weapon behavior. However, players should check the available match settings and progression rules rather than assuming that every private match counts toward weapon challenges, unlocks, or XP.

It is also important to distinguish private matches from third-party lobby-shopping software. Activision's Season 1 notes identify Warzone Agent as unauthorized software that allows users to assess lobby skill levels and avoid more competitive matches. The publisher states that using it violates the Terms of Use and can result in restrictions on multiplayer access.

Players should avoid unauthorized matchmaking tools and use legitimate in-game options when practicing their loadouts.

Final Thoughts

The best CoD MW4 loadout for Hardpoint or Domination depends on your preferred role and the distances at which you usually fight.

The ISO Nightshade is a strong option for aggressive Hardpoint players, while the Axion provides better flexibility for medium-range engagements. In Domination, the M4 offers a dependable all-round setup, and the Hyeon Burst rewards players who prefer more deliberate, precision-focused combat.

Weapon balance can change with future updates, so it is worth revisiting attachment choices after major patches. Start with the setup that matches your playstyle, then adjust recoil control, ADS speed, and magazine capacity based on the maps and engagements you encounter most often.

World of Warcraft: Forever has achieved the biggest launch in World of Warcraft history by peak concurrent players, according to Blizzard Entertainment. The new version also brought back more returning players than any previous WoW launch, setting two major records just days after going live on November 4, 2026.

The announcement suggests that Blizzard's attempt to combine the appeal of old-school Azeroth with selected modern features has resonated with both returning veterans and new players. However, the company has not revealed exact player counts or subscription figures, so the scale of the achievement remains unquantified.

WoW Forever Breaks Two Major World of Warcraft Records

Blizzard shared the record announcement through its official World of Warcraft social media account on November 7. The company highlighted two achievements:

• Biggest launch in WoW history by peak concurrent players.
• Highest number of returning players in WoW history.

These claims cover the franchise's launch history, rather than simply comparing Forever with another version of WoW currently available. That makes the announcement particularly significant for a game series that has operated for more than two decades.

The returning-player record is especially relevant. World of Warcraft has gone through numerous expansions, Classic releases, and changes to its core gameplay over the years. Attracting players who previously left the game suggests that Forever has found an appealing reason for veterans to revisit Azeroth.

There is, however, an important limitation to the announcement. Blizzard did not publish a peak concurrent player figure, the total number of returning players, or a comparison showing how far Forever surpassed previous launches. The company also no longer regularly discloses World of Warcraft subscriber totals.

As a result, the records confirm Blizzard's reported ranking, but they do not establish the exact size of the game's current audience.

Why WoW Forever Is Attracting Returning Players

One possible explanation is its position between WoW Classic and modern World of Warcraft.

Forever revisits the original continents of Azeroth and takes players through a level 1–60 journey. However, it is not simply a reproduction of the original 2004 game. Blizzard describes it as a separate, permanent home alongside modern WoW and Classic, with new stories, expanded zones, quests, and ongoing development planned.

The game also offers presentation and convenience options that make the experience more flexible.

These options allow players to choose how closely they want their experience to resemble traditional WoW. Someone looking for a more familiar presentation can select Classic settings, while players who prefer updated visuals and interface conveniences can use Enhanced settings.

Controller support also makes the game more accessible to players who prefer gamepad controls. Together, these choices help explain how Forever can appeal to different generations of WoW players without abandoning its focus on the original world.

A New Permanent Version, Not Just Another Classic Server

Another important distinction is Blizzard's stated long-term plan.

WoW Forever is not being presented as a temporary event or seasonal mode. Blizzard has described it as a permanent version of the game that will continue receiving new experiences and content based on player feedback.

The initial launch is only the beginning of that roadmap. Blizzard has already confirmed that new raids are scheduled to unlock on December 9, followed by additional raids, dungeons, PvP updates, world content, more quests, and Hardcore gameplay.

The roadmap also includes a revamped iconic raid, suggesting that Blizzard intends to expand the experience beyond its initial launch content.

This ongoing support could be important for retaining the players who have returned. A strong launch demonstrates initial interest, but regular content updates and a healthy community will determine whether that interest lasts.

What the Record Launch Means for WoW's Future

Forever's performance gives Blizzard a strong early signal that there is still considerable interest in a slower, world-focused version of World of Warcraft.

The appeal may come from more than nostalgia. Its combination of familiar locations, new quests, visual options, and modern control support gives returning players a reason to explore Azeroth again without requiring them to approach the game in exactly the same way as they did in 2004.

That does not necessarily mean modern WoW or Classic will lose their audiences. Forever exists alongside both versions, giving players another way to experience the franchise rather than forcing everyone into a single direction.

The more important test will be whether Blizzard can maintain the momentum after launch. The December 9 raid release will be an early opportunity to see how the community responds to the next stage of the roadmap.

WoW Forever Gold and the Returning Player Economy

A large influx of returning players can also affect the in-game economy. More characters progressing through Azeroth may increase activity around gathering professions, crafting materials, equipment, and Auction House trading.

For players researching WoW Forever gold, it is worth remembering that gold remains part of normal gameplay and resource management—not a shortcut that guarantees faster progression. Returning players may need time to relearn profession choices, item values, and the economy of this separate version.

Can WoW Forever Maintain Its Record-Breaking Momentum?

WoW Forever has already achieved two major launch records, but Blizzard's announcement is an early measure of interest rather than proof of long-term success.

The absence of public player and subscriber figures makes it difficult to evaluate the size of the achievement independently. Still, the combination of record concurrent-player numbers and record returning-player numbers indicates that the new version has reached an audience Blizzard wanted to bring back.

The next challenge is keeping those players engaged. With additional raids, dungeons, PvP updates, and world content planned, Blizzard has outlined a path for Forever to grow beyond its launch.

For a franchise approaching its 22nd anniversary, the response suggests that there is still room for a new interpretation of Azeroth—provided the studio continues giving players reasons to stay.

A team led by streamer JokerD has become the first group to reach level 60 in World of Warcraft: Forever, achieving the milestone less than three days after launch. However, the achievement comes with an unusual problem: the first level 60 players must wait until December 9, 2026, before the game's initial raids become available.

While most players are unlikely to reach the level cap so quickly, the result raises an interesting question about WoW Forever's progression: what should players do after reaching level 60 when the first major endgame activities are still weeks away?

Team JokerD Wins the Race to Level 60

According to Wowhead, five characters from Team JokerD reached level 60 together after approximately 52 hours.

The group's success relied on coordinated leveling rather than ordinary quest progression. Its reported strategy involved gathering large groups of enemies and eliminating them with area-of-effect abilities. A Paladin helped gather enemies, while Mage characters used Arcane Explosion to deal damage to multiple targets.

Keeping all five characters close in experience was another challenge. The team needed to coordinate its progress carefully so that everyone could reach the level cap together.

This achievement is particularly notable because JokerD previously became the first player to reach level 60 in the original World of Warcraft Classic in 2019. Guinness World Records documents that earlier milestone, making the new result another significant moment in WoW leveling history.

However, the team's approximately 52-hour run should not be treated as a normal leveling target. It reflects specialized group coordination and an optimized approach to gaining experience.

How Undead Cannibalize Helps With Mana Recovery

One ability that can support efficient leveling in WoW Forever is the Undead racial ability Cannibalize.

Blizzard changed the ability so that it restores both Health and Mana when used on eligible Humanoid or Undead corpses. This gives Mana-dependent classes, including Mages, Warlocks, Paladins, and Priests, an additional way to recover resources between encounters.

The change can reduce downtime during extended leveling sessions, especially when players are fighting several enemies in succession.

Still, Cannibalize has limitations. Players need a suitable corpse nearby, and the ability has a cooldown. It is a useful recovery tool, not unlimited Mana regeneration.

The world-first result also depended on much more than this racial ability. Team composition, enemy pulls, area-of-effect damage, and careful coordination all contributed to the group's success.

The First Raids Open on December 9

Reaching level 60 does not mean players can immediately enter the first raid tier. Blizzard's published schedule lists December 9, 2026, as the opening date for three initial raids:

• Barrow Deeps
• Hyjal Summit
• Onyxia's Lair

This leaves early level 60 players with several weeks to prepare before the first raids become available.

Fortunately, reaching the level cap does not mean all meaningful progression has ended. Players can continue running dungeons, improving their equipment, and learning their class responsibilities.

Blizzard has also introduced nine new five-player dungeons covering level ranges from 13 to 60, giving players additional group content to explore before the raid openings.

Starting Another Character Could Be Worthwhile

Blizzard has emphasized that leveling multiple characters is part of the intended WoW Forever experience.

Principal game designer Kris Zierhut discussed the importance of leveling and encouraged players to experience different characters and progression routes.

For players who reach level 60 early, starting another character may therefore be a reasonable option. A different class or race can provide a fresh experience, while an alternate leveling route allows players to explore quests and areas they may have skipped during their first run.

Players preparing for raids can also use the waiting period to improve their equipment, practice class mechanics, and find reliable teammates.

WoW Forever gold management is another part of character preparation. 

Anyone considering an external gold-related service should also review Blizzard's current policies and understand the potential account risks before proceeding.

A World First Does Not Mean Everyone Needs to Rush

Team JokerD's achievement is an impressive start for WoW Forever, but it does not mean ordinary players need to reach level 60 as quickly as possible.

The game places considerable emphasis on exploration, social interaction, and character development. Speedrunning is one way to experience its progression systems, but it is not the only approach.

With the first raids scheduled for December 9, players have time to complete dungeons, prepare their characters, develop alternate characters, and build relationships with potential raid teammates.

Ultimately, the first level 60 achievement is an exciting milestone, but WoW Forever's longer-term appeal will depend on whether players continue to find meaningful reasons to explore Azeroth after reaching the level cap.

Attention all MLB The Show 26 fans! Are you ready for the new Legend, Miguel Cabrera? Let's take a look at the exciting new content that the developers have announced.

This includes a new Legend, and The Mexico City Series Event, Event Program, and Conquest Map will bring us a whole new and more diverse gaming experience this weekend.

And don't miss the April Spotlight Program & Pack – Drop 4, which will bring a whole new batch of season-reactive player cards. You're sure to find player cards that interest you here. They look incredibly appealing, so let me introduce them to you.

Legends and Flashbacks Collection

Miguel Cabrera makes a spectacular debut in MLB 26. Start playing now and stack up your Legends and Flashbacks cards!

Once you collect 12 cards, you can exchange them for Miguel Cabrera, LF, MIA (95 OVR), Awards Series. Then, when you collect 21 cards, exchange them for Miguel Cabrera, 3B, DET (99 OVR), Milestone Series.

Based on player feedback, if you want to unlock 99 Miguel Cabrera cards as quickly as possible, don't focus on just one mode. Players who unlock it fast have chosen a strategy of progressing through all stages. What you need to do is accumulate enough exchange tickets across various events, tournaments, and modes simultaneously, ensuring you don't get bogged down in any one stage. This will make your collection process much easier.

Mexico City Series Events and Programs

Ready to head to Mexico City this weekend and experience the immersive MLB's Mexico City Series in MLB 26? Use your MLB 26 Players to participate and earn more rewards in Mexico City, including Mexico City Series Michael King, SP, SD (92 OVR) and Lourdes Gurriel Jr., LF, AZ (92 OVR).

Also, there's a Deluxe Choice Pack that lets you choose from four options: Jackie Robinson Deluxe Pack, Candy Basket Deluxe Pack, New Threads Deluxe Pack, or World Baseball Classic Deluxe Pack. Get ready to make your choice!

Mexico City Series Conquest Map

Want to win even more Packs, XP, and MLB 26 Players? You can earn extra rewards through various gameplay modes in the upcoming Mexico City Series Map. You might enjoy turning your opponent's fans into your own, attacking territory already occupied by your opponent, or consolidating your own territory and having your fans dominate the map.

And that's not all! According to the developers, after experiencing various gameplay modes and achieving your objectives, you may also receive Ramon Laureano, LF, SD (91 OVR) and Zac Gallen, SP, AZ (91 OVR), as well as another Deluxe Choice Pack, meaning even more and better player cards will join your ranks.

April Spotlight Program

You definitely don't want to miss out on these rewards, with more MLB 26 Players coming soon. As the real-world MLB season progresses, exciting performances and thrilling moments from real-world games will continuously be transformed into new player cards, adding to your gameplay and becoming selectable player cards.

You can find your favorite rewards in this April Spotlight Program – Drop 4, including Mike Trout, CF, LAA (92 OVR), a top pick among the rewards. Also included are Brandon Valenzuela, C, TOR (90 OVR) and Parker Messick, SP, CLE (90 OVR).

April Spotlight Pack

Of course, you can always choose to obtain April Spotlight player cards through other means. Prepare enough MLB The Show 26 stubs and head to The Show Shop, where you'll find the packs that interest you.

Chase Pack 7

Opening Chase Pack 7 will guarantee you a Diamond player card and a chance to win Awards Series Craig Biggio, a 5-time Silver Slugger Award winner and Hall of Famer.

How to get Chase Pack 7? Every time you get The Show 50-Pack Bundle, you'll receive a Chase Pack 7 in the 2nd Inning XP Reward Path Wheel. And, as good news, with recent changes, you now have more new missions to give you opportunities and pathways to earn rewards.

Golden Ticket Returns in 2026

This week's official announcement revealed that Golden Ticket event has begun and continue until the end of the year. You'll have numerous chances to win prizes throughout the season.

Simply register to receive a Scouting Report Pack each month for more MLB 26 players, and a ticket that will automatically enter you into the monthly prize draw.

According to the developers, the odds of winning will triple in 2026 due to the increased scale of the event, which will also triple the number of winners each month. Tickets will be issued to every Scouting Report subscriber, and the longer your subscription, the more tickets you accumulate, increasing your chances of winning.

More chances to win, more prizes, and more players await you. Check your inbox at the beginning of each month to see if you've become one of the lucky winners. Prizes include a large number of MLB The Show 26 Stubs, as well as packs, T-shirts, and even autographed items. And it changes every month.

ARC Raiders Riven Tides update will officially launch on April 28th, and is expected to be the largest update to the extraction shooter since its release last October. The official website released more information about this update today. This update includes a new map, some new gameplay content, a new enemy type, and a rewarding short-term event.

In short, Riven Tides update is expected to bring a huge content update, and both the map design and combat look very well done so far. Next, let’s take a look at the specific content of this ARC Raiders update released by the official website.

New Map: Riven Tides

The new map shares the same name as this update and is set in Rust Belt. The official website emphasizes that each location has its own unique story, but after the update goes live, players will directly enter Riven Tides map.

This coastal map has been abandoned by settlers multiple times, meaning players will explore abandoned areas such as Exodus Port or Panorama Azzurro resort, offering a completely different atmosphere from other Arc Raiders maps. The specific details have already been covered, so we won’t go into too much detail here.

New Enemy: ARC Turbine

This update introduces a powerful flying ARC. These robots appear harmless while floating above Rust Belt, but once attacked, they will engage your team in fierce combat.

Due to their defensive attributes, they are arguably one of the most difficult enemies introduced so far. A completely new challenge for Raiders, requiring players to possess superior skills, patience, and a calm, collected mind.

New Minor Map Condition: Beachcombing

ARC Raiders also introduces Beachcombing map condition. Players can use Dockmaster’s Detector to scan the beaches of the coastline, but must pry the loot out of the sand themselves. Depending on their skill and luck, ARC Raiders Items they may find will vary. A word of caution: the richest treasures are often found in the most open areas.

New Event: Last Resort

Last Resort event will run from launch until May 25th. Players will earn Merit points by playing on any map. Earn Merit points to unlock rewards. In addition, to obtain even more rewards, search for miniature Ship Models scattered throughout the world. Different Ship Models offer different amounts of Merit depending on their rarity.

Once you accumulate enough Merit points, you can unlock rewards including a Junior Outfit, a Hydrographer backpack, a Hose attachment, a Brass Faucet charm, new emotes, and 250 Raider Tokens.

New Project: Avian Alarm

This is a five-stage ARC Raiders project. Players will build a simple birdcage as a safety system to detect vibrations and atmospheric changes. Then, they will need to deploy the cage at buoys along Riven Tides coastline to capture birds.

After completing all the instructions, you will receive rewards, including Dockmaster’s Detector (the key to unlocking Beachcombing), Gel Patches, Bird House backpack attachment, Fist In Air emote, and 250 Raider Tokens.

New Items: Crash Mat and Powersd Descender

Rust Belt region has never been an easy place to survive. Resources are limited, conflicts are constant, and the competition for survival is extremely fierce. Gathering supplies here is very dangerous, and getting from one location to another is never easy.

Especially when the first location is hundreds of feet in the air and the second location is on hard, slippery ground, it becomes even more difficult. Crash Mat and Powersd Descender are two pieces of fall protection gear that can greatly protect you. With them, as long as you stay focused and agile during the game, your chances of survival will increase significantly.

New Cosmetics

ARC Raiders Riven Tides update will bring us a series of brand new Cosmetics, with two sets available on launch day, the 28th. The first set is Solare Set, a woven fabric base with layered, ceremonial garments, perfectly suited for those who see sunrises as a ritual.

The second set is Rachetta Set, a departure from the previous understated style, opting for bold colors and dynamic cuts, better suited for riders who rely on speed rather than stealth.

In addition, three more sets will be released in May: Corsaro Set, Castaway Set, and Sandveil Set. Corsaro Set is suitable for riders who frequently venture into the deep sea, equipped with a robotic arm and spring-loaded legs. Castaway Set is designed for lone wolves who prefer self-reliance, making it elusive and unpredictable.

Finally, Corsaro Set is designed for long treks through dust and heat, possessing a calm and collected demeanor. This update currently includes five new Outfits, each with a distinct style; there’s sure to be one that suits you.

That concludes this article about ARC Raiders Riven Tides update. These substantial updates are more likely to draw players back than any other update so far this year. Let’s look forward to April 28th and hope Blizzard lives up to the players’ long-awaited expectations.

Diablo 4: Lord of Hatred is launching soon, bringing with it a major overhaul to the endgame system.

Every class will receive an entirely new skill tree, while new additions such as Charms and Runes will introduce brand-new power systems.

In the following sections, I will outline the strongest builds for Lord of Hatred expansion's most powerful class - Warlock - as well as the highly anticipated Paladin. I will analyze all available information to the best of my ability and offer reasonable speculation.

Warlock

Warlock is expected to be the most powerful class in the expansion. In the pre-release build, Warlock was the only class capable of clearing Torment 12 difficulty and defeating major bosses such as Baal, making it an excellent choice for farming lucrative loot and Diablo 4 Gold.

Dread Claws Warlock

Dread Claws skill allows Warlock to launch shadowy claws in various directions. Within Warlock's skill tree, there is a passive upgrade that directly doubles the damage output of Dread Claws. Adjacent to this is another skill node; if Dread Claws lands as a first strike or is cast while Warlock is in a Stealth state, its damage receives a massive boost. Stealth, of course, is a tactical advantage at which Warlock excels.

Even more interestingly, Cascading Dread passive causes the skill to launch additional waves of claws with every cast. Through the skill tree alone, the damage of each individual wave can be further increased by 30%. With such high damage multipliers - especially when combined with skills like Litany of Sable - you can significantly amplify the overall damage output of Dread Claws .

However, the effectiveness of this entire strategy hinges on the reliable application of Vulnerable status effect. This is made possible by Profane Sentinel skill, which summons a powerful demon minion that generates a beam of energy capable of applying Vulnerable debuff. Furthermore, a simple upgrade to Profane Sentinel allows Warlock's lower-tier demon minions to apply Vulnerable effect as well.

We anticipate that this specific combination of skills and upgrades will be extremely popular. It is a battle-tested build capable of handling almost every challenge in Lord of Hatred - at the very least, it is guaranteed to clear Torment 12 - and since all the necessary skills are located directly within the skill tree, the leveling process promises to be exceptionally smooth.

Hell Fracture Warlock

Another viable strategy centers on building the character around Hell Fracture skill, which causes the ground to split open and erupt with flames. The effect persists for 15 seconds, and recasting the skill allows you to trigger two explosive detonations. The key highlight of this skill is its synergy with a specific Unique item. Spine of Tathamet can increase the level of Hell Fracture; it also doubles Hell Fracture's damage output and causes the skill to trigger three separate rifts every third cast. By combining this concept with Ritualist Soul Shard, you can unleash overwhelming power. Alternatively, you might opt ​​for a Shard that deals Echoing damage by consuming Hex stacks, or perhaps Scorching Shard, which focuses on stacking Volatility. Your specific choice will ultimately depend on your practical experience during actual gameplay.

Rampage Warlock

Rampage is a skill that summons more powerful demons. The damage it deals has a chance to trigger Eviscerate, inflicting Bleed damage. However, we noticed that the skill tooltip currently displays a weapon damage multiplier approaching 1300%,and this applies to just a single rank of the skill. Clearly, the damage potential of Rampage Warlock could be even higher. While this specific numerical value might not make it into the final release version, we will certainly be keeping a close eye on it.

Elite Eviscerate upgrade grants Rampage a 100% chance to apply Eviscerate to any Elite enemy that has not yet been affected by it. Furthermore, Shockwave upgrade causes every attack performed by Rampage to fire a secondary shockwave forward, thereby providing you with additional opportunities to trigger Abyss effects. However, since summoning these demons consumes a significant amount of Dominance, playing this build effectively requires a certain degree of resource management skill.

So, as of now, we have identified three logically sound Warlock builds; all of them possess immense damage potential and offer distinct playstyles.

Paladin

Next, let's discuss another highly anticipated class: Paladin. This holy juggernaut truly stands in a league of its own, boasting an array of top-tier builds to choose from - such as Blessed Hammer, Oidan, and Arbiter builds, which focuses on maximizing Wing Strike damage output. These builds perform exceptionally well and are widely considered being among the absolute best configurations of the current season.

Among them, Shield of Retribution Paladin stands out as the most dominant. By combining Thorn Pulsing with Shield Throw, this build allows you to reflect incoming damage while applying massive multipliers to your Thorns damage - the power level is simply absurd. Given this overwhelming strength, the development team has, quite naturally, implemented nerfs specifically targeting this build.

Specifically, the unique shield Ward of White Dove has undergone adjustments. This item previously provided a direct boost to shield damage output, with its maximum value reaching as high as 177%. Now, however, its cap has been lowered to 77% - undoubtedly a significant nerf.

Additionally, some changes have occurred within the skill tree. Thorns and Thistles node appears to have been either removed or weakened. This node previously offered a passive effect that provided an additional bonus to Thorns damage.

It is entirely reasonable for the development team to nerf overpowered builds; their goal is to encourage Paladin players to experiment with and experience a wider variety of build playstyles. Nevertheless, Paladin still possesses immense potential for constructing top-tier builds - particularly when tackling high-difficulty endgame content such as The Pit. So, what constitutes the most optimal overall choice at this moment?

The answer lies in Paladin's ability - via the newly introduced Charms system - to activate an incredibly potent set bonus. For any build utilizing Disciple skills, assembling Light's Epiphany set allows you to instantly trigger all of your Ultimates simultaneously the moment you activate Arbiter form.

This synergistic effect yields yet another benefit: for the duration of Arbiter form, the damage dealt by all Disciple skills receives a massive boost of up to 500%. This occurs because the system classifies Ultimates you triggered as falling under Disciple skills category.

Consequently, when constructing many of the game's top-tier builds, one should fully leverage this core mechanic.

Paladin's premier build remains Blessed Hammer. You can designate Blessed Hammer as a Disciple skill to activate the aforementioned set bonus, while supplementing it with other utility skills similarly designated as Disciple skills. For instance, designating Condemn and Falling Star as Disciple skills allows you to further empower them via Familiar Auras and Consecration. Subsequently, by selecting Disciple as your core passive skill, you can maximize your damage output by maintaining Arbiter form for as long as possible.

From a technical standpoint, there is indeed one related nerf affecting Blessed Hammer builds. This concerns the unique ring, Argent Fail. It previously allowed your core skills to deal an additional 40% to 60% damage, thereby significantly amplifying the potency of your Hammer skills. However, this bonus has now been reduced to a range of 5% to 15 - undoubtedly a significant nerf.

In exchange, however, you gain access to an incredibly powerful set of Charms that can boost the damage of your Disciple skills by up to 500%. This means your Blessed Hammer skill receives a massive buff, largely offsetting the negative impact of the aforementioned nerf.

With its brand-new skill trees, Charm and Rune systems, and more, Diablo 4: Lord of Hatred brings unprecedented depth and possibilities to class builds. Warlock is, of course, your top choice. As for Paladin - despite having undergone nerfs - new Charm system introduces entirely fresh gameplay mechanics, ensuring it remains firmly entrenched among the ranks of top-tier builds.

One of the biggest leaks in ARC Raiders has surfaced: Riven Tides Update goes live on April 28th. Several exciting and significant updates are coming soon, some of which will be game-changing.

These new additions include brand-new maps and map states, two new weapons, and a new guild system. This content may be included in Riven Tides.

Below is a summary of the key information uncovered so far.

New Maps

Riven Tides

Riven Tides update next Tuesday will feature new maps including Harbour, Container Yard, Hotel, Logistics, Riverbed, Seabed, Wave Breaker Compound, Tennis Court, Hotel Complex, and Crane House. This gives us a deeper understanding of Riven Tides and may even reveal some Points of Interest (POIs) that will determine the future scale of maps.

Frozen Trail

Interestingly, another map also appears in the list, named Frozen Trail. This map lists several Points of Interest (POIs), including Central Station, Factory, Loading Platform, Observatory, Radio Tower, Rail yard, Supermarket, and Village. Based on these POIs, we can infer the size of Frozen Trail.

Map Conditions

Toxic Swamp

We actually saw a toxic swamp in the demo a few months ago, though described, it never actually implemented. This map condition is said to be caused by a geothermal fissure erupting beneath the swamp, releasing toxic gases and rare natural resources.

Acid Rain

But what really interests me is Acid Rain. It's said that a particularly acidic rain corrodes everything on the surface, harming any raiders outdoors. If you look closely at the striped tidal zones on the route map, you'll find a new map. A new large ARC area is about to appear, along with a new map condition whose icon looks like a thunderstorm, so this might be related to acid rain. Perhaps, we'll have to wait and see.

Heat Wave

Besides this, we also saw Heat Wave map status, described as: A scorching sun has been beating down on everything and everyone, making it exhausting just to get around. Stay in the shadows if you can. Therefore, it should be similar to Acid Rain, requiring us to find cover.

The Queens

This map status indicates that multiple Queens have been spotted in this area, but there don't seem to be any Harvesters nearby. So this will also be a rather crazy map status. PVE era for Queens may be arriving.

Repair Extraction

This map status indicates that most extraction points are damaged and need repair before they can be used. Including Delayed Departures and Tube Disruptions, we can speculate that raiders must repair these facilities to ensure a safe return, or hold out long enough for the backup system to activate. Therefore, this is indeed a very interesting gameplay element, where players must repair extraction points, whether it's hatches, elevators, or trains.

ARC OPERATION: Dead Reckoning

Besides this, we also discovered a Big Map condition called ARC OPERATION: Dead Reckoning. In this operation, a Frigate based on UFO that appeared in Hurricane event will travel along a specific route on the map, which players can board. And its route is quite long.

This is interesting because the official description explicitly mentions that it comes from Hurricane, but we previously speculated that Vaporizer might also originate from Hurricane. This new gameplay might bring us even more surprises.

Weapons

Two weapons are coming soon: Stanza and Malleus. Stanza appears to be another submachine gun using medium ammunition, while Malleus is clearly another heavy assault rifle. You can think of it as a Bettina, but not quite. I'm curious how these two guns will ultimately be integrated into the game. If Malleus does join Bettina's ranks, then we'll have two heavy ammunition rifles.

New T4 Augments

Raider Mk. 4 (Safekeeper) and Raider Mk. 4 (Revival) are coming soon, both sharing the same names as existing Mark III augmentations. Therefore, they are likely improvements on existing features.

For example, Safekeeper allows you to store ARC Raiders Items in your safe pocket. If you're about to die, you can put both weapons in the safe pocket to avoid losing them. Revival appears to be a self-reviving update of this augmentation. This truly provides a completely unique gameplay loop.

Clan System

This appears to be a brand new progression system where players can work together to level up. Clan rank increases are achieved by completing daily clan contracts. Newbies are members who have completed 0 to 30 clan contracts. Challengers are members who have completed 30 to 50 clan contracts. Pros are members who have completed 50 or more clan contracts. Therefore, this adds a separate progression system, and each update may offer additional rewards, which I think is fantastic.

Speranza Updates

In the shadowy Speranza, you'll be able to trade with other raiders. This is really interesting, as players have been hoping for walkable public areas similar to those in other games, and there are even two trading posts under construction.

This is a direct, one-to-one trading market within the game. This is significant for the game's economic system, and we're very much looking forward to seeing how it works.

Upcoming Gadgets

• Banjo: A playable banjo used to attract ARC's attention and impress other Raiders.
• Cowbell: A playable cowbell used to attract ARC's attention and impress other Raiders.
• Accordion: A playable accordion used to attract ARC's attention and impress other Raiders.
• Harmonica: A playable harmonica used to attract ARC's attention and impress other Raiders.
• Slide Guitar: A playable slide guitar used to attract ARC's attention and impress other Raiders.
• Tambourine: A playable tambourine drum used to attract ARC's attention and impress other Raiders.
• UDU: A playable UDU instrument used to attract ARC's attention and impress other Raiders.
• Bongo: A playable bongo drum used to attract ARC's attention and impress other Raiders.

New maps, new statuses, new weapons, and new systems greatly enhance the playability of ARC Raiders, and I hope to experience these fun new gameplay elements in Riven Tides.

As we all know, Monopoly Go activates Boost Events at specific times each day to increase your Dice roll payout. So what boost events are coming up on April 24th (Eastern Time)?

According to the latest official information, the upcoming Boost Events are Rent Frenzy, High Roller, Sticker Boom, and Wheel Boost. The earliest start time is 10:00 AM, and the latest is 8:00 PM.

Boost Events only need to start within their designated time, but their duration is very short. Except for Color Wheel Boost, which lasts 20 minutes, the other three events only last 10 minutes.

Therefore, you need to familiarize yourself with the gameplay of these four events and how to maximize their benefits.

Rent Frenzy

Rent Frenzy starts at 10:00 AM and lasts for ten minutes. Each time it activates, multiple rent targets will appear on the board - the squares with other players' portraits.

Each time you pass over or land on one of these targets, the other player has to pay. The income depends on the upgrades to your properties; the higher the building's level, the higher the rent collected per instance.

This is the core reward of the event. With more rent collection points on the board, each trigger brings a stable cash income. However, it won't appear as a reward in track races or Tournaments; it will only appear as a Boost Event, so you need to wait for it to appear.

Implementation Strategy

Pre-planning: Don't wait until the event starts to upgrade! The rent amount is directly determined by the level of your buildings.

Even if a low-level building triggers 100 times, the income may not be as high as a few times with a high-level building. Therefore, before the event starts, prioritize filling your high-value buildings (especially landmarks) to their maximum level.

Precise positioning: It's not recommended to keep 10x or 100x on throughout the event, as the risk is too high. The golden rule is to increase the multiplier when you are only a few steps away from the rent collection target (player portrait); and immediately switch back to x1 when you are surrounded by safe tiles or opponent's buildings.

Triple Bonus: If Rent Frenzy and High Roller happen to coincide on a given day, then taking advantage of this time to use the high multiplier of High Roller to target Rent Frenzy can yield substantial profits per roll. If possible, you can also do this during Prize Drop or Peg-E to triple your rent collection earnings.

High Roller

High Roller starts at 11:00 AM EST on the 24th and lasts for ten minutes. During its activation, your dice multiplier cap will increase from the usual x100 to x1,000 - meaning a single roll can consume up to 1,000 Monopoly Go Dice, with profits multiplied by x1000. This isn't free power; indiscriminate use can quickly deplete your accumulated dice.

Before using, you can clarify your goals. There are three strategies to choose from: combine with Fairytale Shut Down for high multiplier gains, focus on late-game sticker sets (Sets 22-23) to create a resource cycle, and maximize your reward cap through Fairytale Heist.

Implementation Strategy

• Only increase the multiplier when there is a railroad within 6, 7, or 8 squares.
• Only advance safely when dead board zones drop to x1 or x5, accurately estimating the landing point from a distance.
• Manual dice rolling is strongly recommended. Observe the board layout before each move.
• Prepare enough dice ,at least 2,000 or more.before activating High Roller to avoid being forced out of the game due to insufficient reserves.
• Stop immediately after obtaining high multipliers to prevent subsequent losses from wiping out existing gains.
• Adhere to the principle of holding onto x1 dead board zones and switching to high multipliers before railroads.

Sticker Boom

Sticker Boom starts at 1 PM and lasts for ten minutes. Once activated, any sticker pack you open in Monopoly Go will grant you extra stickers and a higher chance of drawing rare stickers. This event doesn't directly give you stickers; instead, it amplifies the benefits of your existing sticker packs.

Orange and pink sticker packs offer the biggest boost during Sticker Boom, with an increase of 67%, while other sticker packs offer 50%.

Implementation Strategy

Pre-emotive Pack Accumulation: This includes all unopened sticker packs, the 700-star Vault, 250-star/500-star Vaults, Enchanted Storybooks, and weekly Quick Wins purple packs.

Precise Activation: When Sticker Boom is activated, prioritize opening the 700-star Vault, swap packs, and Enchanted Storybooks, and open all accumulated sticker packs in the order of purple → blue → pink → orange → green. If it overlaps with Wheel Boost, spin the wheel to earn more sticker packs before opening them.

Event End: Immediately participate in Golden Blitz sticker trade and prioritize completing Sets 22-23 of Ever After Album to create a positive cycle with the next Sticker Boom triggered by it.

Wheel Boost

Wheel Boost starts at 8 PM and lasts for 20 minutes.Spinning twice during Boost grants two chances to approach it, significantly increasing your chances of obtaining high-value sticker packs.

Implementation Strategy

• Pre-lock Color Group: Before Wheel Boost begins, prioritize upgrading at least one or two color groups to hotels and keeping them ready to trigger, while also accumulating sufficient cash.
• Intensive Push: After activating Wheel Boost at 8 PM, use medium multipliers to intensively land on hotel tiles. Each trigger grants two consecutive Wheel spins. At this time, Sticker Boom is active all day, granting 50% more stickers across all sticker packs;
• Stacked Boosts: Combined with the additional boost cycle triggered by late-game sticker sets in Monopoly Go Ever After Album (such as Sets 22-23), and the increased rewards from Aladdin Racers main story progression.

A single event can achieve multiple stacks of Color Wheel Boost + Sticker Boom + Season Missions + Main Stony Point, resulting in significantly higher efficiency than usual.

By combining the four Boost Events and following the strategy above, you won't be overwhelmed even if they are activated simultaneously.

You can't wait for next week's update of Arc Raiders' new map, Riven Tides!

A few days ago, players received a scout report. As mentioned above, he found an old first wave refuge along the coast, where now only the remains of buildings and unknown enemies remain.

Just recently, Embark released a trailer that was only ten seconds long. It was very short, but it contained a lot of information.

Although all players are eager to know more information about Riven Tides, all we can see so far are trailers and some fragmentary clues. Maybe we can get more information during the live broadcast on the 23rd.

From the existing clues, we have been able to outline the general situation of Riven Tides. For example, we can roughly divide Riven Tides into three areas: a Hotel, a beachfront resort, and an industrial harbor.

Next, let me take you to uncover the mystery of Riven Tides.

Panorama Azzurro Hotel

At the very beginning of the trailer, we can see a Raider scout approaching a hotel called Panorama Azzurro. In the film, this hotel looks a bit eerie, as if it is telling the story of a tragic battle in the past.

As the first scene in the trailer, we have reason to believe that it will play an important role in the upcoming update of Arc Raiders, Riven Tides.

From the outside, the hotel looks abandoned for so long that it has a lot of tangled tropical plants and weeds growing around it. The hotel's architecture features many vertical window columns and appears to be as high as five stories.

Next, the trailer shows off some of the interior areas of the hotel, which proves that the hotel is accessible. We can see that there are overgrown weeds inside the hotel, again suggesting that the hotel has been abandoned for a long time.

The interior of the hotel is dilapidated, part of the ceiling has collapsed, the steel bars are exposed, and you can see the sky directly outside. This also means the hotel can be entered and exited directly through the collapsed ceiling.

It was also mentioned in another scout report that they were not sure whether the stairs would suddenly collapse, which I think is a hint that "the stairs must collapse suddenly." So, we must be careful when stepping on the stairs.

It is worth noting that in another trailer, we can see a key marked with the number 204 hidden on the in-game clue board, and next to it, there is a key marked with the number 9

It can be guessed that there are two key rooms hidden in Panorama Azzurro Hotel, and there are good things hidden in them. So the question left to the player is: how to find these two keys and two rooms.

By then, these rooms will definitely be filled with players, and the most interesting thing about ARC Raiders is that you don't know whether the players around you are enemies or friends. So, make sure you bring powerful enough ARC Raiders items; you will need this even to explore new maps.

beachfront resort

Although the trailer does not directly show the area outside the hotel, we can make a simple guess based on the existing scout report.

It can be seen from the report that Beachfront Resort not only has a hillside swimming pool with a water slide, a seaside bar, sun loungers, but also a beach tennis court.

In the scout report, Raider scout couldn't help but stay here longer than expected, imagining at the bar and sun loungers how people in the past celebrated something while enjoying the sunset on the coast.

This is very interesting. Even if the people who took refuge here faced threats to their lives, they did not give up entertainment. Does this mean that we who enter Beachfront Resort can also enjoy these entertainments now?

Will these water slides, sun loungers, and tennis courts become a pastime for players after fighting, or will they be another battlefield? Or both? It's hard to imagine that there's room for relaxation in Arc Raiders, which has such a heavy backstory.

Industrial harbor

The scout report also mentioned that there is an Industrial harbor in Riven Tides that was once an Exodus port.

Different from the relaxed and pleasant atmosphere of Beachfront Resort, this place is full of cranes, containers, various equipment, broken steel wires hanging in the air, and building ruins.

However, this place is bound to become your favorite: a lot of vertical buildings, large objects used to cover the body, any shooting game enthusiast will be familiar with this scene.

So, get your ARC Raiders Items ready - like ziplines, grappling hooks, and ranged attack weapons - and enjoy the battle to come.

Dynamic water level condition

This is pure speculation with no basis in fact at this time, but it's very interesting. The scout report once mentioned that regarding Riven Tides, there is a story about "seeping from the cliff and flowing along the dry riverbed into the sea", and the tides continue to bring this story back to people.

Therefore, there is such speculation in the player community: Perhaps Riven Tides is not just a name, but also means that this map will really change like a tide, constantly and regularly, such as it has a dynamic water level condition.

We already know that a new Map Condition will be updated next, and at the same time, new gameplay related to water may appear. Perhaps the new Map Condition will be related to tides.

Of course, this is just a wild guess, and it's very possible that we're just overthinking it. But if there is a dynamic water level condition, collecting supplies may become a time-limited task. Players need to explore the hotel and collect enough supplies before the water rises.

Are you looking forward to this mysterious map that will soon reveal its true face? April 28th is sure to be an exciting day.