Helldivers 2 has introduced a new enemy faction, the Illuminate, in a surprise free update called Omens of Tyranny. This update not only brings back the blue aquatic aliens but also introduces The Voteless, a new threat resulting from mind-controlled Helldivers. Players can now engage in urban combat with new tools like the Fast Recon Vehicle. The update also includes gameplay improvements such as the ability to rejoin matches after crashes, weapon buffs, and enhanced armor. Additionally, a Helldivers 2-themed DualSense controller will be available for purchase starting December 20.
Fortnite Battle Royale Chapter 6 Season 1: 鬼 HUNTERS introduces players to a new island filled with demons and mystical energy. Players can become ronin demon hunters, exploring new locations like Warrior’s Watch and Seaport City, and using new weapons and abilities such as the Typhoon Blade and Sprite Boons. The season features new movement mechanics, a Simple Edit building option, and a 鬼 HUNTERS Battle Pass with exclusive outfits, including Godzilla. The season runs until February 21, 2024.
Fortnite Chapter 6 will reintroduce hitscan weapons, replacing the bullet drop mechanics that characterized Chapter 5. This change, confirmed by Fortnite's official ANZ account, has been met with excitement from players who prefer the straightforward shooting style of hitscan guns. The new chapter, launching on December 1, will also feature an updated map, parkour abilities, and the introduction of Godzilla. While many players celebrate the return of hitscan, some express disappointment, preferring the challenge of bullet drop mechanics.
Warhammer 40K: Space Marine 2 has introduced long-awaited lens customization options in its latest Patch 5.0, allowing players to choose from fifteen Citadel Paints colors for their custom marines' eyes. This update, alongside new armor pieces and a new enemy type, enhances the game's customization features, although some content is locked behind DLC. Saber Interactive continues to support the game, which has a player base of five million, with future updates including a horde mode and an animated sequel.
The first DLC expansion for Star Wars Outlaws, titled Wild Card, is now available, offering players four new Xbox achievements. The expansion involves a mission on a casino cruiser called the Morenia, featuring a high-stakes Sabacc tournament and an encounter with Lando Calrissian. The DLC is included in the Season Pass or can be purchased separately, and it takes about three hours to complete, offering a total of 200 Gamerscore. Additionally, a major update has been released, removing most instant-fail stealth sections and enhancing combat.
The latest update for Star Wars Outlaws removes forced stealth mechanics, allowing players more freedom to choose between stealth and combat. This change addresses player feedback about restrictive gameplay and inconsistent detection mechanics. While the update has been positively received for enhancing player choice, some players remain dissatisfied due to unresolved graphics issues on PlayStation 5 Pro and the addition of NPC detection indicators. The game, which launched to mixed reviews, is now seen as improving towards the polish expected at release.
Ubisoft has announced the removal of forced stealth sections from most quest objectives in Star Wars Outlaws, allowing players more freedom in how they approach missions. The update, part of Title Update 1.4.0, means players can now choose between stealth, combat, or a mix of both, enhancing player agency and choice. This change addresses frustrations with the previous stealth mechanics, allowing for a more flexible gameplay experience.
Destiny 2's upcoming Episode Revenant Act 2, launching on November 19, 2024, will introduce significant buffs to roaming Supers, exotic armor updates, and weapon changes. Roaming Supers will gain 3x more energy and deal 30-55% more damage against PvE enemies. Exotic armor like Point-Contact Canon Brace and Raiden Flux will see damage increases, while weapons such as Telesto and Breech Grenade Launchers receive PvE buffs. These changes aim to revitalize underused abilities and gear in the game.
Blizzard is offering a free "Welcome Back" booster for Diablo 4 players, allowing them to level a character to 50, choose from three builds per class, and unlock all Altars of Lilith. This boost is available for characters on the Eternal realms and aims to help players adjust to changes from recent updates. Players with the base game get one boost, while those with the Vessel of Hatred expansion receive two. A free trial featuring the new Spiritborn class is also coming soon.
No Man's Sky has introduced a long-awaited cloud save feature, allowing players to transfer their game progress across multiple platforms, including PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, PC, and VR systems. This update, which includes a new Cross-Save Manager, is part of a series of enhancements for the game, including a visual upgrade and the return of Mass Effect's SSV Normandy SR1. The feature aims to provide seamless gameplay continuity, despite the complexity of implementing such a system for a game with a long history.
Hello Games has released a new update for No Man's Sky, introducing cross-save functionality across multiple platforms, including PlayStation, Xbox, PC, and Nintendo Switch. This feature allows players to transfer their game progress between different systems, although it is initially available to a limited number of users. Additionally, the game now supports enhanced features for the PS5 Pro, offering 4K resolution at 60fps and 8K at 30fps. These updates, along with the return of the SSV Normandy SR-1 ship for N7 Day, are free for all players.
Diablo 3's Season 30, titled The Lords of Hell, is set to launch on January 12, featuring the return of the Soul Shards system from Season 25. Players can collect and upgrade these shards to gain powers of the Prime and Lesser Evils. A patch update (2.7.7) will precede the season, making Rites of Sanctuary and Visions of Enmity permanent features. While the season doesn't introduce completely new content, it offers cosmetic rewards and continues to support the game's community ahead of Diablo 4's release.
Escape From Tarkov has released a significant update (0.14.0.0) featuring a new map called Ground Zero, tailored for new players (levels 1-20), and introducing a vaulting system, detailed hitboxes with subdivided body areas, and a new armor system with 37 ballistic plates. The update aims to enhance realism with these features, including quieter vaulting when walking compared to sprinting, and also includes other changes like a new boss, improved weapon handling, and more realistic weapon recoil.
