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Way and nuc receive warnings over LEC anticsDot Esports

Way and nuc receive warnings over LEC antics

Image via Riot Games with Alexandre Weber and Michał Konkol Category: Banter backfires. | Published: Sep 1, 2026 05:04 pm Riot Games has issued official warnings to Team Heretics support Han “Way” Gil and Shifters midlaner Ilias “nuc” Bizriken following their behavior during the final week of the LEC Summer split 2026. The incident came during the August 28 meeting between Heretics and Shifters, two teams at opposite ends of the stakes heading into the closing stretch. Shifters had already been eliminated, while Heretics were fighting to keep their slim playoff hopes alive. The series ended in a 2-0 victory for Shifters. Riot classified the players’ behavior as “unbecoming conduct of a LEC player.” Neither Way nor nuc has been fined, with both players receiving a warning instead. The warnings are set to remain active for one year, expiring on August 30, 2027. The match quickly became one of the more entertaining moments of the final regular-season week. With Shifters already out of playoff contention, the team played with a visibly relaxed attitude, while the Heretics were still battling for a place in the postseason. The interaction between the players went beyond the usual in-game banter. Some of the behavior, including obscene gestures, circulated widely on social media and ultimately resulted in the developer taking disciplinary action against Way and nuc. While the exact individual actions that led to each warning have not been publicly detailed by the developer, it can be seen that Way had banter with his opponents. The warnings are relatively light compared with some of Riot’s other disciplinary actions this season. The developer’s broader disciplinary framework describes warnings as cautionary penalties without additional sanctions, while stating that future offenses can lead to more serious consequences depending on their severity and a player’s history. For Way and nuc, this is particularly significant because neither had an existing warning. As a result, the incident has not resulted in a fine or competitive suspension. Despite finishing the Summer Split with a 1-8 record, the team became one of the most noticeable sides during the closing week because of how animated its players were on stage. Shifters players were regularly shouting after plays and interacting with opponents, turning their final matches into something closer to a spectacle than the subdued atmosphere normally associated with a struggling team. Jungler Théo “Sheo” Borile explained in an interview with Sheep Esports that the players were looking for ways to enjoy themselves after struggling to win. He said the shouting helped motivate the team and could even create momentum during games. Sheo also argued that the LEC could use more teams willing to bring that kind of energy to the stage. The timing of the warning is particularly interesting for nuc, who had already announced that he would step away from professional League following the Summer Split. Before the disciplinary news, nuc explained that he had started approaching his final games differently. Rather than treating every match purely as a career-defining competition, he wanted to make the experience more entertaining for himself and the audience. In comments following the final stretch of the season, nuc argued on X that professional players have an “entertainment” role and that combining competitive seriousness with more personality can make matches more enjoyable. That perspective has resonated with parts of the LEC community. Several figures criticized Riot’s decision, arguing that the league needs more personalities and spontaneous moments rather than fewer. Hooligans head coach Tim “Sh0x” Rücker was among those questioning whether the punishment went too far, while PCIFIC Esports assistant coach and analyst Zeus Mora Corredera similarly argued that the interactions were not intended as disrespect. This is not the first disciplinary controversy involving LEC teams and player behavior in 2026. Earlier this year, Movistar KOI and Karmine Corp were each fined €5,000 following a public dispute surrounding the Madrid Roadtrip. Movistar KOI midlaner Joseph “Jojopyun” Pyun was also fined €2,000 and received a warning over comments made during a broadcast. Riot’s approach is therefore consistent with its wider emphasis on maintaining professional standards around its competitions. Its Community Pact states that penalties can escalate based on both the seriousness of an offense and a player’s disciplinary history. For Way and nuc, however, the current punishment ends at a warning. Shifters’ final games showed how much personality can add to a broadcast, but Riot’s response also demonstrates that there remains a boundary between entertaining behavior and conduct the league considers inappropriate. With both players now carrying warnings, that line has become a little clearer. Dot Esports is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more about our Affiliate Policy

How to watch PlayStation State of Play September 2026Dot Esports

How to watch PlayStation State of Play September 2026

Image via PlayStation Category: PlayStation’s double feature. | Published: Sep 1, 2026 01:47 pm PlayStation is bringing back its highly anticipated State of Play on September 3, 2026, but this time, viewers will get two broadcasts back-to-back. The first presentation will focus on announcements and updates from PlayStation Studios and third-party developers, while a second State of Play Japan will put the spotlight on upcoming games from studios in Japan and across Asia. If you want to know the exact timing to catch the game’s announcements. Table of contentsPlayStation State of Play September 2026 start timeWhat to expect from PlayStation State of Play September 2026 PlayStation State of Play September 2026 start time The Sony State of Play begins on September 3 at 8:00 AM CT. The State of Play Japan presentation will follow immediately afterward. Here are the start times for the main show: RegionStart timePacific Time6:00 AM PTEastern Time9:00 AM ETUK2:00 PM BSTCentral Europe3:00 PM CESTIndia6:30 PM ISTJapan10:00 PM JST You can watch the presentations through PlayStation’s official YouTube channel or PlayStation’s official Twitch channel. PlayStation has confirmed that the regular State of Play will be presented in English. Gamers can watch the State of Play Japan will be presented in Japanese, with English subtitles. The two showcases are being presented as separate broadcasts, so viewers who are primarily interested in games from Japanese and Asian developers should stick around after the first presentation ends. What to expect from PlayStation State of Play September 2026 The September 2026 State of Play is set to cover games from PlayStation Studios and third-party partners around the world. Sony has not revealed a complete lineup, meaning much of the presentation remains under wraps ahead of the broadcast. However, PlayStation has confirmed at least one major segment. The presentation will conclude with an extended look at Final Fantasy VII Revelation, Square Enix’s upcoming RPG. The game is currently scheduled to launch on PS5 in Spring 2027, and its recent Gamescom trailer showcased the Weapons and offered a glimpse of Cloud and his companions traveling across the game’s world aboard the Highwind. The rest of the presentation remains a mystery, with several rumors already circulating online. One of the strongest possibilities is Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, Naughty Dog’s upcoming sci-fi adventure, which has not received a substantial update since its reveal at The Game Awards 2024. Recent reports have suggested that the game could make an appearance at the September State of Play, although Sony has not confirmed it. The second presentation could be particularly interesting for fans of Japanese games. State of Play Japan, hosted once again by voice actor Yuki Kaji, will feature deeper dives into upcoming games from developers in Japan and Asia. PlayStation says the show will include new gameplay, announcements, and additional information. Until then, much of the September State of Play remains under wraps, with PlayStation keeping details about the broader lineup close to the chest and players expecting a few surprises. Dot Esports is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more about our Affiliate Policy

Gen.G sweep KT Rolster 3-0 at LCK 2026 playoffs, book seventh straight Worlds tripDot Esports

Gen.G sweep KT Rolster 3-0 at LCK 2026 playoffs, book seventh straight Worlds trip

Category: A Canyon Elder steal, a four-man Syndra ult, and a 13,000-gold stomp later - Gen.G are going to Worlds for the seventh year running. | Published: Sep 1, 2026 07:40 am Gen.G Esports swept kt Rolster 3-0 on Sept. 1 in the Upper Bracket Round 2 of the 2026 LCK Playoffs, booking their spot at the 2026 World Championship in the process. The victory means that one of the most consistent streaks in Korean esports stays alive for another year, with Gen.G nailing an impressive seventh consecutive Worlds qualification. The series assumed a Bo5 Fearless Draft format – but, thanks to Gen.G’s dominance, it didn’t need a fourth game. True, KT controlled the early tempo in Game 1, securing four drakes and holding a slim gold lead for much of the map. Then, Canyon happened. Gen.G's jungler stole the Elder Dragon and the buff turned the tide instantly, letting Gen.G close out with a clean ace. ANOTHER ELDER STEAL for Canyon!!!GEN takes the clean ace and game 1! #LCK pic.twitter.com/ZfmCnvHSwL— LCK (@LCK) September 1, 2026 Game 2 and the road to the sweep The second map was messier. For whatever reason, KT suddenly looked a bit unsettled, with the game descending into a chaotic back-and-forth brawl. Gen.G dealt with the chaos better than their opponents, winning the teamfight for Dragon Soul and converting another ace on the spot to go 2-0. Two maps in and KT had no answers. How Game 3 ended it There were flickers of hope for KT in Game 3, with the org grabbing a level-two duo kill in the bottom lane onto Duro (Joo Min-gyu)'s Karma. Gen.G responded with a top-lane dive to kill PerfecT (Lee Seung-min)'s Gnar, and the kill score sat tied at 1-1 heading past the 17-minute mark. KT’s grip was tightened when they caught Kiin (Kim Gi-in)'s well-scaled Twisted Fate on the side lane, putting the brakes on Gen.G's split-push game. They caught Karma a second time, too, at which point it looked as though KT might finally stall the momentum. Then came the dragon pit. KT's jungler Cuzz (Moon Woo-chan), on Wukong, tried a bold initiation at the third dragon. His team's skill chain misfired and Gen.G punished it instantly. All four retreating KT members were caught by a single four-man Scatter the Weak from Chovy (Jeong Ji-hoon)'s Syndra. That one teamfight swung the global gold lead to more than 7,000. 25-minutes in, KT rolled the dice one last time, with Ruler (Park Jae-hyuk)'s Sivir in the side lane their prime target, only for Sivir to escape without so much as a mark on him. KT over-extended into enemy territory and were aced. Gen.G took Baron, charged the base, and a 13,000-gold deficit proved too large to overcome. A final ace sealed the sweep. Why this Worlds spot is different GEN Canyon 🇰🇷 gets a 9.7 from the community for his performance against KT pic.twitter.com/MGKVEMtczo— RFT.GG (@RFTGGlol) September 1, 2026 Gen.G would have come into this game with genuine nerves, having been overturned a few times in the past by KT Rolster. In 2024, KT Rolster were the only team to hand Gen.G a loss during an otherwise unblemished regular season. A year later, they defeated Gen.G to steal a Worlds seed before producing a huge shock to dump them out at the tournament's semifinals and reach their first-ever World Championship Grand Finals. Earlier this year, meanwhile, KT handed Gen.G an opening day loss, ending a long streak of opening-day wins for the org. Fortunately for Gen.G, the ghosts of the past didn’t haunt them this time around. Their roster was clinical in every game, Chovy's Syndra was the clearest individual highlight of the match, and they ultimately had too much for their bogey team. A run that keeps growing Seven consecutive Worlds appearances is a huge number that doesn’t need us or anyone else to embellish. It speaks for itself. Rosters have changed, patches have shifted the meta, and rivals have taken titles along the way but Gen.G have returned to the international stage every single year. For a league that has grown increasingly competitive, such consistency is all the more remarkable. The 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, where League of Legends returns as an official medal event, begins Sept. 29. The LCK Playoffs continue through early September, with Gen.G advancing to Upper Bracket Round 3 next. Dot Esports is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more about our Affiliate Policy

When is Black Ops 7 and Warzone Season 6? Release date, time, and what to expectDot Esports

When is Black Ops 7 and Warzone Season 6? Release date, time, and what to expect

Image via Activision Category: Make the most of the final BO7 season. | Published: Sep 1, 2026 06:09 am With the Modern Warfare 4 Beta wrapping up, Call of Duty players are already looking ahead to the next major update for Black Ops 7. BO7 and Warzone Season 6 is expected to launch on Sept. 17, 2026, and it’s projected to be the final big update before Activision fully shifts its focus to MW4. Here’s everything we know so far about the BO7 and Warzone Season 6 release date, launch time, and expected content. Quick Summary Black Ops 7 and Warzone Season 6 is expected to launch on Sept. 17 based on the Battle Pass timer. Preloads will be available a few days before the season launch. Leaks suggest that the final season could feature a Haunting-themed event. Table of contentsBO7 & Warzone Season 6 release date and exact time countdownWhat to expect in BO7 and Warzone Season 6FAQ BO7 & Warzone Season 6 release date and exact time countdown The last chapter is coming. Image via Activision Based on the in-game Battle Pass timer, Black Ops 7 and Warzone Season 6 is set to launch on Thursday, Sept. 17. Previous seasonal updates have followed the same rollout of 9am PT / 11am CT / 12pm ET / 5pm BST. If CoD follows that schedule again, Season 6 should go live on the following times for other regions: Brazil (BRT): 1pm Central European Summer Time (CEST): 6pm Gulf Standard Time (GST): 8pm India Standard Time (IST): 9:30pm China Standard Time (CST): 12am, Sept. 18 Japan Standard Time (JST): 1am, Sept. 18 Australian Eastern Daylight Time (AEST): 2am, Sept. 18 New Zealand Standard Time (NZST): 4am, Sept. 18 Here’s a countdown for you to know when the patch exactly drops: BO7 & Warzone Season 6 release date countdown Activision has yet to officially announce the release date and time, so these details should be treated as an expected schedule for now. We’ll update this section once the developer releases official details. Preloads for the BO7 and Warzone Season 6 update are expected to be available around Sept. 15. What to expect in BO7 and Warzone Season 6 Expect a shorter season. Image via Activision Season 6 is expected to act as the conclusion of BO7’s main content cycle, with Activision shifting its attention toward Modern Warfare 4. Leaks and previews suggest the final season could feature a Haunting-themed event, final camos, and content designed to close out some of the remaining additions planned for Black Ops 7. Season 6 should bring the usual Multiplayer content, potentially including new maps, modes, weapons, events, challenges, and a new but shortened Battle Pass. Given the season’s expected role as the final major BO7 update, the focus could be on completing the remaining planned content rather than introducing new features. Zombies and Endgame are expected to receive some of the final content, with leaks pointing toward last Zombies and Endgame camos. Warzone should receive seasonal changes alongside Black Ops 7, on top of features that may appear in the MW4 integration. FAQ Will there be a Season 6 Reloaded update for BO7 and Warzone? There may not be a Reloaded update, similar to other CoD titles in the recent past. Leaks suggest Season 6 is designed to close out BO7‘s remaining content rather than follow the usual mid-season Reloaded structure. Will there be a new Zombies map in BO7 Season 6? No. Season 6 will not have a new round-based Zombies map. The final map, Rex Infernus, was already released during Season 5 Reloaded. Dot Esports is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more about our Affiliate Policy

G2 Esports parts ways with Dylan Falco after 11 LEC TrophiesDot Esports

G2 Esports parts ways with Dylan Falco after 11 LEC Trophies

Photo by Hara Amorós/Riot Games. Category: Multiple trophies, countless bangers. | Last Updated: Sep 1, 2026 06:10 am G2 Esports has parted ways with head coach Dylan Falco, ending one of the most successful coaching tenures in the LEC. After nearly five years with the organization, that trophy-laden chapter has now come to an end. The organization confirmed Falco’s departure in a farewell post on X, thanking him for his contributions throughout his time with G2. Alongside his 11 LEC trophies, G2 highlighted his First Stand Finals appearance and the “countless banger drafts” that became part of his tenure. Falco joined G2 Esports in 2021 and quickly became a key figure behind the team’s domestic success. Over the following years, he helped G2 remain one of Europe’s most consistent League of Legends teams while competing at the highest level internationally. His creative and unconventional approach to drafting regularly became a talking point among fans and analysts, with G2 specifically paying tribute to those memorable drafts in its farewell message. Falco’s departure marks the end of a significant era for G2 Esports. During his tenure, the organization established itself as one of the dominant forces in the LEC, consistently competing for domestic titles and representing the region internationally. Photo by Colin Young-Wolff/Riot Games With Falco now moving on, G2 has already chosen its next direction, turning to Perkz to take the reins as the organization enters a new era. It marks a major shift for G2, but also the closing of a chapter that helped define its dominance in the LEC. For nearly five years, Falco was part of the machinery that turned G2 into a trophy-winning powerhouse. His legacy is firmly etched into the organization’s history. G2 may be moving forward, but replacing a coach who leaves behind this kind of trophy haul will be no easy task. Dot Esports is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more about our Affiliate Policy

VCT Pacific’s Korea-centric problem is real, and Riot knows itDot Esports

VCT Pacific’s Korea-centric problem is real, and Riot knows it

Category: Riot Games' own league head has publicly acknowledged a regional imbalance in VCT Pacific, and the next partnership cycle could look very different. | Published: Sep 1, 2026 04:07 am VCT Pacific head Jake Sin admitted last week that the league has built an unintentional structural bias toward South Korea – and pledged to make inclusivity a central priority in the next partnership cycle. The acknowledgment validates concerns that players and fans across Japan, Southeast Asia, Oceania, and beyond have raised throughout the first cycle of the league's existence. "We've admittedly created an unintentional imbalance over the last few years (in exchange for operational stability) that I will be on a mission to address," Sin wrote. He added a direct message to the wider Pacific community: "For those worried, rest assured that I am committed to making it more inclusive than it ever was." How the imbalance developed VCT Pacific launched as one of the most structurally complex leagues in all of VALORANT esports. Unlike EMEA or Americas, VCT Pacific doesn't represent one coherent competitive region. It pulls together South Korea, Japan (which missed out on LoL Worlds for the first time in a decade), Southeast Asia, Oceania, Vietnam and more – each with its own distinct fanbases and infrastructure. Five of the league's 12 teams are Korean, though, which means they account for roughly 42% of the partnership roster. Hosting the majority of events in South Korea has skewed the dynamic even more, with Korean rosters gaining the upper hand in a number of areas. They’re more familiar with the local venues, broadcast setups, and the broader competitive culture than everyone else. The perception is forming that the league skews Korean by default rather than by competitive merit alone. The situation has even attracted the attention of parody accounts on X, who claimed with humor that Riot Games threatened to sub VCT China for VCT Korea. BREAKING: After another poor performance at internationals, Riot Games has announced plans to remove VCT China and replace it with VCT Korea. pic.twitter.com/tAuPJueoP4— VCT Centel (@TheVCTCentel) March 4, 2026 Competitive integrity complaints added fuel to the fire During the 2026 Kickoff, multiple VCT Pacific players went public with allegations that Korean teams received preferential treatment from event staff. Hector 'FrosT' Rosario and Maksim 'Jemkin' Batorov were among those who raised concerns, pointing to specific incidents including T1 players being permitted to smoke in tournament bathrooms and Gen.G's Lakia wearing his headset incorrectly without receiving a warning or a penalty. Riot investigated and confirmed some of the allegations. The outcome was written warnings for multiple players and teams but – crucially – no one received a competitive ban. The episode highlighted favoritism or bias, and it also fed into a broader narrative that teams outside Korea were operating under different standards – whether or not that was Riot's intent. What Riot is actually changing The 2026 Stage 2 Finals returned to Busan – much to Sin’s disappointment Sin’s comments didn’t include any ideas that could change the situation but his framing points toward two levers Riot has already begun pulling. Staging the 2025 Stage 1 Finals in Japan and the 2026 Stage 1 Finals in Vietnam were deliberate attempts to move the league's footprint around the region. The 2026 Stage 2 Finals returned to Busan, though, a decision Sin himself described as a disappointment. The upcoming partnership cycle appears to be where we might see some real structural changes. Sin's commitment to addressing the imbalance "during the upcoming partnership cycle" suggests the makeup of partnered teams, not just event locations, could shift. Whether that means expanding the roster of non-Korean partner organizations or redesigning the play-in pathway for tier-2 teams from underrepresented regions remains to be confirmed. Ultimately, Sin's willingness to call out the imbalance publicly is a step in the right direction. It’s unusual (League heads rarely volunteer self-criticism this directly) but it’s exactly what the competition needs if it’s to swerve accusations of bias and favoritism. The harder test is whether the next partnership cycle actually reflects any sort of desire and commitment to change, or whether operational convenience wins again. The next VCT Pacific partnership cycle, and whatever format changes accompany it, will be the real measure of whether Sin's pledge lands as policy or stays as sentiment. Dot Esports is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more about our Affiliate Policy

Infinity Ward says TTK in Modern Warfare 4 is ‘much closer’ to target amid player complaintsDot Esports

Infinity Ward says TTK in Modern Warfare 4 is ‘much closer’ to target amid player complaints

Image via Activision Category: Many players want faster kills and gunfights. | Published: Aug 31, 2026 08:54 pm Infinity Ward has stated that the time-to-kill (TTK) in Modern Warfare 4 is now much closer to its intended target following the latest round of Multiplayer weapon changes in the beta, but many players continue to argue that gunfights now feel too slow. In the latest MW4 Beta patch notes posted a day before the open beta officially ends, Infinity Ward said it had been closely reviewing player feedback and gameplay data from the weekend. “We feel that TTK on average is much closer to where we wanted it to be after Weekend 1,” Infinity Ward said. The final full day of the #MW4 Open Beta is here.Double XP + Double Weapon XP, weapon tuning, Warzone updates, 6v6 Gunfight, and more.Day 4 Patch Notes ⬇️https://t.co/6uoVkNSD9T— Infinity Ward (@InfinityWard) August 31, 2026 The developer added that there is still room to fine-tune individual weapons and that the latest changes were designed to ensure each weapon class performs effectively in its intended role. While Infinity Ward believes the current TTK is in a better place, some players feel the changes have gone too far. Popular Call of Duty content creator JGOD said he personally finds the Multiplayer TTK too slow while posting a TTK chart that includes some of the most-used weapons. “I personally think it is too slow. I understand it is hard to balance, but I feel the patches were heavy handed with nerfs,” JGOD said. For the MW4 MP TTK Convo, I personally think it is too slowI understand it is hard to balance, but I feel the patches were heavy handed with nerfs.Close TTK as of today is around 300ms for base Auto Weapons. I felt as though the biggest issue with Week 1 was the high headshot… pic.twitter.com/4KHP7QfHOg— James – JGOD (@JGODYT) August 31, 2026 Another creator, Doughnuts, was more critical of the changes. He argued that Infinity Ward had previously done an excellent job making weapons feel powerful and satisfying, but said that changed during the second beta weekend. “They utterly ruined that with Weekend 2. Each gun feeling useless, weak, and unsatisfying,” Doughnuts stressed. The one thing that Infinity Ward always did better than anyone in the industry was weapons. They looked amazing, sounded amazing, felt beefy, powerful, and crazy strong. During the beta I was eager to play with every weapon because of how good they felt. They utterly ruined… https://t.co/Oh5TsPf5NW— Doughnuts (@MmmmDoughnuts21) August 31, 2026 Some MW4 players on Reddit have also complained about the slower TTK. “2 weekends of Beta, this game ain’t it. TTK and hit registration all over the place. Has anybody refunded their preorder?” one Redditor posted. “I didn’t realize just how terrible the TTK was,” another one said. “I switched to the kastov after mostly using shotguns in the open beta while In the closed beta… HOLY SH*T IT TAKES 5 BODY HITS TO GET SOMEONE. Who wanted this bro? Change it back to three PLEASE.” Some are fine with the current TTK. Image via Activision However, the community isn’t completely against the current system, with other players saying they are satisfied with how quickly weapons currently eliminate opponents. Very happy to see you guys like where the TTK is at currently and I appreciate the additional gun balance updates!Would love to see some changes to movement next. I think base sprint speeds need to be a bit quicker, maybe a Lightweight Perk (without Tac Sprint) could help with…— XpertFusion (AKA MovieFusion) (@xpertfusion3) August 31, 2026 TTK is just one of several talking points surrounding the Modern Warfare 4 Beta. Players have also continued to question the game’s matchmaking system and what they perceive as the return of SBMM. Part of me can't wait for the MW4 Beta to end so I can take a break from CoD for a while. There are elements I like about the game itself but I feel like I'm fighting an invisible algorithm more than I'm fighting the players and I'm beyond exhausted with this.— Xclusive Ace (@TheXclusiveAce) August 31, 2026 The MW4 Beta officially ends on Sept. 1 at 10am PT. Infinity Ward gets more than a month to analyze player feedback and make additional adjustments before Modern Warfare 4 launches on Oct. 23. Dot Esports is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more about our Affiliate Policy

Best Call of Duty Modern Warfare 4 beta Controller settings to improve aim and movementDot Esports

Best Call of Duty Modern Warfare 4 beta Controller settings to improve aim and movement

Images remixed by Dot Esports Category: Find the best MW4 controller settings here. | Published: Aug 31, 2026 04:04 pm The Modern Warfare 4 beta is underway, and if you’re playing using a controller, the right settings can make your aim feel snappier, your movement cleaner, and your gunfights more consistent. Here are some of the best MW4 beta controller settings, including sensitivity, dead zones, button layouts, and aim options. Quick summary The ideal controller settings allow responsive aim, quicker movement, and fewer accidental inputs. Keep Target Aim Assist turned on. Disable controller vibration and trigger effects if they distract you or make recoil control feel inconsistent. Table of contentsBest MW4 beta controller settingsHow to test and lock in your controller settings in MW4 Best MW4 beta controller settings Controller SettingValueAiming Input DeviceControllerButton LayoutTacticalStick Layout PresetDefaultHorizontal Stick Sensitivity1.6 to 1.7Vertical Stick Sensitivity1.6 to 1.7Simplified Controls PresetOffLow Motor Strain PresetOffBumper PingOffSwap L1/R1 with L2/R2OffController VibrationOnTrigger EffectOffDeadzone InputsDefault, but adjust according to your controller’s drift Most players keep horizontal and vertical sensitivity between 1.6 and 1.8, as that range is fast enough for quick 180s but slow enough to track targets cleanly without over-flicking. If ADS feels too twitchy, drop the Sensitivity Multiplier to 0.9, or keep it rounded off to 1.0. Screenshot by Dot Esports Dead zones are mostly personal preference, as stick drift differs from controller to controller. These control how much stick movement the game ignores at the edges. Lower Left or Right Stick Min values make movement and aiming feel more immediate, but if your controller has wear, you might see drift. In that case, nudge the min up slightly until drift stops. Lowering Left Stick Max to around 65 to 75 helps you hit max strafe speed sooner, which is useful for peeking and countering enemy aim assist. Right Stick Max is more about feel, so you can keep it around 95 to 99 to still have fine control at the edge of the stick. Keep FOV around 100 to 105 if you want a competitive feel. Aiming SettingValueSensitivity Multiplier1.0 for allLook InversionStandard for allTarget Aim AssistOnMotion Sensor Function BehaviorOffHip Sensitivity1.00ADS Sensitivity1.00Motion Sensor Function BehaviorOff Movement SettingValueSprint AssistOffMantle AssistOffCorner SliceOnSlide/Dive BehaviorTap to SlideAutomatic Airborne MantleOnSlide Maintains SprintOffParachute Automatic BehaviorFree Fall Combat SettingValueAim Down Sight BehaviorHoldWeapon Mount ActivationADS + MeleeDedicated Melee Weapon ActivationHold MeleeArmor Plate BehaviorApply AllC4 Detonation ActivationOne by OneEquipment BehaviorHoldManual Fire BehaviorPressScoreboard/Map/Stats BehaviorToggle How to test and lock in your controller settings in MW4 You can start that by jumping into the Firing Range, as the MW4 beta doesn’t allow hosting private matches. Once you’re in, run the sensitivity test by strafing left or right while tracking a fixed point on the wall. If you overshoot, drop sensitivity by 0.05 to 0.1. If you can’t keep up, raise it slightly. Check dead zones by pushing each stick slowly. If the game doesn’t register small movements, lower the min. If you see drift, raise it until it stops. Lastly, play a few real matches without changing anything and let the muscle memory build up nicely. The same goes for keyboard and mouse players. What is the best controller sensitivity for MW4? Start with 1.6-1.7 for both horizontal and vertical stick sensitivity, then adjust. What aim response curve to use in MW4? Dynamic is the most popular choice for smooth micro-adjustments with fast turns. What dead zone settings are best for controllers in MW4? A good starting point is Left Stick Min: 1-5, Left Stick Max: 65-75, Right Stick Min: 1-6, and Right Stick Max: 95-99. Dot Esports is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more about our Affiliate Policy

NIKKE September 3 Update: Drake: Great Villain, GREAT VILLAIN UNION, Union Raid, and moreDot Esports

NIKKE September 3 Update: Drake: Great Villain, GREAT VILLAIN UNION, Union Raid, and more

Goddess of Victory: NIKKE is getting its first September update on Sept. 3, with the new GREAT VILLAIN UNION story event leading a smaller patch between the ongoing Persona collaboration and another event planned for later in the month. Maintenance runs from 11 am to 6 pm UTC+9 and also adds a new Union Raid, Coordinated Operation, Champion Arena Beta Season 3B, and changes to how future game data is downloaded. Drake: Great Villain joins Special Recruit New Drake is here. Image via Shift UP Drake: Great Villain is the update’s new SSR and the third upgraded Matis member following Laplace: Ultimate Hero and Maxwell: Ordinary Mechanic. Her Special Recruit banner runs from the end of Sept. 3 maintenance through Sept. 17 at 4:59:59am UTC+9. We have a separate full breakdown of Drake: Great Villain covering her class, weapon, Code, recruitment rates, and availability after the banner ends. Maxwell: Ordinary Mechanic will also move into Ordinary Recruit, Social Point Recruit, and Mold items when the update goes live. She will remain unavailable through New Commander Special Recruit, the Ordinary Recruit tutorial, and the Mileage Shop. Maxwell joins the Ordinary Recruitment. Image via Shift UP GREAT VILLAIN UNION puts Drake in the spotlight GREAT VILLAIN UNION runs from Sept. 3 through Sept. 17 and follows Drake after she establishes the New Villain Union. Her attempts at minor villainy eventually lead the group to a massive trail outside Reclamation Site 01, giving Drake the larger story role she missed during July’s PROJECT MATIS event. Event stages award currency for Recruit Vouchers and development materials, while a separate Challenge Stage opens during the event. GREAT VILLAIN UNION will also be added directly to Storyline after maintenance, and the 2025 ARCANE ARCHIVE event becomes available through Archives for three Memory Films. The seven-day DAILY EVIL DEED login event runs over the same period, with Recruit Vouchers and development materials available for logging in across seven days. Union Raid and Coordinated Operation return The next Union Raid begins Sept. 4 at 5 am UTC+9 and ends Sept. 10 at 4:59:59am. Unions must be at least level three to participate, with members fighting bosses for Union Chips that can be spent on rewards. Players cannot leave their Union or remove members while the Raid is active. Storm Bringer returns as the Coordinated Operation boss from Sept. 11 to 13. Five Commanders can enter through automatic matchmaking or premade groups and earn Broken Cores, with additional rewards tied to ranking. Champion Arena Beta Season 3B begins Sept. 10, while the patch also adds new Profile Decoration objects and titles. Larger Champion Arena changes, including expanded qualification and revised target-priority rules, are planned for its move out of beta later this year. NIKKE is changing its patch system The Sept. 3 update introduces a new resource structure designed to reduce the amount of data players need to download in future patches. Everyone will need to redownload the game’s patch data once during the transition, with the new system supporting smaller future updates and partial resource management. Players will also be able to delete resources they are not using, including unselected voice-over languages and unused texture or model quality data. Shift Up announced the resource overhaul in its August developer note after the game’s growing collection of music, event scenes, 2D assets, environments, Raptures, and other content pushed the existing update system increasingly hard. Dot Esports is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more about our Affiliate Policy

Goddess of Victory: NIKKE gives Drake a new SSR on September 3Dot Esports

Goddess of Victory: NIKKE gives Drake a new SSR on September 3

Image via Shift UP Category: Matis' resident villain gets a powered-up alternate version. | Published: Aug 31, 2026 11:17 am Drake is getting a second playable version in Goddess of Victory: NIKKE on Sept. 3, with SSR Drake: Great Villain joining Special Recruit after maintenance. The new version keeps her in the Matis squad and gives her upgraded equipment built with Missilis technology, including stronger electrical discharge output and more precise control over her powers. 【GREAT VILLAIN UNION】Following her power-up, Drake declares the launch of the New Villain Union.While continuing her small and absurd acts of villainy with her members, Drake discovers a massive trail outside Reclamation Site 01…📅 Event Period:9/3 (After Maintenance)… pic.twitter.com/FXQ7UgOfxF— GODDESS OF VICTORY: NIKKE Collaboration Underway! (@NIKKE_en) August 31, 2026 Drake: Great Villain is a Defender using the Wind Code and the Villain Night Carnival shotgun. She remains a Missilis Industry unit, but both her class and element change from the original Drake, who is a Fire Attacker and also uses a shotgun. Class: Defender Weapon: Villain Night Carnival (SG) Code: Wind Manufacturer: Missilis Industry Squad: Matis Her kit centers on increasing her own attack power based on HP. Using her Burst Skill raises that attack power further and deals damage to multiple enemies, although Shift Up has not yet published the complete skill values and effects. When is Drake: Great Villain recruitable in NIKKE? Drake: Great Villain enters Special Recruit when maintenance ends on Sept. 3 and remains available until Sept. 17 at 4:59:59am UTC+9. Players can use free or paid Gems and Advanced Recruit Vouchers on the banner, with Ordinary Recruit Vouchers excluded. Special Recruit has a four-percent overall SSR rate, with Drake: Great Villain receiving a two-percent individual rate. Pulling on the banner also awards Gold Mileage Tickets, and 200 tickets can be exchanged directly for Drake: Great Villain in the Mileage Shop. Unused Gold Mileage Tickets remain available after her banner ends. Drake: Great Villain will not disappear after Sept. 17. The version update following her Special Recruit period will add her to Ordinary Recruit, Social Point Recruit, and Mold items. She will not be available through New Commander Special Recruit, Ordinary Recruit Tutorial, or the Mileage Shop after the banner. Drake: Great Villain is an alternate version of an existing Nikke Complete badass. Image via Shift UP Drake has been playable in Goddess of Victory: NIKKE since launch, with Great Villain becoming her second SSR version. The original Drake is a Fire Attacker from Matis who also uses a shotgun, while Great Villain switches her to a Wind Defender with the new Villain Night Carnival weapon. Drake has appeared repeatedly since then, including Hightech Toy, A.C.P.U.! FREEZE!, and Perfect Maid, while her Bond episodes follow her largely unsuccessful attempts to establish herself as the Ark’s greatest villain. July’s PROJECT MATIS revisited the squad and introduced alternate versions of Laplace and Maxwell, but Drake received comparatively little focus, leading into her new Great Villain form and dedicated story in September. Dot Esports is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more about our Affiliate Policy

The Blood of Dawnwalker review: Blood, Politics, and difficult choicesDot Esports

The Blood of Dawnwalker review: Blood, Politics, and difficult choices

Building a vampire RPG in an entirely original universe, while balancing emotional weight with a sprawling dark-fantasy world, sounds like the kind of challenge that could make even seasoned developers lose sleep trying to get it right for the audience. For a first-time studio, it should be downright terrifying. Yet Rebel Wolves have somehow sunk their fangs into the challenge and come out swinging, blowing my expectations out of the crypt. Image via Rebel Wolves The team is made up of developers who previously worked on The Witcher 3, and that pedigree is impossible to miss. You can see that same DNA woven throughout the game, particularly in its world-building, where every nuanced character, location choice, quest, and story thread feels deliberately connected rather than simply scattered across a map. You play as Coen, a Dawnwalker caught between his human past and the power of the Vrakhiri, ancient vampires whose influence runs deep through the world. Alongside his skills as a swordsman, he is taught Witchcraft, and thankfully, it is not treated as just another set of flashy combat abilities. The game encourages you to use it as part of exploration, interactions, and problem-solving, making his supernatural abilities feel genuinely woven into the world. Vale Sangora feels like more than just a setting Image via Rebel Wolves Vale Sangora feels like a world full of secrets, stories, and consequences for every decision that you make. Just after the prologue ends, you’re given 30 days to rescue your family from Brencis, the main antagonist, who is going to sacrifice your family for his coronation. How are you going to achieve that? Well, you carve your way. You can rush to his castle on day one or take your time, find allies, and take him down before the counter hits zero. The moral dilemmas are one of the game’s strongest storytelling tools. The Vrakhiri originally came to Vale Sangora claiming to liberate its people, who were being ravaged by the Black Plague in the 14th century. Their vampire blood could heal those infected, but that salvation came with a brutal price. The people had to live under vampire rule, or risk becoming victims of the plague once again. It creates a fascinating moral grey area where the vampires are neither simple saviours nor monsters, and the question of whether their rule was truly liberation becomes increasingly difficult to answer. Image via Rebel Wolves The game’s choices do not always fall into the predictable trap of giving you one obvious path with a different ending attached. Some dialogue choices can eventually lead to the same outcome, while quests can offer multiple ways of reaching the same NPC. That flexibility makes the world feel less like a series of branching menus and more like a place where you can find your own way through the story. Every playthrough is going to be different every time you play as Coen and find side quests that are worth exploring. The writing itself is another major strength. NPCs are deeply connected, and their dialogue gives the world a sense of history rather than making every character feel like an isolated quest dispenser. Uriash is a particularly good example, making them an instantly memorable presence. The Uriash are a great example of how the game gives its world personality. The way they speak is surprisingly adorable, which makes their rough, imposing appearance all the more charming, but there is much more to them. Their history of living apart from humans adds another layer to the world, giving their presence cultural and political weight. Image via Rebel Wolves That attention to detail extends across Vale Sangora. You encounter a Jewish town, a city scarred by the Plague, and a deeply rooted web of political tensions that influence the people and places around you. None of it feels like background decoration. These histories, conflicts, and communities intersect in ways that make the world feel nuanced and personal, almost like a place with its own messy history rather than a fantasy playground built solely for the player. One of the things that immediately stood out to me was how naturally NPCs fit into the world. Characters do not simply stand around waiting for you to exhaust every dialogue option before resetting to their usual routine. If you follow an NPC toward a quest and get distracted by a side task, they can wait for you to finish before continuing their conversation. It is a small touch, but it makes interactions feel far more organic. If you’re a reader like me who loves digging into lore, you’re going to have a lot to sink your teeth into. Vale Sangora is packed with little books and written snippets that reveal details about the world, its people, and even seemingly random quests. Instead of feeling like tedious reading material scattered around for the sake of padding, these discoveries actually reward your curiosity, making exploration feel like a hunt for little pieces of the world’s larger story. Every Choice comes with a cost in time Image via Rebel Wolves Taking a page from the early Fallout games, where time was a precious resource, The Blood of Dawnwalker makes the clock feel like an enemy you can never quite escape. Every quest, detour, and decision eats into your limited time, forcing you to think about what is actually worth pursuing. You cannot simply clear every quest marker on the map and expect the world to patiently wait for you. What makes this system particularly interesting is that time is not just a countdown hanging over your head. It directly shapes the story and the choices available to you. Spend too long helping one character, and you might miss an opportunity elsewhere. Ignore a situation, and the world continues without you. It gives your decisions a sense of urgency that most open-world RPGs struggle to create, because sometimes choosing to do something means consciously choosing what you will not have time to do. It also gives the game a great deal of replayability, because you are inevitably going to leave things behind on your first playthrough. You simply cannot see every quest, meet every character, or explore every possible outcome in a single run. That makes starting a new playthrough feel meaningful rather than repetitive, as you can make different choices, follow different quest paths, and discover the parts of Vale Sangora you missed the first time around. I found myself going back to my save files quite often just to see how different choices played out, which gave me a better sense of the options I had missed. The sound design, particularly its haunting use of violins, does an excellent job of capturing the essence of Vale Sangora’s dark and melancholic world. Lead composer Nikola Kołodziejczyk, alongside Piotr Musiał and Mikołaj Stroiński, delivers a soundtrack that knows when to be subtle and when to make its presence felt. The music adds an almost gothic elegance to the world, making exploration feel atmospheric while giving the darker moments an emotional weight that lingers long after the scene ends. A stunning world with combat that demands some patience Image via Rebel Wolves When I first got the review copy in my hands, the game did not exactly make the best first impression visually. Running on Unreal Engine 5, it felt noticeably unoptimized, with performance issues taking some of the shine away from what was otherwise a beautiful world. But then, almost out of nowhere, a surprise patch landed during my review period and completely changed my experience. The visual quality saw a major improvement, and my FPS got a welcome boost along with it. The combat also takes some patience to get used to, especially if you have played Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2. Like KCD2, The Blood of Dawnwalker uses an omnidirectional combat system where you need to pay attention to the direction of your attacks and blocks. It can feel satisfying once it clicks, but the system is definitely a hit-or-miss depending on your playstyle, and I found myself needing a fair bit of time before it started to feel natural. That said, The Blood of Dawnwalker left a much stronger impression on me than I expected from Rebel Wolves’ first game. I came for the vampire fantasy, but it was the world, characters, lore, and freedom to approach situations differently that kept pulling me back in. It has its rough edges, especially with the combat, but Vale Sangora is a world I genuinely did not want to leave. 9.5 The Blood of Dawnwalker Review The Blood of Dawnwalker is an ambitious first outing from Rebel Wolves that largely sticks the landing. Its rich world-building, meaningful choices, memorable characters, and lore kept me invested, while the improved performance made exploring Vale Sangora even more enjoyable. The combat takes some patience, but there is plenty here to make this dark-fantasy adventure worth sinking your vampire teeth into. By the time I reached the end, I was already hungry for another bite. Pros Rich and interconnected world-building. Strong writing and memorable NPCs. Meaningful use of Witchcraft beyond combat. Time-based system adds urgency and replayability. Multiple paths through quests. Beautiful and distinct environments. Excellent atmospheric soundtrack. Strong moral dilemmas. Cons Directional combat can feel hit or miss. Initial performance and optimization issues. Some choices can ultimately lead to the same outcome. A copy of this game was provided by Bandai Namco for review. Reviewed on PC. Dot Esports is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more about our Affiliate Policy

Best PPSh-41 loadout in Modern Warfare 4 for close-range gunfightsDot Esports

Best PPSh-41 loadout in Modern Warfare 4 for close-range gunfights

Screenshot by Dot Esports Category: Keep runnin' and gunnin' with this legendary SMG. | Published: Aug 31, 2026 08:02 am The PPSh-41 is a strong choice for close-range encounters in Modern Warfare 4 due to its fast handling and high mobility. The best PPSh-41 loadout focuses on improving the SMG’s sprint-to-fire and ADS speeds while adding useful recoil control and hindering bullet effect. Below are the best PPSh-41 attachments and class setup to use based on the MW4 Beta. Quick Summary The PPSh-41 is unlocked by reaching Player Level 11. The laser is a crucial attachment here with its ADS and sprint to fire speed boost. Get perks that complement a fast-paced SMG playstyle. The best PPSh-41 loadout in MW4 Beta Best PPSh-41 build in MW4 SlotAttachmentBarrelHanbit Chimmuk-INTR(+) Sound Suppression, Damage Range, Vertical Recoil Control, Hip Recoil Control(-) ADS Speed, Aiming StabilityLaserSchlager Visiv-5(+) Sprint to Fire Speed, ADS Speed(-) Laser Visible in ADSStockHanbit RDW7-F(+) ADS Speed(-) ADS Gun Kick, ADS Recoil ControlAmmunition7.62 Tokarev Frangible(+) Hindering Rounds(-) PenetrationMagazine53 Round Mag(+) Reload Speed, Sprint to Fire Speed, ADS Speed, Movement Speed(-) Magazine Ammo Capacity Superb handling. Screenshot by Dot Esports This PPSh-41 build is made for aggressive run-and-gun playstyle. The Schlager Visiv-5 and Hanbit RDW7-F boost sprint-to-fire and ADS speeds, giving you a snappy target acquisition. The 53 Round Mag further improves the weapon’s handling while boosting reload and movement speeds. It also gives you enough ammunition to chain multiple kills without having to reload as often. The Frangible ammunition can slow down your target’s movement so you finish off enemies trying to escape. If you haven’t unlocked it yet, Overpressured is a solid alternative. Finally, the Hanbit Chimmuk-INTR helps the PPSh-41 perform better at mid-range by increasing its damage range and vertical recoil control. It also comes with built-in sound suppression, saving you an attachment slot that would otherwise be used for a suppressor. Best PPSh-41 class setup in MW4 Secondary: Your preferred pistol Melee: Personal preference Tactical: Snapshot Grenade Lethal: Semtex Field Upgrade: Portable Radar Perk 1: Ninja Perk 2: Fast Hands Perk 3: Blood Rush Gunnin’ all around. Screenshot by Dot Esports This PPSh-41 class setup is made for players those want to stay mobile and constantly look for close-range combat. Ninja helps you move around more quietly, while Fast Hands improves your ability to quickly reload and use equipment. Blood Rush further enhances an aggressive playstyle by giving you Tactical Sprint. Snapshot Grenade can reveal enemy positions before you push into a building or around a corner, while Semtex gives you a reliable option for clearing enemies from cover. Portable Radar can also provide useful information about nearby opponents, helping you decide when and where to rush your target. You might also want to check the best loadouts for other meta weapons in MW4 Beta, including the M4, Iso Nightshade, and KG-7 Vulcan. Dot Esports is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more about our Affiliate Policy

EA Motive confirms leaked Marvel’s Iron Man gameplay footage is the real dealDot Esports

EA Motive confirms leaked Marvel’s Iron Man gameplay footage is the real deal

Category: Motive Studio acknowledged the roughly two-and-a-half-minute clip on X, saying it has "a lot more to show" when the team is ready. | Published: Aug 31, 2026 07:19 am Marvel fans were reluctant to get too carried away last week after leaked unfinished gameplay footage of Marvel’s Iron Man was seen across various online communities. Now, though, EA subsidiary Motive Studio has admitted that the footage is authentic. Glorious. The acknowledgment means fans now have their first verified look at a title that has been in development without a public reveal. It also signals that a proper announcement is now being planned on Motive's own timeline. Over the weekend, the official Marvel's Iron Man account on X posted a single image alongside the message: "Well, that didn't go as planned. But now you know, and we've got a lot more to show you. See you when we're ready." They had no real choice but to address the situation head-on and admit the fact. The alternative options were to get embroiled in what could have been a messy legal takedown notice or make a denial that clearly wasn’t true. Well, that didn't go as planned. But now you know, and we've got a lot more to show you. See you when we’re ready. pic.twitter.com/tU4TtUoZYZ— Marvel's Iron Man (@ironmangame) August 28, 2026 What the leaked footage showed The clip circulated last week on Reddit and other platforms. Running for just under two minutes and 30 seconds, it showed footage from a work-in-progress build, carrying an "AUG26 TEST" watermark and ending with the Marvel Games logo. Sequences in the footage depicted aerial and ground combat, high-speed flight and suit customization options. The image Motive posted alongside its statement showed the silhouette of the Iron Man armor against a dark background, with the chest's Arc Reactor rendered in bright detail. The angular shoulder line and suit design, meanwhile, are consistent with what appeared in the leaked clip. No release window yet While fans got an unexpected first peek at Marvel’s Iron Man, there is no timeline, no reveal window and no release dates as of yet. Motive's post may have removed any lingering doubt about the footage's legitimacy but it stopped short of providing any other details. The studio's phrasing — "See you when we're ready” — suggests the team now wants to focus on getting the game done without any more external noise. What this means for fans Motive Studio is perhaps best known for the 2023 Dead Space remake, which was well-received by game critics, and which flaunted the studio's flair for big-budget single-player action. That sort of thing should stand them in good stead whe it comes to tackling a Marvel superhero title, which is historically no easy task. Winning fan approval will require a lot of work. However, the leaked footage, despite clearly being unpolished, appears to show a game with fast traversal mechanics and layered combat systems — exactly what an Iron Man title needs to deliver. Writer's take Leaks of this kind can derail a studio's carefully staged marketing plan. We’d argue that Motive handled this one about as deftly as a developer can. Had they issued a denial, we suspect they’d have backtracked a week later, which would only have lost them brownie points. The response was instead quick, honest, and left fans wanting more rather than feeling burned by a messy situation. More details on Marvel's Iron Man are expected when Motive Studio determines it's ready to present the game formally, though no date for that reveal has been set. Dot Esports is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more about our Affiliate Policy

Best audio settings in Modern Warfare 4 to hear footsteps clearlyDot Esports

Best audio settings in Modern Warfare 4 to hear footsteps clearly

Image via Activision Category: Know where your enemy is coming from. | Published: Aug 31, 2026 04:52 am If you want to hear enemy footsteps and other important audio cues clearly in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4, tweaking your audio settings can give you a noticeable advantage. A good starting point is to use headphones and set the effects volume to maximum. Below are the best audio settings to use in the MW4 Beta to pick up footsteps more clearly and tell which direction an enemy is approaching from. Quick Summary Set Effects Volume to 100 and Gameplay Music/Cinematic Music to 0. Keep Mono Audio off for better directional sound. Turn on Reduce Tinnitus Sound to minimize the impact of flash and concussion. Table of contentsBest audio settings to use in MW4Best voice chat settings in MW4FAQ Best audio settings to use in MW4 Loud and clear. Screenshot by Dot Esports Volumes Master Game Volume: 80 to 100 Gameplay Music Volume: 0 Dialogue Volume: 70 Effects Volume: 100 Cinematic Music Volume: 0 Audio Device Speakers/Headphones Game Sound Device: Choose your device Speaker Output: Stereo Global Audio Mix: Home Theater Mono Audio: Off Mute Game When Minimized: Personal preference Mute Licensed Music: Personal preference (mute if you’re streaming to avoid copyright strikes) Asymmetrical Hearing Compensation: Personal preference Functionality Reduce Tinnitus Sound: On The most important setting here is the Effects Volume. Keep it at 100 so footsteps and other important gameplay sounds aren’t unnecessarily reduced. Meanwhile, setting Gameplay Music and Cinematic Music to zero removes background music that can distract you from important audio cues. Get rid of unnecessary sound. Image via Activision Dialogue can remain at 70, although you can lower it further if you find operator callouts distracting. Master Game Volume ultimately comes down to your headphones and personal preference, but 80 and up should give you enough room to hear quieter sounds. Like in other first-person shooters, headphones are recommended if you want to hear footsteps clearly and determine where an enemy is coming from in Modern Warfare 4. Home Theater is a great starting point for the Audio Mix, while Mono Audio should remain off for proper directional sound. Turn on Reduce Tinnitus Sound to minimize the disruptive noise caused by concussion and flash grenades. Best voice chat settings in MW4 Voice chat is largely a matter of personal preference. If you’re playing with friends, a third-party app such as Discord can be useful. If you prefer MW4‘s built-in voice chat, however, here’s our recommended settings: Make your voice heard. Screenshot by Dot Esports Voice Chat Volume: 70 Voice Chat Volume Boost: Personal preference (2x boost or higher if needed) Voice Chat: On Proximity Chat: Personal preference Game Chat Voice: Personal preference Voice Chat Output Device: Choose your device Microphone Microphone Level: 80 Microphone Level Boost: Personal preference (same with voice chat volume, 2x boost or higher if needed) Test Microphone: Turn on and test your mic after adjusting your settings Microphone Mode: Personal preference Microphone Input Device: Choose your device Set your Voice Chat Volume to 70 so teammates remain audible without completely overpowering gameplay sounds. If voices are too quiet, you can increase Voice Chat Volume Boost to 2x or higher. Have your Microphone Level to 80 as a starting point, then use the Test Microphone option to make sure your voice is coming through clearly. You can increase Microphone Level Boost to 2x or higher if your teammates have trouble hearing you. If you’re looking to fine-tune your gameplay further, check our guides for the best PC graphics settings as well as the best mouse and keyboard settings in Modern Warfare 4. FAQ What is the best audio mix for hearing footsteps in Modern Warfare 4? Home Theater is a good starting point for hearing footsteps and other gameplay sounds clearly. Should I enable Loudness Equalization on PC or Audio Focus on PS5? Yes. Enabling Loudness Equalization or Audio Focus can help make quieter sounds, such as footsteps, more noticeable by reducing the difference between loud and quiet audio. Dot Esports is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more about our Affiliate Policy

Fnatic miss Worlds for the first time in a decade after historic LEC exitDot Esports

Fnatic miss Worlds for the first time in a decade after historic LEC exit

Photo by Michał Sasha Safronova/Riot Games Category: No Fnatic at Worlds | Published: Aug 30, 2026 06:10 pm Fnatic’s 10-year Worlds streak is over after GIANTX defeated them today in the LEC Summer Split, eliminating the European powerhouse before the LEC Summer Playoffs 2026. The result also ends Fnatic’s record of reaching the postseason in every LEC season since the league was established in 2013. The loss is a particularly damaging result given Fnatic’s standing in the European League of Legends scene. Photo by Alexandre Weber/Riot Games The organization has been one of the region’s most consistent contenders alongside G2 Esports, with its Worlds appearances becoming an annual fixture for fans. That consistency has now been broken at the most important point of the season. The GIANTX’s victory leaves Fnatic with no path into the Summer Playoffs and, consequently, no opportunity to earn a Worlds spot through the LEC’s remaining three spots. Their season therefore ends without the international appearance at the most important tournament of the year that had accompanied the organization’s campaigns for the past decade. Fnatic’s absence will also have a major impact on the Worlds field from Europe. The organization has been one of the region’s most recognizable representatives on the international stage, dating back to the inaugural World Championship in 2011, which Fnatic won. Photo by Alexandre Weber/Riot Games Fnatic entered 2026 with a revamped roster, making several changes in an attempt to strengthen the team. The organization moved on from Oscarinin, Humanoid and Mikyx, bringing in Vladi, Empyros and Lospa, while another change followed in the Summer Split with South Korean top laner Soboro replacing Empyros. Despite those moves and the investment in fresh talent, Fnatic were unable to find the consistency needed to keep their season alive. For GIANTX, meanwhile, the victory represents a major opportunity to continue their own campaign at Fnatic’s expense. Taking down one of Europe’s most established names gives the team momentum heading into the next stage of the LEC season and have a shot at glory, while Fnatic are left to reflect on a campaign that has produced an unprecedented result. The elimination might intensify scrutiny around Fnatic’s roster and wider competitive direction. With the team now unable to salvage the season through the Summer Playoffs, the organization has significantly more time to assess its shortcomings and prepare for the next split. For the first time in the LEC era, Fnatic’s season is over before the Summer Playoffs, and for the first time in a decade, Worlds will go ahead without them. Dot Esports is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more about our Affiliate Policy

Best KG-7 Vulcan loadout in Modern Warfare 4 for quick scope and long-range fightsDot Esports

Best KG-7 Vulcan loadout in Modern Warfare 4 for quick scope and long-range fights

Screenshot by Dot Esports Category: Get the best loadout for MW4's bolt-action sniper here. | Published: Aug 30, 2026 04:34 pm The KG-7 Vulcan is Modern Warfare 4 beta’s most reliable bolt-action sniper. If you want to one-shot enemies without sacrificing mobility, use the right attachments, and you can turn it into an accurate, fast-handling sniper. Quick summary This is the first sniper in the game. The KG-7 Vulcan’s design allows faster follow-up shots than other snipers. Pre-aim common head or upper-body heights and use short, sharp peeks. The best KG-7 Vulcan loadout in MW4 Best KG-7 Vulcan build in MW4 Screenshot by Dot Esports SlotAttachmentBarrelHaebang Naseon V.5 26″(ADS Speed, Movement Speed, Sprint to Fire Speed)MuzzleUsenko 308-1L(Muzzle Flash Concealment, Reduced Audio Signature, Firing Stability, ADS Recoil Control)LaserExpedite 21 CFR(Canted Aim Toggle, ADS Speed, ADS Move Speed)OpticSchlager Dogfight GL(7x Magnification, ADS Gun Bob, ADS Gun Kick, ADS Recoil Control)CombHaebang YNC-45(Sprint to Fire Speed, ADS Speed) The Haebang Naseon V.5 26″ barrel boosts ADS movement speed and sprint-to-fire while keeping bullet velocity solid for long shots. The Usenko 308-1L reduces muzzle flash and noise, along with improving recoil control. The Schlager Dogfight GL optic combined with the Expedite 21 CFR laser is excellent for quick scoping while still giving enough magnification for distance shots. The laser allows access to a canted firing stance that improves ADS speed and grants the ability to ADS while sliding. The Haebang YNC-45 comb increases sprint-to-fire and ADS speed, making the Vulcan feel much snappier when peeking corners. Best KG-7 Vulcan class setup in MW4 Screenshot by Dot Esports Secondary: Kastov 762 Melee: Combat Knife Tactical: Flash Grenade Lethal: Semtex Field Upgrade: Trophy System Perk 1: Overkill Perk 2: Fast Hands Perk 3: Blood Rush The Kastov 762 is a great secondary AR choice for the sniper, as it hits enemies hard at long distances and deals enough damage in case you need to switch quickly. Alternatively, you can also keep the M4 or ISO Nightshade SMG in the secondary weapon slot. Flash Grenades work well for pushing objectives with your team, while Semtex works great for clearing rooms, finishing downed enemies, or forcing opponents out of cover. Trophy System is the ideal Field Upgrade in this KG-7 Vulcan loadout because it destroys incoming grenades and other projectiles, which is invaluable when you’re holding a static angle. Overkill is necessary here to keep that additional Assault Rifle. For the second and third Perks, keep Fast Hands to reload, use equipment, and switch weapons faster, and Blood Rush to enable Tactical Sprint for a burst of speed. A kill replenishes stamina, which is perfect for fast rotations and peeking angles. Before you go and use this KG-7 loadout in multiplayer, make sure to use the best MW4 beta PC graphics settings for maximum frames per second. Is the KG-7 Vulcan good for quick scoping in MW4? Yes, with the right attachments, the KG-7 Vulcan becomes one of the quickest snipers in MW4. Which field upgrade works best with the KG-7 Vulcan? Trophy System works best with the bolt-action sniper. Is the KG-7 Vulcan better than the Signal .50 in MW4? The KG-7 Vulcan is better than the Signal .50 if you want to quickscope and still play at long range. Dot Esports is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more about our Affiliate Policy

Best Mortal Shell 2 beginner ShellsDot Esports

Best Mortal Shell 2 beginner Shells

Mortal Shell 2 gives you a shell named Harros during its prologue, but promptly takes him away once you reach the open world, leaving you to find a new Shell in Fainweald. Proxima and Tiel are both close enough to grab almost immediately, while Eredrim takes more work and makes more sense once you are ready to start tackling tougher fights. Proxima is the best Shell to prioritize, as her Biosampler can pull smaller enemies toward you or drag Proxima into range of larger targets, giving regular combat much more momentum, and it is easily the most fun ability of the three. Tiel has a more specific use for sneaking through dangerous areas, while Eredrim’s heavy Break Damage makes him worth switching to for bosses. Quick Summary Proxima is the best early Shell overall, with Biosampler making her particularly good and fun for aggressive melee combat. Tiel is best for exploration and sneaking, using Shadow to move around enemies and set up attacks from behind. Eredrim is best for early bosses, with Shoulder Bash and Ethereal Diapason dealing heavy Break Damage. Proxima and Tiel are available near the start of Fainweald, while Eredrim is found at the Citadel of Penance after defeating The Warden. Table of contentsBest early Shell in Mortal Shell 2: ProximaBest early Shell for exploration in Mortal Shell 2: TielBest early Shell for bosses in Mortal Shell 2: EredrimWhich early Shell should you use in Mortal Shell 2?FAQs Best early Shell in Mortal Shell 2: Proxima Proxima in all her deadly glory. Image via Cold Symmetry Proxima is the best Shell for the opening hours of Mortal Shell 2 and works well long after them. Biosampler fires a hook from her arm, pulling regular enemies into melee range or pulling Proxima toward larger targets before following up with a Lightning attack. It makes closing distance much easier and lets you drag individual enemies away from groups before beating on them separately. Biosampler also makes Proxima the most fun of these three Shells to play. Instead of waiting for enemies to come to you, the grapple keeps fights moving and gives Proxima a very aggressive playstyle. Her Grafted Armor can also mitigate incoming melee or ranged damage, giving you some protection when that aggression goes slightly wrong. When you start dipping into lighting spec, both her power and fun factor grow exponentially. Proxima Shell location in Mortal Shell 2 Proxima is inside the Shattered Beacon northeast of the Blackridge Pass Beacon. Enter the structure and continue toward the back until you find her body on the ground. No boss is required, and Proxima’s approximate location is automatically marked after the prologue. Best early Shell for exploration in Mortal Shell 2: Tiel Tiel, the sneaky killer. Image via Cold Symmetry Tiel is worth unlocking even if you like Proxima because Shadow makes exploring dangerous areas with him much easier. Lingering Shadow cloaks Tiel and prepares a Shadow Strike, while Shadow Dash grants Shadow when you dodge just before an attack lands and deals Stagger Damage at the same time. Tiel can use Shadow to get behind enemies for stronger attacks, but it is just as useful when you do not want to fight at all. Switching to him before running through a dangerous route lets you bypass encounters and especially reach equipment or new areas earlier, then switch back to Proxima once the exploration is done. Tiel Shell location in Mortal Shell 2 Tiel is southeast of the Widow’s Overlook Beacon. Head into the marked search area and look for the shallow grave containing his body, then interact with it to unlock the Shell. Like Proxima, Tiel does not require a boss fight, and his search area is marked automatically. Best early Shell for bosses in Mortal Shell 2: Eredrim Majestic Eredrim. Image via Cold Symmetry Eredrim is the one to bring out when a boss or a particularly nasty enemy needs staggering. Shoulder Bash launches him forward and deals heavy Break Damage, while Ethereal Diapason creates a blinding shockwave that damages the Break gauge of everything around him. Both abilities create more opportunities to stagger tough enemies and punish them safely. Eredrim takes considerably more work to unlock than Proxima or Tiel, so there is little reason to rush him before getting one of the two opening Shells. Once available, though, his Break-focused kit gives him a useful role of a boss-killer. Still, he’s very usable even outside of that if you like his playstyle enough. Eredrim Shell location in Mortal Shell 2 Eredrim is inside the Citadel of Penance. From its Beacon, head toward the center and descend to the lowest level, then use either elevator toward the upper-middle section. The Warden drops you into an arena when you approach, and defeating him lets you interact with Eredrim’s body and unlock the Shell. Which early Shell should you use in Mortal Shell 2? Proxima is the best overall pick for the early game, mostly because Biosampler is useful in almost every fight and makes regular combat more fun. Tiel and Eredrim are just as capable of handling normal encounters, though, and none of them are niche Shells that only comes out for one specific job. That said, Tiel’s mobility and Shadow abilities make exploration easier, while Eredrim’s Break Damage is especially useful against tougher enemies. Still, all three work well across bosses, exploration, and regular combat. Proxima and Tiel are available early enough that it is worth trying both before committing heavily to upgrades, with Eredrim becoming another great option once you reach him. FAQs How many Shells are there in Mortal Shell 2? Mortal Shell 2 has eight Shells to find and use throughout the game. None are missable before entering New Game Plus, so you can continue collecting any you skipped while exploring Fainweald. What is another good early Shell besides Proxima, Tiel, and Eredrim? Gragu is another strong option once you reach the One-Legged Wolf Tavern. His Revered Heart ability restores health and replenishes through kills, while Staggering Blow is a chargeable punch that deals heavy stagger. Can you upgrade more than one Shell in Mortal Shell 2? Yes, but Glimpses spent increasing a Shell’s Bond are a more permanent investment, so it is worth testing several Shells before committing heavily. Shell Points used within a Shell’s talent tree can be refunded later. Dot Esports is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more about our Affiliate Policy

VALORANT Secure Boot error: How to fix Vanguard and enable Secure BootDot Esports

VALORANT Secure Boot error: How to fix Vanguard and enable Secure Boot

Image via Riot Games Category: Vanguard Boot Error fix. | Published: Aug 30, 2026 04:10 pm If VALORANT refuses to launch because Riot Vanguard says Secure Boot or UEFI is required, the problem is usually tied to your PC’s boot configuration. The quickest way to diagnose it is to check Windows System Information, confirm whether the PC uses UEFI, and then enable Secure Boot in the BIOS. Here is how to fix the VALORANT Secure Boot error. Quick Summary Check BIOS Mode and Secure Boot State in Windows System Information. Switch from Legacy/CSM to UEFI and enable Secure Boot in BIOS if required. If Secure Boot is already on, verify Windows detects it correctly before troubleshooting Vanguard further. Table of contentsHow to fix the VALORANT Secure Boot errorWhy Vanguard says Secure Boot is requiredSecure Boot is enabled but VALORANT still won’t launchDoes VALORANT require Secure Boot on Windows 11?VALORANT Secure Boot FAQs How to fix the VALORANT Secure Boot error Image via Riot Games The first thing to do is check what Windows currently reports. This prevents you from changing BIOS settings blindly. Here are a few ways to troubleshoot the error: Search for System Information in Windows: Open the Windows Start menu and type System Information, or press Windows + R, enter msinfo32, and press Enter to verify the Secure Boot state. Check BIOS Mode: In the System Information window, find BIOS Mode. If it says UEFI, your system is already using the modern firmware mode required for Secure Boot. If it says Legacy, you can’t enable Secure Boot until you change the boot configuration. Check Secure Boot State: Look directly below BIOS Mode for Secure Boot State. If it says On, Secure Boot is already active in Windows. If it says Off, you need to enable it through your PC’s UEFI firmware. Restart into BIOS/UEFI: You can usually enter BIOS by pressing a key such as Delete, F2, F10, F12, or Esc while the computer starts. Alternatively, Windows provides a UEFI firmware option through Settings > System > Recovery > Advanced startup > Restart now, followed by Troubleshoot > Advanced options > UEFI Firmware Settings. Disable Legacy/CSM if required: In the firmware menu, look for CSM, Legacy Boot, or a similar option and disable it if your system is configured for Legacy mode. Secure Boot works with UEFI, and Microsoft specifically recommends switching from Legacy or CSM to UEFI when configuring Secure Boot. Important: If Windows is currently installed in Legacy mode, do not simply disable Legacy/CSM without checking your disk and boot configuration first. A system installed with a Legacy/MBR configuration may fail to boot after switching to UEFI. Back up important files and follow your motherboard or PC manufacturer’s instructions if you need to convert the installation. Enable Secure Boot: Find Secure Boot in the firmware menu and set it to Enabled. Depending on your hardware, it may appear under a Boot, Security, Authentication, or similar section. Save the changes and restart Windows: Choose the option to save changes and exit BIOS. Let Windows boot normally and then launch VALORANT again. The exact BIOS layout varies between manufacturers, so do not worry if your menu does not look exactly like another guide. Microsoft recommends checking the device manufacturer’s documentation when the required firmware options are difficult to locate. Why Vanguard says Secure Boot is required Image via Riot Games The Riot Vanguard performs security checks before allowing VALORANT to launch. Secure Boot is part of the trusted boot process, allowing the firmware to verify that approved, digitally signed software is loaded when Windows starts. This matters to Vanguard because software that loads before Windows can operate with a high level of system access. The developer has explained that Vanguard uses boot-level security checks to reduce opportunities for cheats to load before the anti-cheat can detect them. When the required security configuration is missing, or Windows cannot verify it correctly, Vanguard can block the game from launching instead of allowing the game to run on a system it cannot sufficiently trust for its anti-cheat to take effect in the matches. Secure Boot is enabled but VALORANT still won’t launch If you enabled Secure Boot in BIOS but Vanguard continues to show the error, do not assume the setting actually took effect. Windows is the best place to verify the final state. First, open System Information again and check both values: BIOS Mode: UEFI. Secure Boot State: On. If Secure Boot is enabled in BIOS but Windows still reports it as Off, check whether CSM or Legacy Boot remains enabled. Firmware can also have additional Secure Boot configuration or key settings that prevent Windows from recognizing the feature as active. After making any changes, save them properly and perform a full restart before launching VALORANT again. However, if Windows shows UEFI and Secure Boot State is turned on, but Vanguard still refuses to launch, then restart the PC once more and check the Vanguard notification for any additional requirements. On Windows 11, Vanguard can also enforce other security requirements depending on the specific error or restriction. The developer has expanded its boot-security checks beyond Secure Boot in some cases. You should only consider restarting or reinstalling Vanguard after confirming that the BIOS and Windows security settings are correct. Does VALORANT require Secure Boot on Windows 11? Image via Riot Games Yes, VALORANT requires Secure Boot on Windows 11 when Vanguard’s security checks require it. If you receive an error stating that Vanguard requires Secure Boot, enable it and ensure the system is running in UEFI mode. The short answer is that Vanguard may prevent the game from launching until the required boot-security configuration is active. Riot’s current security enforcement also means that some Vanguard restrictions can involve additional hardware and Windows security features. VALORANT Secure Boot FAQs Can I play VALORANT without Secure Boot? If Vanguard is specifically reporting that Secure Boot is required, VALORANT will not launch until the required security configuration is detected. Why does Secure Boot say unsupported? This can happen when the PC is using Legacy BIOS mode, CSM is enabled, or the hardware and firmware configuration does not support Secure Boot correctly. Check BIOS Mode in System Information and confirm it says UEFI. Is Secure Boot the same as TPM 2.0? No. They are separate security features. Secure Boot verifies trusted software during the boot process, while TPM 2.0 provides hardware-backed security functions. Dot Esports is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more about our Affiliate Policy

How to get Tactical Nuke in Modern Warfare 4Dot Esports

How to get Tactical Nuke in Modern Warfare 4

Image via Activision Category: Find everything about MW4 Tactical Nuke here. | Published: Aug 30, 2026 07:54 am The Tactical Nuke is back in Modern Warfare 4 beta. It’s now easier to earn than ever thanks to the new Smartstreak system. You’ll need a 30-kill streak to call it in, but objective play now counts toward your streak meter. Quick summary You need 30 consecutive kills without dying. Objective play also counts toward your streak meter. Best weapons include ISO Nightshade SMG, M4, and Kastov 762. Once triggered, you get an instant match win with all enemies eliminated. Table of contentsWhat is the Tactical Nuke in MW4 Beta?How many kills do you need for a Tactical Nuke in MW4 Beta?Best ways to get 30 kills in MW4 BetaWhat happens when you call in the Nuke? What is the Tactical Nuke in MW4 Beta? The Tactical Nuke is MW4‘s ultimate killstreak that instantly ends the match when called in. Unlike regular killstreaks that you select from your loadout, the nuke exists outside the standard streak system and requires a massive 30-kill streak to trigger. Once you hit 30 kills without dying, you can call in the Tactical Nuke, which wipes out every player on the enemy team and secures an immediate victory for your squad. The player who called it in escapes via skyhook, flipping off the opposition as they fly away from the explosion. Image via Activision How many kills do you need for a Tactical Nuke in MW4 Beta? You need exactly 30 consecutive kills to unlock the Tactical Nuke in Modern Warfare 4 beta. Consistent kills mean you can’t die once during your streak. If you get eliminated before reaching 30 kills, your counter resets to zero and you’ll need to start over from scratch. The new MW introduces the Smartstreak system, which is a game-changer for earning the Tactical Nuke. While kills still count as points toward your streak meter, objective play now contributes as well. Taking Domination flags, holding Hardpoint positions, or planting the Data Spike in Hijack mode all add progress to your killstreak meter. Best ways to get 30 kills in MW4 Beta Focus on objective modes. In Kill Confirmed, you get kill XP plus tag-collection bonuses, and the constant back-and-forth creates endless fight opportunities. Domination lets you capture and hold flags that feed your Smartstreak meter while keeping you in the thick of combat. Hardpoint allows holding the hill and pays double dividends. You can also play Team Deathmatch for pure slayer mode with no objectives to distract you, but you’ll miss out on Smartstreak bonuses. Use the right weapons and loadouts, as the MW4 beta meta favors weapons with fast TTK and strong close-to-mid-range performance. The M4 Assault Rifle and ISO Nightshade SMG are two of the best choices going by the current meta. Before you go for the nuke, you’ll want streaks that help you survive and build momentum. The current meta combo is UAV (4 kills), Artillery Beacon (6 kills), and Attack Helicopter (10 kills). For Perks, you can keep Quick Fix, Fast Hands, and Blood Rush. What happens when you call in the Nuke? Once you hit 30 kills, the Tactical Nuke becomes available to call in. When activated, a cinematic sequence plays showing the nuke being deployed. A massive explosion wipes out every enemy player on the map. Your team instantly wins the match, and you (the player who called it in) escape via skyhook, flipping off the losing team as you fly away. Do objectives count toward the Nuke streak? Yes, objectives count toward your streak meter. What’s the best map for getting a Tactical Nuke? Kill Block is the ideal map. Can you get a Tactical Nuke in Search and Destroy? Yes, but it’s much harder since you only have one life per round. Do you need to reach a certain player level to unlock the Nuke? No, the Tactical Nuke is available from the start. Dot Esports is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more about our Affiliate Policy

Is Amicia in Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy?Dot Esports

Is Amicia in Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy?

Screenshot by Dot Esports Category: No doubt, everyone misses Amicia de Rune. | Last Updated: Aug 30, 2026 11:17 am Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy is a prequel entry set 15 years before Hugo and Amicia’s journey to La Cuna Island in A Plague Tale: Requiem. At the start of the second game, Amicia is 15 years old, which means, during the events of Resonance: A Plague Tale, she’s either a child or has not been born. Naturally, this means Amicia doesn’t join Sophia and her red-haired friend Leni during their adventures on Minotaur Island in Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy. NOTE: MAJOR STORY SPOILERS AHEAD for Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy. That said, yes, Amicia is in Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy. She appears briefly in the epilogue cutscene, when Sophia finishes narrating her harrowing escape from Minotaur Island. Quick Summary Amicia appears in the epilogue cutscene. Several moments throw shades at Amicia’s journey in past games. Amicia can’t physically be present in Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy as it takes place 15 years before her time. Amicia’s role explained in Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy Screenshot by Dot Esports. As mentioned above, Amicia appears briefly in Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy during the epilogue cutscene. The fact that Sophia is narrating the events of this game to Amicia is teased at the beginning of the story, but not revealed until the final cutscene. ​Like Hugo, Sophia was one of the carriers of the Prima Macula. Through her story, Amicia learns about other carriers and protectors, such as Thesus and her younger brother. She even mentions the Order using other Carriers such as Sophia to hear the Macula’s call. ​In totality, this feels like a setup for a proper sequel to Amicia’s story, as she ventures onwards to find other carriers alongside Sophia. ​And that’s pretty much it! While Amicia isn’t physically present during the events of Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy, her presence is foreshadowed a few times. For instance, Sophia’s friend Leni once mentions shaving her head, which immediately reminded me of Amicia. ​Leni herself resembles Amicia’s friend, Mélie from A Plague Tale: Innocence. Moreover, parts of Sophia’s journey in Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy mirror Amicia’s. So while Hugo’s protector isn’t present in flesh, she’s somewhat present in spirit. FAQs Is Amicia playable in Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy?No, Amicia is not a playable character in Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy. How old is Amicia during Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy?Amicia should be less than a year old or she might not have been born during the events of Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy. Dot Esports is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more about our Affiliate Policy

Gamescom responds to hardware thefts but statement draws backlashDot Esports

Gamescom responds to hardware thefts but statement draws backlash

Image via Gamescom Category: Organizers pointed exhibitors toward private security and insurance. | Published: Aug 29, 2026 09:45 am Gamescom has issued a response after several exhibitors reported laptops and other hardware stolen from their booths during the Cologne event. Organizers said police investigations are underway, but the statement has drawn criticism for reminding exhibitors that individual stand security can be purchased separately and equipment should be insured against theft. We are aware of stolen hardware and take these reports very seriously and understand the frustration of affected exhibitors. Since many requests reached us, we would like to inform about general security regulations at the event:Uniformed guards provide general security across…— gamescom (@gamescom) August 29, 2026 The thefts became public on Aug. 28 when solo developer Ryan Laley, creator of upcoming multiplayer horror game Mimic, returned to his booth in the business area and found his laptops gone. Laley said at least seven or eight laptops were stolen from the surrounding area overnight, despite exhibitors being told the business hall had 24-hour security and limited access outside operating hours. The loss forced him to cancel much of his gamescom schedule. My #gamescom cut short. Our equipment was stolen last night from the booth.Police reports have been filed.At a loss for words to describe the feeling. Just defeated. Gonna do my best with what's left of the week. But a huge blow financially and mentally pic.twitter.com/dKpp3Of6df— Mimic | Ryan Laley (@RyanLaley) August 28, 2026 Publisher iam8bit was hit in the same area, losing two laptops used to demonstrate Petal Runner and Escape Academy 2. Both machines contained unfinished builds, creating the additional risk that development versions of the games could leak. Tessera Studios also found its cabinet forced open in the Indie Area in Hall 10.2 earlier in the week, with two laptops and a Steam Deck containing company and personal information taken from inside. Today at gamescom we arrived to our station in the business area hall to discover that our two laptops had been stolen over night, despite the presence of Koelnmesse security. These were machines we were using to demo iam8bit Presents titles Petal Runner and Escape Academy 2 to…— iam8bit @ gamescom hall 5.2 stand C051 (@iam8bit) August 28, 2026 Gamescom’s statement has attracted much of the criticism, and replies accused the event of shifting responsibility toward exhibitors whose equipment disappeared inside supposedly secured areas, with people calling this response unacceptable. Others questioned why organizers were talking about optional private guards and insurance before explaining how thieves were able to remove multiple computers from restricted halls overnight. CDPR is ready to help. Screenshot by Dot Esports Laley has since received help from elsewhere in the games industry. Indie Game Joe provided money to replace his stolen hardware, with CD Projekt Red also reaching out to offer help. Laley declined suggestions for a crowdfunding campaign and instead asked people to wishlist and share Mimic, saying he plans to remain at gamescom for the rest of the weekend despite losing his booth setup. Dot Esports is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more about our Affiliate Policy

How to complete Week 6 challenges in BO7 & Warzone Season 5Dot Esports

How to complete Week 6 challenges in BO7 & Warzone Season 5

Image via Activision Category: Find all Season 5 Week 6 Challenges here. | Published: Aug 29, 2026 07:13 am Black Ops 7 and Warzone Season 5 Week 6 bring the Peacekeeper MK1 Gauss Accelerator and 10,000 XP. In that way, you also progress with your Season 5 Murder and Nectar camos by completing them. Here are all the Week 6 challenges in BO7 and Warzone, along with the best ways to complete them. Quick summary Complete any six challenges to unlock the Peacekeeper MK1 Gauss Accelerator attachment and 10,000 XP. Multiplayer objectives focus on SMG eliminations, hipfire kills, finishing in the top three by score, Specialist perks, Decoy or Echo Unit distractions, and lethal grenade kills. Warzone challenges include Top 10 placements, Sniper Rifle eliminations, Loadout Drop access, Recon Contracts, kills while under fire, and one Launcher elimination. Table of contentsAll Week 6 challenges in BO7 and Warzone Season 5MultiplayerWarzoneZombiesCo-op and EndgameWeek 6 reward in BO7 and Warzone Season 5Black Ops 7 and Warzone Season 5 weekly challenge reset date All Week 6 challenges in BO7 and Warzone Season 5 You may also check Week 5 Challenges to stack up progress. Multiplayer Screenshot by Dot Esports ChallengeRewardHow to completeGet 300 Eliminations with SMGs5000 XPEquip your favorite SMG and play respawn modes with plenty of close-range fightsSmall maps and objective playlists are the fastest way to build 300 eliminationsFinish a match in Top 3 by Score across both teams 5 times5000 XPFocus on objectives, eliminations, assists, and scorestreaks instead of only chasing killsHardpoint and Domination give you more ways to earn score throughout a matchGet 20 Hipfire Kills3500 XPUse an SMG or shotgun with hipfire-focused attachmentsDo not ADS when securing the killWith the Specialist Wildcard equipped: earn a Perk 15 times3500 XPEquip the Specialist Wildcard and play normally while earning enough score to unlock perksKill 10 enemies distracted by your Decoy Grenade Tactical or Echo Unit Field Upgrade2500 XPThrow Decoy Grenades near enemies or place the Echo Unit where opponents are likely to push, then eliminate them while they are distractedGet 5 Kills with the Frag Grenade, Cluster Grenade, or Impact Grenade Lethal2500 XPUse your lethal equipment on objectives, chokepoints, and spawn routesGrenades are most effective when multiple enemies are grouped together Warzone Screenshot by Dot Esports ChallengeRewardHow to completeEarn 10 Top 10 Placements5000 XPPrioritize survival, rotate early, and avoid unnecessary fights in the final circlesGet 20 Eliminations with Sniper Rifles5000 XPUse a sniper from high ground or long sightlines and target players crossing open areasResurgence gives you more opportunities to build sniper eliminationsAccess your Loadout from a Loadout Drop 5 times3500 XPInteract with five Loadout Drops across your matchesKeep enough cash for a Loadout Drop Marker if you do not want to wait for a public dropComplete 5 Recon Contracts3500 XPPick up Recon Contracts early, secure each objective, and rotate immediately after completionA vehicle can help you reach the next Recon location before another squad doesGet 5 Kills while under fire2500 XPSecure eliminations while an enemy is actively shooting at youGet a Kill with a Launcher2500 XPCarry a launcher and use it against a downed player, vehicle, or enemy caught in a confined space Zombies Screenshot by Dot Esports ChallengeRewardHow to completeSpend 250,000 Essence5000 XPSpend Essence on weapons, perks, Pack-a-Punch upgrades, doors, and equipment over several matchesGet 15 Critical Kills with SMGs without taking damage 10 times5000 XPUse an SMG, keep your distance, and land 15 headshots without being hitReset your positioning after each successful sequence and repeat it 10 timesKill an Elite Zombie with a Melee Weapon3500 XPWeaken an Elite Zombie with firearms, then deliver the final hit using a melee weaponReach Round 15 3 times3500 XPPlay three separate runs to Round 15Upgrade your weapon early, stay mobile, and avoid unnecessary risks once you have reached the required roundGet 750 Kills on Rex Infernus2500 XPPlay the Rex Infernus map and use your preferred high-ammo weapon to clear hordesDrink Widow’s Wine 3 times2500 XPPurchase or obtain Widow’s Wine and drink it during three separate opportunities Co-op and Endgame Screenshot by Dot Esports ChallengeRewardHow to completeIn Endgame: complete 25 Activities or Assignments in Zone III or higher5000 XPPush into Zone III or higher and chain Activities without extracting earlyCoordinate with your squad so you can complete objectives quickly and survive long enough to reach 25Eliminate 500 Fear enemies5000 XPTarget Fear enemies during Endgame activities and continue playing through enemy-dense areasGet 10 rapid kills with SMGs 10 times3500 XPUse an SMG in close-range encounters and wait until enemies group togetherSecure 10 quick eliminations, then repeat the sequence 10 timesIn Endgame: complete the Supply Disruption Assignment or Grid Takedown Activity 3 times3500 XPSelect either Supply Disruption or Grid Takedown whenever it appears and complete the full objectivePrevent 1,500 total damage with your Crash Cart or Ballistic Shell Ability2500 XPActivate Crash Cart or Ballistic Shell when enemies are dealing damage to your squadUse the Ability during busy fights so it absorbs or prevents as much damage as possibleEliminate a Rhino2500 XPLocate a Rhino during an Endgame encounter and focus fire with your squadUse cover, avoid standing directly in front of it, and finish the enemy to complete the one-time objective Week 6 reward in BO7 and Warzone Season 5 The main Week 6 reward is the Peacekeeper MK1 Gauss Accelerator, a Fire Mod that accelerates heavy-metal projectiles through electromagnetic coils and fires two projectiles at once with improved ballistics. The trade-off is reduced handling and mobility. The fastest six challenges you complete to get this are: Get 20 Hipfire Kills in Multiplayer Get 5 Kills with a Frag Grenade, Cluster Grenade, or Impact Grenade in Multiplayer Get a Kill with a Launcher in Warzone Get 20 Eliminations with Sniper Rifles in Warzone Reach Round 15 three times in Zombies Eliminate a Rhino in Endgame Black Ops 7 and Warzone Season 5 weekly challenge reset date Each challenge set in Season 5 unlocks every Thursday at 11am CT, and remains available throughout the season until the end date. What’s the Season 5 Week 6 reward? In Week 6, you unlock the Peacekeeper MK1 Gauss Accelerator and earn 10,000 XP. When will BO7 and Warzone Season 5 Week 7 Challenges arrive? Season 5 Week 7 Challenges will go live on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026, at 11am CT. Dot Esports is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more about our Affiliate Policy

Best Call of Duty Modern Warfare 4 Warzone beta PC graphics settings for clear visuals and high FPSDot Esports

Best Call of Duty Modern Warfare 4 Warzone beta PC graphics settings for clear visuals and high FPS

Image via Activision Category: Best MW4 Warzone PC settings for open beta. | Published: Aug 28, 2026 04:24 pm Call of Duty: MW4 open beta is underway. If you’re looking for higher FPS with clear visuals on the new Zodiac Resurgence map or Battle Royale in general, your setup has to be competitive-focused instead of using the recommended preset. The settings mentioned below are ideal for 1080p with hardware around an RTX 3060 Ti. Quick summary Use DLSS Ultra Performance 1080p for clear visuals and high FPS. Turn V-Sync, ray tracing, motion blur, and depth of field off to reduce latency and visual clutter. Keep NVIDIA Reflex on and set the VRAM Scale Target to 80% for smoother performance. Let shader preloading finish before jumping into matches to help minimize stutters. Table of contentsBest MW4 Warzone beta graphics settingsDisplay settingsQuality settingsView settings Best MW4 Warzone beta graphics settings Display settings SettingValueDisplay ModeFullscreen ExclusiveDisplay MonitorYour primary gaming monitorScreen Refresh RateHighest availableDisplay ResolutionNative resolutionAspect RatioAutomaticBackground Shader PreloadingOnNVIDIA Reflex Low LatencyOnEco Mode PresetEfficiencyV-Sync (Gameplay)OffV-Sync (Menus)Personal choice, can be on or offCustom Frame Rate LimitCustomReduce Menu Render ResolutionOptimalPause Game RenderingOffReduce Quality when inactive30 secondsFocused Mode0 Use your monitor’s native resolution whenever possible. In my case, it’s a 400Hz monitor running at 1920×1080. However, the best frame rates you get depend on the CPU and GPU you’re using. Quality settings SettingValueGraphic PresetCustomRender Resolution100% for native clarityDynamic ResolutionOffUpscaling/SharpeningNVIDIA DLSSNVIDIA DLSS PresetUltra PerformanceNVIDIA DLSS Sharpness50 to 60NVIDIA DLSS ModelCNN (Legacy)AMD FSR Frame GenerationOffRay Tracing ReflectionsOffVRAM Scale Target80World Motion BlurOffWeapon Motion BlurOffWorld Depth of FieldOffWeapon Depth of FieldOffTexture ResolutionNormalTexture Filter AnisotropicLowDetail QualityNormalParticle ResolutionVery LowBullet ImpactsOnPersistent EffectsOnShader QualityLowShading QualityLowOn-demand Texture StreamingOptimizedLocal Texture Streaming QualityLowIn-Game Video QualityStandardShadow QualityVery LowShadow Filtering QualityLowScreen Space ShadowsOffOcclusion and Screen Space LightingOffScreen Space ReflectionsOffStatic Reflection QualityLowTerrain QualityMediumVolumetric QualityLowDeferred Physics QualityOffWeather Grid Volumes QualityOffWater QualityOff View settings SettingValueField of View (FOV)110 to 120 (I prefer full FOV)Enhanced FOVOff3rd Person FOV90Vehicle FOVDefault1st Person Camera MovementMinimal (25%)3rd Person Camera MovementMinimal (25%) Always keep Background Shader Preloading enabled. Also let it finish before jumping into matches because shader preloading prepares the small programs used for lighting, shadows, surfaces, and visual effects before gameplay. This will help reduce stutters and other frame-time spikes. Also, an SSD is required for the beta. So, make sure you’re installing it there instead of an HDD to further reduce loading delays and streaming issues. That said, do check out the best PC graphics settings for MW4 Multiplayer, and how to check your Beta stats, such as KD, kills, wins, and more. Should you turn V-Sync on in Modern Warfare 4 Warzone beta? Turning V-Sync off during gameplay reduces input lag. Is DLSS good for MW4 beta? Yes, DLSS Ultra Performance is the best setting for sharper visuals and higher frames if using NVIDIA GPUs. Should I enable NVIDIA Reflex in MW4 Warzone beta? Yes, enabling NVIDIA Reflex helps reduce system latency in BR. Does shader preloading reduce stuttering in MW4? Yes, let shader preloading finish before playing to minimize shader-related stuttering. Dot Esports is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more about our Affiliate Policy

Zenless Zone Zero version 3.2 banners: Claret and Roxy are here!Dot Esports

Zenless Zone Zero version 3.2 banners: Claret and Roxy are here!

Image Credit: HoYoverse Category: Zenless Zone Zero version 3.2 banners will feature Claret, the game's first Armorer Agent! | Last Updated: Aug 28, 2026 09:42 am Zenless Zone Zero version 3.2 is coming in hot with two new S-Rank Agents: Claret Flint and Roxy Ifrita Pryce. Here are the banner schedules for ZZZ version 3.2 for Agents and W-Engines. The first half of the update will feature the Signal Search for the first Armorer Agent in the game, Claret. Claret Flint is an S-Rank Electric Armorer Agent. She is the head of the Flint family and the Administrative Director of Flint Workshop, but more importantly, she is the first Agent to use the new Armorer Specialty’s gameplay mechanics like Maim and multi-CRIT. Image Credit: HoYoverse Claret will be available on her Exclusive Channel, “Bloodmoon Rising,” from when Zenless Zone Zero version 3.2 goes live on Sept. 9 until Sept. 30, 2026. At the same time, a rerun for the leader of the Angels of Delusion, Nangong Yu (S-Rank, Ether, Stun), will happen alongside Claret’s banner. Image Credit: HoYoverse Claret’s Signature W-Engine, Crimson Thirst, and Nangong Yu’s Neon Fantasies will also be available during this time. Roxy Ifrita Pryce is an S-Rank Wind Stun Agent. She is the second Wind Agent following Velina, who debuted the Attribute in version 3.0. Roxy is the chief smith of Flint Workshop and plays around Eyes of the Storm — tornadoes formed by her EX Special Attack. Image Credit: HoYoverse Roxy will be available on her Exclusive “Cindernight Respite” banner on the second half of the update, from Sept. 30 until the end of the patch on the week of Oct. 18, 2026. A rerun of Promeia‘s (S-Rank, Ice, Anomaly) banner will happen at the same time. Image Credit: HoYoverse Her Signature W-Engine, Crimson Moon Casket, along with Promeia’s Frostfall Sickle, can be Signal Searched during the same time window. Zenless Zone Zero version 3.2 goes live on Sept. 9, 2026. Dot Esports is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more about our Affiliate Policy

Zenless Zone Zero version 3.2 adds new Armorer SpecialtyDot Esports

Zenless Zone Zero version 3.2 adds new Armorer Specialty

Image Credit: HoYoverse Category: Armorer Agents in Zenless Zone Zero balance offense and defense. | Last Updated: Aug 28, 2026 09:46 am Zenless Zone Zero version 3.2 is debuting the new Armorer Specialty with Claret. Here’s everything we know on this new Specialty coming this update, along with how it enables Claret to deal tons of damage. Quick Summary New Agent Specialty Armorer goes live on Zenless Zone Zero version 3.2 on Sept. 9, 2026. Armorer Agents balance offense and defense. They have access to damage-dealing mechanics like Maim and multi-CRIT, and the ability to negate enemy attacks with Counter-Assists. The first Armorer Agent, Claret (S-Rank Electric), will be on the first half of the patch. Zenless Zone Zero 3.2 – Armorer Specialty The update goes live on Sept. 9, 2026. While there’s a lot of new content to look forward to, the biggest one is the new Specialty, Armorer. HoYoverse describes Armorer as a Specialty that “balances offense and defense.” Armorer characters are capable of utilizing the new Maim and multi-CRIT mechanics. Through these, they can deal tons of damage. Image Credit: HoYoverse The first Armorer Agent in the game is Claret Flint, an S-Rank Electric character. She can accumulate Gash on enemies through attacks. At full stacks, Gash is applied and hitting them with specific skills triggers Maim. Maim deals additional DMG and grants a Laceration DMG boost. The defensive part comes in the form of scaling: all of Claret’s skills scale off DEF. Moreover, excess CRIT Rate past 100% triggers multi-CRIT. Her CRIT DMG is also calculated as Laceration DMG. Some of Claret’s CRIT DMG is also converted into CRIT Rate. These mechanics are key to min-maxing your Claret’s performance. Image Credit: HoYoverse There’s one more thing that Armorer Agents get: Counter-Assists. They can “contest” some enemies’ control skills. Winning the contest negates the enemy’s skill and knocks them back. HoYoverse has stated that Defense Agents will also gain access to this ability in the future. Armorer Agents present players a new class of characters that can deal damage while not being too vulnerable. As ZZZ progresses, Armorer Agents are sure to be key to some content, especially boss fights. Image Credit: HoYoverse Zenless Zone Zero’s first Armorer Agent, Claret, will be featured in the first half of the update. Her banner will run as soon as version 3.2 goes live on Sept. 9, until the end of the usual three-week cadence. Dot Esports is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more about our Affiliate Policy

Modern Warfare 4 Open Beta brings major movement and weapon changes to WarzoneDot Esports

Modern Warfare 4 Open Beta brings major movement and weapon changes to Warzone

Image via Activision Category: Get ready to deploy into Zodiac. | Published: Aug 28, 2026 03:04 am Call of Duty: Warzone is getting its first taste of Modern Warfare 4 as the MW4 Open Beta introduces the new Resurgence map Zodiac, revamped movement, weapon tuning, and several new gameplay features. The first-ever Warzone mode in a beta goes live on Aug. 28 at 10am PT and runs until Sept. 1, giving players an early look at what to expect when Modern Warfare 4‘s Warzone integration arrives later this year. MW4 Open Beta introduces Zodiac in Warzone Resurgence, a new map developed by teams behind Rebirth Island and Vondel. Set in South Korea and centered around a massive weapons manufacturing facility, the map features 10 POIs with dynamic environmental elements such as moving solar panels and twin trains at the center. Movement in the Warzone Beta will closely follow MW4 Multiplayer for a more grounded and deliberate feel while maintaining the momentum players expect from Resurgence. That means there’s no omnimovement, but you can expect to have tactical sprint. No omnimovement here. Image via Activision Weapons are also being tuned specifically for Warzone. Infinity Ward has adjusted damage ranges, bullet velocity, ADS speed, sprint-to-fire speed, and mobility, while keeping TTK familiar for players coming from the current Warzone experience. Custom loadouts won’t be available in the beta. Instead, players will use hand-crafted default loadouts and ground loot weapons featuring Modern Warfare 4 guns and equipment. Infinity Ward is also adding new gameplay elements, including Fuel Barrels and the SAM Turret field upgrade. Players can use Fuel Barrels as environmental interactions while you can deploy SAM Turret to defend against aerial killstreaks like UAVs and Counter-UAVs. Killstreaks will feature a broader selection from Modern Warfare 4 Multiplayer, although the strongest options will remain rare. Recon Contracts now reward a single-use Insight Killstreak, allowing players to activate circle peek when they need to know zone of the upcoming gas circle. Supply Run Contracts have also been changed to provide a one-time discount and upgrade buy stations with exclusive items. Warzone Beta launches with Resurgence Quads, while Casual Resurgence Quads will rotate in during the testing period. Both playlists will temporarily be disabled in the live game to encourage Resurgence players to try the beta and provide feedback. Open Beta Multiplayer details to follow. Image via Activision Infinity Ward has separately confirmed aim assist changes for the MW4 Open Beta following feedback from the Early Access weekend. The developer, however, remains silent on player demands for changes to SBMM. You can check out the complete details in the official MW4 Beta patch notes page. The Modern Warfare 4 Open Beta is available to everyone from Aug. 28 to Sept. 1 on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC via Steam, Battle.net, and Xbox on PC, as well as Nintendo Switch 2, regardless of pre-order status. Dot Esports is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more about our Affiliate Policy

Everything we know about The Witcher 3: Songs of the Past DLC: Release date, story, gameplay, new regionDot Esports

Everything we know about The Witcher 3: Songs of the Past DLC: Release date, story, gameplay, new region

Twelve years after The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt came out, Geralt is getting another full expansion. Songs of the Past sends him to Letten, Dandelion’s homeland, and brings a new open-world region, new monsters, new quests, a silver chain for Geralt, and another romance option along with it. CD Projekt Red and Fool’s Theory showed a lot more of it at gamescom, including roughly 15 minutes of gameplay and the early main quest A Bed of Thorns. That footage introduced Dandelion’s family, explained how Letten works as an open world, and confirmed that everything improved in The Witcher 3 Remastered carries over into the expansion. Quick Summary The Witcher 3: Songs of the Past comes out in 2027 for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC. Geralt travels to Letten after Dandelion disappears, which pulls him into the history of the de Lettenhove family and a curse surrounding one of Dandelion’s ancestors. Letten is roughly the size of Blood and Wine, with more detailed NPC routines, denser settlements, and dozens of new quests and points of interest. Lilla, Dandelion’s cousin and Geralt’s companion through the story, is a new romance option. Geralt gets a silver chain for crowd control and armored enemies, while new monsters include Swarmions, the Slumbering Knight, and Thorn Flowers. Table of contentsThe Witcher 3: Songs of the Past release date and platformsWhat is the story of Songs of the Past?Letten is a new open-world regionLilla is a new romance option for GeraltSongs of the Past gameplay and Geralt’s new chainWho is developing Songs of the Past?FAQs The Witcher 3: Songs of the Past release date and platforms Songs of the Past is coming sometime in 2027 to PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC. There’s no month, exact date, or price yet, though you can already wishlist it. A 2026 release was on the table before CD Projekt Red gave the team another year to work on it. PS4, Xbox One, and the original Switch aren’t getting it, since development is now aimed squarely at current-generation hardware. This one is also a paid expansion, unlike the smaller free DLC CD Projekt Red used to put out for The Witcher 3. The developers are going for the scale of the game’s previous full expansions, with Letten being an entirely new open-world region roughly comparable to Blood and Wine, which cost $19.99 at launch. What is the story of Songs of the Past? A Bed of Thorns opens with Geralt in Letten for the local Belleteyn celebrations. He wakes up hungover the morning after, Dandelion is nowhere to be found, and the bard’s missing lute gives him another reason to think something has gone wrong. Geralt heads to the de Lettenhove estate and meets several members of Dandelion’s family, including his stern grandmother, his cousin Lilla, and his much more serious brother Gustav. The search eventually takes Geralt and Lilla toward the Garden of Thorns and the story of Count Humbert de Lettenhove, an ancestor tied up in an old family curse. Dandelion gets far more attention here than he ever did in the base game, including his life before he became the bard Geralt knows. The story goes back about 11 years to ideas floating around CD Projekt Red during original development, and the expansion is using it to dig into Dandelion’s roots, his friendship with Geralt, family problems, and old regrets. Letten is a new open-world region New region in Redania. Image via CDPR Letten is located in northeastern Redania and escaped most of the warfare that wrecked places like Velen. The countryside draws on England and southern Poland, and what’s been shown so far includes lakeside villages, forests, farmland, rural festivals, and the de Lettenhove family estate. The whole region is freely explorable and is somewhere around Blood and Wine in size, filled with new quests, characters, secrets, and points of interest. CD Projekt Red has also packed the settlements more densely and given NPCs more detailed routines and dialogue than they had before. Those NPCs now do considerably more than stand around, driving carts and using boats among other things. The gamescom demo showed shepherds moving sheep across roads, carts rolling through settlements, children interacting with adults, and villagers drifting back into their routines once Belleteyn wrapped up. Lilla is a new romance option for Geralt Dandelion’s cousin Lilla. Image via CDPR Lilla is Dandelion’s cousin, and she becomes one of Geralt’s main companions during the search. Geralt can romance her, and flirtatious dialogue showed up during the quest. CD Projekt Red confirmed during its gamescom REDstream that Geralt has new romance content in the expansion, though the demo deliberately picked a colder response because the developer playing was keeping him with Yennefer. That suggests the romance is optional and you can keep Geralt loyal to an existing partner. CD Projekt Red hasn’t said whether Yennefer, Triss, or either relationship will physically show up in Songs of the Past, so how Lilla’s romance path works with old saves is still an open question. Songs of the Past gameplay and Geralt’s new chain Geralt’s new chain. Image via CDPR Songs of the Past keeps the sword combat, Signs, alchemy, investigation, dialogue choices, and exploration you’d expect, while folding in the mechanical changes from The Witcher 3 Remastered. That means smoother combat animations, revised enemy behavior, improved movement, an adaptive camera, and reworked character progression. Geralt’s biggest new toy is a silver chain, based on the weapon he uses against the striga in Andrzej Sapkowski’s The Last Wish and in the opening cinematic of the first Witcher game. It fills a similar slot to the crossbow, and you can either throw it quickly or take time to aim. The chain drags ranged enemies toward Geralt, pulls creatures out of groups, and opens up defenses his swords can’t get through. During the A Bed of Thorns demo, Geralt used it on the Slumbering Knight to break its guard and create an opening. New enemies include Swarmions, which come at you in groups, and the Slumbering Knight, a skeletal thing covered in roots. Thorn Flowers are another archespore variant that can attack from underground and fire large poisonous projectiles, with more monsters and bosses still unrevealed. Quests can also use information Geralt picks up elsewhere in Letten. One puzzle shown at gamescom had a dialogue option unlocked by something learned from an unrelated NPC. Who is developing Songs of the Past? Something stirs in Letten. Image via CDPR CD Projekt Red is co-developing Songs of the Past with Fool’s Theory, the Polish studio currently leading the remake of the first Witcher. Several Fool’s Theory developers worked on The Witcher 2 and The Witcher 3, expansion director Jakub Rokosz among them. The story has unusually old roots, with the original concept dating back to The Witcher 3‘s development. Senior quest designer Despoina Anetaki, CD Projekt Red narrative director Philipp Weber, and Fool’s Theory senior writer Ula Moitica were among those who developed or revisited the idea. FAQs When does The Witcher 3: Songs of the Past come out? The Witcher 3: Songs of the Past releases in 2027 for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC. An exact date has not been announced. Who is the new romance in Songs of the Past? Lilla, Dandelion’s cousin, is the new romance option shown for Geralt. The romance is optional, and players can choose to immediately shoot this option down. Where is Songs of the Past set? The expansion takes place in Letten, Dandelion’s homeland in northeastern Redania. It is a new freely explorable region similar in scale to Blood and Wine. Is Songs of the Past free? No. Songs of the Past is a paid expansion. Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine became free for existing The Witcher 3 owners alongside the gamescom announcements, but the new expansion will be sold separately. Dot Esports is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more about our Affiliate Policy

GTA 6’s new dialogue system makes NPC conversations more immersiveDot Esports

GTA 6’s new dialogue system makes NPC conversations more immersive

Image via Rockstar Category: More than small talk. | Published: Aug 27, 2026 03:56 pm Rockstar Games is giving players a new way to interact with the world of Grand Theft Auto 6, with the game’s latest extended look revealing a revamped dialogue system that makes conversations feel more natural and less intrusive. The new system was showcased in the extended look for GTA 6, which premiered on Netflix and it will be released on Rockstar Games’ official channels soon. The footage offers a closer look at how Jason and other characters can interact with people and objects throughout Leonida. Image via Rockstar Unlike GTA 5, where character dialogue is largely scripted and players have limited control over what protagonists say, GTA 6 appears to give players more contextual interaction options. Without using a traditional dialogue wheel that takes up a large portion of the screen, GTA 6 is going to take a scenic route by displaying a small contextual prompt when Jason approaches an interactable character. Once the conversation begins, available responses appear discreetly near the bottom-right corner of the screen. The approach keeps the game’s cinematic presentation intact while still giving players control over certain interactions. The extended footage also shows some of that system. Jason approaches a bouncer and is given different ways to get his attention. In another scene, Jason encounters a dog and receives three interaction options, including Scold, Pet, and Study. While some of these choices may not radically alter the story in the way dialogue systems in other games, but they provide another layer of interactivity within Rockstar’s open world. The new system also extends beyond conversations involving Jason and Lucia. Ambient NPC dialogue appears to be considerably more dynamic in GTA 6, with pedestrians reacting to what is happening around them. NPCs can comment on the player’s appearance, actions, and surroundings. For example, carrying a weapon can cause nearby characters to react differently. Threaten them and they might pick a fight with you or run away. Other factors such as the weather, time of day, and an NPC’s emotional state can influence what they say. Image via Rockstar Games Rockstar’s push for more immersive NPC conversations is part of a much larger effort to make the people of Vice City feel less like background characters. In the interview with The New York Times, Rockstar revealed that it created a dedicated team in Los Angeles focused on developing more realistic NPCs, with each character being individually art-directed rather than simply generated from a pool of interchangeable parts. The system could also allow NPCs to recognize Jason depending on previous encounters and react differently based on what he has done. NPCs may even continue conversations with one another as situations develop around them. The new dialogue mechanics are another example of Rockstar attempting to make GTA 6 feel less like a collection of scripted missions and more like a constantly evolving world. Players will still experience Rockstar’s heavily scripted cinematic sequences, but the ability to casually interact with characters and make small choices during exploration could make the time between major story moments more engaging. It remains unclear how much influence these dialogue choices will have on the wider story. Rockstar has not yet suggested that GTA 6 will feature a branching narrative on the scale of a traditional RPG. For now, the system appears designed primarily to make everyday interactions feel more organic. With GTA 6 scheduled to launch on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S on November 19, 2026, players will not have to wait much longer to see how deep Rockstar’s new dialogue and NPC systems actually go. Dot Esports is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more about our Affiliate Policy

Caedrel joins Max Verstappen for 100-driver karting challenge at SilverstoneDot Esports

Caedrel joins Max Verstappen for 100-driver karting challenge at Silverstone

Image via Riot Games/Red Bull/ Remix by Dot Esports Category: Max has 100 problems, but driving ain't one. | Last Updated: Aug 27, 2026 01:54 pm League of Legends streamer and former pro Caedrel is set to trade Summoner’s Rift for the race track, as he joins four-time F1 champion Max Verstappen for the unique Max vs 100 karting challenge at the Silverstone circuit. Verstappen will take on 100 drivers in a race designed to test whether the four-time Formula One World Champion can fight his way through the entire field. The event will take place on Sept.16 at Silverstone, England and will be live on Disney+ and the ESPN App. There will be no spectators allowed at the circuit. Photo by Colin Young-Wolff/Riot Games Caedrel is among a star-studded group of 100 drivers who will line up against Verstappen for the unusual karting challenge. The field also includes streamer TheGrefg, TheDonato, ultrarunner Arda Saatçi, basketball shooting specialist Chris “Lethal Shooter” Matthews, and freestyle mountain biker Matt Jones. Rather than starting alongside a handful of competitors as he does in F1, Verstappen will have all 100 drivers between himself and the finish line. His objective is simple: get through the pack and reach the front before the race ends. Unlike F1, Verstappen can communicate directly with his fellow drivers during the race, giving fans a rare insight into the strategy and chaos unfolding on track. For Caedrel, the event represents a very different kind of competition from the League of Legends broadcasts and esports events. The former LEC player has built a huge following through his analysis and entertaining streams, but this time his challenge will involve finding speed on four wheels without crashing. The race is being held on a purpose-built karting circuit at Silverstone, with all 101 drivers taking to the track at the same time. Race Director and French racing driver David Terrien designed the circuit specifically for the event. With 100 karts on the circuit, navigating traffic, picking the right moments to overtake, and finding openings will be crucial, making racecraft just as important as raw pace. Two-time iRacing World Champion Sebastian Job has already tested the circuit and warned that Verstappen will have his work cut out for him. The sheer number of drivers means Caedrel and the rest of the field will have one major advantage: traffic. Verstappen may be one of the best racing drivers in the world, but passing 100 karts in a single race is an entirely different challenge. Max vs 100 also takes Verstappen back to the discipline where his racing career began. The Dutchman first drove a go-kart at four years old and was already competing in championships by the age of seven. Karting helped Verstappen develop the starts, overtaking skills and racecraft that would eventually take him to Formula One. Despite spending more than a decade competing at the highest level of single-seater racing, Verstappen is clearly excited to get back behind the wheel of a kart. “I’ve done so many years in go-karting that you quite naturally get back into things,” Verstappen said to Redbull. However, the F1 champion is not expecting a quiet return to his roots. With 100 competitors directly in front of him, Verstappen admitted that he is looking forward to seeing the “carnage unfold” during the challenge. With Caedrel among the 100 drivers standing between Verstappen and victory, Max vs 100 promises to be a very different test for the F1 champion. Whether the streamer can help hold off Verstappen, or simply survive the chaos, will be revealed when the karts hit Silverstone. Dot Esports is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more about our Affiliate Policy

Genshin Impact pity and gacha system, explainedDot Esports

Genshin Impact pity and gacha system, explained

Like many other gacha games, Genshin Impact has a pity system that guarantees five-stars after 80-90 pulls, depending on the banner. It also ensures that even if you’re extremely unlucky, you can get the character you want with enough pulls. This system can be confusing to understand, so here’s a full breakdown of Genshin Impact‘s pity system. Quick summary On the character banners, you get a five-star every 90 pulls. On the weapon banners, you get a five-star every 80 pulls. Pity carries over between banners of the same type. Table of contentsWhat is pity in Genshin Impact?What is soft pity in Genshin Impact?What is the 50/50?How to check pity in Genshin ImpactFAQ What is pity in Genshin Impact? Pity is a guarantee system in Genshin Impact that ensures you get a character or weapon after a certain number of pulls, which prevents you from completely wasting your Primogems. Once you get a five-star character or weapon, pity resets back to zero. Pity works differently depending on the banner type and only carries over between banners of the same type. For example, if you had 50 pulls on the character event banner, those pulls would carry over to the next one. Every event banner lasts around 21 days. Screenshot by Dot Esports Every 10 wishes grant you at least one four-star character or weapon. Every 90 wishes grant you at least one five-star character. The odds of getting a featured event character are 50/50. If you lose a 50/50, the next five-star character is guaranteed to be a featured event character. If you lose a 50/50 three times in a row, the next non-guaranteed five-star triggers Capturing Radiance and is guaranteed to be a featured event character. The character event banner features limited-time five-stars and is the main banner to pull on. Pity on the character banner is 90 pulls. If you lose, you get a random five-star standard character, and your next five-star is guaranteed to be a featured character. In the worst-case scenario, you may need 180 pulls to get the character you want. Capturing Radiance is a mechanic that can turn a lost 50/50 into a win, accompanied by a signature pink glow and Intertwined Fate’s appearance during the pull animation. It has an extremely low chance to trigger on any non-guaranteed five-star, but if you lose three 50/50s in a row, the next non-guaranteed five-star will instead be the featured character. There are always two. Screenshot by Dot Esports Every 10 wishes grant you at least one four-star character or weapon. Every 80 wishes grant you at least one five-star weapon. The odds of getting a featured event weapon are 75/25. If you lose a 75/25, the next five-star weapon is guaranteed to be a featured event weapon. Getting a weapon that isn’t the weapon selected in the Epitomized Path grants a Fate Point. Fate Point guarantees the next five-star to be the weapon selected in the Epitomized Path. The weapon banner always features two event weapons, one for each featured character. While the odds of getting an event weapon are 75 percent when you get a five-star, which one you get is still random. However, the weapon banner has an Epitomized Path mechanic to target one of the weapons. Whenever you get a weapon that’s not the one you chose, you get a Fate Point, which guarantees the next five-star will be the one you want. Unlike pity, Fate Points don’t carry over between banners. On top of that, changing the target weapon or cancelling the Epitomized Path resets the Fate Point count, so make sure to set it to the weapon you need before pulling. Standard banner Don’t spend your Primogems. Screenshot by Dot Esports Every 10 wishes grant you at least one four-star character or weapon. Every 90 wishes grant you at least one standard five-star character or weapon. Unlike other banners, the standard banner has no additional rules. There’s no 50/50, Capturing Radiance, or Epitomized Path, which also means you can’t guarantee a specific five-star. If you get a five-star, it can be any of the eight characters or 10 weapons. What is soft pity in Genshin Impact? Soft pity raises the chances of getting a five-star as the number of times you wish increases. For character banners, soft pity begins on the 74th wish. On weapon banners, the soft pity begins at the 64th wish. This means that as you go beyond the soft pity starting point, the chances of receiving a five-star steadily increase with every pull. While these are the basic guaranteed rules of the system, luck can entirely shift how your pulls go. Some players may get multiple five-stars in a ten-pull or win multiple 50/50s back-to-back. Ultimately, most things in the gacha system come down to luck. What is the 50/50? 50/50 refers to the 50 percent chance of getting a featured character on the character banner. Luckily, pity ensures that if you lose a 50/50 to a standard character, the next five-star is guaranteed to be the featured character. For the weapon banner, the odds are 75/25, but you still need to win the 50/50 to get the right featured weapon of the two. If you lose, you get a Fate Point on an Epitomized Path, guaranteeing the next five-star weapon to be the one you chose. How to check pity in Genshin Impact Stay on top of your pulls. Screenshot by Dot Esports You can check pity on each banner type. To calculate your pity, first open the Wish menu in Genshin and then select the history button on the banner you want to check. Every page has five items. Four-star items are in purple text and “(4-Star)” next to them, while five-star items are in gold text with “(5-Star)” next to them. To calculate your pity: Go back to the most recent five-star that you received. Multiply the number of pages by five. Subtract the five-star and any wishes before it on the same page. This number will tell you how many wishes you are at, and you can then compare that number to the guaranteed 80 or 90 wishes of the pity system. old pulls: The pull history only goes back six months. While it doesn’t affect your 50/50s and guarantees, you may not be able to see your last five-star if you haven’t played in a while. FAQ Should I build pity in Genshin Impact? You should never “build pity” and pull on a banner you’re not interested in. Always save Primogems for the character/weapon you want to avoid wasting your luck. Does pity ever reset in Genshin Impact? Pity only resets when you pull a five-star. It doesn’t reset on its own. Should I pull on the standard banner in Genshin Impact? Don’t spend Primogems on the standard banner, as you can’t guarantee a specific five-star. Only use Acquaint Fates you get from battle passes, quests, etc. Dot Esports is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more about our Affiliate Policy

Warlock: Dungeons & Dragons release date, gameplay details, platforms and moreDot Esports

Warlock: Dungeons & Dragons release date, gameplay details, platforms and more

Image via Invoke Studios Category: Find all Warlock: Dungeons & Dragons details here. | Published: Aug 27, 2026 11:10 am Warlock: Dungeons & Dragons is Invoke Studios’ upcoming single-player action RPG set in Ravenloft’s gothic realm of Darkon. You play as Kaatri, a weapons master who forms a pact with the witch queen Tasha to gain warlock powers and hunt for a lost loved one. Warlock: Dungeons & Dragons release date and platforms Warlock: Dungeons & Dragons is targeting a 2027 release across current-gen consoles including PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store. At the time of writing, there’s no exact date or month announced. But I will update this section as soon as there’s an official announcement. The game was first revealed in late 2025, followed by a gameplay showcase at Gamescom 2026’s Opening Night Live on Aug. 25, 2026. We got to see extended footage, giving us the first real look at combat, exploration, and Kaatri’s powers. Image via Invoke Studios What kind of game is Warlock? Warlock is a single-player open-world action-adventure RPG played from a third-person perspective and built around exploration, spell-based combat, and player choice. Unlike Baldur’s Gate 3, there won’t be any dice rolls, character creation, or a party to queue up with. You always play as Kaatri. There are no traditional D&D mechanics; instead, abilities run on cooldowns and resource systems designed for an action game. The single-player action RPG takes place in Darkon, one of the Domains of Dread in the Ravenloft campaign setting. It’s a gothic realm ruled by the lich Azalin Rex, whose disappearance has caused the domain to destabilize and crumble into the mists. Invoke Studios heavily emphasizes player agency. Many obstacles can be solved with brute force, magic, or creative combinations of both. Warlock gameplay details Warlock’s core loop revolves around exploring Darkon, collecting Raw Magic, and using it to unlock and upgrade spells that double as both combat tools and traversal keys. Raw Magic is a hidden resource scattered across the world. Absorbing it lets Kaatri expand and transform her magical abilities. Instead of spell slots, you’ll manage cooldowns and possibly other action-game resources, keeping the flow fast and combat-focused. The system is designed so that every spell can be used in multiple ways, both in fights and in the environment. Darkon’s map is intentionally limited to push players toward organic exploration. You’ll encounter populated settlements where you can upgrade weapons, talk to NPCs, and pick up new quests. Some areas are gated behind abilities. For example, Kaatri can transform into a raven to slip through small openings and reach lower sections of the map that would otherwise be inaccessible. Spells like Levitate, Gust of Wind, and Black Tentacles can be repurposed for platforming and puzzle-solving, not just damage. What to expect at launch At launch, you can expect a single-player, story-driven campaign following Kaatri’s search for her lost loved one in a collapsing Darkon. An open world with settlements, dungeons, and hidden areas tied to spell-gated traversal. A spell-centric combat system with cooldowns, dual-use abilities, and ritual interactions. Player choice in how to approach obstacles, fights, and exploration, without branching into full RPG-style dialogue trees like Baldur’s Gate 3. What remains unconfirmed is its exact release date within 2027, specific magic cost mechanics and how they affect gameplay and story. The length of the campaign is also yet to be revealed by the devs, alongside side content scope, and post-launch plans. Dot Esports is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more about our Affiliate Policy

MPL Philippines Season 18: Schedule, results, standings, teams, and how to watchDot Esports

MPL Philippines Season 18: Schedule, results, standings, teams, and how to watch

Photo via MPL Philippines Category: Who will get the chance to redeem the PH at M8? | Published: Aug 27, 2026 06:50 am The eight franchise teams in the MPL Philippines Season 18 clash for the league trophy and two seats at the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang M8 World Championship in Turkey early next year. Defending champions Team Liquid PH are chasing an unprecedented fifth title, while last season’s runners-up Team Falcons PH are looking to stay in the mix for another international run. Reigning M Series champs Aurora Gaming PH, meanwhile, are raring to return for their world title defense, even as the rest of the league are eager to contend for the M8 slots. Here’s everything you need to know about MPL PH Season 18, from the schedule and results to participating MLBB teams and more. Quick Summary MPL PH Season 18 runs from Aug. 21 until November. The top six teams after the Regular Season advance to the Playoffs. The two finalists qualify for the M8 World Championship in Turkey in January 2027. Table of contentsMPL PH Season 18 schedule, results, and standingsMPL ID Season 18 teams and rostersMPL PH Season 18 final standings and prize distributionMLBB MPL PH Season 18 formatHow to watch MPL Philippines Season 18 MPL PH Season 18 schedule, results, and standings Liquid are going for a fifth trophy. Photo via MPL Philippines The MPL Philippines Season 18 starts from Aug. 21 and runs until November. Below are the key dates and venues: Group Stage: Aug. 21 to Oct. 11 at the Victoria Sports Tower in Quezon City Playoffs: November at a TBA venue Regular Season Standings TeamMatch W-LGame W-LPointsONIC PH2-04-02Team Falcons PH2-04-12Team Liquid PH1-13-21AP.Bren1-12-31TNC Pro Team1-12-31Twisted Minds PH0-11-20Omega Esports0-10-20Aurora Gaming PH0-21-40 Schedule & Results Week 1 Day 1, Aug. 21 Aurora Gaming PH 0-2 ONIC (5pm PHT / 5am ET) Team Liquid PH 1-2 Team Falcons PH (7:30pm PHT / 7:30am ET) Day 2, Aug. 22 AP. Bren 2-1 Twisted Minds PH (2:30pm PHT / 2:30am ET) Omega Esports 0-2 Team Liquid PH (5pm PHT / 5am ET) Team Falcons PH 2-0 TNC Pro Team (7:30pm PHT / 7:30am ET) Day 3, Aug. 23 ONIC 2-0 AP.Bren (5pm PHT / 5am ET) TNC Pro Team 2-1 Aurora Gaming PH (7:30pm PHT / 7:30am ET) Week 2 Day 1, Aug. 28 AP.Bren vs. Team Liquid PH (5pm PHT / 5am ET) Twisted Minds PH vs. ONIC PH (7:30pm PHT / 7:30am ET) Day 2, Aug. 29 AP.Bren vs. TNC Pro Team (2:30pm PHT / 2:30am ET) Omega Esports vs. Team Falcons PH (5pm PHT / 5am ET) Team Liquid PH vs. Aurora Gaming PH (7:30pm PHT / 7:30am ET) Day 3, Aug. 30 Twisted Minds PH vs. Team Falcons PH (5pm PHT / 5am ET) ONIC PH vs. Omega Esports (7:30pm PHT / 7:30am ET) Week 3 Day 1, Sept. 4 Twisted Minds PH vs. Aurora Gaming PH (5pm PHT / 5am ET) TNC Pro Team vs. ONIC PH (7:30pm PHT / 7:30am ET) Day 2, Sept. 5 Omega Esports vs. AP.Bren (2:30pm PHT / 2:30am ET) TNC Pro Team vs. Team Liquid PH (5pm PHT / 5am ET) ONIC PH vs. Team Falcons PH (7:30pm PHT / 7:30am ET) Day 3, Sept. 6 Team Liquid PH vs. Twisted Minds PH (5pm PHT / 5am ET) Aurora Gaming PH vs. Omega Esports (7:30pm PHT / 7:30am ET) Week 4 Day 1, Sept. 11 Omega Esports vs. Twisted Minds PH (5pm PHT / 5am ET) Aurora Gaming PH vs. AP.Bren (7:30pm PHT / 7:30am ET) Day 2, Sept. 12 Twisted Minds PH vs. TNC Pro Team (2:30pm PHT / 2:30am ET) Team Falcons PH vs. AP.Bren (5pm PHT / 5am ET) ONIC PH vs. Team Liquid PH (7:30pm PHT / 7:30am ET) Day 3, Sept. 13 TNC Pro Team vs. Omega Esports (5pm PHT / 5am ET) Team Falcons PH vs. Aurora Gaming PH (7:30pm PHT / 7:30am ET) Week 5 Day 1, Sept. 18 Team Liquid PH vs. TNC Pro Team (5pm PHT / 5am ET) Omega Esporst vs. Aurora Gaming PH (7:30pm PHT / 7:30am ET) Day 2, Sept. 19 TNC Pro Team vs. AP.Bren (2:30pm PHT / 2:30am ET) Team Falcons vs. Twisted Minds PH (5pm PHT / 5am ET) Aurora Gaming PH vs. Team Liquid PH (7:30pm PHT / 7:30am ET) Day 3, Sept. 20 AP.Bren vs. ONIC (5pm PHT / 5am ET) Team Liquid PH vs. Omega Esports (7:30pm PHT / 7:30am ET) Week 6 Day 1, Sept. 25 Twisted Minds PH vs. AP.Bren (5pm PHT / 5am ET) Omega Esports vs. ONIC PH (7:30pm PHT / 7:30am ET) Day 2, Sept. 26 TNC Pro Team vs. Twisted Minds PH (2:30pm PHT / 2:30am ET) AP.Bren vs. Aurora Gaming PH (5pm PHT / 5am ET) Team Liquid PH vs. ONIC PH (7:30pm PHT / 7:30am ET) Day 3, Sept. 27 Omega Esports vs. TNC Pro Team (5pm PHT / 5am ET) Aurora Gaming PH vs. Team Falcons PH (7:30pm PHT / 7:30am ET) Week 7 Day 1, Oct. 2 ONIC PH vs. Twisted Minds PH (5pm PHT / 5am ET) Aurora Gaming PH vs. TNC Pro Team (7:30pm PHT / 7:30am ET) Day 2, Oct. 3 Twisted Minds PH vs. Omega Esports (2:30pm PHT / 2:30am ET) AP.Bren vs. Team Falcons PH (5pm PHT / 5am ET) ONIC PH vs. Aurora Gaming PH (7:30pm PHT / 7:30am ET) Day 3, Oct. 4 Team Liquid PH vs. AP.Bren (5pm PHT / 5am ET) Team Falcons PH vs. Omega Esports (7:30pm PHT / 7:30am ET) Week 8 Day 1, Oct. 8 Twisted Minds PH vs. Team Liquid PH (5pm PHT / 5am ET) ONIC PH vs. TNC Pro Team (7:30pm PHT / 7:30am ET) Day 2, Oct. 9 AP.Bren vs. Omega Esports (2:30pm PHT / 2:30am ET) TNC Pro Team vs. Team Falcons PH (5pm PHT / 5am ET) Team Liquid PH vs. ONIC PH (7:30pm PHT / 7:30am ET) Day 3, Oct. 10 Aurora Gaming PH vs. Twisted Minds PH (5pm PHT / 5am ET) Team Falcons PH vs. Team Liquid PH (7:30pm PHT / 7:30am ET) MPL ID Season 18 teams and rosters Falcons are ready to soar. Photo via MPL Philippines Below are the eight franchise teams, including their complete rosters and placements last season. TeamRosterSeason 17 placementTeam Liquid PHSanford – EXP lanerKarlTzy – JunglerSanji – Mid lanerTeddy – Gold lanerJaypee – RoamerDaiki – Gold laner (Sub)ChampionTeam Falcons PHFlap – EXP lanerKyle – JunglerHadji – Mid lanerSuper Marco – Gold lanerOwgwen – RoamerFerdz – EXP laner (Sub)2ndONIC PhilippinesKirk – EXP lanerK1NGKONG – JunglerSuper Frince – Mid lanerSavero – Gold lanerSuper Yoshi – RoamerDann – EXP laner (Sub)Brusko – Roamer (Sub)3rdOmega EsportsLouis – EXP lanerRaizen – JunglerMinguin – Mid lanerCull – Gold lanerPerkziva – RoamerPeuder – Flex (Sub)4thAurora Gaming PHNathzz – EXP lanerKoyl – JunglerYue – Mid lanerDomeng – Gold lanerLight – RoamerYecs – Flex (Sub)5th-6thTwisted Minds PHLansu – EXP lanerSensu1 – JunglerSionnn – Mid lanerBennyqt – Gold lanerTracy – RoamerKurtt – Mid laner (Sub)5th-6thAP.BrenJMPINKMAN – EXP lanerJamespangks – JunglerLanceCy – Mid lanerShizou – Gold lanerEscalera – RoamerAllen – EXP laner (Sub)7thTNC Pro TeamRyota – EXP lanerZaida – JunglerVin – Mid lanerJowm – Gold lanerZehn – RoamerYeyeniya – Flex (Sub)8th MPL PH Season 18 final standings and prize distribution These are the teams’ final rankings, including the top two squads that qualify for the M8 World Championship, along with how the $150,000 prize pool is distributed. PlaceTeamPrizeChampionTBDQualified for M8TBD2ndTBDQualified for M8TBD3rdTBDTBD4thTBDTBD5th6thTBDTBDTBDTBD7thTBDTBD8thTBDTBD MLBB MPL PH Season 18 format Intense matches ahead. Photo via MPL Philippines Matches in MPL PH Season 18 use Map Selection Rules. The Regular Season features a double round-robin format. All matches are best-of-three (BO3), with one point awarded for a win and none for a loss. The top six teams advance to the Playoffs. Map selection for BO3 matches sees the home team pick Game 1, the away team pick a different map for Game 2, and Game 3 randomly selected from the two remaining maps. The Playoffs use a hybrid format. The third- to sixth-seeded teams play in a single-elimination Round 1, while the top two seeds receive a bye into the double-elimination Round 2. All matches are best-of-five (BO5) except the lower bracket final and grand final, which are best-of-seven (BO7). BO5 matches follow a similar map selection system as above, while BO7 matches use a rotating map pool where played maps are removed until all four have been used before the cycle resets. How to watch MPL Philippines Season 18 Watch the matches through the official MLBB English broadcast channels: MLBB Esports YouTube MLBB YouTube MLBB Esports Facebook MLBB Facebook MLBB Esports Tiktok MLBB TikTok Dot Esports is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more about our Affiliate Policy

How to complete Week 5 challenges in BO7 & Warzone Season 5Dot Esports

How to complete Week 5 challenges in BO7 & Warzone Season 5

Image via Activision Category: Find all Season 5 Week 5 Challenges here. | Published: Aug 27, 2026 06:28 am Black Ops 7 and Warzone Season 5 Week 5 bring the RK-9 Calibrated Strike System and 10,000 XP. In that way, you also progress with your Season 5 Murder and Nectar camos by completing them. Here are all the Week 5 challenges in BO7 and Warzone, along with the best ways to complete them. Quick summary Complete any six to unlock the RK-9 Calibrated Strike System attachment and 10,000 bonus XP. Multiplayer focuses on an eight-attachment Gunfighter weapon, objective score, Freerun, headshots, AR Bloodthirsties, and long-shot medals. Warzone challenges require shotgun, pistol, and ground-loot eliminations, Bounty Contracts or Target Uplinks, weapon-swap kills, and supply-box deployments. Table of contentsAll Week 5 challenges in BO7 and Warzone Season 5MultiplayerWarzoneZombiesCo-op and EndgameWeek 5 reward in BO7 and Warzone Season 5Black Ops 7 and Warzone Season 5 weekly challenge reset date All Week 5 challenges in BO7 and Warzone Season 5 You may also check Week 4 Challenges to stack up progress. Multiplayer Screenshot by Dot Esports ChallengeRewardHow to completeWith the Gunfighter Wildcard equipped: get 250 Eliminations using a Weapon with 8 Attachments5000 XPEquip Gunfighter, build a weapon with 8 attachments, and use it as your main weapon in respawn modesEarn 10,000 total Objective Score5000 XPPlay Hardpoint, Domination, or another objective mode and focus on capturing, defending, and contesting pointsObjective score matters more than your regular match score hereFinish the race in Freerun 3 times3500 XPEnter Freerun, complete the course, and repeat it 3 timesGet 30 Headshots3500 XPUse ARs with low recoil or a Marksman Rifle and aim at head level in every fightUse an Assault Rifle to earn the Bloodthirsty Medal (5 Kills without dying)2500 XPEquip an AR and play carefully until you secure 5 kills in one lifeEarn 5 Long Shot Medals (killed an enemy at long range)2500 XPUse an AR, LMG, or sniper on maps with open sightlinesHold distant angles and finish enemies from beyond normal close and mid-range distances Warzone Screenshot by Dot Esports ChallengeRewardHow to completeGet 10 Eliminations with Shotguns5000 XPUse a shotgun for close-range fights in buildings, stairwells, and other tight areasResurgence is better because it offers more frequent engagementsComplete 10 Bounty Contracts or Target Uplinks5000 XPPick up Bounty Contracts or Target Uplinks as soon as they appearComplete easy targets first, and use vehicles to move between objectives quickly.Get 10 Eliminations with Pistols3500 XPUse pistols during early-game fights or finish downed enemies with themGet 5 Kills shortly after swapping weapons3500 XPStart a fight with one weapon, switch to another, and secure the elimination shortly afterwardGet 10 Eliminations using Ground Looted Weapons2500 XPAvoid grabbing a loadout at the start of the match and use floor loot or weapons taken from enemiesDeploy 5 Armor, Munitions, or Utility Boxes2500 XPCarry boxes in your inventory and deploy them whenever you or your squad needs supplies Zombies Screenshot by Dot Esports ChallengeRewardHow to completeGet 750 Eliminations with Legendary Rarity Mystery Box Weapons5000 XPRoll a Legendary weapon from the Mystery Box and use it for as many kills as possibleGet 150 Scorestreak Kills5000 XPEquip area-damage Scorestreaks and activate them against large groupsSave each streak for dense hordesKill 15 Zombies without reloading 10 times with an Assault Rifle3500 XPUse an AR with a large magazine, reload before each attempt, and funnel zombies into a controlled laneKill 15 without pressing reload, then repeat nine more timesComplete Round 15 in Rogue Run3500 XPLoad into Rogue Run and prioritize survival over unnecessary fightsUpgrade your weapon early and use a safe route to reach Round 15Consume 5 Epic or higher Rarity GobbleGums2500 XPEquip Epic or better GobbleGums before launching a match and consume them as soon as the opportunity is usefulGet 250 Kills using an Assault Rifle Wall Buy2500 XPPurchase an Assault Rifle from a Wall Buy and use it for 250 eliminations Co-op and Endgame Screenshot by Dot Esports ChallengeRewardHow to completeIn Endgame: get 300 Eliminations with Exotic Weapons5000 XPLoot or equip an Exotic Weapon and use it throughout several Endgame runsIn Endgame: Eliminate 200 enemies in QuadCore Sites or Toxin Fields5000 XPPrioritize QuadCore Sites and Toxin Fields on the map, then farm enemies inside those areasGet 50 Kills with the Frag Grenade, Cluster Grenade, or Impact Grenade Equipment3500 XPThrow grenades into groups of enemies, especially during Activities where targets are forced into narrow areasIn Endgame: complete a Guild Strike, Possessed Convoy, or Terminal Vector Activity3500 XPComplete whichever of the three Activities appears firstThis is a one-time objective, so don’t ignore these icons while moving through the mapKill 10 Special or Elite enemies with the Death Machine or War Machine Ability2500 XPSave your Death Machine or War Machine for Special and Elite enemiesUse an Assault Rifle to Eliminate 3 Deadeyes or Phantom Marksmen2500 XPEquip an Assault Rifle and target Deadeyes or Phantom Marksmen during Endgame encountersKeep the AR equipped when securing the final eliminations Week 5 reward in BO7 and Warzone Season 5 The main Week 5 reward is the RK-9 Calibrated Strike System. It’s a barrel attachment that adds specialized bloom rounds that expand during flight and deal maximum damage within a specific range. The attachment also includes an indicator to show when an enemy is inside that ideal damage distance. The six challenges you can complete to get the reward fastest are: Get 10 Eliminations with Shotguns in Warzone Get 10 Eliminations with Pistols in Warzone Get 10 Eliminations using Ground Looted Weapons in Warzone Deploy five Armor, Munitions, or Utility Boxes in Warzone Get 30 Headshots in Multiplayer Earn 10,000 total Objective Score in Multiplayer Black Ops 7 and Warzone Season 5 weekly challenge reset date Each challenge set in Season 5 unlocks every Thursday at 11am CT, and remains available throughout the season until the end date. In the meantime, check the Black Ops 7 and Warzone Season 5 Reloaded roadmaps to know everything reserved for mid-season. What’s the Season 5 Week 5 reward? In Week 5, you unlock the RK-9 Calibrated Strike System and earn 10,000 XP. When will BO7 and Warzone Season 5 Week 6 Challenges arrive? Season 5 Week 6 Challenges will go live on Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026, at 11am CT. Dot Esports is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more about our Affiliate Policy

Demacia Cup goes global in 2026 with 12 teams from 6 regionsDot Esports

Demacia Cup goes global in 2026 with 12 teams from 6 regions

Image via TJ Sports Category: League's Chinese cup is going international for the first time. | Published: Aug 27, 2026 04:36 am The Demacia Cup is going international for the first time, with TJ Sports and Huya turning the traditionally Chinese League of Legends tournament into the 2026 Demacia Cup Global Invitational. Twelve teams from the LPL, LCK, LEC, LCS, LCP, and CBLOL will compete from Oct. 3 to 17, with invitations reserved for teams that miss the 2026 World Championship. The LPL and LCK receive three places each, going to their highest-ranked eligible teams in fifth through seventh. The LEC and LCS get two slots each for their fourth and fifth-place teams, while the LCP and CBLOL receive one apiece. The distribution is based on regional results at MSI 2026, with the top two regions receiving three invitations, third and fourth receiving two, and the remaining regions getting one. New Demacia Cup format. Image via LPL Invitations will only go to teams that have not qualified for Worlds, with the next eligible team taking the place if someone declines. LPL and LCP invitations use Championship Points, while CBLOL will send its fourth-place team because of the region’s schedule. The final 12-team lineup therefore will not be known until more of the regional seasons and Worlds qualification races are complete. The Demacia Cup has spent more than a decade as one of China’s main domestic tournaments, usually giving LPL teams another competition during the offseason. The 2025 edition featured 16 teams and ended with Invictus Gaming sweeping JD Gaming 3-0 in the final, with a ¥1.2 million prize pool shared between the top four finishers. The new Global Invitational begins with an online Swiss stage from Oct. 3 to 8. All 12 teams start in the same field, opening matchups are drawn randomly while avoiding teams from the same region, and eight teams advance. Round one uses best-of-one matches, with subsequent series played as best-of-threes. The remaining eight teams move to the JDG home venue in Beijing for a single-elimination offline bracket from Oct. 12 to 17. Every knockout match is a best-of-five, with quarterfinals on Oct. 12 and 13, semifinals on Oct. 14 and 15, and the grand final on Oct. 17. Coach Comms will also return for the offline stage, allowing a coach to speak directly with players up to three times per game for 45 seconds without pausing play. Demacia Cup first experimented with the system during its 2025 playoffs before similar trials in the LCK Cup and LCP earlier this year. The 2026 tournament has a ¥1.5 million (~$223,000) prize pool, up from ¥1.2 million last year. The champion receives ¥600,000, the runner-up gets ¥400,000, semifinalists earn ¥175,000 each, and teams eliminated in the quarterfinals receive ¥37,500 apiece. Dot Esports is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more about our Affiliate Policy

GothamChess signs with BASILISK as Head of Chess and he’s thinking bigger than you’d expectDot Esports

GothamChess signs with BASILISK as Head of Chess and he’s thinking bigger than you’d expect

Category: With 8 million YouTube subscribers, the world's biggest chess content creator has joined his first esports organization — and he's already dreaming of record-breaking creator tournaments. | Published: Aug 27, 2026 03:52 am As reported yesterday, Levy "GothamChess" Rozman has signed with esports organization BASILISK as its Head of Chess, marking his first-ever partnership with an esports org. It comes at a time when his YouTube channel has surpassed 8 million subscribers and he still has ambitions to be the Grandmaster. But why BASILISK — an org Rozman describes as a “renaissance of nerds” — and why now? Why BASILISK, and why now? Rozman has been offered the chance to join forces with esports organizations before. Other chess content creators have joined while he’s held back. His reluctance, he says, was deliberate. "I didn't wanna join an org just sort of because," he told Esports Insider. BASILISK changed the game on two fronts. First, he saw that his own identity matches the org's: "Everybody at BASILISK and the roster is almost like a renaissance of nerds. We are making nerdy games and nerdy activities cool, bringing them to the mainstream, and making them much more fun and maybe different than the way they were stereotyped for a long time." Second, and equally important, is that he isn’t just some content figurehead. Rather, as Head of Chess, his role means he’s in charge of both the competitive direction and the content strategy for the chess division. He has additional ambitions around community outreach and STEM education. The Esports World Cup connection Chess at the Esports World Cup has shown exactly what the game stands to gain from the esports ecosystem. Rozman pointed to Denis Lazavik, a 19-year-old Belarusian player who has had a breakout year almost entirely because of esports-style chess events. Lazavik earned third place at the Chess.com Speed Chess Championship in London earlier this year and finished second at the Esports World Cup, accumulating around $300,000 in prize winnings — an achievement Rozman says was only made possible because “chess is trying to become an esport. If these tournaments didn't exist, he would be at home trying to get invitations to go play places." Quite. The observation highlights a structural problem in traditional chess that’s kept a lot of talented players back over the years. Roughly 80 to 90% of elite tournaments are invitational-only, meaning players from smaller chess markets go unseen regardless of their skill. Esports-style events with open or broader qualifying paths change that dynamic completely, and Rozman sees BASILISK's chess division as a vehicle to push that change further. What Rozman actually wants to build — BASILISK (@BASILISK_gg) August 26, 2026 Is it possible for chess to attract so many viewers? Rozman — whose YouTube videos have generated billions of views — believes so. He has content ambitions he's deliberately keeping close to his chest for now but he was willing to share the sheer scale of the thinking. "I always think big," he said, adding that he envisions events capable of eclipsing "viewership of like three or four commas", (in other words, millions of viewers). One concrete area he did open up about in his interview is gender inclusion and STEM education. Before his YouTube career took off during the COVID-19 pandemic, Rozman ran a chess program at a school where the incoming kindergarten class saw more girls than boys playing chess: "That type of initiative of getting more young girls interested in STEM, whether it's chess or just anything, you know science, techs, math, that kind of stuff. I think we can easily do something like that." A non-profit or structured STEM partnership built around chess and BASILISK's existing science-focused identity is something he's actively considering, though no formal announcement has been made. GothamChess, gamer Rozman also gently pushed back on the idea that he's stepping into esports as an outsider. During the pandemic he played a significant amount of Overwatch, reaching Diamond rank. He's been following the space more closely since, including a chess game between League personality Tyler "Tyler1" Steinkamp and Lee "Faker" Sang-hyeok that Rozman reposted on X. Writer's take Considering where chess fits right now in the wider esports ecosystem, capturing Rozman looks like a content deal and more like a genuine organizational bet on chess as a competitive discipline. If Rozman follows through on even one of the creator event ideas he’s hinted at, the viewership ceiling — though admittedly high — is possible. As we’ve seen in the recent past, streams have already pulled massive numbers when the right personalities are involved. BASILISK, it would seem, have found the right person at the right time. Dot Esports is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more about our Affiliate Policy

Genshin Impact codes – All active codes and free Primogems (August 2026)Dot Esports

Genshin Impact codes – All active codes and free Primogems (August 2026)

Image via HoYoverse Category: Grab your free Primogems | Last Updated: Aug 27, 2026 02:57 am With every version, there are new Genshin Impact codes that you can redeem for rewards, including Mora, Hero’s Wit, and Primogems. However, most of these codes are available for a limited time, so you must redeem them as soon as possible. Here are all the currently available Genshin Impact codes as of Aug. 26 (version 7.0) and how to redeem them. Quick summary There are currently six codes available. You can redeem codes in-game or on the official website. You must be at least Adventure Rank 10 to redeem codes. Table of contentsActive Genshin Impact codesGenshin Impact livestream codesHow to redeem Genshin Impact codesWhy isn’t my Genshin Impact code working?Expired Genshin Impact codesHow often are new Genshin Impact codes released?FAQ Active Genshin Impact codes Take a break from battles. Image via HoYoverse Last tested: Aug. 26, 2026. CodeRewardsMySnezhnayaCareerx160 Primogems, x20,000 Mora, x3 Hero’s WitBALLETCOLLABx30 Primogems, x10,000 Mora, x3 Hero’s Wit, x3 Mystic Enhancement OreXVIZDH2B9WGXx10,000 Mora, x10 Adventurer’s Experience, x5 Fine Enhancement Ore, x5 Jueyun Chili Chicken, x5 Stir-Fried Fish Noodles2BJ64QRZ7RT8x60 Primogems, x5 Adventurer’s ExperienceLEGEDILJKSGMx60 Primogems, x5 Adventurer’s ExperienceGENSHINGIFTx50 Primogems, x3 Hero’s Wit Genshin Impact livestream codes During every Genshin Impact special program, HoYoverse gives out three codes with free Primogems. These codes are only available for 48 hours, and there are currently no active livestream codes. The next batch of livestream codes will be available with the version 7.1 special program. How to redeem Genshin Impact codes Take a break to get some freebies. Screenshot by Dot Esports Here’s how to redeem Genshin Impact codes in-game: Open the game’s settings. Navigate to the Account tab. Next to the Redeem Code option, press Redeem Now. Enter the code and press Exchange Alternatively, you can head to the Genshin Impact gift redeem website. Log in with your credentials, select the server with the character you want to redeem codes for, and enter the code. After redeeming the codes using either method, you can collect the rewards from the game’s mailbox in the escape menu. Why isn’t my Genshin Impact code working? If the code isn’t working, it’s likely because it’s expired. Make sure to check the code’s spelling and whether you have already redeemed it (the game will show a “This Redemption Code is already in use” message). The code might also be region-specific. In that case, you won’t be able to redeem it outside the dedicated region. Expired Genshin Impact codes Most Genshin Impact codes are limited-time. Livestream codes expire within 48 hours, while others might last around one version. The only evergreen redemption code is GENSHINGIFT, which has existed since the game’s launch. Here are the recent expired Genshin Impact codes: GS70XINGOJ EHVE2TEAFY6O UIVI13C8X156 Everwinter OntoSnezhnaya Odette0812 How often are new Genshin Impact codes released? Look out for codes as we approach the next version. Image via HoYoverse New codes appear with new versions and updates. There are also occasional promotions and special events that can offer codes. To stay on top of the new codes, you can also keep an eye on the official social media, like X, Instagram, and HoYoLAB. FAQ What are the latest Genshin Impact codes? The latest Genshin Impact codes include MySnezhnayaCareer, BALLETCOLLAB, 2BJ64QRZ7RT8, and LEGEDILJKSGM. Do Genshin Impact codes expire? Most Genshin Impact codes expire within a version. Can you use a Genshin Impact code more than once? Codes are limited to one redemption per account. Dot Esports is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more about our Affiliate Policy

Infinity Ward confirms aim assist changes for MW4 Open Beta but stays silent on SBMMDot Esports

Infinity Ward confirms aim assist changes for MW4 Open Beta but stays silent on SBMM

Image via Activision Category: Matchmaking was a huge concern during Early Access. | Published: Aug 26, 2026 10:18 pm Infinity Ward has confirmed that it will make changes to aim assist for the Modern Warfare 4 Open Beta following feedback from the Early Access Beta weekend. However, the developer has yet to address players’ concerns about skill-based matchmaking (SBMM). IW outlined its plans for Weekend 2 of the MW4 Beta in a social media post, saying it had “heard the feedback” and is already acting on what it gathered during Weekend 1. Alongside aim assist adjustments, the dev is also working on a longer TTK (time-to-kill), movement and weapon balance changes, as well as new Hardpoint spawns. Still, there was no mention of changes to the matchmaking system, which has become one of the biggest complaints from players following Early Access. We’ve heard the feedback and we’re acting on what we saw during Weekend 1.More #MW4 details, including Resurgence Beta info, in Patch Notes for end of day tomorrow.Here’s where we’re focused for Weekend 2 ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/m1W4iPrrFG— Infinity Ward (@InfinityWard) August 27, 2026 Controller aim assist was a huge discussion throughout the Early Access, which ran from Aug. 21 to 25. Players complained that aim assist was tracking opponents too aggressively, with some arguing that it made gunfights feel less dependent on manual aiming. The criticism has also come from controller players themselves, rather than only those using mouse and keyboard. OpTic Texas player Brandon “Dashy” Otell was among those who criticized the overpowered feature, describing the aim assist as “way too good” and calling for a nerf. Infinity Ward has now confirmed that aim assist adjustments are coming for the MW4 Open Beta, although the developer has not yet provided specific details on what will change. More information is expected in the upcoming patch notes. The planned changes have generally been welcomed by players who felt aim assist was too strong during the first weekend. However, many are still waiting for Infinity Ward and Activision to address matchmaking. Love these changes. We just need to go over matchmaking again. An adjustment is definitely needed— TDAWG (@tdawgsmitty) August 27, 2026 Nearly everything i have on my list. Should be interesting to see if matchmaking changes are happening as well at some point.— James – JGOD (@JGODYT) August 27, 2026 Matchmaking was also a source of frustration during the Early Access Beta. Activision previously explained it is using the updated matchmaking system that considers player skill alongside factors such as connection, location, platform, and player population, among others, based on data they have gathered. The publisher is also testing an open matchmaking option to compare the two approaches ahead of MW4‘s full launch on Oct. 23. But not a few players felt that a restrictive SBMM was in place during Early Access as they consistently got into sweaty lobbies. This has led to renewed calls for the removal of SBMM and reverting to full open matchmaking instead. Keeping mum on SBMM could be a problem. Image via Activision Despite the complaints, Infinity Ward’s latest update did not mention SBMM or any matchmaking changes for Weekend 2. That leaves players waiting for more information, particularly as the dev prepares to release the full patch notes ahead of the Open Beta. The Modern Warfare 4 Open Beta runs from Aug. 28 to Sept. 1, and it’s available to everyone regardless of whether you pre-ordered the game. Preloads are already available on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC via Steam, Battle.net and Xbox on PC, as well as Nintendo Switch 2. Dot Esports is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more about our Affiliate Policy

League of Legends K/DA could be making a comeback with ‘WATCH ME’Dot Esports

League of Legends K/DA could be making a comeback with ‘WATCH ME’

K/DA may finally be ready to return to the League of Legends stage, with a newly registered song bringing together a popular group of songwriters. A new League song titled WATCH ME has been registered with the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers, or ASCAP, with K/DA listed as the performers. Image via Riot Games The registration lists Nija Aisha-Alayja Charles, Felicia Ferraro, Sebastien Najand, Ali Tamposi, and Federico Vindver as writers. It does not include a release date or confirm that Riot Games is preparing a new K/DA project, but the combination of names behind the song makes the registration particularly noteworthy. The names attached to WATCH ME are arguably just as interesting as the song’s title. Nija Charles, who is also known professionally as Amnija, has built an impressive catalog across pop, R&B, and hip-hop. The Grammy-nominated songwriter has credits on Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande’s Rain on Me, Ariana Grande’s Positions, and Beyoncé’s Water. She has also worked with artists including Beyoncé, Jay-Z, Cardi B, Megan Thee Stallion, and Drake. Her involvement could be particularly interesting for K/DA given the group’s history of blending Western pop with K-pop influences. Then there is Felicia “Feli” Ferraro, another songwriter with extensive experience in the K-pop space. Ferraro has songwriting credits on BTS’ Run BTS and Coi Leray’s Players. Her publisher also lists work on David Guetta, Anne-Marie, and Coi Leray’s Baby Don’t Hurt Me, as well as Normani’s Waves and Chris Brown’s Undecided. That K-pop experience makes Ferraro a natural fit for a potential K/DA track. Image via Riot Games Perhaps the most significant name in the registration for League fans is Sebastien Najand. He is closely associated with Riot Games’ music projects and has credits across some of the biggest songs in the League of Legends universe. His songwriting and production work includes K/DA’s POP/STARS, THE BADDEST, and other Riot music projects, while his wider credits include RISE, GODS, Legends Never Die, and HEARTSTEEL-related music. He is currently a Principal Composer at Riot Games and has also worked extensively on Riot’s Arcane music, including credits as a composer, producer, and mixing engineer. It also shows that the writing team has direct experience helping create the sound of League’s virtual artists. Ali Tamposi has co-written some of the biggest pop songs of the past decade, including Camila Cabello’s Havana and Señorita, 5 Seconds of Summer’s Youngblood, DJ Snake and Justin Bieber’s Let Me Love You, and Selena Gomez and Marshmello’s Wolves. Her catalog also includes Kelly Clarkson’s Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You), which became one of the defining hits of Clarkson’s career. Interestingly, Tamposi has also worked on more recent K-pop and global pop releases. She is credited alongside Federico Vindver on KATSEYE’s My Way, giving the reported WATCH ME team another connection to the modern global pop landscape. Image via Riot Games The final name on the registration, Federico Vindver, also brings an unusually broad catalog to the table. Vindver is credited as a songwriter and producer on Meghan Trainor’s Made You Look, one of the biggest songs from her Takin’ It Back era. He is also a co-writer of Coldplay’s Higher Power, alongside the band’s members, Max Martin and Denise Carite. His catalog therefore adds another layer of contemporary pop and K-pop crossover experience to the reported K/DA track. K/DA’s last major release was ALL OUT in 2020, meaning WATCH ME would represent the group’s first new song in roughly six years if it is eventually released. The group’s original debut single, POP/STARS, became one of Riot’s biggest musical successes and established K/DA as one of gaming’s most recognizable virtual music acts. More importantly, the reported writing team does not look random. It combines a Riot Games composer deeply involved with League’s music history, major Western pop songwriters, and writers with substantial K-pop experience. First look at the new K/DA FIRESTARTER and HEARTSTEEL skins coming in Season 3 of 2026 ‼️• K/DA FIRESTARTER Ahri, Akali, Evelynn, and Kai'Sa.• HEARTSTEEL 2026 Aphelios, Ezreal, Kayn, K'Sante, Sett, and Yone.(via @CNPeterLee) pic.twitter.com/VGoJX5m9Fu— League of Legends Leaks & News (@LeagueOfLeaks) August 26, 2026 The potential comeback also comes alongside leaks pointing to a new batch of K/DA and HEARTSTEEL skins for League of Legends Season 3 2026. According to the circulating information, the new K/DA FIRESTARTER lineup will feature Ahri, Akali, Evelynn, and Kai’Sa, while HEARTSTEEL 2026 is reportedly set to include Aphelios, Ezreal, Kayn, K’Sante, Sett, and Yone. The leaked skin lineup is particularly interesting given that both virtual groups have been relatively quiet since their previous major releases. K/DA and HEARTSTEEL are also part of Riot’s much larger League music universe. The game has repeatedly turned its champions into virtual musical acts spanning different genres, from the heavy metal of Pentakill to K-pop-inspired K/DA, hip-hop group True Damage, and pop boy band HEARTSTEEL. The developer itself has previously described this musical lineup as covering everything from metal and pop to K-pop, showing how music has become a major part of League’s identity beyond the game itself. HEARTSTEEL made its debut in 2023 with PARANOIA, featuring Kayn, Ezreal, Sett, Yone, K’Sante, and Aphelios. Meanwhile, K/DA debuted back in 2018 with POP/STARS, eventually returning with the ALL OUT EP in 2020. That does not prove a K/DA comeback is imminent, but if WATCH ME eventually becomes an official release, Riot has assembled a songwriting lineup that certainly looks capable of producing another K/DA-sized pop hit. For now, League fans will have to wait for Riot to make the first official move. K/DA may not have returned just yet, but WATCH ME has certainly given fans something to watch. Dot Esports is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more about our Affiliate Policy

All contents of Caps’ Hall of Legends collectionsDot Esports

All contents of Caps’ Hall of Legends collections

Image via Riot Games Category: The Western GOAT gets his legacy immortalized. | Published: Aug 26, 2026 04:48 pm Rasmus “Caps” Winther is the latest League of Legends legend to enter the Hall of Legends, following Faker and Uzi as the third player to receive the honor. The G2 Esports star also becomes the first European player to be immortalized with a dedicated collection of in-game Hall of Legends cosmetics. The Hall of Legends 2026 League event features three major Caps collections, each offering increasingly elaborate cosmetics and rewards. According to Riot Games, Caps played a direct role in shaping the collection’s creative direction, including his choice of Tristana as its centerpiece. While Tristana is charming and playful on the surface, she can be incredibly dangerous in the right hands, a contrast that Riot felt reflected Caps’ approach to the game. The collection’s futuristic sci-fi aesthetic was also influenced by Caps’ creative input, allowing the designs to capture both his personality and vision. Quick Summary The collection features a futuristic sci-fi aesthetic inspired by Caps’ creative vision. His collection features Orianna and Tristana skins alongside exclusive cosmetics and rewards. The Hall of Legends collections range from 1,950 RP to 58,865 RP, with the event launching September 10. Table of contentsAll Hall of Legends Caps bundles prices and skins, listedRisen Legend Orianna collectionRisen Legend Tristana collectionImmortalized Legend Tristana collectionSignature Immortalized Legend collectionWhen do Caps’ Hall of Legends skins release?Hall of Legends 2026 Immortalized Legend Tristana Figure, pre-order date All Hall of Legends Caps bundles prices and skins, listed Here is everything that each of the Caps Hall of Legends bundles has in store for the players: Risen Legend Orianna collection Image via Riot Games The entry-level Caps collection revolves around the Risen Legend Orianna and is available through the Hall of Legends Pass. The collection includes: Risen Legend Orianna skin and border Hall of Legends Pass Exclusive Risen Legend Orianna chroma Freljord Taliyah, Elderwood LeBlanc, and Empyrean Akali skins Caps-themed icons and emotes 125 Mythic Essence 11 Event Orbs Unkillable Demon Cactus Ward 15 Caps-Themed Icons & Emotes Beacon of Hope Banner “Martin 1” Title The collection is priced at 1,950 RP. Risen Legend Tristana collection Image via Riot Games The first dedicated Tristana bundle gives players access to Caps’ Tristana skin alongside several exclusive cosmetics. It includes: Risen Legend Tristana skin Risen Border Takedown Counter Taunt Exclusive border, icon, emote Hall of Legends Pass The collection costs 5,035 RP. Immortalized Legend Tristana collection The premium Tristana collection significantly expands on the Risen version, giving Caps fans a much more elaborate skin experience. The Immortalized Legend Tristana collection includes: Immortalized Legend Tristana skin (upgrades Risen Legend Tristana) Three unique Tristana forms with exclusive voice lines Enhanced Form Rocket Jump Rapid Fire HUD Structure Finisher VFX Champ Finisher VFX Custom Visual Announcer Holographic Immortalized Splash Art Immortalized Border Dynamic profile background Exclusive Immortalized Icon, Champie icon and emote Additional Hall of Legends cosmetics + Everything in Risen Collection The collection is priced at 32,035 RP. Signature Immortalized Legend collection Image via Riot Games The most expensive Caps collection is the Signature Immortalized Legend Collection, which is designed as the definitive version of his Hall of Legends celebration. It includes everything from the Immortalized Legend collection, alongside several Signature-exclusive additions: Caps’ Signature Move (Ctrl+5) (Tristana and Orianna) Caps’ Signature Structure Finisher VFX (Tristana) Signature Splash Art (Tristana and Orianna) Signature Immortalized Border (Tristana and Orianna) Risen Legend Orianna Paragon Chroma Freljord Taliyah, Elderwood LeBlanc, Empyrean Akali Paragon Chromas Hall of Legends 2026 Signature Banner Exclusive Signature Icon & Animated Emote “Claps” title All 100 levels of the Hall of Legends Pass The Signature collection costs 58,865 RP, making it one of the most expensive cosmetic bundles in the game. Caps’ Hall of Legends collection will arrive on Sept. 10, 2026, alongside Patch 26.18. The event will run through October 20, while its missions will remain available until Oct. 19, 2026. With three different collection tiers and a range of cosmetics across Orianna and Tristana, Riot has given players plenty of ways to celebrate Caps’ career, whether they want the standard Hall of Legends Pass or the full Signature collection. Image via Riot Games The Hall of Legends 2026 Immortalized Legend Tristana Figure is coming soon, with pre-orders set to open on Sept. 10, 2026. Does the inductee receive a share of the revenue? Yes. A portion of sales goes to the inductee, their current and former teams, and the wider LoL Esports ecosystem. How is the Hall of Legends inductee chosen? Riot nominates eligible players based on their achievements, impact, accolades, and contributions. A 50-person external panel then votes on the final inductee. Can I buy Caps’ Hall of Legends skins again later? The skins will leave the store after the event, but Riot says they may return at a later date, unlike previous Hall of Legends cosmetics. Dot Esports is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more about our Affiliate Policy

The Expanse: Osiris Reborn shows off disastrous Ganymede infiltration at gamescomDot Esports

The Expanse: Osiris Reborn shows off disastrous Ganymede infiltration at gamescom

Image via Owlcat Category: Owlcat's sci-fi RPG heads inside a secret Protogen base. | Published: Aug 26, 2026 12:53 pm The Expanse: Osiris Reborn returned at gamescom today with a lengthy look at one of its mid-game missions, sending the player to Ganymede to break into a secret Protogen facility. Owlcat Games showed both a new trailer and additional gameplay during GameStar’s Find Your Next Game showcase, covering exploration, conversations, combat, and the inevitable point where a relatively sensible infiltration becomes a firefight. The Captain and their twin sibling, J, are trying to recover data stolen from them on Pinkwater station. They initially enter the Protogen base undercover, speak with employees, and attempt to reach its storage area without attracting attention, while the rest of the crew provides technical help from elsewhere. An unexpected third party eventually interrupts the operation and releases a bioengineered creature inside the facility, forcing the siblings to fight their way out. Ganymede itself should be familiar to The Expanse fans, as the Jovian moon becomes one of the series’ major locations, and Protogen is central to the protomolecule experiments that drive the early books and TV seasons. Osiris Reborn tells a new story within that existing timeline, beginning with the player as a Pinkwater Security mercenary caught in the Eros disaster before becoming captain of the Gemini and assembling their own crew. Main squad. Image via Owlcat Owlcat first revealed The Expanse: Osiris Reborn in June 2025, immediately drawing comparisons to Mass Effect thanks to its third-person combat, ship, companions, dialogue choices, and customizable protagonist. The studio has been perfectly willing to acknowledge the influence, but its familiar RPG habits are still here: the Captain can be an Earther, Martian, or Belter, choices affect relationships and quest outcomes, and companions can open different options during missions. The studio showed more of those systems in March, when it revealed the Exploits mechanic that lets companions contribute directly during combat. Players normally take two crew members into the field, while characters left aboard the Gemini can still assist remotely depending on their abilities. That presentation also confirmed Zafar and Michael among the recruitable companions. Players have already been able to try part of the game through a closed beta that began April 22. Its mission takes place earlier in the story on Pinkwater 4, where the Captain meets Zafar and deals with Protogen catching up to the crew, making the new Ganymede trailer look considerably further into the campaign. The Expanse: Osiris Reborn releases in spring 2027 for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Steam, Epic Games Store, and GOG. It will also be available through Xbox Game Pass on day one. Dot Esports is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more about our Affiliate Policy

Shadow of the Road gets November release date at gamescomDot Esports

Shadow of the Road gets November release date at gamescom

Image via Owlcat Category: Another Angle's tactical RPG is three months away. | Published: Aug 26, 2026 11:43 am Shadow of the Road will release on Nov. 12, developer Another Angle Games and publisher Owlcat Games announced during GameStar’s Find Your Next Game showcase at gamescom. The tactical RPG is coming to Steam, GOG, and Epic Games Store, with a free demo already available on Steam. The new trailer follows the game’s mismatched party of ex-samurai, Shogunate retainers, a mysterious child, his mother, and their bodyguard as they travel through a Japan already torn apart by war. Battles include human enemies such as bandits and imperial soldiers alongside supernatural creatures, while characters can upgrade skills, combine attacks, and use parts of the environment against enemies. Players can also transform into yokai when a fight goes particularly badly, although the transformation is intended as a limited option and not Geralt-with-a-demon-mask mode on demand. Relationships between party members feed back into both combat and the story, with choices capable of strengthening friendships, breaking existing bonds, and changing how individual characters develop. Shadow of the Road gameplay. Image via Owlcat Shadow of the Road takes place in an alternate version of Japan in 1868, during the final years of the Tokugawa Shogunate. Emperor Mutsuhito’s forces have a technological advantage thanks to support from the fictional British East Nippon Company, while magic, yokai, and enormous steam-powered machines complicate a conflict already loosely based on the real Boshin War. Another Angle first revealed the game in August 2024, shortly after Owlcat announced it was expanding beyond developing its own RPGs into third-party publishing. Shadow of the Road was one of Owlcat’s first external projects, alongside Emotion Spark Studio’s Rue Valley. The playable demo was released in July 2025 and contains sections set in a tea house and manor, three regular encounters, and one boss battle. Another Angle Games includes developers with previous credits on The Witcher, Outriders, and Ghostrunner, while Owlcat is best known for Pathfinder: Kingmaker, Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous, and Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader. Shadow of the Road releases Nov. 12 on Steam, GOG, and Epic Games Store. Dot Esports is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more about our Affiliate Policy

Resonance A Plague Tale Legacy Review: Not Enough LightDot Esports

Resonance A Plague Tale Legacy Review: Not Enough Light

Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy is an ambitious prequel that improves and streamlines parts of its predecessors, but in the process, loses something vital that made those games so special in the first place. ​Set 15 years before Hugo and Amicia’s journey in A Plague Tale: Requiem, Resonance unfolds from the perspective of charismatic plunderer Sophia, who ventures to a mythical island to find answers about her past. ​Unlike the slow-burn, stealthy nature of the first two games, Resonance is a loud, swashbuckling adventure brimming with frantic sword clashes and mildly interesting puzzle-solving. All its new features feel like a testing ground for a definitive third entry in the A Plague Tale series, while everything else mirrors parts of previous adventures. In theory, this should make it a perfect amalgamation of familiar and fresh, and for the most part it does, but Resonance takes a major step backwards due to its shallow character dynamics and monotonous writing. ​The result is a Plague Tale game that is significantly more fun to play and yet equally less memorable. Table of contentsGreatness from Small Beginnings, except not reallyAn unfamiliar Sophia undertaking a familiar journeyMusic and visual presentation takes center stagePredator not the preyPerformance is questionable but not poorNot enough light Greatness from Small Beginnings, except not really Image via Asobo Studio. Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy begins with baby Sophia living a nightmare in a loop at a secret convent. She’s soon saved from her tormentors (but not her tormenting dreams) by her father and his partner in plundering. ​What follows is an hour-long prologue that serves both as a tutorial for its new action-focused melee combat and a harrowing setup for a grown-up, isolated Sophia who’s left to seek the island of her dreams. ​She’s joined by a sly, red-headed thief, Leni, who at first glance could easily be mistaken for Mélie, Amicia’s friend from the first game, thanks to her high-ponied red hair and dusty, torn clothes; an intentional mirroring no doubt. Unfortunately, Leni is only style, no substance, with not much personality and emotional depth. Her gimmick of a presence is simply a reminder of Amicia’s story arc from the first two games. There’s even a moment where Leni mentions shaving her head once, which again got me thinking about Amicia. ​It’s shocking how there’s barely any friction between Leni and Sophia, which makes their moment-to-moment interactions between combat, puzzles, and even cutscenes lacklustre. This is Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy’s biggest weakness. ​A few emotionally charged moments exist, but they are brought down by awkward, poorly written dialogues that feels like a major disservice to the franchise itself. ​The things I loved most about previous A Plague Tale games were the story, writing, and character dynamics. In the first game, we witness Hugo and Amicia’s growth from unfamiliar distant blood siblings to an inseparable pair bound by shared trauma and trust. ​The first two games excelled in these areas, depicting characters that grew as their relationships progressed. As a result, some of the most gut-wrenching moments hit the hardest. ​Likewise, light-hearted moments, such as the opening of A Plague Tale: Requiem, where Hugo, Amicia, and Lucas sprint through a sun-soaked meadow and enjoy a rare moment of bliss, felt earned, and I was emotionally invested in their rare, silly, childlike wondrous moments. ​That doesn’t happen here. Most dialogue exchanges between Sophia and Leni feel filtered and formal. I lost count of the times both Leni and Sophia said “trust me” to each other, with no significant actions or anecdotes to back up such a tight bond. There’s no real emotional depth built or witnessed between these two characters who have known and trusted each other for years. ​As a result, some of the game’s most presumptuous hard-hitting moments are anything but hard-hitting. All of this greatly undermines Resonance: A Plague Tale’s 20-hour adventure, which is a shame, because it’s good, almost great in every other department. An unfamiliar Sophia undertaking a familiar journey Image via Asobo Studio. In A Plague Tale: Requiem, Sophia’s character was like a ray of sunshine that pierced the doom and gloom to save Hugo and Amicia. She was a cheerful and enthusiastic pirate who became the anchor these young, troubled kids needed. Sophia’s presence lightened the room with her witty remarks and the emotional support she provided these wild sibling duo. ​In Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy, we witness a very different Sophia. A younger, more reserved woman who has yet to process her grief and face her fears of abandonment and the darkness that plagues her nightmares. This isn’t an original setup, though one that fits perfectly into the treacherous universe of A Plague Tale. Resonance, however, fails to depict such growth. It’s not just because Sophia doesn’t spew witty remarks and have revelatory internal monologues, but simply because her character lacks internal conflict that comes with experiencing grief and pain. ​Outside of intense story and gameplay beats where you can witness the effects of such horrors in her darkened, bloodshot eyes, furrowed eyebrows, and occasional cries of agony, there are no clear or subtle expressions of Sophia’s inner thoughts that I could relate to or empathise with. ​Like Nathan Drake, she carries a journal full of rough sketches of her nightmares and her father’s diagrams of elaborate contraptions on Minotaur’s Island, both of which provide hints for solving various environmental puzzles. None, however, provide glimpses of Sophia’s current mindstate. There are no handwritten notes or excerpts to be found. It’s completely devoid of personality. ​Fortunately, this journey isn’t without any feelings. What vitalizes most climactic moments of this treasure-troving adventure is a somber yet beautifully orchestrated soundtrack by French composer Olivier Deriviere. Music and visual presentation takes center stage Image via Asobo Studio. The soundtrack has been a core pillar of the A Plague Tale games, and it takes center stage in Resonance. Moments of horror and grief are amplified by sad strings of violins, while sword fights are dramatised by uplifting choral verses. Sound design is equally impeccable. The clank of clashing steel, the sound of Sophia’s knife piercing through an enemy’s corrupted veins, and even the deep reverberating humming of primordial contraptions make trivial moments deeply immersive. ​Olivier Deriviere’s composition adds a layer of cinematic nuance to Sophia’s journey in Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy that cannot be undermined. The game’s deeply moving soundtrack is only complemented by its visual presentation. ​Resonance takes place primarily on Minotaur Island, yet there’s no shortage of jaw-droppingly beautiful and varied landscapes. All these locations are mostly linear, but they evoke a sense of scale and wonder that many modern linear AAA titles notably fail to do. ​I was surprised by how much I found myself utterly captivated by the gorgeous vistas of Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy. Greek blue islands with endless horizons, dauntingly tall Minoan architectures with infinitely spiraling corridors, and darkened labyrinths lost to time are all intricately carved environments that are vividly brought to life. ​Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy is easily one of the best-looking games of this console generation. But it’s also one that consistently acknowledges and appreciates this vital aspect of its overall presentation. During every “step-out” moment, the camera pans back to give you a glimpse of the grand scale of its breathtaking environments, which are only intensified by the never-pausing soundtrack. These are mesmerizing moments that Asobo has mastered over the course of three games. It’s at its best here. Predator not the prey Image via Asobo Studio. Where Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy differs the most from its predecessors is in its combat. No more are you slinging rocks at enemies’ faces, but rather slashing them open with one-handed swords and a slick knife, and in some instances, pushing them into pits, Assassin’s Creed Odyssey-style. ​It’s a stark departure from previous entries, but one that’s a welcome change. Although simple, melee combat in Resonance is surprisingly sleek and satisfying to undertake. Sophia can mix and match light and heavy attacks to deal different amounts of damage. ​Both Sophia and the enemies she encounters have a stamina meter that is broken by parrying attacks or dealing sufficient damage. Once an enemy is stunned, she can deal deadly blows, exemplified by sleek killing animations that never get old. ​While you’re not button-mashing attacks, Sophia can perform a few tricks that are just as satisfying to execute. You can pull archers to death with a sling, and get vengenance for those nightmarish ranged blows that were frustratingly impossible to avoid in A Plague: Tale Requiem that were infuriatingly impossible to avoid. Likewise, kicking enemies down a cliff is extremely cathartic, with each thump feeling adequately weighty and satisfying to pull off. That’s not all. Sophia has access to five different abilities, each with two mastery subskills that add more ways to haunt your enemies. All in all, her entire repertoire is sufficient enough to prevent combat from feeling stale for twenty hours. ​Speaking of stale, when you’re not slashing enemies in half, you will be jumping across dusty old platforms, exploring dilapidated caves, and moving light-reflecting mirrors to open gigantic doors. Puzzles is the gameplay’s second piece of the puzzle (pun intended), and they remain mostly similar to the previous two entries, in terms of complexity. ​There are a few late-game encounters that combine elements of everything you solve before. These had me momentarily scratching my head, but most are simple light beam contraption puzzles that haven’t evolved since the Uncharted 3 era. ​What’s changed, however, is that you can hold a button to get hints for solving these puzzles from your companion, similar to how it’s in modern Naughty Dog games. While I appreciated Leni’s suggestions during these moments of solitude, I wished she was more actively involved in solving these puzzles. ​In both A Plague Tale: Innocence and A Plague Tale: Requiem, puzzles were not just gameplay obstacles to overcome but also narrative tools that, through mutual collaboration, strengthened the bond between characters. Image via Asobo Studio. In Requiem, Amicia could command Lucas to rotate certain contraptions during puzzles. Moments like these subtly indicated the growing trust between these characters. ​Resonance isn’t completely devoid of such interactions. Leni does help Sophia once in a blue moon. There’s one section where Sophia has to step on the right tiles to reach the other side of the room but can’t do so without Leni rotating the source of light from the other side. Sophia’s life depends on her actions, and Leni even jokes about killing Sophia if she dies here. ​This was a rare occurrence. Like the dialogues, narrative-induced gameplay moments like these take a backseat in Resonance, which is deeply disappointing. ​If there’s a silver lining, the moment-to-moment gameplay in Resonance never drags or feels boring. If anything, it continues to spice things up. Without heading into spoiler territory, the latter half of the game introduces a new combat technique that adds a more strategic layer to it all. ​Overall, Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy is a more digestible and streamlined adventure than A Plague Tale: Requiem, with fewer chapters and more variety in combat. Performance is questionable but not poor Image via Asobo Studio. I finished Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy on a PC with an RTX 4080 and 16GB RAM. At 4K, ultra settings with DLSS set to quality, I was able to get 60+ FPS almost all the time. That said, I did experience notable hiccups in early sections of the game, which was surprising, given the beefy specs of my PC. ​I also ran into occasional bugs and glitches that had me restarting the checkpoint to make progress. Sophia would sometimes get hilariously stuck in the wall or break through the floor. Other times, I noticed Leni walk through a deadly trap without losing her head. Perhaps the funniest of the lot was when Sophia was supposed to cross a section with a boat, but the boat left without her. ​These weren’t game-breaking bugs, but they were frequent enough to mention. Unfortunately, I found similar glitches on both the game’s Xbox Series X and S versions. That said, a day-one patch should optimize the game’s performance on PC and fix these minor issues. Not enough light Image via Asobo Studio. Even during its most visually and audibly intense moments, I couldn’t help but feel sorry for Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy because of its mediocre dialogues and forgettable character dynamics. A Plague Tale game without good writing is like a cloud without rain. ​And while its overarching story does a decent job of fleshing out its lore, and the gameplay additions have me excited for a potential third entry, on its own, Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy is mostly forgettable. ​It’s no doubt an ambitious prequel, but one that crumbles beneath the blinding light of its predecessors. 7 Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy is an ambitious prequel, but one that crumbles underneath the blinding lights of its predecessors. Pros Breathtakingly beautiful Impeccable music and sound design Simple but fun combat Good pacing Cons Mediocre writing Shallow character dynamics Performance issues Dot Esports is supported by our audience. 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Beware: GTA 6 story spoilers are now being leakedDot Esports

Beware: GTA 6 story spoilers are now being leaked

Image via Rockstar Games Category: Spoiler warning starts here. | Published: Aug 26, 2026 11:10 am A new milestone in the ongoing saga of GTA 6 leaks is here. For the first time since the leaks began last week, Cyberleeks has posted story spoilers for the upcoming game. In an almost five minute clip, the prologue of Grand Theft Auto 6 was posted online by Cyberleeks. As hinted by official marketing, it shows Lucia in jail alongside some flashbacks to before her arrest for whatever crime landed her in prison. Warning: Spoilers for GTA 6 follow. The first story spoilers Jason and Lucia. Image via Rockstar So far, the only content leaked by Cyberleeks has been short clips of gameplay, often featuring the player just driving (or flying) around Vice City, antagonizing NPCs, or taking in the sights – from strip clubs to the beach. Now, the type of content being leaked has completely changed to spoilers for the story of the game. From this point forward, it seems that all bets are off in terms of plot spoilers. For anyone hoping to avoid too much information about GTA 6 going forward, it might be best to avoid social media for a while. What happens in the video? Flashbacks dating nine months ago show Lucia in a restaurant, looking a little worse for wear and nervous, before a chiming noise triggers the scene to change back into the present. In a women’s prison, Lucia walks around interacting with guards and her fellow inmates before heading to a meeting. Lucia seems to be on friendly terms with the guard that escorts her, and her meeting (which isn’t shown in the leak) could lead to her release from prison as seen in official GTA 6 trailers. The clip ends there, which means that it didn’t end up showing too much of the story than what was already known – that Lucia is in prison for an unknown crime – but the threat is clear. Cyberleeks has access to the full game, or a significant enough portion, and the leaks will only get worse for Rockstar Games from this point forward. While the leaks have been flowing at a steady rate, the introduction of story leaks seems purposeful with Rockstar’s recent statement regarding the leaks. Since they made no mention of Cyberleek’s stated aim of enacting “gamer’s rights”, the leaker may have decided that the time was ripe to up the ante. As of now, there’s no information on who Cyberleek is, but Take-Two Interactive is currently hunting them down via legal means. Dot Esports is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more about our Affiliate Policy

All Esports Awards 2026 finalists in every categoryDot Esports

All Esports Awards 2026 finalists in every category

The Esports Awards 2026 finalists are taking shape, with some of the biggest names, teams, games, creators, and companies in competitive gaming now in contention for the industry’s top honors. The Esports Awards 2026 will take place in Miami, Florida, on November 17, marking the first time the ceremony has been held there. Fans can vote for their favorites, with voting scheduled to close on November 10. Votes will also carry double weight during Turbo Week from November 3 to 10, 2026. While more categories are expected to be announced soon, the Esports Awards have revealed finalists across nine categories in wave one. Table of contentsAll Esports Awards 2026 finalists in every category, listedEsports Game of the YearEsports Mobile Game of the YearEsports Personality of the YearStreamer of the YearEsports Content Group of the YearEsports Content Creator of the YearEsports Commercial Partner of the YearEsports Tournament Organiser of the YearEsports Supporting Service of the Year All Esports Awards 2026 finalists in every category, listed Here is the full list of announced Esports Awards 2026 finalists in the categories revealed so far: Esports Game of the Year Image via Riot Games This category features some of the biggest competitive games in the world, with Riot Games’ League of Legends and VALORANT facing competition from Counter-Strike 2, Dota 2, Fortnite, and several major mobile esports titles. The nominees for Esports Game of the Year are: Apex Legends Call of Duty Counter-Strike 2 Dota 2 Fortnite Honor of Kings League of Legends Mobile Legends: Bang Bang PUBG Mobile Rainbow Six Siege Rocket League VALORANT Esports Mobile Game of the Year Image via PUBG These are all the popular esports games played on mobile. The finalists are: Brawl Stars Free Fire Honor of Kings Identity V Mobile Legends: Bang Bang PUBG Mobile Esports Personality of the Year Photo via Esports World Cup The lineup spans competitive players, broadcasters, streamers, creators, and esports personalities. The Esports Personality of the Year category has one of the most star-studded fields of the 2026 awards: Animesh “Thug” Agarwal Anthony “Shotzzy” Cuevas-Castro Cody “Clix” Conrod Corentin “Gotaga” Houssein Eefje “Sjokz” Depoortere Ibai “Ibai” Llanos Garatea Jake “Boaster” Howlett Kamel “Kameto” Kebir Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok Marc “Caedrel” Robert Lamont Nicholas “Jynxzi” Stewart Sven Magnus “Magnus Carlsen” Øen Carlsen Streamer of the Year Image via IShowSpeed/Twitch Reigning winner iShowSpeed is back in the running, while Kai Cenat, Jynxzi, Caedrel, and OhnePixel give the category plenty of heavyweight competition. The Streamer of the Year 2026 finalists are: Brittany “Cinna” Lynn Watts Case “CaseOh” Baker Darren “iShowSpeed” Jason Watkins Jr. Jason “JasonTheWeen” Thanh Nguyen Kai “Kai Cenat” Carlo Cenat III Marc “Caedrel” Robert Lamont Mark “OhnePixel” Zimmermann Nicholas “Jynxzi” Stewart Raj “Snax Gaming” Varma Rani “StableRonaldo” Netz Victor “Coringa” Augusto Costa Camilo TheBurntPeanut Esports Content Group of the Year The category recognizes organisations that have built major audiences around their esports and content operations. The finalists are: 100 Thieves G2 Esports Gentle Mates GodLike Esports Karmine Corp NRG OpTic Gaming Rocket Baguette S8UL Esports T1 Team Spirit Team Vitality Esports Content Creator of the Year Photo by Colin Young-Wolff/Riot Games The category brings together creators from across several competitive games and communities, including former professional players, streamers, analysts, and esports content creators. The finalists are: Arran “TacticalRab” Francis Corentin “Gotaga” Houssein Donato “TheDonato” Muñoz Jack “NiceWigg” Martin Juan “Hungrybox” Manuel DeBiedma Marc “Caedrel” Robert Lamont Nicholas “Jynxzi” Stewart Óscar “mixwell” Cañellas Pujan “FNS” Mehta Thomas “ZooMaa” Paparatto Tyson “TenZ” Van Ngo Esports Commercial Partner of the Year The category recognizes brands that have made an impact through their involvement with the esports ecosystem. The finalists are: Blacklyte Chipotle Coinbase Intel iQOO Logitech G Monster Energy Pulsar Razer Red Bull Sony INZONE Esports Tournament Organiser of the Year The field includes organisers behind some of the biggest competitions across the esports calendar, from Riot Games’ global leagues and tournaments to BLAST events, EVO, and competitions operated by MOONTON and TiMi. The finalists are: Activision Blizzard BLAST EFG Esports Foundation, EWC + ENC EVO Hero Esports MOONTON Games Riot Games TiMi Studio Group Esports Supporting Service of the Year Unlike the player and game categories, this award focuses on the companies and services working behind the scenes to support the wider esports industry. The finalists are: Character Select Agency ESG Law Esports Charts FACEIT GRID Esports JAM Management Liquipedia Odin Law and Media Prodigy Agency Shikenso Analytics The Story Mob The nine categories above represent the currently announced Esports Awards 2026 finalists, and more will follow in September 2026. As those finalist lists are announced, this article will be updated with the remaining categories and contenders. The Esports Awards 2026 ceremony is scheduled for November 17 in Miami. Dot Esports is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more about our Affiliate Policy

All standard banner five-star characters and weapons in Genshin ImpactDot Esports

All standard banner five-star characters and weapons in Genshin Impact

Image via HoYoverse Category: Know what you can expect from a lost 50/50. | Published: Aug 26, 2026 09:38 am Genshin Impact has eight standard five-star characters and 10 weapons that can drop from either the Wanderlust Invocation banner or the respective event banners if you lose your 50/50 (or 75/25 for the weapon banner). Here are all standard five-star characters and weapons in Genshin Impact. Quick summary The standard five-star characters include Qiqi, Mona, Jean, Diluc, Dehya, Keqing, Tighnari, and Mizuki. The standard five-star weapons include Amos’ Bow, Aquila Favonia, Lost Prayer to the Sa­cred Winds, Primordial Jade Winged-Spear, Skyward Atlas, Skyward Blade, Skyward Harp, Skyward Pride, Skyward Spine, and Wolf’s Gravestone. The standard banner also includes all the four-star characters. Table of contentsAll standard five-star characters in Genshin ImpactAll standard five-star weapons in Genshin ImpactIs it worth pulling on the standard banner in Genshin Impact?FAQ The character of doom. Screenshot by Dot Esports There are eight five-star characters in Genshin Impact that can drop from the Wanderlust Invocation (standard banner) or character event banners. While the standard five-star character pool remains largely the same across versions, it sometimes gets new characters, such as Dehya, Tighnari, and Yumemizuki Mizuki. Among new additions, the latest one was Mizuki in version 5.5. Here are all standard five-star characters in Genshin Impact: Jean Diluc Mona Keqing Qiqi Tighnari Dehya Yumemizuki Mizuki four-star characters: Every new four-star character automatically gets added to the standard pool. The Wanderlust Invocation standard banner also features three exclusive four-stars: Amber, Kaeya, and Lisa. None of them ever appear in the event banners. All standard five-star weapons in Genshin Impact These are still very good weapons. Screenshot by Dot Esports Apart from characters, there are also 10 standard five-star weapons. These can drop from the standard banner or the weapon banner if you lose the 75/25 on the event weapon. Unlike with characters, there have been no new standard weapons since the game’s launch, as every new event character also has a signature event weapon. Here are all standard five-star weapons in Genshin Impact: Amos’ Bow Aquila Favonia Lost Prayer to the Sa­cred Winds Primordial Jade Winged-Spear Skyward Atlas Skyward Blade Skyward Harp Skyward Pride Skyward Spine Wolf’s Gravestone The standard banner doesn’t really change. Screenshot by Dot Esports As a general rule, you shouldn’t spend Primogems on a standard banner, and only spend Acquaint Fate you get from sources like the battle pass, quests, and others. The main reason is that there’s no guarantee for a specific five-star on the standard banner – you might get any of the characters or weapons. It also has a separate pity count from event banners. Eventually, you will very likely get some (if not all) standard five-stars as you pull on the event banners and inevitably lose a 50/50. FAQ Who are the standard five-star characters in Genshin Impact? The five-star characters on the standard banner include Qiqi, Mona, Jean, Diluc, Dehya, Keqing, Tighnari, and Mizuki. Will any Snezhnaya characters join the standard banner in Genshin Impact? There’s no confirmed information on whether the standard banner will get a new character from Snezhnaya. Is it worth spending Primogems on the standard banner in Genshin Impact? Save your Primogems for event banners, as there’s no way to guarantee a particular five-star on the standard banner, and you will eventually get them from event banners. Dot Esports is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more about our Affiliate Policy

GothamChess named BASILISK’s Head of Chess with Esports World Cup glory as the goalDot Esports

GothamChess named BASILISK’s Head of Chess with Esports World Cup glory as the goal

Category: Levy Rozman signs on as BASILISK's Head of Chess, where he'll recruit players, build content, and chase an Esports World Cup title against Magnus Carlsen. | Published: Aug 26, 2026 07:53 am Popular chess YouTuber Levy 'GothamChess' Rozman is science-focused esports organization BASILISK’s new Head of Chess, where his operational roles will include developing content, recruiting new players and building STEM-adjacent programming. Rozman moves to BASILISK in good shape. His YouTube channel sits at eight million subscribers and has 5.9 billion total views in the bag, making him one of the most-watched chess creators in the world, and he still dreams of becoming the Grandmaster. Speaking exclusively to Dexerto, he explained what drew him to BASILISK: "I really like BASILISK. I like the team, I like everybody that they've signed. In many ways, it's super cool that we're kind of making nerds cool and fun. That's what I've done the last five or six years on my YouTube channel, so I'm super pumped to make content with everybody." A roster built for the nerds BASILISK's chess lineup is already stacked and includes Grandmasters Anish Giri and Vincent Keymer. Aside from chess, the organization has also signed StarCraft 2 champions Reynor and Serral, along with fighting game legend Justin Wong. It's a deliberately cross-discipline roster built around strategic thinking and STEM identity, philosophy Rozman fits to a tee. Before you get too excited, Rozman won't be competing. His role is purely creative and operational. Ultimately, he’ll be tasked with developing projects that connect chess with broader STEM culture. He also raised the possibility of youth programs designed to bring more children into the game. Taking down Magnus Carlsen Rozman was clear about his competitive north star for BASILISK's players. "Unfortunately, part of that is that you have to take down Magnus Carlsen," he told Dexerto. "Now, that would be epic." That goal is to get a shot at Carlsen at the Esports World Cup, where the Norwegian world No.1 has become a dominant figure in competitive chess. Among chess fans, Magnus's standing is something close to mythology, with commenters describing a player so far ahead of the field that opponents have been known to second-guess the obvious move, fearing it's a trap even when he blunders. Beating him at a major event would be a genuine statement for any organization. Not that Rozman thinks the path will be easy. "Luckily, I don't actually have to play the games. I can just sort of root on the sidelines," he joked. What this means for BASILISK's chess ambition BASILISK already has the player talent in Giri and Keymer. Adding Rozman as Head of Chess gives the org a content engine and a talent pipeline that most competitive chess rosters simply don't have access to, while his reach across YouTube and streaming platforms will give them promotional leverage beyond traditional esports audiences. Rozman also hinted at ambitious crossover programming involving figures from STEM and strategic games like Magic: The Gathering and StarCraft. Those kinds of collaborations fit naturally into a multi-game org built around competitive intelligence, and they could help BASILISK carve a distinct identity in a crowded esports landscape. He was candid about his ambitions for the role: "I really want to accomplish a lot. That was part of my excitement with joining. I had a lot of ideas, and they didn't make it seem like any of them were impossible." The Grandmaster title remains on hold GothamChess: “I Want to Become a GM”On April 23, 2024, Levy Rozman, better known as GothamChess and one of the biggest voices of Chess com, officially restarted his Road to GM journey, calling the Grandmaster title his “unfinished business.”After stepping away from serious… pic.twitter.com/fKhKXiVMHO— Endgame AI (@EndgameaiChess) May 3, 2026 One thing worth noting is Rozman's own pursuit of the Grandmaster title. His desire to win it is no secret — earlier this year, he spoke about how The Grandmaster title “for me has been the biggest failure and the biggest shortcoming and the biggest point of frustration for my entire life” — but it’s hard to imagine how stepping into a full organizational role will improve his personal chess development. Whether he can balance Head of Chess duties and climb up the rating ladder is an open question. For BASILISK, this is a bold — and potentially ingenious — hire. Rozman's has the kind of content credibility and chess knowledge that’s rare, and pairing that with Keymer and Giri on the competitive side gives the organization a legitimate shot at contention for the Esports World Cup. BASILISK's EWC chess campaign is the clearest measuring stick for whether this signing delivers on its potential. Dot Esports is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more about our Affiliate Policy

Rockstar Games finally addresses ‘Cyberleek’ GTA 6 leaksDot Esports

Rockstar Games finally addresses ‘Cyberleek’ GTA 6 leaks

Category: A statement and an apology. | Last Updated: Aug 26, 2026 07:52 am Rockstar Games has finally addressed the leaky elephant in the room. After over a week of gameplay leaks hitting the internet from one mysterious source, the creators of Grand Theft Auto 6 have put out a statement and, surprisingly, an apology to fans just before the extended look premieres tomorrow on Netflix. Rockstar Games’ statement on the ‘Cyberleek’ situation Rockstar finally breaks their silence. (Image via Rockstar). In a statement posted on social media early Wednesday morning, Rockstar Games has finally addressed the viral GTA 6 leaks. In the statement, the company expresses their disappointment over the unauthorized clips, writing “having videos of Grand Theft Auto VI gameplay leak in this way has been heartbreaking for our team, and this is obviously not how we intended for you to see the game after all this time.” Interestingly, the studio, which has been ridiculously tight-lipped regarding GTA 6 in their marketing strategy ever since the game was officially in development in 2022, apologized for the wait. “We are very sorry that everything has taken as long as it has – from getting the game finished (nearly there!) to sharing more details and official gameplay, and providing the community with everything you want to know.” While initially entirely silent on the subject, their parent company – Take-Two Interactive – did begin quietly issuing subpoenas to other tech giants in a bid to hunt down the leaker via chat logs and account information on Discord and Microsoft. Cyberleek forces Rockstar Games to act A bad marketing strategy hurt GTA 6. (Image via Rockstar). An apology from Rockstar Games is uncharacteristic, but perhaps not surprising considering the last week of events. While Cyberleek is undermining the planned reveal for GTA 6 (through corporate synergy on a Netflix special) and spoiling some aspects of the gameplay, the leaks have provided fans with what they’ve been waiting, begging, and theorizing about for years now: literally any content. Two trailers over the course of years simply doesn’t cut it for marketing one of the most anticipated games of the decade. Perhaps after the Netflix trailer tomorrow, Rockstar Games will begin to share more liberally with fans about what to expect from the full game and steal away some of Cyberleek’s thunder. For now, fans will have to wait and see just how much Cyberleek spoiled and what might be next for both leaks and official content in the long wait for November. Dot Esports is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more about our Affiliate Policy

Everything we know about The Witcher 3 Remastered: Release date, changes, free content, and moreDot Esports

Everything we know about The Witcher 3 Remastered: Release date, changes, free content, and more

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt already received its PS5 and Xbox Series X|S overhaul in 2022, but CD Projekt Red is going back again. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Remastered releases this September with changes to combat, movement, Roach, skills, quests, looting, mods, menus, accessibility, and much of the game’s rendering technology. Existing owners on supported platforms get the upgrade for free. CD Projekt Red announced Remastered during gamescom Opening Night Live alongside Songs of the Past, the new paid expansion coming in 2027. The update also turns Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine into free content for everyone who owns the base game, giving returning players both previous expansions before the remaster itself comes out. Quick Summary The Witcher 3 Remastered releases Sept. 29, 2026 for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Nintendo Switch 2, with Battle.net joining the PC storefronts. The upgrade is free for existing owners on supported platforms. Combat, movement, Roach handling, monster behavior, Witcher Signs, the skill tree, photo mode, quest tracking, looting, menus, animations, and accessibility are all being changed or expanded. PC gets path tracing, Ray Reconstruction, ray-traced hair, DLSS 4.5, FSR 4, XeSS 2.0, native DirectX 12, and rendering parallelization. Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine are now included with the base game at no additional cost, and existing saves remain compatible. Table of contentsThe Witcher 3 Remastered release date and platformsCombat and movement are being reworkedThe skill tree is being rebuiltQuest tracking, looting, meditation, and menus are changingCross-platform mods are comingThe graphics update detailsPath tracing and new upscalersPS5 Pro and Xbox Play Anywhere supportHearts of Stone and Blood and Wine are now freeFAQs The Witcher 3 Remastered release date and platforms The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Remastered releases on Sept. 29, 2026 for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Nintendo Switch 2. Steam, GOG, and Epic Games Store remain the PC storefronts, while the game also makes its Battle.net debut on the same date through a new partnership between CD Projekt Red and Blizzard. Existing owners receive Remastered as a free upgrade on qualifying current-generation platforms. Original Nintendo Switch owners can also claim the native Switch 2 edition for free once it releases, including owners of physical Switch copies. The Switch 2 edition is a separate download, so it will have its own Home menu icon and will not patch the original Switch installation. It requires an estimated 43.4GB and HDR output, and refresh rates up to 120Hz on compatible displays, although CD Projekt Red has not announced its actual frame-rate modes yet. Combat and movement are being reworked Let’s slay the griffin again. Image via CDPR Geralt’s combat animations have been redone to make attacks and movement between targets smoother, including faster transitions when closing distance. New finishers are being added as well, with the reveal trailer showing an execution with the Aard sign. An adaptive combat camera will change its distance depending on the encounter, as smaller fights can use a tighter view, while battles against larger groups pull the camera farther back so more enemies remain visible. General movement and traversal are also being refined, while Roach receives another handling overhaul. Monster behavior is being updated, and Witcher Signs are getting new visual effects, so combat changes extend to both Geralt and the enemies around him. Refined animations and refreshed motion blur are also confirmed. The skill tree is being rebuilt Remastered redesigns The Witcher 3’s skill trees and character progression with new perks and abilities alongside reworked existing skills. CD Projekt Red is also changing how builds are assembled, with more flexibility in which abilities Geralt can unlock and combine. Transmog is finally coming to the game, allowing Geralt to use the stats of one piece of equipment while keeping the appearance of another. The expanded photo mode adds new poses, camera controls, frames, filters, and character models. Quest tracking, looting, meditation, and menus are changing Sail to Skellige. Image via CDPR New quest tracking and a reworked looting system are both coming with Remastered. CD Projekt Red has not yet shown exactly how either system works, but considering that the devs are not against integrating useful community content, it could be done through the two most popular mods. The tutorial is also being modernized, which should change how new players are introduced to combat, Signs, alchemy, and the rest of Geralt’s systems. New accessibility features are confirmed as well, although the individual options have not been revealed yet. Immersive meditation is another new feature shown in the trailer. Judging by the trailer, it will show the time-lapse of the world around instead of fading to black. Cross-platform mods are coming Cross-platform mod support will bring user-created content beyond PC. Xbox Series X|S is specifically confirmed to support mods including quests, weapons, equipment, and balance changes, while CD Projekt Red has not yet detailed exactly how distribution and moderation will work across every supported platform. Bringing mods to consoles could make Remastered considerably more extensible than the 2022 version, which incorporated selected community mods directly into the game but did not offer a mod browser. The graphics update details More beautiful than ever. Image via CDPR Environment, NPC, and monster textures are being updated, while foliage receives a separate shading rework. HDR is being improved too, along with the tone mapper responsible for translating the game’s lighting and color information to the final image. The lighting system is being rebuilt with a new shading model, a global lighting rework, improved ray tracing, GTAO ambient occlusion, and subsurface scattering. Subsurface scattering changes how light behaves when passing through materials such as skin, while GTAO improves the contact shadows around objects and environmental geometry. Ray-traced hair is also confirmed. While the current next-gen version already supports several ray-traced effects on capable hardware, Remastered is revisiting those systems alongside its changes to global illumination, shadows, and shading. Path tracing and new upscalers New lighting and shading. Image via CDPR The PC version will support full path tracing, going beyond the selective ray-traced effects available in the current version. Path tracing calculates a much larger portion of a scene’s lighting through ray tracing and will sit at the top end of Remastered’s graphical settings. Ray Reconstruction is coming to PC as well, using Nvidia’s neural reconstruction technology to replace traditional denoisers in ray-traced scenes. Nvidia DLSS 4.5, AMD FSR 4, and Intel XeSS 2.0 are all confirmed, giving modern GPUs updated reconstruction and scaling options. Native DirectX 12 and rendering parallelization are two final changes to the PC renderer. CD Projekt Red has not published new system requirements or performance targets yet, so we don’t know how demanding path tracing will be or what hardware will be recommended for the highest settings. PS5 Pro and Xbox Play Anywhere support PS5 Pro support is confirmed for Remastered, although resolution, performance, and ray-tracing modes have not been announced. Xbox Play Anywhere support lets digital Xbox owners access the game across Xbox Series X|S, Windows PCs, and compatible Xbox handhelds using the same purchase and save progression. Xbox Series X|S also gets the newly announced mod support. Nintendo Switch 2 has additional exclusive features beyond the free upgrade from the original Switch edition. Touch-screen support is already confirmed, together with HDR and 120Hz output support on compatible displays, but CD Projekt Red has not revealed the full list of Switch 2-specific additions yet. Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine are now free Two massive DLCs, free. Image via CDPR Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine are now included with every copy of The Witcher 3, including accounts that previously owned only the base game. Existing owners do not need to wait for Remastered on Sept. 29 to access them. Players who already bought either expansion keep it in their libraries, while its content is also incorporated into the base game. Existing saves remain compatible, cross-progression continues to work, achievements and trophies are unaffected, and both expansions can still be started separately from the main menu. Xbox One owners receive the expansions as well, even though Remastered itself is limited to newer hardware. Digital owners get them automatically, while disc owners can claim them from the Xbox Store. FAQs When does The Witcher 3 Remastered come out? The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Remastered releases Sept. 29, 2026 for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Nintendo Switch 2. Is The Witcher 3 Remastered free? Yes and no. Existing owners of the game will receive Remastered as a free upgrade, but it will still be a paid game that replaces the old version for those who don’t own it. Are Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine free? Yes. Both expansions are now included with the base game at no additional cost, including for players who previously owned The Witcher 3 without either expansion. Dot Esports is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more about our Affiliate Policy

How to preload Modern Warfare 4 Open Beta on all platformsDot Esports

How to preload Modern Warfare 4 Open Beta on all platforms

Image via Activision Category: Plunge into action as soon as the MW4 Open Beta starts. | Published: Aug 26, 2026 05:15 am The Modern Warfare 4 Open Beta preload begins Au. 26 across PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Nintendo Switch 2. Unlike the Early Access weekend, you don’t need to preorder Modern Warfare 4 or redeem a beta code to participate. Here’s how to preload the MW4 Open Beta on every supported platform so you’re ready to jump into action when it goes live on Aug. 28. Quick Summary The Modern Warfare 4 Open Beta preload begins Aug. 26 at 9am PT. Nintendo Switch 2 joins the MW4 Beta, making this the first Call of Duty available on Nintendo’s console. MW4 Open Beta runs from Aug. 28 at 10am PT to Sept. 1 at 10am PT. It includes Combat Outpost (Ground War) mode in Multiplayer and new Zodiac map in Warzone Resurgence. Table of contentsHow to preload MW4 Open Beta across platformsMW4 Open Beta preload start date and timeModern Warfare 4 Open Beta contentFAQ How to preload MW4 Open Beta across platforms The Modern Warfare 4 Beta is downloaded separately from the Call of Duty HQ. Before preloading or downloading the MW4 Beta, signing in with your Activision Account so you can keep your progression across platforms and retain eligible beta rewards tied to your Activision ID when the full game launches on Oct. 23. Brace for gunfights. Image via Activision PS5 Open the PlayStation Store. Search for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 Beta. Select the Beta. Choose Download. Once the Open Beta goes live, you can launch it from your PS5 home screen or Game Library. Xbox Series X|S Open the Microsoft Store. Search for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 Beta. Select the Beta. Choose Install. When the Open Beta starts, you can launch it through My games & apps. PC Steam Launch Steam. Open the Store. Search for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4. Open the game’s Store page. Select Play Now next to the Beta. Steam will automatically add the Beta to your Library and begin downloading it. Once the Open Beta is live, select Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 Beta from your Steam Library and click Play. Battle.net Open the Battle.net app. Select Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4. Choose the Beta version from the game version dropdown if prompted. Click Install. Wait for the download and installation to finish. When the Open Beta goes live, select the Beta version and click Play. Xbox on PC Open the Xbox app on PC. Go to the Store. Search for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 Beta. Select the Beta. Choose Install. If the Beta doesn’t appear in your library, clear the Installed filter and search again. It can also be found through My Library. Nintendo Switch 2 Open the Nintendo eShop. Search for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 Beta. Select the Beta. Choose Download. You don’t need to preorder MW4 to access the Beta. However, a linked Nintendo Switch Online account is required to play Multiplayer modes. MW4 Open Beta preload start date and time Preload so you’re ready for action. Image via Activision Players can start preloading the MW4 Open Beta at 9am PT / 11am CT / 12pm ET / 5pm BST on Wednesday, Aug. 26 across all supported platforms. Here are the preload times for other major regions: Brasilia Time (BRT): 1pm Central European Time (CEST): 6pm Gulf Standard Time (GST): 8pm India Standard Time (IST): 9:30pm Singapore Time (SGT): 12am, Aug. 27 Korea Standard Time (KST) / Japan Standard Time (JST): 1am, Aug. 27 Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST): 2am, Aug. 27 Here’s a countdown to know exactly when the preload becomes available: Modern Warfare 4 Open Beta preload countdown The MW4 Open Beta itself begins at 10am PT on Friday, Aug. 28, and ends at the same time on Tuesday, Sept. 1. Modern Warfare 4 Open Beta content Zodiac is coming. Image via Activision The MW4 Open Beta expands on the content available during Early Access, adding new maps and modes. Campaign Mission: Entrenched Multiplayer maps Rooftops Silkworm Transit 213 Cachette Kill Block Lithium (new map) Imjin Farmland (new map for Combat Outpost: Ground War 24v24 mode) Wolves Stadium (new map for Combat Outpost: Ground War 24v24 mode) Multiplayer modes Team Deathmatch Domination Hardpoint Kill Confirmed Inflation Search & Destroy Kill Block – 10v10 and 3v3 Gunfight Mobility Course Hijack (new mode) Combat Outpost: Ground War (new mode) Warzone Zodiac map for Resurgence Weekend Two also raises the MW4 Beta level cap from 20 to 30, giving players access to additional weapons, equipment, perks, killstreaks, and beta rewards. Infinity Ward has also promised to make more balance changes to spawns, TTK, and movement, but did not mention SBMM and aim assist that have received criticism from players during the Early Access. FAQ Does your Modern Warfare 4 Early Access progression carry over to the Open Beta? Yes. You can continue their progression into Weekend Two, with the level cap increasing to 30. Does your MW4 Open Beta progression carry over to launch? No. Your Player Level, weapon unlocks, and other gameplay progression will reset when the beta concludes. However, eligible beta rewards remain tied to your Activision Account and will be available when MW4 launches on Oct. 23. When does the MW4 Open Beta end? The MW4 Open Beta ends on Sept. 1 at 10am PT. It’s available to play for four full days. Dot Esports is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more about our Affiliate Policy

Modern Warfare 4 players demand SBMM removal and aim assist nerf after Early Access BetaDot Esports

Modern Warfare 4 players demand SBMM removal and aim assist nerf after Early Access Beta

Image via Activision Category: Let's see whether Infinity Ward responds to the calls during the MW4 Open Beta. | Published: Aug 25, 2026 10:49 pm The Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 Early Access Beta has just ended, but players are already asking Infinity Ward to make major changes to matchmaking and aim assist before the Open Beta. The first beta weekend ran from Aug. 21 to Aug. 25, giving players their first real hands-on experience with MW4 Multiplayer. While Infinity Ward rolled out several updates during the Early Access, matchmaking and aim assist quickly became two of the biggest complaints from the community. Thank you for all the feedback so far. We’ve been making daily updates throughout the #MW4 Beta.Before Open Beta begins, we’ll be sharing more on upcoming changes to spawns, TTK, and movement.Weekend 2 raises the level cap to 30 with new rewards, new content, and Zodiac, our… pic.twitter.com/aZ36kNBcZL— Infinity Ward (@InfinityWard) August 25, 2026 MW4 players want SBMM removed Complaints about skill-based matchmaking (SBMM) resurfaced after Activision confirmed that MW4 would test its updated matchmaking system alongside an Open Matchmaking option. The updated system was previously tested in Black Ops 7, and it takes player skill into account alongside factors such as connection quality, location, platform, among others. Many MW4 players, however, felt the matchmaking during the Early Access Beta was more restrictive. Popular streamer TimTheTatman was among those calling attention to the issue. One player replying to IW’s post argued that matchmaking was the biggest problem facing the game and accused the dev of ignoring the issue. “More communication on matchmaking would be really nice and maybe just revert it,” the player wrote. Can you also address the matchmaking in MW4? That’s the biggest topic on everyone’s mind right now. You’re ignoring us and only responding to feedback on other things instead of matchmaking.Matchmaking is the most important thing in every CoD game it determines whether people…— FluxNinja (@FluxNinjaa) August 25, 2026 Similar complaints appeared across the MW4 community, with some players on Reddit saying they were consistently placed into sweaty lobbies despite playing casually. Not everyone agrees that the MW4 Beta’s matchmaking was necessarily too strict, though. Some players pointed out that the Early Access player base was made up largely of dedicated CoD gamers who were more likely to play competitively, and that could change once the Open Beta brings in more players. Aim assist also comes under fire Aim assist has become another big talking point following the first beta weekend. Players have complained that controller aim assist tracks targets too aggressively. Interestingly, the criticism has not come exclusively from MnK players, with some controller users also saying the current AA feels too strong. A widely shared Reddit post featured several clips showcasing MW4‘s aim assist that’s seemingly overpowered. In one of the clips, OpTic Texas star Brandon “Dashy” Otell described the aim assist as “way too good” and said it should be nerfed. Aim assist needs to be toned down. Screenshot by Dot Esports Calls for SBMM and aim assist changes have just grown louder as Infinity Ward’s first beta updates focused on other gameplay issues. The dev released patch notes addressing problems with spawns, weapon balance, TTK, audio, and other gameplay elements. Infinity Ward has said it is listening to player feedback and plans to share more information before the Open Beta. However, it did not mention anything about matchmaking and aim assist. Players will not have to wait long to see whether Infinity Ward responds to the feedback. The MW4 Open Beta begins on Aug. 28 and runs until Sept. 1. Unlike Early Access, the second weekend will be available to all players without a preorder or beta code, including players on Nintendo Switch 2. The larger player pool should give Infinity Ward more data on matchmaking (including disbanding lobbies), aim assist, and other concerns. It should also provide a better indication of whether the complaints from Early Access were just drummed up by the smaller, more dedicated player base or by gameplay systems that really need to undergo changes before the full game launches on Oct. 23. Dot Esports is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more about our Affiliate Policy