Microsoft is now testing an early preview of the upcoming Xbox Cloud Gaming interface, and anyone can access it, whether or not they have a subscription. In this guide, I'll show you how to access right now.

Although the Xbox Cloud experience has had a web dashboard, the new interface brings it closer to the design you can access on the Xbox console, making it familiar to anyone accustomed to the console experience.

However, the new interface also makes it easier to use for anyone, regardless of whether they used the console before.

Since this is an early preview, it's not automatically available to everyone. You actually have to go through a set of steps to opt in to the preview.

In this how-to guide, I'll outline the easy steps to opt in to designing for playing Xbox games in the cloud.

How to enable the new Xbox Cloud Gaming redesign on your account

To enable and access the new cloud experience to play Xbox games, use these steps:

1. Open Microsoft Edge.
2. Open the Xbox Play page and sign in with your credentials.

• Quick tip: Anyone can access the experience, including without a subscription. It goes without saying that a subscription is needed to play games.

3. Click the profile menu in the top-right, and choose the Settings option.

4. Turn on the "Preview features" toggle switch to access the new Xbox Cloud experience.

4. Click the Yes button.
5. Get a cup of coffee and wait 10 minutes (this is important).
6. Open the Play.Xbox.com page in the browser to access the gaming dashboard.

Once you complete the steps, you'll have access to the new Xbox Cloud gaming web experience, which the company is shipping as a public preview.

If you want to switch to the now-legacy experience, click the "Exit preview" button in the top-right of the screen.

You can go even a step further. If you're using Microsoft Edge, you can also install the web experience as an app on your Windows 11 device. You only need to click the "Install" button from the address bar.

Switch between modes

Finally, you can also switch the current mode (known as "Full Screen Mode") to Desktop Mode, which gives you a more app-like experience with a sidebar, such as the Xbox app on Windows 11.

While in the new Xbox Cloud Gaming experience, use these steps:

1. Click the Xbox button.
2. Click on Settings from the bottom-right.

3. Click on Appearance.
4. (Option 1) Select the Desktop Mode option for a classic view.

4. (Option 2) Select the Full Screen Mode option to use the modern view.

After you complete the steps, you will have access to a more Xbox app-like experience.

As Xbox keeps refining its cloud ecosystem, this redesigned web experience feels like another step toward a platform that works the same no matter where you play. The preview is still evolving, but if this is the direction Microsoft is heading, cloud gaming is about to feel a lot more like a first‑class part of the Xbox experience rather than an optional side path.

What are your thoughts on the new UI? Let me know in the comments.

FAQs about accessing the new Xbox Cloud Gaming UI

These are common questions regarding the access to the new Xbox Cloud Gaming experience.

More resources

For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10 and Windows 11, visit the following resources:

• Windows 11 on Windows Central — All you need to know
• Windows 10 on Windows Central — All you need to know

Don't call it an Xbox.

The Xbox Ally is a PC gaming handheld through and through, and while it front-loads a lot of Xbox features and services, the underlying experience is Windows 11 ultimately. That comes with a wide array of benefits, such as broad openness, the ability to use third-party launchers, and even treating it like a workstation PC. However, for Xbox traditional console gamers, it also comes with some PC-like complexity.

One question I've received a bunch on socials lately is "why are my games running poorly compared to the videos?" and upon inspection, sometimes it's been a misunderstanding of the Xbox Ally's power modes.

Like many laptops, smartphones, and also PC gaming handhelds these days, the Xbox Ally and its more powerful variant, the Xbox Ally X, let you adjust how much juice it's sending from the battery to the system components. This limiter lets you boost battery life and reduce power overheads, particularly in games that don't necessarily need a lot of juice to run well. However, it's not clearly explained out of the box to new users.

Here's how your TDP power settings work on the Xbox Ally, and when you should use them.

How to access and adjust Xbox Ally TDP power settings

TDP stands for Thermal Design Power, but it's often used to refer to the power settings on devices like the Xbox Ally these days. TDP refers to the amount of heat the Xbox Ally's fans are designed to mitigate, but increasingly it's often used as a catch-all term to refer to power and performance tuning modes.

Accessing the power settings on your Xbox Ally is easy, and changing them can vastly change your experience. There's a bit of a learning curve, though, so here's a quick overview of how it all works in practice.

1. To access your Xbox Ally's power settings, press the Armoury Crate button to the top right of your Xbox button, which is to the left of the screen. It's a hexagonal icon.
2. There, by default, you should see the Armoury Crate Command Center, in a tab in the Xbox Guide. These are system-level settings provided by ASUS.
3. To adjust the default power scaling modes, use your d-pad or joystick and hit A to choose between Silent, Performance, or Turbo modes.
   
   Note: There's also a default "Windows" profile you can use in situations where you're using the Xbox Ally as a regular PC for apps and browsing. This mode allows Windows to take control of the Xbox Ally's components and de-prioritizes gaming scenarios specifically.
4. See below for more information on what each of these power settings actually does.

What do the Xbox Ally's power settings actually do?

So, out of the box, the Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X come with four default power settings: Windows, Silent, Performance, and Turbo. If you have the Ally X, there's also a bonus Turbo+ mode that activates only when the device is plugged in.

• Windows mode: This runs at 17 watts and gives Windows control over the Xbox Ally's components, ideal if you're doing anything other than gaming, and want a standard PC-style experience for browsing, work, normal apps, and so on.
• Silent mode: This runs at 13 watts and prioritizes cool operation and silent fans. This is best for 2D games or heavily optimized 3D games, potentially with retro-style visuals. Playing low-poly games, cloud games, or Xbox remote streaming in this mode will give you the best battery life, anywhere up to 5-6 hours.
• Performance mode: This runs at 17 watts and will trade off some performance for battery life. Playing 3D games in this mode will give you around 2-3 hours of battery life generally and will boost frame rates in retro-styled games or indie games.
• Turbo mode: This is 25 watts, and up to 30 watts plugged in on the Xbox Ally X. This is for AAA gaming with high frame rates, and heavy-duty work apps like Adobe Premiere Pro or Blender. This will drain the battery like crazy, though, easily chewing through it in the space of an hour when not plugged in. This is best used when docked or plugged in to a compatible 65-100 watt USB-C charger, with a compatible 65-100 watt charging cable.

You can change these settings on the fly by opening the Armoury Crate command center. However, be warned that some multiplayer anti-cheat systems may falsely detect in-game TDP alterations as cheats, so be wary about making power adjustments while in-game playing Call of Duty or Battlefield, etc. You should have no issues doing it in singleplayer titles, though.

The rule of thumb really is that if you're playing a high-end, demanding AAA game, you want to be running Turbo Mode, most preferably plugged in. But most games will run fine on Performance Mode on battery, particularly if you knock down the resolution or accept 30 FPS frame rate caps and the like. If you're playing 2D games or indie games with more simplistic-style graphics, Silent Mode is often best.

What I tend to do is keep a small collection of 2D-styled games installed on the Xbox Ally's SD card expansion slot for times where I want maximum battery life. 2D games will also not need the faster speeds of the internal NVME SSD storage device either, making SD card storage completely fine on top.

Per-game performance can vary wildly on the Xbox Ally. Some demanding games like Cyberpunk 2077 have been heavily optimized for handheld devices like the Xbox Ally and the Steam Deck, and both run and look great at the same time. Others, however, have very much not been. Silent Hill 2 Remake, for example, and many other Unreal Engine 5 titles, can struggle on devices like this for whatever reason.

There's a degree of experimentation you'll need to do when launching a lot of games to decide on the "sweet spot" for your personal preferences. Some games use AMD upscaling tech like FSR to boost visual quality while rendering at lower resolutions, but the experience can be inconsistent. Some people like it, some people don't, for example.

Microsoft is planning to launch a feature called Game Profiles on the Xbox Ally range in the future, which will automatically set popular games' settings to provide a solid default experience out of the box. It's unclear exactly when that feature will arrive, though, so for now, experiment with the power modes and in-game graphics settings to get the most out of your Xbox Ally.

Although your new ASUS ROG Xbox Ally is touted as a handheld gaming device, it's still a full-fledged computer that runs Windows 11 (Home), and this means you can tweak it like a regular machine to ensure you're getting the best experience and performance.

The Xbox Ally is a new handheld gaming PC (or "gaming handheld") jointly developed by ASUS's Republic of Gamers (ROG) division and Microsoft's Xbox. It was created with the idea of bringing the power of a gaming PC and the Xbox ecosystem into a portable device.

You'll find this device in two models, including the standard "Ally" and the higher-end "Ally X." The "Ally" comes with an AMD Ryzen Z2 A (4 cores, Zen 2 + RDNA2 graphics) and 16GB of memory, while the "Ally X," features an AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme (8 cores, Zen 5 + RDNA3.5 + NPU) with 24GB of memory.

The handheld utilizes the Xbox full-screen mode experience available with the Windows 11 2025 Update (version 25H2), making the device feel more like a dedicated gaming console and offering a more streamlined experience for launching and playing games.

However, the full-screen mode is much more than a console-like interface, because it also applies tweaks to reduce the performance overhead of the standard desktop. This feature actively stops several system components from running in the background, which helps free up system resources and reduce power consumption, resulting in improved gaming performance and longer battery life.

Now, even with all the optimization that comes out of the box, there are still a few things you can check and configure to get the most out of the experience.

In this how-to guide, I'll outline the tweaks you can apply to your ROG Xbox Ally handheld running Windows 11.

Best tweaks for ROG Xbox Ally running Windows 11

Although the "Game Mode" and "Full screen experience" features are turned on by default to provide a gaming-optimized experience, you still have several tweaks that you can apply to your Xbox handheld.

1. Check and download updates

Yes. Although it may seem obvious to many, and sometimes feel like a repeated suggestion, Microsoft and manufacturers continually release new updates to enhance the performance of operating systems and devices.

As part of the optimization plan, you should check for updates for Windows 11, Armoury Crate SE, AMD, and other apps (when applicable).

Check for Windows 11 updates

To update Windows 11, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Windows Update.
3. (Optional) Turn on the "Get the latest updates as soon as they're available" toggle switch.
4. Click the "Check for updates" button.

5. Click the Restart now button.
6. (Optional) Open Settings.
7. Click the Advanced options page on the right side.
8. Click the Optional updates setting.

5. Click the Driver updates setting.
6. Select the available drivers with updates.
7. Click the "Download & install" button.

Once you complete the steps, the handheld will download the applicable updates, and you may need to restart the device.

Check for Armoury Crate SE updates

To update the ASUS Armoury Crate SE software, use these steps:

1. Open Armoury Crate SE.
2. Click the Settings tab.
3. Click on Update Center.

4. Check and download all the available updates.

After you complete the steps, the Armoury Crate app and components will be updated to the latest version.

Check for AMD software and driver updates

To check for AMD software and driver updates, use these steps:

1. Open the AMD Software app.
2. Click the Home tab.
3. Check the "Driver & Software" window on the right side of the screen.

If it says there's an update, click the button that appears in this box to install the latest updates. Once you complete these steps, the AMD software will be updated to the latest version. If no updates are available, the "Home" tab won't show any system update button.

Alternatively, you can also check for updates by opening MyASUS > System Update, and clicking the "Check for Updates" button.

Finally, you can always download the drivers and software manually from the AMD website.

Check for app updates

To update apps and system components from the Microsoft Store, use these steps:

1. Open Microsoft Store.
2. Click on Downloads.
3. Click the "Check for updates" button.

4. Click the Update all button (if applicable).

After you complete the steps, the Microsoft Store will update all your apps to the latest version, unlocking new features, improvements, and fixes, depending on the update.

2. Disable specific gaming-impacting features

If you're experiencing performance issues during gameplay, it may be due to the Memory Integrity and Virtual Machine Platform security features.

When optimizing your computer for gaming performance, it's recommended to turn off this feature and then turn it back on after completing your gaming session.

Disable Memory Integrity

To disable Memory Integrity on Windows 11, use these steps:

1. Open Windows Security.
2. Click on Device Security.
3. Click the "Core isolation details" option.

4. Turn off the Memory Integrity toggle switch to disable the feature.

5. Restart the computer.

Once you complete the steps, your games should experience a performance boost.

Disable Virtual Machine Platform

To turn off virtualization on Windows 11, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on System.
3. Click the Optional features page on the right side.
4. Click the "More Windows features" setting.

5. Clear the "Virtual Machine Platform" option to disable the feature.

6. Click the OK button.
7. Restart the computer.

After you complete these steps, your games should experience a performance boost.

It's important to note that Microsoft recommends re-enabling these two features if you're not playing games.

3. Change power mode

Choosing the power mode to "High Performance" is often recommended because it aims to maximize the power for components to deliver the best possible experience.

To change the power mode on Windows 11, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on System.
3. Click the "Power & battery" (or Power) page on the right side.
4. Click the Power Mode setting.

5. Choose the Best Performance option for the "Plugged in" and "On battery" settings.

You can also change power modes in Xbox Ally’s Armoury Crate software by going to Armoury Crate > Settings Cog > Performance > Operating Mode, and choose the "Turbo" option.

4. Enable optimization for windowed games

The "Optimizations for windowed games" feature can improve the performance of games running in windowed or borderless windowed mode.

This optimization transitions games using older presentation models (such as DirectX 10 and 11's "blt-model") to a more modern "flip-model" presentation, allowing games to bypass the Desktop Window Manager (DWM) for direct display output, similar to how exclusive fullscreen works.

This feature should be turned on by default, but you can always use these steps to confirm:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on System.
3. Click the Display page on the right side.
4. Click on Graphics.
5. Turn on the "Optimizations for windowed games" toggle switch.

Once you complete the steps, games should be able to take advantage of this feature.

5. Increase the refresh rate

Adjusting the refresh rate on your monitor is one of the most significant ways to enhance your gaming experience. The reason is that the more frequently the display refreshes, the more often it shows new frames, resulting in significantly smoother motion, especially in fast-paced games. It also reduces input latency, and you will see less screen tearing.

To set your system to the highest refresh rate, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on System.
3. Click the Display page on the right side.
4. Click the Advanced display setting at the bottom of the page.
5. Select the highest rate using the "Choose a refresh rate" setting.

• Quick note: In this system, you should be able to choose between 60Hz and 120Hz (recommended).

You can also change the refresh rate from the Armoury Crate experience using the Command Center side menu.

6. Enable Variable Refresh Rate

On Windows 11, Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) is a feature that enables displays to automatically adjust their refresh rate based on the frames generated by the graphics card, thereby increasing frame rates while reducing screen tearing.

To enable this VRR on your handheld, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on System.
3. Click the Display page on the right side.
4. Click on Graphics.
5. Click on Advanced graphics settings at the bottom of the page.
6. Turn on the "Variable Refresh Rate" toggle switch.

After you complete the steps, the device will adjust the refresh rate based on the frames generated by the graphics card.

7. Disable startup apps

If you have Xbox Ally (or X), you'll probably be using these devices for gaming, so it's unlikely you'll have to manage many apps launching at startup.

However, if that's the case, consider that having too many apps launching during startup will cause the handheld to take longer to start, and the background services for those applications will consume more system resources, which can negatively affect gaming performance.

To keep startup apps to a minimum, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Apps.
3. Click the Startup page on the right side.
4. Choose the Startup impact option in the "Sort by" menu.
5. Turn off the most impactful apps running on your system.

Once you complete the steps, depending on the app you had previously configured during startup, you'll notice a boost in gaming performance.

8. Uninstall unnecessary apps

Also, even though you're unlikely to install additional apps since this is a gaming-specific device, it's still important to understand that you always have to minimize the number of unnecessary apps installed on your handheld to prevent bloating and degrading the performance.

If you have installed applications other than those that are necessary on the device, it's recommended to remove them to maintain the system's performance.

To uninstall unused apps from Windows 11, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Apps.
3. Click the "Installed apps" page on the right side.
4. Select the app, click the menu (three dots) button, and choose the Uninstall option.
5. Click the Uninstall button again to confirm.

6. Continue with the on-screen directions (if applicable).

After completing the steps, you may need to repeat them to remove any additional applications.

9. Enable GPU scheduling

Hardware-accelerated GPU scheduling is a feature designed to improve performance and reduce latency by offloading specific graphics card scheduling tasks from the CPU to the GPU itself.

The feature is typically enabled by default, but you can always check and enable it as necessary with these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on System.
3. Click the Display page on the right side.
4. Click the Graphics setting.
5. Click on Advanced graphics settings at the bottom of the page.
6. Turn on the "Hardware-accelerated GPU scheduling" toggle switch.

Once you complete the steps, the system should offload graphics tasks from the processor to the graphics processor.

10. Configure GPU-specific settings

On both versions of the handheld, you can configure various performance features through the AMD software, including Radeon Super Resolution (RSR), AMD Fluid Motion Frames (AFMF), Radeon Anti-Lag, and Radeon Boost. In addition, you can manage the amount of memory the system should allocate for graphics performance.

To configure the AMD performance-enhancing features, use these steps:

1. Open Armoury Crate SE.
2. Click on Settings Cog.
3. Click the Performance tab.
4. Click the GPU Settings tab from the left pane.

Once you complete the steps, you can proceed to configure the features as outlined below.

Memory Assigned to GPU

The Xbox Ally uses an Integrated Graphics Processing Unit (iGPU). Unlike dedicated graphics cards, which have their own memory (VRAM), the iGPU shares the computer's main system memory (RAM).

In this case, the handheld has a total amount of memory (for example, 16GB). This memory is a single pool used by both the processor for general system tasks and the iGPU for graphics.

The "Memory Assigned to GPU" setting allows you to manually reserve a fixed portion of your system memory to be used exclusively as VRAM for the iGPU.

Usually, you have to find the balance, as increasing the VRAM allocation takes memory away from the processor and general system tasks.

If you have the Ally with 16GB, start with 6GB and only increase to 8GB if a game specifically demands it (for example, crashes at launch).

If you have the Ally X with 24GB, start with 8GB and leave it there for maximum performance and stability.

Radeon Super Resolution (RSR)

This is an upscaling technology that uses the same algorithms as AMD's FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR). The feature allows you to run games at a lower-than-native resolution to increase your frame rate (FPS). The driver then uses a high-quality spatial upscaling technique to stretch the image to fit your display's native resolution, resulting in a performance boost with better image quality than standard stretching.

AMD Fluid Motion Frames (AFMF)

This is a frame technology integrated into the AMD graphics driver. It works at the driver level to insert additional, interpolated frames between the "real" frames rendered by the graphics card.

AFMF significantly increases the displayed frame rate, making gameplay appear much smoother. It can be applied to almost any DirectX 11 and 12 game.

Radeon Anti-Lag

This is a feature designed to reduce input-to-response latency. The Anti-Lag feature controls the queuing of processor work ahead of the graphics card work, ensuring the CPU doesn't get too far ahead of the GPU. By keeping these components in better sync, it reduces the delay between your input and the resulting action appearing on your screen.

In other words, this feature makes the game feel more responsive, which is especially important for fast-paced gaming and other scenarios.

Radeon Boost

This is a dynamic resolution technology. When you are making rapid camera or character movements in a game, the Boost feature temporarily and subtly lowers the resolution of the frame. Because the fast movement makes it difficult to notice the change in quality, this quick resolution drop gives the GPU a temporary burst of extra performance, allowing for higher, more consistent frame rates and more responsiveness.

After changing these settings, you may need to restart the handheld to apply the changes.

Radeon Chill

This is a dynamic, power-saving feature that regulates the device's frame rate. Radeon Chill constantly monitors your gaming activity and adjusts the Frame Rate Target Control (FRTC) between a "Min Chill" and "Max Chill" values. When you are idle or moving slowly, it lowers the frame rate towards the minimum to save power, reduce heat, and lower fan noise. When the action increases, it instantly ramps the frame rate back up to the maximum cap.

The Radeon Chill feature can help reduce system power consumption, significantly improving battery life on handheld devices. It also results in a cooler, quieter operating experience without noticeably impacting responsiveness during fast action.

Radeon Image Sharpening (RIS)

This is a post-processing, contrast-adaptive sharpening algorithm. The Radeon Image Sharpening feature analyzes the finished image and selectively sharpens details and edges in high-contrast areas.

It's primarily used to restore clarity and detail that can be lost due to, for example, using lower resolutions for performance gains. The softening or blurring effect of certain Anti-Aliasing techniques. It does this with minimal to no performance impact.

11. Change settings on specific games

You can also configure each game with specific settings using AMD Software, and to do this, you have to use these steps:

To check for AMD Software updates, use these steps:

1. Open the AMD Software app.
2. Click the Gaming tab.
3. Click the Games tab.

4. Click on the game you want to customize.

On this page, you can find AMD-related settings, including Radeon Super Resolution, AMD Fluid Motion Frames, Anti-Lag, Radeon Boost, Radeon Chill, and more.

In addition, from this page, it's possible to configure display-related settings, such as AMD FreeSync, Scaling Mode, Display Color Enhancement, and Color Deficiency Correction.

12. Configure global graphics settings with one option

Finally, AMD Software allows you to choose graphics presets that will apply to the gaming experience globally.

To choose the best graphics experience, use these steps:

1. Open the AMD Software app.
2. Click the Gaming tab.
3. Click the Graphics tab.
4. Enable HYPR-RX.

The recommendation is to choose the "HYPR-RX" since this gives the best gaming configuration. However, you can only use this option on the Xbox Ally X. The base model (Xbox Ally) doesn't let you choose the "HYPR-RX" option, but there is a "Performance" option.

On this page, you can also configure other graphics settings that will apply globally. Some of the features include Radeon Super Resolution, AMD Fluid Motion Frames, Anti-Lag, Radeon Boost 2, and more.

What tweaks are you making to your Xbox Ally handheld gaming device? Let me know in the comments.

More resources

Explore more in-depth how-to guides, troubleshooting advice, and essential tips to get the most out of Windows 11 and 10. Start browsing here:

• Windows 11 on Windows Central — All you need to know
• Windows 10 on Windows Central — All you need to know

Overwatch 2 has launched a brand new game mode called Stadium, and it is unlike any mode that's come before in the long-running hero shooter. In this mode, two teams of five players compete in seven rounds to see who can complete the most objectives.

Between each, players can upgrade their hero with a variety of new abilities and stat-boosting items that can completely alter their play style and potentially help their team win the match.

Each hero has tons of abilities and items to choose from, so it can be intimidating to decide which ones are right for you (especially since you have a time limit to choose them between rounds).

So we have rounded up all the abilities and items available for each hero in Overwatch 2's Stadium Mode, so you can plan ahead to beat the competition in one of Blizzard's best Xbox games and best PC games.

Overwatch 2 Stadium Mode - Reinhardt

Overwatch 2 Stadium Mode - Reaper

Overwatch 2 Stadium Mode - Soldier 76

Overwatch 2 Stadium Mode - Mercy

Overwatch 2 Stadium Mode - Moira

Overwatch 2 Stadium Mode - D.va

Overwatch 2 Stadium Mode - Genji

Overwatch 2 Stadium Mode - Orisa

Overwatch 2 Stadium Mode - Kiriko

Overwatch 2 Stadium Mode - Ana

Overwatch 2 Stadium Mode - Cassidy

Overwatch 2 Stadium Mode - Ashe

Overwatch 2 Stadium Mode - Juno

Overwatch 2 Stadium Mode - Zarya

Overwatch 2 Stadium Mode - Junker Queen

Overwatch 2 Stadium Mode - Lucio

Overwatch 2 Stadium Mode - Mei

Overwatch 2 Stadium Mode - General Items (usable with any Hero)

Which heroes will you choose for Stadium Mode?

There you have every Hero available in Stadium Mode, along with all the abilities and items they can equip in battle. You may have noticed that not every Hero from the main roster is available to play in Stadium Mode.

Don't fret about that because Blizzard will be adding the rest of the Heroes to this mode in the future, and we will update this accordingly when they arrive.

Additionally, we will update this list when any balance changes occur and when new abilities and items are added to Stadium Mode, so be sure to bookmark this list for future updates.

Overwatch 2's Stadium Mode is available now on Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, and Windows PC.

Overwatch 2 has a new mode called Stadium, and I'm mildly addicted to it.

In a match that lasts up to 7 rounds, players battle across a variety of modes with a subset of the main Overwatch roster. The kicker? Each round earns you cash, which you can spend on items, almost like a MOBA.

The variety of items, powers, and other passives intersect and compliment each other, transforming Overwatch 2 into an almost unrecognizable game. It helps that the mode also features third-person gameplay for good measure.

If you're just getting to grips with Stadium mode, you might not have time to read through the massive list of Overwatch 2 Stadium perks and abilities, though? I've been reading some of the "best build guides" for Moira online and decided most of them suck. Here's my build for Moira, and tips on how to use it. It's much better.

Best Overwatch 2 Stadium Moira Powers

Moira is an evil support hero who sports a degree of notoriety for practically being a damage dealing class. Her orbs and Biotic Grasp abilities are great for those who don't have super pro aiming skills (like me) due to their area-of-effect capabilities. Especially on console, this means you can increase the turn speed of your joystick for faster movements, without necessarily sacrificing accuracy like you would with a hitscan-style hero.

But yeah, she is supposed to be a support class at the end of the day, so this build gives you the best of both worlds.

The idea here is to spam Biotic Orbs all over the place. The first rank lets you add pressure to damage dealers and other healers by letting you heal while also dealing damage. The subsequent ranks simply add more orbs to your repertoire, which can be used both for healing or dealing huge amounts of damage. This build shines in certain maps with corridors and choke points in particular, although you can still just blast most squishy DPS and support heroes by firing off 4 balls into their face all at once, and then fading out for an extra one.

The items also make this build even more deadly, stacking ability power, while adding additional range to your balls on top.

Best Overwatch 2 Stadium Moira Items

All of the items here revolve around boosting Moira's ability power, which is where all of your damage and healing is going to come from. The four items above are key to the build, but I've left some room to add additional abilities you might think fits your playstyle here.

Once you've started grabbing some of Moira's multiball capabilities, the idea is to just identify weaker targets and spam them straight into their faces. Once you've picked up Smart Orbs, the orbs will travel slower when hitting targets or healing allies, which is absolutely great for picking Mercy or Juno out of the sky. The healing orbs will also travel with you, while travelling alongside the DPS you're murdering. It's a great way to shut down flankers and attackers who may otherwise be expecting an easy kill. If you get enough cash, you can also throw Liquid Nitrogen on top of Smart Orbs, this will add a movement speed slowing effect to heroes like Genji and Cassidy, ruining their day. Or well, ruining anyone's day really. It's probably going to get nerfed eventually.

Stacking as many Ability +% items as possible will help carry both your damage and healing throughout the match, and has the added bonus of making Moira's ultimate absolutely deadly too. Fade up a death ball, throw out 4 more death balls, pop your ultimate on top — you'll evaporate entire teams doing this.

Overwatch 2 Stadium is surprisingly awesome

Overwatch 2's new Stadium Mode is probably the most fun I've had in the game for a long time. It builds on the successes of the perk systems introduced into the base modes, and delivers some of the promised customization from the deceased Overwatch 2 "Story Mode."

It may be a while before they can truly nail the balance here. I've felt obscenely overpowered playing Moira and Mei, and some heroes like Ashe clearly need some help as of writing. However, the promise is clear. Overwatch 2 is still delivering for its fans, even almost a decade after the fact.

Overwatch 2's Stadium Mode is available now on Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, and Windows PC.

Overwatch 2 has a new mode called Stadium, and so far, it seems to be a hit.

The round-based mode sees teams of five compete for points, unlocking a huge variety of powers and items that can be equipped between each round. The items and powers really alter expectations of each of the Overwatch's iconic heroes included in that mode.

What if you don't fancy reading through the exhaustive list of perks and abilities, though? We're going to be rounding up some of the best builds that have percolated throughout the Overwatch 2 community, starting with the spacefaring support hero Juno.

Best Overwatch 2 Stadium Juno Powers

Juno is an incredibly mobile support hero that can layer both pressure and healing simultaneously. This build augments her primary tool, Pulsar Torpedoes, with bonus damage and healing, alongside additional splash damage to help support your squad.

With a variety of cooldown-lowering abilities, you'll be able to use Pulsar Torpedoes far more frequently than you would in regular Quick Play or Competitive. This helps offset the increase in damage everybody gets, although burst remains a dangerous threat in the early stages of play. If your Stadium bout lasts through to round 7, Juno will end up with maximum rechargeability for Pulsar Torpedoes, which also has knock on effect of building up Ultimate more rapidly as well.

Maximizing Juno's playstyle in Overwatch 2 Stadium Mode revolves around staying mobile using both Glide Boost and Hyper Ring carefully to avoid hunter killers like Reaper, while keeping Pulsar Torpedoes and Juno's primary fire up as much as possible to keep allies topped off. Medicinal Missiles from Round 5 generates an Ana-like biotic grenade healing buff on the team too, which can really boost your own and your healing partner's throughput.

Best Overwatch 2 Stadium Juno Items

The items here are all about boosting Juno's ability power ultimately. Boosting your ability power augments your healing and damage on Pulsar Torpedoes, as well as the passive healing on Hyper Ring once you've picked up Solar Shielding.

While Juno isn't ever going to one-shot anyone with Pulsar Torpedoes, its ability to lock on from above makes it a really potent tool for finishing off retreating DPS and support heroes. The splash damage on Pulsar Destroyers also helps increase the overall pressure on the enemy team, particularly in choke points and bottlenecks. It pairs incredibly nicely with death ball ults like Zarya's Gravitation Surge, or Orisa's Terra Surge.

Juno's primary fire suffers a bit with this build, but can still produce strong healing throughput when paired with Medicinal Missiles, which boosts the amount of healing players receive by a significant amount.

Are you heading into the Overwatch 2 Stadium?

Overwatch 2's new Stadium Mode breaths fresh air into the maturing game, which has seen increased competition from the skill-oriented Valorant and Marvel Rivals on the casual end. Rather than take the competition lying down, Overwatch 2 has unveiled a range of initiatives aimed at refreshing the game. In regular play, new perks grand new abilities to players in Quick Play and Competitive modes as the match evolves, and Stadium brings a new layer of strategic complexity for those seeking to really test themselves.

Overwatch 2's Stadium Mode is available now on Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, and Windows PC.

The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion is back and better than ever with Xbox cross-saves

2025 is a good year to be an Elder Scrolls fan, as one of the most beloved entries in the franchise and one of the best Xbox games ever released for the Xbox 360, The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion, has been fully reborn as The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered. This long-awaited remaster features a ton of changes to the original game, including improved graphics, refined combat, and many quality-of-life improvements.

Oblivion Remastered is a massive game with hundreds of hours worth of adventures to embark on. As such, people are wondering if this game will feature cross-save progression so they can continue their journeys from platform to platform.

Fortunately, Oblivion Remastered does support cross saves, but only within the Xbox ecosystem. This, unfortunately, means that you can't transfer files between Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, or Steam versions of the game.

The good news is that save files of Oblivion Remastered can be transferred between Xbox consoles, PC via Windows, and Xbox Cloud Gaming-compatible mobile devices, as this title is on Xbox Game Pass.

The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered is now available for purchase on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC via Windows and Steam. There are multiple editions of this remaster on sale, so head over to our The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered buying guide to see which one is right for you.

First, man created fire. Later, man created God. And then, he created WD-40.

WD-40 is one of the greatest substances known to mankind. The wonder tonic is known for its hundreds, nay, thousands of uses across all things technical and not. The solvent is often associated with lubricating squeaky hinges, but you can use it to clean certain stains, repel insects from entering via cracks around your windows, and prevent car locks from freezing.

The uses are endless! However, if, like me, you were looking to spray it all over your Xbox controller in hopes of a fix, you may want to opt for a WD-40 "Specialist" edition instead.

I recently wrote an Xbox help guide on how to crack open an Xbox Elite Controller Series 2 to fix sticky bumpers, and some of you got in touch and asked if it was at all possible without potentially damaging the device.

Without actually opening it up and getting in there with tools, this might be your next best bet.

You will need

How to fix an Xbox controller's bumpers and buttons without cracking it open

The standard version of WD-40 is designed to be lubricant, and can leave a residue, by design, to help keep said components lubricated. That might not be ideal if you're planning to spray it into your controller without opening up and getting delicate with a cotton swab as I previously recommended. So try WD-40's specialist contact cleaner instead.

This version is a lot more viscous than standard WD-40, and dries off and leaves no residue after its done its job. It can break down dust and other bits that might get stuck in controller mechanisms, and might help fix your controller issues without having to crack it open.

I tried this because I found that despite manually fixing my sticky bumper by opening it up, my Xbox home button had become a bit sticky too. Rather than opening it up again (laziness), I tried this instead, and it worked!

1. Pick up some WD-40 Specialist Contact Cleaner off Amazon from the link above. Make sure it's the correct edition.
2. Keep the tube facing all the way down, and spray straight from the nozzle directly into your Xbox controller's bumpers, buttons, and other problem areas.
3. Click the buttons and bumpers several times to help the WD-40 solvent work its way into the mechanisms.
4. Give it 5 minutes or so to dry, and wipe off any remaining fluid with a tissue or the like.
5. Test it out!
6. If your bumpers and buttons are still a bit sticky, you may need to go nuclear and open up your Xbox controller to fix it.

It can't hurt!

If there's a full mechanical issue with your Xbox controller, you may need to crack it open to find and fix the problem directly. Some pieces of debris might be too big for a solvent to sort out, and may require direct intervention blowing with a straw or something along those lines.

Alternatively, you can simply buy a new Xbox controller. Some of the best Xbox controllers you can get these days are often much cheaper than the standard options from Microsoft, and come with added benefits like Hall Effect sticks, back buttons, etc., without paying a premium.

If you have any more tips for fixing Xbox controllers, hit the comments!

Atomfall is a surprisingly fantastic open world action adventure game, with a heavy emphasis on exploration. The atmospheric breakout hit from Rebellion of Sniper Elite fame takes players into the picturesque Lake District of the northern English countryside. It's the 1950s, and a strange nuclear experiment has led to an entire valley being quarantined off — you're trapped in with the soldiers and locals, all of whom have gone a bit crazy, if they haven't mutated, that is.

The game is definitively "AA" in budgetary terms, but it's polished where it counts. Great combat, crisp visuals, and an intriguing story carry the game forward. A vast hand-crafted world boasts mountains of exploration opportunities, too. There is, however, one particularly annoying bug on Xbox.

As of writing, Atomfall's audio can randomly cut out, leaving you without sound. In a game that emphasizes stealth action and atmospherics, not having sound can be a bit of a drag. So far, Rebellion doesn't seem to have acknowledged the bug, and we've reached out to see if there's a fix coming.

In the meanwhile, my colleague (shoutout Jen) discovered what seems to be a permanent workaround. In this Xbox Help Game Guide, we'll go through how to solve it.

How to fix Atomfall's audio bug on Xbox

The fix for this issue is essentially setting the auto-save timeout to 10 minutes. By default, it's set to 3 minutes, and it seems that any type of saving event can trigger the sound to cut out until you reboot the game. If you set the save time out to 10 minutes specifically, for some reason, it seems you can now save whenever you like without triggering the bug.

Note: Certain auto-save events that result as part of the main story may still trigger the audio bug, even with this method. Once the bug happens, the only fix it to restart the game by force closing it from the Xbox dashboard.

1. While in game or on the main menu screen, go to the options menu. In-game, press the view button (two squares) on your Xbox controller to open the pause menu, where options is.
2. Inside the options menu, the game section should already be selected.
3. Set the auto save frequency to 10 minutes.
4. Exit the options menu by pressing B.
5. Viola, you should now be able to save without triggering the audio bug.
   
   Note: As of writing, the only way to "fix" the audio bug once it has happened is to close out of the game, and manually reboot it by selecting it from the Xbox dashboard, hitting the view key, and closing the game.

Atomfall is unexpectedly awesome

Atomfall might lack the prestige of STALKER but it's undoubtedly a good alternative if you've either maxed out STALKER 2 already, or are still waiting for further patches and updates. This capable shooter gives players a very impressive degree of freedom, and its hand-crafted locales and thoughtful exploration systems are as immersive as they are fun.

Atomfall is available now on Xbox, PS5, and Windows PC, and is up on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate as well.

The Xbox Elite Controller Series 2 is a near-perfect gamepad that incorporates monster battery life, back paddles, a charging dock, and many more great features that make it hard to quit. Sadly, Microsoft itself may force you to quit on this controller after 6-12 months.

Amazon recently revealed that the Xbox Elite Controller Series 2 is a frequently returned item. I discovered this when I myself was looking for a replacement, since my bumpers on my Elite Controller no longer work — a common defect.

In a bid to save money, I decided to ask some friends for advice on how I could potentially fix it myself. I was thrilled to discover that it is, in fact, very easy to fix.

In this handy Xbox help guide, I'm going to show you what worked for me!

You will need

How to easily fix your own Xbox Elite Controller Series 2 bumpers

The Xbox Elite Controller Series 2 is a great gamepad, but it's undeniably fickle when it comes to its bumpers. They're quite prone to becoming sticky, often caused by dust or other debris getting stuck inside the actuator. Thankfully, it's easy to fix.

1. Remove the joysticks and detachable d-pad from the controller simply by pulling them out.
2. We're going to remove the faceplate using a knife, or preferably a proper pry tool.
3. The faceplate is held on by plastic clips, and you need to come in underneath the d-pad as shown below. Then, twist the knife or the pry tool upwards to start popping off the clips.
   
   Note: If you are using a sharp knife, the soft body plastic will most likely get some superficial damage. If you can, grab a pry tool from Amazon like this one, but if you don't care about a bit of damage a sharp but thick-based household knife should suffice.

4. Once you've gotten enough clips off to use your hands, you can gently pull the faceplate off the rest of the clips. Be careful not to bend the faceplate, or you could warp the rubber on the grips.
5. Next, you're looking for a piece of plastic that sits underneath the button inside your bumper, as depicted below. Use tweezers to remove it carefully.

6. Next, use a straw or compressed air to blow dust and debris out from around the problem bumper and its button.
7. Now, you can use some Isopropyl 99% alcohol (Amazon), or WD-40 to further clean around the button. I used regular WD-40 with cotton swabs on mine.

8. Now, put the plastic back into its original place using the tweezers.
9. Click in the bumper a few times to make sure it's properly seated and housed.
10. Now, you can replace the faceplate by simply gently pressing the clips into place.

An easy fix, but there are alternative controllers that shouldn't need fixing at all

This fix may not work for everybody, particularly if the plastic for your bumper is damaged or warped. Microsoft's Xbox Elite Controller Series 2 models simply aren't the most hard-wearing in the world, sadly, although we have high hopes that some of these issues will be fixed on whatever "Elite" controller comes next from the firm.

If you don't want to replace your Xbox Elite Controller Series 2 or this fix doesn't work, you can get a much better, more hard-wearing controller from Razer that has many of the same features. If you just want something affordable that comes with back buttons, there's also an option from GameSir worth considering too.

Need a static IP address on your Xbox console? Then look no further. 

There's a range of reasons why you might want to set up static IP addresses on your Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, or even Xbox 360 console. In households with multiple Xbox consoles, sometimes you can get IP conflicts if you rely on DHCP to assign IP addresses automatically, especially if one device has a static IP but yours doesn't. Some online games really don't like it if you don't set up static IP addresses as well when in households with multiple Xbox consoles. Additionally, some routers may require that you have a static IP address in order to set up port forwarding for your Xbox. 

Related: Best routers for gaming

In this simple Xbox help guide, we'll run through the general steps on how to set up a static IP address for your Xbox. This guide works for Xbox One consoles and the modern Xbox Series S, and Xbox Series X. The steps are fairly similar for the older Xbox 360 as well, just with a different settings menu style. 

The steps may differ depending on your router and home network environment, but the general direction will be the same overall. 

Understanding IP addresses and their relationship to Xbox

An IP address (Internet Protocol Address) is a number that devices use to communicate across the internet, and within a home network. Your external IP address is what your ISP uses to deliver the web to your home, but within your home, each device has its own IP address to communicate with the outside world. This includes your Xbox, your smart TV, your phone, iPad, and whatever else you have connected up there. 

Your router handles internal IP addresses using DHCP (Dynamnic Host Configuration Protocol), that automates assigning IP addresses within your home network. By default, your router will typically have DHCP enabled, and will automatically assign IP addresses to the various devices in your house, as you connect them up. 

IP addresses assigned this way sometimes expire or get overwritten. In some cases, automatic IP address assignments can interfere with some internal routing for certain games, too. I had this issue with Monster Hunter Rise on Xbox for for a while, where me and my family couldn't connect and play together reliably within tihe same network until I gave everyone a static IP address and did full Xbox port forwarding for each device. 

For the vast majority of situations, using automatic IP addresses on your Xbox will be fine. However, if for whatever reason you do feel like setting up a static IP, either to enable port forwarding or overcome some other issue, here's how you go about it.

How to set up a static IP address on Xbox

1. First, navigate to the settings menu on your Xbox by hitting the guide button, moving right through the menus, and then hitting settings. 
2. Find the network settings by going to the general tab at the top, then network settings. 
3. Navigate to advanced settings. Here, we'll need to make note of a bunch of information. 
4. Note down your IP address, Subnet Mask, Gateway, and DNS numbers (in the format of number.number.number.number). You don't need to make a note of IPv6 numbers. You can also make a note of your Wired and Wireless MAC addresses too, but they might not be needed. 

5. Now, you'll need to access your router settings. This is best done via a web browser on a Windows PC connected to the same network as your Xbox. 
6. Using the gateway IP address you recorded earlier, type that into your web browser (like Microsoft Edge or Chrome) to access your router. It should look something like this: http://192.168.1.1, although the last two numbers may vary slightly. Some routers even have a special URL you can go to to configure their systems. Your router instructions should have more details. 
7. Sign in to your router. The credentials are often listed in the manual, or occasionally on the underside of the device itself, particularly if it was supplied by your ISP. 
8. Once on your router settings page, you will need to assign your Xbox to utilize the same IP address you recorded down earlier. 
9. The methodology for making sure a connected device retains the same IP address will vary by manufacturer. For example, a typical way to find it is under the Wi-Fi devices list. My router allows me to view all of the devices on the network, and select "always assign the same IP address." Other routers are less simplistic, especially older ones, and basic ones provided by your ISP. Find connected device settings either under Wi-Fi devices, security, or other similarly-phrased menus. Or, consult your router manual. Just make sure you're assigning the correct IP address to the correct device. The device should match the IP address we noted down earlier from Xbox's advanced network connection menu. 

10. Once you have assigned your Xbox to a specific IP address on your router, it's time to go back to your Xbox network settings menu to make sure everything lines up.
11. Select IP settings. Then select manual.
12. Enter the IP address, subnet mask, and gateway from the information recorded above. You can use RB and LB on your controller to move the cursor, and then press the hamburger-looking menu button to move to the next section.
13. Next, go to DNS settings, then select manual.
14. Enter the DNS addresses from the information you recorded earlier.
15. Now, your Xbox should automatically test the connection. If it says "You're connected," then congrats, you now have a static IP address!

Other things you can do to improve your Xbox network connection

Setting up a static IP address by itself won't necessarily boost your Xbox connectivity by itself, but it's an important step towards setting up things like port forwarding and other features. 

Port forwarding is method for making sure your Xbox can communicate effectively with Xbox's network systems remotely. Microsoft requires certain ports to be open in order for Xbox network (formerly known as Xbox Live) to function properly. Without this, you might see messages like "Strict NAT" on your network connections screen, which can block and impede connections in games like Battlefield, Call of Duty, or Overwatch. One good guide to follow is how to get an open NAT on Xbox with port forwarding, if you don't already have one. 

RELATED: How to set up a static IP address on Windows 11 PC

Additionally, you can enable UPnP on your router to ensure open NAT happens automatically. If you don't want to bother setting up static IP addresses or dabbling with port forwarding, which can be overly complicated on some routers, you can just enable UPnP. UPnP doesn't always work, I find, to improve your Xbox connectivity. But it's always worth a shot. Read about how to enable UPnP for Xbox here. 

If you have any questions about Xbox connectivity, be sure to drop them in the comments below. 

If you're seeing the message "Strict NAT" on your Xbox's Wi-Fi connection menu, you might be causing yourself some multiplayer headaches. 

Network Address Translation (NAT) plays a central role in multiplayer gaming, particularly so on Microsoft's Xbox network. This has been true since the Xbox 360 era, and now extends through to Xbox One S and Xbox One X, all the way to Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S. It can also impact multiplayer games played via Microsoft's PC offering on Windows 11 too, both via the Microsoft Store and even via Steam. Making sure you have the correct ports open and forwarded to compliment Microsoft's gaming network is absolutely paramount. 

NAT systems allow different clients and platforms to communicate securely. It helps systems to map private addresses for external use online, reducing barriers specifically while a gaming session is taking place. Having closed ports is generally important for security, particularly in the commercial and industrial space. For home consoles, though, which are very unlikely to be the target of hacks — closed ports simply make it hard for multiplayer systems to communicate.

In this guide, we'll outline how to open up your NAT to improve your multiplayer experience on Xbox. These steps work for Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S consoles, as well as Xbox 360. 

Why you need Open NAT on Xbox

When you go to your Xbox settings and then head to Network settings under the "General" tab, you'll see your NAT type underneath your "Current network status" on the right of the screen. If you're seeing "Strict" or "Moderate," you may want to consult this guide to figure out how to move through to "Open" NAT. 

When connected to the Xbox network and playing online games, you may have seen terms thrown around indicating the leniency of NAT types. This somewhat represents your compatibility with other players, with stricter NAT types often experiencing issues with multiplayer connectivity. A good way of showing how NAT influences connectivity is through this handy grid. This shows the compatibility between NAT types and why aiming for Open NAT makes for the best overall experience.

Put simply, users with an Open NAT will have the best experience overall when playing multiplayer games. This is true for Xbox, and even other systems like PC gaming and PlayStation, although every system has a different set of ports they're looking to communicate through. Here, we're mainly focused on Xbox. 

While getting your NAT open is ultimately the end goal for the best connectivity, this isn't as straight forward of a process as it probably should be in current year. Some of the best gaming routers have more simplistic interfaces for setting up favorable NAT types for Xbox and other platforms, but routers provided by ISPs generally make it overly complicated. 

One of the common solutions to grab an Open NAT on Xbox is via port forwarding, or helping route gaming traffic directly to your console. UPnP is another modern system for making communications for gaming more simple on modern routers. It can be a little more simple than performing port forwarding, so first, we recommend checking out our UPnP guide for Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S and returning to these steps if you're still struggling with NAT.

Enabling UPnP on your router is often enough to get Open NAT on Xbox, but sometimes it isn't. This is when port forwarding comes into play. 

Understanding port forwarding

Put simply, ports are basically digitalized channels for your router. They sort incoming and outgoing internet traffic and connections. Port forwarding will open specific ports used by specific services in order to make communication more seamless. UPnP can do this automatically in some cases, as outlined above, but sometimes it can be a bit temperamental. Port forwarding is a usually failsafe way to ensure your Xbox can communicate properly on the world wide web. 

Xbox uses a specific array of ports across all of its consoles and systems, standardized so people playing on the same network can all enjoy the same access. Xbox uses the specific ports UDP: 88, 500, 3544, 4500 and TCP & UDP: 3074 for communication. 

The methodology for opening up these specific ports will vary wildly, often VERY wildly by router manufacturer, which is why we suggested going down the UPnP route first. Port forwarding can be more failsafe, though, and stable, if done correctly. 

How to port forward your Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S

To get the most from your Xbox console, if UPnP isn't giving you Open NAT, you will need to port forward the specific ports Microsoft uses for its Xbox network. 

These ports are used by Xbox consoles and ensure all incoming Xbox network traffic makes it directly to your console. The below steps provide an outline of port forwarding, although exact steps can vary between router models and manufacturers.

To make this as easy as possible, have a laptop or a smartphone handy that is attached to the same network as your Xbox. Preferably a Windows laptop. 

NOTE: Additionally, on some routers, you may need to set up a static IP address on your Xbox in order to perform port forwarding properly. We have a guide on how to set up a static IP address on Xbox right here. You should do that first, if you find that your router requires a specific IP address to be enabled for said port forwarding. 

1. Open the Settings app on your Xbox console.
2. Select the Network tab.
3. Select the Advanced settings tile.

4. Write down the IP address, DNS servers, and Subnet Mask of your console. This may be required later in the port forwarding process.
5. Note down the MAC address of your console. This may also be required for later steps.
6. Note down the default gateway, this can be used to log in to your router via the web browser (like Chrome, or Edge) on a laptop or phone attached to the same network as your Xbox. 
7. Navigate to your router login page, typically the "default gateway" IP address, which may look something like 192.168.0.1. For more details on logging into your router, search online for guides related to your specific model. However, we'll use an example here as a general guide. 
8. Log into your router using the required credentials. These default credentials may be listed on the back or underneath your router if it was provided by an ISP. 
9. Now, this is where the steps will vary wildly by router manufacturer. On my router, for example, I can go to the Wi-Fi Network list, find my Xbox console, and check a box that says "Always use the same IP address," that's as good as making sure the Xbox always uses the same IP address. However, you may need to follow different steps depending on what manufacturer your network router is. You need to find the menu that says "Port forwarding," sometimes this is under general Internet settings, sometimes under network setttings, sometimes under Wi-Fi settings, sometimes under security settings, and so on. 
10. Open the following ports, making sure to utilize the correct protocol:
    
    UDP: 88, 500, 3544, 4500
    TCP & UDP: 3074
    
    Note: You may need to add multiple port forwarding listings to make sure each port is opened. Additionally, some routers only allow you to assign port forwarding rules per device. So make sure the ports are forwarded to whatever IP address or device your Xbox is currently listed as. 
11. Now, once you've saved your settings on your router, it's worth rebooting both your Xbox and your router at this point. 
12. Now, go back to your Xbox. Head to settings, and select the Network tab under General.
13. Select the Test NAT type tile. You should now have Open NAT on your Xbox console.

That should solve your Xbox NAT problems

Following these steps and configuring your router correctly should give you fully open NAT connectivity on your Xbox. If you have connectivity issues after performing the above, make sure your IP address on your console (find in Network advance settings) matches what your router expects it to be on your router settings. If you still don't have Open NAT, make sure you didn't typo any of the ports or protocols. It should be noted that, some routers, won't let you open the ports Xbox needs. My old German Fritz.box router, for example, communicated on the same UDP 88 port for some reason, which often caused me issues. If that occurs, it may be time to set your router into modem mode, and buy a third-party best Wi-Fi router instead. 

While port forwarding is a common remedy for Xbox NAT issues, it's far from the only solution out there. Our breakdown of UPnP and its benefits for Xbox gaming provides another potential fix, and only scratches the surface of complex Xbox networking. You can also improve your Xbox NAT with DMZ, although it should be thoroughly researched, given the security implications associated with the method.

If you have any troubleshooting questions, drop them in the comments below. 

Dragon's Dogma 2 is here, and its fantasy world is as rich as it is absolutely huge. It is a solo adventure action RPG with heart-clenching combat that lets players choose their own path in this inhospitable land. You create your own appearance for your Arisen, and we've already seen some imaginative designs via the character creation. Choose your vocation, your party of pawns, and how to approach different head-scratching quests. You may be only a few hours in thinking, "How big can this world really get?" Well, we have a full map uncovered here to show you just how big.

There are no instantly gratifying fast travel systems in Dragon's Dogma 2, though you can skip traveling time by catching an ox cart. You can also unlock a port crystal in the first main city, and obtain some magical items to place your own around the map. Seeing how big the world is will hopefully help you be more strategic with where you place these as you play through your Arisen's story. 

Dragon's Dogma 2: Full map

I've only uncovered a very small portion of this map, and it's taken me hours, but our editor Jez Corden, who gave the game 4.5/5 in his Dragon's Dogma 2 review, has kindly offered a fully uncovered shot of the wider world at large which is split between two majoy kingdoms of Vermund and Battahl. Speaking of which, here's how to get into Battahl with or without a permit.

Click on the image to see it on the full screen (or open in another tab) and zoom in on any areas of interest. Be careful with placing those Port Crystals; you only get a handful in the game. There is the opportunity to purchase Port Crystals, but we recommend playing through and earning the rewards the game gives you. Check out our guide to fast travel in Dragon's Dogma 2. Or rather, the lack of it. 

Dragon's Dogma 2 is available now, and it's one of the best Xbox games and best PC games you can play in 2024 if you love action RPGs with deep, varied combat and rich fantasy worlds. Capcom's new title is playable on Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, and PS5 for $69.99.

Welcome to another Dragon's Dogma 2 guide, wherein we detail how to find Rodge, and complete the quest "Prey for the Pack."

Dragon's Dogma 2 is an epic adventure RPG with spectacular combat and a huge open world brimming with exploration opportunities. It's one of the best Xbox games and best PC games in recent memory, and rewards the patient with its system-heavy gameplay. There are also tons of side quests, full of juicy rewards and loot. It can also be a little confusing, and that's where we come in! To help you along, we have mountains of Dragon's Dogma 2 guides over here, and we're always adding more. 

Prey for the Pack is a simple side quest that involves finding a cheeky lad who went AWOL on his grandfather. 

Dragon's Dogma 2 quest: Find Rodge and complete "Prey for the Pack"

1. "Prey for the Pack" starts in the Checkpoint Rest Town. You can get there via Ox Cart on the western side of Vernworth town. You'll want to be around level 15 to 20-ish for this quest, given that you can run into ogres and griffons and the like.  
2. If you head to the center of town, you'll find Morris's Apothecary. He's upset, since his grandson Rodge has gone missing. 
3. He'll ask you to speak to the local townsfolk to figure out where he's gone. There are three merchants to speak to in town, who roam around. They offer some clues as to his whereabouts, but it's not necessary to listen to them to complete the quest. 
4. Follow the map below to find Putrid Cave. It's a good idea to clear the road of elite monsters on the way, since you'll need to do a bit of escorting back along this route. 

5. You need to head to a place called Putrid Cave, marked on the map above. The clues hint that Rodge, Morris' grandson, was tending a moonglow garden. The leaves glow by moonlight, and lead you along the road to this location. 
6. Inside, Rodge is being attacked by wolves. Kill them quickly, or he might die. 
7. Rodge is safe, but will need to be escorted back to the Checkpoint Rest Town. 
8. If you're travelling at night, be wary of zombies and other creatures. 

9. Escort Rodge back to his grandfather. If he gets stuck for some reason, you can grab and physically pick Rodge up to take him to the right place. 
10. When you're back at Morris's Apothecary, talk to him to complete the quest. You'll get some nifty rewards and a discount. 

You saved the day, Arisen

Dragon's Dogma 2 is available now on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC, and is one of the best action RPGs of recent memory. While it has some performance inconsistencies here and there, the game's vast and epic open world, the intriguing story threads, and spectacular combat more than makes up for it. 

We're producing dozens of guides about all sorts of Dragon's Dogma 2 topics, so be sure to browse some of our other guides and let us know in the comments if you have any questions or suggestions for more. 

Dragon's Dogma 2 is here. It's awesome. It's also complex. That's where we come in. 

Dragon's Dogma 2 is an adventure-first action RPG from Capcom, where players take up various fantasy vocations to do battle in a dark medieval world. Every few decades, a Great Dragon arrives, and curses a human being by stealing their heart. The "Arisen" must end the dragon, and reclaim their spirit, or linger in undeath for eternity. 

Dragon's Dogma 2 just hit Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC, and we have tons of Dragon's Dogma 2 guides in the pipeline for all sorts of common questions, including a huge Dragon's Dogma 2 skill list, and many more. In this latest guide, we're going to be going over the quest "The Sorcerer's Appraisal," and detailing how you get the Maelstrom spell for sorcerers. 

Dragon's Dogma 2: "The Sorcerer's appraisal" quest and the Sorcerer maister

1. You'll find Myrddin in his manor at the top of the Checkpoint Rest Town. You can get there easily using an ox cart from the west side of Vernworth city. 
2. He won't open the door to you unless you're wearing the Courtly chest and leg pieces, you can find these scattered around in various houses in the noble quarter of Vernworth city. Don't sell them, since they're used for various quests. 
3. Myrddin will ask you to find a bunch of grimoires for him. A high level Pawn will be able to guide and give hints about where to get them, but here's a quick overview. 
   
   NOTE: If you create forgeries of the books via the Dragon's Dogma 2 forger, Myrddin will remark that you've given him fakes. However, it seems that if you give him three simultaneously at least, he will still accept three forgeries anyway. This means you can complete both this, and the other Sorcerer maister quest "Spellbound," which also includes a mage maister item.
   
   It's worth noting that there's another NPC that wants these books, and she can be found directly north of Melve, near the cave called The Mountain's Secret. Just to the South West of that cave, a mage-in-training Trysha also wants the books for the quest "Spellbound." If you give them to her, you can get a different spell. The book locations are as follows. See below for more details. 

4. The first grimoire is actually in Myrddin's house, "Let There Be Light." However, if you loot it, he will go nuts and attack you for theft. The trick is to get into the room without using the stairs. Use levitate on the wall outside, or some other trick to enter his room via the window. 
5. The second grimoire "Fulminous Shield" can be found in Melve village, purchasable from the travelling vendor near the entrance of the village. Depending on the state of Melve at the time, you may need to resolve a quest or two before he becomes accessible. 
6. The third grimoire "Towering Earth" is offered for free by Magistrate Waldhar once he has access to the tome library beneath the Vernworth slums area. To get access to him, you need to complete a couple of other quests in the area, which include freeing the Magistrate from the gaol (jail). You'll also need to rescue a lost boy, Malcolm, who has gone missing from the slums area. The quest triggers automatically the first time you enter the main area in Vernworth slums. 

4. The fourth and fifth grimoires "Nation's Death Knell" and "Howling Blizzard" are found in the dungeon Waterfall Cave above, which is directly east of the Borderwatch Outpost. This dungeon is fairly big, and contains two fairly difficult bosses. I wouldn't attempt this until you were level 25+, owing to the Chimera and Lich guarding the treasure. The Lich will spawn out of the treasure chest containing the books, towards the end of the dungeon. 
5. After granting three of the tomes (but use forgeries, if you want to also complete Spellbound), he will allow you to proceed in the quest, although you will need to
   find the other two anyway for Spellbound later on. 
6. He will give you an item that will teach you Maelstrom, an absurd high-end magic spell that summons a twister. 

Dragon's Dogma 2: "Spellbound" quest and the Mage maister

In addition to the above, you can also get the spells Meteoron (sorcerer) and Celestial Paean (mage) if you give Myrddin forgeries of the tomes he asks for. Here's what you need to do for the quest Spellbound. 

1. After the story quest involving the coronation of the False Arisen (Sovran), you can head to the house in the map above, north of Melve, and find a young lass named Trysha who wants to use magick at Eini's house. 
2. She asks for the same books Myrddin wanted, whose locations are outlined in the above section. You must give her the real books this time, instead of the forgeries. 
3. Sleep at a nearby camp, and return to her house. You will hear a scream, and Eini and Eino (her grandparents) are struggling to contain Trysha's magick. 

4. Simply keep avoiding Trysha's spells, and wait until she tires out. You will know she's tired by her idle stance.
5. When she's tired, run up and grab her to the ground. 
6. Some time will pass, and then speak to both Trysha and Eini until they give you the spells for Meteoron (sorcerer) and Celestial Paean (mage). 

Dragon's Dogma 2 is epic

Dragon's Dogma 2 is a vast game filled with secrets, as well as diverging quests, gear to obtain, and more. This is a game that doesn't hold the player's hand, and instead tasks them to use their wits to survive through the bleak world. 

Be sure to keep it locked to Windows Central for more Dragon's Dogma 2 guides, and let us know in the comments if you have any questions about the specific quest above. 

Dragon's Dogma 2 is finally here, and it's pretty damn incredible. 

This action RPG from Capcom elevates every aspect of the original, with spectacular visuals, a truly gargantuan world, and infectious combat. What it doesn't do, however, is hold your hand. Dragon's Dogma 2 can be a complicated game, especially if you haven't played the original. To that end, we're here to help. 

In one of the early quests, you're tasked to attend a masquerade to meet a so-called False Arisen. To attend said masquerade ball, you need appropriate attire, but finding the garments isn't exactly easy. Dragon's Dogma 2 generally has no quest markers, or very limited ones, making finding items obscure at times. But never fear, because we're here to help. 

Potentially mild spoilers ahead. 

Dragon's Dogma 2 guide: How to find the formal raiment for the masquerade in The Stolen Throne quest

1. Stolen Throne begins after the initial tutorial quests of the game, when you reach the city of Vernworth. 
2. One of the quests the Captain has for you includes meeting a False Arisen at a masquerade party, to try and see what they're up to. 
3. The masquerade takes place in the Noble Quarter in the south part of Vernworth. However, you won't be able to enter without formal attire. 
4. Thankfully, finding a full set of formal raiment attire is relatively easy. The entire raiment can be found in the Comptroller's Home, detailed below. There are also Courtly Breeches and a Courtly Tunic in a back room of Vernworth Hall, where the masquerade takes place, but you'll miss out on some other cool items. 

5. To complete the set, you need the Eventide Mask, given to you by the Captain. You need the Courtly Tunic, and Courtly Breeches. 
6. You can also grab a Hide Cape to complete the look, and a Ring of Deflection from the Comptroller's House too. 
7. The Courtly Breeches and Courtly Tunic can be found in two separate bedrooms upstairs in the house. One is in a smaller bedroom, while the other is in the main bedroom. Both are next to the bed. They are packed in sacks, rather than in chests. 
8. The Hide Cape is on the balcony in a chest, outside the back of the main bedroom. 
9. The Ring of Deflection can be found in another bedroom on the same floor, inside a chest. 

10. Once you have the Courtly pieces, equip them from your equipment menu. 
11. Attire equipped, you're now ready to enter the masquerade. It's in Vernworth Hall, to the West side of Vernworth castle, which is to the south end of the Noble Quarter in Vernworth town. 
12. Enjoy the festivities, and you may notice a shady dude walking around the back of the hall. 
13. Between the two smaller rooms, you may notice an indentation in the wall. It's a secret passage, simply bump into it to open it. 

14. Grab the All Heal Elixir and then head out on the back ramparts, you'll wind up outside. 
15. Follow the ramparts, and you'll end up in a new area with a rose symbol on the map. No spoilers, but a cutscene full of courtly intrigue will trigger. 
16. After the cutscenes, loot the Château of random potions before heading down the stairs and out the front door. 
17. Head back to Captain Brant at the inn, and talk to him about the masquerade to finish the quest. 

Dragon's Dogma 2 is awesome

Dragon's Dogma 2 has been awaited for over a decade, as fans of the original had all but resigned themselves to the idea that there would never be a sequel. Oft-overlooked and misunderstood, Dragon's Dogma 2 is a rare gem of an open world RPG that rewards discovery and prioritizes immersion. 

Indeed, it's not always straight forward, which is why we're going to be putting out as many Dragon's Dogma 2 guides, tips, and walkthroughs as we can. Keep it locked to Windows Central! 

Dragon's Dogma 2 is awesome, but it's not exactly always straight forward. 

Dragon's Dogma 2 is an action RPG that really emphasizes self-discovery and adventure. To that end, its quest markers are often vague and require you to listen heavily to your Pawn party members or do a bit of your own research. However, if you're pressed for time, looking up one of our Dragon's Dogma guides can help you skip through the annoyances. 

In this Dragon's Dogma 2 guide, we'll be looking at the quest "The Nameless Village," which is among the first quests given to you once you get to Vernworth after meeting Captain Brant. 

Finding the Thief Maister and completing 'The Nameless Village' quest

• We're going to head East, to The Nameless Village, taking a detour through a minotaur-infested forest. 
• Inside, the citizens offer vague clues as to what to do. Head to the manor at the top of the village and speak to Flaude. 
• Behind the manor is a ladder down into the ground. 
• Complete the platforming puzzle there, and speak to Srail about the False Sovran. 
• Speak to both Flaude and Srail to gain the Thief Maister skills "Pyre of the Blades and Formless Faint."

Dragon's Dogma 2 'The Nameless Village' quest walkthrough in detail

Captain Brant offers players a range of quests to complete before the story will progress. This will take players all across the land to perform various tasks, but the one we're interested in here today is all about digging into the backstory of that false Arisen on your rightful throne. 

To that end, Captain Brant wants you to chase down a lead guiding you to the village the so-called "Arisen" seems to have originally hailed from, dubbed The Nameless Village. 

1. First, From Vernworth, you'll need to start trekking east to the Nameless Village. There's a large main road on the map, making it hard to miss. Follow the main road east or have a knowledgeable Pawn guide you. 
2. However, you'll find that after the large bridge, the road ahead has been blocked by a landslide. You'll have to detour to the south to circumnavigate the block, through an area called the Eastern Forest. 

3. Unfortunately, this forest is home to an angry Minotaur. You can either run past it, or defeat him for some potent rewards and crafting materials. Don't get hit by his charge attack, if you can help it. 
4. Once through the Eastern Forest, you'll be back on the road to the Nameless Village. 
5. Inside the Nameless Village, you can ascend up the main path to the main manor, where a chap called Flaude the first Thief Maister inside gives you some vague hints about the Sovran and the False Arisen. If you or your Main Pawns happen to have high rankings in the Thief Vocation, Flaude will give you the Legend's Opus Skill Scroll, which will teach you and your Pawns the "Blades of the Pyre" weapon skill.
6. There are a few other NPCs you can talk to around the village, to discover that this is, in fact, a thieves guild headquarters. 
7. Behind the manor at the top of the hill is a ladder down through the earth. Enter here. 

8. Inside, you'll find something of a platforming puzzle. If you're a sorcerer, you can just use levitate to float across everything. You may want to give your Pawns some of your items to ensure you're "lightweight" to enable you to jump more easily. 
9. Maneuver the see-saws so you can take a running leap across the gaps, and you'll eventually come to the thieves' inner sanctum. 

10. Here, talk to the NPCs to learn everything you need to know about the False Arisen and the plot for the throne.
11. Speak to Srail the second Thief Maister repeatedly and you will be rewarded with the Pilferer's Handbook Skill Scroll. This scroll will teach you and your Pawns "Formless Feint", one of the most powerful skills in the Thief Vocation's most-set. Check out our in-depth Dragon's Dogma 2 Thief Vocation Guide if you wish to know how to combine Formless Feint with Blades of the Pyre skill to be an unstoppable force on the battlefield.
12. Exit out the back of this room to find a storage area with some cool items.
13. Return to the manor and speak to Flaude to gain another Thief Maister skill. Both of these abilities are ridiculously insane and will make you far more powerful in combat.
14. Head back to Vernworth city to report back to Captain Brant at the inn, and complete the quest.

Take heed, Arisen

Dragon's Dogma 2 is proving to be a spectacular game, with restless depth, mountains of quests, and endless adventuring fun. While it's perhaps best played without guides, we don't all always have the free time to spare, which is where we come in to help. 

Do give a browse of some of our other Dragon's Dogma 2 Guides over here, and let us know if you need any more help in the comments below. 

Dragon's Dogma 2 is finally here, and if you're a beginner, you're going to want to read these tips and tricks. 

Don't make the same mistakes I made playing Dragon's Dogma 2 for my huge review. Dragon's Dogma 2 is a complex and rewardingly deep game that hinges on patient exploration and curious experimentation. However, sometimes the adventure can be opaque to the point of frustration, and there are some pitfalls that can sneak up on you unnoticed, and aren't easily fixed owing to the game's restrictive save file system. 

To that end, I've put together a list of the best Dragon's Dogma 2 tips and tricks for beginners, spoiler free, to help you get started in this epic, grand adventure. 

Dragon's Dogma 2 is available now on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC. 

Dragon's Dogma 2 story and questing tips (no spoilers)

Dragon's Dogma 2 is an obscure game with regard to story telling. Your decisions matter a fair bit when calculating the outcomes of quests, and it isn't always clear how you can resolve certain situations. However, that can be part of the fun. 

Exploration and rewarding curiosity leads to those "eureka!" moments that are often lost on games that remove friction for the sake of convenience. Dragon's Dogma 2 and its predecessor try to reward those who experiment, and experiment you will. 

• When approaching quests, the time of day can impact the presence of an NPC. Also, the amount of days elapsed can trigger new events. 

Sometimes it might seem like a quest is stuck or "bugged," but it can be more likely that you haven't found the appropriate "trigger" that moves the quest forward. Sometimes this can be vague to figure out, although online walkthroughs will be prevalent once this article goes live. 

• BEWARE of Dragonsplague, and know how to fight it. 

Dragon's Dogma 2 Dragonsplague is hinted at in-game, but it's not explained just how much of a disaster it can be. Dragonsplague is basically a corruption that can befall your Pawns as they exit the rift. The symptoms begin with Pawns being disobedient, progresses to them having red eyes, and then upon resting at an inn, they'll literally explode and kill all the NPCs in the nearby vicinity. Having this happen in a major town like Vernworth can effectively break your save file, although there are reports that if you use a seat to "doze off" repeatedly for up to two weeks or more, the important NPCs should begin to return. 

You can fight Dragonsplague by literally throwing your infected Pawns into the brine (deep rivers or the ocean) and respawning them at a Rift Stone. 

• Listen closely to what NPCs say if it doesn't seem like a quest will move forward. They might remark upon your clothes for example, perhaps different attire, or even a mask might help improve your identity and relationship with them. 

The world of Dragon's Dogma 2 is steeped in cultural relevancies. Some areas may be off-limits to you, but perhaps there's a disguise that might help you avoid suspicion. Perhaps a nobleman or upper class citizen might frown upon you if you're wearing clothes that seem "beneath" them, as well. 

• Rent a Pawn with the "Quest Guide" ability to help you find objectives a little more easily. 

Pawns that have experienced previous quests while travelling with other players may have tips and hints to provide for your currently active quest. Pressing up on the d-pad will also trigger Pawns to offer tips and guidance, if you're not pointing at anything in particular. 

• Use the Grab button to resolve quests, even on NPCs. 

Some quests may get stuck and seem unable to resolve, with NPCs refusing to move or give up information. If you "grab" them, you can sometimes wrestle them to the ground to basically beat information out of them. You can also physically pick up some NPCs and move them to another place, if they're being stubborn. This can also trigger quest outcomes in some scenarios. If an NPC won't move, make them move. 

• Remember and make a note of where you picked up your first Seeker's Token ... 

Just trust us on this one. You'll be glad you did. 

• Before making major story decisions, go and rest in an inn. This gives you an opportunity to double back to an earlier save. 

You can't really "save scum" in Dragon's Dogma 2, because there are only two save files you're allowed to have per account, and only one character per account as well. You have one auto-save file, which triggers before entering combat generally, as well as every few minutes. You also have an inn rest save file. When you rest in an inn, it records that as a separate save file. So when you load back into the game, you can "resume from last inn save," which gives you an opportunity to correct previous "mistakes." 

• You only need to carry one camping supply, and you can use your materials even if they're stored in your inn storage. 

Save yourself a headache (and encumbrance) by only carrying around one, maybe two camping supplies at any one time. Camping supplies are only used up if they get destroyed during a night time raid. Even during the raid, if you're quick, you can save the camp from being destroyed. 

Additionally, remember to always store your materials in a deposit box at an inn. You can use them from there even if they're in storage, to enhance your armor and weapons, etc. Speaking of enhancements ...

• There are several types of blacksmithing options in the game for enhancing gear. 

If you want to min-max a bit, you should check alternative options for blacksmithing before going ahead with it. Vernworth blacksmithing is "balanced," enhancing all stats. Battahl blacksmithing enhances strength and defence primarily, and also increases weight. Elven blacksmithing enhances magick and magick defence primarily. Dragonsmithing is a special additional smithing bonus, once per item, and permanently halves the weight of equipment. 

• Before you do the quest with the Gigantus from the trailers, be sure you've finished everything else prior. This is a "point of no return" for that specific act. 

In the Dragon's Dogma 2 trailers, a giant clay Gigantus golem can be seen rising from the ocean. The quests around this chap represent a "point of no return" for that specific act of the game. After this point, it will be hard to return and do some of the unresolved side quests and missions. So, before dealing with the Gigantus, be sure to be ready. I really wish I'd known this one sooner, lol. 

• Explore the whole map, if you can. There are a ton of story quests that aren't obvious to find, and aren't even marked on the map. 

A big regret I had from my Dragon's Dogma 2 review is how I sort of had to rush out some of my exploration gameplay to meet the review deadline. As such, I later found out that I had missed an entire town by not fully exploring the entire map, and thus, missed out on several side quests and character threads. 

• Dragon's Dogma 2's story quests often revolve around characters, and they might offer new dialogue and missions based on how much they like you. Give them gifts! 

In Dragon's Dogma 2 tradition, you can give NPC characters gifts. You can go to the History tab in the menu to get an idea of what type of gifts an NPC might like, and then giving them gifts can change their dialogue towards you and offer new story events on top. 

• The Forger is in the Checkpoint Rest Town. This guy can duplicate quest items, allowing you to keep the real deal for yourself. 

As was true of the original game, you can duplicate items using a Forger. Sometimes, you might get a quest item to deliver, that also doubles as a powerful piece of equipment. It might even be that two separate NPCs want the item, and you can resolve a quest by giving it to them "both" by giving one of them a fake version. Experiment with the Forger, it could lead to some interesting outcomes. This is particularly important for the Dragon's Dogma 2 sorcerer / mage maister quests. 

Dragon's Dogma 2 combat and open-world tips 

Dragon's Dogma 2 is very similar to its predecessor when it comes to combat and open world design, albeit with everything turned up to 11 for the modern age. Superb visuals, combat refinements, and a large array of interactive, overlapping systems make combat in Dragon's Dogma 2 more dynamic than ever. To that end, we have some tips to help you along the way, Arisen. 

• Upgrade you and your main Pawn's gear frequently, but don't give your hired Pawns items — you'll lose them when you ditch them. 

Dragon's Dogma uses a fixed levelling curve, with each area having its own power level with regard to enemy combatants. As you get higher level, things will get gradually easier where you are, hinting that you'll be powerful enough to explore further afield. To get more powerful, be sure to upgrade your weapons at the various vendors frequently, both with enhancements using crafting materials, and just upgrading the models outright. Upgrade your main Pawn too, but remember that your two hired Pawns won't level alongside you. And on that note ...

• Swap your two hired Pawns out frequently, since they don't level up with you like your Main Pawn. 

Dragon's Dogma 2 parties consist of four characters, two being characters you create yourself, and two being Hired Pawns you grab from the various Riftstones in the game's world. Once you've exceeded those Pawn's levels by two or three, you may want to swap them for more powerful ones, especially if you're struggling with combat. 

• Enemies have specific weaknesses worth exploiting.

There are several types of damage in this game, from slashing, to blunt damage, as well as elemental damage. Some enemies are particularly susceptible here. For example, furry animals like Minotaurs and Griffons are particularly easy to set on fire. Enemies that are coated in metal armor or "wet" status will be susceptible to thunder. Skeletons are particularly weak against blunt weapons, like maces, and so on. Experiment, and listen to your Pawn's remarks, they'll often have hints about weaknesses and the like. 

• Try to maintain a balanced party, that compliments each other's strengths and weaknesses.

For my Dragon's Dogma 2 play through, I played as a mage and then a sorcerer mainly, who wear cloth armor and are particularly squishy. As such, seeking tanky Pawns that have the shield bash ability to draw attention away from myself proved to be a great help. Try to adapt and swap your Pawns out frequently to meet the challenge ahead. For example, if you're stuck trying to battle a specific monster, try to find Pawns at the Riftstone that can exploit their weaknesses. There's no limit on how many Pawns you can swap around, besides Rift Crystal costs. 

• You only need one camping set, so sell the others.

This is weird, but I didn't realize until several hours in that camping sets aren't used up after resting. As such, you only need to have one camping set on you at any one time. Your camp can get raided occasionally, and even destroyed, at which point you would need a new one. However, I only needed one camping set through the entire game, as long as you clear the area of enemies before resting. 

• Save your high-end curatives like Panacea and Wakestones, you may need them for difficult fights later on. 

There's an old meme in Skyrim and similar games about saving up your most powerful potions for dangerous battles that never arrive, but it's actually quite true in Dragon's Dogma 2, especially in the final acts of the game. I would recommend saving any of your most powerful curatives, particularly potions like Panacea and the revival Wakestones specifically. You should also probably save your Ferrystones as much as possible, for times traveling on foot may become more difficult. 

Thou art Arisen, charge and all

Dragon's Dogma 2 is a fantastic, if at times, confusing game, with heaps of depth and complexity. Cutting through the adventure by yourself is half of the fun, honestly, but not everyone has the amount of time to dedicate to that level of discovery. To that end, hopefully, these tips and tricks will help you on your journey without spoiling some of the game's deeper mysteries and secrets. And believe me, there are many. 

Be sure to take a look at some of our other Dragon's Dogma 2 guides before heading out, and enjoy one of this year's best Xbox games and best PC games. If you have any questions, drop them in the comments, and I'll get to them ASAP! 

More general Dragon's Dogma 2 guides

• Dragon's Dogma 2 guide: MUST-READ beginner's tips
• Dragon's Dogma 2 guide: Dragonsplague explained (definitely read this)
• Dragon's Dogma 2 guide: What does a 'Moniker' do in the character creator?
• Dragon's Dogma 2 guide: Guide to XP and levelling quickly
• Dragon's Dogma 2 guide: Tips for saving the game, and how to "save scum"
• Dragon's Dogma 2 guide: How to get a cheap house, and house list
• Dragon's Dogma 2 guide: How to get rift crystals (RC) more quickly
• Dragon's Dogma 2 guide: How to improve carry weight
• Dragon's Dogma 2 guide: How to get into Battahl
• Dragon's Dogma 2 guide: How to re-customize you and your Pawn's appearance
• Dragon's Dogma 2 Sphinx guide: Locations, riddle answers, and more

Dragon's Dogma 2 vocation guides and tips

• Dragon's Dogma 2 guide: Vocation guide and skills list
• Dragon's Dogma 2 guide: Thief vocation guide and skill list
• Dragon's Dogma 2 guide: Fighter vocation guide and skill list
• Dragon's Dogma 2 guide: Warrior vocation guide and skill list
• Dragon's Dogma 2 guide: Archer vocation guide and skill list
• Dragon's Dogma 2 guide: 'Sorcerer's appraisal' maister quest guide

Dragon's Dogma 2 quest guides and walkthroughs

• Dragon's Dogma 2 guide: The 'Caged Magistrate' quest walkthrough
• Dragon's Dogma 2 guide: 'The Nameless Village' quest walkthrough
• Dragon's Dogma 2 guide: 'The Stolen Throne' quest walkthrough 
• Dragon's Dogma 2 guide: 'A beggar's tale' quest walkthrough
• Dragon's Dogma 2 guide: 'An unsettling encounter' quest walkthrough
• Dragon's Dogma 2 guide: 'Prey for the Pack' and how to save Rodge

Dragon's Dogma 2 is here, and it's a monstrous game. A single-player, narrative-driven action RPG that challenges the players to choose their own experience – from the appearance of their Arisen, their vocation, their party, how to approach different situations, and more - in a truly immersive fantasy world. 

It's one of the best games I've played in years, and Jez Corden agrees. It feels like there's an infinite amount of content to explore compared to the original. Speaking of the original, there are numerous returning elements, including Portcrystal and Ferrystones. Plus, there's another way to fast travel now. Let's dive in!

Dragon's Dogma 2: How to fast travel

There are two forms of fast travel. The first and most basic method is Wagon Carts. These can be found in major cities like Vernworth, where two of them reside. 

The other method, which is more resource-intensive but also customizable, is to use Portcrystals.

What and where are Wagon Carts?

You can find Wagon Carts in major cities like Vernworth and Battahl, including some smaller ones if a route leads there. Players will take a Wagon Cart pretty quickly after starting the game. So, the method and explanation can also be found there.

While the first ride is free, there is a general cost associated with travel. To catch a ride, the player must first find the carriage driver. Have a chat and give him whatever amount he's asking for, which is usually somewhere between 100 and 200 gold. Jump in the back and take a seat on the wagon. 

You can choose to watch the entire ride or sleep. If you snooze, players can be attacked during the ride. This will wake the player up, and you'll need to defeat whatever is attacking the cart before you can leave again. The cart can be destroyed during the attack, so take care of it. If it tips over, players can right it by getting near it and holding the appropriate button.

To reiterate:

• Approach the carriage driver.
• Pay the man.
• Sit in the back of the cart.
• Stay awake or sleep. Be ready for the possibility of being attacked.

What are Portcrystals and Ferrystones?

Portcrystals are permanently placed fixtures in cities and towns, but you may also set your own Portcrystals at a destination of your choice. You may have ten Portcrystals in total placed at different locations throughout the world at any one time. After being placed, players can recover it and move it to another area.

To use a Portcrystal, players will need a Ferrystone. If a player has one, they can consume it for a one-time use to transport to a Portcrystal they've either unlocked or placed. These can be somewhat rare early in the game, so it's best to save them for when it's necessary, or you're overflowing with them.

To unlock a permanent crystal in a city or town, players must unlock them by interacting with them. In total, there are four crystals we're aware of. 

The first one can be found in Vernworth near the northwestern corner.

The second Portcrystal is located in Harve Village, near the southern rocky coastline. It's behind a shack.

The last two Portcrystals are story-related and can't be missed. So for spoiler-sake, we won't discuss their location.

To obtain movable or temporary Portcrystals, players must find them via quests or some other location. I don't want to leave you hanging, so here's a hint. Try becoming an Archer and approaching the weaponsmith in Vernworth. I'll let you take it from there, as it's a spoiler. It's a terrific questline, though!

Purchasable Portcrystals

After launch, CAPCOM added microtransactions to the game. One of them is the Portcrystal, which can be purchased for $2.99 USD. I don't know if that means you can spend $30 on 10 Portcrystals immediately or not. I won't be testing the feature, and I recommend people find these out in the world rather than spending money on them. Fast travel as a microtransaction is stomach-turning and I hope this decision is reversed. So far, in my playtime, I've found three. Which is plenty.

Dragon's Dogma 2 is available now, and it's one of the best Xbox games and best PC games you can play in 2024 if you love action RPGs with deep, varied combat and rich fantasy worlds. Capcom's new title is playable on Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, and PS5 for $69.99.

Dragon's Dogma 2 is an upcoming action roleplaying game for Xbox, PlayStation, and PC. In Dragon's Dogma 2, players can create their own character, as well as a primary sidekick called your Main Pawn, who will join you alongside two other support Pawns rented from randomly-generated Pawns in-game, or externally from other players. 

Dragon's Dogma 2 might have the best character creator in recent memory, with a vast amount of customization styles. However, one input field has left some people questioning. The field refers to your "Moniker" in-game, and some have wondered exactly what that means. From this secondary naming slot, you can choose from dozens upon dozens of pre-defined names, including popular names like "Alex," as well as names of characters from popular Capcom franchises, like Chun-Li from Street Fighter. 

RELATED: Dragon's Dogma 2 review

So, when is the "Moniker" actually used? Simply put, it's a profanity filter feature, in essence. 

So, what exactly is a Dragon's Dogma 2 'Moniker'?

Best answer: Your "Moniker" you select on created main Arisen characters and your Main Pawn are essentially fall-back names as part of the game's profanity filter. If you're using a name that is too spicy for the game's filters, or too controversial, referencing real life individuals, and so on — players will instead see your chosen monikers in the Rift. 

When you create a character in Dragon's Dogma 2, you can customize every aspect of their look, from their height, weight, face, and so on. Additionally, you can give your character a name, although in-game, you will generally be referred to as "the Arisen," given your role in the story. 

Your "name" in game will be viewable to other players as part of the Rift system. When you rent support Pawns from the Rift, players will be able to see your character's name, as well as your ID on Steam or Xbox Live, if you have that feature activated. They will also be able to see your Main Pawn's name, wandering around in the Rift, just like in the original. 

RELATED: List of vocation skills in Dragon's Dogma 2

However, if you are using a naughty name, or a controversial name, the system will fall back on your Moniker.

If you're in the Rift choosing your Pawns, and you see someone with a generic name or a name from a Capcom franchise like "Mega Man," it may well be that they're using a name too spicy for the system. It may also be used if parental control features are enabled, just as a precaution to protect the young and innocent from naughty words in the game. Dragon's Dogma 2 already carries a Mature rating, though, so perhaps the feature is a tad redundant, but hey. 

Dragon's Dogma 2 is bound for greatness

In my preview of Dragon's Dogma 2, I was taken aback by the sheer scale and majesty of what Capcom had put together. Although I only got to experience a small slice, it was quite apparent to me that the team had built upon everything that made the original game so special, without diluting any of its difficulty or depth in the name of seeking a broader audience. 

In Dragon's Dogma 2, you play as the Arisen, a human cursed to slay the returning Great Dragon. As the Arisen, you may find yourself caught up in all sorts of political, international intrigue. Some nations revere the Arisen, while others revile them. There are doomsday cults and sects who seek to destroy the Arisen and instead worship the Dragon, and there are others who seek to profit from the ensuing chaos. 

You will have to navigate all of this in a vast open world, with deep combat, endless character building opportunities, and unique (and optional) online social systems in one of the most original RPGs of its era. 

Dragon's Dogma 2 launches on March 22, 2024, on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and Steam for Windows. 

Wait, I can use my Apple AirPods or Galaxy Buds on my Xbox? You sure can. Here's how.

Even if you're not using a dedicated Xbox headset from our best Xbox headsets list, you can still use headsets you already own on Xbox with a fairly cheap and affordable work around.

Stuff like Apple's AirPods don't work natively on Xbox Series X|S or Xbox One, since neither generation of console has Bluetooth support. There are some rumors that the next Xbox console may support Bluetooth, but we're not quite there yet.

As of right now, you need to use either 3.5mm or USB wired headphones, or wireless headphones designed for Xbox specifically, either via USB dongles or the Xbox Wireless signal. Increasingly, there more manufacturers making earbuds for Xbox, like the SteelSeries Arctis Gamebuds. But, what if you want to use what you already have?

Popular earbuds like the Apple AirPods or Samsung Galaxy Buds are awesome, convenient, and sound decent enough, but they don't connect natively to Xbox. But thankfully, there IS a workaround, and all it requires is a cheap accessory available on Amazon and other retailers.

Say hi to the Skull & Co Bluetooth audio adapter for Xbox consoles. You'll need this accessory to get the below methods to work. We've used it and tested it for ourselves, and can confirm it fully works with Apple AirPods, Galaxy Buds, and any other Bluetooth earbuds you might have lying around.

How to use AirPods and other Bluetooth earbuds with Xbox One & Series X|S

There's a huge ecosystem of accessories for Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One, with cross-generational compatibility for both. Whether it's headphones, controllers, keyboards and mice, storage accessories, and much more, the list of best Xbox accessories is truly exhaustive. However, native Bluetooth support has eluded the box. Until now.

Method 1: Skull & Co and other manufacturers make 3.5mm to Bluetooth accessories for your Xbox controller. They slot in underneath using the Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S controller's proprietary data port, as well as the 3.5mm port that comes with the more recent iterations.

Method 2: The other workaround is to connect your Bluetooth earbuds directly to your TV. Most modern smart TVs come with Bluetooth as standard, but there are also similar 3.5mm adapters for TV sets as well that you could potentially use here.

We'll go over how to achieve the above in steps below.

How to use AirPods with Xbox (Using Adapter)

The Skull & Co Bluetooth adapter for Xbox is super simple to set up. It uses only around 1W of power and won't have a huge impact on your controller's battery life. It supports all Xbox controllers that have a 3.5mm jack, although the fit and snugness might vary based on model. Every Xbox controller has a very slightly different shape, but the port alignment is the same across all devices.

These steps are true for the Skull & Co Bluetooth adapter for Xbox, but will likely work with any similar product from Amazon. For AirPods and Galaxy Buds, we recommend this one.

This adapter has memory for two Bluetooth devices, but if you pair a third, the data on the first will be overwritten, etc. It functions with one device at a time.

1. First, to avoid overlapping your devices, be sure to disconnect your Apple AirPods or Galaxy Buds from your iPhone or Android device. You can do this by going into the Bluetooth / devices settings, or by turning off the Bluetooth receiver on your device.
2. Now, set your Bluetooth headphones into pairing mode. Pairing mode will vary by device, but typically, setting the earbuds into their dock and opening the lid turns on "pairing mode" for most earbuds of that format, like the Apple AirPods.
3. Connect the Skull & Co adapter into your Xbox controller. Line up the data port and the 3.5mm port as seen above and be sure to push it in hard.

4. Your next step is to slide the adapter's Bluetooth switch to "PAIR" and push it right for 3 seconds. The lights will begin to flash, and your headphones should pair automatically if they're in pairing mode. It may take a little while, or a couple of attempts for the pairing process to complete. If you're having trouble, double check that your earbuds aren't already paired to something else.
5. Now, your earbuds should be connected to your Xbox for audio! You should see a "headset assigned" notification on your Xbox if the pairing was successful.
6. You can adjust the sound mix by opening your Xbox guide by pressing the Xbox button, and then selecting the speaker icon at the bottom.

As an additional note, the Skull & Co adapter also comes with a built-in microphone switch you can use for voice chat if your headphones don't work for this purpose.

The adapter will automatically turn into sleep mode if the controller is turned off, so there's no real need to turn it off unless you want to disconnect your headphones or AirPods to swap them back to your phone. It should automatically remember and re-pair to your earbuds later, if you disconnect them from Bluetooth on your other devices.

How to use AirPods with Xbox (Using TV or Monitor)

If you don't want to buy a Skull & Co adapter, your TV might be a good option too.

Most of the best TVs for Xbox now come with Bluetooth support as standard, and can re-route your HDMI audio from your Xbox from your TV speakers to your earbuds.

The methodology for connecting a TV to a Bluetooth earbuds device will vary, but here are the steps for a typical Samsung smart TV. If you don't have a Samsung TV, following the same steps to pair a Bluetooth speaker should work.

1. Once again, make sure your earbuds are disconnected from their previous device. I typically do this by just toggling off Bluetooth on my Android phone using the quick settings. This way you don't have to fully unpair the headphones.
2. Set your Apple AirPods or Galaxy Buds into pairing mode by placing the headphones in their dock, and opening the lid.
3. On your Samsung TV, open the settings menu by pressing the home button your remote, and navigating left to the settings cogwheel.

4. Navigate to the Sound settings, then select Sound Output.
5. Now, select Bluetooth Speaker List. You should see your device if it is correctly in pairing mode. It should say "needs pairing."
6. Select the device, and you should now get all of your TV and Xbox audio through to your earbuds. This won't work for Xbox party chat of course, but it works fine for playing games solo.

The best ways to connect AirPods and Galaxy Buds to Xbox

Our top recommendation goes to the Skull & Co Xbox Bluetooth adapter method, especially if you want party chat support. Although if you have a TV with Bluetooth, there's no real need. If you don't mind spending a bit extra, there are tons of Bluetooth-capable headsets on our best Xbox headsets list which would also be a fine replacement for AirPods for day to day use, while also having maximum compatibility with your Xbox.

Bluetooth has proliferated heavily in the last couple of decades. It has improved leaps and bounds in subsequent versions, and the technology remains the best for cross-device compatibility.

Microsoft hasn't typically supported Bluetooth natively on Xbox, but that could be about to change. Leaked documents for the next Xbox suggested Bluetooth support, although it seems those mid-gen refresh consoles have since been cancelled. Bluetooth receivers may be difficult to squeeze into the box, and maintain margins, however.

Xbox and PlayStation both have wafer-thin profit margins, meaning they're sold at close to, or very actually zero profit. Companies profit by selling games and microtransactions on video game consoles typically, and adding features like Bluetooth adds to costs that either need to be passed on to consumers, or absorbed. The PS5 Pro is the first console in years to break the $700 RRP mark, though, and with global tariffs eating into hardware margins, it's likely consoles will get even more expensive still.

Yet still, Bluetooth isn't exactly super expensive to include potentially. The next Xbox generation is expected to include a real Xbox handheld too, and since the Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck both support Bluetooth, it stands to reason that Xbox will explore this as well.

If Microsoft added official Bluetooth adapters or Bluetooth adapter support via USB, it would extend the options available. Most people have devices like Apple AirPods or Samsung Galaxy Buds, so it would be incredibly convenient to get these kinds of options in the future. I suspect we'll see more devices like the Arctis Gamebuds and Razer Hammerhead earbuds in the future too. Earbuds are just, convenient, right?

For any questions, hit the comments!

After over a decade, Dragon’s Dogma long-awaited sequel will finally arrive.

One of the most anticipated upcoming Xbox games and upcoming PC games of 2024 is Dragon’s Dogma 2, the sequel to Capcom’s 2012 cult-classic action-RPG, Dragon’s Dogma. These games follow the adventures of a warrior known as the Arisen as they travel the land along with their companion Pawns to save the world from an evil ancient Dragon.

The original Dragon’s Dogma was critically acclaimed and loved by fans for its in-depth gameplay, expansive open-world, and many system mechanics that were ahead of their time. Fans have waiting for a sequel to Dragon’s Dogma for over twelve years, and now they’re finally going to get it when Dragon’s Dogma 2 launches on March 22, 2024, for Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PlayStation 5, and PC via Windows and Steam.

Dragon’s Dogma 2 aims to improve every asset of its predecessor while adding new vocations, gameplay mechanics, enemies, loot, and more on top of it. Judging by our preview of Dragon’s Dogma 2, not only is this game on a fast track to exceeding all fans' expectations but also potentially become one of the best Xbox games and best PC games of 2024.

Unfortunately, Dragon’s Dogma 2 will not be coming to Xbox Game Pass, PC Game Pass, or Xbox Game Pass Ultimate at launch as there has been no official confirmation from Capcom on their inclusion at this time.  

Hope for Dragon’s Dogma 2’s future prospect of coming to Xbox Game Pass

While it is disappointing for Xbox fans that Dragon’s Dogma 2 won’t be coming to Xbox Game Pass in time for its launch, that doesn’t mean it won’t come at all. There has been no official word from Capcom that Dragon’s Dogma 2 won’t be coming to Xbox Game Pass, meaning that there’s a possibility it will be added to the vast library of Xbox Game Pass games in the future.

Dragon’s Dogma 2 could possibly come to Xbox Game Pass some time after the game has been released, much like how Capcom’s Monster Hunter Rise and remakes of Resident Evil 2 and Resident Evil 3 have. So, we will keep an eye out and let you know if and when Dragon’s Dogma 2 makes it onto Xbox Game Pass.

Dragon's Dogma 2 releases on March 22, 2024, for Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC via Windows PC and Steam.

Alan Wake 2 is finally here, after thirteen years of waiting. 

Alan Wake 2 is arguably Remedy's best game yet, and takes the thriller series deeper into horror territory on PC and Xbox Series X|S. Joined by FBI agent Saga, the mystery deepens in Bright Falls, after a new spate of grisly murders reignites the darkness and spawns a new infestation of Taken, ready to terrorize the locals. In our full Alan Wake 2 review, we describe how Remedy blends cutting-edge tech with confident storytelling to weave what might be one of this year's best Xbox games and best PC games. 

To take on the, ahem, Taken, you're going to need an arsenal of beefy weaponry. Thankfully, Bright Falls is full of great munitions and arms up to the task. In Alan Wake 2's second chapter, you'll be able to grab a sawn-off shotgun if you solve a little puzzle. If you're pressed for time, here's how to get it done quickly and easily. 

How to get the padlock code and unlock the shotgun cabinet in Alan Wake 2

Getting the shotgun in Alan Wake 2 is relatively straight forward and difficult to miss, but if you're pressed for time, here's our handy guide to grabbing the double-barrel sawn off shotgun in Alan Wake 2's second chapter. 

1. To actually get the shotgun, you need to be in the game's chapter two segment, after the morgue sequence in chapter one. Saga returns to Cauldron Lake for the second time, giving you free reign to explore. 

2. You'll want to progress the story to the point where you're asked to head to the abandoned General Store. You may need to use Saga's mind map to uncover the clues that lead you back there to hunt for a key item. 

3. Upon entering and exploring a bit, you'll finally be able to access the back room that was locked in the first chapter. Here, you'll find the shotgun locked in a case on the wall, as depicted below. 

4. The shotgun cabinet is locked with a hefty padlock with a triple digit code tumbler. On the cabinet is a note, asking you to visit "Lady Fortuna" at the counter for the code. Lady Fortuna is, in fact, the cash register. 

5. Head back to the cash register in the other room, at the counter. Here, you'll find a bunch of notes, files, and text, giving you clues as to the padlock code. 

6. As far as I can tell, the Rolodex is a red herring. What we're interested in is the lottery ticket and the numbers written down on the pad. 

7. It's unclear if the numbers are randomized for each player, but if not, the staff are generating new codes using the "7" in the middle of the lottery ticket, then affixing the two numbers from each double number sequence on the lottery ticket. The staff already used and crossed out "7+05," "7+13," 7+17", and "7+23," so, the next option in the sequence is "7+39." This means the cabinet code is "739." 

8. Finally, head back to the back room, enter code 739 into the tumbler, and bam, enjoy your shiny new sawn-off shotgun. 

Alan Wake 2 is immense

Alan Wake 2 is an incredible achievement, marrying cutting-edge visual tech, incredible storytelling, and tight gameplay with those uniquely Remedy quirks. If you're reading this guide, you're most likely already in deep with the game, so be sure to drop in the comments and let us know how you're getting on! 

What is Alan Wake?

Formerly a Microsoft-published game, Alan Wake is a dark thriller set in the fictional mountain town of Bright Falls. The eponymous writer, Alan, has arrived in Bright Falls with his wife, Alice, in an attempt to reset his creative juices. Alan has struggled to produce new writing material for a while, and the couple hope that visiting Bright Falls for a change of scenery and a change of pace will help. 

Bright Falls is inspired quite heavily by David Lynch's Twin Peaks, and pays homage to the horror soap opera repeatedly throughout the game. If you've seen Twin Peaks, you have a good idea for how Alan Wake ultimately plays out. Supernatural forces coalesce in and around Bright Falls, and Alan discovers that a horror novel he can't remember writing seems to be coming to life before his very eyes — and he is the unwilling main character. 

Alan Wake launched originally on the Xbox 360 in 2010, but was recently remastered and upscaled to modern tech in the form of Alan Wake Remastered. Alan Wake Remastered is currently on sale, making it the perfect time to jump in and play. 

Why you should play Alan Wake Remastered before playing Alan Wake 2 (no spoilers)

Alan Wake 2 launched on October 27, 2023, for Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC, 13 years after the original game. Alan Wake 2 also takes place 13 years after Alan Wake 1, and puts you in command of new character Saga, who has arrived to investigate a series of grisly murders in and around Bright Falls. 

In our full Alan Wake 2 review, we detail how Remedy has doubled down on horror for the sequel. Right from the opening, Alan Wake 2 pulls no punches in ramping up tension, fear, and gory spectacle — while also calling back to the original game. 

Without spoiling Alan Wake 2, it's my belief that players should, if possible, aim to complete Alan Wake Remastered before diving in. Alan Wake 2 follows on from Alan Wake 1, and I imagine some of the early story delivery could be utterly bewildering without experiencing the ending of the previous game. 

That being said, Saga is a new character in the series, and she's new to Bright Falls. Her experiences could be similar to that of a new player since she's just as confused as you might be while playing through the game's initial sequences. Still, Alan Wake 2 delivers a ton of easter eggs for players of Remedy's previous games, it might even be worth playing through Control as well — although to a much, much lesser extent. Remedy has previously confirmed that they're building a "cinematic universe" of sorts through its mainline games, and as such, there are plenty of connections players of those games could make while experiencing Alan Wake 2. 

I won't go as far as to say your experience will be ruined if you skip Alan Wake 1. Indeed, the game offers a ton of context through Saga's experiences and the people she meets. Alan Wake 2 stands as its own experience, taking place in new events thirteen years after the original game. But undoubtedly, I feel as though my experience is elevated as someone who has played Alan Wake, and I think yours will be too. You could always grab a recap of the original game on YouTube if you don't fancy buying it. This Alan Wake recap from GameSpot is a good shout for example, or this one as told by writer Sam Lake himself on IGN. 

However you decide to experience Alan Wake 2, the game is absolutely incredible, and has raised the bar for visuals on Xbox Series X|S and PC, and will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the best Xbox games and best PC games of 2023. 

Remnant 2 is turning out to be my favorite game of the year thus far. Dark Souls meets guns? Sign me right up. Mix in a blend of unique and challenging puzzles, and you've got yourself a recipe for success.

Remnant 2 takes place in a world where humanity has collapsed in on itself. Experiments with trans-dimensional gateways led to nasty creatures invading earth, and the survivors carve out a grim existence, traversing other worlds for resources and answers. The game is filled with loot, bosses, and class builds of all types, and navigating the game's vast content spread can be tough. That's why we're on-hand with our Remnant 2 guides to help you get going. 

In this guide, I'll show you how to get your hands on the Red Widow armor set and the Lodestone Crown helmet, along with the enemies you'll face and how to beat The Lament. 

Enemies

• Root Zombie: Walking targets as far as I'm concerned. The one concern they bring is their randomness. They'll spawn in front of you as often as they will behind you during a fight, potentially overwhelming you in numbers. Stay consistent in taking this out ASAP.
• Root Wart: These guys have slightly more health but can be taken out either from a distance or a well-timed dodge. As they'll dive to explode on you, but you'll have a decent moment to dodge out of the way.
• Root Shaman: If there's a shaman in the mix, kill it immediately. These guys will resurrect the Root Zombies indefinitely until they're down. I found this out the hard way when a Shaman was stuck underneath the floor...

This is my favorite area of Yaesha, filled with neat puzzles and turns that kept me occupied long after I thought I was done. 

When entering, grab the checkpoint. Take a few more steps forward; you'll see something resembling a labyrinth. Be careful, as a pressure plate on the ground will trigger a mechanism that starts shooting deadly arrows down the hallway.

You'll see these arrows fire from the left side, followed by the right. Yes, you'll have to make it to the end of the hallway. You can do this by either alternating side-to-side or taking the easy route. Staying crouched will cause the shots to miss, no matter what. Even after triggering more pressure plates, which changes the pattern.

Another hallway follows, requiring you to remain crouched. So, if you didn't use the trick the first time, now you have to. Make your way down before coming to this puzzle's third and last portion. This time, arrows are also shooting from above. Time your jumps over the ledge and reach the lever on the other side. This will deactivate the trap and open the walls to give you some space.

Red Widow Armor Set

Now enter the next room. You'll notice a plethora of sarcophaguses placed around the room with a piece of cloth thrown over the top. There's a small drop-down with a book at the bottom. Open the book to reveal a symbol inside. This symbol corresponds to some of the coffins you saw. Match the symbol to those near you, as well as above you. Reach the caskets up top by returning to the arrow room and jumping onto the ledge.

Make a note of the symbols above the coffins. There will be four unique symbols that you'll need to remember. Once you've found all four, walk up top again if you're not already there, and you'll see a dial on the floor. Inspect it and enter the four symbols in any order to unlock the door ahead.

You'll begin walking down a set of stairs, with a checkpoint ahead. Grab the checkpoint first! This is important; don't touch anything else. Head to the back of the room with the checkpoint to grab the Blood Tinged Ring; it's perfect for bleed-based builds. Once you do, turn back around to the room with coffins.

Opening the sarcophagus on the side of the room causes an enemy to spawn, kill the airborne foe that comes out, or do damage until it buries itself. After tunneling, it will reemerge as a mini boss. Kill it by backpedaling down the hallway you came through initially, dropping your weapon mods and abilities as you see. 

It'll try and take a few swipes, merely evade them and continue back if it gets too close. Once destroyed, you'll receive the Overdrive Mutator and a quest object called Kolket's Razor that you'll need for a section later. Head back to the checkpoint room, and in the corner are a set of vases. Smash them, and you'll discover a hole you can drop down.

Once you're at the base, you'll drop into a short river-like pool. Instead of climbing the prominent ledge in front of you, turn to the side and step around the corner and crouch underneath a small waterfall. Head down the hallway until you can pick up the Supply Room Key.

Now head back to the ledge we saw earlier, jump up, and head to the hallway. You'll see a ladder you can use to get back up, either climb up and open a shortcut back to the checkpoint or wait; it doesn't matter. Whatever you decide, you can open the door at the end of the hall with the Supply Room Key. You'll find a chest with scrap, relic fragments, and upgrade materials. 

In the room, you'll see a ramp leading up to a hole in the wall and out the other end. Follow it and you'll come across a strange-looking path that, once triggered by another floor mechanism, turns into an Indiana Jones nightmare straight out of the Last Crusade. 

For me, it was easiest to immediately follow one of the center blades while keeping pace, dodging to the other side halfway down as I approached the second set of center blades. I repeated this step until I arrived at the end, deactivating the traps behind me. 

Continue to a giant casket ahead of you; open it up. Enjoy your newly acquired Red Widow set! 

Lodestone Crown

Now let's head back toward the room with the arrow trap. On the side of the room, you'll find a path leading out and down to a Tome of Knowledge and a set of floating platforms. Jump across these platforms; just make sure to plan your every move.

Once you're at the bottom, inspect Kolket's Razor from earlier. Turn it to face the base and interact with it; this causes it to turn into Kolket's Key. Use the key on the door at the bottom of the platform puzzle to open it. 

Inside you'll find the Ring of Diversion, which increases your invulnerability window while rolling or sliding, and a chest filled with goodies.

Above you, you'll notice a longship with radiant purple lights. To get there, face the door going back out of the room; to the right is an illusionary wall. Pass through it and follow the path up. Drop down on the ship to obtain another headpiece, the Lodestone Crown. A helmet that acts as a luminous device casting its light around the user. 

That's it! You've finished the Lament section.

Runes and the runewords they create when combined properly are a powerful part of your arsenal in Diablo 2: Resurrected. Runes and runewords were introduced in Diablo 2's expansion Lord of Destruction in 2001. The expansion added Act 5 and a complete shake-up of the game with the addition of runes.

In the base Diablo 2, end-game builds revolved around certain unique weapons and armor. Runewords gave players something else to farm for, not only the runes themselves but the perfect pieces in which to fit them. The most coveted runes can also be used as currency in trading for the best items.

Runes and runewords are a core aspect of Diablo 2: Resurrected that improves your items and your abilities. They are also essential for the online market and trading with other players. In this article, we will help you understand how runes and runewords function, what advantages they offer, and how to create them. We will also go over all the runewords in Diablo 2: Resurrected, including the latest ones from Patch 2.4 and Patch 2.5.

Diablo 2: Resurrected - What are runes?

Runes are a kind of item that you can encounter anywhere in Diablo 2: Resurrected, no matter if you are playing on Normal, Nightmare or Hell difficulty. However, some places are more effective for farming runes than others, and we will tell you more about them later in this guide.

Runes can be placed into socketed items to enhance them with different benefits and attributes. However, the best way to use runes is to combine them in a certain unique sequence to create a runeword. A runeword is a special combination that gives certain properties to your item.

Runes also have another use, they can also be used in the Horadric Cube and combined with gear to make repairs. If you're struggling for gold and cannot afford a vendor repair, this can be a great substitute. To do this, you need to put a Ral rune and your broken gear in the Horadric Cube and transmute them. This will fix your gear and make it usable again. 

Runes can also be upgraded in the Horadric Cube by combining three runes of the same type to get one rune of the next higher level. This is often called “cubing up”. For example, you can put three El runes in the Horadric Cube and transmute them to get one Eld rune. This way, you can get higher-level runes without waiting for them to drop. You can find this recipe and other useful combinations below.

Each rune has a rarity value from the most common (El) to the rarest (Zod) depending on how often they drop, and your likelihood of acquiring them naturally. Because of this, they are often used as currency when trading in Diablo 2.  El to Lem are considered low-value, common runes. Pul to Gul are mid-value, and Vex to Zod are considered the most valuable runes. If you get your hands on the mid to high runes, handle them with care!

Diablo 2: Resurrected - List of Runes

Following is a chart with all of the Diablo 2: Resurrected runes, their effects and the level you need to be to use them.

Diablo 2: Resurrected - How to use runes

Crafting runewords is an essential part of the core Diablo 2: Resurrected gameplay if you want to reach the dizzying heights of Hell difficulty. They can be challenging to understand for a beginner and it’s easy to slip up and forfeit your rare runes.

Not only do you need to find the right runes to create your chosen runeword, but you must also make sure you are equipping the runes to the correct item. Some runewords only work in specific weapons or armor. Those pieces must also have the correct amount of sockets. For example, to create Stealth which is Tal + Eth, you need an item with two sockets. No more, no less.

The item you are socketing the runeword into also needs to be of grey or white quality. By this, we mean no magical properties (blue items) and no yellow, gold, or green set items.

Finally, once you have your perfect piece to place your runeword, ensure you place them in the correct order. You only get one chance and if done incorrectly the runes are stuck as they are.

You must be sure you are using the appropriate item for which to place your runeword. Some runewords can only be placed in item categories such as “Body armor” which specifically refers to items worn on your body. A runeword meant for a mace will not work on a hammer. “Melee weapons” does not include bows or crossbows. Orbs are also not melee weapons. The “Insight” runeword only works on polearm weapons.

Runewords when crafted have variable stats that determine their quality, just like any other loot drop. The better a base you use, the higher your chance of the best roll possible.

An example of this would be putting a runeword on your mercenaries equipment. For this, we would always suggest using an Ethereal base. Ethereal bases have improved stats with the drawback being that they cannot be repaired, however, mercenary weapons and armor do not lose durability so you get the best of both worlds. Small tricks like this will boost your power.

Runewords can be equipped on any type of character. They will receive the runeword's bonuses unless otherwise stated. That means you can equip, say, a Beast runeword on a Sorceress and give her the ability to turn into a Werebear. This diversifies builds and gives players plenty of options when it comes to fun playstyles.

Diablo 2: Resurrected - Runewords A-F

Following is a list of runewords that are available in Diablo 2: Resurrected, as well as which items work with these words and which runes are required.

Diablo 2: Resurrected - Runewords G-L

Diablo 2: Resurrected - Runewords M-R

Diablo 2: Resurrected - Runewords S-Z