Witcher 4, 5, and 6 Still Aiming for an Ambitious Six-Year Release Window

CD Projekt Red has reaffirmed that The Witcher 4, 5, and 6 are still planned to launch within a six-year span, sticking to the bold strategy the studio first outlined back in 2022. The developer remains confident that its next Witcher trilogy, led by an older Ciri, can release on a much faster schedule than its original saga.

A Six-Year Goal for the New Witcher Trilogy

The timeline was originally shared in October 2022, months after CDPR revealed it was beginning a brand-new Witcher RPG saga. Alongside confirming a shift to Unreal Engine 5 and a new main character, the studio announced that the three games would arrive across only six years. The first entry, code-named Project Polaris, officially moved into full production in November 2024, putting its debut sometime in late 2027 within reach.

During an earnings call in late November 2025, co-CEO Michal Nowakowski said the six-year target had not changed. He noted that CDPR’s updated development pipeline, which focuses on longer pre-production and shorter, more efficient production cycles, supports this plan. With many AAA games now taking roughly five years to create, CDPR believes its restructuring will help it deliver major releases more quickly.

Three Years of Active Development Per Game

If the studio wants to hit this tight timeline, it will need to speed things up once The Witcher 4 launches. Nowakowski confirmed that shorter development gaps between The Witcher 4, 5, and 6 are expected. CDPR has previously said that once its Unreal Engine 5 tools and workflows are fully established with Polaris, sequels should be faster to build thanks to a higher degree of asset and system reuse. The studio has not suggested reusing full maps, but has not ruled out efficiencies where they make sense.

CDPR’s Packed Production Schedule

The Witcher isn’t the only major franchise CDPR is juggling. The company also confirmed that the Cyberpunk 2077 sequel is several years away and will not arrive before 2028. The game is being developed across its Boston and Polish studios. Based on current timelines, the Cyberpunk sequel will likely land between The Witcher 4 and The Witcher 5. This approach also lines up with the estimated window for Project Sirius, the cooperative Witcher spin-off now being developed at CDPR’s Boston-based Molasses Flood team, which was fully absorbed into the company in 2025.

Below is a rough outline of CDPR’s medium-term roadmap based on current information:

Here’s the information presented cleanly in a table:

Game	Project Codename	Estimated Release Window
The Witcher 4	Polaris	2027–2028
Cyberpunk 2077 sequel	Orion	2028–2029
The Witcher multiplayer spin-off	Sirius	2028–2030
The Witcher 1 remake	Canis Majoris	2029–2030
The Witcher 5	TBD	2030–2031
The Witcher 6	TBD	2033–2034
Original IP	Hadar	2030s

CDPR is also supervising development of The Witcher 1 remake, handled primarily by Fool’s Theory and still in the concept stage as of early 2025. Meanwhile, its original IP, Project Hadar, remains in very early planning. With CDPR’s current workload and no dedicated team assigned to Hadar, it is unlikely to launch before the 2030s unless the company expands further.

Despite the enormous scope of its upcoming projects, CD Projekt Red appears committed to delivering an entire new Witcher trilogy within six years. If the studio’s reworked development pipeline performs as intended, this ambitious plan might actually be achievable.

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One Month After Launch, ARC Raiders Is Still Dominating Steam

A full month has passed since Embark Studios released its extraction shooter ARC Raiders, and the game is showing no signs of slowing down. According to SteamDB, it remains one of Steam’s top sellers, most wishlisted titles, and most played games, holding strong across its first 30 days.

ARC Raiders’ First-Month Steam Performance

ARC Raiders is available on multiple platforms, but its Steam numbers alone highlight just how big the game has become. Data from SteamDB shows that its Sunday evening peak remains the most active time for players, with interest rising and stabilizing over time.

Weekly Peak Player Counts

• November 2: 354,836

• November 9: 460,858

• November 16: 481,966 (all-time peak)

• November 23: 449,369

The game reached its highest point on November 16, nearly hitting 482,000 concurrent players. Even the week after saw only a small dip, maintaining numbers far above its early peaks.

Today, ARC Raiders sits at #3 on Steam’s top sellers, though technically that places it #2 among actual games—just below Counter-Strike 2, with the Steam Deck occupying the #1 slot. It also maintains consistently higher daily counts than Battlefield 6, averaging about 367,000 players daily compared to Battlefield’s 220,000.

Why ARC Raiders Is Holding Its Momentum

Players are sticking with ARC Raiders for several key reasons. Its physics-driven combat, atmospheric world, standout audio design, solo matchmaking, and accessibility have made it welcoming for both genre newcomers and veterans.

The game also offers a steady flow of things to do, including:

• Completing quests

• Preparing for the Expedition wipe on December 21

• Joining live events

• Progressing through Trials

• Filling out the Raider Deck for cosmetics and store currency

Even those who’ve cleared a lot of content still have more to look forward to, and that’s helping keep retention high.

New ARC Raiders Content Arrives Soon

Its momentum is likely to continue thanks to upcoming updates, starting with the Cold Snap patch arriving in the near future. This update includes:

• A new snow-themed map condition

• A limited-time event called Flickering Flames

• Additional quests

• A fresh Raider Deck

Embark has already confirmed that ARC Raiders will continue receiving new content well into 2026, with updates releasing when they’re ready rather than on a strict seasonal schedule.

A Strong Start With No Signs of Slowing Down

With impressive stats, frequent updates, and a growing community, ARC Raiders’ first month on Steam looks like just the beginning of a long, successful run.

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December 2 Is Shaping Up to Be One of the Busiest Days of the Year for PS Plus Subscribers

 PlayStation Plus subscribers should prepare for an unusually packed Tuesday on December 2, as the service is set to deliver far more than the standard monthly lineup. The first Tuesday of each month is always a highlight for PS Plus members, since that’s when new Essential-tier games go live, but December is going above and beyond with extra titles, major releases, and a big shift for the platform.

Last Chance for November’s Free Games

Subscribers have until December 2 to claim the three November 2025 free games:

• Stray

• EA Sports WRC 24

• Totally Accurate Battle Simulator

All three can be added to the library on both PS4 and PS5, but once December 2 arrives, the lineup will reset.

PS Plus December 2025 Free Games (All Available December 2)

This month brings five free games instead of the usual three:

• Killing Floor 3 (PS5)

• LEGO Horizon Adventures (PS5)

• Neon White (PS4/PS5)

• Synduality: Echo of Ada (PS5)

• The Outlast Trials (PS4/PS5)

Two of the games, Neon White and The Outlast Trials, offer both PS4 and PS5 versions, while the others are exclusive to PS5. This gap is becoming increasingly noticeable as Sony prepares for a major shift in how PS Plus supports older hardware.

PS4 Support on PS Plus Is Changing

Starting in January 2026, Sony will significantly reduce PS4-focused additions to PS Plus. PS4 games will still appear, but mainly when the titles are also available on PS5. Pure PS4-only releases are unlikely to appear on any PS Plus tier after that point. For players who haven’t upgraded yet, December’s lineup is a clear sign of where the service is heading.

Red Dead Redemption Joins PS Plus Extra and Premium

December 2 isn’t just about monthly freebies. Subscribers to PS Plus Extra and Premium also get access to a native PS5 version of Red Dead Redemption. This upgraded edition features improved performance and technical enhancements over the PS4 version, making it the best way to experience Rockstar’s acclaimed western on modern hardware.

A Packed Start to December

With five free Essential games, a major PS5 re-release, and the final day to claim November’s lineup, December 2 is loaded with value for subscribers at every tier. For many, it may be one of the most generous days PS Plus has offered all year.

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Fortnite Chapter 7 Removes Four Major Game Modes — Here’s What’s Going On

Fortnite has officially launched Chapter 7, but with the excitement of a new island and fresh mechanics comes an unexpected surprise: four of the game’s most popular modes are temporarily unavailable. After a full year in Chapter 6, players were eager to jump into something new, especially after the explosive Zero Hour live event that drew more than 13 million viewers. Now, fans are exploring Chapter 7 Season 1’s Pacific Break island and discovering big changes — including the removal of several major modes.

A New Island, A New Way to Drop In

Chapter 7 brings 13 new named locations spread across tropical coasts, deserts, snowy peaks, and more. One of the biggest changes is the destruction of the Battle Bus. Until it’s repaired, players arrive by riding a massive wave toward the island, which affects where they can land and how fast they can explore.

With a brand-new map and a new traversal system, players have plenty to take in during these early days of the season. But that’s not the only shift that caught the community off guard.

Four Popular Game Modes Temporarily Removed

Epic Games has disabled four main modes at the start of the season:

• Ranked

• Fortnite Reload

• Blitz Royale

• Fortnite OG

All four became permanent fan favorites over previous seasons, so their sudden removal surprised many players. For now, only the following modes remain playable:

• Battle Royale

• Save the World

• Creative

• Fortnite Festival

• LEGO Fortnite

• Rocket Racing

When players try to select a missing mode, Fortnite displays an in-game notice explaining that the destruction of the Battle Bus has temporarily taken them offline.

Return Dates for Each Mode

Here’s when the disabled modes will be back:

• Ranked Mode: December 4

• Fortnite Reload: December 4

• Blitz Royale: December 4

• Fortnite OG: December 11

Players can help restore them by completing the new Battle Bus repair quests, which also reward free cosmetics.

Make the Most of Chapter 7’s Early Days

While the temporary removal is disappointing, this period offers a chance to experience Chapter 7’s new features without distractions:

• Simple Building makes building more approachable.

• The Wingsuit lets players glide across the island and uncover every POI.

• New loot, new weapons, and new events refresh the battle experience.

• A new seasonal Victory Umbrella awaits anyone who can secure a win.

With a completely redesigned island and major mechanics in play, Chapter 7 is giving players a chance to settle in before competitive and alternative modes return. The missing modes will be back soon — but for now, there’s plenty to discover on the shores of Pacific Break.

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Hollow Knight: Silksong New DLC Details Revealed

Hollow Knight: Silksong launched on September 4, 2025, and Team Cherry is already shaping the future of Pharloom. In a new interview with Bloomberg, co-founders Ari Gibson and William Pellen discussed how the game will continue to grow, confirming that post-launch updates and major expansions are in development.

 Silksong released as a much larger game than the original Hollow Knight, which means any new content must be added carefully. Team Cherry explained that simply stacking more features on top would make the game too massive and difficult for new players to approach.

How Silksong’s Support Compares to Hollow Knight

The original Hollow Knight set a strong example for long-term support. After its 2017 release, it received several significant free updates that expanded the game’s world and mechanics:

• Hidden Dreams:  added new bosses, travel improvements, and quality-of-life changes.
• The Grimm Troupe:  introduced a full questline, new charms, characters, and multiple boss fights.
• Lifeblood: enhanced visuals, balanced abilities, and adjusted gameplay features.
• Godmaster: brought the Godhome area, pantheons, and challenging boss gauntlets that became a key part of the late game.

Silksong, however, began as a much larger experience. Because of this, expanding it requires careful planning so that the pacing stays smooth and new players are not overwhelmed by too much content too quickly.

Updates Released So Far

Since launch, the game has received several patches aimed at improving stability and performance. These updates include:

• Fixes for animation issues, traversal bugs, and softlock scenarios.
• Expanded controller support, improved rumble features, and refined input responsiveness.
• Enhancements to lighting, dithering, and a number of small visual details.
• Ongoing localization improvements, especially for Simplified Chinese text.
• Performance optimizations to reduce crashes, improve framerate dips, and fine-tune hit detection.

These early updates focus on ensuring a polished experience for all players before larger expansions arrive.

What’s Planned for Silksong’s DLC

Team Cherry has not announced a release date for DLC yet, but the interview revealed several important details about what’s coming:

• New content is already being developed.
• Steel Assassin Sharpe and related encounters will appear in a future expansion.
• The Village of Lions, originally postponed, will be added after launch.
• Additional new content not previously teased is now in the works.
• Future updates may range from small additions to large expansions similar to Godmaster.
• All new content will be designed to blend naturally into the world of Pharloom.
• There is no timeline yet, but the team plans to share more once the content is ready.

William Pellen noted that the studio prefers to speak only when they have something concrete to reveal, so communication will increase gradually as development continues.

Looking Ahead

Hollow Knight: Silksong is set to keep growing, with multiple expansions planned that mix restored ideas and completely new concepts. Team Cherry’s careful approach suggests a long-term vision focused on quality, world-building, and keeping Pharloom accessible while still expanding its depth.

Fans can expect more information in the future as development continues, and the next phase of Silksong begins to take shape.

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Nintendo to Acquire Bandai Namco Singapore in Major Studio Buyout

Nintendo is set to significantly expand its first-party development capabilities with a newly announced deal to acquire Bandai Namco Singapore, a studio known for its work on major titles like Splatoon 3, Ace Combat 7, and Soul Calibur 6. The acquisition is expected to be fully completed by spring 2026 and represents one of Nintendo’s largest studio moves in recent years.

 

A Strategic Expansion Ahead of Switch 2

Bandai Namco Singapore was originally established in 2013 to strengthen the publisher’s presence in Asia. Its most notable project came in 2022 with Splatoon 3, developed in collaboration with Nintendo EPD and becoming the studio’s biggest success. The team has also contributed late-stage development work to several high-profile franchises, demonstrating strong technical and creative capabilities.

With Nintendo planning to absorb 80% of the studio’s shares on April 1, 2026, and the remaining 20% at a later date, the team will eventually operate as Nintendo Studios Singapore. While Nintendo says the acquisition will have only a minor financial impact in the short term, the long-term implications are significant—particularly as attention shifts to the upcoming Switch successor.

Games Developed by Bandai Namco Singapore

• Splatoon 3 (with Nintendo EPD)

• Soul Calibur 6

• Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown

• Taiko no Tatsujin: VR Festival

Nintendo’s Growing First-Party Network

Compared to Sony and Microsoft, Nintendo historically has not been aggressive in acquiring studios. However, this decade has seen an uptick in strategic purchases, including:

• Shiver Entertainment (2024), known for major porting work.

• Monolith Soft (full acquisition in 2024), developers of Xenoblade Chronicles.

• SRD (2022), a longtime Nintendo collaborator.

• Next Level Games (2021), creators of Luigi’s Mansion 3.

• Nintendo Pictures (formerly Dynamo Pictures), expanding Nintendo’s animation and mocap capabilities.

These moves indicate a shifting strategy as competition in the first-party landscape intensifies, especially following massive acquisitions like Microsoft’s purchase of Activision Blizzard and Sony’s additions of Bungie, Firewalk, and Kadokawa Corporation.

Protecting Key Franchises and Preparing for the Future

The acquisition also reflects Nintendo’s desire to secure its most valuable IP internally. Fans have often cited how Nintendo lost Rare to Microsoft in 2002 as a major turning point, especially after the renewed success of Donkey Kong titles like Donkey Kong Bananza. With Splatoon now one of Nintendo’s flagship franchises, securing its development future appears to be a clear priority.

As Nintendo Studios Singapore becomes fully integrated, it may play a critical role not just in supporting Splatoon but also in shaping the next wave of first-party titles for the Switch 2 era.

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ARC Raiders Update 1.4.0 Brings Major Exploit Fixes and Key Improvements

Embark Studios has released ARC Raiders update 1.4.0 on November 27, now available across PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. While the update is relatively small, it tackles two of the most disruptive exploits players have been dealing with throughout the month—changes that the community has been eagerly awaiting.

 

A Rapidly Growing Success

ARC Raiders has enjoyed a massive surge in popularity, reaching over 481,000 concurrent Steam players, an impressive feat considering its launch window alongside giants like Battlefield 6 and Black Ops 7. Its blend of extraction gameplay, unique ARC enemies, and active community support has positioned it as one of the standout releases of the year.

Locked Door Exploit Finally Addressed

The headline fix in update 1.4.0 is the mitigation of the locked door exploit, one of the game’s most controversial issues. Previously, players could glitch into locked rooms—most commonly by having another player shove them through the door collision—to loot high-value items without using keys.

Now, entering a locked room illegitimately triggers an instant-death flame trap, effectively ending the exploit while still allowing normal access through intended methods. This ensures a fairer, more consistent extraction experience for all players.

Another Major Exploit Shut Down

The update also fixes a widespread exploit involving the Il Toro shotgun, which allowed players to bypass its reload animation by swapping to Quick Use items between shots. The glitch made the weapon fire far faster than intended, offering a major advantage in PvP encounters. Update 1.4.0 removes this unintended behavior.

Other Improvements

Additional fixes in this update include improvements to textures, lighting, voice options, and blocked-off map geometry to prevent unintended access.

ARC Raiders Update 1.4.0 Patch Notes (November 27)

Content and Bug Fixes

• Added exploit mitigation mechanisms for all locked rooms across all maps.

• Fixed gun exploit that allowed firing faster than intended by swapping to a Quick Use item and back.

• Blocked exterior access to Spaceport’s Control Tower locked room.

• Fixed an issue causing low-resolution textures in the Main Menu.

• Fixed players being able to push each other by jumping on one another’s backs.

• Fixed lighting artifacts occurring upon entering maps.

• Raider Voice now correctly respects the selected voice option after restarting the game.

ARC Raiders continues to receive fast, meaningful updates, helping reinforce its strong start and ensuring a smoother, more balanced experience for all players.

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Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 Owners Will Receive a Permanent XP Boost in Warzone Season 1

 

Activision has confirmed that players who own Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 will receive an exclusive 30% XP boost in Call of Duty: Warzone starting with Season 1 on December 4. This boost applies to both player level progression and weapon XP, allowing Black Ops 7 owners to level up significantly faster than players who only play the free-to-play Warzone.

 

A Major Season 1 Update for Both Titles

Black Ops 7 launched earlier this month, and its first major content update arrives December 4, bringing new maps, weapons, operator skins, and a fresh Battle Pass. Classic Black Ops multiplayer maps—Standoff, Meltdown, and Fringe—are returning throughout the season, alongside a number of new weapons that will be usable in both Black Ops 7 and Warzone.

How the XP Boost Works

The newly announced 30% XP bonus will activate automatically for anyone who owns Black Ops 7, allowing faster progression for both levels and weapons. Importantly, Battle Pass progression will not receive this boost, meaning all players progress through tiers at the same speed unless using Double Battle Pass XP Tokens.

The benefit isn’t unprecedented—Black Ops 6 owners received the same bonus—but it remains controversial.

Why It’s Stirring Debate

Many players argue that giving Black Ops 7 owners a permanent boost creates an unfair advantage in progression, especially for Warzone players who don’t own the premium title. While the boost doesn’t affect in-match gameplay, weapon leveling is a major part of staying competitive, as new weapons often become meta quickly.

Critics also point out the contradiction in allowing a $70 game purchase to function as a “permanent XP boost” while preventing players from buying Double XP Tokens directly, which Activision has previously said would be unfair.

Other Ways Players Can Earn Double XP

Players who don’t own Black Ops 7 will still have options to earn extra XP:

• Free Double XP Tokens in Season 1's Battle Pass

• Promotional rewards through Monster Energy, Little Caesars, and other partners

• A large reward drop offering 15 hours of Double XP Tokens for players who verify their Activision account email on December 4

The XP boost for Black Ops 7 owners will remain active throughout the game’s entire life cycle, making the start of Season 1 a major moment for both Black Ops 7 and Warzone players.

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Fortnite Changes Battle Pass End Time Ahead of Chapter 7

 Fortnite has officially updated the end time for The Simpsons mini-season, shifting the finale to November 29 at 2 PM ET. This change gives players more time on the Springfield map before the game transitions into Chapter 7, though fans in certain time zones may need to stay up late—or wait until the next day—to jump into the new chapter as soon as it begins.

 

The mini-season kicked off when Kang and Kodos accidentally teleported Hope and Jones to Springfield during the “Welcome, Our Alien Overlords” event. Since then, the season has thrown players into a whirlwind of chaotic events, from Donut Storms and mutant tomatoes to Homer Clones and, most recently, the massive Incredible Bulk in the island’s southern region. Anyone who needs a lore refresher can catch up via the Simpsons Fortnite animated shorts or the Springfield Stories Quests.

Fortnite Delays Chapter 6 Finale by 12 Hours

New end time: November 29 at 2 PM ET

Originally set to end in the early morning hours at 2:30 AM ET, Chapter 6 will now conclude in the afternoon, giving players several extra hours to finish up their Battle Pass and enjoy Springfield before it's gone. Because a full chapter transition is incoming, downtime is expected to last longer than usual. Many players—especially in Europe and other regions—may need to wait until later in the evening before logging into Chapter 7.

 

The schedule shift also clears up confusion surrounding the Zero Hour live event, which takes place at the same 2 PM ET time slot. Initially, fans believed the event would launch after downtime as the Chapter 7 opener, but Epic Games confirmed Zero Hour is the Chapter 6 finale, concluding a storyline that began nearly two years ago with the launch of Chapter 5.

The current narrative, including the appearance of the Incredible Bulk, is directly tied to Zero Hour. Hope and Jones appear to be rallying heroes across the Fortnite universe to face the Dark Presence in what is shaping up to be one of the largest live events in Fortnite’s history.

No Black Hole Fears This Time

Some players worried that Zero Hour might bring back a Black Hole-style shutdown, but those concerns can be put to rest. Epic has already announced The Lost Chapter: Yuki’s Revenge, premiering November 30, confirming the game will return only hours after downtime ends.

 

As the finale approaches, players are encouraged to use the extra time to wrap up their Battle Pass rewards—including the Homer Simpson skin and his Evil variant—before Springfield disappears and Chapter 7 begins.

Fortnite fans are in for a packed week, with an epic finale, extended downtime, and a brand-new chapter all landing back-to-back.

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Marvel Rivals Reveals New 18v18 Annihilation Mode

NetEase Games has officially unveiled the massive new 18v18 Annihilation mode coming to Marvel Rivals, giving players their first peek at large-scale combat on the all-new Grand Garden map. With Season 5 now underway—introducing Gambit as a Strategist and Rogue arriving in December—Marvel Rivals is expanding rapidly with fresh content and surprises for its growing community.

 

Players can also look forward to the upcoming Anniversary Celebration beginning November 27, which will reward fans with a generous 2,400 Units just for logging in. While Units can’t purchase everything, such as the Season 5 Battle Pass, they can be spent on cosmetics and bundles in the shop. The event will also introduce a new legendary Jeff the Land Shark skin, featuring the beloved mascot in a sharp business suit, along with additional anniversary skins arriving throughout the season.

First Look at Marvel Rivals’ 18v18 Annihilation Mode

A newly released trailer showcases the chaotic and competitive nature of the upcoming 36-player mode, set entirely on the Grand Garden map. The map itself appears significantly larger than standard arenas, built specifically to support the massive player count and fast-paced action.

While NetEase has not yet confirmed specific rules or limitations for Annihilation, the trailer includes an interesting moment where multiple Jeff the Land Sharks and a Scarlet Witch perform abilities simultaneously—hinting that duplicate heroes may be allowed. Fans won’t have to wait long to find out, as the mode officially launches on November 27.

Marvel Rivals has a strong track record with experimental modes. Its recent Marvel Zombies PvE crossover was so popular that the studio extended the mode’s availability due to overwhelming demand. NetEase has also teased that more PvE content is in development, though release dates remain unknown.

Looking Toward the Future of Marvel Rivals

Season 5 continues to deliver plenty of fresh content, but many players are already speculating about what’s next. A recent leak suggests Deadpool may join the roster in Season 6, expected in early 2026. Elsa Bloodstone is also rumored to be in development, with some fans hoping she will take on a Vanguard role—though nothing has been officially confirmed.

Between the massive new Annihilation mode, exciting Anniversary Celebration rewards, and leaks teasing future heroes, Marvel Rivals shows no signs of slowing down. Fans have plenty to enjoy now, with even more content coming soon as the game moves into its second year.

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The Biggest Game of 2025 Is Now Free to Play for a Limited Time

The Battlefield 6 Season 1 trial has officially begun, giving players the chance to experience a large portion of one of 2025’s biggest releases at no cost. This limited-time free trial runs until December 2, 2025, offering full access to several multiplayer modes and maps.

Released on October 10, Battlefield 6 has quickly become the best-selling game of 2025 in the U.S. Its momentum shows no signs of slowing, especially as its biggest competitor, Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, has reportedly launched to softer sales than expected. Now, with a free trial added into the mix, Battlefield 6 is poised to maintain its strong lead.

 

Starting November 25 at 4 a.m. PT, players on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC can jump into the action. The free trial is accessed through Battlefield RedSec, the franchise’s free-to-play battle royale title, which has been temporarily expanded with multiple Battlefield 6 playlists and maps.

What’s Included in the Battlefield 6 Season 1 Free Trial

The Season 1 trial includes several multiplayer playlists:

• Close Quarters Battle

• Initiation Breakthrough

• All-Out Warfare

These playlists feature a mix of fan-favorite and limited-time modes such as Breakthrough, Conquest, Team Deathmatch, and the two-round Sabotage mode.

Players can explore three maps:

• Siege of Cairo (available since launch)

• Eastwood (new addition)

• Blackwell Fields (new addition)

All progress carries over to the full game. Players who have already spent time in Battlefield RedSec will also see their Levels, Career Rank, Hardware Unlocks, and cosmetics automatically carry into the trial.

Additional Battlefield 6 Freebies Available Now

The free trial isn’t the only bonus available. Players who log in right now can claim the Lethal Force skin for the M2010 ESR Sniper Rifle, which appears directly in their in-game inbox. This cosmetic is available until November 30 and can be redeemed in both Battlefield 6 and Battlefield RedSec.

PlayStation Plus subscribers also have access to the Rogue Ops Pack at no extra cost. This $19.99 bundle includes 11 unique cosmetics and was added as a PS Plus benefit on October 28, coinciding with the launch of Battlefield RedSec. No end date has been announced, so the offer is expected to remain active for a while.

With the free trial, bonus cosmetics, and ongoing promotions, the Battlefield 6 experience is more accessible than ever—and players have an excellent window to dive into the action before Season 1 picks up full speed.

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Borderlands 4 Players Have Until December 2 to Claim New SHiFT Code

 

Borderlands 4 players have a limited-time opportunity to redeem a fresh SHiFT code that awards three Golden Keys. These codes are among the best ways to secure high-level, high-quality loot, but this particular one expires on December 2, so players should act quickly.

Golden Keys have long been one of the most popular reward types in the Borderlands series. When used at a Golden Chest, they grant rare loot that scales to the player's current level—making them incredibly valuable for gearing up quickly, especially during early runs or late-game upgrades.

New Borderlands 4 Golden Keys SHiFT Code

Expires: December 2, 2025

JZX33-ZKWST-5XT3W-JTBJ3-66BXB

 

The code, shared by Gearbox's Randy Pitchford, grants three Golden Keys. Redeeming it only takes a moment through the official SHiFT website, and once claimed, the keys remain in a player's inventory permanently. Even after the code expires, the keys themselves will not.

This makes it worthwhile for every player—whether they're in their first campaign or preparing for future playthroughs.

How to Redeem Borderlands 4 SHiFT Codes

1. Visit the SHiFT website and log into your account (or create one if needed).

2. Link your gaming account under the Gaming Platforms tab.

3. Navigate to the Rewards page.

4. Enter the SHiFT code under Code Redemption, choose your platform, and confirm.

Weekly SHiFT drops have become the norm since Borderlands 4 launched, and Gearbox shows no signs of slowing down. Staying up to date ensures players always have a supply of Golden Keys ready for the next major challenge or loot grind.

All Active Borderlands 4 SHiFT Codes

• JZX33-ZKWST-5XT3W-JTBJ3-66BXB – 3 Golden Keys

• T9RJB-BFKRR-3RBTW-B33TB-KCZB9 – 1 Golden Key

• JS63J-JSCWJ-CFTBW-3TJ3J-WJS5R – Break Free Pack

• JZ6BJ-SBR5J-WF3BK-BT3BB-TX9HB – Amon's Cult Classic Skin

• TZXT3-XJXCB-CXBJW-BTTJT-9SK6B – Rafa's Savings Savior Skin

• J96JT-BCXKT-C6JJ5-JTJBB-BZTXJ – Harlowe's Maliwannabee Skin

• BZ6JJ-CB6CT-WXJJW-3TT3B-56FZ5 – Vex's Mass Market Appeal Skin

• 3S6BB-ZXT93-KRT3W-BT3T3-JW6TZ – Gourd Your Loins Head and Hex Appeal Skin

With Borderlands 4’s post-launch roadmap in full swing—including a fifth Bounty Pack and a new Vault Hunter arriving in early 2026—now is the perfect time to stockpile Golden Keys. Plenty of major updates are on the horizon, and these codes ensure players stay ready for whatever comes next.

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Fortnite Confirms Hatsune Miku’s Appearance in the Zero Hour Event

Fortnite has officially confirmed that Hatsune Miku will appear in the upcoming Zero Hour live event, the grand finale of Chapter 6. The storyline that began with Hope and Jones in Chapter 5 has grown more complex over time, bringing new characters like Kendo and Jade into the spotlight as they work to stop the sinister Daigo, the Mask Maker.

Players who have followed the Story Quests throughout recent seasons are now approaching what promises to be an epic conclusion. Epic Games is promoting Zero Hour as a major chapter-ending event, where Hope and Jones must gather all the heroes they’ve met on their journey to face the looming Dark Presence.

Hatsune Miku Joins the Zero Hour Lineup

The trailer for the Chapter 6 finale showcases a variety of powerful figures arriving to aid Hope and Jones, though many have yet to be revealed. A new Zero Hour tab in the Item Shop has been rotating characters in and out, giving players hints about who will appear during the showdown.

 

On November 25, Hatsune Miku appeared in this special tab, confirming her role in the finale. More characters are expected to rotate in as the Item Shop continues to refresh, building up excitement for the event.

Zero Hour Event Date and Time

🕒 November 29 at 2 PM ET

Zero Hour will bring together an impressive cast. Teasers have shown massive figures like Godzilla, Kong, and even the Incredible Bulk (giant Homer) preparing to confront the Dark Presence. Spaceships from past Star Wars-themed seasons also fly into battle, contributing to the chaos.

While Hatsune Miku’s specific role in the event remains unknown, the finale appears to be a massive collaboration featuring characters of all sizes and origins. With so many iconic figures gathering for a single fight, Zero Hour is shaping up to be one of the most memorable moments in Fortnite’s history.

Players should ensure they download the new season’s update as soon as it’s available so they can jump into Fortnite immediately after downtime ends.

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Pokémon GO Is Giving Players Another Chance to Get a Master Ball

Pokémon GO is offering players a rare opportunity to obtain another Master Ball during the upcoming Precious Paths season, launching on December 2. While the season introduces new research quests, winter-themed Pokémon, and various bonuses, the return of the Master Ball is easily one of the biggest highlights.

Master Balls have only been available a few times since Pokémon GO launched in 2016, making them one of the game’s most coveted items. Known for their guaranteed 100% catch rate, Master Balls allow players to capture even the rarest and most elusive Pokémon without fail.

Precious Paths Season Highlights

• Precious Paths Special Research

• Masterwork Research: A Precious Catch

• New Pokémon Debuts

• Max Pokémon Battles

• Community Days

• GO Pass Progression Track

• Themed Stickers

• GO Battle League Return

• PokéStop Showcases

• Seasonal Bonuses

• Seasonal Web Store Deals

The Precious Paths season officially begins on December 2 at 10 AM local time, and with it comes the chance to earn a new Master Ball. However, this highly desired item won’t be free. Players will need to purchase a $7.99 USD (or regional equivalent) ticket to access the related Masterwork Research.

Purchasing the ticket doesn’t grant an immediate Master Ball. Instead, it unlocks a special line of Masterwork Research tasks—typically long-term, high-difficulty objectives. While the exact tasks for Precious Paths haven't been revealed yet, past Master Ball research required players to catch hundreds of Pokémon, hatch eggs, use berries, and complete other multi-step challenges.

More Features Coming With Precious Paths

Aside from the Master Ball, the new season is bringing plenty of additional content and winter-themed surprises. Players can expect:

• New Special Research quests and rewards

• Holiday variants of Sudowoodo and Charjabug

• The debut of Clobbopus and Grapploct

• Max Raid Battles featuring Gigantamax Meowth, Dynamax Hitmonlee, and Dynamax Hitmonchan

• The return of the GO Battle League

• Collectible winter-themed stickers from PokéStops, gifts, and the shop

With so many bonuses and special events arriving alongside the chance to earn another Master Ball, the Precious Paths season is shaping up to be an exciting end to the year for Pokémon GO fans.

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Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 Is Making Major Battle Pass Changes in Season 1

Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 is preparing for a major overhaul to its Battle Pass when Season 1 launches on December 4. Treyarch Studios has confirmed that several long-requested improvements are coming, aiming to make the Battle Pass easier and less time-consuming for players to complete. With many fans criticizing past Battle Pass systems for requiring excessive grinding, these adjustments are designed to create a smoother, more rewarding experience.

Season 1 is just over a week away and is set to introduce a huge batch of new content. The recently revealed roadmap confirms the return of iconic Black Ops maps such as Meltdown, Standoff, and Fringe. Fringe is planned to arrive during Season 1 Reloaded, which typically launches about a month into the season.

Treyarch Studios Announces Battle Pass Improvements

Treyarch has revealed several major enhancements coming to the Black Ops 7 Battle Pass. The studio stated that Season 1 will “significantly improve” how players progress through the Pass. One of the biggest upgrades is a reduction in the time required to complete it, meaning players will earn rewards faster than they did in Black Ops 6.

Another key improvement is the restructuring of early Battle Pass pages. These pages will contain fewer tiers, allowing players to push through the beginning of the Pass at a much quicker pace. This change should be especially helpful to more casual players who don’t have the time to grind for hours each day.

Treyarch is also expanding how players earn Battle Pass Tokens. For the first time, Tokens will be obtainable through Daily Challenges across all game modes, including the Co-Op Campaign and Endgame. Tokens will only be available on certain days, but once unlocked, they can be used instantly. These adjustments reflect Treyarch’s goal to make player time feel more valuable and properly rewarded.

Despite the positive reception to Black Ops 7’s Multiplayer improvements, the game has struggled with user reviews. On Metacritic, it currently holds a user score of 1.7, making it the lowest-rated Call of Duty game ever. Much of the criticism is directed at the new Co-Op Campaign, while critics have reviewed the game more favorably, giving it an average score of 69.

Season 1 is shaping up to be a significant step forward, and players eager for improvements should find plenty to look forward to when the update launches.

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Fortnite Players Have Until November 29 To Claim Free Simpsons Item

Fortnite fans still have one last treat to enjoy from the massively popular Simpsons crossover, as players can claim a free loading screen until November 29. For the past month, the arrival of The Simpsons has been one of the biggest and most beloved collaborations in Fortnite history, and even though the event is coming to an end, it is closing with a great surprise.

The final free reward of the season puts Giant Homer front and center. The loading screen features a massive, underwear clad Homer Simpson towering over Springfield while casually snacking on a pink frosted donut. Bart and Lisa watch in disbelief as familiar faces like Marge, Scratchy, and Moe run for their lives from Homer’s mutated titan form. This chaotic moment has been teased for weeks through cinematic shorts and an in game mini event showing a baby version of Giant Homer forming in the clouds. Alongside the free loading screen, a Giant Homer skin arrives in the Item Shop today.

How to Get the Free Giant Homer Loading Screen

Claiming the reward is simple. Players only need to log into Fortnite anytime before November 29. A pop up will appear automatically, confirming the free loading screen has been added to their locker. It is a quick and easy bonus for anyone who has enjoyed the Fortnite x The Simpsons takeover.

As the crossover wraps up, Fortnite is already setting the stage for Chapter 7, and the next era of the game looks packed with major collaborations. Quentin Tarantino’s Kill Bill is on the way, and iconic characters like Marty McFly from Back to the Future are also rumored to join the action.

Saying goodbye to Springfield may be bittersweet, but the future of Fortnite is shaping up to be just as exciting.

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