PlayStation Users Can Try One of PS Plus' Best Features Free for a Limited Time

Overview

PlayStation users will soon be able to play their owned premium games online without an active PlayStation Plus subscription, but only for a limited time. Titles such as Call of Duty Black Ops 7 and EA Sports FC 26 will support online multiplayer access during the event. Normally, PS4 and PS5 owners must maintain an active PS Plus subscription to access online features for any game that is not free to play. For this weekend only, PlayStation is making the benefit available to everyone, even if their subscription has expired.

Background on PlayStation Plus

PS Plus was introduced in the later years of the PlayStation 3 generation and has remained a core service for the platform. The service currently has three tiers: Essential, Extra, and Premium. Essential is the base tier at 9.99 USD per month and provides access to online multiplayer, cloud storage, and monthly free games. Extra and Premium include everything in Essential while adding larger benefits such as the Game Catalog, which functions similarly to Xbox Game Pass by offering a library of downloadable games.

Free Online Multiplayer Weekend Details

PlayStation is running a free online multiplayer weekend from Saturday, December 6 through Sunday, December 7. During this period, users without an active PS Plus subscription can play their owned premium games online. Purchasing a premium title does not normally grant online access without PS Plus. This requirement does not apply to PC players, and Xbox users face a similar restriction because online multiplayer remains tied to an active Xbox Game Pass subscription. Free to play games like Apex Legends and Fortnite remain exempt from any subscription requirements.

Recommended Multiplayer Games for the Weekend

• Call of Duty Black Ops 7 (PS4, PS5)

• EA Sports FC 26 (PS4, PS5)

• Grand Theft Auto Online (PS4, PS5)

• ARC Raiders (PS5)

• Elden Ring Nightreign (PS4, PS5)

Why the Weekend Matters

Players who have a backlog of online titles but no active subscription can use this weekend to revisit older multiplayer games or try out recent releases. Black Ops 7 launched on November 14 and has been praised for its fast paced multiplayer. ARC Raiders has also gained attention as a new third person extraction shooter from Embark, the studio behind The Finals. Both newer titles and long running favorites offer plenty of options for co-op and competitive play.

Annual Promotion and Limitations

PlayStation often hosts free online multiplayer weekends around this time each year. While the company has not revealed how successful these events are, they clearly serve to encourage users to subscribe once the event concludes. This promotion does not unlock the full PS Plus service and does not grant access to the Game Catalog, monthly free titles, cloud storage, or other membership perks.

Additional PS Plus Benefits for December

If users decide to subscribe after the free weekend, December offers several bonuses. PlayStation has released five free monthly games instead of the usual three to celebrate the holiday season. From now until January 6, subscribers can claim Killing Floor 3, LEGO Horizon Adventures, Neon White, Synduality Echo of Ada, and The Outlast Trials.

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Elden Ring Nightreign December 2025 Update – Patch Notes Version 1.03

Got it! Here’s the fully cleaned-up, publish-ready patch notes article for Elden Ring Nightreign December 2025 Update with no blank lines between paragraphs and no em-dashes.

Bandai Namco Entertainment and FromSoftware have released a major update for Elden Ring Nightreign, bringing new features, bug fixes, and support for the upcoming DLC The Forsaken Hollows. The DLC will launch on December 4, introducing new Nightfarers, bosses, enemies, and Shifting Earth challenges.

The update also includes numerous quality-of-life improvements, balance adjustments, and co-op enhancements. Here’s a full breakdown.

New Features

• DLC Support

  • Added support for The Forsaken Hollows.

  • DLC ownership is displayed in the lower right corner of the title screen.

• Relic Management Improvements

  • Equipped relics now display in the Character Selection menu.

  • Players can toggle the display to see relic effects.

  • Relic presets can now be named and reordered in the Relic Rites menu.

  • Presets order can also be changed in the All Relics section.

  • Relics equipped by other players can be viewed in the Results menu (for sessions played in version 1.02 or later).

• Expedition & Co-op Updates

  • Players with a personal objective to defeat a specific target can now join Expeditions with others who have different objectives.

  • Personal objectives not requiring target defeat only appear for one player per Expedition.

• UI & Map Improvements

  • Flask count highlights when at max capacity or affected by enemy effects.

  • Compass rune icons now display correctly if runes are above or below the character.

  • Map menu now highlights events occurring on different layers.

  • Dormant Power selection screen now keeps HP gauge and UI elements visible.

• Shops & Inventory

  • Added Deep Large Scenic Flatstone to the Collector Signboard shop.

  • Added Fire Pots to Spirit Shelter shop.

  • Adjusted Limveld's weapon lineup.

  • Target-lock fixes for enemies behind tombstones summoned by Raider’s Ultimate Art.

Balance Adjustments

• Trigger conditions for relic effects, passive effects, and special effects have been broadened.

• Passive & Special Effects Changes

  • Added or improved the following: Melee Attack Power, Dash Attacks, Rolling Attacks.

  • Increased the effect of Passive Effects such as Improved Attack Power when Two-Handing, Attack Up when Wielding Two Armaments, Improved Chain Attack Finishers, Improved Charge Attacks, Improved Jump Attacks, Improved Guard Counters, Improved Skill Attack Power, and Physical Attack Up.

  • Damage Negation at Low HP and Blue-Feathered Branchsword effects: trigger conditions broadened, effectiveness slightly reduced.

• Relic Effects

  • Increased effects for Physical Attack Up, Improved Initial Standard Attack, Improved Critical Hits, Improved Guard Counters, Improved Damage types excluding bows, and Improved Attack Power with 3+ equipped items excluding bows.

  • Trigger conditions broadened and effectiveness of Improved Damage Negation at Low HP reduced.

• Other Balance Changes

  • Reduced FP consumption and increased power of Wrath of Gold Incantation.

Bug Fixes and Improvements

• Fixed teleportation bug in Augur invasion event.

• Fixed activation issues with Sites of Grace and Churches.

• Fixed Night’s Tide range inconsistencies in co-op sessions.

• Fixed missing Prayerful Strike hammer weapons.

• Fixed healing/buff issues during dodges or Ultimate Art.

• Fixed visibility of Ironeye’s skill Marking weak points.

• Fixed Raider’s Retaliate flinch bug.

• Fixed missing affinity residues from Recluse’s passive.

• Fixed stagger damage inconsistencies with Executor.

• Fixed dodge roll distance against darkness-imbued attacks.

• Fixed Greenspill Crystal Tear display in Depths Relics.

• Fixed incorrect Deep of Night gauge in Expedition menu.

• Fixed Relic Rites menu icon placement issues.

• Fixed Dormant Power screen UI rarity display.

• Fixed FP Consumption sorting in Sparring Equipment and Visual Codex menus.

• Fixed Results and Victor’s Record menus not reflecting relic effects correctly.

• Fixed session rejoin title screen message loop.

• Fixed various graphical and sound issues.

• Corrected text errors and improved overall performance.

This update prepares Elden Ring Nightreign for The Forsaken Hollows DLC, enhances co-op play, improves relic management, and addresses a wide range of bugs and balance issues. Players can jump into the update immediately to experience the changes.

 

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Overwatch 2 Reveals Season 20 Skins, Events, and More

A Packed Final Season of 2025

Overwatch 2 has officially revealed what is coming in Season 20, and it is shaping up to be one of the most exciting seasons yet. Between the arrival of the new melee damage hero Vendetta, major Stadium mode updates, Competitive improvements, and a huge winter event, the final season of 2025 has something for everyone. Season 20 begins December 9.

Season 19 is wrapping up soon, so players have until December 9 to finish their Battle Pass. From December 4 through the end of the season, Competitive Drives will let players earn extra Competitive Points and a special Signature.

Overwatch 2 Season 20 Highlights

A Season Built Around the New Hero, Vendetta

Season 20 is called Vendetta, and the star of the season is the new hero herself. Marzia Bartalotti, known as Vendetta or La Lupa, is the daughter of former Talon executive Antonio Giordani. Driven by vengeance against both Talon and Overwatch, she enters the game as the first true melee focused damage hero.

Vendetta brings a fast moving, aggressive kit designed to close gaps and tear through targets. Players can expect her to shake up the current meta in a big way.

Stadium Mode Updates

Stadium is receiving several major changes during Season 20.

• New Heroes added: Doomfist and Wuyang

• Cassidy Power and Item rework

• New Control map set in China

• A new Top 500 tier

• League 6 Reaper Chase skin as a top reward

These updates should add more variety, more depth, and more long term skill expression to Stadium.

Winter Wonderland 2025

New Rewards, Returning Modes, and Holiday Chaos

Winter Wonderland returns from December 9 through January 7 with a three path reward system offering:

• Jingle Tracer

• Krampus Junkrat

• Santa Claus Torbjorn

Mischief and Magic also returns with two phases.

• December 9 to 22: Classic prop hunt with a holiday twist

• December 23 to January 5: Kiriko gains special abilities based on her disguise, such as biting gingerbread and exploding snowmen

Players can unlock Frozen Demon Junkrat and Frozen Mountaineer Cassidy through event quests during Mischief and Magic.

Competitive Play Improvements

Better Progression and Fairer Climbing

Season 20 also updates Competitive Play with several new quality of life changes.

• Challenger Score momentum improvements that reward win streaks and queue bonuses

• Rank progress refunds when losing to a cheater who is later banned

• Increased visibility for top ranked players so the community can celebrate the best competitors

These changes aim to make ranked play more rewarding, more fair, and more exciting.

New Overwatch 2 Season 20 Skins

Battle Pass Skins

• Yukizaru Genji

• Celestial Venture

• Colder: 76

• Frost Lich Reaper

• Skadi Freja

• Cold Front Tracer

• Ice Crystal Symmetra

• Winter Guardian Illari

• High Society Vendetta (Ultimate Battle Pass)

• Reindeer Tracer (Ultimate Battle Pass)

Shop Skins

• Divine Desperado Cassidy

• Capsule Cannon Orisa (Mythic Weapon Skin)

• Cozy Ashe

• Cozy Wuyang

• Cozy Juno

• Cozy Bastion

• Cozy Mauga

• Borealis Mercy

• Borealis Lifeweaver

• Borealis Echo

• Borealis Wuyang

• Borealis Sojourn

• Heist Roadhog

• Heist Reaper

• Heist Ashe

Event Rewards

• Jingle Tracer

• Krampus Junkrat

• Santa Claus Torbjorn

• Frozen Demon Junkrat

• Frozen Mountaineer Cassidy

Mythic Cosmetics and More

Divine Desperado Cassidy and Mythic Prisms

Season 20 features the new Divine Desperado Mythic Cassidy skin. Following the updated Mythic unlock system, players can customize hair, color themes, and solar inspired visual effects as they progress through tiers.

Orisa players also get something special. The Capsule Cannon Mythic weapon skin transforms her Augmented Fusion Driver into a gacha style capsule machine filled with adorable flair.

More Cosmetics Across Battle Pass and Shop

Alongside the Mythic and Legendary skins, Season 20 introduces a large lineup of winter themed cosmetics across the Battle Pass and in the shop. Fans of seasonal content will have no shortage of new looks to collect.

Gifting Finally Arrives

Overwatch 2 is adding the ability to gift Battle Passes, currency bundles, and premium packs through Battle.net. This is perfect timing for the holiday season and makes sharing content with friends easier than ever.

Get Ready for Season 20

All of these features, events, and skins arrive when Overwatch 2 Season 20 begins on December 9. With a new hero, major modes updated, festive events, and a massive collection of cosmetics, the final season of 2025 aims to end the year on a high note.

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Mario Kart World Releases New Update for December 2025

What the Version 1.4.0 Patch Brings to Switch 2 Players

Nintendo has released a fresh update for Mario Kart World, delivering a long list of improvements and fixes for the popular Switch 2 racer. While the new patch brings helpful quality updates, some fans feel it still falls short in addressing the most common complaints about online races.

A Rocky Launch and Ongoing Improvements

Mario Kart World arrived with plenty of hype as Nintendo’s flagship launch title for the Switch 2. The game introduced an open world for the first time in Mario Kart history. Some players enjoyed this new direction, but many criticized the map for feeling too empty and the online mode for being overly restrictive.

Despite the mixed reception, Nintendo has continued to release updates to refine the experience. The newest update, version 1.4.0, went live on December 2 and includes several features fans have been waiting for.

Custom Items Finally Arrive

A Feature Fans Wanted From Day One

One of the biggest additions in version 1.4.0 is the new Custom Items feature. This option lets players choose exactly which items will appear in item boxes. It works in:

• VS Race

• Balloon Battle

• Coin Runners

• Rooms in Online Play

• Rooms in Wireless Play

Fans of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe may remember that this feature was added years after launch, so it is great to see it arrive in Mario Kart World much sooner. Players also noted that this could make unlocking characters easier, since it lets them force specific items like Kamek.

Music Options Get a Nice Upgrade

Music has always been one of Mario Kart World's standout elements, and Nintendo has added a couple of welcome audio features.

• The pause menu now displays the name of the current track and the game it originated from.

• A new Music Volume slider has been added to the Settings and Controller menu.

These features give players more control and let music lovers dive deeper into the soundtrack’s many nostalgic arrangements.

Changes to Intermission Courses

More Laps on the Way to Koopa Troopa Beach

The update also includes adjustments to the layout of several intermission races. Many of the affected tracks either start or finish at Koopa Troopa Beach. Races that lead to the beach now require players to complete two laps there before reaching the finish line. This helps address complaints that some of these tracks were too short.

This small but meaningful update might open the door to future adjustments that further improve pacing during intermission segments.

No Change to Three Lap Race Frequency

A Missed Opportunity for Online Play

Although the update contains many improvements, it does not increase the number of traditional three lap races in online multiplayer. Intermission races remain a sore point for players who find the travel between tracks repetitive or boring.

Some fans have suggested that Nintendo add a separate online playlist focused solely on standard races. So far, the developer has not confirmed whether this change will ever happen.

What Comes Next for Mario Kart World?

Nintendo has not revealed any DLC for Mario Kart World yet. However, based on Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, it is likely that new tracks and characters will arrive eventually. Until then, players can expect more updates that continue refining the experience for those who want more content, better balance, and improved online options.

Mario Kart World Version 1.4.0 Patch Notes

Released December 2, 2025

General

• Added Custom Items to item rules

  • Lets you set which items appear

  • Supported in VS Race, Balloon Battle, Coin Runners, and Rooms in Online Play and Wireless Play

• Added display for music track name and source title on the pause menu

• Added Music Volume option to Settings and Controller

• Players gathered in an Online Play Room can now participate in Race, Knockout Tour, and Battle

  • Up to 4 players can join

• You can now join friends who are playing Knockout Tour from Friends in 2 player Online Play

• Added Restart and Next Race options to the pause menu in VS Race (Single Player)

• Added Photo Mode to the pause menu in Race against Ghost during Time Trials

• Adjusted layout for multiple courses heading to or from Koopa Troopa Beach. Races that head toward Koopa Troopa Beach now end after two laps at the beach

• You will now dash when riding on Manta Ramp

• Prevented players from hitting Dragoneel when using Bullet Bill

• Prevented players from using a second Boo while the first Boo is active

• Reduced respawn time for Dash Food and coins placed on water

Fixed Issues

(A very large number of bug fixes are included. Here is a summarized version for clarity.)

• Fixed multiple issues involving Bullet Bill getting stuck, going off course, or not displaying properly

• Fixed issues involving players slipping through walls, objects, or terrain

• Fixed issues involving stomps, Thwomps, and various obstacles

• Fixed several problems with Free Roam interactions in Online Play

• Fixed visual issues in Photo Mode

• Fixed placement issues when retiring during Knockout Tour

• Fixed issues where players appeared off course while spectating

• Fixed problems involving Smart Steering, gliding, UFOs, pipes, rail riding, and course transitions

• Addressed several remaining bugs to improve overall gameplay quality

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New PS5 System Update Rolls Out for December 2025

 What You Need to Know About the Latest Patch 

PlayStation is closing out the year with another PS5 system software update, and if you're hoping for exciting new features, this one might feel familiar. The December 2025 update focuses on behind-the-scenes improvements designed to keep both the standard PS5 and the PS5 Pro running smoothly.

Let’s break down what’s included, why it matters, and where PlayStation stands with its ongoing console evolution.

PS5 Continues Its Strong Sales Streak

Even if the latest firmware is not flashy, the PS5 itself is performing better than ever.

Sony recently reported that the console has officially surpassed 80 million units sold since its 2020 launch. That milestone puts the PS5 within reach of the PS3’s lifetime sales of 87.4 million units.

A few more highlights from Sony’s report:

• 2.4 million units sold in 2024

• 2.5 million units sold already in 2025

• Still far behind the legendary PS2 with 160 million lifetime units sold

The upward trend shows that demand is still strong and PlayStation keeps pace by maintaining regular system updates.

Another Stability Focused Update

What’s New in Version 25.08-12.40.00?

PlayStation has officially started rolling out the December 3 system update, bringing consoles up to version 25.08-12.40.00.

As expected, this update is focused on maintenance:

• Improved messages and usability on certain screens

• General system performance enhancements

• Better overall software stability

You probably will not notice any visual changes after installing it, but your console may run a bit smoother behind the scenes.

A Recent Highlight: Updates to the Welcome Hub

While today’s patch is basic, the PS5 did recently receive a more exciting upgrade.

On November 19, PlayStation added:

• A new seasonal theme

• A widget that shows stats from your most recently played game, including hours played, sessions, trophies earned, and more

These enhancements build on the Welcome Hub introduced in September 2024, which gives players a personalized home screen with widgets, backgrounds, and layout options. Since it appears automatically when you power on the console, customization is a welcome addition.

The Ongoing Theme Debate

Fans Want Full PS5 Themes, Not Just in the Welcome Hub

Although the Welcome Hub introduced a form of themes, it has not fully satisfied long-time fans.

Players have been asking for the return of system-wide themes like those on the PS3 and PS4. So far, PlayStation has limited themes to the Welcome Hub only, despite repeated community requests.

There was a small glimmer of hope earlier this year when Sony released special 30th anniversary PS1 themes. These were originally temporary, but player feedback convinced Sony to bring them back permanently in an April update.

However, one beloved detail did not return: the nostalgic PS1 startup sound.

Patch Notes: PS5 Update 25.08-12.40.00

Released December 3, 2025

• Improved messages and usability on some screens

• Improved system software performance and stability

Final Thoughts

The December update may not be exciting, but it continues PlayStation’s steady effort to keep the PS5 experience stable and polished. With strong sales numbers and ongoing Welcome Hub improvements, Sony is clearly committed to evolving the platform.

If you are hoping for bigger features or the full return of dynamic themes, future updates may hold more surprises.

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Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Confirms 6 Games Coming Soon

 Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers have six new titles arriving over the next several days, with Mortal Kombat 1 standing out as the biggest addition. November delivered several notable games, and December is already off to a strong start with Marvel: Cosmic Invasion (December 1) and Lost Records: Bloom & Rage (December 2).

Upcoming Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Additions

• Routine – December 4 (Cloud, Console, Handheld, PC)

• A Game About Digging a Hole – December 9 (Cloud, Handheld, PC, Xbox Series X|S)

• Death Howl – December 9 (Handheld, PC)

• Dome Keeper – December 9 (Cloud, Console, Handheld, PC)

• Mortal Kombat 1 – December 10 (Cloud, PC, Xbox Series X|S)

• Bratz: Rhythm and Style – December 11 (Cloud, Console, PC)

Mortal Kombat 1 Joins Game Pass

The highlight of the lineup is Mortal Kombat 1, arriving December 10. The 2023 reboot features a well-received Story Mode and a thriving multiplayer scene. With an 87% critic recommendation score on OpenCritic and over 6.2 million copies sold, it’s one of this generation’s best-selling fighting games. Its arrival on Game Pass gives new players a perfect chance to jump in.

Indie Hit: A Game About Digging a Hole

Coming December 9, A Game About Digging a Hole has built a loyal fanbase thanks to its simple but mysterious premise. Players dig deeper into the earth to uncover valuable ores—and stranger secrets. The game launched in February and quickly became a Steam success, with a 96% “Overwhelmingly Positive” rating and more than 1 million copies sold.

Other Titles Arriving Soon

• Routine (December 4): A sci-fi horror game set on a lunar base, launching day one for Game Pass Ultimate.

• Death Howl (December 9): A mix of RPG and card game mechanics from a publisher known for titles like Frostpunk and The Alters, also launching day one.

• Dome Keeper (December 9): A strategic tower-defense game where players dig, upgrade, and defend their domes.

• Bratz: Rhythm and Style (December 11): A fashion-focused adventure featuring the iconic Bratz characters as they travel the globe.

Games Leaving Xbox Game Pass Soon

As new titles arrive, several games are preparing to leave:

• Leaving December 15:

  • Mortal Kombat 11

  • Still Wakes the Deep

  • Wildfrost

• Leaving December 31:

  • Carrion

  • Hell Let Loose

Players may want to wrap up their progress in these games before they're removed at the end of the month.

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Sony Reveals New Limited Edition PS5 Controller

 Sony and Hoyoverse are partnering to release a Genshin Impact Limited Edition DualSense Wireless Controller for PS5. Pre-orders begin December 11 through PlayStation Direct and select retailers. The design is inspired by the Traveler, the player character in Genshin Impact.

Genshin Impact Update 6.2 Timing

The controller launches shortly after Genshin Impact Version 6.2 starts rolling out. The first phase begins December 3 and the second arrives December 24. The update features two new Archon Quests titled A Nocturne of the Far North and Melting Moonlight in the Morning Mist, the fifth and sixth acts of the Song of the Welkin Moon saga. A new character, Durin, debuts on December 3 alongside Jahoda and Venti. Varesa and Xilonen will return in the second phase until January 13.

Controller Pricing and Release Schedule

Price: $84.99 / €84.99 / £74.99 / ¥12,480
Pre-orders: December 11
Shipping: Early 2026

The controller launches January 21 in select Asian regions, including Japan, and February 25 globally across the Americas, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Australia, and New Zealand. Quantities will be limited.

Design Inspired by the Traveler

The design incorporates signature elements of the Traveler Twins, Aether and Lumine.
Aether’s earring appears on the right grip, while Lumine’s hair flowers are on the left. The Touchpad displays the Traveler’s star symbols, and the back features a script logo along with Paimon. The controller uses a pearl-white frame with blue bumpers, triggers, and sticks, along with white buttons marked with gold symbols.

Features and Functionality

The controller functions the same as a standard DualSense. It works on PS5 and compatible PCs and supports Sony’s firmware-added features, such as multi-pairing with up to four devices by holding the PS button and a face button to switch connections.

Limited Availability

Like other special-edition DualSense models, quantities will be scarce. Fans interested in picking one up should be ready when pre-orders open on December 11. With the Version 6.2 update and the new controller arriving soon, Genshin Impact players have a lot to look forward to this season.

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