Bohemia Interactive is preparing a brutal new challenge for those hardened DayZ veterans who found the zombie-infested wilderness a little too forgiving. The developers have officially announced “Badlands”, the next major expansion for the survival game, set to drop sometime in 2026. This addition will transport players to a desolate desert zone where the elements themselves pose as much of a threat as the undead hordes.

DayZ has always pushed players to survive in a world where the dead walk. But true to the best zombie fiction, the dangers extend beyond mere shambling corpses. Injuries, starvation, and even other players remain consistently high on the list of common causes of death.

The “Badlands” expansion introduces the Nasdara Province, a sprawling 267 km² map. This war-scarred desert region starkly contrasts with the frigid landscape of the previous Frostline Expansion. In Nasdara, thirst is a constant and lethal threat, and survival will hinge on navigating frequent droughts, adapting to new terrain, and mastering region-specific weapons and gear.

Players can also expect new and adapted variants of the infected. While one might hope the extreme heat would slow them down, these undead have seemingly evolved, proving just as menacing in the desert. The “Badlands” expansion is confirmed for release sometime in 2026. For those who have yet to brave the world of DayZ, the base game is currently available on Steam at a 50% discount (Summer Sale), priced at $24.99/£24.49.

KitGuru says: Do you still play DayZ? Can the Badlands expansion revive or revitalise your interest in it?

The post DayZ is getting a new expansion in 2026 first appeared on KitGuru.

Cooler Master is rolling out a duo of intriguing new PC cases, catering to vastly different builder preferences. The first is the third iteration of their popular SFF chassis, the NR200P V3. The other one is the Masterbox CM695, a “Classic Odd Design” case aiming to bridge the gap between vintage and modern PC builds. 

Unveiled initially at CES 2025 in January, the latest version of the NR200P (via Videocardz) boasts a redesigned side panel engineered to fully showcase and cool a graphics card running the entire length of the chassis. This window features a removable mesh screen, allowing users to completely expose the GPU for superior ventilation when performance demands it. Cooler Master asserts that the NR200P V3's design prioritises user-friendliness, with a tool-less approach to assembly and maintenance. The chassis is CNC-machined, and panels are secured with magnetic latching mechanisms, promising quick upgrades and hassle-free servicing.

Cooler Master has also unveiled a distinctly different offering: the Masterbox CM695. As indicated on its product page, this mid-tower case embraces a “Classic Odd Design”, featuring elements common in 20-year-old cases. Externally, the CM695 presents a refined aesthetic, featuring ample mesh to ensure optimal airflow for internal components, and, perhaps most surprisingly for a modern chassis, a classic 5.25-inch drive bay. Inside, the case continues its blend of old and new, incorporating an old-school HDD cage alongside modern cable routing channels equipped with rubber grommets for tidiness.

With dimensions of 477 x 209 x 488mm, the CM695 is described as tall and slender. Its front panel is split, with a solid top section and a mesh bottom allowing adequate airflow to its two pre-installed 120mm fans. Connectivity ports are conveniently located on the top of the case, adjacent to another mesh section that can accommodate three additional 120 mm fans. Builders will be able to choose between a solid left side panel or a tempered glass option to showcase their internal components.

KitGuru says: Of the two new Cooler Master PC cases we've just shown, which one looks the most interesting to you?

The post Cooler Master introduces the NR200P V3 and MasterBox CM695 first appeared on KitGuru.

LG has announced that it has begun mass production its new and improved 4th Generation OLED panel. The new panel is aimed at taking OLED gaming to new heights, with even higher refresh rates and even higher contrast ratios. 

This Primary RGB Tandem technology is unique in its approach, stacking the three primary colors of light – red, green, and blue – into four independent layers. This structure boosts peak brightness and maximises contrast ratio, producing more vivid and precise visuals for users. The panel also boasts a colour reproduction rate of 99.5%, which LG Display claims is the best among current OLEDs. Furthermore, LG has employed a special film and an upgraded internal panel element structure to combat screen glare, blocking 99% of internal and external light reflections. This ensures that the panel maintains its image quality without colour distortion, even in brightly lit environments. This commitment to visual fidelity has earned the panel certifications for Perfect Black, Perfect Colour, and 100% Colour Fidelity from global organizations like UL Solutions and Intertek.

In parallel with this mass production milestone, LG revealed details about an even faster OLED display panel that simultaneously supports a 540 Hz refresh rate and QHD resolution. Breaking the 500 Hz barrier was previously considered a significant hurdle due to the potential for a steep drop in picture quality. However, LG Display claims to have successfully overcome this limitation by developing and applying a new proprietary algorithm.

Adding another layer of innovation, LG Display highlighted its proprietary Dynamic Frequency & Resolution (DFR) technology. This smart feature allows ultra-high refresh rate settings up to 720 Hz when operating in HD resolution. DFR empowers users to dynamically choose their preferred refresh rate mode based on the content, prioritizing either resolution or speed as needed.

Moreover, LG's OLED monitor panels also feature an industry-leading response time of a mere 0.03ms. This rapid pixel transition is crucial for appreciating the speed of fast-paced games, as even a high refresh rate can be undermined by slow response times. Combining a 0.03 ms response time with a 540 Hz refresh rate allowed LG's new OLED panel to achieve the highest tier of the VESA standard, ClearMR 21,000. LG expects to start mass production of its 540 Hz Gaming OLED panel in H2 2025, suggesting that monitors featuring these cutting-edge displays could hit the market soon.

KitGuru says: Have you already jumped into the OLED monitor bandwagon? Will you do so with one of these new-gen LG OLED panels?

The post LG starts mass producing 4th-Gen OLED gaming displays first appeared on KitGuru.

Ahead of the Xbox Games Showcase a few weeks ago, a rumour began doing the rounds the day before claiming that an Elder Scrolls 6 trailer was doing the rounds. The event came and went with zero mention of The Elder Scrolls 6, but it does seem that Bethesda is making good progress on the game. 

Xbox-focused reporter, Jez Corden, had mentioned on his podcast on the week of the showcase that an Elder Scrolls 6 trailer had been seen, or heard about by a number of Microsoft employees. Now a few weeks later, Corden has clarified that there was an internal trailer for the game, but it was never planned to be used for a big public reveal.

Game studios have to make little game trailers for internal use at various stages of a project's development. These trailers are often used internally to communicate to executives the vision for a game. Given that no public announcements have been made, it is likely that this Elder Scrolls 6 trailer is an internal one, meant for a one-time airing in some meeting room.

Bethesda has been working on The Elder Scrolls 6 for a few years now, although things were paused to help finish up Starfield in 2022-2023. Since then, Bethesda has picked up the project again, but there is no telling when it will be officially announced, or when we can all expect to play it.

KitGuru Says: As unlikely as it is, a small part of me hopes that there will be an Elder Scrolls teaser at The Game Awards later this year, similarly to how Skyrim was first shown to the world. 

The post An Elder Scrolls 6 trailer has reportedly been seen by Microsoft employees first appeared on KitGuru.

While Battlefield Labs playtests are technically protected by NDA, that hasn't stopped a flurry of leaks from hitting the web over the past few months. As EA gears up for the official reveal of Battlefield 6, more leaks have been found, with the latest leak bringing us new gameplay footage. 

While previous footage leaks revealed work-in-progress cutscenes from the single-player campaign, this new batch of gameplay footage gives us a look at multiplayer. Specifically, it is 18 minutes' worth of footage from the fan-favourite Rush game mode.

The footage was shared to the Chinese social media site, Bilibili, and later found its way to various subreddits (via TGP).

Of course, the footage we are seeing is of a pre-alpha version of Battlefield 6, so the final game should end up looking different and there is a chance that certain maps and weapons don't appear in the final game at all.

EA is expected to officially reveal Battlefield 6 before Gamescom in August, and we should hear about expanded playtest plans as well in the run up to launch. Battlefield 6 does not have a final release date yet, but it is supposed to release before the end of the fiscal year, putting the launch anywhere between now and March 31st 2026.

KitGuru Says: Are you looking forward to Battlefield 6?

The post Battlefield 6 multiplayer gameplay leaks first appeared on KitGuru.

While Helldivers 2 launched to an overwhelmingly positive reception on Steam, things took a swift turn for the worse a month or so later, when a review bombing campaign led to thousands of negative reviews. Ultimately, Arrowhead was able to turn things around and offered to commemorate that moment in history with a ‘review bomb' cape for all players in the game. Now over a year later, that cosmetic reward is finally dropping. 

Shortly after the launch of Helldivers 2, Sony had kicked into effect a new policy mandating that all PlayStation-published PC games must require a PSN account. This meant that players who had already purchased the game on PC would need to make a PSN account to continue playing. It also meant that the game had to be removed from sale in hundreds of countries. This sparked a ton of backlash but after some discussion, Arrowhead was able to get the PSN account requirement reversed for Helldivers 2 and the review bombing stopped.

At the time, Arrowhead announced plans to commemorate the community's effort to reverse the policy change with a free cape. It has taken quite some time, but the officially named ‘Pillars of Freedom' cape is now ready to roll out to Helldivers around the world. The cape is awarded to players “in honour of unquestioning commitment to the defense of Managed Democracy”.

The reward is rolling out to all players now but the process could take a couple of days to complete. The next time you log into Helldivers 2, it should be there waiting for you to equip.

KitGuru Says: I imagine matchmaking is going to be filled with players sporting this cape over the next week. 

The post Helldivers 2 update brings ‘review bomb’ cape to all players first appeared on KitGuru.

Back in April when Nintendo began showcasing its launch plans for the Switch 2, a wave of GameCube classics were announced for the new console. At launch, just a couple of these games were made available, but slowly, the library is starting to fill out. 

The Nintendo Switch 2 officially launched on June 5th. Aside from launch-day titles like Super Mario Kart World, Nintendo also had new additions to the Switch Online Expansion Pack library of classic games. The first three GameCube titles made available on Switch 2 included The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, F-Zero GX and Soul Calibur 2 (complete with cameo appearance from Link).

This weekend, Super Mario Strikers joined the GameCube library on Switch 2. The game, also known as Mario Smash Football in certain countries, first released on GameCube in 2005 and features 5v5 Football matches starring Mario characters.

Other GameCube classics still due to land on the Switch 2 include: Super Mario Sunshine, Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance, Luigi's Mansion, Pokémon Coliseum and Pokémon XD Gale of Darkness.

KitGuru Says: Apparently there is going to be a Nintendo Direct in July, so we should get more Switch 2 game announcements then, hopefully including an update for the Switch Online classics library.

The post Nintendo adds Super Mario Strikers to Switch 2 GameCube library first appeared on KitGuru.

The sequel to Resident Evil Village is finally nearing release. Resident Evil Requiem is due out in early 2026 and developers are already sharing plenty of information about the game, including behind-the-scenes tales from the development process. As it turns out, Requiem initially started out as a very bad idea.

In a developer diary video (via VGC), Resident Evil Requiem director, Koshi Nakanishi, talked about the early days of development, confirming an early rumour that the game was going to be online multiplayer: “You might have heard some of the rumours, things like an online Resident Evil or an open world Resident Evil, which we spent some time experimenting with”, he said.

Nakanishi explained that while online multiplayer plans were explored, ultimately, the team opted against it, saying that it “wasn't what fans wanted to see or play”. Part of that decision may have been informed by the low player retention for Resident Evil 3 Remake's Resistance mode.

Resident Evil Requiem will launch on the 27th of February 2026 for PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X/S. There are currently no announced plans for a Nintendo Switch 2 version.

KitGuru Says: Online could work for a spin-off Resident Evil game, but as a mainline title, Resident Evil 9 needed to be single-player. The backlash would have been enormous after the success of RE 7 and Village.

The post Resident Evil 9 devs confirm cancelled multiplayer plans first appeared on KitGuru.

New shipping manifest records from the NBD aggregation site have provided evidence of AMD's next wave of laptop APUs, revealing new FP8, FP10, and FP12-based Ryzen processors. While the entries are light on specific technical details, the unique Ordering Part Numbers (OPNs) associated with these chips strongly indicate they belong to AMD's upcoming “Gorgon Point” laptop series.

As first noted by @Olrak29 (via Videocardz), the shipping manifests specifically show upcoming 10-core and 12-core SKUs. These particular chips are expected to be part of the Ryzen 9 tier (Ryzen AI 9 465 and 470/475, respectively) and are set to launch with a default TDP of 28W.

Although the codename “Gorgon Point” doesn't explicitly appear in these manifest listings, a meeting with Chinese partners (via ITHome) has provided specifications for this new series. While AMD has yet to name these new SKUs, they will likely fall under the Ryzen AI 400 series branding.

Gorgon Point is not expected to introduce an entirely new architectural design. Instead, it appears to refresh the existing “Strix Point” platform, maintaining the same architectural components: Zen 5 CPU cores (including Zen 5c), RDNA 3.5 for integrated graphics, and the XDNA 2 NPU. While AMD isn't planning to introduce a new tier with additional core counts, meaning the overall core configurations will remain consistent, leaks earlier this year hinted at introducing new entry-level SKUs within the Ryzen 5 and Ryzen 3 series. Higher clock frequencies are also expected, as seen in most refreshes. The “Gorgon Point” series is scheduled to launch next year.

KitGuru says: Even if Gorgon Point won't bring any major improvements over Strix Point, the expanded lineup and slightly higher clock speeds are a welcome addition, assuming pricing remains consistent.

The post AMD Ryzen AI “Gorgon Point” APUs are on the move first appeared on KitGuru.

Activision may have announced Call of Duty Black Ops 7 earlier this month, but that teaser was primarily centred around the single-player campaign. Fans of COD multiplayer are still awaiting news about incoming changes. Now thanks to an accidental leak, we know about at least one new mode on the way for Black Ops 7.

As first reported by CharlieIntel, ahead of an internal playtest for Black Ops 7, developers had a ‘Message of the Day' prepared for the playtest build with quick information about a new multiplayer mode. However, the Message of the Day was mistakenly sent out to all Xbox players via the Call of Duty app.

BREAKING: New BLACK OPS 7 images from Xbox pic.twitter.com/GkGKR9aZNd

— CharlieIntel (@charlieINTEL) June 27, 2025

As a result, we now know that the developers are testing a 20v20 Wingsuit game mode for Black Ops 7. This mode will have teams of 20 skirmishing over a large map, all in wingsuits. The mode appears to focus on pure freedom of movement.

While this mode is being tested, there is no guarentee that it will be in the launch-day version of Black Ops 7. The playtest feedback could be horrible but considering how close we are to this year's Call of Duty, chances are, this is a mode being planned for day-one.

KitGuru Says: I always enjoy Call of Duty multiplayer but each year, the focus tends to shift towards Warzone and other free-to-play modes quite quickly. Maybe that will change with Black Ops 7 but I doubt it.

The post Call of Duty: Black Ops 7’s first new multiplayer mode has leaked first appeared on KitGuru.

There is a new major update arriving for Monster Hunter Wilds. In this free content update, fans will get new monsters to take down, and a new limited-time event to score some rare rewards. However, fans continue to be disappointed in the state of the game and as a result, Steam reviews have plummeted to ‘Overwhelmingly Negative'. 

The Steam user review score for Monster Hunter Wilds wasn't great even at launch. The game has always had a mixed reception, in large part due to issues with performance. From the jump, Capcom made it clear that it was relying on Frame Generation techniques to reach 60FPS, with the system requirements specifically listing the feature. As a result, the game is often visually blurry and feels sluggish to play due to added latency.

This isn't as bad for those with high-end, current-generation graphics cards like the RTX 5090, but for those playing on an older-gen GPU that doesn't accelerate Frame Generation through hardware, the results can be very poor.

The issue was likely exacerbated via the Steam Summer Sale. Monster Hunter Wilds is featured prominently on the Steam Store with its 20% discount, but those waiting for the game to go on sale likely aren't playing the game on a very current high-end PC, and so the recent reviews have been even worse than those at launch.

So far, Capcom has done very little to improve the optimisation side of Monster Hunter Wilds, and it doesn't look like that will change with Title Update 2, which was just announced.

If you are playing Monster Hunter Wilds and are looking forward to the next update, then here is what you can expect:

• New monsters – Lagiacrus, Seregios and Arch-tempered Uth Duna
• Layered Weapons with customised appearances
• New Support Hunter – Mina (Sword & Shield)
• Photo mode enhancements
• Limited-time Festival of Accord event with summer-themed rewards

Perhaps now that the Steam User Review score has dropped so low, Capcom will publicly acknowledge the fan complaints around performance.

KitGuru Says: Have you tried Monster Hunter Wilds since launch? Have you had issues with performance?

The post New major update for Monster Hunter Wilds announced but fans aren’t happy first appeared on KitGuru.

In an era where AAA game studios are closing down and making cuts left and right, IO Interactive has managed to maintain stability since going independent in 2017. The Hitman series is to thank for that, as the cost to develop each game shrank over time due to foresight and planning. 

In an interview with The Game Business this week, IO Interactive CEO, Hakan Abrak, shed light on how the studio has operated since leaving Square Enix. The decision to go independent was a risky one, but it has largely paid off for IO Interactive. That is thanks to a carefully planned development cycle for the sequels to HITMAN (2016), which included accumulating assets over time.

After Hitman 2016, rather than scrapping everything and starting over from scratch, IO Interactive took the asset pool it created with the first game and added to it, creating a large library they could pull from to create and iterate on levels. By the time Hitman 3 came around, all of that earlier work on growing the asset pool for the previous games paid off, with Abrak estimating that Hitman 3 cost just 20% of what it cost to make the first game.

“Without being too precise: Hitman '16, let's say that if that was $100 million, Hitman 2 was maybe $60 million. Hitman 3 was $20 million”, he said.

Most games nowadays aren't built with sequels in mind, so most projects are scrapping work from earlier games and then going back and rebuilding everything from scratch. With the Hitman trilogy, IOI avoided that entirely by finding new use cases for various assets and consistently building on the game that came before. That doesn't mean you can't improve graphics either, as IO went on to add more graphical features with each sequel too, with Hitman 3 including ray-tracing.

IO Interactive is taking the same approach with the 007 franchise. 007: First Light will be the entry point, and then each subsequent game will build on that foundation.

KitGuru Says: While this approach is good for keeping costs down, it does become noticeable to the player that lots of things generally look the same across each game. Even as a fan of all three Hitman games, each sequel did feel like an expansion to a base game, rather than something truly new. That is why the game is now sold as ‘HITMAN: World of Assassination', rather than as three separate games. 

The post IO Interactive CEO on studio’s sustainable development approach for Hitman and 007 first appeared on KitGuru.

Ark 2, the sequel to Ark: Survival Evolved, has seen its expected release window shift once again. Initially slated for 2023, then delayed to late 2024, its Steam release date was recently adjusted to a vague “to be announced”. Now, Studio Wildcard, the developers behind the Ark franchise, have expressed a target of a 2027 debut.

In a recent interview with PCGamesN, Studio Wildcard co-founders Jesse Rapczak and Jeremy Stieglitz clarified the studio's strategy. They revealed that Ark 2‘s development was partially put on hold to focus efforts on Ark Survival Ascended. According to the co-founders, this decision has been important in allowing the team to gain a deeper understanding of Unreal Engine 5 and experiment with the engine's new capabilities and technologies.

Jeremy Stieglitz indicated that only “a small portion” of their team is currently dedicated to working on the combat mechanics in Ark 2, which will be souls-like. As per the developer, making this type of combat work in a multiplayer PvP context is pretty tricky. Stieglitz added that transforming the existing Ark 2 material into a functional early access game would require about 18 months of concentrated development time from a significant portion of the team.

With Ark Survival Ascended now out in the open, Studio Wildcard executives are reportedly seeking to transition their development focus back to Ark 2 without disrupting the revenue stream generated by Ark Survival Ascended. Previous Ark 2 videos and statements from Wildcard have outlined ambitious changes for the sequel. These include a reworked traversal system, a shift to third-person gameplay, and the already mentioned “soulslike” PvP combat. Furthermore, the new game will introduce NPC antagonists, a departure from the purely wild monsters found in existing Ark titles.

KitGuru says: Are you a fan of the Ark games? Are you interested in the upcoming Ark sequel?

The post Ark 2 may not get Early Access launch until 2027 first appeared on KitGuru.

Rainbow Six Siege finally made the switch over to free-to-play recently. The newly named Rainbow Six Siege X has brought a lot of people back to the game, but early players were quick to find that currency gain for unlocking new operators had become very slow. Now, Ubisoft has issued an update to increase payouts. 

Renown is a currency in Rainbow Six Siege that allows you to unlock new operators without spending any real money. The post-match payouts for Renown had always been pretty fair when the game was buy-to-play, but after the shift to free-to-play, long-time players had noticed that Renown gain had slowed down significantly.

Rainbow Six Siege X director, Alex Karpazis, addressed the concerns by announcing that a ‘buff' had been applied, so players should notice the Renown grind becoming a bit faster. With Siege X, Challenges were also added to the game. These pay out large chunks of Renown for winning games with certain operators, or getting kills with certain weapons, so that can help speed things up a bit.

In an interview, Karpazis told PCGamer that the goal is “not to change the amount of grind to unlock operators, or to unlock anything in the game”. However, if the data shows that gains are too low, the developers are willing to bump things up, as shown with this initial 10% buff to Renown gain two weeks on from the Siege X launch.

KitGuru Says: Have you tried Rainbow Six Siege X since the update? 

 

The post Ubisoft buffs Renown earnings in Rainbow Six Siege X following complaints first appeared on KitGuru.

Peak is proving to be more than just a “jam game” experiment. What began as a simple project to combat burnout has exploded into a certified hit, initially selling a million copies in its first six days and now, surprisingly, reaching two million units sold in just nine days. This incredible momentum shows no signs of slowing down, as the developers themselves, known as Landcrab, noted in a recent blog post.

As the developer said in a blog post, “It's been a wild time since launch… Peak managed to exceed our expectations of player count and hype by like… a lot.” This translates to an additional million copies flying off the virtual shelves in just three days.

While the celebration is warranted, Landcrab is already working hard on the game's first major update. They've been diligently collecting community feedback, assuring players that they're noting as many suggestions as possible. Potential improvements span the gamut from crucial quality-of-life adjustments to entirely new content and all of the additions they wanted to include from the start. Naturally, this will be underpinned by a strong focus on bug fixes, currently their top priority.

Landcrab is specifically investigating key issues impacting players, including problems with disconnection and reconnection, broader performance and optimisation, microphone or audio glitches, and game crashes. The development team openly acknowledges its small size and appreciates players' patience as it tackles these bug reports. Looking ahead, localisation is a confirmed inclusion for Peak, though Landcrab is cautious, stating they won't release anything significant until they are certain it's feasible.

KitGuru says: Do you think Peak will be a success for some time, or will it be just the new flavour of the month until the next one shows up?

The post Peak sales increase to 2 million as developers confirm post-launch DLC plans first appeared on KitGuru.

Each week, all those with an Epic Games account are privy to a title or two as part of the company’s free game program. Available now, EGS account holders can ‘purchase’ and download the excellent, unique and serene open-world indie adventure title Sable.

Available to add to your library from now until the 3rd of July at 4pm UK Time, Sable is an open-world indie adventure title from Shedworks and published by Raw Fury.

Released back in 2021, the game is known for its unique cell-shaded art style as well as its non-linear style of progression – letting you freely explore the open world and its many puzzles / points of discovery.

Beyond this, Sable also includes an excellent soundtrack composed by the indie pop star Japanese Breakfast – with some of the songs even charting on music platforms.

Whether you’re in it for the music, visuals, calming vibes or the whole package, Sable is definitely worth adding to your library and giving a go – especially for free.

Sable is available to add to your Epic Games library from now until the 3rd of July, at which point it will be replaced by the inventory management roguelike ‘Backpack Hero’ and the musical action-adventure title ‘Figment’.

KitGuru says: What do you think of this week’s free Epic offering? Have you heard of the game before? How important is a game’s soundtrack in your opinion? Let us know down below.

The post Open-world indie adventure platformer Sable is free on the Epic Games Store first appeared on KitGuru.

Initially planned to launch in late June, Call of Duty Black Ops 6 Season 4 Reloaded was delayed into early next month. That said, Treyarch and Activision have now fully detailed all of the changes and additions coming with the arrival of S4 Reloaded on the 2nd of July.

Taking to their blog, the ‘Call of Duty staff’ officially detailed all of the new content set to launch alongside Black Ops 6 Season 4 Reloaded on the 2nd of July. The full list of changes can be found HERE, but some of the most significant additions include:

Multiplayer

• Two new maps (Fringe and Eclipse)
• Cel-shaded variants for half a dozen maps
• Party Ops Limited Time Mode (LTM)

Zombies

• Updates to the Grief mode
• Cel-shaded map variants
• Abomination Challenge LTM
• New leaderboard events
• Starting Room LTM

Warzone

• New scorestreaks (Care Package and Hand Cannon)
• Door Barricade Field Upgrade
• New contracts
• New ‘Loot Master’ perk
• Havoc Royale LTM
• Cel-Shaded Rebirth Island
• Resurgence Casual
• Ranked Play Resurgence

General

• Olympia Shotgun special weapon
• Pickaxe melee weapon
• SVD Full Auto Mod attachment
• TR2 CQB Auto Conversion attachment
• Beavis & Butt-Head crossover event

While Black Ops 6 had a pretty solid start, many fans have been less-than-impressed with the game’s post-launch support. At the very least, With Season 4 Reloaded being delayed, hopefully its launch will be somewhat more stable than previous updates.

KitGuru says: What do you think of all the upcoming content? Have you been content with BO6’s post-launch support? Which of the three modes have you been playing the most? Let us know down below.

The post Black Ops 6 Season 4 Reloaded arrives next week, following slight delay first appeared on KitGuru.

The OLED monitor reviews keep on coming, as today we are checking out ASRock's first entry into this premium market space with the Phantom Gaming PGO32UFS. Using LG's 32in WOLED panel, this screen is notable for its dual mode functionality – meaning it can run at either 4K/240Hz or 1080/480Hz, with the latter mode promising incredible motion clarity. Hitting the market at around £800, let's find out if this screen is worth buying.

It's been a while since we last looked at an LG WOLED monitor, and the latest generation of panel promises a number of improvements over previous versions. The sub-pixel structure has been updated to provide better text clarity, brightness has also increased, with ASRock claiming a peak of 1300 nits in HDR, while there's the aforementioned dual mode feature as well.

On top of that you've got all the usual goodness associated with OLED monitors – infinite contrast, near-instant response times, viewing angles and so on, so on paper the ASRock PGO32UFS looks very impressive. Let's find out how it performs in the real world.

A note on price

During this review we found the PGO32UFS listed on AWD-IT for just over £760, though it is currently out of stock. Both OverclockersUK and Scan have the PGO32UFS listed for £840-850, and it's in stock at both vendors at the time of writing, so it could be worth shopping around for the best deal if you do want to pick one up.

Specification:

• Display
  • Panel Size: 31.5 inch
  • Viewing Area: 697 x 391 mm (H x V)
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9
  • Panel Type: WOLED
  • Viewing Angle: 178°(H) / 178°(V)
  • Resolution: 4K/UHD (3840 x 2160)
  • Pixel Pitch: 0.1814mm
  • Curvature: Flat
  • Refresh Rate: [Dual Mode] – UHD 240Hz / FHD 480Hz
  • Response Time: 0.03 ms (GTG)
  • Brightness: 275 nits (SDR Typ.) / 1300 nits (HDR Peak)
  • Color Space: 99% DCI-P3 / 132% sRGB
  • Display Colors: 1.07B (10-bit)
  • Contrast Ratio: 1,500,000:1
  • Display Surface: Anti-Glare
  • HDR: VESA DisplayHDR True Black 400
  • Low Blue Light: Yes
  • Adaptive Sync: AMD FreeSync Premium Pro
• Unique Features
  • Dual Display Mode: UHD 240Hz / FHD 480Hz
  • KVM Switch
  • Integrated Wi-Fi Antenna (7dBi)
• I/O Ports
  • 2 x HDMI 2.1
  • 2 x DisplayPort 1.4
  • 3 x USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A
  • 1 x USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-B
  • 1 x USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-C (DP Alt Mode / PD 65W)
  • 1 x Headphone Out
  • Speaker: 5W x2
• Power Consumption
  • Power Consumption: ≦235W (Max)
  • Power Saving Mode: ≦0.5W
  • Power Off Mode: ≦0.3W
  • Voltage: 100~240VAC, 50/60Hz (Adapter 240W)
• Mechanical Design
  • Tilt Adjustment: -7° ~ +20°
  • Swivel Adjustment: -20° ~ +20°
  • Height Adjustment: 0 ~ 100 mm
  • VESA Mount: 100 x 100 mm
• Dimensions (W x H x D)
  • With Stand: 715 x 602 x 280 mm
  • Without Stand: 715 x 413 x 63 mm
• Weight
  • Net Weight with Stand: 6.3 kg
  • Net Weight without Stand: 4.1 kg
  • Gross Weight: 9.9 kg
• Accessories
  • 1 x HDMI v2.1 (1.8m)
  • 1 x DP v1.4 (1.8m)
  • 1 x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C (1m)
  • 1 x USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A to Type-B (1.8m)
  • 1 x AC Adapter 240W (1.5m)
  • 1 x Power Cord (1.5m)
  • 1 x Quick Start Guide
  • 1 x Wi-Fi Antenna Cables Set
  • 1 x Phantom Gaming Cable Sleeve
• Certifications
  • VESA DisplayHDR True Black 400
  • AMD FreeSync Premium Pro

Firmware tested: 20250528 / V12

The post ASRock PGO32UFS Review (Dual-Mode WOLED) first appeared on KitGuru.

Humble’s Choice subscription service has been an excellent way for players to get their hands on a strong selection of titles each month for a relatively low cost. It seems the service was too good of a deal however, as Humble has now announced a massive price hike of almost 30%.

Humble Choice subscribers recently received an email stating that from the 1st of July, the monthly price for the service is going up from £8.99 a month to £11.49 – almost a third higher than its previous cost. In addition, a yearly subscription will now set you back £119.99 (compared to £98 previously).

Unfortunately (though unsurprisingly), the service itself is not getting any better as a result of this change, with Humble simply promising that “your benefits aren’t changing” – meaning in essence your benefits are now worse in value.

Of course, Humble is far from the first service provider to increase prices, with PlayStation Plus and especially Xbox Game Pass seeing quite a few price hikes in recent years.

Still, an increase of almost 1/3rd is not an insignificant number, and so it will be interesting to see how this impacts future subscription figures – especially as current memberships inevitably lapse.

KitGuru says: What do you think of this price increase? Is it justifiable? Should Humble have added extra benefits to compensate for the increase? Let us know down below.

The post Humble’s Choice subscription service gets major price hike first appeared on KitGuru.

FBC: Firebreak is the latest project from Remedy Entertainment – the team behind beloved titles including but not limited to Alan Wake, Max Payne and Control. While player numbers on Steam in particular have been quite concerning, Remedy has revealed that FBC has now surpassed 1 million players.

Taking to Twitter, the official Control/FBC page confirmed that “As of last night, we have surpassed 1 million players in FBC: Firebreak. This is a significant milestone, so thank you for playing from all of us at Remedy.”

Of course, 1 million players does not equate to 1 million copies sold, especially as the game was a day-one addition to both Xbox Game Pass and PlayStation Plus.

As mentioned, Steam numbers for FBC have been rather paltry, with the multiplayer title peaking at under 2000 concurrent players.

Remedy acknowledges the game’s issues however, stating “We know there is still a lot of work ahead of us, and we are super-motivated about it. We have a lot of exciting things cooking for Firebreak players! More about that soon.”

Given that multiplayer experiences is a new avenue for Remedy, it perhaps makes sense that they failed to nail it on the first try. That said, hopefully the team are committed to learning from their mistakes – making FBC: Firebreak a more compelling package with time.

KitGuru says: What do you think of FBC: Firebreak so far? Does it have potential? How can Remedy Entertainment ‘remedy’ the situation? Let us know down below.

The post FBC: Firebreak surpasses 1 million players, despite paltry Steam numbers first appeared on KitGuru.

Six months after its introduction at CES 2025, the HDMI Forum officially approved the HDMI 2.2 standard. This upgrade dramatically boosts the maximum bandwidth to 96 Gbps, unlocking support for resolutions as extreme as 16K at 60Hz. However, users should be aware that achieving this will necessitate new “Ultra96”-certified cables, as HDMI 2.2 cannot operate at its peak without them.

The new HDMI version is a considerable leap forward for high-resolution and high-refresh rate content. While its predecessor, HDMI 2.1, already began to strain with uncompressed 8K at 60Hz, the new HDMI 2.2 specification can handle bandwidth-hungry scenarios like 12K at 120Hz and even 16K at 60Hz. It also supports up to 4K resolution at 240Hz and 8K at 60Hz in a full 4:4:4 format, with complete 10-bit and 12-bit colour depth.

One user-friendly change introduced with HDMI 2.2 is the mandatory labelling system. Learning from the confusion surrounding HDMI 2.1, where numerous cables failed to meet advertised specifications, the HDMI Forum will now require the “Ultra96” branding on all authorised cables. To ensure the label is correctly applied, manufacturers must test each cable. This should make it simple to find a truly HDMI 2.2-compliant cable.

The new Latency Indication Protocol (LIP) adds another layer of refinement. This feature enhances audio-visual synchronisation, particularly in complex multi-device setups involving soundbars, AV receivers, or elaborate home theatre chains. LIP enables devices to communicate latency information to each other and automatically adjust sync, effectively eliminating the lag between visuals and audio.

While there's no official debut date for compatible devices, AMD's next-gen Radeon series is rumoured to feature HDMI 2.2. However, early leaks suggest not all models will offer the full 96 Gbps capability, with some possibly capping at 80 Gbps.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru says: While HDMI continues strengthening its lead in the living room and home entertainment space, DisplayPort is traditionally preferred in the PC gaming monitor market. HDMI 2.2 certainly has the potential to shift that balance. Still, its widespread adoption will depend heavily on how quickly manufacturers integrate the new standard.

The post HDMI 2.2 specification revealed first appeared on KitGuru.

Studio NightDive found success with its remaster of System Shock 1 a couple of years ago. Now, the fan favourite sequel, System Shock 2, is getting the same treatment.

System Shock 2: 25th Anniversary Remaster is available starting today. The game is available on Steam, promising various improvements over the original, including cross-platform co-op multiplayer, expanded mod support and more.

The game has launched to a ‘Positive' overall user review score on Steam, with fans pointing to the game's mod support and QoL updates as key selling points.

Here is the full list of key improvements packed into the System Shock 2 25th Anniversary Remaster:

• Cross-Play Co-Op multiplayer.
• Choose from 3 branches of the Military; O.S.A, Marines or Navy and experiment with different play styles.
• Additional Mod Support
• Up to 144FPS performance with ultra-widescreen support.
• 50 Achievements to unlock.
• Enhanced Characters, Weapon Models and Animations.
• Optimized Controller support.
• Quality of Life Improvements.

System Shock 2 takes place in the year 2114. Players awake from cryo sleep on the FTL ship Von Braun, unable to remember any details about who you are, where you are going, or what it is you are supposed to do. Quickly, you realise something has gone horribly wrong on board the ship, with deadly robots and hybrid mutants roaming the halls. On top of that, you have to deal with SHODAN, a rogue AI that wants to destroy humankind.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: Are you planning on picking up the System Shock 2 25th Anniversary Remaster for a new playthrough? 

The post System Shock 2 25th Anniversary Remaster launches to positive Steam reviews first appeared on KitGuru.

Death Stranding 2 is out today and the game is already off to a good start thanks to an influx of glowing reviews. Some have already managed to beat the game, only to spot an odd name in the end credits – Nintendo. So why is Nintendo's name in the credits of this PS5 exclusive? 

Nintendo Pictures Co. LTD appears in the end credits for Death Stranding 2. No, Nintendo did not have a hand in the creation of the game. However, during development, Kojima Productions did work with Dynamo Pictures for cinematic sequences. Dynamo Pictures also worked on the first Death Stranding game, as well as various other projects like Persona 5, Monster Hunter World.

Nintendo acquired Dynamo Pictures in the second half of 2022 to beef up its in-house cinematics. Since then, the company has rebranded to Nintendo Pictures and has primarily worked on Nintendo games like Pikmin 4, Super Mario RPG and Super Mario Bros. Wonder.

As Nintendo owns Dynamo Pictures now, and the company has rebranded, Nintendo's name appears in the credits for Death Stranding 2.

For now, Death Stranding 2 is a PlayStation 5 exclusive game. However, a PC version is expected next year. As Death Stranding 1 ended up branching out to other console platforms, we would expect to see the same happen with Death Stranding 2, but it could take a couple of years.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: Are you picking up Death Stranding 2 this week? 

The post Why does Nintendo appear in the credits for Death Stranding 2? first appeared on KitGuru.

Stalker 2 just received a massive update today, fixing hundreds of bugs and overhauling the A-Life system to deliver on the promised vision for the game prior to launch. Alongside this, GSC Game World has also opened the game up for modding, with a whopping 700GB modding tool kit.

If you want to make mods for Stalker 2, you best have plenty of storage space. The full version of the modkit currently calls for close to 700GB of storage space. The kit requires a 471GB download, which when unpacked and installed, takes up 659GB of space. Having a normal copy of the game installed will eat up another 150GB, so mod developers may need to dedicate a whole 1TB SSD just to this one game and project.

While there are some large modkits out there, GSC Game World's kit for Stalker 2 dwarfs them all. The closest is Baldur's Gate 3 for instance has a 150GB modkit.

Speaking with PCGamer, a GSC Game World spokesperson explained that the reason for the file size is that it contains every asset used in the game, fully uncompressed. This initial release is just phase one though, so the file size may come down a bit in future updates.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: It sounds like modders will have free reign over what to do with Stalker 2, which opens up some very exciting opportunities for projects.

The post Stalker 2 modding kit requires over 650GB of storage space first appeared on KitGuru.

This week, five more titles are joining the GeForce Now library, headlined by System Shock 2: 25th Anniversary Remaster, which is available on Steam starting today.

The System Shock 2: 25th Anniversary Remaster is now available on PC and consoles. The game brings back the classic shooter in new and improved form and so far, fans seem to be happy with it, as the game sits with an overall ‘Positive' user review score on Steam.

As for this week, the following titles are available on GeForce Now starting this week:

• System Shock 2: 25th Anniversary Remaster (New release on Steam, June 26)
• Broken Age (Steam)
• Easy Red 2 (Steam)
• Sandwich Simulator (Steam)
• We Happy Few (Steam)

While GeForce Now can be accessed for free, those wanting a better experience may consider upgrading to one of the paid tiers. Currently, the Performance tier membership is 40% off for a six-month membership until the 6th of July, and day-passes are also on sale for 40% off at the moment if you want to jump in and test cloud gaming for a few hours.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: What do you think of this week's additions to GeForce Now? 

The post Five more games join GeForce Now this week first appeared on KitGuru.

Nvidia unveiled a significant evolution in its DLSS upscaling technology at CES 2025, introducing a new model as part of the DLSS 4 upgrade. This advancement, which also includes enhancements to DLSS Ray Reconstruction, Super Resolution, and DLAA, marks Nvidia's first implementation of a transformer-based AI model in a real-time application.

After a beta phase spanning almost six months, this transformer-based DLSS model is now out of beta (version 310.3.0). This development lays the groundwork for Nvidia's future upscaling and image quality models. Given that CNN-based DLSS was utilised for over six years, it is plausible that this new transformer-based technique will similarly evolve and improve over an extended period.

Previously, DLSS relied on Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) to generate pixels by focusing on localised areas within current and preceding frames. However, Nvidia recognized that CNNs had reached their performance ceiling, and simply releasing new upscaling profiles was no longer sufficient to drive further image quality improvements.

The new transformer model represents a more sophisticated approach. It boasts twice as many parameters as prior DLSS upscaling models and fundamentally shifts its focus from localised content. Instead, this visual transformer analyses the entire frame and evaluates the importance of each pixel, even tracking their significance across multiple frames.

Nvidia asserts that its transformer model allows a more comprehensive understanding of scenes, bringing numerous benefits. Those include stabler pixels, effectively reducing shimmering and other visual artifacts, diminishing ghosting, and better preserving fine details, especially during motion. In addition, edges appear smoother, and the overall image quality for ray reconstruction is substantially enhanced, particularly in scenes with challenging lighting conditions.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru says: Have you already tried the DLSS transformer model? Did you notice any difference compared to the older CNN-based models?

The post Nvidia DLSS transformer model leaves beta first appeared on KitGuru.

Philips has introduced the Evnia 27M2N3501PA, a new addition to its Evnia 3000 gaming monitor series. This model is positioned as a comprehensive solution for competitive gamers, integrating a range of technologies at an accessible price point, including the new Philips Evnia Precision Centre software.

The Philips Evnia 27M2N3501PA features a 27-inch Fast IPS panel, delivering QHD (2560×1440) resolution for clear and detailed visuals. For fast-paced gaming, the monitor offers an overclockable 260Hz refresh rate and a 0.3ms MPRT with Smart MBR, aiming to provide smooth visuals and optimal brightness during intense action. Adaptive-Sync technology and Low Input Lag are also present to reduce screen tearing and minimise input delay, respectively.

A new software utility, the Evnia Precision Centre, allows users to customise monitor settings and gaming profiles. This dashboard enables fine-tuning of settings, mode switching, and resolution adjustments. In addition, Image enhancement features such as Stark ShadowBoost, SmartContrast, and High Dynamic Range (HDR) are also included to improve visuals.

The monitor packs a decent amount of ergonomics right out of the box, featuring an adjustable SmartErgoBase that provides height, swivel, tilt, and pivot adjustments. Moreover, Flicker-Free technology and LowBlue mode are integrated to help reduce eye fatigue. The monitor also incorporates built-in stereo speakers. The Philips Evnia 27M2N3501PA is expected to be available for purchase in late June with an MSRP of £209.00.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru says: Considering its specs, looks, and pricing, the new Philips Evnia monitor looks like quite a good deal.

The post Philips Evnia 27M2N3501PA delivers 260Hz QHD gaming for under £210 first appeared on KitGuru.

Microsoft's End-of-Life plans for Windows 10 have been known for years. The OS is hitting its end-of-life date this October, which typically means no more free security updates and no more feature updates. However, Windows 10 users will have the option of opting in for a year of ‘extended support'.

End of life and end of support are terms that refer to the end of technical support and security updates for Windows 10. After 10 years, this older version of Windows will no longer receive free software updates from Windows Update, technical assistance, or security fixes. For consumers, end of support means that Microsoft recommends updating to the latest version of Windows for the latest critical updates.

On October 14th, Windows 10 will reach EoL status. However, the ESU programme, which provides extended support for legacy operating systems for an annual fee, will ensure additional support after this date. Typically, the ESU programme costs $30 a year to make use of, and for that price, Microsoft will still issue critical security updates and offer technical support, but there will be no additional ‘feature' upgrades.

You can opt into the ESU for Windows 10 for free for the first year by enabling Windows Backup to sync your backups to OneDrive. The catch is that you only get 5GB of OneDrive storage for free, which won't be enough to back up all of your files. So to take advantage of the ‘free' year of extended support for Windows 10, you'll need to pay Microsoft for extra OneDrive storage. The workaround for this is to use your Microsoft Reward points to pay for extended security instead.

The extended security programme for Windows 10 will end on October 13th 2026, but enterprise customers will have the option of paying for an extra three years of support.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: Are you still running Windows 10 on your main PC?

The post Microsoft offers free year of extended security updates to Windows 10 users first appeared on KitGuru.

Back in 2022, Epic Games reached a settlement with the FTC, agreeing to pay over $500 million in penalties for violating the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act in Fortnite. The company was accused of designing its menus in such a way that players could easily make ‘accidental' purchases. Now, Epic Games has been forced to undergo another round of refunds to players. 

Epic Games will be refunding an additional $126 million to US-based Fortnite players. This is part of the earlier FTC settlement, as Epic Games set aside $245 million for refunds at the time, and sent out around $72 million of that in December 2024. Now, this second wave of refunds will see $126 million being sent back to consumers who made purchases in Fortnite between certain dates.

As reported by PCGamer, around 969,173 payments were sent back out over the last two days as part of this refund effort. This additional wave of refunds has also led to an extended deadline, so if you are in the US and think you may qualify to receive part of this settlement, you have until July 9th to fill out the claim form.

Each claim is valued differently, so it is unclear how much money you could get back in the settlement claim. Chances are, it will be a relatively small amount, as there are over a million claimants already.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: The COPPA violation ultimately cost Epic Games over half a billion USD, but with Fortnite continuing to be one of the biggest games in the world, it is not going to make a dent in the company's short-term or long-term prospects. 

The post Epic Games is sending back $126 million to Fortnite players first appeared on KitGuru.

The Little Nightmares series has grown to become a rather beloved franchise since its initial release back in 2017, spawning a sequel in 2021 – with the 3rd entry set to arrive this year. As part of a recent ‘Little Nightmares Showcase Event’ Bandai Namco officially announced multiple new projects alongside the long-awaited release date for Little Nightmares III.

Though the biggest news from the Little Nightmares showcase was the official announcement of the 3rd entry’s release date (launching on the 10th of October 2025), Bandai Namco also confirmed that the long-awaited Enhanced Edition of Little Nightmares I is scheduled to arrive on the same day.

In an odd move however, anyone who pre-orders the 3rd game will gain “Early Access” to this enhanced edition immediately – with the rest needing to wait until October.

Beyond this, the publisher also unveiled Little Nightmares VR: Altered Echoes. Said to be ‘Coming Soon’ little is known about this project, aside from the fact that it is being developed by Iconik Studio. Though far from the most well known VR studio, the team have released a number of games – most recently Hunting VR.

Finally, Bandai Namco also confirmed that the Little Nightmares series has sold over 20 million copies; not bad for a series which ostensibly consists of just two games so far.

KitGuru says: What did you think of the showcase? Which project are you most excited for? Do you have faith in SuperMassive Games handling Little Nightmares III? Let us know down below.

The post Little Nightmares III gets official release date as series hits new sales milestone first appeared on KitGuru.

Back in late 2021 Netflix officially launched their video games service, offering both original and partnered content to all subscribers ‘free’ of charge. In the years since, the service has grown nicely, adding many big-name titles including the GTA Trilogy; Hades; Sonic Mania and dozens more. Unfortunately, as with pretty much all subscription services, a whole host of games are set to leave – including the aforementioned Hades.

Following roughly a dozen games being removed from Netflix’s service late last year, the streaming giant has now unveiled a list of 22 games (collated by What’sOnNetflix) which are set to be “leaving soon” on the 15th of July:

• Battleship
• Braid, Anniversary Edition
• Carmen Sandiego
• CoComelon: Play with JJ
• Death’s Door
• Diner Out: Merge Cafe
• Dumb Ways to Die
• Ghost Detective
• Hades
• Katana ZERO
• LEGO Legacy: Heroes Unboxed
• Ludo King
• Monument Valley 1, 2 and 3
• Rainbow Six: SMOL
• Raji: An Ancient Epic
• SpongeBob: Bubble Pop F.U.N.
• TED Tumblewords
• The Case of the Golden Idol
• The Rise of the Golden Idol
• Vineyard Valley

While some of these games are unlikely to be missed too badly, the likes of Hades; Katana Zero; Braid; Death’s Door and more leaving the service represents a big blow – especially with the GTA titles having been removed back in December.

Combine this with a bunch of their own first-party plans falling to the wayside, and Netflix may be distancing itself from the games industry somewhat.

KitGuru says: What do you think of Netflix's gaming efforts? Did they have a good thing going for a while there? Should the removed titles be offered to purchase separately though the iOS/Android app stores? Let us know down below.

The post Almost two-dozen titles are leaving Netflix Games next month first appeared on KitGuru.

Just over a month ago, Microsoft officially announced that the Xbox console-exclusive Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II would be coming to PlayStation 5 “this Summer” via an ‘enhanced’ release. While details remained light at the time, we’ve now gotten a breakdown on the game’s release date, price, features and bonus content.

Taking to the Xbox Wire Blog, Will Potter – the Senior Communications Manager at Ninja Theory – wrote: “We’re happy to announce that Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II Enhanced will arrive on August 12 as a free update for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox on PC, and Steam. A PlayStation 5 version will be released on the same day.”

The Standard Edition of this enhanced release will cost $49.99, with a Deluxe Edition available for $69.99. While somewhat pricey given the game’s relative length and age, the premium edition also includes the first game Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice “optimized for PlayStation 5” – alongside a digital soundtrack.

It is currently unknown whether the first game’s PS5 version will be made available outside of this deluxe edition, but here’s to hoping.

Of course, being an ‘Enhanced’ version, the upcoming release/update introduces a bunch of improvements and additions, namely:

• Performance Mode on PS5/Pro and Xbox Series X
• New ‘Very High’ fidelity preset on PC
• Official Steam Deck verification
• Return of the Dark Rot mechanic from the first game as an “additional challenge”
• Improved photo mode
• 4 hours of developer commentary

While it seems as though much of the time taken with this update revolves around optimising the game, the Enhanced release of Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II should feel like a much more fleshed out overall package. Hopefully the PS5 version of Senua’s Sacrifice is offered as a standalone title later down the line.

KitGuru says: Are you looking forward to the enhanced release? Are you surprised to see the game getting Steam Deck verified? Are there any missing features which you were hoping to see added? Let us know down below.

The post Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II Enhanced gets official price and release date first appeared on KitGuru.

Since Sony’s PlayStation Plus revamp a couple years back, the console maker has semi-regularly added day-one 3rd party titles to its subscription service. That said, Sony has yet to bring any of its own games day-and-date, claiming it to be infeasible back in 2022. Cut to 3 years later and unsurprisingly, PlayStation has no plans to alter its strategy in this regard.

In a recent interview with the publication GameFile, the VP of global services at PlayStation – Nick Maguire – was asked about the notion of Sony bringing its first-party games to PlayStation Plus day-and-date with its official launch.

Unsurprisingly, Sony’s strategy (which has been working well for them so far) will not change any time soon, with Maguire stating: “We've sort of stayed true to our strategy across the board, where we're not looking to put games in day and date.”

They continued, “Our strategy of finding four or five independent day-and-date titles—and using that to complement our strategy of bringing games in when they're 12, 18 months old or older—that balance for us is working really well across the platform.”

Considering the fact that their current strategy – devised back in 2022 – has “surpassed [Sony’s] expectations” leading to “engagement in Plus [which] has never been higher than it is right now,” a change in tactics would make little sense.

That said, it will be interesting to see whether anything special is in the works for PlayStation Plus’ 15th birthday.

KitGuru says: What do you think of the current incarnation of PS Plus? Is it worth the asking price? Do you subscribe monthly, quarterly or yearly? Let us know down below.

The post Sony reaffirms first-party PlayStation games won’t join PS Plus day-one first appeared on KitGuru.

Each month, Sony offers 3 titles for ‘free’ to all those with a PlayStation Plus subscription. In celebration of the service’s 15th birthday, Sony has announced the line-up for July’s PS Plus Essential tier – alongside a bunch of “celebratory activities we have planned this summer.”

Available to add to your library from the 1st of July until the 4th of August, all PlayStation Plus subscribers can look forward to the following:

• Diablo IV | PS5, PS4
• The King of Fighters XV | PS5, PS4
• Jusant | PS5

As mentioned, beyond this, Sony also announced a bunch of 15th Anniversary Celebrations. Though more is planned to take place over the Summer months, a number of bonuses are available right now, including:

• WWE 2K25 PS+ Premium Game Trial
• Monster Hunter Wilds PS+ Premium Game Trial
• Valorant PS+ Pack
• PlayStation Store Exclusive Offer Weekend (27–29 June)
• 15th Anniversary PS+ tournament (28th June)
• Online Multiplayer Weekend (28–29 June)

While these various events are welcome, the biggest gift so far seems to be the aforementioned PS Plus Essential line-up for July. Hopefully Sony maintains this level of quality for the remainder of the year.

In case you missed it, a number of July’s PS Plus Premium classics were also confirmed earlier this month, the details of which can be found HERE.

KitGuru says: What do you think of July’s offering? What’s your favourite fighting game franchise? How big is your PS Plus Essential library? Let us know down below.

The post Diablo IV, Jusant and more join PlayStation Plus in July first appeared on KitGuru.

Following years of waiting, the much-anticipated STALKER 2 finally launched late last year. While the title certainly received plenty of praise, the game was far from hitting its full potential. One of the biggest compromises was in the game’s famous A-Life system. Fortunately, with patch 1.5, this mechanic has been overhauled.

In the months following the launch of STALKER 2 late last year, the team at GSC Game World released a bunch of patches featuring thousands of fixes and improvements. One of the team’s biggest challenges was with its A-Life system – a mechanic which simulates and tracks all NPCs from across the map for a more lively and dynamic experience.

Previous patches brought significant improvements to the system. However, with this latest update, GSC have introduced A-Life 2.0; the improvements to which include:

• Life in the Zone is now simulated for all characters, not just those in the player's view.
• Characters continue to live their lives and pursue their goals in the Zone until they meet their end.
• The player can meet the same stalkers after some time.
• Players may encounter more A-Life characters resting or interacting in various locations, adding to the world's immersion.
• Characters will no longer respawn directly in front of the player. When the player clears the mutants' lair, for example, those mutants won't simply reappear moments later.
• A-Life Director will no longer respawn characters at the edge of visualization. Instead, respawn moved further away from the player, while maintaining the Zone's population.
• Visualization range is slightly increased. Characters now appear in visualization range with relevant animations and equipped weapons. This reduces the ‘pop-in’ effect and contributes to a more seamless character visualization.

As with pretty much all previous STALKER 2 updates, the full list of changes is highly extensive. Available to view HERE, some of the other notable improvements include:

• New weapons
• Mutant part looting
• New Anomaly
• AI and Combat improvements
• Balance changes
• Improved mod support

The STALKER series became famous in-part due to its unique A-Life system, and so it is encouraging to see the much-lauded feature finally make its way into the sequel properly. That said, it will be interesting to see if/how it differs – even now – to the previous titles.

KitGuru says: What do you think of STALKER 2’s many updates? Did the game launch too early? Should more open world titles introduce an A-Life like system? Let us know down below.

The post STALKER 2 update 1.5 overhauls the game’s A-Life system first appeared on KitGuru.

Nvidia has officially revealed the GeForce RTX 5050, a new mid-range gaming GPU for desktop and laptop platforms. The desktop version will start at $249, with laptops featuring the RTX 5050 expected to begin at approximately $999. Both variants are slated for availability in the second half of July 2025.

The RTX 5050 is designed for 1080p AAA gaming at medium to high settings. It supports DLSS 4 with Multi Frame Generation, allowing users to push framerates higher than expected from an entry-level gaming GPU.

The desktop RTX 5050 utilises the “GB207” silicon, which is fully enabled, featuring 20 Streaming Multiprocessors (SMs) for a total of 2560 CUDA cores, 80 Tensor cores, and 20 RT cores. It also includes 80 Texture Mapping Units (TMUs) and 32 Render Output Units (ROPs). The GPU's base clock is 2.31GHz, with a boost clock of 2.57GHz. It has 8GB of VRAM (GDDR6 on desktop and GDDR7 on laptop) on a 128-bit memory bus. Nvidia did not specify the memory speed, but seeing the desktop version has a memory bandwidth of 320 GB/s, we assume the memory will run at 20 Gbps. As for the laptop version, it has a memory bandwidth of 384 GB/s, meaning the memory will run at 24 Gbps.

The desktop GPU has a Total Graphics Power (TGP) of 130W, allowing AIC partners to use 6-pin PCIe power connectors, though 8-pin PCIe is also expected. The laptop variant has a TGP up to 115W. Both models feature the latest NVENC and NVDEC video accelerators and a current display engine.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru says: Do you think the Nvidia RTX 5050 has what it takes to make a stand in the desktop market? What about its laptop version?

The post Nvidia introduces the RTX 5050 GPU for desktops and laptops first appeared on KitGuru.

Skullcandy is launching a new entry into the gaming headset market with the launch of the Crusher Plyr 720. This new headset is notable for being the first gaming-focused product to incorporate Skullcandy's patented Crusher multi-sensory bass technology, combined with an open-back design.

The Crusher Plyr 720 integrates Skullcandy's new multi-sensory bass with THX Spatial Audio and an open-back acoustic design. This combination seeks to provide a distinct auditory and tactile experience: explosions are designed to resonate more, engine sounds are deeper, and an opponent's approach can be pinpointed to a specific direction.

The open-back acoustics and positional audio tuning contribute to a spacious soundstage. The headset features dual Crusher drivers that, according to Skullcandy, allow gamers to perceive events in the game by feeling them before they are seen or heard. Unlike typical haptic headphones, the Crusher Plyr 720's drivers direct sound into the head and ears, rather than just around the latter. Skullcandy claims this results in a more visceral sensation akin to adding an adjustable subwoofer.

The Crusher Plyr 720 also offers audio management through the Skull-HQ app, allowing users to customise their sensory experience. For console and mobile gamers, THX Spatial Audio with head tracking is available via the Skullcandy Mobile App. The headset is designed for cross-platform compatibility and is available in two models: Multi-Platform, which offers wireless play on PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, PC, and mobile, with wired support for Xbox, and “Designed for Xbox”, which provides support for wireless play on Xbox, as well as PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, PC, and mobile. Both versions of the Skullcandy Crusher PLYR 720 are priced at $259.99 and will be available through the company's website and Amazon.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru says: There are not many open-back wireless gaming headsets out there, so this is quite unique. 

The post Skullcandy Crusher Plyr 720 headset brings wireless open-back audio to PC and console first appeared on KitGuru.

Noctua has officially revealed its next-generation flagship 120mm fan, the NF-A12x25 G2. Building upon the success of its predecessor, the G2 introduces a refined blade geometry and a new motor design, promising a significant leap in performance-to-noise efficiency. 

The NF-A12x25 G2 is the successor to the NF-A12x25 and stands as the 120mm sibling to the already acclaimed 140mm NF-A14x25 G2. Like its forebear, this fan is crafted from Noctua's proprietary Sterrox LCP compound, enabling an incredibly tight tip clearance of just 0.5mm. However, the G2 version pushes the boundaries further with an enhanced progressive bend impeller featuring winglets, flow acceleration channels, and a redesigned centrifugal turbulator hub.

The NF-A12x25 G2 is designed as a versatile all-rounder, delivering superb results across various applications. It performs admirably in low-impedance, airflow-oriented scenarios like case cooling and in high-impedance, static pressure-demanding situations with heatsinks and water cooling radiators. For application-specific optimisation, the fan's Advanced Acoustic Optimisation frame can be paired with the included NA-AVG1 anti-vibration gasket for a tighter seal on radiators. Enthusiasts can opt for the separately sold NA-IS1-12 inlet side spacer frame, which can enhance suction acoustics and improve flow rates in some “pull” configurations.

Noctua's ultra-low-loss etaPERF motor powers this fan, which uses its Smooth Commutation Drive 2 technology to improve energy efficiency and running smoothness. The fans also feature SupraTorque, which allows the fan to leverage additional torque headroom. This ensures it maintains its desired speed even when operating against significant back pressure, leading to superior performance on heatsinks and radiators.

The NF-A12x25 G2 is available in three distinct versions. The standard PWM model offers a maximum speed of 1800 RPM. For those prioritising silence, a quiet LS-PWM variant tops out at 1100 RPM. Lastly, the Sx2-PP combination pack is also offered, bundling two fans with a slight speed offset of +/- ~50 RPM. This subtle offset is particularly beneficial in push-pull operations or multi-fan setups (like case cooling or radiators), helping to mitigate buzzing or other undesirable auditory interactions that can occur when fans run at perfectly synchronised speeds.

Backed by a 6-year manufacturer's warranty, the NF-A12x25 G2 establishes a new benchmark within Noctua's portfolio. The Noctua NF-A12x25 G2 PWM, NF-A12x25 G2 LS-PWM, and NF-A12x25 G2 PWM Sx2-PP are priced at €/$34.90, €/$34.90, and €/$64.90, respectively.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru says: Although expensive, the first reviews suggest that it's indeed Noctua's best 120mm fan to date. However, other brands have strong alternatives for about the same price.

The post Noctua launches next-gen NF-A12x25 G2 fans first appeared on KitGuru.

Marvel Rivals took the world by storm when it released late last year, going on to amass over 40 million players in under 3 months. Despite a peak concurrent player count of almost 650k on Steam back during the launch of Season 1, the game’s honeymoon period seems to have ended  – with both player counts and review scores falling.

A little over 6 months on from its initial launch, Marvel Rivals has started to see its popularity wane, with peak daily player counts on Steam (via SteamDB) consistently falling under 100,000 for the first since the game’s explosive arrival.

Beyond this, reviews for the title have also taken a turn for the worse, with recent Marvel Rivals reviews sitting at a ‘Mixed’ on Steam – with some of the concerns surrounding decreasing performance; EOMM issues; balancing and more.

That said, with the upcoming launch of Season 3, Marvel Rivals is set to overhaul how its updates are rolled out, with a new character being released each month for a total of 3 a Season.

Whether the increased rate of new content will help improve the overall experience or exacerbate current issues we will have to wait and see.

KitGuru says: What do you think of Marvel Rivals 6 months on? Are you still playing? If not, what caused you to stop? Let us know down below.

The post Marvel Rivals falls to ‘Mixed’ recent rating ahead of major Season overhaul first appeared on KitGuru.

We shall have to wait a while longer for the SilverStone FLP02 retro tower case that we saw at Computex 2025. In the meantime we were offered the new FLP01 which is also retro, but is HTPC instead of a tower. Whether you like it or not, there is no denying the FLP01 brings a breath of fresh air to the world of glass PC cases that are decked with RGB lighting.

Time stamps
00:00 Start
01:00 What's this all about?
01:36 A look inside / capabilities
03:45 Hardware and some limitations
08:51 Final fixes
09:15 It's built
09:35 Some testing
10:48 Closing Thoughts

Main features

• Universal drive cage design compatible with 5.25″, 3.5″, and 2.5″ storage drives
• Equipped with 1 x USB Type-C port
• Retro floppy disk-style optical drive bay cover
• Positive air pressure design ensures superior cooling performance, quieter operation, and effective dust prevention.
• Includes quick-access filters for easy maintenance.

Specification:

• Motherboard support: SSI-CEB, ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX.
• Power supply support: ATX.
• Expansion slots: 7+1.
• Included fans: 1x 120mm right side.
• Fan mounts: 2x 120mm right side, 1x 120mm left side, 2x 80mm rear.
• Radiator mounts: None:
• 5.25-inch optical drive bays: 1x external bay.
• Internal drive bays: 1x 3.5-inch, 1x 2.5-inch.
• Front I/O ports: 2x USB 3.0 Type-A, 1x USB 3.1 Type-C, combo audio jack.
• Dimensions: 170mm H x 362mm D x 440mm W.

Testing

To put this case through its cooling paces we will be using a test system consisting of an AMD Ryzen 5 9600X, Intel Arc B580 graphics card and an SSD. This system allows us to produce a substantial amount of heat and effectively test the SilverStone FLP01‘s cooling capabilities.

Test System:

• Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 9600X
• CPU Cooler: AMD Wraith Stealth
• Motherboard: MSI MAG B850 Tomahawk Max WiFi
• Memory: 32GB G.Skill Trident Z5 Neo RGB DDR5-6000
• Graphics card: Intel Arc B580 12GB
• Power supply: Seasonic Focus GX-1000 Gold
• SSD: Crucial T700 Gen5 M.2 NVMe
• OS: Windows 11

For the first time in living memory we are not posting a chart showing temperatures at various fan speeds for the SilverStone FLP01. The reason is that this case puts a strict limit on the height of the CPU cooler, and this is especially true if you are using the optical drive bay. As we show in our video the drive mount over-shadows the CPU socket so your options are limited. We ended up using a lightweight Ryzen 5 9600X CPU which draws 88W and ran at 95 degrees C under load while our Intel Arc B580 graphics card ran at 78 degrees C.

Closing Thoughts

Let's make the obvious point that the SilverStone FLP01 is an oddball PC case that is unlikely to interest the mainstream user.

It has quirky traditional looks and an HTPC form factor that are fun for those of us with long memories, however they won't be much of a selling point to the younger generation. Having said that, if you like retro the SilverStone FLP01 will surely be right up your alley.

The other main feature of the FLP01 is it's support for a 5.25-inch optical drive and this also presents a small problem. You have to choose your CPU cooler carefully to ensure it fits inside the case and also clears the drive bay hardware. This shouldn't be an issue for the typical low power CPU you use in an HTPC but is a severe restriction in a gaming PC.

You can buy the SilverStone FLP01 for £135.99 HERE.

Pros:

• Humorous retro styling.
• Support for a 5.25-inch optical drive and 3.5-inch HDD.
• Plenty of space for a full sized motherboard and PSU.

Cons:

• Limited options for CPU cooling.
• This case would look bizarre as an HTPC under your TV.
• Pricing is a bit steep and only includes one 120mm fan.

KitGuru says: The SilverStone FLP01 is quirky and different but not really our cup of tea.

The post SilverStone FLP01 – The 80s Called, They Want Their Case Back first appeared on KitGuru.