Caput Mortem review
After conquering Roblox, the developers of Snatch Squad are looking to do the same on Steam. Snatch Squad is a new open-world co-op heist game with a voxel look and a clear inspiration from both Rockstar's Grand Theft Auto: Vice City and Starbreeze's PayDay. It's in development for PC.
In Snatch Squad, you'll build your empire by pulling off successful heists, taking over districts of the city, and laundering money. It promises "dynamic police chases and ambushes that keep you on edge" along with gangs to contend with and turf wars to fight. Watch the first trailer above and check out the first screenshots in the gallery below.
Seemingly keying in on this, the developers say, "From car chases to turf wars, the city is alive — a voxel-styled Miami where ambition can make you king…or get you killed."
Wishlist Snatch Squad on Steam if you're interested.
Ryan McCaffrey is IGN's executive editor of previews and host of both IGN's weekly Xbox show, Podcast Unlocked, as well as our monthly(-ish) interview show, IGN Unfiltered. He's a North Jersey guy, so it's "Taylor ham," not "pork roll." Debate it with him on Twitter at @DMC_Ryan.
The use of Switch 2's widely-disliked Game-Key Cards was defended by a Ubisoft developer who worked on the Nintendo port of Star Wars Outlaws.
Writing on social media, Ubisoft audio architect Rob Bantin shared the real reason why the Nintendo Switch 2 version of Star Wars Outlaws uses a Game-Key Card — a physical cartridge that requires owners still download the game, rather than including the full thing on the cart.
The answer? It's all due to the Switch 2's data speeds, and how quickly the hardware can read information from its bespoke cartridges, versus games downloaded to the console's internal memory.
"[Star Wars Outlaws game engine] Snowdrop relies heavily on disk streaming for its open world environments, and we found the Switch 2 cards simply didn't give the performance we needed at the quality target we were going for," Bantin wrote.
The information has come as a surprise to some Nintendo fans who have previously grumbled over the use of Game-Key Cards, which are cheaper and therefore increasingly popular among developers of larger games which would otherwise require more costly cartridges with increased memory capacity.
"I don't recall the cost of the cards ever entering the discussion – probably because it was moot," Bantin continued.
While not a comprehensive reason for all developers to use Game-Key Cards, Bantin went on to explain that it was important for Ubisoft and its Snowdrop development team, especially as Outlaws was originally developed for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S — console platforms that had faster SSD memory on board.
"I think if we'd designed a game for Switch 2 from the ground up it might have been different," Bantin said. "As it was, we'd build a game around the SSDs of the initial target platforms, and then the Switch 2 came along a while later. In this case I think our leadership made the right call."
Last month, Nintendo launched a fresh fan survey that quizzed Switch 2 owners for their opinions on buying digital games instead of boxed copies, and specifically asked for feedback on Game-Key Cards, following their less-than-stellar initial reception among fans who prefer their physical games to include... well, the full game.
First released last year to a mixed response and lackluster sales, Ubisoft boss Yves Guillemot recently blamed Star Wars Outlaws disappointing sales performance on the "choppy waters" of the sci-fi saga's own fandom.
Tom Phillips is IGN's News Editor. You can reach Tom at tom_phillips@ign.com or find him on Bluesky @tomphillipseg.bsky.social
Regardless of your thoughts on the Star Wars Sequel Trilogy as a whole, most fans would probably agree these movies failed to take advantage of the Knights of Ren. After being briefly teased in Star Wars: The Force Awakens, the Knights were completely MIA in Star Wars: The Last Jedi. And though they finally made a real appearance in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, they were little more than silent minions to Adam Driver's Kylo Ren, minions who were quickly and easily dispatched by their master in the end. They didn't exactly live up to their fearsome reputation.
As ever, it falls on the Star Wars novels and comics to fill in the giant blanks left by the Sequels. That's where Star Wars: Legacy of Vader comes in. The latest issue of the series (which is set shortly after the events of The Last Jedi) offers new insight into the relationship between Kylo Ren and his Knights and explains why these characters took so long to appear in the movies. Read on to find out what we learned, but beware of full spoilers for Star Wars: Legacy of Vader #8 ahead!
Legacy of Vader writer Charles Soule has been largely responsible for fleshing out the Knights of Ren, having previously featured the characters in 2019's Star Wars: The Rise of Kylo Ren and 2020's Star Wars. The former series was the first to establish who these characters actually are and their place in the galaxy.
As revealed in The Rise of Kylo Ren, the Knights of Ren are a nomadic band of mercenaries and treasure hunters devoted to a philosophy of wanton destruction known as The Ren. They're all Dark Side adepts, though most don't wield lightsabers and they refer to the Dark Side as "the shadow." During the Original Trilogy era and leading up to the Sequels, the Knights were led by a human male named Ren. It was Ren who recruited the newly fallen Ben Solo to their cause, only for Ben to kill Ren and take his place.
So where were the Knights during The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi? As revealed in Legacy of Vader #8, Kylo Ren has a bit of competition. This issue introduces a new character named Tava Ren, one who has usurped control of the Knights. After her Knights abandon her during a botched heist mission, Tava demands to know why the group has sunk so low. Cardo then recounts the history of the Knights following the events of The Rise of Kylo Ren.
Initially, life under Kylo Ren was good. The Knights roamed the galaxy, free to loot, pillage, and destroy to their hearts' content. But eventually, Kylo Ren's mood darkened, and their missions took an even bloodier turn. The Knights began to suspect that someone was pulling their leader's strings. Their suspicions were proven correct when they were finally approached by Supreme Leader Snoke and his First Order troops.
Snoke informs Kylo that his time with the Knights of Ren is at an end. Ben Solo has a greater destiny to pursue. Kylo offers to kill his men for Snoke, but Snoke insists that his own troops can handle the job.
The Knights are forced to flee the battlefield and go into hiding. Ever since, they've been fugitives of the First Order. And by taking control of the group, Tava Ren has placed herself in danger.
Tava tells her Knights they've become "broken." But she seems to have a plan in mind to repair the damage. Tava immediately travels to the First Order flagship The Finalizer and presents herself to the new Supreme Leader. She proclaims herself to be at Kylo Ren's service. No doubt she has ulterior motives in mind.
We'll see how the reunion between Kylo Ren and his Knights plays out in future issues. Based on how The Rise of Skywalker plays out, we can probably assume that Kylo kills Tava and takes back personal control of the Knights. But given how Ben Solo is currently wracked by emotional turmoil, who knows what sort of damage she can inflict before she dies? Hopefully future issues will also flesh out the relationship between the Knights and Snoke's puppet master, Emperor Palpatine.
What do you think of these new revelations? Is Marvel finally giving the Knights of Ren their due? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
In other Star Wars news, we recently got our first look at Star Wars: Starfighter, which recently entered production. Here's what little we know about the plot of Star Wars: Starfighter.
Jesse is a mild-mannered staff writer for IGN. Allow him to lend a machete to your intellectual thicket by following @jschedeen on BlueSky.
I love it when a deals roundup feels like it has something for every kind of shopper, and today’s definitely hits that mark. Between a couple of epic PS5 games, a brand-new SteelBook from Studio Ghibli, a surprisingly steep discount on a Switch 2 accessory, and even a pantry staple for way less than usual, this mix has something for everyone.
I don’t mind skipping over fluff deals, and you know by now I don't put up with nonsense like that. These are solid markdowns on products people are already paying attention to, including two solid PS5 games, a collectible Blu-ray, or just a cheap snack to stash away.
This remake was already a must-play for me when it launched, but at $15 it would be rude not too. Capcom rebuilt a survival horror classic with modern controls, polished visuals, and new mechanics that keep it feeling fresh while still honoring the original. If you missed it at full price, this is a great chance to grab it.
Final Fantasy XVI goes big in every way . Darker storytelling, faster combat, and those cinematic Eikon battles that really show off the PS5’s power. It’s a dense, story-driven game that still feels very approachable thanks to its action-first design. Getting a major release like this for under $25 feels like strong value, especially if you’ve been waiting for the right price to dive in.
This is Miyazaki’s latest film and it’s already an award-winner, so owning it on SteelBook is an easy call if you’re a Studio Ghibli fan. Beyond the collectible packaging, there are some worthwhile extras too (interviews, storyboards, behind-the-scenes looks) that make this more than just a standard Blu-ray release. The discount isn’t massive, but it’s still nice to save a few bucks on a title you’d probably want in your library anyway.
This one’s a little more niche, but I was surprised to see such a steep discount on an officially licensed Switch 2 accessory. HORI’s USB camera works across different play modes and comes with everything you need to set it up right away. It’s not something everyone will need, but if you’ve been curious about adding a camera to your Switch setup, this is a good time to try it without paying full price.
I’ll be honest: this one caught my eye because it’s just a crazy-good pantry deal. Twenty snack packs for just over $5 is tough to beat, especially since gluten-free products rarely see discounts this steep. At about a quarter per pack, these are perfect for tossing in a bag or keeping at your desk.
The standard edition of 007 First Light includes the base game for $69.99 and is available on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC (via Steam or Epic). Physical copies are offered for all consoles, though Switch 2 uses a game-key card rather than a full cartridge, meaning you’ll still need the card inserted to play but can lend or resell it like a typical game card. Preorders also come with the deluxe edition upgrade at no extra cost, adding early access for digital buyers plus exclusive DLC skins and outfits.
For fans who want something more collectible, the Legacy Edition ($299.99) comes packed with extras. Alongside the full game in a steelbook case, it includes a Golden Gun figurine with a stand and hidden compartment, a certificate of authenticity, and a bundle of deluxe DLC skins and outfits. Between the display-worthy replica and the bonus in-game content, this edition is tailored for Bond enthusiasts who want both a showpiece for their shelf and extra flair in-game.
The LEGO Disney & Pixar WALL-E & EVE Building Set (43279) is one of the new LEGO sets for September. It comes with 811 pieces and builds four characters from the movie: WALL-E, EVE, M-O, and Hal. Each has movable parts, like WALL-E’s rolling tracks and EVE’s poseable arms, plus small accessories like the plant in a boot. Once built, the figures stand about 5 inches tall and work well as shelf or desk décor.
The EUKI Compressed Air Duster ($39.99) is a rechargeable alternative to disposable air cans, built with a 150,000 RPM motor and three speed settings for different cleaning tasks. It weighs just 315 grams and can handle everything from clearing dust out of keyboards and PCs to inflating air beds or drying surfaces. A full charge takes about 2.5 hours and provides up to 100 minutes of use, with built-in protections for safe performance. The kit comes with a USB-C cable, storage bag, brushes, and a non-slip handle.
RUNBOX Slim Card Holder Wallet is a minimalist aluminum case designed to hold 6–12 cards securely, with a quick-access pop-up button for easy retrieval. At just 0.5 inches thick and 2.6 ounces, it fits comfortably in any pocket while still offering expandable storage thanks to its metal backplate. Built-in RFID blocking helps protect against digital theft, and silicone clips inside keep cards firmly in place.
With the Pokémon Center listings going live for preorder at any moment, it's only a matter of time until the first expansion for the new era of Pokémon TCG, Mega Evolution: Phantasmal Flames, comes pouring down to other retailers. First up will be Best Buy, normally around 24 hours after the Pokémon Center launch, followed by Target then secondary market and small seller allocations being available on TCGPlayer. Amazon and Walmart have been known to stock Pokémon TCG preorders in the past, but it's not always a guarantee.
Phantasmal Flames drops on November 14, with prerelease events running the week before, and the big headline is Mega Charizard X ex returning in full force. What makes this set even more exciting is its size , about 90 cards before secret rares, which makes it the smallest English set in nearly a decade. For collectors like me, that usually means a much more manageable chase, while still packing in plenty of heavy hitters for players.
The product lineup looks pretty stacked too. We’ll be getting the usual booster packs and booster box (36 packs), a 9-pack Elite Trainer Box featuring a shiny new Charcadet promo, and an Ultra-Premium Collection built around Mega Charizard X ex. On top of that, two theme decks for Mega Gengar ex and Mega Diancie ex are arriving a few weeks early on October 24, which is a fun way to get a taste of the set before launch. If you’re like me and love cracking packs, the booster box is the way to go, but the UPC is already looking like the big collector piece this time around.
What ties it all together is the Japanese set Inferno X, which hit shelves there in late September. That set had only 80 cards, and once you add in the Mega Gengar and Mega Diancie decks, you basically get the full Phantasmal Flames lineup. We’ve already seen some killer reveals, including the Mega Charizard X ex secret rare previewed at Worlds, so I’m fully expecting that to be the chase card when this launches. Between the smaller set size, Charizard hype, and some solid gameplay cards, I think this one’s going to fly off shelves and I’m definitely locking in my preorder.
The 40th anniversary Back to the Future steelbooks are a collector’s dream. Each movie in the trilogy is getting its own limited-edition release on October 14, with sleek new steelbook packaging featuring inside-and-out film artwork. Priced between $29.99 and $34.99, each edition includes the movie on 4K UHD, Blu-ray, and digital, along with a treasure trove of bonus features, from archival documentaries and outtakes to new retrospectives with co-writer Bob Gale and cast/crew members.
The 2025 Pokémon TCG Holiday Calendar is shaping up to be a holiday highlight for fans without breaking the bank. While Amazon has it listed for $67.94, with the lowest price right now is actually at TCGplayer, where you can snag it for just $61.97. Inside, you’ll get a festive advent-style box with 25 surprises: eight foil promo cards with a snowflake Poké Ball stamp, six booster packs, seven fun packs, two coins, sticker sheets, and a bonus code card for Pokémon TCG Live. With boosters pulled from recent Scarlet & Violet expansions like Destined Rivals and Journey Together, this calendar offers both collectible promos and real gameplay value at the best price you’ll find online today.
Hasbro’s Marvel Legends Series Wolverine Premium Roleplay Mask is a must-have for fans of the clawed mutant, whether you’re into cosplay or just want a striking display piece. Priced at $99.99 and set to release on October 1 (with preorders live now at Amazon), this full-scale 1:1 mask recreates Wolverine’s look from Deadpool & Wolverine. It sports the classic yellow-and-black design with realistic battle damage and white eye screens, giving it a screen-accurate edge. The mask also comes with its own display stand, so it’ll look just as good on a shelf as it does when you wear it.
As part of Amazon’s Labor Day sale, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4 has dropped to its lowest price yet, making now the perfect time to grab it. Normally priced higher, this updated collection delivers classic arcade skateboarding with a modern polish. In our review where we scored it an 8/10, we praised the game for proving “the series’ over-the-top skateboarding formula is totally timeless,” even if some of the tweaks to THPS4 and the soundtrack choices didn’t fully land. At this price, though, you’re getting an iconic piece of gaming history for less than ever before.
When it comes to sealed Pokémon TCG products, the real bargains today are on ETBs and booster bundles. White Flare is sitting at just $75 on TCGPlayer, which is a nice break from the usual $90+ price tags. Even the newer Destined Rivals and Black Bolt boxes are running cheaper there than anywhere else. And if you don’t want to spring for a full ETB, Prismatic Evolutions booster bundles are going for as low as $59, which feels like an easy pickup if you’re chasing singles without committing to a whole box.
If you’re more into variety packs than full ETBs, there are some great grabs in the collections and tins today. Cynthia’s Garchomp ex Premium Collection is down to $45 on TCGPlayer, which feels like a steal compared to Amazon’s $60 tag. The Slashing Legends Tin also jumped out at me at $29.99—that’s nearly half off what Amazon is charging. Even the smaller items are worth a look: Surging Sparks sleeved boosters are going for just $7.93, which is $15.98 on Amazon currently.
I’m also eyeing a few of the new Funko Pop! preorders that just went live. Turtwig drops at the end of September for $15.99, while Ninetales and Absol are both set for mid-December at $14.99 each. These usually disappear around launch week, so if you’re the type who likes locking in new releases before they vanish, it’s probably worth snagging them now instead of hunting later at inflated prices.
Amazon’s been quietly slashing prices on a bunch of Pokémon Funko Pops, and some of them are cheaper than a booster pack. The biggest surprise for me was Horsea at just $4.31—that’s wild considering it normally goes for $12.99. There are plenty of others worth adding to your shelf too, like Fidough for $7.99, Dratini for $11.30, and even the 10-inch Pikachu for $62, which is a solid drop from its usual $75.99. Whether you’re filling gaps in your collection or just want a budget-friendly pick-up, today’s lineup has a nice mix of starters, legendaries, and fan favorites.
Christian Wait is a contributing freelancer for IGN covering everything collectable and deals. Christian has over 7 years of experience in the Gaming and Tech industry with bylines at Mashable and Pocket-Tactics. Christian also makes hand-painted collectibles for Saber Miniatures. Christian is also the author of "Pokemon Ultimate Unofficial Gaming Guide by GamesWarrior". Find Christian on X @ChrisReggieWait.
Logitech G PLAY is back to showcase the brand’s latest gear and tech and give us a glimpse at the future of gaming. There will be announcements of new products, community celebrations, and it’ll stream live from Cine Callao in Madrid on Logitech G’s YouTube page on September 17.
If you’re not already aware, Logitech G is a Swiss brand that makes a wide range of gaming tech, like keyboards, mice, headsets, driving wheels, flight sticks, and more. If you’ve recently shopped for new gaming accessories, chances are pretty good you’ve come across their products.
This is the third year of Logitech G PLAY, and at last year’s event, they announced 18 new products. So you can expect quite a few reveals this year too, with new products aimed at gamers of all kinds and experience levels. But it’s not just about revealing new gear, it’s also a party that celebrates gaming.
“We are delighted to announce the third annual Logitech G PLAY, a global celebration recognizing the gaming community and industry,” said Peter Kingsley, CMO at Logitech G. “This year, the event will expand worldwide, with major activations scheduled in Sydney, Shanghai, San Francisco, Madrid, London, and Tokyo. Logitech G PLAY serves as a crucial platform to showcase key breakthroughs in innovation, our esteemed partners, and our community members, all of whom are continually shaping the future of play.”
“Breakthroughs In Play” is the theme of this year’s event, focused on next-gen tech and how it’s advancing what will be possible in gaming going forward. In addition to those announcements, there will be interactive entertainment and appearances by more than 80 gaming creators, like Ben Rowlands, mrDzinold, SpuddGaming, PAGO, DanucD, IzakOOO, Hinkowicz, All The Gear and TheGrefg. For sim racing fans, car enthusiast SebDelanney will be on hand to host a special segment.
The livestream will begin at 7:00 p.m. CET on September 17, which converts to 2:00 p.m. Eastern and 11:00 a.m. Pacific. It’s planned to run for about three hours and you can watch the whole thing on Logitech G’s YouTube page. You can also visit this page to see a preview of the event, watch a recap of last year’s version, and sign up to be reminded as soon as the livestream starts.
The livestream from Madrid is the flagship event, but it’s not the only thing going on. Launching globally alongside the event will be the Logitech G PLAY Days promotion, which will run from September 17–29. It’ll feature sales of up to 40% off a variety of products, so if you’re looking to upgrade your gaming setup, be sure to check out the official website once the sale is live to see everything on offer.
Amazon has greenlit the long-awaited Life is Strange TV adaptation, almost a decade after plans to adapt the game were first announced.
Charlie Covell, writer of Channel 4's The of the F***king World and Netflix's Kaos, will head the series as executive producer and showrunner, Variety reported, with video game publisher Square Enix and Amazon MGM Studios both on board.
When a Life is Strange TV adapatation was first announced back in 2016, only the series' first game had been released — with the expectation being that it would adapt said game. And now, years later, this remains the case, with an official blurb for the show mentioning the franchise's most popular characters, Max and Chloe.
Covell's adaptation will follow Max, "a photography student, who discovers she can rewind time while saving the life of her childhood best friend, Chloe," the blurb reads. "As she struggles to understand this new skill, the pair investigate the mysterious disappearance of a fellow student, uncovering a dark side to their town that will ultimately force them to make an impossible life or death choice that will impact them forever."
Exactly how the TV adaptation will handle the game's choose-your-own-adventure storytelling is another matter, however, and it'll certainly be interesting to see which of the two main endings the series will choose to follow.
The announcement of the TV series also comes at an interesting time for the Life is Strange franchise overall. Originally developed by Don't Nod, more recent entries in the series have been created by Deck Nine Games — though exactly what the future holds for the franchise now has yet to be announced.
After various sequels focusing on separate characters, a belated follow-up to the original game arrived in October 2024 but failed to land with long-term fans. Life is Strange: Double Exposure saw the return of Max but not Chloe, something which angered those who felt their past in-game choices were not being properly represented. Behind the scenes, the game suffered a rocky development as Deck Nine Games struggled with internal toxicity and crunch. Subsequently, the studio has been hit by multiple rounds of layoffs.
"For years we've had so many people asking us to create a Life is Strange TV show," Square Enix External Studios bosses Jon Brooke and Lee Singleton said today, "and we're so pleased to finally partner with Amazon MGM Studios who we trust will do an incredible job bringing our universe to life."
Tom Phillips is IGN's News Editor. You can reach Tom at tom_phillips@ign.com or find him on Bluesky @tomphillipseg.bsky.social
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the many VPNs for PCs that are now available, you’re not alone. At times, it can be hard to separate the marketing hype from reality. For example, many VPNs claim to provide the fastest speeds, but it’s not fair or entirely realistic for you to try every single one of them out to find out. This is where our many hours of hands-on testing comes in useful.
To help you narrow all these options down, I’ve tested a multitude of Windows VPNs, looking at everything from their server speeds and unblocking ability to their leak protection and no-logs policies. The best VPNs for Windows PC excel in all of these areas and even offer some intriguing extras that Windows users might find useful, including split tunneling and even antivirus protection.
Before I take you through the best VPNs for PC, here’s a quick explanation of what a VPN is, what it does, and how it works. A VPN (Virtual Private Network) encrypts your internet traffic and masks your IP address. Your online activities are hidden as a result – even from your ISP (Internet Service Provider). As such, you’ll be able to browse privately and even navigate geographic restrictions on content.
ExpressVPN combines the high level of performance and security required to be the best VPN for Windows PC. It’s one of the faster VPNs I’ve tested, and this coupled with 3,000 servers in 105 countries is what makes ExpressVPN the best VPN for streaming, too. It unblocked every streaming service I threw at it including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+. It doesn’t hurt that ExpressVPN has some of the most user-friendly VPN apps on the market either.
Aside from 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection, and a desktop kill switch, ExpressVPN has an ad blocker (which performed very well in testing), and a password manager. Another useful feature that’s available on multiple platforms including Windows is split tunneling. This allows you to select which apps can bypass the VPN connection. ExpressVPN has Windows 10 and 11 apps and an ARM-compatible app so you can even use it on Copilot+ PCs.
Proton VPN is popular with privacy enthusiasts. A VPN Accelerator feature, which optimizes data routing, coupled with 10 Gbps connections on many servers makes this one of the fastest VPNs. The result is lag-free streaming and gaming. Proton VPN has plenty of servers too. Aside from the Windows app, there’s a special ARM version for use with Microsoft Surface and other ARM Windows devices.
Many VPNs claim to have no-logs policies yet keep connection logs, but that’s not the case with Proton VPN. It has open source apps and operates out of Switzerland, a country with strong privacy laws. On top of high-end encryption and a kill switch, you can further secure your PC with its ad blocker and Secure Core (Double VPN) servers. More recently, Proton VPN has implemented a Stealth protocol for Windows, allowing PC users to bypass strict censorship.
NordVPN has one of the larger VPN server networks (7,000+ servers in 118 countries). We found its connections to be highly consistent, which makes it highly suitable for streaming when traveling. It’s also why it’s the best VPN for gaming; NordVPN’s Meshnet feature lets you create a virtual network for LAN gaming with friends. Not only is NordVPN available for Windows 11 and 10, it supports both Surface Pro and ARM devices.
The internet traffic on your PC is secured from hackers and snoopers thanks to 256-bit AES encryption and kill switch feature. I didn’t observe DNS or IP leaks in testing and was impressed with its ad blocker that stopped the vast majority of ads in their tracks. As part of your NordVPN subscription, you have access to a password manager, malware protection, and encrypted cloud storage, providing comprehensive security to your Windows PC.
Surfshark lets you secure not just your PC, but all of your devices with an unlimited simultaneous connection allowance. One of the most consistent unblockers of content, Surfshark is ideal for streaming. It makes light work of tricky-to-access streaming platforms while speeds are more than fast enough for bandwidth-heavy activities. Surfshark supports Windows 7 onwards, but only Windows 10 and 11 are fully supported with the latest updates.
If you opt for Surfshark’s highest subscription tier, you’ll have access to a whole host of extra security features. This includes an ad blocker, antivirus protection, and personal data removal. Of course, there’s also military-grade encryption, leak protection, and a kill switch, safely putting Surfshark’s security offering among the more comprehensive of the best PC VPNs. If you don’t mind committing for two years, Surfshark represents almost unrivalled value for money.
Private Internet Access supports unlimited simultaneous connections. Though it doesn’t specify its server count, you can choose from 91 countries, which is far more than most VPN services. One particular advantage PIA has over many VPNs is that it lets you order servers by latency. It’s therefore that much easier to find a fast connection for multiplayer gaming or streaming on your Windows PC. PIA is available for Windows 10 and 11, as well as Copilot+.
There’s no shortage of security features with PIA, providing a high level of security for your PC. It includes a Windows-only antivirus, a built-in ad blocker, and MultiHop servers for two layers of encryption. This is on top of essentials including AES encryption, protection from DNS leaks, and a kill switch. PIA doesn’t keep any logs and has 24/7 live chat support. This is a VPN that’s ideal for experienced users thanks to the high level of customization allowed by its apps.
CyberGhost has one of the largest server networks of any VPN. Though it no longer discloses just how many servers it has, this stood at over 11,000. We also know that its network covers 100 countries so you can always find a fast server nearby. CyberGhost uses the WireGuard protocol and offers unlimited bandwidth so speeds are as consistent as they are fast. Thanks to its gaming-optimized servers, CyberGhost is ideal if you’re seeking low latency connections.
Another reason why CyberGhost is a great VPN for PC is its security suite for Windows. This adds antivirus and anti-malware protection on top of the high-end encryption already provided. CyberGhost gives you the option to secure seven devices simultaneously. Connected devices further benefit from an automatic kill switch and DNS leak protection. Uniquely, CyberGhost has a 24-hour free trial for Windows with full access to all features and no credit card required.
IPVanish stands out for its generous North American server count, which makes up 60% of its network. So if you’re in the U.S. or Canada and want a fast local server, or want to watch your usual home streaming services on your Windows PC from abroad, it’s likely a great fit. Better still, speeds are more than fast enough for streaming, even in 4K. With IPVanish, you can find an app that supports Windows 10 and 11, as well as an ARM64 beta for CoPilot+ PCs.
This VPN supports the WireGuard protocol which, aside from being fast, is open source and secure. When you connect to an IPVanish server, your internet traffic is routed through a 256-bit AES encrypted tunnel. Furthermore, IPVanish passed our leak tests with flying colors. IPVanish has introduced several new features of late, including a secure browser, cloud protection, and Threat Protection which safeguards your PC from ads, trackers, and malicious websites.
Disclosure: IPVanish is owned by Ziff Davis, IGN's parent company.
It’s hard to find a VPN that doesn’t offer an app for Windows. With this in mind, choosing the best VPN for PC requires taking other factors into account:
Where things get a little bit trickier is finding VPNs that support older versions of Windows. To receive the latest features and security patches, you’ll ideally want to be on Windows 10 or 11. Some of the VPNs covered in this list even support Windows ARM devices such as Microsoft Surface Pro.
A VPN encrypts your internet traffic, rendering it unreadable to third parties and preventing cyber threats such as man-in-the-middle attacks. The fact that it hides your IP address means even your ISP can’t see what you’re doing online. Aside from the security and privacy-related benefits, a VPN allows you to spoof your location and bypass geo-blocking. If your ISP is throttling your connection, a VPN may even improve your speeds.
Unless your ISP is throttling your bandwidth, a VPN is likely to slow your connection to a degree. There are several influencing factors including the protocol you use, the location of the server to which you connect (and its proximity to your actual location), and the current server load. The encryption process takes its toll but, as our speed tests indicate, some VPNs compensate for this better than others. With the fastest VPNs, you may not notice a difference.
There are plenty of free VPNs for PC but they have too many limitations. You’ll likely only have access to a couple of server locations and there will likely be bandwidth and data caps. Some free VPNs don’t properly encrypt your data and make money by logging and selling it. Overall, free VPNs tend to offer inferior security and performance, making them particularly unsuitable for streaming and PC gaming. If you do opt for a free VPN for PC, I recommend Proton VPN, which offers unlimited data and takes a strong stance on privacy.
Mark Gill is a freelance VPN writer for IGN, bringing over five years of dedicated experience from Comparitech, where he delves deep into the intricacies of VPNs. A journalism graduate with a passion for safeguarding digital freedoms, Mark has strengthened his expertise with a Google Cybersecurity Certificate and is now studying for the CompTIA Security+ certification. When he’s not testing VPNs, Mark is an avid gamer with a soft spot for the Sega Mega Drive, reliving the classics for a dose of nostalgia. He also enjoys mountain biking and watching football (go Lions!), and working on his dark comedy screenplays. You won’t find Mark on social media because he already wastes far too much time managing his fantasy football teams with the hope of this year being “the year.” Hint: it never is.
The market for XY-era Mega Evolution Pokémon cards has heated up in anticipation of Pokémon Legends Z-A and the new Mega Evolution TCG set and Phantasmal Flames expansion. Collectors aren’t waiting for fresh stock of modern Mega Evolutions, they’re going back to the originals.
As a result, some cards have spiked dramatically, while others are showing signs of plateauing, creating strong entry points for buyers who want to get ahead of the next wave.
Leading the charge is M Rayquaza EX (Shiny Full Art – Ancient Origins), which has soared from $275.15 in January to a staggering $1,450 today—an increase of over 426%. Meanwhile, M Gengar EX (Secret Rare – Phantom Forces) has multiplied nearly fivefold since January, now trading at $415. These climbers highlight just how quickly momentum can build around Mega Evolutions.
But not every card is running away in price. Some are holding steady after strong climbs earlier this year. M Alakazam EX (Full Art – Fates Collide) sits at just under $100 after rising from $28.85 in January, but recent weeks show leveling off. For buyers, these plateaus represent a rare chance to secure cards before demand intensifies again when Mega Evolution reclaims the spotlight.
The clearest winners of 2025’s Mega Evolution run-up are the Rayquaza and Gengar cards. M Rayquaza EX (Shiny Full Art – Ancient Origins) has surged over 426% this year, now commanding $1,450. Its Theta Max ability that heals on evolution and the scaling power of Emerald Break made it a competitive monster in its day, and the shiny black-and-gold artwork cements it as a collector grail.
M Gengar EX (Secret Rare – Phantom Forces) isn’t far behind, up 357% since January to $415. Its Phantom Gate attack let it copy any move from the opponent’s Active Pokémon, a flexible strategy that earned it lasting fan love. The secret rare gold trim adds collector prestige, making this one of the most desirable Megas not named Rayquaza.
Also climbing fast is M Rayquaza EX (Full Art – Roaring Skies), now at $656.93 compared to $164.04 in January. Its Delta Evolution rule bypassed the usual Mega Evolution turn-ending drawback, giving it unique competitive edge at release. The vibrant green artwork adds to its desirability, and while overshadowed by the Shiny Rayquaza, it’s carving its own path upward.
M Charizard EX (X – Flashfire) has also doubled and then some, climbing from $126.89 to $349.99. Though its Wild Blaze attack forced players to discard five cards after dealing 300 damage, the Mega X design remains one of Charizard’s most iconic forms. Collectors chasing Charizard cards across eras are pushing this one higher.
Finally, Primal Groudon EX (Shiny Full Art – Ancient Origins) has jumped from $126.89 in January to $349.99 today. The Theta Max healing ability and Gaia Volcano’s potential to hit 200 made it a powerhouse in its day, while the shiny crimson-and-gold artwork locks in its collector appeal. Though technically a Primal, it rides the same wave as Mega Evolutions in the current surge.
Not every Mega Evolution is continuing to climb. Some have slowed their upward trajectory, making them attractive buys while prices are stable. Primal Groudon EX (Omega Full Art – Primal Clash) has risen from $90.60 in January to $254.93 but is beginning to level off. Its Omega Barrier ability that blocked Trainer effects made it uniquely powerful, and while it’s cooled, the mechanics and artwork give it plenty of long-term upside.
M Mewtwo EX (Full Art – BREAKthrough) has shown one of the biggest percentage gains, from $37.21 to $145.04. Its Psychic Infinity attack scaled with Energy on both Active Pokémon, giving it offensive versatility. While its growth has slowed compared to Rayquaza and Gengar, this plateau is a clear chance to lock in before it spikes again with the Mega Evolution revival.
M Alakazam EX (Full Art – Fates Collide) has climbed from $28.85 to $99.97 but has now steadied in the $90–100 range. Its Zen Force attack synergized well with spread-damage strategies, though it never became a meta staple. Collectors have kept it relevant, and with prices flatlining, this looks like a buy-and-hold card heading into Pokémon Legends Z-A.
M Charizard EX (Generations) has tripled from $64.66 to $196, but growth has tapered. Its Heat Typhoon coin-flip mechanic made it more of a novelty card, yet the Generations anniversary branding has cemented its long-term collector appeal. With Charizard’s legacy tied tightly to every new era, this plateau may be short-lived.
Finally, M Charizard EX (Full Art – Evolutions) mirrors its Generations counterpart, rising from $64.66 to $196 but settling into that range. The Crimson Dive attack packed 300 damage at the cost of self-harm, which limited competitive use, but Evolutions nostalgia has carried it. With the Mega Evolution resurgence on the horizon, this lull feels like a rare buying opportunity before Charizard prices inevitably rise again.
Christian Wait is a contributing freelancer for IGN covering everything collectable and deals. Christian has over 7 years of experience in the Gaming and Tech industry with bylines at Mashable and Pocket-Tactics. Christian also makes hand-painted collectibles for Saber Miniatures. Christian is also the author of "Pokemon Ultimate Unofficial Gaming Guide by GamesWarrior". Find Christian on X @ChrisReggieWait.
Hollow Knight: Silksong may be the sequel to Hollow Knight, but players are quickly finding out that it doesn't exactly play the same way Hollow Knight did. With a new protagonist and new moves, the controls and abilities available might have some players fumbling or struggling, especially when it comes to Silksong's trickier platforming sections. Fortunately, there's a way to switch back to the Hollow Knight moveset available pretty early on, if you really must.
Warning: This article will contain spoilers for Silksong's early game, including the first two major unlockable abilities and one of the earliest bosses. If you haven't thoroughly explored the Deep Docks area just yet, you may want to wait and come back to this later.
Hornet's default moveset is very, very different from that of the Knight in Hollow Knight. She has more range than the Knight, but her Needle swings are just a touch slower. She also is unable to "pogo" off of enemies the same way the Knight was - while he could slash downward to bounce off a foe, Hornet can bounce only by shooting downward at a diagonal 45 degree angle. This makes some of the game's jumping puzzles significantly more tricky until you get used to the new abilities.
While it's my personal recommendation to just practice and get used to Hornet's moveset as the game clearly intends, it's possible that having the Knight's abilities might be a benefit in certain circumstances, or maybe you just want to play that way. For that, you need to get the Wanderer's Crest, which is a different crest with different slots for tools than your default Hunter's Crest.
The Wanderer's Crest has a few requirements to unlock: you need to have beaten the Bell Beast and unlocked Hornet's sprint ability found in Deep Docks. You'll also need to have a Simple Key with you, which can be acquired easily from the merchant in Bone Bottom. If you've already bought and used that key, you'll have to find one elsewhere.
With key in hand, head up into Mosshome, and head west as far as possible. Once you get to the elevator room (the one that takes you back down to Bone Bottom), use your dash to cross the big gap, and keep heading west into the Wormways. Progress through the Wormways westward and down to a hut where the crest is waiting for you. Our video above has a far more detailed explanation of how to get this item.
The Wanderer's Crest does make it a bit harder to fight enemies, especially at range, but can make exploration easier, so just be warned. You can swap it out any time at a bench, and experiment with both crests and figure out which one works for you. We're just getting started with Silksong, so who knows, maybe there will be even more crests out there with cool new abilities waiting for us to find them!
Hollow Knight: Silksong is out now, and we're hard at work on our Wiki guides of everything you might possibly want to know as you start your adventures in Pharloom. We've also got a review-in-progress covering our thoughts so far that we'll update with a score as soon as we've finished the game.
Rebekah Valentine is a senior reporter for IGN. You can find her posting on BlueSky @duckvalentine.bsky.social. Got a story tip? Send it to rvalentine@ign.com.
While we eagerly await Resident Evil: Requiem to give us a good scare next year, Amazon's dropped an excellent deal on a slightly older Resi title that's worth picking up to keep you on your toes in the meantime. The excellent Resident Evil 4 remake for PS5 has dropped to just $15 at the retailer. Yes, you read that correctly! This marks its lowest price yet, according to price tracker camelcamelcamel, making now an excellent time to scoop it up for your library if you haven't had the chance to yet.
Considering when it first came out it was listed for $59.99, this makes for a 75% discount from that original price, which is an incredible amount of savings for a game we absolutely adored (awarding a shining 10/10 in our review). IGN's Tristan Ogilvie said at the time that, "Its combat is friction-free but no less stress-inducing thanks to its ferocious cast of creatures, its story rapidly shuttles through a series of action scenes that are diverse in structure but uniformly unwavering in intensity, and its world is rich in detail and full of fun and often snarling surprises."
If you've yet to add it to your libary, there's truly no better time than now to do it. Especially considering Resident Evil: Requiem is set to arrive next year in February. Plus, with spooky season right around the corner, now is the perfect time to have a scary game ready to play when October hits. And if you're curious which order these games should be played in before the new one drops, check out our breakdown of how to play the Resident Evil games in order so you can set yourself up for success next year.
Hannah Hoolihan is a freelancer who writes with the guides and commerce teams here at IGN.
Hollow Knight: Silksong is out now, and seems like it's pretty good so far if our review-in-progress is any indication. But it commits one terrible, unforgiveable sin: Silksong won't let players pet the dang dog-er, well, the bug that's like a dog.
Warning: Spoilers for the first few hours of Hollow Knight: Silksong follow. Everything we discuss below can be found very early in the game, in the first two areas you visit.
If you're still wondering who or what the "dog" is, I'm referring to the Bell Beast, one of Silksong's earliest bosses and, once defeated, your permanent fast travel buddy. The Bell Beast is encountered early in the game in The Marrow, trapped within enormous silk webs. You need to unlock the Silk Spear to free it, and once you do, a fight will ensue. We've got a whole guide on this guy if you're having trouble finding or defeating him, so make sure to check that out.
Once you beat the Bell Beast, it becomes docile, and you can summon it at any fast travel station to have it take you to any other station in Pharloom. That in itself is helpful enough, but the absolute best thing about the Bell Beast is how it basically acts like a big puppy whenever it sees you. It'll dig around in the bells beneath its feet, react excitedly when you ring the bells above its head, and genuinely just gives off enormous puppy energy.
But Hornet can't pet it. And fans really feel like they should be able to! Here's a gallery of a lot of community members agreeing with me - they're all spoiler-tagged due to the Silksong subreddit's current spoiler rules, but I promise, it's all just a bunch of cute images of the Bell Beast.
Just look at that baby!! It deserves all the scritches and cuddles! Please, Team Cherry, give us a pet action on the Bell Beast. B.B. has earned it...and we have too.
Hollow Knight: Silksong is out now, and we're hard at work on our Wiki guides of everything you might possibly want to know as you start your adventures in Pharloom. We've also got a review-in-progress covering our thoughts so far that we'll update with a score as soon as we've finished the game.
Rebekah Valentine is a senior reporter for IGN. You can find her posting on BlueSky @duckvalentine.bsky.social. Got a story tip? Send it to rvalentine@ign.com.
Build A Rocket Boy has released the fourth major title update for MindsEye and shared its full patch notes. According to the devs, this patch introduces a range of UX improvements, numerous performance enhancements, and bug fixes. So, let’s take a closer look at it. Patch 4 brings general performance improvements to shaders, assets, and … Continue reading MindsEye Title Update 4 Released – Full Patch Notes →
The post MindsEye Title Update 4 Released – Full Patch Notes appeared first on DSOGaming.