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Ghost of Tsushima Director's Cut: A Guide to Mods, Best Armor, and Future Adventures
Ghost of Tsushima, developed by Sucker Punch Productions and released in July 2020, quickly became a hallmark of storytelling and gameplay in the action-adventure genre. Set in feudal Japan during the Mongol invasion, players assume the role of Jin Sakai, a samurai who must adapt his traditional warrior ways to combat the overwhelming forces threatening his homeland. Published by Sony Interactive Entertainment, the game was lauded for its stunning visuals, intricate combat system, and engaging narrative.
In August 2021, the Director's Cut was released, enhancing the original experience with significant additions. This version introduced the Iki Island expansion, which added new storylines, characters, and challenges, alongside various quality-of-life improvements and graphical enhancements that took advantage of next-gen hardware.
The Ghost of Tsushima Director's Cut is available on multiple platforms, including PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and PC. The PC version, developed by Nixxes Software, was launched in May 2024, and supports ultrawide and super ultrawide displays such as the 57-inch Predator Z57 Gaming Monitor. This adaptation allows players to enjoy an expansive view of Tsushima's breathtaking landscapes and intricate details.
Ghost of Tsushima DLC
The Director's Cut features the Iki Island expansion, which significantly enhances the gameplay experience. This addition introduces players to a new area filled with diverse landscapes and fresh challenges. The narrative follows Jin as he confronts a new Mongol threat on Iki Island, while also grappling with his past and seeking to understand his identity as both a samurai and a ghost.
Iki Island includes new characters such as a mysterious shaman who plays a vital role in Jin's journey. Players will face unique enemies that require different strategies to defeat, adding depth to combat encounters. The expansion also introduces two new Mythic Tales—legendary quests that reward players with powerful armor sets and abilities.
https://youtu.be/Ne0ecXViJxg?si=auZPr294sVzCBeiU
Developer comments highlight their commitment to enriching the player's experience through this content. Patch notes reveal ongoing Ghost of Tsushima updates that address gameplay balance and introduce additional features based on community feedback. These updates ensure that both new players and veterans can enjoy an optimized experience.
Mods That Elevate the Experience
With the game's release on PC, the modding community has flourished, offering numerous ways to enhance the Ghost of Tsushima experience. Popular mods include visual enhancements like reshade mods that improve lighting and color saturation, making the already stunning graphics even more immersive.
Gameplay tweaks are also prevalent among Ghost of Tsushima mods. Players can modify difficulty settings or adjust combat mechanics to suit their preferences better. For instance, some mods allow for more forgiving parry timings or increased enemy AI responsiveness.
Cosmetic mods are another exciting aspect of this community. Players can find outfit reskins that allow Jin to do various styles inspired by different cultures or media. Custom armor sets can also be installed to give a unique flair to gameplay.
When installing mods, it's crucial to do so safely. Players should always back up their game files before making changes and download mods from reputable sources like Nexus Mods. Following installation guides carefully will help avoid conflicts that could disrupt gameplay.
Best Armor and Outfits for Every Playstyle
Selecting the right armor can significantly impact gameplay effectiveness based on individual playstyles. Here are some of Ghost of Tsushima’s best armor options:
* Samurai Clan Armor: Ideal for combat-heavy players who prefer direct confrontation. This armor increases health and provides damage resistance.
* Ghost Armor: Perfect for stealth-focused gameplay, this set enhances stealth capabilities and reduces enemy detection while providing bonuses for assassinations.
* Sarugami Armor: Unlocked by completing the Mythic Tale "The Legend of Black Hand Riku." It empowers players with a chain of three attacks on a perfect parry, encouraging riskier combat.
* Kensei Armor: Boosts Jin Sakai's Resolve gains (or his ability to heal and perform combat techniques) and enhances damage dealt by Ghost Weapons. Ideal for Ghost builds that depend on Resolve to inflict damage.
* Gosaku's Armor: Obtained by completing the Mythic Tale "The Unbreakable Gosaku," this set offers increased health and stagger damage, making it ideal for aggressive playstyles.
https://youtu.be/jj__stBJuMA?si=NXUIJk92aBvVwv6p
For those looking for unique Ghost of Tsushima outfits, completing specific quests or challenges unlocks special skins that offer aesthetic variety without altering gameplay mechanics.
Gameplay Tips
Newcomers to the game may find its expansive world daunting. Here are some practical Ghost of Tsushima tips:
* Combat Strategies: Mastering stances is key; each stance is effective against different enemy types. Switching stances mid-combat can turn the tide in challenging encounters.
* Timing: Learning enemy attack patterns allows players to time their parries effectively. Holding block while practicing can help develop muscle memory for successful counters.
* Exploration Hacks: To uncover hidden locations like hot springs or bamboo strikes, pay attention to visual cues in the environment—such as birds leading you toward points of interest.
* Resource Maximization: Collecting supplies is essential for upgrading gear and unlocking abilities and charms. Engage in side quests that reward you with resources while you explore.
While some players might consider using a Ghost of Tsushima cheat or two for exploration or resource gathering, it's essential to approach this ethically; cheats can diminish the sense of achievement that comes from overcoming challenges organically. For further assistance with strategies or tips on mastering gameplay mechanics, you might consider consulting a comprehensive Ghost of Tsushima guide. Available on YouTube and fan forums, these guides provide detailed walkthroughs and advice tailored for both beginners and advanced players.
The Future of Ghost of Tsushima
Exciting developments are on the horizon for fans of Ghost of Tsushima. A film adaptation is currently in production under director Chad Stahelski, known for his work on the John Wick movie series. The film aims to capture the essence of Jin Sakai's story while expanding on its lore.
Additionally, fans can expect a sequel titled Ghost of Yōtei, which has been announced for 2025. This upcoming game will feature a new protagonist, new quests in 1600s northern Japan, intricate character development, and enhanced gameplay mechanics.
Interested in more news and insights about gaming, artificial intelligence, and using tech in your personal and professional life? Subscribe to the Acer Corner Email Digest and get them delivered straight to your inbox.
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About Lalaine Capucion: Lalaine has been working as a freelance writer and editor for more than 12 years, focusing on lifestyle, travel, and wellness. When she isn’t writing, she's most likely curled up with a good book or trying out a new recipe in the kitchen. She lives in Metro Manila, Philippines.
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All Team-Up Abilities in Marvel Rivals
In Marvel Rivals, Team-Up abilities introduce a unique layer of strategy by leveraging the synergy between heroes to unlock enhanced powers and passive effects. These abilities are tied to specific pairings of characters, creating a dynamic relationship between Team-Up Holders and Team-Up Users.
The Team-Up Holder serves as the enabler, providing the special conditions or energy required to activate the ability. Meanwhile, the Team-Up User benefits from the enhanced powers or passive effects, significantly boosting their utility and effectiveness in combat.
Understanding these roles is essential to fully utilizing the potential of Team-Ups. Whether you’re coordinating aggressive dives, reinforcing defenses, or controlling objectives, mastering these abilities can turn the tide of battle and elevate your team’s performance to the next level. This guide explores all 15 Team-Up abilities currently available in the game, breaking down their effects, roles, and best use cases.
1. Ragnarok Rebirth (Hela + Thor/Loki)
The Ragnarok Rebirth Team-Up leverages Hela’s kills to sustain Thor and Loki, granting them bonus health or instant respawns. Hela’s current S-tier standing makes this synergy a competitive favorite.
Roles
* Team-Up Holder: Hela
* Team-Up Users: Thor and Loki
Abilities
Loki benefits from Laufeyson Reborn, gaining +50 bonus health per enemy defeated by Hela (up to 100). If Loki is defeated, he respawns at his death location after 1.5 seconds, bypassing the standard respawn timer. Thor gains similar benefits through Odinson Reborn, also receiving +50 bonus health per kill (up to 100) or respawning after 1.5 seconds if eliminated.
How to Use
Focus on Hela to secure kills and trigger the health and respawn mechanics for Thor and Loki. Leverage the instant respawns to maintain constant battlefield pressure and protect critical zones. This trio excels in objective-based scenarios where prolonged combat and survivability are key.
2. Metallic Chaos (Scarlet Witch + Magneto)
The Metallic Chaos Team-Up allows Scarlet Witch to empower Magneto’s greatsword with Chaos Energy, transforming him into a hybrid damage-dealer with devastating melee and ranged attacks.
Roles
* Team-Up Holder: Scarlet Witch
* Team-Up User: Magneto
Abilities
Magneto gains access to Metallic Fusion, an ability that enchants his greatsword for 10 seconds. During this time, melee strikes deal 30 damage, and ranged slashes deal 55 damage, traveling at a speed of 80 m/s. The enhanced attacks have a 3-meter melee radius and a 30-second cooldown.
How to Use
Activate Metallic Fusion during critical moments to deliver burst damage to priority or clustered targets. Position Magneto aggressively to capitalize on his increased range and damage output while ensuring Scarlet Witch stays protected to maintain the Team-Up’s availability.
3. Planet X Pals (Groot + Rocket Raccoon/Jeff the Land Shark)
The Planet X Pals Team-Up highlights Groot’s supportive role by allowing Rocket or Jeff to ride on his shoulders, reducing incoming damage and providing excellent defensive synergy.
Roles
* Team-Up Holder: Groot
* Team-Up Users: Rocket Raccoon and Jeff the Land Shark
Abilities
The Friendly Shoulder ability lets Rocket or Jeff ride on Groot, gaining 35% damage reduction while within a 12-meter range. The rider can dismount anytime by pressing Shift, allowing for repositioning and flexibility during engagements.
How to Use
Deploy Friendly Shoulder to protect Rocket or Jeff from heavy fire, particularly in engagements where they are primary targets. Groot’s natural durability complements this ability, creating a mobile defensive combination. Ensure Groot stays in safe positions to maximize the utility of the damage reduction.
4. Symbiote Bond (Venom + Spider-Man/Peni Parker)
The Symbiote Bond Team-Up enables Venom to share his symbiote energy with Spider-Man and Peni Parker, granting them powerful area-of-effect abilities with defensive benefits.
Roles
* Team-Up Holder: Venom
* Team-Up Users: Spider-Man and Peni Parker
Abilities
Spider-Man gains Suit Expulsion, creating a 5-meter field that deals 50 damage per second and pushes back enemies. This ability lasts for 4 seconds and has a 30-second cooldown. Peni Parker gains Armor Expulsion, which also creates a 5-meter field but provides an additional 50% damage reduction during its activation. The ability deals 50 damage per second, lasts 4 seconds, and has a 30-second cooldown.
How to Use
Use these abilities to control the battlefield by disrupting enemy formations and forcing repositioning. Peni’s Armor Expulsion makes her ideal for tanking damage while maintaining consistent area damage, while Spider-Man’s Suit Expulsion can scatter grouped enemies, creating openings for your team. Coordinate with Venom’s presence to ensure consistent utility.
5. Gamma Charge (Hulk + Doctor Strange/Iron Man)
The Gamma Charge Team-Up empowers Doctor Strange and Iron Man by infusing their abilities with Hulk's gamma radiation, enhancing their damage and utility significantly.
Roles
* Team-Up Holder: Hulk
* Team-Up Users: Doctor Strange and Iron Man
Abilities
Doctor Strange’s Gamma Maelstrom enhances Maelstrom of Madness, creating a 10-meter spherical field that deals 1.4 damage per point of Dark Magic. At maximum charge, the ability nullifies the Anti-Heal debuff, allowing full healing potential. It has an 8-second cooldown.
Iron Man’s Gamma Overdrive amplifies Armor Overdrive, increasing its performance for 10 seconds with a 20-second cooldown, making it a reliable tool for consistent burst damage.
How to Use
Maximize Doctor Strange’s Gamma Maelstrom by building Dark Magic to its peak for devastating damage and sustained healing. Use Iron Man’s Gamma Overdrive during critical team fights or defensive plays to enhance his hybrid role. Coordinate engagements to ensure Hulk’s presence and capitalize on the synergy for prolonged effectiveness.
6. Ammo Overload (Rocket Raccoon + Punisher/Winter Soldier)
The Ammo Overload Team-Up showcases Rocket Raccoon’s engineering prowess, enabling The Punisher and Winter Soldier to gain infinite ammo and faster fire rates within a buffed radius.
Roles
* Team-Up Holder: Rocket Raccoon
* Team-Up Users: The Punisher and Winter Soldier
Abilities
Rocket Raccoon deploys an Ammo Overload Device that grants allies within its 10-meter radius infinite ammo and increased fire rates for 12 seconds, with a 45-second cooldown. The Punisher’s Infinite Punishment provides a 67% fire rate boost, while Winter Soldier’s Infinite Grit offers a 25% fire rate boost.
How to Use
Position the Ammo Overload Device strategically in high-pressure zones to allow Punisher and Winter Soldier to maximize its buffs. Focus on The Punisher for maximum impact due to his high fire rate boost, while Winter Soldier excels in sustained fights with infinite ammo. Time the ability during team fights to overwhelm enemies with superior DPS.
7. Dimensional Shortcut (Magik + Black Panther/Psylocke)
Overview
The Dimensional Shortcut Team-Up allows Black Panther and Psylocke to rewind time through Magik’s connection to Limbo, restoring health and enabling strategic repositioning.
Roles
* Team-Up Holder: Magik
* Team-Up Users: Black Panther and Psylocke
Abilities
Black Panther’s Wakandan Master and Psylocke’s Psionic Disc allow them to rewind 5 seconds to a previous position and restore 50% of health lost during that time. Both abilities share a 30-second cooldown, making them reliable tools for survival and aggressive plays.
How to Use
Utilize the rewind mechanic to engage aggressively and escape safely, minimizing risks during dives. Activate the ability after taking significant damage to regain health and reposition strategically. Ensure Magik’s safety, as her presence is crucial for enabling this synergy.
8. Guardian Revival (Adam Warlock + Star-Lord/Mantis)
The Guardian Revival Team-Up grants Star-Lord and Mantis a powerful resurrection mechanic through Adam Warlock’s cocooning power, allowing them to return to battle after death.
Roles
* Team-Up Holder: Adam Warlock
* Team-Up Users: Star-Lord and Mantis
Abilities
Mantis gains Nature’s Soul, allowing her to enter a cocooned state upon death, where she can freely move her soul to select a safe revival spot. Star-Lord’s Leader’s Soul provides a similar mechanic, granting him a free-flight state for strategic repositioning. Both abilities have a 120-second cooldown.
How to Use
Revive strategically by selecting safe positions to re-enter combat without immediately being targeted. Use Mantis’s revival to continue supporting allies, while Star-Lord can leverage his free-flight state to flank or reposition aggressively. Protect Adam Warlock, as his survival ensures this powerful mechanic remains available.
9. Chilling Charisma (Luna Snow + Namor/Jeff the Land Shark)
The Chilling Charisma Team-Up infuses Namor and Jeff the Land Shark with Luna Snow’s ice energy, granting them crowd control and consistent damage, making this synergy effective for disrupting enemy strategies.
Roles
* Team-Up Holder: Luna Snow
* Team-Up Users: Namor and Jeff the Land Shark
Abilities
Namor gains Frozen Spawn, summoning icy turrets that fire projectiles, dealing 25 damage and slowing enemies by 25% for 1 second. Each turret lasts 10 seconds with a 20-second cooldown and a max of two turrets. Jeff gains Frozen Spitball, a projectile that creates a slowing zone upon impact, dealing 30 projectile damage and 40 field damage while reducing enemy movement by 15% for 3 seconds.
How to Use
Use Namor’s Frozen Spawn to zone enemies and protect objectives, while Jeff’s Frozen Spitball creates disruption in choke points. Combine their abilities to layer crowd control, slowing enemy advances and maintaining control over high-value zones.
10. Voltaic Union (Thor + Storm/Captain America)
The Voltaic Union Team-Up empowers Storm and Captain America with Thor’s Thorforce, granting them electrifying enhancements for both offensive and defensive capabilities.
Roles
* Team-Up Holder: Thor
* Team-Up Users: Storm and Captain America
Abilities
Storm gains Charged Gale, a lightning bolt that bounces between up to three enemies, dealing 50 damage per strike within a 60-meter range, with a 20-second cooldown. Captain America gains Charged Aegis, electrifying his shield for 50 damage per hit (ricocheting once at half damage), while gaining a movement speed boost of 1 m/s for 6 seconds, also with a 20-second cooldown.
How to Use
Use Storm’s lightning barrage to target clustered enemies and disrupt formations. Captain America’s Charged Aegis allows for both engagement and disengagement with added mobility. Combine their abilities to control team fights and maintain flexibility in engagements.
11. Atlas Bond (Iron Fist + Luna Snow)
The Atlas Bond Team-Up channels Iron Fist’s Chi into Luna Snow, enhancing her ice powers with defensive and supportive utility, making it a strong choice for survival-focused strategies.
Roles
* Team-Up Holder: Iron Fist
* Team-Up User: Luna Snow
Abilities
Luna Snow gains Frozen Chi, creating a 10-meter frost field that deals 25 damage, slows enemies by 20% for 2 seconds, and heals allies for 50 HP. The ability also knocks back enemies and has a 20-second cooldown.
How to Use
Use Frozen Chi to slow and damage advancing enemies while healing nearby allies. Position Luna Snow at the center of engagements to maximize the frost field’s effects, creating space for teammates and disrupting enemy dives.
12. ESU Alumnus (Spider-Man + Squirrel Girl)
The ESU Alumnus Team-Up equips Squirrel Girl with a web bomb from Spider-Man, providing area-of-effect damage and crowd control, making it a strong pick for disrupting grouped enemies.
Roles
* Team-Up Holder: Spider-Man
* Team-Up User: Squirrel Girl
Abilities
Squirrel Girl gains Webbed Acorn, a projectile that creates a 4-meter radius spell field upon impact, dealing 80 damage and ensnaring enemies for 1 second. It has a 20-second cooldown.
How to Use
Use Webbed Acorn to disrupt grouped enemies and lock them in place, enabling follow-up damage. Aim for high-traffic zones or key targets, and coordinate with Spider-Man’s mobility for maximum battlefield control.
13. Lunar Force (Cloak & Dagger + Moon Knight)
The Lunar Force Team-Up imbues Moon Knight with light and dark energy from Cloak & Dagger, allowing him to create a realm of invisibility for tactical repositioning.
Roles
* Team-Up Holder: Cloak & Dagger
* Team-Up User: Moon Knight
Abilities
Moon Knight gains Full Moon, creating a 4-meter radius field where he becomes invisible for 6 seconds. The invisibility ends if he takes damage and has a 30-second cooldown.
How to Use
Use Full Moon to flank enemies or escape dangerous situations. Time the ability to initiate fights from unexpected angles or reposition during engagements. Coordinate with Cloak & Dagger’s supportive abilities for maximum survivability.
14. Fastball Special (Hulk + Wolverine)
The Fastball Special Team-Up allows Hulk to hurl Wolverine into combat, creating a disruptive and high-impact initiation. This ability is ideal for aggressive plays, enabling Wolverine to engage quickly and wreak havoc in the enemy’s ranks.
Roles
* Team-Up Holder: Hulk
* Team-Up User: Wolverine
Abilities
Hulk and Wolverine can interact using Gamma Fastball. Once both players confirm, Hulk lifts Wolverine and hurls him up to 20 meters. Hulk has 5 seconds to aim the throw. If Wolverine is not hurled, the cooldown resets after 3 seconds; otherwise, it has a 15-second cooldown following the throw.
How to Use
Coordinate closely between Hulk and Wolverine to ensure the ability is used effectively. Aim Hulk’s throw to place Wolverine in the heart of the action, targeting enemy backlines or clustered teams. Wolverine can follow up with melee attacks to capitalize on the chaos caused by his sudden arrival. This Team-Up thrives in aggressive, dive-focused compositions where rapid engagement and disruption are crucial. Timing and communication between players are essential to maximize its effectiveness.
15. Allied Agents (Hawkeye + Black Widow)
The Allied Agents Team-Up grants Black Widow access to Hawkeye’s Hunter’s Sight, enabling her to target and damage afterimages of enemies. This synergy enhances Black Widow’s precision and damage output, making her a more reliable DPS option.
Roles
* Team-Up Holder: Hawkeye
* Team-Up User: Black Widow
Abilities
Black Widow gains Supersensory Hunt, which creates afterimages of enemies within her line of sight. These afterimages are generated every 0.5 seconds, last for 3 seconds, and can be damaged by Black Widow during the ability's 8-second duration. The ability has a 30-second cooldown, and the afterimages cannot be critically hit.
How to Use
Use Supersensory Hunt to improve Black Widow’s accuracy and damage output, particularly against evasive or fast-moving targets. This ability is most effective when targeting enemies in motion, as the generated afterimages provide a clearer shot. Pair Black Widow with Hawkeye in scenarios where precision and consistent damage are critical, and position Hawkeye safely to maintain the Team-Up’s availability. This synergy excels in skirmishes where controlled, consistent output can turn the tide of battle.
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Most Hyped Trailer from the Game Awards 2024
The Game Awards 2024 was packed with excitement, featuring some of the most thrilling game trailers we’ve seen this year. From long-awaited sequels to bold new stories, the event gave players plenty to look forward to. Whether you love epic adventures, fast-paced action, or unique worlds, these trailers showcased the future of gaming. Here’s a look at the most talked-about reveals that have everyone excited.
1. Elden Ring: NightReign
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Djtsw5k_DNc
Elden Ring: Nightreign, a standalone cooperative multiplayer roguelike spin-off from From Software, is set to release in 2025 on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox platforms, with a Network Test for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S players in early 2025. Directed by Junya Ishizaki, the game is set in Limveld, a variant of Limgrave, where players face the Nightlord and other foes, including familiar enemies from previous Souls titles. Nightreign features eight playable classes, randomized loot, roguelike mechanics, and cross-generation but no cross-platform multiplayer. Players can embark on three-player runs that culminate in major boss battles and earn currency for character customization and relic upgrades. The game promises a blend of classic Souls elements and fresh cooperative gameplay innovations.
2. Witcher 4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=54dabgZJ5YA
The Witcher 4, the highly anticipated sequel in CD Projekt Red's renowned RPG series, will feature Ciri as the protagonist, beginning a new trilogy set after the events of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. Currently in full development with Unreal Engine 5, the game promises a story-driven, open-world experience with expansive possibilities for exploration and character progression. The trilogy's first installment is still years away, with no confirmed release date, but it has been described as the studio's "most advanced" project. Fans can expect new Witcher lore, such as the Lynx School, alongside familiar elements like Geralt's possible cameo. CDPR has also assured that the game will not be exclusive to any storefront, signaling widespread availability upon release.
3. Borderlands 4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R8CaRnf0zO0
Borderlands 4, set for release in 2025, marks a new chapter in Gearbox Software's looter-shooter franchise, introducing an all-new planet, four new Vault Hunters, and enhanced RPG elements. The game, which will launch on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X (excluding last-gen consoles), continues the series' signature blend of humor, action, and treasure hunting. Gearbox has teased a balance between approachability and depth, with the new Vault Hunters fulfilling archetypal roles like "soldier" and "mage." Developed over several years and published by 2K Games, Borderlands 4 promises fresh gameplay while staying true to the franchise’s roots, as showcased in its cinematic and gameplay trailers revealed during The Game Awards 2024.
4. Okami Sequal
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mSoZgCCxyQc
Capcom has officially announced a sequel to Okami, with a visually stunning teaser trailer revealed during The Game Awards 2024, featuring Amaterasu’s return in her iconic wolf form. Directed by Hideki Kamiya, the sequel promises to evolve the series’ beloved Celestial Brush mechanics, potentially incorporating innovative control features for modern consoles, including the rumored Nintendo Switch successor. The game’s art style appears to shift toward softer, painterly visuals while maintaining its signature storytelling elements of restoration and rebirth. While no release date or platforms have been confirmed, the sequel is expected to embrace modern hardware capabilities, potentially offering a more seamless open-world design and dynamic gameplay. Capcom's revival of the franchise under Kamiya’s leadership reflects a renewed commitment to honoring the legacy of Okami and delivering a creative, unforgettable experience.
5. Mafia: Old Country
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MdnmrHadUdo
Mafia: The Old Country, launching in Summer 2025, serves as a prequel to the Mafia trilogy, exploring the origins of organized crime in 1900s Sicily. Developed by Hangar 13, the game will feature a more linear, narrative-driven experience compared to the open-world structure of Mafia 3, with a focus on authenticity, including fully localized Sicilian voice acting. Players will navigate the fictional town of San Celeste, engaging in knife and gun combat, high-speed vehicle chases, and initiation rituals. Revealed through cinematic trailers at Gamescom 2024 and The Game Awards 2024, the game is set to release on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S, promising rich storytelling and a gritty action-adventure experience.
6. Onimusha: Way of the Sword
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9xQa_iW958E
Onimusha: Way of the Sword is set to release in February 2026 for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, marking the series' return after nearly 20 years. Set in Edo-era Kyoto, the game follows a samurai wielding the Oni Gauntlet to combat demonic Genma amidst a land corrupted by Malice. The gameplay retains the series' signature elements, including the Issen parry system and the collection of souls to empower the protagonist, with hints of the Oni transformation mechanic returning. While the story teaser was minimal, fans can expect a blend of melee combat, survival horror elements, and rich feudal Japanese settings, staying true to the franchise’s roots.
7. Slay the Spire 2
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=krDFltgjLtE
Slay the Spire 2, set to release in 2025 with an Early Access launch on PC, MacOS, and Linux, brings back beloved roguelike gameplay with new twists. Set 1,000 years after the original, the game features returning characters Ironclad and Silent, alongside a new slayer, The Necrobinder, with hints that other familiar faces like Defect may return. Built on the Godot engine, the sequel introduces updated mechanics, new cards, and enhanced visuals, with Mega Crit hiring dedicated art and animation staff to elevate the experience. The game will launch without microtransactions and is expected to expand its roster and content during Early Access. Fans can anticipate fresh challenges, an evolved art style, and an expanded story as they climb the Spire once more.
8. Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VLGy63pt9vA
Naughty Dog's upcoming sci-fi adventure, Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, was unveiled at The Game Awards 2024, marking a departure from the studio's previous works like The Last of Us and Uncharted. The game follows bounty hunter Jordan A. Mun, voiced by Tati Gabrielle, as she ventures to the perilous planet Sempiria to capture a target named Colin Graves, played by Kumail Nanjiani, hinting at a personal connection. Set on a mysterious and dangerous alien world, Intergalactic promises a character-driven narrative structured like a TV series, with a focus on emotional depth and rich storytelling. While gameplay details remain scarce, a brief trailer highlights melee combat and hints at ambitious mechanics, with Naughty Dog claiming it will feature their "deepest gameplay" to date. With development ongoing since 2020, no release date has been confirmed, but the game is expected to be a major, immersive addition to Naughty Dog's portfolio.
9. The Outerworlds 2
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ClhDyC0ZECs
The Outer Worlds 2, set to release in 2025, is Obsidian Entertainment's follow-up to its acclaimed sci-fi RPG, bringing players to a new star system with a fresh crew while retaining the series' signature humor and gameplay style. Exclusive to Xbox Series X and PC, the game will launch on Xbox Game Pass and promises to be twice the size of its predecessor, featuring expanded environments, new weapons, and enhanced combat mechanics. Revealed during The Game Awards 2024 with a gameplay trailer, the sequel showcases fast-paced shooting, cover-based combat, and stunning alien landscapes, while hinting at an expanded narrative and deeper companion interactions. Fans can expect more of what made the original a standout, with a larger scope and new adventures in a brand-new setting.
10. Virtual Fighter 6
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pmeGL2JP9N0
Virtua Fighter 6, revealed during The Game Awards 2024, marks the long-awaited return of Sega's iconic fighting franchise after nearly 20 years. While no release date or platforms have been confirmed, the game is in development, with gameplay footage suggesting a continuation of the series' grounded 3D fighting style focused on combos and positioning. Featuring an older Akira and a new character named Stella, the game aims to innovate while staying true to its roots, with development led by Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio and supported by original series developers. Fans can look forward to fresh elements in this classic series revival.
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The Future of Meeting Notes: Why Read AI Leads the Pack
Meeting notes are essential for tracking decisions, assigning tasks, and keeping teams aligned, but taking notes manually is often time-consuming and prone to errors. Enter Read AI: a cutting-edge tool that automates notetaking, generates concise summaries, and highlights next steps. Designed to integrate with popular platforms like Microsoft Teams and Zoom, Read AI is revolutionizing how professionals manage meeting documentation.
What is Read AI and Why Does It Stand Out
At its core, Read AI is an intelligent meeting assistant that automates notetaking and transforms raw discussions into actionable insights. Unlike traditional methods, where participants rely on manual notes or scattered recordings, Read AI uses advanced algorithms to capture and structure meeting content efficiently.
Key Features of Read AI:
Real-time transcription: Instantly convert spoken words into text during meetings, ensuring nothing is missed.
AI summary generator: Create concise summaries that include key points, decisions made, and action items.
Actionable insights: Identify follow-up tasks and responsibilities, making post-meeting collaboration more effective.
Imagine this scenario: During a Zoom meeting, Read AI transcribes the conversation in real time, marks critical points as they happen, and delivers a polished summary at the end. Team members can focus on contributing to the discussion rather than worrying about capturing every detail.
Read AI is designed for modern teams, offering tools that adapt to a variety of workflows, from brainstorming sessions to client calls, making it indispensable for today’s professionals.
Benefits of AI-Powered Meeting Notes
The introduction of tools like Read AI has transformed meeting documentation, offering benefits that extend beyond just saving time. One major advantage is the increased accuracy and consistency these tools provide. By reducing the risk of human error, AI ensures that every critical detail and decision is accurately captured, creating reliable records for future reference.
AI-powered notes also improve collaboration by producing concise, well-structured summaries that can be easily shared among team members. This helps build better alignment, ensuring everyone stays on the same page and can contribute more effectively to ongoing projects. Tools like Read AI aren’t just streamlining processes—they’re enhancing how teams communicate.
Consider a project kickoff meeting where Read AI records discussions, assigns action points to team members, and generates a summary that’s immediately shareable. This level of efficiency helps teams move forward faster and with greater clarity.
By automating tedious tasks, Read AI enables professionals to focus on creativity, strategy, and collaboration—areas where human expertise truly shines.
The Future of AI-Driven Notetaking
As AI technology continues to evolve, tools like Read AI are becoming even more intelligent and adaptable, fundamentally changing how meetings are managed and how collaboration unfolds. Recent advancements, such as the integration of Read AI for Gmail, demonstrate how AI can seamlessly connect meeting and message data, enhancing workflows across multiple platforms.
Read AI already integrates with tools like Asana and Trello through platforms like Zapier, enabling automated workflows for assigning tasks and organizing projects. However, the potential for deeper, native integrations is significant. These would eliminate the need for third-party connectors, providing a streamlined experience where tasks and deadlines are automatically created and synchronized directly within project management platforms.
Beyond task automation, future iterations of Read AI could focus on personalized insights, tailoring meeting notes and summaries to individual participants. By focusing on role-specific decisions and action items, this feature would streamline communication and ensure everyone receives relevant updates.
Advancements in sentiment analysis could further enhance collaboration by assessing the tone of discussions, identifying areas of concern and encouraging proactive conflict resolution. Predictive analytics might take AI notetaking a step further by flagging unresolved issues or suggesting actionable next steps based on meeting content.
Pioneering the Next Era of Collaboration
Looking further ahead, AI notetaking might evolve to become a central hub for collaboration, combining data from various tools and platforms into a unified experience. AI assistants like Read AI could become the nexus of workplace communication, integrating everything from meeting insights to email replies and project management tasks into a real-time, cohesive system tailored to individual workflows. As these innovations unfold, the lines between meetings, messages, and tasks will blur, creating an advanced productivity experience powered by AI.
If you're looking to stay ahead of these trends and maximize your productivity, consider exploring innovative devices like the Acer Swift Go 14 AI Laptop, which offers the performance needed to run AI tools. To dive deeper into the latest advancements in AI and productivity, subscribe to the Acer Corner email digest for expert insights and updates.
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About Maxine Sheppard: Maxine is a writer and editor who specializes in topics ranging from travel, tech and music to wildlife and design. When not writing, you might find her driving through a national park with the radio on loud.
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2025's Hottest Survival Games: 7 Must-Play Titles on PC
With their unique blend of resource management, exploration, and intense challenges, survival games have become a significant genre in the gaming landscape. They often place players in hostile environments where they must gather resources, build shelters, and fend off threats to survive. The appeal of the best survival games lies in their immersive gameplay and the sense of achievement that comes from overcoming adversity. Players enjoy the freedom to craft their own narratives, making choices that can lead to vastly different outcomes.
Many gamers prefer playing survival games on PC rather than consoles for several reasons. PCs typically offer superior graphics and performance capabilities, allowing for a more visually stunning experience. Additionally, the flexibility of modding on PC can enhance gameplay significantly, providing new content and features that are often unavailable on consoles. The ability to customize controls and settings further contributes to a more tailored gaming experience. For PC players, powerful computers like the Predator Orion Gaming Desktop ensure smooth performance and crisp visuals, as well as a future-proof gaming setup.
Best Survival Games 2024
As 2024 comes to a close, the survival genre has delivered standout titles that pushed the boundaries of innovation. Pacific Drive, from Ironwood Studios, sets players in the eerie Olympic Exclusion Zone, where managing a vehicle becomes a lifeline against environmental hazards and surreal threats. With its blend of atmospheric storytelling and unique mechanics, it's no surprise that the game won the Best Gameplay award at the BIG Festival in June 2024. Another highly popular title, Endnight Games' Sons of the Forest, builds on its predecessor with adaptive AI-driven enemies and tense gameplay, earning a nomination in the 2024 Steam Awards' Better with Friends category.
City-building enthusiasts were drawn to Frostpunk 2, the highly anticipated sequel from 11 Bit Studios. Released in September, the game expanded on the survival mechanics of its predecessor, challenging players to make morally complex decisions in a frozen wasteland. Frostpunk 2 earned Best Gameplay honors at the 2024 Gamescom Awards and was named Best Sim/Strategy Game at the Game Awards 2024. Together, these titles highlight the survival genre’s evolution, offering unforgettable experiences for a diverse range of players.
7 Must-Play PC Survival Games in 2025
Looking ahead to the coming year, several new PC survival games are generating excitement among gamers:
1. Aloft
https://youtu.be/4XQxVjT6Az4?si=QV_R0zGK68UcD92J
Developed by Astrolabe Interactive and published by Funcom, Aloft is set to launch in Early Access on January 15, 2025. This cooperative sandbox survival game transports players to a colorful world of floating islands, where they can build and customize their own skyships. Players will navigate through serene and stormy skies, gathering resources while cleansing the islands' ecosystems from corruption.
The game allows up to eight players to collaborate, creating vibrant airborne villages that light up the night sky. Unique mechanics include crafting sails and navigating wind currents, enhancing the exploration experience. As players progress, they can unlock new biomes, challenges, and items to craft. With a solid foundation already established through demos, Aloft is poised to be an exciting addition to the best PC survival games lineup for 2025.
2. Atomfall
Scheduled for release on multiple platforms on March 27, 2025, Atomfall is a single-player survival-action game from Rebellion Developments. It's set in an eerie world influenced by post-World War II themes, real-life events, and classic British science fiction, and players must navigate through dark environments filled with danger and mystery. The gameplay combines exploration, crafting, and intense combat as players uncover clues and face off against hostile entities.
Players can utilize a metal detector to unearth hidden treasures while crafting weapons and items essential for survival. The game features light roleplaying game (RPG) elements that allow players to define their character through interactions with nonplayable characters (NPCs) and skill trees. The Deluxe Edition offers additional content such as exclusive weapons and early access to expansions.
3. The Alters
https://youtu.be/IiDOlqALAN4?si=DHSr7w1Q5nvVTwwb%20
The Alters, developed by 11 Bit Studios, is set to launch in the first quarter of 2025 after a slight delay from its original November 2024 schedule. Players take on the role of Jan Dolski, who crash-lands on a hostile planet and must manage a high-tech mobile base designed for a crew he doesn't have. This multiplatform game introduces a unique mechanic where Jan can create alternate versions of himself—known as Alters—by making pivotal decisions from his past. Each Alter possesses distinct skills and personalities that impact gameplay dynamics and relationships within the base.
Players must pay attention to resource management while balancing interpersonal conflicts among the Alters as they strive for survival. The narrative explores themes of choice and consequence, adding depth to the gameplay experience. The Alters demo is already available on PC and can be downloaded via Steam.
4. Dune: Awakening
https://youtu.be/Ud3EW5aAUZ8?si=LMJlE9qOGo8dPREE
Set in the iconic universe of Frank Herbert's Dune series of science fiction novels, Dune: Awakening is an open-world survival massively multiplayer online (MMO) developed by Funcom that's expected to launch on PC in early 2025. Players customize their characters as they crash-land on the desert planet of Arrakis, facing extreme environmental challenges such as heatstroke and thirst. Survival hinges on resource management as players battle against harsh conditions while competing for control over valuable spice resources with other players.
The game incorporates base-building mechanics and allows players to form guilds for cooperative play against both environmental threats and rival factions. Giant sandworms add an additional layer of danger as they can be summoned during gameplay.
5. The Last of Us Part II Remastered
Naughty Dog's critically acclaimed The Last of Us Part II Remastered arrives on PC on April 3, 2025. This remastered version enhances the original's visuals with higher resolution textures, improved character models, and support for ultrawide displays like the 49" EI1 UltraWide Curved Entertainment Monitor. Players will experience Ellie and Abby’s gripping narrative with new gameplay features that include a roguelike survival mode titled "No Return," which introduces permadeath mechanics and randomized encounters for added replayability.
The remaster also optimizes performance across various hardware configurations, ensuring smooth gameplay at high frame rates. Additionally, players can expect new accessibility options such as Speech to Vibrations and Descriptive Audio. This release not only brings one of PlayStation's most beloved titles to a wider audience but also showcases how PC gaming can elevate storytelling through advanced graphics and performance enhancements.
6. Polyaris
https://youtu.be/1Egyg-Q_qR0?si=lhr8KBn0DN_rfJLr
Polyaris, developed by Norwegian indie studio Magic Pie Games, invites players into an icy, post-apocalyptic world where they must survive against extreme cold and hostile wildlife while uncovering secrets buried beneath the snow. Set for release by the end of summer 2025, this first-person, single-player title emphasizes crafting tools and building shelters from available resources while exploring frozen wastelands filled with challenges. Players will need to manage their warmth levels carefully while making their way through treacherous environments teeming with dangers such as aggressive creatures or harsh weather conditions. The game's art style combines realism with stylized elements that enhance immersion in its frigid landscape.
7. Cairn
https://youtu.be/Q4In8-k2A-I?si=lTm1iQNJne7q24ag
From The Game Bakers, another independent studio, comes Cairn, a groundbreaking survival climber that focuses on realistic climbing mechanics. Players must carefully plan their ascents on treacherous Mount Kami while managing limited resources like pitons, which are essential for climbing success. This open-world survival adventure emphasizes exploration as players discover hidden paths and face environmental challenges that test their skills at every turn. With eye-catching visuals powered by Unity technology, Cairn showcases breathtaking, almost surreal landscapes alongside intense survival elements.
With such a diverse lineup of anticipated computer survival games set for release in 2025, players can expect innovative gameplay experiences that’ll keep them engaged for hours on end as they navigate challenging environments of danger and discovery.
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About Lalaine Capucion: Lalaine has been working as a freelance writer and editor for more than 12 years, focusing on lifestyle, travel, and wellness. When she isn’t writing, she's most likely curled up with a good book or trying out a new recipe in the kitchen. She lives in Metro Manila, Philippines.
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Acer Swift X 16 Review: Powerful Performance and Stunning Design for Creators and Professionals
With captivating color and crystal clear clarity, the Acer Swift X 16 laptop offers outstanding performance capabilities for creators and professionals. The 3.2K 120Hz OLED display, exceptional color grading, and image quality will delight users with stunning color accuracy. Weighing just 1.9 kg (4.18 lbs), the Acer Swift X 16 is made for makers, offering cinema-grade industry-standard video editing with 100% DCI-P3 color coverage. It is also professionally calibrated and certified by TÜV Rheinland to balance blue light limitations and minimize eye strain. This lets creators continue doing what they do best without causing additional damage to their eyes.
The Acer Swift X 16 makes the future possible now with a dedicated AI engine, offering a brand-new AI experience with AMD Ryzen™ AI. Users can browse, create, and play with dependable performance at up to 8 cores and 16 threads, while the AI engine frees up the processor to multitask and keep running at lightning speed. With 1TB of SSD storage and 16 GB of installed memory, users can experience quicker data transfers, low latency, and faster load times.
Features
Alongside speedy load times, AI capabilities, and excellent color quality, the Acer Swift X 16 also offers the following features.
1. TwinAir cooling and enhanced battery life
The Acer Swift X 16 includes a redesigned thermal arrangement, allowing it to be fitted with a 36% larger battery and TwinAir cooling. Users can benefit from impressive thermal performance and a longer battery life, so they can focus on creating and designing without their device overheating. Twin stereo ring fans dissipate heat throughout dual D6 copper heat pipes, ensuring accurate and controlled heat dissipation. Users can choose from four different fan speeds, Silent, Normal, Performance, and Turbo, depending on their usage requirements, boosting airflow by up to 42%.
2. Advanced video calling capabilities
Acer’s TNR technology provides high-quality imagery in low-light conditions, allowing professionals to continue working day and night. The Acer Swift X 16 also includes Acer PurifiedView™ and PurifiedVoice™ with AI Noise Reduction, ensuring high-quality visuals on the 1080p FHD camera and clear sound during video calls. Automatic framing puts users front and center, helping them appear more engaging and natural during online meetings. Moreover, AI-assisted gaze correction automatically adjusts the user’s eye angle, helping them maintain steady eye contact with their video call partner.
3. NVIDIA® studio exclusive features
Creators can take their creative endeavors to the next level with NVIDIA® Studio. With RTX and AI acceleration in top creative apps, NVIDIA® Studio drivers for maximum stability, and a whole host of exclusive tools like Omniverse, Canvas, and Broadcast. With the Acer Swift X 16 and exclusive content from the NVIDIA® Studio, artists can breathe life into their ideas faster than ever before.
Specifications
* Operating system: Windows 11 Home
* Processor model: AMD Ryzen™ 9 7940HS
* Processor speed: 4.0 GHz
* Processor core: Octa-core (8 Core™)
* GPU: NVIDIA® GeForce RTX 4050 graphics
* Graphics memory capacity: 6 GB
* Total installed memory: 16 GB
* Total solid state drive capacity: 1 TB
* Bluetooth: 5.2
* Interfaces / ports: HDMI x 1, USB 3.2 Gen x 1, 3.2 Gen 2 (USB Type-C) x 1, Thunderbolt™ 4 (USB 3.2) x 2
* Keyboard features: Backlit keyboard with OceanGlassTM Touchpad
* Maximum battery run time: 10 hours
* Screen resolution: 3200 x 2000
* Height: 0.7 inches (1.778 cm)
* Width: 14.02 inches (35.61 cm)
* Depth: 9.81 inches (24.91 cm)
* Weight (approx): 4.35 lbs (1.97 kg)
Power, productivity, and precision: the Acer Swift X 16
If you are searching for a powerful laptop to support your creative side, look no further. The Acer Swift X 16 is the best laptop for creators and designers, offering outstanding features like a larger battery and AI functions for enhanced performance. At just 17.9 mm (0.70 inches), the stunning device is easily transportable while users dash between the studio, office, and home. The Acer design team has meticulously built the Acer Swift X 16 with productivity, accessibility, and precision in mind, making it the ideal companion for creators and professionals. Get yours today at the Acer online store.
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How to Play Phone Games on PC
Smartphones, the pocket sized mini-computers the world has grown to love are everywhere nowadays. With over 9 out of every 10 Americans owning one, they are integral to our daily lives. From contacting friends, family, and colleagues, to social media, banking, music streaming, and even health monitoring, the uses we’ve found for these handy devices are myriad!
Smartphones share many of the characteristics of your PC, and it's no surprise that phone games are super popular among people of all ages. Since the early days playing Snake on old school Nokias, to Call of Duty: Mobile, and Candy Crush Saga, there’s a game for everyone.
Today we’re not reviewing phone games. For serious phone gamers, the natural evolution of gaming on your phone screen is to take the game to a bigger screen, namely your PC. In this article we’ll furnish you with the lowdown on why you might want to play phone games on a computer, then provide a step by step guide on how to play phone games on your PC. Read on, and put your phone down while you get stuck in to phone gaming on your PC!
Why play phone games on a computer?
The burning question, is it not? Your phone is a perfectly good device, it’s got you this far in your phone game exploits, so why make the switch to play cell phone games on PC? There are actually some great benefits to transferring your phone gaming to a PC. Let’s have a look at the top four improvements we’ve noticed after making the switch to PC:
Improved performance. Whether you use a laptop or desktop, chances are that your trusty PC has hardware that outguns your diminutive smartphone. A more powerful processor (CPU), graphics card (GPU), and far greater RAM mean that your PC can run your phone games smoother, at faster speeds, and with less lags than on your smartphone. This translates to better gaming performance for you, the player, meaning abundant victories await!
Beat the heat, save your phone. We’ve all been there, stuck in the thick of the action, trying to run a graphically demanding game on our smartphone. As the game progresses, the battery level gets lower and lower, while the phone gets so hot you’re worried the battery might melt! Transfer these gaming odysseys to your PC and you most likely won’t need to worry about overheating, which can seriously shorten the lifespan of your phone’s battery. Another plus: your phone stays free to receive messages and calls while you game.
Control. To play your favorite phone games on your PC, you’ll need an emulator (more on that later), via the emulator, you can map touch controls to your keyboard and mouse inputs. Compared to your phone, keyboard and mouse control delivers faster reaction times and increased precision, giving you the edge over opponents. You can also connect to external controllers (Xbox, etc) enabling console-like gameplay for phone games. The increased control possible with PC keyboard, mouse, and game controllers gives you a competitive advantage over touchscreen players, so get ready to win big. PUGB Mobile is an example of this phenomenon you may well have heard of, where playing with a mouse is akin to paying in god mode!
Screen real estate. Screens come in many shapes and sizes, using a variety of display technologies. One thing is for sure, transport your phone games from the small screen of your phone onto your laptop or monitor and you’ll open up a world of gaming possibilities. Strategy games, RPGs and FPS will come to life on a larger screen, with more details and room to properly play in an immersive environment. Added bonus: no more eye strain from staring at your phone screen, because a larger display can lead to hours of comfortable gaming.
How to play phone games on PC
Now let’s get down to the technical nitty gritty, that really isn’t too challenging at all -the art of playing phone games on your trusty PC. There are a couple of different ways to play Android games on your PC. These include using an emulator (our personal fave), game streaming, screen mirroring and cloud gaming. Emulators allow you to run Android apps and games on your PC. At time of writing the best emulators include:
* BlueStacks is the most widely used emulator, user friendly across a range of apps and games, customizable.
* MEmu, the serious gamer’s choice, prioritizes gaming performance, compatible with demanding titles and delivers smooth gameplay.
* LDPlayer is the casual gamers delight, offering fast, lightweight gaming that won’t ask too much of lower-end PCs.
Steps to phone game on your PC
Most emulators follow a similar process to help you get started playing phone games on your PC. Follow these simple steps to transfer your phone game campaigns to your PC:
* Download an emulator that meets your needs. There are many available, and a quick Google search will deliver the goods.
* Install your chosen emulator. Once you’ve settled on an emulator, simply run the installer and follow on-screen instructions to finish the setup.
* Run the emulator. Log in using your Google account and access the Play store, as you would on your smartphone.
* Download games. Following on-screen instructions, find and download the game you’re burning to play, then install it on the emulator.
* Customize and play. Following the instructions of the emulator, you can map your keyboard and mouse inputs to mimic touchscreen controls. Launch the game and tweak your customizations as you please, for the enhanced performance of smartphone gaming on your PC.
Tips to takeaway
If you’re unsure about the emulators above, try Google Play Games, an official way to get hundreds of your favorite phone games running on your PC. There are a few prerequisites for this app, though: you’ll need Windows 10 or later, an SSD boot drive, and before downloading, you must enable Virtualization support in your PC’s BIOS settings. If that’s too much hassle, we recommend trying out an emulator -you might be pleasantly surprised.
Finally, here’s a few tips to help you have the best phone gaming experience on your PC. Do your emulator research, and choose one that is made for gaming. After you’ve settled on an emulator, optimize the app's settings for your PC’s specs. Don’t forget to also optimize your PC setting for gaming. You can do this by going to Windows Power Settings, and selecting “High Performance” to assign maximum resources to running your game smoothly.
Also free up CPU and RAM by closing background apps that you don’t currently require. Finally, make sure you customize your keys with the emulator’s key mapping tool. The perfect key setup for one game might be incompatible with another, so remember to save your preferred key mapping profiles. We’ll leave you for now, and wish you luck on your gaming journey as you migrate, with your favorite games from phone to PC!
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How to Turn Off Ad Blockers Without Compromising Privacy
Ad blockers have become a must-have tool, shielding you from intrusive ads and improving your browsing experience. However, they can sometimes block essential website functionality, prevent access to content, or interfere with services you need. Whether it’s accessing a trusted news source, completing a payment, or streaming a video, knowing how to disable or adjust ad blockers is crucial.
This guide will walk you through the steps required to turn off ad blockers temporarily or selectively, ensuring you retain control over your online privacy while maintaining smooth website functionality.
Understanding Ad Blockers and Their Role
Ad blockers work by identifying and filtering out content flagged as advertisements or trackers. They improve browsing by:
Eliminating intrusive ads: No more pop-ups or distracting banners.
Speeding up website performance: Less content to load means faster page speeds.
Enhancing privacy: Blocking tracking scripts reduces data collection by advertisers.
However, ad blockers have downsides. They can inadvertently block legitimate content, disrupt features like online forms, or prevent access to ad-supported sites. For example, news outlets and free tools often rely on ads for revenue, meaning your ad blocker may deny you full access to their offerings.
Understanding the balance between convenience and site functionality is the key to using ad blockers effectively. Whether you’re temporarily disabling them or learning to whitelist trusted sites, small adjustments can enhance your overall browsing experience.
Steps to Disable Ad Blockers Across Browsers
Turning off ad blockers is straightforward, but the process varies depending on your browser. Here’s a quick guide for popular browsers:
Chrome
* Open Chrome and click the three-dot menu in the top-right corner.
* Navigate to "More Tools" and then "Extensions."
* Find your ad blocker in the list and toggle it off.
Firefox
* Click the menu button (three horizontal lines) in the top-right corner.
* Select "Add-ons and themes."
* Locate your ad blocker and click "Disable" to turn it off temporarily.
Edge
* Click the three-dot menu in the top-right corner.
* Go to "Extensions" and find your ad blocker.
* Toggle it off or remove it entirely if necessary.
Safari
* Open Safari preferences.
* Go to the "Extensions" tab and locate your ad blocker.
* Uncheck the box to disable it.
Mobile Browsers
For Chrome or Safari on mobile, ad blocker settings are often tied to third-party apps. Open the app managing the blocker and disable it from there.
How to Whitelist Specific Websites
If you don’t want to completely disable your ad blocker, whitelisting is a great option. This allows ads on trusted websites while keeping your blocker active elsewhere.
Steps to Whitelist on Popular Browsers
Chrome:
Open the site you want to whitelist, click the ad blocker icon in the toolbar, and select “Allow ads on this site.”
Firefox:
Follow a similar process by clicking the ad blocker icon and selecting “Disable on [current site].”
Edge:
Click the ad blocker icon in the toolbar while on the site, then choose “Don’t run on pages on this site” or a similar option depending on your ad blocker.
Safari:
Add trusted websites to the "Allowed Websites" section in Safari preferences.
Tips for Whitelisting Wisely
Choose reputable sites:
Whitelist sites you trust, like news platforms or professional services.
Review privacy policies:
Ensure the site has strong privacy practices before allowing ads.
Test functionality:
After whitelisting, refresh the page to see if the features you need are restored.
Whitelisting is a middle ground that keeps your browsing efficient while supporting content creators who rely on ads to fund their work.
Addressing Privacy Concerns When Disabling Ad Blockers
Disabling your ad blocker, even temporarily, can expose you to risks like increased tracking and invasive ads. However, there are steps you can take to protect your privacy while allowing ads on certain sites.
Mitigating Privacy Risks
Enable browser privacy settings: Modern browsers like Chrome and Firefox allow you to block third-party cookies and trackers without relying solely on ad blockers.
Use anti-tracking tools: Extensions like Privacy Badger or built-in features in browsers can help block trackers while allowing legitimate site functionality.
Regularly clear cookies and cache: Prevent sites from accumulating unnecessary data about your browsing habits.
Ad Blocker Alternatives for Privacy
Consider pairing a less intrusive ad blocker with your browsing setup. For example, some tools block only trackers and malware-laden ads, allowing respectful ads to display without compromising your privacy.
By combining whitelisting and privacy tools, you can maintain control over your online experience while supporting content creators.
As digital advertising continues to evolve, the future of ad blockers may shift from merely blocking content to becoming more sophisticated tools for managing online experiences. For example, ad blockers that allow users to tailor their browsing by filtering ads based on personal preferences—blocking intrusive formats like pop-ups while allowing unobtrusive, relevant ads.
Artificial intelligence may play a pivotal role in the next generation of ad blockers, enabling smarter detection of malicious content while respecting legitimate advertisers. These tools could analyze ad quality, transparency, and relevance in real time, giving users greater control without sacrificing access to valuable content.
Beyond filtering, future ad blockers might integrate with privacy-focused browsers and AI-driven assistants to create seamless, secure, and personalized web experiences. Features like dynamic whitelisting, where trusted sites are pre-screened for safe advertising, could make managing ads easier than ever.
For future AI ad blocker technology, the Acer Swift 14 AI Laptop is a great choice. It’s optimized for AI-powered apps and platforms, with a powerful Intel Core Ultra 7 processor, 32GB RAM, and 1TB SSD memory.
Ultimately, the line between blocking ads and supporting content creators will continue to blur. The challenge ahead lies in creating tools that strike the perfect balance between user experience, privacy, and the sustainability of free online content.
To stay informed on the latest trends in digital tools and web privacy, consider subscribing to the Acer Corner email digest for expert insights and tech updates.
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About Maxine Sheppard: Maxine is a writer and editor who specializes in topics ranging from travel, tech and music to wildlife and design. When not writing, you might find her driving through a national park with the radio on loud.
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The Art of Strategy: Essential Tips for Mastering Complex Games
Many video games offer intricate systems and deep gameplay mechanics that challenge players on multiple levels. Understanding what makes a game complex versus simple is crucial for mastering these titles, especially in genres like strategy games, which often require careful planning and execution.
Complex video games often exhibit several key characteristics that differentiate them from simpler titles:
* Multifaceted Mechanics: Complex games typically feature a variety of interconnected systems that influence gameplay. For example, strategy video games may include resource management, unit positioning, and tactical combat all within a single match.
* Depth of Strategy: In contrast to simpler games that may rely on straightforward mechanics, complex games often require players to develop multi-layered strategies. This depth can manifest in turn-based strategy (TBS) video games where each decision can significantly impact the outcome.
* Dynamic Environments: Many complex games present players with changing environments or scenarios that require adaptability. Real-time strategy games (RTS), for instance, demand quick thinking and the ability to adjust strategies on the fly as new information becomes available.
* Narrative Complexity: Some video games weave intricate narratives that require players to understand character motivations and plot developments. This adds another layer of complexity, particularly in role-playing or strategy games where decisions affect the story's progression.
* Player Interaction: Multiplayer elements can also add complexity, as players must not only manage their own strategies but also anticipate and counteract the moves of opponents.
Types of Strategy Games
Strategy games can be broadly categorized into several types, each offering unique gameplay experiences. They include:
* Turn-Based Strategy Games: These require players to take turns making decisions, allowing for thoughtful planning in combat. Notable examples include the Civilization series and the XCOM series, where strategic depth is paramount.
* Real-Time Strategy Games: RTS games involve continuous play without turns, demanding quick decision-making and reflexes. StarCraft II, Dota 2, and the Age of Empires series exemplify this genre and are often considered among the best PC strategy games available today.
* Hybrid Strategy Games: Some games combine elements from both turn-based and real-time strategies, offering players diverse gameplay experiences. A good example is Total War: Warhammer III, which blends turn-based campaign management with real-time battles.
Tips for Mastering Complex Video Games
To successfully navigate the challenges posed by strategy games, consider the following strategies:
1. Master the Basics
Before diving into advanced strategies, ensure you have a solid understanding of the game's fundamental mechanics. This includes learning how to control your character or units effectively and understanding the core rules governing gameplay. Familiarity with these basics will provide a foundation upon which you can build more complex strategies.
2. Develop a Strategic Mindset
Complex video games often require players to think several steps ahead. To cultivate a strategic mindset, begin by planning your moves carefully; before executing any action, take a moment to consider potential outcomes and how opponents might respond. Analyzing patterns in gameplay can also be beneficial—whether it's observing enemy movements in real-time strategy games or recognizing turn orders in turn-based strategy video games. Additionally, engage in scenario planning by anticipating various situations and preparing responses for each possible outcome. This foresight is crucial in competitive settings and can significantly enhance your gameplay.
3. Learn from Others
One of the most effective ways to improve your skills is by learning from others. Watching skilled players can provide valuable insights into effective strategies and techniques. Utilize streaming platforms like Twitch or YouTube, where numerous gamers share their gameplay experiences and strategies. Engaging with community forums dedicated to specific games can also be helpful; these platforms allow you to learn from the experiences of others and gather tips on overcoming particular challenges. By absorbing knowledge from experienced players, you can refine your own strategies and approaches.
4. Play Regularly
Consistent practice is essential for improving your skills in any game. Make it a habit to play regularly, as this will help reinforce your understanding of the game's mechanics and enhance your reaction times. Many complex games offer training modes or custom matches that allow you to practice specific skills without the pressure of competition. By dedicating time to practice, you'll gradually build confidence and proficiency, making it easier to tackle more challenging scenarios.
5. Embrace Failure
In complex gaming environments, failure is often an integral part of learning. Analyze your mistakes to understand what went wrong and how you can improve next time. This reflective practice is crucial for growth as a player.
6. Communicate Effectively
In team-based strategy games, communication with teammates is vital. Use voice chat or text chat to coordinate strategies, share information about enemy positions, and call out important events—including victories—during gameplay.
7. Adjust Your Settings
Customizing your game settings can greatly enhance your comfort and performance during gameplay. Start by tweaking mouse sensitivity or controller settings to find what feels best for you; this adjustment can significantly impact your precision and control. Additionally, consider lowering graphics settings, if necessary, as this may improve frame rates and provide smoother gameplay—an essential factor in fast-paced environments where quick reactions are critical.
For an exceptional gaming experience, the Predator Helios Neo 16 Gaming Laptop is an excellent choice for playing strategy games. With its powerful Intel Core i7-13700HX CPU, Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 GPU, and 16 GB DDR5 SDRAM, it delivers smooth performance and stunning visuals, ensuring you can strategize effectively without lag.
8. Study Game Mechanics
Game guides are useful resources for understanding the nuances of game mechanics, which is vital for gaining a competitive edge. Take the time to familiarize yourself with different characters or units within the game and how their abilities interact with one another. This knowledge will help you make informed decisions during gameplay. Furthermore, effective resource management is key in strategy games; learn how to allocate resources wisely to maintain an advantage over opponents. By studying these mechanics thoroughly, you'll be better equipped to navigate complex situations and optimize your strategies for success.
9. Stay Calm Under Pressure
Complex video games often place players in high-pressure situations where quick decisions are necessary. Practicing mindfulness techniques can help maintain composure during intense moments, leading to better decision-making.
10. Take Breaks
Avoid burnout by taking regular breaks during gaming sessions. Stepping away from the screen allows you to refresh your mind and return with renewed focus and energy.
Strategy Games to Watch Out For
As we look forward to 2025, several good PC strategy games, turn-based and real-time, are set to make their debut. Among these, Era One stands out as a promising real-time strategy game that combines base building with tactical space survival elements, allowing players to engage in innovative battles across the cosmos. Heart of the Machine, a 4X turn-based strategy game, invites players to explore and conquer new worlds while managing resources and developing advanced technologies. Additionally, the full version of Age of Darkness: Final Stand offers a unique twist on the genre by blending RTS mechanics with survival horror, challenging players to defend against relentless waves of enemies.
https://youtu.be/T9ae8LeFch4?si=SlwjmXYJMPZ3enc0
A number of multiplatform strategy games are also set to make waves in 2025. Titles like Sid Meier's Civilization VII are expected to redefine the classic 4X experience with new gameplay mechanics and a layered approach to history. Warside promises a blend of tactical combat and resource management in a vibrant sci-fi setting, while Commandos: Origins aims to bring back the beloved stealth tactics of the original series in a fresh, modern context. These upcoming strategy video games highlight the diversity and innovation within the genre, ensuring that players have plenty of engaging options to explore in the coming year.
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About Lalaine Capucion: Lalaine has been working as a freelance writer and editor for more than 12 years, focusing on lifestyle, travel, and wellness. When she isn’t writing, she's most likely curled up with a good book or trying out a new recipe in the kitchen. She lives in Metro Manila, Philippines.
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What Are Robo-Advisors and How Do They Guide You in Investing?
Gone are the days when managing investments required hours of research or expensive financial advisors. Using artificial intelligence (AI) to handle everything from portfolio creation to ongoing management, robo-advisors are empowering people to invest with confidence and ease. What exactly are these AI investing tools and how do they make investing more accessible to beginners and experts alike? Read on for a handy overview of robo-advisors.
What Are Robo-Advisors?
Robo-advisors are digital platforms providing automated investment management services with minimal human supervision. They leverage algorithms and data to build and manage diversified portfolios tailored to an individual’s financial goals, risk tolerance, and investment time frame.
The first platforms, such as Betterment and Wealthfront, were founded in 2008 and began offering services around 2010. Since then, robo-advisors have seen exponential growth in popularity. They appeal to a broad range of investors, from beginners to seasoned professionals seeking low-cost options.
AI in Investing: How Robo-Advisors Work
AI and advanced algorithms make it possible for robo-advisors to streamline the investment process. Users typically start by answering a questionnaire about their objectives and preferences. Based on this information, the robo-advisor constructs a diversified portfolio, often using low-cost exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and index funds that match the user’s preferences.
Once the portfolio is set up, AI plays a key role in its ongoing management. Robo-advisors continuously monitor investments and automatically rebalance portfolios as market conditions fluctuate, maintaining the intended asset allocation. Some platforms also utilize AI for tax optimization strategies like tax-loss harvesting, which minimizes tax liabilities by offsetting gains with losses. This intelligent automation ensures portfolios are both tax-efficient and strategically aligned with long-term goals.
AI further enhances robo-advisors by identifying patterns and insights that might be difficult for a human advisor to detect at scale. It enables the platforms to adjust strategies dynamically based on market trends and individual investor behavior. By harnessing AI, robo-advisors deliver a hands-off, data-driven investment experience.
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Pros and Cons of Using a Robo-Advisor
Robo-advisors offer several advantages that appeal to a wide range of investors. These include:
* Lower Fees: Traditional financial advisors typically charge high fees for their services. In contrast, robo-advisors present a cost-effective alternative with lower management fees and minimum balances.
* Accessibility: Many platforms have low or no minimum investment requirements, allowing users with limited funds to begin investing. Additionally, getting started with a robo-advisor does not require extensive financial knowledge.
* Convenience and Ease of Use: Robo-advisors simplify investing and require minimal input from the user after the initial setup. You won’t have to actively manage and monitor your portfolio.
* Diversification: By using ETFs and index funds, these platforms provide diversified exposure to various asset classes and markets.
* Transparency: Most robo-advisors provide detailed breakdowns of where your money is invested, along with regular performance updates.
While these are great benefits, especially for those new to investing, you should also consider the drawbacks. Here are some of the limitations of robo-advisors.
* Lack of Human Interaction: Investors who prefer personalized advice or have complex financial situations may find robo-advisors insufficient.
* Limited Customization: While robo-advisors tailor portfolios to your goals, they’re generally constrained to predefined models and lack the flexibility of a human advisor.
* Narrow Focus: Robo-advisors are excellent at managing investments but don’t typically address broader financial planning needs, like estate planning or insurance.
* Dependence on Technology: As with any digital service, robo-advisors are vulnerable to technical glitches, security risks, and data breaches.
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Examples of Popular Robo-Advisors
There are a multitude of robo-advisors available, many of which offer distinct features and investment strategies. Some of the most popular options include:
* Betterment: Known for its user-friendly platform, Betterment specializes in goal-based investing, automated rebalancing, and tax-loss harvesting, making it ideal for hands-off investors.
* Wealthfront: This platform provides a robust suite of tools, including financial planning and college saving, while offering tax-efficient strategies and competitive fees.
* Vanguard Digital Advisor: Designed for long-term investors, this service focuses on low-cost investing, leveraging Vanguard’s renowned ETFs to build portfolios.
* Schwab Intelligent Portfolios: This robo-advisor has no advisory fees but requires a higher account minimum than the average platform. Schwab provides diversified portfolios with automatic rebalancing.
* SoFi Invest: A hybrid solution combining robo-advisory services with human financial advisors, SoFi also integrates other financial products like loans and budgeting tools.
Remember to exercise caution in choosing a robo-advisor. Assess your goals, preferences, and circumstances to determine whether a platform aligns with your needs. A well-suited robo-advisor can be a valuable tool in growing your wealth, whether you’re a beginner looking for guidance, a busy professional with limited time to monitor your portfolio, or a cost-conscious investor preferring lower management fees.
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About Micah Sulit: Micah is a writer and editor with a focus on lifestyle topics like tech, wellness, and travel. She loves writing while sipping an iced mocha in a cafe, preferably one in a foreign city. She's based in Manila, Philippines.
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TrailblazerFor users of the English, Spanish, French and German community, I will be using google translator!
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