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Best Grenades to Use in Arc Raiders
If you want to win more fights in ARC Raiders, you need to know which grenades actually make a difference. The game offers a long list of throwables, but many look stronger in the description than they are in real combat. With the 1.3 update changing how explosive damage works, the meta has shifted again, especially for corner fights, anti-ARC bursts, and extraction pressure. This guide breaks down the ten best grenades in ARC Raiders, explains what makes each one useful, and helps you choose the right options for both PvP and PvE so you can avoid wasting resources on tools that will not carry their weight.
10. Gas Grenade
The Gas Grenade is a niche tool, but it becomes dangerous when you understand what it actually does. Instead of dealing damage, it drains the opponent’s stamina, and a player with no stamina cannot perform a normal roll or sprint to reposition. This means the grenade will not force someone out of cover through raw pressure, but it will leave them unable to escape once you start your push. In tight rooms or narrow hallways, it can trap an enemy long enough for you to take control of the fight.
9. Li'l Smoke Grenade
The Li'l Smoke Grenade earns its place on the list because of how consistently useful it is, even with its smaller cloud and shorter duration. It gives you quick, cheap cover when crossing open ground, looting a risky body, or breaking a sniper’s line of sight. While it is not as powerful as the full-size smoke grenade, its low cost makes it easy to bring several into every raid without thinking twice. It is a simple tool, but it adds real safety to almost any situation.
8. Shrapnel Grenade
The Shrapnel Grenade is designed mainly for PvP, where its burst of razor-sharp fragments can punish players holding tight corners or predictable angles. It has a longer fuse and a smaller radius than other options, but the fragmentation effect can catch someone as they move or try to reposition. While its raw damage is lower than a snap blast, it excels as a cheap and reliable area denial tool that forces opponents to give up their position. Used correctly, it can disrupt pushes, break defensive holds, and create openings for you to take control of the fight.
7. Wolfpack Grenade
The Wolfpack Grenade is one of the strongest anti-ARC tools in the game because of how reliably it targets and destroys flying units. When you throw it, the drones break apart and home in on enemies like Wasps, Snitches, Hornets, and especially Rocketeers, often deleting them before they become a threat. It can also contribute solid damage against larger ARC, though its spread makes it less efficient on multi-hitbox bosses. While it excels in PvE, it is essentially wasteful to use in PvP because the rockets do not track players well and offer far less value than cheaper, more flexible grenade options.
6. Heavy Fuse Grenade
The Heavy Fuse Grenade delivers strong explosive damage, but its long fuse time makes it difficult to use effectively. When thrown, it often rolls or bounces into awkward positions, giving opponents plenty of time to move out of the blast radius before it detonates. In PvE, it can still be useful for layering damage under large ARC units, but the delay means it will occasionally miss even stationary enemies. Its power is undeniable when it connects, yet the slow activation and high crafting cost limit its overall practicality compared to faster, more reliable options.
5. Blaze Grenade
The Blaze Grenade was once one of the strongest damage tools in the game, but the 1.3 update reduced its overall effectiveness against ARC units by limiting how many fire ticks can stack on multiple hitboxes. Even after the nerf, it remains a dangerous option in PvP because the spreading fire can trap players in rooms, corners, or narrow hallways, forcing them to take heavy damage if they stay put. The grenade’s value comes from how quickly the fire covers an area, punishing anyone who hesitates or tries to hold a position for too long. It is less efficient for clearing ARC now, but it is still a powerful way to control space and overwhelm players in close-quarters fights.
4. Snap Blast Grenade
The Snap Blast Grenade is a reliable mid-tier explosive that sticks to players, ARC units, or surfaces, which makes its placement much easier to control. Its damage is lower than a heavy fuse grenade, but it activates more consistently and is far cheaper to craft, giving it a strong cost-to-value ratio. Because it adheres to its target, it works well for area denial, corner pressure, or finishing weakened ARC units without worrying about a roll or bounce sending it off course. It lacks the raw power of higher-tier grenades, but its mix of reliability and affordability makes it a dependable choice in most raids.
3. Showstopper
The Showstopper is one of the strongest control grenades in the game because it detonates the instant it hits a target, creating a reliable stun that shuts down both players and ARC units. Against players, the forced stand-still animation lasts long enough to break corner holds, expose defenders, or secure a free opening shot. Against ARC, it can bring Rocketeers out of the sky or lock down dangerous units so you can finish them safely. Its only real drawback is the risk of throwing it too close and stunning yourself, but in the right hands, the Showstopper consistently turns chaotic fights in your favor.
2. Smoke Grenade
The full-sized Smoke Grenade is one of the most versatile utility tools in ARC Raiders, giving you a large, long-lasting cloud that completely breaks line of sight. It is invaluable during extracts because it lets you loot safely, revive teammates, or cross exposed terrain without getting picked off by snipers or third parties. In PvP, it creates chaos by allowing you to close the distance with close-range weapons or reposition before your opponent can react. You can also pair it with a Tagging Grenade to gain vision inside the smoke, letting you track and shoot an enemy who can no longer see you at all. Its wide coverage and long duration make it one of the most consistent and dependable grenades in the game.
1. Trigger 'Nade
The Trigger 'Nade is one of the strongest and most flexible grenades in the game because you can detonate it whenever you choose. This manual trigger lets you throw multiple grenades back-to-back and pop them all at once, creating devastating burst damage that can delete ARC units or strip a player’s shield in an instant. It lands reliably, hits hard, and avoids the problems caused by long fuse timers or unpredictable bounces. Whether you are ambushing a player, finishing a Bastion, or controlling a tight choke point, the Trigger 'Nade consistently delivers some of the highest value you can get from a throwable.
Conclusion
The grenade system in ARC Raiders offers far more depth than it first appears, and choosing the right tool can decide whether you win or lose a fight. Some grenades thrive on raw power, others excel through utility, and a few are only strong when paired with the right combo, like smokes with tagging grenades. Once you understand how each option fits into both PvP and PvE, it becomes easier to build a loadout that matches your playstyle and the challenges of each raid. No matter how you approach the game, mastering these top grenades gives you a noticeable edge and helps you stay one step ahead of both ARC and rival raiders.
For more Arc Raiders tips, guides, and detailed breakdowns, be sure to check out our other articles below:
* Best PvP Weapons in Arc Raiders (Post Patch 1.6)
* Workshop Upgrades and Where to Get Upgrade Items in Arc Raiders
* How to Level Fast in Arc Raiders: Best EXP Methods
* Arc Raiders Enemy Guide: All ARC Enemies, Weakpoints, Loot, and XP
* Best Skills to Upgrade in Arc Raiders
* Top 10 Best Weapons in Arc Raiders
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Is Ubisoft in Trouble? What’s Really Going On in 2025
Ubisoft is facing serious financial pressure in 2025, with its half-year earnings report abruptly postponed just minutes before release, trading of Ubisoft shares temporarily suspended on Euronext, and years of expensive underperforming titles raising fresh questions about whether the company is in financial trouble, nearing bankruptcy, or moving toward a takeover by a larger partner such as Tencent. The concerns have only intensified as Ubisoft’s stock continues to fall, now trading at less than €6.00 per share compared to its all-time high near €100.Â
The publisher later acknowledged that an accounting adjustment pushed it into breaching a key debt covenant, which forced a last-minute scramble to secure liquidity through Tencent’s €1.16 billion investment in Vantage Studios. Combined with a stock price that has lost more than half its value this year and major releases like Skull and Bones, Star Wars Outlaws, and Assassin’s Creed Shadows falling short of expectations, the sense of crisis is now impossible to ignore.
What is happening with Ubisoft in 2025?
Ubisoft’s situation in 2025 stems from a series of unusually serious financial and operational setbacks that became public in mid-November. The most alarming event was the company’s decision to postpone its half-year earnings call only minutes before it was scheduled to begin. Ubisoft also requested that Euronext halt trading of its shares and bonds, preventing what likely would have been a steep drop in the stock price.
Shortly afterward, Ubisoft confirmed that an internal accounting adjustment affected how revenue and costs were recognized for the period. That adjustment pushed the company into violating a debt covenant tied to its existing loans. When a covenant is breached, lenders can demand renegotiation, impose penalties, or in some cases require repayment. Ubisoft halted trading while it secured additional liquidity and finished correcting its financial statements.
At the same time, investors have been watching major structural changes inside the company. Ubisoft recently moved its most valuable franchises (Assassin’s Creed, Far Cry, and Rainbow Six) into a new subsidiary called Vantage Studios. Tencent invested €1.16 billion for a 25% stake in that entity, giving it partial influence over Ubisoft’s strongest brands. For many analysts, this shift suggests the company is preparing for a sale, a buyout, or a move to go private.
Taken together, the delayed earnings, the debt-related issue, and Ubisoft’s growing reliance on outside capital point to deeper weaknesses in the business: rising development costs, falling revenue, and several major releases that have not met expectations. All of this explains why speculation about financial trouble or a potential acquisition has accelerated so quickly.
Why is Ubisoft in this situation?
Ubisoft’s financial strain did not appear overnight. The company has spent several years dealing with rising development costs, uneven creative direction, and a string of major releases that failed to deliver the sales needed to cover billion-euro production and marketing budgets. As its internal expenses grew, Ubisoft became increasingly dependent on a few core franchises to carry the entire business. When those franchises underperformed, the company’s margins collapsed.
Another issue is the scale of Ubisoft’s operations. With roughly 18,000 employees across dozens of studios, the company carries one of the highest fixed-cost structures in the industry. By comparison, Electronic Arts and Take-Two Interactive generate far more revenue with significantly smaller workforces. Ubisoft’s sprawling structure made it harder to adapt quickly, cut projects that were falling behind, or shift resources toward stronger opportunities.
The company also spent several years attempting to reinvent itself through new service games, cross-media projects, and experimental franchise extensions. Many of these initiatives demanded substantial investment but delivered weak returns. Development timelines grew longer, budgets ballooned, and internal teams were spread thin across too many projects at once.
These financial pressures were then compounded by strategic misfires. Ubisoft invested heavily in expensive AAA games that were expected to anchor its fiscal years, only for those titles to miss expectations. With each underperformance, the company had less cash to reinvest, more debt to service, and greater dependence on outside investors. This created a cycle where one weak launch made it harder to recover before the next one arrived.
All of these factors set the stage for what we are seeing now: a publisher that is carrying too much cost, generating too little revenue, and relying on external capital to stabilize its balance sheet while it tries to reorganize.
Which Ubisoft games have underperformed in recent years?
Ubisoft’s current financial pressure is closely tied to a series of high-budget releases that failed to meet sales expectations. These titles were meant to anchor multiple fiscal years, but instead they delivered weaker-than-planned revenue while absorbing enormous development and marketing costs.
* Skull and Bones: After more than a decade in development and several complete reboots, Skull and Bones launched with one of the largest budgets in Ubisoft’s history. Despite that investment, the game struggled to find an audience, and its sales dropped quickly. Today it can be found at steep discounts, and player engagement has fallen far below what a live-service title needs to remain profitable.
* Star Wars Outlaws: Ubisoft poured unprecedented marketing resources into Star Wars Outlaws, hoping the Star Wars brand would deliver a breakout hit. While the game sold moderately well at launch, it fell short of internal expectations. The DLC failed to bring players back, and the long-term revenue projections for the title were revised downward soon after release.
* Assassin’s Creed Shadows: Although Assassin’s Creed Shadows sold millions of copies, it underperformed relative to its budget. Among Ubisoft’s last five major Assassin’s Creed releases, Shadows carried the highest production cost but delivered the lowest early sales. This gap between investment and return has been particularly damaging because Assassin’s Creed has historically been Ubisoft’s most reliable revenue source.
* Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora: Despite the popularity of the Avatar film franchise, the game launched to muted interest. Engagement dropped quickly even after major updates, and the title failed to produce the long-tail revenue Ubisoft expected from a licensed open-world release.
* XDefiant: The company had hoped XDefiant would compete directly with Call of Duty, but the game’s launch was overshadowed by other FPS releases. Player numbers dropped rapidly, and server support wound down sooner than expected.
Combined, these underperforming games consumed massive budgets without producing the steady revenue needed to support Ubisoft’s large workforce and multi-site development model. Each shortfall increased financial pressure, inflated debt, and made the company more dependent on outside investors to cover operational costs.
What is likely to happen to Ubisoft now?
The abrupt earnings delay, the debt covenant breach, and the ongoing stock decline have sparked intense speculation about Ubisoft’s future. While nothing is confirmed, several realistic scenarios are now being discussed by analysts, investors, and industry observers.
1. A Tencent-led buyout becomes more likely
Tencent already holds a 25% stake in Vantage Studios, the Ubisoft-controlled entity that manages Assassin’s Creed, Far Cry, and Rainbow Six. This investment gives Tencent a foothold in Ubisoft’s most valuable properties.
If Ubisoft’s liquidity issues continue, Tencent is in a strong position to move from strategic partner to majority owner. The company also has an existing relationship with the Guillemot family, which makes this path both practical and likely.
2. A Saudi PIF acquisition or a joint take-private deal
Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) has invested heavily in the global games industry, including major stakes in Nintendo and Embracer Group, along with its recent fifty-five billion dollar move to take Electronic Arts private.
PIF has also supported recent Ubisoft projects, so a deeper partnership is possible. Some analysts believe a joint deal with the Guillemot family, potentially taking Ubisoft private, could emerge if the company needs immediate liquidity.
3. Ubisoft restructures aggressively and attempts to remain independent
Another path is for Ubisoft to pursue a major internal overhaul. This could mean consolidating studios, cutting unannounced projects, and reducing its roughly 18,000-person workforce to bring operating costs closer to current revenue levels.
While this would preserve independence, it would require difficult cuts at a scale Ubisoft has avoided in the past.
4. A sale of non-core assets
If a full acquisition does not materialize, Ubisoft may look to sell or license certain franchises, technologies, or regional studios to raise cash. Several game publishers have stabilized their finances through targeted asset sales, and Ubisoft could follow that model.
5. A complete return to private ownership
Public markets have punished the company’s stock, which is now trading near ~€6.00 per share compared to a peak close to €100. A take-private deal could appeal to the Guillemot family, Tencent, PIF, or a consortium of partners who prefer long-term restructuring without quarterly pressure.
Ubisoft’s future?
Ubisoft’s sudden earnings delay, its breach of a debt covenant, and the continued decline of its stock have all intensified speculation about the company’s future. The most discussed scenario is a potential takeover, with Tencent seen as the leading candidate because it already owns a 25 percent stake in Vantage Studios and holds a strategic position around Ubisoft’s most valuable franchises. The Saudi Public Investment Fund is another possibility, given its recent large-scale gaming investments and its growing involvement in Ubisoft projects. A joint deal that takes Ubisoft private is also on the table, especially if the company needs immediate liquidity to stabilize its balance sheet.
If no acquisition occurs, Ubisoft may face significant internal restructuring. This could involve consolidating studios, cutting projects, and reducing the company’s roughly 18,000-person workforce to bring costs back in line with revenue. Selling or licensing non-core assets is another option that could provide short-term cash. With the stock now trading near ~€6.00 per share, a transition to private ownership may ultimately be the most practical path. No matter which direction the company takes, it is clear that Ubisoft is heading toward a major turning point, and it is unlikely to look the same a year from now.
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Why You Should Remove Image Metadata Before Sharing Photos and How to Do It
Before you upload your next photo, join us to discover why you should remove the hidden image metadata inside it, and how to clean it safely on Windows 11 or with dedicated tools. It may sound like the stuff of spy movies, but there really is a bundle of info hidden inside each and every image file.Â
Image metadata often includes exact GPS coordinates of where the image was taken, when it was taken, and even the device used! While this info can be useful for organizing your photo library, it may reveal more about you than you’re comfortable with. Don’t panic, stick with us and learn how to view and remove image metadata to protect your privacy when you share photos online.
What is image metadata?Â
As we mentioned above, image metadata is the hidden info stored in a photo file. This invisible information is automatically embedded in every photo you take on digital devices. The most common standard is EXIF metadata, which stores details of the date and time the photo was taken, as well as the camera model, shutter speed, ISO, and even lens type. Your smartphone likely also records GPS coordinates, which can be used to pinpoint the exact spot where an image was captured.Â
If you edit your own photos, then editing software can add additional metadata like color profiles and copyright info. While metadata is undeniably useful for organizing your library and supporting editing workflows, it can also reveal more than you intend. Let’s take a closer look at why removing image metadata before sharing your photos is a wise move.
Why remove image metadata?
Privacy and safety are the primary reasons you should remove image metadata before posting your photos online! GPS data reveals locations like your home, office, or even your kid’s school. Add timestamps to this, and metadata becomes a potent cocktail of information that can hand stalkers or other nefarious individuals' way more insight into your life than you ever intended to share.
On top of personal privacy, removing metadata should be a part of your digital hygiene regime. Every unnecessary detail you share online increases your digital footprint, so removing metadata aligns with today’s cybersecurity best practices. Even if you’ve got no enemies, and you want the world to see your photos, you’re better off preserving a stroke of anonymity by removing metadata.Â
When you should wipe your image's properties
Many popular platforms including Facebook and Instagram strip most EXIF data, including GPS metadata (location) when photos are uploaded. While this data may be automatically stripped before posting, platforms may preserve metadata internally. We recommend that any image you post publicly, send to strangers, or use in sensitive contexts (marketplace, public groups) should be cleansed of metadata before uploading. Remember as well that other methods of sending data such as messaging apps, email, cloud albums, and AirDrop don’t wipe metadata from images.
When not to worry about metadataÂ
Photos stored privately on your devices or cloud accounts don’t need to have their metadata wiped. If you’re sharing images in trusted private chats like family WhatsApp groups then don’t worry about metadata. But remember, if someone forwards your photo to a nefarious individual, the metadata you left in the file will travel with it.
Let’s not forget that metadata is actually intended to help photographers access image info. Metadata provides valuable information including camera settings. On top of this, it helps users organize their photo albums by time and location, and marks RAW images that require metadata for editing.Â
How to see image metadata on Windows 11
Before you strip your images of all their metadata, it helps to know exactly what information your photo is carrying. Thankfully Windows 11 makes it easy to view a file’s metadata directly from File Explorer:
* Right-click the photo file in File Explorer.
* Select Properties.
* Open the Details tab.
* You’ll see fields such as:* Date taken
* Camera model
* Software
* Dimensions and resolution
* GPS coordinates (if present)
How to remove metadata from images on Windows 11
Once you’ve deciphered what your photos reveal, removing the metadata is simple. Windows 11 includes a built-in tool that lets you remove sensitive details in a few clicks, as follows:
* Right-click the imageÂ
* Select PropertiesÂ
* Open the Details tab.
* Select Remove Properties and Personal Information at the bottom.
* You can choose:* Create a copy with all possible metadata removed, or
* Remove the following properties from this file and select all or individual fields to delete (date taken, camera model, GPS).
* Windows can remove most metadata from JPEG and PNG files, but RAW formats (.CR2, .NEF, .ARW) may require specialized tools.
Other tools to remove metadata
A simple internet search will offer endless websites and tools offering to find and remove the metadata from your images. So, if you crave even more control over what your images reveal, a range of metadata cleaning tools can help you discover, edit, or wipe image metadata before sharing. These apps go beyond Windows 11’s built-in options, providing deeper customization options and stronger privacy protection.
ExifTool (Windows/macOS/Linux). The golden standard for metadata removal, this cross-platform, powerful, fast, flexible and customizable command-line tool offers complete metadata inspection and removal. Preferred choice of technical users, security pros, and photographers, ExifTool by Phil Harvey helps users read, write and edit meta information.Â
GIMP (Windows/macOS/Linux). Bring out GIMP, the free and open source GNU image manipulation program that’s been around for 30 years. As well as editing image metadata, GIMP can be tasked with photo retouching, image composition and image authoring.
Photo Exif Editor to view, edit or remove EXIF metadata (including GPS) from their photos. iOS users may want to check out Exif Metadata to swiftly and easily view, edit and remove image metadata.Â
Mind your metadata
We hope you’ve enjoyed discovering why you should remove image metadata before sharing photos. It really is a small step that delivers a huge boost to your digital privacy. If you’re sharing photos on social media or posting listings online, stripping metadata ensures you only share what you intend to, and nothing more.
With a few easy clicks, Windows 11’s built-in tools and other metadata-cleaning apps can protect you and your family. In a connected world where every meta detail matters, keeping the photos you share online metadata-free is one of the easiest ways to stay in control and secure.
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Why RAM Prices Are Surging in 2025: What’s Really Driving the Spike
Memory prices have risen sharply in 2025, surprising PC builders, laptop shoppers, and companies that depend on predictable hardware costs. DDR4 and DDR5 modules cost far more than they did just a year ago, and the increases show no sign of slowing. What looks like a simple shortage is actually the result of deeper structural changes across the semiconductor industry.
This article explains what is happening, why it is happening, who is feeling the impact, how long the situation may last, and what consumers and businesses can do now.
What is happening to RAM prices in 2025?
RAM prices have climbed across every major category. DDR4, DDR5, LPDDR5 for mobile devices, and even server-class memory have all become more expensive. In many regions, consumer-grade memory kits now cost two or even three times more than they did in 2023 or early 2024.
At the same time, memory availability is inconsistent. Retailers report that high-speed kits sell out faster. Laptop manufacturers are facing higher bill-of-materials costs. Even large enterprise buyers have reported partial fulfillment of bulk memory orders.
In short, demand for memory remains high, supply remains tight, and the market has shifted in favor of suppliers.
Why RAM has become so expensive this year
RAM prices have surged in 2025 because demand for advanced memory has grown much faster than supply can keep up. Industry data shows how dramatic this shift has been. TrendForce reports that many DDR5 modules have increased by 120 to 200 percent compared with early 2025, while broader DRAM pricing indexes have climbed nearly 50 percent year to date. Certain contract prices for memory chips have also risen by 30 to 60 percent in only a few months. These increases reveal how tight the market has become across consumer, mobile, and server segments.
Several forces are driving the spike:
1. AI demand is consuming the memory supply
The rise of artificial intelligence is the single biggest driver behind the shortage. Modern AI data centers rely heavily on high bandwidth memory, or HBM. This stacked, ultra-fast memory is essential for training and running large models. Since HBM relies on the same foundational materials as DDR4 and DDR5, manufacturers are shifting their capacity toward HBM because it offers higher revenue and long-term demand certainty.
When production capacity shifts toward HBM, fewer wafers and fewer fabrication lines are left for standard DRAM.
2. Wafers are limited and expensive
All DRAM begins with 300 mm semiconductor wafers. These wafers are expensive, difficult to produce, and available only from a few global suppliers. As AI companies place massive long-term orders, wafer supply becomes stretched.
A limited wafer supply creates two problems:
* There are not enough wafers to satisfy every DRAM product line.
* The cost of each wafer increases, which raises the baseline cost of all memory.
Even if demand from consumers stayed the same, wafer scarcity alone would push prices upward.
3. Manufacturers are managing supply to protect pricing
For years, the memory market suffered from oversupply, which caused prices to crash. In response, manufacturers adopted a more controlled approach. They now scale production carefully to avoid large inventory buildups. This helps stabilize profits but keeps prices high.
Because all three major DRAM manufacturers are using similar strategies, the market has shifted toward steady, elevated pricing rather than boom-and-bust cycles.
4. DDR4 is being phased out
DDR4 production was already declining as the industry transitioned toward DDR5. With wafer supply under pressure and HBM taking priority, manufacturers have accelerated the phase-out. Fewer DDR4 production lines means lower availability and higher prices, even for older systems.
5. Devices require more memory than before
The rise of AI in consumer devices, the growth of handheld gaming PCs, and new requirements in Windows 11 have all increased memory consumption. Many modern laptops ship with 16 GB or 32 GB. Phones increasingly use more RAM to support on-device AI features.
This growing demand collides with limited supply and pushes prices higher.
6. HBM packaging is slow and difficult
Even if manufacturers wanted to expand HBM production, packaging remains a bottleneck. HBM uses advanced through-silicon vias and stacked layers that require specialized packaging facilities. Only a handful of plants worldwide can perform this work at scale.
Since packaging cannot expand quickly, HBM supply remains tight, which in turn keeps pressure on overall DRAM supply.
Who is being affected by the global DRAM shortage
The current memory market affects almost every part of the technology ecosystem, but in different ways.
1. Consumers building or upgrading PCs
Builders who planned to upgrade from 16 GB to 32 GB, or move to higher speed DDR5 kits, now face much higher costs. Entry-level kits cost more than before, and high-end kits often sell out.
2. Laptop buyers
Laptop manufacturers must absorb higher component costs, and those increases often appear in final retail pricing. Even models with soldered memory are affected because DRAM cost influences the total system cost.
3. Small and mid-sized businesses
Companies that refresh hardware regularly or run memory-intensive workloads face higher upgrade budgets. Even organizations that rely on cloud services may see costs rise because cloud providers are also paying more for memory.
4. Enterprise and data center operators
HBM shortages and server DRAM constraints affect data center expansion plans. Some large customers have reported reduced fulfillment of bulk memory orders, which can delay deployment timelines.
5. Gamers and creative professionals
High performance workloads such as 4K editing, 3D rendering, and modern AAA gaming often require 32 GB or more. Higher memory prices make these upgrades more expensive.
How long high RAM prices are expected to last
Based on current industry conditions, elevated memory prices are likely to persist through all of 2025 and at least into early or mid-2026. Several reasons support this timeline:
* Large AI companies have already placed long-term HBM orders that last several years.
* Wafer production capacity cannot scale quickly because it requires new fabs and new suppliers.
* HBM packaging remains the slowest part of the supply chain.
* The DDR4 phase-out is accelerating, not slowing.
* DRAM manufacturers have no incentive to increase supply faster than demand.
New fabrication facilities in Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, and the United States may help, but most will not reach high-volume output until late 2026 or 2027.
Short-term discounts may appear during sales events, but a major price correction is unlikely in the near future.
What consumers and businesses can do to manage rising memory costs
While the situation is not ideal, there are practical steps that buyers can take to reduce the impact of rising memory prices.
1. Buy sooner rather than later
Prices have trended upward month after month. Delaying upgrades often results in paying more, especially for high-speed DDR5 kits.
2. Consider total system value, not just memory costs
For consumers building PCs, it may be better to choose a more balanced set of components rather than pushing all spending toward memory capacity. Many gaming and productivity workloads still run well with 16 GB or 32 GB, depending on the use case.
3. Take advantage of seasonal sales
Retailers may still offer occasional promotions, especially around major shopping periods. Even modest discounts can matter in a high-price market.
4. Businesses should plan hardware refresh cycles early
Companies that refresh equipment every two to three years should budget for higher DRAM costs. Early procurement can reduce the risk of sudden price jumps.
5. Explore complete systems instead of component upgrades
Sometimes a laptop or desktop with pre-installed memory offers better value than buying memory separately. For users considering a new system, the Acer Store offers desktops, laptops, and workstations with memory configurations that may cost less than separate component upgrades.
Final thoughts
The 2025 memory market reflects a major industry shift driven by AI demand, wafer constraints, controlled production strategies, and rising memory requirements across modern devices. Together, these forces have pushed RAM prices to some of the highest levels seen in recent years.
While supply conditions are expected to improve over time, higher memory pricing is likely to persist throughout the year. For consumers and businesses planning a hardware upgrade, delaying a purchase may result in paying more for comparable performance as component costs continue to climb.
In this environment, buying a pre-configured system can still offer practical value. Although prices have already begun to reflect higher memory costs, gaming desktops and laptops available through the Acer Store have not yet reached the steepest part of the current pricing cycle. Compared with building or upgrading a PC component by component, system pricing remains more predictable as RAM costs continue to trend upward.
Acer’s Nitro and Predator gaming lines are well positioned under these conditions. These systems ship with balanced CPU, GPU, and memory configurations designed to handle modern games and creative workloads out of the box, reducing the need for immediate upgrades. As memory prices rise further throughout 2025, purchasing a complete gaming PC or laptop now can help buyers secure strong performance without absorbing additional component-driven price increases later in the year.
For users considering an upgrade, the current pricing window represents a reasonable opportunity to move before memory costs place further pressure on overall system prices.
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How to Change Your OS Language in Windows 11
Changing the language system on a Windows 11 computer is simple once you know where the settings are. Whether you bought a PC overseas, need an extra keyboard for bilingual work, or want to learn a new language, Windows 11 lets you switch your display language with only a few steps. This guide explains how to change Windows language settings, how to download new language packs, and what to do if parts of your PC stay in the original language.
Where to download language packs
Windows 11 includes dozens of language packs, but you need to download them before you can switch your display language. These packs change the interface for menus, notifications, the Start menu, File Explorer, Settings, and more.
Here is how to download a language pack:
* Open Settings.
* Click Time & language on the left.
* Select Language & region.
* Under Preferred languages, click Add a language.
* Search for the language you want.
* Select it and click Next.
* Make sure Language pack is checked.
* Choose any optional features you want, such as:* Language pack
* Text-to-speech
* Speech recognition
* Handwriting
* Click Install.
The download size is usually between 100 MB and 300 MB. Some languages also include speech recognition or handwriting support. You can install these features to improve dictation, voice typing, and pen input.
If your PC is managed by a company or school, you may need administrator permission to add languages.
How to change your OS language in Windows 11
Once the language pack is installed, the next step is to make it your Windows display language. This controls how Windows shows menus, system messages, Settings pages, notifications, and most built-in apps. Changing the display language here is the core step that updates the overall experience across your computer.
Follow these steps:
* Open Settings.
* Select Time and language.
* Choose Language and region.
* Under Windows display language, select the new language from the drop down menu.
* Sign out and sign back in so Windows can apply the changes.
After you sign back in, the interface should appear in the new language. This includes system menus, quick settings, the lock screen, and many built-in apps.Â
Another option is to change the display language while installing the language pack. When the download screen appears, check Set as my Windows display language before clicking Install.
Why Windows sometimes stays in the original language
Even after you change Windows language settings, it is possible to see parts of your PC still showing the old language. This happens for a few reasons.
1. Missing language features
If the typing tools, handwriting tools, or speech features are not installed, Windows may not change everything.
2. Apps that do not follow system language
Some older desktop apps only support one language and will ignore your settings.
3. System components that need a full restart
Certain parts of Windows only update after a reboot.
4. Microsoft account sync settings
If language preferences are synced across your devices, Windows may switch back to your old language.
5. Region settings do not match your language
A mismatch between your language and region can cause some interface elements to remain unchanged.
6. Windows version limitations
Devices configured with region-locked ISOs or company policies may not allow full language switching.
How to fix language problems in Windows 11
If you still see the old language after switching, try these solutions.
1. Install all language features
Go to Settings → Time and language → Language and region.
Select your language, then open Language options.
Make sure these items are installed:
* Language pack
* Basic typing
* Handwriting
* Speech
2. Set your language as the top priority
Move your new language to the top of the Preferred languages list.
3. Restart your PC
A full restart helps Windows reload system components.
4. Adjust your region settings
In Language and region, make sure Country or region and Regional format match the language you want to use.
5. Turn off language sync
Go to Settings → Accounts → Windows backup. Turn off Remember my preferences, then uncheck Language preferences.
6. Reinstall the language pack
Remove the language and add it back again.
7. Update Windows
Go to Windows Update and install the latest updates. Some language fixes are included in system patches.
Advanced fix: using PowerShell to force Windows to apply the full language pack
If none of the normal methods work, there is an advanced solution discovered by a Reddit user heltonfonias. In some cases, the Settings app installs only a partial version of the language pack, which causes parts of the interface to stay in the original language. This PowerShell method forces Windows to install the complete language pack and then applies it across the entire system, including the welcome screen.
Important warnings
* Only use this method if standard settings do not work.
* You must run PowerShell as Administrator.
* The process may look frozen for up to 20 minutes.
* Back up your important files before making system-wide changes.
* Your PC will restart automatically.
What this method does
* Installs the complete language pack.
* Sets the language as your user display language.
* Applies the language to the system account and welcome screen.
* Forces a system reboot to complete the process.
PowerShell script (advanced users only)
Replace "pt-BR" with the language code you want, such as "en-US" or "fr-FR".
# --- Variables ---
$targetLanguage = "pt-BR" Â # Replace with your preferred language code
# --- Install the full language pack ---
Install-Language -Language $targetLanguage
# --- Set the Windows display language for the current user ---
Set-WinUserLanguageList $targetLanguage -Force
# --- Apply the language to the system and welcome screen ---
Copy-UserInternationalSettingsToSystem -WelcomeScreen $True
# --- Restart to complete the process ---
Restart-Computer -Force
When this method is useful
Use this script only if:
* Windows Settings installs the language but does not fully switch
* Parts of Windows stay in English or another language
* Your PC was installed using a foreign ISO
* You have tried reinstalling the language pack and restarting without success
For most users, the standard Settings method is enough. This PowerShell option is meant for persistent cases where Windows refuses to change languages properly.
Final thoughts
Changing the display language in Windows 11 is usually quick and simple. Once the language pack is installed, Windows will update menus, system messages, and apps to match your preferred language. If pieces of the interface stay unchanged, adjusting your regional settings, turning off sync, or reinstalling the pack usually solves the problem. For the rare cases where none of these methods work, the advanced PowerShell fix can force Windows to install the full language system and apply it across the entire device.
To learn more about Windows 11 or explore related guides, check out these helpful articles:
* Still using Windows 10? Here is why it is time to switch to Windows 11
* Best budget laptops from Acer that run Windows 11
* 8 ways to personalise your Windows 11 PC
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Gamers of the world, join us and experience how the Acer SpatialLabs View Pro 27 monitor unleashes a new era of glasses-free 3D gaming. Step beyond flat 2D visuals and into the next dimension of play with a monitor built to redefine immersion. This isn’t retro 3D. This is a next-generation stereoscopic gaming monitor built for today’s hardware and tomorrow’s experiences.
As it says on the label, a 3D monitor liberates gaming and other pursuits from the banal 2D canvas, enhancing visualization and interaction across the board. Stick with us as we introduce the essentials of SpatialLabs technology, and how it promises to redefine gaming. Once we’ve covered the basics, we’ll check out the Don Corleone of 3D gaming monitors: Acer SpatialLabs View Pro 27.Â
SpatialLabs technology: 3D, glasses-free
Acer’s SpatialLabs is a next-gen suite of spatial computing solutions, designed to enhance 3D creation, visualization and interaction. Put simply, SpatialLabs delivers glasses-free 3D by harnessing the stereoscopic effect. That’s all very well, we hear you say, but how does glasses-free 3D work?
Acer SpatialLabs View Pro 27 is equipped with a stereoscopic camera that tracks the user's head and eye position. A 2D/3D switchable lenticular lens layered on the 27" Ultra HD (3840 x 2160) 160 Hz display then projects slightly different images to each of your eyes for an immersive 3D experience. The result is glasses-free 3D worlds where very detail jumps out of the screen, blurring the lines between gaming and reality.
SpatialLabs displays redefine gaming by delivering real depth, 3D texture, and effects that pop-out of the screen without bulky 3D glasses, making gaming worlds insanely immersive and lifelike. Add a pinch of AI depth rendering, an advanced AI-driven sound system and you’ll swiftly enter a beyond-real cinematic gaming experience that you won’t soon forget.Â
https://youtu.be/acmGEovxgEw
What else is it used for?
Aside from gaming, the applications of SpatialLabs technology are pretty diverse, including 3D gaming, entertainment, and real time 3D image and video creation. Other professional uses include engineering and product design, where immersive 3D models can streamline and improve the product development process. And lets not forget our friends in the medical field, especially all the dentists getting onboard with SpatialLabs technology. But let’s get back to gaming!
The revolution starts now
Acer SpatialLabs View Pro 27 is our flagship 27-inch 3D display, crafted to meet the needs of gamers, creators, developers and professionals in all fields. There are a couple of different View 27 displays floating about. Our sights are on the Acer SpatialLabs View Pro 27 Monitor - ASV27-2P, yours to keep for $3,399.99. Let’s take a look at the tech-specs of this delightful display.
* Screen: 27" Ultra HD (3840 x 2160) 160 Hz, Stereoscopic 3D Display
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* Panel Technology: AMD FreeSync™ Premium certified
* Inputs: DisplayPort, HDMI
* Response Time: 5 ms
* Brightness: 400 Nit
* Viewing Angles: 178°
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* Audio: 2 x 2.5 W speakers
* Interfaces/Ports: HDMI 2.1 x 1, DisplayPort x 1, USB x 4
* Power Consumption: < 234 Watts (Operating), < 1 Watt (Off-Mode)
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* Weigh: 20.7 lbs
Enter the new frontier
As you can see from these enviable tech-specs, this is a 27-inch 4K display ready to deliver the crispest of textures and detailed environments at a rapid 160 Hz refresh rate guaranteed to keep action fluid and fun during fast-paced gameplay. On top of this, low input lag ensures responsiveness is never sacrificed for 3D visuals.
No light, low light, no problem
If you’re a dim-room gamer wondering how these eye tracking cameras are going to see you in your gaming cave, then wonder no more. Acer SpatialLabs View Pro 27 is optimized for extremely low light settings, so no matter how dark you go, 3D depth stays locked to your viewpoint, even if you change position mid-game. 400 Nit brightness ensures that you can see exactly what’s going on on your Acer SpatialLabs View Pro 27 display in low light settings, or complete darkness.
Vision and sound
This display has a Color Gamut Delta E < 2 ensuring beyond accurate visuals for cinematic gaming. If you’re concerned about color consistency as you switch between 2D and 3D, don’t be as the Delta E < 2 Color Gamut protects against the dreaded washed-out depth effect.
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Gaming, enhanced
At time of writing there are approximately 225 SpatialLabs supported games, with more titles regularly joining the 3D realm. Here’s a taster of some of our favorites:
* Baldur's Gate 3
* Black Myth: Wukong
* Dark Souls III
* Dying Light
* Final Fantasy VII Remake
* Fallout 4
* God of War
* Street Fighter 6
* Tekken 7
If you’re tired of 2D and looking for gaming immersion, then look no further, as this display has everything you need to explore your favorite games in 3D. RPGs, racing, first-person exploration, or even horror titles all benefit from the Acer SpatialLabs View Pro 27 display. Once you’ve seen these worlds in 3D, there’ll be no returning to the drabness of 2D gaming!
Adaptability as standard
The Acer SpatialLabs View Pro 27 display is built with complete flexibility in mind. Whether it’s powering interactive exhibits, classrooms, or gaming dens, the display’s ErgoStand allows easy tilt, swivel, pivot, and height adjustments to suit any setup. Full VESA support for alternative mounting, as well as the option to pair it with a mini PC means that it can be turned into a dynamic, standalone centerpiece in virtually any environment.
The future of immersive gaming
We hope you’ve enjoyed our foray into the immersive world of the Acer SpatialLabs View Pro 27 monitor. Let’s face it, the era of 2D gaming is swiftly drawing to a close, and glasses-free 3D is the natural next step for absorbing gaming experiences.
This is a display that speaks for itself: 4K clarity, 160Hz smoothness, accurate colors, and dynamic AI powered spatial audio, add depth and endless atmosphere to your gameverse. As the library of 3D titles grows, SpatialLabs promises to reshape how gamers experience and interact with their environments. Acer SpatialLabs View Pro 27 monitor delivers a completely new way to play, and a glimpse at where the next generation of immersive 3D PC gaming is headed.
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