Avast me hearties! If like me you've ever found yourself thinking a pirate's life is for you, then you've come to the right place, because I'm here bring you the best pirate games you can play right now.

Whether you're looking to live out all your pirate-shaped dreams in some great swashbuckling adventures, or the prospect of Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced has put the wind in your sails as it has done for me and you want to see what other adventures await you on the high seas, I've charted a course and found some fantastic pirate games that will help you fulfill all your nautical fantasies.

Of course, Ubisoft's remake is included here, but if you're looking for alternatives, I've brought together a great assortment of options. From some of the best open world RPGs, to one of the best co-op games, and even some old school classics that are still playable today, there's picks across most platforms so you can find something for you. So, if you're ready to find your sea legs and hoist your sails, join me as I take you through the best pirate games to play in 2026.

The best pirate games, starting with...

The Secret of Monkey Island: Special Edition

Bringing back the classic point-and-click adventure that first released back in 1990, The Secret of Monkey Island: Special Edition is here for any would-be pirate with a penchant for puzzle-solving. Packed with humor, you follow the story of protagonist Guybrush Threepwood as you try to uncover the secret of Monkey Island (hence the name). As you puzzle your way through a swashbuckling plot, you can expect to encounter many pirates, including an evil ghost buccaneer called LeChuck.

Of course, there's always the hope that you'll uncover some riches, too (because where there's pirates, there's usually treasure). It may be a little more dated as pirate adventures go, but with the special edition re-release bringing in a hint system, updated art style, and full voice over, it's still very enjoyable. If you're after a throwback, this is a great one to tuck into. Plus, if you enjoy it, the series made a more recent comeback in 2022 with Return to Monkey Island; that's a real delight.

Sea of Thieves: 2026 Edition

Sea of Thieves: 2026 Edition is the revised version of Rare's open world multiplayer pirate adventure, which brings in all of the permanent updates that have come to the game since it initially launched. When it comes to living your best pirate life, Sea of Thieves has plenty to offer. Whether you want to captain your own ship solo or you want to team up with pals to form your own pirate crew, the many islands and oceans are yours to explore – you can even plumb the depths for treasure with sunken sites below the surface of the sea.

With the freedom to create your own custom pirate and set off on voyages to become a legend of your own making, you can spend your time fishing, taking down a mighty kraken, or burying your most prized spoils (don't worry, you can create a map that will lead you right back to your loot). With lots of optional objects and side quests to keep you busy, I've never had a dull time with this one. Plus, you can also shape your own modes with the Custom Seas feature, which introduces a host of tools so you can be the kind of pirate you want to be.

Windrose

Currently out in Early Access, Windrose draws you into an alternate take on the age of piracy in a survival adventure that blends swashbuckling action and naval combat with crafting and settlement building. Taking on the role of a captain who challenges Blackbeard, an infamous figure of legend, you soon get caught up in the conflicts of the high seas, complete with rival clans and empires.

But how you spend your time in Windrose is up to you. With procedurally generated biomes to explore, you can sail across the seas in search of new locations, weigh anchor and venture onto the shores to delve into dungeons, or try your hand at plundering some treasure (which is, of course, a classic pirate pastime). With resource gathering and crafting at play, you can also work to create your own bases in a place of your choosing, and while it's playable solo, you can also venture across the seas with pals in online co-op. You can get sea-ready with our pick of the best ships in Windrose.

Like A Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii

The Yakuza series has brought us some of the best ARPGs over the years, but it's also home to a character that has all of the traits of a pirate in the making. I'm of course talking about Goro Majima, the eye-patch-wearing, butt-kicking member of the Yakuza who has an on-going rivalry with the leading man, Kiryu. He's always gone his own way with a commanding presence, and that translates perfectly into his distinctly unique and endlessly entertaining spin-off, Like A Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii.

After finding himself stranded on an island with no memory to speak of, you play as Majima as he takes over his own ship and reinvents himself as a modern-day pirate. Navigating through the Pacific Ocean, you form your own ragtag crew, work to upgrade your ship, and of course, get your hands on some riches. Naturally, there's always criminals and rival pirates trying to take the wind out of your sails, but that's where Majima's fighting skills in the best Yakuza games come in handy here. If you're after an action-packed pirate adventure with plenty of humor, then look no further. For more, check out our Like A Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii review.

Sid Meier's Pirates!

If you're a strategy fan who's also looking to become a pirate legend, then Sid Meier's Pirates! is a classic spin-off that might just be right up your alley. Yes, it's a bit of a throwback, but it's aged very well and is still fun to play to this day. After a marquis your father is indebted to takes your family away during your childhood years, you set out to exact revenge when you're older and get your hands on your very own ship in the process.

From there, you're essentially free to decide what you do and how you want to do it as you set sail across the Caribbean. Whether you decide to raid villages for riches or be a true privateer who hunts down enemy ships and wanted criminals for your chosen allied nation, you can become as famous (or infamous) as you like. With naval combat, treasure hunting, and various activities to get stuck into, you'll also have to be mindful of your crew, as any good pirate captain should be.

Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced

Assassin's Creed Black Flag first made waves back in 2013 thanks to its Caribbean open world setting and its pirate, assassin fantasy. Fast forward to 2026, and one of the best Assassin's Creed protagonists has made a comeback in that very same adventure, only this time, it's been rebuilt on the latest Anvil Engine with a suite of improvements and additions. Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced sees you play as Edward Kenway, a true buccaneer in the 18th century who captains the Jackdaw.

With appearances from pirates from history and legend, Black Flag is a great way to immerse yourself in the Golden Age of piracy. With improved, action-orientation fighting, naval combat, and plenty of treasures to uncover, it continues to be one of the best pirate games around – even if it isn't always smooth sailing, as we explore in our Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced review. But if you've yet to tuck into this stealthy, pirate adventure, or you're looking to experience it all over again, Resynced is worth getting on board with.

Set off on more journeys (on both sea and land) with our pick of the best adventure games.

Minecraft's newest update finally brings more ways to rest your blocky behind, as Cushions and Straw Beds headline the new preview.

On the Minecraft website Mojang details what Minecraft: Bedrock Edition players can expect from update preview 26.40.30, which launches today. While it's not going to introduce any game-changing biomes or new mobs to the game, it does introduce a massive new feature in the form of Straw Beds.

Straw Beds are a new type of bed which allow you to sleep through the night while retaining your previous spawn point, which will be perfect for waiting out the night while you're on an expedition. However, there's a catch, as these beds can only be used one time before being destroyed, and of course you won't be able to use these in the Nether or The End. If you use three Hay Bales you'll get Four Straw Beds to use, so it's not the worst trade for something that's a one-time use, plus you can find them naturally in Abandoned Camps.

The update's focus seems to be to help spruce up the Abandoned Camps that were introduced a few weeks ago in update 26.40.27. The new area will now spawn in the Pale Garden and Flower Forest biomes and boast procedural trees, and an issue which saw loot tables list incorrect potion names has also been fixed.

The other new change is the introduction of the Cushion, which you can craft 16 different colored versions of. These don't exactly have much practical use for your hardcore survival mode run, but they're a new item you can sit on and make your home look that much cuter. These currently aren't found in Abandoned Camps, but Mojang lists this as a "known issue," implying these will find a home there after a while.

Frankly, I'm shocked that it's taken almost 17 years (or 15 years after its official 1.0 launch in 2011) for Minecraft to add a way to sleep through the night without resetting your spawn, now that it's actually in the game, it feels like something that should've been a given on day one, so it's good to finally have the option.

Smaller Minecraft updates like Tiny Takeover and Chaos Cubed "feel more sustainable" for Mojang, says lead: "There's always another one right around the corner."

A bunch of new Lego Pokemon sets have been officially revealed, and while some were leaked ahead of time, it turns out the toy company was holding out on us – the best was yet to come.

Alongside (now-confirmed) Rayquaza, Arcanine, and Munchlax display figures, Lego is also releasing what is essentially a Polly Pocket for fans of the original video games; the Iconic Trainer Moments Poke Ball opens up to reveal Professor Oak's lab and a nostalgia-fuelled battle between Red and a random trainer inside. This will be launching alongside an Up-Scaled Red Minifigure, which brings our first player character from the series to life. All these new Lego Pokemon sets can be pre-ordered now via the Lego store, and they'll launch between August 1 and October 1.

In terms of specifics, here's how they stack up compared to the best Lego sets so far as pricing, pieces, and size go.

While I'm not sure how to feel about the Up-Scaled Red Minifigure (or should that be Bigifigure?), I'm all in on the Poke Ball display scene. This is like my childhood turned into Lego; it's a nostalgic look back at the opening of Pokemon Red and Blue, with the lid opening to reveal Professor's Oaks lab (complete with three Poke Balls on the bench to choose from) and trainer Red battling a Picknicker's Pikachu with Eevee. These are utterly adorable minifigure-scale Pokemon that remind me of the tiny toys you can get in those gumball machines – you know the ones? Anyway, because they're all-in-one sculpts that don't need constructing so far as I can tell, they look like the real deal rather than approximations. I imagine that'll please fans who've complained about other Lego Pokemon sets looking a bit… off (like Lego Pikachu and Poke Ball).

As for the others, it's nice to see them in all their glory rather than via a pixelated leak shot. As I mentioned in my piece discussing them when they weren't yet confirmed, these are a step in the right direction as far as I'm concerned. Fan response was mixed toward Lego Pikachu from the start and the Smart Play range drew some criticism based on its designs as well (even if they had our inner 10 year-old losing it), but these absolutely nail the assignment. They're also a lot cheaper than previous sets like the Starter Evolutions, bringing them more in line with the excellent Lego Eevee.

Basically, I'm obsessed – and I can't wait to see what's next for the Lego Pokemon range.

For more Poke-goodies, don't miss our guide to the best Pokemon merch. Plus, did you see that Razer has evolved its Pokemon PC accessory lineup with these new celestial Espeon & Umbreon goodies?

New Lego Pokemon sets seem to have leaked, and honestly? I think they're a real step up from what we've had so far.

Not content to leave it at last month's slew of Smart Play kits that had our inner 10-year-old losing it, the toy-maker appears to be working on three new Lego Pokemon sets for adults – Rayquaza, Munchlax, and Arcanine. These are all display pieces rather than playsets, and Rayquaza actually comes with the first Pokemon minifigure to date (Zinnia, who first appeared in Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire).

I've not seen official PR info or listings at Lego yet, but these sets are being touted as confirmed by our friends over at The Gamer in a post dishing details alongside various Reddit threads like this one from Amiibofan101. Both sources suggest these models will all arrive on August 1, 2026, and they won't be throwaway novelties; Arcanine rivals some of the best Lego sets at 1,190 pieces, while Rayquaza is 1,083 and Munchlax weighs in at 757. Meanwhile, it looks as though they'll hover around the $100 mark; Rayquaza will apparently cost $129.99, Munchlax sits at $79.99, and Arcanine is $99.99.

First look at Rayquaza, Arcanine & Munchlax Pokémon LEGO Sets Releasing August 1st from r/pokemon

So, are these real? I have no doubt that they are. Both Rayquaza and Munchlax have been rumored for a long time, and leaked images matching the current ones have been circulating on reddit for a while. They also perfectly line up with Lego's own preferred layout for product listings,

Either way, I think they look fantastic. I've been a little mixed on the Pokemon range thus far since it was announced (we were wondering what they'd done to Pikachu when it was first shown off, for example), and the new Smart Play line has divided us at the GamesRadar+ office. However, these figures lean into what made the likes of Lego Eevee and the three starter evolutions so great. Unlike Charizard and co, not to mention Lego Pikachu, they're also far more affordable.

If that August 1 release date is accurate, it's gonna be a busy month for fans; the Pokemon Smart Play kits are due to arrive then alongside the first KPop Demon Hunters model, a newly revealed ET figure, and more. We have reached out to Lego for confirmation.

For more cool collectibles, why not check out our guide to the best toys? As for other pocket monster-themed goodies, don't miss the best Pokemon merch.

The Mega Diancie ex deck in Pokemon TCG Pocket is a psychic build focused on energy generation that leads to a glass cannon result, with Diancie able to do huge damage that scales to how much energy you've placed on it. It's a bit risky, but when pulled off correctly, you can one-shot pretty much any Pokemon. In a meta filled with other Mega ex Pokemon, it means you can effectively insta-win many matches, though obviously it requires some setup, strategy and luck to get there. If you want to know more, here's how to make the best Mega Diancie ex deck in PTCGP.

Mega Diancie ex already looks like it might become one of the best decks in Pokemon TCG Pocket, but you might want to see what else the Everyday Wonders booster set brings with our best Pokemon TCG Pocket Milotic ex deck build!

Best Mega Diancie ex deck build in Pokemon TCGP

The Mega Diancie ex deck build listed below is all about using Gardevoir for energy generation.

• Mega Diancie ex x1
• Ralts (Space-Time Smackdown) x2
• Xerneas x1
• Kirlia (Fantastical Parade) x1
• Mega Gardevoir ex x2
• Meloetta (Psychic) x2
• Cyrus x1
• Rare Candy x1
• Copycat x2
• Diantha x1
• Peculiar Plaza x2
• Poke Ball x2
• Professor's Research x2

Energy: Psychic

This deck build is effectively broken into three stages of strategy. First, you open with Meloetta or Xerneas, drawing cards and making sure you get the Plaza out for those zero-cost retreats. Secondly, you deploy Gardevoir, who can do respectable damage while also fuelling Pokemon on the bench with massive amounts of energy. Finally, you bring in Mega Diancie ex, who can basically annihilate whatever your opponent has going if you've put down enough energy.

The downsides are that this little bit of setup is vulnerable to disruption, though it's not as bad as it sounds. Rapid card draws from Meloetta and Copycat mean you can get Gardevoir up and running quickly, and Diantha is there to mitigate any early damage opponents get off on you. Plus, the Plaza means that you have basically free control over your own board, and it will never cost you energy again. Finally, Diancie being empowered by energy across your whole board is incredibly good, whereas most scaling attacks before now have been based on energy on that specific Pokemon.

• Pros
  • Meloetta is a strong opener
  • Mega Diancie ex can one-shot anything if given enough energy
  • Good card draw power
  • Zero retreat costs with Peculiar Plaza
• Cons
  • Vulnerable to early disruption
  • Little-to-no healing or recovery
  • Diancie has low health for a Mega ex card

© GamesRadar+. Not to be reproduced without permission

While the organizers behind Stop Killing Games remain optimistic about the movement's future, they've been dealt another blow from lawmakers. The Protect Our Games Act failed to reach the required committee votes to move forward in California, but what's really gotten the gaming world's attention is the argument made by the Entertainment Software Association during the hearing. According to the lobbying group, private Minecraft servers are illegal.

"They're illegal, and they're not in any way affiliated with Microsoft," according to Jennifer Gibbons, vice president for state government affairs at the ESA (thanks, PC Gamer). "Microsoft, for Minecraft, has gotten a lot of criticism because of those community servers not employing the same safety standards that Microsoft does on their Minecraft servers."

That statement – and Gibbons' later assertion that private servers are tantamount to "piracy" – might seem like a bizarre thing to say, considering that you can download the tools to create your own private server directly from the official Minecraft website. But, unfortunately, that's simply a right that Microsoft is offering to players, and one that it's free to revoke at any time.

"Private servers infringe on the intellectual property (IP) rights of game publishers," the ESA says in a statement to PC Gamer. "Publishers reserve the right to exercise their rights against them." That is, indeed, the law as it stands, and one of the key points that Stop Killing Games is trying to change, hoping to require publishers to provide tools to create community servers after an online game shuts down.

According to the ESA, the provision in the Protect Our Games Act "that proposed these servers as a legitimate alternative to keep games running raises concerns about a publisher's ability to enforce their IP rights. In addition, private servers operate with no oversight from the publisher and do not uphold the same trust and safety standards. This could create an unsafe environment for players and be counter to the industry's commitment to fostering safe and fun game play for all players."

This is the second major decision against Stop Killing Games this month, as the EU Commission decided against introducing new legislation in response to the campaign. Yet, Stop Killing Games founder Ross Scott believes that the campaign has made such significant inroads with members of the EU parliament that legislation will likely happen regardless of the Commission's decision.

"We are not stopping," according to a similarly optimistic message from Stop Killing Games responding to the California decision. "Not even close. Next session, we come back with an in-person lobbying presence, the funding to do this properly, and a long list of organizations and developers signed on in support. We are not limiting this to California. We intend to introduce versions of this in other state legislatures, and we are seriously looking at the federal level. The ESA is about to learn what it is like to fight on many fronts at once. They have to win every single time to keep things the way they are. We only have to win once to change them."

These are the new games for 2026 (and beyond) you need to know about.

The Milotic ex deck build in Pokemon TCG Pocket is already establishing itself as incredibly potent, as the ability to put enemies to sleep comfortably falls into all manner of popular builds and strategies. In fact, some are bemoaning the addition of even more sleep cards in PTCGP, but we can't deny that it works for now. If you want to know how to make a strong Milotic ex deck in the wake of the Everyday Wonders expansion set, I'll explain the best build for that below, including how to play it, and all the pros and cons in doing so.

For more deck builds, check out where Milotic falls in the best decks in Pokemon TCGP! Or for more from Everyday Wonders, find out how to make the best Pokemon TCG Pocket Mega Diancie ex deck!

Best Milotic ex deck build in Pokemon TCGP

Milotic ex in Pokemon TCG Pocket is a sleep and energy generation powerhouse, and here's how to build a strong deck around it.

• Darkrai x2
• Feebas (Secluded Springs) x2
• Milotic ex x2
• Igglybuff x2
• Poke Ball x2
• Elegant Cape x1
• Sabrina x1
• Cyrus x1
• Copycat x2
• Lisia x1
• Wallace x2
• Professor's Research x2

Energy: Water

The Sleep meta remains strong and gets stronger now that Milotic has entered the fray. This is probably the most straightforward version of the deck, using Milotic and Igglybuff to put opponents to sleep and then having Darkrai do the usual chip damage. We've also seen variants that downplay the sleep for more versatility, bringing in Magikarp and Mega Gyarados ex for greater power. As players start to learn to prepare for Sleep effects as a common occurrence, it may be that ends up being the stronger alternative, but we'll have to see how things shake out.

Otherwise, the deck strategy is straightforward enough. Igglybuff and Feebas get out early, with Wallace allowing you to evolve the latter as soon as possible. Then it's all about riffling your deck to put Darkrai on the bench and maximizing damage. There's no great "killshot" attacks here (nothing that will do more than 80 damage), but with Milotic's passive energy generation, you can get out early and bring down opponents before they have a chance to set up a strategy.

• Pros
  • Strong early game setup
  • Darkrai/Igglybuff is one of PTCGP's most broken combos
  • Versatile build that can be played with ease
• Cons
  • Weak to Electric decks, which are common
  • Players are learning to counter prepare for Sleep
  • No hugely powerful attacks

© GamesRadar+. Not to be reproduced without permission

No, it's nothing like the book. Enslaved may be based on a piece of classic Chinese literature (Wu Cheng'en's Journey To The West) but it takes substantial liberties with the source material. Rather, the original text serves as a starting point for a very different kind of adventure – one that, all these years later, might sound familiar. Stop us if you've played this one before: a taciturn, world-weary man reluctantly escorts a smart but naïve young woman across a ruined America. Pockets of human survivors eke out a miserable existence in this overgrown world, no longer the planet's dominant species. The pair's westward journey brings moments of tragedy and hope, as an uneasy alliance steadily blossoms into something more meaningful, before an ending that hangs upon a choice between living a blissful lie or confronting a horrifying truth.

To return to Enslaved after playing The Last Of Us is to be shocked at how many similarities there are between the two. Both feature strangely beautiful future dystopias; both deliberately subvert the traditional pioneer's journey across America; both feature odd-couple central relationships that endeavour to sidestep cliché (and mostly succeed). More pertinently, both display a rare commitment to ludonarrative consistency. Here are worlds that have been meticulously thought through, where every part is congruous to an internal logic.

Almost immediately, you can see the benefit of having your writer and lead actor involved from the start. After a whirlwind opening set-piece, scribe Alex Garland (The Beach, 28 Days Later, Ex Machina) establishes the setup with admirable economy: tech-savvy Trip frees herself from a slave ship, leaving via its final escape pod, before placing an electronic headband on fellow survivor and playable protagonist Monkey while he recovers from the crash. This device, as he learns in painful fashion, forces him to do as she says. Your mission is detailed in a single line: "Get me back to my home, and you can go back to yours."

There's a plausible narrative excuse for ensuring your partner's safety, too: we learn that the headband is tracking Trip's own biometrics, and will deliver a lethal jolt to Monkey should her heart stop beating. "If I die, you die," she says, simply. So in a single cutscene, we have our motivations for both joining Trip and keeping her alive. It's abundantly clear that Garland not only plays games but understands that players have limited patience for this sort of thing. Few story-led games cut to the chase this quickly, but then few story-led games involve the writer from the beginning. Enslaved offers evidence for the case that it's better to knock the story into shape while building the game than it is once most of the work has already been done.

Monkey Magic

Enslaved maintains this snappy pacing throughout its opening hours. Trip's skills as a hacker provide a credible reason for a HUD that allows the player to see Monkey's health bar and his shield, as well as Trip's vital signs. Soon afterward, you're tasked with catching a dragonfly mech that Trip then presses into service as a remote camera, swooping over environments to scan them in advance for hazards and enemies. Thus the game excuses the visual overlays that highlight the detection radii of dormant mechs in the area, as well as the sensor triggers for mines, and waypoints that mark your immediate destination.

Indeed, the sequence leading to its capture serves both useful narrative and mechanical purposes. It's an engaging bit of simple parkour that develops the central relationship, starting to defuse the hostility caused by Trip's coercion and to build a rapport between the leads, while also injecting some necessary levity. Nitin Sawhney's versatile soundtrack, meanwhile, adopts a whimsical, light-hearted tone as Monkey grows frustrated by the elusive bug.

Elsewhere, the first mech encounter highlights both Trip's vulnerability and Monkey's awareness of the dangerous world outside the gated enclaves of the remaining human population. Trip can set off an EMP to temporarily disable the robots that attack her, or create an electronic decoy as a temporary distraction, but Monkey's the only one strong enough to dismantle them. This leads to a neat reversal of the masterslave relationship: in Monkey's domain, it's as important that Trip listen to him as he to her, so explaining a radial command menu that lets Monkey tell Trip when to move and when to stay put. In a game assembled so intelligently, it's a pity developer Ninja Theory doesn't always credit its players with similar smarts. When Trip squeals and struggles to cling on after Monkey's thrown over a gap, it's obvious we need to quickly leap across and pull her up, though a text prompt pops up to spell it out. It's the game's most vexing trait.

Still, Garland's influence is immediately apparent – as, too, is that of Andy Serkis. Whatever it is that allows Serkis to tap so expertly into a simian mindset, it's powerfully evident here. Broad-shouldered and hunched, cloth 'tail' dangling from his belt, Monkey is clearly strong enough to beat seven shades of steel from mechanoid opponents, yet he's also athletic enough to swing easily between poles and vines. And that's before you see him move. He scampers up handholds with disarming speed, and has possibly the most satisfying ladder-climbing animation of its era, nimbly skipping several rungs to reach the top in an instant.

Many saw the game's sticky platforming as a flaw, but it's consistent with the character. Monkey's no Nathan Drake, no boulderer scrabbling desperately across conveniently crumbling rock faces. Sure, he suffers a small handful of scripted falls, but not one is his fault: under your command he's a capable – nay, fearless – climber. It wouldn't make much narrative sense if he was constantly struggling to retain his grip, even if this rather limits the sensation of immediate peril. Happily, there's often a good reason for making haste, whether it's a turret trained on your position or the fact that Trip's in imminent danger.

The same applies to combat. The ferocity with which Monkey smashes mechs to pieces is explained in one terse line – "My parents were killed by a mech attack when I was a kid" – and if his moveset initially seems worryingly simple, it expands over time, his staff doubling as a melee and projectile weapon. Ninja Theory would develop more malleable and responsive combat systems for DmC: Devil May Cry, but there's a thrillingly primal satisfaction to the way Monkey wields his staff. As he prepares for battle, he's a coiled spring; suddenly, that internalised rage bursts forth in every blow, accompanied by rumble feedback in the controller and a loud metallic clank. What it lacks in subtlety, it compensates for in sheer audiovisual force, heightened by slow-mo finishing moves as Monkey lets out a cathartic roar.

Nonetheless, Ninja Theory seems aware that perhaps neither the combat nor the platforming would stand up to long-term scrutiny. Thankfully, neither really has to. Light-but-engaging environmental puzzles present a welcome change of pace: a sequence where Monkey unfurls the sails of a windmill is an undoubted highlight. Later, an ostensibly straightforward climbing section is refashioned into a surprisingly challenging race. If some co-operative leverpulling sequences feel contrived in their arrangement and one or two ideas repeat themselves in the second half, there's usually a fresh context in each case – and even if not, Garland's dialogue is more than up to the metaphorical heavy lifting, while Monkey does the physical equivalent.

And when the pace does slacken, and Enslaved can't quite give us something new to keep our thumbs occupied, it usually finds a way to keep our eyes glued to the screen. When the camera's not pointing you in the right direction, it's providing artful framing for some exceptional environment design, proof that post-apocalyptic themes needn't result in palettes formed exclusively of greys, browns and sickly yellows. You get to climb twisted structures of rusted steel, intertwined with flourishing red and green flora. You can explore a mech graveyard, bounding over what looks like modernist sculpture, but at second glance appears to be a gigantic spinal column. If this is what the world looks like when nature and machinery have claimed co-ownership, perhaps we should leave them to it.

You get to cover a lot of ground in a relatively short time – such that by the time you reach your destination, a mere eight or so hours after the game began, it really feels like you've been on a journey.

It added up to positive reviews but, by most accepted metrics, a flop. A high-concept contemporary sci-fi title based on a literary classic from 16th-century China always felt like a tough sell, and so it proved. And yet its cultural legacy may well resonate longer than its limited initial impact. There are clear signs here of the design thrift that will serve Ninja Theory well in the forthcoming Hellblade – a blockbuster on a relative shoestring. And for all that Enslaved borrows from the Uncharted series, it's clear now that Naughty Dog owes Ninja Theory a debt in return. But then the notion of sharing ideas is rooted in a classic allegorical yarn that espouses the virtues of collaboration and mutual understanding – yes, that original Journey To The West. Who said it's nothing like the book?

This article was first published in issue 283 of Edge Magazine. If you're interested in receiving more just like this direct, subscribe to Edge Magazine.

Mayan Stones in Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced, also known as Stelae, are ancient keys used to open a special Mayan Door with a unique outfit and trinket behind. It's an optional side quest that you won't be able to complete until close to the end of the game, but doing so unlocks some incredibly useful powers. Having found them all myself, I've laid out all the map coordinates of where to find all sixteen Mayan Stones and Stelae throughout Black Flag, including coordinates for both the original and the remake.

For more essential collectibles, find out where to get all the Black Flag Resynced Ultimate ship upgrades, or uncover the locations of the different Black Flag Resynced Templar Keys.

All Mayan Stone locations in Black Flag

There are 16 Stelae in both Black Flag Resynced and the original, with all their locations laid out for you below.

Oddly enough, there's one Mayan Stela that's been massively repositioned in the Remake, so that one of the Santanillas stones has now been moved to the new location, "Sacrifice Island".

What's also important to remember is that you won't be able to get all the Stones in Black Flag until you complete the main quest mission called "The Observatory." That's because the location known as Long Bay is inaccessible until that point, so you won't be able to complete this side quest until then. Otherwise, it doesn't matter what order you collect the stones in.

How to solve the Mayan Stela puzzles in Black Flag

To solve the Mayan Stela puzzles in Assassin's Creed Black Flag, you simply need to climb up onto the Mayan pillar and press the button to "investigate." Edward's Eagle Vision will trigger, and several rocks or pillars in the environment will be highlighted.

At the same time, a series of connected shapes will appear on the ground. You can move these shapes, rotate and resize them. The goal is to shift them around until you can fit them perfectly on the highlighted stone, effectively putting square blocks in a square hole and round blocks in round holes.

Once done correctly, a section of the ground will start to glow. Walk up to it and interact with it to dig up the Mayan Stone.

Mayan Stones reward in Black Flag Resynced

After getting all Mayan Stones, return to Tulum and interact with the locked door marked by the side quest to open it. This will reveal a small platforming challenge that leads to a raised temple, inside of which you'll get your reward: The Mayan Outfit, and, if you're playing the Resynced Remake, the Yax Tun Pendant, a legendary Trinket.

Outfits in Resynced have no effect, they simply provide cosmetic options. However, the Yax Tun Pendant makes the player immune to gunshots when worn. In the original game, the Mayan Outfit provides that bulletproof bonus on its own, without the need for an additional trinket.

Learn where to get adorable Black Flag Resynced pets to be your ship's mascots! or find out how to recruit the different Black Flag Resynced Officers to the Jackdaw and unlock their abilities.

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Black Flag Resynced has brought back the Treasure Maps and Buried Treasure tied to them, with players able to find or create maps that lead to all kinds of rewards both major and minor. We've found every in-game map in the Assassin's Creed Remake below and laid out how to find the location of the treasure it leads to, with a couple of exceptions that we're currently narrowing down even at time of writing. However, if you want to make yourself into a master treasure hunter, not only can you find all the treasure maps and buried treasure in Resynced below, but we've also attached our original guide for those who want to find the treasure in the original Black Flag from 2013, found on pages 2 and 3.

For more collectibles in the Caribbean, find out where to look for the Black Flag Resynced Mayan Stelae locations, or all the different Black Flag Resynced Ultimate ship upgrades!

All treasure map locations and solutions in Black Flag Resynced

There are dozens of treasure maps to find in Black Flag Resynced, and in the table below we've laid out where to find them, where to dig up the buried treasure they lead to, and what that treasure is so you know if it's worth the effort.

You'll know if you're close because Edward will say something like "I've seen this place before." If he doesn't say anything, you may be in the wrong area. Once you're standing where you need to, an icon will appear for you to dig.

It's important to remember that you can't dig up a treasure in Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced unless you've found the map. If you skip the maps and go straight to the dig point, you won't get the trigger to start digging... Which makes sense, considering there's no way for Edward to know that he's supposed to dig at all.

How to fix map pieces in Black Flag Resynced

Throughout Black Flag you can find map pieces, which are useless in and of themselves unless reassembled. To do this, you need to do the following:

1. Unlock the hub area Great Inagua.
2. Build the Treasure Dealer upgrade to unlock that vendor.
3. Bring him all pieces of a map and the additional payment asked for (it varies from map to map).

At this point you'll be given the finished map and can use it like any other. There are multiple maps that can be assembled this way, each one of which is found in a different way.

• Weathered Map (6 Pieces). Found in the chests in Smuggler's Dens, except for one, which is sold by the Treasure Dealer himself.
• Yellowed Map (10 Pieces). Random rewards for Fleet missions. Only seem to appear on Schooner missions.
• Digested Map (2 Pieces). Slay and skin the White Jaguar on Great Inagua or the one encountered on the Templar Hunt mission "the Taino Assassin".
• Tattered Map (3 Pieces). Found in lockboxes taken from high level Pirate Hunter ships after boarding and capturing them.
• Preserved Map (4 Pieces). Found randomly by looting Warehouses (low reward chance).

Want more secrets of plunder from Edward Kenway's adventures? If you're working through the story, find out where to find the Sage and Prison Key in Black Flag Resynced, or how to solve the Black Flag Resynced statue puzzle of Tulum!

© GamesRadar+. Not to be reproduced without permission.

What follows on this page and the one past it are all treasure map locations and dig spots for the original Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag. If you're playing the game as it first appeared, this will show you everything you need to know about finding buried treasure there!

Buried Treasure No. 1

Map Location: Cape Bonavista, on the beach near the ship in the cove

Treasure Location: Cape Bonavista - Face the ship, turn around 180 degrees and head straight for the small cave. At the end of the cave, look down at a small, partially embedded rock.

Reward: 1500 Reales

Buried Treasure No. 2

Map Location: Northern half of Havana, next to the monastery

Treasure Location: Southern tip of Havana, to the right of a fallen palm tree

Reward: Queen Anne’s figurehead design plan, 3000 Reales

Buried Treasure No. 3

Map Location: Southern end of Abaco Island, in the Eleuthera region

Treasure Location: Northern end of Salt Lagoon (in the Gibara region), near a giant rock.

Reward: Design plan, 3000 Reales

Buried Treasure No. 4

Map Location: Southern tip of Andreas Island, north of Havana

Treasure Location: In the middle of a tree cluster on Abaco Island, very close to a stranded ship

Reward: 4000 Reales

Buried Treasure No. 5

Map Location: In the cove of Great Inagua, west of where the Jackdaw docks

Treasure Location: In Nassau, look for the restricted area at the large home near the swamp. Go down the cliff and look for two fallen trees.

Reward: Design plan for grey sails, 3000 reales

Buried Treasure No. 6

Map Location: Slightly left of the center of Mariguana Island

Treasure Location: On a very tiny island at the southern end of Andreas Island

Reward: Design plans for the elite harpoon, 3000 reales

Buried Treasure No. 7

Map Location: At Cayman Sound, on the upper right side of the “U” formation of the island, near some small trees and embedded rocks

Treasure Location: Inside Petite Caverne, on an slightly elevated section near the campfire

Reward: Design plans for heavy shot storage, 3000 reales

Buried Treasure No. 8

Map Location: At Tortuga, run along the northeast edge of the island along the beach, where you’ll eventually come across a corpse.

Treasure Location: After docking at Mantanzas, make your way southeast, through the town. Eventually you’ll come across some Mayan ruins. Between two of the biggest columns you’ll find a small recess and the treasure.

Reward: Elite mortar storage plans, 3000 reales

Buried Treasure No. 9

Map Location: On one of the higher levels of the ruins in Misteriosa, which you can access after completing Sequence 9, Memory 2

Treasure Location: At the easternmost end of Kingston, near some crates and a small portion of a ship hull

Reward: Blackwood wheel design plans, 3000 reales

Buried Treasure No. 10

Map Location: At the northern end of Pinos Isle, on a corpse crushed by a fallen column

Treasure Location: At Cayman Sound, on the upper right side of the “U” formation of the island, near some small trees and embedded rocks

Reward: 4000 Reales

Buried Treasure No. 11

Map Location: At the easternmost tip of Ile a Vache

Treasure Location: Enter the smuggler’s cove known as Jiguey. Inside the hideout is a single tree next to a flat rock formation. Look for the “dig” prompt there.

Reward: 4000 reales

Buried Treasure No. 12

Map Location: At the campfire in Corozal

Treasure Location: At Ambergris Key, which is accessible only through a swimming via the diving bell. When you surface and find the ruins, the treasure can be found in an alcove opposite the main structure.

Reward: 4000 reales

Buried Treasure No. 13

Map Location: At Ambergris Key, which is accessible only through a swimming via the diving bell. Look for the treasure map icon on the second floor of the main structure.

Treasure Location: At the largest structure in Misteriosa, climb to the very top. You’ll find the “dig” prompt close to where the flowing water starts.

Reward: Heavy shot design plans, 3000 reales

Buried Treasure No. 14

Map Location: The northeast corner of Santanillas

Treasure Location: Take the diving bell down to the depths of San Juan. Swim until you reach the smuggler’s den. Note the broken planks of wood hanging off one of the tunnels. The “dig” prompt can be found below the planks.

Reward: Elite fire barrels design plans, 3000 reales

Buried Treasure No. 15

Map Location: Dive down Anotto Bay using the diving bell. Swim past the shark patrols to find the smuggler’s den. The map is on the east side of the den.

Treasure Location: Travel to the fort at Principe and look for the two adobe towers next to the cannons. Walk around to the right side of the towers to find the “dig” prompt at the edge of the cliff.

Reward: 4000 reales

Buried Treasure No. 16

Map Location: During Sequence 8, Memory 3, you’ll end up at Isla Providencia. The treasure map icon will appear during a chase sequence, around the northern half of the map.

Treasure Location: At the northeast beach of Long Bay. You'll have to wait until Sequence 10, Memory 3 to access it. Look for the lookout tower. From the tower's point of view, the dig spot will be to its left, near a bush.

Reward: 4000 reales

Buried Treasure No. 17

Map Location: At the west side of Petite Caverne

Treasure Location: On the southeastern edge of Tulum, at the base of the largest tree in the immediate area.

Reward: 4000 reales

Buried Treasure No. 18

Map Location: Northeastern corner of Salt Lagoon

Treasure Location: The coordinates on the map will lead you to New Bone. Note that this town is guarded by at least two ships, so have mortar cannons and a thick hull ready. The treasure is buried near the edge of a cliff to the back and the right of the windmill.

Reward: 4000 reales

Buried Treasure No. 19

Map Location: At the northern tip of Cumberland Bay

Treasure Location: At Pinos Isle, at the base of the tree, at the immediate right of the large Mayan ruins

Reward: Aquila’s wheel design plans, 3000 Reales

Buried Treasure No. 20

Map Location: Use Kenway's Fleet and send a fleet out to the Eastern British Colonies. Accept the mission titled 'The Empty Cellar'. Provided your ships return safely, you'll receive a map.

Treasure Location: At Cumberland Bay, look for the set of small rocks at the northern tip of the island. The treasure is close by.

Reward: 4000 reales

Buried Treasure No. 21

Map Location: Use Kenway's Fleet and send a fleet out to Eastern Canada. Accept the mission titled 'Scarlatina'. Provided your ships return safely, you'll receive a map.

Treasure Location: Run along the southern coast line until you see some remnants of a ship. At a nearby trio of trees, you'll find the treasure.

Reward: 4000 reales

Buried Treasure No. 22

Map Location: Use Kenway's Fleet and send a fleet out to the Mediterranean Sea. Accept the mission titled 'Great Reputation II'. Provided your ships return safely, you'll receive a map.

Treasure Location: Inside the smuggler's den in Anotto Bay. Look for the only ladder in the den. Near the base of it is the treasure.

Reward: 4000 reales

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If you're looking for some Pokemon Prime Day deals then don't worry, I've spent probably too long looking for Pikachu and pals in Amazon's digital shopping aisles to find you exciting savings on all things Pokemon. That includes some of the best Nintendo Switch 2 accessories too, along with fun merch, TCG sets and binders, and more.

No doubt more Pokemon Prime Day deals will drop as the next few days go on, but for now these are the best savings I've found that I'd recommend for a fellow Poke Pal. It's just a shame that there are no discounts yet on Pokopia, or even Pokemon Scarlet and Violet to recommend for some gaming fun this summer ahead of whatever Pokemon Winds and Waves brings us in 2027.

Pokopia events take place pretty regularly in the adorable Pokemon life game, and they all offer some great, event-exclusive items and rewards, while others even let you invite new Pokemon to move in.

During both the More Spores for Hoppip and Sableye's Gem Hunt events, players were tasked with collecting items from Dream Islands to unlock new habitat items and invite these new Pokemon to stay forever. This time, though, Jirachi is asking for something a little different, so here's what you need to know about the Pokopia Jirachi event and how to get Shining Wish Notes.

Pokopia Jirachi event dates

The Wish Upon a Jirachi Pokopia event takes place between June 23 and July 8, 2026, when it will end at 5am local time. During the event, you can meet Jirachi and invite them to live in any of your towns.

To do so, you'll need to talk to Jirachi at the Withered Wasteland Pokemon Center, where they will ask you for some Shining Wish Notes.

• Jirachi Lamp - 1 Shining Wish Note
• Moon Clock - 1 Shining Wish Note
• Star Mat - 1 Shining Wish Note
• Star Wall Decoration - 1 Shining Wish Note
• Star Shaped Dresser - 1 Shining Wish Note
• Cloud Table - 1 Shining Wish Note
• Starry-Sky Bed - 1 Shining Wish Note
• Star Closet - 1 Shining Wish Note
• Telescope - 1 Shining Wish Note
• Cloud Cannon - 1 Shining Wish Note

As you can see from the list above, you can get every item available for just ten Shining Wish Notes, so it shouldn't take you too long to complete the Jirachi Pokopia event. What's more, you may already have a Telescope in your inventory, though it won't be the same pretty color as this one as standard.

If you want more of these items, you can keep complete as many favors as you have Pokemon throughout the week-long event.

Pokopia Jirachi habitat information

The items you need to create the Surrounded by Stars Jirachi habitat in Pokopia are:

• Star Closet
• Cloud table
• Starry-sky bed
• Jirachi Lamp

Place these items anyway you wish, as long as they are in a five-block area, and ensure that the lamp is powered on by inviting a Pokemon with the Generate ability to follow you to it. Once the lamp is powered, the habitat will activate.

However, you won't be able to invite Jirachi to move in until the event is over, as they'll be too busy trading in the Pokemon Center.

Be sure to check out our Pokopia Mystery Codes guide for other limited-time items.

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Minecraft Dungeons 2 asks you to drop your pickaxe, pick up a sword, and venture into the deep dark (among other locations) with your buddies. This upcoming ARPG has always been lobbied as an approachable dungeon crawler, the sort that provides a pretty cheery alternative to a game like Path of Exile 2 or a way for those who grew up playing Diablo to share love of the genre with their kids. Something Minecraft Dungeons was never great at, however, was having all that many connection points with the core Minecraft experience – you know, visual design aside and all that.

As Mojang approached the development of Minecraft Dungeons 2, design director Laura de Llorens tells me that the team went looking for ways to include more distinct "callbacks to vanilla Minecraft" without diluting what made the 2020 original special. One way is the introduction of an "interconnected world" – not a full open-world, but one that's wide enough to encourage exploration.

Beyond that, Minecraft Dungeons 2 has made some tweaks to its item rarity systems and its character customisation options. Let's start with rarity. Minecraft offers four rarity tiers in Common, Uncommon, Rare, and Epic; the first Minecraft Dungeons game only had three. Minecraft Dungeons 2 arrives with four rarity levels – Common, Rare, Special, and Unique – in an attempt to better capture that sense of item-scale that the vanilla experience is known for.

As for character customization, Minecraft Dungeons 2 has a more expansive system in play. "Instead of one armor slot, you now have four – again, we're calling back a little more to vanilla Minecraft, which also has four." This means you can now equip armor on your head, arms, legs, and torso; with unique variants which can provide "double effects, special enchantments, and all that good stuff," de Llorens teases.

These are small changes that have a big impact on the way Minecraft Dungeons 2 plays, and offer a few more points of connective tissue for fans of the core Minecraft experience. I suspect that the full game will offer even more in this respect, but we'll likely have to wait until September 29, 2026 to discover them all – that's when Minecraft Dungeons 2 releases for PC, PS5, Nintendo Switch 2, and Xbox Series X.

Minecraft Dungeons 2 hands-on preview: I played Mojang's new dungeon crawler, and it may just be one of the most exciting new games of 2026.

The future of Compulsion Games, Double Fine, and Ninja Theory are unclear. There are reports this week that Xbox is in discussion to shutter all three legendary studios, and rumors that the teams responsible for South of Midnight, Psychonauts, and Hellblade could buy back their independence. At a time where both first-party creative houses – PlayStation Studios and Xbox Game Studios – have shown little hesitation in closing development houses, the idea that these three could walk away seems unlikely. And while no two situations are alike, it isn't unheard of. Just look at Toys for Bob.

"Toys for Bob was acquired by Activision in 2005, and for many years we enjoyed a long and successful partnership," says studio head Paul Yan, who took on the role following the departure of founders Paul Reiche III and Fred Ford in 2020. It wasn't long before Yan was steering Toys for Bob through one of the most challenging periods in its 30 year history. "Covid hit, and the world turned upside down. There were many changes that happened as a result. One was a corporate mandate [at Activision] to support the large blockbuster IPs – Modern Warfare, Warzone, and Overwatch 2, to name just a few."

Before the studio was drawn into the Call of Duty ecosystem, it was doing industry-leading work – breathing new life into the mascots that fuelled the imaginations of an entire generation of millennials. It spearheaded the burgeoning Toys-to-Life genre with the Skylanders series, "an original IP inspired by Spyro" before being given the opportunity to go a step further.

As Yan explains: "We spent time meticulously handcrafting the first three classic Spyro games for the Reignited Trilogy, and we really got an understanding of the character during this period. And then we moved on to Crash Bandicoot, breathing new life into that series with a sequel, as well as an experimental multiplayer spin-off with Crash Team Rumble." It's a period of prolific creativity, where Toys for Bob was able to leverage its growing confidence and expertise into long-overdue platformers.

And then the world changed. "We learned a lot after we shifted into a support structure to assist other teams with various initiatives, games, feature-sets, and updates. We spread into a lot of territories that we weren't familiar with, or at least hadn't spent a lot of time with. We're very proud of the work that we did there, and of all of the collaboration. But if we're being honest with ourselves, we knew that we were just straying too far from the games that we're passionate about – that we're known for. So at that time, in the back of our mind, we knew we wanted to get back to them somehow."

Soon, Activision began to change too. In 2022, as Toys for Bob was supporting Infinity Ward to get Modern Warfare 2 out the door, Xbox announced its intention to acquire Activision Blizzard King for $68.7 billion. Former Xbox CEO Phil Spencer went on record to say that he was interested in Toys for Bob dusting off older Activision IP, but nothing changed. As the deal closed in 2023, Toys for Bob were locked into supporting development of Overwatch 2 and Modern Warfare 3. Then the Xbox layoffs hit. One of the Toys for Bob studios was shuttered. A month later, it was all change again – the studio secured its freedom.

"In 2023, Microsoft was in the process of acquiring Activision. This was a long, drawn out process which gave us a lot of time to soul search – to ask ourselves, well, how can we get back to the games we're passionate about making? So we got in front of leadership at both the Activision and Xbox level," says Yan. "We proposed a really bold plan. We asked that Toys for Bob would buy back its independence – taking creative, financial and organization control – to spin-off into a separate company. One where we could get back to the games we were known for, and preserve the tight-knit team and the long tenure that we had built up over the years."

There was a major caveat in the proposal. Toys for Bob needed the security of knowing that it would immediately receive funding for a project. So if Toys for Bob was going to spread its wings, it was going to do it with Spyro: the character that had first freed it from the trap of making Disney licensing games with Activision back in the early 00s.

"The other half of the proposal was that the first game we would develop out of the game would be a new title for Xbox, and that it would be based on a concept that we had been stewing on ever since 2018," says Yan. "We learned a lot about Spyro in this time, and we had ideas on where the series could go and how we could evolve the character. So fast forward a bit, and leadership was very supportive of the move and of the game pitch. And for the last two years we've been quietly working on exactly that title: Spyro: A Realm Beyond."

Built in Unreal Engine 5, in development for PC, PS5, Nintendo Switch 2, and Xbox Series X, A Realm Beyond is in many ways a continuation of the iconic Insomniac era of games – with Toys for Bob leveraging everything it learned through remaking that trilogy and then pushing on beyond it. Given how eager Toys for Bob was to regain its independence, I was curious as to why the studio would draw such a hard line in the sand – that it would get what it wanted, only so long as Xbox funded the group as a third-party entity.

Granted anonymity to speak candidly about the situation, multiple staffers at Toys for Bob have told me that it would have been 'near suicidal' to reenter the market without a project in active development, and that the arrangement works for everybody involved: the studio regains control of its future and a degree of security; Xbox gets to revive a legacy IP the community is desperate to see return with little risk; and that this could all ultimately lead to a fruitful partnership between the two in the future.

When I spoke with Xbox's executive vice president and chief content officer last week, Matt Booty didn't wholly shut down the question of whether third-party studios could be entrusted to revive other IP that the publisher has in the vault in the future: "I think the answer is there are options to do all kinds of things, and we're certainly looking at those all the time."

I did ask Toys for Bob associate creative director Lou Studdert why the studio went all-in on Spyro, rather than, say, Banjo-Kazooie, and he was clear about the studio's priorities. "Spyro has a deep place in the studio's heart. Having worked through Skylands and the Reignited trilogy, we've always admired that small but mighty underdog story of the character taking on these overwhelming odds – we see ourselves in that a little bit. And, honestly, it was also a no-brainer."

Yan adds: "Going independent meant taking a massive, massive risk. It's taking a bet on ourselves, but we had confidence in making that move [...] Reignited sold over 11 million copies, so there's an audience that showed up for the series."

As my time with Toys for Bob drew to a close, I asked Yan whether there was ever a world where the studio would have pursued independence without the Spyro sequel in place. "The proposal that we had was complex, and that was part of the equation from the beginning. That in order for us to pursue this, we would go independent. Is there a possibility that could have happened in some other alternate timeline?"

"I can't speak to that, but I can say that those two things together are exactly what we proposed," he says. "That Toys for Bob would spin off and have control over the types of games we wanted to focus on, and that Spyro would be number one."

Spyro: A Realm Beyond is set to release in 2027, although it doesn't have a confirmed release date. Toys for Bob may be developing the title as an upcoming Xbox Series X game, but it's also set to launch for PC, PS5, and Nintendo Switch 2.

If you have a nagging feeling that the Pokemon card hobby isn't what it used to be, you're not alone – fans are letting their frustrations out at the prevalence of grading culture. The general consensus? It really, really sucks.

I spend a lot of my time reporting on the best card games, and I'm seeing this take crop up more each month. In a reddit thread with 3K upvotes so far, that feeling has boiled over. "Are there still collectors out there who just buy cards because they like them?" Poster deckdossier writes in a thread venting irritation at those who are chasing the most valuable, highest-graded Pokemon cards. "Honestly, the market has become a lot less enjoyable because of this mindset."

Judging by the rest of the thread, this isn't an unpopular take. The top response (with 1.2K upvotes and counting) from SuchSoup4335 reads, "I never liked it, it feels like a huge detriment to the hobby." They're not alone in that assessment; a wealth of comments from the same thread share that sentiment.

I'd have to agree. I never want to yuk anyone's yum, but it feels as though those in deep with the grading game occupy a similar space to resellers (who are arguably ruining the hobby for everyone else – just look at how hard it is to buy Pokemon TCG Pitch Black for an example). In other words, they couldn't give a hoot about the hobby itself and are purely there for profit. It's aggressively transactional, which is off-putting for both newcomers and more established players alike. It's certainly not a pleasant atmosphere; it often feels more like the stock exchange than the easy-going retreat Pokemon should be. When everyone rolls their eyes at a new expansion with comments like "this would be great if I could actually find any cards in store," something's wrong.

Will this change as the 'craze' runs out of steam? I'd like to hope so, but it feels like a self-sustaining loop now. Grade-chasing isn't a new phenomenon, just like resellers aren't a modern blip. The wild popularity of Pokemon cards (along with nostalgia for the franchise) leads to high demand, and high demand leads to opportunities like this for those who just see dollar signs. While the Pokemon TCG remains as popular as it is, I don't see that changing.

Anyway, enough of my thoughts – what do you think? Let us know in the comments below.

For more tabletop, why not check out the best board games? You can also get your fill of Pokemon with the best Pokemon merch.

Fans have discovered a voice cameo from late Batman voice actor Kevin Conroy in Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight.

In the pantheon of fantastic Batman actors, it's generally accepted that Kevin Conroy is the GOAT. Conroy voiced the character in the iconic Batman: The Animated Series, before reprising the role in a ton of projects. Notably, he was the voice of Batman in the Rocksteady Batman Arkham trilogy (with Sonic actor Roger Craig Smith taking on the role for Arkham Origins), with his final portrayal of the character being in Rocksteady's Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, which released two years after he passed.

Dragon Quest actor Shai Matheson – who dubbed Conroy "the greatest of all time" – took over the role for the latest Batman game, Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight, which is a celebration of all things Batman. This includes segments based on the various films, combat inspired by the Arkham games, and generally any bit of Batman history you can find. The credits also noted the game includes voice cameos from Adam West and Conroy in tribute to both actors.

Senior Level Designer Mike Consalvey posted on Twitter after players discovered the voice cameo, fittingly included in the Arkham Asylum level. During the level, you can hear PA announcements, with fans realizing that the recordings are actually of Conroy via archival audio. He said, "I'm glad someone finally discovered the use of Kevin Conroy's voice within the game during the Arkham Asylum level!"

Conroy is mentioned elsewhere in the game on one of its many referential billboards. While a lot of them are goofy or references to unhinged parts of Batman fandom like Crazy Hambuger, Conroy's is a simple, sweet tribute ad for "After hours with Conroy: The voice of Gotham's night."

Have you picked up Lego Batman? Check out our guide on how to redeem codes in Lego Batman Legacy of the Dark Knight

It's time for Spyro to take flight once again. Developer Toys for Bob would never come outright and say it, but I get the sense that Spyro: A Realm Beyond is trying to pick up where Insomniac Games left the character in Year of the Dragon. It's not like the character has been left to gather dust since the year 2000, he has been on plenty of adventures of differing qualities, but there's something about the vivid colors and ambitious approach to play that's being presented here which recalls the glory days.

Toys for Bob studio head Paul Yan tells me that the team is "building A Realm Beyond from the ground up" as a brand new adventure, one that's built to offer a new entry point into the long running series and speak to "the longtime fans and legacy of who Spyro is." Actor Tom Kenny (best known for his work as SpongeBob SquarePants) is reprising his role as the titular dragon, having voiced the character in Ripto's Rage and Year of the Dragon, as well as Toys for Bob's 2018 Reignited Trilogy.

It's likely that the confident, slightly arrogant, persona that defined Spyro in the original trilogy will go through some changes for A Realm Beyond. As a new antagonist rises across a new and mysterious realm, an older and more boisterous Spyro will be there to meet them.

Associate creative director Lou Studdert can only talk around whether the hero is entering his teenage years: "You know, dragons age differently than people," he laughs. "You've noticed there are some slight adjustments made to reflect that Spyro is really coming into his own. You can see it on his crest, you can see that his wings have gotten significantly bigger… there's more to come on the narrative!"

With Spyro: A Realm Beyond set to release in 2027, it's too early to dig into all the details. What Toys for Bob is willing to talk about is one of the reasons behind Spyro's increased wingspan: "When we realized that we wanted him to fly, those small wings just weren't going to cut it," says Studdert.

It's been a long time since Spyro Reignited Trilogy, and even longer since the classic Insomniac trilogy first landed, so perhaps a little refresher is in order. Spyro's primary form of aerial traversal was a gentle glide from jumps, and in very rare instances, flight under time-pressure in specific mini-levels. Yan says "I always wondered what it would be like if these two experiences could somehow be collapsed into Spyro’s core ability kit," and that question has been at the very heart of A Realm Beyond's design since.

"We started prototyping this game with flight and with a more unique moveset in mind," Studdert adds. "As we started building it out, finding that fun, we then realized that we'd need a bigger sense of scale to support that moveset – and so the world is far more vertical and expansive." The associate creative director stops short of confirming whether A Realm Beyond will run across wider, interconnected spaces or a full open-world – more detail to come there soon, I'm told.

Taking Flight

For now, Toys for Bob is only willing to confirm that "taking to the skies and owning the airtime" is going to be a massive focus for this adventure, with Yan confirming that you'll be able to "experience the freedom of true dragon flight." The pair tell me that figuring out this fantasy is core to what Toys for Bob wants to achieve with this long-awaited sequel, giving you the freedom to take to the skies at a moment's notice, shifting from charges on the ground to graceful flight in the sky on a whim.

"We want a zen-like fluidity, we want chaining of moves and exploration – for you to really be interacting with the environment as this quadruped who is its own unique beast," says Studdert. "Honing in on that feeling, that experience, has been our north star. We want to push the sense of wonder, adventure, and awe that this franchise uniquely delivers."

The challenge that Toys for Bob faces with Spyro A Realm Beyond is in knowing how far to push the series without diluting what made it so special to begin with. The studio has exceptional knowledge of this universe, having steered the character through the Reignited trilogy remake (which Yan says sold over 11 million copies) and the beloved Skylanders spin-offs. "We felt this when we worked on Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time as well," says Studdert. "What we like to do when we start working on a new project, especially if it is an established IP, is to really hone in on what emotions it brings out."

"That tension is so real, right?" adds Yan. "I'm proud of the team. They are thinking that through very thoughtfully, and listening to the community as we do. Because you have these two extremes: If you stick too much to nostalgia, then you basically just rehash what's been done before; and on the other extreme, if you innovate too much then all of a sudden players don't recognize the series anymore."

"We learned a lot during the development of Reignited. We've carried a lot of those lessons forward into A Realm Beyond – and obviously they are very different projects, we aren't recreating classics this time. But we've built up a confidence in our instincts for what feels tonally right for this character," says Yan, adding, "and I can't wait for fans to see the direction we're taking the series in."

Spyro: A Realm Beyond is a key new game of 2027 where it's set to take flight on PC, PS5, Nintendo Switch 2, and Xbox Series X.

Minecraft Dungeons 2 is making a big change. When its predecessor launched in 2020, it was a compelling side-quest for Mojang – a dungeon crawler which sought to deliver a more accessible entry point to the ARPG genre than the likes of Diablo and Path of Exile. It was a fun experience, although its limited points of exploration made it something of a divergence from what we've come to expect from Minecraft games. So Mojang is making some changes for the new game of 2026.

"In Minecraft Dungeons, we had a simple game loop," says Mans Olson, creative director. "You played a mission through to the end, you got a reward, and then you went back to your camp. In Minecraft Dungeons 2, we have what we call an interconnected world."

Internonnected, but not fully open. Olson stresses that Mojang "is purposefully not calling it an open world" as the studio is still creating a curated-style of game. "It's more of a guided experience that we think works really well for Minecraft," he says, adding: "But you will be free to explore the overworld; Minecraft Dungeons 2 is a lot larger than the first game."

Design director Laura de Llorens tells me that "you can walk from one end of the world to the other" in the upcoming Xbox Series X game, as the team emphasises the importance of exploration – unique and rare items, along with powerful Talismans, can be found by digging into every corner of the map. Speaking of maps, there's been some other changes to the Minecraft Dungeons 2 UI to accommodate the shift in focus. "Up in the right-hand corner we have a little mini-map, and we also have a very beautiful world map as well."

Given the 'All-Ages' framing of Minecraft Dungeons 2, are there any concerns over players getting lost in this interconnected world? Thankfully, a click of the left-thumbstick will enable a 'Guiding Light' (that can be activated by any member of your party, at any time) which will "always assist you in finding the next step in your quest," says de Llorens.

Minecraft Dungeons 2 may not be an open-world game, but it is inching ever closer to reflecting its ARPG ambitions into the original Minecraft style with this new interconnected world. The game is an exceptionally fun time, as you can learn more about in my Minecraft Dungeons 2 hands-on preview.

Minecraft Dungeons 2 is out for PC, PS5, Nintendo Switch 2, and Xbox Series X on September 29, 2026.

A detective in a fleece-lined jacket surveys the scene during my first look at The Wolf Among Us 2. Armed with a gruff exterior and a sharp eye, he examines an apartment looking for clues with the aid of police officer Faye, as both law enforcers look to solve a murder. The duo uncover a note which magically forms the name Bigby.

Faye points a gun at the detective, demanding he explain why his name is linked to an apparent crime scene. The detective explains the note is magic, and as Faye looks on in disbelief it's clear that Telltale Games' long-awaited choice-driven fairytale noir is going places the 2013 original didn't – this is a mystery Fabletown alone isn't going to be able to contain.

Return to Fabletown

At Summer Game Fest 2026, I was invited to see The Wolf Among Us 2 in action. Accompanied by creative director Zak Garriss and design director Jess Campbell, I was able to watch the latter play through a small section of the upcoming sequel, choosing how Bigby would act or respond in certain moments of the work-in-progress demo.

It's immediately evident from the dialogue choices that Fabletown's gruffest, sharpest detective Bigby Wolf can be both wise and endearing, a balance that's hard to achieve. "There's something incredibly rich about playing a character, not just a character who's centuries old, but who has the kind of baggage that Bigby has," Zak Gariss explains when I ask about the importance of this setup.

The Wolf Among Us 2 is aiming to give "a deeper look into Bigby, into what makes him tick, into his history, into his scars, in pretty exciting ways, pretty dark ways," Gariss continues. It's a welcome notion given the character's popularity, but another reason behind this is "because great storytelling ultimately comes down to characters". Fabletown is home to some big personalities – a secret community of folklore characters in New York City – which means plenty of conflicting desires, and a whole lot of suspects whenever Bigby has to intervene in a crime.

As Bigby walks around the suspected murderer's residence, with a third-person camera following his movements instead of remaining fixed on a frame like in the previous game, Gariss opens up about the narrative; "It leads to an interlocking series of mysteries that go from something as simple as a murder case to something far more complicated that points to a conspiracy that threatens to undermine the structure of Fabletown."

It's at this point that Gariss talks about how The Wolf Among Us 2 is a noir, with its hard-boiled detective protagonist Bigby and his place in the game's story. "There's always a cost to something, and so Bigby is always going to be standing at the crossroads of having to make an impossible decision around what's the best version of a series of bad outcomes." When I press Gariss on the value of this type of character, he concludes that "within that framework vulnerability abounds, and there's a lot of opportunity to really resonate with the wounds that he's incurring or has incurred, and it kind of carries through the narrative."

But who is Bigby's companion anyway? Gariss tells me that "Faye is a new type of character for the franchise that represents what it's like when a mundy starts knocking on the door, and it's a particularly charged challenge for Bigby because it's a mundy cop." Given that the player can have Bigby tell Faye about the magical secrets of Fabletown, it presents a luscious prospect with serious ramifications down the line, but the demo is over well before I can see a meaningful conclusion.

Once upon a playtime

The Wolf Among Us 2 improves on the original's sleuthing gameplay. The player can move freely around environments, exploring the scenery at their own pace. "We always want the player to feel invited in, deeply respected," Gariss tells me, highlighting the mindset behind the enhanced design.

There's even the option to bypass puzzles should they prove difficult, something I ask Jess Campbell about. "We don't want people having to put the controller down and go look it up online, because that means we didn't do it right," the design director explains. While I can quite enjoy hitting my head against a metaphorical brick wall (or a straw or wooden one, for that matter), I've seen firsthand how frustrating it is for the momentum to stall over a challenge, so it's easy to admire the inclusion of such a feature.

Just as the game's mechanics reach new depths, so too does the narrative. "It is truly the darkest story in Fabletown yet. We're going to go to some dark places," Gariss asserts, refusing to say too much more for fear of spoilers – a restraint I'm thankful for – but he does tease a bit more for the sequel after I ask about an in-game clue seemingly inspired by The Wizard of Oz: "There are many characters that are returning from the first game, reprised by the actors who played them, and it's a reunion [...] but we're also bringing in new kind of legends from the lore, and we're really excited about that too, and that extends – that newness – to some of the places."

Compared to the tight rooms of the original, it's clear even in this work-in-progress demo that the sense of scale is much larger, and will see Bigby whisked between lots of new locations – though, again, quite where is still tightly under wraps.

As our session comes to a close, my last question for the developers is whether players need to have played through the first game in order to enjoy The Wolf Among Us 2. Gariss fields this one: "While this is a true sequel, our Bigby is the Bigby who went through the adventure in the first game – it's six months later in his life – you don't need to have experienced that adventure to jump right in here and enjoy the experience that unfolds. And if you have, you will see context, you will understand, you will see characters that you get to interact with, fight, build friendships with, but it's by no means required, and if you do play Wolf 2, and really love it, you can absolutely go back and experience the first one."

The Wolf Among Us 2 will release on PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 in 2027, although there's no exact launch date yet. Lucky for us the first game is getting a remaster later this year, so we've got the perfect excuse to revisit Fabletown before the sequel drops.

Want to follow more great tales? Check out our best gaming stories list for more recommendations like The Wolf Among Us!

The many Minecraft biomes are a massive part of what makes the game so enjoyable and diverse today. From the basic origins of just a handful of different biomes, there are now over 20 primary regions, and many more once you consider variations like deep oceans and windswept hills.

There are also loads more biomes being added to the game with each new Minecraft drop, with the Sulfur Caves and Dappled Forest being among the most recent announcements. Here, I've got everything you need to know about those and the existing major Minecraft biomes as of update 26.2.

New Minecraft biomes

Here, I'll tell you about the latest biomes added to the game, that you can find in the current version. So, if you don't yet know and would rather be surprised, skip this part! However, if you want to know more about the latest Minecraft biomes or how to find them, this section's for you.

Sulfur Caves

The Sulfur Cave is the newest biome, added with the 26.2 update on June 16, 2026, and is perfect if you, like me, get a little tired of the same grey surroundings while mining. We may have Lush Caves and The Deep Dark to take our breath away, but there's still plenty of room for something new, and that's exactly what this is.

While it might look like it would fit better in the Nether, the Sulfur biome is so unique to the overworld that it's going to look fantastic when you spot that first red or yellow block during a mining session. These are Cinnabar and Sulfur blocks, and each have an entire family of building blocks relating to them, which will make for some great new Minecraft house ideas.

While you're taking in the sights, though, be careful where you step. Sulfur pools are bodies of water found within these caves, and the presence of Potent Sulfur beneath the water causes pockets of gas. Get too close to this gas, and you'll find yourself feeling a little... funny. You'll also be able to find a new friend or two in these Caves, with new Minecraft mob the Sulfur Cube.

Sulfur Caves can be found at any depth, and Sulfur pools even have a chance to be spotted above ground, indicating a Sulfur Cave beneath. Your best bet at finding one is simply to cave and mine, looking out for the biome's signature yellow or red blocks.

Upcoming Minecraft biomes

This section tells you everything we know so far about any upcoming Minecraft biomes that are set to be added in future drops, so they may not be able to be experienced right now, or you might be able to try them out in Minecraft snapshots or Preview.

The Dappled Forest

Announced during Minecraft Live May 2026, the Dappled Forest is the next new biome to be added to the sandbox game - and this one is really exciting.

Not only does this cute biome add autumnal-colored leaves for the first time without mods, following in the footsteps of the pink-hued Cherry Grove and white-tinged Pale Forest, but it also adds the first new structure we've had in some time: the Abandoned Camp!

The colorful leaves come as part of new Poplar trees, which will add a new family of beige-grey wood blocks for building with. There's also a new red bush variant, which maintains its color no matter where you place it.

The Abandoned Camp, meanwhile, is a small new structure that features a tent, some storage containers, and other handy loot, including a new place to spend the night. However, it's not that safe so take care! Perhaps the most exciting part of the Abandoned Camp, though, is a new building block that players like me have been craving for some time: the wool stair!! White wool stairs will be found as part of the tent structures in camps, but this also means you will be able to turn any wool color into a stair block, which is great news for builders.

All Minecraft biomes

These are all the major Minecraft biomes, excluding variants:

• Plains (overworld)
• Forest (overworld)
• Meadow (overworld)
• Dark Forest (overworld)
• Cherry Grove (overworld)
• Pale Forest (overworld)
• Swamp (overworld)
• Mangrove Swamp (overworld)
• Taiga (overworld)
• Snowy Plains (overworld)
• Ice Spikes (overworld)
• Savanna (overworld)
• Badlands (overworld)
• Desert (overworld)
• Jungle (overworld)
• Mountains (overworld)
• Mushroom Fields (overworld)
• River (overworld)
• Ocean (overworld)
• The Deep Dark (cave)
• Lush Caves (cave)
• Dripstone Caves (cave)
• Nether Wastes (Nether)
• Crimson Forest (Nether)
• Warped Forest (Nether)
• Soul Sand Valley (Nether)
• Basalt Delta (Nether)
• The End (The End)
• End Islands (The End)

As I've mentioned above, there are plenty of variants. For example, Mountains isn't actually a biome in itself any more, since it became Windswept Hills, but now can be used to refer to seven different biomes, including Jagged Peaks and Snowy Slopes. Water biomes, meanwhile, are split into warm, cold, hot, and other variants.

Each Minecraft biome has its own flora, fauna, blocks, and items that be found there, and some are rarer than others, so it's useful to know what you're looking for and how to spot it - or you can just explore and see what you find!

© GamesRadar+. Not to be reproduced without permission.

The Giratina ex deck in Pokemon TCG Pocket has been one of the standout templates since the card first debuted, with dozens of builds and angles to get the most out of the card. For a while Giratina was an almost mandatory card in PTCGP, in part because of its ability to generate its own energy without any input from the player, and while it's not quite as essential to the meta as it used to be, that doesn't mean it can't still hold its own. Here's the best Giratina ex deck build in Pokemon TCGP today, and what you need to know about running it when it comes to strategies, weaknesses, and more.

For more high level and meta-busting deck builds, check out our Pokemon TCG Pocket best decks list here!

Best Giratina ex deck build in Pokemon TCGP

This Giratina ex deck folds in Darkrai ex and Greninja, for a collection of some of PTCGP's most infamously powerful cards.

• Froakie (Mega Rising) x2
• Greninja (Genetic Apex) x2
• Iron Jugulis x2
• Darkrai ex x2
• Giratina ex x2
• Rare Candy x2
• Cyrus x1
• Giant Cape x1
• Area Zero x1
• Copycat x1
• Poke Ball x2
• Professor's Research x2

Energy: Dark

Arguably as much a Darkrai deck as a Giratina deck build, this one runs exclusively Dark energy because of Giratina's ability to empower itself. Meanwhile, Greninja's on the bench to target opponents with chip damage every turn, so while this is a deck with a weaker early game, cards like Darkrai and Iron Jugulis serve to whittle down the opponent and discourage them from really exploiting that early opportunity.

Given enough time, this deck can then come out swinging. Either Giratina is doing 130 damage per turn, or Darkrai is doing 80-100 damage depending on whether you keep putting energy on it. It's not quite as powerful as it used to be now that there's a greater selection of cards with equal (or more) power output, but it's still very strong and worth considering in the meta.

• Pros
  • Good at punishing opponents
  • Versatile strategies
  • Strong late game
• Cons
  • High energy dependence
  • Weak early game

© GamesRadar+. Not to be reproduced without permission

The Mega Blaziken ex deck build in Pokemon TCG Pocket is one of the simplest, strongest deck builds in the meta, as Blaziken is capable of doing massive fire damage and inflicting burns without much setup. The downside is that it discards an energy with every attack, but that's pretty easy to compensate for, as I'll reveal in our deck build below. Here's how to make the ultimate PTCGP Blaziken deck, and burn your way through your opponent's team in a fiery flash.

For more deck builds, find out the best decks in Pokemon TCG Pocket here!

Best Mega Blaziken ex deck build in Pokemon TCGP

This Mega Blaziken ex deck is all about hitting hard with fire damage, infused with Castform's early game strength.

• Torchic x2
• Mega Blaziken ex x2
• Castform (Sunny Form) x2
• Sabrina x1
• Cyrus x1
• Rare Candy x2
• Lillie x1
• Flame Patch x2
• Copycat x1
• Mesagoza x1
• Hiking Trail x1
• Poke Ball x2
• Professor's Research x2

Energy: Fire

Straightforward and to the point, this deck once featured Entei for quick card drawing, but that's been replaced with more powerful builds that allow you to impede your opponent's early game. Instead, you open with Castform for quick burns in the early stages, then use Mesagoza, Hiking Trail and Copycat to keep your hand full until you can get Blaziken on the field. Once Blaziken's out, you keep using Flame Patch to keep it energized until your opponent is taken down.

• Pros
  • Energy efficient in all respects
  • Strong glass cannon build
  • Burns whittle down foes rapidly
• Cons
  • You have to build up to a Stage 2
  • Castform isn't hugely tanky

© GamesRadar+. Not to be reproduced without permission

Mega Sceptile ex in Pokemon TCG Pocket is the centerpiece of one of the most powerful Grass type decks, capable of doing massive damage and inflicting Poison in a single attack. The downside is that it's burdened by an energy discard that makes sustained attacks expensive. Still, if you can make the best possible deck, Sceptile is very strong in the meta of best decks for Pokemon TCG Pocket, as I'll explain below.

For more ideas about how to make a powerful deck, check out the Pokemon TCG Pocket best decks list here!

Best Mega Sceptile ex deck build in Pokemon TCGP

Mega Sceptile ex basically serves as a Grass equivalent to the Mega Blaziken ex deck build, with similar attack and strategy.

• Pheremosa x2
• Nihilego x1
• Treecko x2
• Grovyle x1
• Mega Sceptile ex x2
• Erika x1
• Cyrus x1
• Rare Candy x2
• Poison Barb x2
• May x1
• Copycat x1
• Fragrant Forest x2
• Professor's Research x2

Energy: Grass

This is pretty straightforward: Pheromosa and Treecko buy time early on until you can have Mega Sceptile ex ready to do some significant damage and tear through as the heavy hitter of the deck later. Even before Sceptile is on the field, the inclusion of Poison Barb means that you can whittle down your opponents fairly significantly, or hold them back long enough to get Sceptile running without incident.

This is a deck with a pretty good draw power for Pokemon specifically, with cards like Fragrant Forest and May replacing the usual inclusion of Poke Balls. It's also a deck with a decent amount of survival built in, with Erika adding resistance to an already durable deck. You can swap cards like Erika and May out for Quick Grow Extract or Leaf Cape if you want to switch things up, or consider including the Memory Light tool card, as Grovyle's ability to attack the bench can be really effective in certain circumstances.

• Pros
  • Low energy requirements
  • Powerful poison use if done right
  • Good card draw options
• Cons
  • Dependant on Stage 2 evolution
  • Struggles against Poison-immune decks
  • Sceptile discards energy with every attack

© GamesRadar+. Not to be reproduced without permission

Mega Lucario ex and Lucario cards generally in Pokemon TCG Pocket have always led to powerful deck builds, and this particular style of fighting type deck is incredibly potent for raw damage in the early-to-mid game. Below I'll lay out how to make the ideal deck build for Mega Lucario ex, as well as what you need to know about strategy and play.

For more deck builds, find out the best decks in Pokemon TCG Pocket here!

Best Mega Lucario ex deck build in Pokemon TCGP

This Mega Lucario ex deck build in PTCGP is all about maximum damage as early as possible.

• Riolu (Space-Time Smackdown) x2
• Mega Lucario ex x2
• Hitmontop (Wisdom of Sea and Sky) x2
• Rocky Helmet x2
• Cyrus x1
• Pokemon Center Lady x1
• Copycat x2
• Korrina x1
• Arena of Antiquity x1
• X Speed x2
• Poke Ball x2
• Professor's Research x2

Energy: Fighting

This is a pretty straightforward deck wherein your cards build up early on and come out swinging, especially against ex Pokemon as there are multiple cards here that up your power against them. It's relatively straightforward as a strategy too: start with Hitmontop and use the cheap energy costs to start an immediately aggressive play, using the Rocky Helmets to dissuade opponents from attacking you back. Then, once Lucario is set up, bring it to the active spot and begin a series of heavy duty attacks that few opponents can withstand for long.

For clarity, Fighting Pulse, at full power with both Korrina and the Arena of Antiquity, can do an astonishing 190 damage to an opponent. Up to 210 if it's weak to Fighting attacks! That's enough damage to KO the vast majority of Pokemon in PTCGP in a single strike.

• Pros
  • High damage output, especially against ex Pokemon
  • Very strong early game
  • Very low retreat costs
• Cons
  • Not much durability
  • Predictable strategy
  • Struggles if you don't draw Lucario

© GamesRadar+. Not to be reproduced without permission

Our Mega Scizor ex deck builds for Pokemon TCG Pocket focuses on the exploits of low retreat costs to get the most out of its Bullet Slugger attack, having Scizor bungee in and out of the active zone to keep doing maximum damage on every attack. Below I'll take you through the best build and deck for Scizor in Pokemon TCGP, as well as what you need to know about its very specific strategy.

Our Pokemon TCG Pocket best decks tier list has plenty more options to pick from. Check it out to see all the meta-beating options there!

Best Mega Scizor ex deck build in Pokemon TCGP

This Mega Scizor ex deck uses Revravroom's free swap ability and some careful tools for the best impact.

• Varoom (Promo B or Shining Revelry) x2
• Revravroom (Mega Shine) x2
• Orthworm x1
• Scyther (Mega Shine) x2
• Mega Scizor ex x2
• Sabrina x1
• Cyrus x1
• Steel Apron x1
• Metal Core Barrier x2
• Copycat x2
• Poke Ball x2
• Professor's Research x2

Energy: Metal

The plan here is that you open with either Orthworm or Varoom if possible, quickly building up energy or setting up your board while putting energy on Scyther and Scizor on the bench. Then, once you're ready, Revravroom can freely swap Scizor in and out of the battlefield to keep making use of its Bullet Slugger attack with maximum damage. Tools like the Metal Core Barrier and the Steel Apron ensure a greater level of endurance than you'd normally get from a deck like this, while Sabrina and Cyrus give you a greater degree of control that allows you to target specific Pokemon.

If you want some ideas for variations, Skarmory is a good option to fold in for the early game, especially with the Tools involved. You can also add zero retreat costs energy generators like Pichu and Mantyke.

• Pros
  • Scizor can one-shot most targets
  • Orthworm and Varoom are strong early game cards
  • Good durability deck
• Cons
  • Scizor has somewhat high energy needs
  • If Scyther is KO'd, you've probably lost

© GamesRadar+. Not to be reproduced without permission

A Zoroark ex deck build in Pokemon TCG Pocket is a powerful Dark type deck that's all about rapidly setting up the early game in what's a general "good cards" build for all things Dark type, with cards like Absol and Nihilego backing up your strategy. Below I'll take you through how to make the best possible Zoroark deck in the current Pokemon TCGP meta, including strategy and pros and cons about how best to handle this sort of deck.

For more deck builds, find out the best decks in Pokemon TCG Pocket here!

Best Zoroark ex deck build in Pokemon TCGP

This Pulsing Aura Zoroark ex deck build is focused around generally powerful Dark types in PTCGP, and is composed of the following cards:

• Nihilego x1
• Absol (Wisdom of Sea and Sky) x1
• Mega Absol ex x1
• Zorua (Pulsing Aura) x2
• Zoroark ex x2
• Bombirdier x1
• Sabrina x1
• Cyrus x1
• Poison Barb x2
• Copycat x2
• Lucky Ice Pop x1
• Hiking Trial x1
• Poke Ball x2
• Professor's Research x2

Energy: Dark

This deck is an assortment of general "good card" Dark type Pokemon where Zoroark ex acts as your primary damage dealer from the early game, needing only one energy. Not only that, but Zorua's one attack is about instantly pulling it from the deck to evolve, setting you up from a very early phase to be ready for combat (though damage scales by how full your own bench is).

From that point on the strategy varies depending on what's available to you. This is a pretty flexible deck build, though one that lacks a decisive "heavy hitter" to win you the game. Generally you want to use regular Absol or Zoroa as your opening active card, while keeping Bombirdier and Nihilego on the bench where they're most effective. Poison chip damage from the Barb should whittle down opponents enough to finish them off with Absol ex or Zoroark, and the former's ability to get them to discard Supporter cards should ensure that they have less options than normal.

• Pros
  • Versatile options
  • Strong early game
  • Decent resistance and survival, in part due to a mix of weaknesses
• Cons
  • No major damage dealers
  • Weaker late game

© GamesRadar+. Not to be reproduced without permission

Mega Absol ex and Hydreigon in Pokemon TCG Pocket have been two of the most powerful Dark type cards in the meta since they were added, both for different reasons. Absol does moderate damage, but has a lot of health and causes opponents to discard Supporter cards with every attack, while Hydreigon is a self-damaging energy generator who can do 130 damage per turn, and it's not even an ex Pokemon! Between them they make up one of the most powerful decks in PTCGP, as I'll lay out below.

For more deck builds, find out the best decks in Pokemon TCG Pocket here!

Best Mega Absol ex and Hydreigon deck build in Pokemon TCGP

Several variants of the Mega Absol deck have been going around, but this variant is Hydreigon and a secondary poison effect.

• Mega Absol ex x1
• Nihilego x1
• Deino x2
• Hydreigon x2
• Cyrus x1
• Rare Candy x2
• Poison Barb x2
• Copycat x2
• Pokemon Center Lady x1
• Lucky Ice Pop x1
• Hiking Trail x1
• Poke Ball x2
• Professor's Research x2

Energy: Dark

This pure dark deck is highly aggressive, using cheap energy attacks and poison to go in hard from the outset, as well as using the Fantastical Parade's Lucky Ice Pop item to help alleviate the damage done to Hydreigon by itself, or just to keep Mega Absol from being KO'd and losing you the game. This is a deck where you can't let up on the offence for a moment, and it works because it can tear through opponent's strategies before they have a chance to set up combos or counters to what you're doing.

Put simply, the strategy is to get Absol or Deino out there early, softening up the opponent with whatever cards you have in the active zone before building up to Hydreigon and unleashing its full power. You don't even have to be particularly protective over it, as Hydreigon's absurd damage output somehow doesn't make it a Pokemon ex, so even if it falls you don't give your opponents many points.

• Pros
  • A strong early game
  • Good at disrupting opponents' strategies
  • Versatile with a decent draw rate
• Cons
  • Not hugely tanky, especially with Hydreigon's self destructive tendencies
  • Poison won't do much to survival-orientated decks or those with cheap retreats

© GamesRadar+. Not to be reproduced without permission

Iron Valiant and Iron Crown in Pokemon TCG Pocket are in many ways the only viable Future focused deck to emerge from the Paradox Drive booster set expansion. Like many deck builds, this is a modification of the Mega Altaria ex build, but this one focuses on a more directly damage focused early game and overt aggression with some of the advantages that come with the Future tag. If that sounds appealing to you, here's how to make the ideal Iron Valiant and Iron Crown deck build in Pokemon TCGP.

For more deck builds, find out the best decks in Pokemon TCGP here!

Best Iron Valiant and Iron Crown deck build in Pokemon TCGP

Taking advantage of the Future card mechanics, this modified Mega Altaria build focuses on a stronger earlier game.

• Mega Altaria ex x2
• Swablu (Mega Rising) x2
• Iron Valiant x2
• Iron Crown x2
• Sabrina x1
• Cyrus x1
• Copycat x2
• Peculiar Plaza x2
• Future Booster Energy Capsule x2
• Poke Ball x2
• Professor's Research x2

Energy: Psychic

The advantage this build has over the standard Altaria build that combines with Igglybuff is that it's a bit more flexible, if arguably slightly less effective than the Iggly/Darkrai combo at its peak. If you start with Crown in the active spot and Valiant on the bench, you can do real damage from turn 1, or just discourage the opponent from putting Pokemon down. Then, of course, it's simply a matter of holding out until Altaria can be ready to go for major damage.

• Pros
  • Strong early game
  • Flexible build and strategies
  • Good durability
• Cons
  • Requires a full hand to really make the most out of
  • No healing or status prevention

© GamesRadar+. Not to be reproduced without permission

Mega Manectric ex in Pokemon TCG Pocket is the foundation of a very powerful early game electric deck, in which the lightning hound comes out swinging and only gets more powerful with successive victories. Those who run a Manectric deck build in PTCGP are running a glass cannon deck that's invested everything in damage output, but can't necessarily be relied upon for durability and survival. Still, it's a strong deck in any tournament, so here's how to make the best possible Mega Manectric ex deck build in Pokemon TCGP.

Want to know where this sits on our list of Pokemon TCG Pocket best decks? Check out the details at the link!

Best Mega Manectric ex deck build in Pokemon TCGP

The best Mega Manectric ex deck in Pokemon TCG Pocket is all about rapid energy generation and aggression.

• Electrike (Promo-B) x2
• Mega Manectric ex x2
• Zeraora x2
• Sabrina x1
• Cyrus x1
• Elemental Switch x1
• Rocky Helmet x2
• Pokemon Center Lady x1
• Electric Generator x1
• Copycat x2
• Training Area x1
• Poke Ball x2
• Professor's Research x2

Energy: Electric

This deck is a pretty straightforward one when it comes to strategy: rapid energy generation to push you into aggressive play as early as possible and before your opponent can really get a grounding. Zeraora's ability to create energy on itself can get you a good foothold, and Electric Generator and Elemental Switch let you create more energy and move it around. And with Manectric - your main source of damage - only being a Stage 1 that requires two energy to function, you can set up for significant damage before many decks have even got off the ground.

• Pros
  • Good energy generation and early game
  • Straightforward strategy
  • Zero retreat cost on Manectric
• Cons
  • Evolution dependant
  • Glass cannon build means low health pools
  • If Electrike is KO'd, you're finished

© GamesRadar+. Not to be reproduced without permission

Meowscarada ex in Pokemon TCG Pocket is focused on a grass deck that's all about sly control play and cheap energy costs, as well as some punishment against players who bring in certain common strategies. Meowscarada in all forms has been something of a troublemaker since it entered PTCGP, being generally unpredictable, and this deck build folds all the best elements of that so you can apply it to you advantage in Pokemon TCGP.

For more high level and meta-busting deck builds, check out our Pokemon TCG Pocket best decks list here!

Best Meowscarada ex deck build in Pokemon TCGP

The Meowscarada ex deck build is low cost and disruptive, keeping opponents on the back foot from an early stage. Here's how to make it:

• Sprigatito (Shining Revelry) x2
• Meowscarada (Shining Revelry) x1
• Teal Mask Ogerpon x1
• Floragato (Paldean Wonders) x1
• Meowscarada ex x2
• Erika x1
• Cyrus x1
• Rare Candy x2
• Leaf Cape x2
• May x1
• Copycat x1
• Lucky Ice Pop x1
• Fragrant Forest x2
• Professor's Research x2

Energy: Grass

This is a deck build in which your choice of Meowscarada (regular or ex variant) should differ depending on what your opponent is doing. One is capable of doing massive damage to the opponent's ex Pokemon, while the other can hit the enemy bench, after a small delay.

This is what makes this deck so disruptive, as Meowscarada ex is constantly forcing the opponent to switch around and stay agile or else potentially lose Pokemon on the bench. And at a one energy cost, it's a strong attack - but the problem is that its not always building to something. Tanky or versatile decks can be difficult for Meowscarada to deal with, though ultimately this is a build that can wreck any deck that's too inflexible or lacking in health.

• Pros
  • Good durability and survival
  • Low energy requirements
  • Good at disrupting common strategies
• Cons
  • Small amounts of Pokemon to work with
  • Low damage output and weak late game
  • Requires Stage 2 evolution

© GamesRadar+. Not to be reproduced without permission

The Suicune ex deck build in Pokemon TCG Pocket comes in many forms, but this one has been a staple since it debuted, as Suicune's scaling damage, ability to dissuade opponents from putting out Pokemon, and passive draw abilities make it one of the strongest openers in all of Pokemon TCGP. Here, combined with Baxcalibur for energy generation and Chien-Pao ex for bench targeting, the result is a very strong Water deck build that remains durable and versatile, and will probably hold to the PTCGP meta for a while.

For more deck builds, find out the best decks in Pokemon TCG Pocket here!

Best Suicune ex deck build in Pokemon TCGP

This Suicune deck teams up with Baxcalibur and Chien-Pao to target the opponent's bench with devastating effects, with a strong control focus to boot.

• Chien-Pao ex x1
• Suicune ex x2
• Frigibax x2
• Baxcalibur x2
• Giant Cape x1
• Cyrus x1
• Mars x1
• Pokemon Center Lady x1
• Rare Candy x2
• Inflatable Boat x1
• Copycat x1
• Starting Plains x1
• Poke Ball x2
• Professor's Research x2

Energy: Water

This deck build makes use of Chien-Pao's frankly terrifying ability to hit a benched Pokemon for 130 damage, at the cost of discarding all the energy on it. The set-up is relatively simple though: Suicune ex comes out first to help fill your hand and provide a strong opening, while you build up Baxcalibur on the bench. It then uses the Ice Maker ability to quickly provide Chien-Pao with energy once you bring it forward. If you like to gamble, try added Misty to this build for those quick energy summons.

• Pros
  • To do 130 damage to a benched target is terrifying
  • Suicune ex is a very strong opening play
  • Baxcalibur is a solid tank and incredible energy generator
• Cons
  • Chein-Pao's energy discard means it's hard to be continuously effective
  • Baxcalibur requires Stage 2 evolution
  • Suicune ex is always weakened by an empty bench

© GamesRadar+. Not to be reproduced without permission

Our electric Oricorio deck build in Pokemon TCG Pocket makes full use of the Pom-Pom variant's Safeguard ability, which renders it immune to Ex type Pokemon and thus some of the most powerful foes in the entire meta. Oricorio literally changed the whole meta of PTCGP when it first appeared, as otherwise it could disrupt whole decks and leave them ineffectual on its own. Below I'll lay out how to make the best possible Oricorio deck in Pokemon TCGP, which doubles as one of the most powerful electric type decks.

For more deck builds, find out the best decks in Pokemon TCG Pocket here!

Best Oricorio deck build in Pokemon TCGP

The Electric Oricorio has been a powerhouse since it debuted, as has various sorts of Magnezone. Both combine here for a strong deck build based around defensive immunity.

• Magneton (Genetic Apex) x2
• Oricorio (Electric/Pom-Pom Variant) x2
• Magnemite (Crimson Blaze) x2
• Magnezone (Crimson Blaze) x1
• Teal Mask Ogerpon ex x1
• Magnezone ex x1
• Giant Cape x1
• Cyrus x2
• Copycat x1
• Lisia x1
• Clemont x1
• Lucky Ice Pop x1
• Poke Ball x2
• Professor's Research x2

Energy: Electric

This deck build is all about leaving you as resilient to enemies as possible. Oricorio can't be hurt by ex Pokemon, Magnezone can negate half of all attacks that hit it, and Ogerpon provides the team immunity to all status effects, which is very valuable in the current meta that emphasizes sleep effects.

This is a deck that's pretty low on major hitters - the one exception being Magnezone ex - and is more about leaning on the defensive and reducing your foes' options. Play cleverly and use whatever strategies are available to limit your opponent, ensuring that all they can do is use the very systems that you're immune to.

• Pros
  • Oricorio can't be hurt by most of the game's most dangerous cards
  • Standard Magnezone's a strong mix of defense, offense, and energy efficiency
  • Ogerpon leaves you immune to the common Sleep meta
• Cons
  • No heavy hitters until the late game
  • Ogerpon has to take up the bench without serving a combat function

© GamesRadar+. Not to be reproduced without permission

The Mega Altaria ex deck build in Pokemon TCG Pocket has become a staple of the S-tier meta, and is easily one of the most powerful decks out there since it debuted in the Mega Rising expansion. It has all kinds of variations based around adding or subtracting certain cards, but ultimately a Stage 1 card capable of doing 130 damage on two energy is always going to be a powerhouse choice. Below I'll explain the best Mega Altaria ex deck built in PTCGP, how it works, and how you should be using it.

For more deck builds, find out the best decks in Pokemon TCGP here!

Best Mega Altaria ex deck build in Pokemon TCGP

Darkrai's power to drain sleeping opponents does passive damage until Altaria can come out and finish the fight.

• Darkrai (Mega Shine) x2
• Swablu (Mega Rising) x2
• Mega Altaria ex x2
• Igglybuff x2
• Leaf x1
• Rocky Helmet x1
• Cyrus x1
• Mars x2
• Copycat x1
• Lisia x1
• Training Area x1
• Poke Ball x2
• Professor's Research x2

Energy: Psychic

Darkrai might be Dark-type, but its energy needs are universal, so it can slot into this deck nicely. The goal here is simple enough: Use sleep effects from Swablu and Igglybuff to send foes to sleep and inflict chip damage through the Dark Dreams power, all while building up either to Mega Altaria or Darkrai itself. It's a very strong strategy, and we expect to see this build (or some variant of it) staying high in the meta for a while. There's already lots of Altaria builds that have emerged and this one remains the most universally powerful, but there are plenty of variants if you don't have all the cards above or just want to try something new.

• Pros
  • Strong early game
  • Flexible build and strategies
  • Good durability
• Cons
  • Requires a full hand to really make the most out of
  • No healing or status prevention
  • An empty bench leaves Altaria powerless

© GamesRadar+. Not to be reproduced without permission

Miraidon ex in Pokemon TCG Pocket is a powerful electric legendary Pokemon who's come out swinging as part of the meta in the Paradox Drive booster expansion, using Magneton and Magnezone as backups to hit the opponent as hard as possible and build a strong mid-game. Below I'll take you through how to make your own Miraidon ex deck, as well as how it operates in PTCGP and the strategy to apply with it.

For more deck builds, find out the best decks in Pokemon TCGP here!

Best Miriadon ex deck build in Pokemon TCGP

Miraidon's ability to drain energy and come out swinging for massive damage makes it unpredictably dangerous, especially when paired with energy generation.

• Magneton (Genetic Apex) x2
• Magnemite (Crimson Blaze) x2
• Magnezone (Crimson Blaze) x2
• Miraidon ex x2
• Cyrus x1
• Copycat x2
• Lisia x1
• Clemont x1
• Lucky Ice Pop x1
• Professor Turo x2
• Poke Ball x2
• Professor's Research x2

Energy: Electric

Magneton and Magnezone remain unshakeable in the meta for Electric decks, but now that generation pairs with Miraidon's ability to take energy from other Pokemon and immediately replace them in the active spot, with an attack that scales to how much energy it has on it. Meanwhile, Turo allows you to shuffle Miriadon back into your deck, stopping it from being KOd in a pinch and getting the chance to use its ability again later on.

There is some flexibility here in the build. You could lean into boosting Miraidon's low health with something like the Giant Cape, add Teal Mask Ogerpon for immunity to status effects, swap out Magnemite for a tougher variant if you find yourself getting hit too hard in the early game, or throw in the Electric Generator for increased energy output.

• Pros
  • Miriadon is a great, fast glass cannon
  • Turo gives you flexibility
  • Magnezone is a good damage/tank combo that can handle Oricorio
• Cons
  • Miraidon has pretty low health
  • Can be vulnerable in the early game
  • If you can't draw Magnemite, you're in trouble

© GamesRadar+. Not to be reproduced without permission

The Paradox Drive Espeon card in Pokemon TCG Pocket is incredibly good as a central pillar of various Sleep decks, used with Darkrai to knock foes out and then have them take continous chip damage in the early game. This deck is a modification of the continously powerful Altaria deck build, one that focuses less on Altaria dependence, but still keeps it in reserve. For more details, here's everything you need to know about the best Espeon deck in Pokemon TCGP.

For more deck builds, find out the best decks in Pokemon TCGP here!

Best Espeon deck build in Pokemon TCGP

Yet another variant of the Altaria deck, the addition of Espeon from Paradox Drive makes it all the more focused on the initial sleep.

• Darkrai (Mega Shine) x2
• Swablu (Sing Variant) x2
• Mega Altaria ex x1
• Igglybuff x2
• Eevee (Mega Rising) x2
• Espeon (Paradox Drive) x2
• Cyrus x1
• Copycat x1
• Lisia x2
• Area Zero x1
• X Speed x1
• Poke Ball x1
• Professor's Research x2

Energy: Psychic

Doubling down on the power of Sleep, Espeon's ability to put foes to sleep with a 1-energy attack means that you can potentially do 80 damage on your first turn (assuming that you also have both Darkrai cards out), as well as leaving them unable to react. That's a devastating opening play, and buys you plenty of time to set up Altaria before coming in with major damage later on.

We've reduced the number of Altaria cards on the board to 1, as Area Zero allows you to draw more frequently and the upped attack power in the early game balances it out.

• Pros
  • Incredibly powerful early game
  • Very good draw abilities
  • Altaria ex remains as powerful as ever
• Cons
  • Can be ruined by status immunity
  • Low health pools in many cards

© GamesRadar+. Not to be reproduced without permission

There's a lot of pressure bearing down upon Senua's weary shoulders. Ninja Theory announced a new saga at the Xbox Games Showcase, a premium action-adventure that's set to release in 2027. The decision to sacrifice the Hellblade moniker is an interesting one. It's perhaps a signal that Senua has outgrown her own origins, or that the franchise itself has gathered too much baggage.

Hellblade is known for its intimate storytelling, introspective action, and stunning production values. It's also become synonymous with a certain style of play – cinematic to a fault, sometimes puzzling and ponderous. Speaking with Xbox Wire, Ninja Theory studio head Dom Matthews said that he spent a lot of time exploring the reaction to Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2 before his team embarked on its next adventure.

"The resounding feedback, frankly, was that people loved the presentation, the story, the tone, and the atmosphere that we achieved, but they’d just love to be able to engage with Senua at a deeper level, with more gameplay, with more agency."

This introspection has caused Ninja Theory to change the way that it likes to work. Rather than silo small teams across different projects, Matthews has pulled the entire group onto development of Senua – it's the first time a production has been approached this way since 2013's DmC: Devil May Cry. That's been necessary to widen the complexity and fluidity of combat, traversal, and puzzle-solving.

Senua is aiming to be a more rounded package, one shaped by myth and madness as the celtic warrior fights through a fractured vision of purgatory. To reach the afterlife, you'll need to contend with larger groups of enemies and denser playspaces than the series has dared to attempt in the past. "It’s all about taking Senua’s combat and liberating it, so players can really express themselves a lot more."

Say what you will about the combat in Hellblade and its sequel, but I always appreciated its ferocity. The challenge now is retaining that weight whilst increasing Senua's mobility. The combat set has been deepened as Senua faces off against multiple enemies, all occupying space on various verticalities. You'll acquire weapons from slayed monsters, such as short axes which can be thrown, or combine Senua's primary sword with something like a flaming torch for slick dual-wield action. Honestly, I can't remember the last time I was this excited to fight manifestations of destruction, fear, and pain.

It's clear from my first look at Senua that this isn't Ninja Theory returning to its combat-action game roots but I do get the sense that this will be a more balanced action-adventure experience – one that recalls the studio's fine work on Enslaved: Odyssey to the West. The speed in which she's able to traverse environments is clearly increased, and more dynamic too – and I'm not just referring to widened exploration as Senua clambers up and around mountaintops.

Another deft decision sees Ninja Theory resist the impulse to head into open world territories. Senua may feature a map that's twice the size of Hellblade 2, but it's still ostensibly a structured narrative across a larger, wider world. Matthews says that rewarding exploration is a key focus for the team, but that the game is ostensibly a "linear story told through a map built of interconnected locations."

Ninja Theory has always been a leader within Xbox Game Studios with its animation quality, leveraging a world-class motion capture setup at the heart of its headquarters, and there's a sublime quality to the slickness in which Senua is able to channel fluid sword attacks into sharp dashes, blocks, and parries. Feed in an array of special Focus Abilities, and we're looking at something that's ambitious in a different way to anything the studio has released in the eight years since its acquisition.

Senua's Saga

I mention the acquisition, only because I do get the uneasy sense that Senua could be a make or break moment for Ninja Theory. While there's no doubt that production timelines were disrupted by COVID-19, and that the studio has been given leeway to advance its technology and pursue internal experiments like Project Mara, the truth is that it has only shipped two games as a part of Xbox Game Studios – the ill-fated Bleeding Edge (2020) and divisive Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2 (2024).

Ninja Theory brings prestige to the XGS portfolio. It's a beloved studio that's stacked with talent, a group wielding cutting-edge technology to create standout experiences. I do worry that this isn't enough in the current environment, at a time where new CEO Asha Sharma is signaling both a renewed focus on Xbox's 'industry-defining franchises' and a need to execute an internal restructure.

"We expanded our studio system when we needed a pipeline of content to meet multiple strategies across subscription, streaming, and devices," says Sharma. "In the process, we have found ourselves over extended as we executed on changing strategies in a landscape of more readily available content."

What does this sort of rhetoric ultimately mean for Ninja Theory and Senua's latest saga? It's natural that there's some fear here, given the fate of studios like Arkane Austin and Tango Gameworks. It's impossible to know for certain of course, but it's difficult to ignore the nagging sense that the decision to realign this character with a more broadly approachable action-adventure frame comes at a critical time for the studio.

Senua is set to release in 2027 as a key upcoming Xbox Series X game. It won't, however, be a console exclusive – and is expected to launch on PC and PS5. For more on the key new games of 2026 and beyond from Xbox, be sure to check out our Summer Games Preview.

I thought I needed a break from action-RPGs. I've been a massive fan of crawling dungeons, hoovering up loot, and clicking enemies into oblivion ever since I discovered Diablo as a kid – the terrifying cover art is still seared into my memory to this very day. But after sinking countless hours into Diablo 4 and its expansions, Path of Exile 2 and its (frankly ridiculous) skill tree, and plenty more indie hits besides, I was ready to give myself some time away from the genre.

And then Minecraft Dungeons 2 came along. Listen, I'm not going to sit here and pretend that the spin-off is as densely populated, visually rich, or challenge oriented as the mass of video games that have gone after the genre crown in the last five years, but there's something delightfully refreshing about Mojang's approach. It's every bit a relaxing introduction to dungeon crawlers, as it is for experienced players to share their love of ARPGs with a new generation of players.

Supporting up-to four player co-op, in both couch and online compositions, there's an ease in which Minecraft Dungeons 2 introduces its action. Familiar mobs from the vanilla Minecraft experience swarm as you beat and bash your way through the horde; loot pours from enemies as they explode off the screen, with dungeons carefully lit for maximum awe as Mojang pours more focus than ever before into making blocky spaces worth exploring.

Exploration is a key focus for Minecraft Dungeons 2, with the sequel earning itself an interconnected overworld that's full of collectibles and hidden talismans to uncover – a new type of item with unique capabilities, scaling once equipped in tandem with your levelling to produce more power and panache. Creative director Måns Olson tells me that Mojang is "purposefully not calling it an open world" although is quick to highlight a richer playspace with more room to dive into the depths of dungeons.

Speaking of dungeons, Mojang has answered your calls for more varied biomes. Minecraft Dungeons 2 will finally let you venture into the Deep Dark, complete with mobs that are unique to the playspace. One such enemy is the Twisted Warden, a towering boss that requires all four fighters to work together in tandem to take it down. I should note that this battle revealed one aspect that Mojang hasn't been able to solve between Minecraft Dungeons and its sequel: It's still exceptionally difficult to track your character in battle once the going gets a little chaotic.

That's also true while traversing the dungeons themselves, particularly as the studio has introduced the ability to jump this time around. In combat, this means you now get a unique jump attack which plays off of the weapon-type you have equipped (enhanced further by certain rarity buffs), although in exploration it means you'll get some light platforming sections with distances that are tough to judge.

Small frustrations with character-tracking and pathfinding aside, there's plenty of neat quality-of-life improvements. Armor is now split across head, chest, legs, and arms as Mojang tries to bring Minecraft Dungeons 2 a little closer to the core Minecraft experience, while the introduction of a mini-inventory system feels like a real game changer. You can now press 'up' on the D-Pad to adjust your weapons, swap in new weapons, and mess around with items actively in-game, rather than pulling everybody into the pause menu. It's a nice touch, one that makes Minecraft Dungeons 2 feel more responsive.

Into the Depths

Minecraft Dungeons 2 is a real breath of fresh air. ARPGs have embraced complexity in the modern era, which is delightful – if you have the time to tumble down wiki rabbit holes and assess every minute details of the hundreds of items which fill your inventory. MD2 feels like the sort of title which has a pick-up-and-play simplicity that's missing in the market, even as design director Laura de Llorens stresses that you can make life more complicated if you want to. "We don't have set classes, but you can combine different items to create your own and make your own playstyle. So you'll be able to do plenty of min-maxing here, if that's what you like to engage in."

With a contiguous, interconnected world that's full of dungeons to delve into, a more responsive and layered combat system, widened opportunities to customize your character, and a visual experience with truly vibrant fidelity, it should come as no surprise that I'm pretty keen to dive into the game proper on September 29, 2026 – that's when Minecraft Dungeons 2 releases for PC, PS5, Nintendo Switch 2, and Xbox Series X.

If there's any room for improvement, it's going to be in the way that Mojang identifies and tracks your character on screen, but with months to go until launch there's still time to refine its pathfinding systems. But if nothing else, it speaks volumes that I'm considering diving back into another ARPG right now after Diablo 4: Lord of Hatred decimated another 20 precious hours. Bring it on, Mojang.

Minecraft Dungeons 2 is set to release on September 29, 2026. It's a key upcoming Xbox Series X game, although it's also set to launch for PC, PS5, Nintendo Switch, and Nintendo Switch 2. You can learn more about the new Mojang game this week as part of the GamesRadar+ Summer Preview.

Blox Monsters codes will help you on your journey of weakening monsters through battle, before catching them so you can build up the strongest team possible. Become tough enough to take down bosses in epic fights and you'll earn rare eggs, while you can also rank up and evolve to access powerful new abilities.

These Blox Monster codes can assist on this quest, by unlocking free rerolls so you can play the RNG game, along with useful items such as various fruits you can feed to your pets in this creature-collecting Roblox experience. If you're keen to catch them all, then these are the current codes for Blox Monsters and how to redeem them.

If you're after more general rewards that can apply to all of your experiences, then we've got the latest Roblox promo codes covered.

All Blox Monsters codes

The following Blox Monsters codes are available now to be claimed:

• AAmlc – 1x Miracle Birth Fruit latest!
• Pity – 1x Gorgeous Fruit latest!
• Gotcha – 5x Capture Contest Tickets
• SkillLock – 2x Megalomaniac Fruit
• Reluckytwo – 5x Luck Potions
• Reluckyone – 5x Mutation Potions
• Ticket – 3x Capture Contest Tickets
• SeasonReward – 3x Season Spin
• ShadowClaw – 2x Bloodline Reroll
• SkillRefund – 3x Reverie Fruit
• 10000CCU – 1x Miracle Birth Fruit
• NewTrait – 1x Miracle Birth Fruit
• NewMutation – 1x Gorgeous Fruit
• Mega – 1x Solitude Crystal
• BonVoyage – 1x Bloodline Reroll

There are currently a handful of codes for Blox Monsters available, which will help you out with a free reroll alongside a crystal and some fruit to give your pets a boost. These can be banked in your inventory and saved for later, so there's no reason to delay redeeming these promos.

How to redeem Blox Monsters codes

To redeem Blox Monsters codes, all you have to do is tap the Shop icon to open up that menu, and then scroll to the bottom to find the Code section. There you can use the text box to type in a promo, then hit Enter or the green Redeem button underneath to collect your reward. Codes for Blox Monsters aren't case-sensitive, so it doesn't matter how you input them as long as the correct spelling is used.

Expired Blox Monsters codes

• No expired codes

As they are a fairly recent addition, there are currently no expired Blox Monsters codes to report. However, it's likely that the existing promos will start dropping off at some point, so make sure you've claimed any active codes available so you don't lose out on any rewards.

© GamesRadar+. Not to be reproduced without permission.

The latest Nintendo Direct has unveiled some exciting news and given us a sneak peek at what's in store for the Switch 2 – including a huge Pokemon Pokopia update as well as new paid DLC for the adorable 2026 banger.

That's right, cozy gamers – we're eating good this summer, as Nintendo has a bubbly underwater update in store for Pokopia... and it's coming in August. There's more in store than just that, however. Not only will we get to take our Dittos into the sea to terraform, build, and expand, but we're getting expansions, too.

An expansion pass is dropping today, in fact, and it'll include Bubbly Basin – an (unsurprisingly) underwater-themed DLC – in August, as well as "additional new features" sometime in late 2026 and an "additional new town" later down the line in 2027.

Bubbly Basin itself boasts a new town, with fresh outfits, furniture, and friends – emphasis on the "friends" bit, y'all. That means new Pokemon, and I'm so ready to see Ditto potentially transform into other cute 'mons.

In the trailer, we already see Mudkip and Popplio, for example, which are exciting enough as it is. Who else is coming? I'm not sure, but I can't wait to see.

Thankfully, there's not long left to wait now until the free watery update and the paid DLC start rolling out in August – so we'll see then. I've got my fingers crossed for all the mermaid vibes with outfits and furniture, so I'll be holding on with bated breath.

Searching for something else to wishlist? Here are the best new games coming this year and beyond to look forward to.

Mojang has announced that Minecraft Dungeons 2 will be joining the ever-growing pile of late September releases.

Being announced earlier this year at Minecraft Live 2026, Minecraft Dungeons 2 follows-up the 2020 dungeon crawler with a new game for PC, Xbox Series X|S, PS5, Nintendo Switch, and Nintendo Switch 2. And now we've got our first proper look at the game with a sleek new trailer that feels like the closest thing to a Minecraft anime that we'll ever get as we see our cuboid warriors take on the usual roster of enemies.

We also got an actual look at gameplay, with the game looking a lot better than its predecessor, both visually, and in terms of the action on screen. The trailer also ended with a teaser of something to come, with a portal opening in front of a zombie. Howeveer, we didn't get a look at anything coming out of it, but I choose to believe it's going to be Jack Black.

However, good luck getting time to play it, as it's releasing on September 29, 2026. So unless you're not interested in Onimusha: Way of the Sword, Ace Combat 8, Silent Hill: Townfall, Control Resonant and the 500 other games coming out in September and October, you may be busy when it releases.

Unfortunately for Microsoft and Mojang, this release date wasn't exactly a surprise, as the Nintendo eShop accidentally spilled the beans earlier this week. The Switch 2 version of the game appeared on the store, with the September 29 release date, and a $29.99 pricepoint being included in the leak.

Spyro: A Realm Beyond is the series' first all-new game in 18 years, and it's launching next year

Ninja Theory has confirmed that development of Project Mara is no longer ongoing, following rumors that the experimental horror project had been abandoned.

Ninja Theory studio head, Dom Matthews, confirmed that the studio behind the Hellblade series has turned its attention elsewhere. "I suspect some people might ask what's happened to Project Mara – I took the decision to not work on that any further. These decisions are never easy, but I did so to take the opportunity to have all of the talent an expertise in the studio, all 85 creatives, working together to realize the potential of what Senua can be," says Matthews, speaking with the Xbox Wire.

This news comes as Ninja Theory announces Senua – a spin-off from the Hellblade series, one with more expansive gameplay and action-adventure roots. With a wider focus on combat, exploration, and puzzle-solving, Ninja Theory is turning its full attention to pushing this surprise Senua adventure to new heights.

"We had smaller teams working on the last two Hellblade games – Hellblade 1 in particular was a team of about 25 people. So this is about taking those 85 people that we have now, which is still a comparatively small team, and building out that experience. We can do more with combat, more with traversal, more with puzzles, and blend all of that gameplay into one. We have that opportunity with all of the talent now available to do so," says Matthews.

Project Mara was announced in 2020, an experimental, psychological horror game that was designed as an exceptionally realistic exploration of mental terror – with Ninja Theory utilizing cutting-edge technology to render a photorealistic, real-world apartment as the playspace. It's not clear how far the project was in development at the time of cancelation, but it's unlikely to be revived as the studio turns its full attention to Senua and the expansion of the Hellblade series.

Project Mara may be gone, but there's plenty more coming from Xbox Game Studios. Check out the full list of upcoming Xbox Series X games.

Ninja Theory revealed an all-new adventure at the Xbox Games Showcase 2026 – Senua.

Set after the events of Hellblade and Hellblade 2, Senua sees the warrior venture into a vision of purgatory. It's another stunning, evocative presentation from Ninja Theory. But what this isn't is Hellblade 3, with the studio aiming to deliver a more expansive adventure – one with a wider focus on combat, exploration, and puzzle-solving.

"The title of just Senua really reflects that this is something fresh and new and different. It is a different style of game. I think Hellblade 1 and Hellblade 2 had an intention that we delivered on – but this is a different intention. I think of it as being additive – we're taking all of that goodness and adding the types of things that people expect from a premium action-adventure game," says Dom Matthews, Ninja Theory studio head, in conversation with Xbox Wire.

The studio is keen to stress that Senua is a premium action-adventure title, with Ninja Theory striving to deliver an experience that's more well-rounded than the Hellblade titles – often celebrated for their vision and fidelity, and criticised for their lack of fluidity.

Watch that Senua reveal trailer closely, and you'll notice that the character is engaging multiple enemies at once, a big shift from the more intimate one-on-one combat that defined 2024's Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2. We also see Senua navigating more vertical environments – once again presented lushly in Unreal Engine 5 – with more fluidity, with Ninja Theory pushing for more expansive traversal and exploration.

Ninja Theory does of course have a lot of expertise in the action-adventure genre, having built its reputation on games like Heavenly Sword, DmC: Devil May Cry, and Enslaved: Odyssey to the West. How far Senua will lean into these territories remains to be seen, but we won't have long to wait for more information –Senua is coming to PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X in 2027. It'll also be available on Game Pass from day one.

While you wait for Senua to launch, check out all the other upcoming Xbox Series X games. Ninja Theory also announced that Project Mara, its experimental horror game, has been shelved.

It's the most wonderful time of the year for us gamers, as Summer Game Fest rolls around with all of its new reveals and sneak peeks – including a first look at Mr. Records, a musical adventure from indie developer Glee Cheese.

During tonight's Day of the Devs showcase, we saw various exciting world premieres – but Mr. Records undeniably stands out as one of the most unique, with rhythm-based gameplay and a banger soundtrack.

Headed by the devs behind Headbangers: Rhythm Royale and A Musical Story, Mr. Records places players in the shoes of George, an elderly record shop manager who lives through his customers' stories via the music he sells.

With every record comes a new adventure set in a surreal, dream-like world, inspired by various moments from George's own life. Some are upbeat toe-tapping tunes, while others may genuinely bring you to tears – the music leads everything in Mr. Records.

On the side, though, George is still running his shop, of course. That means managing quirky customers, solving musical riddles, unlocking new stock, and transforming the store one song at a time.

That's not all, though – just like every good game (I'm probably biased, but come on), Mr. Records' protagonist isn't alone… he has an adorable doggo called Buzz by his side. You get to relax between the beats, too, reflecting on memories in George's bedroom above his shop.

It's a beautiful blend of rhythmic gameplay and cozy moments (with serious Thank Goodness You're Here vibes), coming across as a title that truly has a little bit of something for every flavor of player.

Like funk? You'll probably enjoy Mr. Records. Fan of hip-hop? Mr. Records is likely for you. Love a good 80s pop song? Then give Mr. Records a go. From the way Glee Cheese presents it, it's all-encompassing.

As the studio says, the "record shop setting is really inspiring as it gives us the freedom to explore a wide range of musical styles." I'm sold, personally, but the whole journeying-through-music thing got me, anyway.

If you're just as hyped by the idea of playing a little old man adventuring through songs as I am, give the official website a bookmark. It's set to launch on PC, although we don't have a release date just yet… Fingers crossed it comes sooner rather than later.

Wondering what other new games we'll see during this year's big showcases? Browse through our Summer Game Fest 2026 predictions to find out what we think.

"It's been a long, long, long eight years," began the trailer for The Wolf Among Us 2 during Summer Game Fest. It's true enough, as the game was first announced in 2019 and has since gone through a tumultuous development cycle. But it seems the wait may finally be over, with the announcement of a 2027 release window. Fingers crossed it doesn't get pushed again.

The original Wolf Among Us was released episodically throughout 2013 and 2014. The game, an original story in the world of comic series Fables, let players explore a New York City neighborhood inhabited by folktales such as Snow White, Cinderella, and the Big Bad Wolf. That last character goes by Bigby Wolf in this world and serves as the sheriff of the neighborhood. The original Wolf Among Us had players solving the latest mysteries (including murder most foul) through the choice-based gameplay that Telltale Games was known for.

After the closure of Telltale in 2018, the project's fate was unknown. Telltale was revived soon after by LCG entertainment who announced the sequel in 2019. It was developed in part by Dispatch developer AdHoc Studio until 2023. The project was delayed out of 2023 indefinitely and many fans, myself included, had almost given up hope on the sequel ever materializing. The trailer, however, gives us new hope. The sequel looks good, showing old and new faces.

Of course Bigby is at the center of it and we get a good look at him brooding over a conspiracy board complete with string. What new case will await us? We get some dialogue that six homicides have occurred, each case a husband and wife found shredded. I guess we will find out more in 2027.

If you need a refresher on Bigby's story, the original game is getting a remaster set to release this holiday season.

Five years after its announcement, The Wolf Among Us 2 is still "in production" and gets four new screenshots

Small miracle Mina the Hollower is currently the top-rated game of 2026 with a 92 score on Metacritic, meaning indie developer Yacht Club Games squashed everyone, including Goliath publisher Xbox and its Forza Horizon 6 (which has a 91 score), under its little fist. Yacht Club's $20 plan is working.

Soulslike, Castlevania half-breed Mina the Hollower joins Team Cherry's Hollow Knight: Silksong in sporting a $20 price tag for its, by all accounts, premium game experience starring a tiny lady in a red coat – making the industry standard for $70 games look immodest in comparison. In a new interview with Bloomberg, Yacht Club Games director and co-founder Sean Velasco says he hoped making Mina $20 would boost its appeal like this, since Yacht Club couldn't waste any time in convincing people to play its gothic adventure.

"Everyone came in ready to say, 'I want the game to be $20,'" Velasco says about the meeting where Yacht Club devs discussed pricing Mina, which they'd been sweating over for six years.

Yacht Club's success from beloved 2014 platformer Shovel Knight had been starting to atrophy, and staff was motivated to create another hit; previously, Velasco told Bloomberg the developer would have to thin its numbers and consider external investors if its "make-or-break" opportunity with Mina went the wrong way.

It doesn't help that game development costs are starting to look ridiculous, but Silksong's millions of sales in 2025 proved that new release prices don't have to be – maybe they shouldn't be. So Yacht Club devs ultimately decided, "We don't want the price to be something that anyone is even going to question" for its newest attempt at a hit, according to Velasco.

The director adds, "We don't want people to wait" for a discount, since "we only get one chance at this" – making a good impression and turning a profit.

"If we don't sell a million copies, I'm going to be disappointed," Velasco adds.

Mina the Hollower might still be miles away from reaching this magic number prancing behind Velasco's eyelids – though he says the game sold 55,000 copies on Steam in a day, which is still huge. But I wouldn't be surprised if word-of-mouth gets it there eventually.

Like I mentioned, the creaky, retro-inspired mouse adventure is the best-rated game of 2026 so far, and those who have played it are eager to tell you why. Dustin Bailey writes in our four-and-a-half star Mina the Hollower review, "Mina the Hollower is one of the best indie games I've played in a long, long time. [...] It's an uncommon tribute to classic games that often surpasses the quality of the titles that inspired it."

Even better, it's only $20.

Silksong and Slay the Spire 2 well up with pride as Mina the Hollower forces Devolver Digital to delay Dark Scrolls, which somehow isn't a Soulslike.

Devolver Digital has delayed its new co-op action game thanks to the release of Mina the Hollower.

The duo of developers known as Doinksoft behind the upcoming co-op roguelite Dark Scrolls released a note onto its Steam page last week announcing the delay, saying: "You know when we said we were releasing Dark Scrolls on May 28? We actually meant June 22, and it’s nothing to do with our friends at Yacht Club Games announcing that Mina the Hollower would be launching a day later on May 29."

In a video released on Twitter, co-developer Cullen Dwyer elaborates on the change, saying, "Originally we were going to release Dark Scrolls on May 28th, but it turns out I'm going to be a little bit busy playing Mina the Hollower which comes out on May 29th." Dwyer adds: "Because we have our priorities in the right place – and I already requested it off from work – we're going to be pushing Dark Scrolls back, just a little bit to June 22nd"

He then thanks potential fans for their patience, before saying, "go play Mina, and I will see you on June 22nd."

It's worth noting that these videos were released before the reviews came out for Yacht Club Games' latest title, so as far as I'm concerned, the devs also dodged a bullet, just like those who delayed their games to get away from Silksong and Slay the Spire 2 did.

Mina the Hollower is the best game of 2026 so far, as far as Metacritic score goes, and after 12 years of waiting from Shovel Knight's release, the studio's first proper follow-up has proved to be a hit with critics. GamesRadar+'s Mina the Hollower review gave it 4.5/5, immediately placing it among the best games of 2026 (matching the score awarded to Resident Evil Requiem and Pokemon Pokopia).

Check out the other big upcoming indie games you need to know about.

The verdict is in: Mina the Hollower is the best game of 2026 so far. While yes, that is my own subjective opinion – you can read my Mina the Hollower review for more on that – it seems I'm not alone in that belief. The Metacritic score for Yacht Club Games' latest adventure has eclipsed everything else this year has had to offer.

Mina the Hollower's Metascore currently sits at a mighty 93 with 38 reviews counted, unseating the previous top dog in Forza Horizon 6, whose Metascore sits at 91. Other major releases are also a few points behind, with Pokemon Pokopia (89), Resident Evil Requiem (89), Mewgenics (88), 007 First Light (88), and Saros (87) rounding out the big names.

"Mina achieves the same heights in both action and style that its impressive inspirations – Zelda, Castlevania, and FromSoft RPGs – reach on a regular basis, and with far fewer resources," as IGN's 10/10 review puts it.

GameSpot's 9/10 review says that Mina "surpasses the boundaries of mere homage or retro throwback to become something new, fresh, inventive, and exciting."

"Mina the Hollower looks like a nostalgic throwback, and it undeniably is, but its thoughtful design and larger sensibilities make it play and feel like a contemporary video game – one that has taken the right lessons from the medium’s history," according to Game Informer's 8.75/10 review.

Those thoughts ring true with my own experience. Mina the Hollower is full of obvious tributes to classic games, even beyond the Zelda, Castlevania, and FromSoftware inspirations that underlie its basic design. But Yacht Club Games has smartly picked through gaming history to choose the bits that best serve their ambitions with Mina, and smartly mix them into a familiar blend that still feels fresh.

Strong critic impressions are a good first step, but it remains to be seen how that'll translate into sales, and the devs have apparently been desperate for a big breakthrough. While the quality of the Shovel Knight games never really diminished, their reach did, and YCG co-founder Sean Velasco said last year that Mina's release is "make-or-break for sure." Here's hoping it's more make than break, because after playing Mina through to its conclusion, I'm already dying to see what the studio does next.

Check out the other big upcoming indie games you need to know about.

Yes, Mina the Hollower is a love letter to Game Boy Zelda titles. It's also a 2D Soulslike, a top-down Castlevania, and somehow, something all its own. You can probably find a precedent for every mechanic here, to the point where it's almost impossible to discuss Mina the Hollower without invoking other games. But it manages to avoid feeling derivative by offering a tremendous amount of choice and variety in how you engage with those systems.

Shovel Knight, the previous project from developer Yacht Club Games, found similar success in remixing ideas from many of the best games of the NES era. But while Mina the Hollower takes some obvious cues from classic handheld Zelda titles, you need to know right now: this is not just an indie follow-up to Link's Awakening. Mina is, well, meaner, and if you're looking for a Nintendo-style blend of breezy overworld exploration and lightly challenging dungeon dives, you're going to be disappointed. It's not a challenge on the level of, say, Hollow Knight: Silksong, but it will absolutely kick your teeth in if you're not willing to meet it on its own terms.

Mina the Hollower asks you to overcome an intricately designed world full of Gothic horrors and anthropomorphic animals – Castlevania by way of Looney Tunes – by taking your pick of a cornucopia's worth of weapons, perks, and other tools to get the job done. Creating your own character build is hardly an unusual concept, but here you get far more than the mild percentage buffs that are the bread and butter of other RPG-influenced action games. A single upgrade can completely change the way you play.

Have it your way

Those options start with your selection of one of three weapons at the beginning of the game, and each one completely changes the rhythm and pace of the action. The fast-swinging daggers instantly feel like the sword from Link's Awakening, and you'll need to make good use of it thanks to a host of equally fast moving and reactive enemies that'll have you chopping away at brief windows of vulnerability. The whip, on the other hand, makes combat more of a spacing game, as you have to set your feet for a beat before your attack comes out, very much like in classic Castlevania.

You eventually get access to all three weapons – plus a couple more – and while I usually prefer to pick one tool and stick with it forever in a game like this, each new acquisition was exciting enough that I had to stick with it for a few hours to see what all it was capable of. Add to that the sidearms, which are Castlevania-like subweapons that have limited ammo, and you've got even more to play with.

Regardless of the weapon you have equipped, as a Hollower you can always dive into the ground, and swim around like a land shark while briefly invulnerable to most enemy attacks. You pop out with a little extra momentum, letting you jump across wider gaps, making burrowing a tool for both combat and platforming.

You'll need to do everything you can to avoid enemy strikes, too, since healing is tough to come by. You get a pile of healing vials that refill at every checkpoint, but they'll only restore your health as far as your plasma meter has been filled – a gauge that you build by successfully striking enemies. It's a Dark Souls Estus Flask system combined with Bloodborne's Regain. You have to go out of your way to be aggressive simply to be able to heal, and even then you always have to weigh when you want to heal. Do you take a small heal right now, when your plasma is low, just to ensure you won't die within the next couple of hits? Or do you try to risk a few more attacks to build up for a full heal, taking your chances with death to ensure you're making the most of your next vial?

But you can revamp even these core aspects of the game, if you find the right items. Trinkets are hidden throughout the world, which you can equip to get new perks. Don't like the plasma healing system? Just equip the trinkets that give you boosted plasma and use vials automatically. Or spend those slots instead on trinkets that let you burrow in walls, keep an extra life in reserve, or a create swarm of deadly flies that circle you like a shield.

New game fuss

I could keep going on and on with examples of every way you can tweak your playstyle, because I kept finding new combinations that fundamentally changed my approach all the way through the 18 or so hours it took me to reach the end. There are far more collectibles I want to go back and find, and I still want to see how many different ways I can put together all these options. Luckily, there's a robust New Game Plus mode which will – depending on how many rounds of clears you've gone through – boost the difficulty, randomize item positions, mirror the world, or even shuffle enemy stats.

It definitely feels like the world you're exploring is intricate enough to stand up to the scrutiny of repeated playthroughs, too. Where Mina the Hollower's inspirations might distinguish between the overworld and dungeons, here the entire map is effectively one massive dungeon, with a variety of spokes pointing in different directions to the six MacGuffins you need to reach the final boss.

Here, too, the game lets you approach things pretty much however you like. A clever series of newspapers that appear after each area is completed will gently prod you in the direction you're "supposed" to go, but there are few actual gates on your progress. You'll have a tough time defeating enemies with your low attack and defense stats if you try to hit a late-game area too early, but you're welcome to try. The rare instances where I did a bit of sequence breaking to wreck the leveling curve for a bit were pretty satisfying, too.

There's wonderful variety in each of the areas, from the swamps where you need to use your burrowing abilities to swim through murky waters to the icy mountains that have you riding half-broken train tracks like it's Ratchet & Clank. My highlight is a Halloween-themed town where you're constantly stalked by an invincible monster worthy of the legacy of Mr. X from Resident Evil 2.

There are yet more comparisons I could make to other classic games – I can't not mention the ghostly enemy that chases you around like Phanto from Super Mario Bros. 2 when you pick up certain key items – but as I said at the beginning, Mina the Hollower is able to combine this massive pile of old, familiar ideas from across the vast history of gaming into something that still feels all its own. Yacht Club Games clearly understands what works about the classics, and Mina the Hollower is an incredible collection of tested ideas rebuilt in new ways.

Mina the Hollower was reviewed on PC and Steam Deck, with a code provided by the developer.

Going retro? Check out the best Game Boy Color games of all time!

The Pokemon Company has announced that the lifetime sales of all Pokemon games exceed 515 million, with 26 million sold in the last year.

Don't know if anyone out there knew this, but that Pokemon thing is pretty popular. The franchise as a whole is already firmly the highest-grossing media franchise of all time, and the games consistently rank near the top of the best-sellers list on every Nintendo platform they're on (or the top overall on Game Boy and Game Boy Advance). And despite some setbacks in the games' perception after the disastrous launch of Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, the series continues to sell well.

According to The Pokemon Company in its latest financial report, the "total shipments of all Pokémon-related software" have reached over 515 million units by the end of March 2026. And looking at the Wayback Machine, that marks a jump of 26 million from last year's reported number of 489 million units.

October saw the release of Pokemon Legends Z-A, the first Pokemon game on Switch 2. Of course, earlier this year, we also got Pokemon Pokopia, which became a phenomenon in its own right, and the Switch ports of Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen led to another 4 million copies sold for that effort, placing those games in the top 10 best-selling Pokemon games. What's more impressive is that these numbers only cover up until the end of March 2026, meaning Pokopia has probably sold even more, and with Nintendo announcing it sold over 4 million copies by the end of its release month.

With Pokopia's continued popularity and the release of Gen 10 with Pokemon Winds and Waves in 2027, it feels very likely that next year's gain could be even higher.

"The biggest time save in nearly a decade of Pokemon speedrunning" has been discovered thanks to the new FireRed and LeafGreen Switch ports, and all it takes is the press of a button.

Games have always been able to make players feel emotions, even make them cry, but subjecting them to such feelings hasn't usually been the medium's goal. Twenty years ago, though, one developer made it their explicit mission to make video games about feelings and emotions, and from that, we got thatgamecompany, the developers behind Flow, Flower, and Journey, a frontrunner and winner of several "Game of the Year" awards when it was released in 2012.

In an interview with Edge Magazine, thatgamecompany's president and creative director, Jenova Chen, recently reflected on the legacy of the studio and how well it has been able to realize these ambitions. According to Chen, the run between Flow and Journey notably changed things in the world of games and built momentum for a larger shift that we're still seeing play out.

He says, "After three games, we thought we had influenced the industry to some extent. We saw triple-A games like God of War and The Last of Us, which started to pick serious, emotional subjects, very personal subjects."

Chen continues, "I think that's a positive influence we had on the industry. And I was feeling pretty happy for the growth of the industry, because that's what the players asked us to do."

Of course, each of the games Chen mentioned went on to garner critical acclaim in the years of their release, especially for their mature and emotional narratives. The reputation of each also now transcends mediums; The Last of Us has an award-winning TV adaptation on HBO that's going into its third season, while Amazon is officially on the hook for at least two seasons of an upcoming show based on 2018's God of War and its sequel Ragnarok.

According to Chen, this outsized and apparent impact was part of the motivating force behind thatgamecompany's next game, the mobile-first and pacifistic MMO Sky: Children of the Light. Just as the studio had done for the console space, it wanted to "do something in the mobile industry to change people's view on games [at a broader scale]."

This meant wrestling with monetization options for about two years, which added up onto Sky's lengthier development time. Journey took thatgamecompany three years to make, while Sky (which featured a bigger team) ultimately took the studio seven years to realize and get out the door.

Even now, as Sky continues into its seventh year of operation as a live-service game, Chen still views the role of thatgamecompany as curators of experiences that center emotions. He says, "But ever since Journey, and continuing with Sky, we're playing with a new dimension. If you compare cinema and games, games have everything cinemas has, but they also have interaction with input and output. With Sky, I'm playing with a second instrument, which is social dynamics."

From the sounds of it, playing that second instrument not only saved thatgamecompany, which has been able to weather much of the games industry's turmoil over the last several years, but allowed Chen and his team to continue defying expectations and charting more emotional paths for games to follow.

World of Warcraft was a "savior" for the creator of Journey, and "beautiful moments" between Horde and Alliance players inspired his own games