Magic: The Gathering is preparing to return to the world of Marvel Comics once again with the upcoming Marvel’s History of Heroes product and the full list of all 30 cards has just been revealed.

All 30 Cards in Secret Lair: Marvel’s History of Heroes

Magic: The Gathering has returned to the world of Marvel quite a few times lately and it doesn’t seem to be slowing down its pace. In addition to the upcoming Darkhold-themed set that arrives in April 2027, there is also a new Secret Lair Countdown Kit bringing more Marvel reprints and alternate art to the Secret Lair collection.

Each copy of Secret Lair Countdown Kit: Marvel’s History of Heroes contains 30 individually packaged Magic cards, each of which represents an era or moment from the history of the Marvel Universe. These cards randomly appear in non-foil, foil, or—when the stars and spells align—surge foil.

Marvel’s History of Heroes launches on November 2, 2026. The Secret Lair Countdown Kit: Marvel’s History of Heroes will cost collectors $199.99.

Here is the full list of all cards included in Secret Lair: Marvel’s History of Heroes:

• Fierce Guardianship
• Molten Duplication
• Unbreakable Formation
• Timber Protector
• Devastation
• Heroic Intervention
• Opposition Agent
• Fighter Class
• Vigor
• Biorhythm
• Tainted Pact
• With Great Power
• Mjolnir, Storm Hammer
• Champion’s Helm
• Force of Virtue
• Court of Bounty
• Unholy Heat
• Villainous Wrath
• Damning Verdict
• Primal Might
• Damn
• Genesis Wave
• Fiery Confluence
• Beta Ray Bill
• Doctor Strange, Master of Magic
• Rogue’s Gloves
• Snuff Out
• Titanic Ultimatum
• Collective Effort
• Lightning Bolt

A particularly interesting inclusion in the Countdown Kit is the appearance of two cards from a set that hasn’t been released yet. Doctor Strange, Master of Magic and Beta Ray Bill both appear in Secret Lair Countdown Kit: Marvel’s History of Heroes, representing the arcane and godlike corners of the Marvel Universe.

These are two uncommon cards from the main set of Magic: The Gathering | Marvel: Darkhold Destiny. Both cards will be legal in all formats starting with Magic: The Gathering | Marvel: Darkhold Destiny Prerelease events, which begin on April 2, 2027.

As always, shoppers should keep in mind that Secret Lair products are limited print runs and tend to sell out very quickly. That means that interested Marvel fans will want to act quickly and secure an order as soon as the Secret Lair drop goes on sale.

Be sure to check back soon for more Magic: The Gathering news and updates.

Magic: The Gathering is available now at local game shops and digitally through Magic Arena.

The post Magic: The Gathering Reveals Every Card in Marvel’s History of Heroes appeared first on VICE.

Druids are one of the most versatile classes in World of Warcraft and Dungeons and Dragons is attempting to recreate that flexibility with recommendations for how to play all four different Druid specializations at the tabletop.

D&D: World of Warcraft Character Creation Guide for All Druid Specs

Druids are a fan-favorite World of Warcraft class that allows players to tank, heal, or heal damage. They have a ton of utility and seem very likely to be equally popular for Dungeons and Dragons players as they form their parties for upcoming adventures in Azeroth.

Druids call upon the power of land, sea, and sky to tear their enemies apart and put their friends back together. Skilled shapeshifters, elementalists, guardians, and healers, Druids are versatile and adaptable spellcasters.

Every Druid in World of Warcraft learns new beast forms: Cat Form, Bear Form, and Travel Form (which includes an Aquatic Form and a Flight Form). These forms take on unique stat blocks for Druids with access to Circle Forms. For Druids without the Circle Forms feature, certain Beast stat blocks are made available.

Druids are already a Dungeons and Dragons class, so that gives players an easy place to start. Once their class is selected, players will want to take one of these branching paths, depending on their specialization preference:

• Balance – Leverage the sacred powers of the moons, the sun, and the stars to keep the elemental forces of the cosmos in equilibrium.
  • The Balance Druid selects the Circle of the Stars subclass and uses the versatility of its Starry Form to take on the appearance of moonkin and adapt their magical aptitude to their circumstances.
• Feral – Pursue a visceral connection to the wild—nature’s eternal dance between predator and prey.
  • The Feral Druid represents nature red in tooth and claw, using the Circle of the Moon subclass and a unique Cat Form to rip nearby foes apart.
• Guardian – Commune with the wild to better understand how life perseveres through adversity.
  • Guardian Druids also use the Circle of the Moon to take on a unique Bear Form that stands between their fellow adventurers and danger, converting magical energy into Temporary Hit Points and imposing Disadvantage on enemy attack rolls.
• Restoration – Where there is decay, bring rejuvenation. Where there is devastation, bring regrowth.
  • The Restoration Druid will pick the Circle of the Land subclass to reflect their relationship with nature’s cycle and use new spells to continuously heal allies.

That should be everything Dungeons and Dragons players need at this point to start formulating ideas for their Druids before the Dungeons and Dragons: World of Warcraft book officially arrives in November.

Be sure to check back soon for lots more Dungeons and Dragons news and updates as the World of Warcraft gameplay expansion release date approaches.

Dungeons and Dragons is available now at local game shops and digitally through D&D Beyond, Roll20, and similar online services. The Dungeons and Dragons: World of Warcraft gameplay expansion releases on November 17, 2026.

The post Dungeons and Dragons: World of Warcraft – How To Play a Balance, Feral, Guardian, or Restoration Druid appeared first on VICE.

Magic: The Gathering’s next big set officially launches in just about a little less than a month, but it sounds like some of the products may unfortunately be delayed due to production and shipping issues.

Magic: The Gathering: Star Trek Commander Decks Likely Delayed in North America

Reality Fracture just arrived a few weeks ago, but it’s already time to begin looking ahead to the next major Magic: The Gathering set. Spoiler season begins next week for the upcoming Star Trek-themed Universes Beyond set and the set is scheduled to arrive in stores on November 13.

That said, some unfortunately shipping and production issues may impact that release date for some of the products. Luckily, Play Boosters and Prerelease Packs are on track for availability during Prerelease and release events.

Other products may be delayed depending on your region. Some products may arrive after Prerelease events on November 6, while others may arrive after the set’s tabletop release on November 13.

“These delays are fluid, as our logistics teams are working to speed up timelines where possible, so always check with your local game store or retailer for availability information.”

As of today, here is the list of which products are impacted in each region:

• North America
  • Commander decks are delayed and may arrive after the tabletop release date.
• Europe, The Middle East, and Africa
  • Collector Boosters (English, French, and German languages) are delayed and may arrive after the tabletop release date.
  • Commander decks (French and German languages) are delayed and may arrive after Prerelease.
  • Collector’s Edition Commander decks are delayed and may arrive after Prerelease, with additional quantities arriving after the tabletop release date.
  • Commander decks (English language), Draft Night, Scene Boxes, and Beam Me Up Bundles are delayed and may arrive after the tabletop release date.
• Asia-Pacific
  • Collector Boosters, Omega Collector Boosters (single Collector Boosters available at larger retailers), Bundles, Beam Me Up Bundles, and Draft Night are delayed and may arrive after the tabletop release date.
  • For New Zealand, Scene Boxes are delayed and may arrive after the tabletop release date.

Commander is an incredibly popular format in North America, so there will definitely be plenty of players eagerly awaiting the arrival of those preconstructed decks. We’ll be sure to stay posted on the latest updates and share any new schedule details as they become official.

Be sure to check back soon for lots more Magic: The Gathering news and updates as the Star Trek set’s launch date approaches.

Magic: The Gathering is available now at local game shops and digitally through Magic Arena. The Magic: The Gathering: Star Trek products are aiming for a November 13 launch.

The post Magic: The Gathering | Star Trek Commander Decks Are Delayed appeared first on VICE.

Sker Island will soon rise out of the depths of the sea and fog once again in a new psychological horror game. Sker: the Bleeding Veil was recently announced at IGN Fall Fan Fest, along with a trailer offering a glimpse into a frightening new world and a place for interested gamers to wishlist the game. 

Dive back into the world of Sker Island 

The first game of the franchise, Maid of Sker, introduces players to Thomas Evans. In the tradition of James Sunderland, Thomas receives a mysterious letter from his fiancée, Elisabeth. She tells him that she is in danger and needs his help, begging him to come to the Sker Hotel, where she has locked herself in the attic. Upon arriving, Thomas discovers that the hotel is far from a five-star resort. This isn’t because of its remote location and rambling structure, but because its staff and inhabitants are sightless monsters who hunt by sound. 

Exploring the hotel reveals the story of the Quiet Ones, a cult devoted to the Siren, a creature discovered in a shipwreck off the island’s coast. To combat the Siren’s music, Elisabeth has been writing her own songs and has asked other composers to help, including Thomas himself. As he seeks the sheet music and the cylinders for the instrument it will be played on, Thomas must decide whether to trust Elisabeth by handing over the cylinders or play the song himself. 

The Next ‘Sker’ Horror Game Is Ditching Combat and Bringing Back Stealth

Trusting Elisabeth leads to the “Evil Ending”, which is the basis for the story in Sker: Ritual, the follow-up game. Ritual sees Elisabeth as the primary antagonist who has taken over Sker Island and broadcasts the Siren’s Song in an attempt to take over Great Britain itself. The game shifts narrative and genre, leaving Thomas behind and focusing instead on a young woman named Arianwen. And instead of relying on stealth and puzzles, Ritual shifts to a co-op first-person shooter for up to four players, with a solo story mode also available. 

The Bleeding Veil returns to the “silence is golden” maxim, shifting the gameplay back to stealth and stripping away combat. Once again, the game is set on Sker Island, with new protagonist Gareth searching for his sister, Elin, as he returns to the orphanage where they once lived as children. Under Sister Gwenllian’s leadership, others have returned to the orphanage, drawn in by the irrepressible Siren’s Song.

The orphanage has fared no better than the Sker Hotel, with creatures called Listeners haunting its halls. Their name shouldn’t fool anyone; far from lending Gareth a listening ear, these monsters are best avoided, whether by hiding or taking alternative routes. 

Although an official release date beyond Q2 2027 isn’t public information yet, players do know where Maid of Sker: the Bleeding Veil will be available. Players can wishlist the game on Steam, and it will also be playable on the Epic Store, Xbox, and PlayStation. 

The post Everything We Know About ‘Maid of Sker’s Terrifying New Sequel appeared first on VICE.

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Halloween is just around the corner, and while trick-or-treating, scary movies, and parties are on the agenda, you can also enjoy the spookiest holiday by joining a few friends in a co-op game. Here are a few macabre, if not downright scary, games to play with special events centered on All Hallow’s Eve. 

1. ‘Dead by Daylight’ (October 13 – November 3)

The annual Halloween event is back in Dead by Daylight, running through the rest of the month. Survivors can collect Void Energy by repairing generators, stunning the Killer with a successful pallet drop or skills like Blastmine, and smashing the Void Pumpkins scattered around the map. Killers can also accrue Void Energy by smashing the pumpkins, but they can also do so by downing and hooking Survivors or attacking Void Haunts. These ghostly creatures roam the map, rush Survivors, and reduce their movement speed on a successful hit. 

Both Survivors and Killers can spend Void Energy. Either side can open Void Rifts, letting players teleport anywhere on the map. Survivors can use the energy to create a column of smoke, making it difficult for the Killer to see. Or they can use energy to remotely repair a generator using a crystal they receive at the start of the match.

Killers can use a Captured Haunt to attack Survivors at a distance and increase damage speed to generators, pallets, and breakable walls. The event also offers unlockable offerings, add-ons, and items, including limited items like the Crystal.

2. ‘Outlast Trials’ (October 2o – November 17)

Known as Project Geister, the Halloween event in Outlast Trials runs for nearly a full month, giving players plenty of time to earn enough Geister Tokens for cosmetics from the event catalog. Each year, the cosmetics center around a different theme, with the inaugural 2023 event offering costumes like a skeleton-themed shirt or a giant black cat decoration for the character’s room. Within the game, the Project is billed as an experimental therapy that prompts the beleaguered patients to undergo hallucinations designed to “amplify” the effects of the therapy. 

Each event also introduces new trials and challenges, so the fears feel fresh every year. The 2025 project introduced Invasion game mode, which split players into two groups: Imposters and Reagents. Last year also saw two new challenges, Beguile the Children and Investigate the Minotaur. The events tie in with the appearance of the Skinner Man, who is about as pleasant as he sounds, and appears more often during Project Geister missions because the event increases hallucinogenic gas throughout. 

3. ‘Don’t Starve Together’ (TBD October)

Although the official start date is still under wraps, Don’t Starve Together also runs an annual spooky-season event, so players know it’s on the horizon. In previous years, the event started as late as October 24, and last year it launched just a few days before Halloween on October 27. Like The Outlast Trials, the event typically runs for weeks; in 2023, it ran from October 26 to December 18. 

Known as the Hallowed Nights event, each year features different character skins, craftable items, decorations, and more for players to enjoy. In 2025, players could craft the Faceless Pumpkin, carve it into a Pumpkin Head, and wear it as a cosmetic. Players interested in the 2026 event should keep an eye on upcoming game patches. During the event, the main menu will change, so as soon as the game updates and launches, it will be clear if Hallowed Nights 2026 has begun. 

The post 3 Scary Multiplayer Games Hosting Special Halloween Events This October appeared first on VICE.

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Video game characters often get put through the wringer. Sometimes it’s a first-person shooter whose protagonists have to fight countless enemies, a survival horror game where players are pitted against puzzles and phantoms, or a cozy farming sim where they have to wait six in-game days for a strawberry. Either way, tragic characters are far from rare in video games. Here are three characters from 2026 releases whose stories might inspire a few tears.

1. Zoe Ellis (Silent Hill Townfall)

Like many a Silent Hill game that came before it, very few, if any, characters in the fog-shrouded world of Silent Hill Townfall are having a good time. Townfall is the franchise’s most recent addition, and while it differs from its predecessors with its Scottish island setting and shift to first-person perspective, it follows the established pattern of keeping its characters absolutely miserable. One character who suffers particular torment is Zoe Ellis.

Zoe works as a nurse in the town of St. Amelia, whose inhabitants are reeling from a terrible accident, the details of which the player learns slowly as they progress. Fellow protagonist Simon doesn’t remember his role in the tragedy until the end of the game, and Richard Shaw, the game’s third playable character, has an entirely different emotional landscape. Zoe, however, is plagued by guilt and grief from the start. Not only do her former friends and neighbors blame her, but she also blames herself, feeling as though she was not good enough to save everyone. 

The depth of Zoe’s tragedy isn’t revealed until players delve deep into the story, but her sadness and memories weigh heavily on both Simon and Richard. In fact, one could say it’s the beating heart of the game. 

2. Alfred (Forever Ago)

Forever Ago is a narrative adventure whose story begins with grief. The game follows widower Alfred, a lonely older man dealing with the loss of his wife, Audrey, with whom he shared a relationship spanning more than fifty years. Using a scrapbook Audrey left him, Alfred embarks on a road trip, following the route she laid out and adding his own pictures to the book. 

At first, Alfred takes the trip only because he feels it’s what his wife would have wanted. His grief also engenders feelings of anger and bitterness, common companions of grief. But he finds new companions along the way: characters he meets on his cross-country journey. There’s mechanic Sam, who Alfred meets early on and helps him repair his van, and a stray dog named Luke, who wanders onto the van one night and allows Alfred to open his heart again. 

Fortunately for Alfred, his journey is more about healing than Zoe’s story. Forever Ago focuses on learning to live again after loss, but it takes a while for Alfred to get there; he starts as a deeply unhappy character before finding catharsis. 

3. Marie (Resident Evil: Requiem)

Players might struggle to sympathize with Marie immediately in the latest Resident Evil vehicle. She is introduced as a stalker enemy, plaguing Grace Ashcroft from one location to another, and she’s as relentless as Mr. X and Nemesis before her. She does have a weakness to light, which can send her screaming back into the dark. But when players learn about her backstory, her shrieks of pain take on a different tune.

Initially just referred to as “the Girl”, players learn more about her as the game goes on. Marie was born simply to be experimented upon, one of many clones who underwent terrible treatment in the ARK labs. She once looked just like Emily, the little girl who Grace protects after freeing her from the basement of the Rhodes Hill Care Center. But unlike Emily, Marie mutated because of the procedures she underwent. 

Thinking of Emily and Marie growing up in the facility is bad enough, knowing they exist only to be used as guinea pigs. But Emily has a different story than Marie’s, one that eventually ends with Grace adopting her. Marie becomes a monster, long-limbed and lethal, with any vestige of her former personality swallowed by the feral mind of the creature she becomes. Unlike her predecessors on this list, Marie has no hope of catharsis.

She is destroyed in the denouement of her story, and all that can be said is that she is now free of torment and experimentation. 

The post 3 Video Game Characters From 2026 With Absolutely Heartbreaking Stories appeared first on VICE.

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Hey, remember Pokémon Platinum Version? You know, the best game of Pokémon's best era? Giant fictionalized Hokkaido to explore, evil team that wanted to make the world a nightmare dimension? If you've been hankering to revisit the best of the DS (which I kind of have lately, as it and its rival the PSP re-enter the zeitgeist thanks to hipsters), you no longer have to do it alone. — Read the rest

The post Now play Pokémon with your friends appeared first on Boing Boing.

After thirteen years of waiting, it feels nothing short of surreal to even think the words 'final GTA 6 trailer'. We've suffered through paywalled advertising, shockingly expensive collectors' editions, and the preceding decade of complete radio silence, but we're finally here. — Read the rest

The post After 13 years: the Final Grand Theft Auto 6 trailer appeared first on Boing Boing.

Gamers who are curious about World of Warcraft: Forever will soon have a chance to test the MMO experience out for free without any subscription or beta invite.

How TO Participate in the Wow: Forever Stress Test

Tons of players have already flocked to World of Warcraft: Forever during the games bet and spent hours leveling up characters and exploring Blizzard’s official take on the Classic+ experience.

Now that the upcoming pillar of WoW is approaching its early November launch date, Blizzard is preparing for a major stress test that will allow any interested gamers to dive into the experience and give it a try before launch.

 For a limited time on October 19, all interested players can sign into World of Warcraft: Forever and help us put the servers through their paces. Anyone can take part and no subscription, Game Time, invitation, or beta access is required.

he Stress Test runs on October 19 at the following times locally:

• North America: 2:00 p.m. PDT
• Europe: 19:00 CEST
• Korea: 06:00 KST (October 20)
• Taiwan: 05:00 CST (October 20)

The beta will be taken offline shortly before the Stress Test begins and is expected to return shortly after it ends. The test window may end earlier or run later as needed.

To join the upcoming WoW: Forever stress test, interested gamers need to take the following steps:

• Make sure your graphics drivers are up to date.
• Open the Battle.net desktop app and allow it to update if needed.
• Select World of Warcraft from the list of games.
• In the Game Version menu above the Play button, select World of Warcraft: Forever Stress Test under In Development, then select Install.
• Once installation is complete and the Stress Test begins, select Play and choose an available test realm.
• Create a new test character when available, enter the game, and join the test.

That should be everything players need to know to prepare their PCs and Battle.net apps for the upcoming stress test on October 19.

Players should definitely keep in mind that at the end of the Stress Test, all created characters, names, and guilds will be wiped from the Stress Test servers in preparation for the beginning of Name Reservations opening on October 27.

Be sure to check back soon for lots more World of Warcraft news and updates as the WoW: Forever release date approaches.

World of Warcraft is available now on PC. World of Warcraft: Forever releases on November 4, 2026 for PC.

The post How To Try World of Warcraft: Forever With No Subscription, Beta Invite, or Game Time appeared first on VICE.

Reality Fracture adds a lot of new cards to the arsenal for Magic: The Gathering players, but one deck continues to dominate the field in the Modern format metagame.

All The Most Popular Decks in the Modern Metagame

Magic: The Gathering’s Modern format doesn’t have as many major shakeups as a rotating format like Standard, but a new set launch tends to bring a few new staples into the card pool that can have an impact.

At this point in the season, enough tournaments have taken place after the Reality Fracture launch for the number crunchers to begin studying what sort of impact the new set has had. Frank Karsten’s latest Metagame Mentor report reveals that Broodscale Combo is dominating the format by taking up 17.3% of the field and boasting an impressive 54.8% match win rate.

“Decks with poor matchups against Broodscale Combo, such as Esper Goryo’s, Esper Blink, Eldrazi Tron, Boros Land Destruction, and Dimir Midrange, are gradually declining in popularity… At the same time, decks with favorable matchups against Broodscale Combo, including properly tuned Boros Energy, Jeskai Blink, Jeskai Chant, and Azorius Chant, have been climbing in popularity. Azorius Chant in particular went 149-76 against Broodscale Combo across the last five Regional Championships, good for a 66% matchup. As a result, Azorius Chant has emerged as one of the best ways to defeat Broodscale Combo.”

Here is the full breakdown of the most popular decks in the Modern format as of mid-October 2026 (in order of popularity and performance):

• Broodscale Combo
• Izzet Prowess
• Boros Energy
• Esper Blink
• Izzet Affinity
• Azorius Chant
• Domain Zoo
• Esper Goryo’s
• Eldrazi Tron
• Devoted Druid Combo
• Amulet Titan
• Ruby Storm
• Dimir Midrange
• Jeskai Blink
• Boros Land Destruction
• Living End
• Rakdos Delirium
• Simic Neoform
• Jeskai Chant
• Tameshi Belcher
• Eldrazi Trudge
• Other

For those who are less familiar with this format, Modern is a nonrotating 60-card format based on expansion sets, core sets, and straight-to-Modern sets from Eighth Edition forward, save for cards on the banned list.

Although Broodscale Combo is likely to be a top performer at upcoming tournaments, it sounds like there are plenty of decks that specialize in countering that strategy that players can bring to the table if they want to try and play the underdog and fight back against the top deck.

Be sure to check back soon for lots more Magic: The Gathering news and updates.

Magic: The Gathering is available now at local game shops and digitally through Magic Arena.

The post Magic: The Gathering’s Top Modern Deck (And How To Counter It) appeared first on VICE.

Magic: The Gathering players looking for an inexpensive and aggressive Standard deck may find a perfect match with the Eerie Aggro preconstructed product.

Every Card in the Mono-White Eerie Aggro Deck

Magic: The Gathering players have a ton of options when it comes to building a Standard deck and Magic Arena is attempting to simplify that decision-making process for players who are feeling a little overwhelmed or like their library is missing some key staples.

The Champion Deck: Standard series offers five different competitive Standard decks that players can purchase on Magic Arena and use in upcoming Standard quick play or tournament events.

Magic: The Gathering players who like to stay on the offensive may find a good match in the affordable Eerie Aggro deck. This deck is available now for 2,570 Gems. All of the Champion Decks: Standard lineup will leave the Magic Arena shop on November 9.

Here is the full list of every card included in the preconstructed deck:

Creature

• 3 Spellbook Vendor
• 4 Optimistic Scavenger
• 4 Veteran Survivor
• 4 Skyward Spider

Enchantment

• 4 Ethereal Armor
• 4 Feather of Flight
• 4 Shardmage’s Rescue
• 4 Sheltered by Ghosts
• 3 Seam Rip
• 3 Origin of Spider-Man

Artifact

• 1 Lavaspur Boots

Instant

• 1 Divine Resilience

Land

• 9 Plains
• 1 Dalkovan Encampment
• 1 Cavern of Souls
• 10 Plains

The budget deck has a pretty straightforward strategy that is a good fit for players looking to jump into the format quickly or just find a speedy way to compete with some of the slower decks that may be dominating the format in the late game.

If Eerie Aggro doesn’t seem like a good fit, there other build are also available as part of the Champion Deck: Standard series:

• Planeswalker Control
• Cleric Life Gain
• Lizard Aggro
• Kona Combo

Be sure to check back soon for lots more Magic: The Gathering news and updates.

Magic: The Gathering is available now at local game shops and digitally through Magic Arena.

The post Magic: The Gathering – Full Eerie Aggro Decklist Revealed appeared first on VICE.

Dungeons and Dragons players will have every World of Warcraft class and specialization to pick from when they begin their tabletop adventures in Azeroth, including all three Warrior specializations.

Selecting A D&D Fighter Subclass To Bring WoW Warrior Specs To The Table

Dungeons and Dragons players have an overwhelming number of class/specialization combos to select from as they begin their World of Warcraft campaigns, but players who have narrowed things down to a Warrior have made a good start.

The World of Warcraft Warrior class doesn’t have a 1:1 match in Dungeons and Dragons, but the Fighter class is well-suited bring this WoW class to life at the tabletop.

“Warriors: for when you need a really big axe—which is oftentimes the case in a world of monsters, magic, egos, and armor. A skilled Warrior knocks monsters to the floor, slays enemy tanks, and terrorizes opposing magic users.”

When playing a Warrior, you’ll choose the Fighter class. Warriors specialize in Arms, Fury, or Protection.

Arms Warrior – Deliver devastating blows with two-handed weapons.

The Arms Warrior selects the Battle Master subclass and uses two-handed weapons such as the Greataxe, Greatsword, or Maul to control the battlefield.

Fury Warrior – Become a master of carnage, wielding a weapon in each hand to maximize destruction.

The Fury Warrior selects the Champion subclass and dual-wields weapons (often Scimitars) to push a relentless offense. (Note: Fury Warriors may want to consider instead choosing the Barbarian class and Berserker subclass.)

Protection Warrior – Counter incoming attacks, using your shield to protect your allies as well as yourself.

The Protection Warrior uses the Battle Master subclass to consistently step between their comrades and danger.

Additionally, Warriors who use the Battle Master subclass will gain access to five brand-new maneuver options in the WoW gameplay expansion rules.

That should be just about everything players need to know to start planning out their Warrior builds before the new book arrives in November.

Be sure to check back soon for lots more Dungeons and Dragons news and updates as the World of Warcraft gameplay expansion release date approaches.

Dungeons and Dragons is available now at local game shops and digitally through D&D Beyond, Roll20, and similar online services. The Dungeons and Dragons: World of Warcraft gameplay expansion releases November 17, 2026.

The post Dungeons and Dragons: World of Warcraft – How To Play an Arms, Fury, or Protection Warrior appeared first on VICE.

For Friday the 13th fans, an exciting day has finally arrived: the prequel show centered on Pamela Voorhees and Crystal Lake has hit Peacock. And if the eight-episode series isn’t enough to whet their appetite, or their machete, Supermassive Games has a solution.

The studio behind Until Dawn released The Quarry back in 2022, which also features a summer camp whose cabins may never see campers again. 

What makes ‘The Quarry’ a great follow-up to ‘Crystal Lake’?

While The Quarry isn’t centered on one lost child or a mother bent on vengeance, it still shares plenty with the Voorhees family and their world. For one thing, it’s set at a summer camp, though the story starts at the end of the season rather than showing would-be counselors preparing for an influx of kids. Hacket’s Quarry, like Crystal Lake, is a beautiful setting in the middle of the woods. Its picturesque setting stands in stark contrast to the horrors the main characters face before the night is through. 

Another thread tying these two franchises together is the main characters, their jobs, and their romantic entanglements. Crystal Lake is led by Linda Cardellini as Pamela, but it also features a pair of camp counselors who pay more attention to each other than the campers – including Jason. All six playable main characters in the game worked as counselors at Hackett’s Quarry, and another important character, Mr. Hackett, runs the camp.

Similarly, The Quarry features young counselors whose feelings for each other are central to the story. Whether it’s Emma and Jacob, whose summer romance fizzles once summer is over, or Abigail and Nick, who didn’t quite have the courage to admit their feelings, romance plays a crucial role in the story. 

‘The quarry’ Lets ‘Friday the 13th’ Fans Decide Who Survives the Night

Most importantly, the atmosphere of both Crystal Lake and The Quarry centers on the fear and dread of being hunted in the middle of nowhere. Characters in The Quarry wander the empty camp or the middle of the woods, trying to find one another or escape to safety. One chapter finds playable character Jacob wandering around in a state of undress after he goes to investigate a distant scream during a moonlit swim with Emma. 

What sets The Quarry apart from the franchise that inspired it is the audience’s role. Watching a Friday the 13th film or the new TV show offers a few choices – popcorn over potato chips, hiding behind a pillow or ducking under the covers during a scary moment, the original films or the 2009 remake. But when playing The Quarry, choices actually dictate where the story goes, including who survives. It’s like exploring Jason’s world from the safety of the couch, with more control over the story. 

Audiences ready to go back to summer camp after bingeing Crystal Lake can play The Quarry on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox.

The post Finished ‘Crystal Lake’? This Horror Game Should Be Your Next Trip to Summer Camp. appeared first on VICE.

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With an entire page on Steam devoted to new releases, it’s easy to miss games that drop on the platform. The new releases run the gamut from co-op platformers to cozy games to surreal or survival horror, and more. Here are some recent additions that are available on Steam right now. 

1. Enshrouded

Released on October 15, Enshrouded draws players into a rich fantasy world where creativity is key. Whether exploring solo or in a co-op group of up to sixteen people, players can combine strengths, intelligence, and dexterity to create their character and discover beautiful, unique landscapes. From forests to mountains, from dunes to mysterious ruins, Enshrouded offers expansive opportunities to build and embark on countless adventures, whether alone or with others. 

Players awaken as a Flameborn, a magical human who seems to be the kingdom of Embervale’s last hope. As they explore, they realize they are up against something vast. Mist called the Shroud spreads over the land, and fearsome creatures live within it, waiting to be defeated. Beyond combat and a skill tree that’s still expanding, Enshrouded offers opportunities to hunt and build, farm and forage, and rescue other survivors from the Shroud. 

2. The Witch’s Bakery 

The enchanting city of Paris becomes even more magical as the setting of The Witch’s Bakery. Young witch Lunne has recently moved to the city to open her own bakery in this 2D narrative story, featuring croissants, customers who need a little help, and opportunities to help Lunne grow her magic. Paris itself is a character in this game, with various neighborhoods to explore and citizens to meet. Magic meets macarons in this cozy game, likely to appeal to fans of Studio Ghibli and Kiki’s Delivery Service. 

Lunne can delve into her customers’ deepest feelings by exploring their Heart Palace, where she can discover what they need most. She then infuses healing into her next batch of bread, helping her patrons feel happy again. Days in the game are broken up into morning, evening, and night. In the morning, Lunne works at the bakery, but in the evening she can traverse the Parisian streets to buy new recipe books, develop relationships, and more. At night, she can rest, strengthen her magic, or decorate the bakery. 

3. Thank You, Bus Driver

Getting to the next stop on time is the titular bus driver’s top priority in Thank You, Bus Driver. And if that means following their own unique set of rules, well, that’s just how it has to be. The player is the town transit operator who just wants to stay on track and get a “thank you” or two from customers. It’s a single-player driver simulator with a funny, surreal twist, blending chaos and comedy with a 1950s, black-and-white animated art style. 

The game has three main guidelines: make sure patrons follow the rules, stay on the route (no matter what), and, of course, keep to the schedule. If bus riders break the rules, the player has a slap mechanic to make it clear how much they resent rule–breaking; of course, the driver can’t exactly get up, so they rely on a stretchy, bendy arm that would make any yoga practitioner jealous.

And keeping to a route doesn’t mean staying on the road; shortcuts are absolutely encouraged, whether a cornfield…or a pedestrian…is in the way. The ultimate goal of Thank You, Bus Driver is to earn those two magic words, which not only add time to the clock but help the driver get decorations for their bus. 

4. Paperhead

Another recent addition to Steam is Paperhead, which may be the first game to make cardboard both scary and violent. The player moves through a world built from cardboard, paper, and other arts-and-crafts supplies, exploring an abandoned research facility to find answers. The game’s central question is as disturbing as it is unusual: “Why would cardboard bleed?” 

Armed with a pencil that can draw anything, including bombs to dispatch enemies, plus a shotgun and other weapons, the player isn’t limited to those tools. The main character can also physically throw enemies into the air and jump on them, so it seems like their hands are just rated E for Everyone. Paperhead fuses an action shooter with survival horror, and as the story unravels, it becomes clear there’s more going on than breaking down boxes for the recycling bin. 

5. Voodoo Fishin’ 

Like Enshrouded, this game has a co-op feature that lets up to six players go on a fun little fishing trip. It’s the dead of night; they’re fishing in the middle of a haunted swamp. But what vacation is perfect? Players can also use a proximity chat feature while seeking legendary fish in the swamp’s depths. Whatever is caught can be sold to the Fish Monger, who pays by the pound. Something in the swamp may catch the fisherfolk instead, but perhaps the love of the lure is strong enough to overcome it. 

Characters are built from puppets that players can dress up and customize with what they earn in the swamp. With 37 different deliveries to make, from those on the up-and-up to missions which might be a little more questionable, friends can work together to fill a quota. Meeting that quota unlocks prizes, including upgrades like a sprint boost or bigger coolers to store their catch.

The post 5 New Steam Games You Might Have Missed That You Can Play Right Now appeared first on VICE.

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For anyone looking for a survival horror game that blends pixel art with live-action cutscenes, Tenebris Somnia is the answer. This new psychological horror game from publisher New Blood Interactive asks a chilling question: “What if they aren’t just nightmares?”

Everyone wakes from a bad dream with their heart still pounding, breath short, and nerves tingling with fear. Then reality sets in, and the terror dissipates. Maybe that’s what Julia, the main character of Tenebris Somnia, expects when she wakes up from a vivid nightmare in which monsters attack her ex-boyfriend. 

Still, she can’t shake it, so she visits his apartment, hoping to put her mind at ease. What she finds does anything but comfort her. Soon after arriving, Julia finds herself up against one terrifying creature after another.

Puzzles, retro style, and an Argentine film crew come together to create Tenebris Somnia

Tenebris Somnia combines classic survival horror elements like puzzle-solving, weapon wielding, and item combination to progress. It even offers retro gameplay, with Julia’s world rendered in 2D pixel art. And, of course, at certain points, the game throws players into cutscenes that advance the story, reveal clues, and offer a different perspective on the characters. 

In Tenebris Somnia, these cutscenes aren’t rendered in the same 2D art as the game itself. Instead, Julia, the monsters, and other characters are pulled into a live-action world. A film crew in Argentina created the cutscenes, with developer Andrés Borghi also serving as writer, editor, and director of the live-action scenes. Clara Kovacic stars as Julia; the cast also includes Pedro Merlo as ex-boyfriend Iván, Maria Eugenia Rigon as Vitria, and Andrés himself as a character called Obscuratus. 

The crew behind Tenebris Somnia draws on classics like Silent Hill, Resident Evil, and Clock Tower. With their mix of survival horror, compelling storylines, and a frightening atmosphere, these games give players something exciting to sink their teeth into.

Tenebris Somnia has been long in the making. With the idea first conceived in 2022 and a demo released on Steam in 2023, gamers who want a mix of old-school survival horror and modern cinematics have been waiting for the official release date. The full game will be out on October 16, and players who want to solve the mysteries of Julia’s nightmarish world can dive in. 

At launch, Tenebris Somnia will be available on Steam (including Steam Deck) and all major consoles, including Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch. 

The post ‘Tenebris Somnia’ Turns a Nightmare About an Ex Into a Survival Horror Story appeared first on VICE.

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Nearly three decades after its original on the PlayStation, this retro simulation game is returning on modern consoles.

The Drug Store Is Available Now on Nintendo Switch 2 and PS5

The Drug Store released in Japan all the way back in 1998 as a spin-off of the The Conveni series. The unique sim game allows players to take control of a local pharmacy and begin to build their own empire.

Now, nearly three decades later, The Drug Store is returning thanks to the Console Archives. The Console Archives version of The Drug Store arrived this week and allows gamers to jump into the late 90s sim game on modern consoles.

“This is a simulation game where you manage a drug store, aim to open many stores, and increase your capital. Manage your business while considering locations, the types of products sold, customer demographics, and build the ultimate drug store! Sometimes, an employee you’ve become close with might even propose Original products…?”

Retro gaming fans who want to revisit or check out the 32-bit inspired game can find it digitally on Nintendo Switch 2 and PS5 for $11.99.

As always, the Console Archives version of this classic will come equipped with some modern conveniences and quality-of-life improvements. Here’s a list of what players can expect to find:

• customizable button layouts
• rapid-fire settings
• multiple save points to support players in completing this classic
• Additional options include screen layout adjustments and filters that recreate the the nostalgic atmosphere of CRT TVs, allowing players to customize the visual experience to their preference

The Console Archives weekly drops consistently bring retro games to the Nintendo Switch 2 and the PS5. Some of the biggest highlights from the last few months have included Karate Champ, Doraemon, The Conveni, and The Conveni 2.

Be sure to check back soon for lots more retro gaming news and updates.

The Console Archives version of The Drug Store is available now on Nintendo Switch 2 and PS5.

The post 1998 Sim Game Is Now Available on Nintendo Switch 2 and PS5 appeared first on VICE.

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Hey, did you know season 2 of Cyberpunk Edgerunners comes out in a week? I was one of many who expected Cyberpunk 2077's tie-in anime to be little more than a one-off, especially since the game's sequel is still years off and will probably be launching for the PS6. — Read the rest

The post Cyberpunk: Edgerunners 2 debuts with suitably action-packed trailer appeared first on Boing Boing.

Magic: The Gathering players who enjoy winning games with a combo that feels like cheating will definitely want to check out the decklist for the Kona Combo preconstructed product.

Every Card in the Kona Combo Preconstructed Deck

This week Magic Arena is adding five preconstructed decks to the shop as part of the Champion Series: Standard product drop. There’s a nice variety of archetypes available to ensure that different types of players can find a deck that fits their playstyle.

Magic: The Gathering players who prefer to win by carefully piecing together a game-ending combo should definitely take a moment to check out the Kona Combo list. This deck is available for 17,450 Gems from October 16 through November 9.

Here is a breakdown of the full Kona Combo decklist:

Creature

• 1 Terror of the Peaks
• 4 Kona, Rescue Beastie
• 4 Marang River Regent
• 3 Formidable Speaker

Enchantment

• 4 Omniscience
• 3 Lost in the Maze
• 4 Roiling Dragonstorm

Instant

• 3 Spell Snare
• 3 Dispelling Exhale
• 3 Consult the Star Charts

Sorcery

• 4 Stock Up

Land

• 2 Island
• 4 Cavern of Souls
• 4 Breeding Pool
• 4 Willowrush Verge
• 4 Evendo, Waking Haven
• 4 Uthros, Titanic Godcore
• 2 Island

Players who aren’t as comfortable playing combo decks may want to check out one of the other Champion Series: Standard decks instead:

• Planeswalker Control
• Cleric Life Gain
• Lizard Aggro
• Eerie Aggro

Prices vary from deck to deck based on how many Rares and Mythic Rares are included in each list. That said, the price isn’t necessarily a representation of the power level. The decks go live on October 16 and it will be very interesting to see how frequently they pop up in Quick Match rounds and Standard tournament events in the coming weeks.

Be sure to check back soon for lots more Magic: The Gathering news and updates.

Magic: The Gathering is available now at local game shops and digitally through Magic Arena.

The post Magic: The Gathering – Kona Combo Full Decklist Revealed appeared first on VICE.

Xbox fans have yet another option for taking their library on the go with today’s launch of the impressive ROG XBOX Ally X20.

ROG XBOX Ally X20 Is Available Now

Xbox may have toned down its Play Anywhere marketing campaign since Asha Sharma took over, but that doesn’t mean that the ecosystem is locked to gameplay on the home consoles only.

Xbox still supports gaming on PC, Cloud Gaming, and powerful handhelds that are delivered in partnership with ASUS and the Republic of Gamers product line. The ROG XBOX Ally and ROG XBOX Ally X have proven to be popular devices since they launched and the line us now being expanded with the official launch of the special X20 handheld.

The device is available as a standalone device for US$1,299 or bundled with the ROG XREAL R1 Edition 20 Gaming AR Glasses, a custom dbrand Killswitch case and a Pelican Protector Case for US$2,499.

“he XBOX Ally X20 is an evolution and a celebration of everything that made the original ROG XBOX Ally special. Featuring translucent black plastic for the chassis, it harkens back to a distinct era of gaming that veterans will remember fondly. This translucence also offers a peek under the hood to the revamped high-performance cooling system and incredible handheld silicon from AMD, with just a hint of the gold-accented internal structure. Crafted exclusively for the 20th anniversary of the formation of the Republic of Gamers in 2006, this special edition XBOX Ally X20 is sure to look incredible in any collection.”

The ROG XBOX Ally X20 key features at launch include:

• Available to buy today: 7.4″ ROG Nebula HDR Display with OLED and custom 20th anniversary design make ROG XBOX Ally 20 something truly special
• Incredible performance: ROG Intelligent Cooling upgrades and serious battery life make the XBOX Ally X20 the ultimate travel device
• Revamped software experience: Improvements to ACSE’s design, customizable buttons, and a new Travel Mode ensure ease of use

For gamers who are interested in a handheld Xbox, but aren’t looking to drop $1,299 for the X20, both the ROG XBOX Ally and ROG XBOX Ally X are also still available for sale at their original MSRPs of US$599 and US$999 respectively.

Be sure to check back soon for lots more news and details on Xbox and the Republic of Gamers product line.

The ROG XBOX Ally X20 is available now.

The post Powerful New Xbox Handheld Goes On Sale Today appeared first on VICE.

Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave is available now and players who have already powered through the game’s campaign can continue their journey with the first wave of expansion pass content.

Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave Expansion Pass WAves Explained

Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave launched to very positive reviews from fans and critics in September 2026 and the game is very likely going to be present on a lot of best of the year lists.

Nintendo is looking to keep the hype going for the latest installment by dropping the title’s first piece of major expansion content just a month after launch. The Expansion Pass allows players to expand the saga with new stories, allies, and more.

“Discover additional stories, enlist gods to your side, and more in DLC for the Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave game. Purchasing the DLC gives you access to all three waves of content as they release.”

The game’s Expansion Pass is available now for $34.99 and it gives players access to the following content as each wave arrives:

Wave 1

• Obtain prototype weapons for the four heroes, modeled after Heroes’ Relics from the Fire Emblem: Three Houses game.
• Available now.

Wave 2

• Enlist the aid of powerful gods, Aurora, Smyrnos, and Jurah, in battle. Plus, you’ll be able to suit up with new wearable outfits.
• Wave 2 will release in holiday 2026.

Wave 3

• Explore new stories featuring Bertrand, Talimun, Orchel, and Anatolia. Bolster your army with new allies to recruit and classes to unlock.
• Wave 3 will arrive in 2027.

Shoppers who don’t own the base game yet will need it to access the Expansion Pass content. There is also a game + Expansion Pass bundle available for $104.99 for shoppers who want to pick up all of the content.

Be sure to check back soon for lots more Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave news and updates as the additional Expansion Pass waves continue to arrive.

Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave is available now exclusively for the Nintendo Switch 2.

The post Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave Expansion Pass Details Revealed appeared first on VICE.

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