Silksong's Surprise Launch and the Joy of Knowing Nothing

Hollow Knight: Silksong's blind 2025 launch—no review codes, no embargo—let players shape consensus together.

In 2026, the video game industry still talks about Hollow Knight: Silksong's 2025 launch as a strange, wonderful anomaly. Team Cherry didn't follow the usual script. There were no review codes sent out weeks in advance. There was no lengthy marketing campaign. The launch date appeared just two weeks before the game did. Critics and players alike went in blind. That single decision changed how the community experienced the game, and it changed how the internet talked about it.

Normally, a big release builds a consensus before anyone can buy it. God of War in 2018 is the classic example. The review embargo lifted on April 12, but the game didn't arrive until April 20. For eight days, critics tweeted, podcasted, and generally shouted that the game was extraordinary. By launch, expectations were sky-high. Most players loved it, but a vocal minority was ready to tear it down. That's the usual rhythm: critics get early code, reviews drop, fans react, then the game launches and everyone forms their own opinion.

Silksong skipped that rhythm entirely. The launch date was announced only two weeks ahead. No review codes were available before release. Critics went in as knowing as fans, and they gained access at the same time, too. Once everyone got in, they were confronted with a nails-tough metroidvania soulslike. That made getting a solid read on the game as a whole slow going. Even in 2026, the only real early consensus is that Silksong is hard.

Aspect
Typical big release
Hollow Knight: Silksong

Review codes
Sent weeks early
None

Embargo
Lifts days before launch
No embargo

Launch date
Known months or years ahead
Announced two weeks ahead

Consensus
Forms before launch
Forms slowly after launch

Player experience
Pre-shaped by reviews
Blind, collective, messy

That difference mattered. Reviews eventually arrived, and they were universally positive. But those takes couldn't provide the full picture any more than frustrated Reddit posts about a tough early boss could. The kind of person who can finish Silksong and write a review within a couple of days is not playing it the way most of its audience will play it. A critic on a deadline might rush through, skip side content, or push past a wall that would stop a normal player for a week.

So the internet painted the picture together. Like the parable of the blind men and the elephant, each voice gave only a small piece of a big beast. One player described a brutal boss. Another described a beautiful, haunting area. Another found a secret that changed how they approached combat. No single review could capture the whole thing. There was no critical consensus around Silksong. Players had to come to it together.

This is not an argument against reviews. Critics matter. They analyze craft, context, performance, and design in ways that most players cannot. User reviews have a place, too, but they aren't a substitute for people who have dedicated their lives to thinking critically about games. The problem was not that reviews existed. The problem was that the usual cadence was gone. For once, the community could not outsource its judgment to a score or a tweet. Everyone had to wait, explore, and argue.

The benefits were real:

• Shared discovery felt like a group expedition.

• Spoilers were harder to spread because nobody knew what came next.

• Every player's experience felt personal and unmediated.

• The community had to cooperate instead of competing over hot takes.

️ The drawbacks were real, too:

• Players had no early warnings about performance issues.

• Accessibility details were harder to find before buying.

• People with limited time could not easily judge whether the game was for them.

• Review consensus arrived late, after many had already formed strong opinions.

In 2026, most major games are dissected long before launch. Leaks, datamines, early copies, and endless trailers remove most of the mystery. Silksong proved that a blind drop can still work. It made some players wish for more games they knew nothing about. Not every release can or should do this. A small indie team with a loyal audience has different constraints than a massive publisher with shareholders. But the experiment was valuable.

It showed that mystery has a cost, but also a reward. Knowing nothing meant every discovery belonged to the players first. It meant the conversation grew slowly, shaped by thousands of individual experiences instead of one embargoed review. In the end, Silksong's launch was not just about a game. It was about how players build meaning together when nobody has the answers yet. Sometimes the best part is figuring it out as a community.

The one thing a blind drop cannot do is tell you what a fair price looks like. When nobody has reviewed a game yet, the storefront price is the only signal you have, and it is rarely a neutral one. Patience becomes its own kind of advantage here: waiting a few weeks can mean the difference between paying full launch price and picking the game up during a sale, and knowing where prices sit across storefronts turns that waiting into a decision rather than a gamble.

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Elden Ring Nightreign Update 1.03.1 Brings Forsaken Hollows Fixes and Scholar Buffs

ELDEN RING NIGHTREIGN patch notes reveal Forsaken Hollows DLC content, Scholar buffs, quality-of-life upgrades, and sweeping bug fixes.

FromSoftware has rolled out a hefty update for ELDEN RING NIGHTREIGN, and it is no small potatoes. The patch, listed as App Ver. 1.03.1 and Regulation Ver. 1.03.2, touches PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and Steam. It delivers new DLC-gated content, quality-of-life changes, and a massive stack of bug fixes that would make even the most seasoned Nightfarer sit up and take notice.

DLC Owners Get New Toys in Deep of Night

Players who own The Forsaken Hollows DLC will now encounter new targets, Landmarks, raid events, and Shifting Earth while playing The Deep of Night mode. However, these additions only appear when matched with players who also own the DLC content. That means no freeloading — everyone in the party needs the expansion to see the new hotness.

The Great Hollows Shifting Earth also received a tuning pass. Curse effects tied to Fire, Magic, Lightning, and Holy damage are now stronger in its temples. The Continuous HP Loss and Continuous HP Recovery curse effects have been adjusted as well. In the Tricephalos raid event, the attack power of summoned wolves has been decreased, which should give teams a bit more breathing room.

Area
Key Change

Great Hollows Shifting Earth temples
Increased Fire, Magic, Lightning, and Holy curse effects on weapons and items.

Curse effects
Adjusted Continuous HP Loss and Continuous HP Recovery.

Tricephalos raid event
Decreased attack power of summoned wolves.

Night Aspect
Additional attack types when all Nightfarers own The Forsaken Hollows DLC.

When engulfed in the Night’s Tide in the Great Hollows Shifting Earth, the player character’s feet will now appear to be burning. The range of clues discovered when using a map to reveal hidden clues has been expanded. The Night Aspect also gains additional attack types if every Nightfarer present owns the DLC.

Scholar Gets a Big Dose of TLC

Scholar mains have plenty to celebrate. A stack count display has been added to the damage negation reduction icon that appears when hitting enemies with level 3 Dart-type items thanks to the Scholar’s Bagcraft Skill. Scholar’s Ultimate Art Communion will no longer break when transforming using Executor's Ultimate Art Aspects of the Crucible: Beast.

A long list of Scholar bugs has been squashed. The effect of Scholar's Skill Communion no longer continues to apply when no other targets are affected. Damage to linked enemies and healing to allies now propagate correctly if a Scholar enters a Near Death state during Communion. Scholar's Skill Analyze now properly gains art gauge from the shockwave triggered on oneself at maximum charge. The number of targets analyzed no longer resets when another player opens a door to transition to a boss fight inside the Spirit Tree shelter.

Bagcraft received several fixes. The damage negation reduction effect’s duration now extends correctly when hitting enemies with level 3 Dart items. The effect now applies according to the number of hits when hitting enemies with level 3 Fan Daggers. The healing effect added to the level 3 Holy Water Pot now causes damage to the Royal Revenant. Crystal Tear count now displays correctly when obtaining a second one from Dormant Powers. Frozen Needle attack motions have also been fixed.

Combat, Skills, and Weapon Fixes

The patch is packed with combat corrections. The immortality granted by Revenant's Ultimate Art Immortal March is now properly overwritten by other visual effects. The effect added by Mists of Slumber to the Sword of St. Trina no longer disappears upon taking enemy attacks. Bow attacks affected by Black Flame Blade and Bloodflame Blade incantations now remove the frostbite status effect from enemies. Improved Rolling Attacks now applies to Bows, and Partial HP Restoration upon Post-Damage Attacks now triggers on critical hits with Bows.

Other fixes include: players no longer accumulate frostbite while standing on Holy Ground created by a weapon imbued with frost by Chilling Mist; Black Flame Blade effects now apply to Frenzyflame Thrust; and the same incantation no longer applies to the hitboxes of Wave of Gold and Thundercloud Form. Golden Retaliation and Carian Retaliation now rescue allies from a near-death state in more instances. Attack power enhancing effects now apply to Regal Beastclaw and Wave of Gold. Charging by holding the cast button now enhances Ancient Death Rancor and Beast Claw. The post-cast delay of Beast Claw can now be canceled by chaining it with a sorcery or incantation.

Recluse’s Passive Skill Elemental Defense now displays attribute marks correctly when attacking with a weapon imbued by Order's Blade. Black Flame's Protection no longer reduces shared healing from the Flask Also Heals Allies relic effect unless the ally is also under its effect. Creates Holy Ground at Low HP effects no longer overwrite each other when players with the same special effect stand near each other. Critical Hits Inflict Blood Loss now displays its physical attack power enhancement. Communion Grants Anti-Dragon Effect now adds additional physical damage. Cold Mirage now applies properly to Executor's Ultimate Art Aspects of the Crucible: Beast.

The Power to Balance the World special effect also received attention. A near-death animation has been added when reviving with this effect. A bug that caused solo Expedition players to be defeated even after reviving through this power has been fixed.

Bosses, Raids, and Shifting Earth

FromSoftware read the riot act to a host of boss and raid bugs. In the Sentient Pest fight, the boss now loses sight of the player when Duchess's Ultimate Art Finale is used. The Dancer of the Boreal Valley no longer blocks other players from dealing damage during a critical hit. Gaping Jaw’s ground-based attacks have improved hit detection and effect positioning. Everdark Sovereign Equilibrious Beast no longer spawns enemy Raiders if a Revenant in specific costumes is present.

The Dreglord fight received multiple fixes: spells and ghosts from Revenant's Summon Spirit now aim correctly, enemy attacks intended for specific players no longer target others, players no longer get stuck inside objects, and multiplayer music timing now aligns with the intended sequence. The Balancers fight now plays grab attack sound effects. Demon in Pain and Demon from Below now show a defeat animation when defeated simultaneously, and arrows hitting their heads deal increased damage.

Some Night bosses no longer die if a player who previously left the session rejoins. The Curseblade Night boss version no longer performs specific attacks at unintended timings. Enemies summoned by some bosses in The Great Hollows Shifting Earth now disappear after the boss is defeated. The Tree Guard in the temple can now die. Enemy behavior has been adjusted, and unintended enemies no longer appear in some areas. Omenkillers in the Blacksmith Village can now be hit under all conditions. DLC enemies now drop appropriate weapons upon defeat.

The Great Hollows Shifting Earth also saw fixes for HP restoration after Crystal Curse deaths, site of graces and blacksmithing tables appearing without the special merchant, immunity to Crystal Curse in certain areas, progression blocks in the temple, extra enemies during boss fights, players getting stuck on treasure chests, Spiritstream usability after rejoin, Raider's Ultimate Art Totem Stela spawning underground, missing runes after temple boss defeats, missing Spiritstream map icons, and missing Enemy felled messages.

Raid events were not spared. In Augur, the powerful water bomb no longer becomes invisible to rejoining players. In Tricephalos, summoned wolves now disappear immediately after clearing, their HP is correct for 2-3 player Expeditions, damage reduction rates match intent, and the event no longer drags on if the last enemy appears in the night boss spawn area. In Fissure in the Fog, blizzard effects display properly, fog no longer appears indoors at some strongholds, multiple bosses no longer appear for rejoining players, and runes are awarded correctly. In Balancer, the Balancer now appears reliably.

UI, Menus, and Quality-of-Life

When swapping identical consumables in the Equipment Menu, they now combine according to their stack limit. Icons and explanations now indicate active effects for some special effects in the status menu. When pinning an item, the item rarity color now displays in the You indicated equipment message. The Map Display key can now be remapped in the system menu's keyboard/mouse settings, though remapping it also changes navigation keys in some menus, such as Open All Presets in the Relic Rites Menu.

Menu bugs have been cleaned up. The Status Menu now reflects allied players’ decreased level state after death. Empty talisman slots no longer show empty popups in the Status Menu and Victor's Record. Map icons from a different depth no longer linger when switching floor displays. Scarabs, Treasures, and Sites of Grace in The Great Hollows Shifting Earth now appear in correct map locations. The Enemy felled message no longer appears twice for a specific powerful enemy. The Relic Rite Menu no longer incorrectly displays the Revenant Power up while fighting alongside family effect for Scholar and Undertaker. Filter functions now respect DLC ownership and Deep of Night unlock status. Item help now works in the Equipment section of the Visual Codex menu.

Performance, Platform, and Update Notes

Under the hood, FromSoftware fixed several minor menu display issues, graphics and effects rendering issues, sound effects that were not playing correctly, and revised some texts. The list of prohibited words has been updated. The game no longer crashes when transitioning to Battle Results or the Title screen while targeting allies with Scholar's Analyze skill. On PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4, a crash when opening and closing the button configuration menu from controller settings has been fixed. German text for the next objective in the journal menu is no longer cut off.

Matchmaking also received a fix. While The Great Hollows Shifting Earth was active, players could not match with players who did not possess The Forsaken Hollows DLC when starting an Expedition other than Balancers or Dreglord. That has been corrected. Starting a Deep of Night Expedition with a pre-made team now shows the dialog warning about a decrease in Deep of Night rating when pressing Return to Title Menu. Deep of Night win/loss results now reflect correctly in the rating, depending on network environment.

The version number shown at the lower right corner of the Title Screen will be App Ver. 1.03.1 and Regulation Ver. 1.03.2. On PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S, Regulation files can be downloaded by logging in to the server. If the Regulation Ver. listed is not 1.03.2, players should select LOGIN and apply the latest regulation before enjoying the game. Online play requires this update. After downloading the update file, players should restart the game and apply the update. Further updates will be distributed in the future so players can continue to enjoy ELDEN RING NIGHTREIGN more comfortably.

As 2026 rolls on, this patch remains a key checkpoint for anyone diving into The Deep of Night. The devil is in the details, and FromSoftware has clearly put in the spit and polish. For Nightfarers who own The Forsaken Hollows, the new targets, Landmarks, raid events, and Shifting Earth content make it a whole new ballgame. For everyone else, the bug fixes alone are worth the download.

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Hollow Knight: Silksong – Sands of Karak Survival Guide

Sands of Karak guide: learn how to get there, master golden-orb traversal, and uncover vital items for the Taste of Pharlom quest.

Ah, the Sands of Karak. If you thought the Blasted Steps were a walk in the park, think again. This godforsaken desert at the edge of the world is crawling with desiccated husks and ravenous fiends, and it's about as welcoming as a kick in the teeth. But fear not, fellow wanderer—I've been through the wringer and come out the other side. So buckle up, strap on that cloak, and let's dive into the Sands of Karak. Trust me, you're gonna need all the skills you've got.

How To Get There

You can access this area as soon as you have the Clawline ability, found in The Cauldron in the Underworks. While you may want to head there immediately, first, I would recommend that you go and get the Faydown Cloak from Mount Fay, giving you the ability to double jump. This is going to help you so much in terms of traversal that I can't imagine playing without it now.

Once that's done, head back to the Pinstress' house that you found way back in the Blasted Steps. Remember that blue house suspended above the sands? Well, there's a Clawline ring to the left of it, which will allow you to climb higher. Platform up, and through the next chamber, avoiding the little spiders on the walls. And soon you'll reach The Sands of Karak.

While this area is optional, there are quite a few things here that you'll definitely want to grab. Including a very important item for the Taste of Pharlom Quest.

A New Mechanic

The first thing you'll notice are these little golden orbs that sit near the sand. Striking this will produce a temporary vine that stretches across the sand and provides you with a little platform to traverse across. However, not all of these platforms are walkable terrain; some of the spiky balls need to be bounced on instead.

Start heading east, bouncing on the sprouting coral spines and crossing the vine, until you reach an entrance with spikes on the ceiling and ground. Clawline through to reach another orb, which will lead you back out and upwards. Continue to the right until you reach the main vertical chamber of the area.

In the cave up and to the left, you can find the Map Merchant, so grab it before you continue.

A Glorious Bench

Continue east, through to the next area, where there will be another set of vine puzzles, but they're more of the same. Once again, bounce off the spiky coral and wall-jump up to the next room. You'll reach another vertical shaft, but just keep going right; you'll come back here soon. The next room contains a lift that also returns to the Blasted Steps, just before the Last Judge fight. Trigger the shortcut, and then return to the lift entrance. Go right one final time, through the long hallway and ignore the enemies that spawn. In the next room, there will be a bench where you can rest and pick up a Simple Key!

Tricky Vine Platforming

Ok, are you ready for some quick finger work? It's platforming time. Return to the vertical shaft just before the elevator and now float down. Try and take out the enemies as you go, or let your cogflys do all the work, as you're going to be climbing back up in a second. You don't have a lot of time here, so get ready. Bounce off the spike coral and wall jump off the platforms that grow from the vine, using the cave wall to climb higher. Keep following the vine until it takes you to the top of the shaft, then head left into the next room.

Trigger the orb, and jump forward while it's still growing. It's good to anticipate the vine growth to maximise your time limit. Leap to the long vertical wall, jump right and trigger the next orb while dashing back to the wall. If you have the Ascendant's Grip, this works wonders here.

Wait for the next vine as the wall crumbles, and it will take you up to another cave entrance. Now you have to drop and Clawline the spike coral. A vine platform will form with an orb above it, so quickly strike it while you have time. Continue left on the path. Honestly, Clawline is your friend here; use it liberally. You'll now be at the top of the main vertical column.

The Elusive Crustnut

Before you continue, you'll want to head down into the vertical column and left through a breakable wall. Check your map to find the opening. This next area is a series of tight tunnels filled with breakable spike coral, which you'll have to clear out as you move on. Most of the time, you'll be gripping onto the wall while jumping up and using your needle to break the obstacles. I used the Crest of the Wanderer here, which is a terrible idea. You want a crest that gives you a long weapon reach. So don't be like me.

Keep heading west, using your Clawline to get through the narrow spike-filled gaps until you reach a small chamber where the Crustnut rests. This is one of the 5 main ingredients for the Taste of Pharloom Quest.

The Coral Tower

Conchfly Fight

Return to the top of the main vertical chamber and now head left. Luckily, there's no more vine platforming for you to do. So, sprint across the long paths until you reach the boss chamber. Remember that Great Conchfly that you killed before, and how its partner escaped? Well, now, this one's mad.

Of course, this fight is much of the same, but just a lot faster! You won't have a lot of time to hit the boss here, just focus on dodging and learning the attack pattern. This conchfly will spit coral spikes at you and summon mini conchflies that will drill through the air, too. It's all about threading the needle and finding the gaps. Honestly, this fight is more sad than difficult. If you read the bestiary, it says the Conchflies partner with a mate and are rarely seen alone. This one has the right to be angry at you.

The Great Red Tower

Continue past the defeated boss and jump over to a long platform where the Coral Tower stands. Go on through and amidst the long-dead soldiers, you can claim the Conchcutter tool.

Carry on to the right, and through the wall, there will be a bench where you can rest and try out the tool. This is similar to the projectiles that the conchflies fire at you, firing and bouncing off the walls as they search for a target. It's useful because you don't need to be good at aiming for it to make its mark. I prefer the Cogflies, though.

The Voltnest

Traversal

When you check your map, it may seem like you've done everything. But there's one more area to go. Again, return to the top of the main vertical area, and now head up again. There's a hidden area in the very top right of the column that you'll need to Clawline to and wall-jump up. The environment will start glowing pink, and you will reach The Voltnest. Head on in.

This area is filled with electricity-charged walls that damage for 2 masks (of course) upon touch. In addition, large streams of electricity will bolt between the walls, halting your progress. You have to time your jumps to avoid the voltage streams. Head past the charges until you reach a long drop with multiple beams in. Jump and dash through. Don't float too much, or you'll go too slow and be caught. Once you reach the bottom, head left and get ready for another fight.

The Voltvrym

This is the mini-boss of the area, but luckily, it's a pretty easy fight. Simply focus on dodging and finding space between the gaps. The boss will always be on the ceiling, so you need to jump up to be able to hit it. As I said, there really isn't a lot to this boss. In all honesty, getting to it is more difficult than the fight itself.

Upon completion, you will earn the Volt Filament, a blue tool which upgrades your Silk Skills, granting one of the coolest interactions ever. If you use this, for example, with Sharpdart, not only will you pierce them for damage, but also inflict them with an electrical charge, causing even more damage! And it looks awesome too! What's not to love?

Finally, leave the Voltnest by going right and following the looping path around. That's it! Sands of Karak completed!

Final Thoughts

Whew! That was a wild ride, wasn't it? The Sands of Karak might be optional, but the rewards—especially the Crustnut and the Volt Filament—make it well worth the pain. Just remember to bring your A-game, plenty of patience, and maybe a stress ball. And if you see another Great Conchfly, give it a wide berth. Trust me, it's still holding a grudge.

Here's a quick recap of the key goodies you can snag:

Item
Location
Why You Want It

Crustnut
Hidden tunnels west of main column
Needed for Taste of Pharloom quest

Conchcutter
Coral Tower
Homing projectile tool

Volt Filament
Voltnest (after Voltvrym)
Upgrades Silk Skills with electric damage

Simple Key
Bench room past lift shortcut
Unlocks various locks

Map
Map Merchant in upper left cave
Essential for navigation

So go on, brave the sands, and show those desiccated husks who's boss. Happy hunting! ️

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Silksong's Hunter's March: A Guide to Pogo Jumps, Maps, and Not Rage-Quitting

Master Hunter's March in Hollow Knight: Silksong with essential pogo-jumping tips, combat strategies, and Shakra's map location.

Hunter's March in Hollow Knight: Silksong is the area that broke me. Not literally—my controller survived—but spiritually? Absolutely shattered. It's early in the game, yet it's packed with enemies that hit like a truck and a movement mechanic that feels like trying to pat your head and rub your belly while juggling chainsaws. And of course, you don't even have a map when you first stumble in. Because why would you? That would be too kind.

I spent my first hour here dying to the same red ants and missing the same pogo jumps. But after many, many trips back to the bench (and a few choice words at my screen), I finally cracked it. So here's everything I wish I'd known before setting foot in this nightmare garden.

Pogo Jumping: Your New Best Friend (and Worst Enemy)

See that withered orange fruit hanging over a bed of spikes? That's your first lesson. If you've played Hollow Knight, you might recognize the technique. If not, welcome to pogo jumping.

Here's the drill: find a safe platform. Imagine your thumbstick is a compass. Jump, and while Hornet is airborne, point the left stick either southwest or southeast, then press attack. She'll sail downward with her needle pointed out in a diagonal slash. Hit an orange bulb or fruit with that attack, and she'll bounce off with a little upward boost. Chain these together to cross wide gaps.

In Hunter's March, you'll need to pogo across multiple gaps and bulb clusters. My advice? Don't rush. If you're struggling, adjust your position in the air so you're directly diagonal from the bulb you want to bounce off. And mash that attack button faster than you think you need to.

The first gap is a warm-up. Then you'll face three bulbs, then a larger group that requires a diagonal ascent. I died here at least a dozen times. But eventually, you'll land on a platform with a patrolling red ant. Beat it—or push it into the spikes—then pogo right again. Jump over the bigger enemy, pogo over the distant bulb, and exit right.

Finding Shakra and the Hunter's March Map

After another set of pogo jumps, you'll enter a battle arena. And who joins you? None other than Shakra, the map merchant. She's a lifesaver, but first you have to survive multiple waves of enemies together. This fight is brutal. I got sent back to the bench more times than I care to admit. My strategy: focus on the aerial enemies first. Their projectiles are a nightmare when you're trying to dodge ground attacks. For the fifth and final wave, I just focused on dodging while Shakra did the damage.

Once you win, Shakra opens up shop right there. Buy the Hunter's March map for 70 Rosaries. Trust me, it's worth every single one.

All the Important Stuff in Hunter's March

Once you have the map, you can actually plan your suffering. Here's what's worth grabbing:

Location
What You'll Find
Tips

Bench
Respawn point
It's trapped! Break the left wall and flip the lever before sitting.

Bottom-right passage
Memory Locket
Adds an extra crest slot. Follow the vertical room's bottom-right exit to the end.

Above Memory Locket
Savage Beastfly
Defeat it for the Beast Crest.

Top-left chamber
Curveclaw tool + gauntlet fight
Another tough battle, but the tool is handy.

Top-right chamber
Gilly
Meet for story context.

Second passage down on left
Mottled Skarr
Merchant selling various tools.

The bench is tricky to reach without the glide or double jump ability. It's in the big vertical room on the east side of the map. Pogo up until you reach the third corridor down on the left. And remember: that bench is trapped. Break the wall to the left, flip the lever, then sit. Otherwise, you'll get a nasty surprise.

Other than the Memory Locket and the Beast Crest, most loot in Hunter's March is replaceable elsewhere. So don't tear your hair out trying to 100% this area. I learned that the hard way.

Final Thoughts (and a Warning)

Hunter's March is a gauntlet. It's early, it's mean, and it will test your patience. But with pogo practice and a map from Shakra, you can make it through. My biggest tip? Get the map first. Don't be a hero. I tried to explore blind and ended up in a spike pit more times than I can count.

Also, don't feel bad if you need to take a break. This area is notorious for a reason. But once you master the pogo and unlock that bench, you'll feel like a god. A very tired, slightly traumatized god. But a god nonetheless.

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Silksong's Perfect 100 Metacritic Debut: A Historic Gaming Moment

Hollow Knight: Silksong hit a perfect 100 on Metacritic, briefly becoming the highest-rated game ever. A historic indie Metroidvania debut.

In the annals of gaming history, few moments have sparked as much buzz as the debut of Hollow Knight: Silksong on Metacritic. When the long-awaited sequel finally launched on September 4, 2025, it didn't just meet expectations—it shattered them, at least initially. As of its first few reviews, Silksong achieved a perfect score of 100 on Metacritic, making it the highest-rated game of all time on the aggregator, dethroning the legendary The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, which sits at 99.

Now, in 2026, that perfect score may have settled as more reviews poured in, but the achievement remains a feather in Team Cherry's cap. It's not every day a game—especially an indie Metroidvania—shoots to the top of the charts. Let's dive into the details of this monumental debut and what it means for the gaming landscape.

The Perfect Score That Shook the Gaming World

At the time of its debut, Silksong had only four critic reviews on Metacritic, but that was enough to give it a flawless 100. While it's likely the score will drop as more reviews come in (and indeed, it may have by now), the fact that it ever reached 100 is a testament to its quality. For context, Ocarina of Time has long been considered untouchable with its 99, so Silksong briefly stood alone at the summit.

Game
Metacritic Critic Score
Year

Hollow Knight: Silksong
100 (at debut)
2025

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
99
1998

Other top-rated games
97-98
Various

But the critic score isn't the only story. The user score for Silksong stood at an impressive 8.7 based on 851 ratings, showing that fans were largely on board. Interestingly, the highest user score of all time belongs to another 2025 release, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. So both 2025 games made history in different ways. It's a banner year for gaming, folks!

A Six-Year Wait That Paid Off

Hollow Knight: Silksong was in active development since 2019, and Team Cherry's reason for the long delay was simple: they kept having fun adding more content. That dedication shows. The game has been praised for its smooth platforming, iconic challenge, and the beloved protagonist Hornet. However, the difficulty was a sticking point for some, leading to the game's first update that lowered the difficulty. That move sparked debate, but it also showed Team Cherry's willingness to listen to players.

The game's release was a bit of a surprise—the release date was only revealed two weeks prior, on September 4. That didn't stop it from becoming a smash hit. Despite some review bombing over its Chinese localization, Silksong has remained a critical and commercial darling.

The Dark Side: Review Bombing and Difficulty Debates

No launch is without its hiccups. Silksong faced a wave of review bombing over its Chinese localization, which some players felt was subpar. This led to a flurry of negative user reviews, but it didn't stop the game from achieving a high user score overall. Meanwhile, the game's difficulty was a hot-button issue. Many fans loved the challenge, but others found it too punishing. Team Cherry responded with an update that lowered the difficulty, a move that was both praised and criticized. It's a classic case of "you can't please everyone," but Team Cherry handled it with grace.

What Critics Are Saying

While we only have a handful of critic reviews to go on, the early consensus is overwhelmingly positive. Here's a quick rundown of what reviewers are praising:

• ️ Smooth platforming: The movement feels fluid and responsive.

• Iconic challenge: The game offers a tough but fair experience.

• Art and atmosphere: The world of Pharloom is stunning.

• Music and sound design: A hauntingly beautiful soundtrack.

And the criticisms? Mostly about the difficulty spike and the localization issues. But overall, it's a winner.

The Metacritic Milestone

Let's put this into perspective. Metacritic has been aggregating reviews since 1999, and in that time, only a handful of games have ever reached a 99 or above. Ocarina of Time has been the gold standard for decades. For Silksong to debut with a 100—even with only four reviews—is like hitting a grand slam in your first at-bat. It may not last, but it's a moment that will be remembered.

The Road Ahead

As we move further into 2026, the question is: will Silksong maintain its legacy? Even if its Metacritic score has dipped, the game's impact is undeniable. It's already one of the biggest talking points of the past year and will likely be remembered as a high-water mark for indie games. Team Cherry knocked it out of the park, and fans are eating it up.

In the end, a perfect 100 on Metacritic—even if fleeting—is the kind of achievement that makes headlines. It's a feather in the cap for Team Cherry and a reminder that indie games can go toe-to-toe with the big boys. So here's to Silksong: may its legacy continue to soar.

Final Thoughts

Whether you're a longtime fan of the original Hollow Knight or a newcomer, this game is worth checking out. It's a testament to what indie developers can achieve with passion and dedication. So if you haven't played it yet, what are you waiting for? Get on it!

If all this talk has you eager to dive into Pharloom yourself, or to finally catch up on the original Hollow Knight before you do, it's worth knowing that indie gems like this rarely stay at full price forever. Between seasonal sales, publisher bundles, and regional pricing quirks, the difference between paying sticker price and grabbing a bargain often comes down to knowing where to look at the right moment.

Sites like [PC game discounts]( exist for exactly that reason — tracking price drops across storefronts so you don't have to refresh a dozen pages every week. DealNest aggregates deals and keeps an eye on shifting prices, which makes it a handy bookmark whether you're hunting for a single title or building out a whole backlog of metroidvanias to work through.

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Elden Ring Nightreign Patch 1.02.4: A Player's Deep of Night Fix Report

Elden Ring Nightreign update 1.02.4 fixes co-op bugs in Deep of Night, from progress carryover to disconnect cascades.

As a longtime Elden Ring Nightreign player, I do not just skim patch notes—I test them. So when update 1.02.4 arrived across PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and Steam, I gathered my co-op crew and went straight back into the Deep of Night. What I found was not a flashy content drop, but something arguably more important for a multiplayer-focused experience: a repair job aimed at the bugs that quietly ruin runs. In 2026, when players expect fast, meaningful fixes, this patch feels like a direct answer to the co-op community's most persistent complaints.

The Headline Fixes

Patch 1.02.4 targets several specific issues, and each one matters more than it might first appear. Here is what the update addresses:

• Deep of Night progress carryover: Fixed a bug where progress from a disconnected Expedition in the Deep of Night mode—if no victory or defeat was reached—could sometimes carry over into the next expedition and be reflected in the subsequent session's results. As someone who has lost connection mid-run, I can confirm this was maddening. A clean slate matters.

• Expedition launch status: Fixed a bug where the 'launched an Expedition into The Deep of Night' status was not correctly applied to some party members when launching a multiplayer Expedition in the Deep of Night mode. If you have ever wondered whether your friends were actually flagged as ready, this one is for you.

• Relic display mismatch in multiplayer: Fixed a bug where Relics shown on the status menu for other players did not always match what they had equipped when starting an Expedition. This matters because builds are built around Relics, and a mismatched menu can lead to bad tactical calls.

• Dormant Power Helps Discover XXX: Fixed a bug in multiplayer where the 'Dormant Power Helps Discover XXX' Relic Effect was not triggering when equipped, or would trigger even when the player did not have the relevant Relic equipped. Yes, that could make exploration feel inconsistent and unfair.

• Disconnect cascade: Fixed a bug in multiplayer where enemies would stop spawning, Graces could not be interacted with, and other session-breaking issues occurred if a player disconnected. Have you ever watched a Grace refuse your input while the map went silent? I have, and it is the opposite of fun.

Version Numbers and Platform Notes

The title screen version after this update is simple to verify. The lower right corner should show:

Version type
Number

App Ver.
1.02.4

Regulation Ver.
1.02.4

On PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X and S versions, Regulation files can be downloaded by logging in to the server. If the Regulation Ver. listed in the lower right corner of the title screen is not 1.02, select LOGIN and apply the latest regulation before enjoying the game. Online play requires the player to apply this update. After downloading the update file, restart the game and apply the update. These steps are not optional if you want to join friends in 2026.

My Field Test After 1.02.4

After downloading the update, I restarted the game as instructed and checked the lower right corner of the title screen. The version read App Ver. 1.02.4 and Regulation Ver. 1.02.4. If yours does not, stop and fix it before you queue. There is nothing worse than loading into a Deep of Night run only to discover that your client is out of sync.

During my first post-patch run, I deliberately recreated some of the old failure states. I joined a friend who had been disconnected during a Deep of Night expedition. Previously, that ghost progress could haunt the next run. This time, the session started clean. I also checked party member Relics in the status menu. The icons matched their equipped gear. That is a small UI fix on paper, but in practice it is huge for coordinated builds. How many runs have been lost because a teammate's displayed Relic made you expect a buff that was not there? Too many.

Then we tested the 'Dormant Power Helps Discover XXX' Relic Effect. In the old version, it could trigger without the relic or fail when equipped. Now it behaved consistently. Is that the kind of fix that makes headlines? No. But it is the kind of fix that makes a 40-minute expedition feel fair.

Finally, we simulated a disconnect. In the past, the session could fall apart: enemies stopped spawning, Graces became inert, and the run was effectively dead. After 1.02.4, the remaining players could continue. I will not pretend every edge case is gone forever, but the improvement is obvious. For a mode that depends on teamwork, this is the most valuable change in the patch.

Why This Patch Matters in 2026

In 2026, multiplayer games live or die by their patch cadence. Elden Ring Nightreign is no different. Players invest time, build synergy, and plan routes through the Deep of Night. When a disconnect can erase that investment—or when a Relic effect lies to the entire party—trust erodes. Patch 1.02.4 does not add new bosses or weapons, but it rebuilds trust in the systems that support every expedition.

What should players do now? Download the update, restart the game, log in to the server, and confirm Regulation Ver. 1.02.4 on the title screen. Then gather your party and test the fixes yourself. If you are on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and S, or Steam, the update is waiting. Online play requires it, so there is no reason to delay.

Further updates will be distributed in the future so players can continue to enjoy ELDEN RING NIGHTREIGN more comfortably. As a player, I am glad to see this level of attention. The Deep of Night is already punishing enough. It should be the enemies that defeat us, not the bugs. After 1.02.4, I can finally say that feels true more often than not. I will keep testing, keep exploring, and keep hoping the next patch is just as focused.

That same logic applies when you are thinking about how you spend money on games. A patch can rebuild trust in a live service, but it cannot rebuild a bad purchase. If you are still deciding whether to jump into Nightreign, or you are waiting on the Shadow of the Erdtree-style DLC roadmap before committing, it helps to know what the game has actually been selling for across PS5, Xbox, and Steam rather than trusting a single storefront's "sale" banner. I have been using [this price tracking tool]( to watch how prices move between storefronts, and the difference in timing can be genuinely surprising—a discount that looks permanent on one platform often gets undercut somewhere else a week later.

For a title like Nightreign, where the value proposition depends on how long the developer keeps patching and how many of your friends stay active, price history is worth more than a launch-day discount. Check where the game sits today, set an alert for the platform you actually play on, and let the numbers decide when it is worth adding another expedition to your rotation.

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Hollow Knight: Silksong: The Underworks Guide to Not Getting Steam-Cooked

Hollow Knight: Silksong Underworks guide: survive steam, spikes, and enemies while finding hidden tools, maps, and secrets.

Hollow Knight: Silksong: The Underworks Guide to Not Getting Steam-Cooked

As of 2026, the Underworks remains one of Hollow Knight: Silksong's most charmingly hostile detours. After the Last Judge finally stops being a nightmare and the Grand Gate swings open, the game whispers sweet promises about the Citadel. Then the elevator coughs, dies, and drops the player into a dark industrial basement. The Underworks is less a zone and more a grumpy landlord with a pipe wrench, and it has three main visits' worth of secrets, spikes, and steam-powered bad manners. Here is how to survive all of them without losing one's mind, or at least not all of it.

Visit One: Down the Chute, Up to Choral Chamber

From the landing spot after the elevator betrayal, the player can pay 15 Rosaries for a bench. It is technically an option, but the way down from the Grand Gate is blocked, so the bench is about as useful as a chocolate teapot. Death will respawn them nearby anyway. Save the coin.

Instead, head down first. Avoid alerting enemies while dropping into a small spike corridor on the right. Carefully navigate it to grab the Delver's Drill Tool. Then climb back up, deal with the Underpoke enemies, and rise until a lever lowers a hanging platform. On the left, a signposted area hides a Bone Scroll through a hidden pathway. While in that room, also pick up the Map of the Underworks.

Back out and to the right, the enclosed Underworks begin in earnest. Mechanical spiky contraptions demand speed and dashing. Move fast, dash often, and do not let the moving spiky squares get too familiar. After that, the player can go left into a room with an Undercrank and reveal a hidden Shard Bundle, or continue right to a crossroads marked by a spiky square moving in an upside-down L shape.

Going up here leads to a hidden path and an NPC named Loam, who powers all of the Underworks. He is not useful yet, but it is genuinely cool to see how the sausage is made. Otherwise, head right and ignore him. Then ascend through various Underwork enemies until a sign on the left points to a bench. It costs 25 Rosaries, so bring cash. Before leaving, check the left wall for secret passageways; a Memory Locket is very close by.

Continue left and carefully navigate platforms while avoiding spikes and hot steam. Then prepare for an enemy wave. First comes an Undercrank, then an Underpoke, then another group of the same variety. The trick is to kill the flying enemy first, then keep the larger enemy at arm's length and chip away. This opens the way to the top of the starting area. Drop to the bridge below and activate the switch to open a shortcut linking the start and the current location. Ascend again and take the highest exit on the right.

What follows is a maze of dark corridors filled with Drapeflies and Drapemites. Keep heading up until a switch opens a latch to the Choral Chambers. That ends the first spell in the Underworks. Good grief, but it is only the beginning.

Visit Two: The Cauldron and the Clawline

After Choral Chambers and Whiteward, the player eventually returns to the Underworks on the other side of the barrier leading to the Cauldron. Head left, rest at the nearby bench, then go left and down into the Cauldron. There is an option to head back and use the shortcut, but progression wants an updraft and a glide upward.

From there, descend slowly. The best approach is to glide and pogo on enemies as they appear, because trying to dodge everything can lead to being overwhelmed. At the bottom, go left through a room of exploding enemies for a chance to collect one of the Lost Fleas. Before heading right into the lava waterfall section, head up and left into an arena battle.

The arena throws the following at the player:

Wave
Enemies

1
1x Underworker, 1x Underloft

2
1x Underworker, 1x Underloft, 1x Undersweep

3
1x Underloft, 1x Undercrank

4
1x Undercrank (breaks floor and dies)

5
1x Underloft, 1x Underpoke

This fight is brutally difficult. Platforms are limited, some cannot be stood on for long, and enemies swarm like they are paid overtime. Survive, and the reward is a Spool Fragment and a shortcut.

After the arena, head back out and right, past the exploding enemy and through a long hall filled with lava. This leads to a tricky platforming section with temporary platforms, ceiling lava, exploding enemies, and hot coals that cannot be stood on for too long. The key is to hop on the coals as the safest platform, then time dashes through the breaks in the lava.

Head back and up afterward to acquire the Clawline, a grappling hook power that is extremely useful. The room then alters, and the player must use the new Clawline to ascend out, closing the Cauldron loop and spitting them out near the initial bench of this portion.

Before checking out, use the bench, then grapple up above to access the Twelfth Architect, a merchant who sells helpful gear, including the Architect's Key and various great tools. Left of the Architect is a spiky area with Underpoke enemies. Glide deep into it to uncover another Spool Fragment.

Visit Three: Trobbio's Stage and the Grand Bellway Shortcut

The final round of new Underworks exploration likely comes after defeating Trobbio. Exit stage left and head through the Whispering Vaults, which links back to the Underworks. With the Clawline in hand, the player can explore this area fully, unlocking new shortcuts to the Grand Bellway and earning a Memory Locket in the bargain.

This route eventually links the Underworks with the Exhaust Organ, though sadly not from this side. And with that, the Underworks has offered up nearly everything it has. Congratulations are in order, along with a long bath and perhaps a quiet scream.

Quick Underworks Checklist

Item or Shortcut
Where to Find It
Notes

Delver's Drill Tool
First visit, lower spike corridor
Drop down before heading up

Bone Scroll
First visit, hidden path in left signposted room
Also grab the map

Map of the Underworks
Same room as Bone Scroll
Very helpful for the maze

Memory Locket
First visit, secret left wall near 25-Rosary bench
Check walls before leaving

Shard Bundle
First visit, Undercrank room on the left
Optional but tasty

Lost Flea
Cauldron bottom left, exploding enemy room
Bring patience

Spool Fragment
Cauldron arena reward
Hard fight, good prize

Clawline
Cauldron upper area
Grappling hook, changes traversal

Twelfth Architect
Above Cauldron bench via Clawline
Sells Architect's Key and tools

Spool Fragment
Left of Twelfth Architect, deep spiky glide area
Do not rush the glide

Grand Bellway shortcut
Third visit after Trobbio
Also yields a Memory Locket

So there it is: three visits, one grumpy industrial basement, and a whole lot of spikes with personal vendettas. The Underworks does not want to be loved. It wants to be survived, mapped, looted, and then left behind with a nervous laugh. In 2026, that advice still holds beautifully.

Surviving a place like the Underworks tends to leave a certain itch behind — the urge to see what else is out there, especially when the next area is one you haven't mapped yet. That curiosity is half the fun of the genre, and it's also why so many players end up hunting for a good bargain before committing to their next big adventure. If you're looking to expand your library without draining your wallet, checking [game deals today]( is a smart habit to build, since DealNest keeps a rotating roundup of discounts and offers across a wide range of titles.

Whether you're chasing another labyrinthine metroidvania or something completely different to decompress with after all those spikes, it helps to know where the savings are before you hit the checkout. DealNest is built for exactly that kind of browsing, so the next time you're between journeys, it's worth a look.

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Hollow Knight: Silksong - My Missing Brother Wish and Finding Pill Guide

Hollow Knight: Silksong guide: unlock My Missing Brother, find Pill in Sinner's Road, and earn rewards.

At first glance, Hollow Knight: Silksong might seem like a compact adventure that could be completed in a few short hours. However, as one progresses, the true scale of the map and the brutality of combat become unmistakably clear. The game doesn't merely offer a main path; it lures players into a labyrinth of secret biomes and side routes. Among these hidden gems is the "My Missing Brother" wish, which sends the player on a quest to find Pill, a character lost in the treacherous Sinner's Road. This guide will detail how to unlock this wish and navigate the perilous journey to find Pill, ensuring that no stone is left unturned.

️ How to Get the Missing Brother Wish

The "My Missing Brother" wish appears on the wish board in Bellhart, but it's not immediately available. First, the player must complete the "Missing Courier" wish, which unlocks Tipp and brings this NPC to the civilization. After finishing that wish, one should return to Bellhart after a short while. There, Tipp will offer the "My Missing Brother" wish. Once accepted, the wish's description reveals that Pill was last seen in Greymoor, though his actual location is far beyond.

🧭 How to Find Pill

To find Pill, the player must first unlock the Sinner's Road biome. If it's not yet accessible, start by teleporting to the Greymoor bellway and follow these directions:

• Exit the bellway and head left until a loading screen appears.

• Climb straight up past a wheel with rotating spikes.

• Look for a path on the right above and follow it.

• Continue right into the area with the elevator sign.

• Unlock the elevator by standing on the pressure plate. This allows direct travel from Halfway Home later.

• Move right and downward strike a giant air bag to reach higher ground.

• Climb up a bit more and spot the Sinner's Road entrance to the right.

From the Sinner's Road entrance, head right until merchant wares are visible atop a cage. Here, the player must battle a swarm of roaches and other enemies. Track the wares to the right, then slightly up through a narrow path, and right again. In this area, jump over another cage in the water and spot more merchant wares. Use downward strikes on two circular spikes to the right to ascend. Past that, defeat the rat in the cage, climb up, and continue using spikes to go higher. Soon, enemies will surround a hidden snail. After defeating them, Pill emerges. Talk to him to complete the wish.

Rewards and Aftermath

Completing the "My Missing Brother" wish rewards the player with Rosaries and other items. Afterwards, the two courier brothers can be found in Bellhart, offering delivery wishes for extra Rosaries. Honestly, the game doesn't hold a player's hand—every step is earned. To put it mildly, the journey is no cakewalk, but the satisfaction of reuniting the brothers is well worth it.

Step-by-Step Summary

Step
Action

1
Complete "Missing Courier" wish

2
Return to Bellhart and accept "My Missing Brother" from Tipp

3
Teleport to Greymoor bellway, head left through loading screen

4
Climb up past spiked wheel, take right path

5
Unlock elevator with pressure plate

6
Downward strike air bag, climb to Sinner's Road entrance

7
Follow merchant wares, battle enemies

8
Use downward strikes on spikes, defeat rat, climb cage

9
Defeat enemies around hidden snail, talk to Pill

Believe it or not, the path is riddled with surprises, and the Sinner's Road biome seems to whisper secrets to those who dare. The map stretches out like a living labyrinth, inviting players to test their mettle. The game itself seems to chuckle at the player's struggles, yet it never fails to reward perseverance. So, gear up, and may the journey be ever in the player's favor... well, as much as Silksong allows.

For players who find themselves drawn to challenging metroidvanias like Silksong, the genre itself offers a deep well of similarly demanding titles worth exploring once the journey through Pharloom wraps up. Whether it's revisiting genre classics or discovering newer releases that scratch the same itch, building a small backlog of challenging adventures can keep that sense of hard-earned progression alive between major releases.

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Lamine Yamal Nasraoui Ebana: FC 27 Card Guide

Get Lamine Yamal Nasraoui Ebana's elite FC 27 card by buying cheap FC 27 Coins safely on LootBar.

Introduction About Lamine Yamal Nasraoui Ebana

Lamine Yamal Nasraoui Ebana is a footballer who makes the right wing his stage. With a left foot that can curl, strike, and slide passes into dangerous areas, he turns isolated duels into opportunities and gives his team a constant outlet on the flank. Even at a young age, he plays with a composure that suggests he belongs among senior professionals.

A product of Barcelona’s youth system, he rose through La Masia before establishing himself in the first team. As a right winger, his strengths are easy to see: nimble footwork, acceleration, vision, and the confidence to take on defenders. He can hug the touchline, cut inside to shoot, or deliver an early cross, making him difficult for opponents to predict and contain.

For Spain, he has already contributed on major stages, bringing energy and invention to the attack. Whether for club or country, his best work comes from the right, where he stretches defenses and creates moments of brilliance. Lamine Yamal Nasraoui Ebana is therefore not just a promising talent but a genuinely effective right-wing player, one whose future appears exceptionally bright.

Lamine Yamal Nasraoui Ebana's card

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How to Obtain Lamine Yamal Nasraoui Ebana's Player Card

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Salma Celeste Paralluelo Ayingono: FC 27 Card

Salma Celeste Paralluelo Ayingono’s FC 27 card delivers elite pace and flair, while smart FC 27 Coins methods help secure this game-changing winger.

Introduction About Salma Celeste Paralluelo Ayingono

Salma Celeste Paralluelo Ayingono is a Spanish footballer born on November 13, 2003, in Zaragoza, Spain. Playing for FC Barcelona’s women’s team, she has established herself as one of the most exciting left-wing talents in the modern game. Her pace, direct running, technical ability, and attacking instinct make her a constant threat down the left side.

Paralluelo has already enjoyed remarkable success at both youth and senior international level. She helped Spain win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup and the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup before contributing to the senior national team’s historic Women’s World Cup triumph on August 20, 2023. Her ability to deliver in major tournaments reflects her confidence, maturity, and quality on the biggest stage.

At club level, she continued to add important trophies with Barcelona, winning the Copa de la Reina in May 2024 and the 2023–24 UEFA Women’s Champions League later that month. In recognition of her outstanding performances, she finished third in the 2024 Women’s Ballon d’Or voting and was named in the FIFA Women’s World Best XI in December 2024.

Salma Celeste Paralluelo Ayingono's card

Salma Celeste Paralluelo Ayingono’s 87-rated Left Wing card is built to make a decisive impact in attack, boasting outstanding 93 pace alongside 84 shooting, 79 passing, 85 dribbling, 46 defending, and 78 physicality. As a rapid and technically gifted winger, she can burst beyond full-backs, carry the ball into dangerous areas, and create immediate pressure on the opposition’s defensive line. Her combination of explosive speed, agile dribbling, and reliable finishing makes her an excellent option for tearing open wide spaces, cutting inside to threaten goal, and seizing key scoring opportunities to help secure the result.

How to Obtain Salma Celeste Paralluelo Ayingono's Player Card

To obtain Salma Celeste Paralluelo Ayingono's card in FC 27, there are several methods, each with its own drawbacks. First, you can purchase card packs and try your luck, but the chances of getting the card are relatively low and uncertain, so this method can waste coins without any guarantee. Second, you can complete SBC (Squad Building Challenges) tasks, which may reward you with her card, although this approach requires submitting squads that meet specific requirements and may cost time, coins, or valuable players before you receive the reward. Third, you can directly purchase the card from the transfer market, where the current market price is set at around 0.26 million FC 27 Coins, making it a reliable but quite expensive option. In short, you can try pack luck, grind SBCs, or pay the market price, but each route involves either uncertainty, effort and squad costs, or a high coin cost.

Fastest Ways to Earn FC 27 Coins

Selling player cards, completing weekly objectives, and grinding game modes are the usual ways to earn [fifa coins]( but they can be slow and heavily dependent on your skill, pack luck, and available playtime. If you are saving up for a high-value card such as Salma Celeste Paralluelo Ayingono, collecting enough fc coins through these methods may take far longer than expected.

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Silksong Key of Apostate: My Painful Journey to Find and Use It

Find the Key of Apostate in Hollow Knight Silksong's Putrified Ducts using Clawline and Double Jump, then beat Groal.

Alright, fellow masochists—I mean, Silksong players. If you're stuck in The Slab, staring at locked doors like a raccoon trying to open a jar of pickles, you need the Key of Apostate. And let me tell you, getting this key is like trying to find a specific grain of sand on a beach while seagulls dive-bomb your head. But I did it, and I'm here to spare you some of the agony.

First, the key isn't even in The Slab. It's in Putrified Ducts. Of course it is. Because why make things simple? You'll need Clawline and Double Jump. No exceptions. If you don't have those, go get them. I'll wait. ️

Where to Find the Key of Apostate

There are two routes to Putrified Ducts. I tried both. One made me question my life choices; the other made me question the developers' childhoods.

Route
Starting Point
What You Need
Vibe

Upper
Memorium
Find a secret opening in the ceiling, climb, break a rock
Like sneaking into a VIP lounge through a vent

Lower
Bilewater
Defeat a boss
Like paying full price for a movie then realizing you left your wallet at home

I took the upper route first. From the top of Putrified Ducts (accessed from Memorium), I had to find a secret opening in the ceiling. Pro tip: it's in one of the rooms, and you'll need to walk to the end of Memorium, climb a wall, and destroy a breakable rock. Easy, right? No. It's like trying to find a light switch in a dark room while wearing mittens.

Once inside Putrified Ducts, the real fun begins. Start from the Bellway and climb up using Double Jump. You'll eventually reach Shakra's location. Use the vertical platforms as shields from enemy ranged attacks. I felt like a turtle hiding in its shell, except the shell was a floating platform and the turtle was a bug with a needle.

Then you Clawline your way across, cling to walls, and jump higher. There are green bulbs—use them. They're like nature's grappling hooks. Platform your way up, avoid spikes, shoot enemies with Clawline, and eventually you'll reach a room with temporary platforms over water. Don't fall. I fell. Twice. The water is not a jacuzzi.

After more climbing, Double Jumps, and Clawline shenanigans, you'll reach a boss fight. Prepare yourself. You'll first fight flying enemies that shoot from afar. Use Clawline to reach them and deal damage. Then Groal appears. He dives into the water and jumps up high, plunges, and shoots multiple projectiles. It's like fighting a caffeinated dolphin with a grudge. Once you win, go left, cut a rope to create a shortcut, and jump up to Putrified Ducts. Use the platform to go higher, enter a left tunnel, and beware of a big enemy in the dark. Deal with it or sneak past, jump to the left platform, destroy the glowing object, and claim the Key of Apostate. You can also start the Broodfeast quest here.

Where to Use the Key of Apostate

Now you have the key. Congratulations! You're still not done. The key can be used on two locks in The Slab. One unlocks a new area; the other reveals a puzzle.

First Lock: Enter The Slab Without Being Kidnapped

From The Slab Bellway, go up and turn right. Go through the door, go up to open a shortcut, then slide down. Proceed right into a room with lore tablets. Look up and combine Double Jump and Clawline to climb a tunnel. Enter the door at the end, keep going left until you see the Heretic Lock. Use the key. Now you can roam freely and gather the remaining keys. No more kidnapping. That's a win in my book.

Second Lock: The Puzzle

From the Heretic Lock, head up to find a bench sign. Continue climbing to the top to reach the second lock. Inside, there's a puzzle. Solve it to get a mask shard. Here's how:

• Press the button four times to spawn four wheels.

• Double Jump onto the platform above.

• Wait for a wheel to come closer, then use it to jump higher and cling to the left wall.

• Climb higher to easily jump on the two wheels and cling to the right wall.

• Wait for one wheel to approach the ledge, then jump on it to reach the platform.

• Grab the mask shard.

And that's it. You've done it. You've beaten the game's attempt to make you pull your hair out. I celebrated by eating a whole pizza and questioning why I play games like this. But hey, that mask shard is worth it. Probably.

So there you go. The Key of Apostate, found and used. May your Clawline always latch and your Double Jumps always land. ️

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Elden Ring Nightreign Patch 1.02.2: A Nightfarer's Rebirth

Elden Ring Nightreign patch 1.02.2 delivers impactful balance changes to weapons, skills, and Nightfarers. Sharper combat reshapes every run.

The flickering light of the Site of Grace cast long shadows across the crumbling stone as Aldric, a veteran Nightfarer, materialized into the realm. It was 2026, and the Lands Between had shifted once more. The familiar weight of his greatsword felt different—lighter, yet more responsive. He had heard whispers of a new patch, App Ver. 1.02.2, and now, standing at the edge of the Spirit Shelter, he could feel its effects in his very bones. The air hummed with subtle changes, and Aldric knew that this night would be unlike any other.

A New Balance of Steel and Sorcery

Aldric's first test came against a pair of guarding soldiers. He activated Claw Shot, and the poise he maintained while casting was noticeably improved—he no longer flinched when a spear thrust came his way. The stamina damage dealt to blocking enemies had increased, too, making short work of their shields. He grinned. The patch notes had promised this, but experiencing it was another matter.

He sheathed his greatsword and switched to a pair of daggers, curious about the changes. The attack power of some dagger attacks had been increased, and he felt the difference in every quick slash. However, when he tried the two-handed dagger's second heavy attack, the damage was lower than before—though charged attacks remained unaffected. It was a trade-off, one that forced him to adapt his combos. The halberd's guard counters, on the other hand, hit with a satisfying crunch, their attack power boosted.

A nearby Revenant summoned spirits to aid him, and Aldric noticed the transparency adjustment immediately. The ghostly figures of Helen and Frederick were now easier to see through, allowing him to track enemies without obstruction. He could even pass through them, a small but welcome quality-of-life change.

Change
Effect
Emoji

Claw Shot poise
Increased while casting
️

Claw Shot stamina damage
Increased vs. blocking foes

Strength/Dexterity gain
Increased per level

Steel Guard passive
Wider angle range

Wings of Salvation
Increased weapon range
️

Halberd guard counters
Increased attack power
️

Dagger attacks
Some increased, two-handed heavy nerfed
️

Finale Ultimate Art
Longer duration

Greataxe/Great Hammer
Better stagger

Retaliation skill
Longer range

Character-Specific Tweaks

As the night deepened, Aldric encountered other Nightfarers, each benefiting from the patch in their own way. A Wylder demonstrated his fiery follow-ups—now consuming stamina, but the burn effect from his Art activation spread fire with increased attack power. The Ironeye's weak point duration extension was longer, and the Recluse's Ultimate Art raised Max HP in a way that persisted even after the art ended, until she took a hit. That was a game-changer for survivability.

The Executor's Cursed Sword now dealt more attack power, and its weapon skill in the unleashed state hit harder. Aldric watched as the Executor landed critical hits that had previously been impossible while holding a right-hand weapon that couldn't crit. A bug fix, but a powerful one. The Duchess's backstep pre-inputs were fixed, making her skill commands flow more smoothly.

Boss Encounters and Nightfarer Foes

The patch had also reshaped the challenges. When Aldric faced Animus, Ascendant Light, he noticed the boss's attack actions had been adjusted, and the stagger duration when Nightfarers were hit by some attacks was reduced. The condemned Nightfarers summoned during the fight could now be dispelled by Law of Regression, and their death status resistance was lowered. The light dropped by defeated condemned Nightfarers granted a stronger enhancement. It felt like a fairer fight, though the boss still hit like a truck.

Fulghor, Champion of Nightglow, now had increased HP and stamina attack power against guarding Nightfarers, and some of his attacks were stronger. But the Red Wolf of the King Consort finally reacted with a stagger when hit by strong attacks like Ultimate Arts—a satisfying change for those who relied on heavy hits. The Marionette Soldiers' attacks were less likely to miss, fixing a frustrating bug.

The Night's Tide damage after defeating the second night boss was increased, making the final stretch more perilous. Sentient Pest incursions now spawned closer to players, reducing the downtime of chasing them across the map.

Quality of Life and Bug Fixes

Beyond combat, the patch addressed numerous annoyances. The Holy attribute icon had a new design, and the penalty for session disconnection was adjusted. Aldric remembered the days when a sudden disconnect meant losing everything—now it was less punishing. The visibility of Rykard's Rancor sorcery was improved, making it easier to track.

A long list of bug fixes brought relief: Guardian's Wings of Salvation could no longer be interrupted or deflected, Duchess's backstep pre-inputs worked, Revenant's spirits revived properly, and Executor's Cursed Sword could land critical hits. The Relic Effect 'HP Restoration upon Thrusting Counterattack' now applied to the Cursed Sword. The 'Improved Charged Sorceries' passive finally affected Shattering Crystal. Even the False Blessing level-down bug during the Everdark Sovereign Equilibrious Beast fight was fixed.

'This addresses issues that were not fully resolved in App Ver. 1.02,' the patch notes read. Aldric nodded. It was about time.

One fix stood out: the player could no longer perform unintentional moves when using the Spectral Hawk. Aldric had lost count of how many times he had plummeted to his death because of that. Now, he could soar with confidence.

The Night Continues

As the first light of dawn crept over the horizon, Aldric sheathed his weapons and returned to the Spirit Shelter. The patch had not just tweaked numbers—it had reshaped the rhythm of combat. The increased Strength and Dexterity gain per level made him feel more powerful with each rune. The capped cumulative effects of Power of Vengeance and Power of House Marais prevented runaway scaling. The adjusted spawn locations of Sentient Pests saved precious time.

He checked the title screen. App Ver. 1.02.2 and Regulation Ver 1.02.2 were displayed in the lower right corner. For online play, he knew he had to apply the latest regulation. He logged in, applied the update, and restarted the game. The future promised further updates, and Aldric was ready. The Lands Between were ever-changing, but for now, the night felt a little more balanced—and a lot more fun. ️

Note: This article is based on the official patch notes for ELDEN RING NIGHTREIGN App Ver. 1.02.2. The game continues to evolve, and players are encouraged to log in and apply the latest regulation for the best experience.

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Why Shakra Outshines Cornifer in Hollow Knight: Silksong

Hollow Knight: Silksong's Shakra improves on Cornifer as a one-stop map merchant and ally.

As someone who played the original Hollow Knight at launch and has logged countless hours since, I've always regarded it as the pinnacle of the Metroidvania genre. Its charm, tight design, and exploration were unmatched. So when Hollow Knight: Silksong finally arrived, I was both excited and apprehensive. Could a sequel improve on near-perfection? After spending dozens of hours in Pharloom, I can say it does—and one of the most surprising improvements comes from a character who replaces one of Hollow Knight's greatest icons: Cornifer the cartographer.

In Hollow Knight, Cornifer was pure comic relief. His timid, naive enthusiasm contrasted sharply with the Knight's silent resolve. I still remember the relief of hearing his humming in Deepnest, a soothing presence in a terrifying area. He was lovable, yes, but his role was limited: he sold only the map of the area you were in, and map markers were sold separately by his wife Iselda in Dirtmouth. This meant unnecessary backtracking in a game already full of it. Cornifer was a map dispenser, not a merchant.

Shakra, his replacement in Silksong, is a different beast entirely. She is a formidable, solemn warrior who believes cartography is a way to hone her spirit. Our rapport with her evolves throughout the game, and she feels like a true ally rather than a quirky NPC. She trades Cornifer's paper scraps for metal chakrams, a clear signal of Pharloom's alien danger. More importantly, she is a one-stop shop: she sells maps, map markers, and other helpful items. She effectively combines Cornifer and Iselda into one convenient, dynamic character. She even assists Hornet in specific battles, deepening their connection and endearing herself to me through sheer practicality.

I recall my first encounter with Shakra in Deep Docks. I was low on health, lost, and frustrated. Her stoic demeanor and the soft clink of her chakrams were oddly comforting. When she later joined me in a fight, I felt a surge of gratitude. This is what Silksong does so well: it takes familiar systems and reinvents them with deeper narrative and mechanical integration.

To illustrate the differences, here's a quick comparison:

Aspect
Cornifer (Hollow Knight)
Shakra (Silksong)

Personality
Timid, comic relief
Solemn, warrior-spiritual

Role
Map seller only
Full-service merchant (maps, markers, items)

Combat
None
Assists in specific battles

Story
Light, humorous
Evolving rapport with Hornet

Convenience
Requires backtracking to Iselda
One-stop shop

This table makes it clear: Shakra is not just a replacement; she's an upgrade. She fits Pharloom's dangerous, alien nature perfectly, and her presence feels organic rather than forced. Cornifer will always have a place in my heart, but Shakra has earned my respect.

In 2026, as I look back on my time with Silksong, I appreciate how Team Cherry wasn't afraid to change a beloved formula. Shakra embodies that boldness. She's a warrior, a cartographer, and a companion—all in one. If you're still hesitant about Silksong's changes, let me assure you: Shakra is a worthy successor, and perhaps even better than the original. ️️

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Deep of Night in 2026: My Brutal Return to the Nightlord Grind

Deep of Night challenges Nightlord veterans with brutal enemies, shifting depths, risky relics, and a punishing rating system.

Okay, let me be honest with you. I thought I had seen everything the night could throw at me. I had beaten Night Aspect, I had farmed my share of relics, and I had started to feel... comfortable. That was my first mistake. Deep of Night does not reward comfort. It smells it, grins, and turns the lights off.

Deep of Night is a high-difficulty challenge mode designed for seasoned players who have navigated through the night many times. It first began on Thursday, September 11th, at 18:30 PDT (9/10), 3:30 CEST, and 10:30 JST. As of 2026, it remains one of the most punishing online experiences I keep coming back to. The mode is not a side activity. It is a full-body test of patience, build knowledge, and emotional control. The night knows your habits. It knows you will panic when the terrain shifts, and it knows you will greed for one more hit. That is why I love it and hate it in equal measure.

Here is the deal. In Deep of Night, the enemies that appear are stronger than usual. You cannot specify the target Nightlord. Ongoing terrain changes are not reflected. Special items such as Depths Relics exclusive to Deep of Night and weapons with multiple additional effects but with detrimental effects will appear. The difficulty increases according to the depth. Your rating will fluctuate based on wins and losses, and that rating affects your depth. So every expedition is not just a fight. It is a gamble with your progress.

To play Deep of Night mode, you must have defeated the Nightlord named Night Aspect. That is the gate. If you have not put that monster down, the mode will not open for you. It is also online mode exclusive content. If you started in offline mode, select LOGIN from the title menu to connect to the online servers. In online mode, you can commence expeditions with between 1 to 3 players. You can also commence expeditions with your friends using your platform's invite system or using Multiplayer Passwords. In multiplayer mode, players of similar depth level will generally be matched. That last part matters more than it sounds. You cannot easily drag a fresh friend into depth 5 and expect a happy ending.

Now, the rating system. In Deep of Night mode, successfully defeating Nightlord targets will increase your rating while failures will decrease it. The amount by which your rating decreases upon failure varies depending on the progress of the session. Rating changes are the same for both single and multiplayer modes. If you disconnect or quit the game during a multiplayer session, you will incur a penalty and your rating will decrease. Returning to the session immediately after disconnecting will remove any penalties incurred at the time of disconnect, and the rating at the time of disconnect will not be recorded. Trust me, I learned that the hard way. One bad router moment can undo an hour of careful play if you do not jump back in fast.

Depth
What I feel
What it demands

1-3
Tense, but fair
Learn enemy patterns, respect terrain, stop rushing

4-5
Endless battle
Perfect builds, team synergy, nerves of steel

Failure
A punch to the rating
Come back fast, or the penalty sticks

Honestly? The Depths Relics are the most interesting part for me. They are exclusive to Deep of Night, and they can bend a run in strange directions. The weapons with multiple additional effects but detrimental effects are a trap and a toy at the same time. I have used a weapon that made my damage absurd but drained my stamina like it was drinking through a straw. I have also watched a teammate turn a bad modifier into a clutch victory. That is the beauty of this mode. It forces you to adapt, not just execute.

Here is my personal checklist for anyone trying to surpass depth 3:

• Do not chase rating. Chase survival. Rating follows survival, not the other way around.

• Treat Depths Relics as tools, not trophies. If a relic does not fit your plan, leave it.

• Test detrimental weapons in low-pressure fights before you bet a deep run on them.

• In multiplayer, communicate the moment terrain or objectives look weird. Ongoing terrain changes are not reflected, so your memory can betray you.

• If you disconnect, return immediately. The penalty removal window is not a suggestion.

• Remember that players of similar depth level will generally be matched. Use that to learn from people who are stuck at the same wall.

• Depth 3 is the first real test. Depth 4 to 5 is where the mode stops pretending to be fair.

I know some people will read this and think, that sounds miserable. And yeah, it can be. But the moment you finally drop a Nightlord target after a brutal session, the rating climbs, and the depth opens a little wider, the misery turns into something else. It becomes proof. Proof that you did not just get lucky. Proof that you learned the night's language.

Deep of Night is a gripping high-difficulty mode, an arduous adventure. Challenge yourself in your own playstyle to surpass depth 3. Depths 4 to 5 will present an endless battle for those seeking even greater thrills. So sharpen your build, pick your partners carefully, and do not let the darkness rush you. The night is patient. Be patient back.

One thing that surprised me after my first real push past depth 3 was how much the rest of my setup started to matter outside the match itself. I used to treat gear and builds as a purely in-game decision, but when a run depends on synergy and the right relic combinations, the argument for planning your loadout before you even queue gets stronger. That is where something like [check game prices]( on DealNest becomes genuinely useful — it is a straightforward way to see what different titles and editions actually cost before you commit, which matters when you are weighing whether a new purchase is worth folding into your rotation.

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Silksong's Rosary Economy: Team Cherry Fixes the Grind in 2026

Team Cherry's Hollow Knight: Silksong evolves the formula, but its scarce Rosary economy sparks backlash—and a timely patch.

After seven long years, I finally got my hungry hands on Hollow Knight: Silksong, and let me tell you, it was worth the wait. Team Cherry's shadowy successor to 2017's Hollow Knight had impossible shoes to fill—three developers, one monumental indie hit, and a fanbase that had been foaming at the mouth since the first teaser. Silksong didn't have the luxury of a quiet launch. It arrived under a microscope, and every design choice has been dissected, debated, and occasionally dunked on. But here's the rub: it's not a sophomore slump. It's a fantastic evolution, carving its own path instead of just rehashing the old one. The narrative and mechanical delights are still there, but Hornet's adventure feels distinct. That fearless ingenuity is a boon. However, it also caused a bit of strife—specifically with the Rosary economy, which Team Cherry is already looking to address.

I've been playing since launch, and I've seen the discourse. Sure, there are the usual contrarians, rage-baiters, and trolls who hate on anything beloved just for a reaction. But even measured fans have offered constructive notes. The currency system is the lightning rod. In Silksong, there are two major currencies: Shell Shards and Rosaries. Shell Shards are for crafting tools at rest points. Rosaries are for purchasing items and activating certain mechanisms. If you played the first Hollow Knight, think Geo—but much rarer. In the original, killing just about any standard enemy or boss would drop Geo. In Silksong, only certain foes drop Rosaries. Most enemies only drop Shell Shards, and bosses often drop neither. That conservative approach hampers a game that is otherwise well-paced. Players felt the pinch, and the backlash was real.

The Rosary Riddle: A Tale of Two Currencies

Let's break it down. I love a good risk-reward economy, but Silksong's initial setup had me grinding more than I'd like. Here's a quick table from my own playthrough notes:

Currency
Primary Use
Drop Sources
My Experience

Shell Shards
Crafting tools at rest points
Most enemies
Plentiful, but not what you need for big purchases

Rosaries
Buying items, activating Bellways and Bell Benches
Select foes, side quests, miscellaneous tasks
Scarce, high demand, constant anxiety

That scarcity made every Bellway and Bell Bench decision feel like a wallet check. I found myself hoarding Rosaries like a dragon, avoiding fast travel because I wasn't sure if I could afford the next upgrade. It wasn't a skill issue—it was an economy issue. And I wasn't alone. The debate heated up fast.

Team Cherry's Timely Fix

Just as the Rosary debate was reaching a fever pitch, Team Cherry announced the game's first post-launch patch. Credit where it's due: the studio didn't bury its head in the sand. The patch aims to increase Rosary rewards for side quests and other miscellaneous tasks, while reducing the cost of Rosary-enabled mechanisms like Bellways and Bell Benches. Ideally, this leads to a smoother, more satisfying, but no less challenging experience. That's the sweet spot. I don't want Silksong to become a cakewalk. I want it to respect my time. There's a difference between difficulty and tedium, and Team Cherry seems to get that.

It's a bit surprising that Team Cherry needed to issue these changes after Silksong's long gestation. You'd think seven years would be enough to iron out the economy. But game development is a beast, and Silksong has a lot of moving parts. Most of them perform perfectly. If tweaking the in-game economy helps the combat, exploration, and boss fights shine even brighter, then such changes can't come soon enough. I'd rather have a responsive dev team than a stubborn one. At the end of the day, Team Cherry is listening, and that's the bee's knees.

Why This Matters for 2026

Now that we're in 2026, I can look back at the launch window and say this: Silksong is more than just Hollow Knight 1.5. It's a bold sequel that embraces the unknown. The Rosary economy was a misstep, but it was a fixable one. Team Cherry's willingness to adapt is a boon for the franchise. I've seen too many studios dig in their heels while their games slowly bleed players. Not here. The patch is a sign of good faith, and it makes the overall package stronger.

If you bounced off Silksong because of the grind, I'd say give it another shot. The core game is phenomenal. The music, the atmosphere, the tight controls—it's all there. The Rosary fix doesn't dumb anything down; it just removes a speed bump. And if you're a veteran who already mastered the economy, you can still challenge yourself with self-imposed restrictions. That's the beauty of it.

Long story short, Hollow Knight: Silksong had the weight of the world on its shoulders, and it mostly stuck the landing. The Rosary economy was a wobble, not a fall. Team Cherry's first post-launch patch is a step in the right direction. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that future updates continue to refine the experience. For now, I'm back to exploring Pharloom, one Bellway at a time. And yes, I'm still hoarding Rosaries—old habits die hard.

Whether you're diving back into Pharloom after the patch or finally picking up a copy for the first time, there's a decent chance your backlog is already groaning under the weight of other Metroidvanias and soulslikes you meant to get to. That's the thing about a game like Silksong—it has a way of pulling you back toward the whole genre, and before you know it you're eyeing titles you missed over the past few years. If that sounds familiar, it can be worth doing a little homework before you hit the buy button, especially since prices for older releases and indie darlings tend to swing pretty wildly depending on the storefront and the week.

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Silksong Act 1 Guide: My 2026 Optimized Route to The Last Judge

Hollow Knight Silksong Act 1 guide: efficient route for all maps, Bellways, abilities, and required bosses.

I've been playing Hollow Knight: Silksong since it dropped, and let me tell you, Act 1 is no walk in the park. It's 2026 now, and while the game has been out for a hot minute, newcomers are still getting tangled up in Pharloom's web. I've run this route a dozen times, so I'm gonna break down the most efficient path to collect every map, unlock every Bellway, grab all mandatory abilities, and beat every required boss. No fluff, just the good stuff. Buckle up, because we're going from Moss Grotto to The Last Judge in one smooth ride.

Part 1: Moss Grotto to The Marrow

You start off getting tossed off a bridge—classic Hornet luck. After landing in Moss Grotto, just follow the linear path until you hit a Bench. Rest up, then head left to face the Moss Mother. She's not too tough, but if you're still getting used to Hornet's moveset compared to the Knight, she might catch you off guard. I got wrecked a couple times, not gonna lie. Once she's down, continue left, jump into the next room to meet the Chapel Maiden, then head right into Bone Bottom.

In Bone Bottom, find the building with three chevrons—that's a Bellway. You can't fast travel yet, but discovering it saves you a headache later. Continue right into The Marrow, meet Sherma, jump around the Bone Gate, beat a quick gauntlet, and drop down to open a shortcut. Keep going right, take the ceiling exit in the big room, and eventually you'll run into Shakra, the cartographer. Buy the Mosslands and Marrow maps, plus the Quill and Compass. Trust me, you want these.

From Shakra, go left, jump up, and take the ceiling exit. Continue left and enter the top-left exit back in Moss Grotto. You'll find a Weaver statue—use Bind to absorb the Silkspear ability. Then head right, take the bottom-right exit, and use Silkspear to break the Bell Beast free. Beat it to unlock the Marrow Bellway and fast travel. Easy peasy.

Part 2: Deep Docks

From the Marrow Bellway, go all the way right, drop down the tall room, and cross the wide-open room to reach Deep Docks. Find Shakra again—she'll sell you the Deep Docks map. Right next to her is the Deep Docks Bellway. Go right, drop down, and meet the Forge Daughter. She turns Craftmetal into Tools, so she's worth knowing.

Now for the Swift Step ability: from the Forge Daughter, go back to Shakra's room, head up and left, travel up, then right for three rooms. Drop down, loop left, and find another Weaver Statue. Bind to get Swift Step—this lets Hornet dodge into a sprint. From there, go left, drop into Shakra's room, then go all the way right. Use Swift Step in mid-air to reach a platform, then sprint and jump to hit a lever. That opens the gate to Lace's boss room. Lace is a skill check, but once you beat her, head right into Far Fields.

Part 3: Far Fields

After Lace, go right through several rooms until you find a room with upward air vents. Look for two exits on the right to find Shakra (Far Fields map) and the Far Fields Bellway. From the Bellway, drop down, take the bottom-right exit, and keep going right past an automaton in the background. Navigate around the floating building to meet the Seamstress. She gives you the Flexile Spines quest—kill Hoker enemies (the flying ones with side spikes) and collect 25 spines. Return to her for the Drifter's Cloak.

With the cloak, exit the room and you'll bump into the Fourth Chorus—that automaton is now a boss. Beat it, then take the left exit and float upward. Some platforms have explosive rocks; hit them and get away to create new air vents. Near the top, go right into Pilgrim's Rest, then use the cloak to go up and eventually break through the ceiling into Greymoor.

Part 4: Greymoor to Shellwood

In Greymoor, head right to find Shakra and buy the map. Then go all the way left to a large building with a locked door—platform around to the left to enter the Halfway Home. Jump into the attic to meet Nuu, who gives you the Hunter's Journal. Continue left until you drop below a cage with a scissor-wielding enemy. Drop down, go right, take the air vent up, and navigate the rat-filled area to find the Greymoor Bellway.

From the Halfway House, run left, jump across enemies, drop below the cage, then go left instead of right on the air vent. On the far left, you'll fight Moorwing. Defeat it to access Haunted Bellhart. Continue left into Shellwood, platform up, drop down, and find Shakra again for the Shellwood map. Then jump up using white flowers and ledges to reach the Shellwood Bellway.

From the Bellway, go right using flowers, take an elevator to a central Bench (great respawn point). Take the elevator back up, go right, loop to the top-left exit, and fight Sister Splinter. Beat her, continue left to a large room, navigate around the central column, and reach the Weaver Statue. Bind to get Cling Grip—wall jump unlocked! Now go back to the central Bench, use the elevator or wall jump to reach the top-right room, then drop down and go left. You'll find the Widow boss room. Defeat Widow to get the Needolin, and Bellhart is no longer haunted. Meet Relic Seeker Scrounge and Pinmaster Plinney—Plinney upgrades your Needle for free. Score!

Part 5: Shellwood & Blasted Steps

After freeing Bellhart, travel back to Shellwood Bellway, then go left into Blasted Steps. Go left, jump up at the first ceiling entrance, and continue until you're above the path you took. Go right to find Shakra (Blasted Steps map), then head to the top-left and ascend the central column. Go left to find the Blasted Steps Bellway and a Bench.

The runback to The Last Judge is brutal—many call it the hardest in the game. But if you unlock a shortcut about halfway through (loop back before the safe platform between the two large rooms), it's much more manageable. Get to the Citadel entrance, go inside, talk to the pilgrims, and play your Needolin to ring the gate bells. The Last Judge appears. Defeat him to unlock Act 2 and enter The Citadel. Watch the cutscene, go right to the Grand Gate, spend Rosaries on the machine for a map, and you're off to Act 2!

Quick Summary Table

Area
New Ability
Mandatory Boss

Moss Grotto / The Marrow
Silkspear
Moss Mother, Bell Beast

Deep Docks
Swift Step
Lace

Far Fields
Drifter's Cloak
Fourth Chorus

Greymoor / Bellhart / Shellwood
Hunter's Journal, Cling Grip
Moorwing, Sister Splinter, Widow

Blasted Steps / The Citadel
N/A
The Last Judge

And there you have it—Act 1 in the bag. It's 2026, and this route still holds up. Now go get 'em, Hornet. ️

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Black Myth: Wukong Switch 2 Port Rumors: What Gamers Need to Know in 2026

Black Myth: Wukong may come to Nintendo Switch 2. Game Science's demanding RPG port remains an unconfirmed 2026 rumor.

Rumors in the video game industry are a bit like monkeys in a tree: they swing around, make a lot of noise, and occasionally one of them lands somewhere interesting. In 2025, NateTheHate dropped a juicy one: Black Myth: Wukong, Game Science's action RPG smash hit, might be heading to Nintendo Switch 2. The game didn't show up at a Partner Direct, as some had predicted, but that doesn't mean the idea is dead in the water. As 2026 rolls on, the question still hangs in the air: is Game Science actually cooking a Switch 2 port?

The Rumor That Won't Quit

During a podcast episode, NateTheHate explained that he had heard the game was coming to Switch 2 at some point. He framed it as a prediction for a Partner Direct, but the real headline was simpler: Black Myth: Wukong was reportedly on its way to Nintendo's new hardware. The Direct came and went without a monkey in sight. Still, fans shouldn't rule out that Game Science is working on it now. After all, porting a massive Unreal Engine 5 title doesn't happen overnight. It takes time, money, and a whole lot of optimization wizardry. 🧙‍️

A Launch History Full of Twists

Black Myth: Wukong already has a strange and testy history. It launched on PC and PlayStation 5 on August 20, 2024. Then it came to Xbox exactly one year later, on August 20, 2025. That gap raised eyebrows. For months, rumors swirled that Sony had worked out some sort of deal with Game Science to ensure the game would be ready for PlayStation 5 first. Whether that deal was a timed exclusivity agreement, marketing support, or just optimization help, nobody outside the boardroom knows for sure. What does seem relevant, even in 2026, is that Game Science was new to console games. The studio needed help optimizing Black Myth: Wukong for consoles, and that need would be even greater for Switch 2.

Platform
Launch Date
Notes

PC
August 20, 2024
Launched alongside PS5

PlayStation 5
August 20, 2024
Rumored Sony deal

Xbox Series X/S
August 20, 2025
Exactly one year later

Nintendo Switch 2
TBD
Rumored, not confirmed

Why Optimization Is the Real Boss Fight

Switch 2 is more capable than its predecessor, but it's still not a PS5 or a high-end PC. Black Myth: Wukong is a demanding game with dense environments, ray-traced lighting options, and brutal combat effects. Getting it to run on a portable hybrid system is no small feat. If the rumor is true, Game Science would likely need to work with Shiver Entertainment or another conversion specialist. Nintendo acquired Shiver in 2024, and the studio has a reputation for handling tricky ports. A great Switch 2 version wouldn't just be a miracle; it would be a carefully engineered compromise.

Challenge
Possible Solution

Heavy GPU load
DLSS-style upscaling, lower internal resolution

CPU bottlenecks
Reduced NPC density, simplified physics

Memory constraints
Aggressive asset streaming, texture compression

Battery life
30 FPS cap, dynamic resolution

Load times
Switch 2's faster storage, smart caching

What a Switch 2 Version Could Look Like

Players shouldn't expect parity with PS5. They should expect a version that captures the spirit of the game while making smart cuts. Here's what a realistic port might offer:

• 720p to 900p in handheld mode, upscaled to 1080p

• ️ 1080p docked with dynamic resolution scaling

• 30 FPS target, with occasional dips in chaotic fights

• ️ Reduced draw distance and foliage density

• ️ All content and bosses intact, no cut corners on gameplay

• Faster load times thanks to Switch 2's SSD-like storage

That might not sound like a dream, but for a handheld, it would be impressive. The Steam Deck struggles with Black Myth: Wukong, and Switch 2 is in a similar ballpark. A good port would be a technical achievement worth celebrating.

Why Nintendo Might Want This

Nintendo has been courting mature third-party games for Switch 2. Black Myth: Wukong would be a statement. It would tell hardcore players that the hybrid console isn't just for Mario and Zelda. It would also give Nintendo a big win in the ongoing console wars. Microsoft and Sony have their own exclusives, but Nintendo could counter with portability. Playing Black Myth: Wukong on a train or in bed? That's a wild selling point. ️

The Shiver Factor

Shiver Entertainment is the quiet ace up Nintendo's sleeve. The studio has worked on ports like Hogwarts Legacy and Mortal Kombat 1 for Switch, and Nintendo bought it in 2024 for a reason. If Game Science is working with Shiver, that's a strong sign the port is real. If not, Game Science might need to partner with Panic Button, Saber Interactive, or another port house. Either way, the right partner could make or break the project. In 2026, Shiver's involvement would be the smartest move.

The Bottom Line for 2026

If NateTheHate's claim pans out, it's a big deal. Nintendo Switch 2 owners would get one of the biggest third-party games of the generation. Game Science would reach a new audience. Nintendo would score a hardcore action title that balances out its family-friendly image. If the rumor fizzles, it's just another case of monkey business. Either way, fans should take it with a grain of salt. Rumors are not release dates. But when a credible insider says a game is coming, it's worth keeping an eye on the jungle.

No official announcement has come from Nintendo or Game Science as of early 2026. Until then, the rumor lives on. And in the world of video games, that's often how the best surprises start.

If waiting for official word has you itching to play in the meantime, the PC version on Steam is already out there — and it's the kind of game that rewards patience at the checkout as much as in combat. Watching for a price drop on a title this big can pay off, especially since sales come and go faster than a Spirit Transformation.

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Silksong's Bosses Are Brilliant, But Their Rewards Feel Hollow

Hollow Knight: Silksong's brutal difficulty spike and unrewarding boss fights make victory feel hollow, even as its gorgeous world shines.

I really, really want to love Hollow Knight: Silksong. And in so many ways, I do. The long-awaited sequel is gorgeous, buttery smooth to play, and packed with more content than I ever expected from Team Cherry. I have stopped mid-air just to stare at Pharloom's fungal cathedrals, and I have grinned like an idiot at its weird, colorful residents. But after dozens of hours, I have to admit something uncomfortable: my first playthrough is being hampered by one specific problem. It is tied to difficulty, yes, but it is not just that the game is hard. It is that the game's hardest moments often give me nothing back.

Now in 2026, months after launch, the conversation around Silksong has not cooled down. Players are still arguing about the difficulty spike between Hollow Knight and its sequel. The platforming can be finicky, standard enemies hit surprisingly hard, and the bosses are the main event. From the Bell Beast onward, most boss fights strip two chunks of health per hit. When you start with only five Masks, that is terrifying. Compared to the early game of the 2017 original, it feels like a huge leap.

The Difficulty Spike Is Real

That spike has left many players stuck for hours. The notorious early-game walls include Moorwing, Sister Splinter, Last Judge, and Savage Beast Fly. I have seen people report spending three hours or more on a single one of these fights. You memorize attack patterns, learn when to counter, and adapt, only to die and face a rigorous runback. It can be exhausting. I felt that exhaustion firsthand.

Victory Without Reward

Here is the part that really gets me. After hours of ramming my head against the wall, I finally beat my nemesis. Relief floods in. Excitement, too. But then the adrenaline wears off, I look around the battlefield, and I realize I have been given nothing for my effort. Most bosses in Silksong do not drop Rosary Beads. They do not even drop Shards. Often, the only reward is the ability to progress to the next area. In rare cases, you unlock a pathway that eventually leads to a new item or skill. Very few bosses actually hand over a tangible reward.

Boss
My time spent
Tangible reward

Moorwing
~2 hours
None

Sister Splinter
~1.5 hours
None

Last Judge
Hours for many players
None

Savage Beast Fly
Hours for many players
None

That makes Silksong's victories feel hollow to me. I grew up on Dark Souls, Bloodborne, and Sekiro. Those games drilled a simple promise into my brain: boss fights are worth the effort. You may spend hours getting speared into the floor by the Nameless King, but you know a wealth of Souls, a boss weapon, and potentially great loot are waiting. That reward loops directly into character progression. It is a vital motivator. It encourages you to stick with a challenging game when your patience is razor-thin.

With Silksong, I started asking myself why I was putting in the effort at all. Moorwing took me around two hours. Sister Splinter took me about an hour and a half. I enjoyed both fights well enough in the moment. But when their bodies hit the ground, I did not feel the satisfaction I expected. All I had earned was access to the next part of the game. Worse, I had lost far more than I gained. Both Moorwing and Sister Splinter claimed at least 200 Rosary Beads from me each during our long battles. That sense of loss is made sharper by Silksong's controversial economy, which currently asks players to spend far more Rosary Beads than they earn.

I Am Not Asking for Easier Bosses

Let me be clear: I am not saying Silksong's bosses should be easier. Aside from a few frustrating attacks and an overreliance on RNG in some fights, I have been enjoying most of the boss battles. The choreography is often brilliant. The music swells. The tension is real. But the lack of rewards after victory is starting to make me feel like I am not making proper progress. It turns a triumphant moment into a shrug.

Maybe that is the point. Maybe Silksong wants progress to be its own reward. Maybe the journey through Pharloom is supposed to be enough. But in a game this demanding, with an economy this tight, and with runbacks this punishing, I need a little more than a doorway. I need a reason to believe the next brutal wall is worth climbing. Give me Rosary Beads. Give me Shards. Give me a weird charm. Give me something that says, yes, you did it, and your character is stronger for it. Otherwise, even a beautiful, brilliant sequel can start to feel hollow. ️️

That same calculus — what you put in versus what you get back — shapes how I decide which games are worth buying in the first place. A sequel like this one earns its cost simply through sheer hours of content, but plenty of other titles demand seventy dollars up front and hand back a weekend's worth of play. Before I commit to anything now, I like to know what the going rate actually is across storefronts, because the gap between a full-price listing and a discounted key can be wide enough to fund my next two purchases. It is the same instinct that makes a boss reward feel satisfying: effort in, something tangible out.

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Wuthering Waves 3.1 Release Date and Time: Everything You Need to Know

Wuthering Waves 3.1 release date: Feb 5, 2026, with new 5-star Resonators Aemeath, Luuk Herssen, and Rover outfits.

Wuthering Waves 3.1, titled "For You Who Walk in Snow," is set to launch in early February 2026, and it promises to be one of the most significant updates in the game's history. The update will introduce two new 5-star Resonators, fresh outfits for Rover, and a host of other content that has the community buzzing with excitement. For players eager to dive in, here is a comprehensive guide to the release date, maintenance schedule, and everything else you need to know.

Release Date and Time

Wuthering Waves 3.1 will go live on February 5, 2026, at 10:00 AM CST for most regions, while North American servers will get access a bit earlier on February 4, 2026, at 07:00 PM PST. To help players plan their login times, here is a quick overview of the release timings across major time zones:

Region
Local Time

New Delhi, India
7:30 AM IST on February 5, 2026

Tokyo, Japan
11:00 PM JST on February 5, 2026

California, USA
07:00 PM PST on February 4, 2026

Beijing, China
10:00 AM CST on February 5, 2026

Toronto, Canada
10:00 PM EDT on February 4, 2026

Rome, Italy
04:00 AM CET on February 5, 2026

Melbourne, Australia
12:00 PM AEST on February 5, 2026

Auckland, New Zealand
02:00 PM NZST on February 5, 2026

As always, players should double-check their local time to avoid missing the launch. The update will be available on all platforms where the game is supported.

Maintenance Schedule and Compensation

Before the update goes live, Kuro Games will take the servers offline for maintenance. For NA servers, maintenance begins at 01:00 PM PST on February 4, 2026. For the rest of the world, it starts at 04:00 AM CST on February 5, 2026. The maintenance is expected to last approximately six hours, though it could end one to two hours early, as has happened in previous updates.

During this downtime, players will be unable to log in. To compensate for the inconvenience, Kuro Games will distribute 300 Astrites and 2 Crystal Solvents to all players who have unlocked the mail feature before the maintenance begins. These rewards will be sent via in-game mail, so players should claim them promptly.

New Characters and Outfits

The headline addition in version 3.1 is the introduction of two new 5-star Resonators: Aemeath and Luuk Herssen. Both characters have already become fan favorites, thanks to their powerful kits and compelling designs. Aemeath is expected to bring a new dynamic to team compositions, while Luuk Herssen offers a fresh playstyle that many players are eager to explore.

In addition to the new characters, the update will also add new outfits for Rover, the game's protagonist. These cosmetic items will allow players to customize their Rover's appearance, adding a personal touch to their journey through Solaris-3.

Banners and Featured Characters

When version 3.1 launches, the banners will feature a lineup of popular characters. According to the official announcement, the featured characters are Aemeath, Luuk Herssen, Chisa, Lupa, and Galbrena. This diverse roster gives players plenty of options to pull for, whether they are looking for meta-defining DPS units or support characters that can enhance their existing teams.

Players should plan their pulls carefully, as resources like Astrites and Lustrous Tides are limited. Those who have been saving for Aemeath or Luuk Herssen will finally have their chance to add them to their roster.

Preload and Countdown

As of the latest information, the preload for Wuthering Waves 3.1 has not yet been released. Once it becomes available, players will be able to download the update files ahead of time, reducing the wait on launch day. The preload size and other details will be shared by Kuro Games closer to the release date.

A countdown timer for the update has been a popular tool for players to track the exact moment the servers go live. While the timer has now expired, the excitement remains high. For those who missed it, the update is either live or just moments away, depending on when this article is read.

What to Expect on Launch Day

On launch day, players can expect a smooth rollout if previous updates are any indication. Kuro Games has a track record of delivering major content drops with minimal issues, and the team has been working hard to ensure version 3.1 meets expectations. The update will bring new story quests, events, and exploration content, though specific details are still under wraps.

As with any major update, it is advisable to log in early to avoid potential queues and to claim compensation rewards before they expire. Players should also keep an eye on official channels for any last-minute announcements regarding maintenance extensions or hotfixes.

Final Thoughts

Wuthering Waves 3.1 is shaping up to be a landmark update for the game. With two highly anticipated characters, new outfits, and a wealth of content, it offers something for both veteran players and newcomers. Whether you are pulling for Aemeath, exploring the snowy landscapes of the new version, or simply enjoying the fresh cosmetics, there is plenty to look forward to.

So, mark your calendars, prepare your Astrites, and get ready to dive into "For You Who Walk in Snow." The snow is falling, and the adventure is about to begin. ️

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Wuthering Waves Yangyang Xuanling Best Build Guide: Weapons, Echoes, and Teams

Yangyang Xuanling best build guide: dominate Wuthering Waves as the top Havoc DPS with crit stats, Azure Oath, and optimal Echoes.

Yangyang Xuanling, the long-awaited special form of Wuthering Waves' mascot girl, has finally arrived, and she has immediately established herself as the premier Havoc DPS in the game. According to the latest tier lists, her damage output surpasses every other character in the Havoc element, making her a must-pull for any player looking to dominate the endgame content. However, unlocking her full potential requires a carefully optimized build that focuses on her Heavy Attack-centric playstyle. This guide breaks down everything you need to know, from stat priorities to team compositions, ensuring that your Yangyang Xuanling becomes an unstoppable force on the battlefield.

Stat Priorities: Crit Stats and Heavy Attack Damage

Yangyang Xuanling is a straightforward Havoc DPS who deals the majority of her damage through Heavy Attacks. To build her correctly, you must stack as much Crit Rate and Crit DMG as possible. The golden rule for any DPS in Wuthering Waves is to maintain a 1:2 ratio between Crit Rate and Crit DMG — for example, 70% Crit Rate and 140% Crit DMG. This ensures consistent, high-value critical hits.

Following Crit stats, you should prioritize Heavy Attack Damage and Energy Regen. Yangyang Xuanling needs at least 120% Energy Regen to use her Liberation ability effectively. Without this threshold, her rotation will feel clunky and her damage will suffer. Finally, ATK% is a solid secondary stat that further amplifies her overall damage.

Stat
Priority

Crit Rate
High

Crit DMG
High

Heavy Attack DMG
Medium-High

Energy Regen
120% minimum

ATK%
Medium

Best Weapons for Yangyang Xuanling

Choosing the right weapon is crucial for maximizing Yangyang Xuanling's damage. Her signature weapon, Azure Oath, is by far the best option. It provides a flat 12% boost to all attribute DMG and massively amplifies Heavy Attack damage after inflicting Havoc Bane on enemies. This synergy perfectly aligns with her kit, making it the undisputed best-in-slot choice.

For alternatives, Emerald Sentence and Red Spring are both excellent 5-star options. If you don't have those, the 5-star Standard weapon Emerald of Genesis is a strong F2P-friendly choice. For 4-star alternatives, Lumingloss and Fables of Wisdom are serviceable, but Emerald of Genesis remains the recommended fallback if you want a budget option that still performs well.

Echoes and Sonata Effects

When it comes to Echoes, there is only one optimal choice: the Song of the Feathered Trace sonata effect. This set is tailor-made for Yangyang Xuanling, and no other set comes close to matching its synergy. For her main Echo, you must use the Thousand-Puppet Pavilion. The recommended Echo cost pattern is 4-3-3-1-1, which has become the standard for most DPS characters in the current meta. This distribution ensures you get the maximum stat boosts while activating the full sonata effect.

Best Team Compositions

Yangyang Xuanling thrives in teams that can support her Havoc Bane application and Heavy Attack focus. Her perfect synergies are Chisa, Phrolova, Suisui, and Shorekeeper. Among these, Chisa and Suisui form her best premium team, as they both enhance her ability to inflict Havoc Bane. If you don't have them, Phrolova and Shorekeeper are excellent substitutes. Additionally, you can run her in a Mono Havoc, Heavy Attack Focused, or Tune Break team, but these are not her optimal setups.

Team Type
Characters
Notes

Premium
Chisa + Suisui
Best synergy, maximizes Havoc Bane

Alternative
Phrolova + Shorekeeper
Strong replacements

Mono Havoc
Any Havoc supports
Decent but not optimal

Heavy Attack Focused
Buffer + Healer
Good for specific fights

Tune Break
Tune Break enablers
Situational

How to Get Yangyang Xuanling

Before you can build Yangyang Xuanling, you need to acquire her from the Wuthering Waves banners. She is available as a limited-time character, so you will need to use Astrite to pull for her. If you are short on Astrite, keep an eye out for redeemable codes that often circulate during special events. Once you have her, the investment in her build will pay off handsomely, as she can clear even the hardest content with ease.

Final Thoughts

Yangyang Xuanling is a powerhouse that rewards investment. By focusing on Crit stats, Heavy Attack Damage, and Energy Regen, and by equipping her with Azure Oath and the Song of the Feathered Trace set, you will unleash her full potential. Pair her with the right teammates, and she will carry you through the toughest challenges in Wuthering Waves. As of 2026, she stands at the top of the Havoc DPS rankings, and with this build, she will remain there for the foreseeable future. Whether you are a veteran player or a newcomer, Yangyang Xuanling is a character worth building and mastering.

Most Wuthering Waves players don't limit themselves to a single game, and the stretch between version updates is usually when the backlog gets attention. Whether you're hunting for something to fill the downtime while waiting on a banner rerun or you'd rather spend your budget on new titles than on pulls, keeping an eye on discounts is the smartest way to stretch your gaming money further.

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