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

How TO Participate in the Wow: Forever Stress Test

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

All The Most Popular Decks in the Modern Metagame

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rebel Wolves has revealed the features coming to The Blood of Dawnwalker Update 1.1. From the ability to reset your skills to a new Story mode with additional combat assistance, the upcoming patch brings several welcome changes to the vampire RPG. Here is everything announced so far, including what we know about its release date.

Blood of Dawnwalker Update 1.1 Features Revealed

If you’ve been wanting to try a different build in The Blood of Dawnwalker, the next update will make that a lot easier. Rebel Wolves has announced that Update 1.1 will introduce the Draught of Mind Rebirth, which lets you forget your abilities and reuse the time spent learning them on a different set of skills.

However, that isn’t the only new feature coming to the game. Players will also be able to pet dogs and cats, with the developer putting a pretty funny spin on the feature. Taking inspiration from the game’s directional combat system, Rebel Wolves is calling it “Directional. Animal. Petting.”

The patch also introduces more difficulty options, subtitle settings, and improvements to combat and traversal. For your convenience, here is the full list of features and changes revealed in the announcement.

New Features

• Draught of Mind Rebirth: Forget your Swordmastery, Witchcraft, and Vampirism abilities, then use the time spent learning them to master a different set of abilities.
• Petting Animals: Pet dogs and cats using a directional petting system inspired by the game’s combat.
• Updated Story Mode: The existing Story difficulty will be renamed Forgiving. A new Story mode will offer additional combat assistance.
• Additional Subtitle Settings: Increase subtitle font size and enable subtitles for all dialogue lines.

Changes and Improvements

• FrameGen Update: Updated frame generation technology, including dedicated settings.
• Camera Improvements: Adjusted animations and camera movement during combat.
• Combat Improvements: Improved targeting, locking onto enemies, and disengaging from them.
• Traversal Improvements: More responsive targeting and surface attachment when using Shadowstep and Planeshift.
• Japanese Version Update: Blood and gore will no longer be censored in the Japanese Steam version.
• Additional Fixes: Over 1,100 other improvements and fixes.

The Draught of Mind Rebirth is easily one of the most interesting additions here. Being able to put your invested learning time toward a different build should give players more room to experiment with the RPG’s abilities.

The new Story mode is also welcome for anyone who wants to focus on the adventure with some extra help during combat. With the existing Story difficulty becoming Forgiving, players will have another option to choose from.

When Is the Blood of Dawnwalker Update 1.1 Release Date?

The Blood of Dawnwalker Update 1.1 is planned for next week, but Rebel Wolves has not announced a specific release date yet. The announcement shared on October 16 confirms the release window without giving an exact day or launch time.

Thankfully, players shouldn’t have too much longer to wait to try the new features. We’ll update this article once Rebel Wolves confirms the Update 1.1 release date and shares the full patch notes. Our The Blood of Dawnwalker review called it one of the best RPGs this year. With all the new features and updates coming soon, this is the perfect time to jump into it!

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

Every Card in the Mono-White Eerie Aggro Deck

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

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

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

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

Creature

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

Enchantment

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

Artifact

• 1 Lavaspur Boots

Instant

• 1 Divine Resilience

Land

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sony has revealed the PS5 features players can expect when GTA 6 launches on November 19. From DualSense haptic feedback to faster loading, here is every confirmed PlayStation 5 feature for Grand Theft Auto VI, including what we know about its PS5 Pro enhancements.

All Confirmed GTA 6 PS5 Features

Rockstar Games surprised players this week by dropping the massive GTA 6 launch trailer, which puts Jason and Lucia’s story front and center. Following the trailer’s release, Sony also revealed the PS5 features coming to Grand Theft Auto VI when it launches on November 19.

The official PlayStation website specifically outlines how GTA 6 uses the PS5’s hardware to enhance its gameplay. From 3D audio to adaptive triggers, there are several features designed to make exploring Leonida even more immersive. Here is the confirmed list:

GTA 6 PS5 Feature	What It Does
Tempest 3D Audio	More accurate sound positioning brings Leonida’s soundscape to life.
Fast Loading	Uses the PS5’s high-speed SSD for what Sony describes as “near-instant load times.”
DualSense Haptic Feedback	Controller vibrations react to your actions and simulate environmental effects throughout Leonida.
DualSense Adaptive Triggers	Provides dynamic trigger resistance during gameplay. Specific uses haven’t been detailed yet.
DualSense Integrated Speaker	Plays certain sound effects through the controller’s speaker, with some moments also using haptic feedback.
PS5 Pro Enhanced Support	Confirmed by the PlayStation Store listing, although specific enhancements haven’t been detailed.

Is GTA 6 PS5 Pro Enhanced?

Yes, GTA 6 is confirmed to be PS5 Pro Enhanced on the official PlayStation Store. However, the listing does not confirm or detail which improvements players can expect on Sony’s more powerful console.

That is the big question for anyone deciding where to play. The PS5 Pro Enhanced label confirms support, but it doesn’t tell us whether that means a higher frame rate, sharper visuals, or a combination of improvements. In particular, players shouldn’t take the badge as confirmation of a 60 FPS mode.

Interestingly, the recent GTA 6 launch trailer footage was entirely captured on the base PS5 console. Given how insanely good it already looks, it seems that players will be in for a visual feast regardless what platform they are on. We’ll just have to wait for Sony to confirm exactly what the PS5 Pro version brings to the table.

The post GTA 6 PS5 Features Revealed by PlayStation Ahead of Launch appeared first on VICE.

Nintendo has released new Zelda Ocarina of Time Remake gameplay footage in Japan. The latest trailer gives us our first look at Dark Link, while showing off expanded combat and more battles from the remake.

Zelda Ocarina of Time Remake Combat gameplay released

Nintendo has just released a new Zelda Ocarina of Time Remake trailer that features new combat gameplay footage. The combat trailer was originally uploaded to Nintendo Japan’s website and features new clips not included in the recent overview trailer that was released in North America.

The short video opens with Ganondorf playing an organ before cutting to a montage of Link battling various enemies throughout the story. More importantly, the Zelda Ocarina of Time Remake trailer gives us a closer look at how combat has been updated in the 2026 reimagining.

For example, combat while riding Epona appears to have been greatly expanded. The footage also shows how battles take advantage of the remake’s new camera system, which lets players freely control their view at all times.

Zelda Ocarina of Time Remake Reveals First Look at Dark Link

The latest Ocarina of Time Remake trailer also gives us our first look at the new Dark Link design. The iconic shadow version of Link returns as a mini-boss in the Water Temple, and his encounter already looks much more complex than it was in the original game.

One particularly awesome moment shows Dark Link flipping and landing directly on the blade of Link’s sword. Fans of the original will recognize the move, but seeing it recreated with the remake’s updated graphics makes the encounter look even more intimidating.

For your convenience, we have embedded the combat trailer below so you can watch all the new footage originally shared on Nintendo Japan’s website:

Between the expanded Epona combat and our first glimpse of Dark Link, Nintendo is giving longtime fans plenty of reasons to revisit Hyrule. With launch just two weeks away, we won’t have to wait much longer to see how the rest of Zelda Ocarina of Time Remake has been reimagined.

The post Zelda Ocarina of Time Remake Trailer Reveals Dark Link and Expanded Combat appeared first on VICE.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Every Card in the Kona Combo Preconstructed Deck

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

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

Here is a breakdown of the full Kona Combo decklist:

Creature

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

Enchantment

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

Instant

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

Sorcery

• 4 Stock Up

Land

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ROG XBOX Ally X20 Is Available Now

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

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

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

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

The ROG XBOX Ally X20 key features at launch include:

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

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

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

The ROG XBOX Ally X20 is available now.

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

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

Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave Expansion Pass WAves Explained

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

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

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

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

Wave 1

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

Wave 2

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

Wave 3

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

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

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

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

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

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Rockstar Games has released the theme song featured in the new GTA 6 launch trailer, and it comes with a massive lineup of artists. Here is how to listen to “Flower in a Hurricane” by Justice featuring Tame Impala, SZA, and King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard.

What is the GTA 6 Launch Trailer Song?

The new GTA 6 launch trailer song is “Flower in a Hurricane” by Justice, featuring Tame Impala, SZA, and King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard. The standalone single is available now, meaning you can listen to the full track without having to keep replaying the trailer.

If the music caught your attention while watching Jason and Lucia’s latest story trailer, you can check it out through the following platforms:

How to Listen to GTA 6 Launch Trailer Song

• Apple Music
• Spotify
• Amazon Music
• YouTube

The collaboration brings together electronic duo Justice with Tame Impala, SZA, and King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard for an original track featured in Rockstar’s launch trailer. However, Justice’s involvement with Grand Theft Auto VI goes well beyond this single.

Justice Is Composing the GTA 6 Original Score

Alongside the launch trailer, Rockstar Games revealed that Justice is composing the original score for GTA 6. That means the electronic duo is also creating the music that will accompany players during the game itself.

“Flower in a Hurricane” is also included on Grand Theft Auto VI: The Album. The official soundtrack features 34 original tracks inspired by Vice City and the wider state of Leonida. Players can currently pre-save the album on major music streaming services. If you prefer a physical copy, vinyl and CD editions are also available to pre-order through the official GTA VI: The Album website.

For now, “Flower in a Hurricane” gives fans a full song to listen to ahead of the game’s release, and another reason to have the latest trailer’s music stuck in their heads.

The post GTA 6 Launch Theme Song Revealed – How to Listen Now appeared first on VICE.

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The Dungeons and Dragons: World of Warcraft gameplay expansion release date is approaching quickly and the team behind the book just offered another in-depth preview full of new details about the subclasses that are included.

Dungeons and Dragons Teases New Flavor and Mechanics for World of Warcraft Subclasses

Dungeons and Dragons players are going to have a ton of exciting choices during character creation for World of Warcraft adventures and campaigns. The extensive new gameplay expansion explains how to bring all WoW classes and every specialization to life at the tabletop.

Although many of the classes and specializations map to existing D&D subclasses, there are nine new or updated subclasses for players to check out, as well. These subclasses were announced earlier, but a new update offers some additional details about the flavor of each subclass and how its mechanics will work.

Here is a breakdown of the biggest new insights from the latest extensive Dungeons and Dragons: World of Warcraft gameplay expansion preview:

• Oath of the Ebon Blade (Death Knight)
  • The Oath of the Ebon Blade subclass adjusts some features in the core Paladin class from the Player’s Handbook. For example, Death Coil replaces Lay on Hands with a pool of dice that can be used to deal damage to enemies or restore Hit Points to Undead, and Runic Smite replaces Paladin’s Smite by swapping the Divine Smite spell with Rune Strike, which deals Necrotic damage instead of Radiant.
  • Their Runeforging feature grants their primary weapon a rune that bestows a unique ability according to the Death Knight’s specialization: Blood, which manipulates life energy; Frost, which calls upon the forces of winter to slow and shatter foes; or Unholy, which curses and debilitates opponents. When they need to make a hit count, Runic Power allows them to expend a use of Channel Divinity to gain an additional benefit after landing a Rune Strike.
  • As the Death Knight levels up and slays the foes of Azeroth, they’ll use Runic Mastery to activate a powerful once per day ability from the rune on their primary weapon. At their peak, the Death Knight can use a Bonus action to activate their Aspect of the Horsemen, which allows them to gain the benefits of runes outside their specialization.
• Demon Hunter (Demon Hunter)
  • The Demon Hunter subclass, like the Oath of the Ebon Blade subclass, modifies some of the features in the core class—in this case, Ranger. For example, the Demon Hunter’s Spellcasting Focus is an Arcane Focus (rather than a Druidic Focus) to reflect the nature of the class’ relationship with magic, the Void Warrior option has been added to the Fighting Style feature to allow for Warlock cantrips (rather than Druidic Warrior’s Druid cantrips), and the Ranger’s Feral Senses were replaced with the Demon Hunter’s Improved Spectral Sight to better see through illusions.
  • Demon Hunters harvest the energy of souls to fuel some of their abilities using the Soul Fragments feature. When a nearby enemy dies, a Demon Hunter can collect that soul fragment. Then, later, the Demon Hunter can cast certain spells with those fragments or use the Soul Cleave trait to emit a whirlwind of soul energy that damages nearby enemies and restores Hit Points. With Spectral Sight, even the initiate Demon Hunter has 10 feet of Blindsight.
  • Demon Hunters that have slain many Burning Legion hosts and continued to master the arcane arts will gain the Torment feature, which heightens the power of Hunter’s Mark and keeps a marked target’s focus on the hunter. As the Demon Hunter continues its training, they will use Illidari Knowledge to use soul fragments to cast additional spells, including Counterspell and a new ranged attack spell.
  • As a Demon Hunter hones their skill further, they always start combat with at least one soul fragment and Soul Cleave deals more damage. Once a Demon Hunter reaches the height of their power, no demon or voidwalker or undead pest can escape their Improved Spectral Sight feature and its 30 feet of Truesight.
• Warrior of Mystic Brews (Monk)
  • Warriors of Mystic Brews gain proficiency in Performance to reflect their skill in passing themselves off as nonsensical or erratic, as well as proficiency in Brewer’s Supplies to prepare them for a future in magical beverage-making. At this same time, these Monks also learn their signature Drunken Technique, which grants them additional speed when they use Patient Defense and allows them to make an Unarmed Strike as part of the same Bonus action.
  • Warriors of Mystic Brews will use the Mystic Brew feature to create potions they can drink that will grant them damage Resistances, a pool of dice that can be used to boost their own healing, or the ability to conjure a Cone of flame. As their skill as a brewer heightens, they can learn new Mystic Brew options, including recipes that bestow luck and improve mobility.
  • Once they’ve fully honed their craft, this Monk uses Master Brewer to mix two recipes into one drink. Then, they’ll use Intoxicated Frenzy to charge throughout a room and attack everybody within reach, knocking them Prone on a hit.
• Oath of the Holy (Paladin)
  • Once they take their oath, a Holy Paladin will use Oath of the Holy Spells to heal many allies at once, protect their friends from death, and cleanse an ally of a debilitating effect or harmful spell. Additionally, the Beacon of Light feature uses Channel Divinity to wrap an ally with holy energy that restores half as many Hit Points to that ally whenever the Paladin heals anybody else.
  • As the Paladin slays evildoers and rescues the innocent, they will develop a Lightbringer’s Aura to boost their healing abilities even further. Whenever the Holy Paladin heals creatures within its Aura of Protection, the Lightbringer’s Aura will grant them additional Hit Points. Later, with Infusion of Light, the Paladin can restore its own pool of Lay on Hands points by dealing Radiant damage to enemies—in essence, siphoning the power of life from the agents of Evil and delivering it into the hands of the Good (or at least, the Good enough).
  • At the apotheosis of their divine power, the Oath of the Holy Paladin can use their Holy Deliverance feature to boost their Aura of Protection. The aura now emanates sunlight (vampires beware), and Bloodied allies that start their turn in the aura regain Hit Points.
• Discipline Domain (Priest)
  • The Discipline Domain is a Cleric subclass. Right from the start, Discipline Priests gain access to Discipline Domain spells that will help them shield allies and devastate enemies. Further reinforcing the Discipline Priest’s dedication to balance, their Channel Divinity option Holy Bolt can damage an enemy and heal an ally at the same time. They’ll also use Atonement to grant a temporary blessing to any creature they heal with a spell; then, when they deal damage to a creature, those blessed allies will regain Hit Points! This allows the Discipline Priest to bring multiple party members back from 0 Hit Points without having to cast a spell like Mass Healing Word—instead, they can impose balance upon the universe by damaging enemies and healing allies at the same time.
  • As these Priests further hone their practice, they’ll bestow creatures blessed by Atonement with a Luminous Barrier. This magical ward grants Temporary Hit Points and bestows Resistance to all damage while the creature has those Temporary Hit Points.
  • At the pinnacle of their power, a Discipline Priest can send their Holy Bolt to several enemies at once (healing an equal number of allies in the process, of course), and they can teleport immediately before firing the bolts.
• Shadow Domain (Priest)
  • The Shadow Domain is also a Cleric subclass. Once a Priest has embraced the darkness, they gain access to Shadow Domain Spells (including several new entries) that prepare them to twist minds, drain life, and call upon forces dangerously close to the Old Gods. A Shadow Priest initiate can also use their Channel Divinity to take on a Shadowform, which allows them to Hide more easily and empowers their spells that deal Psychic or Necrotic damage. And with Devouring Plague, they can siphon health from creatures who fail a saving throw.
  • As they themselves fall deeper and deeper into shadow, the Shadow Priest will be able to take a Reaction that disperses themselves into shadowy energy as a defense mechanism. This Dispersion lasts 1 round, and when it ends, the Shadow Priest can expend Hit Point Dice to regain a massive amount of Hit Points. They can also Fly up to 40 feet, so when they reform into a corporeal champion of Azeroth, they can be out of melee range of the creature that attacked them.
  • At the height of the Shadow Priest’s power, their Shadowform will also restore Hit Points to nearby creatures when they deal Necrotic or Psychic damage to enemies.
• Swashbuckler (Rogue)
  • Early on in their journey, the Swashbuckler will use Fancy Footwork to evade Opportunity Attacks from creatures they’ve already attacked that turn. When they enter battle, their Rakish Audacity will add a boost to their Initiative, and they can use Sneak Attack when darting into the backlines to solo an enemy mage or archer.
  • As the Swashbuckler duels their way into becoming a master of their craft, their Panache will add new options to their Cunning Strike repertoire, allowing them to goad opponents into attacking them (before Dashing away with Cunning Action!) or Charm creatures for a short time. Leveling up further, the Swashbuckler will add more options with Dashing Strikes, which can invigorate allies or parry enemy strikes.
  • Swashbucklers at the top of their game will use the Master Duelist feature to make an additional attack against a target they just hit with a Sneak Attack.
• Path of the Spiritual Guardian (Shaman)
  • Once they begin their training, the Path of the Spiritual Guardian Shaman will summon Spiritual Protectors to Distract, Hinder, or Strike the opponent on a hit. As the Shaman continues their adventures in Azeroth, their Spirit Shield will protect nearby allies from harm.
  • At higher levels, the Spiritual Guardian Shaman can use Consult the Spirits to cast certain Divination spells without needing Material components. They may ask the spirits for advice about the party’s latest scheme or rely on them to spy on a nearby location.
  • With their final ability, Spirits’ Fury, this Shaman can make an additional attack when they land a powerful blow, becoming a relentless force of destruction on the battlefield.
• Path of the Elements (Shaman)
  • A Shaman who has just begun to walk the Path of the Elements will call upon the forces of nature with Raging Elements. While a rage is active, they can use a Bonus action to summon powers of ice, lava, or lightning. These powers build on each other, with Icefury empowering the next instance of Fire damage, Lava Burst empowering the next instance of Lightning damage, and so on. This encourages the Shaman to create balance amongst the chaos by moving from one damage type to another.
  • At higher levels, a Path of the Elements Shaman will use Echo of the Elements to cast certain utility elemental spells by expending a use of Rage. Then, the Primordial Bond feature will cause the elemental magic surging from the Shaman’s rage to bestow a protective effect.
  • In time, the Elemental Overload feature completes their evolution: their Raging Elements options now reduce enemy damage, deal lasting damage, or damage nearby enemies.

That’s a ton of information to absorb, but it seems like Dungeons and Dragons is going all out when it comes to bringing all the flavor of World of Warcraft’s classes and specializations to the tabletop.

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

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

The post Dungeons and Dragons Reveals More Details About All Nine World of Warcraft Subclasses appeared first on VICE.

Rockstar Games has released the GTA 6 launch trailer, revealing new details about Jason and Lucia’s story. The third Grand Theft Auto VI trailer sets up the pair’s criminal adventure across Leonida and features new music from Justice.

GTA 6 Launch Trailer Reveals New Jason and Lucia Story Details

Rockstar Games has released the GTA 6 launch trailer, giving players their first look at the game’s story ahead of its release. While previous videos introduced us to Vice City, Leonida, and its residents, the latest trailer offers more context about the game’s two protagonists and their origins.

For starters, the new story trailer establishes that Jason used to be in the army. However, it appears he didn’t leave on the best of terms and now struggles to get work. We also see Lucia calling Jason from jail, with the pair reconnecting ahead of their adventure together.

You can watch the new GTA 6 launch trailer below:

According to Rockstar’s accompanying description, Jason and Lucia become caught up in a criminal conspiracy after an easy score goes wrong. With trouble stretching across the state of Leonida, the two will have to rely on each other to survive.

“Jason and Lucia have always known the deck is stacked against them. But when an easy score goes wrong, they find themselves on the darkest side of the sunniest place in America, in the middle of a criminal conspiracy stretching across the state of Leonida — forced to rely on each other more than ever if they want to make it out alive.”

The setup gives us a better idea of what will drive Grand Theft Auto VI’s story. Incredibly, Rockstar Games has also confirmed that all footage in the GTA 6 launch trailer was captured on the regular PlayStation 5 and NOT the PS5 Pro. So regardless what system you are on, it appears players will be in for a visual treat!

GTA 6 Launch Trailer Features New Music From Justice

Alongside the new story details, Rockstar Games confirmed that the GTA 6 launch trailer features new music from electronic duo Justice. The studio also revealed that Justice composed the original score for Grand Theft Auto VI.

That means their involvement goes beyond providing a song for the latest trailer. The music in the GTA 6 launch trailer is an original song called “Flower In a Hurricane”. It was composed by Justice feat. Tame Impala, SZA, and King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard: You can listen to the full song now here:

GTA 6 Theme Song

GTA 6 releases on November 19, 2026, for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S. Digital preloads begin November 12.

The post GTA 6 Launch Trailer Released by Rockstar Games – Reveals Jason and Lucia’s Story appeared first on VICE.

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A total of 17 new Fortnite Sprites have been added in the October 15 update, and they are available to collect right now. From One Wish Willow and Honey to the new Quack variants, here is the complete list of additions released ahead of the end of Fortnitemares 2026.

All New Fortnite Sprites in the October 15 Update

Over 17 new Fortnite Sprites have been added to the game in today’s major October 15 update. If you are still working on mastering your Trick or Treat sprite variants, your collection checklist just got a little longer!

The latest new variants include the One Wish Willow Sprite, which is part of the Obsession crossover, and the adorable Honey Sprite. Both newcomers also have Gold, Cheat Master, Loot Hacker, Bounty Hunter, and Trick or Treat variants.

However, Epic Games has also surprised players by bringing back the Quack Sprite variant. The update introduces five Quack Sprites specifically, including versions of Klombo, Jonesy, and Spooky Dash. For your convenience, here is the complete list of all 17 new Fortnite Sprites added on October 15:

All 17 New Fortnite Sprites Added on October 15 – Complete List

• One Wish Willow Sprite
• Cheat Master One Wish Willow Sprite
• Gold One Wish Willow Sprite
• Loot Hacker One Wish Willow Sprite
• Bounty Hunter One Wish Willow Sprite
• Trick or Treat One Wish Willow Sprite
• Honey Sprite
• Cheat Master Honey Sprite
• Gold Honey Sprite
• Loot Hacker Honey Sprite
• Bounty Hunter Honey Sprite
• Trick or Treat Honey Sprite
• Quack Bush Sprite
• Quack Adventure Sprite
• Quack Jonesy Sprite
• Quack Klombo Sprite
• Quack Spooky Dash Sprite

New Fortnite Sprites Release Times Explained

The new Fortnite Sprites released early today, going live on October 15 at 2:30 AM PT / 5:30 AM ET. So you can jump into a match and start hunting for them right now!

Unlike the previous update, which added the Trick or Treat variants to the files ahead of their release, this batch is already available to collect. That gives players roughly two more weeks to track down the new additions and master their collection before the Override season ends on October 31.

New Fortnite Sprite Powers Explained

While the October 15 update adds 17 Sprites, most are alternate variants. The two completely new additions are One Wish Willow and Honey, which bring their own abilities to the battle royale.

One Wish Willow helps players collect other Sprites, making it a particularly useful addition if you are still trying to finish your collection. Meanwhile, the Honey Sprite brings a swarm of bees into the action.

Here is a breakdown of the two new Fortnite Sprite powers:

Sprite	Power
One Wish Willow Sprite	Helps you collect other Sprites.
Honey Sprite	Sends bees after enemies who damage you.

The Quack variants give five existing Sprites a shiny new makeover. If Klombo wasn’t already difficult enough to track down, collectors now have another version to chase before the season ends.

How Many Sprites Are in Fortnite Chapter 7 Season 4?

The October 15 additions bring the total number of Sprites in Fortnite Chapter 7 Season 4 to 162, including their alternate variants. That’s a lot of Sprites to collect and master in a single season!

This is also likely the final batch of new Sprites being added during the Override season. While Epic Games could still have a surprise waiting for us, the latest update gives collectors what will likely be their final checklist heading into the last stretch.

When Does Fortnite chapter 7 season 4 End?

Fortnitemares 2026 ends on October 31, which also marks the end of Fortnite Chapter 7 Season 4’s Override season. That means players have roughly two more weeks to finish collecting and mastering their Sprites.

If you are still missing a rare Klombo variant or haven’t finished leveling your Halloween collection, now is the time to get to work. With One Wish Willow, Honey, and the new Quack variants joining the hunt, there is plenty to keep collectors busy before October 31.

The post All 17 New Fortnite Sprites Added in October 15 Update appeared first on VICE.

PlayStation Plus is getting a big game catalog shake up on October 20 that will feature new additions and one very exciting re-release for subscribers to return to.

PlayStation Plus Adds Mafia: The Old Country and Horizon Forbidden West

Each month PlayStation Plus updates its game catalog for subscribers with new additions and October is no exception. This month features a fairly exciting lineup that includes 2025’s Mafia: The Old Country and the return of Horizon Forbidden West.

Those two blockbuster titles are just the tip of the iceberg though. PlayStation Plus Premium also welcomes Dino Crisis 2 and RollerCoaster Tycoon 3. The full lineup will be available to play from October 20, unless otherwise noted.

Here is a full breakdown of all the additions:

PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium | Game Catalog

• Mafia: The Old Country | PS5 – Uncover the origins of organized crime in this gritty mob story set in the brutal underworld of 1900s Sicily. Fight to survive as Enzo Favara and prove your worth to the Family in this immersive third-person action-adventure set during a dangerous, unforgiving era. This thrilling narrative is brought to life by stunning visuals, cinematic storytelling and the authentic realism that the critically acclaimed Mafia series is known for. Enzo’s story unfolds in a time when skill with a stiletto blade was a deadly asset, a lupara sawed-off shotgun was a go-to firearm, murderous vendettas raged for decades, and mafiosi patrolled their protection rackets on foot, horseback or behind the wheel of turn-of-the-century motorcars.
• Horizon Forbidden West | PS5, PS4 – Join Aloy as she braves the Forbidden West – a majestic but dangerous frontier that conceals mysterious new threats. Explore distant lands, fight bigger and more awe-inspiring machines, and encounter astonishing new tribes as you return to the far-future, post-apocalyptic world of Horizon. Reunite with old friends, forge alliances with warring new factions and unravel the legacy of the ancient past – all the while trying to stay one step ahead of a seemingly undefeatable new enemy.
• Mycopunk | PS5 – Cut through fungal aliens in this hyper-customizable, mission based looter shooter. Hundreds of hand-crafted upgrades, 4-player co-op, and a little roach man. What’s not to love? A ragtag squad of robot rejects are hired by the SAXON corporation and given one last shot at profitable glory (and avoiding the scrap heap). They are the New Atlas Hazard Crew, a ramshackle squad of exterminators sent to uncover the mysteries behind a planet-wide fungal catastrophy. Embark on a series of dangerous planet-side missions to drive back the mycological menace. Could this be a simple natural disaster like they claim? And did SAXON really misfile your taxes? Or was that your own fault?
  • Mycopunk will be releasing into PlayStation Game Catalog day one on October 20 worldwide.
• Poppy Playtime: Chapter 2 | PS5, PS4 – After a run in with Huggy Wuggy and freeing Poppy, you must descend deeper into the Playtime Co. toy factory. Challenging puzzles and horrific toys await. Grapple, swing, and power your way to safety. Try to escape- and don’t let Mommy find you. Continue to explore the depths of Playtime Co. in search of answers. Your journey to discover what has happened within the factory is just beginning…
  • Poppy Playtime: Chapter 2 will be available October 27 in the US, the UK and Japan.
• The Midnight Walk | PS5 – Embark upon The Midnight Walk in this reverent dark fantasy adventure built in clay, from the minds behind Lost in Random, Fe and Ghost Giant. Become The Burnt One, befriend a lost lantern creature named Potboy, and use his flame to light your way through a conflicting world of wonder and horror. Survive and outsmart the many monsters eager to devour your little friend’s flame as you experience five tales of fire and darkness, featuring an incredible cast of odd characters. Marvel at every disturbing detail in a landscape painstakingly handcrafted with real life clay and animated in a stop motion style. Fully playable both on PS5 and in VR – with PS VR2.
  • The Midnight Walk will be available today, October 14 in the US, the UK and October 15 in Japan.
• Tales of Arise – Beyond the Dawn Edition | PS5, PS4 – For 300 years, Rena has ruled over Dahna, pillaging the planet of its resources and stripping people of their dignity and freedom. Our tale begins with two people, born on different worlds, each looking to change their fate and create a new future. Featuring a diverse cast of characters, intuitive and rewarding combat system, and a captivating story set in a lush world worth fighting for, Tales of Arise delivers a first-class JRPG experience.
  • Tales of Arise – Beyond the Dawn Edition will be available October 27 in the US, the UK and Japan.
• Monster Energy Supercross 25 – The Official Video Game | PS5 – Experience the thrill of racing on newly designed tracks that replicate real-world events and compete against the latest roster of professional riders: forge your path in a revamped career featuring intense competitions, rivalries, and strategic choices. Thanks to Unreal Engine 5, enjoy a renewed gameplay experience with realistic physics and dynamic track evolution, making every lap unique and challenging. Master the flow with open tutorials, a comprehensive wiki, and Neural Technology riding aids.
  • Monster Energy Supercross 25 – The Official Video Game will be available October 27 in the US, the UK and Japan.

PlayStation Plus Premium

• Dino Crisis 2 | PS5, PS4 – One year has passed since the events of “Operation: Rescue Dr. Kirk”. Government-led research and development continues for Dr. Kirk’s project Third Energy ー known for its potential to produce clean energy sources and its capability for mass destruction. One day, a temporal catastrophe strikes, causing the research hub of Edward City to disappear. Suit up as returning protagonist Regina, as well as series newcomer Dylan. With an expanded arsenal of weapons at your disposal, fight to survive encounters with even larger hordes of enemies and more than 10 unique dinosaur species. With a shift from facility-centered stages of the previous game to the jungles, caves, lakes, and natural wonders of the Cretaceous period, do you have what it takes to escape this prehistoric nightmare alive?
• RollerCoaster Tycoon 3 Complete Edition | PS5, PS4 – Your Park. Your Way. Whatever you want to create, RollerCoaster Tycoon 3 gives you the tools and freedom to build the amusement park of your dreams. Manage like a tycoon and make your way to the top Control park finances, shops, services and staff to succeed in dozens of scenarios. Become a true tycoon and embark on your promising new career, or create your ideal park without money woes in sandbox mode. Satisfy your guests’ needs and keep your park running smoothly to succeed.

That should be everything subscribers need to know heading into the rest of this month. Horror fans can also check out the other PlayStation Plus perks this month for some spooky Game Trials, HorrorFest Packs, and other exclusive content.

Be sure to check back soon for lots more PlayStation Plus updates as the next rotation approaches.

The post PlayStation Plus October Catalog Update Brings Back the Horizon Series and Includes a 2025 Action-Adventure Game appeared first on VICE.

Magic: The Gathering collectors can pick up some iconic and powerful cards reimagined with new artwork from classic Magic artists in the next big Secret Lair drop.

All Cards In the Duality Distorted Secret Lair Drop

Magic: The Gathering’s upcoming Reality Fracture Secret Lair Drop contains two different exciting products for collectors to check out. Manga fans may want to secure the Strange School cards, while fans of classic Magic cards and art could be tempted by the Duality Distorted collection.

“Four classic cards had such a hold on one of our designers, in fact, that we created an entire drop about reimagining them. Duality Distorted invites four beloved Magic artists back into the collections of players on a series of retro frame cards. Each artist’s piece was inspired by one of their earlier works, letting you see how their style has grown and shifted over the years. Next time you turn-one Thoughtseize your opponent, make sure you take a Brainstorm for maximum distortion.”

Here is a full list of everything included in the Duality Distorted product:

• 1x Thoughtseize
• 1x Desperate Ritual
• 1x Pyroblast
• 1x Tribute to the World Tree

Collectors who want to purchase this set can pick up the Non-foil version for $29.99 or the Foil version for $39.99.

Additionally, this product is included in the larger Reality Fracture Secret Lair Bundles. The Non-foil Edition Bundle costs $159.98 and the Foil Edition Bundle will cost $179.98.

As always, shoppers should keep in mind that Secret Lair drops have limited print runs and tend to sellout very quickly. Anyone who definitely wants the Duality Distorted cards should do their best to secure an order right at launch, before it sells out and the secondhand market begins raising the prices.

The drops will be available soon exclusively through the Secret Lair Chaos Vault. At this time, an exact date and time for the launch has not been confirmed.

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

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

The post Magic: The Gathering – All Duality Distorted Cards and Where to Get Them appeared first on VICE.

Although many groups in Azeroth are loyal to either the Horde or the Alliance, there are some factions that have not taken a side in the war and maintain strong relationships with both groups. Dungeons and Dragons players may find allies or enemies in each of these groups.

All Subfactions that Haven’t Taken a Side in the Horde/Alliance Conflict

In any Dungeons and Dragons campaign players have a chance to make friends and foes in each new area they visit. Adventures set in Azeroth and its surrounding realms for the World of Warcraft expansion will definitely be no exception.

The Horde versus Alliance conflict provides a ton of opportunities for politics and combat, but not every faction in the world has taken a side. Depending on where players go and what the DM has planned, there are a handful of factions that parties could run into that have not taken a side in the ongoing Horde and Alliance war.

Here are the biggest neutral factions that parties are likely to run into during their D&D: World of Warcraft games:

• Argent Dawn – The knightly Order of the Argent Dawn is dedicated to protecting Azeroth from the Burning Legion, the Scourge, and other forces that seek to destroy the world. Neutral in the continual conflict between the Alliance and the Horde, the Argent Dawn calls both factions allies in its higher purpose of resisting these forces of evil. The order’s headquarters is Light’s Hope Chapel, in the Eastern Plaguelands.
• Cenarion Circle – Named for the demigod Cenarius, the Cenarion Circle is a worldwide order keeping watch over Azeroth’s druids and protecting the natural balance. Since the end of the Third War, the circle has accepted druids from both the Alliance and the Horde.
• Earthen Ring – The Earthen Ring is a gathering of Azeroth’s most powerful shaman, working together to preserve the balance among the elements. The members of the Earthen Ring oppose destructive forces such as the Twilight’s Hammer cult and the Burning Legion. Insisting on a neutral stance in mortal conflicts, the Earthen Ring welcomes members from both the Alliance and the Horde.
• Explorers’ League & Reliquary – Affiliated with the Alliance and the Horde respectively, the Explorers’ League and the Reliquary are scholarly organizations dedicated to the practice of archaeology and the study of history. For most of recent history, the organizations were bitter rivals, but with the reemergence of the Dragon Isles and the discovery of Khaz Algar, the two have set aside their old rivalry and formed joint expeditions.
• Kirin Tor – The Kirin Tor began as a secretive mages’ guild within the Empire of Arathor. With the fall of Arathor, Dalaran became a nation in its own right, and the Council of Six who led the Kirin Tor became the rulers of this city-state. Razed during the Third War, Dalaran was eventually transformed into a flying island. Above the Isle of Dorn in Khaz Algar, it met its doom, but the survivors of the Kirin Tor remain in Dornogal, coordinating the magical defense of Azeroth.
• Steamwheedle Cartel – The Steamwheedle Cartel is one of the largest and richest goblin cartels, having maintained a careful neutrality in the conflict between the Alliance and the Horde since the Second War. The cartel’s hands are in virtually every line of work, with a specialty in premium-grade alchemy. Besides potions, the cartel also deals in fuels, poisons, and industrial chemicals—what some goblins describe as “liquid assets.”
• Valdrakken Accord – The Valdrakken Accord is the unified might of all dragonkind, seeking to protect not only the Dragon Isles but all of Azeroth according to the ancient charge given to the five Dragon Aspects. The accord has also expanded its mission to include dragons beyond the five flights.

Players who want to tie their background to one of these factions should make sure they consult their Dungeon Master first to ensure that the faction can fit into the larger story that is being pulled together for the full party.

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

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

The post Dungeons and Dragons: World of Warcraft – All Factions That Remain Neutral In the Horde Versus Alliance War appeared first on VICE.

It’s been more than six months since World of Warcraft’s latest expansion launched and it is now time for a massive update to refresh the retail experience with lots of new content.

Everything Arriving in Midnight’s 12.1.5 Update

World of Warcraft: Midnight just dropped update 12.1.5 and delivered a ton of new content for retail players to explore.

The champions of Azeroth face a new threat in the wake of Ula’tek’s defeat during the events of Curse of Ula’tek (12.1). Now, an ancient enemy rises once again as the long-thought defeated C’Thraxxi general, Kith’ix, returns in the latest Midnight content update.

Here is a breakdown of the biggest key features added in the new update:

• New Raid: The Unbinding of Kith’ix
  • Venture into the hidden and newly unsealed chamber beneath the venomous abyss for an epic one-boss encounter to topple the newly freed C’Thraxxi general, Kith’ix.
  • Available in Story Mode, Normal, Heroic and Flexible Mythic difficulties.
• New Delve Feature – Labyrinths: Labyrinth of Kindo’jan
  • WoW’s first “mega-delve,” this ancient Amani funeral complex has been sealed for centuries. Now reopened, looters and Vilebranch comb the complex for relics while the interred spirits defend it with deadly force.
  • Players will venture in with their delve companion Valeera enjoying dedicated progression systems, powerful unlocks, and rewards that match the scale of the challenge, including Mythic gear.
• New Outdoor Events: Aqir Invasions
  • Zone-wide public events taking place in Eversong or Zul’Aman.
    • For ten minutes each hour, champions will tackle a series of public events across the zone, one after another, before confronting an intense boss fight.
• Keystone Level: Myth
  • Keystone Myth returns and rewards players of high levels of Mythic+ gameplay as they achieve a score of 3600 for the season.

Although most World of Warcraft recent hype has focused on the WoW: Forever beta, it should be interesting to see if this new retail update helps bring back some lapsed players. A lot of players reactivated their subscriptions for the Forever beta, so some players may be more open to checking out Retail’s latest update while they wait for the Classic+ launch date to arrive.

Be sure to check back soon for lots more World of Warcraft news and updates.

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

The post World of Warcraft Adds New Raid, Delve Feature, and More in Huge Update appeared first on VICE.

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Nintendo has released a Zelda Ocarina of Time Remake overview trailer featuring over four minutes of new gameplay and story scenes. The video also reveals new features, including boss rematches and the ability to play in-game songs with a real instrument.

Nintendo Releases New Zelda Ocarina of Time Remake Overview Trailer

Nintendo surprised players today by releasing a new Zelda: Ocarina of Time Remake overview trailer. The video initially appeared in the Nintendo Today! app, but Nintendo has since uploaded it to YouTube, making it easier to watch on any device.

The overview trailer features over four minutes of new footage, opening in Kokiri Forest with a narrator setting up the game’s story: “Deep within the forest, everyone has a fairy. Except for one boy.” For your convenience, we’ve embedded the trailer below here for you:

Zelda Ocarina of Time Remake Features Revealed

More importantly, the new Zelda Ocarina of Time Remake overview trailer also revealed several new gameplay features that were previously unannounced. To make it easier to track, we have compiled every new feature revealed below so it’s easy to find them all in one place.

Play Ocarina Songs With a Real Instrument

The Zelda: Ocarina of Time Remake overview trailer confirms that players can use a real-life ocarina or another instrument to play songs in the game. Through microphone input, the remake picks up the notes in real time.

Players who don’t have an ocarina lying around the house can also whistle or hum the notes. That gives you another way to perform the game’s iconic songs.

Display Defeated Enemies in the Hall of Fallen Foes

A new Zelda: Ocarina of Time Remake feature called the Hall of Fallen Foes lets players walk around a museum of enemies they have defeated.

After defeating a foe, you can unlock a detailed statue of them to put on display. The feature gives players a closer look at the remake’s updated enemy designs while building a collection throughout their adventure.

Challenge Bosses Again With Rematches

Nintendo has also confirmed a boss rematch feature for Zelda: Ocarina of Time Remake. Players can approach select statues in the Hall of Fallen Foes to trigger another fight. So, if you want to revisit a favorite battle, the new feature gives you a way to challenge those bosses again.

Finally, the overview trailer shows off more of the reimagined dungeons players will explore. From the Fire Temple to key boss fights, the footage gives us an extensive look at the remake’s gameplay ahead of its November 5 launch.

The post New Zelda Ocarina of Time Remake Trailer Reveals Boss Rematches and More appeared first on VICE.

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