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Which Xbox Game Pass Plan Is Right for You in 2025?

Aritra Patra
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Which Xbox Game Pass Plan Is Right for You in 2025?

Xbox Game Pass is a subscription service that grants access to a large library of games on Xbox consoles, Windows PCs, and mobile platforms through cloud streaming. If you are a die-hard gamer, you probably have used this subscription service at least once in your lifetime. It has multiple subscription tiers, each of which is suited to a specific type of gamer and platform.

As of 2025, March, Microsoft’s Xbox Game Pass has 5 subscription plans in total for various gaming types and platforms. Below is an in-depth summary of each:

1. Xbox Game Pass Core

Xbox Game Pass Core

Xbox Game Pass Core costs $9.99 monthly and is accessible for Xbox consoles. It includes access to online console multiplayer, a handpicked catalog of more than 25 console games, and special offers and discounts. It is the perfect choice for gamers who mainly need online multiplayer functionality and a set of chosen games.

2. PC Game Pass

PC Game Pass

PC Game Pass is specifically designed for PC players and is priced at $11.99 a month. It gives access to the Game Pass library on PC, day-one releases for new games, exclusive discounts and offers, and an EA Play membership. The subscription guarantees PC players a huge library of titles along with extra benefits such as EA Play.

3. Xbox Game Pass Standard

Xbox Game Pass Standard

Xbox Game Pass Standard was first launched in September last year. It is priced at $14.99 monthly and can also be availed for Xbox consoles. It features online console multiplayer, access to the vast Game Pass catalog on Xbox consoles, and special deals and discounts. This tier, however, does not grant instant access to new, day-one titles.

4. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is the most extensive plan with a price tag of $19.99 a month and can be accessed on both Xbox consoles and PC. It offers online console multiplayer, access to the Game Pass library on both Xbox consoles and PC, day-one access to new titles, exclusive discounts and deals, an EA Play membership, and access to Xbox Cloud Gaming. This subscription is aimed at players who want the versatility to play on both console and PC platforms with the bonus of cloud gaming.

Which One Is Perfect for You?

One of the largest differences in the plans is within the game library. The Core plan has a smaller list of around 25 console games, and it is a basic plan for customers who want a small but good collection. The Standard plan offers access to the entire Game Pass library on Xbox but lacks new releases on release day. PC Game Pass provides total access to the extensive collection of PC games, including day-one releases. Therefore, it is an excellent choice for PC gamers. Ultimate is the most comprehensive edition, providing full access to the Xbox and PC libraries, as well as day-one releases.

Day-one releases are also significant for some players. PC Game Pass and Ultimate alone offer new games as soon as they are released. Core and Standard subscribers must wait or buy new games individually.

Multiplayer access is another major feature. Core, Standard, and Ultimate have online multiplayer for Xbox users, so they are a must for people who like to play with friends. PC Game Pass does not, however, offer multiplayer for Xbox games because online multiplayer on PC is free already.

In this article, we have provided a breakdown of all Xbox and PC Game Pass subscription models. We hope it will make it easy for readers like you to compare and choose the right plan. Now it’s up to you which subscription you should choose. Let us know which one you are currently using in the comment section below.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows Smashes Records with 2 Million Players

Yash More
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Assassin’s Creed Shadows Smashes Records with 2 Million Players

Ubisoft’s latest blockbuster, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, has stormed onto the gaming scene, crossing an impressive 2 million players within two days of its March 20, 2025 launch. This milestone marks the fastest-growing RPG entry in the franchise’s history, surpassing the early player counts of Assassin’s Creed Origins and Assassin’s Creed Odyssey. With its immersive feudal Japan setting and dual protagonists, the game has captured the attention of fans worldwide.

A Record-Breaking Launch for Ubisoft

The numbers speak for themselves. According to a report from Sportskeeda, Assassin’s Creed Shadows hit 1 million players within the first 24 hours, doubling that figure by March 22. Ubisoft confirmed this achievement in an official X post, stating, “2 MILLION PLAYERS! We’re thrilled to celebrate this incredible milestone!” The game’s rapid rise has outpaced the launches of its RPG predecessors, Origins (2017) and Odyssey (2018), cementing its place as a standout title in the franchise.

On Steam, Shadows peaked at over 60,000 concurrent players by Saturday, climbing into the platform’s top 30 most-played games. This figure eclipses Origins (41,541 peak) and edges closer to Odyssey’s record of 61,984, with potential to overtake it as the weekend progresses.

Why Assassin’s Creed Shadows Is Resonating

What’s driving this success? The game’s setting in feudal Japan—a fan-requested backdrop for years—has clearly struck a chord. Players step into the shoes of Naoe, a stealthy shinobi, and Yasuke, a powerful samurai, navigating a visually stunning open world. This dual-protagonist approach blends classic Assassin’s Creed stealth with robust RPG mechanics, offering something for both longtime fans and newcomers.

The reception has been overwhelmingly positive. On Steam, Shadows boasts a “Very Positive” rating from over 3,000 reviews, reflecting strong player approval. Critics have also praised its refined gameplay and breathtaking visuals, with Sportskeeda noting its “successful debut” across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.

Comparing Shadows to Past RPG Titles

While Assassin’s Creed Shadows has outdone Origins and Odyssey in early player engagement, it’s worth noting that Ubisoft hasn’t released specific sales figures yet. The 2 million player count likely includes Ubisoft+ subscribers alongside direct purchases, making direct comparisons to past titles tricky. For context, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla (2020) remains the franchise’s biggest PC launch, though exact player numbers from its debut are unavailable.

Still, Shadows is on track to challenge franchise records. Its Steam performance already surpasses Valhalla’s peak of 15,431 concurrent players, a notable feat given Valhalla’s delayed Steam release.

What’s Next for Assassin’s Creed Shadows?

With the launch weekend in full swing, Ubisoft anticipates even higher numbers as more players dive in. The game’s momentum suggests it could redefine the franchise’s RPG era, building on the foundation laid by Origins and Odyssey. Future updates and expansions, like the promised Awaji Island content, may further boost its staying power.

For now, Assassin’s Creed Shadows stands as a triumph for Ubisoft, proving that a bold setting and polished execution can still captivate millions.

Sacy cancels retirement to return to Valorant as MIBR content creator

Satyam Kumar
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Sacy cancels retirement to return to Valorant as MIBR content creator

Gustavo “Sacy” Rossi, a celebrated name in Valorant esports, has made a surprising return to the scene. After announcing his retirement from competitive play in September 2024, Sacy has joined MIBR as a content creator, marking a new chapter in his illustrious career. The Brazilian esports organization confirmed the news on March 18, 2025, delighting fans who had speculated about his next move.

Sacy’s return to Valorant with MIBR comes after a standout tenure with teams like LOUD and Sentinels. Known for his tactical brilliance, he helped LOUD clinch the Valorant Champions title in 2022. His decision to step away from competition left many wondering what was next – now, they have their answer.

From Champion to Content Creator

Sacy’s journey in Valorant has been nothing short of remarkable. Starting with Team Vikings, he represented Brazil at the game’s first international event. His defining moment came with LOUD, where he showcased leadership alongside stars like pANcada and aspas. Later, with Sentinels, he contributed to victories at VCT 2024 Americas Kick-off and Masters Madrid.

Retirement seemed like the end of his story, but MIBR saw an opportunity. By signing Sacy as a content creator, the organization taps into his deep game knowledge and charisma. This move keeps him connected to the Valorant community while opening doors to new creative pursuits.

What Sacy Brings to MIBR

MIBR, a powerhouse in Brazilian esports, aims to strengthen its bond with fans through Sacy’s content. He will host watch parties for major tournaments like VCT Americas, Game Changers, and Valorant Challengers Brazil. Fans can expect entertaining commentary and insights from a world champion’s perspective.

His fluency in Portuguese and strong ties to Brazil’s gaming scene make him a perfect fit. MIBR’s announcement highlighted this synergy, noting that Sacy’s presence will boost engagement both locally and globally. This strategic signing reflects the team’s commitment to its community.

Sacy’s shift to content creation doesn’t mean he’s stepping away from Valorant’s competitive spirit. Instead, it’s a pivot that keeps him relevant in the ecosystem. Fans have already taken to platforms like X to express excitement, with posts praising his legacy and anticipating his watch party streams.

For MIBR, this move signals a broader vision. Pairing a legendary player with their brand elevates their content game. As Sacy embarks on this journey, all eyes are on how he’ll shape his new role and inspire the next generation of Valorant players.

Virtus.pro Outlasts Falcons in Blast Open Lisbon

Sarjyo Mukherjee
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Virtus.pro Outlasts Falcons in Blast Open Lisbon

Vitrus.pro has outlasted Falcons in a tough game filled with a series of overtime that led to the Russian side booking a post in the playoffs. Taking some big names down in their run, VP has truly manifested into one of the threatening teams that are to be reckoned with.

Veto

  • Falcons removed Anubis
  • Virtus.pro removed Nuke
  • Falcons picked Mirage
  • Virtus.pro picked Ancient
  • Falcons removed Dust2
  • Virtus.pro removed Train
  • Inferno was left over

Map 1: Mirage; Pick: Falcons; Winner: Falcons

A stellar 2v3 conversion opened up the series for the Falcons, which led them to go 5-0 up before VP could get their first round on the board. Despite being in better form, VP managed no more than 3 rounds on the defense, giving Falcons the room for error going into the second half. Winning a few rounds early on in the defense gave the Falcons the commendable lead but then started the avalanche of VP rounds. VP managed to push Falcons to the final round of regulation before a savvy degster 3K in B Apartments closed the game for Falcons. The victory was largely led by Falcons IGL kyxsan and AWPer degster while NiKo and Magisk became more of a supporting cast which gave VP the room to threaten them with overtime.

Map 2: Ancient; Pick: VP; Winner: VP

After the first map got too close for comfort, Falcons brought their A-game to Ancient. Just like Mirage, Falcons were already 5-0 up on the defense before VP won their first round but a poorly orchestrated T side sent the Russian side 9-3 behind before switching sides. VP managed to make a comeback despite Falcons threatening to close it out on multiple occasions. A shaky T side prompted VP to push the game to overtime. A tough exchange of rounds between the two teams pushed it to overtime after overtime and two OTs later, VP managed to edge out their map pick with a 19:16 scoreline. 31 frags from FL4MUS closed the door for Falcons bagging series as the match proceeded to Inferno.

Map 3: Inferno; Pick: Decider; Winner: Falcons

Falcons started off strong and went 7-5 up by the end of the first half. While the scoreline suggested the match was closer than it was. Losing a few rounds in between cost Falcons the cushion of a lead going into the defense. Starting the pistol round with a solid hold, Falcons went on to go 12-5 before VP started to mount a comeback for the third time in the series. Little by little, one round at a time, Falcons let VP pull off another comeback pushing the game to overtime as the snowball effect was on display for the world to see. Three overtimes later, Falcons suffered another heartbreaking loss with a 22:20 scoreline.

An embarrassing loss for Falcons will see them head out of Blast Open Lisbon. Being on the verge of winning the series on several occasions, NiKo and co. let several opportunities slip. Given how Falcons have choked in this game, it seems very difficult for this roster to produce any convincing results let alone help NiKo in his quest for the Major.

How to Complete Ousmane Dembélé Dreamchasers SBC in EA FC 25?

Aritra Patra
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0
How to Complete Ousmane Dembélé Dreamchasers SBC in EA FC 25?

EA FC 25‘s Dreamchasers promo has dropped, and players are excited with the new Ousmane Dembélé card. We’re talking about a 93-rated winger, packing some absolutely ridiculous stats. If you’re looking to inject some serious firepower into your squad, this card is all you need.

The Ousmane Dembélé SBC requirements are kind of demanding. We’re talking a lot of squad-building challenges, escalating from 84-rated squads all the way up to 89. The SBC also needs some of the Team of the Week (TOTW) cards throughout.

In total, you’ll need to complete a series of 14 SBCs. These SBCs range from requiring players from PSG, France, and Ligue 1, to requiring multiple TOTW players, and finally to simply high-rated squads. Let’s take a look at all the tasks:

  • Task 1 – PSG: Min. 1 PSG player, 1 TOTW player, 84+ rating
  • Task 2 – France: Min. 1 French player, 1 TOTW player, 85+ rating
  • Task 3 – Ligue 1: Min. 1 Ligue 1 player, 86+ rating
  • Task 4 – Top Form: Min. 1 TOTW player, 86+ rating
  • Task 5 – 86-Rated Squad: Min. 1 TOTW player, 86+ rating
  • Task 6 – 87-Rated Squad: 87+ rating
  • Task 7 – 87-Rated Squad: 87+ rating
  • Task 8 – 87-Rated Squad: Min. 1 TOTW player, 87+ rating
  • Task 9 – 88-Rated Squad: 88+ rating
  • Task 10 – 88-Rated Squad: 88+ rating
  • Task 11 – 88-Rated Squad: Min. 1 TOTW player, 88+ rating
  • Task 12 – 88-Rated Squad: Min. 1 TOTW player, 88+ rating
  • Task 13 – 89-Rated Squad: 89+ rating
  • Task 14 – 89-Rated Squad: Min. 1 TOTW player, 89+ rating

It’s clear that EA is not making this easy. This is a real test of your resources and your dedication. According to Futbin, the SBC costs around 1.1 million FUT coins.

Dembélé’s 97 Pace is going to leave defenders in the dust. His 93 Shooting, combined with that Low Driven Shot+ PlayStyle, is a recipe for goals. And let’s not forget the 5-star Skills and 5-star Weak Foot. Moreover, Dembélé’s cards were also consistent in the previous FC 24. Therefore, a lot of players are going to grind for this card this year.

Are you going to get this Ousmane Dembélé card right now, or wait to gather the needed coins? Let us know in the comment section below.

Minecraft Is Set to Release Its Biggest Visual Update in 2025

Aritra Patra
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Minecraft Is Set to Release Its Biggest Visual Update in 2025

Minecraft is officially adding in-game shaders which will be called “Vibrant Visuals.” It was showcased by the developers during their Minecraft LIVE event. This is great news for Minecraft fans, as for years, players have relied on third-party modifications to achieve enhanced graphics in Minecraft.

Minecraft is a sandbox video game developed by Mojang Studios and first released in 2011. It is one of the best-selling and most influential games of all time. Till now there were only the following options if you wanted to enhance Minecraft graphics:

  • OptiFine: A popular mod that not only boosts performance but also introduces advanced graphics settings, allowing for smoother textures and improved lighting effects.​
  • Sonic Ether’s Unbelievable Shaders (SEUS): This shader pack brings realistic lighting, shadows, and reflections to Minecraft.​
  • Continuum Shaders: Known for delivering high-quality visuals, this shader pack offers lifelike lighting and atmospheric effects.

While these mods substantially improve graphics, they also require more powerful hardware to run effectively.

However, the Vibrant Visuals shaders will be toggleable through the game’s options, eliminating the need for complex installations or external programs like the above-mentioned programs.

Mojang emphasizes a pixel-aligned approach to light sources and shadows, ensuring that the shaders remain faithful to Minecraft’s iconic aesthetic. This isn’t just about adding flashy effects; it’s about refining the existing visual effects.

The initial rollout will be for the Bedrock Edition. This decision might ruffle some feathers, given that the Java community, especially on PC, has traditionally been at the forefront of shader development and usage. However, it will come to Java in the future for sure.

However, patience is key. The “Vibrant Visuals” update isn’t slated for immediate release. We’re likely looking at a late 2025 launch, potentially even further down the line.

Have you been using any of the mods to enhance Minecraft graphics or you are waiting for the official update to be released? Let us know in the comment section below.

Eternal Fire Beats G2 in Blast Open Lisbon

Sarjyo Mukherjee
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0
Eternal Fire Beats G2 in Blast Open Lisbon

Eternal Fire is through to the next stage of Blast Open Lisbon at the cost of G2. They managed to 2-0 the star-studded G2 side and took them down on Inferno, one of G2’s best maps. Eternal Fire will now find themselves in the playoffs while G2 will make a run through the lower bracket.

VETO

  • Eternal Fire removed Ancient
  • G2 removed Train
  • Eternal Fire picked Anubis
  • G2 picked Inferno
  • Eternal Fire removed Dust2
  • G2 removed Mirage
  • Nuke was left over

Map 1: Anubis; Pick: Eternal Fire; Winner: Eternal Fire

Eternal Fire continued their dominance on Anubis against G2, as their CT was too strong for G2 to build any buffer. With Anubis being heavily T-sided, G2’s offense failed to capitalize on it as they slowly let round after round slip as Eternal Fire built a massive 6-round lead. G2 had a much better start on defense, but they did not manage to get more than 7 rounds. Eternal Fire had enough room to let those rounds slip. The Turkish side managed to close out the game long before G2 could make it competitive. Wicadia with 22 kills, closed the game within 23 rounds.

Map 2: Inferno; Pick: G2; Winner: Eternal Fire

Despite Inferno being G2’s best map, their T side did not manage to get going at all. Despite losing a lot of rounds early into the game, G2 managed to pull in a few rounds to make the half respectable. Winning 5 rounds in a row, G2 managed to edge out a narrow lead before Eternal Fire took charge of the game once again, leading an excellent T side that was too good for the G2 defense. Winning 4 rounds in a row, Eternal Fire sent G2 to the lower bracket and cemented a big win in the quest for the organization’s first tier-1 trophy.

The departure of NiKo has left the roster in disarray, while HeavyGod’s arrival seemed to have worked out, the roster is yet to find their mojo. Snax’s underperformance in crucial situations has cost the team rounds. The world is calling for changes, and the team needs to act quickly, as time is of the essence with the Austin Major approaching.

How To Get the Ruined Idol Achievement in Marvel Rivals?

Sonu Banerjee
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How To Get the Ruined Idol Achievement in Marvel Rivals?

The mid-season update for Marvel Rivals has added a bunch of new achievements for players to complete, and finishing these successfully will provide you with exciting rewards including some free premium currency.

The Ruined Idol achievement in Marvel Rivals is among the new additions, and it’s one of the tougher achievements to get in the game. While most of the Season 1.5 achievements can be completed by simply partaking in games, the Ruined Idol achievement is nearly impossible to get if you’re not actively trying to complete its requirement.

But why is this achievement so difficult to get?

The in-game description of the Ruined Idol achievement is pretty vague, and it instructs the players to “Shatter the Bloodstorm One statue when Eternal Night falls on New York”. However, it doesn’t specify any crucial details like the map name and the statue’s location, leading to confusion among many players.

If you’re in the same boat and looking for ways to get the Ruined Idol achievement in Marvel Rivals, we have you covered.

Marvel Rivals Bloodstorm One Statue Location

In order to complete the Ruined Idol achievement in Marvel Rivals, you need to be aware of its map name as well as the location of the statue.

Players can find the Bloodstorm One statue on the Central Park map in Marvel Rivals.

To find the statue, you’ll have to get to Dracula’s Castle first. Once you’re at the castle, you’ll have to go through a small hole located on the left side of the castle door to get to the statue.

We’ve highlighted the location of the Bloodstorm One statue in the image below:

Once you’ve entered the hole, you’ll have to head to the room on your left and go up the stairs.

There, you’ll be able to see the Bloodstorm One statue standing in all its glory. Simply destroy the statue to complete the achievement.

Note that you’ll have to completely destroy the statue to get the Ruined Idol achievement in Marvel Rivals. Additionally, you won’t get the achievement if you exit the match before the game has concluded.

Fortnite Loot Change: Pump & Holo Twister Vaulted, New Weapons Arrive

Aritra Patra
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0
Fortnite Loot Change: Pump & Holo Twister Vaulted, New Weapons Arrive

Fortnite is all set to announce a massive loot change. Reports are coming out that the Holo Twister and the Sentinel Pump will get vaulted soon. While the two weapons are quite popular in the game, these upcoming changes can shake up the meta of Fortnite.

The Holo Twister Assault Rifle is a fully automatic, medium- to long-range weapon introduced in Fortnite Chapter 6: Season 1. It features a Holo-13 Optic scope, providing precise aiming capabilities. The rifle is effective in various combat scenarios due to its moderate rate of fire and ease of control. Players can acquire the Rare variant by purchasing it from NPCs like Bushranger, Mizuki, or Doughberman for 200 Bars.

The Pump Shotgun is a classic Fortnite weapon known for its high damage output in close-quarters combat. It has undergone several vaulting and unvaulting cycles throughout the game’s history. Notably, the Pump Shotgun returned in the Fortnite OG mode, which was released on December 6, 2024. The weapon has been available in various rarities, with its design based on real-life shotguns like the Remington 870 and SPAS-12.

According to popular Fortnite leaker HYPEX, the Twin Mag Assault Rifle, Scoped Burst SMG, and the Infiltrator Pump Shotgun are reportedly set to make a comeback. It’s a bit of a trade-off, really. We’re losing the Sentinel Pump, but we’re getting another pump in its place.

​The Twin Mag Assault Rifle is a fully automatic weapon in Fortnite, first introduced during Chapter 4 Season 4 in 2023. It features a unique twin magazine design, allowing for rapid reloading between its two magazines. Each magazine holds 20 rounds, resulting in a total magazine size of 40 rounds. The weapon boasts a fire rate of 5.4 rounds per second, making it effective in medium-range engagements.​

However, it is hard for Fortnite players to say goodbye to the Holo Twister. That thing was a beast. Will Twin Mag AR be able to replace Holo Twister? Only time has the answer.

Why is Reyna Disabled in Valorant? Patch 10.05 Bug Explained

Sonu Banerjee
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0
Why is Reyna Disabled in Valorant? Patch 10.05 Bug Explained

Riot Games has disabled Reyna from Valorant after a bug involving the Agent surfaced with the recently introduced patch 10.05 update.

As already acknowledged by the devs, Reyna has been unable to use the Overheal from her Devour ability since the release of Valorant patch 10.05. Consequently, she has been removed from all game modes till a hotfix is deployed.

“A bug in Patch 10.05 is preventing Reyna from properly using Overheal from her Devour ability — at the moment, her Overheal isn’t updating her health appropriately,” Riot Games said in a statement. “As a result, Reyna will be disabled on all platforms while we work on a fix.”

However, she will remain unbanned in this weekend’s Valorant Champions Tour (VCT) matches, the official VCT X (formerly Twitter) handle confirmed.

“As the bug does not pose a competitive advantage, Reyna will remain available for this weekend’s VCT matches,” the X post reads. “Removing Reyna with less than 24 hours from the start of competition would be disruptive for teams who may have been preparing her in their line up.”

They further added that no pauses, round rollbacks, challenges, or other competitive rulings will be granted for any potential issues involving this bug, which is why teams should be using Reyna at their own discretion.

When Will Reyna Return To Valorant?

At the time of writing, no additional updates have been provided by Riot Games on the topic, making it impossible to accurately predict Reyna’s return to Valorant.

It’s unlikely that Valorant fans will be able to play Reyna in their games within the next few days, so it might be a good idea for Reyna mains to make themselves acquainted with some of the other Duelists in the game.

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