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Steam Spring Sale 2025: Top 10 Must-Buy Games Before March 20

Yash More
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Steam Spring Sale 2025: Top 10 Must-Buy Games Before March 20

Alright PC gamers, listen up! The Steam Spring Sale of 2025 has officially landed, and it’s raining discounts until March 20th! If your backlog is looking a little… manageable (yeah, right!), now’s the perfect time to dive into some seriously awesome titles without breaking the bank. With literally thousands of games on sale, it can be a bit overwhelming, so we’ve done the hard work for you. We’ve picked out 10 killer games, mixing some of the biggest hits with those indie gems you might have missed. Here’s the lowdown on what you absolutely HAVE to grab before these deals disappear!

Big AAA Goodies You Can’t Ignore:

  • Death Stranding Director’s Cut: Kojima’s mind-bending masterpiece is a steal at 50% off! If you love a game with a unique story, stunning visuals, and exploring a vast open world, this enhanced edition with extra missions is a must-have.
  • Sifu: Ready to unleash your inner martial arts master? This brawler is intense, rewarding, and has a super cool aging mechanic. At 60% off, it’s a no-brainer for anyone who loves a good action challenge.
  • Final Fantasy VII Rebirth: Fresh off the PC launch and already 30% off? That’s practically unheard of! Whether you’re a long-time Final Fantasy fan or new to the series, this epic RPG with its gorgeous graphics and deep combat is an incredible pick.

Indie Darlings That Deserve Your Attention:

  • Neon White: This game is like a shot of adrenaline! It’s a super fast-paced mix of FPS action and platforming, and it’s 40% off. The slick mechanics and stylish visuals make this indie title a real standout. Trust us, you won’t be able to put it down.
  • Hollow Knight: If you haven’t experienced this Metroidvania classic yet, now’s your chance! It’s down to just $7.49 (that’s 50% off!). With its hauntingly beautiful world and super tight gameplay, it’s an absolute steal, especially with the Silksong sequel on the horizon.
  • Dredge: Looking for something a little different? Dredge combines relaxing fishing with some seriously creepy cosmic horror. It’s 50% off at $12.49, and its eerie atmosphere and addictive boat-upgrading loop will have you hooked (pun intended!).

Get Your Action Fix with These Discounts:

  • Doom Eternal: Want to rip and tear through hordes of demons at lightning speed? The 2020 FPS king is a whopping 75% off at just $9.99! Perfect for scratching that adrenaline itch while you wait for Doom: The Dark Ages.
  • Helldivers 2: This co-op shooter is pure chaotic fun, and it’s 20% off ($31.99). Grab your friends and team up to defend Super Earth in this title that’s still generating tons of buzz since its launch last year.

RPG and Strategy Fans, We’ve Got You Covered:

  • The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt: Seriously, if you still haven’t played this masterpiece, what are you waiting for? It’s only $7.99 (that’s 80% off!). The sprawling world and gripping story are still unmatched, making this discount an absolute steal for any gamer.
  • Slay the Spire: Addicted to card-based strategy? This roguelike deckbuilder is 75% off at $6.24. With a sequel in the works, now’s the perfect time to dive into its incredibly addictive gameplay.

Remember, the Steam Spring Sale 2025 ends on March 20th at 10 a.m. Pacific Time, so don’t wait too long! Whether you’re craving a massive open-world adventure or a quirky indie gem, these 10 games offer incredible value. For even more recommendations, be sure to check out Polygon’s full rundown. And hey, let us know what awesome games you snag in the comments below!

Speed in the Hospital Again: Fans Rally Around IShowSpeed After Eye Surgery

Pranav Nalawade
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Speed in the Hospital Again: Fans Rally Around IShowSpeed After Eye Surgery

Popular streamer Darren “IShowSpeed” Watkins Jr. is back in the hospital, this time undergoing eye surgery on Thursday, March 13, 2025. The procedure is reportedly linked to lingering complications from the severe sinus infection he battled in 2023. The 20-year-old internet sensation, known for his high-energy streams and massive online presence, had fans worried sick during that health scare two years ago. Now, this latest surgery has understandably reignited concerns among his 25 million-strong subscriber base.

Flashback to 2023: A Health Scare in Japan

For those who might not remember, IShowSpeed’s health took a troubling turn in July 2023 during a trip to Japan. While in Tokyo, he suffered from brutal cluster headaches, and his right eye swelled up severely. He described the pain as feeling like someone was “stabbing [his] eye with a knife”—pretty intense stuff. Rushed to a hospital, doctors diagnosed a serious sinus infection that posed a risk to his vision. At the time, he even shared some deeply concerning thoughts, admitting he “almost jumped off a Japanese building” because the pain was so unbearable.

After weeks of treatment and overwhelming support from fans—some of whom gathered outside the hospital—IShowSpeed thankfully recovered and returned to streaming. However, it appears that the underlying issues haven’t completely gone away, leading to this latest surgery.

Why the Hospital Visit Now?

IShowSpeed’s hospitalization on March 13, 2025, is reportedly due to complications stemming from that 2023 sinus infection. The surgery aims to address potential damage or chronic inflammation in his right eye. While some initial online speculation linked it to a recurrence of cluster headaches, experts suggest it’s more likely related to aftereffects such as orbital cellulitis or optic nerve strain—conditions that can develop if infections aren’t fully resolved.

There hasn’t been an official statement from Speed or his team regarding the exact details of the procedure, but posts on X (formerly Twitter) and updates from outlets like Dexerto confirm that the surgery took place on Thursday.

Since the news broke, fans have flooded social media with messages of support and well-wishes, hoping for a speedy recovery. The timing of the surgery comes after a busy period for him, including his recent appearance at the 2025 Sidemen Charity Match, where he even managed to score a goal and help the YouTube All-Stars secure the win!

What’s Next for IShowSpeed?

If there’s one thing about IShowSpeed, it’s that he’s resilient. After his 2023 health scare, he bounced back stronger than ever, hitting major milestones—including reaching 19 million YouTube subscribers while still in the hospital! Now, as he continues his meteoric rise, pulling in billions of views, this latest setback might cause a brief delay in his content. But knowing Speed’s dedication, fans can expect him to return with even more energy.

For now, the streaming community is eagerly awaiting updates on his condition. He’s always been open about his health struggles, often documenting them in vlogs and live streams, so fans will likely hear from him once he’s feeling up to it. Until then, we’re all sending good vibes and hoping for a smooth recovery for IShowSpeed!

Upset of the Year?! The MongolZ Absolutely DOMINATE NAVI at EPL Season 21

Yash More
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Upset of the Year?! The MongolZ Absolutely DOMINATE NAVI at EPL Season 21

Hold up, did you see this?! In a result that has sent shockwaves through the Counter-Strike world, The MongolZ absolutely dismantled the powerhouse Natus Vincere (NAVI) in the ESL Pro League (EPL) Season 21 quarter-finals yesterday, March 14, 2025. They didn’t just win; they crushed NAVI with a clean 2-0 victory to secure their spot in the semifinals. The Mongolian squad looked unstoppable on both Mirage and Ancient, taking both maps with identical 13-6 scorelines. This is HUGE – it’s their first-ever win against NAVI in competitive CS! This incredible performance in Stockholm sets up a mouthwatering semifinal clash with Vitality.

Mirage Massacre: The MongolZ Come Out Swinging

The series kicked off on Mirage, typically NAVI’s comfort pick. As expected, they started strong, jumping out to an early 4-0 lead with their aggressive playstyle. But then, The MongolZ flipped the switch. Led by a clutch Molotov play from Sodbayar “Techno” Munkhbold, the Mongolians went on an absolute tear, winning nearly every CT round from that point on.

The only exception? A fantastic 4K from NAVI’s Ihor “w0nderful” Zhdanov with a Deagle. However, a crucial second-round force-buy victory for The MongolZ completely shifted the momentum, propelling them to a dominant 13-6 finish. You could practically hear the jaws dropping in the arena!

Ancient Ends NAVI’s Run with Authority

The struggles continued for NAVI on Ancient, where their economy seemed to hamper their ability to use utility effectively. The MongolZ capitalized early, racing to a commanding 6-2 lead with precise and aggressive plays.

But the real star of the show on this map was Ayush “mzinho” Batbold. This guy was unstoppable, racking up a ridiculous 23 kills and a 1.97 rating! He even pulled off a highlight-reel spray transfer that left NAVI’s Mihai “iM” visibly frustrated. The MongolZ kept their composure and closed out the map with another 13-6 victory, leaving no doubt about who the better team was on the day.

A Massive Moment for Mongolian CS

This win is a monumental achievement for The MongolZ. It marks their second top-four finish at a Big Event in 2025, solidifying their status as a rising force in the Counter-Strike scene. While they’ve struggled with consistency against top-tier teams in the past, their composure and dominance against NAVI feel like a true turning point. Their next challenge is massive: a semifinal showdown against Vitality, who are riding a nine-game win streak, spearheaded by none other than Mathieu “ZywOo” Herbaut. Talk about a clash of titans!

Questions Arise for a Struggling NAVI

On the other side, this loss raises serious concerns for NAVI. Despite their IEM Rio victory earlier this year, recent performances have been inconsistent. Frustrations seemed to boil over during the group stage, and their body language in this match didn’t go unnoticed by fans. Coach Andrey “B1ad3” Gorodenskiy tried to downplay any major issues, but losing two maps by a combined score of 26-12 is hard to ignore. Now, the question remains: can NAVI regroup and bounce back in time for the Austin Major?

What’s Next in EPL Season 21?

So, what’s next? The MongolZ are set to face Vitality tomorrow (that’s Saturday, for those keeping track!) in what promises to be an electrifying semifinal matchup. Can their incredible momentum carry them past one of the world’s best? Meanwhile, NAVI’s elimination means their hopes for a third consecutive semifinal appearance this year are over. The ESL Pro League Season 21 playoffs are heating up, and with results like this, every match promises to be packed with surprises!

Valve Updates CS2 Tournament Rules: Tier 1, Tier 2, and Wildcard Changes Explained

Yash More
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Valve Updates CS2 Tournament Rules: Tier 1, Tier 2, and Wildcard Changes Explained

Valve, the developer behind Counter-Strike 2 (CS2), has introduced significant updates to its Tournament Operation Requirements, reshaping how Tier 1 and Tier 2 events will invite teams, seed rosters, and handle wildcards. Announced on March 14, 2025, these changes aim to enhance competition and streamline event planning as the CS2 esports scene continues to evolve.

Stricter Invite Rules for Tier 1 and Tier 2 Events

The updated guidelines raise the bar for Tier 1 events, increasing the minimum number of invited teams from 16 to 20. This shift ensures broader participation from top-tier rosters, making these tournaments more competitive. Meanwhile, Tier 2 events face tighter restrictions: organizers can no longer directly invite teams ranked in the top 12 of the Valve Regional Standings (VRS), down from the previous top 16 threshold. This change pushes Tier 2 events to focus on emerging talent rather than established giants.

These adjustments reflect Valve’s intent to create a clearer divide between the two tiers while fostering opportunities for up-and-coming teams to break into the elite level.

Revised Seeding and Wildcard Criteria

Seeding rules have also been refined. Previously, tournaments relied on the VRS version used for invitations to determine seeding. Now, organizers can use the most current VRS at the time of the event, ensuring rankings reflect recent performances. This tweak promises fairer matchups and reduces the risk of outdated standings skewing brackets.

Wildcard invitations, a key pathway for unconventional rosters, have become more restrictive yet strategic. A team now qualifies as a wildcard if it ranks below 12th globally and includes at least three players who were part of a top-12 VRS roster in the past six months—tightening the prior criteria of top-8 over 12 months. This adjustment targets rosters with proven talent transitioning to new lineups, offering them a shot at high-profile events.

Extended Planning Timelines for Organizers

Valve has also updated deadlines to improve transparency and preparation. For Tier 1 and wildcard events starting in 2027 or later, organizers must announce details 22 months in advance, down from 24 months. Additional information, like venue and format specifics, is due 10 months prior, reduced from 12 months. These changes give tournament operators more flexibility while still ensuring teams and fans have ample notice.

Impact on the CS2 Esports Ecosystem

The new rules are poised to reshape the CS2 competitive landscape. By raising the entry bar for Tier 1 events, Valve ensures only the strongest teams compete at the highest level, potentially elevating the quality of play. Simultaneously, the stricter Tier 2 invite limits could turn these tournaments into proving grounds for rising stars, bridging the gap to Tier 1.

Wildcard updates, meanwhile, strike a balance between rewarding past success and encouraging fresh talent. Teams like Ninjas in Pyjamas (NiP) or others undergoing roster changes may benefit, provided they meet the revised criteria.

As of March 14, 2025, these changes are live, and their effects will unfold across upcoming CS2 events. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how teams adapt to the new structure. Will Tier 2 become a launchpad for future champions? Only time will tell.

Marvel Rivals Season 1.5 Twitch Drops: How to Earn Adam Warlock Costume & Rewards

Satyam Kumar
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Marvel Rivals Season 1.5 Twitch Drops: How to Earn Adam Warlock Costume & Rewards

Marvel Rivals fans have a fresh opportunity to snag exclusive in-game rewards with the Season 1.5 Twitch Drops event. Starting today, March 14, 2025, players can earn unique cosmetics, including a coveted Adam Warlock costume, by tuning into Twitch streams. This guide breaks down how to participate, the rewards up for grabs, and the exact watch time needed to claim them.

What Are Marvel Rivals Season 1.5 Twitch Drops?

Twitch Drops are special rewards offered to viewers who watch Marvel Rivals streams on the platform. Season 1.5 introduces a new wave of drops tied to the mid-season update, featuring balance changes and the addition of heroes like Human Torch and The Thing. These rewards are exclusive and won’t return once the event ends, making them a must-have for collectors.

Event Dates and Duration

The Season 1.5 Twitch Drops event runs from March 13, 2025, at 7:00 PM PDT to April 3, 2025, at 7:00 PM PDT. That’s a 21-day window to earn your rewards. Mark your calendars—once April 3 hits, these items are gone for good, as NetEase Games rarely re-releases Twitch Drop cosmetics.

Rewards and Watch Time Required

Here’s what you can unlock and how long you need to watch:

  • “Will of Galacta” Spray: Watch for 30 minutes. A sleek spray for Adam Warlock fans.
  • Custom Nameplate: Watch for 1 hour. Show off your dedication with this stylish addition.
  • Adam Warlock Costume: Watch for 4 hours. The star reward—a full skin for the cosmic hero.

Progress accumulates automatically while watching any Marvel Rivals stream with Drops enabled. You don’t need to stick to one streamer or watch consecutively—just hit the total time before the deadline.

How to Earn Marvel Rivals Twitch Drops

Follow these steps to secure your rewards:

  1. Link Your Accounts: Visit the Marvel Rivals website and connect your game account to your Twitch profile.
  2. Find a Stream: Open Twitch, head to the “Marvel Rivals” category, and look for streams tagged “Drops Enabled.”
  3. Watch and Earn: Keep the stream running for the required time. Progress tracks in your Twitch Drops Inventory.
  4. Claim Rewards: Once earned, claim your drops on Twitch, then check your in-game inbox to equip them.

For a fast track, tune into events like Disguised Toast’s Creator Cup 2.0 on March 13—hours of watch time in one go!

Why These Drops Matter

These cosmetics, like the Adam Warlock skin, don’t affect gameplay but add flair to your hero roster. With Season 1.5’s update rolling out today, including mid-season balance tweaks, it’s a perfect time to flex new looks in ranked matches. Plus, supporting streamers boosts the game’s growing community.

Adam Warlock costume and other rewards from Marvel Rivals Season 1.5 Twitch Drops event.

Final Tips

Don’t wait—rewards hit your inbox after claiming but expire in 30 days. Check your progress on Twitch regularly, and enjoy the streams. For more updates, follow Marvel Rivals’ official channels. Happy watching, Rivals!

Vitality Defeats Team Liquid, Advances to ESL Pro League Season 21 Semi-Finals

Sarjyo Mukherjee
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Vitality Defeats Team Liquid, Advances to ESL Pro League Season 21 Semi-Finals

Vitality has eliminated Team Liquid from ESL Pro League Season 21 and secured their spot in the semi-finals against the winner of NAVI vs. MongolZ. With a Katowice title already under their belt, Vitality now has their sights set on the EPL. With ZywOo and ropz firing on all cylinders, Vitality might just reclaim their spot at the top of the HLTV rankings.

Veto:

  • Liquid removed Nuke
  • Vitality removed Ancient
  • Liquid picked Anubis
  • Vitality picked Dust2
  • Liquid removed Mirage
  • Vitality removed Inferno
  • Train was left over

Map 1: Anubis (Pick: Liquid | Winner: Vitality)

Despite going up by four rounds early, Vitality lost momentum after a strong retake from Liquid. While Vitality got off to a solid start, Liquid found their footing later in the first half, securing five rounds to close the gap. Heading into the second half with a two-round deficit, Liquid lost the pistol but quickly bounced back with a force buy, leveling the score at 8-8.

Though Anubis is a CT-sided map, Vitality’s defense held firm against everything Liquid threw at them, closing the game with a 13-9 scoreline. Mezii and ropz were standout performers, delivering impact across both halves with impressive individual ratings (IR) of 1.49 and 1.48, respectively.

Map 2: Dust2 (Pick: Vitality | Winner: Vitality)

Winning the pistol round, Vitality converted their force buy and began building momentum. They dominated most of the rounds, while Liquid’s victories were scattered. Similar to Anubis, Liquid managed to secure five rounds, keeping the match competitive. With Dust2 being a balanced map, it remained up for grabs.

Vitality started their CT side strong, winning the pistol round and making a Liquid comeback increasingly difficult. While Liquid fought back, Vitality controlled the pace and never let the game slip away. A failed mid-to-B split from Liquid sealed their fate, allowing Vitality to close out the series and eliminate them from the Pro League.

This loss marks the end of Team Liquid’s ESL Pro League Season 21 run, as they exit at the hands of arguably the best team in the world. Under Twistzz’s leadership, the roster has shown improvement compared to previous years, but they have yet to deliver convincing results at major events. With a packed tournament schedule ahead, they will have plenty of opportunities to turn things around.

NAVI’s w0nderful Accused of Collaborating with ESIC in CS2 Betting Scandal

Sarjyo Mukherjee
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NAVI’s w0nderful Accused of Collaborating with ESIC in CS2 Betting Scandal

A former teammate of NAVI’s star sniper w0nderful has accused him of collaborating with ESIC to investigate the CS2 betting scandal involving team MAJESTY in exchange for immunity to avoid getting banned himself while the rest of the teammates are facing consequences.

Danylo “nat1ve” Bakin, a former teammate of w0nderful, has revealed that everyone involved in the group got banned except for the NAVI sniper, suggesting that it was him who has been providing ESIC with the information in exchange for immunity. According to him, despite participating in 322 matches, w0nderful has been able to avoid sanctions by snitching on his teammates.

“Everyone swam to the shore, but only one swam to the shore”, said nat1ve. The “one” mentioned here is suggestively pointing towards w0nderful, confirming the community’s suspicion that it is he who has been informing on his teammates and teams from tier-2 since 2022.

The community are more inclined towards believing the aforementioned claims in light of many of his former teammates getting charged with sanction while ESIC has left out w0nderful from their investigation. Under the given circumstances, it is not difficult to assume that an immunity deal might have been in place.

Ganginho recently joined the likes of SENSEi, THRONE and nat1ve, who received bans from ESIC for their involvement in match-fixing, and while these players will have their careers stagnated, w0nderful continues to enjoy tier-1 CS in the colors of NAVI.

This is not the first time teams in Tier-2 have been accused of match-fixing. Popular streamer Lobanjica and community veteran Kassad have been voicing their concerns that it is very difficult to separate legit matches from the fixed ones in tier-2/3 of CS2.

As things stand, there is nothing concrete against w0nderful except suggestive evidence from former teammates. While this endeavor has cleared up anti-competitive elements from tier-2, the moral question remains whether w0nderful should be allowed to get away with it without a scratch.

Karmine Corp Stuns Fans, Reaches First Stand 2025 Semi-Finals in League of Legends

Satyam Kumar
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Karmine Corp Stuns Fans, Reaches First Stand 2025 Semi-Finals in League of Legends

In a storyline that feels straight out of a movie, Karmine Corp has defied expectations and punched their ticket to the semi-finals of First Stand 2025, the brand-new international League of Legends showdown currently electrifying LoL Park in Seoul, South Korea. This is a massive achievement for the team, who have shown incredible resilience and some seriously smart gameplay throughout the tournament.

Bumpy Start in the Groups Didn’t Stop Them

Karmine Corp’s journey to the top hasn’t been a smooth cruise. They were thrown into the deep end in the group stage, facing tough opponents like Hanwha Life Esports and CTBC Flying Oyster. They definitely had some stumbles, including a loss to CTBC Flying Oyster, but they showed their fighting spirit with a crucial victory against Top Esports. That win wasn’t just a morale boost; it kept their dream of making it to the knockout stage alive.

The Moment That Changed Everything

The real turning point came during their nail-biting match against Team Liquid. In a game where the pressure was sky-high, Karmine Corp pulled off something special. They showed amazing teamwork and a real knack for adapting their strategy, coming back from a significant disadvantage to snatch a vital win. That victory locked in their spot in the semi-finals – something that honestly felt like a long shot for many at the start of the tournament.

The Star Players and the Brains Behind the Plays

A huge part of their success has to be credited to the incredible performances of their key players. The bot lane duo of Caliste and Targamas have been making clutch plays left and right, while Vladi in the mid-lane has been a consistent force, applying pressure all over the map. What’s also been fascinating to watch is their innovative use of the Fearless Draft system. This rule, which forces teams to pick unique champions each game, has really highlighted Karmine Corp’s strategic depth and how versatile their players are.

What’s Next? The Stakes Are High

Now, as Karmine Corp prepares for the semi-finals, they’re facing the daunting task of going up against some of the absolute best teams in the world. But after what we’ve seen so far, you can’t count them out. They’ve proven time and time again that they can rise to the occasion. Fans and analysts are on the edge of their seats waiting for their next match, which is guaranteed to be an absolute banger filled with incredible skill and mind-blowing strategies.

Marvel Rivals 1.5 Update Brings New Heroes and Major Balance Changes

Moin Khot
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Marvel Rivals 1.5 Update Brings New Heroes and Major Balance Changes

Marvel Rivals 1.5 update shakes up the game with two new heroes, Human Torch and The Thing, rounding out the Fantastic Four. Alongside their introduction, the update brings large-scale balance changes, nerfing strong support characters but buffing tanks and damage dealers. These changes aim to make for a faster-paced, more aggressive gameplay experience. Here’s a breakdown of all that’s new in the latest update.

Marvel Rivals 1.5 update New Heroes Completes the Fantastic Four

The Marvel Rivals 1.5 update adds two of the Fantastic Four’s most iconic members to the roster of Marvel Rivals—Human Torch and The Thing.​

  • Human Torch: A high-flying duelist, Human Torch fires out fireballs, generates destructive blazing zones, and can crash to the ground to create blazing zones, providing a dynamic playstyle.
  • The Thing: Being a tanky Vanguard character, The Thing excels at rushing into fights, dealing area-of-effect punches, and charging forward to hit enemies. His ultimate hits the ground, knocking up enemies.

Marvel Rivals 1.5 Update Balance Changes: Meta Shift Incoming

  • Support Nerfs: Support mainstays Cloak and Dagger and Luna Snow have had their abilities reduced in power. Their ultimate spells have increased cooldowns, and healing streaks on Cloak and Dagger no longer stack. This will slow down their stranglehold on keeping games extended.
  • Buffs to Tanks and Damage Dealers: Heroes like Captain America, Iron Man, Iron Fist, and Magik are being buffed. Iron Fist, for instance, is turning into a brawler. His redesigned jabs will have increased damage based on the health of enemies and better self-healing, making him tank-killer material.

Also read: How to Get Marvel Rivals Season 1.5 Twitch Drops?

With supports nerfed and brawlers buffed, expect a deviation from triple Strategist team builds. Aggressive playstyles can take over the meta, increasing the viability of tanks and damage dealers in competitive play.

Apart from these changes, Marvel Rivals 1.5 update has also introduced a bunch of minor changes and bug fixes. Click here to read the detailed patch notes.

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Spirit Eliminates Eternal Fire to Reach ESL Pro League Season 21 Semi-finals

Sarjyo Mukherjee
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Spirit Eliminates Eternal Fire to Reach ESL Pro League Season 21 Semi-finals

Team Spirit has taken down Eternal Fire in the quarterfinal of ESL Pro League Season 21 in a tiring game of 3 maps. donk and co. continues their fine form as they find themselves in the semi-finals against the winner of the following match between G2 and MOUZ.

VETO

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

Map 1: Nuke; Pick: Spirit; Winner: Spirit

Starting strong, Spirit went 5-0 up before Eternal Fire could get their first round on the defense. The Russian side managed to lose a few rounds, as EF finally managed to draw five rounds to make the match more competitive than it seemed early on. Eternal Fire went 11-5 down as Spirit seemed to be running away with the map. Eternal Fire started winning rounds from the 17th round, which saw the scoreline leveled as the game got pushed to overtime. The first overtime failed to separate both sides, but the second OT saw Spirit run a perfect T side, followed by a clean win on the first round of the CT side, closing their map pick with a 19:15 scoreline.

Map 2: Anubis; Pick: Eternal Fire; Winner: Eternal Fire

A heavily one-sided first half saw Eternal Fire cruise through with a 9-3 lead, sending Spirit to the backfoot right from the get-go as their defense fell completely flat. Given that Anubis is a T-sided map, Eternal Fire took full advantage of it to sail into a massive lead as Spirit got a better grip on the game in the second half. Spirit managed to win 7 rounds before Eternal Fire closed the half, and donk was completely shut down as even though he hit a few good shots, Eternal Fire managed to minimize his impact, sending us to a 3rd map.

Map 3: Mirage; Pick: Decider; Winner: Spirit

An extremely close first half between the teams saw both sides walk away with a 6-6 half, making it a close and exciting affair. While donk managed to find his footing, Eternal Fire’s teamwork helped them go toe to toe, keeping them in the game for the entirety of the first half. The second half saw EF drop the ball completely as Spirit managed to win all but one round as a dominant 13-7 half crashed on the Turkish side. donk, with 50 kills and a rating of 1.12, was the best player in the server across the 3 maps combined that saw Team Spirit book their semi-final spot.

With promising results to show for it, Eternal Fire once again takes an exit from a top tournament after losing out to arguably the best team in the world. While they have managed to improve since the acquisition of jottAAA, they still need to work on several aspects of the game if they want to bring home a tier-1 trophy. As things stand, they take an exit from EPL reaching the quarterfinals while Spirit will be in the semi-finals at their cost.

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