Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past month, chances are you’re probably already aware of the changes to the Valorant map pool with the Season 2026 Act 2 update. Just in case you were, you should know that Lotus and Fracture are returning to the competitive map pool of Valorant while Abyss and Corrode make their exit.
As it re-enters the Valorant map pool, Lotus is receiving a significant rework, altering a portion of the map that used to heavily favor the Attacking side to make things a bit more neutral.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Valorant Lotus changes before the map officially returns to the Competitive queues.
Valorant Lotus Rework: All Changes
The changes to Lotus in the Valorant Season 2026 Act 2 update are mostly limited to the A-Site and A-Long portion of the map.
For starters, the cubby toward the right side of the stairs has been widened, giving Defenders some extra space to hold long while also giving the Attackers a couple of more angles to clear when trying to enter the bombsite.
The area near the orb spawn has also been tweaked a bit.
If you’re on the Attacking side, you’ll immediately be able to see a change when trying to take control of A-Long. The A-Root area has been changed, with the jump being now placed towards the far left, helping the Attackers jump on the platform safely without risking getting sniped.
Lastly, the A bombsite itself has been tweaked, with Attackers no longer being able to plant the bomb towards the left side of the box.
While the changes to the A-Site are definitely noticeable, the rest of Lotus still mostly remains the same.
Valorant players will be able to welcome Lotus into their Competitive games starting March 18, 2026, with the Season 2026 Act 2 update.
The Blackthorn bundle is the next Valorant skin collection that’s coming to the game with its Season 2026 Act 2 update, and the contents of the new bundle have already been revealed.
For the uninitiated, the Valorant Season 2026 Act 2 update is just a couple of days away, and it will introduce a plethora of new content to the shooter, including the new Agent Miks, a fresh Battle Pass, a new map pool, the Knockout game mode, and more.
In this article, we’ll take a look at everything you need to know about the Valorant Blackthorn bundle, including its contents, price, release date, and more.
Valorant Blackthorn Bundle Skins
The new Valorant Blackthorn bundle features a total of four variants and will include cosmetics for the following weapons:
— VALORANT Leaks & News (@VALORANTLeaksEN) March 16, 2026
Alongside these new skins, the Blackthorn Bundle will also feature a Rose Flex and an exclusive Player Card.
Valorant Blackthorn Bundle Price
While Riot Games has yet to reveal the price of the Valorant Blackthorn bundle officially, early looks suggest it will likely fall into the Premium-tier category, which typically costs around 7,100 VP. However, it wouldn’t be surprising if the bundle ends up in a higher tier, which would naturally push its price up even further.
Valorant Blackthorn Bundle Release Date
As mentioned earlier, the Blackthorn bundle will hit the Valorant store alongside the Season 2026 Act 2 update, which is scheduled to go live on March 18, 2026.
Miks, being the newest agent in the Valorant universe, is canonically Croatian, and Riot has emphasized this by announcing him as a music-driven support controller from Croatia.
Miks’ nationality is an integral part of how he is being marketed, from his background to his music-themed abilities.
Riot officially revealed their newest agent, Miks, during their broadcast of the Valorant Masters Santiago 2026 Grand Final, announcing him as a Croatian agent and the 30th agent in the Valorant universe. Multiple sources are announcing him as “hailing from Croatia” and “Croatian-born,” emphasizing his nationality in his announcement.
Valorant already has agents from Turkey, India, Brazil, and many other nations in its universe, and with the addition of a Croatian agent, it is further emphasizing its presence in Central and Eastern Europe.
Riot’s narrative beats have also linked Miks’ Croatian heritage to music culture and nightlife, making him out to be a high-energy, social personality whose life has been defined by music before Valorant. His musical abilities have been described by the developers as an extension of this personality, using sound waves as protective and aggressive tools in the heat of battle.
His abilities have been described as combining traditional Controller smokes with buffs, heals, and aggressive sound waves, making him the first Controller to be able to heal as well as control the battlefield. In fact, Riot has described his abilities as being “built for the socially motivated player,” echoing the personality of the high-energy, music-loving personality that has been established with his Croatian heritage.
The BGIS 2026 Survival Stage has begun with intense competition as teams battle for the final spots in the Grand Finals. However, fans quickly noticed a surprising change in the GodLike Esports lineup during the first match. Star player Jonathan was not seen playing in the opening game of the Survival Stage, and Godz stepped in as his replacement.
The sudden change has sparked discussions among BGMI esports fans, especially because this stage is extremely important for GodLike’s tournament journey. Check out if Jonathan BGMI dropped from Godlike Esports.
Jonathan absent in BGIS 2026 Survival Stage opening match
When BGIS 2026 Survival Stage Day 1 started on March 16, fans were surprised to see that Jonathan was missing from the playing four of Godlike Esports in the first match. Instead, Godz played alongside Manya, Admino, and Spower.
So far, GodLike Esports has not announced any official reason for Jonathan BGMI absence. Because of this, many fans have started speculating about what might have happened. Some believe he could have been temporarily benched, while others think it might be due to a personal issue or another situation behind the scenes.
With six matches scheduled on Day 1, it remains unclear whether Jonathan will return to the lineup later in the day.
Notably, Jonathan was also not seen in great form on the final day of the BGIS 2026 Semi Finals, which has added more speculation among fans about whether the change could be related to performance or simply a temporary adjustment in the roster.
Survival Stage crucial for GodLike Esports
The BGIS 2026 Survival Stage is a make-or-break moment for many teams, including GodLike Esports. The team narrowly missed out on direct qualification from the BGIS 2026 Semi Finals, which means this stage is their final opportunity to reach the Grand Finals.
In this stage, 16 teams compete across 12 matches, and only the top eight teams will qualify for the BGIS 2026 Grand Finals, which are scheduled to take place in Chennai later this month.
This means GodLike must deliver consistent performances in the remaining matches if they want to secure their place in the finals.
For the opening match of the Survival Stage, GodLike Esports fielded a lineup of Manya, Admino, Spower, and Godz.
Jonathan’s absence has raised many questions among fans because he is widely considered one of the most experienced and influential players in BGMI esports. His gameplay and presence have often been a key factor in GodLike’s success during major tournaments.
Fans will now closely watch the remaining matches to see whether Jonathan returns to the playing lineup or if the team continues with the current roster for the rest of the Survival Stage.
With the stakes extremely high and only a limited number of matches remaining, every decision could play a crucial role in determining whether GodLike Esports secures a spot in the BGIS 2026 Grand Finals.
Playing BGMI for laptop is completely possible in 2026, even though the game is officially only available on Android and iOS. You need an Android emulator to run the game on Windows or macOS, and the process takes less than 15 minutes if you follow the right steps.
Why Play BGMI on Laptop?
A laptop gives you advantages that a phone simply cannot. The bigger screen improves your field of view, keyboard and mouse controls allow faster and more precise aiming, and your laptop’s cooling system handles long gaming sessions better than a phone. Many competitive BGMI players prefer emulators for ranked grinding and practice because of these reasons.
BGMI also supports up to 120 FPS on supported devices, and on a capable laptop, you can achieve that smoothness consistently without throttling.
System Requirements
Before downloading anything, check if your laptop meets the minimum requirements. Running BGMI below these specs will result in lag and crashes.
Spec
Minimum
Recommended
OS
64-bit Windows 7/8.1/10
64-bit Windows 10
Processor
Intel Core i5-4430 / AMD FX-6300
AMD Ryzen 5-1600 / Intel Core i5-7600K
RAM
8 GB
16 GB
GPU
NVIDIA GTX 960 2GB / AMD R7 370 2GB
NVIDIA GTX 1060 6GB or better
DirectX
Version 11
Version 11
Storage
30 GB free space
30 GB free space
If you are using BlueStacks as your emulator, the absolute minimum is 4 GB RAM with at least 10 GB free disk space, though gameplay at those specs will not be smooth.
Best Emulators for BGMI for Laptop
There is no single “best” emulator for every laptop. The right choice depends on your hardware. Here are the top five options in 2026:
1. LDPlayer 9
LDPlayer is the most popular emulator for BGMI on laptop right now. It supports up to 120 FPS, offers detailed key mapping customization, and works well on both mid-range and high-end laptops. You can allocate CPU cores and RAM directly from the emulator’s settings panel for optimal performance.
2. BlueStacks 5
BlueStacks is one of the oldest and most trusted Android emulators available. It supports keyboard mapping, high-definition graphics, and a multi-instance feature. The trade-off is that BlueStacks is resource-heavy, so it may lag on entry-level laptops.
3. GameLoop (64-bit)
GameLoop is developed by Tencent and has native support for BGMI and PUBG Mobile. It uses DirectX+ rendering and lets you allocate dedicated GPU resources, making it a strong choice for laptops with a discrete graphics card. For best results, set rendering mode to DirectX+, assign 4 CPU cores, and set memory to 4096 MB or 50% of your system RAM.
4. NoxPlayer
NoxPlayer is lightweight and easy to set up, making it a solid option for older laptops. It supports both keyboard/mouse and gamepad controls for BGMI.
5. MEmu Play
MEmu Play supports Android 9 and offers smooth compatibility with BGMI. It is a good fallback option if LDPlayer or BlueStacks causes issues on your specific laptop configuration.
How to Install BGMI on Laptop
Follow these steps using LDPlayer 9 as the example, since it is currently the most recommended emulator for BGMI.
Go to ldplayer.net and click Download LDPlayer 9 (approximately 724 MB).
Run the installer and click Yes when prompted for permissions, then click Install.
Open LDPlayer once installation is complete and sign in with your Google account.
Open the Google Play Store within LDPlayer, search for Battlegrounds Mobile India, and click Install.
Wait for the initial download (approximately 745 MB) plus any additional in-game resource files to download automatically.
Launch the game, log in with your existing BGMI account, and configure your key mapping from the emulator’s control editor.
The total installation time is around 20 to 30 minutes depending on your internet speed.
Performance Tips for Smooth Gameplay
Getting BGMI for laptop to run smoothly requires a few tweaks beyond the default settings. Apply these after installation:
Allocate maximum CPU cores in LDPlayer or GameLoop settings to reduce frame drops during intense fights.
Set DPI to 240 inside the emulator display settings. Using a DPI value that is too high or too low can prevent you from logging into BGMI.
Set FPS cap to 120 in the emulator and match it with Extreme frame rate inside BGMI’s in-game graphics settings.
Disable anti-aliasing in both emulator and in-game settings on low to mid-range laptops. This alone can recover 10 to 20 FPS.
Use a wired internet connection instead of Wi-Fi to reduce ping and packet loss during matches.
Set the device model in your emulator to a high-end phone like Samsung S24 Ultra or ROG Phone 5. This unlocks higher graphics tiers within BGMI.
Close background apps before launching the emulator to free up RAM and prevent stuttering.
For more BGMI tips and sensitivity guides tailored for emulator players, visit TalkEsport’s BGMI section.
Is Playing BGMI on Laptop Allowed?
Krafton has not officially banned emulator use for BGMI the way some other games have. However, using third-party tools, macros, or scripts alongside emulators to gain an unfair advantage violates the terms of service and can result in a ban. Stick to clean emulator setups and legitimate in-game settings to stay safe.
If you need to contact BGMI support, there are only two official channels you should ever use: the in-game Help Center and the official Krafton support email. Knowing the right “BGMI contact us” method can save you from scams and get your issue resolved faster.
Does BGMI Have a Phone Number?
No, BGMI does not have an official customer care phone number. Krafton, the South Korean developer behind Battlegrounds Mobile India, does not offer telephone support to players in any region. This is a firm policy, not a temporary measure.
Any toll-free number or helpline you find on Google, Facebook, or third-party websites is almost certainly a scam. Fraudsters use these fake numbers to steal your OTP, UPI PIN, screen access via remote apps, and BGMI login credentials. Krafton has officially confirmed it will never ask for your password or financial details over the phone.
Official BGMI Contact Us Methods
Since phone support does not exist, Krafton provides two safe and verified digital channels for all player issues.
Method 1: In-Game Support (Fastest)
This is the recommended method because it automatically links your query to your Game ID, speeding up the resolution.
Open BGMI and go to the Lobby
Tap the Arrow icon in the bottom-right corner
Open Settings
Under the Basic tab, find the Customer Service icon (headset icon) at the bottom-left or top-right
Browse FAQs or tap Contact Us to chat with the support bot or raise a ticket
This method works best for UC-related issues, login problems, and in-game bug reports. You can check out the latest BGMI updates on TalkEsport to understand patch-related bugs before filing a ticket.
Method 2: Official Email Support
If you cannot open the game, for example due to a ban or a repeated crash, you should email Krafton directly.
To avoid unnecessary back-and-forth and get a faster response, always include the following in your email:
Subject Line: A clear description of the issue (e.g., “UC Deducted but Not Received” or “Account Compromised”)
Player ID (UID): Your unique numeric Game ID
In-Game Name (IGN): Your exact profile name as it appears in the game
Proof: Screenshots or a screen recording showing the issue or payment receipt
Time of Incident: The exact date and time when the problem occurred
This email is also the official grievance channel listed on the BGMI Privacy Policy page, with Sanket Sarkar listed as the Grievance Officer.
Help Center Website
You can also visit the official BGMI Help Center to browse a library of common solutions before submitting a ticket. The Help Center covers topics like UC purchase failures, account recovery, device compatibility, and ban appeals. It is available for both Android and iOS players.
Tips for a Faster Support Response
Getting a quick reply from BGMI support depends largely on how clearly you describe your issue. These practices help ensure your ticket is not delayed:
Always use the in-game support option when your account is accessible, as it pre-fills your Game ID
Attach payment screenshots for any UC or subscription issues
Avoid submitting duplicate tickets for the same issue, as it pushes your case back in the queue
Be patient; response times can range from 24 to 72 hours depending on the issue type
For the latest BGMI patch notes, tournament news, and in-game event updates, TalkEsport covers it all in one place.
KRAFTON India has announced a new collaboration between Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). The partnership will arrive with the BGMI 4.3 update, bringing exclusive knight-themed gameplay content inspired by the IPL franchise.
The collaboration will go live on March 25, allowing players to experience new in-game collectables, themed cosmetics, and special Photo Booth locations. The update is also launching just before the start of Indian Premier League 2026, aiming to connect cricket fans and BGMI players through a unique in-game experience.
BGMI 4.3 update introduces KKR-themed content ahead of IPL 2026
With the upcoming BGMI 4.3 update, players will get access to several Kolkata Knight Riders-themed items and features inside the game.
Two exclusive KKR-branded in-game collectables will be introduced:
Knight Dominion Set – a special outfit inspired by the team’s knight identity
Eden Charge Buggy – a KKR-themed vehicle skin for the buggy
These items will allow players to represent the Kolkata Knight Riders franchise while playing matches in BGMI.
The update will also introduce special Photo Booth Points of Interest (POIs) across the maps Erangel and Livik. At these locations, players can capture in-game photos alongside KKR players, creating a new fan engagement experience inside the battleground.
Commenting on the collaboration, Seddharth Merrotra, Head of Business Development and Partnerships, KRAFTON India, said:
“ Kolkata Knight Riders brings fearless cricket. BGMI brings fearless competition. The DNA was always going to be compatible. What we’ve built with this collaboration goes beyond cosmetics – it puts the Knight Riders inside the battleground in a way our players can feel mid-match. That’s the standard we want to set for every sports partnership we build inside BGMI.”
The partnership aims to connect cricket fandom with gaming culture, especially as the IPL season approaches. By launching the collaboration ahead of IPL 2026, BGMI is positioning itself as another platform where fans can show support for their favorite team.
Binda Dey, Chief Marketing Officer, Knight Riders Sports, also spoke about the partnership:
“ Kolkata Knight Riders has always shared a strong connection with its fans, built on energy, passion, and fearless cricket. Partnering with BGMI allows us to extend that relationship into the digital gaming world, where a large part of our fanbase actively engages today. It creates a new format for fans to experience and celebrate the Knight Riders’ spirit beyond the cricket field.”
The collaboration highlights BGMI’s growing role as a platform where gaming, esports, and sports entertainment come together. By introducing cricket-themed content inside the game, the partnership creates new ways for players and fans to interact with the team beyond traditional matches.
BGMI 4.3 update release date
The BGMI 4.3 update is scheduled to release on March 19, 2026 across Android and iOS platforms in a phased rollout. After the update goes live, the Kolkata Knight Riders collaboration content will be available in the game starting March 25, 2026.
NODWIN Gaming has announced a major leadership and financial update as the company prepares for its next phase of growth. The esports and gaming company has appointed Arnd Benninghoff to its Board of Directors and has also started a pre-IPO fundraising round.
The move signals the company’s plan to eventually launch a public listing. NODWIN Gaming said the fundraising round will help support global expansion and strategic acquisitions.
Arnd Benninghoff joins NODWIN Gaming board
Arnd Benninghoff currently serves as Executive Vice President of Gaming at Modern Times Group. He has more than a decade of experience in the gaming and media industry.
Before this role, he held senior leadership positions such as Chief Digital Officer at ProSiebenSat.1 Media AG, Managing Director at SevenVentures, and CEO of Holtzbrinck eLAB. He has also founded several companies and began his career as a journalist with Deutsche Presse Agentur. Benninghoff said he admires NODWIN Gaming’s growth and its ability to build strong gaming communities in emerging markets.
Nodwin Gaming Pre-IPO fundraising round announced
Along with the board appointment, NODWIN Gaming has launched a pre-IPO fundraising round.
The funding round will include:
Primary capital to support global expansion and acquisitions
Secondary share sales that provide liquidity for existing investors
Revenue growth in FY2026
NODWIN Gaming said the fundraising initiative comes at a time of strong financial performance.
The company reported:
42% year-on-year revenue growth
USD 58.5 million revenue in the first nine months of FY2026
Return to EBITDA profitability
These numbers highlight the company’s continued growth in the gaming and esports sector.
NODWIN Gaming has been expanding its global presence across regions such as South Asia, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Central Asia, and Africa.
The company has also strengthened its portfolio through several partnerships and acquisitions.
One of its major moves was acquiring StarLadder, a well-known organizer of major events for games like Counter-Strike: Global Offensive and Dota 2. The company is also a long-term strategic partner for the Evolution Championship Series, widely known as EVO.
In addition, the company operates major gaming and pop culture events such as DreamHack India and Comic Con India. With these initiatives, the company aims to strengthen its position in gaming, esports, music, and youth entertainment markets.
The Indian esports community has been left shocked by the tragic news surrounding BGMI female esports player Wizzy. According to reports shared by LetsGrowEsports, Wizzy reportedly self-harmed and later passed away. The heartbreaking incident comes just a week after she reportedly got engaged to her boyfriend, Dragon Esports player Superboi.
Wizzy was a known name in the BGMI esports scene and had competed in major tournaments such as the BGMI Pro Series (BMPS) 2024 and the BGMI Challenger Series. The Challenger Series served as a qualification tournament for the BGMI Masters Series (BGMS) 2025. She represented Myth Hawks during her competitive career and gained recognition after her performance in the tournament.
Wizzy was an emerging female esports athlete in the BGMI competitive scene. She represented the team Myth Hawks and participated in several competitive events in the Indian BGMI esports circuit.
Her most notable appearances came during BMPS 2024 and the BGMI Challenger Series. The Challenger Series was particularly important as it acted as the qualifying stage for the BGMI Masters Series (BGMS) 2025.
During the BGMI Challenger Series LAN event held in Delhi, Wizzy was also interviewed on stage. Her confident gameplay and presence during the tournament helped her gain recognition among fans and the wider BGMI esports community.
As a female player competing in a highly competitive esports environment, Wizzy had started to build a growing fanbase who admired her skills and dedication to the game.
Recent Engagement Before the Tragic Incident
According to reports circulating within the esports community, Wizzy had recently gotten engaged to her boyfriend in March 2026. Her fiancé, known as Superboi, is reportedly associated with Dragon Esports.
The engagement news had been shared just a week before the tragic incident, making the situation even more heartbreaking for fans and members of the esports community.
While official details surrounding the incident remain limited, many players, fans, and content creators have expressed their condolences and grief online.
This is not the first time the Indian esports community has faced such tragic news in recent months.
On January 31, 2026, former Free Fire esports player and content creator Tahir “Fuego” Mukhtar also passed away after a reported self-harm incident at the GodLike Esports bootcamp. TahirFuego had previously represented teams like Nigma Galaxy and GodLike Esports and was a known name in the Free Fire esports scene.
The back-to-back tragedies have deeply impacted the gaming and esports ecosystem in India, with many community members calling for stronger conversations around mental health, support systems, and player wellbeing.
Following the reports of Wizzy’s passing, several members of the BGMI esports community have shared condolence messages on social media. Players, creators, and fans have remembered her as a passionate gamer who was working hard to build her career in esports.
The loss of young talents like Wizzy and TahirFuego is being felt deeply across the community.
Our deepest condolences go out to Wizzy’s family, friends, teammates, and everyone affected by this tragic loss.
May her soul rest in peace.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health challenges, seeking support from trusted individuals or professional help can make a difference.
The BGMI next royal pass date has been one of the hottest topics in the community right now. The upcoming A18 Royale Pass is expected to launch on March 22, 2026, at 7:30 AM IST, alongside the major BGMI 4.3 update.
What Is the BGMI A18 Royal Pass?
The A18 Royale Pass is the next seasonal pass in Battlegrounds Mobile India, arriving as part of the BGMI 4.3 update expected in mid-March 2026. Just like previous passes, it offers a progression system where players unlock rewards from Level 1 to Level 100 by completing daily and weekly missions. Data miners have already leaked some of the upcoming rewards, giving players an early look at what to expect.
BGMI A18 Royal Pass Release Date & Time
Based on multiple community sources and data miner reports, the BGMI A18 Royale Pass is expected on March 22, 2026, at 7:30 AM IST. PUBG Mobile typically receives the new Royal Pass about a week before BGMI, which means BGMI players can expect the pass roughly one week after its global launch. Krafton has not issued an official announcement yet, so treat the March 22 date as the best estimate until confirmed.
A18 Royale Pass Leaked Rewards
Leaks from data miners have surfaced exciting reward details for the A18 Royale Pass. Here is a breakdown of what players can expect at key milestones:
RP Level
Reward
Level 1
Character and themed weapon skin
Level 10
Helmet skin
Level 20
Stun grenade skin
Level 40
Customizable RP set
Level 50
Upgradable weapon skin
Level 60
Vehicle skin
Level 70
Legendary Emote
Level 80
Backpack skin
Level 100
Ultimate prize
The pass will also feature weapon finishes, glider skins, and more collectibles throughout the reward tiers.
How to Buy the BGMI A18 Royale Pass
Purchasing the Royal Pass is simple. Here is how to do it:
Open BGMI and go to the game lobby.
Tap the RP icon in the top-right corner.
Click the Upgrade Pass button.
Choose your preferred pass tier and tap the UC icon to purchase.
If you do not have enough UC, tap the “+” icon in the lobby to top up via UPI or other payment methods.
Complete daily and weekly missions to grind through RP levels and unlock all rewards.
The BGMI Royale Pass comes in two variants: a Monthly Pass and a full Elite Royale Pass (Level 1 to 100). The Monthly Pass is a lighter, budget-friendly option that covers a shorter reward cycle, while the Elite Pass unlocks all 100 levels of rewards for the full season. Players who want maximum value, including the Level 100 ultimate reward, should go for the full Elite Pass.
What Is the BGMI 4.3 Update?
The BGMI 4.3 update is the major patch that will bring the A18 Royale Pass to the game. Beyond the Royal Pass, the update is expected to bring new gameplay modes, weapon changes, and other seasonal events. BGMI updates typically roll out on Google Play for Android first, usually in the early morning IST.
Keep an eye on Krafton India’s official website and their social media channels for the official patch notes and final release dates.
