Tuesday, February 3, 2026
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LoL Esports 2026 Season Set to Begin in January, First Stand International Heads to Brazil

The League of Legends esports 2026 season is set to begin in January, with major regional leagues across Asia, Europe, and the Americas rolling out their opening competitions over a three-week window. The early domestic calendar will feed directly into First Stand, Riot Games’ first international tournament of the year, scheduled to take place in São Paulo, Brazil, in mid-March.

As in previous years, Eastern regions are expected to open the competitive calendar, with China’s League of Legends Pro League (LPL) and Korea’s League of Legends Champions Korea (LCK) starting play ahead of their Western counterparts. The staggered launch reflects both regional scheduling needs and Riot’s broader effort to align all leagues ahead of early international competition.

China’s LPL is targeting an early January 8 start for its first split, though final confirmation from league officials is still pending. The early kickoff is designed to accommodate the LPL’s large roster of teams and multi-split structure, which requires a longer competitive runway than other regions. As usual, early split performance will play a key role in determining international qualification later in the season.

LCK 2026 Season Opening Invitational scheduled for January 14

South Korea’s LCK will follow shortly after, with the LCK 2026 Season Opening Invitational scheduled for January 14. The opening event will feature all ten partnered teams and serve as a competitive warm-up before the main split begins. Notably, the LCK will introduce in-game coach communications into broadcasts during the opening phase, giving fans deeper insight into drafting decisions and on-stage strategy, a move that reflects Riot’s increasing focus on transparency and viewer engagement.

The League of Legends Championship Pacific (LCP) is also set to begin in mid-January, continuing its three-split seasonal structure. The league will retain its single round-robin Best-of-3 format, alongside its distinctive 2v2 side-selection mechanic for Game 1, which has been positioned as a way to increase strategic diversity and reduce predictable draft outcomes.

Western regions will begin competition shortly after Asia. Europe’s League of Legends EMEA Championship (LEC) will once again open its season with the LEC Versus tournament in January. The event will feature all ten partnered teams, alongside invited tier-two squads such as Los Ratones and Karmine Corp Blue. Designed as both a competitive entry point and a testing ground for new rosters, the Versus tournament will run for several weeks before transitioning into playoffs.

Brazil’s Campeonato Brasileiro de League of Legends (CBLOL) will begin the year with the CBLOL Cup, running through January and February, with the grand final scheduled for February 28. The tournament carries added significance this season, as its winner will qualify directly for First Stand. With Brazil hosting the international event, domestic interest and pressure are expected to be higher than usual.

Swiss format, NA LCS Planned Ahead for 2026 Season

North America’s League of Legends Championship Series (LCS) will start later than other major regions, with the LCS Lock-In tournament beginning on January 24. The Lock-In will introduce a Swiss-stage format, marking another structural change for the league as it continues to recalibrate its competitive identity. Riot Games is expected to confirm match schedules and broadcast details closer to launch.

All regions are expected to conclude their opening domestic competitions by early March, clearing the way for First Stand 2026 in São Paulo. The tournament will bring together top teams from each major region and serve as the first true test of international power rankings following the offseason. With multiple roster changes, retirements, and organisational rebrands across regions, the event is expected to set the tone for the rest of the competitive year.

With earlier start dates, broadcast innovations, and Brazil hosting the season’s first international event, LoL Esports 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most globally synchronised seasons in recent years. The January-to-March window will be decisive in establishing early narratives, regional hierarchies, and expectations heading into the rest of the competitive calendar.

BGMI Name Generator – Create Stylish & Pro In-Game Names

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If you are looking for a BGMI name generator that creates stylish, pro-level, and extremely fancy in-game names, you are in the right place.

Choosing the right name in Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI) is important. Your in-game name represents your attitude, skill level, and personality. A normal name looks boring, while a stylish BGMI name instantly makes your profile stand out in lobbies, kill feeds, and friend lists.

Our advanced Name Generator tool helps you instantly generate pro-style BGMI names using carefully selected symbols and formats that look premium and competitive.

BGMI Name Generator Tool

Enter your name below and generate stylish BGMI names instantly.

All generated names are optimized for in-game use and mobile copy-paste.

BGMI Name Generator – Fancy Pro

BGMI Name Generator

Most online fancy text tools are generic and not designed for gaming. This tool is built with in-game visibility and style in mind.

How to Change Your Name in BGMI

  1. Open BGMI
  2. Go to Inventory
  3. Use a Rename Card
  4. Paste your generated name
  5. Confirm and save

Tip: Try multiple variations and choose the one that matches your playstyle best.

FAQs

Is this BGMI Name Generator free?
Yes, it is completely free to use.

Can I use these names in ranked matches?
Yes. These are normal in-game names and are fully allowed.

Do I need any app or login?
No. Just generate, copy, and paste.

Fortnite v39.20 Update Release Date, Downtime, and Patch Notes Preview

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As the holiday season wraps up, Fortnite Chapter 7 Season 1 is ready for its next major content drop. Epic Games is set to release the v39.20 update, which will officially conclude the Winterfest 2025 celebrations and introduce fresh content to the island.

While players have been enjoying the snow-covered map and festive loot, this patch aims to shift the focus back to the core “Pacific Break” storyline. Here is a breakdown of the expected release date, server downtime, and the new features likely to arrive.

When is the Fortnite v39.20 Update?

According to the latest reports and typical update schedules, the Fortnite v39.20 update is expected to arrive during the week of January 6, 2026.

  • Likely Date: Tuesday, January 6, 2026
  • Alternative Date: Thursday, January 8, 2026

Historically, Epic Games favors Tuesdays for major patches, making January 6 the strongest candidate. However, some community leaks have pointed toward a release later in the week, potentially around January 8 or 9. Players should keep an eye on the official Fortnite Status Twitter account for the confirmed timing.

Server Downtime Schedule

As with every major patch, players can expect a period of server downtime. Matchmaking typically is disabled 30 minutes prior to the update.

  • Downtime Begins: ~4:00 AM ET / 9:00 AM UTC
  • Duration: Servers are usually offline for 2 to 4 hours.

During this time, the game will be inaccessible while the developers implement the new patch files and remove the Winterfest assets.

What to Expect in v39.20

The v39.20 update is more than just a maintenance patch. It serves as a bridge between the holiday event and the mid-season content.

1. The End of Winterfest 2025

The most immediate change will be the removal of Winterfest content.

  • Vaulted Items: Holiday-themed items like the Snowball Launcher and Holiday Presents will likely return to the vault.
  • Map Changes: The snow covering parts of the “Pacific Break” map will begin to melt, restoring the tropical aesthetic of the Chapter 7 island.
  • Sgt. Winter: The holiday NPC boss will depart the island until next year.

2. New “OG Pass” Rumors

Prominent data miners suggest that v39.20 could introduce a new OG Pass. This mini-pass would reportedly feature classic skins and vintage cosmetics, catering to long-time fans who miss the Chapter 1 aesthetic. If confirmed, this would run alongside the current main Battle Pass.

3. Upcoming Collaborations

Leaks indicate that two major collaborations could be added to the files with this update:

  • Silent Hill: Rumors of a Pyramid Head or James Sunderland skin have been circulating, potentially bringing a horror vibe to the game.
  • Wicked: Following the film’s success, skins based on Elphaba and Glinda are expected to arrive in the Item Shop soon.

4. Bug Fixes and Balance Changes

As always, the update will address lingering issues from the start of the season. Players can expect adjustments to weapon bloom, spawn rates for movement items (like the Wingsuit), and fixes for vehicle glitches that have plagued the new map.

Get ready to finish your Winterfest quests before the servers go down, and prepare for a fresh look at Chapter 7 Season 1 when v39.20 goes live!

Weibo Gaming Wins 2025 Honor of Kings Challenger Cup: A 5-0 Sweep

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The 2025 Honor of Kings Challenger Cup has concluded in spectacular fashion. In a display of sheer dominance, Weibo Gaming (WBG) crowned themselves champions after a decisive victory against Rogue Warriors (RW) in the Grand Finals.

The tournament, which spanned from early December 2025 to January 2, 2026, featured 32 of the world’s best teams competing across Shanghai and Sanya. However, it was Weibo Gaming who stood tall at the end, taking home the trophy and the lion’s share of the ¥3,500,000 CNY (approx. $500,000 USD) prize pool.

A Historic 5-0 Sweep

The Grand Final was a landmark event for mobile MOBA esports, utilizing a grueling Best-of-9 (Bo9) format to determine the ultimate winner. Despite the marathon potential of such a format, Weibo Gaming needed no extra time to dismantle their opponents.

WBG executed a flawless 5-0 sweep over Rogue Warriors. From the draft phase to the final nexus explosion, Weibo Gaming controlled the tempo, leaving Rogue Warriors with no room to breathe. This victory marks a significant milestone for the organization, which had qualified for the event by finishing second in the Annual Points standings during the 2025 King Pro League (KPL) season.

NuanYang’s MVP Performance

The spotlight of the tournament shone brightly on Weibo Gaming’s jungler, Lin ‘NuanYang’ Heng.

NuanYang was the standout player of the entire event, securing a staggering 12 MVP awards throughout the competition. His ability to control the map and find crucial openings was instrumental in WBG’s undefeated run in the finals. His teammate, Wu ‘TingYue’ Zuo, also played a pivotal role, following closely behind with eight MVP titles of his own.

Path to Victory

Weibo Gaming’s road to the championship was nothing short of impressive.

  • Group Stage: They breezed through the initial phase with wins against Nanjing JIT and WST.
  • Playoffs: The double-elimination bracket saw them face tougher opposition. They edged out the 2024 champions, AG Super Play, in a tight 4-3 Quarterfinal series.
  • Semifinals: Another nail-biting 4-3 victory against QingXun put them in the Upper Bracket Finals.
  • Grand Finals: After sweeping Rogue Warriors 4-0 in the Upper Finals, they repeated the feat on an even larger scale in the Grand Finals with the 5-0 shut out.

What This Means for 2026

This victory sets a high bar for the upcoming 2026 Honor of Kings global esports season. By defeating both domestic powerhouses and international challengers, Weibo Gaming has proven they are the team to beat.

As the scene prepares for the new KPL Spring Split and future international tournaments, all eyes will be on NuanYang and his squad to see if they can maintain this level of perfection.

Danish AWPer Lucky Steps Away from Competitive Counter Strike

The competitive Counter-Strike scene bids farewell to a recognizable Danish talent today. Philip “Lucky” Ewald, the 23-year-old AWPer known for his stints with Sashi Esports and Astralis, has officially announced he is stepping away from professional play.

After declining to extend his contract with Sashi, Lucky revealed that his decision was motivated by a desire to focus entirely on his academic studies.

A Shift in Priorities

Lucky joined Sashi Esports in April 2024, becoming a key part of their roster for nearly nine months. During his tenure, he posted a solid 1.11 rating across 341 maps, proving he still had the mechanical skill to compete at a high level.

Despite his individual performance, the young Dane has chosen a different path for his immediate future. Sashi Esports released an official statement confirming his departure:

This move marks a significant pivot for the player, who has been a fixture in the Danish sub-top and tier-one scenes for several years.

Looking Back at Lucky’s Career

Lucky first burst onto the international radar as a highly touted prospect. His most high-profile opportunity came when he signed with the legendary organization Astralis.

During his time with Astralis, Lucky competed on some of the world’s biggest stages, including the PGL Major Stockholm 2021. While his tenure there was met with mixed results and immense pressure filling the shoes of Nicolai “device” Reedtz, it cemented his name in the history books of Danish Counter-Strike.

After Astralis, Lucky continued to grind in the competitive circuit, eventually finding a home with Sashi. His time there included notable appearances at YaLLa Compass 2024 and the Esports World Cup 2024. The team also came heartbreakingly close to qualifying for the Shanghai Major, finishing with a 2-3 record at the RMR.

What This Means for Sashi Esports

With Lucky’s departure, Sashi Esports is left with a four-man roster and a gap to fill in the AWPing department. The organization is currently ranked No. 56 in the world and will need to find a replacement to continue their climb.

Current Sashi Roster:

  • Casper “Cabbi” Jensen
  • Rasmus “Zyphon” Nordfoss
  • Mikkel “MistR” Thomsen
  • Lukas “Beccie” Bauder Balcells
  • Coach: Nicolai “HUNDEN” Petersen

As Lucky trades headshots for textbooks, fans and former teammates will surely wish him the best in his academic endeavors. Whether this is a permanent retirement or a temporary hiatus remains to be seen, but for now, the server will be one Dane quieter.

PlayStation Plus January 2026 Monthly Games: Need for Speed Unbound Headlines New Lineup

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Sony is kicking off 2026 with a diverse collection of titles for PlayStation Plus Essential subscribers. The PlayStation Plus January 2026 lineup has been officially revealed, offering players a mix of high-octane racing, nostalgic platforming, and cooperative survival action.

Starting on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, members will be able to add three new games to their libraries. These titles replace the December offerings and will remain available for download until February 2, 2026.

All PlayStation Plus January 2026 games lineup revealed

This month features three distinct experiences that cater to different types of gamers.

1. Need for Speed Unbound (PS5)

Racing fans are in for a treat with Need for Speed Unbound. This stylish entry in the legendary franchise mixes realistic car physics with graffiti-inspired visual effects. Players can race against time, outsmart the cops, and qualify for The Grand, the ultimate street racing challenge in Lakeshore. It is a perfect pick for those looking to test the graphical limits of their PlayStation 5.

2. Disney Epic Mickey: Rebrushed (PS4, PS5)

Nostalgia meets modern polish in Disney Epic Mickey: Rebrushed. This vibrant 3D platformer sends Mickey Mouse on an epic journey through the Wasteland, a realm of forgotten Disney characters. Using a magical paintbrush, players can alter the world around them to solve puzzles and uncover secrets. The “Rebrushed” edition features upgraded visuals and improved controls, making it the definitive way to experience this classic adventure.

3. Core Keeper (PS4, PS5)

For players who love crafting and exploration, Core Keeper is a must-play. This mining sandbox adventure drops you into an ancient cavern filled with creatures, resources, and trinkets. You can play solo or team up with friends to build a base, farm crops, and defeat massive bosses. It combines the charm of retro pixel art with deep survival mechanics that can easily consume hours of your time.

Last Chance for December Games

With the arrival of the new games, time is running out to claim the previous batch. PlayStation Plus members have until Monday, January 5, 2026, to add the December titles to their library.

Ensure you have downloaded Lego Horizon Adventures, Killing Floor 3, and The Outlast Trials before they rotate out of the service. Once added to your library, they remain playable as long as your subscription is active.

Availability Details

  • Release Date: January 6, 2026
  • End Date: February 2, 2026
  • Requirements: Active PlayStation Plus Essential, Extra, or Premium subscription.

Get your console ready and clear some storage space. The PlayStation Plus January 2026 selection ensures that the new gaming year starts with plenty of action.

Genshin Impact Zibai Release Date, Time, and Banner Countdown

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Travelers have been eagerly awaiting the arrival of Zibai, the newest 5-star Geo character to join the roster. HoYoverse officially confirmed her debut during the Luna IV special program. She will headline the Phase II character banners, bringing a fresh playstyle and a powerful new weapon to the game.

To help you prepare your Primogems, we have compiled the exact release dates and times for her banner across all major regions.

Zibai Banner Release Schedule

Zibai will release on February 3, 2026. As a Phase II character, her banner does not go live immediately after the version maintenance. Instead, it unlocks at a specific time based on your server location.

The banner will be available in-game from February 3 until February 24, 2026.

Release Times by Server:

  • Asia Server: February 3, 2026, at 6:00 PM (UTC+8)
  • Europe Server: February 3, 2026, at 6:00 PM (UTC+1)
  • America Server: February 3, 2026, at 6:00 PM (UTC-5)

Countdown to Zibai

Because Phase II banners rely on local server time, players on the Asia server will be the first to access Zibai. Travelers in Europe will gain access several hours later, followed finally by those on the North American servers.

If you are playing on the America server, remember that the “Server Time” corresponds to UTC-5. This often causes confusion, so be sure to check your in-game clock or convert 6:00 PM UTC-5 to your local time zone to know exactly when the banner drops.

Weapon Banner: Lightbearing Moonshard

Alongside Zibai, the Epitome Invocation weapon banner will feature her signature 5-star sword, the Lightbearing Moonshard.

While HoYoverse revealed the weapon’s name and design during the livestream, they have kept the specific passive abilities and sub-stats a mystery. Players will likely need to wait for the official social media breakdown or the in-game archive update to see exactly how this sword benefits Zibai and other Geo users.

Prepare your wishes and mark your calendars for February 3. The addition of Zibai to the Luna IV update promises to shake up the Geo meta significantly.

Lionsgate Confirms AAA Games for John Wick and Saw Franchises

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Two of Hollywood’s most iconic franchises are making a massive leap into the world of interactive entertainment. Lionsgate has officially confirmed that full-scale AAA video game adaptations for both John Wick and Saw are in active development.

This major revelation came during the studio’s Q2 2026 earnings call on November 6, 2025. Adam Fogelson, the Chairman of the Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, stated that the company is moving forward with multiple high-profile gaming projects tied to their biggest intellectual properties.

John Wick Enters the AAA Arena

For years, fans have clamored for a game that truly captures the “gun-fu” combat style of the John Wick films. While the character has appeared in smaller titles and crossover events, a dedicated big-budget experience has remained elusive until now.

This new project is described internally as a “full AAA project.” This designation implies a significant budget, a large development team, and a scope designed to compete with the industry’s top action titles.

This confirmation follows hints dropped back in 2022 by Lionsgate CEO Jon Feltheimer, who mentioned that the studio was fielding proposals for a major game. While specific details remain scarce, the community is already speculating on key elements:

  • Will Keanu Reeves return? It is currently unknown if the actor will lend his likeness or voice to the project.
  • The Story Direction: Developers may choose an original story within the universe rather than a direct movie adaptation. This would allow for greater creative freedom while exploring the lore of the High Table and the Continental.

Saw Returns to Gaming

Alongside the action of John Wick, Lionsgate is also reviving its premier horror franchise. A new Saw video game is officially in the works.

This marks a significant return for the series, which has not seen a standalone console release since Saw II: Flesh & Blood in 2010. Modern gaming technology offers exciting possibilities for the franchise. Fans can likely expect a focus on:

  • Psychological horror
  • High-stakes moral choices
  • Intricate survival mechanics and puzzle-solving

A New Era for Movie Adaptations

Lionsgate’s strategy reflects a growing trend of film studios investing heavily in the gaming market. By treating these adaptations as premium AAA experiences rather than simple tie-ins, the studio aims to deliver the quality that modern gamers expect.

Fogelson emphasized that these are not just pitches. They are “active developments” that will receive formal announcements soon. As the lines between film and gaming continue to blur, these two titles could set a new standard for adapted media.

FACEIT Banned In RUSSIA: Platform Blocked by Roskomnadzor (2026) – Report

The competitive Counter-Strike 2 landscape has been shaken by breaking news from Eastern Europe. FACEIT, the world’s leading competitive gaming platform, has been officially banned in Russia. Reports confirm that the service is now inaccessible for a vast majority of users within the country, with Russian internet regulator Roskomnadzor restricting access based on claims of “extremist materials.”

This development marks a significant escalation in the digital restrictions facing Russian gamers and could permanently alter the region’s esports ecosystem.

The Source of the Ban

News of the blockade first surfaced on social media platforms, with industry trackers and community members sharing screenshots of the restriction notices. Notably, the skin trading platform Pricempire highlighted the situation on X (formerly Twitter), drawing attention to the sudden loss of access for millions of players.

Russian users attempting to visit faceit.com or log into the client are now greeted with a standard Roskomnadzor blocking message. The notification cites Federal Law “On Information, Information Technologies, and Information Protection,” specifically labeling the platform’s content as “extremist.” Unlike temporary technical outages, this is a state-level blockade implemented at the internet service provider (ISP) level.

Why Is FACEIT Banned in Russia?

While FACEIT has not yet released an official statement regarding the specific content that triggered the ban, the “extremist” label is a catch-all category often used by Russian authorities to block platforms that host content critical of the government or fail to comply with strict local data laws.

The ban appears to be network-based. Some users report that while direct access is cut off, the service may still be reachable via mobile data or specific ISPs that have not yet updated their blacklists. However, for the majority of the player base, the platform is effectively dark.

Impact on the CS2 Community

The consequences of having FACEIT banned in Russia are massive. Russia historically constitutes one of the largest player bases for Counter-Strike. FACEIT has served as the primary hub for these players to compete in a cheat-free environment, distinct from Valve’s official Premier matchmaking.

Key Impacts Include:

  • Disruption of Local Tournaments: FACEIT is the infrastructure backbone for thousands of daily amateur and semi-professional tournaments in the region. These competitions are now in limbo.
  • Career Pathways Blocked: For aspiring Russian pros, the FACEIT Pro League (FPL) and its qualifying circuits are the only viable path to international recognition. Losing access creates a severe logistical barrier for young talent trying to break into top-tier teams.
  • Server Issues: Russian players often use FACEIT to play on European servers with better anti-cheat protection. A ban forces them back to standard matchmaking or requires the use of VPNs, which introduces high latency and lag, ruining the competitive integrity of the game.

Can Russian Players Still Play?

Currently, the community is scrambling for workarounds. Discussion forums and social media are filled with players sharing VPN configurations and DNS changes to bypass the block. However, using such methods can result in unstable connections and high ping, which makes high-level competitive play nearly impossible. Furthermore, FACEIT’s own terms of service and anti-cheat systems can sometimes flag VPN usage as suspicious activity, putting user accounts at risk of bans from the platform itself.

What Happens Next?

The esports world is waiting to see if FACEIT will appeal the decision or comply with Roskomnadzor’s demands to restore access. Until then, the ban remains in full effect.

This story is developing. We will update this article as more information becomes available regarding the FACEIT ban in Russia and any official responses from the platform.

Honkai Star Rail 4.0 Drip Marketing: Yao Guang Revealed as First Elation Character

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The road to the next major planet update has officially begun. Hoyoverse kicked off the new year with a massive reveal for Honkai Star Rail 4.0. The drip marketing campaign has confirmed that the highly anticipated Yao Guang will debut in the upcoming version.

This announcement is particularly significant because it introduces a brand new gameplay mechanic. Yao Guang is not just another addition to the roster. She marks the arrival of the Path of Elation to the playable character pool.

Who is Yao Guang?

Yao Guang is one of the Seven Arbiter-Generals of the Xianzhou Alliance. She holds the title of Seer Strategist aboard the Xianzhou Yuque. Known to her subordinates simply as “Madam Yao,” she is described as a bold and mysterious figure who is willing to face danger head-on.

According to her official introduction, she possesses the ability to divine fortunes, including cursed ones. However, she prefers the thrill of the unknown over knowing every detail beforehand.

In her reveal post, she stated:

“I am General Yao Guang, Seer Strategist aboard the Xianzhou Yuque. Like everyone else, you may simply call me Madam Yao. It’s true, I could have divined the finer details of this encounter, but where’s the fun in that? Being here in person has turned up some rather pleasant surprises.”

Character Profile and Stats

The drip marketing artwork confirms the essential combat details for Yao Guang. While her specific kit remains under wraps until the Version 4.0 livestream, we now know her core attributes:

  • Name: Yao Guang
  • Rarity: 5-Star
  • Element: Physical
  • Path: Elation
  • Affiliation: Xianzhou Alliance (Yuque)

The inclusion of the Elation Path is the biggest talking point of this update. Previously, players only encountered Elation buffs within the Simulated Universe. This suggests that Yao Guang will likely focus on Follow-Up Attacks and joy-themed mechanics, similar to the blessings found in the roguelike mode.

Honkai Star Rail 4.0 Release Date

Based on the current patch schedule, Honkai Star Rail 4.0 is expected to launch around February 13, 2026.

This release window follows the standard six-week update cycle, assuming Version 3.8 runs for its full duration. Given that Yao Guang was the first character revealed in the drip marketing sequence, players can expect her to feature on the Phase 1 banner when the update goes live.

With a new region likely on the horizon and the introduction of a seventh playable path, Version 4.0 promises to be a turning point for the game. Players should start saving their Stellar Jades now if they want to recruit the Seer Strategist to their team.