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Skydance Now Owns Warner Bros. Games After Paramount Closes $110 Billion Deal

Pranav Nalawade
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Skydance Now Owns Warner Bros. Games After Paramount Closes $110 Billion Deal

Warner Bros. Games has a new owner. Paramount completed its roughly $110 billion takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery on October 6, 2026, and the merged company now runs under one name: Skydance. Hogwarts Legacy, Mortal Kombat, Batman: Arkham and the LEGO games now sit under the same company as Paramount’s own game studio.

Nothing changes for players today. Your games still work, the servers are still running, and no project has been cancelled because of the deal. The next twelve months are harder to predict, and Skydance has said very little about games so far.

Who Owns Warner Bros. Games Now?

Skydance owns Warner Bros. Games. The company was called Paramount Skydance until the deal closed. Its shares started trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker SKYD the same day. David Ellison is chairman and CEO, and Ynon Kreiz is co-CEO.

WBD shareholders received $31.01666668 in cash per share. WBD stock has stopped trading on Nasdaq. Skydance’s official closing announcement says competition regulators in nearly 70 jurisdictions approved the merger.

Paramount and Warner Bros. Deal at a Glance

DetailWhat we know
Deal closedOctober 6, 2026
New company nameSkydance
Stock tickerSKYD (NYSE)
Deal valueAbout $110 billion, including debt
Price per WBD share$31.01666668 in cash
Combined annual revenueNearly $70 billion
Streaming subscribers200 million+ across HBO Max and Paramount+
Cost savings target$6 billion+ within three years
Film output promiseAt least 30 theatrical films a year

Every Warner Bros. Games Studio Skydance Now Controls

Skydance took over every studio under the Warner Bros. Games label. Here are the main ones and where each one stands.

StudioBest known forMost recent release
Avalanche SoftwareHogwarts Legacy (Portkey Games label)Hogwarts Legacy (2023)
NetherRealm StudiosMortal Kombat, InjusticeMortal Kombat 1 (2023)
Rocksteady StudiosBatman: Arkham seriesSuicide Squad: Kill the Justice League (2024)
TT GamesLEGO gamesLEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight (2026)
WB Games MontrealBatman: Arkham Origins, Gotham KnightsGotham Knights (2022)
WB Games Boston, New York, San FranciscoSupport, mobile and live service workNot applicable

The brands matter as much as the studios. Skydance now holds the game rights to DC, Harry Potter, Game of Thrones, Mortal Kombat and Looney Tunes. Plenty of that already reaches players through licensing, like the Game of Thrones skins that came to Fortnite earlier this year.

Why Skydance’s Merger Announcement Left Out Video Games

The closing press release covered movies, TV, news, sports and streaming. Games did not appear in it at all. GameSpot pointed out the gap and said it had asked Skydance for details.

That gap is hard to ignore. Hogwarts Legacy has sold more than 30 million copies. LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight launched on May 22, 2026 for PS5, Xbox Series X|S and PC, and Alinea Analytics estimated about 1.2 million sales in its first week. The Switch 2 version followed on September 18.

Inven Global reported that Skydance plans to combine the development and licensing teams of Warner Bros. Games and Skydance’s own games arm to grow its biggest franchises. Skydance itself has made no games statement yet. It also hasn’t named a leader for the combined games business. JB Perrette, who most recently ran WBD’s global streaming and games unit, moved into a co-chair role on the streaming and TV side.

What Happens to Paramount Games Studio?

Paramount had a games division before this deal closed. In June 2026, it merged Skydance Interactive and Skydance New Media into one team called Paramount Games Studio, led by Tony Driscoll, Gematsu reported. Two projects moved over with it. One is Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra. The other is an untitled Star Wars game from Amy Hennig’s team, published by Lucasfilm Games.

Skydance is also making the Call of Duty movie with Activision, due in 2028. Add Warner Bros. Games to that and you get one company building games, films and shows around the same franchises. Ellison calls himself a big gamer. Whether that turns into bigger budgets for the studios is still unknown.

Will Skydance Cut Jobs at Warner Bros. Games?

No layoffs have been announced. The risk is real, though. Skydance wants at least $6 billion in yearly savings within three years, and big media mergers usually bring cuts. GameSpot noted that Microsoft removed thousands of jobs after buying Activision Blizzard.

Skydance says most savings will come from technology, integration and procurement, marketing, and real estate. WB Games comes into the deal already shrunk. In February 2025 it closed Monolith Productions, Player First Games and WB San Diego, and cancelled the Wonder Woman game. Later that year it reorganised around four franchises: Harry Potter, Mortal Kombat, DC and Game of Thrones.

What This Means for Hogwarts Legacy 2, Mortal Kombat and Batman

Short term, nothing moves. Games already in development continue unless Skydance decides otherwise.

Earlier in 2026, Perrette said WB Games would return to its biggest franchises in 2027 and 2028. Reports point to a Hogwarts Legacy sequel, a new Rocksteady Batman game and NetherRealm’s next fighter in that window. None has a release date yet.

Skydance could fund more big console games, push harder on licensing the IP to other publishers, or mix the two. The first budget it sets for the games unit will say more than any press release.

How the Paramount Warner Bros. Acquisition Played Out

DateWhat happened
December 2025Netflix agrees to buy Warner Bros.’ studios and streaming business for $82.7 billion. Days later, Paramount launches a hostile bid for all of WBD
February 27, 2026WBD signs a merger agreement with Paramount Skydance after Netflix pulls out
June 2026Paramount Games Studio forms from Skydance Interactive and Skydance New Media
October 5, 2026Skydance names its leadership team
October 6, 2026Deal closes and SKYD starts trading on the NYSE

Frequently Asked Questions

Who owns Warner Bros. Games now?

Skydance owns Warner Bros. Games. Paramount Skydance completed its acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery on October 6, 2026, and renamed the combined company Skydance. That includes Avalanche Software, NetherRealm Studios, Rocksteady Studios, TT Games, WB Games Montreal and the rest of WB’s game studios.

Does Paramount own Hogwarts Legacy now?

Yes. Hogwarts Legacy developer Avalanche Software and its Portkey Games label now belong to Skydance, the company formerly known as Paramount Skydance. The game stays available on all platforms. A sequel has been reported for 2027 or 2028, but no release date has been announced.

Will Mortal Kombat change after the merger?

Nothing has changed so far. NetherRealm Studios now reports to Skydance, and Skydance has not announced any plans for Mortal Kombat or Injustice. Earlier reports pointed to NetherRealm’s next fighting game arriving around 2028. Watch for Skydance’s first games update for any shift in direction.

Did Netflix buy Warner Bros.?

No. Netflix agreed in December 2025 to buy Warner Bros.’ studios and streaming business for $82.7 billion. Paramount answered with a hostile bid for the whole company. Netflix pulled out, and Warner Bros. Discovery signed with Paramount Skydance on February 27, 2026.

What is Skydance’s stock ticker?

Skydance trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker SKYD. Trading began on October 6, 2026, the day the Warner Bros. Discovery deal closed. WBD shares stopped trading on Nasdaq that same day, and shareholders received $31.01666668 in cash per share.

Best Free Fire Character Combinations for Aggressive Gameplay

Hoax
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Best Free Fire Character Combinations for Aggressive Gameplay

Best Character Combinations for Aggressive Gameplay can give Free Fire players a strong edge during close-range fights, fast pushes, and ranked matches. The right setup can improve movement, HP recovery, accuracy, and damage potential without changing your gun skill. Tatsuya, Jota, D-Bee, and Hayato remain a strong core for players who like to take fights early and keep the pressure on. Other setups work better for players who want more healing or extra protection while rushing. Here are the best Free Fire character combinations for aggressive gameplay, along with the ideal use case for each build.

Best Free Fire Character Combinations for Aggressive Gameplay

Free Fire allows players to build a character setup around an active skill and supporting passive skills. Garena has also designed the character system around mixing different abilities rather than relying on one character alone.

For pure rushing, Tatsuya + Jota + D-Bee + Hayato is one of the strongest combinations to try. Tatsuya’s Rebel Rush lets you close the distance quickly. Jota restores HP during combat and now recovers 20% HP after a knockdown from any method. D-Bee improves movement speed and accuracy while firing. Hayato becomes more effective as your HP drops, making him useful during risky close-range trades.

PlaystyleCharacter CombinationBest For
Pure RusherTatsuya + Jota + D-Bee + HayatoClose-range fights
Aggressive SustainTatsuya + Jota + Shani + HayatoBR rank push
Easy Rush BuildAlok + Jota + D-Bee + HayatoBeginners
Armor SustainTatsuya + Jota + Shani + D-BeeExtended fights
Safer AggressionChrono + Jota + D-Bee + HayatoClash Squad

1. Tatsuya + Jota + D-Bee + Hayato

This is the best aggressive Free Fire character combo for players who want to rush enemies instead of waiting for fights.

Tatsuya should be your active character. Rebel Rush gives you a rapid forward dash for 0.3 seconds. A knockdown within 10 seconds of using the skill can reset its cooldown. This makes Tatsuya useful for chaining pressure across multiple enemies.

Jota adds the sustain needed for this playstyle. His current Sustained Raids skill restores some HP when you hit enemies with guns. A knockdown also restores 20% HP, which can help you stay in the fight after winning the first duel.

D-Bee is made for players who shoot while moving. Bullet Beats increases movement speed and accuracy during moving fire. That works well with SMGs and shotguns during fast strafing fights.

Hayato completes the setup. Bushido increases armor penetration as your HP falls. That gives the combo more damage potential when a rush turns into a close-range trade.

Best weapons: MP40, UMP, M1887, M1014.

2. Tatsuya + Jota + Shani + Hayato

This build is better for players who want to stay aggressive for longer.

Tatsuya remains the entry tool. Use the dash to close the gap or move around a Gloo Wall before taking the fight.

Jota provides HP recovery after successful engagements. Shani adds another layer of sustain through Gear Recycle, which restores armor durability after kills in her current passive version.

Hayato gives you extra offensive strength when your HP gets low. The result is a setup that rewards players who can secure back-to-back eliminations.

This combination works especially well in Battle Royale ranked, where surviving several fights can matter more than winning one early duel.

Best for: Players who take multiple fights during a single rotation.

3. Alok + Jota + D-Bee + Hayato

Not every aggressive player needs Tatsuya.

Alok is a good alternative for players who want movement and healing from their active skill. His Drop the Beat creates a 5m aura that increases movement speed by 15% and restores 5 HP per second for 10 seconds in the current documented version.

Jota fits naturally into the setup because aggressive players tend to deal damage constantly. D-Bee supports moving fire, while Hayato improves the damage side of low-HP fights.

This is also one of the easiest Free Fire character combinations for aggressive gameplay to learn.

You do not need perfect Tatsuya timing. Activate Alok before pushing, move into the fight, and use Jota’s recovery after securing damage or a knockdown.

Best for: Beginners and players who prefer consistent rushes.

4. Tatsuya + Jota + Shani + D-Bee

This combination focuses on movement and sustained close-range combat.

Tatsuya gets you into the fight. D-Bee helps you stay mobile while firing. Jota gives you HP recovery after successful engagements. Shani helps maintain your armor after kills.

The biggest advantage is the pressure after your first elimination.

Once you knock down an enemy, you can recover HP through Jota and keep your armor in better shape through Shani. You can then use Tatsuya to reposition before the next engagement.

This build is strong for players who like to play around enemy squads instead of taking isolated fights.

Best for: Aggressive squad players.

5. Chrono + Jota + D-Bee + Hayato

Some players want to rush but still need a defensive option. Chrono can fill that role.

His Time Turner creates a protective force field that blocks incoming damage. The official character database currently lists a 1000-damage shield with a 10-second duration on one version of the skill.

Chrono does not provide the same movement burst as Tatsuya. He can still help during an aggressive push when you need to cross an exposed area or survive an awkward trade.

Jota, D-Bee, and Hayato keep the rest of the build focused on fighting.

This makes the setup useful in Clash Squad, where one failed entry can decide the round.

Best for: Players who like aggressive but safer pushes.

Which Character Combination Is Best for Rush Gameplay?

For pure rush gameplay, Tatsuya + Jota + D-Bee + Hayato is the strongest choice.

Tatsuya handles entry. Jota handles recovery. D-Bee supports moving fire. Hayato improves your pressure when your HP gets low.

The combination also fits the current direction of the character system. Garena continues to balance characters around different skill combinations instead of making one ability the answer for every situation. Recent updates have also adjusted characters such as Jota and Wukong to improve combat variety.

How to Use Aggressive Character Combinations

Do not activate your skill before every fight without a plan.

Use Tatsuya when you have a clear target or when you need to cross a dangerous gap. Save the dash when a second enemy is nearby so you can reposition after the first knock.

With Alok, activate the aura just before the push. This gives you the movement and healing while you enter the fight.

With Jota, look for quick finishes after dealing strong damage. His HP recovery becomes much more useful when you turn one knockdown into another fight.

D-Bee works best when you keep moving while shooting. Standing still removes much of the value of Bullet Beats.

Hayato is strongest when you can control low-HP fights. Do not lose a fight just to activate his passive effect.

Also read: Free Fire High Ping Fix: Best APN and DNS Settings for India

The Best Character Combinations for Aggressive Gameplay depend on how you take fights.

For pure rushing, pick Tatsuya + Jota + D-Bee + Hayato.

For a beginner-friendly setup, use Alok + Jota + D-Bee + Hayato.

For longer fights, Tatsuya + Jota + Shani + Hayato gives you more sustain.

For a safer aggressive style, Chrono + Jota + D-Bee + Hayato is worth trying.

Your character setup should support your gun skill, not replace it. Good movement, Gloo Wall usage, crosshair placement, and timing still decide most close-range fights.

How to Change Vehicles in Star Wars Galactic Racer and When You Can Swap

Divyesh Moghe
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How to Change Vehicles in Star Wars Galactic Racer and When You Can Swap

You can change vehicles in Star Wars Galactic Racer only at set points in the Campaign: at the start, between Act I and Act II, and between Act II and Act III. Once a run begins, your Loadout vehicle is locked. The only way out is to lose your remaining League Tokens. That restarts the current Act and gives you the Loadout screen again.

Galactic Racer launched on October 6, 2026 on PS5, Xbox Series X|S and PC. The Campaign follows a runs-based structure, so the vehicle you pick at the start of a Tour stays with you until that Tour ends. If you are still setting up, our page on Star Wars Galactic Racer release time, editions and platforms has the launch details. The PC version is on the official Steam store listing.

Star Wars Galactic Racer Loadout screen showing vehicle and Racer Style selection

How Vehicle Swapping Works in Star Wars Galactic Racer

The game has four vehicle classes: Landspeeder, Speeder Bike, Skim Speeder and Podracer. Only three of them can go in your Loadout during the Campaign. You choose between the Landspeeder, Speeder Bike and Skim Speeder. The Podracer only appears in specific story events.

Your Loadout has two parts. One is the vehicle. The other is your Racer Style, a starting bonus tied to how you like to race. Both are fixed once the Tour starts.

When Can You Swap Vehicles in Galactic Racer?

The table covers every point in the Campaign where the vehicle choice opens up.

Moment in the CampaignCan you change vehicle?What happens
Start of the CampaignYesPick a Landspeeder, Speeder Bike or Skim Speeder
Between Act I and Act IIYesNew Loadout for the next Act
Between Act II and Act IIIYesLast planned swap point
During a run (Tour)NoYour Loadout vehicle stays locked
After losing all League TokensYesThe current Act restarts with a fresh Loadout screen
Arriving on a new planetCustomize onlyYou can tune all three vehicles but still race your Loadout pick

The planet stop catches a lot of players out. You will see all three vehicle types in the customization menu. Tuning a vehicle there does not put it on the track.

Can You Switch Vehicles Mid-Run?

No. Galactic Racer does not allow a vehicle swap in the middle of a Tour. If you start an Act on a Speeder Bike, you finish that run on a Speeder Bike, even if the next planet has tracks that suit a Landspeeder better.

This is a design choice built around the roguelite structure. Each Tour is a commitment, and the Loadout screen is where you make it.

How to Reset a Run Early to Pick a New Vehicle

You can force a restart by running out of League Tokens. Every Tour begins with one League Entry Token from your Backer. Some Racer Style and favor choices can add more. When the last one is gone, the run ends and you go back to the start of the current Act.

Here is how to do it on purpose:

  1. Decide early. A reset wipes your run progress, so the sooner you call it, the less you lose.
  2. Pick an event that costs a token. Wrecking out of a normal race, finishing outside the top three in an Eliminator, or losing a Pod Racer challenge will each take one.
  3. Skip Time Trials and Field Tests. These events do not cost League Tokens, so failing them will not end your run.
  4. Lose every token you hold. If you have two tokens, you need two failures.
  5. Choose again. The Loadout screen opens, and you can pick a new vehicle and Racer Style.

The restart only sends you back to the beginning of the Act you are on. You do not replay the whole Campaign.

What You Keep and What You Lose After a Reset

Kept after the run endsLost when the run ends
Character progressRace wins inside the current Act
CurrencyUpgrade points spent on the current build
Part unlocksYour place on the Tour map
AbilitiesStory cutscenes and missions (you replay them)

Because the permanent rewards stay, a failed run still pushes your account forward. A reset costs you time and repeat races, not your long-term unlocks.

Can You Use the Podracer in the Campaign?

Only in set story moments. The Podracer cannot go in your Loadout. According to Operation Sports, it shows up in specific events, mainly in Act III. Those events can still cost you a League Token if you lose them.

Podracers are the fastest class in the game. Early hands-on coverage on the PlayStation Blog also described them as the least forgiving when they hit something. If you want free Podracer time, Arcade mode and online lobbies are where to find it. Online Podracer races hold up to 8 players.

Which Vehicle Should You Pick First?

Pick the Landspeeder if you are new to the game. It is the heaviest and most stable option, and it survives contact better than the other two. The Speeder Bike and Skim Speeder reward more skill but punish mistakes harder.

VehicleHandlingClass traitBest for
LandspeederHeavy, stable, built for driftingDrift-focused handlingFirst runs and learning tracks
Speeder BikeLight, fast, fragileKinetic BurstLate braking and quick corner exits
Skim SpeederSlow to accelerate, holds momentumKnife EdgeTechnical tracks and players who like flowing lines
PodracerHighest top speed, very fragilePodracingStory events, Arcade and online only

The Skim Speeder is a new vehicle type that Fuse Games created with Lucasfilm Games for this game. It handles more like a small aircraft than a car. Once it builds speed it is quick, but a crash that kills your momentum hurts it more than the others.

Since you are locked in for a full Act, play to your strengths. A player who crashes often will lose League Tokens faster on a Speeder Bike, and that means more forced resets.

Tips Before You Lock In Your Loadout

  • Look at the planets ahead. Planets come in a fixed order inside each Act, even though the events change between runs.
  • Match your Racer Style to your vehicle. A takedown-focused style pairs well with a heavy Landspeeder.
  • Use planet stops to tune. Upgrade parts for your Loadout vehicle when you land on a new world.
  • Save risky events for when you hold spare tokens. Eliminators pay well but can end a run.

Galactic Racer is the first big Star Wars racing release in years, and it sits among plenty of big games still coming in October, November and December. PS5 players can also check our list of new PS5 games this week. Fuse Games is led by former Criterion Games GM Matt Webster, as confirmed in Secret Mode’s launch announcement, which explains the Burnout-style takedowns.

How to Reduce Free Fire Ping on Jio and Airtel

Hoax
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How to Reduce Free Fire Ping on Jio and Airtel

Free Fire ping can make gunfights feel delayed, cause players to teleport, and make movement less responsive. Jio and Airtel users can reduce these issues by improving their mobile signal, using the right network mode, closing background apps, and avoiding unstable connections. A low ping does not depend only on internet speed. Server distance, network routing, signal strength, and congestion can also affect latency. In this guide, we explain how to reduce Free Fire ping on Jio and Airtel, including 4G and 5G settings, APN checks, phone settings, and fixes for sudden ping spikes.

How to Reduce Free Fire Ping on Jio and Airtel

To reduce Free Fire ping on Jio and Airtel, start with the basics. Use a stable 4G or 5G connection, keep your phone software updated, and play from a location with strong network reception.

Free Fire developer Garena has previously explained that high ping can come from the way players connect to game servers. The game operates servers across different regions, and shared server infrastructure can sometimes contribute to higher latency.

Your internet speed also does not tell the full story. Ping measures the response time between your device and the game server. A fast connection can still have high ping if the route to the server is unstable.

1. Switch to 5G When the Signal Is Stable

5G can provide lower latency and better network performance when it has strong coverage in your area.

Jio says True 5G is designed to provide low-latency connectivity and supports gaming use cases. Jio also recommends using the latest phone software and selecting 5G as the preferred network on compatible devices.

Airtel also recommends enabling 5G through the preferred network settings on compatible smartphones. The company says users should check 5G availability in their area and keep their device software updated.

On Android, the setting is usually found under:

Settings > SIM/Mobile Network > Preferred Network Type > 5G

Set Preferred Network Type to 5G to avoid Free Fire ping spikes

The exact menu can differ between phone brands.

Do not force 5G if the signal keeps switching between 4G and 5G. An unstable connection can cause ping spikes during a match.

2. Check Your Jio APN Settings

Incorrect APN settings can cause mobile data problems.

Jio’s official support page recommends resetting APN settings to default or creating an APN with the name and APN set to JioNet.

On Android, try:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Go to Mobile Network.
  3. Open Access Point Names.
  4. Select Reset to default.
  5. Restart mobile data.
Set Jio APN to jionet to avoid Free Fire ping spikes

If you need to create the APN manually, Jio’s official instructions specify JioNet as the APN.

Avoid copying random APN configurations from social media. They may not improve Free Fire ping.

3. Keep Airtel’s Network Settings Correct

Airtel users should first make sure the phone is connected to the correct preferred network.

Airtel recommends selecting 5G on compatible devices and checking whether 5G coverage is available in the area. It also recommends keeping the phone software updated.

Go to:

Settings > Mobile Network > Airtel SIM > Preferred Network Type

Select 5G/4G/3G/2G Auto if your phone provides this option.

If 5G is unstable at your location, test Free Fire on 4G. The connection with the lowest and most consistent ping is more useful than simply choosing 5G.

4. Turn Off Background Downloads

Background activity can compete with Free Fire for bandwidth.

Before starting a match, close apps that may use mobile data. This includes:

  • YouTube
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Google Photos
  • Play Store
  • App Store
  • Cloud backup services
  • Large file downloads

Also pause system or app updates while playing.

This will not magically lower the server latency of Free Fire. It can reduce local network congestion and prevent sudden ping spikes.

5. Use a Strong Mobile Signal

Signal strength has a direct effect on the stability of your mobile connection.

If you are inside a room with weak reception, try moving closer to a window or an open area. Avoid playing from locations where your phone constantly changes between network bands.

A stable 4G connection can perform better than a weak 5G signal.

You can test both connections by entering a Free Fire training area and checking whether the ping stays stable for several minutes.

6. Restart Your Phone Before Playing

A simple restart can fix temporary mobile network problems.

Restart the phone if you notice that Free Fire suddenly has high ping despite having a normally strong connection.

You can also turn Airplane Mode on for around 10 seconds and then turn it off. This forces the phone to reconnect to the mobile network.

Do not repeatedly toggle network settings during a match. Make these changes before launching the game.

7. Avoid VPNs When You Have High Ping

A VPN does not automatically reduce Free Fire ping.

Your connection may travel through an additional server before reaching the game server. This can increase latency.

Some VPN services may improve routing in specific situations. That depends on the location and network path. For most players, testing the normal Jio or Airtel connection first is the better approach.

Avoid apps that promise to reduce Free Fire ping to a fixed number with one tap.

8. Disable Battery Saver While Playing

Battery-saving modes can restrict background activity and network behavior on some smartphones.

If your phone aggressively limits Free Fire, disable Battery Saver before playing.

You can also check the game’s battery settings and allow Free Fire to operate without aggressive background restrictions.

The exact options depend on the Android phone manufacturer.

9. Keep Free Fire Updated

Garena regularly releases updates for Free Fire.

The official Free Fire website currently lists OB55 among its recent patch notes.

Install game updates from the official app store when available. An outdated game version can also create compatibility or connection problems after server-side changes.

10. Clear Temporary Network Problems

If Free Fire suddenly starts showing high ping, try this order:

StepWhat to Do
1Close Free Fire
2Turn Airplane Mode on
3Wait around 10 seconds
4Turn Airplane Mode off
5Check 4G/5G signal
6Restart the phone if needed
7Reopen Free Fire

This helps rule out a temporary mobile network problem before changing advanced settings.

Jio vs Airtel for Free Fire Ping

There is no single network that will provide the lowest Free Fire ping for every player.

Latency depends on your location, signal quality, network congestion, and the route between your mobile network and the game server.

Jio states that its True 5G network supports low-latency connectivity for gaming. Airtel also markets 5G for gaming and has highlighted low-latency performance in its network testing.

The best way to compare them is to test both SIMs from the same location at the same time.

FactorJioAirtel
4G gamingDepends on local coverageDepends on local coverage
5G gamingTrue 5G available in supported areas5G available in supported areas
APNJioNetUse the carrier-provided/default configuration
Best settingStable 4G/5GStable 4G/5G
Main factorLocal signal and routingLocal signal and routing

What Ping Is Good for Free Fire?

There is no universal ping number that guarantees smooth gameplay.

As a general gaming reference, a lower and more stable ping is preferable. Sudden jumps are often more noticeable than a small difference between two stable ping values.

For example, a connection that stays around 30-50 ms can feel more consistent than one that moves between 30 ms and 150 ms.

Your actual experience also depends on the Free Fire server and your network route.

How to Fix Free Fire Ping Spikes on Jio and Airtel

If your Free Fire ping keeps jumping, check these settings first:

  • Move to an area with stronger signal.
  • Test 4G instead of 5G.
  • Test 5G if your 4G connection is congested.
  • Close background apps.
  • Stop downloads and updates.
  • Restart the phone.
  • Reset incorrect APN settings.
  • Disable VPNs.
  • Turn off Battery Saver.
  • Update Free Fire.
  • Update your phone software.

If the ping remains high after these steps, the issue may be related to network congestion or the route to the game server. Changing phone settings cannot always fix server-side or routing problems.

Also read: Free Fire High Ping Fix: Best APN and DNS Settings for India

Reducing Free Fire ping on Jio and Airtel is mainly about getting a stable connection. Start by testing 4G and 5G from the same location. Keep the stronger and more consistent connection for gaming.

Jio officially recommends JioNet for its APN configuration, while Airtel recommends using compatible 5G settings and checking local coverage.

Avoid random APN files and ping-booster apps. They are not guaranteed to improve latency.

If your ping suddenly becomes high, restart the connection first. Then test the game again before making major changes to your phone.

Tekken 8 Player SuperBrine Reaches God of Destruction Blindfolded With Alisa

Divyesh Moghe
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Tekken 8 Player SuperBrine Reaches God of Destruction Blindfolded With Alisa

Tekken 8 streamer SuperBrine has climbed from Beginner to God of Destruction while blindfolded. He used only Alisa and wore a sleep mask that he says blocked his vision completely. He streamed the whole Tekken 8 blindfolded run on Twitch across seven broadcasts between June and early October 2026, and announced it on X on October 4.

Climbing the ranked ladder in Tekken 8 is hard with both eyes open. SuperBrine did it without seeing a single frame.

SuperBrine’s Tekken 8 Blindfolded Run at a Glance

DetailInfo
PlayerSuperBrine (pro player and Twitch streamer)
GameTekken 8
CharacterAlisa Bosconovitch
Starting rankBeginner
Final rankGod of Destruction
BlindfoldSleep mask
Broadcasts7 Twitch streams
TimelineJune 2026 to early October 2026
AnnouncedOctober 4, 2026

How High Is God of Destruction in Tekken 8?

God of Destruction is the 30th of 38 ranks in Tekken 8, which makes it the ninth-highest rank in the game. The only ranks above it are God of Destruction I through VII and God of Destruction Infinity.

To get there, a player has to clear every colored tier below it. Here is the full ladder:

Rank bandRanks
Beginner and SilverBeginner, 1st Dan, 2nd Dan
Light BlueFighter, Strategist, Combatant
GreenBrawler, Ranger, Cavalry
YellowWarrior, Assailant, Dominator
OrangeVanquisher, Destroyer, Eliminator
RedGaryu, Shinryu, Tenryu
PurpleMighty Ruler, Flame Ruler, Battle Ruler
BlueFujin, Raijin, Kishin, Bushin
GoldTekken King, Tekken Emperor, Tekken God, Tekken God Supreme
God of DestructionGod of Destruction, I to VII, Infinity

Under the current Tekken 8 rank points table, base God of Destruction sits at 253,000 rank points. Every point of that came from wins against opponents who could see the screen. SuperBrine could not.

How Did SuperBrine Play Tekken 8 Without Seeing the Screen?

He relied on two things: knowing how players at each rank behave, and listening very carefully.

In an interview with IGN, SuperBrine said years of playing on smurf accounts showed him what players at different ranks know about the game. He used that to decide which strings and flowcharts would work at each tier. Strings and flowcharts are pre-planned attack sequences, so he could pick them based on how an opponent at that rank was likely to respond.

Sound filled in the rest. He told IGN he could tell these situations apart by audio alone:

What he hearsWhat it tells him
Hit or blockKeep up the pressure or back off
Counter hit or normal hitWhether a combo follow-up is open
Wall splat or no wall splatWhether a wall combo is possible

He also said the run took a bigger physical toll than he expected. Mentally, it demanded extreme patience. Without that patience, he said, he could not have finished.

Why Alisa Is at the Center of the Debate

Most of the community congratulated him. A loud group did not. Some players argued that the run proves Alisa is one of the easiest characters in Tekken 8. Others went further and treated it as a sign that the game rewards simple play.

SuperBrine pushed back on both points. He said the climb was built on thousands of hours of game knowledge and close attention to audio cues, and that nobody reaches God of Destruction blindfolded by picking a character and hoping. His argument is simple: if a weak game or an easy character made this possible, someone would have done it before him. He also made clear the run was never meant as criticism of Tekken 8. He said people are free to disagree and that he respects both kinds of reaction.

Character debates follow every big Tekken result. Arslan Ash’s switches between Nina and Kunimitsu drew plenty of discussion during his Evo 2026 Tekken 8 title run.

Is SuperBrine’s Blindfolded Run Legit?

Every match happened live on Twitch. SuperBrine told IGN he could not see through the sleep mask at all, and the full run is saved in his Twitch highlights for anyone to check. A YouTube video of the climb is also on the way.

He bills it as the first Beginner to God of Destruction run done fully blindfolded on stream. That claim is his own. It also helps to keep two kinds of achievement separate. Some blind players have reached top ranks in fighting games, including Sven in Street Fighter 6 and a blind Tekken 8 player who reached one of the game’s highest ranks earlier in 2026 after two years of grinding. They play without sight every day. SuperBrine took on blindness as a self-imposed challenge.

What’s Next for SuperBrine

SuperBrine says his long-term goal is to compete professionally, and he sees challenges like this as part of building that career. The fighting game scene gives players room for long careers, as this story of a 48-year-old Tekken champion shows. The top level also keeps getting bigger: the Tekken 8 Esports World Cup 2026 event in Paris had a $1 million prize pool.

For now, his run gives the community one more reason to argue about Alisa. Few people would want to try it themselves.

FAQs

Who is SuperBrine in Tekken 8?
SuperBrine is a Tekken 8 pro player and Twitch streamer. In October 2026 he finished a climb from Beginner to God of Destruction while wearing a sleep mask, playing only Alisa. He streamed the full run live across seven broadcasts.

What rank did SuperBrine reach blindfolded?
He reached God of Destruction, the 30th of 38 ranks in Tekken 8. Only God of Destruction I to VII and God of Destruction Infinity rank higher.

Which character did SuperBrine use?
He played Alisa Bosconovitch for the whole run. That choice sparked debate, with some players calling her too easy. SuperBrine says the result came from game knowledge and audio cues, not the character.

How do you play Tekken 8 blindfolded?
SuperBrine relied on sound and matchup knowledge. Audio told him whether attacks hit or were blocked, whether he landed a counter hit, and whether a wall splat happened. He picked attack sequences based on how players at each rank usually react.

How many ranks are in Tekken 8?
Tekken 8 has 38 ranks, starting at Beginner and ending at God of Destruction Infinity. They are grouped into colored bands from Silver up to Gold, followed by the God of Destruction tiers.

Corrode to Return to Valorant Map Pool in V26A6: Leaks

Sonu Banerjee
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Corrode to Return to Valorant Map Pool in V26A6: Leaks

Valorant fans might be welcoming Corrode to the game’s active map rotation once again starting with the next Act, as per recent leaks.

According to a leak by prominent dataminer valohabercisi on X, Corrode will return to the competitive map pool alongside the release of Valorant Season 2026 Act 6 update. It’s expected to replace Haven or Ascent in the current map pool of the shooter.

The leaker further claims that there’s a possibility of Bind returning to the Valorant map pool as well, but they didn’t fully confirm this.

Note that no official statement has been made by Riot Games regarding Valorant’s next map pool at the time of writing. Corrode’s return to Valorant has merely been leaked with no solid evidence to support it, so be sure to take this with a grain of salt.

At the same time, though, the leaker in question is reputed within the Valorant community and has put out numerous correct leaks regarding the shooter in the past.

Should this leak turn out to be true, the map pool for Valorant V26A6 may include the following:

  • Ascent
  • Bind (Unconfirmed)
  • Corrode (Unconfirmed)
  • Lotus
  • Split
  • Sunset
  • Summit

For the unaware, Corrode has been out of Valorant’s competitive map rotation since patch 12.05, which was released on March 17, 2026. Bind got removed from the map pool a bit later with patch 12.08 on April 28, 2026.

When is Corrode Returning to Valorant? V26A6 Release Date

As mentioned in the leaks, Corrode will return to Valorant with the launch of the V26A6 update.

The Valorant V26A6 update will hit the live servers around October 17, 2026, right after the conclusion of Champions Shanghai.

In addition to the map changes, the upcoming Act will also introduce a brand-new Agent to the game alongside a fresh Battle Pass, new cosmetics, and more.

CS2 Pros Believe They Could Go Pro in VALORANT Within Two Years

Sarjyo Mukherjee
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CS2 Pros Believe They Could Go Pro in VALORANT Within Two Years

Ever since the launch of VALORANT, we have seen several professional Counter-Strike 2 players jump ship, giving rise to a debate over which game is more cerebrally and mechanically demanding. When asked by professional CS2 players how long it would take them to turn professional in VALORANT, ESL was greeted with some interesting answers that are bound to turn a few heads.

During the ongoing ESL Pro League, a professional CS2 player revealed how long they thought they would need to go pro in VALORANT, and the answer expressed remarkable confidence in their ability. While most believe they could reach Tier-1 VALORANT within a span of 2 years, there were many who gave oddly short timelines, which speaks volumes about how Counter-Strike mechanics are universally useful.

As EPL is one of the biggest CS2 tournaments, the questions were about the very best this esport has to offer. From all of the answers, FURIA star Kaike “KSCERATO” Cerato stunned everyone by saying he could do it within a week. The likes of Gabriel “FalleN” Toledo and Vinicius “n1ssim” Pereira were a little more modest with their two-week timeframe.

Vitality captain Dan “apEX” Madesclaire gave a humble timeline but did not hold back when asserting that he could be the best IGL in VALORANT within a year of his transition.

CS2 Pros’ Estimated VALORANT Transition Time

PlayerEstimated Time
KSCERATO1 week
FalleN2 weeks
n1ssim2 weeks
dumau2 months
zont1x4 months
apEX6 months
XANTARES, xertioN, Spinx, Aleksib, iM, JamYoung, woxicUp to 2 years

Is it possible?

VALORANT and CS2 may look far removed aesthetically, but they share the core fundamentals of a 5v5 FPS. Given how Counter-Strike as a game has defined this genre unlike anything, pros would hardly take any time to get a grasp of the other elements that VALORANT offers in the form of agents and abilities.

Several professional VALORANT players boast Counter-Strike backgrounds, which speaks to how transitioning has worked wonders for many of the tier-1 players, but the real question here is the timeline. The responses remain hypothetical and sarcastic in some cases, but the confidence in their mechanical skills and ability to adapt is truly remarkable.

Is GTA 6 the Most Expensive Game Ever Developed

Sarjyo Mukherjee
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Is GTA 6 the Most Expensive Game Ever Developed

Grand Theft Auto 6 is set to become the most expensive video game ever produced, with experts estimating its total development cost to exceed the whopping $2 billion mark, doubling the record set by Genshin Impact.

Reports suggest that the development kicked off more than a decade ago in 2014, and Rockstar has invested close to $2 billion as of October 2026. The staggering numbers not only speak to how much Rockstar is banking on the success of the highly anticipated sequel, but they also speak to the sheer scale of how modern AAA game development economics is shaping up.

Compared to GTA V, which set the standard of open-world titles and broke several sales records during launch, GTA VI will cost close to 7.5 times the money. Developed with a budget of $265 million, GTA V was a massive success back in 2013 and roped in $800 million from its opening day sales alone. As bizarre as GTA VI’s development cost looks, its historical performance suggests that opening day sales can be enough for Rockstar to recover the amount they invested over the past decade.

Most expensive video games ever produced

  • GTA 6 – $2 billion (estimated)
  • Genshin Impact – $900 million 
  • Star Citizen & Squadron 42 – $793 million
  • Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War – $700 million

The reported investments are not dedicated only to engineers, developers, and designers. Still, a significant portion is estimated to go towards the extraordinary marketing approach Rockstar has been pursuing, including, but not limited to, the $1 million spent on the “Welcome to Vice City” rooftop sign at the Kaseya Center, home to the Miami Heat.

If the $2 billion is an accurate figure, Grand Theft Auto VI might be an important turning point for video game economics, not only for consumers but also for the studios, and at the same time, it sets expectations for what gamers will desire from video games moving forward.

Valorant Champions 2026 Playoffs Pick’Ems Guide: Best Predictions

Sonu Banerjee
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Valorant Champions 2026 Playoffs Pick’Ems Guide: Best Predictions

With the Group Stage of Valorant Champions 2026 having come to an end, the remaining eight teams are all set to battle it out in the Playoffs for a shot at the prestigious trophy alongside the lion’s share of a $2.25 million USD prize pool.

The Playoffs for Champions Shanghai begin October 7, so now might be a great time to lock your Pick’Ems in before the window closes.

In this guide, we’ll go through some of the best predictions you can make for the Valorant Champions 2026 Playoffs.

Valorant Champions 2026 Playoffs Bracket

The Americas has sent four teams to the playoffs and the Pacific three, with Vitality holding EMEA’s only spot. China has already been eliminated from the event. Here’s the upper bracket quarterfinals for Champions 2026:

  • NRG vs T1
  • Paper Rex vs LOUD
  • 100 Thieves vs G2
  • Vitality vs Nongshim RedForce

All Playoffs games will be best-of-three, with the exception of the Lower Bracket Final and Grand Final, which are best-of-five.

Valorant Champions 2026 Playoffs Pick’Ems Guide

Without further ado, let’s take a look at our picks for the Valorant Champions 2026 Playoffs. Note that these aren’t guaranteed wins, but will likely net you the best odds at getting the correct picks. Be sure to do your own research before placing your picks.

With that being said, here are our picks:

Upper Bracket QF

  • 100 Thieves (win) vs G2
  • Vitality (win) vs Nongshim RedForce
  • NRG (win) vs T1
  • Paper Rex (win) vs LOUD

Both the Vitality vs Nongshim RedForce game and the PRX vs LOUD game are expected to be extremely close calls and can go either way. Don’t be surprised if these two picks don’t pan out how you’d expect them to.

Lower Bracket R1

  • G2 vs Nongshim RedForce (win)
  • T1 vs LOUD (win)

Upper Bracket Semifinals

  • 100 Thieves (win) vs Vitality
  • NRG (win) vs Paper Rex

Upper Bracket Final

  • 100 Thieves vs NRG (win)

Lower Bracket R2

  • Paper Rex vs Nongshim RedForce (win)
  • Vitality vs LOUD (win)

Lower Bracket R3

  • Nongshim RedForce (win) vs LOUD

Lower Bracket Final

  • 100 Thieves (win) vs Nongshim RedForce

Grand Final

  • NRG (win) vs 100Thieves

This concludes our Pick’Ems guide for the Valorant Champions 2026 Playoffs. We have gone through every team’s preferred map picks while calculating the likely outcomes for the games, but since nearly every remaining team is almost equally matched in terms of skill level, it’s still extremely difficult to predict all the outcomes correctly.

Star Wars Galactic Racer Release Time, Platforms, and More

Aritra Patra
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Star Wars Galactic Racer Release Time, Platforms, and More

Star Wars Galactic Racer release time is 9 AM UTC on Tuesday, October 6, 2026. Fuse Games and publisher Secret Mode launch the racing game worldwide at once on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Steam, and the Epic Games Store. Amazon also confirmed that the game arrives on Amazon Luna the same day. Prime members can play the single-player modes there at no extra cost.

This article covers launch times by city, platforms, editions, and the main gameplay details.

Star Wars Galactic Racer Release Time and Launch Date

The game has one global unlock. It goes live on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at 9 AM UTC, so players do not wait for a local midnight.

In India, the game unlocks at 2:30 PM IST. The table below shows the time in other regions.

CityLocal time on October 6
Los Angeles (PDT)2:00 AM
Denver (MDT)3:00 AM
Chicago (CDT)4:00 AM
New York (EDT)5:00 AM
Sao Paulo (BRT)6:00 AM
London (BST)10:00 AM
Paris (CEST)11:00 AM
Johannesburg (SAST)11:00 AM
Riyadh (AST)12:00 PM
Dubai (GST)1:00 PM
New Delhi (IST)2:30 PM
Singapore (SGT)5:00 PM
Beijing (CST)5:00 PM
Tokyo (JST)6:00 PM
Sydney (AEDT)8:00 PM
Auckland (NZDT)10:00 PM

Each storefront processes the unlock at its own pace. PC listings can trail consoles by a few minutes, and preload availability differs by platform. No delay has been reported. The review window opened on October 2.

Star Wars Galactic Racer Platforms

The game is available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Steam and the Epic Games Store. Crossplay works across all four. No PS4, Xbox One, or Nintendo Switch version has been announced.

Online races hold up to 12 players. Podracing lobbies cap at 8 players.

Star Wars Galactic Racer on Amazon Luna

Star Wars Galactic Racer also launches on Amazon Luna, Amazon’s cloud gaming service. It arrives at the same time as the PC and console versions. Amazon calls it the first AAA game to launch on Luna on the same day as other platforms.

Prime members can play the single-player campaign, Arcade mode, and Scenarios at no extra cost. Players do not need a console or a large download.

Luna access through Prime is available in the following regions:

  • U.S., UK and Canada
  • Germany, France, Italy and Spain
  • Austria, the Netherlands and Poland
  • Sweden, Portugal, Belgium and Luxembourg

Fire TV users in the U.S. and UK can also play through a Luna tab in the Prime Video app. Amazon Head of Gaming Jeff Gattis said the move targets players without dedicated gaming hardware. Luna’s library has over 100 titles, including Hogwarts Legacy and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle.

Star Wars Galactic Racer Editions and Price

Three editions go on sale at launch:

  • Standard Edition: $59.99
  • Deluxe Edition: $79.99
  • Collector’s Edition (physical): $159.99

The Deluxe Edition adds a digital artbook, 3 exclusive repulsorcraft, a Deluxe livery, 3 arcade events, and a Deluxe player banner. A Deluxe upgrade is available at launch for Standard Edition owners. Pre-orders came with a bonus livery and a free player banner background.

Gameplay and Story

Players control Shade, a customizable racer. Shade joins the Galactic Racing League after delivering a ship to its owner, Darius Pax. The Galactic League is an unsanctioned racing circuit in the Outer Rim.

The campaign runs on a token system. Losing the token ends the run, but credits and upgrades carry into the next attempt. Some events score survival over finishing position. The opening event places the player against 12 rivals with 3 lives on normal difficulty.

Players race landspeeders, speeder bikes, skim speeders and podracers. Tracks span planets such as Jakku, Ando Prime, Sentinel 1 and Tatooine. Drifting works through braking into a turn.

Arcade mode includes Sebulba’s podracer, which reaches roughly 1000 km/h. Campaign craft top out near 600 km/h. Ben Quadinaros is built to push rivals off cliffs. Gold medals on the harder time trials take hours rather than attempts.

The game has no AI quick race. Players who want one match against bots must start a campaign run or join an online lobby.

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