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How to Increase Merit Points in BGMI: A Guide

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Maintaining high merit points in BGMI is essential for accessing various game modes and ensuring an enjoyable gaming experience. The merit system evaluates players’ behavior and performance, promoting fair play and deterring misconduct. Understanding how to increase and maintain your merit score can enhance your gameplay and unlock additional features.

Understanding Merit Points in BGMI

Every BGMI player starts with a full 100 merit points. This score reflects your in-game conduct and adherence to the game’s rules. Engaging in negative behaviors, such as team-killing or using unauthorized software, can lead to deductions in your merit points. Conversely, positive gameplay and fair conduct help maintain and gradually restore your merit score.

Consequences of Low Merit Points

A low BGMI merit score imposes several restrictions:

  • 60-79 Merit Points: Players cannot participate in multiplayer matches, including Classic Mode, Arena, and Arcade Mode. Additionally, Experience Points (EXP) and Battle Points (BP) earnings are reduced by 50%.
  • 20-59 Merit Points: Access to ranked matches and multiplayer modes is restricted, with EXP and BP earnings reduced by 70%.
  • 0-19 Merit Points: Players are limited to VS AI Mode, and EXP and BP earnings are reduced by 90%.

Strategies to Increase Merit Points in BGMI

To improve your merit score, consider the following approaches:

  1. Engage in Classic Solo Matches: Playing solo in Classic Mode allows you to earn merit points based on your performance:
    • Finishing in the top 10: +3 merit points
    • Ranking between 11th and 50th: +2 merit points
    • Placing between 51st and 100th: +1 merit point
  2. Maintain Positive In-Game Behavior: Avoid actions that lead to merit deductions, such as:
    • Team-Killing: Inflicting harm on teammates using weapons, grenades, or vehicles.
    • Teaming Up with Cheaters: Associating with players who use unauthorized software or cheats.
    • Exploiting Bugs: Taking advantage of in-game glitches for personal gain.
  3. Demonstrate Sportsmanship: Communicate effectively with teammates, support team strategies, and avoid toxic behavior. Positive interactions contribute to a healthier gaming environment and help maintain your merit score.
Merit Points Infio BGMI

Monitoring Your Merit Score

Regularly checking your merit score helps you stay informed about your standing:

  1. Open BGMI and navigate to your profile.
  2. Click on the “Stats” section.
  3. Your current merit score is available at the bottom of the screen

Maintaining a high merit score in BGMI is crucial for unrestricted access to game modes and maximizing your gaming experience. By engaging in fair play, avoiding negative behaviors, and actively participating in solo matches, you can effectively increase and preserve your merit points. Remember, consistent positive behavior not only enhances your merit score but also contributes to a fair and enjoyable environment for all players.


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How to Refund Skins in Valorant?

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Refunding Valorant skins is a real thing and you can do it too if your skins and other in-game items fit the stringent rules that Riot has set. Refunding skins will let you cash out the original amounts thus relieving you of that one impulsive purchase decision you came to regret.

Can I Refend All Skins in Valorant?

The easy answer is no. According to Riot ToS, not all skins or in-game items can be refunded but under certain conditions, there is a list of items that cannot be refunded and they are as follows:

  • Used Weapon Skins
  • Upgraded Weapon Skins
  • Weapon Skin Levels and Variants
  • Weapon Skin Bundles
  • Used Accessories (Gun Buddies, Player Cards, etc.)
  • Agents
  • Premium Battle Passes
  • Premium Battle Pass Levels
  • Radianite Points
  • Any purchase made with Kingdom Credits (Agent Gear, Accessories Store)

How to refund skins in Valorant?

If you have in-game items which qualify for a refund then following the steps mentioned below will make sure you get your money back:

  • Make your way to the Riot Support page.
  • Log in.
  • Find the “Refund Unused Content” option and go in.
  • Find the skin you are looking to get rid of and click the “Refund”.

This will make sure any skins that qualify for a refund no longer sit unused in your account. If this method is not helping then you can always contact Riot support and generate a ticket to help with it.

Tickets can also be handy in refunding any unused VP that are in your account which you are no longer looking to spend in the game. Through this process, you will be able to get back some of the cash you spilled in the game,

The Best Duelists to Use in Pearl

One of the more layered and complex maps in the game, Pearl can pose a challenge when picking the most efficient line-up for your team. A map of such tactical depth calls for teams to preset a well-rounded line-up that can cater to their strategies. Duelists are quintessential for Pearl and in this article, we will discuss which ones to pick to give your team the best shot at winning the game.

Raze

Photo via Riot

Pearl is a map filled with tight angels and long open stretches, and Raze’s unique set of skills can be used to cover these areas. Her satchel lets her cover verticals swiftly while opening up space for her team to attack while her Boom Boot comes in handy as her team can then proceed without worrying about the tight spaces across the map.

Neon

Photo via Riot

Once again, Neon’s speed is what makes her a no-brainer for this map especially with the tight spaces and the long stretches. Similar to Raze, Neon’s blistering speed allows her to open up sites and a mechanically gifted player complementing her would make it a deadly combo on Pearl as her team will have a wonderful time executing sites.

Yoru

Photo via Riot

Unlike the other two names on the list, playing with Yoru requires a starkly different approach given he is nowhere as fast as either Neon or Raze. What Yoru provides is smooth maneuvering and tactical variety on the offense. Dimensional Drift can easily used to clear tight angels which can throw the defense of their game his powerful flashbangs might be enough to keep the opposition stranded and blind.

While thoughtful application of any duelists from the right players can do the trick professional players have been sticking with the aforementioned agents for their unique abilities which suit the terrain of the map better than the other options at their disposal.

How to Unlock the “A Hounding Conversation” Achievement in Marvel Rivals

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In the latest update to Marvel Rivals, players can unlock the “A Hounding Conversation” achievement by interacting with Bats, the Ghost Dog. Bats, originally Doctor Strange’s basset hound, became a spectral presence after his demise, continuing to reside in the Sanctum Sanctorum.

Locating Bats in Marvel Rivals

To find Bats, enter the Doom Match game mode and select the Sanctum Sanctorum map. Upon loading, proceed to the foyer near the main staircase. Here, you’ll discover Bats either floating around or resting beside the staircase.

Interacting with Bats

Bats engages in conversation only with specific characters: Squirrel Girl, Spider-Man, Thor, and Jeff the Land Shark. Ensure you select one of these heroes before starting the match. Approach Bats in the foyer, and he will initiate dialogue automatically. This interaction unlocks the “A Hounding Conversation” achievement.

Who is Bats, the Ghost Dog?

Introduced in the 2017 Doctor Strange comics, Bats was enchanted by Doctor Strange to communicate with humans. After his untimely death, Bats returned as a ghost, continuing his companionship with the Sorcerer Supreme.

By following these steps, players can easily locate and converse with Bats, adding a unique achievement to their Marvel Rivals experience.

Who won the Marvel Rivals Showdown Twitch Rivals event?

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The Marvel Rivals Showdown Twitch Rivals tournament wrapped up on January 19, 2025, with Team Hogzmr emerging victorious. The event brought together 12 teams composed of top North American streamers competing for a share of the $200,000 prize pool.

Team Hogzmr Takes the Trophy

Led by Hogzmr, the winning team dominated the competition. In the grand final, they defeated Team xQc, a fan-favorite led by the popular streamer xQc. This win highlighted Team Hogzmr’s consistent performance throughout the event, which started with a strong showing in the group stages and continued through the playoffs.

Event Format and Highlights

The tournament spanned two days, with teams divided into two groups. Each group played a round-robin format to determine rankings. The top two teams from each group advanced directly to the quarterfinals, while the remaining teams competed in an elimination round.

Key results included:

  • Quarterfinals: Team Hogzmr advanced with a clean 2-0 victory over Team Zentreya.
  • Semifinals: They triumphed over Team Shroud in a closely fought 3-2 match.
  • Final: Team Hogzmr secured the championship with a 3-1 win against Team xQc.

Star Players and Teams

The tournament featured renowned content creators such as Shroud, Sykkuno, and Valkyrae. Despite fierce competition, Team Hogzmr stood out with their teamwork and strategic gameplay. Other teams, like Team xQc and Team Shroud, also showcased notable performances, making the event highly entertaining for fans.

Controversy Over Rule Changes

A week before the event, a rule change allowing up to four Grandmaster+ players per team stirred controversy. Initially, the limit was set at two to ensure balanced gameplay. Streamers like Valkyrae voiced frustrations, citing the rule change as unfair. She remarked, “I waited five years to play in a Twitch Rivals just for this?”

Former Overwatch pro Bogur added to the criticism, pointing out that the change turned the event into a pro-level competition, sidelining less experienced participants.

Catching the Action

Fans who missed the live broadcast can watch the matches on the Twitch Rivals channel.

This tournament showcased the growing popularity of competitive gaming, blending high stakes with community engagement. Team Hogzmr’s victory sets the bar for future Marvel Rivals events, promising more thrilling showdowns to come.

Top 3 Best Heroes to Counter Martis in Mobile Legends

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Martis, the Ashura King, is one of the most powerful fighters in Mobile Legends: Bang Bang. His skills make him a nightmare to face, especially in ranked matches. Martis combines high damage with immunity to crowd control (CC), making him a challenging opponent. If you want to beat Martis, you need strategy—and the right heroes. Here are the three best heroes to counter Martis effectively.

1. Freya: The Endurance Queen

Freya excels in extended battles, thanks to her durability and skill set. Her ultimate, Valkyrie Descent, boosts her survivability while allowing her to deal consistent damage. With defensive items like Oracle for shield and cooldown reduction, Freya can outlast Martis in direct fights.

Tips for success with Freya:

  • Build Blade of Despair first for a strong early-game advantage.
  • Use the battle spell Execute to dominate the laning phase, or Vengeance for late-game survivability.

2. Phoveus: The Anti-Dash Nightmare

Phoveus is the perfect counter to Martis, as his ultimate, Demonic Force, punishes enemies with dashing skills. Martis’ second skill, Mortal Coil, and his ultimate, Decimation, both involve dashes, which makes Phoveus’ cooldowns reset faster.

Phoveus is hard to kill because of Malefic Terror, which provides shields and deals area damage. In team fights, his Flameshot spell can create space and trigger his ultimate for quick retaliation.

Why Phoveus works:

  • He can repeatedly teleport to Martis whenever he dashes, disrupting his rhythm.
  • His shield makes him durable in fights, giving Martis a hard time landing kills.

3. Zhask: The Unstoppable Mage

Zhask is one of the few mages capable of standing up to Martis in a 1v1 situation. His Nightmaric Spawn ability allows him to re-enter the battlefield as an enhanced spawn, even after his health drops to zero. This forces Martis to either retreat or waste precious time dealing with the enhanced spawn.

Best build against Martis:

  • Prioritize Clock of Destiny and Lightning Truncheon for strong early-game damage.
  • If Martis builds defensive items, include Divine Glaive for additional magic penetration.

Why These Heroes Shine

Martis’ greatest strength is his immunity to CC and his burst damage potential. To counter him, you need heroes who can survive his attacks, punish his dashes, or outlast him in fights. Freya’s endurance, Phoveus’ dash-punishing skills, and Zhask’s persistence make them ideal choices.

Bonus Counters

If you’re more comfortable with other heroes, Balmond and Edith can also work. Balmond’s ability to execute low-health enemies and Edith’s tanky skills make them reliable alternatives.

Defeating Martis isn’t about brute force—it’s about strategy. Choosing the right hero, understanding their strengths, and timing your attacks are crucial to overcoming the Ashura King. With heroes like Freya, Phoveus, or Zhask in your arsenal, you’ll have a fighting chance.

ESL Announces IEM Melbourne 2025

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ESL has announced the highly anticipated IEM Melbourne, marking the first time this prestigious event will be held in the country’s sporting capital. The tournament boasts a $300,000 prize pool and is slated to take place from April 21st to 27th, 2025, with the Group Stage kicking things off on the opening day.  

Australian esports enthusiasts will fondly remember the electrifying atmosphere of IEM Sydney in October 2023, which was one of the first CS2 events to witness enthusiastic crowds packing the Super Aware Theatre.

Tournament Format

IEM Melbourne promises a week of nail-biting competition, divided into two distinct stages: the Group Stage and the Playoffs. The Group Stage, commencing on April 21st, will feature 16 invited teams battling it out in a double-elimination bracket. Only the top three teams from this group will advance to the prestigious Playoffs.  

The Playoffs, held within the iconic Rod Laver Arena, will showcase a six-team single-elimination bracket. Matches in the quarterfinals and semifinals will be the best-of-three (BO3) series, while the grand finale will be an intense best-of-five (BO5) showdown, guaranteeing a thrilling conclusion to the tournament.

Unlike previous iterations, IEM Melbourne will forego qualifiers, opting for a direct invitation system based on the global Valve Ranking System (VRS) standings. The top 10 ranked teams will receive automatic invites, along with two additional teams from each of the major regions (Americas, Europe, and Asia) based on their VRS positions. ESL has confirmed that any declined invitations will be offered to the next-highest-ranked team, ensuring a strong pool of contenders. The official deadline for team invites is set for February 2025.

The wait for IEM Melbourne tickets won’t be long! Sales are scheduled to begin exclusively through Ticketek on January 23rd, 2025.

Eternal Fire Beats Falcons to Qualify for Blast Bounty S1 Finals

XANTARES shines for Eternal Fire to beat Flacons in humiliating fashion with a 2-0 scoreline securing their spot in the Blast Bounty LAN. This loss makes an unexpected outcome for NiKo’s debut tournament in Falcon colors as they await their first CS2 LAN of 2025.

VETO

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

Map 1: Inferno; Picked: EF; Winner: EF

Upon losing the pistol round, Eternal Fire bounced back with a force buy conversion. After the win, they put together a string of 8 rounds to get an insurmountable lead despite the Falcons winning a few rounds by the end of the first half. Falcons opened up the second half with a pistol round win but a similar script from the second half saw them lose to another force buy which Eternal Fire took full advantage of to get ahead of and reach map point quickly. Falcons managed to win one of the rounds before the end of the map as Eternal Fire won the map 13-6.

Map 2: Nuke; Picked: Falcons; Winner: EF

Despite losing the pistol round, the Falcons got back on the board and had a well-planned T side to take Eternal Fire apart in the first half. Falcons managed to get a read on most occasions and it took individual brilliance from Wicadia and XANTARES to post 5 rounds on the CT side. Falcons managed to get an insurmountable lead but to their surprise, a series of fumbles saw Eternal Fire level the scoreline to push the game to overtime. Overtime saw a prolonged fight as both teams traded rounds and finally, EF managed to outlast Falcons to win the game 19:17.

A disappointing exit for the Falcons following two unconvincing matches while a solid opening for Eternal Fire will put them in the LAN main event to open up 2025 for the Turkish side.

Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Banned in the U.S.

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On January 18, 2025, the United States government banned the popular mobile game Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB). This action is part of a broader move against applications owned by ByteDance, the Chinese company that also owns TikTok.

Moonton, the developer of MLBB, released an official statement regarding the ban. They informed players in the U.S. that the game is currently unavailable due to circumstances beyond their control. Moonton expressed deep appreciation for the vibrant player community and mentioned they are actively exploring possibilities to bring the game back in the future. In the meantime, U.S. players can manage their accounts and download game data through the official MLBB website.

The ban on MLBB is linked to the U.S. government’s concerns over national security. ByteDance, the parent company of Moonton, has faced scrutiny due to its ownership of TikTok. The U.S. government has officially banned TikTok in the country, leading to its removal from app stores on January 19, 2025. As a result, other ByteDance-related applications, including MLBB, have also been removed from U.S. app stores.

This situation has affected other games under the ByteDance umbrella as well. For instance, Marvel Snap, developed by Nuverse—a subsidiary of ByteDance—has also become unavailable to American users. Players attempting to access these games are met with messages indicating their unavailability in the U.S.

The ban has significant implications for the gaming community and the esports industry. MLBB has a substantial user base, especially in Southeast Asia, and has been a key driver in the mobile competitive gaming market. According to Esports Charts, MLBB was one of the most-viewed esports games in 2024, with a peak concurrent viewer count of over five million during the M5 World Championship in 2023.

While North America is not the most populous region for MLBB players, the ban still impacts a significant number of users. Players who have invested time and money into the game now find themselves unable to access their accounts or continue playing. This sudden unavailability has led to frustration among the gaming community, particularly among those who have made in-game purchases. Some users have considered using Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to bypass the restrictions, but this is not an ideal solution for many.

This is not the first time MLBB has faced a ban in a major market. In June 2020, the game was banned in India along with 58 other Chinese apps due to security concerns raised by the Indian government. Such actions highlight the geopolitical challenges that can affect the availability of digital applications across different regions.

In response to the ban, Moonton has assured players that they are exploring possibilities to bring MLBB back to the U.S. market. They have encouraged players to stay connected through their official website for updates and to manage their accounts during this period. The company has a history of engaging with its community and organizing major esports tournaments, and they aim to continue these efforts once the situation is resolved.

The broader implications of this ban extend to other ByteDance-owned applications and services. The U.S. government’s actions reflect ongoing concerns about data security and the influence of foreign-owned applications within the country. As the situation develops, users of other ByteDance-related apps may also face restrictions, leading to a reevaluation of the digital landscape for many consumers.

The ban on Mobile Legends: Bang Bang in the United States marks a significant moment for the gaming community and highlights the intersection of technology, entertainment, and international relations. Players and developers alike will be closely monitoring the situation, hoping for a resolution that allows for the return of their beloved games while addressing the concerns raised by governing authorities.

PaiN Stuns FaZe Clan in Blast Bounty Stage 2

paiN Gaming has stunned FaZe Clan to make it to the next stage of the Blast Bounty despite the latter team adding EliGE to their ranks making this one of the biggest upsets of the tournament.

Veto

  • paiN removed Ancient
  • FaZe removed Train
  • paiN picked Dust2
  • FaZe picked Inferno
  • paiN removed Anubis
  • FaZe removed Nuke
  • Mirage was left over

Map 1: Dust 2; Picked: paiN; Winner: paiN

A solid start to the map by FaZe Clan was quickly met by a tricky paiN gaming who took full advantage of FaZe who are still adapting to their new playstyle after adding EliGE. Both teams traded rounds in the first half with no one team able to get ahead of the other before FaZe won the final two rounds to get a narrow edge. The second half saw FaZe win the pistol but quickly fall to a force buy which paiN used to build a massive lead that became too much for FaZe to overcome as paiN closed the map with a 13-10 scoreline. dav1deus stood out as the best player for paiN who played an instrumental role, especially on the CT side, dropping 21 frags and a 1.54 rating.

Map 2: Inferno; Picked: FaZe; Winner: paiN

Starting on the T side, paiN managed to contain FaZe to a great extent but a well-drilled T side saw them edge out a narrow lead before going to the first half paiN managed to expose the cracks in the FaZe defense as despite getting a lead on T side, FaZe fell apart on the defense. paiN ran a fast yet methodical T side led by dav1deus and biguzera managed to pick FaZe apart causing one of the biggest of the tournament. paiN eventually won the game with a 13-11 scoreline.

FaZe Clan will now need a win if they are to make it to the LAN event while paiN finds themselves in the LAN after taking down one of the biggest names in Counter-Strike.