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ESL Pro League Season 24 Seeding: Full Seeds and Matchups

Satyam Kumar
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ESL Pro League Season 24 Seeding: Full Seeds and Matchups

ESL has published the ESL Pro League Season 24 seeding, and the list does not follow the Valve Regional Standings (VRS) exactly. The seeds were set through Team Selected Seeding, the same method ESL used for the previous three seasons. There is only one change. The latest VRS now breaks ties instead of a coin toss. Spirit holds the top seed, while Vitality and Aurora gain the most ground compared to the VRS.

ESL Pro League Season 24 Seeding: Full List

The table compares each team’s final seed with its position in the September 7 VRS, which ESL listed as its reference ranking. Valve’s September VRS release was pushed back by a day, which caused problems for organizers planning invites and seeding.

SeedTeamVRS PositionChange
1Team Spirit10
2Team Vitality4+2
3Team Falcons30
4MOUZ2-2
5Legacy50
6FURIA60
7Aurora10+3
8G2 Esports7-1
9Natus Vincere90
109z8-2
11BetBoom110
12PARIVISION120
13M8015+2
14TYLOO13-1
151win14-1
16ShindeN160

How Team Selected Seeding Works

The system is different from a straight ranking. Each of the 16 teams ranks its opponents in order, and ESL averages those rankings, with outliers removed, to set the seed. ESL posted every team’s submission in its official seeding announcement.

The VRS still matters here. It decided which twelve teams got direct invites, and it now settles any tie in the team votes. If you are new to Valve’s ranking, here is our explainer on how the Valve Regional Standings work.

Opening Round Matchups

The first round uses a standard bracket. The Major pairs seed 1 with seed 9, but EPL pairs the top seed with the bottom seed.

MatchHigher SeedLower Seed
1Spirit (1)ShindeN (16)
2Vitality (2)1win (15)
3Falcons (3)TYLOO (14)
4MOUZ (4)M80 (13)
5Legacy (5)PARIVISION (12)
6FURIA (6)BetBoom (11)
7Aurora (7)9z (10)
8G2 (8)Natus Vincere (9)

The 8 vs 9 pairing puts G2 against Natus Vincere, the Season 23 champions, in round one.

Biggest Movers: Vitality, Aurora, MOUZ and 9z

Vitality and Aurora gained the most from the peer vote. Both teams reached the StarSeries Fall 2026 final in Barcelona last week, where Vitality beat Aurora 3-1 to win the title. Aurora had beaten Vitality 2-1 in the upper bracket final a day earlier, and that final was the first for Aurora’s roster with kyxsan, Jimpphat, and coach ash.

MOUZ and 9z are the only teams to drop two places. MOUZ go from second in the VRS to the No. 4 seed, and 9z fall from eighth to tenth. M80 are the only team outside the top ten to move up, rising two spots to 13th.

How Live Ratings Shape the Swiss Stage

The seeds only set the starting point. After seeding, each team gets an ELO-style rating based on its seed. ESL then updates the ratings after every match and uses them to pair teams in each Swiss round, with no rematches allowed.

This rating system replaces the Buchholz method. Playoff seeding comes from Stage 1 results, and live ratings break ties between teams with the same record. In practice, an upset win raises a lower seed’s rating straight away, which affects who they face next.

ESL Pro League Season 24 Format, Dates and Venue

Season 24 is the first EPL season played entirely on LAN, which is why the field was cut to 16 teams. The full breakdown is in the format details ESL published for Season 24.

DetailInformation
LocationKatowice, Poland
Group stageOctober 3 to 7, 2026 (Swiss, all Bo3)
PlayoffsOctober 9 to 11, 2026 (8 teams, single elimination)
Playoff venueSpodek Arena
Match formatBo3 in playoffs, Bo5 Grand Final
Invites12 via VRS, 4 via ESL Challenger League Season 51

The Liquipedia event page lists the event as S-Tier and a Valve Wildcard tournament.

ESL Pro League Season 24 Prize Pool

Teams are playing for $1,000,000 in total winnings. That total combines prize money with club rewards.

PlacePrize MoneyClub Reward
1st$125,000$170,000
2nd$50,000$125,000
3rd$30,000$90,000
4th$20,000$65,000
5th to 8th$10,000$40,000
9th to 11th$6,000$20,000
12th to 14th$4,000$10,000
15th to 16th$2,500None

The event also counts toward the ESL Grand Slam race, which carries its own $1,000,000 bonus.

GTA 6 Macca the Gator 3D Print: Get the $400 Figure Cheaper

Satyam Kumar
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0
GTA 6 Macca the Gator 3D Print: Get the $400 Figure Cheaper

GTA 6 fans did not wait long to find a cheaper way to own Macca the Gator. Less than a day after Rockstar revealed its $400 Collector’s Box, fans started 3D printing their own versions of the figure, and the files to make one are now public.

The official figure only comes inside Rockstar’s $400 Vice City Collection, which Rockstar’s $400 Vice City Collection coverage breaks down in full. Here is what the fan-made version is, where the files are, and how it compares to the real thing.

What is Macca the Gator in GTA 6?

Macca the Gator is a character from a fictional TV show of the same name that exists inside GTA 6’s world, and the whole collector’s box is built around that show. The show has appeared before on T-shirts and in pre-release trailers and screenshots.

Rockstar’s figure shows Macca smoking and holding a flamingo blood martini, with a twist-open base for storing small items. Rockstar Store

How fans 3D printed Macca in one day

Rockstar unveiled The Goodtime State – Vice City Collection on September 24, priced at $399.99 in the US. Within hours, fan prints started showing up on social media.

X user and 3D artist @JSantiag0rj built a close copy of Macca in a single day. The artist refined the model in ZBrush, modeled the logo base, and cut the tail so it could print separately, because the full figure would not fit on their printer at the size they wanted. That print was based on little more than pre-release imagery.

An Australian user also posted a print on X, saying they had saved $700 AUD and only needed to add paint.

Where to find the Macca the Gator STL files

On September 25, a downloadable Macca model on Cults3D went live, so anyone with a 3D printer can now try to make one.

The listing includes separate STL files for Macca and his base. It recommends printing the roughly 16cm model in resin, and the files sit under Cults3D’s open-pricing system. That means buyers can pay the creator whatever amount they choose instead of spending $400.

How to 3D print Macca the Gator at home

The listing recommends resin, so these steps assume a resin printer:

  1. Download both STL files from the listing: one for the figure and one for the base.
  2. Open the files in your printer’s slicer software and scale the figure to about 16cm.
  3. If the model is too tall for your build plate, split it into parts. The tail is a common cut point, as the Brazilian maker showed.
  4. Add supports, print, then wash and cure the parts.
  5. Prime and paint. The official figure is pink, so plan your colors before gluing parts together.

Official figure vs 3D printed Macca

FeatureRockstar official figureFan 3D print
PricePart of the $399.99 boxPay what you want for files, plus material cost
Height6 inchesAbout 16cm
Stash compartmentTwist-open baseNot confirmed
PaintFactory finishedYou paint it yourself
AvailabilityShips November 19Available now

The fan version will not always match Rockstar’s figure. The official Macca has a twist-open stash compartment in its base, which Rockstar lists as a selling point of the set.

What else comes in the $400 Vice City Collection

According to the official Rockstar Store listing, the box contains the Macca figure, Oakley Frogskins sunglasses, a Leonida Keys crossbody bag, a New Era 9FORTY snapback, a Macca magnetic mirror, a Chunkee the Manatee shot glass, a swizzle spoon, a razor blade keychain, an enamel pin set in a tin, a sticker pack, and a double-sided poster with the Leonida map. The game is sold separately.

The set costs $400 in the US and £350 in the UK. Adding the $79.99 Standard Edition brings the total to $479.99, and the $99.99 Ultimate Edition brings it to $499.99. The box weighs 24 pounds and does not qualify for free shipping.

The price has already drawn fan backlash over the collector’s box, with some players canceling pre-orders.

Rockstar’s store lists Grand Theft Auto VI, Vice City, and related logos as trademarks and copyrights of Take-Two Interactive. Insider Gaming noted that printing for personal use may not cause problems, but selling copies could draw action from Take-Two’s lawyers.

Fan reaction is split. Some players praised the workaround, while others said a printed copy removes the point of owning a rare item.

When does the Vice City Collection ship?

Rockstar confirmed on the Rockstar Newswire that the limited-edition box arrives on November 19 and is available for pre-order while supplies last. That matches the GTA 6 release date. Pre-order details for Asia, Latin America, and Australia will come later.

Ananta Release Date, Platforms and PC Requirements

Satyam Kumar
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Ananta Release Date, Platforms and PC Requirements

NetEase Games and developer Naked Rain announced the Ananta release date during Gamescom 2026 Opening Night Live on August 25, along with a new trailer. The free-to-play open-world RPG launches worldwide on January 15, 2027, on PS5, PC, iOS, and Android.

Players have called it “anime GTA” because of its large city, driving, police system, and open-world activities. Here is what is confirmed so far about the Ananta release date, platforms, system requirements, monetization, and how it compares with GTA 6.

When is the Ananta release date?

Ananta releases on January 15, 2027, with the date confirmed at Gamescom Opening Night Live 2026. The launch is global, so all regions get the game on the same day.

The exact launch time has not been announced. NetEase usually shares regional unlock times in the final weeks before release.

The January date lands about two months after GTA 6’s November 19 launch, so the two games will not release in the same window.

Ananta development timeline

DateEvent
August 2023Revealed as Project Mugen at Gamescom
November 2024Renamed Ananta
September 2025New gameplay shown at Tokyo Game Show
Early 2026Closed beta test
August 2026Release date announced at Gamescom
January 15, 2027Global launch

The game was renamed in November 2024, and the new name means “without end” in Sanskrit.

Which platforms is Ananta coming to?

NetEase confirmed Ananta for PlayStation 5, for PC through Steam and a standalone launcher, and for mobile.

PlatformStatus
PlayStation 5Confirmed
PC (Steam and official launcher)Confirmed
iOSConfirmed
AndroidConfirmed
Xbox Series X|SNot announced
Nintendo consolesNot announced

No Xbox version has been announced so far.

Ananta PC system requirements

The Steam listing gives these minimum and recommended specs for PC:

ComponentMinimumRecommended
OSWindows 10 (64-bit)Windows 10 (64-bit)
CPUIntel Core i5-9400F / AMD Ryzen 7 3700XIntel Core i7-12700K / AMD Ryzen 9 9900X
RAM16GB32GB
GPUNVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 6GBNVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080
Storage40GB100GB
DirectXVersion 11Version 11

Full mobile requirements are not out yet. The App Store listing says iOS 12.0 or later.

Is Ananta free to play?

Yes. Ananta is free to download on every platform.

Naked Rain has said the game will not use a character gacha system, and playable characters are unlocked by playing. Paid items are limited to cosmetics, with optional purchases for outfits, custom vehicles, and player housing.

The Steam page does list in-game purchases, including random items, so some cosmetics may be sold through chance-based draws. Prices have not been announced.

Can you pre-register or join the Ananta beta?

Pre-registration is open on the official website and store pages. The game has passed 17 million pre-registrations across 110 countries and regions. Signing up does not give early access. It unlocks in-game rewards when the community reaches milestones. Our earlier guide explains how to pre-register for Ananta step by step.

A global open beta has not been confirmed. A closed beta ran in early 2026, and NetEase CEO Ding Lei said afterward that player feedback met expectations and the game was on schedule. Media also got hands-on time at Gamescom 2026.

Ananta story and setting

You play as Captain, a member of the struggling Anomaly Control Department (ACD). The main story has you rebuild the agency and search for your missing father by taking bounties, growing your social media following, and raising your reputation.

The game takes place across two cities:

CityInspirationWhat to expect
Nova CityNew YorkDense urban map, vehicles, crime and law enforcement activities
Chongxiao (Lingyun City)Shanghai, Hangzhou and TokyoMix of modern and traditional Chinese architecture, martial arts training

Nova City is about the size of Manhattan, and supernatural events called “Chaos” disrupt everyday life there.

Ananta gameplay features

CategoryWhat you can do
TravelDrive cars and motorcycles, ride skateboards, take taxis, buses and subways, fly in helicopters, use yachts and speedboats, swing and glide between buildings
CombatMartial arts, environmental objects, fights against Chaos enemies
City lifeStreet racing, clubs, cinemas, arcades, cafés, shops and minigames
RolesPolice officer, hacker, delivery rider, influencer or gang leader
SocialRecruit allies, build relationships, grow your online following

Movement has no stamina limit, so you can parkour, grapple, swing and drive freely.

The developers say Ananta will have over 100 hours of content at launch. Naked Rain also plans to support the game for at least seven years.

Is Ananta single player or multiplayer?

Ananta is a single-player game. Naked Rain has not announced co-op, even after being asked about it. The PlayStation Store listing says an internet connection is required to play.

Ananta vs GTA 6: how do they compare?

Neither Naked Rain nor NetEase markets Ananta as a GTA rival. The comparison comes from players, based on the city setting, vehicles, and wanted system.

AnantaGTA 6
Release dateJanuary 15, 2027November 19, 2026
PriceFree to playPaid
PlatformsPS5, PC, iOS, AndroidPS5, Xbox Series X|S
GenreOpen-world RPGAction-adventure
Main settingNova City, ChongxiaoVice City, Leonida
Playable charactersSeveral, unlocked through storyJason and Lucia
Art styleAnimeRealistic
Supernatural elementsYes, Chaos enemiesNo

GTA 6’s Extended Look confirmed a returning six-star wanted system and gameplay with Jason and Lucia in Vice City. PC players have one more reason to look at Ananta, since there is still no PC release date for GTA 6.

Players have also pointed out animations in Ananta trailers that resemble Marvel’s Spider-Man, Watch Dogs, Batman: Arkham, and Uncharted 4.

LEGO Astro Bot Set: How to Get It Free With LEGO PlayStation

Satyam Kumar
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LEGO Astro Bot Set: How to Get It Free With LEGO PlayStation

LEGO has confirmed the LEGO Astro Bot set as a free gift with purchase for the new LEGO PlayStation (72306). The 276-piece set, numbered 40899, now has a listing on the official LEGO online store, days before the PlayStation set goes on sale. The LEGO Astro Bot set will not be sold on its own, which ties it directly to the LEGO PlayStation launch.

Here is everything confirmed so far about the LEGO Astro Bot set, including its pieces, price, release date, and how to get it.

What Is the LEGO Astro Bot Set?

The LEGO Astro Bot set is a brick-built display model of PlayStation’s mascot from Team Asobi’s platformer series. It is listed on the official LEGO store as a gift-with-purchase item for adults aged 18 and up.

Builders can turn the head fully and move the arms for different poses. The eyes swap between round and half-moon shapes to change his expression, and the display can be customized with propulsion effects, a cape, and stickers. A display stand lets you pose Astro Bot flying, falling, or gliding. The finished figure stands about 8 inches tall.

LEGO Astro Bot Set Details

DetailInformation
Set nameLEGO Astro Bot
Set number40899
Pieces276
Age rating18+
HeightAbout 8 inches (20 cm)
FeaturesPosable head and arms, swappable eyes, cape, propulsion jets, logo stand
PriceFree with LEGO PlayStation (72306)
Sold separatelyNo
AvailabilityWhile supplies last

How to Get the LEGO Astro Bot Set for Free

The only way to get the LEGO Astro Bot set is to buy the LEGO PlayStation (72306) during the promotion. Follow these steps:

  1. Create a free LEGO Insiders account on LEGO.com before launch.
  2. Order the LEGO PlayStation set when Early Access opens on October 1.
  3. Check your cart to confirm the Astro Bot gift has been added before you pay.

LEGO sets usually go live at 12:01 a.m. local time on launch day, and past gift-with-purchase items have often sold out quickly, sometimes before the main set. Ordering during the Insiders window gives buyers three extra days of access.

LEGO has not yet published a full end date or regional terms for the offer. Buyers should check the promotions page on LEGO.com on launch day for final details.

LEGO PlayStation 72306 Price and Release Date

The LEGO PlayStation was revealed at Sony’s State of Play broadcast on September 3, 2026. TalkEsport has tracked every PlayStation State of Play broadcast this year, and this was the first time LEGO and Sony revealed a console set together.

According to LEGO’s official reveal, LEGO Insiders get Early Access from October 1, 2026, and the set opens to everyone on October 4, 2026.

RegionPrice
United States$179.99
United Kingdom£139.99
Europe€159.99
Japan¥27,980
CanadaCAD 249.99
AustraliaAUD 279.99

Prices for the US, Europe, UK, and Japan come from the PlayStation Blog, while the Canadian and Australian prices were listed at the set’s reveal.

What Comes in the LEGO PlayStation Set?

The 1,911-piece set recreates the original PlayStation console and its first controller at near 1:1 scale. The console has working Open and Power buttons, and the controller plugs into the front.

Inside the console are two hidden dioramas: a mini Gran Turismo track with tiny cars, and an Ape Escape scene with the game’s red or blue monkey helmet. Both can be stored inside the console or displayed next to it.

Where Can You Buy the LEGO PlayStation?

The set will be sold through three main channels:

StoreStart Date
LEGO.com (Insiders Early Access)October 1, 2026
LEGO.com and LEGO Stores (everyone)October 4, 2026
direct.playstation.comOctober 1, 2026

The PlayStation Blog announcement confirms that PlayStation Direct will sell the set from October 1 in the US, UK, France, Germany, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Italy, Spain and Portugal.

Some reports say the Astro Bot gift also applies to orders from direct.playstation.com. Other reports tie the offer to LEGO’s own stores and website only. Buyers who want the gift should confirm it appears at checkout on whichever store they use.

Can You Buy LEGO Astro Bot Separately?

No. LEGO has not announced a standalone release. LEGO does not sell gift-with-purchase sets as individual products, and they are normally available only through a promotion.

Past gift sets have sold for high prices on resale sites. When LEGO offered a Kanto Region Badge Collection with its Pokémon set, eBay listings ranged from $175 to $300.

Astro Bot’s History at PlayStation

Astro Bot first appeared in The Playroom on PS4 in 2013. He later starred in Astro Bot Rescue Mission (2018) for PlayStation VR and Astro’s Playroom (2020), which comes preinstalled on every PS5. The 2024 game Astro Bot was released for PS5 to mark PlayStation’s 30th anniversary and became the highest-rated game of 2024 on Metacritic. It also won Game of the Year at The Game Awards 2024.

The LEGO Astro Bot set joins a growing list of LEGO gaming tie-ins, which already includes sets based on Nintendo and Minecraft, along with the survival game LEGO Fortnite.

PS Plus October 2026 Games: Mycopunk Confirmed as First Extra and Premium Title

Satyam Kumar
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PS Plus October 2026 Games: Mycopunk Confirmed as First Extra and Premium Title

The first of the PS Plus October 2026 games is now locked in. Mycopunk, a co-op shooter from developer Pigeons at Play and publisher Devolver Digital, will be added to the PlayStation Plus Game Catalog on the day it launches. It arrives on October 20, 2026, for PS Plus Extra and Premium subscribers at no extra cost.

Sony had already promised the game for the service. During the September State of Play, Sony said Mycopunk would launch straight into PS Plus Extra on release day, and the new trailer now pins that day to October 20. Push Square was among the first to report that this confirmed Mycopunk as the first PS Plus Extra game of October. Sony normally reveals the full Extra lineup about a week before it goes live, so subscribers are getting this one early.

Mycopunk release date and PS Plus details

DetailInformation
GameMycopunk
DeveloperPigeons at Play
PublisherDevolver Digital
Release dateOctober 20, 2026
PlatformsPS5, PC (Steam)
Standalone price$14.99
PS Plus tiersExtra and Premium
PlayersUp to 4 (online co-op)

Mycopunk launches on PS5 and on PC through Steam on October 20 for $14.99, and it is part of the PS Plus Game Catalog from day one. PC players have had access for more than a year. The game entered early access on Steam on July 10, 2025, and holds a Very Positive rating there with 88% approval.

What is Mycopunk?

Mycopunk is a mission based first person shooter. Up to four players join forces as the New Atlas Hazard Crew, a group of unwanted robots hired by the SAXON corporation to investigate a fungal disaster spreading across a planet.

Weapon building is the main hook. Players pick futuristic weapons and power them up through a grid based upgrade system that has hundreds of handmade upgrades.

The console launch is also the full 1.0 release. According to the announcement, version 1.0 brings new weapons, grenades, maps and modes, plus an extra playable character and new hats. MonsterVine reports that Devolver will share the full 1.0 content breakdown closer to launch.

Since the game is built around squads, its place in the catalog matters. Friends with Extra or Premium can download it and team up without each paying for a copy.

PS Plus October 2026 schedule

TierReveal dateAvailable from
Essential (monthly games)September 30, 2026October 6, 2026
Extra and Premium (Game Catalog)October 14, 2026October 20, 2026

Sony will announce the Essential tier games on September 30 and release them on October 6, while the Extra and Premium catalog will be revealed on October 14 and go live on October 20.

Players still have time to add the current monthly games to their library. Sniper Elite: Resistance, MLB The Show 26, Wobbly Life and Chained Echoes remain available to all tiers until the October 6 rollover. If you are new to the service, our guide on claiming the monthly PS Plus games covers the steps.

The Extra tier also picked up several new titles this month. Sony’s September Game Catalog lineup added RuneScape: Dragonwilds, WWE 2K26, Ball x Pit and Date Everything!, with Mega Man X Command Mission and Metro Redux joining Premium.

Games leaving PS Plus in October 2026

Mycopunk arrives on the same day several games exit. Sony has confirmed that Death Squared, Gloomhaven, Harvest Moon: Light of Hope, Jurassic World Evolution 2, Lake, Rogue Lords, Silent Hill 2 (2024) and Yakuza: Like a Dragon are leaving PS Plus Extra and Premium on October 20.

GameLeaving date
Silent Hill 2 (2024)October 20, 2026
Yakuza: Like a DragonOctober 20, 2026
Jurassic World Evolution 2October 20, 2026
GloomhavenOctober 20, 2026
Harvest Moon: Light of HopeOctober 20, 2026
Rogue LordsOctober 20, 2026
LakeOctober 20, 2026
Death SquaredOctober 20, 2026

Yakuza: Like a Dragon is the longest of these. It can take close to 100 hours to finish, while Silent Hill 2 takes around 15 to 20 hours.

Dino Crisis 2 and Ratchet & Clank for Premium

Premium members have two classics on the way. Sony has confirmed that Dino Crisis 2 and the original Ratchet & Clank will join the PS Plus Premium Classics catalog before the end of 2026. Sony has not said which month either game will arrive, so they may or may not be part of the October update.

For a look at how earlier lineups were structured, see our coverage of previous PS Plus Game Catalog updates. Subscribers watching costs should also note that Sony has hinted at further PlayStation Plus price increases.

The rest of the PS Plus October 2026 games will be confirmed across the September 30 and October 14 announcements.

When Is the Next Fortnite Live Event? Date, Time and What We Know

Satyam Kumar
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0
When Is the Next Fortnite Live Event? Date, Time and What We Know

There is no next Fortnite live event on the calendar right now. Epic Games has not announced a date, a name or a start time for the next in-game event, and as of September 25, 2026, the only confirmed date players have is the start of Fortnitemares 2026.

That could change quickly. Every season in Chapter 7 has ended with a live event or a Story Moment, and Chapter 7 Season 4: Override is heading into its final five weeks. Here is everything confirmed, everything leaked, and how to make sure you get into the next event when it goes live.

Next Fortnite live event date and time

Epic has not confirmed the next Fortnite live event. Based on the current schedule, there are two likely windows.

The first is the end of Override. The season started on August 20, 2026 with update v42.00 and is expected to end on October 31. The last three Chapter 7 seasons all closed with an event, so a finale around that date follows the pattern.

The second is the end of Chapter 7 itself. Leaks point to a short mini-season starting November 1, followed by Chapter 8 Season 1 on December 5. The last chapter change (Chapter 6 to Chapter 7) had its own finale event, Zero Hour.

Here are the key dates coming up, with their current status:

DateWhat happensStatus
October 1, 2026Fortnitemares 2026 beginsConfirmed by Epic
October 15, 2026Second Fortnitemares content updateLeaked
October 31, 2026Chapter 7 Season 4: Override endsReported, not confirmed
November 1, 2026Mini-season begins (One Piece rumored)Leaked
December 5, 2026Chapter 8 Season 1 launchesLeaked

Some outlets list November 1 or November 4 as the Override end date instead of October 31. Until Epic posts an official date, treat all of these as estimates.

Will Fortnitemares 2026 have a live event?

Epic confirmed the Fortnitemares 2026 start date with a short teaser on X that read “10.1.” The artwork showed a cracked, corrupted version of the Override pixel screen with the tagline “The Game Is Cursed.” You can see the details in Epic’s Fortnitemares teaser coverage.

The teaser did not mention a live event. So far Epic has only confirmed the start date. The event is expected to arrive with update v42.30 and run until the season ends.

Leakers have linked several collabs to Fortnitemares, including Five Nights at Freddy’s and the Roblox game 99 Nights in the Forest. None of these are confirmed. The Halloween theme also fits the season’s gaming focus, which has already brought in crossovers like the Doom collab teased in the Override trailer.

Chapter 7 live events so far

Chapter 7 has used two formats: full live events with their own playlist, and shorter Story Moments that play out inside normal matches. This table covers every season-ending event since the chapter began.

EventDate and timeFormatWhat it ended
Zero HourNovember 29, 2025, 2 PM ETFull live eventChapter 6 (Simpsons mini-season)
Final WaveMarch 14, 2026, 3:30 PM ETStory MomentChapter 7 Season 1
ShatteredJune 5, 2026, 7 PM ETFull live eventChapter 7 Season 2
UnstableAugust 15, 2026, 2 PM ETStory MomentChapter 7 Season 3

The format has alternated between seasons. Final Wave wrapped up the Dark Voyager’s Zero Shard storyline from Season 1, while Shattered closed the Foundation and Ice King arc in Season 2.

When was the last Fortnite live event?

The last Fortnite live event was Unstable, a Story Moment held on Saturday, August 15, 2026 at 2 PM ET. It ended Chapter 7 Season 3: Runners.

The event took place at the Zero Point Stabilizer. Players watched an attempt to stabilize the fractured Zero Point get hijacked by Geno and the Dark Voyager. When it ended, the Zero Point was gone and a game cartridge sat in its place. That cartridge set up the gaming theme of Override, which launched five days later on August 20.

Unstable was short. Leaks put its runtime at around three minutes, and it played inside regular Battle Royale matches rather than a dedicated playlist.

Live event vs Story Moment: what is the difference?

A full live event, like Zero Hour or Shattered, runs in its own playlist. You queue for it from the Discover tab, usually a few hours before it starts. These events are longer and often end with server downtime before a new season.

A Story Moment, like Final Wave or Unstable, happens inside standard matches. You do not need a special playlist. You only need to be in a Battle Royale or Zero Build match on the right part of the map when it starts.

Epic tells players which format it is using when it announces each event.

How to watch the next Fortnite live event

Once Epic confirms the next Fortnite live event, follow these steps to get in:

  1. Update the game before the event day. Big events often land close to a patch, and an outdated client can block you from joining.
  2. Log in at least 30 minutes early. Servers fill fast and queues can get long.
  3. For a full live event, find the event playlist on the Discover tab and queue up as soon as it opens.
  4. For a Story Moment, join a Battle Royale or Zero Build match a few minutes before the start time. For Unstable, Epic asked players to be logged in by 1:55 PM ET.
  5. Stay in the match. Leaving during the event usually means you cannot rejoin it.

Epic’s most common start time this chapter has been 2 PM ET. Here is what that slot looks like in other regions during late October:

RegionStart time (2 PM ET slot)
US West (PT)11 AM
US East (ET)2 PM
UK (GMT)6 PM
India (IST)11:30 PM

US clocks change on November 1. If the event lands in November or December, the UK time moves to 7 PM and the India time moves to 12:30 AM the following day.

[Image: Fortnite Unstable Story Moment at the Zero Point Stabilizer | Alt text: Last Fortnite live event Unstable Story Moment at the Zero Point Stabilizer]

How Epic announces live events

Epic usually reveals live events about one to two weeks ahead. The Unstable teaser went out on August 8, one week before the event. Shattered was announced in late May for a June 5 start.

Announcements come through the official Fortnite news page and the @FortniteGame account on X. In-game teasers, like the glitching news feed before Override, also tend to appear in the final weeks of a season. The upcoming October updates will likely be where the first clues show up, as the v42.10 update did with new Sprites and teasers earlier this season.

Until then, players can finish their Override Battle Pass and Sprite collection before the season ends. Weekly bonus events like Mastery Monday are still running and give extra Sprite XP.

This article will be updated once Epic confirms the next Fortnite live event.

ARC Raiders PvE Toggle Beta Test: Start Date, How to Join, and What Changes

Satyam Kumar
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ARC Raiders PvE Toggle Beta Test: Start Date, How to Join, and What Changes

Embark Studios will run an ARC Raiders PvE toggle beta test from October 13 to October 20, 2026. During that week, players can set matchmaking to a PvE mode where Raiders cannot damage each other. The studio announced the test on September 24 in a blog post signed by Aleks, the game’s executive producer.

The test is limited. When it ends, the toggle goes away and matchmaking returns to normal. Below are the dates, how to join, the rules, and what Embark has not confirmed yet.

ARC Raiders PvE toggle beta test start date and end date

The ARC Raiders PvE toggle beta test starts on October 13, 2026, and ends on October 20, 2026. Embark has only given dates. It has not shared start or end times or a time zone.

The test begins five days after the Frozen Trail update goes live on October 8. That update adds the Pendola Pass map, the Frigate, and new ARC enemies.

DetailInformation
Official namePvE Matchmaking Toggle Beta test
Start dateOctober 13, 2026
End dateOctober 20, 2026
Start and end timeNot announced
Game platformsPC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S (Embark has not listed platforms for the test)
Permanent modeNo. The toggle is removed after the test
Announced byAleks, Executive Producer, on September 24, 2026

How to join the ARC Raiders PvE beta

Embark describes the test as a matchmaking toggle inside the game. It has not announced a sign-up page, a separate download, or an invite system. Based on the announcement, anyone who owns ARC Raiders should be able to pick the PvE option when they queue during the test window.

  1. Update ARC Raiders to the latest version once the Frozen Trail patch is live.
  2. Launch the game on or after October 13, 2026.
  3. Set the matchmaking toggle to PvE before you queue for a raid.
  4. Switch back to classic PvPvE whenever you want a normal match.

Embark has not shown where the toggle sits in the menu. The exact steps may change once the test goes live.

How PvE matchmaking works during the test

In PvE sessions, Raiders cannot damage each other. The session is focused on the ARC and on playing with other Raiders.

Solos, Duos, and Trios are matched into the same PvE session. Embark says it built the system so players can move between modes easily, for example running a quiet solo PvE raid and then queuing into a PvPvE match straight after.

Playing PvE will not change your PvPvE matchmaking rating.

FeaturePvE sessionsPvPvE sessions (during test)
Damage between playersOffOn
Squad sizes in one sessionSolos, Duos, and Trios togetherStandard matchmaking
Loot valueLoweredSlightly higher baseline
Major conditionsFour excluded (see below)All available
PvPvE matchmaking ratingNot affectedWorks as normal
When downed by ARCARC can target you again if you crawl. Stay still and they ignore youStandard behavior

Map conditions excluded from PvE

Four major conditions will not appear in PvE matchmaking during the test:

  • Night Raids
  • Hidden Bunker
  • Locked Gate
  • Frigate

Embark says these conditions were designed for high tension and depend on the chance of running into other players. The Frigate is new content from the Frozen Trail update, so players who want to board it during the test week will need to queue in PvPvE.

Loot and downed state changes in PvE

Embark lists two differences in PvE sessions.

First, overall loot value is lower. The studio says this balances the relative safety of PvE. To keep the economy steady, PvPvE sessions get slightly higher baseline loot during the test.

Second, being downed works differently. If ARC down you and you crawl, they may pick you back up as a target. If you stay still, they ignore you. Embark added this to keep some tension without a PvP threat.

Players can still scavenge, complete quests, and explore in PvE. Embark says the test is not about making PvE harder or adding new PvE progression. The goal is to give players another option besides PvP encounters.

Why Embark is testing a PvE mode in ARC Raiders

ARC Raiders started out as a PvE game. When development began seven years ago, Embark planned a raid-based co-op game with looting. The team later reset the project and built the PvPvE extraction shooter that launched in October 2025. Embark covers that history in its Evolution of ARC Raiders documentary episode.

The studio shared player data to explain the decision:

Player groupShare of playersTrend since launch
Friendly co-op players37%Growing
Mixed players27%Not stated
Pure PvP players34%Stable

Embark also shared these survey results:

  • Over 70% of friendly players want fewer hostile encounters.
  • 40% of PvP players want the same.
  • 51% of surveyed players are interested in a dedicated PvE option.

The studio also pointed to friction in current matches. Friendly players often try to avoid PvP completely, and some players are frustrated by ratting and camping.

This is not the first sign of PvE in the game. In May, ARC Raiders was reported to be testing a PvE mode called “Rebellion” in its Chinese client. That version appeared as a map condition. The October test instead uses a matchmaking toggle that works across the game. The move also comes as the player base keeps growing: ARC Raiders passed 16 million sales earlier this year.

Is the ARC Raiders PvE mode permanent?

No. Embark calls this a limited test and says it is not a promise of a future PvE mode. The studio also says it is seriously considering the idea, and that any future version could look very different from the beta.

Embark will watch two areas during the test:

AreaWhat Embark is tracking
Player economyPvE players extract more often and earn more value, so PvPvE loot is raised slightly
Queue timesLow population regions and off hours may see longer matchmaking. PvPvE match quality may also shift depending on how many players pick PvE

After the test, Embark will review player feedback and data and then share its findings and future plans. No date has been given for that update. Players can follow announcements through the official ARC Raiders Discord server and the full Embark announcement.

ARC Raiders PvE beta FAQ

When does the ARC Raiders PvE toggle beta test start?
It starts on October 13, 2026, and ends on October 20, 2026. Start times have not been announced.

Do I need to sign up for the ARC Raiders PvE beta?
Embark has not mentioned a sign-up. The test is a matchmaking toggle in the game.

Does PvE affect my matchmaking rating?
No. Your PvPvE matchmaking rating is not affected by PvE sessions.

Are all maps and conditions available in PvE?
No. Night Raids, Hidden Bunker, Locked Gate, and Frigate are excluded from PvE during the test.

Can solo players get matched with squads in PvE?
Yes. Solos, Duos, and Trios share the same PvE sessions.

Will BGMI Lite Come in iOS? What KRAFTON Has Confirmed for iPhone Users

Divyesh Moghe
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Will BGMI Lite Come in iOS? What KRAFTON Has Confirmed for iPhone Users

BGMI Lite is on its way to India, but for now it is only coming to Android. iPhone and iPad users who search the App Store will not find an official listing. So, will BGMI Lite come in iOS? KRAFTON India has not ruled it out. It has only said the iOS details will come later.

Here is everything confirmed so far, what is still unknown, and what iPhone players can do while they wait.

Will BGMI Lite come to iPhone and iPad?

KRAFTON India’s official announcement leaves the door open. The company said players will be able to access BGMI LITE separately, without transferring their existing BGMI account, and that details on iOS availability and pre-registration will be announced at a later date.

That is the only official line on iOS so far. There is no iOS release date and no App Store pre-registration date. There has also been no statement cancelling an iOS version. KRAFTON has not opened pre-registration through the App Store and has not confirmed when, or if, an iOS version will be released.

The announcement itself is available in the official KRAFTON India press release on BGMI Lite.

QuestionCurrent status
Is BGMI Lite on the App Store?No
Is iOS pre-registration open?No
Has KRAFTON cancelled the iOS version?No
iOS release dateNot announced
Android pre-registrationOpen since August 25, 2026
Overall launch windowBy the end of 2026

Can iPhone users pre-register for BGMI Lite?

No. Pre-registration opened for Android users in India on August 25, 2026, on Google Play, and there is no matching page on Apple’s App Store.

Some websites have claimed that App Store pre-registration is live. One such site says the iOS and Android pre-registration links went live on August 25, 2026, but this is not backed by KRAFTON. The company’s own announcement only covers Android.

If a website asks iPhone users to download BGMI Lite through a link outside the App Store, a configuration profile, or an IPA file, it is not from KRAFTON. Installing these can put your device and your BGMI account at risk.

Android players can use the official BGMI Lite Google Play listing to sign up. Our BGMI Lite pre-registration guide explains each step.

How BGMI’s own iOS launch played out

KRAFTON has launched on Android first before. When Battlegrounds Mobile India arrived in 2021, iPhone users had to wait. According to the Battlegrounds Mobile India page on Wikipedia, BGMI released on Android on 2 July 2021 and on iOS and iPadOS on 18 August 2021.

GameAndroidiOS
BGMI (2021)July 2, 2021August 18, 2021
BGMI Lite (2026)Pre-registration from August 25, 2026To be announced

That gap was about seven weeks. It shows a pattern KRAFTON has used before. It does not confirm anything about BGMI Lite’s iOS timing.

The global PUBG Mobile lite client has an iOS size listed

The global version of PUBG Mobile is also getting a lighter client, and it already has iOS figures attached. That version will need around 1GB on Android and under 2GB on iOS for its initial download, with no mandatory extra packages before the first match.

BGMI Lite is a separate release made for India. KRAFTON India has not shared any iOS download size for BGMI Lite. The global numbers only show that a lighter PUBG client for Apple devices is being planned elsewhere.

Who BGMI Lite is built for

KRAFTON India has pitched BGMI Lite at players whose phones struggle with the full game because of low RAM or little storage. The specs shared so far are for Android. Official promotional material lists a minimum of 1.5GB RAM and an Adreno 306 or higher GPU. No iPhone models or iOS version requirements have been announced.

You can check the full list in our breakdown of BGMI Lite minimum requirements.

Will your BGMI account work on BGMI Lite?

Yes, based on what is confirmed for Android. According to the Play Store listing, players can log in to BGMI Lite with their BGMI account, owned items will carry over, and players can team up with friends who are on the main BGMI app.

KRAFTON has not said whether the same setup will apply to a future iOS version. Those details are expected along with the iOS announcement.

BGMI Lite release date

KRAFTON India has said the game will launch by the end of 2026, but it has not shared an exact release date. Some reports mention November. That timing belongs to the global PUBG Mobile Light project, not the India version. Read our report on whether BGMI Lite will release in November 2026 for the latest on that.

The first official news came on August 16. KRAFTON India shared a short video on BGMI’s official YouTube channel titled “You Asked. We Listened. BGMI LITE Coming Soon,” along with a new Instagram page for the Lite version.

How iPhone users can track the iOS announcement

  1. Follow the official BGMI and BGMI Lite Instagram pages. KRAFTON India has said further details will be posted on the official BGMI Instagram page.
  2. Search the App Store from time to time and check that the developer name is KRAFTON.
  3. Skip any IPA files, “early access” links, or setup profiles shared on social media.

BGMI Lite iOS FAQs

Is BGMI Lite available on iOS right now? No. There is no official App Store listing.

Will BGMI Lite come in iOS? KRAFTON India has said details on iOS availability will be announced later. It has not cancelled the iOS version, and it has not given a date.

Can I pre-register for BGMI Lite on iPhone? No. Pre-registration is open only on Google Play for Android users in India.

When will BGMI Lite launch in India? KRAFTON India has confirmed a launch by the end of 2026. The exact date has not been shared.

Are BGMI Lite IPA files real? No. Any BGMI Lite file for iPhone shared outside the App Store is unofficial.

How to Redeem FC 27 Pre-Order Bonuses on All Platforms

Aritra Patra
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How to Redeem FC 27 Pre-Order Bonuses on All Platforms

FC 27 pre-order bonuses require a specific set of steps before they unlock in-game. EA SPORTS FC 27 went up for pre-order on July 23, 2026, and players who buy the Ultimate or Ultimate Plus editions get access to FC Points, ICON items, and Career Mode extras. But none of this content appears automatically. Players must redeem their code, log into Ultimate Team, log into The Grounds, and create a Career Mode save while connected to EA servers.

Here is a full breakdown of the redemption steps, rewards, and deadlines.

How to Redeem FC 27 Pre-Order Bonuses

EA calls this process “Redeem.” It has 4 parts, and all 4 must happen while connected to EA servers.

  1. Redeem the single-use code, if one applies to the purchase.
  2. Log into Ultimate Team.
  3. Log into The Grounds.
  4. Create a Career Mode save.

Skipping any one of these steps means part of the reward package stays locked. A 5-star Youth Scout, for example, will not show up in Manager Career until a Career save exists. The Grounds items, including the Signature Sweatsuit and the Mbappé-themed Amp, stay hidden until a player enters The Grounds mode at least once.

What Is Included in FC 27 Content

FC 27 Content is the full pre-order package tied to the new game. It includes:

  • Up to 7 days of early access
  • Season 1 Premium Pass
  • 6,000 FC Points
  • One 85+ OVR International ICON
  • One additional Player Evolution slot
  • Pre-Order Challenges
  • Dynamic OVR Pre-Season Boost
  • Three ICONs or Heroes for Career Mode
  • One 5-star Coach for Manager Career
  • One 5-star Youth Scout for Manager Career
  • Five additional Manager Live Challenge Creation slots
  • One 5-star Senior Scout for Manager Career
  • The Grounds Signature Sweatsuit
  • Tier 3 Amp inspired by Mbappé
  • Two Double AXP consumables for 10 matches

The Grounds mode, including Clubs, only works on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Players on PS4, Xbox One, or Nintendo Switch will not receive The Grounds items.

How to Redeem FC 26 Content

Some pre-order packages also include bonus items for FC 26, the previous game in the series. To claim these, players must sign in to Ultimate Team in EA SPORTS FC 26 on the same platform they used to pre-order FC 27, using the same EA Account or platform account.

Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, and physical copies of FC 27 do not include FC 26 Content.

FC Points Redemption Deadlines

FC Points do not arrive all at once. The schedule depends on the edition.

Ultimate Plus Edition: The first FC Points grant lands after the first log-in. After that, EA adds more points on the 15th of every month. To get the full 10,000 FC Points, players must complete the initial redemption steps by June 1, 2027. Redeeming after September 26, 2027 means no FC Points at all.

Ultimate Edition: Players must complete the initial redemption steps by August 1, 2027, to receive the full 6,000 FC Points. Redeeming after September 26, 2027 also results in zero FC Points for this edition.

Platform Availability

FC 27 is available on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, Nintendo Switch, and Nintendo Switch 2. On Epic Games, only the Ultimate and Standard editions are offered.

All pre-order content became available starting September 18, 2026. Pre-order content is tied to one EA Account, cannot be transferred, and may need in-game progress to unlock.

Pre-order content is not permanent. Unless EA notes an exception, the content will not be available at all if redeemed after September 25, 2027. Players who wait too long risk losing access to the entire package, not just the FC Points.

FNCS Global Championship 2026: Schedule, Format and Prize Pool

Aritra Patra
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FNCS Global Championship 2026: Schedule, Format and Prize Pool

FNCS Global Championship 2026 begins on September 26 at the Lotto Arena in Antwerp, Belgium. This marks the first time Epic Games and BLAST have brought Fortnite’s biggest tournament to the city. Fifty duos from seven regions will play 12 games over two days for a $2,000,000 prize pool and the world champion title. Teams qualified through the FNCS Major 1 Summit, Major 2, and a Last Chance Qualifier.

Here is everything on the schedule, format, prize pool, and teams to watch at the FNCS Global Championship 2026 Grand Finals.

FNCS Global Championship 2026: Venue and Dates

The Fortnite Global Championship 2026 runs from September 26 to September 27 at the Lotto Arena in Antwerp. Epic Games and BLAST confirmed the location on June 2, 2026, during the Major 1 Summit in Düsseldorf.

This is the first time the FNCS circuit or BLAST has hosted the season finale in Belgium. Organizers pointed to Antwerp’s location within the Benelux region as a factor, since it is easy to reach for fans from Belgium, the Netherlands, France and Germany.

BLAST has run competitive Fortnite events since 2021. The company signed a multi-year deal with Epic Games in January 2024 to organize both Majors and the Global Championship.

Format and Schedule

The tournament returns to the duos format this year. Fortnite ran the 2025 Global Championship in trios, but 2023 and 2024 were both played in duos.

Fifty duos will compete across 12 games spread over two days. Teams earn points for both placement and eliminations. The broadcast starts at 4 PM CEST each day, with the first match at 5 PM CEST. Doors at the Lotto Arena open at 2 PM CEST on both September 26 and September 27.

FNCS 2026 Prize Pool

The FNCS Global Championship 2026 carries a $2,000,000 prize pool, the same total as the 2024 edition in Fort Worth. The winning duo will be crowned Fortnite world champions and will receive the FNCS Global Championship trophy, made by British silverware maker Thomas Lyte.

The wider FNCS 2026 season, including regional Majors and the Summit, has distributed more than $10 million in prize money.

How Teams Qualified for FNCS Global Championship 2026

Qualification ran through three stages this season.

  • Major 1 Summit: Held in Düsseldorf from May 29 to 31, this LAN event sent the top 15 duos from a field of 75 to the Global Championship.
  • Major 2: Held online across seven regions in late July and early August, this stage sent 25 duos to Antwerp.
  • Last Chance Qualifier: This stage filled the remaining 10 spots to complete the 50-team field.

Teams to Watch

vic0 and Malibuca, playing under the BIG organization, won the Major 1 Summit in Düsseldorf and secured a direct spot at the Global Championship along with a $250,000 grand prize. Taylor-Petrik “vic0” Gatschelhofer, an Austrian player, posted the highest damage output of any player across the Summit weekend.

The duo later won the inaugural Fortnite Reload Elite Series at the Esports World Cup 2026, their second straight Tier 1 LAN title.

Sky and Scroll won the European leg of Major 2, qualifying alongside eight other European duos for the Global Championship.

Where to Watch FNCS Global Championship 2026

Fans can watch the tournament live on Fortnite’s official broadcast channels, with co-streams running from several creators covering the event from Belgium. Viewers who watch through eligible channels can earn a Twitch Drop called The Champion’s Chargers Kicks. Tickets for the Lotto Arena are sold only as two-day combo packages, covering both September 26 and September 27.

Previous FNCS Global Championship Winners

The 2026 event is the fourth edition of the FNCS Global Championship.

YearLocationVenueWinnersPrize Pool
2023Copenhagen, DenmarkRoyal ArenaCooper & Mero$4,000,000
2024Fort Worth, USADickies ArenaPeterbot & Pollo$2,000,000
2025Lyon, FranceLDLC ArenaSwizzY, Queasy & Merstach$2,001,000

Peterbot and Pollo hold the record for the most Victory Royales at a single Global Championship, with four wins during the 2024 event.

Pac-Man Sidekick in Fortnite: Price, Release Date & How to Get It
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