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10 Much-Awaited Games Set to Launch in 2026

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The gaming industry is poised for a monumental year. After a packed schedule in 2025, developers are doubling down with some of the most ambitious projects in history. From the return of legendary RPGs to the expansion of open-world titans, the anticipated games of 2026 are set to break records.

Here is our curated list of the 10 biggest titles expected to dominate the charts this year.

1. The Witcher 4 (Project Polaris)

CD Projekt Red is officially returning to the Continent. Codenamed Polaris, this title kicks off a new saga in The Witcher universe. Unlike previous entries which focused on Geralt of Rivia, this game is expected to introduce a new school of Witchers. Built on Unreal Engine 5, it promises to be a visual benchmark for the year.

2. Grand Theft Auto VI (PC Edition)

While console players have likely already explored Vice City, 2026 is the year PC gamers finally join the party. Rockstar Games typically delays their PC ports by a year or more, making this one of the most significant releases of 2026. Expect enhanced ray tracing, uncapped frame rates, and the inevitable explosion of the modding community.

3. The Elder Scrolls VI

It has been nearly 15 years since Skyrim changed the RPG landscape. Bethesda Game Studios is finally ready to unveil the next chapter in Tamriel. While details remain scarce, the game is expected to take players to the regions of Hammerfell or High Rock, featuring a massive simulation-driven world.

4. Mass Effect 5

BioWare is taking us back to the stars. The next Mass Effect will reportedly unite the narratives of the original trilogy and Andromeda. Teasers have shown an older Liara T’Soni, suggesting a return to the Milky Way galaxy. Fans are desperate to see how the studio handles the legacy of Commander Shepard in this next-gen space opera.

5. Project 007

IO Interactive, the studio behind the Hitman trilogy, is tackling the world’s most famous spy. Project 007 will feature a completely original James Bond story, exploring the origins of the agent. Given the studio’s mastery of sandbox stealth and social engineering mechanics, this is easily one of the most exciting action games of 2026.

6. Control 2

Remedy Entertainment is expanding the Weird Place. The sequel to the 2019 cult hit Control will dive deeper into the Federal Bureau of Control and its battle against the Hiss. With a bigger budget and the new Northlight engine, this game aims to blend third-person shooting with mind-bending supernatural horror.

7. Kingdom Hearts IV

Square Enix shocked the world with the reveal of the “Lost Master Arc.” Sora returns in a setting that looks strikingly similar to the real world, specifically Shibuya, Tokyo. The shift to a more realistic art style marks a bold new direction for the franchise, promising evolved combat and less reliance on Disney retreads.

8. Star Wars Eclipse

Set during the High Republic era, Star Wars Eclipse is Quantic Dream’s most ambitious project yet. Known for their narrative-driven games like Detroit: Become Human, the studio is now incorporating action gameplay into their branching storytelling. This game will explore a golden age of the Jedi that has rarely been seen in video games.

9. Marvel’s Wolverine

Insomniac Games has proven they understand Marvel heroes with Spider-Man. Now, they are bringing their talent to the X-Men. Marvel’s Wolverine is expected to be a mature, gritty game that does not shy away from the character’s brutal nature. It shares a universe with the Spider-Man games, potentially setting up future crossovers.

10. BioShock 4

Cloud Chamber Studios has been quietly working on the next installment of the BioShock series. Rumors suggest an open-world setting in a fictional Antarctic city during the 1960s. If true, this frozen dystopian backdrop would provide a perfect contrast to the underwater Rapture and the aerial Columbia.

Top 10 Rarest Fortnite Emotes in 2026: The Ultimate List

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In Fortnite, your locker is your trophy case. While players often obsess over skins like Renegade Raider or Aerial Assault Trooper, the true flex often comes from what happens after the Victory Royale. Emotes are the language of the lobby, and some of them have become incredibly scarce.

Whether due to legal disputes, limited-time collaborations, or being locked behind ancient Battle Passes, some dances have effectively vanished from the game. As we kick off 2026, we are looking at the definitive list of the rarest Fortnite emotes that separate the OGs from the newcomers.

The “Forbidden” Shop Emotes

These emotes were once available in the Item Shop but have not returned for years. In many cases, legal issues or licensing expiration are to blame, making their return highly unlikely.

1. Fresh

  • Release Date: December 16, 2017
  • Status: The Holy Grail of rare emotes. Inspired by the iconic “Carlton Dance” from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, this emote has been missing from the shop for over 2,500 days. Due to a high-profile lawsuit regarding the choreography, Epic Games quietly pulled it from rotation. If you own this, you are holding a piece of gaming history that may never be sold again.

2. Rambunctious

  • Release Date: June 9, 2018
  • Status: Legal Limbo. Much like Fresh, Rambunctious is tied to the Fresh Prince universe. It is fast, chaotic, and incredibly rare. It vanished shortly after its release and has become one of the most sought-after dances for collectors.

3. Tidy

  • Release Date: April 30, 2018
  • Status: Snoop Dogg’s signature. While Snoop Dogg has recently had major collaborations with Fortnite Festival, his original “Tidy” emote (based on Drop It Like It’s Hot) remains elusive. It briefly appeared in the shop by mistake in late 2022 for a few hours but was quickly removed, keeping its rarity status intact.

One-Time Wonders & Collabs

Some emotes were released for a specific event or partnership and simply never came back.

4. Zombie Shambles

  • Release Date: November 6, 2020
  • Status: One appearance only. This traversal emote allows players to walk like the undead. It appeared in the Item Shop exactly once during Chapter 2 Season 4. It has not been seen since, making it the rarest spooky emote in the game.

5. Head Banger

  • Release Date: April 22, 2020
  • Status: Travis Scott exclusive. Part of the “Astronomical” event, this emote allows players to thrash to a heavy beat. Due to the controversy surrounding the artist, all cosmetics related to Travis Scott have been blacklisted from the shop for years, leaving Head Banger stuck in the vault.

6. Hot Marat

  • Release Date: November 24, 2018
  • Status: A forgotten Disney promo. released to promote Ralph Breaks the Internet, this emote was free for a limited time. Despite Disney’s massive investment in Epic Games recently, this specific emote has remained absent for years, making it a strange anomaly in the locker.

7. Stuck

  • Release Date: September 6, 2021
  • Status: Copyright chaos. Featuring the song “Up” by Cardi B, this Icon Series emote had a lot of attitude. However, licensing music tracks can be tricky. It appeared in the shop only twice before vanishing, likely due to the music rights expiring.

The “Never Returning” Battle Pass Exclusives

While Item Shop emotes could theoretically return, Battle Pass emotes are locked to their specific seasons. If you missed them, they are gone forever.

8. Floss

  • Source: Chapter 1 Season 2 Battle Pass The cultural phenomenon that defined 2018. The Floss is the ultimate symbol of an early Fortnite player. Since it was part of the Season 2 Battle Pass, it is impossible to obtain today.

9. Take The L

  • Source: Chapter 1 Season 3 Battle Pass The ultimate toxicity tool. This emote is synonymous with “sweaty” players and old-school griefing. Its exclusivity to the Season 3 Battle Pass ensures that only long-time veterans can use it to mock their opponents.

10. Orange Justice

  • Source: Chapter 1 Season 4 Battle Pass (Free Tier) “It’s also a great exercise move!” This was the community winner of the Boogiedown contest. Because it was on the Free tier, many people have it, but it is technically impossible to get now, securing its place on the rarity list.

Honorable Mentions

  • Scenario: Unlockable only by purchasing the Samsung Galaxy S10. It is widely considered the best K-Pop emote in the game and is unobtainable today.
  • Pull Up: Another Icon Series emote that fell victim to music licensing issues.
  • Kiss the Cup: A Bugha-related emote that saw very limited shop time.

The rarity of these items adds a layer of prestige to your account. So, next time you are in the lobby and see someone pop the Fresh emote or Zombie Shambles, show some respect. You are looking at a true Fortnite survivor.

Black Ops 7 and Warzone Season 1 End Date: When Does Season 2 Start?

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The first season of Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 and its integration with Warzone has been in full swing since early December. Players have been grinding through the Battle Pass, exploring the new maps, and mastering the latest arsenal. However, all good things must come to an end.

According to the in-game timer and the standard seasonal cycle used by Activision, we now have a confirmed date for the conclusion of Season 1. If you are still working through those final Battle Pass tiers, you will want to mark your calendar.

Black Ops 7 Season 1 End Date and Time

Black Ops 7 and Warzone Season 1 is scheduled to end on Thursday, February 5, 2026.

This date aligns perfectly with the in-game countdown located in the Battle Pass section. As of early January, the timer shows approximately one month remaining. Unless there are unexpected delays from the developers, the season will conclude at the following times:

  • Pacific Time (PT): 9:00 AM
  • Eastern Time (ET): 12:00 PM
  • Greenwich Mean Time (GMT): 5:00 PM

The shared seasonal structure means that both the multiplayer component of Black Ops 7 and the Battle Royale experience in Warzone will reset simultaneously. This transition will pave the way for the immediate launch of Season 2.

What Comes Next? Season 1 Reloaded

Before the season officially wraps up in February, players still have major content to look forward to. The mid-season update, known as Season 1 Reloaded, is expected to arrive very soon.

Typically launching around the halfway point of a season, the Reloaded update often brings:

  • New multiplayer maps
  • Additional weapon blueprints
  • Fresh limited-time modes
  • Adjustments to weapon balancing

This update serves as the final push for the season, offering players new ways to earn XP and finish their progression.

Tips for Finishing the Battle Pass

With the Black Ops 7 Season 1 end date approaching, maximizing your playtime is crucial. If you are behind on your Battle Pass, keep an eye out for Double XP Weekends. Activision usually activates these events towards the end of a season to help the community catch up.

Additionally, focusing on Weekly Challenges is the most efficient way to gain large amounts of XP. Unlike daily challenges, weekly tasks remain available until the very end of the season. This means you can stack multiple objectives and complete them in a single session to skyrocket through the ranks.

Ensure you claim all your unlocked rewards before February 5, as exclusive cosmetic items from this Battle Pass will likely become unavailable once Season 2 begins.

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

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

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

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

LCK 2026 Season Opening Invitational scheduled for January 14

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

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

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

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

Swiss format, NA LCS Planned Ahead for 2026 Season

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BGMI Name Generator Tool

Enter your name below and generate stylish BGMI names instantly.

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

BGMI Name Generator – Fancy Pro

BGMI Name Generator

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

How to Change Your Name in BGMI

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

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

FAQs

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

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

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

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

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

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

When is the Fortnite v39.20 Update?

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

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

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

Server Downtime Schedule

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

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

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

What to Expect in v39.20

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

1. The End of Winterfest 2025

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

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

2. New “OG Pass” Rumors

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

3. Upcoming Collaborations

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

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

4. Bug Fixes and Balance Changes

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

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

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

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

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

A Historic 5-0 Sweep

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

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

NuanYang’s MVP Performance

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

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

Path to Victory

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

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

What This Means for 2026

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

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

Danish AWPer Lucky Steps Away from Competitive Counter Strike

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

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

A Shift in Priorities

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

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

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

Looking Back at Lucky’s Career

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

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

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

What This Means for Sashi Esports

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

Current Sashi Roster:

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

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

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

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

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

All PlayStation Plus January 2026 games lineup revealed

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

1. Need for Speed Unbound (PS5)

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

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

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

3. Core Keeper (PS4, PS5)

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

Last Chance for December Games

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

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

Availability Details

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

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

Genshin Impact Zibai Release Date, Time, and Banner Countdown

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

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

Zibai Banner Release Schedule

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

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

Release Times by Server:

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

Countdown to Zibai

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

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

Weapon Banner: Lightbearing Moonshard

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

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

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