BGMI Lite release date in India has become one of the biggest questions among Battlegrounds Mobile India players after KRAFTON India officially announced the lighter version of Battlegrounds Mobile India. The company has confirmed that BGMI Lite pre-registration will begin on August 25, 2026, for Android users through the Google Play Store. While an exact launch date has not been announced yet, KRAFTON India has confirmed that BGMI Lite will release in India by the end of 2026.
BGMI Lite Release Date in India
KRAFTON India has officially confirmed that the BGMI Lite launch will take place by the end of 2026. However, the company has not revealed an exact release date yet.
This means players will not have to wait too long after pre-registration begins. The game could arrive anytime in the remaining months of 2026, but players should wait for an official announcement before believing any specific launch date circulating online.
The confirmation is big news, especially for players who have been waiting for a lighter version of BGMI for a long time.
The BGMI Lite pre-registration will officially open on August 25, 2026. For now, pre-registration has only been announced for Android devices through the Google Play Store.
KRAFTON India has not yet announced pre-registration or availability details for iPhone and iPad users. The company said that more information regarding the iOS version will be shared later.
Android players will be able to visit the Google Play Store once registrations open and pre-register for the game.
BGMI Lite Download Size
One of the biggest highlights of BGMI Lite India is its smaller initial download size. According to the official announcement, the game will have an initial download of around 1GB.
The smaller size could make the game more accessible to players who have limited storage space on their smartphones.
KRAFTON India says Battlegrounds Mobile India Lite is designed to bring the Battlegrounds Mobile India experience to a wider group of players across India. However, complete details regarding gameplay, maps, graphics settings, device requirements, and other features have not yet been revealed.
Will Existing BGMI Players Need to Transfer Their Accounts?
No. According to KRAFTON India, existing Battlegrounds Mobile India players will not need to transfer their accounts to start playing the Lite version.
Players simply need to pre-register and can begin their Battlegrounds Mobile India Lite journey once the game officially launches. More details about how existing accounts and in-game content will work with the Lite version are expected closer to release.
When Will BGMI Lite Launch?
At the moment, this is what has officially been confirmed:
Detail
Information
BGMI Lite Pre-Registration Date
August 25, 2026
Platform
Android โ Google Play Store
Initial Download Size
Around 1GB
BGMI Lite Release Date
By the end of 2026
iOS Availability
To be announced later
Account Transfer Required
No
With pre-registration starting soon, more information about the BGMI Lite launch date, download, system requirements, gameplay, and features is expected to be revealed in the coming months.
VCT Pacific Finals Busan will close out the 2026 VCT Pacific season from 4 to 6 September at the Sajik Indoor Gymnasium in Busan, South Korea. Riot Games has confirmed a full weekend of fan activities alongside the competitive matches, including a new merch line, a pre-game party, and a Fan Event Zone with booths, games, and giveaways. The event will crown the VCT Pacific champion and decide the region’s remaining representatives for VALORANT Champions Shanghai.
Here is what fans attending in person or watching from home need to know before the weekend begins.
VCT Pacific Finals Busan Schedule
The Fan Event Zone opens at 12:00 PM GMT+9 on all 3 days of the event. Activities pause at 4:20 PM GMT+9 ahead of Game 1 and reopen once the match starts.
The ticket booth opens at 1:00 PM GMT+9, and arena doors open at 3:00 PM GMT+9 daily. Matches start at 5:00 PM GMT+9 each day, except the Grand Finals pre-show on 6 September, which begins at 4:30 PM GMT+9.
Activity
Time (GMT+9)
Fan Event Zone opens
12:00 PM
Ticket booth opens
1:00 PM
Arena doors open
3:00 PM
Match start
5:00 PM
Grand Finals pre-show (6 Sept only)
4:30 PM
Official Merch and Collectibles
The Riot Store will debut its Finals Busan collection on site, including the 2026 VCT Pacific Finals Busan Jersey and a matching Rally Towel. The store will also stock Riot’s regular VALORANT merch line, including figures, plushies, and keychains.
Riot is collaborating with Busan-based lifestyle brand BALANSA on limited edition t-shirts and caps, available first at the Sajik Indoor Gymnasium Riot Store. Fans can also personalize their own merch at a DIY T-Shirt booth, though this activity is limited to ticket holders.
Trading card collectors can visit the Bault booth for the Bault x VCT Pacific Lineage Series, the first official VCT Pacific collectible card set. Supply on site is limited.
VALORANT Sound Busan Pre-Game Party
Fans can attend a pre-game party called VALORANT Sound Busan on 5 September, ahead of the Grand Finals. The lineup features Busan-based artist Effie and VALORANT DJ Stains. Doors open at 8:30 PM GMT+9 at Space ONEZ, located at 214 Bongnaenaru-ro, Yeongdo-gu, Busan.
Korean fans can buy tickets through NoL, while international fans have a separate English-language ticket link.
Fan Event Zone Activities
The Fan Event Zone runs from 4 to 6 September, right outside the Sajik Indoor Gymnasium. Confirmed activities include:
Artist Alley: creators and artists selling original merch and souvenirs
Glow Up: face paint and decor based on VALORANT agents
Molly Lineup: a skill challenge where fans throw a Viper molly into a defuse circle to win prizes, subject to availability
Pro’s Range: a chance to try VALORANT using the gear and settings pro players use
Bault x VCT Pacific Trading Cards: the debut of the Lineage Series card packs
Fans can also visit photo zones, a Fan Kit Lab for cheering tools and stickers, signing walls, and a Pick’Ems voting zone. Meet-and-greet schedules with influencers will be announced closer to the event on the official VCT Pacific X and Instagram accounts.
Sponsor Booths at Finals Busan
Several VCT Pacific sponsors will run activations during the weekend:
Acer Predator: hands-on time with Intel-powered gaming laptops and prize opportunities
Pulsar: testing and purchasing the brand’s Pro Series esports gear
Sony INZONE: trying the official VCT Pacific headset, the INZONE H9 II, along with INZONE Buds, E9, and H6 Air, plus missions and Skirmish play for a chance to win gear
Outside the venue, PHOTOISM stores across Busan will offer special edition VCT-branded photo frames for a limited time. Riot has also named 3 F&B partners for the weekend: Burger Shop, Gorilla Brewing, and Mad Dogs.
Tickets for VCT Pacific Finals Busan
Fans in Korea can buy tickets through the NoL website. Fans outside Korea can use the English-language ticket link provided by Riot. The Sajik Indoor Gymnasium is located at 55-32 Sajik-ro, Dongnae-gu, Busan, South Korea.
Where to Watch VCT Pacific Finals Busan
VCT Pacific Finals Busan is brought to fans by Acer, Intel, Pulsar, Red Bull, INZONE, ZOWIE, and NTT e-Sports. Broadcasts will be available in multiple languages, including English, Korean, Japanese, Bahasa Indonesia, Thai, Vietnamese, and Mandarin, across platforms such as YouTube, Twitch, SOOP, Chzzk, and TikTok.
VCT Pacific Finals Busan marks the final stop of VCT Pacific Stage 2, which carries a $250,000 prize pool. The winner and runner-up of the event will qualify directly for VALORANT Champions Shanghai.
A GTA 6 gameplay leak spread online on August 18, 2026, nine days before Rockstar Games’ official Extended Look premieres on Netflix. Two video clips reportedly show protagonist Jason Duval playing basketball at a waterfront property and later crashing a car into a delivery van before a street fight breaks out. Separate images claim to reveal parts of the game’s Leonida map. Rockstar hasn’t confirmed the material is genuine, but the studio has issued DMCA takedown notices against accounts sharing it. If you plan to play on a computer, here is how GTA 6 cloud streaming on PC is expected to work at launch.
Here’s what the leaked footage and map show.
GTA 6 Gameplay Leak: What the Footage Shows
The clips first appeared on August 18, watermarked with the name “Cyberleek,” and spread through social media and Reddit.
One clip shows Jason at a rundown waterfront property. He picks up a basketball and shoots hoops in a mini-game. Successful shots fill a meter labeled “focus,” though the footage doesn’t reveal what the meter unlocks.
A second clip shows Jason driving on a highway before he crashes into a delivery van marked “Scoop.” The van’s driver gets out and starts a fight. Jason wins the brawl with a jump kick and several punches, then picks up a wrench and keeps swinging.
An on-screen icon appears during the confrontation. Reportedly, it is a devil-shaped icon that may track a morality system. Rockstar hasn’t clarified which system the footage actually shows.
GTA 6 Leonida Map Leak
Separate from the gameplay clips, images claiming to show GTA 6’s map also surfaced on August 18. Reportedly, the map outlines Leonida’s road network and marks numerous points of interest, though it’s light on detail. Other outlets, including Dexerto and Tech4Gamers, said the images highlight named areas such as Dalton Island, Tequesta Retreat, Gloriana Key, Catalan Key, and Catalan Bay. Rockstar hasn’t authenticated the map, and the game’s final layout could differ from what’s shown.
Who Is Behind the Leak
The material is watermarked for an account and website called Cyberleek. According to reports, the person or group behind it claims to be protesting the gaming industry’s monetization practices and is asking for cryptocurrency donations to fund further action. VGC reported that Cyberleek’s stated grievance is Take-Two’s decision to sell digital-only pre-orders for GTA 6 without a physical disc in the box. Rockstar and Take-Two haven’t commented publicly on these claims.
Rockstar Issues DMCA Takedowns
Rockstar hasn’t confirmed whether the leaked clips and map are real. The company has, however, moved quickly to remove posts sharing the material. Reportedly, an account named calhampton_ had its account locked after reposting the footage. Separately, a Rockstar-focused news account confirmed on X that takedowns were happening based on DMCA report screenshots being circulated.
The speed of that response has led outlets including Engadget to treat the leak as likely genuine, even without an official Rockstar statement.
GTA 6 Extended Look on Netflix and Release Date
The leak arrives 9 days before Grand Theft Auto VI: An Extended Look, Rockstar’s official presentation set to premiere on Netflix on August 27, 2026, at 3 PM ET. Per VGC, the event will also stream on Rockstar’s YouTube channel and the official GTA 6 website 6 hours later. GTA 6 is scheduled to launch on November 19, 2026, for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S.
This isn’t the first major leak to hit the game. In September 2022, more than 90 clips from an early development build leaked online following a network breach at Rockstar.
The Free Fire OB55 Advance Server registrations are now live, allowing players to sign up and test upcoming features before they arrive in the main game. Garena has opened registrations through the official FF Advance Server website ahead of the next major update. According to the official Advance Server page, the Free Fire OB55 Advance Server will open on August 21, 2026, giving selected players early access to new content and a chance to report bugs. The testing period will continue until September 3, 2026.
FF OB55 Advance Server Dates
The official FF Advance Server page has confirmed the following schedule:
Event
Date
Registrations
Live now
Advance Server opens
August 21, 2026
Advance Server closes
September 3, 2026
OB55 Update
Expected after the testing period
Players should note that the Advance Server is a testing version of the game. Features available during testing may be changed, improved, or even removed before the main OB55 update.
How to Register for Free Fire OB55 Advance Server?
The Free Fire Advance Server registration process is simple. Players need to visit Garena’s official Advance Server website and sign in using their Facebook or Google account.
After signing in, complete the registration process. Garena states that only a limited number of activation codes are available.
An activation code is required to log in to the Advance Server, so registering does not necessarily guarantee access.
Free Fire Advance Server Download and Activation Code
Once the server becomes available, eligible users should be able to access the Free Fire Advance Server download through the official website.
Players who receive an activation code can use it to enter the test server. The purpose of the server is to allow players to try unreleased features and provide feedback before those changes reach the global version.
Garena is also encouraging players to report problems they find. The official page mentions Bug Hunter Rewards, including rewards for finding previously unknown bugs.
Free Fire OB55 Update Release Date
The main Free Fire OB55 Update release date has not been shown in the provided official test server schedule. However, the testing server is confirmed to close on September 3, 2026.
Based on the expected update cycle, the main OB55 update should arrive within the following weeks after the Advance Server closes, potentially around mid-September. Players should wait for Garena’s official announcement for the exact release date.
The FF OB55 Advance Server will therefore give players an early look at what Garena is preparing for the next major version. Those interested in testing new features can register now, but access will depend on receiving an activation code.
The PUBG Mobile World Cup 2026 prize money has been distributed following the conclusion of the tournament in Paris. S2G Esports lifted the PMWC 2026 trophy and earned the biggest share of the prize pool. India had two representatives at the event, GodLike Esports and Orangutan, and both teams reached the Grand Finals. According to the complete event prize distribution, GodLike earned $100,000 (around โน95.60 lakh), while Orangutan took home $95,000 (around โน90.82 lakh). Together, the two Indian teams earned approximately โน1.86 crore from PMWC 2026.
How Much Prize Money Did GodLike and Orangutan Earn at PMWC 2026?
GodLike Esports earned $100,000, listed at approximately โน95,60,000 in the event prize distribution. Orangutan received $95,000, which is approximately โน90,82,000.
This takes the combined earnings of the two Indian organizations to:
Both Indian teams also created history by reaching the PMWC Grand Finals in Paris.
PUBG Mobile World Cup 2026 Complete Prize Money Distribution
Here is the complete event prize distribution shown after PMWC 2026:
Rank
Team
Prize Money (USD)
Prize Money (INR)
1
S2G Esports
$555,000
โน5,30,58,000
2
Nongshim RedForce
$293,000
โน2,80,10,800
3
Aurora Gaming
$210,000
โน2,00,76,000
4
eArena
$161,000
โน1,53,91,600
5
4Thrives Esports
$161,000
โน1,53,91,600
6
Tianba
$141,000
โน1,34,79,600
7
Team Flash
$137,500
โน1,31,45,000
8
Horaa Esports
$127,500
โน1,21,89,000
9
Team Vitality
$116,000
โน1,10,89,600
10
Nigma Galaxy
$115,000
โน1,09,94,000
11
GodLike Esports
$100,000
โน95,60,000
12
FURIA
$95,000
โน90,82,000
13
Orangutan
$95,000
โน90,82,000
14
ULF Esports
$92,000
โน87,95,200
15
IDA Esports
$90,000
โน86,04,000
16
AlUla Club Esports
$76,000
โน72,65,600
17
GOAT Team
$37,000
โน35,37,200
18
Alpha7
$36,000
โน34,41,600
19
AG.AL
$36,000
โน34,41,600
20
Wolves Esports
$34,000
โน32,50,400
21
Yangon Galacticos
$30,000
โน28,68,000
22
Dopeness
$29,000
โน27,72,400
23
Geekay Esports
$28,000
โน26,76,800
24
Team RRQ
$28,000
โน26,76,800
25
Kiwoom DRX
$27,000
โน25,81,200
26
721 GS Esports
$27,000
โน25,81,200
27
XForce Rejects
$21,000
โน20,07,600
28
ETSH Esports
$21,000
โน20,07,600
29
ThunderTalk Gaming
$20,500
โน19,59,800
30
TT Project
$20,500
โน19,59,800
31
Gaming Stars
$20,000
โน19,12,000
32
Hustler Crew
$20,000
โน19,12,000
Note: The ranking above follows the complete event prize distribution provided, which includes overall tournament rewards and does not directly match the Grand Finals standings.
GodLike had an impressive start to their first international campaign. The Indian team played aggressively during the Group Stage and finished third in Group B with 105 points, directly qualifying for the Grand Finals.
One of their biggest performances came when they secured a massive 20-elimination WWCD, showing that the Indian lineup could fight against some of the strongest PUBG Mobile teams in the world.
The Grand Finals were more difficult. GodLike eventually finished 13th in the Grand Finals standings with 84 points. Despite the result, the team had several strong moments, including Spower’s memorable individual performances.
Spower also received the Grenade Master award after recording nine grenade eliminations during PMWC 2026, adding an individual achievement for India at the tournament.
Orangutan’s PMWC 2026 Performance
Orangutan also made a strong impression before reaching the Grand Finals. The Indian organization finished second in Group A, securing direct qualification instead of going through the Survival Stage.
OG struggled to maintain the same consistency during the Grand Finals and eventually finished 15th with 76 points. However, the tournament still included some impressive individual moments, including Wizzgod’s 1v4 against FURIA and AKOP’s 1v3 against ULF Esports.
Having both Indian representatives directly reach the Grand Finals was itself an important result for the region.
S2G Esports Crowned PMWC 2026 Champions
S2G Esports eventually won the PUBG Mobile World Cup 2026 after finishing the Grand Finals with 154 points. Nongshim RedForce finished second, followed by Aurora Gaming.
The complete event prize distribution lists S2G with $555,000 (approximately โน5.30 crore) in winnings, the highest amount among all participating teams.
For India, the tournament ends with GodLike and Orangutan combining for approximately โน1.86 crore in prize money, two Grand Finals appearances, and Spower taking home the Grenade Master recognition.
BGMI login failed, server busy messages, and loading screens stuck at 99% can stop players from entering the game even when their account and device are working normally. These problems can come from unstable internet, BGMI server issues, outdated game files, corrupted resources, account authentication problems, or device-related glitches. KRAFTONโs official support recommends checking the connection, switching between Wi-Fi and mobile data, restarting the game and device, freeing storage, and using BGMIโs Repair option for login problems.
Below are the 9 most common BGMI login and loading errors, along with the fixes players should try before reinstalling the game.
BGMI Login Failed, Server Busy and Stuck at 99%: Fixes
Most BGMI login problems can be narrowed down to either the internet connection, game files, server availability, or account authentication. The best approach is to start with simple fixes and move toward repair or reinstall options only if the problem continues.
If BGMI suddenly stops working for multiple players at the same time, avoid changing your account settings repeatedly. A server-side problem may require waiting for KRAFTON to restore the service.
BGMI Error
Common Cause
First Fix to Try
Login Failed
Network/account authentication
Switch network
Server Busy
Server or connection issue
Restart game and check connection
Stuck at 99%
Resource/loading problem
Repair game files
Server Not Responding
High ping/unstable network
Switch to stable Wi-Fi
Authentication Error
Login session problem
Re-login to linked account
Download/Resource Error
Corrupt or incomplete files
Repair/update BGMI
Game Not Updating
Store or network issue
Update from official store
Login Screen Freezes
App/device issue
Restart and clear cache
Account Cannot Login
Ban/security/account issue
Check account status and contact support
1. BGMI Login Failed Error
The BGMI Login Failed error generally appears when the game cannot complete the connection or authentication process. KRAFTON specifically recommends checking whether the internet connection is stable and trying another connection method.
Fix:
Close BGMI completely.
Switch from mobile data to Wi-Fi, or vice versa.
Restart the game.
Check whether your account is linked to the correct login method.
Free some storage space on your phone.
Use the Repair button on the BGMI login screen.
If the problem continues, reinstalling the game can be considered after ensuring your account is properly linked.
2. โServer is Busy, Please Try Again Laterโ
The BGMI Server Busy error can appear when the game cannot establish a proper connection with its servers. It does not automatically mean that your account has a problem.
Start by closing BGMI and reopening it after a few minutes. Also switch networks and restart your router if you are using Wi-Fi.
KRAFTON’s support page recommends changing the connection method, closing background applications and restarting both the game and phone for server-related failures.
Fix:
Switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data.
Restart BGMI.
Restart your phone.
Close background apps.
Avoid playing on an unstable or congested connection.
Try again later if the issue affects multiple players.
3. BGMI Stuck at 99% Loading
Getting stuck at 99% is one of the most frustrating BGMI loading problems because the game appears almost ready but never reaches the lobby.
This can happen when BGMI cannot finish loading or downloading required resources. A poor connection, incomplete files or a temporary game issue can prevent the final loading step.
Fix:
First, force-close BGMI and open it again. If that does not work, switch to a stable Wi-Fi connection and check whether the game has a pending update.
You can also use BGMI’s Repair option from the login screen. KRAFTON officially recommends the Repair function as one of the troubleshooting steps for login failures.
Do not repeatedly reinstall the game as the first solution. Repairing the installation is a better first step.
4. โServer Does Not Respondโ Error
The Server Does Not Respond error usually indicates that BGMI cannot maintain a reliable connection with its servers.
According to BGMI’s official Help Center, this issue commonly occurs when the connection is unstable or the signal is weak. KRAFTON also notes that very high ping can trigger a server-not-responding problem.
Fix:
Move to a stronger Wi-Fi or mobile signal.
Switch from Wi-Fi to mobile data.
Stop downloads running in the background.
Close other apps.
Restart the phone and router.
Try BGMI again after the connection stabilizes.
If your ping is consistently extremely high, changing the network is more useful than changing in-game settings.
5. BGMI Server Authentication Error
A server authentication error means BGMI is having trouble validating the login session between the game, account and server.
Start by closing BGMI and signing in again through the same account method you normally use. Avoid creating a new account simply because the existing account temporarily fails to authenticate.
Also make sure you are running the official BGMI application. KRAFTON has warned players against unofficial game installations and unauthorized programs, which can lead to security-related restrictions.
Fix:
Close BGMI.
Restart your phone.
Confirm your internet connection.
Log in again using the correct linked account.
Update BGMI from the official app store.
Use the Repair option if the problem remains.
6. BGMI Resource or Download Error
BGMI may fail to load when required resources are incomplete, corrupted or unavailable.
This problem can become more noticeable after a major update because the game may need to download additional resources before everything works normally.
KRAFTON has also introduced improvements to BGMI’s resource download system in recent updates, including changes to lobby and inventory resource downloads.
Fix:
Check for a new BGMI update.
Use a stable Wi-Fi connection.
Make sure your phone has enough free storage.
Restart the game.
Use the Repair option.
Allow the required resources to finish downloading before launching a match.
If the download repeatedly fails at the same point, repairing the installation is worth trying before reinstalling.
7. BGMI Update or Version Mismatch
Sometimes players cannot enter BGMI because their installed version is outdated while the game requires a newer build.
This can happen around major updates, when the new version becomes available through official distribution channels.
Fix:
Open your phone’s official app store and check BGMI’s listing for an available update. Install the latest version and restart the game.
Avoid downloading modified APKs or unofficial versions to force an update. KRAFTON recommends using official markets and has previously warned that unofficial installations can trigger security problems.
8. BGMI Login Screen Freezes or Does Not Respond
If the login screen itself freezes, the issue may be related to the app or device rather than your account.
Start with the simplest solution: completely close BGMI and restart your phone. KRAFTON also recommends ending other applications and restarting the device for server-related problems.
Fix:
Force-close BGMI.
Restart the phone.
Close unnecessary background apps.
Free storage space.
Update BGMI.
Clear the app cache if your device provides that option.
Open BGMI and try again.
If the game continues freezing after these steps, use the Repair option or reinstall the official version.
9. BGMI Account Cannot Log In
If BGMI works for other players but your account consistently cannot log in, the problem may be connected to the account or its authentication method.
First, make sure you are using the correct linked account. Do not share account credentials with other players.
KRAFTON has also warned that account sharing can increase the risk of theft or misuse and may lead to sanctions.
Fix:
Confirm the correct Google, Facebook or other linked login method.
Try logging in again after restarting the game.
Check whether the account has been restricted.
Use BGMI’s Repair option.
Contact official BGMI support if the account still cannot be accessed.
What To Do If None of These BGMI Fixes Work?
If you have tried all 9 fixes and BGMI still shows Login Failed, Server Busy, Server Does Not Respond or 99% loading, check whether the problem is affecting other players.
If several players are reporting the same issue at the same time, the problem may be server-side. In that situation, repeatedly reinstalling BGMI or changing account settings is unlikely to help.
For persistent problems, use the official BGMI Customer Support channel. KRAFTON’s rules direct players to its Customer Support Center for game-related inquiries and technical issues.
Quick BGMI Login Fix Checklist
Before reinstalling BGMI, try these steps in order:
Check your internet connection.
Switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data.
Restart BGMI.
Restart your phone.
Close background applications.
Check for a BGMI update.
Free up storage.
Use the Repair option.
Check whether BGMI is experiencing a wider server problem.
Contact official support if the issue continues.
Most importantly, do not immediately assume that a Login Failed or Server Busy message means your account is banned. Connection, server and game-file problems can produce similar symptoms.
BGMI login failed, server busy and 99% loading errors can have several different causes, so there is no single fix that works for every player. Start with the network, restart the game and phone, check for updates, and then use BGMI’s built-in Repair option. KRAFTON’s official troubleshooting guidance also recommends switching connections, freeing storage and reinstalling the game if other fixes fail.
If the issue affects many players simultaneously, waiting for an official server-side fix may be the only solution. For account-specific or persistent technical problems, contacting BGMI Support is the safest option.
Bulkhead has officially lifted the NDA for its upcoming title, Wardogs, ahead of its closed beta weekend. The company has also encouraged streamers and content creators to share clips and highlights from the beta period on social media platforms.
For the unaware, Wardogs is Bulkheadโs upcoming all-out tactical warfare FPS thatโs set to release in early access in September 2026. The game features 100-player team battles, with the players being split across three teams and fighting over a control zone.
Wardogs managed to gain immense traction online during its closed alpha, which took place in early August. Players praised the game for its unique mechanics, large-scale warfare, and economy management system, with many claiming that it offers an experience unlike anything else on the market.
The WARDOGS Closed Beta is this weekend. NDA is lifted.
Share your best moments, clips or streams, and tag us.
The devs have confirmed that the Wardogs closed beta weekend will see the servers go live on August 21, 2026, at around 17:00 UTC. The servers will remain up for just over 2 days before coming to a close on August 24, 2:00 UTC.
Once the closed beta weekend comes to an end, players will be unable to tune into the game till it releases in early access on September 10th.
How to Join Wardogs Closed Beta
Unfortunately, not every player will be able to access the Wardogs closed beta.
The devs have suggested players request access to the beta via the gameโs official Steam page. Note that requesting doesnโt guarantee you access to the beta.
Players who buy the game, however, get guaranteed access to the Wardogs closed beta this week.
At the time of writing, Wardogs stands at over 1 million Steam wishlists, making it one of the most anticipated games of the year.
The highly anticipated Valorant Season 2026 Act 5 update is here, and Riot Games has just revealed the patch notes for the new Act.
While the new Valorant Act is a bit light on the content side, there are still some important changes to take note of before queuing for your next game.
The biggest highlights of the Valorant 13.04 patch include a change to the competitive map rotation, the brand-new Aeris skin line, a new Battle Pass, several key changes to the Premier mode, and a ton of bug fixes.
Most importantly, Valorant is bidding farewell to Breeze in this new Act, as itโs getting replaced by Abyss. Note that this update finalizes the map pool for the upcoming Valorant Champions 2026 as well.
In this article, weโll go through the detailed patch notes of the Valorant V26A5 update.
Valorant Season 2026 Act 5 Patch Notes
Below, we have listed the full patch notes for the Valorant Season 2026 Act 5 update, as confirmed by Riot:
ALL PLATFORMS
MAP UPDATES
Map Pool Updates
ABYSSย isย INย the COMPETITIVE and DEATHMATCH queues.
BREEZEย isย OUTย of the COMPETITIVE and DEATHMATCH queues.
BUG FIXES
Agent
Fixed an issue whereย Cypher’s Spycamย minimap icon was rotated incorrectly.
Fixed an issue whereย Viper’s Snake Biteย equip animation appeared incorrectly from an enemy’s point of view.
Fixed an issue whereย Deadlock’s GravNetย visual effects could disappear after a player disconnected and reconnected.
Stability
Fixed an issue where repeatedly switching betweenย Clove’s Meddleย andย Ruseย could cause a player to freeze and disconnect.
PC ONLY
PREMIER UPDATES
Welcome to Stage V26A5! Matches start on August 18.
This Stage will run for five weeks of matches instead of the usual seven.
Teams with a Premier Score of at least 450 qualify for Playoffs on September 20.
In Contender and Invite, qualification is still based on your placement – check out the standings page for more info.
For Contender and Invite Division teams:
Playoffs will be played across two days! The first round of Playoffs will be on September 19. Teams that advance from the first round return on September 20 for the finals.
BUG FIXES
Cosmetics
Fixed a bug where the animation on all transforming melee weapons (like Kuronami 2.0 and Nocturnum) would not transform during their inspect.
The Fernet skin in Fortnite is now available for free as part of a new Kernel Hearts crossover. Epic Games is giving away the outfit as a gift-with-purchase tied to the upcoming action RPG Kernel Hearts, and players do not need to spend any V-Bucks to unlock it.
Here is what the promotion involves, how long it lasts, the exact steps to claim the Fernet skin, and an alternative way to buy it later from the Item Shop.
How to Get the Fernet Skin in Fortnite for Free
Players can get the Fernet skin in Fortnite for free by pre-purchasing or buying Kernel Hearts on the Epic Games Store. The offer went live on August 17, 2026, at 1:00 PM ET, and it will continue once Kernel Hearts fully releases on September 17, 2026.
Fernet is the captain of the M.A.H.O.U. Squad in Kernel Hearts, a roguelike action RPG from Argentinian studio Ephemera Games.
To claim the free skin:
Open the Epic Games Store through the desktop app or website.
Sign in using the same Epic Games account linked to your Fortnite progress.
Search for Kernel Hearts in the store.
Pre-purchase or buy the game for $19.99.
Complete the checkout.
Once the purchase goes through, Epic Games automatically adds the Fernet Outfit to your Fortnite locker. No extra code or redemption step is needed.
The Fernet Outfit only lands in the Fortnite account tied to the same Epic Games account used for the Kernel Hearts purchase. Buying the game on a different Epic account sends the reward there instead, not to your main Fortnite account.
Players who already bought the Fernet Outfit separately from the Item Shop before purchasing Kernel Hearts will not receive a duplicate outfit. Instead, Epic Games grants a one-time bonus of 1,500 V-Bucks when the game purchase is completed.
Gifting also works within this promotion. If a player gifts Kernel Hearts to a friend through the Epic Games Store, the friend receives the Fernet Outfit instead of the gifter, provided the friend’s account is linked to Fortnite.
Buy the Fernet Skin in the Fortnite Item Shop
Players who do not want to buy Kernel Hearts can still get the skin later. Epic Games will add the Fernet Outfit to the Fortnite Item Shop on September 26, 2026, at 8:00 PM ET for 1,500 V-Bucks.
To buy it from the Item Shop:
Open Fortnite and head to the Item Shop.
Locate the Fernet Outfit listing.
Select the Fernet Outfit.
Confirm the purchase for 1,500 V-Bucks.
The outfit appears in the locker immediately after the purchase is confirmed.
Update: Australia’s workplace regulator has now explained whether you can take time off work for GTA 6, and the answer depends on your boss.
Grand Theft Auto 6 is arguably the most anticipated game of all time, and its upcoming release has garnered an unusually high amount of attention, especially from the US Army Battalion at Fort Stewart, Georgia, which is willing to offer 4 days off to the soldiers provided they re-enlist before the deadline.
With the release of GTA 6 set for November 19, the battalion is reportedly offering 4 days’ leave starting from November 20 all the way till November 23, giving enough time to enjoy before duty calls, according to a memo circulating online which has attracted lots of attention from the community and media houses.
The US Battalion in question is the 9th Engineer Battalion at Fort Stewart, and reports suggest that the memo in question is signed by the commanding officer, Lt Col. Ryan D Hodgson. It further states that soldiers will be required to apply for the pass via the Army personnel system, upon which a superior officer will approve it.
It goes without saying that the legitimacy of this memo remains unverified, with no credible sources confirming or denying its existence. Leaving video games aside, special perks from organizations like the army are highly unlikely, and rumors suggesting as much should be taken with a pinch of salt.
With that being said, should anything about this memo be proven to be true, it will only speak to the extraordinary anticipation that has been built around Rockstarโs masterpiece that has taken more than a decade to bring to life. We have seen social media buzz of people suggesting taking days off to enjoy the release of the game, but for an army battalion to do so is something we will see for the first time in the gaming ecosystem.