Crunch is a Tier 5 mission for the White Lotus faction in Warzone DMZ. In this mission, players must complete eight contracts within a tight deadline of fifteen minutes. With an average of less than two minutes per contract, this is no easy feat. Fortunately, this guide is packed with helpful tips, tricks, and strategies to make your experience while tackling Crunch in DMZ easier.

Easiest Way to Complete 8 Contracts in Under 15 Minutes in Warzone DMZ

These are the most effective strategies we’ve found while attempting to complete eight contracts in less than fifteen minutes in Call of Duty: Warzone DMZ.

Deploy to Vondel

Firstly, the best map to complete Crunch on is Vondel. Due to its comparatively small size, flat terrain, and areas dense with easy contracts, Vondel is by far the easiest location to complete eight contracts in such a small time limit.

Complete HVT and Secure Nuclear Material Contracts

Eliminate HVT and Secure Nuclear Material are the fastest contracts to complete in DMZ. Keeping the Geiger Counter from your first Nuclear Material contract allows you to skip the first part of the task and head straight to the nuclear goodies waiting for you, saving precious time.

HVT (High-value target) contracts simply require you to kill a specific NPC. Thanks to our choice of Vondel, targets will generally be reasonably close-by and easy to dispatch and run to the next phone for a new contract.

Related: Best Ways to Find Disguise in Warzone DMZ | All Locations, Explained

Pinging the next contract just before you pick up your current can save the time it takes to open your map and hunt for a new contract. Every second counts!

If neither contract is available, Secure Intel can be another fast task to complete. Destroy Supplies is also a decent choice, depending on how heavily guarded the targets are.

Cooperate With Your Friends

Like the majority of missions in DMZ, Crunch can be completed with the help of your Squad. Whether they’re around to revive you, take down NPCs, or dispatch other players, teaming up with a buddy or two can make completing eight contracts in under fifteen minutes considerably easier. Unless they follow you around pretending to punch you like mine.

Take Your Time…?

Some players have reported that they have been able to complete Crunch despite going over the fifteen-minute timer, as well as completing the mission over multiple games. We haven’t been able to verify whether or not this has been fixed, but we recommend completing the full eight contracts, regardless of your remaining time — just in case.

Since you’re on a roll completing faction missions in DMZ, check out our guide on obtaining Konni Battle Notes for Shadow Company. We also have an article on finding Origami Horses, which are needed to unlock Phalanx’s Weekly Urgent missions.

One of the earliest side quests you’ll encounter in Baldur’s Gate 3, but it can be quite a challenge for an underleveled party emerging fresh from the wrecking of the Mind Flayer ship after the game’s intro. That’s why most Baldur’s Gate 3 players will come back to the ruins at a later date, likely warded off by the dangerous bandits lurking within. Unfortunately, leaving the ruins alone for long enough will lead to a nasty bug that prevents you from completing the quest.

How to Explore the Ruins in Baldur’s Gate 3

The ruins in question are the first major structure you’ll find after waking up on the beach after the game’s introduction. If you didn’t free Shadowheart from the pod on the Mind Flayer ship, you’ll find her there. There’s a handy teleport waypoint outside of the front door, but the door itself is locked. To get in, you’ll need to head through the wreckage and make your way to the temple on the cliff above.

Once you make it inside, you’ll find a bunch of bandits guarding a Dank Crypt. Defeating the bandits and making your way into the crypt will result in a battle with some skeletons, after which you’ll be able to open a strange sarcophagus and meet Withers. He joins you permanently at your camp and allows you to change your class at will.

However, if you ignore the ruins for long enough, Withers will show up at your camp automatically. This messes with the Explore the Ruins quest progression though, making it seemingly impossible to complete. Thankfully, there’s an easy fix.

How to Fix the Sarcophagus Quest Bug

If you can’t complete the Explore the Ruins quest in Baldur’s Gate 3, then you likely already have Withers at your camp. Make sure you’ve spoken to him at least once to introduce yourself, and then venture to the depths of the Dank Crypt and find his sarcophagus.

Naturally, the sarcophagus will be empty since Withers is already at your camp. To advance the quest, read the plaque next to the sarcophagus. Then, return to Withers and you’ll find a new dialogue option about it. Talk to him about the plaque and the quest will complete.

Even if you solve the quest this way, you’ll still get the same amount of XP and other rewards. The main point of the quest is to find Withers and unlock the ability to respec, so crossing the quest off of your list after recruiting him to your camp is just a formality. With this quest out of the way, you can enjoy a cleaned-up quest log and focus on more pressing matters, like rescuing Halsin so you can enjoy some spicy bear romance.

Final Fantasy 16’s side content is fun — especially Notorious Marks. Notorious Marks are side quests where players can hunt down challenging enemies in return for a large sum of experience points and rare crafting materials. They are also a great way to gain Renown, which can be traded at the Patron’s Whisper for specific items. As you continue through the story, more Notorious Marks will become available. One of the earlier ones is the “Hill to Die On” Hunt, where you aim to find a Black Boulder. This guide will cover where to find the Black Boulder for the Hill to Die Hunt in Final Fantasy 16.

Black Boulder Location for the Hill to Die on Hunt Quest in Final Fantasy 16

The “Black Boulder” in Final Fantasy 16 during the Hill to Die On Hunt is called Fastitocalon. Fastitocalon can be found in the Velkroy Desert, Dhalmekia – in the northeastern part of The Velkroy Desert. To get there quickly, fast-travel to the Velkroy Desert Obelisk and head northeast. For an exact location, check out the image below, where my marker represents Fastitocalon’s location.

Related: FFXVI Angel of Death Hunt Location: Where to Find Claireview in Sanbreque

How to Beat Fastitocalon in Final Fantasy 16

Fastitocalon isn’t the most challenging Notorious Mark, as it is only a Rank B, but it does require a solid plan. Fastitocalon has a few attacks to watch out for. This turtle-like creature will shoot off bubbles you can easily dodge with the right timing with the evade button. Next, as you lower Fastitocalon’s HP to about half — the enemy will start launching into the air and summon water vortexes around the player. Dodging these vortexes is easy, but watch out as the enemy will body slam onto the ground, which can deal serious damage.

Once you defeat Fastitocalon, you will be rewarded with 20 Renown and 10,000 Gil — a hefty prize. You will also receive Scarletite, a rare crafting material that can help reinforce specific armor and weapons. If you want to use your Renown, you can do so at the Patron’s Whisper on the left of the Hunt Board in the Hideaway.

What Can You Craft With Scarletite?

Scarletite, one of the rewards for defeating Fastitocalon, is one of the rarest crafting materials in Final Fantasy 16. Players can use Scarletite at the Blacksmith in the Hideaway to craft the legendary Drakeslayer’s Belt and Drakeslayer’s Bracelets, which have high defense stats to help the player take more damage. Both armor pieces have a base armor of 74.

It’s important to know that the crafting recipes for these armor pieces will become available after completing the Blacksmith Blues side quest.

Players can also use Scarletite to craft the Excalibur weapon, which has a staggering base attack power of 268. The crafting recipe for Excalibur becomes available after Blacksmith Blue’s II quest.

The Owlbear Cub is one of the pets that can be recruited to your camp in Baldur’s Gate 3, but unlike some of the other furry friends that you can adopt during your adventure, it won’t immediately appear at your camp after you rescue it from the Goblin Camp in Act 1. Instead, it takes some time for your newly adopted companion to muster up the courage to visit you. It was being treated quite harshly by those goblins, after all. Here’s what you need to do to make the Owlbear Cub show up at your camp in Baldur’s Gate 3.

How to Recruit the Owlbear Cub in Baldur’s Gate 3

There are two Owlbear Cubs in Act 1 of Baldur’s Gate 3, but the easiest one that you can adopt is located in the Goblin Camp that you’ll encounter on your quest to rescue the First Druid Halsin. As a part of the festivities, some goblins have set up a game of “Chicken” Chase for anyone brave enough to place a bet.

In the maze is no chicken though, but an Owlbear Cub. If you manage to reach it and pass the right skill checks — whether you use Animal Handling, Speak With Animals, or anything else up your sleeve — you can give the beast your scent so it can follow you back to camp. It won’t show up immediately that night, however.

Why Isn’t the Owlbear Cub Showing Up at Camp?

The Owlbear Cub doesn’t show up at your camp as soon as you give it your scent. Instead, it’ll show up multiple Long Rests later once it gets far enough from the Goblin Camp and decides you’re not a threat. The first night it appears, it will be skittish and wary of you. Pass the skill checks and offer it some food, choosing to let it eat out of your hand instead of throwing the food at it, and it will begin to trust you.

However, one of your party members — in my case it was Wyll — will walk up and start a conversation, scaring the beast off. Don’t worry though, the Owlbear Cub will return to your camp again in due time. When it does, just continue to treat it well and it will eventually stick around.

Keep an eye out for more non-playable characters to recruit to your camp as you journey throughout the Sword Coast and combat the Mind Flayer menace. In addition to the Owlbear Cub, you can also recruit Scratch the Dog as a canine companion. Plus, you can befriend an aging skeleton named Withers who lets you change your class at will and let the Druid Halsin hang out at your campsite after rescuing him and saving the Druid Grove (if you resist the temptations of evil, that is).

Hajime Shinichi continues to make “The Shore” his own as he works on his first film in Tenmaku Cinema. He’s made endless strides as a fledgling indie director, but there are still some key obstacles he must still overcome. With scenes at the beach being a crucial part of the film’s depiction of its central character Nagisa, Hajime’s star begins to buckle under the pressure. Get ready here for the release date of Tenmaku Cinema Chapter 18!

Tenmaku Cinema Chapter 18 Release Date, Time, and Countdown

Tenmaku Cinema Chapter 18 will release on Sunday, August 20. It will be available at 8 AM PT / 10 AM CT / 11 AM ET on the VIZ Media Tenmaku Cinema portal, the Shonen Jump reader app, and Manga Plus!

A big dramatic development is on the horizon for Tenmaku Cinema so you won’t want to miss the release of Chapter 18. Keep an eye out for the time it drops using our time zone guide!

In the latest chapter, Hajime sees a lot of successful shots focusing on Nagisa, but she freezes up, feeling a personal connection to the scene that might be too intense.

RECAP: Tenmaku Cinema Chapter 17 Spoilers and What to Expect in Chapter 18

Hajime has had way too many encouraging developments during his development on “The Shore” and it looks like the other shoe is about to drop. There is a callback to when her mother is mentioned in previous chapters, indicating deep personal tension that is about to reach a boiling point. Hinaki appears to get sudden performance anxiety.

It appears that even the thought of Kurai’s mother, when thinking about Nagisa’s mother, is enough to trigger her, causing the young veteran actress to stop in her tracks. This is entirely speculation at this point, but it appears the scene is hitting too close to home. Tenmaku is not worried about this, however, and sees it as an opportunity for Hajime to improvise the scene and take true ownership of the script and his film. We’ll know more once this chapter releases!

You may be wondering what to do with the Plain Ribbon in Remnant 2 or trying to learn where to find it. The Plain Ribbon is worth more than it looks, and players can find it in various locations. Read further to learn where to find the Plain Ribbon and how to use it in Remnant 2.

Where to Find the Plain Ribbon in Remnant 2

Players can find the Plain Ribbon Quest item in the Council Chambers, Shattered Gallery, Gilded Chambers, or The Great Hall. All of these locations are located within the Losomn level of Remnant 2, so if you don’t have any of these dungeons in your current playthrough, reroll Losomn in Adventure Mode until one becomes available.

Considering the Plain Ribbon is a quest item, it’s hard to miss as it glows bright red. I found mine in the Council Chambers; its exact location is shown in the image below.

How to Use the Plain Ribbon in Remnant 2

Once you find the Plain Ribbon, your goal is to bring it to a pair of statues that are holding hands. This statue will appear in the same dungeon of the Plain Ribbon and can be easily found by looking at the game map, as it appears in a circular light-bulb shape section.

Related: How to Get the Necklace of Flowing Life in Remnant 2

When you find the statue, interact with it and select the Plain Ribbon, making your character wrap it around its hands. Next, make your way back to the crystal checkpoint, fast-travel away from your current location, and fast-travel back. Return to the statue, and the ribbon will now be purple. Go up to grab the ribbon, and you will be rewarded with a new Amulet.

The amulet will be different depending on whether you are currently in a Light Dungeon or Dark Dungeon. If you are in a Light Dungeon, you will be rewarded with the Golden Ribbon; if you’re in a Dark Dungeon, you will be rewarded with the Silver Ribbon.

The Golden Ribbon “increases Mod damage by 25%. Activating a Mod grants haste for 15 seconds.” I love using this amulet with the Nightfall gun, considering it makes the Dreadwalker Mod much more deadly.

Meanwhile, the Silver Ribbon “increases Skill damage by 25%. Activating a skill grants Haste for 15 seconds.” This is perfect for players who prefer using skills over mods.

How to Get Nimue’s Ribbon in Remnant 2

Players who want Nimue’s Ribbon must acquire both Silver and Gold Ribbon. This will take some time as you’ll have to reroll and complete a Light Dungeon and Dark Dungeon of the locations mentioned earler. Either way, once you get both Silver and Gold Ribbons, bring them to Nimue, who will combine them for you, creating Nimue’s Ribbon Amulet.

Nimue’s Ribbon grants players increased Relic healing effectiveness by 50% and trigger Haste for 25 seconds when a Relic is used.

Ice-Head Gill has been quick to introduce us to its conflicts and the protagonist’s quest in under 10 chapters already. It’s an impressive Shonen manga with trappings reminiscent of other huge successes, so it’ll be interesting to see if it maintains this quality. The latest chapter saw Gill encounter a dangerous lich force, unlike anything he’s faced before. The most recent chapter was when we finally got a glimpse at an essential character. Get ready for the release of Ice-Head Gill Chapter 8 here!

Ice-Head Gill Chapter 8 Release Date, Time, and Countdown

Ice-Head Gill Chapter 8 will release on Sunday, August 20. It will be available at 8 AM PT / 9 AM MT / 10 AM CT / 11 AM ET on the VIZ Media Ice-Head Gill portal, the Shonen Jump reader app, and Manga Plus!

If you’re anxious to see if Gill finds his father in the next chapter, keep an eye out for when Ice-Head Gill Chapter 8 will release using this time zone guide!

In the latest chapter, Gill nets his latest win, along with a disturbing update on his father’s well-being.

RECAP: Ice-Head Gill Chapter 7 Spoilers and What to Expect in Chapter 8

Gill has defeated Leraje with the help of Sana’s archery along with his brilliant tactics. Luring Leraje into the woods, Gill topples numerous trees to trap the lich, disabling and pinning him in the process. He uses this as a chance to interrogate Leraje about Dreki, his father, and learns that a lich may have possessed him. Leraje’s father is allegedly possessing the Sol patriarch.

Gill’s reaction? He resolves to stop his father. Meanwhile, in a twisted lair of the aforementioned liches, we finally see a glimpse of Dreki. He is chained and impaled against the wall, with the intent of his captors being to break his spirit, implying he still has a chance to be saved. We shall see if Gill makes it in time with upcoming chapters!

The Elusive Samurai continues its trend of positive developments for Tokiyuki’s survival. Significant battles are won, alliances are forged, and the Ashikaga forces feel their losses growing. This isn’t to say the tables have completely turned, as the villains begin to set new plans in motion, devising a ruthless strategy. With the release date of The Elusive Samurai Chapter 122, expect to see Ashikaga’s forces meet Tokiyuki’s push with a vengeance.

The Elusive Samurai Chapter 122 Release Date, Time, and Countdown

The Elusive Samurai Chapter 122 will release on Sunday, August 20. It will be available at 8 AM PT / 10 AM CT / 11 AM ET on the VIZ Media The Elusive Samurai portal, the Shonen Jump reader app, and Manga Plus!

Related: The Elusive Samurai Manga Release Date Schedule 2023

If you hope to see where the next installment takes Tokiyuki for The Elusive Samurai Chapter 122, check this release time zone guide!

In the latest chapter, Tokiyuki finds surprising, and even disturbing new members of his court while the enemy plans their next move.

RECAP: The Elusive Samurai Chapter 121 Spoilers and What to Expect in Chapter 122

Tokiyuki met more of his fellow leaders after his latest battle, and their temperaments proved disturbing. While Yuki was far too cavalier about his willingness to kill despite a cartoonishly innocent face, he was still respected and easily understood. Nanbu Moroyuki, another ally, uses an interpreter to speak to Tokiyuki, but it’s also clear as day he’s just mocking the boy.

But perhaps most upsetting is meeting Nitta Tokujumaru, son of Nitta Yoshisada, who destroyed Kamakura. The young boy is not even ten in this appearance, but would later grow up to be a deadly warlord, calling himself Nitta Yoshioki. For now, Tokiyuki is forced into tacit cooperation with them, while the enemy plots a strategy to pin Akiie’s forces at Kyo. Citing glimpses into the future, Ashikaga could face internal struggles soon, so sights are set for Akiie’s head as the next target.

Hearts are heavy but decisions are made in the latest chapter of Blue Box. As the focus shifts away from the Taiki and Chinatsu story for a moment, we see how others are doing, especially in the wake of recent romantic developments. While some discoveries are not always easy to hear, they can ultimately turn into opportunities with the right mindset such as with Hina Chono. Get ready for the release date of Blue Box Chapter 113!

Blue Box Chapter 113 Release Date, Time, and Countdown

Blue Box Chapter 113 will release on Sunday, August 20. It will release at 8 AM PT / 10 AM CT / 11 AM ET and will be available on the VIZ Media Blue Box Portal, the Shonen Jump manga reader app, and Manga Plus!

Related: Blue Box Manga Release Date Schedule 2023

If you’re hoping to catch the next chapter and live outside the above regions, we’ve got you covered as well! Check below for our release time zone guide for Blue Box Chapter 113!

In the latest chapter, Hina feels the truth sting extra-harshly about Taiki and Chinatsu, especially as she reels from her own breakup.

RECAP: Blue Box Chapter 112 Spoilers and What to Expect in Chapter 113

Hina Chono finds herself feeling more comfortable with Taiki until she teases him that if he doesn’t confess to Chinatsu, somebody might scoop her up. But we then see a long, pregnant pause as Taiki reveals that he confessed, as the pair are now together.

In her loneliness, Hina reflects on things feeling like everybody is growing up all around her. Wanting to move on, she winds up stumbling upon another confession, Kyo asking out her friend Ayame. While this confession doesn’t go too well, Hina confides in her and Kyo that she wants to be introduced to a boy. While it seems doubtful she’ll move on quickly, the chapter closes with a hopeful smile on her face.

Have you ever been in the cellar of the Blighted Village apothecary and noticed scratch marks on the floor after passing an Investigation check? These marks indicate that the bookcase before you can be moved to reveal a hidden passage. But if you’ve already searched the area and found nothing, it might be time to reconsider your approach. Here’s how to move the cellar bookcase in Baldur’s Gate 3 so you can obtain the Necromancy of Thay?

How to Complete the Search the Cellar Quest in Baldur’s Gate 3

First, to locate the cellar in Blighted Village, head to the Apothecary shop, which has plenty of plants and bottles. Look behind the counter for a wooden hatch at coordinates X:32 Y:379. Interact with it to drop down into the cellar, where you’ll find a room with a bookcase.

How to Move the Blighted Village Apothecary Cellar Bookcase

There is a hidden passageway to a cave behind the cellar bookcase. However, knowing how to move the cellar bookcase can be tricky. To reveal the hidden massage way behind the bookcase, you’ll need to move the crates on the left side of the bookcase.

You can do this by clicking and dragging them with your mouse while standing near them. Once the crates are moved, you’ll see a lever behind them, as shown in the image above. Pulling the lever will move the bookcase and reveal the secret passageway.

Related: Baldur’s Gate 3 Change Hair or Appearance: Is it Possible After Customization?

All Correct Ornate Mirror Answers in Baldur’s Gate 3

There is an open cave located behind the bookcase in the cellar. Inside the cave, there are two Guardian undead who will try to attack you as you approach their coffins. It is recommended to attack them from a distance to avoid being surprised. Since they are undead, you can use Cleric attacks to knock the undead down, giving you an advantage.

Upon moving forward, you will come across a small wooden platform in the east and a grand ornate mirror that reflects more than just your face when you gaze into it.

The Ornate mirror was enchanted only to let allies continue. However, you can speak with it and convince it to let you through. To convince the ornate mirror, you must choose the following dialogue choices (make sure to choose no aggressive responses):

• “Yes, an ally! I’m an ally of your master’s.”
• “Szass Tam is a foul, wretched creature.”
• “I read a doctor’s journal – he used balsam ointment to clean a wound.”
• Any choice but: “I’d see the ones I love.”

Related: How to read the Necromancy of Thay in Baldur’s Gate 3

After convincing the Ornate Mirror to let you through, you can enter Ilyn Toth’s laboratory where you can obtain the Necromancy of Thay book for the quest, which will give you the choice of reading it or destroying it. If you do not pass the conversation tests with the Ornate Mirror, a construct will be called upon to battle you.

Author’s Note: I wrote this guide while playing Baldur’s Gate 3 on Steam Deck.

The Necklace of Flowing Life is one of the most challenging amulets to find in Remnant 2, not because it’s stuck behind a demanding boss but because it’s tough to roll a campaign that has it. Finding this amulet comes down to a lot of luck, but knowing where to find it can increase your chances. Here is how to get The Necklace of Flowing Life in Remnant 2.

Where to Find the Necklace of Flowing Life Amulet in Remnant 2

The Necklace of Flowing Life amulet has three known locations, including The Lament, The Chimney, and The Twisted Chantry. Each of these dungeons is found in the Yaesha level of Remnant 2, so make sure to continue to reroll Yaesha in adventure mode until one of these dungeons becomes available.

Rolling one of these dungeons in your playthrough is easy; the harder part is rolling the actual room with The Necklace of Flowing Life. This rare amulet is found through a hidden door in a room that doesn’t always spawn in your playthrough, meaning it could take you a few rerolls in Adventure Mode for it to become available.

Related: How to Get the Tightly Wound Coil in Remnant 2

You will know you have found the room when you find a coffin inside and an indent in the wall to the right of the coffin. You can walk through this indent and enter a secret area of the dungeon that you’re in. Continue through this hidden area; eventually, you’ll encounter another coffin with the Necklace of Flowing Life.

This hidden room looks similar in The Lament, The Chimney, and The Twisted Chantry. I wish I had an image of the room in question, but unfortunately, rolling this room is very rare, and I have yet to do it. It’s highly recommended to head to youtube, where a handful of videos will show you what the room looks like!

The Necklace of Flowing Life Effects

The Necklace of Flowing Life provides the following effect: “Increases Grey Health conversion by an additional 100%. When Grey Health Conversion triggers, gain 5x the amount as Mod Power.”

Grey Health is excellent as it’s health that can potentially come back after you take damage from enemies. Meanwhile, having more Mod Power will allow you to activate your Mods more, increasing your overall damage output and damage per second.

Akane faces one of her most difficult moments yet in recent developments for Akane-banashi. As part of the Changing Time Arc, Akane has been competing at the Zenza Renseikai selection round for a chance to attend an event with elite shin’uchi storytellers. Despite making strides and taking on a story that her father used to tell, Akane will soon find the other shoe dropping. Get ready for the release date of Akane-banashi Chapter 74!

Akane-banashi Chapter 74 Release Date, Time, and Countdown

Akane-banashi Chapter 74 will release on Sunday, August 20. It’ll be available at 8 AM PT / 9 AM MT / 10 AM CT / 11 AM ET on the VIZ Media Akane-banashi portal, the Shonen Jump reader app, and Manga Plus! This and other new Shonen Jump chapters are delayed by a week as the Obon Festival takes place in Japan instead.

Related: Akane-banashi Manga Release Date Schedule 2023

If you don’t see your region listed above for release times, you’re still in luck, as we’ve got this time zone guide you can consult!

In the latest chapter, Akane faces harsh reality with the results of her competition.

RECAP: Akane-banashi Chapter 73 Spoilers and What to Expect in Chapter 74

In Chapter 73, Akane learns that even though she thoroughly won over her audiences and judges, her opponent, Hikaru Arakawa’s perfect 20 score with streaming audiences won. Akane does not secure a spot after the selection round. Perhaps the most devastating part about this chapter was that she wanted to win as it was her father’s story, and it’d have been a spectacular way to honor him.

Despite Hikaru becoming a Rakugoka to beat Akane and successfully doing so, the victory margin was wafer-thin. A rivalry is born in this moment, and while Akane is left feeling passed over by other colleagues, and while she wanders in her sadness, we’ll see her bounce back, hopefully soon.

Loid Forger, AKA Agent Twilight, has gotten through some dangerous scrapes in the latest chapters of Spy x Family. Between a mole hunt fraught with danger, a run-in with an unsuspecting brother-in-law, to a near-death experience, this latest arc has been a deadly one. While the current arc may well close out with this chapter, Loid must stave off new suspicions while keeping Operation Strix alive. Prepare for the release of Spy x Family Chapter 87 here!

Spy x Family Chapter 87 Release Date, Time, and Countdown

Spy x Family Chapter 87 will release on Sunday, September 3, 2023. It’ll be available at 8 AM PT / 9 AM MT / 10 AM CT / 11 AM ET on the VIZ Media Spy x Family portal, the Shonen Jump reader app, and Manga Plus! Many other Shonen Jump series are delayed due to the Obon Festival in Japan, and in the case of Spy x Family, we were treated to the classic “to be continued” but the Japanese version clearly shows the date.

Related: Spy x Family Manga Release Date Schedule 2023

If you’re wanting to see what Loid’s next mission is, check our release time zone guide for Spy x Family Chapter 87!

In the latest chapter, the mole hunt concludes, and Yor finds the spark she needed in her marriage to Loid.

RECAP: Spy x Family Chapter 86 Spoilers and What to Expect in Chapter 87

Loid escapes with his life thanks to a brave rescue by Fiona. She also beat Winston to a pulp and was able to capture him, with the three being successfully extracted. A wounded Loid gets home, has his alibi ready to go, and reconciles with Yor.

Yor, who had been having her doubts about their marriage, found comfort in being able to take care of Loid in this state. Loid, however, was in danger of Yuri who burst into their home and checked his arm for a gun wound he inflicted, as he saw him wince in pain. This was the closest yet to Yuri finding out Loid’s double life, but thankfully, he covered his (still-bleeding) wound in prosthetics.

The arc concludes here, but valuable intelligence will be extracted from Winston as the next developments begin for Operation Strix.

Spy x Family is an exciting recent Shonen Jump manga from the last several years, and people are excited to see where the series will go next. While there’s no end in sight for this manga, Spy x Family readers will want to know when they can expect more chapters as 2023 goes on, particularly the release date schedule. While there are certainly discernible patterns for its release, we’ve compiled a handy guide for readers to follow while they eagerly anticipate the next chapter.

Full Spy x Family Manga Chapter Release Date Schedule (2023)

Spy x Family does not run in Weekly Shonen Jump, but rather through Shonen Jump+, and has been its most successful manga since its release date in 2019. Spy x Family releases on a bi-weekly schedule, releasing one manga chapter every other Sunday, with chapter 74 being 2023’s first new release on January 22, 2023.

We have provided an anticipated release schedule, with small adjustments predicting a similar pattern to 2022’s releases, accounting for any holidays that overlap throughout the year.

As you can see, this biweekly format is anticipated to carry through much of the year, and the only currently foreseen conflict is at the end of April, Golden Week, a set of consecutive holidays in Japan. This is a fairly similar pattern to that of One Piece’s release schedule from 2022. With Spy x Family maintaining its status as its platform’s most popular manga, and anime as well as film adaptations coming throughout the year, it’s unlikely the manga is running out of steam anytime soon.

You can read these chapters through the Viz Shonen Jump portal or through the Shonen Jump manga reader app.

Spy x Family released on Shonen Jump+ on March 25, 2019. It also has received an anime tv series, as well as an upcoming anime film.

In Jujutsu Kaisen’s Shinjuku Showdown Arc, Gojo and Sukuna have been giving us a hell of a fight. Predictions have gone out the window as both prodigious opponents reminded us that they’re still wildcards. While this in and of itself is unsurprising in a Shonen manga, it remains thrilling, especially with the stakes as high as they are. Will Gojo pull out with the win before Sukuna secures the advantage and snuffs out the flame of a fan-favorite hero? Find out the release date of Jujutsu Kaisen Chapter 232!

Jujutsu Kaisen Chapter 232 Release Date, Time, and Countdown

Jujutsu Kaisen Chapter 232 will release on Sunday, August 20. It’ll be available at 8 AM PT / 10 AM CT / 11 AM ET on the VIZ Media Jujutsu Kaisen portal, the Shonen Jump manga reader app, and Manga Plus!

Related: Jujutsu Kaisen Manga Release Date Schedule 2023

If you’re anxious to see if Gojo wins before Mahoraga adapts for Sukuna, get ready for the release time of Jujutsu Kaisen Chapter 232 with this time zone guide!

In the latest chapter, Gojo can unleash a barrage of blows against Sukuna, but he’s going to have to get serious soon.

RECAP: Jujutsu Kaisen (JJK) Chapter 231 Spoilers and What to Expect in Chapter 232

Gojo continues to have a melee combat advantage against Sukuna. However, every time Gojo lands an attack, the wheel above Sukuna spins, signifying him adapting. Supposedly, after the wheel turns three more times, it’ll have adapted fully to Gojo. Despite this, Gojo remains cocky, confident he’ll lay down the killing blow before then.

What readers should expect in Chapter 232 is hopefully a risky gambit from Gojo, taking this moment seriously as it becomes increasingly clear that Sukuna is playing the long game.

Are you searching for the Tightly Wound Coil in Remnant 2? This rare ring is one of the top choices for those looking to create a tank build, and we got you covered on where to find it! Here is where you can find the Tightly Wound Coil Ring in Remnant 2.

Where to Find the Tightly Wound Coil Ring in Remnant 2

The Tightly Wound Coil can be found in the Void Vessel Facility dungeon of N’Erud. If you don’t have the Void Vessel Facility available in your playthrough of Remnant 2, reroll in Adventure Mode until you roll it into your game.

As you progress through the Void Vessel Facility, you will encounter tons of capsules that can be opened by interacting with the machine next to them. One of these capsules contains an enemy and the Tightly Wound Coil ring inside.

The capsule that contains the ring can change depending on your playthrough, so I can’t give you the exact one to open. Just make sure to open all of them, and eventually you will find the one containing the Tightly Wound Coil. I discovered mine inside a capsule in a small room in the center of the dungeon map.

Related: How to Get the Crystal Heart in Remnant 2

Tightly Wound Coil Effects

The Tightly Wound Coil is a powerful ring that can help tremendously if you plan on creating a tank-like build. For example, the in-game description for this ring is “when spending 75% or more of current magazine, gain a shield for 10% of Max Health for 5s. Does not stack with itself.”

In other words, this ring will allow players to unload their magazines and get rewarded for doing so. Every time you unload 75% or more of your current magazine, a shield will be applied to your character, making it able to withstand more damage. This ring is especially great for the Challenger Archetype, as the Challenger is one whose primary focus is to be turned into a tank.

Are you wondering what to do with the Spider Egg Sac in Baldur’s Gate 3 (BG3)? You may encounter a Spider Egg Sac while adventuring, similar to finding an Owlbear Egg. Spiders guard this sac, and its purpose may not be immediately evident. However, if utilized correctly, it can be more valuable than expected and even allow you to become a proud spider parent. Follow these instructions so you know how to get and use the Spider Egg Sac in Baldur’s Gate 3.

How to get the Spider Egg Sac in Baldur’s Gate 3

To find the Spider Egg Sac, head to coordinates X:149 Y:366.

Once there, you will perform a Perception check and will be able to interact with a Rocky Crevice if passed. If your custom character lacks the necessary Wisdom stat to pass the Perception check, consider using a Companion like Shadowheart, who has a better chance of success due to her high Wisdom stat.

After you successfully pass the Perception check, you will then have two more that you will need to pass before you can get the pouch and Spider Egg Sac.

• Animal Handling – DC 15: Speak softly to the spiders in hopes of calming them.
  • I again recommend using Shadowheart due to her high Wisdom stat.
• Sleight of Hand – DC 15: Dart your hand in, hoping to snatch the bag.
  • I recommend using Astarion since he has a high Dexterity stat, which will help pass the check.

If you fail the Animal Handling check, the option will no longer be available. However, the spiders will bite your hand if you fail the Sleight of Hand check. You can attempt the Sleight of Hand check for a second time but will be engaged in a battle against the spiders if you fail again. Regardless of your outcome, you can still get the pouch and the Spider Egg Sac.

Related: Here’s What to do with the Owlbear Egg in Baldur’s Gate 3

How to Use the Spider Egg Sac in Baldur’s Gate 3

Here’s how to use the Spider Egg Sac in Baldur’s Gate 3:

• Open your Inventory.
• Remove the Spider Egg Sac from the pouch.
• Right-click on the Spider Egg Sac.
• Select the Drop Item option.
• Attack the Spider Egg Sac on the ground.

I recommend being a bit away from the spider egg sac and shooting it with a ranged attack, as it will explode once shot. After that, a group of five spiders will spawn. They will help attack anything you are fighting and follow you until you perform a long rest.

Author’s Note: I wrote this guide while playing Baldur’s Gate 3 on Steam Deck.

Baldur’s Gate 3 is a rewarding game offering over 100 hours of content. Being such a massive hit, Larian Studios has released a Twitch drop for its community. Unfortunately, some players report that their Twitch drop rewards are not showing up in the game. Read further to learn everything we know about fixing Twitch drops not showing up for Baldur’s Gate 3.

Is There a Fix to Twitch Drops Not Working for Baldur’s Gate 3?

At the time of writing, there’s no known fix for Twitch drops not showing up in Baldur’s Gate 3. From what I have learned from some research, the Baldur’s Gate community believes that the issue stems from problems with Larian Studio’s server, similar to the save issue players have been experiencing.

Larian Studios haven’t commented on this Twitch problem for Baldur’s Gate 3, so hopefully, it will inform the community of a fix soon.

Related: Is Baldur’s Gate 3 Coming to PC Game Pass? Xbox?

How to Claim Twitch Drops for Baldur’s Gate 3

For those who haven’t tried claiming the Twitch drops in Baldur’s Gate 3, there’s a possibility it could work for you. Follow the steps below to try and claim your Twitch drop rewards in Baldur’s Gate 3.

1. Make sure your Twitch account is linked to your Steam account.
2. Head into the Baldur’s Gate 3 game page on Twitch.
3. Looks for streams with the tag “DropsEnabled.”
4. Watch a Baldur’s Gate 3 stream for two hours.
5. Claim rewards in your Twitch Drops locker.
6. Get your rewards in-game at the Camp Chest.

The steps above should reward you with Chatterbox’s Tabard, Streamhopper Loafers, Periwinkle Undergarments, and Channeler’s Trunks. These garments are exclusive to the Twitch drops in Baldur’s Gate 3, even though you can also get a variant of them in-game.

Suppose you check your Camp Chest after following the abovementioned steps, and the rewards are not inside. In that case, unfortunately, you have fallen victim to the Twitch problem many players are experiencing. Don’t sweat; just be patient and wait for Larian Studios to get this fixed for everyone.

Among the many characters you can add to your party in Baldur’s Gate 3, very few are as game-changing in the early portion of the game as our favorite troubled wizard, Gale. But differently from your other companions, in the case of his untimely demise, Gale will allow you to revive him without expending a single item by completing his In Case of Death quest. But how can you complete In Case of Death and thus Revive Gale in Baldur’s Gate 3?

How to Revive Gale in Baldur’s Gate 3

To get a little more context beforehand, after Gale’s death, a projection of him will then appear, saying that the wizard can be brought back to life with the help of an artifact he carries on his person.

With that said, once that happens, you will be able to bring Gale back to life in Baldur’s Gate 3 by first interacting with his corpse, and then selecting and opening his Pouch. Once opened, the pouch will then reveal two items, a Scroll, and a Magical Flute.

Related: How to Change Companion Classes in Baldur’s Gate 3

After opening the pouch, the next step will be simply equipping the Flute and then playing it in the following order: D-E-A-D. Once you finish performing, a Magma Mephit will appear and ask you what is their name in their own language. The right answer to the Magma Mephit’s question will be K’ha’ssji’trach’ash (the second overall dialogue option).

After answering the question correctly, you will be able to complete the quest and revive Gale by selecting ”Hand over Gale’s Letter”, which will cause the demon to disappear and a Scroll of Resurrection to be added to your inventory. Now, just select the item and use it on Gale’s corpse in order to revive him and complete the Case of Death… Quest in Baldur’s Gate 3.

To recap, here’s a rundown on how to revive Gale in Baldur’s Gate 3:

• Examine Gale’s corpse and open his pouch.
• Read the Scroll and then equip the Flute.
• Play the notes in the following order: D>E>A>D
• Guess the Magma Mephit ‘s name: K’ha’ssji’trach’ash.
• Select ”Hand over Gale’s Letter”.
• Use the free Scroll of Resurrection to bring Gale back to life.

This guide was made while playing Baldur’s Gate 3 on PC.

Some choices wind up being easier than others in Baldur’s Gate 3. Being a CRPG where your actions have lasting consequences, one comes in the form of hunting a devil for some local paladins. While it might seem like an open and closed case on surface value, the answer requires a bit more digging if you want the best results. If you’re wondering whether you should side with Anders and the Paladins of Tyr, or Karlach who they’re after in Baldur’s Gate 3 (BG3) we’ve got the answers!

Hunt the Devil: Should You Side with Karlach or Anders in Baldur’s Gate 3 (BG3)?

You should side with Karlach over Anders in Baldur’s Gate 3, hands down. While they sell the quest to you as hunting down a devil, which sounds like a pretty cool monster-hunting mission, you’ll instead find a wounded, mutilated Tiefling with a mechanical heart and a pretty great backstory.

Related: All Baldur’s Gate 3 (BG3) Companions: Locations & Classes, Listed

Karlach is a recruitable companion, whose base class is Barbarian, and who explains that the Paladins giving you this quest are agents of a devil, sent to recover her after she escaped.

Why Choosing Karlach is Better

To expand on this, killing Karlach is easier than fighting Anders and his group, and gives an obvious, tangible reward promised by Anders, the Sword of Justice. While it makes a decent melee weapon (or food for Gale) that is all you get, instead of an awesome ally. Plus, if you side with Karlach, you then confront the Paladins where they reveal their true intentions. After killing them, you can get the sword anyway, win-win.

It should also be noted that if you don’t side with Karlach, Shadowheart may resent you forever, given how…taken she is with this sudden new companion. From here, Karlach will set out with your group to help you find a cure for your parasite, and you must also find a mechanic for the infernal engine she has for a heart.

However, it comes at a price: Wyll, another companion you meet on your travels, is opposed to having Karlach on the team, but upon learning she’s not truly a devil, reluctantly allows her in the fold. He is confronted by his devil patron and left with an unfortunate transformation to mark his penance. Additionally, taking down those agents of Zariel posing as Paladins won’t be the end of it for siding with Karlach.

Are you wondering if changing hair and appearance after customization in Baldur’s Gate 3 is possible? Unfortunately, the lighting in the customization screen can be misleading, as the appearance of your character there may not match their appearance in-game. Additionally, you may wish to change your character’s appearance partway through the game to reflect your experience. If you’re unsure how to do this, you may be wondering whether it’s even possible. Is the option to change your character’s appearance available, or are you stuck with their current look?

Can You Change Your Appearance in Baldur’s Gate 3?

Unfortunately, there is no way to change your hair or appearance in Baldur’s Gate 3 after the initial character customization screen. This missing feature is shocking, especially with how intricate the game is and how you pay to change your class. However, this missing feature could be explained due to an item available for those who purchased the Digital Deluxe version of Baldur’s Gate 3, the Mask of the Shapeshifter.

Related: This Baldur’s Gate 3 Chest of the Mundane is Designed to Fool You

How to Use the Mask of the Shapeshifter in Baldur’s Gate 3

The Mask of the Shapeshifter is included in the traveler’s chest if you purchased the Digital Deluxe Edition of Baldur’s Gate 3. This mask allows you to pick from a number of preset appearances that you can shapeshift your character into, allowing you to change your appearance.

Here’s how to use the Mask of the Shapeshifter in Baldur’s Gate 3:

1. Get the Mask of the Shapeshifter from the Traveller’s Box in your camp
2. Equip the Mask of the Shapeshifter from your inventory
3. Click on the Shapeshift icon in your Commons spell bar
4. Choose an option to Shapeshift into

Please note that the Mask of the Shapeshifter only temporarily changes your appearance, and you will revert to your original form after taking a long rest. However, you can use this mask as many times as you like, allowing you to access a variety of preset appearances without having to restart your game.

Author’s Note: I wrote this guide while playing Baldur’s Gate 3 on Steam Deck.

The Chest of the Mundane’s description says: “Looking at this chest fills you with a suspiciously overwhelming feeling that there is absolutely nothing special about it. You may be surprised that the Chest of the Mundane has a greater value than it appears. Those who possess knowledge of its secrets can only unlock its true worth. To access the treasures hidden within the Chest of the Mundane in Baldur’s Gate 3, follow these steps carefully.

What Should You Do with the Chest of the Mundane in Baldur’s Gate 3?

To locate the Chest of the Mundane in Act 1, head to the Arcane Tower in Underdark. On the main entrance level, you’ll come across the Chest of the Mundane. If you pass the Arcane check, you’ll discover that the chest is enchanted. Collect all the items inside, which will transform into valuable loot, including Mystra’s Grace boots.

When you access the Chest of the Mundane, the items you discover may appear useless, such as a spoon, metal fork, and cup. But once you add them to your inventory, they will become valuable loot. Alternatively, bringing a sutur flower to the Chest of the Mundane will create an anti-magic field. The items will show in the chest as they are. I think this is the intended mechanic for it.

Related: Baldur’s Gate 3 “No Nudity”: How SFW is This Feature?

We have discovered that the Chest of the Mundane not only disguises valuable treasures as trash but also has the power to transform items into something fascinating. So, don’t be fooled by its name, and feel free to experiment with the Chest of the Mundane by placing items in it.

How to get Mystra’s Grace Boots in Baldur’s Gate 3

Upon transferring loot from the Mundane Chest to your inventory, you may come across a valuable item – Mystra’s Grace boots. To equip them, access the equipment menu (N) and drag them to the appropriate slot. These boots benefit from level 1 Feather Fall and only require a Bonus Action to activate. Their value is estimated at 610 gold.

Author’s Note: I wrote this guide while playing Baldur’s Gate 3 on Steam Deck.

Baldur’s Gate 3 goes to incredible lengths to re-create the experience of playing Dungeons & Dragons, and one of the best ways it does so is by allowing you to be part of a rag-tag party of adventurers. As you travel through Faerun, you can find and recruit several companions, each with powerful abilities and colorful personalities, making your journey more manageable and memorable. Here are the locations and classes of every recruitable companion in Baldur’s Gate 3.

All Companion Locations and Classes in Baldur’s Gate 3

As of writing, we’ve found eight recruitable companions in Baldur’s Gate 3. You can select five of these companions, known as Origin characters, as your playable character at the start of the game, while the rest can only be recruited into your party later on. Even if you don’t end up barely using one companion, recruiting them offers unique questlines and social interactions that will make your adventure more exciting.

Each companion has a unique class and a collection of special abilities that give them an edge in certain situations. Some are skilled with a blade, while others are knowledgeable scholars who can quickly unravel arcane mysteries or offer insight into the realms of gods, demons, and aberrations beyond Faerun.

Lae’zel

Class: Fighter

Location, The Nautiloid, North of Roadside Cliffs

A Githyanki warrior who values strength and duty above all else, Lae’zel is the first companion you meet in Baldur’s Gate 3 (if you don’t include Us, the Intellect Devourer.) While her cold and adversarial nature gets a bit old after a while, her durability and offensive capabilities make her an excellent early-game ally, and seeing her slowly drop her emotional guard as she warms up to the rest of the party is exceptionally charming.

You first meet Lae’zel upon leaving the second room of the Nautiloid, but the two of you will be separated once the ship crashes. You can find her again just north of the Waypoint in Roadside Cliffs, caught in a cage trap set by two Teifling hunters and eager for assistance. Just kill or scare away the Tiefligns and destroy the bottom of her cage with a ranged attack to get her to join her.

Shadowheart

Class: Cleric (Trickery Domain)

Location: The Nautiloid, Ravaged Beach

A half-elven Trickery Cleric of the Goddess Shar, Shadowheart has quickly become one of the most popular companions in Baldur’s Gate 3. A mysterious yet compassionate woman who appreciates playful subterfuge but despises unnecessary violence, Shadowheart’s vast collection of healing and support spells makes her a literal godsend in combat. On top of that, her witty sense of humor and plot-twist-ladden personal quest make her one of the most memorable characters in the game.

Shadowheart is first encountered on the Nautiloid, imprisoned in a Mind-Flayer pod. She’ll join you once you’ve freed her by finding the Eldritch Rune or unlocking her cell through arcane or rogueish means. After the crash, you can find her knocked out on the beach near you, making her the “official” first-party member you can recruit.

Astarian

Class: Rogue

Location: Ravaged Beach

A High-Elven Rogue who prefers to keep his intentions and daggers hidden, Astarian is another contender for the coveted fan-favorite Baldur’s Gate 3 companion title. A pragmatic and occasionally ruthless soul who prefers to keep his friends and his enemies within stabbing range, Astarian’s ability to sneak around, pick locks, and deliver deadly sneak attacks makes him an invaluable asset in and out of combat. He’s also a vampire you can pursue romantically, for whatever that’s worth.

Astarian can be found east of the wrecked Nautilioid, claiming to have cornered a hostile Intellect Devourer, only to pull a knife on you. However, once it becomes clear that you aren’t a Thrall of the Mind-Flayers, he sheathes his blade and agrees to join you for however long your interests and his align.

Related: How to Create Custom Party Members in Baldur’s Gate 3 (BG3)

Gale

Class: Wizard

Location: Roadside Cliffs Waypoint

A Human Wizard with a kind heart and a bottomless enthusiasm for all things magic, Gale is one of the friendliest members of Baldur’s Gate 3’s core cast. While his lack of defense can lead to him being knocked down quickly, his massive arsenal of spells can turn the tides of battle and offers many creative solutions to puzzles and social situations. If that’s not enough to sway you, his storyline is among the most engaging in the game, adding a welcome flair of arcane mystery to the narrative.

Gale can be found north of the crashed Nautiloid on Ravaged Beach, trapped in a swirling vortex of arcane energy created by a botched teleportation spell he tried to use to escape the ship. Once you give him a hand, he’ll join your party and introduce you to Baldur’s Gate 3’s fast-travel system.

Wyll

Class: The Fiend Warlock

Location: Druid Grove

Also known as the Blade of the Frontier, Wyll is an archetypical dashing hero who traded his soul for demonic powers that he uses to hunt the innumerable monsters who prey on the helpless. With a decent amount of martial skill and a small but effective pool of offensive spells, Wyll is one of the most well-rounded companions in Baldur’s Gate 3 when it comes to combat, and his strong moral compass makes him an excellent confidant for any good-aligned player character.

Wyll will join you in the battle against the goblin marauders outside the gates of the Emerald Grove. Once you’ve ruined back the horde, you can find Wyll teaching the younger Teifling refugees how to fight with swords, and he will join you if you offer him a place in the party.

Halsin

Class: Druid

Location: Goblin Camp

A Wood Elf Druid and First Druid of the Emerald Groove, Halsin’s sudden disappearance is the driving force behind the first significant conflict you encounter in Baldur’s Gate 3. A towering figure whose friendly demeanor hides a deep well of righteous fury that he isn’t afraid to unleash on those who endanger nature and innocent lives, Halsin’s high Wisdom and Wild Shape ability make him an observant and unconventional ally.

To recruit Halsin, you must venture into the depths of the Goblin Camp and free him from the Worg pens. Once he’s free, he’ll ask you to help him destroy the Goblin Camp and kill the three leaders responsible for its recent rise in efficiency. Once the threat to his home has been eliminated, Halsin will gratefully offer to join you.

Related: Baldur’s Gate 3 Voice Actor Cast List for Every Main Character

Minthara

Class: Paladin

Location: Shattered Sanctum

A ruthless Drow who has sworn her life to the mysterious Goddesss known as the Absolute, Minthara is a cunning warrior who acts as one of the three leaders of the Goblins menacing the Emerald Grove. While most players will probably fight and kill her, recruiting this fanatical living instrument of divine wrath is possible if you commit to walking down a more villainous path.

To recruit Minthara, you must befriend the Goblins she rules over and helps them destroy the Emerald Grove and the Hellrider Tieflings. After the Grove and the Teiflings have been eliminated, she will be o agree to accompany you on your journey, filling in for companions who will unfortunately but understandably part ways with you after this atrocity.

Karlach

Class: Barbarian

Location: The Blighted Village

A Tiefling Barbarian who was heartlessly sold into a life of slavery and warfare at a young age, Karlach has a chip on her shoulder and a massive axe he plans to drive into the skull of everyone responsible for her years of bondage. With incredible durability and insane offensive capabilities, Karlash is arguably the best martial fighter in Baldur’s Gate 3, and her surprisingly upbeat demeanor makes her a fun person to be around.

To find Karlach, you’ll need to talk to Anders on the Risen Road to initiate the Hunt a Devil quest. Head past the Blighted Village west of the Druid’s Grove, then head north until you find Karlach surrounded by Anders and his group of overzealous Paladins, who have mistaken her for a devil of the Nine Hells. If you save Karlach by helping her fight off the Paladins, shell offer to return the favor she now feels she owes you by joining the party.

Among the challenges in Bitlife, very few are harder to complete than the Cosmic Explorer Challenge, which tasks you with becoming a famous one-of-a-kind astronaut known for being both a fearless explorer and winning a noble prize. With that said, here’s how to complete the Cosmic Explorer Challenge in Bitlife.

How to Complete the Cosmic Explorer Challenge in Bitlife

You will be able to complete the Cosmic Explorer Challenge in Bitlife by becoming a famous astronaut, launching two probes, going to Mars at least once, collecting two space artifacts, and then winning a Noble Prize (the game’s version of the Nobel).

Related: How to Complete The Honey, Honey Challenge in Bitlife

You can check out quick guides on how to complete each of the mentioned steps and thus the Cosmic Explorer Challenge in Bitlife below.

How to Become an Astronaut

You will be able to become an Astronaut in Bitlife by, after buying the Astronaut Job Pack, completing high school, getting both the STEM degree and a Pilot’s License, and then passing the Astronaut Technical Training.

How to Become a Famous Astronaut in Bitfile

You will be able to become a famous astronaut in Bitlife by reaching a high enough Reputation level. You will be able to steadily raise your reputation by publishing research papers, bonding with your fellow astronauts, decoding messages, and going on missions.

As the challenge does not require that you complete all tasks in a specific order, it is very likely that becoming a famous astronaut will be one of the last you will cross off, given that your popularity will gradually increase as you complete the other ones.

How to Launch 2+ Probes

As you work as an astronaut in Bitlife, you will gradually raise the ranks and thus unlock new features. With that said, after reaching the rank of Captain, you will be able to launch probes by heading to Job and then selecting Probe. Once you do that, just assemble the probe within the budget by using the sliders and then select Launch Probe in order to complete the procedure.

How to Go on Mars Missions in Bitlife

You will be able to go on an expedition to Mars in Bitlife by first reaching the rank of General and then heading to Job and then to missions. Once at Missions, you will be able to go to the red planet by simply selecting Martian Exploration.

Related: How to Complete The Full Glam Challenge in Bitlife

How to Collect Artifacts from Space

During each space mission, there is a chance you will come into contact with artifacts from the cosmos. After finding one, which will prompt the Discovery screen to open, you will be able to pick them up and bring them to earth by simply selecting ‘Pick it up’.

The rate at which you can find space Artifacts in Bitlife is low, so it may take you several missions to get the two needed to complete the challenge.

How to Win a Noble Prize in Bitlife

The easiest way to get a Noble prize as an astronaut in Bitlife can be done by, after joining the Program, heading to Scan, and then selecting your planet and frequency of choice before publishing your findings.

Once published and if its Peer Review is overwhelmingly positive (over 90%) your paper will have a chance of getting picked by the Noble committee. As there is no limit to how many papers you can write as well as a guarantee that your paper will be picked, we recommend that you just repeat the procedure and write as many as you can.

This guide was made while playing Bitlife on Android.

Warlocks are an interesting class in Baldur’s Gate 3 because their subclass option is to select a pact that they make with their magical donor and then they get to choose a Pact Boon at level 3. Sorcerers get their power through a bloodline, Wizards earn their magical abilities through research and dedication, but Warlocks make a demonic pact to get magic. So, what is the best Warlock pact and subclass in Baldur’s Gate 3?

Related: Baldur’s Gate 3 vs. Divinity Original Sin 2: Which is Better?

What is the best Warlock Subclass in Baldur’s Gate 3?

My honest answer for what the best Warlock subclass is in Baldur’s Gate 3 is whichever one you think sounds the most fun. Roleplaying is the heart of Baldur’s Gate 3, and while you can min/max backgrounds, races, and subclasses to make the “meta” Warlock, I think you should always go with what your heart tells you.

With that out of the way, there are three Warlock subclasses and they all have their benefits:

• The Fiend – Warlocks that make a pact with a devilish fiend. This subclass features Dark One’s Blessing which grants you four temporary hit points after reducing a hostile creature to zero HP.
• The Great Old One – Warlocks that make a pact with eldritch beings. This subclass features Mortal Reminder which Frightens the creature you hit and all surrounding creatures when you land a Critical Hit and they fail a Wisdom Saving Throw.
• The Archfey – Warlocks that make a pact with a lady or lord of the fey. This subclass features Fey Presence which is a ranged action that Charms or Frightens nearby foes for two turns if they fail a Wisdom Daving Throw.

In order of best to worst, I’d say it goes The Fiend, The Great Old One, and The Archfey. Don’t get me wrong, every Warlock subclass has a good argument for being the best, but I like playing up close and personal as a Warlock so The Fiend is best for that.

What is the best Warlock Pact Boon in Baldur’s Gate 3?

After picking your Warlock subclass and reaching level three, you’ll need to select a Warlock Pact Boon. You can choose Pact of the Chain, Pact of the Blade, or Pact of the Tomb. Here is a breakdown of each Warlock pact:

• Pact of the Chain – Gain the service of a familiar, animal, imp, or quasit.
• Pact of the Blade – Summon a pact weapon or bind one you are wielding. Pact weapons use Charisma instead of Strength or Dexterity.
• Pact of the Tomb – Gain a grimoire called “The Book of Shadows.” You gain Guidance, Vicous Mockery, and Thorn Whip.

The best Warlock Pact Boon differs based on your Warlock playstyle. If you are an aggressive Warlock, The Fiend and Pact of the Blade work great together because you get a magical weapon that has a higher chance to high enemies and a way to gain temporary HP when you get kills.

Warlocks that want to stay in the back and cast spells would benefit from Pact of the Tomb because they get three new spells — this pairs well with The Archfey.

The Great Old One and Pact of the Chain make an excellent combo because you can play aggressively successfully because you’ll have the help of a special summon and be able to debuff enemies when you successfully land a Critical Hit.

Again, pick whatever Warlock subclass with whatever Warlock Pact Boon you think is best! And, if you ever decide you want to choose a different Warlock subclass, or make a different pact, you can by respeccing your character.

Baldur’s Gate 3‘s cross-platform multiplayer functionality is a point of confusion due to the staggered release dates across PC, PS5, Xbox, and various store clients. Like any Dungeons & Dragons campaign, though, the most enjoyable adventures occur within a party of friends, and the opportunity to play wherever, however, is always preferred. So in this guide, we break down whether or not Baldur’s Gate 3 will support cross-platform multiplayer, alongside the differences between cross-play / cross-save and all the confusing jargon in between.

Baldur’s Gate 3 Cross-Platform Multiplayer Support, Explained

No, Baldur’s Gate 3 cross-platform multiplayer will not be supported between PC, Xbox, and PS5 but it’s more confusing than that simple answer. Right now cross-platform only exists for PC, broken down this way:

• Cross-play works between PC and Mac, between Steam and GOG.
• Cross-save works between PC, Steam Deck, and PS5.
• 4 player local split-screen is available on PC, but not on Steam Deck.

Related: Baldur’s Gate 3 vs. Divinity Original Sin 2: Which is Better?

All Cross-Platform and Cross-Play Options for Baldur’s Gate 3, Explained

According to Larian support, cross-play will exist between Steam and GOG storefronts across PC and Mac. Cross-play functionality means all PC players will be able to party up no matter the operating system. For example, if you bought BG3 on Steam for PC, and your friend bought BG3 on GOG for Mac, the two of you will still be able to play online multiplayer together.

Cross-play, however, has not been confirmed between PC and PS5. So, if you bought BG3 on PC and your friend bought BG3 on PS5, you won’t be able to party up together. That’s what we assume given the information available.

Cross-save has been confirmed to work between PC, Mac, Steam Deck, and PS5. According to the Larian Studios Community Update #22, save data will transfer between all platforms. Assuming you plan to purchase BG3 across multiple devices, rest assured you can continue your campaign wherever, however — so long as you upload your saves to the cloud.

You’ll also need to register a Larian account to access Bg3 cross-platform multiplayer and cross-save services. This account will connect your data across all Larian games purchased across all platforms for seamless connectivity.

Related: Is Baldur’s Gate 3 Coming to PC Game Pass? Xbox?

Baldur’s Gate 3 Release Dates for All Platforms

BG3 has a staggered release cycle across platforms, so you may be confused about when you can play the game. Here are all of the confirmed release windows:

• PC: August 3, 2023 (Steam and GOG)
• PlayStation 5: Sept. 6, 2023 (Digital Deluxe Edition Sept. 3)
• Mac: Targeted between August 3 and Sept. 6
• Xbox: Late 2023/2024 (TBD)

The most confusing releases appear for Mac, which Larian has stated “is set to arrive after our PC launch.” And Xbox, which requires development across the Series X and Series S, has caused further unknown delay until Larian can ensure functionality across both Microsoft consoles.

PC and PS5 Compatibility: The Lingering Question

In my opinion, Larian Studios remains tight-lipped about PC/PS5 cross-platform multiplayer functionality. As I researched, I noticed the developer specifically didn’t mention PS5 on any of its FAQ pages. Technically Larian has never stated that PS5 cross-platform multiplayer wouldn’t be able to play with PC players, so who knows?

The developer simply hasn’t mentioned the possibility at all, and since the PS5 launch date is Sept. 6, it’s possible Larian will detail more PS5 functionality closer to release. In general, Larian Studios is really transparent with the community, often releasing regular updates directly to the players, so I imagine the devs will have a PS5-specific community update released around mid-to-late August. Fingers crossed.

For now, if you’ve bought Baldur’s Gate 3 at launch on PC, then we recommend encouraging your friends to purchase the game on their computers as well. Besides, with all of the various on-screen controls, I personally found controller support on Steam Deck clunkier than M/K, and I’m usually a controller guy.

Which is better: Baldur’s Gate 3 or Divinity: Original Sin 2? As someone who has put 40+ hours into Divinity: Original Sin 2 and loved every minute of it and someone who wrote positive early impressions piece of Baldur’s Gate 3, this is a tricky one. Let’s break it down and decide which one is better, Baldur’s Gate 3 or Divinity: Original Sin 2.

Related: Baldur’s Gate 3 Early Impressions Review | So Good So Far

Which is Better? Baldur’s Gate 3 or Divinity Original Sin 2?

Baldur’s Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin 2 are easily comparable games because they are both critically acclaimed RPGs made by Larian Studios. They do have their differences, but there is a lot of crossover. But there must be a winner.

As a little reminder, Divinity: Original Sin 2 is a grand-scale RPG that came out in 2017 and features gameplay, classes, and storytelling similar to D&D but it’s distinctly its own thing built from the ground up. As such, Divinity: Original Sin 2 has classes like Conjurer, Battlemage, Metamorph, Wayfarer, and more abnormal classes which is fun.

Baldur’s Gate 3 is also a grand-scale RPG, but it officially launched its full version in 2023. What makes Baldur’s Gate 3 different is that everything is an exact replica (as exact as it can be) of D&D fifth edition.

Combat

Divinity: Original Sin 2 and Baldur’s Gate 3 both feature turn-based combat. However, Divinity: Original Sin 2 is different in that you have a lot more action points to spend during a given turn. While certain classes can level up and gain more actions, generally, every class in Baldur’s Gate 3 has one action and one bonus action. There are real pros and cons to both — more actions allow for more chaos in Divinity: Original Sin 2 but the limited approach in Baldur’s Gate 3 really makes you consider the consequences; what’s the most strategic play here?

Related: Is Baldur’s Gate 3 Coming to PC Game Pass? Xbox?

Divinity: Original Sin 2’s combat has a lot more emphasis on element interactions. If a player casts a fireball on oil, the ground will erupt in flames. Then, a character can cast a rain storm to dowse the flames, but a fog cloud remains which lowers the visibility of the characters inside it. And, a character can cast a lightning spell and electrocute the entire fog cloud and everyone inside it.

Baldur’s Gate 3 has elemental interactions as well, but they’re not the spotlight. Instead, you get a really healthy balance of melee, range, magic, and situational moments.

Stories

The storytelling in Baldur’s Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin 2 are really similar, surprise, surprise. You go on adventures in an open world, talk to people, try to choose the outcomes you want, take on sidequests, and work toward figuring out the big overarching narrative.

It’s been about three years since I’ve played Divinity: Original Sin 2, but I couldn’t tell you the names of the Origin characters or what their original stories are. I remember the overarching plot, and it’s really good, but the rest wasn’t that sticky.

On the other hand, Baldur’s Gate 3’s storytelling capacity feels more limitless and memorable. Time will tell if I remember the companions and their backgrounds, but I’ve already experienced stories between companion relationships that really impressed me, and I think I’ll remember that for a long time.

My Final Thoughts

If you love Baldur’s Gate 3 and want a bit more chaos and variety when it comes to combat, particularly if you’re looking for more elemental interactions, you’ll love Divinity: Original Sin 2. If you love Divinity: Original Sin 2 and are looking for a deeper story found in relationships and complex characters, you’ll love Baldur’s Gate 3.

Recency bias probably affects this, but I think Baldur’s Gate 3 is better than Divinity: Original Sin 2. I love the consequences in and out of battle that Baldur’s Gate 3 captures, I love the dice rolls and ability checks pulled straight from D&D, and I love the wild variety of stories you get to write in Baldur’s Gate 3.

But, honestly, I love both games and would highly recommend them both. It’s just, since they are both super long games, I’d recommend Baldur’s Gate 3 first.

Baldur’s Gate 3 is the highly anticipated sequel in the Baldur’s Gate franchise, and PC players are having an absolute blast with it. The praise is so high that some early impressions call it a masterpiece. So with so much hype around the game, Game Pass players wonder if they’ll get to dive in. Here is everything we know about Baldur’s Gate 3 coming to PC and Xbox Game Pass.

Will Baldur’s Gate 3 Come to Game Pass?

At the time of writing, there is no confirmation on whether Baldur’s Gate 3 will be coming to PC or Xbox game pass. In fact, there has yet to be a confirmation if the massive RPG game will even get an Xbox port. Baldur’s Gate 3 is currently exclusive to PC, with a PlayStation 5 release in September 2023.

With no Xbox port and considering Microsoft owns Game Pass and Xbox, it’s highly unlikely that we will see Baldur’s Gate 3 hit the subscription anytime soon, especially since Larian Studios have yet to mention the idea to the public. That said, the third entry may come to Game Pass further down the road as Baldur’s Gate 1 and 2 are rumored to be coming to the popular subscription service. So all we can do is be patient until that time comes if it ever does.

Related: Baldur’s Gate 3 Won’t Launch on Steam Deck? Use this Proton Solution

As for those who have a PC, you can purchase the full version of the game on Steam for $59.99. This is a great price, considering games as massive as Baldur’s Gate 3 usually run for the standard price of $69.99. With that price, I wish I had a gaming PC to jump into the new Baldur’s Gate right now, but unfortunately, I’ll have to wait until the PlayStation 5 version comes on September 6, 2023.

If you do end up purchasing the game at full price on your PC, feel free to check out all the guides we have for it, as the game can be very complex and confusing at times!

One of the coolest fighting styles in Baldur’s Gate 3 is duel wielding weapons. To avoid confusion up top, there is a class passive called Dueling that gives you plus two attack when you wield a one-handed melee weapon. That’s a nice class passive Fighters, Rangers, Paladins, and Bard College of Swords get to enjoy, but this article is all about how to duel wield in Baldur’s Gate 3.

Related: All Baldur’s Gate 3 Origin Characters, Ranked (BG3)

How to Duel Wield in Baldur’s Gate 3

To duel wield in Baldur’s Gate 3, you need to start with two Light weapons. Light weapons in Baldur’s Gate 3 that you can use to dual wield are clubs, daggers, hand crossbows, handaxes, light hammers, scimitars, shortswords, and sickles.

I’ve found the easiest way to dual wield in Baldur’s Gate 3 is to click on your main hand to see all the options in your entire party’s inventory. Then, do the same thing with your off-hand. Select two Light weapons and, boom, you’re dual wielding.

If you are trying to dual wield but can’t in Baldur’s Gate 3, it’s most likely because you aren’t using the right weapons. If you have a rapier, longsword, mace, quarterstaff, warhammer, or anything else that isn’t a Light weapon, then you won’t be able to dual wield. It’s very important to remember that this only works with Light weapons.

Every class can dual wield in Baldur’s Gate 3, so this isn’t a class-gated action. However, level one Fighters, level two Rangers, level two Paladins, and level one Bards College of Swords are get the Fighting Style class feature which includes a proficiency in dual wielding, and it’s called two-weapon fighting. With two-weapon fighting, you add your damage ability modifier to your off-hand attacks.

Now that you know how to dual wield in Baldur’s Gate 3, you might want to look into why your saves aren’t working.

Blood continues to be shed at the Seireitei in Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War Part 2. The Quincy invasion rages on and despite the Gotei 13 securing some apparent victories, things continue to go in favor of the Quincies and their leader, Yhwach. The latest episode was no exception, but it also delivered another visual spectacle in the fight against Mask De Masculine, no ten counts needed. Prepare for the English sub release date of Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War Part 2 Episode 19 here!

Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War (TYBW) English Sub Part 2 Episode 19 Release Date, Time, and Countdown

Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War (TYBW) Part 2 Episode 19 will release on Saturday, August 12. It will be available at 7:30 AM PT / 9:30 AM CT / 10:30 AM ET on Hulu in the United States and Disney+ internationally!

Related: Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead English Sub Episode 5 Release Date

If you want to catch the episode as it drops but live in different regions from the ones listed above, we’ve got you covered! Check this release time zone guide for TYBW Episode 19 here!

In the latest episode, Mask De Masculine steals the show along with his (literally) undying fandom.

RECAP: Mask De Masculine Meets His Match, and an Ominous Post-Credit Scene Teases Episode 19 of TYBW

Mask De Masculine was easily the most flamboyant, silly Quincy member of the Stern Ritters yet. The masked wrestler, and answer to the question “What if you made Incineroar a humanoid?” provides some stiff competition for defenders of the Seireitei but as expected, Renji Abarai’s appearance cuts this domination short. Even though Masculine has his deadly strength, killer moves, and a healing factor supplied by a disturbingly resilient fan, James, he finds himself pinned by the end.

The ensuing battle is extremely one-sided, with Renji unleashing his incredible snake-themed Bankai. The ability, So-Oh Zabimaru, unleashes a fatal finisher called Zaga Teppo that clamps down on the brawler with fiery snake fans, reducing him to crumbling ash.

However, the post-credits scene suggests this might still not be enough. James dies when Mask dies, his soul being absorbed into Yhwach before the Quincy king disappears, asleep. He will be back with a vengeance, but his sleep must not be disturbed.

Baldur’s Gate 3 currently has seven Origin characters that you can choose to play as at the start of the game or recruit to your team when you find them during your quest. While players are welcome to craft a character from scratch, an Origin character comes packed with truly unique personal quests that a party full of custom characters doesn’t get. Here are all the Origin characters in Baldur’s Gate 3 ranked.

Related: How to Create Custom Party Members in Baldur’s Gate 3 (BG3)

Best Origin Characters in BG3, Tier List

• S-Tier – Shadowheart, Astarion
• A-Tier – Karlach, Wyll, The Dark Urge, Lae’zel
• B-Tier – Gale

While all the Origin characters are good, Shadowheart and Astarion are the best because their classes make for great party members and I find their stories to be some of the best. My personal favorite Origin characters, in terms of story, are Karlach and Wyll, but I find that they aren’t as useful or strong in combat compared to Shadowheart and Astarion, but that could be different depending on your custom character’s class.

The Dark Urge is a very interesting Origin character that blends character customization with the unique story, which is really cool. Lae’zel is a very versatile Origin character that’s great in any scenario, but I find her attitude to be kind of insufferable. Gale is a great character in combat and in story, but his major drawback is that he needs to continually eat magical items which isn’t great.

Shadowheart

“A loyal cleric of Shar, Shadowheart is the sole survivor of a holy mission undertaken on the Mistress of the Night’s behest. She alone must deliver a relic of immense power to her coven in Baldur’s Gate, while threatened by a strange new magic that is burgeoning from within.”

Race: High Half-Elf
Class: Cleric

Shadowheart is simply the best. Nobody likes to play Cleric, but they are extremely useful allies to have on your team. Her support and healing spells are unmatched, making her a perfect fit in any party. Plus, I find her story of worshipping Shar to be very interesting.

I don’t recommend it because it can very quickly mess up their personal stories, but if you want to change something about Shadowheart, you can respec every Origin character to change their class, subclass, learned spells, and more.

Astarion

“Astarion prowled the night as a vampire spawn for centuries, serving a sadistic master until a mind flayer parasite freed him from his bonds. Now that he can walk in daylight the game is on, for only his old master stands in the way of him becoming the greatest vampire the world has ever known.”

Race: High Elf
Class: Rogue

Astarion is an amazing Origin character because of his vampiric personal story as well as his effectiveness in combat. Astarion has an extra vampire attack which comes in handy and makes for a fascinating character to get to know.

Karlach

“I was a prisoner, forced to fight in the Blood War. The eternal battle between bad and worse.”

Race: Tiefling
Class: Barbarian

Karlach is one of my personal favorite characters in Baldur’s Gate 3 and it’s mostly because of her story. I think her unique story of being a controlled warrior in the Blood War is really interesting, and she makes for a good Barbarian.

Wyll

“Noble by birth, Wyll made his name as the heroic ‘Blade of Frontiers’. But to become a living legend, he struck a bargain with a devil, a bargain from which he longs to break free before it consumes his soul for good.”

Race: Human
Class: Warlock

While Wyll’s combat role as a Warlock isn’t as powerful as Astarian or Shadowheart, his story as the Blade of Frontiers bound to a devil is one of the best. He’s a charming character that I always have in my party because he is useful and fun to get to know.

Related: Can You Change Appearance in Baldur’s Gate 3?

The Dark Urge

“You remember nothing of your past besides that you walked a path paved with blood. As you venture on, you find yourself inescapably drawn towards unimaginable cruelties. Where do these thoughts come from?”

Race: Dragonborn
Class: Any

The Dark Urge is an Origin character that you get to fully customize. They are known to be Dragonborn, but you can select any class you want. What makes The Dark Urge a unique playthrough for Baldur’s Gate 3 is that they have an unknown impulse for blood and carnage. You can choose to fight this urge, lean into it, or discover where it comes from.

According to the Baldur’s Gate 3 wiki, The Dark Urge can be found in the campaign just like the other Origin characters, but The Dark Urge is the only Origin character that you can’t recruit once you find them.

Lae’zel

“Lae’zel is a ferocious Githyanki warrior, mighty even by the standards of her mind flayer-hunting kind. Faced with transforming into the very monster she’s sworn to destroy, Lae’zel must prove herself worthy of rejoining her people – if they don’t execute her first.”

Race: Githyanki
Class: Fighter

Probably my least favorite character in Baldur’s Gate 3 is Lae’zel simply because her negative attitude and insistence to dislike everyone gets old fast. Though she does warm up to her companion as the story continues, she’s just hard to deal with. However, she is one of the most useful characters to have in your class because Fighters are really powerful.

Gale

“Gale is a wizard prodigy whose love for a goddess made him attempt a dread feat no mortal should. Blighted by the forbidden magic of ancient Netheril, Gale strives to undo the corruption that is overtaking him and win back his goddess’ favour before he becomes a destroyer of worlds.”

Race: Human
Class: Wizard

I like Gale because he is an interesting character that has a fun story tied closely to magic, and he’s a great Wizard on the battlefield, but every so often, you’ll see an exclamation mark over his head and know it’s time to give up one of your powerful magic items to just keep Gale happy. Granted, you find a lot of magical items throughout Baldur’s Gate 3, so you will likely have spare magical items to give to Gale, but it’s a constant chore.

If breaking free from the developer’s molds is more your style, check out which races and classes you can select for non-Origin characters.

You can technically only create a custom character for yourself in Baldur’s Gate 3, but there’s a workaround that some players are using to create a full party of four custom characters. While you won’t be able to have romance between the custom characters, building every aspect of all four characters in your party is an exciting prospect. Here’s how to create a full custom party in Baldur’s Gate 3.

Related: Baldur’s Gate 3’s NPC romance options are more limited than players thought

How to Create a Custom Party in Baldur’s Gate 3

To create a custom party in Baldur’s Gate 3, start a multiplayer session. The easiest way to get a full party of custom characters is to have three friends join your game and have them follow your custom character directions. I recommend chatting on Discord and having each friend share their screen to make directing the character customization process easier. You can then do this with all four friends in the friend group, so everyone wins.

When you start the game, you’ll have all four characters with you for the rest of the adventure and your friends can leave the game, giving you free reign over your new custom party. It’s a double-edged sword that custom characters made in any save file can’t be transferred over to other games or games in progress, but it’s cool that you can make a full custom party this way.

If you can’t get three friends to start a multiplayer game with you, there is a way to create a custom party on your own. After creating a multiplayer session, you have to start another instance of the game. To do this, navigate to your install directory and run bg3.exe while the game is already running.

Note: You’ll need a powerful PC to do this technique.

Then, join your hosted multiplayer session using the new Baldur’s Gate 3 window you just opened. You’ll be able to create a second custom character as if you were joining a friend’s game, although they’ll become controllable party members when this is all done. Repeat this process for a third and fourth time if you want additional custom characters.

When all of your characters are created and ready to go, start the game on your primary instance of Baldur’s Gate 3. Once you’re in the game with all of your custom characters, save the game and close the other instances of the game. With the other windows closed, you’ll be left with your character and three other custom party members for you to control.

This method is understandably very taxing on your hardware, so I recommend you lower your graphical settings before attempting it. Turn the graphics down as low as you can and bump down the resolution if your computer is not a top of the line machine.

The more custom party members you try to create, the more computing power you’ll need as each custom character requires its own instance of the game. Also, this method only works on PC, because you cannot open multiple instances of the same game on that platform. If you want a full custom party on console, you need to make three Baldur’s Gate 3 friends.

Are you wondering “No Nudity” feature makes Baldur’s Gate 3 SFW or if you should still avoid playing it in certain places or around people you wouldn’t want to see mature and sensitive subject matter? Baldur’s Gate 3 has gone viral on streaming platforms like Twitch, but not in the way you would expect. The shock and surprise come when streamers accidentally show a character’s genitals on their streams without realizing it, so naturally, you would want to prevent yourself from doing the same to your boss or children. Here’s everything you need to know about Baldur’s Gate 3 “No Nudity” feature and what control you have over what is shown in-game.

What Happens When You Select “No Nudity” in Baldur’s Gate 3?

The “No Nudity” option does a good, but not perfect, job of making Baldur’s Gate 3 SFW because the game will keep all characters in their underwear instead of showing them nude. This is a good alternative if you are playing at work, in public, or around your kids so you can avoid embarrassing moments from unexcepted full-frontal nudity involving genital or explicit sexual content during cutscenes. However, there is no option to limit or censor the spoken dialogue from these scenes, so be careful if you play without headphones because people will still hear NSFW conversations.

When you first start Baldur’s Gate 3, you will see a screen like the above. This should give you plenty of warning about what you should expect to see in-game. Don’t worry about your decision with this pop-up because you can change the same settings using the in-game settings later. Also, know that your choice doesn’t impact things like building relationships with and romancing companions.

Related: How to Romance Halsin in Bear Form in Baldur’s Gate 3

You can use three options to configure how SFW you want your game to be by using the in-game settings menu. Navigate to the Gameplay tab, then scroll down until you see the User Options section. You will find the below three settings:

• Show Genitals: Enable to show genitals when characters are naked. Genital visibility doesn’t affect your adventure or access to romance options.
• Show Cinematic Nudity: Enable to show sexual content during cinematics. Sexual content visibility does not affect your adventure or access to romance options.
• Share Private Moments: By default, certain scenes are private. This means that in multiplayer, other players cannot witness your private moments. If you leave this option disabled, you can toggle each dialogue’s privacy setting. Enabling this option means that you will share everything: all scenes are public, and other players can listen in on your private moments and dreams.

The Share Private Moments takes the “No Nudity” feature further by preventing your in-game choices from being shown to anyone you are playing co-op with. This is another good option if you don’t want someone you just met or your kids to see your dialogue actions during scenes, regardless of your chosen nudity settings.

Author’s Note: I wrote this guide while playing Baldur’s Gate 3 on Steam Deck.

Baldur’s Gate 3 features a really deep character creation system, which allows players to thoroughly customize their character’s looks, origins, traits, and more before officially starting their adventure. But is it possible to customize your character’s appearance after creating them?

Can You Change Your Appearance in Baldur’s Gate 3?

Unfortunately for all looking to either make cosmetic updates or corrections to their character’s overall appearance, at least until the time of writing, it is not possible to customize your character’s overall appearance after exiting the character sheet creation screen in Baldur’s Gate 3.

With that said, it is indeed possible to change your character’s overall style by equipping new pieces of armor. You can also shapeshift into different races or genders by using both the Shapeshifting spell and the Mask of the Shapeshifter, albeit temporarily.

Related: Baldur’s Gate 3 Guardian Choice: Who is This Character During Customization?

It is also important to point out that, although you can change their classes, it is not possible to change the appearance of the Origin companions in any kind of way aside from changing their gear.

How to Get the Mask of the Shapeshifter

You can get the Mask of the Shapeshifter in Baldur’s Gate 3 by heading to the Camp and then picking it up from your party’s Travellers Chest. In the camp’s outside variant, the chest will be located north and will be accessible from the get-go. If you managed to recruit her early on, the chest will be located by Shadowheart’s tent.

Like the Shapeshifting spell, the effects of the mask will persist until you long rest at your party’s camp. You will also be able to dispel the spell’s effect by selecting Dispel within your action bar.

This guide was made while playing Baldur’s Gate 3 on PC.

In order to unlock the Urgent Missions for the Shadow Company faction in Warzone’s DMZ mode, and thus gain the ability to undertake one new mission daily for a handy amount of faction EXP, you will be tasked with dead-dropping a total of 10 keys. But how can you dead drop keys in DMZ?

How to Dead Drop Keys in Warzone DMZ

Like all the other items you can acquire within the mode, you will be able to dead drop keys in DMZ by heading to any of the Dead Drops present in the mode’s maps and then interacting with it before picking your key of choice. Once you select a key, you will then be able to Dead Drop it by simply selecting Deposit, as illustrated in the image below.

As you will be vulnerable after interacting with any Dead Drop, it is highly recommended that you either clear its surroundings beforehand or stay hidden from enemies while making the deposits.

Related: DMZ Liquid Nitrogen Locations and How to Extract

if you are currently out of keys or simply do not wish to use any of the ones you have in your inventory in order to unlock the Shadow Company Daily Missions, you can farm keys in Warzone DMZ by interacting with the environment, as well as by killing commanders, armored, and standard hostiles. You can also farm them by taking part in Eliminate HVT contracts, as they are almost guaranteed to reward you with a few.

All Dead Drop Locations in DMZ

In order to make the endeavor of dead-dropping the Keys easier, you can check out the exact location of all Dead Drops located in Vondel, Al-Mazrah, and Ashika Island in the images below, courtesy of wzhub‘s interactive maps.

This guide was made while playing Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2: Warzone DMZ on PlayStation 5. 

Akane-banashi is a charming success story as an ongoing Shonen Jump manga. It’s got enthralling storytelling, and a fantastic protagonist, and remains sure-footed in its delivery each week in retaining enthusiastic interest from the readers. But if you’re wanting to keep up with the series, you’ll want to know its release pattern and when you can expect new content. Here’s the Akane-banashi manga chapter release date schedule for 2023!

Akane-banashi Manga Chapter Release Schedule (2023)

Akane-banashi is published as part of the Weekly Shonen Jump lineup by Shueisha in Japan. However, it’s also simultaneously released to international readers via VIZ Media’s Akane-banashi portal, the Shonen Jump manga reader app, and Manga Plus!

Related: Review: Akane-banashi Vol. 1

If you’re a VIZ subscriber, you’ll easily be able to read any chapters on demand. If you’re just checking out the series for the first time, Manga Plus is a reasonable resource, but keep in mind that the chapters there are limited, typically to the initial 3 as well as the latest 3 chapters.

If you’re wanting to see the anticipated release date schedule for Akane-banashi manga chapters in 2023, look no further than below! We’ll keep this schedule updated for any hiatuses or breaks taken by WSJ or by Yuki Suenaga and Takamasa Moue, the series creators.

As you can tell, aside from typical holiday breaks, Akane-banashi releases on a steady weekly schedule comparable to that of Blue Box or The Elusive Samurai. This is especially encouraging for such a relatively new series as it enables readers to stay invested, especially with how strong the storytelling is here.

Like a Butterfly has been around in Japan for over a decade, originally known as Hibi Chōchō. It’s a romance/slice-of-life manga about a beautiful, shy young high school girl named Suiren Shibazeki who eventually falls for the school’s karate champion, Taichi Kawasumi. The story follows their bond as it develops over their years in high school in a fairly innocent tale highlighted by subtly elegant artwork and charming characterization. If you’re interested in finding out more about this series, read further for my review of Like a Butterfly Vol. 1, with special thanks to VIZ Media for providing a complimentary copy!

What is a Slice of Life Manga?

The genre “slice of life” is a common one in anime and manga, typically focusing on grounded, realistic storytelling surrounding normal life. There’s also a strong romantic connotation to many slice-of-life stories, with Like a Butterfly being no exception. Many, if not all interactions in this series play into Suiren and Taichi’s romantic feelings for one another as they develop, although Vol. 1 is a modest showing of these sentiments.

A Predictable, Simple Premise

High school teens falling for one another is no anomaly in the world of manga. It’s incredibly common, and in fact, it accounts for many of the most popular current series today. It’s a predictable, simple premise, but Like a Butterfly makes up for it with its particular strengths.

Suiren and Taichi are both shy, with Suiren regarded by the school’s boys as an unattainable goddess, while Taichi is an accomplished athlete whose shyness causes him to avoid eye contact. This avoidance mystifies Suiren and sets their connection in motion for Like a Butterfly Vol. 1.

While their developments are somewhat sparse in this series, their decisions and behavior make sense given their situations. When they’re forced to interact, it evokes the best type of frustration in the reader, seeing two awkward teens who don’t understand their feelings for one another. It feels organic, and while it’s indeed predictable, another way to describe that is safe, it’s comfort food, and it’s all too relatable. Upon review, what Like a Butterfly Vol. 1 did to set itself apart was largely in its presentation.

Elegant, Expressive Characters

While Suiren and Taichi are the main characters Like a Butterfly features several supporting casts including Aya and Ryōsuke and more. But when reading this series, all eyes are on the former two, and it’s hard to see why not: the author duo Suu Morishita, with particular credit to the artist Nachiyan, does a great job rendering their most notable characteristics.

Suiren has an ethereal, effortlessly graceful beauty, while Taichi’s apparent aloofness conceals just how much he reads into his interactions with Suiren. This manifests in moments such as their beach volleyball match in Chapter 5, and when their gazes first meet in Chapter 1. The tension is palpable, albeit as frustrating as two teens out of touch with their feelings can be. A lot of the panels can devolve into sideways glances and blushing faces, but there’s an earnest sweetness to it that’s fairly convincing.

The Verdict

Speaking of earnestness, Suu Morishita’s incredibly sweet little notes throughout the chapters such as at the start of Chapter 7 thanking the readers. It turns out this was the duo’s first manga, and it’s frankly wonderful to see such a visually gorgeous first manga make it to the West, even if other projects of theirs came here first.

While Like a Butterfly Vol. 1 doesn’t offer much in terms of substantive plot, it doesn’t set out to, either. It instead offers up charming, well-drawn characters, believable situations, and an approachable premise to which many readers can relate. If you choose to read this series more, you will be delighted to see the characters grow up in real-time along its 12-volume run.

_{This review was made possible by VIZ Media, along with a complimentary copy of Like a Butterfly Vol. 1, available physically and digitally as of July 4, 2023. You can also check out individual chapters digitally through VIZ Manga!}

Baldur’s Gate 3 allows you to travel with up to three NPC party members as you explore the expansive realm of Faerun. However, many players have found themselves charging into the thick of battle alone because their party members have inexplicably decided to stop following them. We’ve figured out how to fix party member snot following you in Baldur’s Gate, so keep reading if you want to know you to keep your rag-tang band of adventurers together.

Why Your Party Members Stop Following You in Baldur’s Gate

Baldur’s Gate 3 is a game that heavily encourages you to work with your party members to overcome obstacles and take down powerful foes. However, it also understands that there are situations where it’s best to go solo, and the game has a mechanic that allows you to dissolve the party temporarily. To do this, click the portrait of the party member you want to split from the group on the bar on the left side of the screen and drag it until there is space between them and the rest of the party.

You must interact with the portraits on the party-management bar to level up, look at their stats, and perform other essential activities. This means the chances of accidentally ordering a party member to break from the group are high. During my playthrough, I accidentally dismissed my party members more times than I cared to admit. Fortunately, bringing stray members of your party back into the fold is easy.

Related: How to Romance Halsin in Bear Form in Baldur’s Gate 3

If you’ve accidentally ordered a party member to hold a position, you can get them to follow you again by clicking their portrait and dragging it around until it connects to the pictures of the rest of the group. This should get the party member following you again.

If the party member is still not following you, you may have encountered a glitch keeping them from following you. If this is the case, you may have to restart the gamer to get the party back together again.

Sometimes, a masterclass on storytelling presents itself in meta form, with storytelling being the featured gimmick of Akane-banashi. The series revolves around Akane Osaki, an earnest, sweet, talented, and ambitious teen girl who idolizes her father. Her father, Shinta Arakawa, was a gifted, yet underappreciated practitioner of Rakugo whose ambitions go unrewarded as he fades from the industry in favor of a traditional 9-5. But Akane intends to seize the torch and avenge her father as she makes waves as a young virtuoso Rakugoka. Find out why you should check out this series in my review of Akane-banashi Vol. 1, courtesy of a complimentary copy provided by VIZ Media!

What is Rakugo?

The art of Rakugo (performative storytelling) in and of itself could get entire articles discussing it. In Akane-banashi, Akane’s father wished to be shin’uchi, a top-ranked Rakugoka (Rakugo performer) before being ultimately expelled as a middling, underpaid futatsume (middle rank, above zenza). Akane sets out as a young performer to redeem the image of her father by using the craft she eagerly studied as he practiced.

An Earnest, Grounded Shonen Protagonist

So many protagonists from Shonen Jump are far too close to perfect for their own good. Whether it’s overpowered characters with plot armor like Son Goku, or impossibly proficient spies like Spy x Family’s Twilight, it’s good to have characters like Akane. Akane is possibly my favorite Shueisha-published main character in years, an earnest, grounded Shonen protagonist.

Akane’s journey and development as a character take priority over spectacle, all while her ambitions involve becoming a top-rated deliverer of spectacles.

Akane is talented and adores her father’s techniques, using them in her routines, yet it’s pointed out that she needs more than simple technique and charisma to win over her audiences. Upon review of her techniques and growth in Akane-banashi Vol. 1, she learns about how Rakugo is also an act of service. It is meant to make the lives of others better by understanding what they want and giving it to them.

It’s in this gradual acceptance of her limitations, while rising to the challenge, that we as readers can identify with and root for Akane. She’s likable yet has room to grow, which is more compelling than your uncomplicated, overtly perfect protagonists (although there’s nothing wrong with an occasional Mary Sue.)

Expressive, Evocative Art

Akane-banashi may nail storytelling both conceptually and in practice, but you can’t overlook its wonderful art. It might not be as intensely detailed as other contemporary series, but its greatest strengths are in creating emotive, unique characters.

Each Rakugoka embodies their personas with intensely differing facial expressions, often with comedic results. Character interactions are strong and dynamic. Finally, one of the most interesting visual moments in Volume 1 was when Akane made a breakthrough while serving at a restaurant to study how to make her audience happy.

This is tested when she meets a foreign, monolingual patron, and breaks the language barrier by figuring out what he wants through intuition and empathy. To see her succeed, and her beaming face after receiving accolades for her work is heartwarming to see in real-time and would make for a wonderful anime moment.

The Verdict

Akane-banashi is one of the best Shonen manga in recent years, forgoing action and spectacle for character-focused storytelling. It’s wonderfully drawn, even if not mind-blowingly gorgeous, and has one of the most likable, relatable protagonists around. Akane is a young girl who adores her father and resents his humiliation while honoring him by taking up his craft.

I wouldn’t be surprised if this series has a similarly lasting cultural impact to that of Hikaru no Go. Regardless of its place on the manga cultural zeitgeist, it’s also an ongoing story, one which you can check out either physically or digitally through VIZ Media and Manga Plus!

_{This review was made possible by VIZ Media, along with a complimentary copy of Akane-banashi Vol. 1, available physically and digitally on August 8, 2023.}

Berserk has been on a bit of a roll, lately. The series is known for its hiatuses, and unsurprisingly so, as it’s an extremely demanding story with phenomenal artwork. But it’s difficult to say how long this pattern will hold, and whether fans will have to wait awhile again before the next installment. Read here for updates on the Berserk Chapter 374 release date!

Berserk Chapter 374 Release Date

Berserk has had no official confirmation of an upcoming release date yet for Chapter 374. Reputable insider leakers such as Manga Mogora RE have recently posted about the series having a hiatus, lasting at least through June and July. At this point, we will have to wait until August 25, 2023, if not later.

Related: Best 12 Manga to Read if You Like Berserk

Much like any claims put online about this series, take this with a grain of salt. As this is a developing story, we will keep you posted with any updates on the confirmed release date.

This is despite other outlets reporting June 25, 2023, as the release date despite it not even being a Friday. For those who don’t know, Berserk‘s publication is through the Young Animal magazine, which releases every 2nd and 4th Friday of the month. Due to the chapter issuing a “to be continued” caption at the end with no planned release date, we’re forced to wait until more information is revealed.

Berserk Chapter 373 Recap, Spoilers, and What to Expect in Chapter 374

Guts continues through another struggle with the Beast who threatens to overtake his body. This internal battle has been going on for several chapters after Guts was unable to prevent Casca’s recent abduction, his torment being drawn out below decks on the Seahorse.

Meanwhile, Schierke initiates her search for Casca using astral projection, while Kushan Empire soldiers board the ship. The last moment shows us a glimpse of a defeated Guts, laying face-down on the floor.

It’s tough to say what to expect with the release of Berserk Chapter 374. Will Guts give in to the Beast, knowing he’s otherwise not nearly powerful enough to defeat Griffith? Will Schierke find Casca in time? Are the Kushan soldiers the good variety, and is a reunion imminent? Are they sparing those aboard as potential assets instead?

There’s a lot to consider, and over a month, in all likelihood, before we get answers.