Arc Raiders has a new Headwinds game update that, amongst many other things, removes an extravagantly drawn-out puzzle from the game’s Buried City map. Introduced in December, the puzzle in question saw people tracking down and pushing 15 buttons in a certain order to unlock a secret chamber containing an actual, strummable guitar. As of this updating, you’ll now be able to buy that guitar at Shani’s, like a millionaire tourist paying to be flown to the top of Mount Everest.
I regard this as a dilution of the game, on paper, but I am not one of the players who’ve driven themselves crackers trying to get hold of the instrument (or paying real money for the battle pass to unlock it). Arc Raiders is a multiplayer game, of course, so even if you survive being shot at while stampeding between buttons, it’s possible another, distant player might innocently press one and reset your progress.
A number of high-profile video game developers have defended Highguard amid an online backlash during the game’s launch.
The free-to-play “PvP raid shooter” was the big new game reveal at the end of last month’s The Game Awards, but developer Wildlight then went dark until the January 26 release date in a bid to channel the successful shadowdrop of Apex Legends back in 2019.
At launch, Highguard hit a peak of 97,249 concurrent users on Steam — a significant number for any new game launch on Valve’s platform — but at the same time Wildlight has had to contend with a “mostly negative” user review rating. Meanwhile, Steam concurrents have fallen, and Highguard has slipped out of the top 100 most-played games list on Valve’s platform.
Chief among the criticisms from players is that the size of the map feels too big and empty for a 3v3 competitive shooter. You’re able to summon a mount to get about faster (the mounts are one aspect of Highguard that players seem to universally like), but some believe a 4v4, 5v5, or even 3v3v3 mode would have been a better fit.
There are also complaints about the resource-gathering phase of each map, which involves what some are calling boring mining and loot farming. The gist here is there is too much downtime and a lack of excitement, although players seem to be enjoying the raid phase of each match, where combat is concentrated. There is also criticism of the design of the playable characters, Highguard’s art direction, and a lack of content — as well as performance problems particularly on PC.
Through it all is a feeling that Highguard perhaps suffered from being the “one more thing” reveal at The Game Awards, where it might have better managed expectations in a slot earlier in the show. Wildlight staff have indicated they originally planned a true Apex Legends-style shadowdrop for Highguard, but The Game Awards chief Geoff Keighley asked the team about featuring it at the end of the show. Keighley has subsequently suffered a backlash of his own, with some feeling Highguard’ position in The Game Awards’ running order overly hyped the game.
Now, developers from the likes of Baldur’s Gate 3 studio Larian as well as Fortnite maker Epic have hit out at the discourse surrounding Highguard, and the internet’s capacity to “hate” on video games at launch. Developers like Cliff Bleszinski of Gears of War fame, Epic executive Mark Rein, and Larian boss Swen Vincke spoke up against, in particular, negativity from critics.
“I don’t like people s****ing on things others have created,” Vincke tweeted. “Putting something out into the world makes you vulnerable, and that alone deserves respect, even if you dislike the creation. It’s easy to destroy things, it’s a lot harder to build them. The best critics understand this. Even when they’re being critical, they do their best not to be hurtful.”
Vincke went on to suggest a Metacritic-style scoring system for reviewers, based on how others evaluate their criticism. “I like to imagine it would encourage a bit more restraint,” he said. “The harsh words do real damage. You shouldn’t have to grow callus on your soul just because you want to publish something.”
He continued: “And yes — I get that if people are charging money, you want to know if it’s good or not. But reviewers can just say — I didn’t enjoy it or I don’t think it’s well made or I don’t think it’s worth the money they are charging. That’s enough. No need to get personal for the sake of some likes.“
And in a follow-up post, Vincke added: “What I’m trying to say is that most creative souls are sensitive souls and those sensitive souls are the ones that care the most. When they check out because they can’t handle the vitriol, we all lose because what’s left are those that don’t care. The effect the words have on those sensitive souls may not be underestimated. You don’t want them to lose their idealism and love of players.
“There’s other ways of dealing with player exploitation. Not playing the games is probably the best one. You don’t have to verbally hurt the people behind the game to express your disdain. If enough people stop playing the games that don’t respect players, those in charge will get the message and change course soon. There’s enough other games there.”
Cliff Bleszinski, whose own live service shooter LawBreakers was a commercial failure, leading to the closure of his studio, asked: “When did it become trendy to hate on a new game? Been seeing it more and more in recent years. It’s exhausting.”
“It’s downright horrible,” Mark Rein, vice president and co-founder of Epic Games, commented. “Especially a FREE game from a new studio. Just so sad. This is a hobby for people, they should approach with joy not hatred.”
The reality is that Wildlight faces an uphill challenge turning online sentiment about its live service shooter around, and the studio will be particularly concerned by Highguard’s Steam user review rating, which remains ‘mostly negative.’ Currently, 37% of the 19,439 user reviews are positive; Wildlight plans to continue to update Highguard with various patches, and has announced its 2026 roadmap of content.
Meanwhile, Keighley responded to one person on social media who asked if he had a financial stake in Highguard’s success. “lol absolutely not,” he said.
Wesley is Director, News at IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.
Crusader Kings 3 developers Paradox have decided now’s the time for the medieval strategy game to take a leaf out of its predecessor’s book – as well as fellow strategians Hearts of Iron IV and Europa Universalis 4 – by getting its own DLC subscription service. Starting today, you’ll have the option to pay a monthly fee for access to all nine billion or so CK3 expansions and add-ons, if you don’t fancy paying to own them outright in the usual fashion.
A collectible statue apparently due for release alongside the unannounced Assassin’s Creed: Black Flag remake has popped up online.
Ubisoft is yet to make its Assassin’s Creed: Black Flag remake official, but the game’s arrival has long been expected following a constant series of leaks. Now, fans have seemingly gotten a first look at merchandise for the game, in the shape of a new statue designed by collectible maker Pure Arts.
The lavish design features Black Flag hero Edward Kenway sat on a treasure chest that’s spilling gold coins, leaning back against his ship’s wheel, a cutlass and pistol in each hand. The statue is then topped off by a large billowing flag featuring the game’s logo: the Assassin’s Creed sigil with a skull in the middle.
⚠️ LEAK BLACK FLAG REMAKE ?
Un gars sur Vinted vend une toute nouvelle figurine de Edward Kenway et prétend qu’elle sortirait cette année.
En sachant que le remake de Black Flag était censé sortir dans moins de 2 mois, serait-ce la figurine officielle du jeu ? pic.twitter.com/ctVWiavA6c
If Ubisoft has made any change to Kenway’s character design for its remake, there’s no evidence of it here. That said, any alteration to the now-iconic pirate assassin’s look would have been a surprise.
What is curious, though, is how this statue has seemingly come to light. Unboxed and with no mention of its origins, the item was reportedly listed via used clothing resale app Vinted. Numerous fans spotted the item pop up, including notorious Assassin’s Creed leaker j0nathon, who quickly realized this was not a statue that had been publicly released already.
The item’s listing states that it is 35cm tall and features a 20cm width, and due for release in 2026. A detailed close-up of the statue’s base shows logos for Ubisoft and Pure Arts, with a copyright mark registered for 2026.
Perhaps the most notable confirmation of the project came from Edward Kenway’s own voice actor, who initially teased the project before later suggesting he’d been told by Ubisoft in no uncertain terms to stop talking. Finally, last month, the game popped up on the PEGI European ratings board website revealing what looks to be its final title: Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced.
Ubisoft itself previously said it would release an unannounced game before the end of its current financial year on March 31, though this launch has now been delayed into the coming financial year (ending March 31, 2027) due to the company’s major recent reshuffle of teams, projects and studios.
Tom Phillips is IGN’s News Editor. You can reach Tom at tom_phillips@ign.com or find him on Bluesky @tomphillipseg.bsky.social
It’s expected to drop the same day as other versions.
WWE 2K25 delivered an excellent Switch 2 port last July, and if you were hoping for the next entry on Nintendo’s new hybrid system, it seems you’re in luck.
According to Dealabs’ Billbil-kun, who has accurately reported on game announcements ahead of schedule in the past, the next WWE 2K will not only be coming to the Switch 2, but it will also be arriving on the same date as the Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5 counterparts.
Just a week after Ubisoft announced it was making a huge amount of cuts and cancellations in order to aid efficiency and corporate restructuring, the French studio has confirmed it will be increasing the price of Just Dance+ subscriptions from April 2026.
The streaming service, which launched back in November 2022, can be used in-game from Just Dance 2023 Edition onward, and gives you access to even more songs from the series’ back-catalogue.
With the arrival of the Switch 2, we’ve finally been getting some parity across the multiplatform sports games across all consoles, with EA and 2K’s offerings being much-better than their Switch 1 counterparts.
We thought we’d see the same from Sony’s MLB The Show 26, which has been confirmed for a 17th March 2026 release alongside the reveal of cover star Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees, who is returning to front for the second time.
Grounded 2 Update: The Toxic Tangle – Available Now
Summary
The Toxic Tangle update is available now, expanding Grounded 2 with a massive new Garden biome to explore, new creatures and gear, the mysterious Tang effect, and much more.
Ride into danger on the Ladybug Buggy, a heavy-duty mount with a water cannon, ramming charge, and serious tank energy.
The Founder’s Pack has been updated, with new decorative unlocks for players ready to show off their park style.
The garden is awake.
Ominent’s experiments have taken a sour turn, and a strange new corruption is spreading across Brookhollow Park. Tang now stains the soil, seeps into water, and clings to unsuspecting creatures—and it’s up to you to survive whatever’s brewing beneath the surface.
Welcome to The Toxic Tangle, the first major content update for Grounded 2, available now for all players. This update expands the park with a new biome, new creatures, armor and weapons, trinkets, building sets, and a few threats that may be more than they appear.
A Whole New Garden
Overgrown vines choke the greenhouse, creating twisting paths and hidden crawlspaces. These massive monstrosities and staggering structures all combine to produce that ‘how did I get up there?’ moment. The Garden biome is ripe for exploration, stacked with vertical climbs, secret stashes, and probably a bug or two you didn’t see coming.
From the pumpkin patch to the carrot jungle, every corner offers something to harvest, hoard, or accidentally aggro. It’s big, it’s messy, and it’s absolutely crawling with trouble. Bring your best gear—and maybe a backup plan.
The Ladybug Buggy Rolls In
One of Grounded’s most iconic bugs is finally rideable—and she’s not here to play nice.
The Ladybug Buggy is a heavy-duty, tank-style mount equipped with a pressurized water cannon. Use it to blast airborne pests out of the sky, rinse away sour Tang buildup, or just give your enemies a bad day. It can also ram headfirst into foes with a powerful charge and slowly regenerates health over time.
If you ever jumped on a ladybug in the first Grounded and wished you could stay there, this one’s for you.
New Threats (and Familiar Faces)
The Garden is full of life, but not all of it wants to share the space.
New creatures like the coordinated Earwigs, the bulky Potato Beetles, and the soon-to-be fan-favorite, the Woolly Aphid, will challenge your reflexes, your timing, and your trust in anything with antennae.
You might also want to keep your eyes open. The Masked Stranger may have retreated after your first encounter, but she’s not gone—and she may not be alone.
Oh, and the Snake Colossus? You’ll know it when you see it. Probably right before it sees you.
Mutation Updates, BUILD.M Upgrades & More
Mutations have leveled up. They’re now split into active and passive types—actives still work the way you know and love, but passives now apply automatically based on your weapon loadout. That means less menu juggling and more time doing cool stuff, like perfect blocking a Tang-covered Rust Beetle or showing off your hybrid build mid-fight.
And for all the architects, decorators, and “I-just-need-one-more-wall-piece” players out there, this update’s for you. The builder toolkit gets a serious upgrade with new kits like the Pumpkin Set, a refreshed Mushroom Kit, Scale Roof Set, updated Acorn Stairs, and a community request for floor hatches. It’s all about more pieces, better parity between sets, and smoother snapping to bring your backyard blueprints to life.
Whether you’re crafting a greenhouse hideout, a pumpkin fortress, or a garden party palace, we can’t wait to see what you build—and share. Tag us, drop it in Discord, or show it off wherever you hang out. We’ll be watching (with admiration, not binoculars).
The Garden MIX.R and O.R.C. wave challenges are also live, ready for anyone who thinks they’re tough enough to survive the swarm.
Lastly, the Founder’s Pack also grows with this update, adding new base-building items like the High Roller’s Dice Bag, Champion’s Banner, and more ways to personalize your park adventure.
What’s Next?
Alongside this update, we’re preparing for the return of Playgrounds Mode, entering PTB (Public Test Beta) in February with all the core tools from the first Grounded. Whether you’re building mini-games, boss arenas, or custom gauntlets, Playgrounds will give creators the tools they need to thrive. To keep an eye on what’s coming to Brookhollow Park, be sure to check out our updated roadmap for a sneak peek at what’s in store for Grounded 2.
There’s never been a better time to shrink down, suit up, and explore the weirdest corners of Brookhollow Park. The Toxic Tangle update for Grounded 2 is available now in Game Preview for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox on PC, and Xbox Cloud, and in early access on Steam —jump in today with Xbox Game Pass and untangle the chaos.
Shrunk again, but the world is much larger. Survive a sprawling open world alone or in co-op with friends. Craft weapons, forge armor, and build bases while exploring the park on your trusty Buggy mounts. Unravel hidden mysteries and face unexpected threats. But something else is out there—and it hasn’t forgotten you.
Shrunk to the size of an ant, you’ll find once-familiar spaces turned into a sprawling, uncharted frontier. Survive alone or in co-op with friends, crafting weapons, forging armor, and building bases as you explore manmade playgrounds overgrown by nature. Traverse this new realm on trusty Buggy mounts—your capable allies—and uncover the mysteries lurking beneath bright colors and towering structures. But stay wary: something else is out there, and it hasn’t forgotten you.
Survive, Adapt, Overcome
The world is relentless, but so are you. Shape your adventure with unique archetypes, each offering distinct abilities to match your playstyle. Whether you rely on precision, cunning, or sheer strength, you’ll need every advantage to survive against the threats lurking in the park.
Stronger Together
The perils of the park are daunting alone, but with friends, every challenge becomes an adventure. Work together to build, fight, and uncover the secrets buried beneath the grass. Whether you’re facing danger side by side or continuing your journey in a shared world, survival is always better with allies.
Because Walking is Bogus
They scurry, they fight, and now—they help you survive. Hatch, raise, and ride your own insect friends – Buggies! Saddle up and traverse through the park, fight on them or alongside them in battle, or use them to gather resources and build your base. The right partner could mean the difference between thriving and barely surviving.
A Shadow That Follows You
The threat is always there—watching, learning, waiting. You don’t know where it’s coming from, only that it never leaves. The deeper you dig, the closer it gets. Some mysteries should stay buried, but it’s too late now. It knows you’re looking. And it’s ready. Every answer drags you deeper, every step invites something closer. You were never alone. You thought you were in control. You were wrong.
The Ascended Heroes expansion is about to kick off the Pokémon TCG’s 2026 run with its 30 January release date fast approaching, and there are only a couple of places where you can reliably buy preorders for ETBs, booster packs, and collections right now.
That’s along with not every product being launched on that 30 January release date.
As expected, the usual drops at MSRP at sites like the Pokémon Center US and UK are already sold out. Preorders at Target are already sold out as well, while Best Buy’s selection is merely marked as “Coming Soon”.
With that, outside of keeping up with deal trackers, you’ll very more than likely have to pay above retail price for the time being.
That said, we’ll give you a full breakdown of the best places to get your buy for Pokémon preorders for whichever Mega Evolution: Ascended Heroes products you’re looking out for.
Only a handful of Pokémon TCG products for the Ascended Heroes expansion are launching right away on 30 January, with the Charmander and Ghastly Tech Collections preorders being the best to buy first — the cheapest being at Walmart for $39.97 each (random), or at Amazon for around $43 each.
Each collection gets you three Ascended Heroes booster packs, a titular promo card, and a tech sticker sheet.
Pre-orders for individual Ascended Heroes booster packs are sold out over at TCGplayer and aren’t listed at Amazon or Walmart, so the Tech Sticker Collections give you the best value for money.
Ascended Heroes Collection Blisters — Erika & Larry
One of the first Ascended Heroes products releasing with the set’s launch on 30 January, the Erika and Larry blister packs are arguably the second-hottest to buy right now — and pre-orders can be bought cheapest for $34.99 at Amazon.
However, whichever one you get between the Larry and Erika edition (Larry’s has a Komala promo card, and Erika’s with Tangela). If you want Larry’s specifically, you can spend a little more at Amazon, with the cheapest listing available being $39.95.
Ascended Heroes Elite Trainer Boxes
As is normally the case with a new expansion in the Pokémon Trading Card Game, Ascended Heroes is the most in demand, but pre-orders can be bought right now at TCGplayer for $117.85 or Walmart for $149.99.
The one thing to keep in mind with each option here is that these are individual or third-party retailers trading on each platform, but what they’re offering with their listings for Ascended Heroes Trainer Boxes is all the same:
Nine Ascended Heroes booster packs
N’s Zekrom foil promo card
65 themed card sleeves
40 Energy cards
Player’s guide
Six damage-counter dice
Coin-flip die (competition legal)
Plastic coin
Code card for the Pokémon Trading Card Game Live
Collector’s box, plus six organizational dividers
For the very serious collector’s out there, TCGplayer is also stocking resales of the Exclusive Pokemon Center edition of the Ascended Heroes ETB — the lowest for a whopping $399 plus $200 shipping; all of that extra money gets you an extra N’s Zekrom foil promo card, but also emblazoned with the Pokemon Center Logo, and arriving in an alternative box.
Keep in mind, however, that the Pokémon Company announced a delayed launch date of 20 February 2026 for Ascended Heroes ETBs to 20 February 2026. So, even if you do get a pre-order in before January 30, you’ll need to wait a few more weeks.
Ascended Heroes Mini-Tins
Also, with a delayed release date of February 20, listings for the Pokémon TCG’s Ascended Heroes Mini-Tins are still incredibly expensive on TCGplayer — making Walmart’s pre-order price of $29.99 the cheapest to buy right now.
Granted, whichever style of tin you’ll get among these is totally random, but is cheaper than paying over six times the price to get a specific one on TCGplayer.
Ascended Heroes Premium Poster Collections
Packing ten Pokémon TCG: Ascended Heroes booster packs, a titular promo card (Mega Gardevoir ex or Mega Lucario ex; and a poster to go with it, you can buy a pre-order of the Premium Poster Collections right now at Walmart for $124.99 each.
This is currently the only place to buy, with TCGplayer being sold out. Plus, keep in mind that whichever one you get of the two will be random.
Also, The Pokemon Company also announced these collections will be released at a later date of 20 March.
Ascended Heroes Booster Bundles
Offering a box of six Pokémon TCG booster packs, the Ascended Heroes Booster Bundle is best to pre-order at Walmart — offering the lowest price of $77.95, compared to TCGplayer sellers asking for $82.44 plus $200 shipping at best.
We expect better TCGplayer sellers with better offers to be closer to the Ascended Heroes Booster Bundles’ release date, which was also announced as an even further delayed date of 24 April 2026. In the meantime, though, Walmart’s the best go-to.
Ben Williams – IGN freelance contributor with over 10 years of experience covering gaming, tech, film, TV, and anime. Follow him on Twitter/X @BenLevelTen.
