Author: Game Infliction

Marvel Rivals Hero Stats Reveal Pick and Win Rates in Quickplay and Competitive Modes

NetEase Games has unveiled a Hero Hot List for Marvel Rivals, revealing pick and win rates for everyone from Jeff the Land Shark and Mantis to Storm and Spider-Man.

It’s a straightforward list of every playable character in the massively popular hero shooter that gives players more insight into which Marvel icons are being picked over the others. You probably won’t be too surprised to see Jeff leading the pack as the number-one pick across PC and console quickplay games. He’s sitting at 21.18% pick rate, with Venom in second at 19.09% and Cloak & Dagger in third at 18.81%. At the opposite end of the list, we find Storm, with only 1.66% of players choosing to smite opponents with her weather abilities in quickplay.

Pick rates for competitive, meanwhile, tell a slightly different story. Pop-centric healer and Strategist Luna Snow tops the pick rate list at 20.66%, with Jeff still cracking the top 10 in seventh with 13.86%. The tough-to-handle Storm remains at the bottom in competitive games at just 0.69% on PC, while Black Widow sits in last with 0.79% in competitive console matches. It also seems that the Strategist and Vanguard roles remain equally popular among players regardless of mode or platform.

Concrete numbers for Marvel Rivals show NetEase is willing to be a bit more transparent about how fans are choosing to engage with the roster, but many will likely find little surprise in the pick rate list. Jeff, specifically, has proven to be quite the punching bag for the community since launch arrived last month. This adorable dog shark has terrorized enemy teams with his It’s Jeff! Ultimate ability, which sees him swallowing multiple enemies and, usually, sending them hurtling to their deaths. He’s relatively easy to get a handle on, so it’s never been a surprise to see him show up in a match.

Win rates, on the other hand, reveal that Marvel Rivals has been a mostly even experience regardless of which hero players dive into battle with. While nearly every character hovers around a 50% win rate regardless of game mode, Jeff actually finds himself on the lower end of the spectrum at 45.39% of matches won in quickplay and 44.38% in competitive. It’s actually Mantis who brings home the most consistent victories, with 56% of games won in quickplay and 55.20% won in competitive.

Some of these stats may give players clues as to how NetEase will push forward when it comes to future balance changes. That said, those pick rates will certainly change once Season 1 introduces new maps, modes, and characters, such as the Fantastic Four, starting this Friday, January 10. Mr. Fantastic and Invisible Woman kick things off starting this week, with The Thing and Human Torch set to arrive halfway through the season.

While we wait for more updates to swoop in, you can read up on why we gave Marvel Rivals and 8/10 in our review. Keep an eye on the latest Marvel Rivals codes for free skins, and vote on the strongest Marvel Rivals characters in our community tier list.

Michael Cripe is a freelance contributor with IGN. He started writing in the industry in 2017 and is best known for his work at outlets such as The Pitch, The Escapist, OnlySP, and Gameranx.

Be sure to give him a follow on Twitter @MikeCripe.

Squid Game X Codes (January 2025)

If you’re looking for Squid Game X codes in Roblox, IGN’s got you covered! In this article, you’ll find a list of active and working Squid Game X codes in January 2025 that you can redeem for free rewards, including money to spend on outfits in the in-game store.

Active Squid Game X Codes (January 2025)

Here are all the active Squid Game X codes in January 2025 and the free rewards you get for redeeming them:

  • PENTA: $35 (NEW!)
  • 150KLIKES: $55 (NEW!)
  • UPDATE11RELEASE: $75 (NEW!)
  • MINGLE: $45 (NEW!)
  • $100K$: $50 (NEW!)

All Expired Squid Game X Codes

The following Squid Game X codes no longer work and can’t be redeemed as of January 2025:

  • UPDATE7RELEASE
  • $100M$
  • BAXTRIX_2
  • *100KLIKES*
  • ^100MIL^
  • +80KLIKES+
  • 75MIL
  • 20KCONC

How to Redeem Squid Game X Codes in Roblox

Follow the steps below to redeem Squid Game X codes and claim free rewards in the Roblox Experience:

  1. Open the Squid Game X Roblox Experience.
  2. Once in the dormitory, you’ll see a group of tiles on the left side of your screen.
  3. Click on the blue bird icon underneath the shopping basket icon to open the Codes menu.
  4. Input your code into the “Enter Code” field, double-checking for typos.
  5. Press Enter and if active, your code will be redeemed.

Why Isn’t My Squid Game X Code Working?

If the Squid Game X code you’re trying to redeem isn’t working, it’s likely because of one of the following reasons:

  • The Squid Game X code is expired
  • There’s a typo or accidental space in the code

When inputting a Squid Game X code into Roblox, ensure it’s spelled correctly and that there are no accidental spaces before or after the code. We’d recommend copying and pasting codes straight from this page to ensure they’re correct as we’ve tested and verified them.

If the Squid Game X code still isn’t working, it’s more than likely expired and can no longer be redeemed.

How to Get More Squid Game X Codes

Outside of bookmarking this article, the best way to get more Squid Game X codes as soon as they become available is to join the redifi Roblox Community. The creator posts new codes there the second they’re released.

Meg Koepp is a Guides Editor on the IGN Guides team, with a focus on trends. When she’s not working, you can find her playing an RPG or making miniatures.

Riot Insists This Stunning New League of Legends Cinematic Isn’t Setting Up a Post-Arcane Noxus Show, but Fans Still Have Their Suspicions

Riot Games is ringing in the New Year with a fresh season of League of Legends — the first of three season launches that players will experience in 2025. In typical Riot fashion, there’s a cinematic trailer to go along with it, but this year’s video is a major step-up from its predecessors. For one thing, it’s absolutely stunning — thanks, of course, to a lending hand from Fortiche, the animation studio that brought Arcane to life. But more importantly, the five-minute video is leaving fans of Netflix’s Arcane hopeful that this Noxus-themed trailer doubles as an exciting prelude to another League of Legends show.

There’s a couple of apparent nods to Arcane that make their way into the end of the new cinematic. One of the biggest moments in the trailer that merges series with game comes when Black Rose members Vladimir and LeBlanc discuss how they need to take “advantage of the opportunity that has washed up our shores,” which we’re assuming is a reference to Mel. LeBlanc also comments that “Piltover was a lesson,” which Arcane viewers will recognize as the Runeterra region in which the original show takes place.

When the final season of Arcane wrapped, fans were eager to find out if other Runeterra regions would get some on-screen exposure. Christian Linke, creative director at Riot and the creator and showrunner of Arcane, confirmed these suspicions in an interview with League content creator Necrit shortly after the show concluded, revealing that Noxus, Ionia, and Demacia will receive their own spin-off series.

Now, upon the cinematic’s release, fans can’t help but connect the dots that this Noxus-themed season of League of Legends is perhaps a subtle hint towards the Noxus-themed spin-off they’ve been waiting for.

One Rioter on Reddit, dubbed RiotMiddler, has denied that the cinematic trailer is a set-up for a TV show: “Regarding the intent of the cinematic, our goal was to set up some themes for Noxus for the season and a plot line that’ll be continued this year in game/around game materials (not a tv show to be clear).”

But, like, have you looked at it? It very well may be true that the intent of the cinematic is first and foremost to promote the new Noxus-based season of League of Legends — there’s no actual show storyline that’s teased, nor any official release date for a new show attached. We’re just saying, it seems unlikely that Fortiche went through the trouble of creating new designs for characters like Elise, Katarina, Vladimir, Darius, LeBlanc, and Trundle with no intent of introducing them into a future series.

Show teaser or not, we’re hyped for this new season of League of Legends, which goes live tomorrow, January 9. It’s a pretty historic patch that ushers in a total Noxian makeover for the Rift, a handful of visual changes to the map, and even some novel targeting animations for the all-new Noxian War Turrets. Until Riot decides to release an official announcement about its next TV series, we’ll be waiting with bated breath (and probably re-watching Arcane).

Katie Reul is a freelance journalist whose entertainment reporting has been featured in IGN and Variety.

Talking Point: Everyone Else Is Busy Revealing Switch 2 – What Gives, Nintendo?

It’s the notes you don’t play.

If you’ve been browsing social media for the past few days (heck, let’s not kid ourselves, past few years) you’ll have seen plenty of prognosticating about the arrival of the Switch successor.

The latest whispers suggested that Wednesday 8th January was the first sensible day after the holidays for Nintendo to finally pull back the curtain on ‘Switch 2’. With everyone across all territories back in the office, it made sense to put all the rumours to bed with an official reveal in early January.

Read the full article on nintendolife.com

Railway Islands 2: a Puzzle Game for Train Fans and Cozy Gamers, Now on Xbox

Summary

  • Engaging Yet Simple: Solve puzzles that challenge your logic without overwhelming complexity.
  • Seasonal Charm: Explore colorful islands that reflect the beauty of the four seasons.
  • Creative Freedom: Use the Level Editor to design your own islands and railway layouts.

For train enthusiasts, there’s nothing quite like designing tracks, solving logistics challenges, or simply watching trains run smoothly. Whether it’s the detailed realism of train simulators or the tactile joy of arranging model railways, the appeal of trains transcends generations. But what if you could enjoy that charm in a more accessible, relaxing way?

Enter Railway Islands 2, now available on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One. Created by Alysson Moraes of Rising Moon Games, a one-man indie studio, and brought to Xbox by the small but passionate team at Mens Sana Interactive, Railway Islands 2 is a minimalist puzzle game that combines strategic thinking with a cozy, stress-free experience.

Railway Islands map

A New Way to Enjoy Trains

Railway Islands 2 distills the essence of railway management into bite-sized challenges perfect for quick gaming sessions. Players design safe train routes for passengers and packages across 40 vibrant islands, each inspired by the four seasons. You’ll coordinate up to two trains on shared tracks, carefully managing routes and railway switches to prevent collisions.

Unlike complex train simulators or sprawling strategy games, Railway Islands 2 embraces simplicity. Its calming atmosphere, intuitive controls, and thoughtful puzzles make it ideal for relaxing between more intense gaming sessions. And while train enthusiasts will find much to love, the game’s cozy aesthetic and approachable design make it a perfect fit for players of all ages who enjoy casual or relaxing games.

Railway Islands screenshot

A Modest Tribute to the Joy of Trains

At its heart, Railway Islands 2 is a humble celebration of the creativity and joy that trains inspire. Whether you’re a fan of model railways, a lover of train simulators, or simply looking for a cozy game to relax with, this title invites you to enjoy the journey.

Railway Islands hex map

Hop aboard and start your railway adventure! Railway Islands 2 is available right now on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Windows Store.


Railway Islands 2
Xbox Play Anywhere

Railway Islands 2

Mens Sana Interactive

☆☆☆☆☆
★★★★★


$4.99

$3.99
Get it now

Welcome to the long-awaited sequel of the beloved railway puzzle game!

Once again, you take on the role of managing railway lines in charming island settings, now with the added challenge of coordinating up to two trains to safely transport passengers and packages to their destinations. With shared railways, strategic route-building and proper railway switch placement are crucial to prevent collisions!
Experience a minimalist and soothing journey with a unique aesthetic:

– Solve puzzles across 40 distinct islands.
– Immerse yourself in a different setting for each season of the year.
– Enjoy satisfying and relaxing music and sound effects.

Unleash your creativity and problem-solving skills! Design your own islands and railways using the intuitive Level Editor.

The post Railway Islands 2: a Puzzle Game for Train Fans and Cozy Gamers, Now on Xbox appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Best Xbox Game Pass Deals and Bundles Right Now (January 2025)

The holidays and big seasonal sale events may be behind us, but if you’re still itching to hop on the Game Pass bandwagon there’s still time to save on a membership. Amazon’s currently offering a nice 10% discount on three months of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, dropping its price from $49.99 to $44.88. With this, you can jump into exciting new releases like Indiana Jones and the Great Circle (which we gave a 9/10).

You can learn more about that deal, what’s coming soon to Game Pass, and the big releases still to come below.

Navigate to:

Best Xbox Game Pass Deals

Amazon’s currently offering three months of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for $44.88, 10% off its list price of $49.99. While not a massive discount, this is still a cheaper way to set you up with three months of Game Pass Ultimate compared to what you’d pay for the three months at regular subscription cost. Considering the new price of Game Pass Ultimate is $19.99/month, you’re saving $15.09 with this three-month deal, which is well worth taking advantage of to enjoy the massive Game Pass library.

What’s Coming Soon to Xbox Game Pass?

Game Pass has a nice rotation of new titles to play every month. If you’re curious about what’s in store for January, we’ve got you covered. The Xbox Game Pass January wave 1 lineup is:

  • Road 96 (Cloud, Console, and PC) – January 7 Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass, Game Pass Standard
  • Lightyear Frontier (Game Preview) (Xbox Series X|S) – January 8 Now with Game Pass Standard
  • My Time at Sandrock (Console) – January 8 Now with Game Pass Standard
  • Robin Hood – Sherwood Builders (Xbox Series X|S) – January 8 Now with Game Pass Standard
  • Rolling Hills (Console) – January 8 Now with Game Pass Standard
  • EA Sports UFC 5 (Cloud and Xbox Series X|S) EA Play – January 14 Game Pass Ultimate
  • Diablo (PC) – January 14 Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass

Unfortunately, for those subscribing to the new Standard tier (available for $14.99/month), this does not give Game Pass users access to day one releases. This means big new releases on the platform like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 will not be available on that tier.

What Games Are Leaving Xbox Game Pass?

Unfortunately with new games joining the catalog it means a few must take their leave. Below, we’ve listed the games that’ll be leaving Xbox Game Pass on January 15.

  • Common’Hood (Cloud, Console, and PC)
  • Escape Academy (Cloud, Console, and PC)
  • Exoprimal (Cloud, Console, and PC)
  • Figment (Cloud, Console, and PC)
  • Insurgency Sandstorm (Cloud, Console, and PC)
  • Those Who Remain (Cloud, Console, and PC)

Biggest Games Releasing on Xbox Game Pass

Xbox’s Summer Showcase last June was a massive success, showcasing an incredible amount of new titles coming to the platform. Alongside Black Ops 6, the showcase also included Doom: The Dark Ages, Perfect Dark, Fable, Gears of War: E-Day, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, and so many more. But which of these titles will appear as day-one releases on Game Pass? Thankfully, quite a few! Including all of the previously mentioned titles.

The latest big release on the platform is Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, which we gave a 9/10 in our review. IGN’s Luke Reilly said, “With a host of gorgeous and lavishly detailed levels, satisfying combat hinged on jawbreaking haymakers, and a focus on slow-paced exploration, platforming, and puzzle solving (interspersed with a handful of high-voltage action scenes), The Great Circle is an irresistible and immersive global treasure hunt for Indy fans who’ve felt underserved by the likes of The Dial of Destiny and Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.”

If you’re looking for even more savings on all things Xbox, have a look at our roundup of the best Xbox deals. There, we’ve highlighted all of the latest and greatest discounts on the platform, from incredible game deals to fantastic offers on high-quality headphones. Or, if you’d rather see what’s going on with other platforms, check out our roundups of the best PlayStation deals, the best Nintendo Switch deals, and our overall roundup of the best video game deals.

Hannah Hoolihan is a freelance writer who works with the Guides and Commerce teams here at IGN.

MSI’s panoramic PC case severely underestimates how bad at cable tidying I am

As someone who believes in the ideal of the trim, tidy PC interior, I do applaud the intent behind MSI’s Project Zero X. Currently on show at CES 2025, it’s a prototype desktop build that uses clever geometry and an unconventional motherboard I/O layout to hide practically every single wire in the joint, for a clean design that’s housed for your viewing pleasure within a four-sided glass chamber. It’s the closest PCs have come to the simple Victorian pleasures of a nice terrarium, and honestly, good on it.

The problem is that if Project Zero X’s components ever actually go on sale, there becomes a non-zero percent chance that I will come into possession of that see-through case. And there is a one hundred percent chance I will ruin it.

Read more

Stimulation Clicker is web 1.0 and web 3.0 having a fight inside one browser window

The more I tell you about Stimulation Clicker, the less funny it will be, so let’s keep this brief. It’s an idle clicker, obviously, which starts with a single button in the centre of a browser screen. The more “stimulation” you accrue through clicking, the more options become available. It escalates. And escalates. And escalates. I found that my feelings of delight grew roughly in proportion to the toll taken on my computer’s processor. After 30 minutes, I was huffing and hooting like a drunken horse to a soundtrack of disintegrating laptop fans.

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Review: Freedom Wars Remastered (Switch) – A Fair Reprieve For One Of PS Vita’s Best

Free from Vita jail.

Like Nintendo’s own Wii U, the PS Vita has seen a good chunk of its best games migrate to alternative platforms in the years since the system itself veered into the realm of ‘commercial failure’. One of those games is Freedom Wars, a third-person action title created by Dimps that, at the time, was one of the most successful first-party-published Vita games (in Japan, at least). Now, over 10 years later, publisher Bandai Namco has taken the reins to present a remaster for Switch, retaining much of the original’s essence while improving upon the core gameplay.

Freedom Wars Remastered is, at its core, a loose take on Monster Hunter’s gameplay. As a Sinner within an underground Panopticon city, you must complete combat ops. Y’see, in a world in which resources are exceptionally scarce, the very nature of existence is in itself a crime; hence, you begin the game with a rather harsh one million-year sentence. By completing operations and rescuing your fellow citizens from large creatures known as Abductors, you can reduce your sentence and gain entitlements along the way.

Read the full article on nintendolife.com

AMD’s CES 2025 announcements include what will probably be yet another ‘world’s fastest’ CPU

Last year’s annual CPU tug-of-war was cleanly won by AMD, its obscenely fast Ryzen 7 9800X3D almost singlehandedly leaving Intel and their Core Ultra chips in a heap of mud and P.E.-spec rope. Coming soon to press that advantage are the Ryzen 9 9950X3D and Ryzen 9 9900X3D, a pair of even higher-spec processors that headlined AMD’s plethora of CES 2025 hardware announcements.

No pricing (or exact release date) on these yet, but they both up the core and thread counts over the 9800X3D while peaking at higher boost clock speeds. And, of course, they share the same 3D V-Cache design that makes the 9800X3D such a superlative CPU in the first place. If you don’t know what this is and how it helps game performance, imagine how much faster you could eat Wotsits if you had a massive bucket of them on your desk at all times, instead of having to get up and walk to the kitchen to grab individual packs. In this case the Wotsits are data, the bucket is 3D V-Cache, and the hastened ruination of your digestive system is games running faster.

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