Minecraft’s Creepy New Biome And Mob Update Is Now Live On Switch, Here Are The Full Patch Notes

“Meet the creaking”.

Earlier this year at Minecraft Live 2024, Mojang announced a creepy new biome and mob update for the game.

‘The Garden Awakens update’ has now officially launched – allowing players to explore this eerie new biome, meet the creaking, and uncover the “secrets” of its heart. You’ll also get access to new blocks, hanging moss, and much more.

Read the full article on nintendolife.com

Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Hinokami Chronicles 2 Announced

Platforms and release date TBC.

If you played the Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Hinokami Chronicles video game and were wondering when Tanjiro and his demon-slaying buddies would be returning, we’ve got an update.

Aniplex has announced the second chapter of this game – officially titled Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Hinokami Chronicles 2. It will be playable at Japan’s Jump Fest this year (taking place between 21st and 22nd December 2024). The second chapter will cover the Entertainment District Arc and follow through to the Hashira Training Arc.

Read the full article on nintendolife.com

Ballionaire, the physics roguelike in which you build pachinko boards, drops on December 10th

There’s no perfect time to release a video game, but if I were deciding when to release one, do you know when I’d do it? Alongside the largest blockbusters of the year, at a time when everyone is broke from buying presents, and on the same day as a huge awards show is distracting the industry’s media.

Ballionaire apparently shares my thinking. The pachinko-inspired roguelike is launching on December 10th.

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Fortnite Ballistic Is a First-Person 5v5 Competitive Mode Launching In Early Access Next Week

Fortnite Ballistic is a brand-new first-person, round-based 5v5 competitive game mode that is set to launch in Early Access on December 11, 2024.

According to The Fortnite Team, Fortnite Ballistic is all about “strategy, tactical teamwork, and individual prowess.” Players will be split into two teams – Attackers or Defenders – and the goal is to either plant a reality-tearing Rift Point Device or stop the other team from doing so.

Much like other games of this style, there will be no respawns during a round and victory is achieved when the Rift Point Device explodes (45 seconds after planting!) or either team is wiped out. Players will swap teams every six rounds and the game will end when a team wins seven rounds total.

All players will start a match with a Ranger Pistol and 800 Credits, and more credits can be earned by killing other players or planting the Rift Point Device. Credits can then be spent at the beginning of each round on weapons and items to help players and teams achieve victory.

If players survive a round, they will get to keep their gear and shields. Items they use will not carry over, but they can drop weapons, smoke grenades, and flashbangs for their team or even pick them off of eliminated players.

Speaking of items, players will be able to choose one of five Flex Gadgets that they alone will be able to purchase and use during a match. Each player can hold up to two of their Flex Gadgets in their inventory, and they can not be dropped or picked up by other players.

The Flex Gadgets are as follows, via The Fortnite Team;

  • Select the Proximity Mine to place a damaging mine down on the floor, wall, or ceiling to surprise an unsuspecting enemy. They can be picked back up and placed again and will explode if shot. Great for booby-trapping sites when defending!
  • The Bubble Shield allows for throwing down a temporary protective bubble that’s impervious to bullets and projectiles such as grenades. It’s great for providing a shield for your team as you storm onto a site.
    The Recon Grenade gadget marks any enemies detected nearby where it’s thrown, even through walls. Throw a Recon gadget onto a site before entering to get a read on who might be waiting to get the drop on you.
    Old faithful! A thrown Frag Grenade will bounce and explode, dealing damage to nearby enemies. Careful — you’ll take damage from your own grenades (though your allies will not). Great for flushing players out from behind cover.
    The Impulse Grenade gadget is a disruptive tool that launches enemies and allies away. It has many creative uses, such as launching teammates onto a site from afar.

When Fortnite Ballistic launches, it will do so with only one map – Skyline 10. There will also be a starting set of weapons and items, and adjustments will be made post-launch alongside new maps, weapons, and features.

What will be there at launch, however, will be Unranked and Ranked modes. In Unranked, spots will be filled if players drop from a game and players can remain on the same server after a match if they’d like. In Ranked, there is no backfilling and a rank penalty will be filed to anyone who leaves and they won’t be able to join another match for “a period of time.”

Unlike Ranked Battle Royale and Reload, matchmaking in Ranked Ballistic is based on the average rank of a party. Furthermore, the amount of rank each player earns in a match will be based on rounds won, rounds lost, eliminations, and assists, in that order.

Fortnite Ballistic arrives just after the launch of Fortnite OG and an epic event featuring Juice WRLD, Eminem, Ice Spice, and Snoop Dogg.

Have a tip for us? Want to discuss a possible story? Please send an email to newstips@ign.com.

Adam Bankhurst is a writer for IGN. You can follow him on X/Twitter @AdamBankhurst and on TikTok.

Daily Deals: Stellar Blade, Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, Persona 3 Reload, and More

The weekend is officially here, and we’ve rounded up the best deals you can find! Discover the best deals for Saturday, December 7, below:

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown for $14.97

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown is one of the most underrated games of 2024. Ubisoft’s return to the franchise brought new and challenging elements while still retaining what made this series so beloved. In our 8/10 review, we wrote, “Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown captures not only what made games such as The Sands of Time so good, but it irons out a lot of the little issues that plagued the 3D games in this series by opting for a 2D perspective – and owning it.”

Stellar Blade for $49.99

You can grab Stellar Blade for just $50 this weekend. This action game from Shift Up has been one of the most popular games of the year. Just a few weeks ago, new Nier: Automata DLC was released, which included new outfits inspired by A2, 2B, and Emil. In our 7/10 review, we stated “Stellar Blade stands out as a gorgeous and well-crafted action game with very impressive strengths and very clear weaknesses.”

Metaphor: ReFantazio for $49.99

Metaphor: ReFantazio is the latest game from Persona 3, 4, and 5 Director Katsura Hashino and the team at Atlus’ Studio Zero. For the first time since launch, you can score the game at a discount, saving $20 post Black Friday. In our 9/10 review, we stated, “Refining the Atlus RPG formula of weaving tough turn-based combat into compelling social sim mechanics, Metaphor: ReFantazio doesn’t just send a powerful message across its political drama, it becomes a beautiful expression of the real impact storytelling can have on all of us.”

Final Fantasy I-VI Pixel Remaster Collection

Woot has the Final Fantasy I-VI Pixel Remaster Collection on sale for $44.99, making each game only $7.50! The first six Final Fantasy titles paved the way for the series as we see it today. Many fans still regard both Final Fantasy IV and Final Fantasy VI as some of the best that Final Fantasy has to offer, with gripping narratives and engaging gameplay. This package includes all six Final Fantasy Pixel Remasters, which feature updated graphics, soundtracks, font, and more.

Astro Bot for $49.99

Astro Bot is on sale for the first time since launch, and there has never been a better time to pick up one of the PlayStation 5’s best games. Building off Astro’s Playroom, Astro Bot features many new abilities and bosses to fight, with over 300 bots to rescue across the galaxy. You’ll find planets modeled after beloved PlayStation games like Ape Escape and Uncharted, and even surprise third-party bots like Leon S. Kennedy from Resident Evil 2.

Final Fantasy XVI for $24.99

One of the biggest 2023 games has hit a new all-time low price! Final Fantasy XVI follows Clive Rosfield on his journey to avenge his brother. For the first time in the Final Fantasy series, you can become a summon, known as Eikons in this world. With spectacular boss battles and an engaging story, Final Fantasy XVI is an excellent time, especially for $24.99.

Persona 3 Reload for $24.97

Persona 3 Reload is one of the best RPGs of the year. This remake recreates one of the most praised Atlus titles ever, with loads of new quality-of-life and gameplay features. An all-new voice cast debuted with this release, and each cutscene was remade with new assets for higher quality. If you’ve never jumped into the world of Persona before, this is a great place to start, especially at this price.

Infinity Nikki Codes (December 2024)

If you’re looking for Infinity Nikki codes, IGN has you covered! In this article, you’ll find a list of active and working Infinity Nikki codes that you can redeem for free rewards and bonuses in December 2024, including Diamonds and Energy Crystals.

Active Infinity Nikki Codes (December 2024)

Below, you’ll find all the active and working Infinity Nikki codes in December 2024, the free rewards you get for redeeming them, and their expiry date (if known):

  • インフィニティニキ – 15x Shiny Bubbles, 15k Bling (NEW!)
  • 無限暖暖公測開啟 – 50x Shiny Bubbles, 15K Bling
  • 無限暖暖公測FB社團限定 – 10x Shining Particles, 15K Bling
  • インフィニキDISCORD – 50x Threads of Purity, 15K Bling
  • INGIFT1205 – 50x Threads of Purity, 15K Bling
  • NIKKIRELEASE – 50x Threads of Purity, 15K Bling
  • NIKKIBEWITHYOU – 126x Diamonds
  • dreamweavernikki – 520x Diamonds. Expires December 14
  • infinitynikki1205 – 20x Limited-time Revelation Crystal. Expires December 18, 2024
  • BDAYSURPRISE – 126x Diamonds. Expires December 31, 2024
  • GIFTFROMMOMO – 80x Diamonds. Expires December 31, 2024
  • GIFTTONIKKI – 90x Diamonds. Expires December 31, 2024
  • nikkihappybirthday2024 – 500x Diamonds, 2x Energy Crystals, 12,600x Bling. Expires December 31, 2024
  • NIKKITHEBEST – 126x Diamonds. Expires December 31, 2024
  • QUACKQUACK – 126x Diamonds. Expires December 31, 2024

Expired Infinity Nikki Codes

The Infinity Nikki codes listed below have expired and are no longer working as of December 2024:

  • GROUPSTYLIST
  • REDDITSTYLIST
  • DISCORDSTYLIST
  • NIKKI20241022

How to Redeem Infinity Nikki Codes

To redeem Infinity Nikki codes, follow the steps below:

  1. Unlock your Pear-Pal during the Chapter 1: Wishes Without Wings – Land of Wishes main quest. It’s about 20 minutes into your Infinity Nikki adventure.
  2. Open the Pear-Pal menu by pressing ESC on PC (or the Menu button when using an Xbox controller on PC), the Menu button on PlayStation, or by tapping the Pear-Pal icon in the top-left corner on mobile.
  3. Click on the gear icon to open the Settings menu.
  4. Scroll over to the Other tab.
  5. You’ll see a “Redeem Code” option here. Click on “Apply” and a Redeem Rewards pop-up menu will appear.
  6. Input your code into the “Enter the redeem code” field and tap “Apply.”
  7. If successful, a pop-up will appear showing your free rewards.

Why Isn’t My Infinity Nikki Code Working?

If the Infinity Nikki code that you’re trying to redeem isn’t working, it’s likely due to one of the following reasons:

  • There’s a typo in the code.
  • The Infinity Nikki code is expired.

When inputting a code into Infinity Nikki, make sure there are no typos (Os instead of zeroes, capital Is instead of lowercase Ls, etc.) and that there are no accidental spaces before or after the code. If your Infinity Nikki code still doesn’t work, it’s probably expired and can no longer be redeemed.

How to Get More Infinity Nikki Codes

The best way to get more Infinity Nikki codes is to join the official Infinity Nikki Discord server. Once you’re in, head to the #self-assign-roles channel and opt-in for the Redeem Code role. You’ll receive a notification when a new code is released so you can receive your free rewards ASAP!

Alternatively, bookmark this Infinity Nikki Codes article, as we update it each time a new code comes out. The Discord server has missed a couple of codes posted to other channels, so we’d recommend checking our article every so often.

What is Infinity Nikki?

Developed by Infold Games, Infinity Nikki is a cozy, open-world RPG. You play as Nikki, as she’s whisked away to the world of Miraland, a place where people make Wishes with the help of Stylists. You’ll find and create a plethora of outfits and accessories, take on quests, and gather many types of collectibles with the help of Momo, Nikki’s adorable feline companion.

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.

Rate Your Favourite Switch Games Of The Year 2024

Bring out your GOTYs!

It’s that time of year for reflection, to sit down and take stock of all the wonderful games that released in 2024. A time to stare into the middle distance with a despairing expression wondering how you managed to not play so many great new games this year because the Vampire Survivors DLC continued to suck your free time up like…, well, like a vampire. Yes, it’s GOTY time.

As the industry continues to navigate tumultuous waters, with layoffs continuing across the board in game development, publishing, and media, players themselves have once again had an excellent year in terms of great new games to play. Whether large or small, there have been more fantastic things to play than hours in the day for all but the most myopic of gamers.

Read the full article on nintendolife.com

Fortnite: new 5v5 tactical FPS mode Ballistic coming December 11

A lot is happening in Fortnite right now! If you’re in the mood to play shooters this holiday, we’ve got you covered. Relive the OG OG Battle Royale experience in Fortnite OG Chapter 1 Season 1. Become a Ronin to drive back the demons in Battle Royale Chapter 6 Season 1: 鬼 Hunters. Additionally, soon you’ll be able to prove your skill, precision, and teamwork in the new tactical 5v5 FPS, Fortnite Ballistic, launching December 11 into early access.

If you’re trying to keep up with the news, don’t worry — we’ll break everything down for you starting with the upcoming new mode.

Fortnite goes first-person with Ballistic

Ballistic brings a first-person, adrenaline-filled, round-based, 5v5 competitive mode to Fortnite.

Round up your squad because strategy, tactical teamwork, and prowess are essential for victory in this brand-new Fortnite experience.

All new gameplay

At the start of a Ballistic match, you’ll be sorted into one of two teams — attackers and defenders.

The attackers’ goal is to plant the Rift Point Device, a reality-tearing explosive that can be primed at one of two sites on the map. The defender’s goal is to.. defend! Do what it takes to thwart the attacker’s plan to plant and detonate the device.

Every bit of health matters in Ballistic. There are no respawns in this mode and the rounds come to a quick end if one of the following happens; The Rift Point Device detonates or a team is fully eliminated. After six rounds, the attackers become the defenders (and vice versa). Bring home the victory after winning seven total rounds with your team.

Light the fuse

Each player starts on a level playing field with 800 credits to spend and the Ranger Pistol weapon. Think strategy, how you choose to spend your Ballistic credits can determine your success in Ballistic. 

Rack up more credits by scoring eliminations or planting the Rift Point Device during your attacker rounds. At the beginning of each round, you can spend credits to unlock an arsenal of weapons such as Nemesis AR, Thunder Burst SMG, Reaper Sniper, and more to boost your chances of winning.  

You can hold two weapons, one being your primary weapon and the other being the Ranger Pistol. You’ll be able to keep your weapons, shields, and non-consumed items for the next round..if you survive. Just took out an enemy? Feel free to pick up their weapon to use in the next round, finders keepers.

While the Rift Point Device can secure your team’s victory, make sure you’re taking shelter at a fair distance away. The blast is unforgiving and being eliminated by it means you’ll lose any items and weapons you have. You have 45 seconds, after successfully arming the device, to take cover. 

Sharing is caring in Ballistic, assist your teammates by dropping your weapons and items at any time during rounds. Explosives more their style? You can also drop flashbangs and smoke grenades. If one teammate is making more bank on eliminations, they could drop you a weapon by spending their credits.

Fortnite Outfits, Kicks, Wraps, Sprays, and Emotes from your Locker are also available to equip. The cosmetics you can’t bring with you to the matches are Black Blings, Pickaxes, Contrails, Instruments, Vehicles, and Jam Tracks.

Gadgets supreme

With every start of a Ballistic match, you’ll choose one of five Flex Gadgets — the Proximity Mine, Bubble Shield, Frag Grenade, Recon Grenade, and Impulse Grenade. Choose wisely, once you lock in your gadget, you’ll be the only player on your team who can purchase and use that gadget during the match. If you use your Flex Gadgets correctly, you just might clutch a win. 

Early access and Fortnite Ballistic

Ballistic is launching with the Skyline 10 map, a starting set of weapons, and a limited number of items. After launch, adjustments may be made based on player feedback, in addition to major updates such as new maps, weapons, and features. 

At launch, Ballistic will be available on all platforms and regions where Fortnite is supported, with the exceptions of South Korea and Russia. 

Welcome back Fortnite OG – always on, every day

Relive the classic Battle Royale experience in Fortnite OG! Fortnite OG takes you back to day one of Season 1 and this time, it’s here to stay! Grab your squad, hop on the Battle Bus, and get ready to experience OG loot and locations from the original launch of Battle Royale in Fortnite OG Chapter 1 – Season 1.

Fortnite OG Chapter 1 features the initial Seasons of Battle Royale, faithful down to the feature additions and loot pool swaps. While Fortnite OG seasons are shorter than the current Battle Royale seasons, you can still drop into all the fun with Solos, Squads, and Zero Build at launch. 

Some of the rough edges from Chapter 1 have been preserved, while others have been polished. For example, you’ll find Reboot Vans and be able to see the glare from a sniper scope, but Max building resources are set to 999

Last but not least, the original map that launched in 2017 is making its grand return, with classic locations like Retail Row, Pleasant Park, Loot Lake, and more.

An era-defining armory

The loot pool available from over seven years ago will be accessible on day one of Fortnite OG, including the Pump Shotgun. Yes, the Double Pump playstyle is returning in Fortnite OG along with more items that will become unvaulted as the season progresses! Traps are returning with some key choices such as the Wall Dynamo, Ceiling Zapper, and Damage trap. 

Kick it old school with the Fortnite OG Pass

The Fortnite OG Pass is giving all the feels by featuring 45 tiers of modern twists on classic rewards. Earn the Aerial Assault Bomber, Skull Commander, and Renegade Rebel Outfits, which also include an unlockable alternate style for each and more nostalgic items in Season 1. You can either get the OG pass in-game or by becoming a Fortnite Crew member, which includes this pass and a ton of other benefits, like the Battle Pass, LEGO Pass, and Music Pass.

You can complete the Chapter 1 — Season 1 Fortnite OG Pass until January 31, 2025, at 2 AM ET by earning XP across any Fortnite experience.

Drive back the demons as a powerful Ronin in Battle Royale Chapter 6 Season 1: 鬼 Hunters

A beautiful new island shrouded in mystical energy and mystery appears, but lurking demons are using masks of power to unleash chaos across the Island. Rise to the challenge as a great hero to cast out ancient evils in Fortnite Battle Royale Chapter 6 Season 1: 鬼 Hunters.  

Legends come to life

Cherry blossoms fall on the new Chapter 6 map — soil long-protected by spiritual forces and timeworn magic. It’s here you’ll make a name for yourself as a demon hunter.

Journey through ancient, modern, and supernatural scenery 

Demon’s Dojo

On the path to becoming a great Ronin, hone your combat skills at the legendary Demon’s Dojo, force the demon lord’s servants out from the grand sanctuary of Warrior’s Watch, or put your fortitude to the test on the mountain peak of Shogun’s Solitude, where powerful foes await your arrival.

Seaport City

If you’re looking for the hustle and bustle of city life, the Seaport City offers a tightly packed commercial district. See which bun shop serves the best and freshest in the village of Canyon Crossing, or meet travelers like yourself as you move across the Shining Span.

Turtle Landmark

Travel further along lesser-known paths, and you’ll find yourself surrounded by sacred obelisks and hidden treasures within the overgrown Magic Mosses. Wander amongst the endless darkness of the Nightshift Forest, or pay tribute to The Great Turtle, who watches over the land.

Enchantments on medallions, blades & firearms

Enhance your mastery of vanquishing evil by claiming the Wanderer Medallion from the rampaging demon warrior Shogun X. This medallion aids your trials by giving you invisibility and stamina while sprinting. If you hunt down the relentless spirit Night Rose within her domain, you’ll earn the Night Rose Medallion for your efforts, which automatically reload your weapons. 

All traditional weapons that support your endeavors are of the hitscan variety, with damage immediately colliding with your enemies from weapons such as the Veiled Precision SMG, Oni Shotgun, and more. If blade work is more your style, wield the destructive Typhoon Blade and unleash a flurry of strikes against your enemies. 

To add more magic to your arsenal, seek out lesser demons around the island and defeat them to claim their masks of power! The Fire Oni Mask launches homing projectiles at your opponents and the stealthy Void Oni Mask lets you transport short distances to sneak around your foes. 

Make an offering to Sprites and gain powerful boons at Sprite Shrines

May fortune be on your side if you encounter charming Air, Water, and Earth Sprites roaming around the island, which grant you unique effects to increase your luck during battle. 

By guiding a Sprite to one of the island’s overlooked Sprite Shrines, you can gain a strong Fire, Water, Void, or Wind Boon that grants a unique power for the duration of the match. Boons can also drop from bosses and be found in Chests.

Ride in style

If you want to get enemies off your trail more quickly, then look no further with the modern, wheely-popping Rogue Bike. The sporty, high-performance Void Burn coupe also leaves them in the dust and adds to your road menace notoriety.

New traversal maneuvers

If you ever wanted to Ledge Jump, Wall Kick, Wall Scramble, or do a Roll Landing, these features are now a part of Fortnite’s core movement, available across Battle Royale, Reload, Fortnite OG, and creator-made islands. 

Conquer the darkness with the 鬼 Hunters Battle Pass

Unlock levels of premium rewards in the 鬼 Hunters Battle Pass when you spend 1,000 V-Bucks and earn XP across various Fortnite modes. By progressing the pass, you can earn up to 1,500 V-Bucks and also some formidable Outfits, including:

  • Nyanja (ニャンジャ): Two-tailed trickster
  • Jade: Discover the Island’s myths
  • Kendo: A wandering rōnin with a restless spirit
  • Daigo: Man of a thousand faces
  • Shadow Blade Hope: See through the shadows
  • Disney’s Hero Baymax: Ready to be your hero
  • The Night Rose: A fearsome demon warrior, bound by ancient duty

The legends are true. Become a true Titan as Godzilla! The Godzilla Evolved Outfit will be available from Battle Pass Quests in January, which you can complete in any experience. This Battle Pass will be available to progress in until February 21. Join the fun in Fortnite OG Chapter 1 Season 1 and Battle Royale Chapter 6 Season 1: 鬼 Hunters today. Fortnite Ballistic launches December 11 into early access