Anime Royale Codes (January 2025)

Looking to load up on extra resources in Anime Royale? We’ve compiled all of the active redeemable codes currently available in the Roblox game, so you can get your hands on a treasure trove of Cursed Fingers, Rerolls, Diamonds, Stat Crystals, and much, much more.

Active Anime Royale Codes (January 2025)

Here are all the currently active and working Anime Royale codes in January 2025 that you can redeem for free rewards in the Roblox Experience:

  • TYBWGEMS – 20x Rerolls, 1,500 Diamonds (NEW!)
  • Mugetsu – 2,000 Diamonds, 20x Rerolls, 1x Super Lucky Potion
  • Quincy – 10x Rerolls, 1x Cupcake
  • Shinigami – 10x Rerolls, 1x Lucky Potion
  • HappyNewYear!! – 2,000 Diamonds, 100x Rerolls, 1x Cupcake
  • INC – 20x Rerolls, 1x Super Lucky Potion
  • HappyEarlyNewYear! – 5x Stat Crystal, 1,500 Diamonds, 20x Rerolls, 5x Stat Shard
  • SetYourHeartAblaze – 5x Stat Shard, 1x Super Lucky Potion, 1x Lucky Potion, 15x Reroll, 1,500 Diamonds
  • JustARandomCode – 1x Cupcake, 1,700 Diamonds, 10x Rerolls, 2x Stat Shard
  • Jolly – 15x Rerolls
  • SecretChristmasCode2024 – 1x Cupcake, 5x Stat Shard, 5x Cursed Finger, 20x Rerolls
  • Christmas2024 – 1 Lucky Potion, 20x Rerolls
  • HappyHolidaysEveryone! – 5x Stat Crystal, 5x Rerolls, 5x Stat Shard
  • MaintenanceWorldRecord – 1x Cupcake, 5x Stat Shard, 5x Cursed Finger, 150 Rerolls
  • FixFixFix – 1,500 Diamonds, 10 Rerolls, 5x Cursed Finger
  • SubToToadBoi – 1x Reroll, 100 Diamonds
  • SubToVanilla – 1x Reroll, 100 Diamonds
  • SubToMozKing – 1x Reroll, 100 Diamonds
  • StopTheVoloLaborPls 15x Rerolls, 5x Cursed Fingers

Expired Anime Royale Codes

Below, you’ll find a list of expired Anime Royale codes that can no longer be redeemed as of January 2025:

  • RealFixes
  • Fixes
  • Shutdown!
  • 35kLikes!
  • SuperBooghan
  • TrailerCode6194
  • SorryForDelayAgainV2
  • PlsStopUpdatingAt6AmImTired
  • SpoofFightsCyclones
  • Wish
  • SorryForDelayAgain
  • Perfect
  • RoyalePass
  • Titans
  • SorryForDelay!!
  • 8KActiveTysm
  • IAmAtomic!
  • HappyLateHalloween
  • Shadow
  • CheersToRellHawk
  • 25KLIKES
  • 30KFAVS
  • THANKYOUFORWAITING
  • Update2
  • SpookySeason
  • MiniUpdate
  • SorryForDelay
  • 100KMEMBERS

How to Redeem Anime Royale Codes

To redeem Anime Royale codes, boot up the Roblox Experience and, once you’re in, follow the steps below:

  1. Anime Royale codes work slightly differently to most other Roblox codes. To redeem a code, first enter the hub world and look for the area labelled Codes. It’s shown in the image above and can be found between the Raids and Challenge areas.
  2. When you arrive, walk up to the shrine below the Codes sign.
  3. As you approach the shrine, the codes bar will automatically appear. Input your code and then press Redeem Code to add the rewards to your account.

Why Isn’t My Anime Royale Code Working?

If your Anime Royale code isn’t working, it’s likely due to one of two scenarios. The first is that the code was inputted incorrectly. Make sure you have the code inputted exactly as it is in the Active Codes section above. You can even copy and paste codes directly from this article over to Roblox if you want to make sure you’re inputting them correctly.

The other possibility is the code has expired or you’ve already used it. If your code has been used, a message will appear in the bar reminding you that the code’s already been activated. If the code has expired, it’ll show up as invalid, meaning its no longer available to use.

How to Get More Anime Royale Codes

If you want to hunt down some extra Anime Royale codes, make your way over to the game’s official Discord server. When you’ve joined, jump into the Game Announcements channel. Whenever a code is added, the devs will drop it in here, so you can copy and paste them directly over to the game.

What is Anime Royale in Roblox?

Anime Royale is a tower defense game that tasks players with tactically defending the worlds of their favorite anime. Featuring familiar faces from shows like Naruto, Dandadan, Demon Slayer and Dragon Ball Z, you’ll recruit an army of iconic heroes and villains, using them to defend your base from enemies across a variety of modes.

As you battle your way through its story missions and other challenges, you’ll face some of the anime world’s most dangerous adversaries and collect resources, leveling up your units to face tougher challenges. So, do you have what it takes to lead some of the toughest anime warriors into battle?

Callum Williams is an IGN freelancer covering features and guides. When he’s away from his desk, you can usually find him obsessing over the lore of the latest obscure indie horror game or bashing his head against a boss in the newest soulslike. You can catch him over on Twitter at @CaIIumWilliams.

Fisch Codes (January 2025)

Looking to snag some free resources in Fisch? We’ve put together a list of all of currently active and working Fisch codes, so you can get your hands on a host of rewards and goodies in the Roblox fishing simulator without having to spend a penny.

Active Fisch Codes (January 2025)

Below, you’ll find all of the currently active and working Fisch codes in January 2025 that you can reedeem for free rewards:

  • NewYear – 2 Holly Berry, 2 Peppermint Worm
  • 1BVisits – 1 Aurora Bait, Party Popper Bobber, “1B” Title
  • NorthernExpedition – Rewards
  • RFG – 3x Instant Catcher

Expired Fisch Codes

The following Fisch codes have expired and can no longer be redeemed as of January 2025:

  • GOODBYEFISCHMAS
  • FISCHMASDAY
  • MERRYFISCHMAS
  • ThankYouFollowers3
  • ThankYouFollowers2
  • Advent
  • Prehistoric
  • AncientIsle
  • ThankYouFollowers
  • TheDepths

How to Redeem Fisch Codes

To redeem Fisch codes, boot up the Roblox Experience and, once you’re in, follow the steps below:

  1. Look at the top of the screen. You’ll see a button labelled “Menu“.
  2. Click the button to open the menu screen, then scroll down to the bottom of the menu tab.
  3. At the very bottom, you’ll see the codes bar. Input your code into this bar and then press the ENTER key to redeem it.

Why Isn’t My Fisch Code Working?

If your Fisch code isn’t working, it’s likely due to one of two scenarios. The first is that the Fisch code was inputted incorrectly. Check the spelling and that the case is correct, then redeem again. You can even copy and paste the codes directly from this article over to Roblox if you want to make sure you’re inputting them correctly.

The other possibility is the code has expired or you’ve already used it. In this scenario, you should see an error message pop up below the code bar informing you that the code has already been used or is invalid.

How to Get More Fisch Codes

The best way to get more Fisch codes is by joining the Fisch Discord server. However, it’s worth noting the server can be difficult to join considering it’s frequently full, with a whopping 500,000 members. If you do run into that issue, keep checking back every few days until you’re provided access. Luckily, the team also posts Fisch codes over on X, so even if you can’t join the server, it’s worth checking the Fisch X account to see if you can find some there.

What is Fisch in Roblox?

Fisch is an open-world fishing RPG in Roblox where players traverse a sprawling ocean on a quest to catch fish, meet other players, and unlock new gear. Along the way, they’ll be able to collect a nearly endless number of fish variations, using their catching skills to level up and become a legendary fisherman.

Callum Williams is an IGN freelancer covering features and guides. When he’s away from his desk, you can usually find him obsessing over the lore of the latest obscure indie horror game or bashing his head against a boss in the newest soulslike. You can catch him over on Twitter at @CaIIumWilliams.

Black Myth: Wukong for PS5 Is on Sale Today

The popular and well-reviewed Black Myth: Wukong game is on sale at Amazon. Right now you can get it a physical PlayStation 5 copy for $56.99, a 13% off discount from its original $65 price. Black Myth: Wukong was one of the few recently released games that didn’t see any discount during Black Friday. At this price, it’s also less expensive than getting the digital only edition at the PlayStation Store.

Black Myth: Wukong (PS5) for $56.99

Black Myth: Wukong was released on August 17 of 2024 and was an immediate success. This game from Game Science is built on Unreal Engine 5 and is easily one of the best looking PlayStation 5 games. The grand, sweeping story is inspired by the Monkey King lore with a main campaign that takes about 35 hours to complete according to howlongtobeat. It boasts punishingly difficult Souls-like gameplay (I personally found it harder than Elden Ring) and epic boss battles. It didn’t make it into our list of best PS5 games of 2024, but only because it was too new (had to be out for 6 months or longer).

Eric Song is the IGN commerce manager in charge of finding the best gaming and tech deals every day. When Eric isn’t hunting for deals for other people at work, he’s hunting for deals for himself during his free time.

DICE Awards 2025 Nominations Revealed With Astro Bot, Helldivers 2, and Indiana Jones in the Lead

The Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences (AIAS) has announced the nominees for the 28th Annual D.I.C.E. Awards and the list reveals Astro Bot, Helldivers 2, and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle are leading the charge with six nominations each.

The 2025 D.I.C.E. Awards will take place on Thursday, February 13 at 11pm ET/8pm PT at the Aria Resort in Las Vegas and there will be 60 games from 2024 competing for awards in 23 categories. Astro Bot, Balatro, Black Myth: Wukong, Helldivers 2, and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle will all be up for the top honor of Game of the Year.

While we already revealed which games earned the most nominations, we’d also like to share Balatro and Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II came in second with five nominations each, and 1000xResist, Animal Well, and Batman: Arkham Shadow came in third with four nominations each.

You can check out the full list of D.I.C.E. Awards 2025 nominees below, and you can also see how they compare to our IGN Awards from 2024 and how these nominees and winners are picked.

Outstanding Achievement in Animation

  • Astro Bot
  • Call of Duty: Black Ops 6
  • FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH
  • Neva
  • Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2

Outstanding Achievement in Art Direction

  • Black Myth: Wukong
  • Indiana Jones and the Great Circle
  • LEGO Horizon Adventures
  • The Plucky Squire
  • Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II

Outstanding Achievement in Character

  • 1000xRESIST – Watcher
  • FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH – Yuffie Kisaragi
  • Indiana Jones and the Great Circle – Dr. Henry “Indiana” Jones
  • INDIKA – Indika
  • Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II – Senua

Outstanding Achievement in Original Music Composition

  • Astro Bot
  • Helldivers 2
  • Monument Valley 3
  • Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II
  • Star Wars Outlaws

Outstanding Achievement in Audio Design

  • Frostpunk 2
  • Helldivers 2
  • Monument Valley 3
  • Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II
  • Still Wakes the Deep

Outstanding Achievement in Story

  • 1000xRESIST
  • Indiana Jones and the Great Circle
  • Metaphor: ReFantazio
  • Still Wakes the Deep
  • Thank Goodness You’re Here!

Outstanding Technical Achievement

  • Astro Bot
  • Batman: Arkham Shadow
  • Indiana Jones and the Great Circle
  • Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II
  • Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2

Action Game of the Year

  • Batman: Arkham Shadow
  • Black Myth: Wukong
  • Call of Duty: Black Ops 6
  • Helldivers 2
  • Stellar Blade

Adventure Game of the Year

  • 1000xRESIST
  • ANIMAL WELL
  • Indiana Jones and the Great Circle
  • The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom
  • Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown

Family Game of the Year

  • Astro Bot
  • Cat Quest III
  • Little Kitty, Big City
  • The Plucky Squire
  • Super Mario Party Jamboree

Fighting Game of the Year

  • Blazing Strike
  • DRAGON BALL: Sparking! ZERO
  • Mortal Kombat 1: Khaos Reigns
  • TEKKEN 8
  • UNDERDOGS

Racing Game of the Year

  • F1® 24
  • MotoGP™24
  • NIGHT-RUNNERS™ PROLOGUE

Role-Playing Game of the Year

  • FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH
  • Dragon Age: The Veilguard
  • ELDEN RING: Shadow of the Erdtree
  • Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth
  • Metaphor: ReFantazio

Sports Game of the Year

  • EA SPORTS College Football 25
  • EA SPORTS FC 25
  • MLB The Show 24
  • NBA 2K25

Strategy/Simulation Game of the Year

  • Balatro
  • Caves of Qud
  • Frostpunk 2
  • Tactical Breach Wizards
  • Satisfactory

Immersive Reality Technical Achievement

  • Alien: Rogue Incursion
  • Batman: Arkham Shadow
  • Skydance’s BEHEMOTH
  • Starship Home
  • UNDERDOGS

Immersive Reality Game of the Year

  • Alien: Rogue Incursion
  • Batman: Arkham Shadow
  • Escaping Wonderland
  • Skydance’s BEHEMOTH
  • UNDERDOGS

Outstanding Achievement for an Independent Game

  • ANIMAL WELL
  • Balatro
  • Grunn
  • INDIKA
  • Mouthwashing

Mobile Game of the Year

  • Balatro
  • Halls of Torment
  • Monument Valley 3
  • Paper Trail
  • Wuthering Waves

Online Game of the Year

  • Call of Duty: Black Ops 6
  • Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred
  • Helldivers 2
  • Marvel Rivals
  • Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2

Outstanding Achievement in Game Design

  • ANIMAL WELL
  • Astro Bot
  • Balatro
  • Helldivers 2
  • UFO 50

Outstanding Achievement in Game Direction

  • 1000xRESIST
  • ANIMAL WELL
  • Lorelei and the Laser Eyes
  • Riven
  • Thank Goodness You’re Here!

Game of the Year

  • Astro Bot
  • Balatro
  • Black Myth: Wukong
  • Helldivers 2
  • Indiana Jones and the Great Circle

IGN is proud to be the official media partner of the D.I.C.E. Awards and we will be exclusively streaming the ceremony, which will be co-hosted by Greg Miller and Stella Chung.

If you want to know more about how these nominees were picked and how the winners are chosen, the AIAS has shared the following;

“The Academy’s 30K+ members, comprised of the interactive publishing and development communities, recognize excellence in 23 different interactive game categories in one of the highest forms of recognition in the industry, the AIAS wore, “Titles were played and evaluated by members of the Academy’s peer panels to determine final nominees. These panels, one for each award category, are comprised of the game industry’s most experienced and talented experts in their chosen fields. Winners are determined as part of a confidential voting process and will be revealed on the evening of the show. A list of all the peer panelists can be found here.”

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.

Half-Life Fans Are Doing a GTA 6 and Losing Their Minds Over Hidden Half-Life 3 Clues They Desperately Want to Be Real

Half-Life fans have waited years for Valve to do… something Half-Life 3 related. That’s nothing new. But recent weeks have seen a step up in the hunt for clues, with some believing Valve has already started an elaborate alternate reality game (ARG) that will lead to the dramatic confirmation that Half-Life 3 is finally on the way.

This next level obsession, which GTA 6 fans will find instantly familiar, was kickstarted by Mike Shapiro, the voice actor behind Half-Life’s mysterious G-Man. Late last year, in full G-Man mode, Shapiro published a cryptic tweet teasing some sort of news for 2025 alongside the tags #Valve, #Halflife, #GMan, and #2025. It was Shapiro’s first non-reply tweet since he congratulated Valve on the success of VR exclusive Half-Life: Alyx back in December 2020.

That was enough to send the rumor-mill into overdrive, but since then all sorts of wild theories have emerged within the Half-Life community. Some who have analyzed Shapiro’s tweet to within an inch of its life believe he has started an ARG for Half-Life 3, connecting the dots in such a way to lead them to the ultimate prize in video games.

Half-Life fans obsess about numbers. Valve, famously, can’t count to three. But can it count to 197? It turns out that Shapiro’s X/Twitter post contained images of the cover art of his new song, Best Long Dog. Buried within this image is the number 197. Bizarre!

Best Long Dog is three minutes and 17 seconds long, aka 197 seconds long, because of course it is. Oh, and it came out 197 days after his previous song, Magnetic North. Weird!

Here’s where the Half-Life community really steps up to the plate. Some fans theorize 197 is a reference to gold, or, more specifically, its stable isotope 197Au. This is Half-Life, after all! What’s gold got to do with anything? GoldSrc, pronounced “Gold Source,” is the original Half-Life engine. Eventually it was replaced by the Source engine, but the link is clear. Oh yeah, gold only has a single stable isotope, which means 197Au is the only gold isotope with no half-life.

The plot thickens. 197 appears three times in relation to Shapiro: in the cover art of his song, in the length of the song, and in the days after the release of his previous song. Three times! Could 197 hint at a date? Some think so. Perhaps it’s July 19?

Now we move on to fellow Valve game Counter-Strike 2, and what some believe to be hints at Half-Life 3 in the game. Remember we told you Shapiro’s song is called Best Long Dog? Valve renamed the Popdog hallway in map de_train to “Longdog.”

There’s a lot more to this apparent ARG, including even more numbers and people drawing lines in the snow. But the long and short of it is that Shapiro’s tweet, combied with changes to Counter-Strike 2, mysterious references to a dog and the number 197 are fuelling one of the most popcorn-worthy community obsessions since GTA 6 fans started analyzing phases of the moon.

Redditor emsollas summed up the sentiment. “I think we’re so starved with real information on our beloved HL3 (or even the notion of Episode 3) that we’re literally seeing signs where there are none,” they said.

“Yes Shapiro’s post is definitely leading, and there maybe something coming. But breaking down every bit of info and finding the 197 and trying to connect it is just… lunacy.”

Officially, Half-Life 3 does not exist, despite the story ending on a cliffhanger with 2007’s Half-Life 2 Episode 2. In November, to mark Half-Life 2’s 20th anniversary, Valve opened up about its development in a documentary that revealed never-before-seen work-in-progress footage, a brand-new Ice Gun, and a raft of new concept art. You can see the gameplay segment from the documentary in the video below.

Among the details shown in the video, Episode 3 would have been set in the Arctic, and it would have focused on Alyx as a companion character. Aside from the Ice Gun, the footage shows a blob-like enemy that could split into multiple parts. According to the documentary, the team had completed a “collection of playable levels in no particular order” and expected to be able to release the game within a year or two.

Valve has plenty on its plate already, of course, including ongoing support of Counter-Strike 2, Dota 2, Steam itself, the Steam Deck, and new game Deadlock. Could it also be working on Half-Life 3 alongside all those other projects?

Wesley is the UK News Editor for IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.

Hyper Light Breaker: Watch 2 New Boss Fight Gameplay Videos

Hyper Light Breaker, the upcoming roguelike prequel to Hyper Light Drifter, tasks you with trekking into the Overgrowth alone or with a friend in order to restore peace by defeating the Abyss King. Today we have two exclusive new gameplay videos to share with you. Both are boss fights.

The first, which you can watch above, pits you against Dro, described by the developers at Heart Machine as “a furious wolven warrior.” And the second, which you can watch below, showcases Exus, whom Heart Machine calls a “fierce gladiator.”

Hyper Light Breaker launches into Steam Early Access on Tuesday, January 14. Check out our first hands-on preview from 2023, and if you still want more, we previewed it again last year. Oh, and check back on Monday for one more exclusive gameplay video!

Ryan McCaffrey is IGN’s executive editor of previews and host of both IGN’s weekly Xbox show, Podcast Unlocked, as well as our monthly(-ish) interview show, IGN Unfiltered. He’s a North Jersey guy, so it’s “Taylor ham,” not “pork roll.” Debate it with him on Twitter at @DMC_Ryan.

IGN UK Podcast 782: Squid Game and Jesse’s Shocking KCD2 Playstyle

Dale, Mat, and Jesse storm into 2025 with their opinions on Squid Game season 2 and discuss Jesse’s mad playstyle for Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 at length. “What do these have in common?” I hear you yell. Mass murder… lots of mass murder.

We also have an increased amount of feedback this week, with some juicy questions about cardigans and goodie hunting. Remember to send us your thoughts about all the new games, TV shows, and films you’re enjoying or looking forward to: ign_ukfeedback@ign.com.

IGN UK Podcast 782: Squid Game and Jesse’s Shocking KCD2 Playstyle

Black Myth: Wukong’s Physical Edition for PS5 Gets a First-Time Price Drop at Amazon

There’s no better way to kick off the new year than with some nice video game deals. Thankfully Amazon and Walmart are already offering up some great discounts, including a first-time price drop on the physical edition of Black Myth: Wukong for PlayStation 5 (see here at Amazon, see here at Walmart).

Normally this game runs for $64.99 but you can grab it today for $56.99 at both retailers. This physical edition is well worth picking up as well considering it comes with a digital deluxe upgrade with some extra items. Check out the deal and more information on the digital deluxe items included below.

Black Myth: Wukong for PS5 Down to $56.99

Alongside a physical disc with the base game, this copy also comes with a digital deluxe edition voucher code that’ll get you some cool items featured in the digital deluxe edition of the game. Those are:

  • Bronzecloud Staff
  • Folk Opera Mask
  • Folk Opera Almsgiving Armor
  • Folk Opera Leather Bracers
  • Folk Opera Buskins
  • Wind Chimes
  • Selected Digital Soundtrack

We had plenty of praise for Black Myth: Wukong in our review. IGN’s Mitchell Saltzman said that, “Combat is fantastic thanks to a great balance of careful resource management and lightning-fast, twitch-reaction gameplay that tested my skills as much as Elden Ring ever has, despite being a more traditional action game than FromSoftware’s style. Not only that, but there are a ton of exciting boss battles, a great variety of enemies, and the world they inhabit is an absolute treat for the eyes and ears.”

If you’re looking for even more physical game deals to take advantage of right now, look no further than Best Buy. Right now the retailer has a sale on Ubisoft games, so you can score discounts on the likes of Star Wars Outlaws, Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, and more.

Hannah Hoolihan is a freelancer who writes with the guides and commerce teams here at IGN.

Elden Ring Nightreign Network Test Registration Times — How to Access the Beta

Registrations for Elden Ring Nightreign’s hotly anticipated network test go live today, January 10. Here’s everything you need to know to put your name down.

The network test will be held on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and S only, whereas the full game will also launch on PC via Steam, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.

To register, head to the Bandai Namco website and enter your details. It’s worth noting that registration closes January 20, and only offers a chance to join the Elden Ring Nightreign network test. The test is open to those who do not subscribe to PlayStation Plus or Xbox Game Pass Core.

Elden Ring Nightreign network test registration times:

  • 6am PT, January 10
  • 9am ET, January 10
  • 2pm GMT, January 10
  • 3pm CET, January 10
  • 11pm JST, January 10

The test itself begins February 14 and ends February 17, with various session times planned. This means you won’t be able to play the network test throughout the entire four days, rather during five three-hour periods only.

Elden Ring Nightreign network test session timings:

  • February 14: 3am-6am PT / 6am-9am ET
  • February 14: 7pm-10pm PT / 10pm-1am ET
  • February 15: 11am-2pm PT / 2pm-5pm ET
  • February 16: 3am-6am PT / 6am-9am ET
  • February 16: 7pm-10pm PT / 10pm-1am ET

The network test is a “preliminary verification test in which the selected testers play a portion of the game prior to the full game launch,” Bandai Namco said.

“This large-scale Network Stress Test is designed to evaluate various aspects of the online system’s functionality and performance.

“We are looking forward to your cooperation to make Elden Ring Nightreign even better.”

Bandai Namco has yet to say exactly what the Elden Ring Nightreign network test will offer, but did warn some text and game features may be different than in the final version.

Elden Ring Nightreign is FromSoftware’s standalone co-operative spin-off set in a world parallel to that of 2022’s Elden Ring. It was announced at The Game Awards 2024 with a debut trailer, below, and a 2025 release window.

Last year IGN had the opportunity to visit FromSoftware and go hands-on with an early build of Elden Ring Nightreign. We came away impressed, stating that Elden Ring Nightreign “takes the cautious dungeon crawls of Elden Ring and turbocharges them into propulsive, slash ‘n’ dash speedruns.”

Check out IGN’s interview with game director Junya Ishizaki for even more on Elden Ring Nightreign.

Wesley is the UK News Editor for IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows First DLC Seemingly Leaks, Adds a New Map and Over 10 Hours of Content

Ubisoft has seemingly leaked the first expansion for Japan-set Assassin’s Creed Shadows following its announcement of another delay.

As reported by Insider Gaming, the game’s Steam page was momentarily updated to include information on a 10-hour piece of downloadable content called Claws of Awaji, which will add a whole new map to the open-world game.

“Pre-purchase now to get a bonus mission and the upcoming Claws of Awaji expansion,” the Steam page read. “Travel to a new region, get over 10 hours of additional content, and unlock a new weapon type, new skills, gear, and abilities.”

Travel to a new region, get over 10 hours of additional content, and unlock a new weapon type, new skills, gear, and abilities.

The phrasing is a little confusing, as it makes it sound as though Claws of Awaji will only be available to those who pre-purchase the game, similar to the previously announced “bonus mission” Thrown to the Dogs. This would be unusual, however, as major expansions such as this are usually reserved for Season Passes.

That being said, Ubisoft is ditching the Season Pass model for Assassin’s Creed Shadows following major practice shake-ups in the wake of Star Wars Outlaws underperforming. Alongside scrapping the Season Pass, which would typically let players access two larger expansions for an additional $30 or so, Ubisoft is cancelling plans to charge players more to play on launch day. It is therefore assumed DLC expansions such as Claws of Awaji will be made free for all players.

Though details are restricted to the brief paragraph published to Steam, the name Claws of Awaji does shed some light on what players will find in the DLC. Ubisoft quietly revealed Assassin’s Creed Shadows’ world map in the Collector’s Edition trailer, which showed nine detailed regions plus one small island left blank.

This island is the Awaji the Claws of Awaji title presumably references, meaning this currently blank area of the map should one day be filled in through DLC. Awaji Island is perhaps most famous for its prominence in the Japanese religion of Shinto, where it is said to be the first island created in the world through the legend of Izanagi and Izanami.

As Assassin’s Creed has delved further and further into mythology and not just history with recent releases, especially in the role-playing game series which Shadows belongs to, fans will perhaps get to delve into Japanese legends with the addition of the Claws of Awaji.

It will be longer than expected before this is possible, of course, as Ubisoft has delayed Assassin’s Creed Shadows once again, this time to March 20. It was first pushed to February 14 from its November 12 release date.

A lot rests on the shoulders of Assassin’s Creed Shadows as not only the long-awaited Japan-set entry and the first full Assassin’s Creed since 2020, but a struggling Ubisoft needs it to perform well following recent flops and investor frustration.

It’s not enjoyed a particularly positive promotional period so far, however, with the development team having to apologize on separate occasions for inaccuracies in Assassin’s Creed Shadows’ depictions of Japan and using a historical recreation group’s flag without permission.

Yet another controversy came as collectible figure maker PureArts removed an Assassin’s Creed Shadows statue from sale over its “insensitive” design, and combined with the two delays, fans are growing increasingly impatient as a result.

Ryan Dinsdale is an IGN freelance reporter. He’ll talk about The Witcher all day.