Calling all Diablo IV adventurers and Halloween devotees! If you’re still pondering a pumpkin masterpiece that’ll show off your wickedness to your neighbors, why not create a Mephisto pumpkin? It’s a perfect combination of the sinister flair of Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred and the decorative glee of Halloween. Follow this guide to construct a fiendishly frightful centerpiece that’d make any hellhound proud.

Materials You’ll Need

Before you descend into this pit of creativity, gather your demon-summoning materials:

• A Pumpkin: Harvested from the fields of mortal souls, or the local grocery store—whichever is closer.
• Acrylic Paints and Paintbrush: To apply those devilish details.
• Air Dry Clay: Because even the Lord of Hatred needs a little structure.
• Patches of Faux Fur: For that unruly beast look, far more terrifying than your unkempt morning hair.
• Superglue: Crucial for sticking just about everything. Who knew crafting could double as a supernatural adhesive test?
• Alcohol Wipes: To sanctify the pumpkin of its mortal filth.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Prepare

Sanitize your pumpkin with alcohol wipes. You never know what infernal residues it’s been hosting. A clean surface ensures clay and faux fur adhere like a soul to a Faustian bargain.

Step 2: Sculpt

Press the air clay to your sacrificial pumpkin, shaping the bone structures of the snout and skull peeking out from underneath broken skin. As the clay dries, keep an eye on your creation. Beware that clay will droop and bend while wet, so unless you prefer your Mephisto to morph into a “blobfish” doomed for ridicule, it’s best to prop up your work-in-progress while it dries. Greatness can’t be rushed—make sure to allow ample time for the clay to fully dry.

 Pro Tip: This is also a good time to use a marking tool (like a toothpick) for assistance with precision-marking where your demonic symbols will be.

Step 3: Add Fur

Once your clay has dried completely through, attach some texture with patches of faux fur using super glue. To fashion ears that scream “hellhound” (or “aww, look at the cute puppy”), glue two fur patches together. Your pumpkin should start to resemble a Lord of Evil residing inside a wolf!

Step 4: Paint

Paint time! The devil is in the details, as they say, so now you will need your acrylics to add layers of terror. Paint demonic symbols, shadow those bone holes, and forge those hollow, soul-consuming black eyes. You might even want to spill some red paint to emulate a fine splash of malevolent gore.

Optional Step 5: Extra Effects

For the bold and daring, carve small holes for the bone and eye areas instead of painting them, adding even more diabolical dimension. Place a candle inside to unleash flickering shadows worthy of a haunted crypt.

Share Your Creation

The master has finished the puppet! Take a step back and admire your handiwork. Your Wolf Mephisto pumpkin should be the stuff of nightmares—or adorably cute, we don’t mind! Crafting a Mephisto pumpkin isn’t just about rigorous skill—it’s about letting loose the inner demon and enthralling your neighborhood with macabre delight. Show us what you got @Diablo on X!

This is also a perfect spooky project to celebrate Diablo IV’s Meat or Treat limited-time event, running from October 29, 10am PT to November 5, 10am PT. Log in to collect limited-time cosmetic rewards, and pay a visit to a Dungeon Shrine for a macabre surprise. Find out more over on the Blizzard blog.

We can’t wait to witness the terror you’ve unleashed! Share your photos with others in our diabolical circle and inspire new devotees to embrace their inner fiend within Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred. Embrace your dark side, cast your spells, and happy haunting!

Diablo® IV: Vessel of Hatred – Expansion Pack

Blizzard Entertainment

☆☆☆☆☆
39

★★★★★

Get it now

This Pack contains Diablo® IV: Vessel of Hatred – Expansion Content.

Battle.net account required. Internet connection required.

For more information, please visit Diablo.com.

© 2024 Blizzard Entertainment, Inc. Diablo and Blizzard Entertainment are trademarks or registered trademarks of Blizzard Entertainment, Inc. in the U.S and/or other countries.

It’s already been a busy year for the small No Man’s Sky team with no fewer than five major updates (Omega, Orbital, Adrift, Worlds Part I, and Aquarius) for Xbox, PC, and Game Pass Travellers to enjoy. We’re not done yet and are pleased to announce that we’ve embraced the spookiness of the season to bring you our 16th expedition – The Cursed! This free content update for all owners will be available to play starting this week on October 23, 2024, and will last through to November 6, 2024.

The team at 505 Games, in collaboration with Leenzee Games, is excited to present the latest trailer for Wuchang: Fallen Feathers—an action-packed soulslike adventure set to launch day one on Xbox Game Pass in 2025.

This new trailer, unveiled at the recent Xbox Partner Preview, gives players a deeper dive into the world of Wuchang, showcasing epic boss encounters, powerful spells, and the intricate combat mechanics that define this highly anticipated title. Whether you’re a fan of the soulslike genre or new to action-RPGs, Wuchang: Fallen Feathers promises a journey filled with dark lore, intense battles, and immersive storytelling.

The trailer opens with the ominous Ming Army Inspector, a boss who casts a chilling atmosphere as he walks past a haunting forest of hanging bodies, delivering a speech about the crumbling Ming Dynasty and his vengeful quest to purge traitors. The stakes are set high from the start, establishing the dark tone that fans can expect from the world of Wuchang. As the trailer unfolds, we are treated to stunning CGI of Wuchang herself as she ignites her ancestral sword—a weapon passed down through the Bai family. This flaming blade is not just for show; it is a symbol of her past, one that ties directly into her mission and the lore woven throughout the game.

Weapons and Spells

In the gameplay segments of the trailer, players witness Wuchang wielding a range of weapons, each with their own unique style and abilities. The Cloudfrost’s Edge, a long sword that exemplifies precision and elegance, is one of her primary tools for battle.

Alongside it, the Firearm Blades, dual weapons with explosive capabilities, showcase her versatility in combat. In one breathtaking scene, we see her switching between these weapons, seamlessly combining swordplay with magic in the Featherweave combat style to block, parry, and unleash devastating attacks on her foes. The fluidity of her movements and the responsive controls provide players with a true sense of mastery over combat, whether they prefer close-range sword strikes or ranged assaults with spells.

Speaking of spells, the trailer highlights a series of powerful magical abilities, such as Echoes of Lu Hongliu, where Wuchang releases a thunderous roar, launching enemies into the air and dealing devastating damage. This ability, like many others in the game, is acquired through overcoming formidable foes. Players will need to harness these skills to survive the dynamic environments filled with enemies ranging from soldiers of the Daxi Army to supernatural beasts like the Corpse Swallowing Mussel—a monstrous creature mutated by the remnants of dark magic. Each spell, such as the Thunderfall from Nine Heavens or the Soul-igniting Lotus Fire, offers strategic opportunities, allowing players to stun enemies, deal area damage, or even gain temporary invincibility.

The new trailer also showcases some of the unique weapon arts and combat styles players will master throughout the game. For instance, wielding the Enigma Spear allows Wuchang to strike enemies from a distance, utilizing long-range precision attacks that add variety to her combat repertoire. The trailer also introduces the Cinder Dragoncoil, an axe that unleashes fiery damage, perfect for taking down larger, more resilient monsters. Switching weapons mid-combat allows Wuchang to adapt to different threats, whether it’s countering the attacks of low-ranking officers or unleashing explosive strikes against colossal bosses.

Finally, fans of intricate combat mechanics will be thrilled to see the Featherweave system in action. This allows for fluid weapon and spell transitions, giving players the freedom to craft their own combat style. Timing dodges, spell casts, and weapon switches will be crucial, especially when facing off against the trailer’s final highlight: a climactic battle between Wuchang and the Ming Army Inspector. This epic showdown promises to test players’ skills and decision-making, making it clear that Wuchang: Fallen Feathers isn’t just about brute force but also about mastering the rhythm of combat.

A Look At Enemies and Bosses

Wuchang: Fallen Feathers also introduces a wide variety of enemies and bosses, each designed to test players’ adaptability and strategic planning. From the Ornithropized Exiles—humanoid enemies plagued by ancient curses—to the terrifying Bird People Chief, players must confront not only physical threats but also the lore and mysteries tied to these characters. The trailer showcases intense battles with the Lady of Snow Castle, a boss whose attacks merge with her snow fox companion, creating a multi-phase battle that will challenge players to use every skill in their arsenal.

Beyond the action, the trailer highlights the richly crafted environments that players will explore. The diverse landscapes range from serene, lush villages to ominous, darkened forests that transform into menacing nightmares as the story progresses. Each setting is rendered with stunning detail using Unreal Engine 5, capturing the essence of ancient China while blending in elements of supernatural terror. These environments aren’t just for show; they are dynamic, interconnected spaces where players’ decisions can influence the story’s outcome, leading to multiple potential endings and quests that shape the fate of Shu.

The Xbox Partner Preview trailer for Wuchang: Fallen Feathers has delivered a thrilling preview of what’s to come, blending a dark narrative with fast-paced, action-packed gameplay.

With a launch set for Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC in 2025 as a day one Game Pass title, this epic soulslike adventure is poised to captivate fans with its deep lore, challenging combat, and beautifully rendered world. As we build up to the release, stay connected by following Wuchang’s official channels on X, Facebook, Instagram and Discord.

Don’t miss any updates on the journey that awaits—wishlist the game now and prepare to face the darkness.

WUCHANG: Fallen Feathers

505 Games

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

WUCHANG: Fallen Feathers is a soulslike, action RPG set in the land of Shu during the dark and tumultuous late Ming Dynasty, plagued with warring factions and a mysterious illness spawning monstrous creatures.

Become Wuchang, a skilled pirate warrior struck by amnesia, who must navigate the uncertainties of her mysterious past while afflicted by the horrific Feathering disease. Explore the depths of Shu, enhancing your arsenal and mastering new skills harvested from fallen foes. Evolve your fighting style by sacrificing elusive Red Mercury and further develop new techniques obtained throughout your action-packed journey. Augment the weapons in your repertoire with powerful enchantments, allowing for a unique approach to combat and strategy that suits your personal style.

Battle against grotesque abominations, drawing on ancient lore to challenge the creeping darkness that threatens the humanity that remains. Your quest for truth will take you through forgotten temples, overgrown ruins, and shadowed paths fraught with peril. As you piece together Wuchang’s lost memories, your choices will lead you to one of several endings—each determined by the choices made, secrets unearthed and the allies you choose to trust.

Immerse yourself in a rich storyline, dynamic combat system, and breathtaking visuals that offer an unforgettable adventure through lands veiled in chaos and death. Will you reveal the truths of Wuchang’s curse and bring peace to Shu, or will you succumb to the encroaching horrors? The fate of the land rests in your hands.

Sound shapes the way we experience games, adding dimension and depth to every action, interaction, and atmosphere. From the epic swell of a battle soundtrack to the quiet tension of a stealth mission, audio plays a crucial role in creating unforgettable gaming moments. That’s why we’ve refreshed the Xbox Wireless Headset, introducing key enhancements to elevate your audio experience to new heights.

Now featuring Dolby Atmos at no additional cost, this updated headset delivers immersive, spatial audio that brings games to life in vivid detail. We’ve also improved battery life, offering up to 20 hours of playtime*, upgraded the microphone with enhanced auto-mute and voice isolation for crystal-clear communication, and now feature Bluetooth 5.3. Combined with its sleek, all-black design, the new Xbox Wireless Headset remains an essential addition to any gaming setup.

The new Xbox Wireless Headset delivers an exceptional sound experience, powered by advanced spatial audio technology. With built-in support for Dolby Atmos, Windows Sonic, and DTS Headphone:X*, you can experience sound with stunning precision, allowing you to pinpoint every footstep, explosion, or whisper. Dolby Atmos, now included at no extra cost, transforms your audio experience by revealing depth, clarity, and details like never before, creating a sound experience you can feel all around you.

Clear communication is essential, whether you’re strategizing with your squad or catching up with friends. The upgraded Xbox Wireless Headset includes advanced auto-mute and voice isolation, ensuring your voice comes through loud and clear while minimizing background noise. Direct pairing with Xbox consoles, along with Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity for PC and mobile devices, allows you to seamlessly switch between platforms without the need for dongles or extra setups (see xbox.com/headset-compatibility for more details). Plus, with Qualcomm S5 Gen 2 technology, you’ll enjoy ultra-low latency wireless connectivity for smooth, uninterrupted gameplay.

Long gaming sessions require maximum comfort, and the new Xbox Wireless Headset is designed with that in mind. Its adjustable headband and plush earcups provide a snug, comfortable fit, while the sleek, all-black design effortlessly complements any gaming setup. With up to 20 hours of battery life* on a single charge, you can focus on gaming without the hassle of frequent recharges. The extended mic boom ensures your voice is heard clearly, even during the most intense moments. Need to adjust your audio mid-game? The intuitive on-ear controls make it easy to fine-tune your game/chat balance without interrupting the action. And for players who want even more control, the Xbox Accessories app offers deeper customization, allowing you to tailor the headset to your personal preferences.

The new Xbox Wireless Headset is available now in select Xbox markets worldwide for $109.99 USD ERP, visit Xbox.com or your local retailer, including the Microsoft Store, for more information.

_{*Audio customization available via the Xbox Accessories app for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Windows 10/11 devices. DTS Headphone:X may require additional purchases, app downloads, and supported hardware. Windows Sonic, Dolby Atmos, and DTS Headphone:X require supported content. Battery life varies significantly with distance from console, additional accessories, usage and other factors. Testing conducted by Microsoft using pre-production units.}

Unknown 9: Awakening is out on Xbox Series X | S and Xbox One today! Are you ready to step into the unknown and embark on the quest of a lifetime?

Your mission: help heroine Haroona avenge the death of her mentor, Reika, and uncover long-lost knowledge that could safeguard humanity’s future.

Check out the Cinematic Launch Trailer and find out why you won’t want to miss out on the epic journey that awaits you.

Take the Lead Alongside Anya Chalotra who Plays Haroona

Unknown 9: Awakening’s tough-as-nails heroine is fierce, quick-witted, and wields incredible abilities. She’s also portrayed by Anya Chalotra, best known for playing The Witcher’s Yennefer of Vengerberg.

As Awakening Creative Director Christophe Rossignol explains, it was a privilege to work with the actress, whose passion for the game’s narrative and dedication to the role were invaluable in shaping Haroona’s character and pushing the story forward.

But don’t just take it from him! Only by walking Haroona’s path will you get to experience the magic Chalotra infuses into the character.

Command Every Battle by Stepping Into your Enemies

In the world of Unknown 9, “Stepping” involves projecting your consciousness into another person’s body to control them. It’s a skill that allows you to puppeteer your enemies, leveraging their strengths while pitting them against each other.

In its simplest form, Stepping can be used to take over an Ascendant soldier and have them shoot a comrade. Earn enough Stepping tokens through combat and hop from one foe to the next, adjusting each one’s position to set up catastrophic chained attacks.

Whether you rely on this skill as a form of crowd control or use it to reshape the battlefield and set the pace of a fight, it’s an ability you can get incredibly creative with.

Customize your Playstyle Using Haroona’s Umbric Abilities

While Stepping can be performed in an almost endless number of ways, there’s a lot to be said about making use of Haroona’s full Umbric arsenal.

As Reflector Entertainment Senior Game Designer Yoan Le Souder explains, Haroona uses the Fold’s Umbric energy (Am) to fuel a wide range of powers, block attacks, and weaponize whatever lies in her path. It’s up to you to choose the best approach, then select what abilities to use, and when.

Go Stealth

Fly under the radar by using your Shroud ability to turn invisible and dismantle powerful Ascendant technology, like the Anti-Stepping Device which, as the name suggests, prevents you from performing this specific skill.

You can also toss a Ripple of Umbric energy to draw an Ascendant to an isolated location, then sneak up behind them and perform a Takedown.

Fight It Out

Prefer to use brute force? Haroona’s Crush, Push, and Pull allow her to turn almost anything into a weapon. You can also use these skills to clear a path, reel enemies in, or send them flying off ledges and cliffs!

If you want to pull out all the stops, go for an Umbric or Burst attack, the former proving effective at Fazing your enemies and the latter, the ideal way to finish them off.

A Combined Approach

There’s no right or wrong way to tackle any situation in the game. You can fight from the shadows, throw down in hand-to-hand combat, or stick to Stepping.  But the true magic lies in using a combination of the three styles.

Game Designer Anna Karina Bermudez likes to start out in stealth to catch enemies off guard. From there, it’s easy to get a few punches in, maybe Push a foe into a wall, Pull others in closer to land a few kicks, then finish them off with a Stepping attack before Shrouding out of sight.

Explore Exotic Locations

Calling all globetrotting adventure fans!

Unknown 9: Awakening takes you from the Mauritanian desert into the bustling streets of an Indian town called Chamiri, through the dense jungles and ruin-filled mountains of northern India, to a gothic mansion in Portugal, and beyond.

You get to discover places rarely featured in today’s games. And though Awakening follows a mostly linear structure, you can still get some exploration in to uncover secrets and collect skill points.

Your Gateway to the Larger Universe of Unknown 9

By playing the game, you’re making your first foray into a universe packed with mystery and adventure. Though Awakening’s narrative is self-contained, it’s one of many interconnected tales that play out across comics, novels, podcasts, and web series.

Starting next week, you can continue the story of the game through Unknown 9: Passage, a web series that takes you aboard the SS Talaria, where a mysterious entity appears to be infecting the minds of the ship’s dwindling crew.

Other stories slated for release next week include Issue #2 of the Unknown 9: Torment comic book series and the third and final instalment of Layton Green’s Genesis Trilogy.

To spot the crossovers, call-backs, and easter eggs, make sure to check out the Unknown 9: Nexus interactive experience, which highlights intersecting plot points, backstories, and more!

Are you ready to brave the Unknown and discover what our narrative universe has in store for you? There’s only one way to find out. Play Unknown 9: Awakening on Xbox today to see where your journey takes you.

Unknown 9: Awakening

Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc.

☆☆☆☆☆
5

★★★★★

$49.99

Get it now

Delve into the mysterious world of the Unknown 9, and uncover mysteries hidden in plain sight.

You are Haroona, a Quaestor born with the ability to venture into a mysterious dimension that overlaps our own, known only as the Fold. On her quest for powerful hidden knowledge, Haroona will learn to master her unique connection to the Fold, which allows her to channel its powers into our world… But such power does not go unnoticed and Haroona quickly becomes the target of a splinter faction calling themselves the Ascendants, who want to use the Fold to alter the course of human history.

Become Haroona – Play as a young and courageous woman who has the ability to dive into and channel powers from a parallel dimension known as the Fold.

Master the Fold – Leverage your mastery of the Fold and choose your own playstyle. Step into your enemies to control them, dodge bullets, vanish in plain sight, hurl Umbric energy at your opponents, and more.

Journey across the world – From the sands of Mauritania and perilous Indian jungles to the gothic landscapes of 19th century Portugal, discover some of the most mysterious locations the world has to offer.

Discover the Unknown 9 universe – Unknown 9: Awakening lies at the heart of intertwining stories, unfolding through a multitude of Unknown 9 products whose events and characters make up a much larger Storyworld.