Roblox Launches Updated App for the Microsoft Store and Xbox on PC
Summary
Roblox has launched a new version of its app for Microsoft Store and Xbox on PC, helping to deliver a more stable and reliable experience.
The updated app enables you to link your Microsoft and Roblox accounts so you can see which of your Xbox friends are online.
Download the latest version of the Roblox app now on the Microsoft Store, Xbox.com, and the Xbox PC app.
At Roblox, we’re committed to making sure that every player on any device has the best and most immersive experience. To that end, today we’re excited to announce we’ve taken a major step forward in how our platform evolves and scales across the Xbox ecosystem with the release of a new version of Roblox for the Microsoft Store and Xbox on PC.
This updated version replaces our legacy app and brings Roblox natively to the Microsoft Store and Xbox on PC for the first time, delivering several back-end improvements as well as a host of exciting benefits for players, including:
Better performance and stability on Windows PCs
Xbox profile integration, making it easier to connect with friends on console or PC
Support for future Microsoft devices, including the upcoming ROG Xbox Ally handhelds.
After installing the updated version, you’ll be prompted to link your Roblox and Microsoft accounts. Moving forward, this will allow you to sign in to Roblox with your Microsoft credentials and access key features previously unavailable in the old version of our app.
See Xbox Friends Online
Your Xbox friends list is now more integrated into the app, making it easier to play together. You’ll be able to tell who on your Connections list is an Xbox friend, and you’ll get suggestions on which Xbox friends to add as Connections on Roblox.
Purchase Robux with Your Microsoft Account
Any time you purchase Robux with your Microsoft account, your balance will now seamlessly carry over across all your devices—including Xbox consoles.
Since first launching on the Microsoft Store, Roblox has consistently been ranked among the most played and most downloaded titles with over 380,000 reviews and a 4+ star rating. Download the new version of the app from Microsoft Store today to make sure you continue playing with all the latest features and improvements.
Roblox is the ultimate virtual universe that lets you create, share experiences with friends, and be anything you can imagine. Join millions of people and discover an infinite variety of immersive experiences created by a global community!
Already have an account? Log in with your existing Roblox account and explore the infinite metaverse of Roblox.
MILLIONS OF EXPERIENCES
In the mood for an epic adventure? Want to compete against rivals worldwide? Or do you just want to hang out and chat with your friends online? A growing library of experiences created by the community means there’s always something new and exciting for you every day.
EXPLORE TOGETHER ANYTIME, ANYWHERE
Take the fun on the go. Roblox features full cross-platform support, meaning you can join your friends and millions of other people on their computers, mobile devices, Xbox One, or VR headsets.
BE ANYTHING YOU CAN IMAGINE
Be creative and show off your unique style! Customize your avatar with tons of hats, shirts, faces, gear, and more. With an ever-expanding catalog of items, there’s no limit to the looks you can create.
CHAT WITH FRIENDS
Hang out with friends around the world using chat features, private messages, and groups!
CREATE YOUR OWN EXPERIENCES: https://www.roblox.com/develop
SUPPORT: https://en.help.roblox.com/hc/en-us
CONTACT: https://corp.roblox.com/contact/
PRIVACY POLICY: https://www.roblox.com/info/privacy
PARENT’S GUIDE: https://corp.roblox.com/parents/
TERMS OF USE: https://en.help.roblox.com/hc/en-us/articles/115004647846
PLEASE NOTE: A network connection is required to join. Roblox works best over Wi-Fi.
Hey, everybody! Sid, Tim, and Brett are back this week to discuss the release of Borderlands 4, indie hit Hollow Knight: Silksong, and 30 years of PlayStation memories.
Stuff We Talked About
Next week’s releases:
Borderlands 4 | PS5 (out today)
LEGO Voyagers | PS5, PS4
Frostpunk 2 | PS5
Towa and the Guardians of the Sacred Tree | PS5
Dying Light: The Beast | PS5
Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter | PS5
Digimon Story: Time Stranger hands-on — New details revealed on the combat system and tropical Abyss Area.
Hollow Knight: Silksong hands-on — Discover what’s new in the anticipated sequel, like mid-air healing, mantling on ledges, more challenging encounters, and more.
Announcing PlayStation 30th Memories — We’re celebrating PlayStation history and you’re invited to be a part of it by sharing your memories. Head to PS blog for more details
PlayStation Family App — This new mobile app gives parents more tools to guide their family’s PlayStation experience.
The Cast
Download the image
Sid Shuman – Senior Director of Content Communications, SIE
Brett Elston – Manager, Content Communications, SIE
Thanks to Dormilón for our rad theme song and show music.
[Editor’s note: PSN game release dates are subject to change without notice. Game details are gathered from press releases from their individual publishers and/or ESRB rating descriptions.]
Dragon Quest VII Reimagined is set to release February 3, 2026 if you buy the more expensive editions, or February 5 for the standard Edition. It’s coming to PS5, Switch, Switch 2, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. A from-the-ground-up remake of the original PS1 game, the remake brings the epic RPG adventure to modern platforms with modern visuals and storytelling. It’s available in several editions, all of which are detailed below. Let’s dive in.
The standard edition just comes with the game itself, plus the preorder bonus (detailed below). It’s also worth noting that physical editions for Switch 2 are Game-Key Cards, and don’t contain the game on the cartridge.
Dragon Quest VII Reimagined – Digital Deluxe Edition
The Square Enix Store-exclusive collector’s edition comes with the following physical and digital extras:
Physical Items
Steelbook Case
Ship in a Bottle Figure
Smile Slime Plush
Digital Items
Luminary’s Livery costume set
Road of Regal Wretches battle arena content
Jam-Packed Swag Bag – assortment of helpful items
White Wolf Costume
Dragon Quest VII Reimagined Preorder Bonus
Preorder Dragon Quest VII Reimagined, and you’ll receive a couple of in-game items to help you on your way. Here’s what you get:
Trodain Togs
Seed of Proficiency x3
What Is Dragon Quest VII Reimagined?
Dragon Quest VII Reimagined is a full remake of Dragon Quest VII: Fragments of the Forgotten Past, a JRPG that first launched in 2000 for the original PlayStation console. It’s previously been ported to Nintendo 3DS and mobile platforms, but this is, as the title suggests, a full reimagining of the game.
DQ7 is a famously long game, with an average of 75 hours to complete the main story in the 3DS edition, according to Howlongtobeat, with a completionist time of 130 hours. The PlayStation version has even longer completion times.
The game is a traditional single-player JRPG that has your unnamed character and a team of adventurers sailing around, traversing islands, and completing quests to help people out on each one.
As for the art, Square Enix wrote in its announcement, “The character designs, originally crafted by world-renowned manga artist Akira Toriyama, have been reimagined into a charming 3D art style using dolls actually created in the real world.” That’s wild. The graphics look great, though, almost toy-like in that Link’s Awakening remake sort of way.
Here’s some good news for anyone with a soft spot for the Wii and its library: Nintendo is releasing a bundle of Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 for Nintendo Switch on October 2. As with nearly every original Switch game, it will be fully playable on Switch 2 as well. The reason for the souped-up ports is because these games are the basis of The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, which hits theaters April 3, 2026. The game collection is available to preorder now (see it at Walmart) either in physical or digital form. Read on for details.
Preorder Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2
There are no special editions to be found here. The games are all you get. Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 is available in physical form, or in digital form on the Nintendo eShop. If you choose to go the digital route, you can buy them together for $69.99, or individually for $39.99 each.
Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 Preorder Bonus
As yet, Nintendo has announced nothing in terms of preorder bonuses for the game. If it does at some point in the future, or if any retailer decides to offer a bonus of its own, I’ll add it here.
What Is Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2?
These are ports of Nintendo Wii games. Super Mario Galaxy hit the waggly platform in 2007. The sequel arrived on the same console in 2010. Both games were incredibly well received: IGN gave Super Mario Galaxy a 9.7/10 and Super Mario Galaxy 2 a 10/10.
Both games have gotten some upgrades and improvements in their transition to the new platform. They have improved resolution (up to 4K on Switch 2), a better UI, and a new in-game music player. You also have the option to play using standard controls, or using the Joy-Cons in a more Wii-like manner with motion controls.
In addition to the improvements, Rosalina’s in-game storybook is also getting new pages. We’ll have to wait until the game comes out to see exactly what they’ll include.
The crux of the original games is that Mario is sent into space, where he runs and jumps around on planetoid-like environments. Each one has its own gravitational pull, so you can run all around the spheres, making for some interesting platforming challenges. They really are superb games.
Silver Tempest remains one of the most collector-driven Sword and Shield era sets, and prices reflect the tug-of-war between nostalgia, competitive play, and scarcity. Alternate arts and Trainer Gallery cards dominate collector demand, while competitive staples like Lugia VSTAR continue to influence the market.
On the climbing side, Lugia V (Alternate Full Art) 186/195 has skyrocketed 68% since July, now sitting at $427, cementing itself as the premier chase card of the set. Trainer Gallery heavy-hitters such as Rayquaza VMAX TG20/TG30 and Blaziken VMAX TG15/TG30 have also surged thanks to their combination of nostalgia, strong artwork, and lingering competitive relevance.
These climbs position them as cards worth watching for investors who see Trainer Gallery subsets as undervalued compared to alternate arts.
TL;DR: This Weeks Crashers and Climbers
Not all cards are faring well, however. Regidrago V (Alternate Full Art) 184/195 slipped 12% since July, now down to $14.99, as its short-lived meta role fades. Alolan Vulpix VSTAR (Secret) 197/195 has also cooled, losing about 7% over the past month. Even Lugia V 138/195 in its standard form has seen a correction, dropping to the $11 range as attention shifts toward its higher-rarity variants.
Meanwhile, Silver Tempest sealed products are heating up. Silver Tempest Booster Box that were $350 in June now fetch nearly $465, and even three-pack blisters and Silver Tempest Build & Battle Box are doubling or tripling compared to last year. With sealed product prices steadily rising, investors are finding Silver Tempest a set worth holding onto long-term.
Pokémon Card Climbers
Lugia V (Alternate Full Art) 186/195 has surged 68% since July, climbing from $254.51 to $427. This alternate art is widely considered the premier chase card of Silver Tempest, both for its place in the competitive Lugia VSTAR archetype and for its stunning artwork showing Lugia emerging from stormy seas. For investors, this card represents one of the safest long-term holds from the Sword and Shield block, balancing competitive relevance with iconic artwork.
Rayquaza VMAX Trainer Gallery TG20/TG30 has more than doubled in value since July, now at $122.72 compared to $71.40. Its Azure Pulse ability, which lets you discard your hand and draw three cards, still provides flexibility in niche decks, and Max Burst remains a strong scaling attack with Energy discards. Much of its price movement comes from the Trainer Gallery art, where Rayquaza dominates the scene in bold colors. With strong nostalgia and limited supply, Rayquaza VMAX looks like a smart mid-range option for investors who prefer artwork-driven cards.
Lugia VSTAR 202/195 has risen 44% since July, moving from $23.22 to $33.55. Lugia VSTAR continues to be one of the most powerful cards in the format, with its Summoning Star ability enabling explosive bench setups by recovering Colorless Pokémon from the discard pile. Tempest Dive also provides reliable 220 damage with the bonus of Stadium removal. This Secret Rare version benefits from both its ongoing playability and the prestige of being a high-rarity Lugia card in a set defined by the legendary bird, making it attractive to both competitive players and investors looking for sustained growth.
Blaziken VMAX Trainer Gallery TG15/TG30 has jumped from $11.90 in December 2024 to $28.99 today. Its Max Blaze attack can accelerate Energy to Rapid Strike Pokémon on the bench, and while this synergy is only occasional in competitive play now, the Trainer Gallery artwork featuring May alongside Blaziken has given it collector-driven momentum. As a lower-entry price point compared to Lugia or Rayquaza, it could appeal to investors targeting the Trainer Gallery subset as a whole.
Blaziken V Trainer Gallery TG14/TG30 has seen an even more dramatic increase, climbing from $10.29 in December 2024 to $28.99. While its attacks are straightforward, the Trainer Gallery artwork again takes center stage. Featuring May with Blaziken in an anime-style presentation, this card has quickly gained momentum as collectors seek to pair it with the VMAX. Investors watching Silver Tempest may see this as a strong example of character-driven cards performing well long-term.
Pokémon Card Crashers
Regidrago V (Alternate Full Art) 184/195 has dropped 12% since July, now sitting at $14.99 compared to its previous $17.13. The card once carried strong hype as the core of Regidrago VSTAR decks, where Celestial Roar could accelerate Energy and Dragon Laser offered splash damage across the board. As the competitive meta moved toward Lugia VSTAR, Charizard ex, and other faster attackers, Regidrago lost ground and demand has followed. From a collector standpoint, the alternate art design remains appealing, featuring Regidrago amidst ancient ruins, but it does not command the same prestige as the Lugia alternate arts, and with high supply on the market the correction feels like a natural leveling of its long-term value.
Alolan Vulpix VSTAR (Secret) 197/195 has slipped around 7% since August, falling to $13.86 from $14.98. Its Silvery Snow Star attack once had situational strength against Pokémon V-heavy decks, dealing up to 350 damage under the right conditions. However, as the format has leaned further into Pokémon ex and efficient single-prize strategies, Vulpix’s impact has weakened. Snow Mirage offered some stall potential, but it has not been enough to hold its place in the current meta. Collectors may still be drawn to the rainbow Secret Rare finish, but with Silver Tempest containing multiple more desirable chase cards, Alolan Vulpix VSTAR has been overshadowed.
Lugia V (Full Art) 185/195 has dropped 15% since September, down to $10.50 from $12.34. While Lugia VSTAR remains one of the defining cards of the Sword and Shield era, the V card itself sees play mainly as a stepping stone. Players only need a few copies to evolve, and with the card printed in multiple versions, supply is abundant. Collectors often focus on the alternate art or higher-rarity versions of Lugia, leaving this Full Art with less staying power. Its decline reflects a broader trend where supporting cards lose value once the meta cements which versions are most desirable both in play and in collections.
Serperior V (Trainer Gallery) TG13/TG30 has slid from $13.35 in September to $12 today. The card’s Noble Light ability to heal all Pokémon adds an interesting niche, but it also benefits the opponent, making it less practical for most decks. Solar Beam at 120 damage for two Grass Energy looks underwhelming compared to the speed and power of current competitive attackers. What has kept Serperior relevant is the Trainer Gallery artwork featuring Rosa, which gives it crossover appeal among collectors. Still, as prices of Silver Tempest Trainer Gallery cards fluctuate, Serperior has not been able to keep pace with the likes of Rayquaza or Blaziken.
Lugia V 138/195 in its standard Ultra Rare print has seen a decline from $13.51 to $11.44 since September. Similar to the Full Art version, this card’s primary role is as the base for Lugia VSTAR, and demand has cooled as players already hold their playsets. With alternate arts and Secret Rares capturing the majority of collector interest, the standard Ultra Rare finds itself priced closer to utility than prestige. The card is still essential in Lugia-focused decks, with Read the Wind providing early draw power and Aero Dive clearing Stadiums, yet despite this playability, its sheer availability prevents it from holding long-term value above its rarer counterparts.
Silver Tempest Sealed Products
The Silver Tempest Booster Box has seen a sharp rise since June, climbing from $350.44 to $464.98 today. As the set continues to age and supply dwindles, sealed boxes remain one of the strongest investment plays for collectors and investors alike, especially with the chase Lugia alternate art driving sustained demand.
The Silver Tempest Pokemon Center Elite Trainer Box has also risen significantly, now $305 compared to $183.74 in June. These Pokémon Center exclusives are printed in smaller runs, and as more collectors chase complete Sword and Shield ETB lines, this version of Silver Tempest is proving especially desirable. For investors, the smaller supply pool makes this one of the most reliable sealed options to hold.
The Silver Tempest Elite Trainer Box has climbed from $77.95 in June to just under $100 today, a steady rise driven by accessibility and the general demand for sealed ETBs. While not as scarce as the Pokémon Center version, it benefits from overall market momentum and remains an approachable option for investors seeking affordable sealed products.
The Silver Tempest Booster Bundle has risen from $60.63 in June to $70.98, showing that even smaller sealed options are gaining traction as booster boxes become more expensive. Similarly, the Silver Tempest Build & Battle Box has nearly doubled since October 2024, now reaching $31 compared to $16.08. These are lower-cost sealed items that investors may look to stockpile, as they are easier to move in the long run compared to higher-priced boxes.
Three-pack blisters have shown some of the most dramatic jumps. The Silver Tempest 3 Pack Blister Manaphy has risen from $13.06 last November to $32.95, while the Silver Tempest 3 Pack Blister Togetic went from $7.54 in March to $35 today. These spikes reflect both character collector demand and the scarcity of sealed promos from the set. Investors who favor lower-entry sealed products may see these as smart pickups, given their strong growth in a short period.
Finally, Silver Tempest single boosters have crept up as well, with the Silver Tempest Sleeved Booster Pack now at $10.49 compared to $9.97 in June and the Silver Tempest Booster Pack at $8.09 compared to $6.35. While these increases are smaller in percentage terms, they show the across-the-board upward pressure on all sealed Silver Tempest product, confirming the set’s strength as a long-term hold for investors.
Christian Wait is a contributing freelancer for IGN covering everything collectable and deals. Christian has over 7 years of experience in the Gaming and Tech industry with bylines at Mashable and Pocket-Tactics. Christian also makes hand-painted collectibles for Saber Miniatures. Christian is also the author of “Pokemon Ultimate Unofficial Gaming Guide by GamesWarrior”. Find Christian on X @ChrisReggieWait.
Smile and say AIEEEEE, horror fans! Tecmo and Team Ninja are bringing a “remake” of PS2 survival horror Fatal Frame 2: Crimson Butterfly to PC via Steam in early 2026. Why am I brandishing a glyph-covered Canon EOS 90D at you, while singing the Ghostbusters theme? Allow me to explain: Fatal Frame’s signature touch is that you defeat spooks using a magic camera. Naturally, this also means that you have to look steadily and calmly at said spooks while they shimmer and sway towards you. Catch some of that nonsense in the remake’s announcement trailer.
As expected, Nintendo spent a good chunk of its latest Direct presentation focusing on the 40th anniversary of Super Mario Bros. with a host of announcements both big and small.
The platforming icon celebrates his big four-zero on 13th September 2025 and, while we didn’t get the brand-new 3D Mario that we were perhaps expecting, we’re quite pleased with the reveals regardless.
Master the Dungeon: Essential Tips & Card Combos to Survive Hellcard on Xbox
Konstanty Kalicki, Co-Founder, Skystone Games
Summary
Hellcardis available now on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One.
Build winning decks and teams with these strategies and combos.
Build winning decks and teams with these strategies and combos.
The paper foes aren’t going to slay themselves. With Hellcard now available on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One, thousands of players are discovering just how dangerous the Paperverse can be. If you’re finding your runs ending faster than you’d like, we’ve gathered some essential tips and card combinations to help you survive the dungeon and come out on top.
Know Your Class
Every run in Hellcard starts with a choice: Warrior, Rogue, Mage, Tinkerer, or Bruja. Each brings a unique flavor of cards that can dramatically shape your strategy.
Warrior A battle-worn fighter who trusts muscle and blunt honesty more than clever tricks. He thrives in head-to-head clashes with the fiercest beasts, and while his swagger suggests fearlessness, his true drive is shielding his allies from harm.
Rogue A shadow in the trees and a whisper on the wind. She favors distance, snares, and nimble footwork over brute force. Quick with a biting quip or with the coin pouch she lifted off your belt, she’s as dangerous in wit as she is with her bow.
Mage Scholars say wielding firestorms and bending reality invites madness. Whether his sharp tongue is proof of that descent or a defense against it, who can tell? Mages live with one foot in brilliance and the other dangling over the abyss.
Tinkerer Graduate of the same academy as the Mage, though proudly from the workshops, not the lecture halls. He champions gears, gadgets, and schematics over the “shortcuts” of spellcraft. A meticulous planner with a knack for clever constructs—and a guilty love of wordplay.
Bruja An enigmatic spell-weaver walking the line between sacrificial blood rites and infernal pacts. Her power heals as easily as it curses, but each gift carries a shadowed cost. To cross her path is to gamble with both salvation and damnation.
Combos That Carry Runs
It’s not just about drawing strong cards—it’s about building synergies that snowball into victory. Here are a few player-favorite combos:
Stamina Surge (Warrior) Focus on executing powerful attacks to gain stamina. Once you get ten stamina, your next card is free and executes twice. A strategically picked card and moment can turn the battle.
Card Mill (Rogue & Mage): Pair Finesse with Wave Laylines to keep drawing more cards for yourself and teammates while getting free mana. A well-executed build can clear a level in one or two turns.
Hammer Time (Tinkerer): Stacking Sharp Matter for resource generation with a resource boosted attack like Hammer Time ensures you can fire off devastating attacks without running dry. As a bonus, keep buffing your team with Solidarity.
Infinite Draw and block (Bruja & Warrior): Bruja’s Wendigo draws each time you kill, Wrathstealer gives loads of block to other team members, while Warrior’s Ox doubles it. In co-op, coordination like this wins runs.
Think Positionally (and Positively!)
Unlike many deck-builders, Hellcard isn’t only about the hand you’re dealt—it’s about where enemies are placed. Sometimes the best defence is to kick a powerful enemy back so they have to waste trudging back to you. Or pull a ranged monster close, so they have to skitter back while taking hits from your team. Always prioritize threats based on distance, and use movement or control cards to reposition the battlefield in your favor.
Don’t Hoard, Adapt
It’s tempting to hold onto every powerful card you find, but Hellcard rewards adaptability. Sometimes discarding or cycling cards is the best play to find what you need. Building flexible decks with both single-target and AOE options helps you pivot when the dungeon throws a curveball. It pays to check the end boss you got for the run and adjust the deck accordingly. Each boss counters a specific strategy. Learn and master them all.
Co-Op is Your Secret Weapon
Solo runs are fun and give you total control over strategy, but Hellcard truly shines in co-op. Don’t just play your own cards—think about how your deck complements your allies’. Warriors shielding Rogues, Rogues finessing more cards for teammates, casting these cards for no cost after a couple of turns. Communication is your strongest card in multiplayer.
One Last Tip: Risk Brings Reward
Artifacts can completely change your run, but they often come with drawbacks. Don’t shy away from risks. That seemingly cursed artifact that disables your block but massively increases damage output? Your mates can still give you block while you become an unstoppable engine of destruction. The best Hellcard runs often come from daring choices that pay off big.
Hellcard is available now on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One. Shuffle your deck, grab some friends, and dive into the abyss—you’ve got the tips, now all you need is the courage to play your hand.
Hellcard is a cooperative roguelike deckbuilder that can be played in both Singleplayer and Multiplayer modes. The game takes place in the paper dungeons known from the Book of Demons, and its main mechanics revolve around deckbuilding and fast-paced tactical card battles.
What makes HELLCARD unique and different from other deck-building games is that monster placement actually matters and can be used to your advantage. Shuffle enemies on the board, altering their targets and grouping for maximum area of effect attacks. Or keeping them stunned until you get your perfect card combo ready.
Featuring a unique paper-craft pop-up book art style HELLCARD is a love letter to the RPG genre and its most influential titles from the ’90s. Not taking itself too seriously, it nonetheless manages to recreate the atmosphere of exploring stuffy dark dungeons and heroically facing the Ultimate Evil.
HELLCARD supports co-op battles with up to three heroes facing the Archdemon’s hordes. In single-player mode, you can descend into the dungeons solo or recruit computer-controlled companions. In multiplayer mode, your friends or strangers can help you battle the hordes of hell.
The developers behind Battlefield 6 are encouraging players on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and S to keep crossplay on, even if they “can’t promise that there will be zero cheaters” on PC.
Ripple Effect technical director Christian Buhl and senior console combat designer Matthew Nickerson talked about the ever-present threat of cheaters in Battlefield during a recent interview with IGN. During our chat, we learned about how the team is supporting console players with everything from crossplay to performance and fidelity modes.
We also learned about how the studio has implemented anti-cheat measures for next month’s Battlefield sequel. The conversation saw Buhl acknowledge that, while it will be hard to guarantee a cheat-free environment for those playing with the Battlefield 6 PC pool, Ripple Effect and the rest of the BF Studios team have gone to great lengths to fight off cheaters.
“So, we’re doing a lot on the PC side to clamp down on cheating as much as possible,” Buhl said. “We have a whole team within Battlefield dedicated to anti-cheat, which includes engineers, analysts who are reviewing things and banning players, and figuring out what the latest cheats are. We have another whole dedicated team at EA to anti-cheat that we work closely with.”
Buhl also highlights the new Battlefield 6 anti-cheat system, Javelin, as well as the divisive secure boot, as other important components in their strategy. Still, as cheaters continue to run amok across the most popular multiplayer games on the market, Ripple Effect knows some will slip through the cracks, especially on PC.
“Now, we can never win against cheaters, right?” Buhl added. “Cheaters will always be there. It’s a never-ending cat-and-mouse game. I can’t promise that there will be zero cheaters if you’re playing against PC players. That’s just simply not possible, but I can say that we are being extremely aggressive. We see this as critical to the success of — to the health of — the game.”
Battlefield 6 has a release date of October 10, 2025, for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X and S, but cheaters were able to infiltrate servers months early. EA held open beta periods throughout August, allowing players to get a pre-release taste of the Battlefield experience BF Studios has been cooking up for the last few years. It also saw players come face-to-face with cheaters despite the development team’s efforts, with EA reporting it prevented 330,000 cheat attempts by August 8, just one day after open beta early access began.
Nickerson said crossplay will be on by default when a player loads into Battlefield 6 for the first time, something players should know if they’re especially worried about encountering cheaters on PC. Console users who turn off crossplay will limit their pools to the PlayStation and Xbox communities, but Ripple Effect is hoping it won’t come to that.
“You don’t want to play a game and feel like a bunch of people on the other side are cheating,” Buhl added. “I hope console players feel confident enough in what we’re doing for cheating on the PC side that they don’t feel like they want to turn crossplay off just for that reason. If they do want to, that is an available option for them, but we think it’s super important for PC and console players to be confident that most of the people that they’re playing with or against are not cheating, and we’re putting a huge amount of effort into that.”
You can see Buhl and Nickerson explain some of the other ways BF Studios is prepping for the launch of Battlefield 6 in our full interview. You can also read up on what the rest of the Battlefield team learned from the beta and what kind of fixes players can expect to see at launch.
Michael Cripe is a freelance writer with IGN. He’s best known for his work at sites like The Pitch, The Escapist, and OnlySP. Be sure to give him a follow on Bluesky (@mikecripe.bsky.social) and Twitter (@MikeCripe).
Balatro‘s free 1.1 update won’t release in 2025 as originally planned, developer Localthunk has announced. There’s no new release date, but they say the update’ll arrive when they’ve been able to complete it, while continuing to work at a healthy pace.
This update was first announced by publishers Playstack in August last year, with Localthunk subsequently revealing in a chat with Bloomberg that it’ll feature, among other stuff, some new jokers and a revamp of the Matador card. The latter dishes out a cash boost whenever you play a hand that triggers a boss blind’s ability.
