Pulp fiction, murder mysteries, and gritty point-and-click adventures—if these get your gaming gears turning, we’ve got some fantastic news for your Nintendo handhelds today.
Independent game studio Powerhoof has officially announced that its critically acclaimed pulp adventure thriller, The Drifter, is out now digitally on both the Nintendo Switch and the next-gen Nintendo Switch 2 via the eShop!
What is The Drifter?
For the uninitiated, The Drifter is a tense, narrative-driven roller coaster that wears its pulp-thriller inspirations proudly on its sleeve. You step into the worn-out shoes of Mick Carter, a drifter who happens to witness a brutal murder, gets framed for it, is killed, and then… wakes up alive again just moments before it all happened.
What follows is a desperate, dark, and beautifully animated race against time as Mick tries to unravel a massive conspiracy before his luck—and his lives—run out.
Why You Should Care
Award-Winning Pedigree: Powerhoof (the brilliant minds behind Crawlers) have crafted a narrative that has already hooked critics and players alike during its PC run.
Perfect for Handheld: The atmospheric pixel art and gripping story make it the ideal game to curl up with in handheld mode.
Next-Gen Ready: Whether you are still rocking the trusty original Switch or have upgraded to the power of the Switch 2, you can dive into the mystery seamlessly.
Pricing & Availability
The Drifter is available right now on the eShop. Grab your copy at the following regional launch prices:
Region
Price
Australia
$29.50 AUD
United States
$19.99 USD
United Kingdom
£16.75 GBP
TechMash Verdict: If you’re looking for a gripping, mature story to sink your teeth into this weekend, The Drifter is well worth the admission price. Head over to the eShop and grab it now!
The survival genre is filled with games that ask you to chop down a forest, build a massive fortress, and stay put. But what if a survival game forced you to keep moving through a beautiful, decaying world?
Icelandic solo developer Hrafnkell “Keli” Þrastarson and indie studio Pretty Potato Games have just dropped a playable Steam demo for Nokai, a gorgeous, eerie, open-world ocean survival adventure that flips the script on traditional survival tropes.
What is Nokai?
Set 700 years after a mysterious calamity drowned the world, Nokai washes you ashore with no memory in a world ruled by violent storms, twisted wildlife, and rusted machinery rotting beneath the waves.
To survive, you must rebuild a ship, sail through treacherous waters, and hunt an ancient evil that is actively poisoning the ocean.
According to Þrastarson, the game is meant to channel a very specific vibe:
“I wanted to make something that feels like the weirdest camping trip you’ve ever been on with your friends, with something in the water that is constantly watching and pushing you or your group to keep moving through the world.”
Survival with Forward Momentum
Unlike games where you settle down permanently, Nokai is entirely focused on forward momentum and exploration.
Your ship acts as your primary vehicle and mobile base, requiring constant repairs, customisations, and crucial upgrades to reach more distant, dangerous islands. Instead of a mega-base, you’ll establish temporary camps across the world to gather resources, recover, and prepare for the perilous journey north.
Key Features to Check Out in the Demo:
Solo or 5-Player Co-op: Take on the unforgiving ocean alone or crew a ship with up to four friends in online co-op.
Handcrafted Exploration: Discover diverse, uncharted islands packed with unique resources, hidden secrets, and environmental storytelling.
Intense Maritime Combat: Fight off unique, bizarre creatures and enemies across different oceanic regions.
Ship Progression: Upgrade and customise your vessel to survive harsher weather and deadlier waters.
Supported by Innovation, Heading to Steam Next Fest
Development on Nokai began back in 2021, backed by Iceland’s prestigious Rannís innovation grant. The game is currently gearing up for a major showcase at the Steam Next Fest in October 2026, ahead of its planned Early Access launch.
If you want a taste of this hauntingly beautiful oceanic odyssey, the playable demo is available to download right now on PC via Steam. Go grab your crew, upgrade your ship, and see how long you can survive what lurks beneath the waves.
Have you played the Nokai demo yet? Let us know what you think of this fresh take on ocean survival in the comments below!
Get your ninja gum ready, shnobis! GungHo Online Entertainment America (GOEA) has officially dropped its full lineup for Anime Expo 2026 in Los Angeles, and it is absolutely stacked.
While there is plenty of incredible merch and franchise love to go around, the crown jewel of GungHo’s showcase is undoubtedly the first-ever public playable demo of Ninjala 2: The Uncharted Planet.
If you are heading to AX 2026, here is everything you need to know about what GungHo is bringing to West Hall Booth #2316.
Ninjala Evolved: Welcome to the Open World
When Ninjala 2: The Uncharted Planet was first announced during the June Nintendo Direct, it turned heads by shifting the franchise away from its strictly PvP roots. The sequel is completely flipping the script, evolving the high-energy franchise into a co-op open-world action game launching exclusively on the Nintendo Switch 2 in Spring 2027.
At Anime Expo 2026, attendees can get hands-on with this next-gen experience ahead of anyone else. GungHo is serving up two distinct playable courses for the demo:
The Planetary Exploration Course: Perfect for players wanting to test out the game’s deep combat mechanics, weapon attributes, and high-speed Ninja-Gum action.
The Photography Course: A more relaxed, sightseeing-focused option that lets you explore the vast, nature-rich landscapes of the alien world.
Bonus Loot: Everyone who steps up to test out the demo will walk away with an exclusive inflatable bat modeled after the game’s iconic IPPON Katana!
With deep features like item crafting, cooking systems, and up to four-player co-op to conquer dungeons and massive bosses, Ninjala 2 is shaping up to be a massive leap forward for the series.
Massive Giveaways & Merch Drops
It wouldn’t be Anime Expo without some epic swag. GungHo is running a booth giveaway where lucky fans can win a Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller and merchandise bundle. The bundle even lets the winner pick a free game from a powerhouse list, including Ninjala 2, Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter, LUNAR Remastered Collection, or GRANDIA HD Collection.
If you want to spend some hard-earned cash, the retail side of Booth #2316 will be stocked with exclusive merchandise spanning three legendary GungHo properties:
Special Events Acrylic Keychains ($15), Clear Art Files ($8), Stickers ($4–$5)
Puzzle & Dragons fans will also want to stop by to scan a location-specific QR code. Doing so unlocks elite in-game rewards—including Scarlet Soaring Sword Suzaku, Leilan and the MAX + Limit Breakthrough Dungeon—to be redeemed on your account at a later date.
Are You Ready to Explore?
GungHo is clearly pulling out all the stops for Anime Expo 2026, leveraging the upcoming power of the Nintendo Switch 2 to completely re-imagine one of their biggest hits.
Are you attending AX 2026 this year? Will you be lining up to get a first look at the open-world shift of Ninjala 2? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
If you thought Rainbow Six Siege was just about tactical wall-breaching and methodical corner-checking, Ubisoft is about to blow your digital mind all over again. The tech-heavy, neon-infused nightmare is back, and it’s shinier—and bloodier—than ever.
Ubisoft has officially dropped the brand-new gameplay trailer for its highly anticipated limited-time event, M.U.T.E. Protocol: Flesh & Metal, and it looks like an absolute cybernetic fever dream.
Check out the high-octane trailer breakdown below!
The War for the Tower’s Brain
This isn’t your standard hostage rescue. The Flesh & Metal event plunges players into a brutal, neon-lit war zone pitting two heavily stylised factions against each other: the Organic vs. the Robotic.
The event brings back a hyper-stylised version of the Tower map, but this time, the stakes have evolved. Players will dive headfirst into a frantic, fast-paced Arms Race mode. The objective? Eliminate your opponents, climb through increasingly powerful weapon tiers, seize the ultimate weapon, and fight your way directly to the Tower’s Brain to lock down a victory.
What We Learned From the Trailer
Guns, Lots of Guns: The retro-futuristic Arms Race mechanic means your loadout is constantly mutating. Staying adaptable is the only way to survive as you cycle through weapon tiers on the fly.
Flesh vs. Metal Aesthetics: The cosmetic game is incredibly strong here. Expect radically overhauled, sci-fi-inspired skins for your favourite Operators, blending organic elements with sleek, cold cybernetics.
Pure Vertical Chaos: The Tower map has always been known for its verticality, but the trailer hints at accelerated, chaotic movement mechanics that turn the familiar tactical shooter into a twitch-reflex arcade experience.
Play It Before It’s Gone!
Like previous M.U.T.E. Protocol iterations, Flesh & Metal is a limited-time event. The event is live now on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, running through October 1.
If you want to step away from the stress of ranked queues and experience Siege at its absolute weirdest and fastest, you won’t want to miss this one. Load up, pick your side, and go claim the Tower.
Are you fighting for humanity’s flesh or the purity of the machine? Let us know your thoughts on the new trailer in the comments below!
The Mists are shifting, and a brand-new way to experience Tyria is about to land on your screens.
In a massive surprise for MMO fans and card game enthusiasts alike, the beloved fantasy franchise Guild Wars is officially stepping into new territory. Say hello to Mistbound, a brand-new, free-to-play digital collectable card game (CCG) that marks the very first card-based spin-off set within the legendary Guild Wars universe.
Here is everything we know so far about this epic new venture.
An All-Star Gaming Collaboration
A project this ambitious requires some serious heavyweight backing. Mistbound brings together an impressive trio of industry giants to ensure the game lives up to the franchise’s stellar reputation:
Officially Licensed by ArenaNet: The original creators and keepers of the Guild Wars lore are deeply involved, ensuring the game’s world, characters, and tone stay completely authentic to the Tyria we know and love.
Developed by NC: Known for engineering massive, high-quality gaming experiences, NC is at the helm of development, promising polished mechanics and stunning visuals.
Globally Published by Bilibili: The massive entertainment platform is taking the reins on global publishing, ensuring a massive launch and a thriving international player base from day one.
What to Expect from Mistbound
While specific gameplay trailers are still tightly under wraps, the core premise has fans buzzing.
As a digital CCG, Mistbound will allow players to build decks, command iconic heroes, and harness the chaotic magic of the Mists. Whether you are a veteran Charr warrior, a brilliant Asura golemancer, or a human Elementalist, the strategic possibilities are bound to be endless.
Because it’s a free-to-play title, the barrier to entry is completely gone. Anyone will be able to jump in, collect cards, and test their tactical wit against players worldwide without spending a penny.
Why the Mists? In Guild Wars lore, the Mists are the proto-reality that connects different worlds, times, and battlegrounds. It is the perfect narrative backdrop for a competitive card game, allowing characters, monsters, and legends from across Tyria’s history to clash in one place.
A New Era for Guild Wars
For years, Guild Wars has been defined by its sprawling MMORPG landscapes and intense PvP combat. Mistbound represents an exciting shift—giving fans a chance to engage with the lore in a faster, more strategic format that you can play on the go or between raid nights.
Will we see Zojja, Rytlock, or even the Elder Dragons themselves transformed into powerful legendary cards? Only time will tell, but the hype train has officially left the station.
Stay tuned to TechMash for more updates, beta announcements, and card reveals as they drop!
What faction or hero are you hoping to see lead your deck in Mistbound? Let us know in the comments below!
Great news for roguelike fans and hack-and-slash enthusiasts! Montreal-based indie studio Paper Cult—the brilliant minds behind the critically acclaimed action game Bloodroots—has officially announced the Early Access release date for their highly anticipated title, Tears of Metal.
Mark your calendars: the medieval co-op hack-and-slash roguelike is set to launch on July 22 on both Steam and the Microsoft Store.
Lead Your Battalion to Victory
In Tears of Metal, players are thrown into a gorgeous, war-torn landscape where they must carve through massive hordes of enemies to reclaim their island home. Following a mysterious “Dragon Stone Meteor” event that brought ruthless occupiers to their shores, you are tasked with leading a formidable Scottish battalion into the trenches.
The game successfully blends intense, large-scale hack-and-slash combat with the unpredictable, high-stakes progression of a roguelike.
What to Expect in Early Access
Paper Cult isn’t holding back for this launch. The Early Access build is arriving with a substantial amount of content right out of the gate:
Three Full Acts: Each act introduces distinct environments, unique enemy types, elite encounters, and punishing boss fights.
Playable Heroes & Combinations: Choose between multiple unique heroes and combine your skills with over 100 different artefacts to create devastating, custom builds.
Persistent Upgrades: Between campaigns, return to your settlement to expand it, unlock new vendors, and permanently upgrade your soldiers so they grow stronger with every run.
Solo or Co-op Play: Team up with friends or take on the enemy hordes alone across more than 45 handcrafted environments.
Xbox Game Pass & Launch Details
For PC players using the Microsoft Store, there’s an extra treat: Tears of Metal will be available on PC Game Pass from day one. If you prefer console gaming, Paper Cult has confirmed that an Xbox Series X|S version is currently slated to land before the end of the year.
Last Chance for the Demo: If you want a free taste of the combat before the official release, act fast! Paper Cult will be retiring the current Steam demo on July 6 to prepare for the massive Early Access launch.
Official pricing details will be fully dynamic upon the storefronts going live on launch day, so keep your eyes peeled to your preferred platform.
With over 400,000 wishlists already accumulated on Steam since its initial reveal, Tears of Metal is shaping up to be one of the biggest indie hits of the summer. Head over to Steam or the Microsoft Store to add it to your wishlist now!
Are you ready to lead your battalion into the fray? Let us know if you’ll be playing solo or teaming up in co-op this July!
If you’ve been itching for a new dose of high-octane, neon-drenched adrenaline, your wait just got a whole lot shorter. Publisher PQube and developer CIRCLEfromDOT have officially dropped a playable Nintendo Switch demo for their highly anticipated title, Kusan: City of Wolves.
Switch players can finally dive into the game’s brutal, top-down action ahead of its multi-platform launch on July 30, 2026.
Check out what to expect from this intense Asian-noir thriller below!
Welcome to the Neon Underworld of Kusan
In Kusan: City of Wolves, you step into the combat boots of Jin—an ex-soldier turned gun-for-hire. Your mission? Navigate a rain-soaked, corrupt metropolis to protect a young girl carrying a massive threat: a city-grade atomic weapon.
If you’re a fan of the hyper-violent, twitch-reflex gameplay of Hotline Miami, this should be right up your alley. The game relies heavily on flow-state combat, where one single mistake means instant death. You will have to master a lethal dance of precision gunplay, parries, and devastating melee attacks using your cybernetic “War Hand” and the legendary Quantum Knife.
Key Features to Look Out For:
Stylish Hardcore Combat: A seamless blend of firearms and melee weaponry that rewards aggressive, flawless execution.
54 Hand-Crafted Stages: The full game features dozens of tightly designed arenas, complete with skill-based puzzles and challenges designed for high-score chasers hunting that elusive S-Rank.
Graphic-Novel Storytelling: The gritty story of betrayal and survival unfolds through beautifully stylised, dynamic comic-panel cutscenes.
Beastly Boss Battles: Towering foes with intricate, high-stakes attack patterns will push your timing and adaptation to the absolute limit.
Adrenaline-Pumping Beats: The entire experience is backed by a heavy, head-bopping score from acclaimed Korean hip-hop producer Loptimist.
TechMash Verdict:Kusan: City of Wolves is shaping up to be one of the most stylish indie action titles of the summer. Having this frantic gameplay on a portable layout feels like a perfect match for the Nintendo Switch.
How to Play
The free demo is available to download right now via the Nintendo eShop. If you aren’t gaming on the go, don’t worry—demos are also live on PC (Steam), PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.
Get your practice in now, because the full game unleashes chaos on July 30, 2026!
Have you downloaded the demo yet? Let us know your high scores and impressions in the comments below!
Retro-gaming fans and tactical masterminds, brace yourselves. Solo indie developer Orangepixel has officially dropped Space Grunts: Chrono Shard onto Steam and the Epic Games Store. Merging high-stakes tactical depth with high-velocity retro-arcade energy, this time-looping tactical shooter is out to test your trigger fingers and your brainpower.
If that isn’t enough to get you excited, a Nintendo Switch 2 version has also been officially confirmed for the future. Here is everything you need to know about your next indie addiction.
The Story: Stopping the Galactic Ooze
In Space Grunts: Chrono Shard, a sentient Ooze is devouring the galaxy by hopping through a hijacked network of deep-space HyperGates. As a member of the elite Space Grunts tactical unit, you are dropped directly into “time bubbles” on procedurally generated space stations and moon bases. Your mission? Shut down the gates and contain the spread—at any cost.
Break the Loop (or Use It to Your Advantage)
The star of the show is the Chrono Loop mechanic. Utilising the titular Chrono Shard, you have the power to rewind the clock. However, death isn’t just a reset screen here.
Any items you drop, resources you scavenge, or changes you make to the environment stay exactly where they are for your next attempt. Essentially, you can seed the battlefield with gear and traps to strategically collaborate with past versions of yourself.
Key Features:
Rapid-Fire Strategy: Forget slow, bloated menus. This game retains the classic, fast-paced Space Grunts arcade energy but frames it in a tight, turn-based format that rewards rapid thinking.
Deep Crafting & Sub-Classes: Find specialised crafting stations to scrap useless loot and build an unstoppable arsenal. You can also invest in unique skill trees to shape your grunt into sub-classes like Sniper, Gadget, Engineer, or Veteran.
Kinetic Combat: Bullet spread patterns and explosive shockwaves physically manipulate the battlefield. You can launch enemies into hazards or blow open paths to the next HyperGate.
Nintendo Switch 2 On The Horizon
While PC players can jump into the time loop right now, handheld gaming enthusiasts have a massive reason to celebrate. Orangepixel has officially confirmed that Space Grunts: Chrono Shard is headed to the Nintendo Switch 2.
Given the next-generation handheld’s boosted capabilities, navigating the game’s procedurally generated space stations with snappy performance and pixel-perfect clarity on the go is going to be an absolute treat.
Available Now
Space Grunts: Chrono Shard is available on PC via Steam and Epic Games Store, complete with a launch discount. Grab your blaster, master the timeline, and stop the Ooze!
Are you jumping into the loop on PC, or waiting for the Switch 2 version? Let us know in the comments below!
The wait is officially over, battle royale fans! Krafton has unleashed the official teaser trailer for the PUBG Nations Cup (PNC) 2026, and it is every bit the adrenaline-fueled, action-packed spectacle you’d expect. The hype has reached a boiling point as the tournament kicks off its intense survival showdown.
If you haven’t seen the trailer yet, check out the heart-pounding preview below and get ready for international esports at its absolute finest:
Watch the PNC 2026 Trailer Here:
The Ultimate Esports Showdown in Seoul
PNC 2026 brings the tournament back to the legendary esports hub of Seoul, South Korea. Running from June 23 to June 28, this year’s iteration features a massive roster expansion. For only the second time in the event’s history, 24 all-star national teams are locking horns to see which country rules the battlegrounds.
The stakes? Massive bragging rights, national pride, and a slice of a staggering $500,000 USD base prize pool (plus crowdfunding boosts from the PNC 2026 Event Pass!).
The PNC 2026 Roadmap
The tournament is split into two ruthless stages designed to separate the elite from the rest:
The Survival Stage (June 23 – June 24): Streaming live from PUBG Seongsu. The lower-ranked teams fight through a gruelling 10-match gauntlet just to earn a spot on the main stage.
The Grand Finals (June 26 – June 28): Moving to the historic Jangchung Arena. The top 8 auto-qualified teams from PNC 2025 will meet the survivors of the group stage for a 15-match showdown in front of a roaring live crowd.
New Year, New Rules: Meta Shifts to TPP
This isn’t just the same old PUBG. Krafton is mixing things up significantly for the 2026 circuit. For starters, PNC 2026 is moving to a Third-Person Perspective (TPP) format, aligning esports mode settings closely with Ranked queue loot and Bluezone dynamics.
Additionally, the Bluezone damage model has been overhauled—damage now scales based on how long you linger in the blue, rather than your distance from the safe zone. Combined with faster-moving Sandstorms and earlier Special Zones, the gameplay showcased in the trailer promises faster rotations, chaotic skirmishes, and relentless pressure.
How to Get Involved and Score Free G-Coin
Even if you aren’t competing on stage in Seoul, Krafton is giving fans plenty of reasons to tune in:
Fan Cheer Event: Head over to the official Krafton ID portal, link your account, and vote for your favourite country (let’s go Team UK!). Daily voting increases your chances of winning up to 5,000 G-Coins.
Twitch/YouTube Drops: Link your accounts and watch the live broadcasts to score exclusive PNC 2026 in-game loot, including the PNC 2026 Jacket, emblems, and victory sprays.
With Vietnam returning to defend their crown, and powerhouse nations like South Korea, China, and the USA hungry for redemption, PNC 2026 is shaping up to be the biggest event of the summer.
Who are you backing to take home the trophy? Drop your predictions in the comments below!
Get ready to clear space in your Locker and grab some V-Bucks, loopers! Epic Games has just dropped a massive announcement that is bound to send shockwaves through both the Battle Royale island and the DC Universe. The Girl of Steel herself, Supergirl, alongside her faithful, super-powered canine companion, Krypto, are officially landing in Fortnite!
This stellar crossover coincides perfectly with the highly anticipated theatrical release of DC Studios’ Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow. Here is everything you need to know about the cosmic duo’s arrival.
The Girl of Steel Meets the Battle Bus
The upcoming Supergirl outfit is directly inspired by Milly Alcock’s portrayal of Kara Zor-El. Epic Games even shared a teaser video of Alcock reacting to her in-game look, where she jokingly pleaded with fans: “Make sure I win in the game when you play with me. Do me proud.”
The skin beautifully captures the character’s fierce, heroic look—and rumours suggest we might even get a customizable style featuring her iconic trench coat from the comics.
But let’s be honest: as awesome as Supergirl looks, she might just get upstaged by her partner in crime-fighting.
Krypto the Superdog: The Ultimate Sidekick
Yes, Krypto is coming to Fortnite! Serving as a reactive Back Bling companion, this cape-wearing pup will be floating right by your side as you hunt down Victory Royales. He is expected to react to your gameplay—whether you are getting eliminations, taking damage, or soaring through the air. Alcock herself admitted, “I think I will soon be forgotten and Krypto will reign.” Honestly? We can see why.
When Can You Get the Skins?
Mark Your Calendars: The Supergirl and Krypto cosmetics are set to hit the Fortnite Item Shop later this week on June 26, 2026—the exact same day Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow flies into cinemas.
What Else Can We Expect?
Epic Games has a rich history with DC Comics, going all the way back to Gotham City taking over Tilted Towers in Chapter 1. Following the addition of David Corenswet’s Superman to the game last year, Supergirl’s arrival cements James Gunn’s new DCU firmly within the Fortnite multiverse.
While the cosmetic bundle is the main event, keep your eyes peeled on the map. Data miners have already spotted “missing pet” teaser posters for Krypto around the island, and the community is buzzing with speculation that we might see themed Mythic items or a Kryptonian Point of Interest (POI) drop before the season ends.
Will you be dropping into the Island as the Universe’s most powerful cousin, or are you just here to squad up with Krypto? Let us know in the comments below!
Gundam fans, prepare to clear your schedules and hoard your tokens. Bandai Namco has officially dropped a bombshell for the 8th Anniversary Pre-Festival: the legendary 00 Raiser is making its highly anticipated debut in Mobile Suit Gundam Battle Operation 2 (GBO2).
Mark your calendars, because this meta-shifting beast officially arrives on June 24th at 10 PM PT (which is 6 AM BST on June 25th for UK pilots). The drop will happen simultaneously across both PlayStation and Steam platforms.
The Power of Celestial Being: What to Expect
The 00 Raiser enters the fray as a 700-Cost General Unit, capable of dominating both ground and space battlefields.
For players who have been tracking recent leaks, this confirms that Mobile Suit Gundam 00 is officially taking over the high-cost meta. As a 700-cost unit, the 00 Raiser is poised to shake up the current power balance, bringing the raw power of its Twin Drive System and iconic GN Swords to intense 6v6 team battles.
Bandai Namco has also released a brand-new debut trailer showcasing the sleek suit in action, proving that the era of “Trans-Am Terror” has officially begun.
Guaranteed Drop: The 7-Step Boosted Supply Drop
If your luck with regular Gacha drops is notoriously bad, don’t panic. Alongside the release, GBO2 is launching the 00 Raiser Guaranteed Boosted Supply Drop.
Running from June 24th at 10 PM PT through July 1st, players can progress through a 7-step banner that offers incredible value:
Step 1: 50% OFF tokens (only 15 tokens for a 10-pull).
Steps 4–6: Drastically increased drop rates for $\star\star\star\star$ materials (up to 3x).
Step 7: Guarantees the 00 Raiser LV1 mobile suit, plus a bonus custom part: Penetration Reduction Armor LV1 (which boosts ballistic/beam defence and reduces damage from MS-penetrating ranged weapons by 20%).
More 8th Anniversary Pre-Festival Goodies
The 00 Raiser is just the tip of the spear. The Pre-Festival event brings a massive wave of content to keep pilots busy:
Daily Free Special Supply Drops: Get one free pull every day, guaranteeing a $\star\star\star$ or higher rarity Mobile Suit (up to 28 free suits in total).
Incredible Login Bonuses: Simply log in over 7 days during the campaign to claim massive rewards, including the Unicorn Gundam LV1, a Celestial Being mark, the Banshee LV1, and the Phenex [NT] LV1.
The Rival Approaches: Bandai Namco has already confirmed that the 700-Cost Raid unit Susanowo will follow closely behind the 00 Raiser, dropping the following week on July 1st!
Get your hangar ready and prime your thrusters. Will you be spending your tokens to lock down the 00 Raiser, or are you saving up for the main 8th Anniversary event? Let us know in the comments below!
Just when you thought it was safe to put the bunny back in the box, Activision drops an absolute bombshell. The official Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 and Warzone Season 04 Reloaded trailer has arrived, promising a massive mid-season update dubbed the ‘Summer of Action’—and it features none other than Hollywood icon Nicolas Cage joining the fight!
Dropping on June 25, 2026, this update is bringing the heat across Multiplayer, Zombies, Endgame, and Warzone. If you thought Season 04 was intense, you haven’t seen anything yet.
Check out the breakdown of everything exploding onto your screens this week.
Nic Cage is Your New Action Hero Operator
Treyarch previously hinted at keeping things lore-accurate for Black Ops 7, but after the hilariously fun Dave Chappelle crossover in April, they are leaning heavily into cinematic spectacle. Nicolas Cage enters the Call of Duty universe as a fully playable operator. The trailer showcases his character bringing unhinged, high-stakes action-movie gravitas to the battlefield. Whether you’re hunting down bounties in Warzone or fighting hordes of undead, doing it as Nic Cage is the ultimate flex.
Multiplayer: A Fresh Map & A Legendary Remaster
Multiplayer fans are getting a massive injection of tactical goodness with two “new” maps:
Zenith (Brand New, 6v6/2v2): A medium-sized map set inside a state-of-the-art tech facility nestled against a luxurious cliffside compound. It features a distinct three-lane layout with flanking routes and a running waterway hidden below.
Launch (Remastered, 6v6): The legendary Russian rocket facility from the original Call of Duty: Black Ops is back! Expect vertical sniper sightlines, tight claustrophobic corridors, and the iconic mid-match rocket launch sequence to mix things up.
Black Ops Classic Mode: This fan-favourite throwback playlist is officially becoming a permanent fixture, adding Launch, Fringe, Hacienda, and Gridlock to the rotation.
Zombies: Round-Based Terror in Kowakuj?
For the undead slayers, the Dark Aether story reaches a scorching new chapter. Pack your bags for Kowakuj?, a brand-new round-based Zombies map. Players will travel to a feudal Japanese castle trapped in the Dark Aether, completely surrounded by flowing lava and active volcanoes.
Expect ferocious new enemies like Hellhounds and Oni, a mysterious new Wonder Weapon, a fresh Main Quest easter egg, and the new Hellping Hound GobbleGum.
Endgame: Operation King Killer
Originally hidden behind campaign progression, the co-operative Endgame mode remains free-to-play through Season 5. In Season 04 Reloaded, players get Act IV: Operation King Killer.
You’ll navigate vehicular combat across Avalon to track down and destroy The Guild’s Central Command Node. Reaching the final step unlocks a nightmare-difficulty boss fight against the Prime Target Glitch. Defeating the boss with specific characters rewards players with the incredibly slick, animated “End of Dayz” weapon camo.
Warzone: The Return of the Champion’s Quest
Elite Battle Royale squads, get ready to sweat. The Champion’s Quest officially returns to Core Battle Royale in Warzone. Dust off your tactics, secure those consecutive wins, and prepare to trigger the ultimate match-ending nuke sequence once again.
The Verdict
Activision is pulling out all the stops for the mid-season drop. Between the nostalgic return of Launch, a fiery new Zombies map, and the glorious chaos of running around as Nicolas Cage, the Summer of Action is living up to its name.
Season 04 Reloaded kicks off on Thursday, June 25 at 9 AM PT / 5 PM BST across PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC.
Are you dropping into Kowakuj? first, or instantly buying the Nic Cage bundle? Let us know in the comments below!
