Month: April 2025

In Minecraft, happy ghasts can be fed snowballs to transform into adult variants that players can ride. These cheerful mobs have sparked creativity among players, leading to various clever builds, including a simple mob launcher contraption.

This design enables players and happy ghasts to shoot into the sky, facilitating quick access to their builds, gathering materials, and landing on their flying companions. Currently, happy ghasts are exclusive to the preview versions of Minecraft but have quickly gained popularity since their announcement during Minecraft LIVE earlier this year.

Unlike the traditional hostile ghasts, happy ghasts are entirely passive and can be equipped with saddles, making them ideal for aerial travel. To obtain these friendly mobs, players need to locate dried ghast blocks found in the Nether.

Although these blocks can be crafted, they must be transported to the Overworld and submerged in water, turning into cute baby ghastlings. To help ghastlings grow into adult happy ghasts, players can feed them snowballs.

One notable player, known online as Srlorenez, developed a straightforward mob launcher using minimal materials. The launcher consists of four dispensers arranged around a 1×1 hole, three blocks deep, with each dispenser facing inward.

When the player jumps into the hole and activates a pressure plate at the bottom, wind charges are released, launching them upward. To use the mob launcher effectively, players should jump into the contraption while holding a leash attached to the happy ghast.

Having the hole filled with water ensures that the lead doesn’t break upon launching. This fun contraption not only adds excitement to gameplay but also serves as a practical tool for players working on large projects, allowing them to collect resources and ascend quickly to continue building alongside their happy ghasts.

Genshin Impact is gearing up for an exciting livestream on April 30, 2025, which may unveil the Version 6.0 Teaser Trailer for the highly anticipated story chapter set in Nod-Krai. This trailer is expected to showcase a variety of factions converging in the region, building anticipation for what lies ahead. Notably, the gates to Nod-Krai and Snezhnaya are scheduled to open on September 10, 2025. The upcoming livestream coincides with the final reveal of the Song of the Welkin Moon, a web event that has gradually unveiled details about Nod-Krai and its eleven factions.

Following the conclusion of Natlan’s storyline in Version 5.3, Genshin Impact has been subtly setting the stage for the next chapter. Version 5.6 will return players to Mondstadt, potentially leading the Traveler and Paimon toward Nod-Krai and the expedition led by Varka, the Grand Master of the Knights of Favonius. Though Varka will only have a voice appearance in Version 5.6, he is expected to play a significant role in the events of Nod-Krai. Genshin Impact has positioned Nod-Krai as the next major region, effectively dividing Snezhnaya into two chapters.

The ongoing web event has revealed essential details about Nod-Krai’s factions, hinting at a complex narrative landscape that may culminate in a confrontation with the Tsaritsa. In addition to the major teaser, players should keep an eye out for the character Skirk, linked to Khaenri’ah and the Abyss, who is rumored to become playable in Version 5.7. With the rich lore and character interactions set to enrich the experience, gamers can look forward to the new adventures awaiting them in Nod-Krai.

A recent incident involving a player of Cyberpunk 2077 has sparked interest after they experienced a peculiar bug that teleported them unexpectedly. While stopping in front of The Afterlife, an iconic bar in the game, the player found themselves abruptly transported to Judy Alvarez’s apartment, where they were met with a strangely intense stare from Judy herself. This incident highlights the ongoing issues with bugs in software, as even a game like Cyberpunk 2077, which has undergone significant updates since its rocky launch, still contains edge-case scenarios that lead to unusual gameplay experiences. Cyberpunk 2077 has evolved remarkably over the years, moving past its initial troubled release.

The current version of the game features a plethora of new content, substantial quality-of-life improvements, and an extensive reworking of its leveling mechanics. Despite these advancements, a recent bug involving glitched vehicles turning into hats serves as a reminder that no game is ever entirely bug-free. The player, identified on Reddit as Curilan_, was taken by surprise when the teleportation occurred after they exited their Quadra Turbo-R 740. The game transitioned to a loading screen, only to place them in front of Judy’s apartment on the opposite side of Watson.

Judy’s bizarre lighting and unsettling expression as the situation unfolded inspired fans to refer to her as “creepy Judy,” adding to the oddity of the encounter. Analyzing the footage shows that the player’s character, V, was unexpectedly launched into the air while trying to approach The Afterlife, triggering the teleportation when reaching a certain height. Notably, this bug appears to have been encountered on a PC, as indicated by the keyboard-and-mouse controls shown in the shared gameplay footage. Although it remains uncertain if other platforms could be affected by similar issues, this incident seems to be the first report of its kind.

While reaching a fix may be unlikely, the game’s history of unanticipated patches means nothing is completely ruled out.

A listing discovered on the PlayStation Store suggests that the Until Dawn remake may join PlayStation Plus Essential in May 2025. This has generated considerable speculation among subscribers, with many wondering if the game’s inclusion is connected to a potential sequel or perhaps a promotion for a recently released film adaptation. The anticipated lineup for May 2025 will be available as early as May 1, and Until Dawn could be part of three or more free titles offered that month.

As is customary, PlayStation refreshes its offerings for PlayStation Plus Essential, Extra, and Premium subscribers each month. The Premium tier provides access to classic titles from the PS1, PS2, and PSP eras, along with cloud streaming options for PS3 and PS5 games. Gamers can keep the titles in their libraries as long as they maintain their subscriptions.

As April comes to a close, subscribers are eager to learn what May will bring. Recent rumors point to the Until Dawn remake being included in the upcoming offerings. Fans on Reddit, including user Budget-Neat4750, noted the listing despite May’s lineup not yet being officially announced.

This has led many to believe that the remake’s addition may be a marketing strategy coinciding with the new Until Dawn movie, with some hoping it signals a push for players to familiarize themselves with the game ahead of a potential sequel. If accurate, the Until Dawn remake will headline the free games for PlayStation Plus Essential for May 2025. Typically, three titles for PS4 and PS5 are added each month.

Meanwhile, subscribers can still claim their free games for April 2025, including RoboCop: Rogue City and The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, until May 5. Notably, PlayStation Plus will discontinue free PS4 games as a key benefit starting January 2026, making it important for subscribers to claim these titles while they can.

Swen Vincke, CEO of Larian Studios, has expressed his support for the Baldur’s Gate 3 mod for Stardew Valley, known as Baldur’s Village, and praised the significance of modding communities in the gaming industry. The rising popularity of Stardew Valley, combined with its developer’s support for mods, stands in stark contrast to the legal challenges facing the Baldur’s Village mod.

This divide highlights the complex landscape of modding in contemporary gaming. Since its launch in 2016, Stardew Valley has earned a respected place in the life-simulation genre, often hailed as one of the best indie games ever made.

Its developer, Eric “ConcernedApe” Barone, has consistently rolled out updates and expansions, fostering a vibrant modding scene. Mods have not only enhanced the game’s appeal but the introduction of a Baldur’s Gate 3 mod has expanded its reach beyond the usual fanbase, inviting both acclaim and scrutiny.

In a recent discussion, Vincke addressed the controversy surrounding the Baldur’s Village mod, which faced a DMCA takedown notice from Wizards of the Coast on March 31, 2025. Although the legal obstacle has since been lifted and the mod restored, the incident sparked significant discussion in gaming circles about the legality and role of modding.

Vincke emphasized that mod creators should be recognized and even licensed by companies to promote community engagement and prevent conflicts. Vincke’s remarks resonate widely among fans, many of whom advocate for modding as an essential element of the gaming experience.

Major titles like Minecraft, Skyrim, and Fallout have thrived due to dedicated modding communities, as have newer games like Hogwarts Legacy and Cyberpunk 2077. While the commercialization of mods raises legal concerns, the continuous influx of free mods demonstrates the passion fans have for enhancing their favorite titles.

As gaming consoles increasingly incorporate mod support, the hope remains that the relationship between developers and modders will flourish, allowing innovations like Baldur’s Village to thrive.

In celebration of Golden Week, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet will hold a special Tera Raid and Mass Outbreak event. From April 29 to May 7, trainers will experience enhanced odds of encountering Shiny versions of various Pokémon, including Gimmighoul, Wiglett, Growlithe, and Swablu. During this event, players will have more than a week to engage with waves of Pokémon that offer increased chances of being Shiny.

Gimmighoul, known as the Coin Chest Pokémon, can be found in unique locations throughout the game, frequently hidden within chests adorned with coins. This Ghost-type Pokémon is not only rare but also crucial for evolving into Gholdengo when trainers collect 999 Gimmighoul Coins. The Golden Week event will coincide with Japan’s public holidays, providing an exciting opportunity for players to hunt for Shiny variants.

Starting on April 29 at 8:00 PM Eastern, trainers can look forward to Mass Outbreaks featuring Wiglett, Growlithe, and Swablu in different regions, each with shiny golden counterparts. In addition to enhanced Shiny rates, Chest Form Gimmighoul will appear in Tera Raid dens throughout Paldea, ranging from one-star to five-star difficulty. Players can expect varied Tera types within these raids, and the chance of encountering Shiny Gimmighoul will be notably high.

With five-star Gimmighoul raids capped at level 75, teams made up of level 100 Pokémon can easily tackle these challenges. To improve their chances even further, players can prepare a Shiny Sandwich with the Sparkling Power buff during the event. This Golden Week event serves as an excellent opportunity for trainers to hunt for Shiny Pokémon before the upcoming release of Pokémon Legends: Z-A in the months ahead.

Zenless Zone Zero is gearing up for its highly anticipated Version 2.0 update, which is expected to launch in June 2025. Recent leaks suggest exciting rewards tied to the game’s first anniversary celebration, including 1,600 Polychrome, a free S-Rank Agent, and an S-Rank W-Engine. Players may also benefit from two login events that offer a total of 20 Encrypted Master Tapes. Notably, one of these events is the Boopon login event, which is traditionally less rewarding in terms of gacha currency.

This anniversary patch will introduce not only a new area and additional playable characters but also significant gameplay changes. Version 1.7 was released recently, serving as the final update before the game transitions into Season 2. Since its launch in July 2024, Zenless Zone Zero has enjoyed immense success, achieving 50 million downloads within just two days. The developers at HoYoverse are now excitedly preparing for this next phase.

A noteworthy aspect of the leak involves the character Yi Xuan, suggesting that she may receive a new outfit variant in the upcoming update. If the information holds true, players could receive up to 30 free pulls, which will be particularly advantageous as three new characters are introduced during Version 2.0. While the leak does not confirm which S-Rank Agent will be provided for free, speculation arises that players might choose from S-Rank units available in the permanent banner. This follows a similar model to the anniversary character selectors seen in other titles, which could provide an exciting opportunity for players.

As fans await the anniversary patch, they can still delve into the content from Version 1.7, including a new main story chapter featuring intriguing characters like Lycaon, Hugo Vlad, and Vivian, with Hugo’s playable debut set to arrive soon.

InZOI had a robust start, selling over 1 million copies shortly after its release. However, the player count has seen a significant decline since then. Recent statistics indicate that the number of active players dropped from 87,377 at launch to just 3,751 on April 24. While these figures may seem alarming, they are not necessarily indicative of the game’s fate.

Updates could potentially revitalize interest and re-engage players. Krafton’s new life simulator was well-received at its Early Access launch, even though many players noted it was still a work in progress. Some gamers criticized the gameplay as being somewhat shallow, leading to doubts about its capability to rival established life simulation games. The Early Access label provided Krafton with flexibility to enhance the game further, but this hasn’t yet led to player retention.

According to reports, InZOI’s player numbers have been declining steadily. The average concurrent players decreased from 9,174 on April 11 to 3,751 by April 24. These figures starkly contrast with the game’s peak player count during launch, raising concerns among players hoping to see InZOI succeed in the long run. Despite the downward trend, there are reasons to believe the situation may not be dire.

The initial surge of interest is common for new releases, especially in Early Access. There is significant potential for enhancement as Krafton continues to add new features and gameplay elements. Upcoming updates will be crucial in re-engaging current players and attracting new ones. Ultimately, Krafton’s challenge has shifted toward maintaining player interest through consistent, quality updates.

With features like pools and pets on the horizon, the roadmap looks promising, suggesting that InZOI could still establish itself as a lasting title in the gaming landscape.

Sonic X Shadow Generations will not provide an upgrade path for Nintendo Switch 1 owners to transition to the Switch 2 version. This decision is particularly disappointing given that many other cross-generational games have taken steps to offer upgrade options. While the new iteration on Switch 2 boasts improved graphics compared to its predecessor, players will have to repurchase the game if they wish to experience it on the newer console.

This remastered version of the 2011 classic Sonic Generations features a fresh storyline involving Shadow the Hedgehog. Given the positive reception from both fans and critics, it seems like a missed opportunity not to facilitate a transition for existing players to the updated platform. Initially, it was uncertain whether Sonic X Shadow Generations would be a launch title for the Switch 2, but Sega has since confirmed that it will indeed be available on June 5, coinciding with the console’s release.

The gameplay experience on the Switch 2 is set to be enhanced thanks to its more powerful hardware, offering better performance and graphics. However, players looking to take advantage of these improvements will need to buy the game again, as there will be no option for an upgrade from the original version. Although save data can be transferred from Switch 1 to Switch 2, this data cannot revert back to the older system.

This lack of an upgrade path is disappointing, especially when many other developers and even Nintendo itself are offering paid upgrades for select titles. Prices for these upgrades range from $10 to $20, making Sonic X Shadow Generations stand out for not providing an avenue for its existing fans. Nonetheless, Switch 2 users can still enjoy the original version on their new system, ensuring that the game is accessible to those who already own it.

Kafka, a character in Honkai: Star Rail, is set to receive significant buffs that may enhance her follow-up attack, allowing it to activate with any teammate’s attack. This makes Kafka’s kit more versatile, addressing her waning relevance as new characters have emerged in the game.

Previously, during the initial phases of Honkai: Star Rail, Kafka was highly anticipated and recognized as one of the strongest 5-star units upon her introduction in Version 1.2. However, her status has diminished with newer characters like Penacony and Amphoreus overshadowing her skills, particularly with Acheron commanding attention in the Nihility category.

Recognizing this imbalance, developers have announced plans to improve certain characters, including Kafka. Recent leaks from well-known community sources, Luna and Seele Leaks, indicate that Kafka’s follow-up attack could potentially interact with Damage over Time (DoT) debuffs, triggered by any of her allies’ attacks.

Currently, her follow-up attack is limited to an ally’s Basic Attack, but these upgrades could allow for more frequent activation and improved damage output. The specifics regarding the timing of these changes remain uncertain, though there are hints that they may coincide with Version 3.3.

As the game evolves, adjustments are planned not just for Kafka but also for other characters like Silver Wolf, Blade, and Jingliu. These changes seek to enhance the playability and relevance of early units.

Meanwhile, players can look forward to the introduction of a new Quantum Nihility character, Cipher, who is rumored to also focus on follow-up attacks in the upcoming update. This evolving landscape in Honkai: Star Rail promises exciting developments for both new and returning players.