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This post originally appeared on community-mu. Welcome to the digital diamond! MLB The Show 25 has arrived, bringing with it a fresh wave of gameplay refinements, new modes, and an overhauled Diamond Dynasty experience. Whether you're a fresh-faced rookie stepping up to the plate for the first time or a seasoned veteran looking to fine-tune your game, this guide will provide you with the essential knowledge to navigate the game and achieve success. Let's break down the key changes, provide valuable tips, and help you become a true The Show champion. General Tips: Laying the Foundation for Success Before diving into the specific mechanics of hitting, pitching, and base running, let's cover some general tips that will enhance your overall experience in MLB The Show 25. 1. Embrace the New Progression System in Diamond Dynasty Say goodbye to Sets and Seasons! MLB The Show 25 has implemented a year-long progression system in Diamond Dynasty, a welcome change for players tired of constantly rotating cards and losing progress. This new system empowers you to build a single, formidable team throughout the entire year. No more discarding valuable cards simply because a new set has dropped. This long-term focus allows for deeper team building, strategic investment in specific players, and a more rewarding sense of accomplishment as you watch your squad evolve and dominate. Take the time to understand how to acquire XP, complete programs, and unlock those coveted high-diamond players to truly maximize the potential of this new system in MLB The Show 25. 2. Embark on a Diamond Quest: A Roguelike Twist Diamond Dynasty gets a shot of adrenaline with the introduction of Diamond Quest, a brand new mode that blends the familiar card-collecting and team-building elements with roguelike gameplay mechanics. Imagine navigating a game board filled with challenges, secrets, and tantalizing rewards. Each step presents a new opportunity, a new obstacle, and a chance to bolster your squad. In Diamond Quest, you'll face off in quick, action-packed three-inning games. Win and progress, earning peanuts – the in-game currency specific to this mode. These peanuts can then be spent at the Coach's Cart, where you can purchase perks that provide in-game advantages. These perks can range from stat boosts for your players to strategic advantages during games, adding a layer of tactical depth to each Diamond Quest run. The roguelike element comes into play as you navigate the board and make strategic decisions about which paths to take and which challenges to face. Will you prioritize high-risk, high-reward encounters? Or will you take a more cautious approach, focusing on consistent progress and minimizing potential setbacks? The choices are yours, and the consequences will shape your Diamond Quest experience. 3. Conquer the Weekend Classic: A Test of Skill For the most competitive players, MLB The Show 25 introduces Weekend Classic, a high-stakes multiplayer mode within Diamond Dynasty designed to separate the contenders from the pretenders. This event takes place over a few days at the end of each regular ranked season and features intense competition with unparalleled rewards. Participation in Weekend Classic is a privilege earned through dedication and skill. Only those who achieve a high ranking in the regular season are granted access, making it a true proving ground for the elite. Expect fierce competition, strategic gameplay, and intense pressure as you battle for supremacy and the ultimate bragging rights. Weekend Classic is not for the faint of heart, but for those who rise to the challenge, the rewards are well worth the effort. Hitting Tips: Mastering the Art of the Swing Hitting is arguably the most challenging aspect of MLB The Show 25, requiring precise timing, strategic decision-making, and a deep understanding of pitch recognition. Here's how to improve your performance at the plate: 1. Choose Your Hitting Style Wisely MLB The Show 25 offers three distinct hitting interfaces, each catering to different playstyles and skill levels. Experiment with each to find the one that best suits your abilities and preferences: Zone Hitting: This is the most demanding hitting interface, offering the highest level of control but also requiring the steepest learning curve. You'll need to precisely move the Plate Coverage Indicator (PCI) using the left stick to anticipate the pitch location while simultaneously timing your swing perfectly. Zone Hitting allows you to target specific areas of the strike zone and tailor your approach to each individual pitch. While challenging, mastering Zone Hitting unlocks the greatest potential for consistent and powerful hitting. Timing Hitting: A more simplified approach, Timing Hitting focuses solely on pressing the swing button at the precise moment the pitch crosses the plate. The outcome of the swing is determined by your batter's stats and your timing accuracy. While easier to pick up than Zone Hitting, Timing Hitting offers less control over the direction and placement of your hits. Directional Hitting: A middle ground between Zone and Timing Hitting, Directional Hitting allows you to influence the direction of your hits by tilting the left stick while timing your swing. This offers a degree of control without the complexity of constantly manipulating the PCI. Directional Hitting is ideal for players who want to steer the ball towards certain parts of the field or drive in runners from scoring position. 2. Unleash Ambush Hitting: Predict and Conquer A brand-new feature in MLB The Show 25 is Ambush Hitting, a risk-reward mechanic that can dramatically improve your hitting performance. Ambush Hitting allows you to guess the location of the upcoming pitch, either high, low, or middle. If you guess correctly, your PCI will expand, giving you a larger margin for error and increasing your chances of making solid contact. Conversely, if you guess incorrectly, your PCI will shrink, making it more difficult to connect with the ball. To activate Ambush Hitting, simply flick the right stick left (low), right (high), or middle (middle) before the pitch is thrown. If you change your mind, simply clicking the right stick will remove your selection. Use Ambush Hitting strategically, paying attention to the pitcher's tendencies and your opponent's tendencies. Predicting the pitch correctly can be a game-changer, allowing you to crush pitches that you might otherwise miss. 3. Know Your Swings: Choose the Right Tool for the Job MLB The Show 25 offers three different swing types, each designed for specific situations and strategies: Contact Swing (O/B): Prioritizes making contact with the ball, increasing your chances of putting the ball in play but sacrificing power. Use the Contact Swing when you need to protect the plate with two strikes, move a runner over, or simply get on base. Normal Swing (X/A): A balanced approach that offers a good combination of contact and power. The Normal Swing is your go-to swing in most situations, providing a reliable and consistent approach at the plate. Power Swing (Square/X): Generates the most power, allowing you to drive the ball deep into the outfield, but also making it easier to miss entirely. Use the Power Swing when you're looking to drive in runs, hit a home run, or take advantage of a fastball down the middle. Be mindful of the increased risk of striking out with the Power Swing. Pitching Tips: Commanding the Mound Pitching is a strategic battle of wits, requiring you to anticipate your opponent's approach, mix your pitches effectively, and locate them with pinpoint accuracy. Here's how to dominate on the mound in MLB The Show 25: 1. Master Pitching Interfaces: Find Your Comfort Zone MLB The Show 25 offers a variety of pitching interfaces, each with its own unique mechanics and level of difficulty. Experiment with each to find the one that best suits your skills and preferences: Pinpoint Pitching: Widely considered the most challenging but also the most rewarding pitching interface. Pinpoint Pitching uses left stick aiming and right stick gestures to mimic real-life pitch motions, requiring precise movements and timing to deliver accurate pitches. Mastering Pinpoint Pitching gives you unparalleled control over pitch placement and movement. Pulse Pitching: Time your press of the X/A button within a pulsing circle to determine accuracy. Pure Analog: Pull back and push forward on the right stick to deliver the pitch. Meter Pitching: Uses a traditional meter where timing your button presses affects pitch accuracy. Classic Pitching: The simplest option—just select the pitch and location, and let ratings determine the outcome. 2. Understand Pitch Accuracy: Embracing the Uncertainty When selecting a pitch, you'll notice a shaded area around the ball representing where the pitch could potentially land. This area reflects the pitcher's accuracy and control. More accurate pitchers will have smaller shaded areas, allowing for more precise pitch placement. Conversely, wild pitchers will have larger shaded areas, making it more difficult to consistently hit your intended target. Fastballs are generally easier to control, with smaller shaded areas, while breaking pitches like sliders and curveballs tend to have wider variability, making them more difficult to locate consistently. Use this knowledge to your advantage, tailoring your pitch selection and location based on your pitcher's strengths and weaknesses. 3. Force Double Plays: A Tactical Maneuver When your opponent has a runner on first base with less than two outs, you can strategically increase your chances of turning a double play. Pitch low in the strike zone with sinkers or any kind of breaking ball. These pitches encourage the batter to hit the ball over the top, resulting in a ground ball that's perfect for a double play opportunity. This is a high-risk, high-reward strategy, as a poorly located pitch can result in a hit or a walk, but when executed correctly, it can be a game-changing play. Base Running Tips: Making the Most of Every Opportunity Base running is often overlooked, but it can be a crucial factor in determining the outcome of a game. Here are a few tips to help you maximize your effectiveness on the base paths in MLB The Show 25: 1. Sliding Strategies: Safe at Any Cost Sliding is an essential skill for avoiding tags and reaching bases safely. When sliding into a base, aim to slide away from the ball to increase your chances of avoiding the tag. If you're stealing a base, slide toward the back of the base to further minimize the risk of being tagged out. 2. Controlling Base Runners: Taking Command Knowing how to effectively control your base runners is crucial for executing strategic plays and maximizing scoring opportunities. Hold: Allows you to instruct a base runner to stay put on their current base. This is useful when you don't want a runner to advance on a passed ball or wild pitch. This is just the beginning of your journey in MLB The Show 25. Remember to practice, experiment with different settings, and learn from your mistakes. With dedication and a willingness to learn, you'll be hitting home runs, throwing strikeouts, and dominating the diamond in no time! Good luck, and have fun!

This post originally appeared on edgegamer. Blade & Soul NEO, the reimagined version of the iconic MMORPG, offers a diverse range of classes, each tailored to different playstyles and preferences. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or a newcomer to the world of martial arts fantasy, selecting the right class is crucial to enjoying the game to its fullest. To help you make an informed decision, we’ve broken down each class's strengths, weaknesses, and playstyle, along with their performance in PvE and PvP. 1. Assassin Difficulty: High Playstyle: Stealth-based, utilizing traps and damage-over-time abilities like Poison and Bleeding. Strengths: Assassins shine in PvP with their high mobility, crowd control, and stealth mechanics. Their ability to outmaneuver opponents makes them a formidable choice for competitive play. Weaknesses: This class demands tactical thinking and precise execution. Mistakes can be punishing, especially for players unfamiliar with stealth mechanics. Summary: If you thrive under pressure and enjoy outsmarting opponents in PvP, the Assassin is your go-to class. However, be prepared for a steep learning curve. 2. Blade Master Difficulty: Moderate to High Playstyle: Agile melee combat with an emphasis on parrying and dodging. The Blade Master relies on switching between Draw Stance and Basic Stance to adapt to combat scenarios. Strengths: Exceptional defensive capabilities combined with strong damage output make this class versatile in both PvE and PvP. Weaknesses: Mastery of stances is critical for effective gameplay, which can be challenging for beginners. Summary: Blade Masters are perfect for players who enjoy a balanced mix of offense and defense. Success with this class hinges on timing and adaptability. 3. Destroyer Difficulty: Easy Playstyle: A tanky melee class that excels at dealing heavy damage while controlling crowds. Destroyers can grab and throw enemies, creating opportunities for team synergy in PvE. Strengths: High durability and crowd control make this class beginner-friendly and ideal for team play. Weaknesses: Limited mobility can leave Destroyers vulnerable in fast-paced encounters, particularly in PvP. Summary: If you’re looking for a straightforward, powerhouse melee class that thrives in PvE, the Destroyer is a solid pick. 4. Force Master Difficulty: Easy to Moderate Playstyle: Ranged combat specialist wielding fire and ice elements to deal damage from afar. Strengths: Boasting high damage output at a safe distance, Force Masters excel at eliminating enemies before they get too close. Weaknesses: Low defense means positioning is critical. Missteps can lead to quick defeats in both PvE and PvP. Summary: Force Masters are ideal for players who prefer ranged combat but are willing to trade survivability for raw damage. 5. Kung Fu Master Difficulty: High Playstyle: A melee class focused on counter-attacks, combos, and precise timing. Kung Fu Masters require sharp reflexes and strong situational awareness to excel. Strengths: High damage scaling makes this class a powerhouse in PvE, while its tanking capabilities add versatility to group content. Weaknesses: Demands precise execution and timing, making it challenging for casual players or those new to the game. Summary: Kung Fu Masters reward skillful play but demand patience and practice. If you love mastering complex mechanics, this is your class. 6. Summoner Difficulty: Easy to Moderate Playstyle: A ranged caster with a Familiar companion that provides melee support and utility in combat. Strengths: Summoners are excellent team players thanks to their healing and support abilities, making them invaluable in group settings. Weaknesses: While effective in PvE, they lack impact in PvP compared to other classes due to their lower burst damage potential. Summary: Summoners are a fantastic choice for those who enjoy cooperative play and prefer a more relaxed combat style. 7. Blade Dancer Difficulty: Moderate Playstyle: Agile melee combatant with a focus on crowd control and grab abilities. Blade Dancers combine mobility with versatility to outlast opponents. Strengths: High damage output paired with solid survivability makes this class reliable in both PvE and PvP scenarios. Weaknesses: Requires good positioning and timing to maximize effectiveness, which may take some practice to master. Summary: Blade Dancers offer a well-rounded experience for players who enjoy fast-paced melee combat with a touch of flair. PvP and PvE Tier Rankings To further guide your decision-making process, here’s how each class ranks in PvP and PvE: PvP S-Tier: Assassin, Destroyer, Kung Fu Master PvE S-Tier: Assassin, Kung Fu Master A-Tier: Blade Dancer, Blade Master B-Tier: Summoner, Force Master Final Thoughts: Which Class is Right for You? Blade & Soul NEO offers something for everyone, whether you prefer stealthy tactics, ranged spellcasting, or brute-force melee combat. Your choice should reflect your preferred playstyle and the type of content you enjoy most—be it competitive PvP or cooperative PvE. If you're still unsure, consider starting with an easier class like the Destroyer or Summoner to familiarize yourself with the game’s mechanics before diving into more complex options like the Assassin or Kung Fu Master. Remember: the best class is the one that keeps you engaged and excited about playing. Take your time exploring each option, and don’t hesitate to experiment until you find your perfect fit. Last but not least, in B&S NEO, Divine gems play a pivotal role in enhancing your chosen class, whether it’s upgrading gear, unlocking powerful skills, or acquiring exclusive cosmetics. Use them wisely to maximize your character’s potential. Good luck on your journey through the vibrant world of Blade & Soul NEO!

This post originally appeared on liveinternet.ru. Path of Exile 2, the much-anticipated sequel to the hit action RPG, has finally arrived in early access, and with it comes a plethora of new mechanics, challenges, and opportunities for players to dive into. For those eager to make the most of their experience in the dark and expansive world of Wraeclast, we've compiled a comprehensive guide to help you start strong and set the stage for a successful journey. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or a newcomer to the series, these tips will ensure you're well-prepared to face the trials ahead. Embrace Dodge Rolling: A Vital Evasion Technique Dodge rolling is a new mechanic in Path of Exile 2 that offers players temporary invulnerability, making it an essential skill for evading enemy attacks. Mastering this art can be the difference between life and death, especially in challenging boss fights and crowded battles. Incorporate dodge rolling into your combat strategy to enhance both your survivability and efficiency. Respect the Power of Every Enemy In the world of Path of Exile 2, no enemy should be underestimated. Each foe possesses unique attack patterns and cues that, when recognized, can help you avoid unnecessary damage. Take the time to study these behaviors to respond effectively and approach each encounter with caution, particularly in the early stages of the game. Leave No Stone Unturned: The Benefits of Exploration The maps are vast, with hidden treasures waiting to be discovered. Thorough exploration in Path of Exile 2 can yield valuable rewards, including items, currency, experience points, and even miniboss encounters that drop Skill Gems. While progressing through the campaign is crucial, taking the time to explore will ensure you are well-equipped for future challenges. Utilize the Portal: A Strategic Advantage Path of Exile 2 provides a free portal that can be used to teleport back to town, a feature that is invaluable for managing inventory, purchasing supplies, or escaping dangerous situations. Use your portal wisely to maintain momentum and avoid unnecessary setbacks. Familiarize Yourself with the User Interface Understanding the game's Heads-Up Display (HUD) is essential for new players. Key elements include your Health and Mana bars, Flasks, Skills, Experience Points (XP), and Status Effects. Becoming comfortable with the interface will allow you to monitor your character's condition and resources effectively during intense battles. Choose a Class That Suits Your Playstyle Path of Exile 2 offers six distinct classes during early access, each with unique weapons and playstyles. Whether you prefer melee combat, ranged attacks, or spellcasting, selecting a class that aligns with your preferences will enhance your enjoyment and performance. Experiment with different classes to find the one that suits you best. Understand Game Terminology: A Key to Clarity The world of Path of Exile 2 is rich with complex systems and terminology that may be overwhelming for beginners. Familiarizing yourself with in-game terms such as "Skill Gems," "Support Gems," "Passive Points," and "Damage Types" will provide clarity and improve your decision-making. Consulting a glossary or community resources can be highly beneficial. Prioritize Looting and Upgrading Gear As you progress through the game, looting and equipping better gear is vital for increasing your character's damage output and defenses. Regularly assess your inventory and replace outdated items with superior ones. This process is crucial for keeping up with the increasing difficulty of enemies and bosses. Leverage Skill and Support Gems: Enhancing Your Abilities Skill Gems are a cornerstone of Path of Exile 2's gameplay, allowing you to unlock new abilities or enhance existing ones. Support Gems can be linked to Skill Gems to modify their effects or boost their power. Experimenting with different combinations will help you create a build that complements your playstyle. Invest in Passive Abilities: Tailoring Your Character's Progression As you gain experience, you will earn Passive Points that can be allocated to unlock passive abilities on the game's expansive skill tree. These abilities provide bonuses such as increased damage, improved defenses, or utility effects. With careful planning, you can tailor your character's progression to suit your desired build. Focus on Completing the Campaign: The Path to Endgame Content In the early stages of Path of Exile 2, completing the campaign should be your primary objective. The campaign serves as an introduction to the game's mechanics, story, and systems while gradually preparing you for endgame content. Progressing through the campaign efficiently will unlock new areas, features, and opportunities for character growth. Plan Your Build Strategically: A Blueprint for Success Path of Exile 2's skill tree is vast, offering players immense customization options with up to 122 passive points available by endgame. Planning your build from the start is crucial to ensure synergy between your skills, passives, and gear choices. Utilize online tools or community guides to map out a general path that aligns with your goals. Conclusion Path of Exile 2's early access phase is an exciting opportunity for players to immerse themselves in its dark fantasy world while mastering its intricate mechanics. By implementing these tips—ranging from mastering dodge rolling to planning your build—you can set yourself up for success and enjoy a smoother progression through the game. Remember that Path of Exile 2 rewards patience, exploration, and adaptability. Take the time to learn its systems, experiment with different strategies, and embrace the challenges it presents. With preparation and perseverance, you will thrive in Wraeclast's unforgiving yet rewarding landscape.

This article originally appeared on ivebo. The Golden Pursuits system, introduced with Update 44 in The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO), brings a new dimension to the game by offering players limited-time activities with special rewards. Launched on October 28, 2024, for PC and Mac, and soon to be available for consoles on November 13, 2024, this system aims to provide an exciting and dynamic experience for ESO players. In this overview, we will delve into the key features of the Golden Pursuits system and explore how it enhances the gameplay experience. Limited-Time Activities Golden Pursuits consist of dynamic campaigns that players can participate in during specific time windows. These campaigns vary in difficulty, availability, and the types of rewards offered, making each event unique and exciting. Types of Rewards The rewards in Golden Pursuits are categorized into three types: Activity Rewards: Earned by completing specific tasks within the Golden Pursuits. These are tied to individual activities and can be claimed once the required activity is completed. Milestone Rewards Granted upon reaching certain progress milestones in the campaign. These rewards are earned after completing a specified number of activities and can be claimed at the player's convenience as long as the current Golden Pursuit is active. Capstone Rewards A special reward received after completing a set number of activities. This is the ultimate reward for fully engaging with the Golden Pursuit campaign. Accessibility Players can find active Golden Pursuits in the "Golden Pursuits" section of the Group and Activity Finder, which will also take on a golden glow when a Golden Pursuit is active. This section can also be accessed by selecting the Golden Pursuits tile in the Announcement Panel while a Golden Pursuit is active. Progress Tracking Any progress made in any active Golden Pursuit activities is tracked automatically, but earned rewards must be claimed from the Golden Pursuits menu. All progress, credit, and rewards from Golden Pursuits are applied account-wide. Variety of Activities The activities can include a range of gameplay aspects, such as PvP, exploration, and crafting, allowing players to engage with different parts of the game. Rewards and Campaign Examples Golden Pursuits offer a variety of rewards, including Crown Crates, Costumes, Pets, Mounts, Meals, ESO online gold, and more. The rewards are often themed to the active campaign, and examples from the Public Test Server include New Moon, Ayleid, and scalecaller Crown Crates and their respective rewards. Frequency and Duration Golden Pursuits campaigns can last from a day to several months, and there can be varying intervals between campaigns. They are designed to be exciting, spontaneous events that highlight different parts of the game. Inclusivity Golden Pursuits are available to all players, with no requirement for an ESO Plus subscription or any additional purchase. Conclusion The Golden Pursuits system represents a significant addition to The Elder Scrolls Online, aiming to encourage players to explore various gameplay features and earn rewards in a fun and engaging manner. With its dynamic nature, diverse range of activities, and enticing rewards, Golden Pursuits complement the existing Endeavors system in ESO, enriching the overall gameplay experience for players. In conclusion, the Golden Pursuits system introduces an exciting avenue for players to immerse themselves in limited-time activities while reaping valuable rewards. As ESO continues to evolve, systems like Golden Pursuits contribute to the ongoing enrichment of the game's content and engagement opportunities for its dedicated player base.