At Tech4Gamers, I contribute as a Senior News Reporter, combining my skills and gaming enthusiasm to keep our audience updated on the latest developments.
Story Highlights
Rockstar has shared its most popular games on its new launcher page.
GTA 5 is the most popular, but Bully is among the top four.
This ranking signifies the current interest in this IP, with fans continuing to demand a sequel.
Rockstar has multiple big franchises under its umbrella. While GTA and Red Dead Redemption are the most relevant today, fans also love Midnight Club, Bully, LA Noire, and more.
As the studio continues work on GTA 6 and prepares for its Fall 2025 release, it has given fans a new look at its most popular games. According to the data, Bully still stands as one of its biggest titles today.
Why it matters: Fans have demanded a return to this IP for several years. Leaks have also pointed at a cancelled sequel, though nothing official has come out of Rockstar itself.
The image above shows the redesigned Rockstar launcher page for the PC. It also lists the most popular titles on the platform.
To nobody’s surprise, GTA 5 is at the top. With over 195 million units sold and 50 content updates for the online mode, this release stands above everything else the studio has done in the past.
Elsewhere, Red Dead Redemption 2 and the GTA trilogy are on the list, followed by Bully. The latter is also the oldest title on the list, making its position all the more impressive.
Bully stands out as the most unique among the studio’s latest offerings. From the setting to its gameplay, it offers an escape from the traditional third-person shooter gameplay seen in most of Rockstar’s titles.
Bully Featured Various Activities And Mini-Games
This is likely why it continues to be among the top four most popular titles on the storefront. Perhaps Rockstar should use this as a hint and consider working on a sequel to break away from Red Dead Redemption and Grand Theft Auto.
This ranking also highlights the financial possibilities for a successful Bully 2 launch. While many believed a sequel would be a failure, Rockstar seems to think otherwise.
As for the updated launcher, it is speculated that the team is preparing to launch Red Dead Redemption on PC. While rumors about this port showed up not too long ago, an insider later suggested that fans would need to wait a while before hearing more about this PC release.
As a News Reporter at Tech4Gamers, I bring the latest findings from the tech industry to our readers. Specializing in processors, graphics cards, and more, I strive to deliver detailed insights that keep our audience well-informed and engaged. Periodically, I also delve into the vibrant world of gaming to share captivating stories.
Story Highlight
The AMD Ryzen 7 9700X is listed at $380 US, while the Ryzen 5 9600X is priced at $295 US.
PC-Canada expects 1594 Ryzen 7 9700X units and 50 Ryzen 5 9600X units by July 16th.
The new Zen 5 lineup maintains competitive pricing and aims to offer strong performance against Intel while potentially undercutting prices.
PC-Canada recently listed the AMD Ryzen 7 9700X and Ryzen 5 9600X desktop processors and their respective pricing. The Ryzen 7 9700X and the Ryzen 5 9600X are currently the only two chips listed by the retailer.
Why it matters: This listing confirms that AMD has planned plenty of stock for this launch. It also shows the estimated pricing.
Ryzen 9000 CPU Listings At Canadian Retailer
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AMD Ryzen 5 9600X Listing
AMD Ryzen 7 9700X Listing
AMD seems to have kept a consistent MSRP on its new Zen 5 lineup, with the Ryzen 7 7700X retailing for $399 and the Ryzen 5 7600X retailing for $299 at launch. Regarding performance, the Ryzen 5 9600X is similar to the Core i5-14600K, which is available for about $300 US.
The Ryzen 7 9700X, on the other hand, performs similarly to the Core i7-14700K, which is now available for $400. That being said, when it comes to single-core performance, even the entry-level Ryzen 9600X can beat the top-of-the-line chip, the Intel 14900K.
According to the store, 1594 Ryzen 7 9700X CPUs should be in stock by July 16th, and 50 Ryzen 5 9600X CPUs should arrive on the same day. Additionally, a sizable supply of these chips should be available before the July 31st retail launch.
The new Zen 5 lineup is expected to run at a much higher frequency while maintaining lower temperatures than its predecessor, which was designed to run at 95° C out of the box.
This, along with various other compelling features, makes the upcoming series quite exciting.
At Tech4Gamers, I mainly cover new gaming news, leaks, and rumours. Aside from that, I love to write features about my favourite games while inserting my opinion about their different aspects.
Story Highlight
Shift Up recently launched Stellar Blade, which has received a positive reception.
Due to its massive success, Shift Up has raised the second-largest IPO in South Korea this year.
This is also the biggest IPO by a gaming studio in the country since 2021.
Shift Up, the developer behind Stellar Blade, has received praise from the entire industry. Even tech reviewers like Digital Foundry have praised the game for being polished. Stellar Blade also sold 1 million units in just two months as a PlayStation 5 exclusive.
This was beyond what the developer expected, so a PC Port is now being considered. Due to this successful launch, the team grew by around 50% on its first day of trade in South Korea.
It has also raised $320 million in IPO, making it the largest gaming company in the country in almost three years.
Why it matters: Korean game developers weren’t well known in the world before, but a couple of recent releases have made their presence known.
Shift Up Has Raised The Second Largest IPO In South Korea This Year
Bloomberg has revealed this information about Shift Up’s success. Raising $320 million in IPO on the first day of trade is quite surprising, especially for a developer who hasn’t worked on an AAA game before.
The shares were open to the public and traded as high as 89,500 won. Tencent, the company’s second-largest shareholder, sold around 7.3 million shares, 60,000 won each.
In 2021, Krafton INC. generated a sum of $3.8 billion in IPO, which is still the biggest sum in the market today. While Shift Up hasn’t managed to get close to what Krafton achieved, it generated the most a gaming studio has seen since 2021.
Following the IPO, there is still room for the stock to grow. With tremendous potential, the company is expected to grow even faster now.
According to Bloomberg’s graph, Shift Up’s IPO is the second largest in South Korea and will be used to enhance its gaming portfolio.
The company, founded in 2013, is mainly known for its mobile games. When Stellar Blade was announced, fans were concerned that it wouldn’t be nearly as good as the trailers showed.
However, Shift Up did a remarkable job with Stellar Blade and exceeded many people’s expectations. The studio hopes to continue this trend and deliver even more high-quality titles across various genres.
At T4G, my task is to cover the latest news around the gaming globe ASAP and with the utmost precision. I adore all the games and respect all the devs behind the amazing games that we get all year. So, whether it’s a PC or a Console game, I got it all covered.
Story Highlights
Suicide Squad will be available for free for Prime Gaming subscribers starting from July 16.
Prime Gaming users can redeem Suicide Squad through the Epic Games Store, but the offer lasts only two days.
The DC game has disappointed WB greatly after it cost millions in losses.
Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League was something many were looking forward to, but it failed to meet expectations by a long shot. Now, less than six months since the launch,Suicide Squad is already going free.
Why it matters: According to reports, Warner Bros. expected Suicide Squad to become a billion-dollar-IP. However, the game has gone in the opposite direction.
Suicide Squad Kill the Justice League has been a disaster for Warner Bros.
Amazon has revealed a list of games coming to its subscription service for the month of July. The mix includes Suicide Squad: Kill The Justice League, Chivalry 2, and Rise of The Tomb Raider.
These titles will be redeemable on the Epic Games Store starting July 16. While this offer is excellent, it lasts for just 48 hours. Therefore, Prime Gaming subscribers need to be quick to ensure they gain access to all three of these.
Suicide Squad opted for a live service model for longevity, but that has badly backfired. According to official data, WB recorded a whopping $200 million in losses, blaming the DC game for this outcome.
As such, the game going free isn’t surprising. It has already been receiving huge discounts since its release. Previously, the price was slashed in half just a few months post-release. Suicide Squad is also struggling to retain players.
Rocksteady’s latest release reportedly cost Warner Bros $200 million in loss.
A new season was supposed to be released today, introducing Mrs. Freeze. However, that, too, has been delayed due to some unforeseen circumstances and will come out on July 25. All in all, Suicide Squad continues to run into one hurdle after another.
Fortunately, Prime Gaming’s release might help the title regain some of its lost player base. However, this will most likely be a temporary boost since Rocksteady hasn’t been able to do enough to ensure players stick with the game for the long term.
At Tech4Gamers, I take on the role of Hardware Reviewer with pride. My responsibilities involve a thorough examination of essential hardware components like motherboards, graphics cards, processors, PC cases, and CPU coolers, among others, focusing on their complexities and functionalities.
Sameed Hussain
As a Hardware Expert at Tech4Gamers, I blend my Computer Science expertise with a love for technology. Through comprehensive reviews and comparisons, I guide our audience in making informed tech decisions.
I tested the M100R PANO PC Case from MSI earlier. It was an m-ATX size PC Case made for backplug motherboards. MSI uses Project Zero (PZ) for this series of motherboards. This time around, MSI released a full ATX-size PC Case named PANO 100L PZ. It has the same footprint as the M100R but with more features, as we shall see.
Why Trust Tech4Gamers
Sameed Hussain is our hardware expert who has been building and testing PCs for years.
25+ PC cases tested and reviewed by our team of hardware experts (Tech4Gamers Team).
150+ hours spent testing different PC cases for our reviews.
At Tech4Gamers, ensuring you get reliable information is our priority. That’s why every hardware round-up undergoes a meticulous review process by our team of experts and editors. Each review is carefully examined against our strict editorial guidelines, guaranteeing you trustworthy insights you can depend on.
Key Takeaways
The MSI PANO 100L PZ is a true example of a feature-rich PC case with support for backplug motherboards in ATX and micro-ATX sizes. Plus, you can enjoy a true 270ᵒ panoramic view.
You should buy the MSI PANO 100L PZ if you want a backplug motherboard with a panoramic view, good cooling, 20Gbps USB 3.2 port, and all at a good price tag.
You should not buy the MSI PANO 100L PZ if you want a chassis with included fans.
This is my fourth PC Case that supports backplug motherboards. This case supports a full ATX backplug motherboard. Its overall footprint and feature set make it a better proposition than the CORSAIR 6500X and XPG Invader X. It costs less than those cases. It comes with vertical and horizontal GPU brackets and a GPU Support bracket. It has ample cooling and strong dust filtration. MSI has upped the storage provision in quite some manner.
Packaging And Unboxing
Packing Box
Unboxing
The unit is shipped inside a standard brown color cardboard box. There is a picture of the PC Case. The salient features are listed on the side of the packing box. The case comes tucked between two thick black Styrofoam pads.
Accessories (Image By Tech4Gamers)
The following are provided with the case:
Cable ties x5 for Cable management
Screw M3 5mm x21 for Motherboard / SSD
Screw #6-32 6mm x6 for Securing PSU / PCIe Card
Screw #6-32 10mm x8 for 3.5” HDD
Screw M3 10mm x8 for 2.5” SSD
HDD silicone shock absorber pad x6 for Protecting HDD from physical shocks and vibrations
Stand-off #6-32 6.5mm x4 for Motherboard Stud
Stand-off Mounting Tool x1 for Securing stand-off
Spare U Clip x2 for Securing the side panel
Hook-and-loop fastener x1 for Cable management
GPU Holder x1
56*10*2mm EVA pad x2
56*10*10mm EVA pad x5
Horizontal Graphics Card Bracket x1
Design
Main Design (Image By Tech4Gamers)
The MSI MAG PANO 100L PZ is an ATX size PC Case that has a dimension of 518.7x290x482mm. It has a net weight of 11.30Kg with a gross weight of 14.10Kg. It is made of SPCC, Glass, and Plastic materials. Let’s look closer at the inside and outside views, which are our major categories.
MSI has retained the basic footprint of M100R in 100L. This case provides a 270ᵒ panoramic view. The front has a clear glass panel, which is removable, and then there is a main side glass panel. One cool aspect is that there is another glass between these two panels. This creates a pillarless design that gives an unconstructive view.
A Look At The Front Panel
Front View (Image By Tech4Gamers)
I am in love with the geometrical design layout on the front. The front and top panels are well-designed and synced. There is a clear glass panel that provides a complete inside view. The glass panel runs from the top to the bottom.
The key difference between M100R and 100L is that the latter provides a removable front panel.
WARNING: You need to remove the side panels and the top panel before carefully pulling the front panel. Please don’t handle the panel from the glass side.
There is an MSI brand logo and a line that is backlit. This small touch creates a whole new vibe on the front of this case.
A Look At The Rear Panel
Rear View
Horizontal Bracket
This is a dual-chamber design that reminds me of the CORSAIR 6500X. In my opinion, the MSI PANO 100L provides a better feature set than the CORSAIR. On top, we have plenty of ventilation. The top panel is secured using thumb screws.
The left bottom area is also ventilated. The PSU mounting area is in the mid-section on the left. You can install a standard ATX PSU in this case.
There is a cutout for the motherboard’s rear IO panel. There is a rail mount design for the 120mm. This case comes with a vertical PCIe bracket installed. It has 4x slots. This complete panel is removable.
I have installed the horizontal PCIe bracket, as can be seen in the second picture. MSI has provided a good flex in this department. This case also has a GPU support bracket.
A Look At The Top
Top Panel
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Top View (Image By Tech4Gamers)
Panel Removed (Image By Tech4Gamers)
Panel Inside (Image By Tech4Gamers)
MSI has retained the same design as on the M100R. The curved top cover is fully slotted for effective ventilation. There is a fine mesh under the top cover for dust filtration. It is fixed and non-magnetic.
There is a rail mount design to install up to 3x 120mm or 2x 140mm fans or 120mm/240mm/360mm radiator. MSI has also provided a good clearance for the top radiator/fans with 64mm space.
Bottom Panel
Bottom View (Image By Tech4Gamers)
I am showing a bottom view of this case. This area has a magnetic dust filter. There are 4x anti-vibration rubber pads on the feet. There is nothing particular in this area. You can see cables of the front IO panel routed from under the case towards the backside.
Side Panel And Interior
Main Design
Side View
There is a 3mm tempered glass on the side panel. It is not a bezel-less in design, but a 270ᵒ view has compensated that quite well. It is not tinted and provides a full and clear view. The panel is not latched. It uses studs and bolts, making its handling convenient.
The cutouts on the motherboard tray clearly show that this case supports backplug motherboards. We have a spacious layout to work within, and by moving the cables to the back, we are no longer contended with the cable-related decisions on the front except the graphics card.
You can see that I have already installed a horizontal graphics card bracket. It has 8x reusable/removable PCIe slot covers/ These covers are perforated.
Fan Bracket (Image By Tech4Gamers)
There is a removable fan bracket on the base of the case. I appreciate the removable fan bracket design as it makes the fan/radiator handling easy. You can install 3x120mm/2x140mm/2x160mm fans on this bracket or 120/240/360mm radiator.
Side View
Closer Look
Looking at the side, there is a fixed fan bracket that can house 3x120mm or 2x140mm fans or 120/240/360mm radiator. You can see that this case does not have any fans.
In the second picture, I am showing the motherboard tray in closeup. This case supports regular ATX/mATX/mini-ITX motherboards and backplug ATX/mATX motherboards. There are multiple cutouts all around that are needed to house the motherboard, which has connectors on the backside. These connectors pass through these cutouts.
There are cutouts on the side of this tray in 90ᵒ that have rubber grommets. These would be used when installing regular motherboards. The standoffs are pre-installed.
Rear Ventilation (Image By Tech4Gamers)
There is a perforated or ventilated area on the rear where you can install a 120mm fan/radiator. You can adjust the height of the fan as per requirement.
Inside Top
Vertical Bracket
Looking at the top from the inside of the case, there is a displacement of 64mm from the top bracket to the motherboard’s top. This is a good enough clearance, meaning you can install a thick radiator on top as well.
WARNING: MSI has provided a vertical bracket for the graphics card. However, you would need a riser cable, which is not included in the accessories.
The 4-slot width is enough to install modern bulk and beefy graphics cards.
IO Panel (Image By Tech4Gamers)
The IO ports include:
1x USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C
2x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A
Mic In/ Audio Out
Reset Button
Power Button
Backside
Backside View
Panel Removed
The backside panel is made of steel material. Its main area is completely perforated for effective ventilation. This panel also uses studs and bolts for easy handling.
There is a large size dust filter on the inner side of the side panel. This was not present in the M100R. MSI has made it easy to remove this filter for cleaning.
Backside – View 1
Backside – View 2
Now, we are taking a look at the inside of the case from its backside. You can see the backside of the fan bracket. There is a gap of 45mm behind the fan bracket, meaning you can easily install fans or radiators on this side. They will not be chocked due to the open design on the back panel. MSI is on the point.
There are two covers that hide the bulk of the cables on the backside of the motherboard’s tray. Both trays have a sliding function that makes it easy to handle them. The lower tray is secured using a thumb screw.
I have opened the covers and shown the backside of the case. These covers are hinged, so you can easily take them off.
PSU Bracket
2x Drive Brackets
I am showing the PSU bracket and holder. I appreciate MSI’s use of a large base with a rubber pad. This is absent from CORSAIR 6500X. There are 2x 2.5” drive brackets on the base.
All Covers Removed
2x 2.5”/3.5” Drives Can Be Installed Here
I have removed the covers and shown the full view of the backside. There are multiple zip ties and Velcro strips for convenient cable management.
You can install 2x 2.5”/3.5” drives on the lower cover.
Front IO Hub Cables
USB
More Cables
MSI has provided:
1x USB Type-E 3.2 Connector
1x USB Type-A 180ᵒ Connector
1x HD Audio Connector
1x Front Panel Connector
1x 3-pin ARGB Connector
The 3-pin A-RGB connector powers the MSI brand logo on the front of the case.
Cooling Layout (Image By MSI)
I have taken the picture from the MSI website. It shows the cooling layout in the PANO 100L PZ.
Test Build And Experience
I have used the following configuration to test this case:
I had a good time assembling a simple PC in this case. I started with the motherboard and faced no issues installing it. Next, the PSU was installed, and its cables were routed and connected, followed by the graphics card installation. All the cables were connected and handled.
In my opinion, cooler manufacturers should come up with liquid coolers where there should not be any cable connection on the pump housing. This is a must-have for a backplug motherboard system. Similarly, AIB partners may consider implementing a power solution for the graphics card on the motherboard to eliminate all possible cables on the front.
RGB Lighting
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Build Showcase (Image By Tech4Gamers)
Build Showcase (Image By Tech4Gamers)
Build Showcase (Image By Tech4Gamers)
Build Showcase (Image By Tech4Gamers)
Build Showcase (Image By Tech4Gamers)
The above are a few pictures of the test build.
Thermal Testing
Thermal Performance (Image By Tech4Gamers)
I have used AIDA64 Engineer Edition to stress the GPU and FPU (CPU). We have a good result.
Should You Buy It?
Buy It If
✅You need a 270ᵒ panoramic view case: The MSI MAG PANO 100L PZ has a 270ᵒ panoramic view for a brilliant display without any obstruction since this is a pillar-less design.
✅You want a case for an ATX backplug motherboard: Unlike M100R, the PANO 100L can house a full ATX backplug motherboard and regular motherboards. If you are going for an ATX backplug motherboard, I would suggest this case over 6500X.
✅You prefer good pricing: This case retails at USD 129.99. This is a steal deal.
✅You are after ample cooling: This case has good support for your cooling requirement, even if it is a custom loop.
✅You want a USB 3.2 20Gbps Port: The case has a front USB 3.2 20Gbps port.
Don’t Buy It If
❌You need included fans: Though this case costs you USD 129.99, it does not have any fans. Adding even 4x fans would easily raise your total cost to over USD 170, depending on the fan.
My Thoughts
After testing MSI MAG PANO M100R, it was time to take a look at the next big thing: MSI MAG PANO 100L PZ. This case has a basic footprint of M100R, but MSI has made some wise decisions in the design department and has possibly delivered one of the best PC Cases on the market.
This case is available in black and white, and it has its roots in the MAG brand logo concept. This is a feature-rich PC Case that supports backplug motherboards, hence the name PZ (Project Zero). This is my fourth case that houses backplug motherboards. In my opinion, this case is the best out of these four cases. Other cases are XPG Invader X, CORSAIR 6500X, and MSI MAG PANO M100R PZ.
This case does not have any fan, which is a letdown, in my opinion, but the cost covers it up. It can house up to a 360mm radiator on the side, bottom, and top. It can house a 120mm radiator on the rear. The bottom fan bracket is removable, which makes our lives easier. You can even mount two 160mm fans on the base. SilverStone users would be delighted. The top, side, and bottom can have 3x120mm/2x140mm fans.
This case has a total glass towards the front and side, providing a 270ᵒ panoramic view. This is a pillar-free design. The glass panels are not tinted and provide a clear view. There is a backlit MSI logo on the front base that looks dope when lights up.
Unlike M100R, the front panel of 100L is removable, but it should be taken care of while popping it out. Don’t handle it from the glass. The top cover is removable and has a fine mesh, which is not removable and non-magnetic. The bottom area has a full-size magnetic dust filter.
This case comes with a vertical GPU bracket as well as a horizontal GPU bracket. Both brackets are easy to swap. The graphics card length is 380mm and there is a GPU support bracket to handle today’s beefy graphics cards. The supported CPU cooler height is 166mm. The supported PSU is ATX.
Another key feature is the USB 3.2 Gen2x2 (20Gbps) Type-C port on the front IO Panel. There is a single front panel connector that makes life easy. There is 45mm space behind the side fan bracket where you can house a radiator or fans. Since the main area of the backside panel is totally perforated, there is choking for your fans or radiator.
Assembling a PC, in this case, is a breeze, and I did not record any observation in this regard. Everything is well thought out and laid by MSI. Thermal Performance is good as well. This case comes highly recommended by us.
At Tech4Gamers, I mainly cover new gaming news, leaks, and rumours. Aside from that, I love to write features about my favourite games while inserting my opinion about their different aspects.
Story Highlight
Shadow of the Erdtree has received a lot of unjustified criticism for its challenging bosses.
The game is hard, but you can use certain builds to tone down the difficulty.
Bloodfiend’s Arm, Pest-Thread Spears, Impenetrable Thorns, and Carian Sovereignty can make your game easier.
Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree has received a lot of criticism for being overly difficult. While players were relentless with the negativity, many fans weren’t even using the Scadutree Fragments properly.
Some also found the expansion harder due to bosses like Mesmer The Impaler, Bayle The Dread, Radhan, and Rellana, Twin Moon Knight. I don’t agree with all of them being too challenging, but there’s an easy fix for this problem.
Relying on the correct build can completely transform your Shadow of the Erdtree experience.
Why it matters: Some bosses in Shadow of the Erdtree make you quit the game due to their hard nature. However, you can use tailor-made builds to make the fights easier.
Bloodfiend’s Arm Build – Still Broken Post Nerf
Bloodfiend’s Arm Is Currently The Most Broken Weapon In The Elden Ring DLC | Image Credits: Tech4Gamers
The latest patch has nerfed the two most broken builds in the realm of shadows.
Perfume bottles have seen a massive nerf, as the damage output has been reduced significantly. The Lightning Perfume Bottle, in particular, was being used to one-shot some bosses, but it can’t do that anymore.
Similarly, Bloodfiend’s Arm has also been nerfed, but it is still broken. If you are struggling with the final boss, then this is the weapon for you. It can still poise break the final boss with two to three charged heavy attacks. The bleed build-up is also strong, so you don’t have to worry about the nerf.
Just use Lord of Blood’s Exultation, Axe talisman, Two-Handed Sword talisman, and Defense talisman. Add the Stonebard Cracked Tear in the physic along with the one that boosts damage negation, and you are good to go.
Pest-Thread Spears
Pest-Thread Spears Is The Upgraded Version of Pest Threads | Image Credits: Tech4Gamers
You won’t have to struggle much using this incantation. Instead, the buffs you have to apply will take more time than the actual boss fight if you use Pest-Thread Spears.
Use the Rakshasa armor set and a weapon with high critical damage with this build since you will stagger enemies often. If you don’t, you can still spam the incantation. Also, make sure to use Erdtree’s Seal and Flock’s Canvas talismans, Godfrey Icon, and any defense talismans.
You can use Flame Grant Me Strength and Golden Vow to enhance the damage even more.
Impenetrable Thorns
The Impenetrable Thorns Sorcery Inflicts Bleed On Bosses Extremely Fast | Image Credits: Tech4Gamers
Impenetrable Thorns is a sorcery that deals physical and bleeding damage on hits. This sorcery can be charged and hits the opponent three times, inflicting massive amounts of bleed build-up. You can use it along with your Bloodfiend’s Arm too, but I would recommend using it separately.
Not only does it do massive damage to the opponent, but it can also deal a high amount of poise damage. To make the build even better, you can use the Rakshasa armor set with a couple of defense talismans and some associated with bleed, like Lord of Blood’s Exultation.
Do you remember the spell Rellana uses once you bring her down to about 30% of her health? You can do that too, and the best part is that this is probably the best Ash of War in Elden Ring.
It gives you a lot of hyper armor and deals massive amounts of poise damage. When charged, the first swing does 48 poise damage, and the second one does 43. Some bosses have only 80 poise in the base game, so you can break their stance by simply using it once.
You just need an opening to use it, and even if you get hit, don’t worry; it gives you infinite poise and armor. So, your attack will come out dealing not only massive amounts of magic damage but also stance damage.
You also break the stance of the bosses who have 100 poise. Just use Stonebard Cracked Tear in the physic, and you will be good to go.
Still think the DLC is harder? These are 4 builds that can make the expansion a joke. If this isn’t enough, you can always fall back on the reliable mimic tear. When using these builds, the bosses won’t know what hit them; as a matter of fact, you’ll feel like the real boss.
Overall, I’ve had a great time with Shadow of the Erdtree so far because it promotes so much build variety. I’m glad to see the DLC selling 5 million units in just a few days.
At Tech4Gamers, I mainly cover new gaming news, leaks, and rumours. Aside from that, I love to write features about my favourite games while inserting my opinion about their different aspects.
Story Highlight
Shadow of the Erdtree has 11 remembrance bosses, all of whom are pretty memorable.
One remembrance boss, Messmer The Impaler, stood out than the rest for me.
His moves, soundtrack, cutscenes, dialogues, and arena all make him the best FromSoftware boss for me.
Shadow of the Erdtree has been out for a while now. The DLC was released on 21st June, and I have been playing it since then. Having poured over 50 hours into it, I have fought every single boss, and I have to say that FromSoftware has yet again exceeded my expectations.
However, one particular boss has managed to stand out the most for me, and that is none other than Messmer The Impaler.
Why it matters: FromSoftware always shines in the boss fight department, but it has managed to set a new high now with Shadow of the Erdtree.
Messmer The Impaler, A Mesmerising Boss
Messmer The Impaler Is My Favorite Boss | Image Source: Tech4Gamers
My previous favorite boss of all time was Godfrey. I also adored bosses like Radagon, Maliketh, Malenia, and Mohg. These bosses are arguably among the best foes created by the developer.
However, I expected the DLC to top these bosses since this is what FromSoftware typically does. The developer makes a really great game but still manages to exceed expectations with its DLCs.
As soon as I reached Messmer, I knew hell was awaiting me. The boss is incredibly elegant, his flames sending shivers down the player’s spine. Messmer’s combos depict an almost never-ending flurry of attacks, leaving the player to frantically pick out the smallest opportunities to fight back.
That is what makes a great boss fight for me. It should be filled with menacing attacks that leave your heart pumping with adrenaline, and you get a clear opening after successfully dodging every single one of them.
However, dodging these combos isn’t that simple. If you can’t dodge a single attack from the combo, boom, half of your health is gone, and before you know it, another combo is coming.
Now, you have to dodge the entire combo, and here comes the gamble. Will you attack the boss, or will you heal? Attacking might stun him, but healing is the safer option. This happened to me many times in the fight with Messmer, and I loved it.
The Fight Gets Better After Every Failed Try
Messmer Taking Out His Eye To Unleash The Power of The Serpent God | Image Source: Tech4Gamers
This is one of those fights that gets better after every failed attempt. You can see yourself dodging the moves perfectly, but the boss will frequently mix things up. If you dodge backward, the flame of Messmer will get you. If you heal instantly after getting hit, Messmer is coming for you with a one-shot grab.
The opening cutscene, alongside the combos, animations, and pieces of dialogue, were all perfect. I have never enjoyed a boss fight this much before, and I have no shame in calling him FromSoftware’s best boss.
Messmer is also one of those bosses who has given players a reality check that they aren’t ready for the DLC. I have seen many unsatisfied negative reviews claiming that Messmer is busted. If you are not ready to fight him head-on, then you should work on improving your skills.
His second phase is where things get even more interesting. Do you remember fighting the God Devouring Serpent? Well, fight three more. He enters the second phase by destroying his eye and unleashing the power of the Serpent God.
This phase has way fewer openings than the first one and has another combo. However, it does let you pull off more damage on certain occasions, so the fight isn’t unfair at all.
I Hate You, Marika
Messmer’s Second Phase Will Let You Know The True Meaning of Terror | Image Source: Tech4Gamers
Messmer has one of the best cutscenes and boss arenas. Even his soundtrack was menacing. However, his lore is a little sad. Well, this is Elden Ring. What do you expect? Still, Messmer being my all-time favorite boss, I did feel sad about what Marika did to him.
Basically, the power of the Serpent God made Messmer so powerful that Marika sent him to the Realm of Shadow. She asked him to beat the omens, but little did he know that his mother intended to lock him there.
He has been locked there for a long time, and Marika is to blame for how things turned out. However, thanks to that, I got to fight him in the DLC, making for one hell of a boss encounter.
As Tech4Gamers’ Founder and Editor-in-Chief, I bring over 13 years of PC Hardware Reviewing and 8+ years of IT Project Management experience. Certified in Google IT Support , my focus is on providing honest product reviews and analysis and fostering a strong gaming community with 130k+ members in PPG.
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Nvidia has announced a new bundle for Black Myth: Wukong.
Buying a GeForce RTX 40 series graphics card from select retailers will allow users to redeem a code for this action RPG.
This promotion is available for desktop and laptop graphics cards, though it is limited to certain models.
Nvidia has announced that users who purchase its GeForce RTX 40 cards will receive a copy of the highly anticipated Black Myth: Wukong. This action RPG is set to arrive next month and has already established its dominance on Steam.
Moreover, it supports all the next-generation features that Nvidia boasts for its latest GPUs, including ray-tracing and DLSS 3.5. The game is also based on Unreal Engine 5, promising exhilarating battles that flourish through ray-traced global illumination and shadows.
Why it matters: Black Myth: Wukong costs $60 at release. Therefore, this is a solid deal for those looking forward to this game and hoping to buy a new Nvidia graphics card soon.
The most affordable of the RTX 40 series, which are RTX 4050 and RTX 4060, are excluded from this offer. According to Nvidia, the following graphics cards are included in the promotion:
RTX 4090
RTX 4080/ 4080 Super
RTX 4070 Ti/ 4070 Ti Super
RTX 4070/ 4070 Super
RTX 4090 Laptop
RTX 4080 Laptop
RTX 4070 Laptop
These will come with a digital copy of Black Myth: Wukong in the form of a key that you can claim on Steam.
The GeForce RTX 4070 would be the best deal for most people. This graphics card is frequently sold for $550. Combining the $60 value from Black Myth: Wukong, this price is knocked down below $500, making it an excellent choice for 1440p gaming.
However, the VRAM may not be optimal for some modern titles at this resolution.
Black Myth Wukong PC Requirements
You can see the system requirements mentioned above to decide the best GPU for your particular resolution. Black Myth: Wukong is also coming to consoles, but it won’t be available on Xbox from day one.
Overall, the game should be playable across a variety of devices. However, when cranking everything up to a maximum of 4K, DLSS 3.5 will be needed to maintain 60FPS, even with an expensive combination like the RTX 4080 and Intel Core i9-14900K.
Meanwhile, the RTX 4070 should be able to manage 60FPS at 1440p with these settings when using DLSS.
At Tech4Gamers, I contribute as a Senior News Reporter, combining my skills and gaming enthusiasm to keep our audience updated on the latest developments.
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Xbox has confirmed that Game Pass Standard won’t include day-one access to new releases.
An insider reveals that Microsoft plans to add these titles to the service in 6-12 months.
Certain very high-profile games could take even longer than 12 months.
Xbox unveiled Game Pass Standard and new prices yesterday. This new tier of the popular subscription service foregoes the signature day-one first-party releases and offers a catalog of existing first-party games.
Priced at $14.99, it ends up more expensive than the previous console tier with day-one releases. However, it also offers multiplayer gameplay, unlike that tier. As for the confusion regarding new games, it is said that they will take about 6-12 months to arrive on this tier.
Why it matters: This statement indicates that Microsoft has not yet decided on the exact approach to this new tier. As such, things could change in the future.
Call of Duty May Be Arriving On The Subscription Next Month
As reported by Jez Corden, Microsoft explained that big releases would take up to a full year to arrive on this tier. However, he specified that some games might require even longer.
Xbox is going with the classic case-by-case statement here, stating that the situation will be different for each release. One could assume that a smaller game like last year’s Towerborne or poorly received titles like Redfall would fall within the six-month criteria.
On the other hand, major successes like Starfield would probably require at least a full year. Therefore, fans should not expect the likes of Fable, Doom: The Dark Ages, and Gears of War E-Day on this tier close to release.
Perhaps these will fall in the group that takes even longer than one year.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Will Skip Game Pass Standard At Launch
Nonetheless, it’s clear that Game Pass Standard does not carry the same charm as its predecessor. From the beginning, the subscription has been sold on the promise of access to big titles from day one.
This benefit is now exclusively available on Game Pass PC and Ultimate. Microsoft seems interested in growing on the PC platform, so the gaming giant is offering the best deal for PC users.
At Tech4Gamers, I mainly cover new gaming news, leaks, and rumours. Aside from that, I love to write features about my favourite games while inserting my opinion about their different aspects.
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Call of Duty will be launching on Game Pass soon.
Recently, Xbox announced that it would increase the subscription prices and introduce a new tier.
Following the announcement, many fans are stacking the subscription from CDKeys for a discounted price.
Xbox previously announced that Call of Duty would be released on Game Pass, but fans found it hard to believe. However, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 was later confirmed for Game Pass.
The whole game is not available on the base tier of the service, and Microsoft is also raising prices for Game Pass soon. Following this announcement, fans have taken matters into their own hands, stacking subscriptions from CDKeys tosave money in the future.
Why it matters: Price hikes are never welcomed by fans because nobody wants to pay more. However, Xbox is increasing the prices of its subscription services again, which has caused confusion.
CDKeys is Offering Discounts On Xbox Game Pass Ultimate
CDKeys is one of the biggest third-party key reselling platforms, and it is quite famous and has tons of positive reviews.
Since this website is trusted, many users rely on it to buy games and subscription services. It is currently offering a 21% discount on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. This would cost you just over $28 to buy the service for three months.
Now that Xbox has announced an inevitable price hike, fans are rushing to this platform to buy this subscription service. Due to that, Game Pass Ultimate is currently the best seller on CDKeys.
The Price Hike For The Subscription Is Occurring Due To Call of Duty Games
This code works for both Xbox and PC, so it is currently the best offer if you want to save money in the future. CDKeys offers prices significantly lower than those from the official store, which is mainly why fans are rushing here to save money.
This is a smart move by fans since the price hike is quite substantial, especially for Game Pass Ultimate. However, it should be noted that players can only stack 13 months’ worth of Game Pass subscriptions on the console.
Therefore, buying this three-month subscription more than four times might be a waste. After 12 months, users can still buy the one-month variant, which is currently available at a 31% discount.
Many also seem to be flocking to this option since it stands as the 4th best seller on the platform.
At Tech4Gamers, I hold the role of a News Reporter, where I merge my passion for gaming with my knack for storytelling. This unique blend allows me to bring you the latest updates, reviews, previews, and features from the gaming world.
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Massive Entertainment has shared new details on the progression in Star Wars Outlaws.
The team states that XP and skill trees aren’t a thing.
Instead, the game will focus on quests that reward players with new skills and items.
Massive Entertainment is breaking away from Ubisoft’s traditional formula in multiple ways with Star Wars Outlaws. The studio is trying to avoid the typical open-world bloat, introduce unique wanted mechanics, and leave behind the publisher’s traditional towers.
According to recent information, Star Wars Outlaws also leaves behind level-based XP progression.
Why it matters: This is an interesting feature since many players are fed up with grinding and the traditional XP-based progression loop.
Star Wars Outlaws Looks Like A Visual Feast
The game will arrive on August 30, and each new piece of information has created more excitement about the title.
The latest preview comes from IGN, which discussed the progression loop with Massive Entertainment. Director Mathias Karlson confirms that the game does not have XP-based unlocks or skills.
However, Star Wars outlaws will strengthen your character through different side quests. Completing missions from Expert NPCs will reward various upgrades, new skills, and more.
This should make progression more dynamic than the typical system of gathering XP and choosing the optimal skills to buy. Moreover, this system will make side quests more meaningful.
You can go on a journey with a character, such as an expert who is going to teach Kay a new skill and give her a new upgrade to her blaster.
-Mathias Karlson
Star Wars Outlaws Will Deliver Authentic Space Exploration
Star Wars Outlaws is said to focus on quality over quantity. As such, this system should fit right in. If these Expert NPC quests are more than missions that simply net you a new upgrade, the system could change the open world for the better.
Still, it’s too soon to say how well Massive Entertainment’s implementation of the mechanic will work.
The game has led to some skepticism from various journalists and fans so far. However, Massive Entertainment’s latest preview seems to be the most encouraging. With just one month left, fans are hoping the team can stick the landing of this ambitious project.
At Tech4Gamers, I contribute as a Senior News Reporter, combining my skills and gaming enthusiasm to keep our audience updated on the latest developments.
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PlayStation Stars is currently listing Bloodborne: The Old Hunters for the PS5.
This may have been an early listing that was put up by mistake.
Fans are now excited about the possibility of an incoming remaster from Sony.
Hopes of a Bloodborne remake/remaster have returned. Fans have been debating when Sony will offer a more polished version of the game, but the gaming giant has shown no signs of doing so.
Following these rumors, a small glimpse of hope has shown up on PlayStation Stars. On this platform, a PlayStation listing has teased a native PS5 version of Bloodborne.
Why it matters: PlayStation has upgraded its biggest games for the PS5 already. However, a few, including Bloodborne, are still limited by the base PS4 hardware.
Bloodborne Is Currently Locked At 30FPS On PS4 and PS5
As shared on Reddit, PlayStation Stars is showing Bloodborne The Old Hunters for the PS5. This version suggests that the DLC is exclusive to the PS5, leading to speculation about a native PS5 version.
For the unaware, The Old Hunters is Bloodborne’s expansion that has not received a PS5 upgrade. Meanwhile, PlayStation Stars is Sony’s reward program that provides various benefits upon completion of certain tasks.
Anyhow, this may be a teaser of things to come. A native PS5 version would most certainly include a 60FPS upgrade for Bloodborne and higher resolution support. However, it could also eventually lead to a PC port, something Hidetaka Miyazaki also wants.
PlayStation Sold Millions of Bloodborne Copies On PS4
While this is certainly exciting, others have speculated that this listing is an error on Sony’s part. Whatever the case may be, fans are willing to cling on to this listing, hoping that it turns out to be something much bigger soon.
Whether Bloodborne receives a remaster or a remake, fans just want to see the game receive more love. Rumors have suggested that the latter is also in the works, but there’s no reason that this prevents Sony from working on a next-gen upgrade.
Following Elden Ring’s success, it would be a huge missed opportunity for the gaming giant to ignore this IP.
