Battle.net Archives

AppWizard

December 30, 2025

Warhammer 40k Rogue Trader developer announces its own launcher, but players are already “opting out”

Owlcat Games is developing its own game launcher to serve as a central hub for players, aiming to improve cross-promotion of its titles. Market research indicated that many Pathfinder 2 players were unaware of Rogue Trader. The decision has received mixed reactions, with concerns about the crowded landscape of game launchers and their functionality. Owlcat plans to roll out the launcher gradually, ensuring no mandatory registration or data collection from users. Players in the alpha test for Warhammer 40k Dark Heresy will be the first to use the launcher, which will provide access to all of Owlcat's games and links to social media and announcements. The launcher will allow users to buy, install, or launch games regardless of the original distribution method, but players can bypass it if accessing games through Steam.

AppWizard

November 26, 2025

A major online services outage is affecting Fortnite, Arc Raiders, Battle.net, PSN, and more

Arc Raiders has restored connectivity to the Epic Games Store after experiencing service disruptions. Users reported issues with Arc Raiders servers around 10:30 AM Pacific Time, and Downdetector noted a surge in complaints regarding access to several platforms, including Fortnite, Rocket League, Dead by Daylight, PlayStation Network, Xbox Live, Elden Ring, and Battle.net. Amazon and Cloudflare have also acknowledged similar issues.

Winsage

November 20, 2025

2025 Windows 11 PC holiday buying guide: Best devices and deals

The holiday season is an ideal time to gift a Windows 11 PC, which can enhance gaming setups, assist with creative projects, and simplify daily tasks. Windows 11 PCs now feature Copilot, an AI-powered assistant that streamlines tasks through voice commands. A survey shows that over half of Gen Z and Millennials use generative AI weekly. Various Windows 11 PCs are available for different users, including: - Lenovo Legion 5 15": A gaming laptop with AMD Ryzen 7 260 processors and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 graphics, starting at ,249.99 MSRP, currently ,169.99 at Walmart. - ROG Xbox Ally: A portable gaming device starting at 9.99, available at Microsoft.com and Best Buy. - Dell 16 Plus Laptop: Designed for students, starting at ,149.99 MSRP. - Samsung Galaxy Book5 360: A versatile 2-in-1 PC starting at ,349.99 MSRP. - Acer Aspire 14 AI: A portable laptop starting at 9.99 MSRP at Costco.com. - ASUS Zenbook 14: Lightweight with multi-day battery life, starting at 9 MSRP at Walmart. - Lenovo Yoga 7 2-in-1 Copilot+ PC: Starting at ,199.99 at Best Buy. - Surface Pro 12-inch: A portable 2-in-1 device starting at 9.99 MSRP at Best Buy. - HP OmniBook 5 14-inch: Offers long battery life, starting at 9.99 MSRP. - Surface Laptop 13-inch: Lightweight with AI features, starting at 9.99 MSRP at Best Buy. Retailers like Microsoft, Best Buy, and Costco offer significant holiday deals on these PCs, with discounts and promotions available. Microsoft.com features exclusive deals, price protection, and free shipping until January 31, 2026. Xbox deals include discounts on games and accessories, with Xbox Game Pass Premium subscriptions and Microsoft gift cards available as gift options.

AppWizard

November 9, 2025

How I turned a cheap mini PC into a AAA gaming machine — tips for inexpensive and reliable cloud gaming with NVIDIA and Xbox

A mini PC is an effective budget gaming option that allows gamers to play high-performance AAA titles like Cyberpunk 2077, Baldur's Gate 3, and Elden Ring using modest hardware by leveraging cloud gaming services such as NVIDIA GeForce NOW and Xbox Game Pass. To set up GeForce NOW on a mini PC, users need to connect the device to a monitor, keyboard, and mouse, complete the Windows setup, download and install the GeForce NOW app, log in, connect digital stores, and select games to play. Key considerations for cloud gaming on mini PCs include the need for a stable internet connection (at least 25 Mbps download speed), potential subscription costs for enhanced experiences, the lack of a game library with GeForce NOW, and the importance of researching trusted brands to avoid malware in budget mini PCs. Additionally, dedicated gaming mini PCs exist but are often more expensive.

AppWizard

October 30, 2025

The Outer Worlds 2 Is Available Today

In The Outer Worlds 2, players assume the role of an Earth Directorate agent investigating disruptive skip drives causing dangerous rifts across the colonies, particularly in Arcadia. Different factions have their own agendas regarding these rifts: the Order of the Ascendant wants to study them, Auntie’s Choice seeks profit, and the Protectorate aims to maintain control. The game features a Perks and Flaws system for character development, ensuring that player choices lead to unique experiences. The Premium Edition includes the base game, a DLC Pass for future expansions, a digital artbook, and the soundtrack. Players navigate a factional war while customizing their character and recruiting companions. The game is available on multiple platforms, including Xbox Series X|S, PC, and PlayStation 5, and is accessible through Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass.

Winsage

October 28, 2025

Next-Gen Xbox Will Reportedly Play PlayStation Games Like God of War and Spider-Man Because It’s a Console / PC Hybrid That Runs Steam

Microsoft is developing a next-generation Xbox console that will feature a console/PC hybrid model, allowing support for PlayStation titles available on PC through Steam, including games like God of War, Spider-Man, and Ghost of Tsushima. Users will have the option to stay within the Xbox ecosystem or switch to a traditional Windows interface, enabling access to games from Blizzard's Battle.net and Riot's launcher. Xbox president Sarah Bond indicated that the new console will offer a premium, high-end experience and confirmed an agreement with AMD to enhance its capabilities. The next-gen Xbox aims for next-level performance, cutting-edge graphics, and compatibility with existing Xbox game libraries. Microsoft plans to release the next-gen console in 2027, while also distancing itself from exclusivity by announcing the release of Halo: Campaign Evolved for PS5 in 2026.

AppWizard

October 12, 2025

Weekend PC Download Deals for Oct. 10: Battle.net Spooktacular Savings

Blizzard's Battle.net is hosting a Spooktacular Savings sale featuring discounts on titles like Diablo and StarCraft, as well as Xbox games including DOOM: The Dark Ages and Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3+4. Borderlands 4 is available at discounted prices through retailers like Humble Store, Green Man Gaming, and Fanatical, which also offers early discounts on Silent Hill f and a launch deal on Absolum. Gamebillet has deals on LEGO Voyagers and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. Valve's platform has first-time discounts on Gears of War Reloaded and Ninja Gaiden Ragebound, along with a free weekend for PowerWash Simulator. Xbox Game Pass users can access extra discounts on select titles. Green Man Gaming offers a 15% discount on PC games with the coupon code OCT15, and titles like RoboCop: Rogue City and Old World are available for purchase. Humble Choice subscription for .99 per month provides access to titles like Atomic Heart and V Rising, with tiered offers for additional games.

Winsage

September 18, 2025

Microsoft’s new handheld gaming mode, exclusive to ROG Xbox Ally, has just leaked for every handheld running Windows 11 — all you need is the 25H2 update and a few registry tweaks

Microsoft and Asus have introduced the ROG Xbox Ally, a handheld device with Xbox branding that enhances Windows functionality. It features a full-screen Xbox app that replaces Windows 11 for users. The full-screen Xbox experience has leaked and is accessible to any Windows handheld device, allowing users to enjoy this mode before the official launch. Eligible devices include the original ROG Ally and Lenovo's Legion Go, with access requiring participation in the Windows Insider program. Users may need to make registry adjustments to enable the full-screen experience on startup. Tests on the original ROG Ally showed frame rate improvements in games and an increase in battery life, achieved by disabling unnecessary background processes. Users can switch back to the traditional desktop environment but are advised to use a mouse and keyboard for navigation.

Winsage

September 18, 2025

Xbox Mode is Set to Transform Your Handheld PC into a Gaming Powerhouse

Microsoft has introduced Xbox Mode for Windows 11, which is part of the Windows 11 25H2 update. This feature allows handheld gaming PCs, such as the Asus ROG Ally and MSI Claw, to operate similarly to dedicated gaming consoles by launching directly into the Xbox PC app and bypassing the traditional Windows desktop. It frees up approximately 2GB of memory for a more efficient gaming experience and provides a streamlined interface that aggregates games from multiple platforms. The mode includes a Game Bar for easy access to controls and a revamped task view for switching between applications. Users can still run Windows applications within this mode, and early adopters have successfully implemented it on devices like the original ROG Ally. Setting up this mode involves installing a Release Preview version of Windows 11 and making registry adjustments, which can lead to instability if not done carefully.

Winsage

September 18, 2025

Microsoft’s new Xbox mode on Windows has leaked for any handheld

Windows enthusiasts have found a way to enable the new Xbox full-screen mode on Windows 11 using the latest 25H2 update, without requiring new hardware. This involves installing a Release Preview version of Windows 11 and making certain tweaks. The feature has been successfully tested on handheld gaming PCs, including MSI’s Claw devices and Asus ROG Ally range, allowing devices like the original ROG Ally to boot directly into Microsoft’s Xbox app, bypassing Asus’ proprietary software. The Xbox full-screen experience optimizes gaming by not loading the full Windows desktop or background processes, freeing up about 2GB of memory. Users are directed to the Xbox PC app, which consolidates games from various platforms. The mode includes a Game Bar for navigation and a task view tailored for handheld devices. Users can switch to traditional desktop mode, but Microsoft recommends using touch or a mouse and keyboard for better usability when exiting to the desktop. Setting up this feature is straightforward, but caution is advised due to potential system instability from modifying registry settings or using the Windows Feature Store. A guide is available on Reddit, but users should be aware of the risks involved, including the possibility of needing to revert changes or reinstall Windows.