The official release date for Path of Exile 2 1.0 has finally been confirmed, meaning we're about to say goodbye to Early Access and embrace new challenges!

At Gamescom Opening Night Live, the developers officially unveiled the first gameplay trailer for the long-awaited Duelist class and confirmed that the 1.0 version will officially release on December 11th.

This announcement not only confirms the exact release date but also reveals one of the most requested updates from the community: Swords will finally be added to PoE2.

In addition to the new weapon type, Duelist trailer showcases a faster-paced melee combat style characterized by highly mobile attack and defense mechanics, as well as various new combat effects.

Duelist

As seen in the trailer, unlike some of the traditional melee classes in Path of Exile 2: Return of the Ancients that rely on heavy attacks and a slower combat pace, Duelist shown in the trailer seems to emphasize speed, positioning, and continuous movement.

From the gameplay demo, we can see that Duelist primarily uses swords in combat, allowing for movement while attacking. Their skills unleash wide-range melee attacks, balancing defense and offense.

For veteran Path of Exile 2 players, Duelist seems poised to offer a more advantageous melee experience. Traditional ARPG melee builds often rely heavily on a balance between damage output, survivability, and mob clearing speed.

Duelist allows players to maintain mobility in melee combat, unlike some current classes that require standing still to attack.

Swords

The introduction of new swords is just as important as the arrival of Duelist.

Prior to this announcement, players had already experienced various weapon types in Early Access, but swords remained a highly anticipated missing element. With the imminent release of Path of Exile 2 1.0, the developers have finally brought this classic weapon type into the weapon system.

The trailer reveals several attack characteristics of sword-based weapons:

• High-speed melee combos
• Mobile attacks
• Large-area clearing skills

Although the official Duelist Skill Tree hasn't been revealed, the short trailer gives players a preliminary understanding of the class's characteristics: fast, aggressive, and especially suitable for players who like to take the initiative.

What Can We Predict?

Even though the trailer is short, we can still glean several useful details about Duelist skills:

1. Parrying and defense mechanics

If this mechanic is ultimately part of POE2 Duelist class design, it will introduce a defensive approach different from traditional armor or evasion builds. This means players will no longer simply absorb damage, but will need more precise timing and positioning to survive challenging battles.

2. Stance or Combat State System

The trailer also showcases different visual effects, including red and sand-like themes appearing during certain attacks.

Regarding this, some players believe these effects might represent different combat states or stances, perhaps allowing Duelist to switch between different offensive styles.

3. Cyclone-Style Skill Returns

Another important clip in the trailer shows Duelist unleashing a large, spinning attack similar to Cyclone, one of the most iconic skills in PoE2.

In the footage, Cyclone appears to generate additional effects around the character, including projectile-like shockwaves and area-of-effect damage. This means that a build primarily using swords could have the following characteristics:

• Fast map clearing
• Continuous movement
• Attack speed bonus

For players already interested in fast-farming builds in Path of Exile 2 0.5.0, Duelist may become the most attractive option after version 1.0 is released.

Duelist Could Change PoE 2 1.0 Meta

The addition of each new class has the potential to impact the game's character building landscape, and Duelist is no exception.

Sword weapon gameplay may bring new weapon combinations, different defensive configurations, new skill gem choices, and new crafting strategies.

Players preparing for Path of Exile 2 1.0 release may need to plan their character builds in advance, especially with a large influx of returning and new players into the system.

Meanwhile, the introduction of Duelists typically creates opportunities for players who want to understand the game's economy early, especially in the initial weeks after launch, when demand for popular gear and crafting materials increases significantly.

Therefore, having sufficient PoE 2 Currency is crucial for players who want to try Duelist build, quickly upgrade their gear, and adapt to the early 1.0 environment.

To help players smoothly navigate the current endgame phase of PoE 2 and prepare for the upcoming Patch 0.5.5 and 1.0 releases, EZG has also prepared some surprises.

At the top navigation bar of the homepage, players can click the quick access to giveaways to follow EZG Facebook and participate in discussions related to future updates and receive occasional free resource giveaways.

Path of Exile 2 1.0 Release Date

In addition to announcing Duelist class, the official announcement also confirmed that Path of Exile 2 will launch its full 1.0 version on December 11th. Players will be able to play for free.

Currently, it can be predicted that the 1.0 version release will integrate Duelist class, sword weapon gameplay, remaining campaign content, additional improvements, and final launch features.

Furthermore, for the existing player base, the arrival of version 1.0 is not just an update; it also marks a new phase for PoE2's economy, character builds, and endgame environment.

In short, the official message from Gamescom is clear: Path of Exile 2 is about to enter its next major chapter. This 1.0 update may be the largest expansion pack in PoE series to date, giving players another reason to prepare for the new era and plan their next new journey.

Forza Horizon 6 Series 5 is expected to launch on September 10, 2026. Series 4 patch notes have already revealed Series 5 theme British cars.

This theme is highly anticipated because when you think of British cars, classic brands like Aston Martin, McLaren, Bentley, Jaguar, and Lotus immediately come to mind. For Forza Horizon 6, these brands already offer a rich selection of models.

Based on the existing Forza Horizon lineup and models already featured in FH5, the following models are among the most noteworthy candidates:

Aston Martin

Among the existing Forza Horizon models, Aston Martin is undoubtedly one of the most promising brands. This brand represents British luxury sports car culture, and several of its models have already appeared in FH5, making it the best choice for the development team to quickly add British cars to Series 5 lineup. 

Among the most anticipated models are Aston Martin DB5, Aston Martin Lagonda, and Aston Martin V12 Vantage. The greatest value of these three models lies not only in brand recognition but also in their ability to span completely different automotive eras.

DB5 represents classic British GTs, Lagonda boasts a unique 80s and 90s luxury sedan design, while V12 Vantage is closer to a modern high-performance sports car. If these models do return, we will use Forza Horizon 6 Credits to create a more complete picture of Aston Martin's development.

Bentley

Bentley is another brand that's hard to ignore in Forza Horizon 6 British Cars lineup. Compared to Aston Martin's focus on GTs and sports cars, Bentley better embodies the combination of luxury, size, and power in British automotive culture.

Bentley Turbo R and 2021 Bentley Flying Spur are particularly noteworthy candidates for return. Turbo R is large and heavy, while retaining the traditional Bentley luxury sedan's character. Flying Spur is more modern, offering enhanced performance besides its luxurious feel.

Jaguar

On Jaguar front, a highly anticipated option is 2020 Jaguar F-Type SVR. This car is noticeably younger than classic British sedans, boasting a very distinctive sporty design, and its exhaust note and driving feel are highly recognizable.

If FH6 Series 5 wants to add a modern performance car, F-Type SVR would be a very suitable candidate. It would complement the modern sports car segment of British Cars' lineup and allow Jaguar to move beyond its traditional image as just an old model or luxury sedan.

Lotus

Compared to Aston Martin, Bentley, and Jaguar, Lotus may not have as many models, but its role in British automotive lineup is more unique. Of particular note is 1980 Lotus Esprit Turbo. This model previously appeared in Forza Horizon 5. 

Esprit Turbo's most distinctive feature isn't just its performance figures, but rather its embodiment of Lotus's purer lightweight sports car philosophy. Introducing such a classic model into FH6 adds more retro sports car elements to British Cars lineup.

Ascari

Besides well-known brands like Aston Martin, Bentley, and Jaguar, some relatively niche British brands might be surprises in FH6 Series 5. 2012 Ascari KZ1R is one such notable example.

While Ascari's global brand recognition isn't high, KZ1R has already garnered some recognition among enthusiasts in FH5 lineup. This car itself boasts a very distinctive appearance and a unique driving experience, giving us a glimpse into a less mainstream side of British automotive industry.

MG

MG is another brand that cannot be overlooked in British Cars category. Worth noting are 2023 MG7 and 2023 MG Cyberster.

MG's brand background is relatively unique, boasting a deep British automotive history while also maintaining close ties with Chinese automotive industry. Within FH series, it remains classified as a British brand, making MG a suitable entry point if Series 5 aims to showcase the evolution of modern British cars.

MG7 leans towards a modern sports sedan, while Cyberster represents MG's direction towards a pure electric sports car. Cyberster, in particular, differs significantly from the traditional British sports cars that FH6 enthusiasts might associate with it, potentially leading to some debate regarding its universal appeal.

Morgan

2019 Morgan Aero GT represents a completely different British automotive style. Compared to modern supercars like McLaren and Aston Martin, which emphasize performance and aerodynamics, Morgan models focus more on handcrafted manufacturing, retro design, and a unique driving experience.

Aero GT's appearance is difficult to confuse with ordinary supercars; this uniqueness is its greatest value. If FH6 Series 5 wants to showcase a side of British Cars that differs from mainstream luxury brands and supercars, then Morgan would be a very suitable choice.

Peel

If you were to choose an alternative model from all the candidates that best fits British Cars theme, then 1965 Peel Trident would undoubtedly be worth paying close attention to.

FH6 already has Peel P50, so adding the closely related Trident not only fits British Cars theme but also further completes the very special Peel model series. Compared to ordinary sports cars and supercars, Trident's biggest advantage is obviously not speed, but its extremely unique size, styling, and historical background.

It might not be your first choice when chasing lap times, but that doesn't mean it lacks value. Forza Horizon series has always been adept at using cars that don't look like race cars to generate buzz, and Peel Trident itself has a high degree of recognizability.

Forza Horizon 6 Series 5 British Cars theme offers a very wide selection of vehicles. If the update includes classic models, modern performance cars, and a few niche British vehicles, it could be a very distinctive addition to FH6 lineup. For collectors who enjoy different styles of cars, the full Series 5 lineup is definitely something to look forward to.

In Season 5 of Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, many players complained that some weapons were overpowered, forcing all players to use only a few strong weapons, leaving others unused.

The developers listened to player feedback, and in Season 5 Reloaded, game's weapon balance was significantly adjusted. Not only were several overpowered weapons adjusted, but some underperforming weapons were also appropriately buffed.

If you are unsure about these weapon adjustments, you can refer to this guide.

FG42

FG42 is a new assault rifle added to COD: Black Ops 7 in Season 5. Due to its strong performance, many players felt it was almost omnipotent.

However, this power also effectively limited players' choices of assault rifles. Therefore, Season 5 Reloaded nerfed it in several ways.

Damage Range Reduced

The biggest nerf to FG42 is reduction in its attack range. According to player forum analysis, its 4-shot kill range has been reduced from over 20 meters to approximately 15 meters.

This means players must get closer to enemies to unleash its maximum damage potential.

Handling

Besides damage and range, FG42's handling has also worsened. Specifically, its Aim Down Sight Speed, Slide to Fire, and Dive to Fire have all been slowed.

Furthermore, Season 5 Reloaded adds a negative attribute typically seen only on light machine guns: ADS Firing Movement Speed Penalty has increased by 15%.

This forces players to be more cautious in choosing engagement times and positions when using FG42.

Recoil Slightly Increased

However, FG42 isn't entirely unaffected - its recoil has been slightly increased.

While its bullet spread remains relatively controllable, the vertical and horizontal bullet bounce is more pronounced than before.

Overall, these changes transform FG42 from a versatile weapon into a high-skill weapon requiring repeated practice to master.

AN-94

AN-94 was incredibly powerful when it was first released in COD: Black Ops 7, to the point of disrupting the game's weapon balance. While it was later nerfed, a new problem arose: it became too weak.

Season 5 Reloaded attempts to find a balance for this weapon.

New Bonus Damage Zone

The core of this change is introduction of a damage multiplier for AN-94's Neck and Upper Torso. This makes it possible to achieve a 4-shot kill at its maximum range, with extremely fast kill times.

However, this requires at least two of four bullets to hit the aforementioned area. The other two bullets can hit other parts of the body. This design significantly increases weapon's accuracy requirements.

If the player's first two shots miss the aforementioned area, the number of bullets required for a kill increases to five.

Similarly, in the second damage range, three out of four bullets must hit the aforementioned area to achieve a 4-shot kill.

Damage Barrel Adjustments

To complement new bonus damage area, the game has also adjusted related Barrel attachments. It no longer increases headshot multiplier; instead, it increases damage multiplier on the upper torso.

This change is quite clever, providing players with a higher margin for error in the second and third damage ranges, while maintaining its kill efficiency at closest range.

Mammoth

Mammoth is a high-powered light machine gun that players can unlock through an event in Season 5. Renowned for its powerful 2-shot kill capability, it is currently considered one of the strongest weapons in COD: Black Ops 7.

Season 5 Reloaded did not simply reduce its damage; instead, it introduced a conditional mechanism similar to AN-94.

2-Shot Kills Are No Longer Consistent

Previously, Mammoth could almost guarantee a 2-shot kill by hitting any part of enemy's body at any distance.

While Mammoth's Maximum Damage Range has increased from approximately 32 meters to approximately 41 meters, achieving a 2-shot kill at this distance requires both bullets to hit enemy's upper torso or neck; otherwise, a follow-up shot is necessary.

For players with less accurate aim, Mammoth will frequently result in a three-shot kill.

If you prefer Mammoth but want to avoid this, you can buy CoD Black Ops 7 Bot Lobbies from EZG.com. We provide a safe and supportive practice environment to help you familiarize yourself with all adjusted weapons.

Others

In addition, Mammoth's Sprint to Fire and Tactical Sprint to Fire times have been slightly increased, and the movement speed penalty while firing has been increased from 20% to 25%.

Other Weapon Adjustments

Besides three weapons mentioned above, COD: Black Ops 7 has also adjusted the following weapons:

EGRT-17

This weapon has received a very slight damage increase within its maximum damage range. While this change doesn't alter the number of bullets required to kill an enemy, it allows players to achieve a four-shot kill with just two headshots.

Gremlin

Gremlin is an Akimbo SMG, its biggest problem being its small magazine capacity and extremely slow reload speed.

In Season 5 Reloaded, its basic reload, quick magazine reload, and extended magazine reload speeds have all been increased, significantly improving Gremlin's usability.

CBRS-3

Previously, CBRS-3 had a bug where canceling the reload animation before it was complete would result in an abnormal bullet status in chamber.

This bug has now been fixed, and temporary reload delay added to mitigate bug has been restored to normal.

In conclusion, the adjustments to these weapons in Call of Duty: Black Ops 7's Season 5 Reloaded are very reasonable, increasing difficulty of using powerful weapons while optimizing the usability of weaker ones.

However, players who are used to using the aforementioned powerful weapons will need a certain amount of practice to become familiar with their adjusted versions.

Blizzard Entertainment and CD Projekt RED have proclaimed a collaboration. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt - Remastered will be released on Battle.net this year, and this collaboration will extend directly to Diablo 4. A Geralt-themed skin has been confirmed for release later.

Currently, Diablo 4 is still in Season 14 Death Awakening. Pandemonium Ruptures, Mythic Uniques 3.0, and other content remain the focus of the current season, and the developers are still continuously adjusting this update through patches. The timing of announcing Witcher collaboration is somewhat delicate.

According to the current schedule, Witcher 3 Remastered will be released on Battle.net at the end of September, by which time Season 14 will be nearing its end. Therefore, this collaboration may seamlessly connect with the update cycle around Season 15.

Geralt is coming to Diablo 4

A Geralt-themed skin has been confirmed for this collaboration.

Once the new expansion Songs of the Past becomes available for pre-order on Battle.net, getting this will automatically grant you this Diablo 4 collaboration skin. If you miss the pre-order, don't worry, you can still unlock the skin after the expansion's official release in 2027.

However, the skin's full design hasn't been officially revealed yet, and its corresponding class is currently unknown. But considering the two series' settings, Geralt wouldn't feel out of place in Diablo 4.

Witchers in The Witcher 3 universe are a group of people who specialize in dealing with monsters, curses, and various supernatural troubles.

Geralt's iconic elements - Silver Sword, Leather Armor, Witcher Medallion, and Potions - fit seamlessly into Diablo's dark and bloody world. Putting Geralt in Sanctuary would almost feel like he's just taking on quests in a different location.

Of course, what we see now is only the first step in this collaboration. The good news is that both sides have confirmed they will announce more information at BlizzCon 2026, including further details on Geralt skin and future collaborations between CD Projekt RED and Blizzard.

Season 14 or Season 15?

Currently, Diablo 4 is still in Season 14, and Geralt collaboration was announced during this period, so it's open to either a later part of the season or a move into Season 15.

If I had to guess, I'd give Season 14 a smaller chance, but I wouldn't rule it out completely. This season started on June 30th and is still ongoing, with Pandemonium Ruptures, Mythic Uniques 3.0, and Solo Self Found still being adjusted.

More importantly, Season 14 already included an Overwatch collaboration at the start, including free Reliquary rewards, dyes, and store skins. Blizzard wouldn't find it particularly abrupt to schedule another Witcher 3 collaboration later in the season.

Personally, I think Season 15 is the more likely timing for this collaboration. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt - Remastered will launch on Battle.net on September 29th, and both sides will continue to showcase Geralt skin and future collaboration content during BlizzCon 2026.

By the time the promotion truly begins, Season 14 will be in its later stages, naturally bringing the timing closer to the next season. If Blizzard wants to save this collaboration for the next update cycle, it would be natural for Geralt skin to launch around the same time as Season 15.

If you're already preparing for The Witcher 3 collaboration , you can also buy Diablo 4 Items from EZG.com to spend less time rebuilding your gear once the new content arrives.

Witcher 3 Launches on Battle.net

This collaboration will also officially bring The Witcher 3 to Battle.net. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt - Remastered will be released on September 29th, simultaneously launching on other platforms.

Remastered will continue to upgrade the graphics, performance, and gameplay experience, and will also include Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine expansions.

For players preparing to start a new game, or those who haven't fully experienced The Witcher 3 before, this collaboration brings back almost all the existing main content.

Even more exciting is that CD Projekt RED has confirmed there will be new content coming soon: Songs of the Past will be released in 2027, and Geralt will embark on a new journey once again.

This time, the story takes place in Letten. This place retains its rich rural traditions and folklore, appearing quite peaceful on the surface, but harboring a long-dormant secret beneath.

Geralt will encounter a group of enemies he hasn't seen before, and his story choices will affect the fate of this land, as well as his relationship with an important friend.

It's quite rare for The Witcher 3 to receive a Remastered and a brand new expansion so many years after its release.

Later Collaboration

CD Projekt RED has clearly stated that The Witcher 3's release on Battle.net is just the beginning of their collaboration.

Currently, the only publicly revealed Diablo 4 content is Geralt-themed skin, but both parties have confirmed that they will continue to reveal collaboration details at BlizzCon 2026. Considering that the next Diablo 4 season is fast approaching, it remains to be seen whether other collaboration content will appear besides this skin.

At least based on the information released so far, this collaboration clearly doesn't intend to stop at just a cosmetic item.

With more Witcher collaboration details still to come at BlizzCon 2026, follow EZG Facebook for the latest updates and Player's Choice Giveaways, and tag your friends or followers to join the discussion.

For Diablo 4 players, Geralt is confirmed as the first Witcher to arrive in Sanctuary. As for when he will officially appear and whether he will be included in Season 15, we'll have to wait for BlizzCon 2026 to find out.

However, one thing is certain - Sanctuary has no shortage of monsters; Geralt won't be bored.

Today I'm going to introduce an underrated card: Jeff McNeil. This Spotlight card costs around 20,000 stubs, but his performance in the game makes him feel like a millionaire.

His swing is incredibly fluid, his batting average is top-notch, and he's versatile defensively. You can place him on second base, first base, or even fill in as an outfielder when needed.

This article will introduce you to the best value Spotlight card in MLB 26 - Jeff McNeil card. Let's take a look.

Impressive Batting Stats

Jeff McNeil boasts a 120 batting average against right-handed pitchers and 116 against left-handed pitchers, meaning he can almost consistently hit the ball into the field, handling any pitcher with ease.

Furthermore, his power rating is over 80 with both hands, meaning he's not just a light hitter; he can also hit the ball into open outfield and even hit a home run.

Therefore, these batting statistics show that he is a high-quality hitter who rarely strikes out and can hit long balls to his opponents.

Defensive Flexibility and Positioning

Jeff McNeil is capable of playing multiple positions without hindering your team. His primary position in MLB The Show 26 is second base, where he can complete regular defense and cleanly complete double plays. If you already have a star second baseman, you can move him to first base to strengthen your team's defense.

Of course, if you need a powerful hitter and are willing to sacrifice some defensive range, you can also try having him as left fielder. This positional flexibility is very rare among player cards at this price point, providing you with lineup building options that most low-priced player cards lack.

Swing and Feel

McNeil's most valuable asset lies in his swing and accurate judgment of the ball. This card has a fast, compact, and extremely fast swing, allowing him to effectively time his hits on fastballs and breaking balls. Even with a slightly late hit, his swing trajectory ensures the ball lands in fair play.

Performance in Ranked Seasons and Higher Difficulties

Players' concerns about a low-priced card worth 20,000 MLB 26 Stubs are whether it can remain competitive in higher difficulties like Hall of Fame or Legendary. Based on testing, I believe McNeil absolutely can.

His extremely high batting average results in a smaller shrinkage of the outside PCI (bat zone) compared to most cards, giving you more room for error against top pitchers. His power of over 80 is enough to capitalize on opponent errors, and his swing window is quite generous, crucial against tricky fastballs and sharp breaking balls.

He has hit home runs against top pitchers like Dustin May and Seth Hernandez, proving he's not just a card for offline play or lower-level games. In ranked seasons, he's a true weapon you can rely on.

Consistency

Ethan Holliday, a recent favorite among players, suffers from decreased vision and shorter hitting distance on Legendary difficulty, but Jeff McNeil doesn't have this problem. His vision is excellent, and his hitting percentage is high; even if you hit the ball too early or too late, you still have a chance to get it into the court.

This consistency sets him apart from some other inexpensive players who may have power but lack consistent hitting ability. In games where strikeouts can kill the offense, having a batter like McNeil is like a safety net, helping you extend your offensive innings.

Why is He Underrated?

The main reason this McNeil card is underrated in MLB The Show 26 is that he doesn't have a big name or a large fan base. Players often focus on big-name stars like Mookie Betts, Fernando Tatis Jr., or Corbin Carroll, ignoring players like Jeff McNeil who don't have much buzz.

But the data doesn't lie. His batting average is extremely high, his power is more than sufficient, and his swing is one of the most agile in the game. In the hands of a skilled player, McNeil can perform like a 99OVR card, but at a fraction of the price.

I believe that in MLB 26 today, Jeff McNeil is an absolute steal. Player cards with similar batting stats usually cost three to four times as much, and their swing quality and positional flexibility are often inferior.

Therefore, if you have a limited budget, you can build your lineup around him and still have some stubs left for upgrading other players - a win-win situation.

This concludes the detailed introduction of the underrated card Jeff McNeil in MLB The Show 26. He combines top-tier batting averages, above-average power, a unique swing, and all-around defensive capabilities at a very low price.

His performance far exceeds his overall rating, excelling even on challenging pitches and greatly enhancing your lineup's flexibility.

If you want to know more about cost-effective players, follow EZG Facebook. Besides the information you need, we also have occasional resource giveaways to help you build a powerful team. Participating is simple: just tag your friends or fans in the comments section of our Facebook page. Come join us!

McNeil may not be the most famous name, but he plays with superstar flair, which is crucial in Diamond Dynasty mode. So, if you haven't tried him yet, you're definitely missing out on one of the most cost-effective cards in MLB 26. Get him now, add him to your lineup, and see how he dominates the field.