Gaming

Everything you need for the Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Beta testing

Omnimovement system, available maps, adjustments, essential information, more

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In just a few hours, the first open beta weekend for Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 will finally happen. This will give players the first crack at the Omnimovement system, some of the title’s 16 maps, and other innovations, before the game officially releases in October.

At the 2024 Call of Duty: NEXT, the showcase unveiled tons of vital information on the first person shooter. That includes the game’s global gameplay systems, multiplayer maps, and more on the spy action thriller series.

We have compiled some of the most essential key points from the showcase, with focus on Black Ops 6 to get you prepared as best as possible ahead of the Beta testing.

Here are the highlights:

Omnimovement

Set to be a game changer across the genre, Omnimovement immediately allows the player to move like never before. The system is designed for players of all skill levels. They’re likewise encouraged to learn how to take advantage of it before the Beta.

At its most basic level, Omnimovement allows players to Sprint, Slide, and Dive in any direction. That includes shooting targets while sliding or diving forward, sideways, or backwards.

Moreover, the system will allow a 180-Degree Combat Dive. This allows players to sprint towards the edge of a building and then dive from there. They may also quickly rotate while mid-air to face an enemy.

Furthermore, Combat Supine and Combat Slide and Dive will give players more advantages to maneuver and quickly aim and fire against enemies while in prone position or while sliding and diving.

In addition to Omnimovement, Black Ops 6 will introduce Intelligent Movement. This will be available for both keyboard and mouse or controller options. Under Movement, players may adjust a slew of features to tailor-fit how their operators traverse the landscape.

Treyarch and Raven has also streamlined the Loadout navigational experience. And with the Global Weapons Build, players’ Black Ops 6 weapons creations can be shared across Multiplayer, Zombies, and Warzone.

Black Ops 6 Multiplayer maps

As announced before, Black Ops 6 will feature 16 maps. All the launch maps are small to medium-sized maps with traditional three-lane routes. They have all been meticulously designed to fully realize the signature COD: BO6 experience.

The maps are split into two main categories: 12 brand-new Core 6v6 maps and four brand-new compact sized Strike maps. These four maps are designed to be played in either Face Off 6v6 or 2v2 configurations.

Five of the core maps, including Derelict and Babylon, will be playable at the Beta testing. Strike maps Gala and Pit will likewise be accessible from the first Beta weekend.

For a full breakdown of all 16 maps, visit the Call of Duty: NEXT blog about them here.

Multiplayer modes

Multiplayer modes include the new Kill Order in which two teams are pitted against each other in a 6v6 respawn mode. Each team has a High Value Target, or HTV at any given time.

Teams score points for all eliminations, but the main focus is defeating the enemy’s HTV. This is equivalent to the largest number of points.

Of course, part of your team’s goals is to keep your own HTV alive as well while trying to eliminate the opposing one.

Other modes announced at Call of Duty NEXT are:

  • Team Deathmatch
  • Domination
  • Hardpoint
  • Face Off
  • Gunfight

Gunfight is a 2v2 mode that takes place specifically on Strike maps. This single-life mode requires teams to eliminate the other or capture the zone in the center of the map when it appears.

Each player will have the same exact Loadout as each other during a round. These Loadouts will randomize every round. Players will continue to battle until one team reaches the number of wins required.

Multiplayer gameplay overview

Speaking of Black Ops 6’s multiplayer maps, a few enhancements and adjustments have been made.

The Time To Kill, for instance, has been refined to synergize with Omnimovement and to put focus on weapon balance, including the 12 brand new weapons at launch.

The Beta is also a great place to try the flexibility of Heads Up Display (HUD). Players may try out a few visual examples in preparation for a full complement at launch. They may choose Presets to suit they style of play, as well as a variety of Interface Elements Colors and Settings.

Thanks to Omnimovement as well, Slide Cancelling is available to try during the two Beta weekends.

For an extra layer of protection, Body Shield lets players double-tap the Melee button to grab enemies and use them as, well, a shield. Drop them afterwards before they expire.

Black Ops 6 Multiplayer Beta: Are you ready?

Before dropping into the Multiplayer Beta, players will partake in the ins and outs of the new Omnimovement system through a Training Course led by Frank Woods. This takes place in the windswept island called Protocol. The skills learned here should get players in top form for the battles ahead.

Before doing anything further, players are also urged to equip their favorite Vault Edition Operator. That’s either Adler or Park from the Rogue Black Ops Faction or Brutus or Klaus from the Crimson One Faction. They can all be accessed from the Operators menu.

Then when you hit Level 4, you’ll unlock Custom Loadout Classes. This shall allow you to equip your Vault Edition weapons, as well as any other unlocked weapon available in the Beta.

Several guides are also available via the Call of Duty website:

  • Movement guide
  • Controls and Settings guide
  • Multiplayer: How to Play guide
  • Weapons and Loadouts guide

Black Ops 6 Beta testing schedule

Those who have preordered the game across all platforms and Game Pass subscribers may take part in the first Beta weekend. It is scheduled from August 31 at 1:00 AM (GMT+8) to September 5 at 1:00 AM (GMT+8).

Meanwhile, the second weekend is an Open Beta test for all, regardless of their preorder status. It will begin on September 7 at 1:00 AM (GMT+8) and will end on September 10 at 1:00 AM (GMT+8).

Gaming

IKEA, Xbox launch nine-piece YXSTABY gaming collection

Gaming inspired furniture

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Gaming setups don’t have to look like dedicated gaming rooms. IKEA and Xbox are making that easier with their new YXSTABY collection.

The nine-piece collection combines IKEA’s furniture design expertise with Xbox’s understanding of gaming. It brings together functional furniture and playful accessories inspired by Xbox controllers.

IKEA launched the collection in the Philippines on November 4 at its Pasay showroom. The event featured interactive room setups that demonstrated how the furniture fits into everyday homes.

The launch also included a cosplay runway inspired by IKEA’s iconic blue and yellow FRAKTA bag. Guests explored immersive gaming stations and experienced the collection firsthand.

Gaming furniture designed for everyday homes

YXSTABY addresses the challenges of fitting gaming setups into shared living spaces. Its furniture supports different gaming positions while keeping accessories organized.

The gaming lounge chair accommodates both forward-leaning gameplay and relaxed reclining positions. A rolling side table keeps gaming accessories within reach.

The collection also includes flexible storage for cables and accessories. Its felt inserts protect stored items, while its foldable design doubles as a laptop stand.

Families can also move their gaming setups between rooms. A TV stand with castors makes it easier to relocate equipment without dedicating an entire room to gaming.

Xbox controller-inspired accessories

Xbox’s influence extends beyond the collection’s gaming furniture. Several accessories take inspiration from familiar controller elements.

The Gaming D-pad cushion recreates the controller’s distinctive directional button. A stainless steel platter also borrows its design from the D-pad.

Another standout is the tilting thumbstick stool, which takes inspiration from an Xbox controller’s analog stick. A mirrored display box gives collectors a dedicated space for controllers and other gaming memorabilia.

Bringing gaming into Filipino homes

IKEA Philippines Sales Leader May Castillo highlighted the collection’s relevance to local households.

She pointed to the Philippines’ strong gaming culture and the country’s high engagement with video games across different devices.

IKEA Philippines Selling Manager Sarah Cox said the collection draws inspiration from Xbox controllers and how gamers actually play. It also incorporates IKEA’s playful approach to furniture design.

The collaboration brings together two brands with different strengths. IKEA understands how people use their living spaces, while Xbox understands what players need from their gaming setups.

The result is furniture that makes gaming more convenient without making the rest of the home feel like a gaming room.

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Gaming

The next Elder Scrolls game is called Sentinel

And it will be set in Hammerfell.

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Can you believe that it’s been over eight years since Bethesda announced The Elder Scrolls VI. Since then, we’ve seen neither hide nor hair of the upcoming title. Today, the studio has mercifully revealed a tiny bit more about the game including its title and setting.

Historically, the Elder Scrolls franchise is not known for its numbering. It’s not The Elder Scrolls III, IV, and V; it’s Morrowind, Oblivion, and Skyrim. Now, we know what The Elder Scrolls VI will be called — Sentinel.

The name is also a huge clue as to where the game will take place. Besides being the name of the game itself, Sentinel is also the capital of Hammerfell, a region in northwest Tamriel. The teaser, which shows a sword being uncovered from a pile of sand, confirms this. After all, the Alik’r Desert is one of the region’s highlights.

Now, Hammerfell is not a new region for players. The region, especially the titular Sentinel, was previously featured in The Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall. Obviously, not a lot of gamers would have played this classic game before, so a return will introduce the region to a lot more modern players.

Unfortunately, despite throwing us a bone with the name and the setting, Bethesda did not reveal when the title is coming. Given that Grand Theft Auto VI is launching very soon, the time is ripe for the launch of another much-awaited title.

SEE ALSO: The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered is out now

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Wild Rift Patch 7.3, celebrates K/DA comeback

K/DA returns with FIRESTARTER

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Riot Games is celebrating the return of virtual K-pop group K/DA with new music, exclusive skins, and major gameplay updates in League of Legends: Wild Rift Patch 7.3.

After a six-year hiatus, K/DA returns with FIRESTARTER, the group’s newest track and the title track of an EP featuring three additional songs. The release marks a new chapter for the virtual group, which brings its latest musical era to the mobile MOBA through the new HEATBRINGER skinline.

To celebrate the comeback, Riot Games hosted FIRE IT UP: The K/DA Comeback Party in the Philippines. The event brought fans together for a listening party featuring music from across Riot Games’ virtual acts, live Wild Rift gameplay, community activities, and exclusive photo opportunities.

Attendees also experienced live AAA ARAM matches featuring gameplay disruptions and augments inspired by Riot Games’ musical universe, including HEARTSTEEL, Pentakill, and TRUE DAMAGE.

K/DA returns with new HEATBRINGER skins

The K/DA comeback introduces the HEATBRINGER skinline, featuring new looks for the group’s four original members: Ahri, Akali, Evelynn, and Kai’Sa.

The skins give the champions a new visual identity inspired by K/DA’s latest musical era, with fiery red and white elements that bring their stage presence to the Rift.

The collection also includes Prestige K/DA HEATBRINGER Evelynn.

The new skins are exclusive to Wild Rift and are scheduled to launch on November 4, 2026.

The comeback extends beyond the cosmetics. With FIRESTARTER and its accompanying EP now available on major music streaming platforms, K/DA’s return brings together Riot Games’ music and gaming communities.

Wild Rift Patch 7.3 overhauls marksmen and item builds

Beyond the K/DA celebration, Patch 7.3 introduces significant gameplay changes that reshape champion builds, jungle strategies, and objective control.

One of the biggest changes targets marksmen, giving critical-strike builds more room to scale. Base critical-strike damage increases from 175% to 200%, while the attack-speed cap rises from 2.5 to 3 attacks per second.

Several marksmen also receive individual adjustments, including Ezreal, Kai’Sa, Twitch, Lucian, Caitlyn, Draven, Miss Fortune, Samira, Zeri, Jinx, Vayne, and Ashe.

The item system gets an overhaul to support these changes. Players can explore new or redesigned options, including Hexoptics, Yun Tal Wildarrows, Fiendhuler Bolts, Stormrazor, Rapid Firecannon, and Immortal Shieldbow.

Lifesteal also receives changes intended to support basic attacks, on-hit damage, and abilities treated as basic attacks.

Support items are part of the update, too. Echoes of Helia is positioned toward offensive supports who want to convert damage into healing, while Ardent Censer, Staff of Flowing Water, and Harmonic Echo also receive changes.

Jungle changes reward efficient farming

Patch 7.3 also changes how junglers approach the early and mid-game.

The updated jungle system rewards consistent camp clearing with bonus gold and introduces a catch-up mechanic for junglers who fall behind. This reduces the pressure to constantly gank and encourages players to balance farming with opportunities to assist their teammates.

Clearing camps also progresses Ecosystem Protection stacks, allowing Smite to scale from 600 to 1,000 and eventually 1,400 true damage.

These changes make efficient farming more important when preparing to secure major objectives such as Baron Nashor, Rift Herald, and Dragons.

Epic monsters also adjust to the pace of each match, scaling according to the average player level rather than simply growing stronger as time passes.

Turrets receive substantial changes as well. Plating now extends to outer, inner, and inhibitor turrets and remains permanently. The new Crystalline Overgrowth mechanic lets turrets accumulate crystals that champions can detonate with their first basic attack.

Together, these changes place greater emphasis on lane pressure, defensive positioning, and coordinated pushes. Winning team fights remains important, but teams must also turn their advantages into meaningful objective damage.

Hwei, Sylas, and Rek’Sai join the roster

Patch 7.3 expands the champion roster with three additions: Hwei, Sylas, and Rek’Sai.

Hwei, the Visionary, brings a flexible set of abilities to the mid lane. His Subject: Disaster, Subject: Serenity, and Subject: Torment ability groups give him tools for dealing damage, supporting allies, and controlling opponents.

Sylas offers explosive damage and crowd control. His kit includes an ability that pulls enemies into a stun-to-knock-up combination, while Kingslayer restores health based on his missing health. His ultimate lets him steal an enemy champion’s ultimate ability.

Rek’Sai brings another approach to initiating team fights. Her Unburrow ability knocks up nearby champions, while her ultimate helps her track nearby enemies before striking.

These additions give players more options for adapting their team compositions and strategies.

Ranked play and game modes get updates

Competitive players also get changes to Ranked and Legendary Ranked.

The S/A and MVP scoring systems now evaluate performance according to a player’s lane and champion role instead of relying on a single universal metric. Strong performances can also yield more Ranked energy.

Legendary Ranked receives adjustments to its seasonal entry requirements for former Grand Masters, alongside a new trial format designed to help top performers advance from Legendary Commander Rank.

Players looking for something different can also try Rift Rumble, a new 3v3 mode played on a symmetrical map. Teams battle for kills and compete to capture ultimate stones that can change how their champions secure eliminations.

Meanwhile, AAA Realm continues to evolve with a music-themed season and new augment cards. These include Sonic Waves, which draws inspiration from Riot Games’ musical acts, including HEARTSTEEL, Pentakill, and TRUE DAMAGE.

A new era for K/DA and Wild Rift

With FIRESTARTER, the HEATBRINGER skins, and a sweeping gameplay update, Patch 7.3 connects Riot Games’ music and gaming communities through a shared celebration.

K/DA’s return gives fans a new soundtrack and fresh looks for their favorite champions, while the gameplay changes introduce new ways to approach champion builds, jungle farming, and map control.

Players can follow Wild Rift Philippines’ official social media channels for updates on the latest patch, champion releases, and in-game content.

K/DA returns with FIRESTARTER.

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