THE FINALS
News, coverage and analysis tracking THE FINALS across the outlets.
Latest coverage
Windows update that breaks some multiplayer games linked to our desire for gaming PCs that light up all the colors of…
A recent Windows update, specifically KB5121003, has caused instability and crashes in several multiplayer games, including Arc Raiders, Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls, and The Finals. Microsoft and Embark Studios have identified a driver named inpoutx64.sys, often associated with RGB lighting components, as the likely cause. Microsoft is investigating the issue and has provided a registry edit to disable the driver as a temporary workaround, though this may affect RGB functionality.
Are your PC games crashing after the latest Windows 11 update? Microsoft is investigating whether a nasty new bug is the…
Microsoft is investigating reports that its latest Windows 11 update is causing PC games like Arc Raiders, Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls, and The Finals to crash. The issue appears to be related to drivers for peripherals with RGB lighting, potentially conflicting with anti-cheat software. Workarounds include uninstalling the update or manually removing the problematic driver file.
The latest Windows 11 update is borking some multiplayer games, but Arc Raiders' developer has a quick workaround
A recent Windows 11 update, specifically versions 25H2 and 24H2, is causing crashes in several multiplayer games, including Arc Raiders, Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls, and The Finals. Microsoft is investigating the issue, while Embark Studios, the developer of Arc Raiders, has provided a temporary workaround involving command prompt commands and deleting a specific system file.
Nexon Q2 2026: MapleStory and ARC Raiders made so much money that Nexon paid out a special dividend
Nexon reported strong second quarter 2026 financial results, driven by significant revenue from MapleStory and ARC Raiders, leading to a special dividend payout of approximately $2 billion to shareholders. Despite a slight decrease in operating income, net income surged by 77% and revenue increased by 2%. The MapleStory franchise achieved record quarterly highs, partly due to the launch of MapleStory Worlds and MapleStory: Idle RPG.
Morning Patches
Several games have received updates, including THE FINALS version 11.3.0, a July 29 update for Halo: Campaign Evolved, and a new patch for Marvel Rivals. NARAKA: BLADEPOINT also launched a new hero, Ye Xiu, and a transforming weapon.
Morning Gatherings and Events
THE FINALS is hosting the Strike a Pose World Tour event, which includes a video component. Further details about the event's nature are not provided in the given text.
Roblox was for kids. Its future belongs to all of us.
Roblox is evolving beyond its initial perception as a children's platform, becoming a versatile space for diverse game development and experiences. Developers highlight its accessibility across multiple devices and its ability to foster niche genres, attracting a broader audience including adults. The platform's future hinges on balancing creative freedom with robust online safety measures.
The MOP Up: Warframe recaps the reveals of TennoCon 2026
Digital Extremes has released a recap of TennoCon 2026, detailing new reveals such as the Origin System and gameplay in the Tau system. The article also rounds up other recent MMO news, including updates for Pax Dei, The Planet Crafter's console launch, Fortnite's new skin, and content additions for Myth of Empires, Mu Online, EVE Frontier, MechWarrior Online Legends, The Finals, Crimson Desert, Orna, DayZ, and Scars of Honor.
Glass mouse pads haven't won me over but gamer sleeves are a different story
A hardware writer shares his experience with glass mouse pads, finding them ultimately unsuitable for tactical shooters like Counter-Strike 2 despite their promise of consistent glide and longevity. While glass pads didn't win him over, the experimentation led him to discover the benefits of gamer sleeves, which he now uses even with cloth mouse pads for improved arm movement consistency.
Midday Patches
Several games have received recent updates, including Battlefield 6 version 1.4.1.0 and Crimson Desert version 1.14.00, which also introduced cross-save support. Additionally, The Finals received a store update.
The Finals releases a new map, updated tutorials, and bot matches with Season 11
The Finals has launched Season 11, introducing a new '50s-era science fiction' themed map called Galaxy Estates, featuring anti-gravity areas and destructible towers. This season also brings revamps to melee combat with stamina mechanics, improved tutorials, and the addition of bot matches for Cashout modes, albeit with reduced rewards.
The Finals Season 11 goes galactic with a reworked melee system
The Finals' upcoming Season 11, titled Galaxy Masters, introduces a galactic theme with a new map, Galaxy Estates, featuring speed tunnels and anti-gravity sections. The season also brings a significant rework to melee combat with a new stamina system for lunges and a precision-based damage system. Additionally, a new player experience will allow newcomers to build confidence against bots before facing human competition.
THE FINALS Drops Interesting Rules for Season 11 in New Gameplay Trailer
THE FINALS is launching Season 11 on July 9th, introducing new gameplay elements and a new arena called Galaxy Estates. Embark Studios has also revamped melee combat and added Cashout matches against bots. The developers have ended last-gen support to leverage current-generation hardware capabilities.
ARC Raiders begins next expedition and trials season, collabs with The Finals, and improves matchmaking
Embark Studios has launched Expedition 4 and Trials Season 5 for its PvPvE extraction shooter ARC Raiders, running until July 21st and September 30th respectively. The update also introduces individual matchmaking preferences for solo, duo, and trio play, and a collaboration with Nexon's The Finals where completing contracts in The Finals unlocks cosmetics for ARC Raiders. Additionally, the patch includes bug fixes and ongoing efforts to combat cheating.
Arc Raiders’ Matchmaking Update Gives Players What They’ve Always Wanted
Arc Raiders has received a significant matchmaking update, introducing separate queues for solo, duo, and trio play to better cater to player preferences. This change addresses a long-standing player request for more control over their matchmaking experience. Additionally, a crossover event with Embark's other live-service game, The Finals, offers players free cosmetic items for completing challenges in either game.
If you want this free Arc Raiders skin, you need to play the most underrated FPS around
Embark Studios is offering a free cosmetic set, the Voltage Marauder set, for The Finals to players who link their Embark ID in both Arc Raiders and The Finals. This promotion is described as the 'last chance' to obtain these items. The article also praises The Finals as a stylish and destructible FPS with over 800 hours of playtime for the author.
"When Arc Raiders was at its peak," Embark was burning 30 terabytes of data per day tracking every single bullet fired: "We want to know who shot first"
Embark Studios, developer of Arc Raiders and The Finals, employs extensive data tracking to analyze player behavior, with up to 30 terabytes of data processed daily. This data is used for anti-cheat measures, bug detection, weapon balancing, and tuning the matchmaking system to differentiate player aggression levels. The studio can track events like bullet impacts and player positions with very low latency, providing granular insights into gameplay.
Data analyst finds 'AI stigma' on Steam can reduce the number of reviews a game gets by around 53%—and…
A data analysis by Ross Burton for Game Oracle suggests that games disclosing the use of artificial intelligence face an 'AI stigma' on Steam, leading to approximately a 53% reduction in reviews compared to games that do not disclose AI use. This penalty is more pronounced for high-potential games and developers with established track records, indicating that player perception significantly impacts reception despite the tool's utility in game development.
Embark is finally cracking down on Arc Raiders' cheaters and duplication antics: 'Our commitment to anti-cheat…
Embark is implementing Denuvo Anti-Cheat in Arc Raiders to combat cheaters and duplication exploits. The developers are taking strict measures against those involved in exploiting the game's economy and are building safeguards to prevent future occurrences. Players will be notified when reported cheaters are banned and when lost loot is returned.
The MOP Up: Broken Ranks throws new content at you In Cold Blood
Broken Ranks has released a new content drop titled 'In Cold Blood,' which challenges level 140 players with the Monastery of the Order of the Forgotten Dawn for legendary gear. This article also rounds up other recent MMO news, including updates for RIFT, The Finals, Myth of Empires: Throne, Toram, Conan Exiles Enhanced, PlanetSide 2, Guild Wars 2, DC Universe Online, World War II Online, Neverwinter, Sea of Thieves, Magic Online, and Wizard101, as well as announcements from Ankama and the confirmation of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4.