Game Modes
Ongoing coverage on Game Modes.
Latest coverage
Apex Legends solo queue launches June 30: Will you be playing?
Apex Legends is launching a mandatory solo queue for its ranked mode on June 30th. The article discusses whether this change will restore competitiveness to the ranked playlist, drawing a distinction between ranked play and casual 'pubs'.
NBA The Run is Getting A Single-Player Mode, Targeting Spring 2027
Play by Play has announced that NBA The Run will receive a single-player mode, targeting a Spring 2027 release. The update will allow players to enjoy the arcade basketball game solo or with friends online and locally. Additional features like Ranked mode and Voice Chat are also planned for release in the coming months.
Monitor vs. TV for Console Gaming: The Honest Answer in 2026 | TAG
For most console gamers in 2026, a modern TV with Game Mode enabled is sufficient and often superior to gaming monitors, especially regarding HDR performance and overall value. While gaming monitors offer lower input lag and higher refresh rates, the practical difference is negligible for casual players, with TVs providing a better experience per dollar spent for couch gaming. Monitors are best suited for competitive FPS players, desk-exclusive gamers, or those seeking a secondary display.
Marathon's new experimental Vault Breaker mode has loot you can't take with you
Bungie is introducing a new experimental mode for Marathon called Vault Breaker, where loot gathered within matches cannot be kept. Players will instead earn Vault Data to upgrade their Sponsored Kit for future runs, aiming to address the game's loot economy. This mode will be released on July 21 as part of Marathon Season 2's Mid-Season update.
Black Ops 7's incredibly popular Classic mode is here to stay, and it's getting four new maps
Treyarch has announced that the popular "Classic mode" in Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 will become a permanent addition to the game starting with the Season 4 Reloaded update on June 25. The mode, which removes modern movement features and restricts loadouts to evoke an older Call of Duty feel, has been a hit with players. Four new classic maps, Launch, Fringe, Hacienda, and Gridlock, will also be added to the mode's rotation.
Start Your Climb in Act 4 with Summit, VALORANT's New Map
Riot Games has revealed Summit, a new map for VALORANT, launching on June 24, 2026. The map is set in a Chinese mountain academy and features droppable walls that alter sightlines and rotations. Act 4 also introduces the Retake game mode and the Blackspyre Collection weapon skins.
Sea of Thieves ‘custom seas’ system has arrived to let you create your own modes and worlds
Rare has launched the 'Custom Seas' feature for Sea of Thieves, allowing players to create and customize their own game modes and private worlds. This update, part of Season 20, provides tools for players to shape their gameplay experiences and save them as presets. The season also includes a streamlined 50-level free pass with player choices at key points.
Sea of Thieves is Handing Players the Keys to the Seas
Sea of Thieves Season 20 introduces Custom Seas, a new mode offering players extensive control over their private game sessions. This feature allows for the creation of custom game modes with adjustable rules for creatures, time of day, player loadouts, and scoring systems. The update also includes a revamped Season Pass with new rewards and upcoming in-game events.
Marathon Showcases its Vantage Shell With a New Cinematic Trailer
Bungie released a new cinematic trailer for Marathon showcasing the abilities of the Vandal shell, focusing on atmosphere rather than gameplay. The trailer highlights the Vandal's combat prowess and mobility within the game's setting. The article also touches on the ongoing NIGHTFALL season, new game modes, and Bungie's efforts to increase Marathon's player base, including a recent Open Play Week.
Gears of War: E-Day Multiplayer Information is “Coming,” Assures The Coalition
The Coalition has confirmed that more details about the multiplayer modes for Gears of War: E-Day will be revealed soon. Brand director Nicole Fawcette stated that the initial gameplay reveal focused on the cinematic story and characters, but multiplayer information, including the return of Versus and an expanded Horde mode with Siege, is forthcoming. The game is set to release on October 6th for Xbox Series X/S and PC.
Sea of Thieves dates its Custom Seas user-generated content toolset for June 18
Rare Ltd. announced that Sea of Thieves will launch its Custom Seas user-generated content toolset on June 18th. This feature will allow players to create custom game versions, control item spawns, time of day, weather, and player counts, with sessions supporting up to 24 players. The announcement comes as a lead-up to Season 20 and includes other in-game events and rewards.
ShackStream: Exploring the Obliteration mode in Battlefield 6
The article previews the new Obliteration game mode in Battlefield 6, highlighting its objective-based gameplay where teams must destroy enemy M-COMs using bombs. It notes similarities to Destiny 2's Rift mode and will feature a live stream showcasing the mode on the Cairo Bazar map. The stream will be available on Shacknews' Twitch and YouTube channels, as well as X and Facebook.
Fortnite's amazing Simpsons map is coming back this summer, and I can't wait
Fortnite's popular The Simpsons-themed map is returning this summer in the game's Reload mode. The collaboration, which originally ran in November 2025, allowed players to explore iconic Springfield locations. The Reload mode features smaller player counts and respawn mechanics, suggesting a condensed version of the map will be implemented.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4's DMZ extraction mode gets an action-packed trailer at the Xbox showcase
A trailer for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4's DMZ extraction mode was revealed at the Xbox showcase. The mode, set in the new Korean map of Hajin, will feature its own story, a player bounty system, changing weather, and computer-controlled enemies. Players can engage in story missions, objective-focused operations, or free roam, with upgradable forward operating bases and a progression system for operators.
Sea of Thieves Season 20 Puts You at the Helm with Custom Seas Mode on PS5
Sea of Thieves is introducing a new feature called Custom Seas with Season 20, launching on June 18th. This update allows players to create their own game modes, spawn objects and enemies, and utilize advanced camera tools for screenshots and cutscenes. The feature will be available on PlayStation 5.
Call of Duty’s DMZ is ‘a full-featured game’ inside Modern Warfare 4, not just a third mode
The DMZ mode within Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 is described as a full-featured game in itself, rather than just a third mode. It includes individual operator progression, storytelling elements, and crafting systems.
007 First Light’s TacSim Mode Is a Shadow of Hitman’s Brilliant Endgame
007 First Light's TacSim mode is criticized for its limited missions, awkward structure, and lack of sandbox environments, failing to live up to the quality of Hitman's postgame content. The article suggests that 007 First Light's endgame offerings are a pale imitation of Hitman's successful approach.
Not So Massively: The state-ium of Overwatch Stadium in 2026
The Overwatch Stadium game mode, despite its fun core gameplay and unique features like third-person camera and map variety, is suffering from a significant lack of developer support and a confused vision. Issues with build diversity, balance, and questionable content decisions have led to a decline in its popularity compared to the main Overwatch game, risking a self-fulfilling prophecy of reduced support.
Marathon season 2 kicks off with a "PvP-lite" mode that sounds more like a sidestep for those after PvE
Marathon's second season has launched with a gear wipe and a free-to-play week, introducing a new "PvP-lite" mode called Sponsored Survival. This mode features players on a map with AI enemies, with other players backfilling later in the match. Bungie also plans to test a full PvE mode later in the season.
Not So Massively: Reflecting on the first year of Overwatch Stadium
This article reflects on the first year of Overwatch's experimental game mode, Stadium, describing its current state as 'weird' with a mix of fun and inconsistency. It details the mode's evolution, including the addition of new heroes like Brigitte and Pharah, the introduction of quick play and new map types, and discusses player reception to changes like item icon reworks and the addition of divisive heroes like Jetpack Cat.