Game Modes
Ongoing coverage on Game Modes.
Latest coverage
Marathon is Bringing Duos to Perimeter As Part Of An Interesting Experiment
Marathon is testing a dedicated Duos queue for its Perimeter mode for a limited time, starting March 17th. This experimental feature aims to address player feedback regarding the lack of duo options. Players will need to form pre-made groups and will only be matched against other duos during the test period.
Venture ‘Beyond the Hive’ in an Unforgiving New Game Mode for Warhammer 40,000: Darktide!
Fatshark has released the 'Beyond the Hive' update for Warhammer 40,000: Darktide, introducing a new game mode called Expeditions. This update adds new enemies, items, environmental threats, and cosmetics, allowing players to venture outside the fortified Hive Tertium into the ruins of Atoma Prime. The update also includes a limited-time 'Deadside Patrol' live event and a 75% off sale on Steam.
An experimental Marathon duos mode is set to rock up for just two weeks, with Bungie warning "some things will be a bit jank"
Bungie is introducing an experimental duos mode to its extraction shooter Marathon for a limited two-week period. Game director Joe Ziegler announced the mode will be available starting March 18th on the Perimeter map, emphasizing that it is an experimental feature and may have some jank. The studio aims to gather player feedback to determine if a full duos queue should be developed in the future.
VALORANT Masters Santiago Finals Reveals New Agent: Miks
Riot Games revealed the new VALORANT Controller Agent, Miks, and the Knockout game mode during the VALORANT Masters Santiago finals. Miks features abilities focused on sound and kinetic energy, including an ultimate that can knock back, deafen, and slow opponents. The Knockout mode is a round-based elimination mode with respawns, and new cosmetic bundles and a Battlepass are also set to launch on March 18, 2026.
Expedition Game Mode Coming to Warhammer 40,000: Darktide March 17
Fatshark is releasing a free Expedition Game Mode for Warhammer 40,000: Darktide on March 17, adding new enemies, items, and environmental threats to the uncharted wilderness of Atoma Prime. This update, titled 'Beyond the Hive,' is described as the largest content injection since the game's launch and will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Steam, and Windows Store.
Warhammer 40k: Darktide Gets An Entirely New Rogue-Like Game Mode
Warhammer 40,000: Darktide is receiving a new roguelike game mode called Expeditions, which will take players outside the Hive City of Tertium. This update, described as the largest content injection since launch by Design Director Victor Magnuson, features timed missions where players search for tech-remnants amidst environmental hazards and increasingly difficult enemies. Expeditions is designed for characters halfway through their progression and includes new challenges like twisters, lightning storms, and a modified grenade weapon.
MLB The Show 26 welcomes new legends and brings the World Baseball Classic to the game
MLB The Show 26 is offering early access starting March 13, allowing players to experience new challenges in Diamond Dynasty's World Baseball Classic mode. Pre-orders for the Digital Deluxe Edition include four-day early access and bonus in-game items, with a loyalty discount available for previous purchasers. The full game launches on March 17.
Sonic Rumble Announces Limited-Time Smurfs Collaboration Event and New Game Mode
SEGA announced that Sonic Rumble will host a limited-time Smurfs Crossover Event starting March 16, 2026. The update also introduces a new Party Rumble game mode, a Toy Capsules system for earning skins, and rebrands the game to Sonic Rumble Party. Exclusive Smurfs skins and collaboration stages will be available during the event.
Battlefield 6 is getting a free trial next week with a decent selection of maps and modes
Battlefield Studios and Electronic Arts announced a one-week free trial for Battlefield 6, starting March 17 and running until March 24. The trial will be accessible through the free-to-play portion, Battlefield Redsec, and includes popular modes like Conquest, Breakthrough, and the new Nightfall mode on specific maps. Progression will carry over between the trial, Redsec, and the full game.
Black Ops Royale is more of a Treyarch-flavored Warzone than it is Blackout 2, but it’s still pretty fun Call of Duty
The new Black Ops Royale mode for Call of Duty: Warzone is now available, offering a faster-paced experience than the original Blackout mode. Developed by Treyarch in collaboration with Raven Software, the mode introduces new movement mechanics like wall-jumping and a wingsuit, alongside a revamped looting system that replaces traditional loadouts with upgradeable ground loot. While initially launching in Quads only, the mode aims to revitalize Warzone's gameplay loop.
How to play Black Ops Royale: Do you need Warzone or Black Ops 7?
Black Ops Royale is a new permanent mode within Call of Duty: Warzone, often referred to as Blackout 2.0. Players do not need to own a separate Call of Duty title to access this mode, as it is integrated directly into Warzone. This update aims to revitalize the battle royale experience within the Call of Duty franchise.
This year's Overwatch April Fool's event is a two week Underwatch mode which throws 'common sense off the…
Overwatch is launching a new two-week April Fools event called Underwatch, starting April 1 and running until April 13. This event will feature a game mode where physics and balance are disregarded for humorous and experimental gameplay. Past April Fools events have sometimes served as trials for potential future game mechanics.
After almost nine years, the Fortnite mode that started it all is finally going free-to-play
Fortnite Save the World, the original mode released in 2017, will become free-to-play next month after nearly nine years behind a paywall. This move makes the PvE experience accessible to all Fortnite players.
Can you only play Black Ops Royale in a squad, or does it have solos?
Call of Duty: Black Ops Royale will launch exclusively with quad-sized squads, with no solo or trio modes available at release. Raven Software stated this decision was made because quads are the most popular squad size in Call of Duty: Warzone. The studio has acknowledged player feedback and indicated that additional squad sizes may be introduced post-launch if the mode proves successful.
What is the weekly challenge in Phasmophobia?
Phasmophobia features weekly challenge modes that modify gameplay rules, often increasing difficulty for players. The current challenge, Sanity Survival, significantly reduces player sanity and limits evidence, requiring players to identify the ghost with only two pieces of evidence. Successfully completing these challenges rewards players with experience points and in-game currency.
WWE 2K26 Looks Far More Ambitious Than Expected
WWE 2K26 is shaping up to be an ambitious installment in the wrestling simulation franchise, introducing significant changes beyond iterative upgrades. Key improvements include a revamped career mode featuring CM Punk, updates to "The Island" mode with new factions, enhanced gameplay mechanics, and a massive roster of over 400 wrestlers. The game aims to cater to both casual and hardcore fans with new match types and more immersive presentation elements.
Last year was rough for Marvel Snap, but its new Foundational Focus promises more than a long-awaited game mode
Marvel Snap is focusing on its 'Foundational Focus' initiative to improve the game and introduce new modes after a challenging year. The developers have confirmed a new keyword and at least one long-awaited game mode as part of their strategy to make the card game a long-term player favorite.
Roadmaps and Plans
Marvel Rivals is introducing new game modes and in-game events inspired by The Infinity Saga. The game will also feature a "Control Resonant" system, offering a deep dive into combat and buildcrafting mechanics.
The Division 2 is getting a limited-time Realism Mode - making it more grounded and brutal - but there's a catch
Ubisoft and Massive Studios are celebrating the 10th anniversary of The Division franchise by introducing a limited-time Realism Mode to Tom Clancy's The Division 2. This mode will transform the looter shooter into a more punishing experience with fragile enemies, available for four weeks during the Anniversary Season. The Warlords of New York expansion will also be free during this period, and there's a possibility for Realism Mode to become permanent based on player response.
How does the Realism mode in The Division 2 work
The Division 2's Realism mode offers a hyper-realistic experience with a fast time-to-kill, no HUD, and scarce ammunition, available until the end of March. This mode is part of the Anniversary season and is accessible for the Warlords of New York expansion, which is also free during this period.