Eternal Strands weaves together a deeply intriguing scene from its earliest moments, stitching together a picture of a fantasy world built around the concept of magic emulating threads. It's a world I wanted to dive into from the jump, if only to uncover more of how it came to be and what the cultures of the different locations are like. And as much as the worldbuilding retains that wonder with incredible-looking environments that make for engaging play spaces for the physics-based magic system, the beat-for-beat details of Eternal Strands' story aren't nearly as rewarding to unravel.Eternal Strands' story too often hits on familiar fantasy tropes, such as an inexplicable magical disaster that changed everything and a corrupting force that seemingly has no weakness and must be avoided at all costs. But the history that story is built on adds a semblance of life to the world, building memorable NPCs that you want to come back to again and again to talk about what in their life led them to where they are now, and painting a somber undertone to the world that begs to be uncovered through its detailed lore notes and optional collectibles.The world-building in Eternal Strands is superb.I especially love how Eternal Strands packages aspects of its history so they're viewed through the art of weaving--not a typical choice for action-adventure games. Concepts like spells are recontextualized, transforming from arcane runes into fashion choices. You can largely avoid the historical exposition if you'd rather spend your time swinging a sword and spewing fire, but there's some great writing to uncover here for lore hounds.Continue Reading at GameSpot

Understanding how all the components of Baldur's Gate 3 work can be difficult, especially for new players to the genre or DnD. For example, players might not know that AC stands for Armor Class and is the minimum number enemies must roll to hit the target. Light Armor in BG3, tends to have low AC, but a character's Dexterity Modifier is also added to this value.

Joseph Campbell proposed that all stories follow a particular structure - the Heros Journey. Also known as the monomyth, it can be easily applied to Star Wars, any number of superhero movies, and so many adventure video games. But what about horror?

There are guns without much recoil, and then theres the Cypher 091 in Black Ops 6. This is the latest weapon to be added to the FPS game at the start of the second season and if youre not using it yet, you should be. It is a strong contender to be one of the best assault rifles in the game, but dont just take our word for it: Let us run you through the best Cypher 091 loadout so you can try it for yourself.The Cypher 091 is a fully automatic assault rifle and even without any attachments, youll hardly miss a sho,t because it has next to no recoil whatsoever. You want to maintain this lack of recoil while enhancing its damage capabilities as much as possible, so you can shred through foes in seconds.Heres the best Cypher 091 loadout in Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 along with the best class to use with it and how to unlock the gun to begin with.How to unlock the Cypher 091 in Black Ops 6To unlock the Cypher 091 in Black Ops 6 Season 2, you must complete page eight of the battle pass. This means you must claim 34 rewards before you can access the page, followed by another six rewards before you can access the gun. This is just beyond the halfway point in the battle pass, so youll need to invest quite a few tokens to unlock it which makes sense, given how powerful it is. However, you dont need the paid battle pass; much like the PPSh-41, the free battle pass contains the new gun.Best Cypher 091 loadout in Black Ops 6Here is the best Cypher 091 loadout in Black Ops 6:Muzzle: CompensatorBarrel: Long BarrelUnderbarrel: Vertical ForegripStock: Heavy StockFire Mods: Rapid FireYou dont want to try and get too clever with the Cypher 091 because its a simple weapon to use, so as mentioned above, stick with enhancing the recoil and damage. The Compensator is an excellent choice for this, as it buffs the vertical recoil control considerably, while the Vertical Foregrip does the same for the horizontal recoil control.These are the only recoil attachments youll need though, thanks to how little recoil there is from the get-go. Pair these with the Long Barrel, which significantly buffs the damage range, so you can sit behind cover and pick enemies off from afar. Meanwhile, the Heavy Stock negates most flinching when enemies shoot back at you so youre able to stay on target.For the final attachment, go for the Rapid Fire fire mod. You may be tempted to go for the Recoil Springs here to ensure you have as little recoil as possible, but trust us: it is not needed. Theres practically no recoil anyway, so Rapid Fire allows you to fire at a much faster rate and kill enemies considerably quicker.Theres no need to opt for Gunfighter here because the Cypher 091 really does not need another three attachments, but if you find yourself in need of an optical sight instead of using the iron sights, wed recommend swapping out the Heavy Stock for your optic of choice.Best Cypher 091 class in Black Ops 6Here is the best Cypher 091 class in Black Ops 6:Pistol: GrekhovaMelee: CleaverTactical: ConcussionLethal: FragField Upgrade: Trophy SystemPerk 1: GhostPerk 2: Forward IntelPerk 3: Cold-BloodedSpecialty: ReconWildcard: Perk GreedPerk 4: Flak JacketA gun this simple to use doesnt require anything too unorthodox when it comes to the accompanying class, so its best to stick with a fairly standard class setup. Most of this can be tweaked to your personal preference, but weve found the best results with the following.The Grekhova pistol is almost always the best choice in this slot, because its so quick to switch to and because its fully automatic, it can shred through enemies quickly. Wed usually suggest the Knife as the melee weapon of choice, but the Cleaver has surpassed that due to its slightly longer range.For the three equipment slots, best to go with ol faithfuls: the Concussion is handy for an extra advantage in fights, Frag Grenades are a no-brainer when you want to time the explosion, and the Trophy System is essential to help defend a location from incoming throwables. Meanwhile, opt for the blue perks for the Recon specialty, which allows you to briefly see through walls when respawning.Ghost is the best of these three because it makes you invisible to enemy UAVs when moving, while Cold-Blooded means youre undetectable by AI targeting and thermal optics. Forward Intel is the least useful of the three but its still the best pick of a bad bunch in the slot, allowing you to see the direction enemies are travelling on the minimap. As mentioned above, Gunfighter is unnecessary, so instead pick Perk Greed and Flak Jacket as the fourth perk for those times when you dont have a Trophy System down but still need protection from incoming explosions.

Veteran Call of Duty players will rejoice about the return of a powerful SMG: The best PPSh-41 loadout in Black Ops 6 will feel right at home, as if youre playing World at War or WWII again. The gun hasnt changed one bit, which means its still an incredibly fast-firing SMG with a lot of recoil that decimates enemies up close.So when using it in Black Ops 6, you want to take advantage of that. Theres no point in trying to kit the PPSh-41 out for long-range engagements when there are other SMGs and assault rifles capable of doing that. Instead, make it so the high recoil doesnt matter because youre going to be in the personal space of our foes, sprinting, sliding, and diving all over the place. Heres the best PPSh-41 loadout in Black Ops 6, along with the best class to use with it and the details of how to unlock it in the first place.How to unlock the PPSh-41 in Black Ops 6To unlock the PPSh41 in Black Ops 6 Season 2, you must complete page six of the battle pass. This means you need to claim 22 rewards to unlock page six, then the seven rewards on this page to finally get your hands on the gun. While this may seem like itll take a while, the silver lining is that much like the Cypher 091 and other guns added to the game, you dont need the paid battle pass to acquire it.Best PPSh-41 loadout in Black Ops 6Heres the best PPSh-41 loadout in Black Ops 6:Barrel: Short BarrelMagazine: Extended Mag IStock: Light StockLaser: Strelok LaserFire Mods: Recoil SpringsAs mentioned above, you want to be absolutely rapid with the PPSh-41, so dont worry too much about any long-distance stats. The Short Barrel is the only mobility-focused barrel attachment as it buffs the jumping aim down sight (ADS) and sprint-to-fire speeds, which is incredibly helpful with a build like this.Meanwhile, the Extended Mag I increases the magazine size from 32 to 45, meaning you dont need to reload quite as much, and the Light Stock is one of the best attachments for mobility buffs in the game. This increases your movement speed considerably, helping you to zoom across the map. There are a few laser attachments that would help here, but the Strelok Laser is the only one that buffs the hipfire to ADS accuracy, which is what youll be doing most of the time with this gun.Finally, you could choose the Rapid Fire mod as your final attachment but, in our experience, it tips the gun over the edge to the point where its too unpredictable and chaotic to control. Since youll be aiming down the sights for kills, even when fighting up close, the Recoil Springs come in handy instead, especially when youre involved in a scrap you cant dictate the range in.Best PPSh-41 class in Black Ops 6Here is the best class to use alongside the PPSh-41 in Black Ops 6:Pistol: GrekhovaMelee: CleaverTactical: Stim ShotLethal: Combat AxeField Upgrade: ScramblerPerk 1: DexterityPerk 2: AssassinPerk 3: Double TimeSpecialty: EnforcerWildcard: Perk GreedPerk 4: GhostSince youll be running around so much and never staying in one place for too long, thats what weve geared this class towards. The Grekhova is the most reliable pistol to switch to, since its fully automatic and can finish enemies off when you run out of bullets in your primary weapon, and the Cleaver is now the best choice melee weapon over the Knife because of its slightly longer range.Equipping the Stim Shot means you can sprint and heal in the middle of intense gunfights, while the Combat Axe is an underrated lethal to ensure you finish enemies off, especially since you can pick it up and resupply. The Scrambler should be your field upgrade of choice, which may seem a little unorthodox, but since youll be running around behind enemy lines so much, it comes in handy to disrupt minimaps and killstreaks.For the perks, you want the red set for the Enforcer specialty, which makes it so killing enemies temporarily buffs your movement speed and health regen rate. (It goes without saying why this is extremely useful with a class such as this.) Dexterity is the best first choice, as it reduces weapon motion while jumping, sliding, and diving, and it means you take less fall damage. Scavenger and Gung-Ho are both useful alternatives though if you dont feel like Dexeterity suits your playstyle the best.Meanwhile, Assassin isnt a great option in the second slot, since it only identifies enemies that are on a kill streak on the map, but its better than Bruiser, since you dont want to spend too much time killing with your melee weapon. Finally, Double Time is a huge help for those times you need to hightail it out of a fight since it increases the duration of Tactical Sprint considerably. You dont need Gunfighter for this class because there arent enough mobility-focused attachments to use with the PPSh-41, so instead go with Perk Greed as the wildcard and Ghost as the fourth perk to ensure you stay invisible to enemy UAVs. However, if you want something different, go for Tactical Expert having a second Stim Shot can be the difference between life and death when youre on a streak.

It's officially tax season. While you're probably eligible to file your taxes for free, with so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right service. Here are some of the most popular tax filing services, their pros and cons, and who they might be best suited for.Intuit TurboTax TurboTax is one of the most well-known and widely used tax filing services. It offers a range of options, from free filing for simple returns to more comprehensive packages for those with more complex tax situations.Pros:User-friendly interface and step-by-step guidanceExtensive help resources, including live supportAbility to import data from previous years or employersGuaranteed maximum refund or reimbursement of feesCons:Can be expensive for more complex returnsUpselling of additional services or productsBest for: Those with relatively straightforward tax situations who value convenience and a user-friendly experience.H&R Block H&R Block is another major player in the tax filing game, offering both online and in-person services.Pros:Robust online platform with solid support resourcesOption for in-person assistance at local officesFree filing for simple returnsCons:Online product can be more expensive than competitorsIn-person service fees can add up quicklyBest for: Those who prefer the option of in-person assistance or have more complex tax situations that may require professional guidance.TaxActTaxAct is a more affordable online option that still offers a range of features and support.Pros:Lower prices compared to some competitorsGood support resources, including live chat and video tutorialsFree filing for simple returnsCons:Interface may not be as user-friendly as some othersFewer hand-holding features for complex situationsBest for: Budget-conscious filers with relatively straightforward tax situations who are comfortable with a more DIY approach.FreeTaxUSA As the name implies, FreeTaxUSA offers free federal tax filing for all filers, with paid state filing options.Pros:Truly free federal filing with no income limitsClean, straightforward interfaceGood support resourcesCons:Limited hand-holding for complex situationsState filing fees, though relatively lowBest for: Those looking for a solid, no-frills free option for federal filing, especially those with simple tax situations.Cash App TaxesCash App Taxes (formerly known as Credit Karma Tax) is the go-to example of truly free tax filing. If you're determined to file your taxes for free, Cash App Taxes is the way to go.Pros:Really, truly freeSupports major IRS forms and schedulesSimple, understandable website and mobile appCons:Missing some forms and situationsNo expert tax helpRequires a Cash App account to useBest for: People who have only W-2 income and a few deductions and credits.Tips for getting the most from your tax softwareThe best thing you can do is get started on your taxes as soon as possible. Gather all necessary documents before beginning, and even take advantage of early-bird pricing when available.The more time you give yourself, the more likely you'll be to really maximize deductions. Use the service's deduction-finding tools, and consider upgrading to premium versions if they offer additional deduction-finding features.Finally, keep records of everything. Here's my guide to creating the ultimate spreadsheet for your taxes now, so that next year will be a breeze.The closer it gets to the deadline, the harder it will be to get support from tax filing services if you run into issues or have questions. Their customer service lines and live chat queues will be overloaded. Start now and beat the last-minute rush. And if you run into trouble, here's how to finally reach a real human on the phone at the IRS.

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication.It can get a bit confusing to decide between the standard iPad, the iPad Air, and the iPad Pro. For the most budget-friendlyoption, the iPad 10th gen is your best bet. For those looking for top-of-the-line specs, the iPad Pro is the way to go. If you're somewhere in between, that's where the iPad Air's sweet spot is. Right now, the latest 11-inch M2 Wifi iPad Air is $499 (originally $599), and the Wifi + Cellular version (if you don't want to rely on wifi) is $649 (originally $749)for both models, those match their lowest-ever prices, according to price-tracking tools. Storage: 128GB, Camera: 12MP Front/Back, Wifi: Wi-Fi 6E, Security: Touch ID. iPad Air 11-inch (WiFi, M2) $569.05 at Amazon $599.00 Save $29.95 Get Deal Get Deal $569.05 at Amazon $599.00 Save $29.95 Storage: 128GB, Camera: 12MP Front/Back, Wifi: Wi-Fi 6E, Cell: 5G, Security: Touch ID. iPad Air 11-inch (WiFi + Cellular, M2) $649.00 at Amazon $749.00 Save $100.00 Get Deal Get Deal $649.00 at Amazon $749.00 Save $100.00 SEE -1 MORE Although $100 off doesn't sound like a ton for such an expensive item, it's still impressive given it is a flagship Apple product that came out less than a year ago. The M2 chip isn't new, but it is a powerful processor, especially for a tablet.The iPad Air gives you about 10 hours of juice depending on your use. You'll get Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, stereo speakers, Touch ID to log in, a 12MP wide-angle front camera, and a rear 12MP camera. There is no IP rating protection against the elements, though.This smaller 11-inch version has a 2,360 by 1,640-pixel resolution on its LCD screen with a 60Hz refresh rate and 500 nits of brightness. Some newer features include split-view screens, subject lift, and live text features. You can read more about the M2 iPad Air from PCMag's "excellent" review.A new addition for accessories on the iPad Air is being able to use the Pencil Pro, but it's still compatible with the more basic Apple Pencil (the Pencil Pro is worth the extra money, though). You might also consider the Magic Keyboard if you want to use it as a laptop.

Forza Horizon 5 and its predecessors have long been exclusive for Xbox and PC. However, the latest installment of the driving game, which takes place in a beautifully rendered depiction of Mexico, will cross over to the PlayStation nation later this year. The exact date has not been announced yet. When it does become available, the PS5 will have cross-play support, which was already offered between Xbox and PC, and players will be able to purchase all the same Car Packs, such as the Hot Wheels and Rally Adventure expansions.Along with PlayStation support, Forza Horizon 5 will also be getting a free content update called Horizon Realms. This will include a selection of the more popular limited-time Evolving World accolades, but developer Playground Games hasn't revealed any additional details yet.Forza Horizon 5 is just the latest once-exclusive Xbox game to bridge the console divide. The game has been out since November 2021, so opening it up to a new audience could help boost sales long after they'd usually be petering out. In a similar vein, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle debuted as an Xbox exclusive in December, but will roll out to PlayStation some time this spring. Other former exclusives that have left the Microsoft silo include Sea of Thieves, Hi-Fi Rush, Pentiment and Grounded.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/forza-horizon-5-will-be-cruising-onto-the-playstation-5-this-spring-201714287.html?src=rss

Just days after announcing a version of ChatGPT designed for US government use, OpenAI is further entangling itself with the federal government. The company announced Thursday it would provide approximately 15,000 scientists associated with the US National Laboratories access to its latest frontier AI models. OpenAI will work with Microsoft to deploy its o1 model or another o-series variant on Venado, the Los Alamos National Laboratorys recently unveiled NVIDIA Grace Hopper-powered supercomputer.According to OpenAI, researchers from the Los Alamos, Lawrence Livermore and Sandia National Labs will use the companys technology to assist work theyre doing to protect the national power grid from cyberattacks, identify new ways to treat and prevent diseases and study the fundamental laws of physics, among other initiatives."OpenAIs collaboration with the US National Labs builds on the long-standing tradition of the US government collaborating with private industry to ensure that technological innovation leads to meaningful improvements in healthcare, energy, and other critical fields," the company said.Perhaps controversially, OpenAI says its AI models will also enhance work involving nuclear weapons specifically a program focused on reducing the risk of nuclear war and securing nuclear materials and weapons worldwide. According to the company, this support is critical to its commitment to national security. It adds that OpenAI researchers with security clearance will offer careful and selective review of use cases and consultations on AI safety.Before today, the Los Alamos National Laboratory was already using ChatGPT. For instance, one of the labs divisions is studying how AI models like GPT-4o could be safely used to advance bioscientific research. More broadly, federal, state and local government workers at 3,500 agencies across the country have sent more than 18 million messages to the chatbot since 2024, according to OpenAI.This is the latest move by OpenAI apparently intended to curry favor with the Trump administration.. Last week, OpenAI announced it was partnering with SoftBank to build $500 billion worth of AI infrastructure across the US. Before that, Altman personally contributed $1 million to President Trumps inauguration.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/openai-partners-with-us-national-laboratories-on-research-and-nuclear-weapon-safety-192934593.html?src=rss

How to use Google Gemini to boost your creativity.