The Warhammer Skulls 2025 showcase has once again delivered a wealth of announcements for fans of Games Workshop's vast gaming universe, with Warhammer 40K leading the charge. From new expansions and surprise reveals to free updates and overhauls of classic titles, the event highlighted the continued momentum of the Warhammer video game portfolio.
Running from 22 to 29 May 2025, Warhammer Skulls also features substantial discounts across the Epic Games Store, giving players a chance to expand their collections while enjoying fresh content.
Major expansions deepen Warhammer 40K narratives
Owlcat Games, known for its work on Pathfinder and Rogue Trader, revealed Warhammer 40,000: Dark Heresy, a party-based RPG that places players in the role of Inquisition acolytes confronting corruption across the Imperium. Set to feature turn-based combat and story-driven gameplay, Dark Heresy builds upon the studio’s reputation for deep narrative choices and tactical combat. This marks a significant step in translating the tabletop RPG to digital formats.
Also from Owlcat, Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader is expanding with Lex Imperialis, a major story-driven DLC releasing on 24 June. It introduces the Adeptus Arbites, a faction of Imperial law enforcers, alongside a grim new companion, Solomorne Anthar. With 15 hours of additional gameplay, this expansion is just the beginning, Season Pass 2 includes two more substantial story packs. One will send players into a Necron vault ruled by Trazyn the Infinite, and another will plunge them into the Processional of the Damned, a voidship graveyard steeped in madness. Each expansion offers new companions, mechanics, and quests.
Gameplay evolution and free content
Among the standout announcements was Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2’s Siege Mode, a free addition introducing an endless PvE survival challenge. Up to three players can team up to defend an Imperial fortress on Kadaku against waves of Tyranids and Chaos enemies. Launching on 4 June via a public test server, this update will also debut the powerful Inferno Pistol and reward players with prestige rankings and cosmetics.
- YouTubeYouTube/ Fatshark
On 26 June, Space Marine 2’s Patch 8 will unlock two cosmetic DLCs: the White Scars Chapter Pack and Blood Angels Cosmetic Pack. These offer new class skins, weapon customisations, and chapter heraldry for both primary and successor chapters. The attention to detail in these cosmetic packs reinforces the developers' commitment to honouring the lore and fan expectations.
Meanwhile, Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine – Master Crafted Edition brings the 2011 third-person shooter back with modern enhancements. Launching 10 June, the remaster includes 4K visuals, updated models, improved UI, and all original DLCs. Developed by SneakyBox, this edition is tailored for both veterans and newcomers wanting to experience the classic through a modern lens.
New factions and features across titles
The fast-paced fantasy sports title Blood Bowl 3 will introduce the Khorne faction on 10 June. Known for their brutal tactics and bloodthirsty devotion, the Khorne team adds a chaotic edge to the turn-based game. Players can also unlock an exclusive Khorne coach via the in-game store until 29 May. A 60% discount on the base game coincides with the update, encouraging new coaches to join the fray.
In another first for the franchise, Warhammer 40,000: Mechanicus II was revealed to be adding the Leagues of Votann, spacefaring dwarves with a penchant for AI and technological worship. It’s the faction’s first major video game appearance since their 2022 tabletop debut. Although details remain sparse, more information is expected soon.
Warhammer 40,000: Battlesector is also expanding with Deeds of the Fallen, a new campaign DLC featuring the Sisters of Battle in a 12-mission conflict against orc invaders. The update includes three new units, Imagifier, Castigator Battle Tank, and Zephyrim. In addition, the game introduces Crusade Mode, a horde-based survival challenge, alongside two free units for Adepta Sororitas and Ork factions.
Teasers and what’s next
Creative Assembly’s Total War: Warhammer III hinted at its upcoming Tides of Torment Lords Pack. The trailer showcased Dechala the Denied One, a six-armed champion of Slaanesh, and promised new mechanics, Legendary Lords, and units. Full details are expected later this summer.
With these diverse announcements and a mix of free updates, paid expansions, and remastered content, Warhammer 40K continues to expand its presence in gaming. The Skulls 2025 event highlights the adaptability and scale of the franchise, whether through deep strategy, action-packed battles, or story-driven campaigns, the grimdark future is more immersive than ever.
Grand Theft Auto 6's highly anticipated second trailer has been dissected frame by frame by fans, with one viewer pointing out a small visual oversight. The brief moment, lasting just a second, has sparked light-hearted reactions across the gaming community.
The error occurs during a high-octane scene where Jason, one of the game's protagonists, fires a handgun from a car. Reddit user Cat_With_Banana96 noted that light appears on Jason’s face a fraction of a second before the muzzle flash of the gun, creating a discrepancy in the trailer’s lighting sequence. The fan shared screenshots to highlight the moment, which takes place during a fast-paced sequence lasting only a second.
The detail was quickly picked up by other viewers, with many joking about the slip-up. Comments such as “That’s it, pre-order cancelled” and “Literally unplayable” filled the replies, clearly intended as humorous jabs rather than serious criticism. The trailer, released by Rockstar Games, has otherwise been widely praised for its visual fidelity and cinematic presentation.
While the lighting issue is minor, it has drawn attention because of Rockstar’s reputation for high standards and the frequent comments from Take-Two Interactive’s CEO Strauss Zelnick about striving for “perfection”. Fans have largely taken the slip in good humour, acknowledging the incredible amount of detail throughout the rest of the trailer.
- YouTubeYouTube/ Rockstar Games
The second trailer gave fans a closer look at the game’s setting and characters, including more footage of Jason and Lucia, the protagonists. Styled as a modern-day Bonnie and Clyde, the pair were shown navigating chaotic scenes including swamp pursuits, helicopter action, and romantic moments, offering more insight into the game’s narrative and tone.
Rockstar Games has confirmed that Grand Theft Auto 6 is set for release in 2025. The game will take players to Vice City and beyond, and expectations remain high despite the long wait. For most fans, a small continuity error in a trailer is unlikely to dampen excitement for what is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious titles in Rockstar’s history.
Helldivers 2 has delivered one of its most impactful updates yet with the arrival of the Illuminate invasion on Super Earth. As players scramble to defend humanity's homeworld from total annihilation, the game's community has responded with renewed enthusiasm, and its player count has soared. Here are seven reasons why this update has reignited interest in the game.
1. The arrival of the Illuminate on Super Earth
The biggest narrative twist yet sees the Illuminate—a mysterious alien faction—launching a direct assault on Super Earth. This storyline escalation marks the highest stakes the game has presented, as earlier territories such as Mars and its colonies have already been obliterated. For long-time players, this represents the climax of the ongoing war and a must-play event.
2. Massive player count spike
Following the update's release, Helldivers 2 witnessed a dramatic surge in players. Steam concurrency hit over 124,000 at 9:30 AM ET, with numbers continuing to climb, approaching the highs seen during Illuminate’s first appearance in December 2024. This resurgence signals a renewed interest from both returning and new players.
3. New weapons and gear
With the new update, players have access to an arsenal of fresh weapons, offering new ways to approach battles against the Illuminate forces. This has reinvigorated gameplay and allowed veterans to experiment with tactics, while offering new players a variety of engaging loadouts right from the start.
4. Introduction of new Illuminate units
The Illuminate faction has been significantly expanded with new enemy units. These formidable adversaries present unique challenges that differ from the previously encountered Terminid and Automaton enemies. The varied combat styles and threats posed by the Illuminate have added depth and variety to missions.
5. Urban warfare on new city maps
A notable addition in this update is the introduction of city maps. These urban environments change the flow of gameplay, offering vertical combat, tighter corridors, and strategic chokepoints. It’s a refreshing change from the usual battlefield layouts, demanding more coordinated team strategies.
6. A shared narrative that drives engagement
Helldivers 2 continues to prove the power of community-driven storytelling in live service games. The ongoing narrative, shaped by collective player success or failure, creates a shared sense of urgency and consequence. The current threat to Super Earth has rallied the player base, echoing the excitement of previous key events.
- YouTubeYouTube/ HELLDIVERS™ 2
7. A testament to Arrowhead’s success
Despite not being a Sony in-house studio, developer Arrowhead has managed to maintain one of the most successful live service games of recent years. With consistent updates and community engagement, Helldivers 2 has defied the trend of short-lived online games. The studio has even announced its next title will be independently funded, underscoring the game's commercial success.
With the Illuminate knocking on the door and Super Earth under siege, Helldivers 2 is experiencing a revival that few live service games manage months after launch. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or a newcomer, now is a prime time to suit up and defend humanity.
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a recent online leak hinted at a regional variant of Charmander
Speculation surrounding the next generation of Pokémon games has intensified after a recent online leak hinted at a regional variant of Charmander with a ground typing—an idea that has split fan opinion.
The alleged leak, which emerged on anonymous forum 4chan over the weekend, claims to reveal key features of Generation 10 of the Pokémon franchise, which is expected to release on the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. While unverified, the leak was picked up by the Hidden Power Podcast on X (formerly Twitter), where it quickly began to circulate among the Pokémon community.
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According to the details shared, the next mainline instalment will be titled Pokémon Gales & Tides, and will feature three new starter Pokémon: a fire-type goat, a water-type octopus, and a grass-type snail. The rumoured setting includes 16 main islands along with over 150 smaller ones, possibly hinting at an archipelago-style region. A new battle mechanic, dubbed "Gigaxis", is also mentioned. This would allegedly allow Pokémon to transform into forms resembling legendary guardians.
Despite the scale of these reported features, the point that has drawn the most attention online is the supposed ground-type version of Charmander. Reactions have been mixed, with some fans criticising what they see as repeated focus on the popular Generation 1 starter.
- YouTubeYouTube/ Fundores
“Please, for the love of God, stop making a new Charmander every other region,” one user commented, reflecting the fatigue some long-term players have expressed.
Others were more open to the idea, noting that a regional variant of the Charizard evolutionary line would align with recent trends in Pokémon design. “Only believing this because a regional variant for the Charizard line sounds exactly in line with what Pokémon would do,” another fan remarked.
However, many remain sceptical about the leak’s authenticity. Posts on 4chan have historically included a mix of accurate and fabricated claims, and the anonymous nature of the platform makes verification difficult. Several fans have pointed out that the scale of the leak, including the names of the games and detailed mechanics, suggests it is unlikely to be genuine.
As of now, neither Nintendo nor Game Freak has confirmed any details about Generation 10. Fans are currently awaiting more official information, particularly following the recent announcement of Pokémon Legends: Z-A, set to release in 2025.
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The trailer introduces the central protagonists, Jason Duval and Lucia Caminos
Rockstar Games has released the much-anticipated second trailer for Grand Theft Auto VI, providing fans with a closer look at the game's story, characters, and expansive setting. Captured on PlayStation 5, the trailer highlights the return to Vice City and invites players to explore the wider state of Leonida.
Following the announcement of a delay pushing the game's release to 26 May 2026, this latest trailer aims to reignite excitement among fans who have been waiting over a decade since the release of GTA V.
Jason and Lucia take centre stage
The trailer introduces the central protagonists, Jason Duval and Lucia Caminos. Rockstar describes the pair as being caught in a dangerous conspiracy that stretches across Leonida. The official synopsis reveals: “Jason and Lucia have always known the deck is stacked against them. But when an easy score goes wrong, they find themselves in the middle of a conspiracy... forced to rely on each other more than ever if they want to make it out alive.”
Jason, a former Army member with ties to drug runners in the Keys, is portrayed as someone trying to escape a difficult past. Lucia, who has recently been released from prison, is determined to secure a better life for herself and her family. The trailer hints at a tense, high-stakes storyline built on trust and survival.
Supporting cast and character profiles
Rockstar’s updated GTA 6 website offers detailed character bios, adding depth to the world of Vice City. Key supporting characters include:
Cal Hampton: A paranoid conspiracy theorist and Jason’s friend, often seen monitoring Coast Guard communications from his home.
Boobie Ike: A former street figure who has turned his influence into a business empire including real estate, a recording studio, and a strip club.
Dre’Quan Priest: A music entrepreneur behind “Only Raw Records”, aiming to take Vice City’s music scene by storm.
Real Dimez: A rap duo composed of Bae-Luxe and Roxy, whose early viral success has led to a record deal.
Raul Bautista: A seasoned bank robber looking for crew members willing to take big risks.
Brian Heder: A drug runner from the Keys who houses Jason in exchange for favours and occasional company.
Locations across Leonida
The game world, set in the fictional state of Leonida – Rockstar's take on Florida – appears to be the largest and most varied in the franchise’s history. Trailer 2 reveals a wide range of locations, from urban streets to swampy wetlands.
Vice City: The sun-soaked, vibrant city returns with neighbourhoods like Ocean Beach, Little Cuba, and the VC Port, blending pastel hotels, flea markets, and busy local shops.
Leonida Keys: A tropical archipelago where island life hides dangerous undercurrents.
Grassrivers: Dense wetlands filled with alligators and other threats, promising unpredictable exploration.
Port Gellhorn: Once a tourist haven, now a gritty town run on cheap liquor and back-alley deals.
Ambrosia: A region dominated by industrial activity, local biker gangs, and a powerful sugar refinery.
Mount Kalaga: A mountainous area offering hunting, fishing, and off-grid communities living beyond state control.
Each area brings its own atmosphere, challenges, and storylines, reinforcing Rockstar’s emphasis on player immersion.
Delay and platform release
While the excitement around the new trailer is high, Rockstar has also confirmed a significant delay to GTA 6’s launch. Initially expected in late 2025, the game is now scheduled for release on 26 May 2026. The title is confirmed for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, with no official PC release date yet announced.
Rockstar released the first trailer for GTA VI in December 2023. The gap between the two trailers — one year, five months, and two days — mirrors the promotional strategy used for GTA V, whose first two trailers were released one year and five months apart.
A glimpse into the future of GTA
- YouTubeRockstar Games
The second trailer and updated website make it clear that Rockstar is aiming to deliver its most expansive and narratively rich title yet. With dual protagonists, a wide-ranging open world, and a deep supporting cast, GTA VI is set to push the boundaries of what fans expect from the series.
Fans can now dive into character details and explore Leonida’s environments on the official GTA VI website, as anticipation builds toward the 2026 release.
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The free Stormtrooper outfit is just one of several Star Wars-related offerings currently available in Fortnite
Epic Games is offering players a free Stormtrooper outfit in Fortnite as part of a new Star Wars-themed promotion, coinciding with the build-up to Star Wars Day on 4 May. The offer is part of a wider collaboration between Epic and Disney, ahead of the launch of a new Star Wars-themed Fortnite season and an expansive digital universe expected in 2026.
To claim the free skin, players must link their Epic Games account with a MyDisney account. This step is required to access the giveaway and connect the two platforms as part of Disney and Epic’s wider partnership, which aims to combine gaming, streaming, and shopping into one interactive experience based on Disney properties.
The free Stormtrooper outfit is just one of several Star Wars-related offerings currently available in Fortnite. In-game celebrations include the premiere of Star Wars: Tales of the Empire, an animated series debuting within Fortnite on 2 May. The show focuses on Asajj Ventress, a popular character from The Clone Wars, and features her as Count Dooku’s former apprentice.
To mark the release, Epic has created a special Fortnite island where players can join a virtual watch party for the first two episodes. Those who attend will receive a free Ventress-themed loading screen and can explore the island, participate in Star Wars-inspired battles using blasters and lightsabers, and earn points in various activities.
In addition, Epic is expected to offer a free Star Wars video game through the Epic Games Store. Although the exact title has not been confirmed, speculation suggests it could be one of Electronic Arts’ Star Wars Jedi games. Epic previously made Star Wars Battlefront II available for free in a similar promotion.
The new campaign is part of a broader $1.5 billion (£1.1 billion) collaboration between Epic Games and Disney. The aim is to create a shared digital universe where fans can experience Disney content in new ways — blending gameplay, streaming media, and online commerce across franchises like Star Wars, Marvel, and Pixar.
How to claim the free Fortnite Stormtrooper skin:
Open a web browser and go towww.epicgames.com. It is recommended to use incognito or private mode to prevent login issues from stored credentials.
Click “Sign In” in the top-right corner. If your account is already signed in incorrectly, click your avatar and select “Sign Out” before proceeding.
After signing in with the correct Epic Games account, click your username in the top-right corner and choose “Account” from the dropdown menu.
In the account settings page, select “Apps and Accounts” from the menu on the left-hand side.
Go to the “Accounts” tab and locate “MyDisney Account” among the available connection options.
Click “Connect” next to MyDisney Account. If you already have a Disney+ subscription, you will have a MyDisney account. If not, it is free to create one.
You will be redirected to the MyDisney website to log in and confirm the connection.
Once the accounts are linked, the Stormtrooper outfit will be added to your Fortnite account automatically.
This giveaway is available for a limited time and is part of a larger promotion leading into Star Wars Day.